Chapter 73
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Special Secret Police Bureau - 2
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Lee Hyun-wook informed Woo Seong-mun that he had discovered Okita Kaito’s escape location was the basement of the Taesan Guild headquarters. His intention was to have the government place the Taesan Guild under surveillance.
‘Of course, this alone won’t be enough to bring down Taesan.’
It was impossible to topple the nation's third-largest guild with a single piece of evidence.
Taesan could simply claim they knew nothing about it.
But with the government's sharp gaze fixed on them, they wouldn't be able to move as they pleased. ‘That should be enough to tie them down while I do what I need to do…’
The next date on the list in Lee Hyun-wook's notebook, where he had written down future events, was fast approaching.
However… Woo Seong-mun’s side made an unexpected proposal.
The Special Secret Police Bureau. It sounded grand even at first mention. Woo Seong-mun was asking Lee Hyun-wook to take command of that organization, even offering the Legendary-grade item ‘Hugin’ to sweeten the deal.
Hyun-wook couldn't help but be a little bewildered by the sudden offer.
"Could you explain what kind of organization it is and why I should be the one to lead it?”
In response, Woo Seong-mun began to explain the necessity of such an organization.
During the 4th Wave, the unidentified force that attacked the 1st Battalion had acted as if they were allied with the monsters. This fact wasn't known to the public, but government agencies, including Woo Seong-mun, were aware. Thus, the government was conducting a secret investigation into the matter.
But just a few days later, the 'Demon Summoning' incident and the 'Attempted Assassination of the Saintess' occurred.
“This has made it clear. A large, unidentified force is targeting this country.”
In truth, they were targeting the entire world, not just this country, but that wasn't important right now.
"However, we don't know who they are. That's why we plan to create a secret investigative agency to hunt them down. We're tentatively calling it the Special Secret Police Bureau… and I'd like you to take charge.”
Although Woo Seong-mun didn't realize it fully, he was essentially saying he wanted to hunt Villains. And he had made the bold decision to hand the reins of that organization to an outsider, Lee Hyun-wook.
After all, the government's surveillance network hadn't been functioning properly lately.
To the point where, had Hyun-wook not stepped in, they might have faced a truly catastrophic failure…
Even the one who tracked the fugitive Okita Kaito was Lee Hyun-wook.
‘…Even a national intelligence agency can't be faster than me, since I already know who they are.’
Thus, Woo Seong-mun set aside his pride and showed his intention to rely on Lee Hyun-wook.
"Sergeant Lee Hyun-wook, I can grant you absolute investigative authority.”
In a way, he was offering to outsource the role of a counter-intelligence agency. Hyun-wook was honestly a bit taken aback by the extraordinary proposal.
‘First the Saintess, and now Woo Seong-mun's full support…’
In an instant, it was as if giant wings had been attached to both of Hyun-wook's shoulders.
‘But Woo Seong-mun’s… purpose is too clear.’
Only the security of the Republic of Korea. If their goals aligned, he would be the greatest ally, but if they deviated even slightly, he could turn his back or even become an obstacle. It would inevitably restrict Hyun-wook's ability to act as he pleased.
If the Saintess was a compliant wing, Woo Seong-mun was a wing that would only fly in the direction he desired.
And if he became the head of this organization, it would become quite awkward for Hyun-wook to move about personally.
Becoming part of a large organization inevitably meant interference from higher-ups.
‘I have a lot to do as it is. Those are opportunities I can't give up.’
‘So I have to accept this offer within reasonable limits.’
Hyun-wook pretended to think for a moment before speaking.
“Thank you for thinking so highly of me as to entrust me with such an important mission. However… I don't think I'm suited for the overall position of director. I don't have that kind of ability.”
"Hmm… Didn't you perfectly command the Steel Company during the 4th Wave?”
Hyun-wook shook his head.
"I was lucky to handle that temporary incident well, but leading an organization long-term is another matter entirely, isn't it? I excelled on the battlefield, not behind a desk.”
"Director Woo, please give me a suitable role within that secret organization. That way, like a true freelancer, I can go about my own business and step in when needed.”
Woo Seong-mun pondered his words for a moment.
‘As expected… he's completely determined to be a freelancer.’
Although Woo Seong-mun had used words like 'freelancer' or 'contractor' in his offer, his intention in appointing Hyun-wook as the head of an organization was to make him devote all his attention to the government's side in one way or another.
But Hyun-wook had sidestepped even Woo Seong-mun's subtle maneuver.
‘However… just securing Hyun-wook's cooperation is enough.’
Woo Seong-mun knew this man wouldn't neglect the threat facing the country.
Meanwhile, Hyun-wook also thought that belonging to the <Special Secret Police Bureau> had significant advantages.
'To put it simply, it means I can gain a huge information advantage.’
It would be a better weapon than anything else for keeping the Villains from taking over this land.
‘That's right. Before the 4th Wave, when Woo Seong-mun was alive, the Villains couldn't infiltrate so easily.’
After the 4th Wave, as the Republic of Korea was shaken and Woo Seong-mun weakened, the Villains took control of this land.
But the worst domino, the 4th Wave, was stopped by Lee Hyun-wook.
‘In that case, from now on, I'll knock down those dominoes… in the opposite direction.’
With this much power, he could completely eliminate the Villain forces from this land.
"Sergeant Lee, very well. In that case, I'll ask you to take on the role of a lower-level department head in the organization.”
Woo Seong-mun extended his hand, and Hyun-wook shook it.
"Yes, I will do what I can to ensure no force can shake our homeland.”
They weren't words from the heart, but they were certainly words that would please Woo Seong-mun.
Meanwhile, Kim Kang-seok, who had been listening to the conversation, was inwardly astounded.
'Lee Hyun-wook… he's completely out of my hands now…'
Hyun-wook had now become such a big shot that Kim Kang-seok felt embarrassed to have once thought of him as mere officer material. Kim Kang-seok felt proud, yet also a strange sense of bitterness.
***
And the very next day, a raid on the Taesan Guild headquarters began.
‘Woo Seong-mun has really drawn his sword.’
The official reason was 'accounting fraud.' They couldn't use the fact that Okita Kaito's last location was detected here. That would be like showing all their cards from the very beginning.
‘Still, he'll keep up the psychological warfare and chip away at them bit by bit.’
If Woo Seong-mun had decided to harass the Taesan Guild, he could be very persistent in shaking them down.
'Good, while this is happening, I'll do what I need to do.’
Hyun-wook planned to focus on his own growth and building a trustworthy force with a relatively calm mind. Of course, he'd have to go if the government requested his help, but that wasn't likely to happen right away.
Hyun-wook opened his notebook for the first time in a while.
- October 11, Guro District, Orc Gate, Potential Item scheduled to appear
‘If I play this right… I might be able to get it.’
Hyun-wook had written down all the potential gains he could secure in the future.
But for various reasons, he'd had to give up on most of them.
The item from this Orc Gate in Guro District was originally one of them, but a way to solve that problem had come to mind.
‘Looks like I'll have to go out again today.’
Hyun-wook could now leave the base freely. As someone cooperating with the head of an agency directly under the President, he no longer needed to be bound by the rules like a common soldier.
That afternoon, Hyun-wook visited the <Hope Guild> office in Singil.
"Hyung, how have you been?”
The Hope Guild had met with their new parent guild, Zmeun-narae, and had participated in a dungeon raid in a support role… but other than that, they had no work to speak of.
"Well, the guild suddenly got bigger, and I'm worried if I can handle it…."
It seemed Park Cheol-su had keenly felt the weight on his shoulders increase over the past few days.
"Hyung, you don't have to worry about money, at least.”
“Haha… that's really reassuring. Thanks.”
A huge amount of money would be coming in soon.
The majority of the rewards from the 4th Wave belonged to Hyun-wook. Of course, some compensation would go to those who fought alongside him, but in any case, for his top performance in the three erosion factors, he was due 90 million dollars—about 100 billion won—three Hero-grade weapons, and…
‘…Gae Bolg, that Legendary item, will also be awarded.’
However, distributing such a large sum wasn't something that could be done in a few days, so it was slightly delayed.
‘And with the Saintess's support, we won't go under for lack of money.’
Even though Hyun-wook said that, Park Cheol-su's expression didn't improve.
“But Hyun-wook, there's something I want to discuss with you…."
"Hm?"
"We've gotten bigger, but with my sales skills… I don't know if I can find us any work.”
A guild's "work" simply meant 'dungeon raid rights.'
And it wasn't Park Cheol-su's fault in the first place. It was difficult for small and medium-sized guilds to secure 'dungeon raid rights.' The giant guilds monopolized almost the entire pie, and smaller guilds could only take on subcontracted work under them. They were essentially laborers, serving as 'porters,' 'gunners,' or 'dungeon dismantling teams.'
In other words, the Hope Guild was also destined to continue in such roles, for the most part.
But…
"Ah, I was just about to mention it. We'll probably get dungeon raid rights within three or four days.”
Park Cheol-su's eyes widened at Hyun-wook's words.
“……Huh? Is there an unclaimed gate we can bid on?”
"No, it's not a bid.”
"Then where are we going to get raid rights? I can't think of anywhere…..."
Hyun-wook took something out from his pocket.
- Cheonghwa: Catherine YOO
It was Yoo Hae-na's business card.
"What, the Cheonghwa Guild’s… Catherine Yoo, the head of the Seoul Raid Division?”
Hyun-wook called her number.
After a few rings…,
- Yes—
The same elegant voice. Yoo Hae-na answered the phone.
"Catherine, it's Lee Hyun-wook. You remember me, right?”
A brief silence followed. She seemed a bit flustered by the unexpected call.
- Ah, who is this? Isn't it the savior of Seoul? What brings you to call me? Ah— perhaps now that you've made a huge name for yourself, you're thinking of joining our Cheonghwa Guild…….
“Haha… that's not it.”
It seemed she hadn't given up on her intention to scout Hyun-wook.
- ……Then, what is this about?
"You remember the bet we made, don't you?”
- .......
The Red Gate that opened in Cheongdam-dong. Back then, Hyun-wook and Yoo Hae-na had made a bet.
Which side would defeat the boss monster first—Cheonghwa's raid team or the A.M.T's special assault squad.
The winner of the bet was Hyun-wook, and an indignant Yoo Hae-na had told him to name his prize.
And Hyun-wook still hadn't stated his demand.
"Something has come up that I'd like to claim as my reward for that bet.”
***
The reason the Cheonghwa Guild was called the number one guild in Korea was simple and clear.
They had the most Players and closed the most gates every year.
And Yoo Hae-na, as the head of Cheonghwa's Seoul Raid Division, oversaw the raid teams in the Seoul area.
Hyun-wook was now sitting in her office.
“……So right now, you're asking me to hand over the rights to a dungeon raid?”
"Yes, that's right. Just one is enough.”
Hyun-wook had demanded the rights to one dungeon raid as his reward for the bet.
"Ha, why on earth… Don't tell me you've started a guild or something?”
Hyun-wook shrugged, not bothering to explain.
"Catherine, I remember you confidently telling me to name anything. Raid rights are fine, right?”
“……Do you have any idea how much money you can make from a single dungeon, to talk so lightly?”
At that, Hyun-wook leaned back on the sofa and nodded.
"Ah, so a bet with the head of Cheonghwa's Seoul Raid Division wasn't on this level? I must have misunderstood.”
He was gently prodding her vanity.
"W-what did you say? It seems being hailed as the savior of Seoul has made you a bit arrogant.”
The sharpness in her tone meant he'd successfully provoked her vanity. In other words, her characteristic desire for conquest was beginning to surge. In short, Hyun-wook had hit the mark.
"......."
Yoo Hae-na seemed to ponder for a moment, then irritably set down her teacup and crossed her arms.
“Hah— still, handing over the rights to one entire dungeon is a bit much. How about two joint raids with us? From a new guild's perspective, it's better to get more experience, right?”
Hyun-wook put on a thoughtful expression.
Yoo Hae-na, this woman didn't care about the items from the dungeon.
She was famous for being obsessed with the annual number of dungeon raids, in other words, her performance within the guild.
‘In other words, she's hell-bent on competing with her siblings.’
The succession battle in the Cheonghwa Guild was notoriously fierce.
In that respect, Yoo Hae-na seemed to hate any reduction in her performance, no matter how small.
On the other hand, she might be planning to put a skilled player on the joint raid team to give Hyun-wook a hard time…
‘Whatever the reason, this actually worked out for the better.’
Thanks to Yoo Hae-na's cleverness, it seemed he would get to clear two dungeons instead of one.
“……Alright. It was a bet, so please go easy on us. This is our first raid, after all.”
"Ah, of course. We'll help you new guild members so you can watch and learn.”
After reaching an agreement, Hyun-wook stood up from his seat.
Right after he left, Yoo Hae-na summoned someone.
A large, bulky man came to her office.
"Director Yoo, you called for me?”
“……Team Leader Park Mu-han, what's your current rank?”
“I'm B-Grade Tier 1, rank 151.”
In other words, this man was the 151st most powerful Player in South Korea.
He was the highest-ranked Player under Yoo Hae-na's command.
A Fighter-class Player, he possessed immense strength, capable of fighting an Ogre one-on-one.
"Hmm, in a few days, I'll need you to enter a C-Grade gate.”
At her words, Park Mu-han couldn't hide his surprised expression.
“What? Why would I go there…."
Being suddenly told to raid a gate far below his level, he couldn't help but worry that he had fallen out of favor and was being demoted.
Yoo Hae-na explained the situation to him.
At that, a peculiar light flickered in Park Mu-han's expression.
“Ah! The commander of the Steel Company… Wow, is he doing a joint raid with us?”
“Yes, he's an F-Grade, so watch him closely and see how on earth he can pull off such amazing feats.”
Hyun-wook was currently an F-Grade Player, and it was only known that he had gained some ability boosts by accumulating achievements; the fact that he had a non-level growth trait had not yet been revealed.
"Haha— what's going to change just because he's stacked a few achievements?”
Park Mu-han had already become arrogant.
“Director, I don't believe an F-Grade can do things like that. A rain of steel… haha…."
The rumor that the commander of the Steel Company could make it rain steel had already spread far and wide, but since all electronic devices had failed in the 4th Wave zone, no evidence remained.
That's why quite a few ‘Rankers’ were still skeptical of the F-Grade's unbelievable performance.
“……Team Leader Park, don't let your guard down. I said this was a special mission, didn't I?”
"Ah, of course! I'll stay on my toes! Still, how great can an F-Grade really be?”
Yoo Hae-na nodded, but she didn't belittle Hyun-wook like Park Mu-han did.
She had already underestimated the man several times, and as always, she was the only one who ended up embarrassed.
‘That man, he's different… Don't tell me he's been lying about being F-Grade?’
***
Three days later, an Orc Gate appeared in Oryu 1-dong, Guro District.
However, not all Orc Gates were of the same level. Seeing as an 'Orc Champion' had appeared during the first eruption, the boss monster was presumed to be a 'Great Chieftain,' making it a dungeon with over a thousand monsters.
For a safe raid, it required 80 Players of at least C-Grade Tier 1 on average.
Hyun-wook pointed to that gate and, as per his agreement with Yoo Hae-na, secured the rights for their first joint raid.
'This gate holds an unexpected treasure. Hephaestus's Hammer….'
He had thought he would be able to obtain that potential item someday.
But he had planned to use a different route, rather than 'farming' it himself.
Since it was in an area managed by the Cheonghwa Guild, Hyun-wook wouldn't have been able to get involved.
‘But to think an opportunity would come like this…’
And at 3 p.m., the Hope Guild's raid team arrived in front of the Orc Gate.
Including Hyun-wook, there were Lee Jeong-jun and his colleagues, a total of 18 Players.
In contrast, the Cheonghwa Guild's raid team, who had arrived first, numbered 51 in total.
“……Hey, only 18 people? Does that make any sense?”
They looked over at the Hope Guild with eyes full of suspicion.
"Damn it, I should've known when they said some no-name guild was joining in......."
The very reason the two groups were doing a 'joint raid' made it impossible for them to see each other in a good light. Furthermore, the very idea of them, a fairly successful team, fighting alongside a nameless new guild was unpleasant.
"So which one of them is the great hero of the Steel Company? Remember his face?”
"Um, that guy over there, I think? Or maybe not…."
Of course, the name Lee Hyun-wook intrigued them, but still, only 18 people…
As they were grumbling, an even more incomprehensible scene unfolded.
“……What the hell is that?”
*Beeep— Beeep—*
A trailer carrying a container was squeezing its way through the narrow alley.
"Seriously, why did they bring such a big truck?”
Truly, everything about them was incomprehensible.
"Wow… this is crazy, seriously… Who brings a trailer to a dungeon raid?”
"Maybe they're scared since it's their first raid, so they brought everything they could? That's typical of newbies.”
It was foolish to bring a lot of things when entering a 'dungeon' through a gate.
Not only was the internal environment unknown, but heavy supplies were literally just baggage. That's why raid teams packed minimal equipment and the least bulky food possible.
Just then, the container on the trailer opened slightly.
"Hey, I can see it!”
The Cheonghwa raid team could see inside.
Inside were 12 square metal boxes of unknown purpose.
"Did you just see that? What was it?”
"I don't know, never seen it before… Aren't they just moving boxes or something?”
That wasn't the end of it.
Another trailer arrived right after.
And inside it…
"Gasp, aren't those all Living Armors?”
"Yeah, looks like there are over twenty of them… Why would they need those?”
A whopping 22 seemingly deactivated Living Armors were loaded inside.
But no matter how they thought about it, there was no way to use them. Even if a high-grade mage cast a 'Control Magic' spell, they couldn't command more than three at once.
"What's going on? Something's weird…."
They were about to witness a raid method unlike anything they had ever experienced.