Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Chapter 28
Hunt (3)
"Hehe."
Yuna stopped eating and looked at the people sitting around the dining table with a beaming smile.
"What's wrong?"
"Everyone's at our house."
"What do you mean?"
At my question, Yuna looked at each person present one by one and smiled again.
Jimun Seo-saeng was American, Cheong Ak-sal was Phillipian, and So Iryeon was Chinese. They were having a meal together with our Korean family.
Yuna seemed to like that scene.
"Can I learn how to draw from Uncle Jimun?"
It had been three days since Jimun Seo-saeng joined us. During that time, Jimun Seo-saeng had gifted a painting to each family member.
Yuna loved the landscape painting Jimun Seo-saeng had drawn for her.
"Uncle, I want to draw a teddy bear."
"I'll teach you."
"Wow! I'm going to learn how to make wooden dolls from Uncle Ak-sal, too."
Cheong Ak-sal had also made a carving for Yuna with his dagger.
However, I judged that this was still dangerous.
"You can learn that when you're a bit older, Yuna. It involves handling a knife, so it's still dangerous."
"Aww."
Yuna looked disappointed but didn't throw any more tantrums.
After breakfast, I played with Yuna for a while before she went to kindergarten, then gathered at the lodging.
"I think we've rested enough. Shall we get started?"
I hadn't given any particular instructions yet, so that Jimun Seo-saeng could grasp the situation so far.
"Cult Leader, I have one question."
Usually, he just asks. When he mentions it beforehand like this, it means it's that important.
It was also Jimun Seo-saeng's habit.
"What is the Cult Leader's goal?"
At that question, So Iryeon and Cheong Ak-sal also looked at me.
"Goal, huh."
The goal is always the same. I calmly spoke my true feelings.
"To stand at the very top of the world."
"Do you mean unification?"
"To stand above all existence that I know of. Unifying the world is merely standing above all humans. Just as in my previous life, if there are Divine Beasts, I must stand above the Divine Beasts, and even if I discover gods, I must stand above the gods."
The surroundings became quiet.
I had never said such things even in my previous life.
So Iryeon, who had been listening quietly, subtly turned her body. Cheong Ak-sal did the same.
"Is it childish?"
At my question, So Iryeon said what she had been holding back.
"You just want to prove that you're stronger than others. Why do you make it sound so complicated?"
I answered indignantly.
"Jimun Seo-saeng set the atmosphere that way."
Jimun Seo-saeng was smiling as he looked at me.
"Are you mocking me?"
"No. I'm smiling because it's the answer I wanted. No matter what plan you make, you must be clear about your goal to avoid mistakes. That's why I confirmed it."
"Then add one more thing to that goal."
"What is it?"
"That I don't become embarrassing."
"I don't understand what you mean."
This time, I spoke simply without embellishment.
"The world I unify should be better to live in than before. Just as I enjoy what I want, others should be able to enjoy a little too. It's embarrassing when talking about the duty of an absolute ruler, and such comes up."
The foundation of an absolute ruler is being versed in both the literary and martial arts. This means excellence in both power and politics in all aspects.
"I don't need praise. You know what I mean, right?"
"I understand well."
This time, So Iryeon and Cheong Ak-sal didn't turn their bodies away either. It meant it wasn't childish.
"Then could you give me just a few more days?"
"Use everything you need. Right now, we only have ourselves, though."
"I have one request anyway."
"What is it?"
"Would it be alright if I met with the Cult Leader's older sister separately?"
She would be the most desirable person for Jimun Seo-saeng.
Information was essential for making plans, and the Witch had completely different information from us.
"You want to exchange information?"
"That's right. It could possibly become a joint operation."
"Do as you please."
"Thank you."
That was settled for now.
After the meeting that day, Jimun Seo-saeng went to see the Witch and talked with her for quite a long time. I didn't bother getting involved in their conversation.
'Jimun Seo-saeng will handle it.'
I have absolute trust in Jimun Seo-saeng when it comes to such matters.
And Jimun Seo-saeng requested a meeting a week later.
At the gathering of four people again, Jimun Seo-saeng explained the plan he had established.
"Originally, we should establish a force and secure a base, but given the current situation, it seems we need to create a safe zone and gather forces."
"We should."
Reincarnators were still being hunted. In this situation, if we moved openly, we might rather become a priority target.
The Heavenly Demon Cult was still the highest priority hunting target.
"Cult Leader, is there a region you've thought of as a base?"
"Korea."
Starting with the place I was born, I'll make the mine in order. This has been decided from the beginning.
"Then I'll purify Korea first."
"Purify?"
"It's what many people want. We'll naturally reorganize the power structure while cutting out the rotten parts of Korea. We must prepare thoroughly for that."
"How long will it take?"
"I think it will take about two years."
"How many people do you need?"
"I need both Protector So and Protector Cheong."
"Do that. From now on, So Iryeon and Cheong Ak-sal, move according to Jimun Seo-saeng's plan."
So Iryeon and Cheong Ak-sal indicated their agreement with nods.
"Good. What should I do in the meantime?"
"There are two things. First is to create a situation where the hunters can't run wild."
"I was obviously going to do that anyway. What's the second?"
Jimun Seo-saeng continued speaking as calmly as usual.
"We need funding."
"Money?"
The gazes of the three people, including Jimun Seo-saeng, turned toward me.
So Iryeon was already in a state of having no money because she was making donations. There was even less to expect from Cheong Ak-sal. There was no way Jimun Seo-saeng, who had been captured by a terrorist group, would have money.
I could feel the silent pressure.
"Alright. I'll go get money. How much do you need?"
"The more the better."
"Got it."
This is also one of the duties of a Cult Leader. I had forgotten for a moment because I had lived comfortably for too long.
"Yuri seems to have a lot of money..."
So Iryeon said in passing.
"That's absolutely not allowed."
"There's an easy way, so why try to go around?"
"That's not an easy way. It's the wrong way."
"Why?"
Instead of answering, I looked at Jimun Seo-saeng.
Jimun Seo-saeng calmly told So Iryeon.
"Because it's a one-time thing. We can't ask for help every time we lack money, and to maintain an organization, we need an independent source of funding."
"Yuri could become our source of funding, though."
"That person's disposition is too strong. It could harm our organization's character."
So Iryeon thought about it carefully, then asked again.
"Can you explain it simply?"
"The person providing the funding must be weaker than us. That way, they can't control us."
"Ah! Now I understand."
So Iryeon didn't mention the Witch's money anymore.
"Well then, I'm off to make money."
I raised my hand to stop So Iryeon from trying to follow.
"From now on, you move according to Jimun Seo-saeng's plan. Same for Cheong Ak-sal. I'll take care of the rest."
"You've become a diligent Cult Leader. It's like when we first established the Heavenly Demon Cult."
"I know, right. I never thought I'd be doing that again."
At my answer, the three Protectors smiled slightly.
"Hey, Cheong Ak-sal, are you smiling too? Is the current situation enjoyable?"
Even Cheong Ak-sal, who rarely expressed emotions, revealed his true feelings like this when with the other Protectors.
"I apologize."
"Everyone, prepare properly. You know what happens if you don't do it right after all this trouble I'm going through, right?"
"We'll prepare perfectly."
At times like this, Jimun Seo-saeng's composure is annoying.
"I'll be back."
"Where are you going?"
I answered simply to So Iryeon's voice heard from behind.
"To meet the perverted Shaolin."
I waved my hand and left the house.
A 10-story building in Gangnam, Seoul.
Passersby glanced at me.
I always wear athletic wear that's comfortable for training. Because it's well-ventilated and doesn't interfere with movement.
I don't prefer other clothes because they tear with just a little movement.
"Student, what are you here for?"
The fact that I was standing at the building entrance became a problem, and the security guard came to me.
"I came to meet someone."
"Who?"
"The president here."
Kim Mu-jin.
A financial company separated from the Hanjeong Group, using Kim Mu-jin's name as is.
From accounting firms to credit cards and stock investment, you could say it handles most things related to money.
"Who are you to meet the president?"
The security guard did not believe me.
I figured there was no need to argue, so I just waited quietly.
"Student, I'll contact them for you, so come over here for now."
Contrary to his words, he grabbed my hand, trying to use force.
I just left it be.
The security guard seemed surprised when I didn't budge at all. Eventually, even another security guard came and applied force, but it was useless.
"This bastard, why are you so late?"
Finally, the situation was resolved only when Kim Mu-jin came running to the entrance.
When Kim Mu-jin appeared and bowed to me in greeting, the security guards' expressions changed.
"Why are you so late?"
"I was taking a shit."
It was an understandable reason.
"Was there any discomfort?"
Kim Mu-jin asked while looking at the security guards' expressions.
"Don't vent your frustration on useless things."
"I apologize."
And so I went to Kim Mu-jin's office.
The 10th floor was a space solely for Kim Mu-jin.
From a personal gym to an office and reception room, everything was there.
There were guards at both the elevator and emergency stairs, and inside were three secretaries so beautiful you'd believe them if they said they were celebrities.
I first went to the office with him.
"What would you like to drink?"
"I'm fine."
Kim Mu-jin sent out the secretary who had followed us with a glance. It was a natural eye-smile with a wink.
'It's ingrained in his body.'
I let that part slide for now.
'It's a grudge from his previous life.'
It's not my part to get involved.
"What brings you here?"
As soon as the secretary left, Kim Mu-jin asked cautiously while adjusting his suit.
"I came because I need money."
"How much do you need?"
"As much as possible."
"Pardon?"
Kim Mu-jin frowned.
Even in front of me, it seemed he couldn't tolerate this.
"Is it the price of my life?"
"No."
"Then what is it?"
I calmly spoke while receiving his powerful gaze.
"You need to become my source of funding."
"Source of funding?"
"I'm asking you to keep giving me money steadily from now on."
"How much?"
"A lot."
His gaze gained even more strength and now had a sharp feeling.
"It's not free."
"What can you do for me?"
"Arte."
"Pardon?"
This time it was a surprised expression.
His expression was really honest, so his true feelings were immediately revealed. This aspect resembled So Iryeon.
'It's because he's in front of me, though.'
Both of them, as entertainers and businesspeople, would manage their expressions according to the situation.
"I heard the company is under pressure because of Arte. And that crisis isn't easy to overcome. Right?"
"That's correct."
"I'll handle it."
Kim Mu-jin asked cautiously.
"Is that possible?"
"If I fail, we can just forget it happened, so there's no loss. But if I succeed, what will you do?"
Kim Mu-jin buried himself in his chair and fell into thought for a moment. And only after a long while did he ask seriously.
"Can you handle the aftermath as well?"
"Of course."
"I'll accept it. However, only if the pressure on the company disappears."
"What if it's not just that the pressure disappears, but the situation becomes even better than before?"
"I don't take profits alone. I should share them with my partner."
His aspect as a merchant shows.
Once I resolve the matter, Jimun Seo-saeng will handle the exact figures.
"Then I'll contact you again."
"Next time I'll take you to a nice place."
"A nice place?"
"You just need to trust me on that. I'll show you that another world exists."
Why did I feel strangely expectant?
Kim Mu-jin's smile looked quite charming at that time.