Chapter 87
Chapter 87
87.
Lion of Nemea
Dorothy McDaniel was reviewing the Black Ground's fund tracking data that had been investigated until recently.
"The car carrying the container disappeared on the outskirts, and the representative of Haishin Trading is also missing... The truck that transported the container is a ghost vehicle, and all the nearby CCTVs are down?"
Dorothy's brow furrowed deeper at the thoroughly erased traces.
Braden, who had been quietly watching, continued the explanation.
"Judging by the fact that there are no traces to this extent, it seems certain that this was planned for quite a long time."
Dorothy even let out a groan.
"Even so, is it possible for that large container to disappear without leaving any traces to this extent?"
Braden was just as puzzled.
However, all traces could not be found, and the CCTVs were not only erased but also intentionally cross-edited all the area data in the vicinity, making accurate confirmation impossible.
"First of all, Cui Xun couldn't have done this alone. We are also checking the people he contacted until just before the abandoned factory incident."
"If they didn't leave any traces to this extent, what will come out of it?"
"We are also inquiring about the money laundering side. It would be a necessary measure to take that money overseas."
"That's probably the most likely option."
While muttering, Braden recalled Dorothy's decision last time.
"What about the killing of those involved?"
This was because if the people involved in the abandoned factory incident were dealt with, there would be no future troubles.
Dorothy could only sigh again at this.
"The order was rejected."
"Even though the organization may have been exposed?"
"I told them about that, but they say he's an important figure needed for the project in Korea."
Braden nodded as if he understood something.
"I heard that Branch Manager Kwak Chi-young is putting a lot of effort into MH Group. But looking at the situation, it seems to be true."
"It's a headache. More than that, problems arose with the Black Ground Project as soon as I arrived... Oh, is Russia still giving the same answer?"
"It seems difficult to find Lloyd Douglas because he doesn't leave any traces."
One of the biggest reasons Dorothy accepted the position of TSF's China Branch Manager was precisely that.
Finding her stepfather, Lloyd Douglas. Of course, it was difficult to judge whether he was alive in a situation where he had been missing for several months.
If he was really killed by someone, she was going to find the opponent no matter what.
"Nothing is working out."
"Since the head office is also interested in this matter, it seems we have no choice but to wait."
At that time, Xue Yulan's voice was heard along with the internal phone notification sound.
[Branch Manager, Kwak Chi-young, the Korean Branch Manager, has visited the lobby on the first floor.]
Dorothy and Braden's expressions turned cold as it was not a scheduled visit.
"An unwelcome guest has arrived. First of all, remember that the situation of Black Ground in China should not be shared even with the higher-ups."
With earnest instructions, she sent Braden to bring Kwak Chi-young.
Kwak Chi-young, who came inside, had a meaningful expression.
"It's been a while, Dorothy McDaniel. When was the last time we saw each other... Was it on a business trip to New York?"
"Probably. More than that, what brings you here without even contacting me?"
The timing was too perfect as the Black Ground Project in China was being put on hold. Dorothy was suspicious from the start.
"Why, I came to congratulate you on your promotion to Branch Manager."
The death of the former Branch Manager was also uncertain. At the same time, Warren Cooper and the 666 Unit members were all dead.
It was not a good situation for anyone to come. Dorothy's eyebrows twitched at this.
"Congratulations. I'm sincerely... grateful."
"Hmph. How's the situation here? Is the work a mess because Cui Xun suddenly died?"
"Thanks to your concern, it's been sorted out quite a bit."
Kwak Chi-young smiled at that answer.
"How's the Black Ground Project in China? It seems like the situation with Ray Sung Group is slowly coming to an end."
Was he asking because he knew something? Dorothy didn't show even the slightest movement.
"The Ray Sung Group situation broke out faster than expected, so the Chinese government is watching closely, so it seems like it will be delayed a bit."
"Is that so? Well, it was too fast compared to the plan. Did you report it to the head office?"
"Of course. Do you think I would handle things arbitrarily without doing that?"
Kwak Chi-young's lips curled up into a smile.
"There's no way. I'm just worried."
"I'm also grateful for your concern."
"Oh, come to think of it, you still haven't found Lloyd Douglas?"
At that moment, Dorothy's brow twitched. Of course, she knew well that Dorothy was looking for him within the organization.
But the fact that he brought up that name now was the same as touching Dorothy's frustrating feelings.
"I don't think it's something the Korean Branch Manager should be concerned about."
"How can I not be concerned? Lloyd, that friend, should have been in the position of China Branch Manager in the first place."
"What is the intention of saying that?"
This was because Kwak Chi-young's words now raised the possibility that Dorothy had plotted to push Lloyd Douglas out.
"There's no special meaning. I'm just saying."
"It doesn't seem like there's no meaning at all."
"You have a serious misunderstanding."
"What exactly is your intention... Or is it because you're called the Lion of Nemea that you're doing this?"
This time, Kwak Chi-young's expression, which had been smiling kindly, hardened.
"You... how do you know that?"
Lion of Nemea.
That was the title given to those who held the secret audit position within the organization. At the same time, they were treated the same as the top elders within the organization.
However, as it was a secret position, only the elders and the person's closest aides knew the identity of the person who received the title.
Of course, no matter how great Dorothy McDaniel's skills were, it was impossible to know that far.
"I guess you thought of me too easily. And don't worry, I haven't blabbered to others."
"Even if you know that, you shouldn't bring it up here. Don't you value your life?"
"I do. But I don't tolerate provocation either."
A fierce atmosphere emanated between the two.
Then Kwak Chi-young released his murderous intent and smiled again.
"I was a little excited because the fact that I knew my real position was revealed for the first time."
"Why don't you pay attention to the Middle East and Africa? I heard it's quite noisy there these days."
"Are you talking about the mercenary market? I heard about it too. The situation in the civil war countries that SHASS was commissioned to move in is not good."
It was a story about the mercenary business of the 666 Unit. Of course, it was not a business that TSF Investment would be involved in, but money flowed as much as blood was shed in war.
In particular, TSF could not help but intervene as it could generate enormous profits in terms of military supplies, food, and construction.
"They say there are mercenaries in those two places that are interfering with our work."
"Mercenaries? Isn't that something SHASS should take care of?"
"They're a duo of mercenaries... and they seem to be quite elusive. Because of that, SHASS's damage is not insignificant."
"So what do you want me to do? SHASS is managed by Cerberus, and whatever happens, it's up to that person to take care of it."
Unlike the Lion of Nemea, Cerberus meant an elder of the organization. At the same time, he was the head of SHASS, also known as the 666 Unit.
Of course, it was impossible for TSF, which was in a different area, to interfere with that side's work.
"Before you came to TSF, you were in SHASS. You were also in charge of CELLA."
"Are you telling me to recruit them?"
Kwak Chi-young tilted his head at the unexpected suggestion.
"With Cui Xun's incident this time, we lost Warren Cooper, Yang Ji-chen, and the 666 Unit members under them. The damage is not insignificant."
"Then it's up to you to scout them."
"I'm talking about work to reinforce our forces. Branch Manager Kwak is excellent in that field. He was also the one who created GRAY by bringing in a unit member from outside for the first time."
Within the 666 Unit, mercenaries go up in three ranks, excluding general unit members.
WHITE, BLACK, GRAY. Braden, Warren Cooper, and Oh Han-sung were in BLACK. Of course, GRAY, who was above them, was a skilled person who moved when solving serious problems within the organization.
"Are you saying that the duo you just mentioned is that skilled?"
"They say the number of 666 Unit members who died at their hands exceeded thirty. Among them, there are five WHITEs and two BLACKs."
Kwak Chi-young didn't know that the extent of the damage was that much.
"That's quite considerable."
"That's why Branch Manager Kwak's abilities are needed more than ever."
With that answer, Dorothy went to her desk, brought a envelope, and handed it over.
"As elusive as they are, I couldn't get any information about their identity. Instead, I found out how to contact them and the countries they've been active in recently."
Kwak Chi-young's eyes became serious as he checked the contents.
"It's only possible to contact them through an informant in Asmara, Eritrea, Africa..."
"They're people I haven't seen in the existing mercenary market. They suddenly popped up."
Kwak Chi-young was absorbed in looking at the data of the duo of mercenaries who had inflicted damage on the rebels and the 666 Unit. The rebel side's camp was absurdly collapsing due to the teamwork divided into assault and sniper teams.
With this level of skill, their names should have been known before they became famous.
"It's just amazing..."
"How is it? It seems like your blood will be boiling after a long time."
"...I'll think about it and decide. It feels like someone who came to congratulate me is taking a gift."
"I'd appreciate it if you thought so."
"I think you'll be very busy, so I'll be on my way."
Kwak Chi-young said goodbye and went outside. After getting on the elevator with Oh Han-sung, who was waiting in front of the entrance, he quietly opened his mouth.
"Find a troubleshooter who can handle things most cleanly in China."
"Who are you planning to deal with?"
After thinking for a while, Kwak Chi-young answered quietly.
"Im Hee-yeon."
"...Weren't you trying to win over CEO Baek Shin-woo?"
"That's why it's necessary. No matter how little affection he has, isn't she his blood relative? If she dies in connection with the abandoned factory incident, where will the arrow point?"
Oh Han-sung could easily understand.
"You're trying to turn it to the China Branch Manager."
"Even if it's difficult to tell him right away, it will be a check. And if his resentment deepens, it could be the driving force for him to move with me."
Kwak Chi-young was planning to instill a sense of revenge in Baek Shin-woo and make him move.
"If it's a famous troubleshooter in China, there's one person who's been rising recently."
"Is there such a person?"
"Ghostly Reaper. He's a troubleshooter who's started to be called Ghost easily. He's famous for dealing with people only with his bare hands without using weapons."
Kwak Chi-young was curious about that explanation.
"Good. Let's put in a request. Just in case, get me some information about him too."
"I'll look into it, but he's a talent who suddenly appeared about six months ago. I know that the request may be canceled depending on his decision."
"He seems quite picky. But you recommended him because he's good, right? Find out as much as you can."