Police Chief Han Seong-geun (1)
The news spread quickly to the allied forces clashing with the Immortal Cult on the Ulsan front. After all, appointing a police chief to a major faction was monumental news—and since that appointee was the commander on the Ulsan front, it would have been stranger if word hadn't gotten out.
The issue lay in the commander's origins.
"Me? Police chief?"
Han Seong-geun stared in bewilderment at Jeong Dong-gun, asking if he'd really been promoted, as the fresh report sank in. From his perspective, this was utterly bizarre, the word why slipping out unbidden.
Sure, the promotion itself was welcome on a personal level. Having decided to embed himself in the Balhut Cult, he'd harbored ambitions for a solid position—and after his major contributions in this war, he'd fully expected commensurate rewards.
But...
"That's right. The Prime Minister and Lady Yu-na selected you personally."
"Lady Yu-na chose me?"
Choi Yu-na herself—the Dragon Priestess and pontiff of the Balhut Cult—had handpicked Han Seong-geun for the role of police chief, the top overseer of law enforcement. In old Korea terms, it was a pinnacle position, on par with Jeong Dong-gun's military command.
He'd wanted advancement, yes—but this felt too grand, too unreal to grasp.
"Uh... did I even do that much?"
"Haha, looks like headquarters rated you highly. Congratulations, Mr. Han."
"B-but... shouldn't it be Son Sang-hee for police chief!?"
Han Seong-geun was so flustered he scanned the room, as if seeking confirmation that his feats warranted this. Jeong Dong-gun nodded sympathetically, while Son Sang-hee offered a small smile and congratulations, showing no jealousy at being leapfrogged.
And finally...
"Whoa, massive promotion, Uncle Han."
Jin A-yeon chimed in with her usual casual cheer. If even she weren't acting normal, Han Seong-geun might have dismissed the whole scene as a vicious nightmare spun by the Immortal Cult—a terrifying one preying on human ambition!
"Isn't this too much of a promotion? It's actually kinda scary."
It was that excessive. He'd been a mere resistance leader scraping by at Ulsan Airport—now suddenly police chief of a nation? Even he could hardly believe it.
Sure, his contributions were real, but others in the Balhut Cult had matched them, including those loyal from the start.
"Is this really okay?"
"The cabinet's already approved it. Probably factoring in your Ulsan front merits."
Han Seong-geun eyed Jeong Dong-gun skeptically, but the man had no counterarguments. Personnel fell under the Dragon Priestess's purview; with the Dragon God Association and Heonmin Democratic Party's consensus, confirmation hearings were done. A few opposition voices grumbled, but with the two giants aligned and monarch-like Choi Yu-na's blessing, resistance was futile.
"But the existing staff won't follow some outsider like me just for Ulsan feats..."
Han Seong-geun argued no one would heed him, a newcomer, off a few battles. Fair point—his merits weren't police chief caliber on scrutiny. And they weren't solo anyway; Jeong Dong-gun, Jin A-yeon, and Son Sang-hee had shared them. Hardly a stage for him to hog the glory!
"True, that could breed resentment among Gyeongju defenders."
Jeong Dong-gun acknowledged it. Plenty of his steadfast officers from the early days, plus reversal heroes from North Gyeongju and Pohang campaigns. The military brimmed with Han Seong-geun's peers—prime police chief material among them.
"The catch? None proved command aptitude."
"R-really?"
"Yes. Right now, you're the only one who has."
Potential aside, Han Seong-geun had showcased his talent here; others hadn't. Thus, Choi Yu-na chose him alone.
"Lack of battlefields to prove it helped, but even internally, ministerial talent is scarce beyond NCOs."
The real snag: few wars beyond Ulsan to test them. Challengers could emerge, claiming they'd shine given the chance—eyeing his spot.
"If their challenges scare you, decline. No shame."
"That's..."
Overcoming it was Han Seong-geun's burden, not Jeong Dong-gun's. Still, the commander offered support, probing his resolve. Even post-decision, Jeong Dong-gun's objection could prompt Yu-na and the cabinet to reconsider.
Han Seong-geun pondered the kindness briefly...
"I'll take it."
Not long. He'd face the gauntlet head-on, no fleeing.
"Very well."
"Volunteering myself will ease Ulsan evacuees' lingering doubts too."
Above all, it appealed: instilling faith in the Balhut Cult among his displaced kin. He knew skeptics lurked among them; an Ulsan native voicing their concerns was key to quelling it. Police chief was high enough to soothe gripes, proving locals could rise with effort.
"Makes sense. Exiles in strange lands breed anxiety and discontent. Word is, none adapted to city life?"
"Yeah. Limited jobs, futures uncertain."
The cult's relocation policies weren't flawless either. Ulsan folk grumbled at assignments; a native high-up was vital for reassurance. And not honorary—this commanded all police, turning complaints to gratitude.
"Can't blame 'em much. Saved from death, given homes, jobs, safety—griping feels ungrateful."
Jin A-yeon rolled her eyes: demanding more from life-savers was absurd. Policies had gaps, but livable—empty homes reassigned, tolerable work, security assured. What more to satisfy them?
"Still, deep fears linger. 'Ulsan folk get discriminated against.' Humans never fully content—unavoidable."
"Tricky."
Han Seong-geun empathized, pinpointing discrimination worries.
"That's why I'll end those fears by taking this post. Ambition's part of it, sure."
Harmony and integration, declared.
"Plus, who hates their org's boss?"
Burden or not, he led now. Complaints? Unlikely.
"Congratulations. Same rank as me from here on."
Jeong Dong-gun offered genuine felicitations to the new police chief.
"Haha, I'll still call you Commander Jeong Dong-gun. 'Commander' stuck all this time—hard to switch to casual overnight."
"No issue."
Even peers, Han Seong-geun showed deference, honoring the man who'd elevated him to deputy. Jeong Dong-gun was his benefactor; gratitude was inevitable.
"Congrats on the rise."
"Thanks, Ms. Son. This is thanks to you too. Feels... a bit guilty."
"No need. My heart's pledged elsewhere—adjutant to Commander Jeong suits me fine."
He apologized sheepishly to Son Sang-hee at his side. Her tenure and merits outshone his; guilt at outpacing her was natural. Yet she was content shadowing her chosen leader.
"Speaking of, high rank means you need an adjutant."
"True, police chief needs an aide for duties."
"Whoa, already bourgeois vibes. Flaunting that huge promotion—gonna cough up liver and gall next."
"Harsh."
Jin A-yeon scowled at the entitlement whiff; Han Seong-geun protested but grinned mischievously soon after.
"Hey, about that adjutant... you're it."
He beamed, pointing at her.
"Huh? What's with the lame finger?"
She blinked at it cluelessly, calling it cringy—but...
"I mean it. You're my adjutant now. You're mine."
"........................Huh? What'd you just...?"
His words floored her; spear clattering, she gawked blankly at the digit.
Ignoring her, Han Seong-geun sealed it. Jobless guest Jin A-yeon was ringed like a calf, sold alongside him to the Balhut Cult.
"L-lie!! Right? Me, adjutant?! All I know's fighting?!"
"No lie. No returns. Welcome aboard, Adjutant Jin A-yeon?"
She gaped in disbelief, but his firm denial left her no escape from the role.