Chapter 13 - Trash
Trash
Translator : Elizabeth
Chapter 13: Trash
“Phew...” “Are you nervous by any chance?”
I had arrived at the Association with Cha Ji-hoon of the Purifiers. It was because Jo Tae-hoon, having received contact from Cha Ji-hoon, had told us to come to the Association anytime.
“…No.” “Uh... Then why the sigh?” “It’s not from nervousness, but from feeling disgusted.” “…Understandable. But it’s only for the time being anyway.”
It meant that if I used the skill for him about 10 times, like I did for the Daemyung Group Chairman, he would let me go... But I don’t think so.
“What if he asks me to use the skill on someone else too?” “Ah. That’s a request bound to come up, but you can firmly refuse it.” “And if he retaliates...” “You don’t have to worry about retaliation. The Purifiers intend to back you up.”
Rather than feeling trust in Cha Ji-hoon’s words, I wondered if he had some ulterior motive.
“....” “Yes. You have every reason to be suspicious. And, just as you suspect... we also need Mr. Han Seo-jun’s power.” “Then...” “We will ensure you receive the full price, not bargain-bin service like with the person you’re about to meet.”
Ending with those words, Cha Ji-hoon silently sent a text somewhere and only spoke again after we boarded the elevator.
“I hear that S-Rank Status Effect Removal skill holders in the US receive 1 million dollars per session.” “One, one million dollars...” “You can consider it roughly 1.3 to 1.4 billion won. So... how does 400 million sound?”
It was certainly a large sum, but since it didn't even reach half of the S-Rank price, I couldn't answer immediately.
“The reason 400 million was calculated is because there is no certainty.” “…No certainty?” “We don’t know if the person Mr. Han Seo-jun used the skill on will still have the 20-time limit available if they receive an S-Rank skill later.” “Ah... You mean the count might be deducted because I used my skill on them.” “Exactly.”
Cha Ji-hoon said he would text me the details. At that moment, the elevator arrived, and the doors opened.
“…Hmm. Was it necessary for you to come too?” “It’s unexpected. I didn't know you would be waiting right in front of the door.” “Because it’s that important.”
In front of the elevator stood a middle-aged man who looked like a well-trained warrior, arms crossed. However, the feeling I got as soon as I heard his voice was ‘disgust.’
“So, should I consider that the Purifiers are protecting him?” “As long as you don't cross the line, the Purifiers do not intend to interfere.” “Then why don't you leave?” “Aren't you planning to cross the line?”
Hearing Cha Ji-hoon’s words, the middle-aged man smirked fishily and nodded...
“You did something quite bold.” “…?” “Thanks to you, I’ve been put in a difficult spot too. How do you intend to take responsibility for this?” “What are you suddenly...!” “Director Jo. Don’t cross the line.”
Thinking it was preposterous, I was about to flare up, but Cha Ji-hoon blocked my path and spoke coldly.
“…You call this crossing the line?” “Well, isn't it?”
Jo Tae-hoon glared at Cha Ji-hoon for a while, then smirked, nodded, and turned around.
“Well, shall we move for now?” “Yes. Let’s do that.”
Cha Ji-hoon looked at Jo Tae-hoon with a cold expression, lightly patted my shoulder, and followed him.
‘The influence of the Purifiers is... different from what I expected?’
From what Cha Ji-hoon said earlier, I got the feeling that it would be hard even for the Purifiers to stop Jo Tae-hoon. But seeing his current actions, he doesn't seem to be bowing down to Jo Tae-hoon at all.
‘Is it a political issue?’
Thinking this, I followed them. The place we arrived at was, unexpectedly, the rooftop.
“I plan to expand the Association building soon. Can the Purifiers cooperate?” “I don't think this is the time to discuss that.” “No, this is the time to discuss it.” “…Are you planning to challenge for the Association Chairman position?” “Naturally. Is there any reason to join the Association without such an intention?”
Cha Ji-hoon seemed very troubled, but soon nodded and answered that he would meet Jo Tae-hoon’s demands conditionally.
“The condition?” “Obviously, you must proceed after becoming the Association Chairman.” “That goes without saying. Is that all?” “Do not take actions that cross the line against ‘Status Effect Removal skill’ holders and those around them in the future.” “Hmm....”
Jo Tae-hoon looked at me with a very regrettable expression, then reluctantly nodded.
“Please state it clearly. Don’t just gloss over it with a nod.” “Tsk.” “Director Jo.” “Fine, fine. At the very least, I won't do anything that crosses the line against Status Effect skill holders and the people around them.” “…Understood.”
Cha Ji-hoon answered, looked at me, and nodded. At the same time, Jo Tae-hoon took out a cigarette and spoke.
“Well, since you came with Cha Ji-hoon, we can skip dragging this out and get to the main point, right?” “....” “Anyway. Once a month from now on. Come find me and use the Status Effect Removal skill.” “Is that all?” “Hm? Is there something else... Ah~ Compensation?”
Jo Tae-hoon made a call somewhere with a look of seeing something pathetic, abruptly said "Execute it," and hung up. Before he even hung up, a vibration buzzed in my pocket.
“Check it.” “…?” “Your fee. I deposited it, so check it.”
Checking the text at his words, I saw a message stating that 2 billion won had been deposited under the Association’s name.
“2 billion?” “It’s the fee for the 10 Status Effect Removal sessions I’ll receive from you.” “…Is it 200 million per session?” “No, it’s 100 million.” “Then why 2 billion...?” “Compensation for the mental damage caused to you? Well, think of it like that.”
Before he finished speaking, another text arrived from the Association’s number. Unexpectedly, it stated that the remainder of my debt was waived. I looked at Jo Tae-hoon in bewilderment.
“Let’s consider that part of the compensation too. How about it?”
I looked at Jo Tae-hoon with a stiff expression, then looked at Cha Ji-hoon. Receiving my gaze, Cha Ji-hoon nodded with a bitter expression and gestured toward Jo Tae-hoon.
‘Skill Rental. A-Rank. Status Effect Removal. 1 hour. Confirm.’
[You have rented Status Effect Removal (A) skill for 1 hour.]
As soon as I rented the skill and used it on Jo Tae-hoon, he looked extremely pleased and spoke with an expression steeped in euphoria.
“It’s a pity your skill isn’t S-Rank, but it’s also a good thing.” “....” “If it were S-Rank, I wouldn’t have dared to try any tricks on you.” “Then, may I go now?” “Tsk. What a boring guy....”
Asking if I was offended because he offered too low a price, Jo Tae-hoon blew cigarette smoke into my face. I felt my insides boiling, but I endured it and glared at him.
“Oh, right. There’s one thing I’d like you to do for me. The fee is... well, I’ll give you roughly 5 billion.” “I refuse.” “Why don't you at least listen?” “Refu...” —Boom! “Listen.”
When Jo Tae-hoon stomped his foot heavily, a blue panel appeared and supported his foot. Even that couldn't withstand the shock and cracked, but thanks to it, I could estimate how powerful his stomp was.
‘The Association building is protected by A-Rank items. But the fact that it cracked means he’s at least A-Rank.’
As I looked at Jo Tae-hoon with a tense expression, he smirked and made an unexpected proposal.
“I’d like you to raise a Hunter for me.” “…What do you mean by that suddenly?” “Was it too difficult? Take a Hunter with you and raise them.” “I’m asking the reason why you want me to raise a Hunter.” “Ah~ That? It’s simple! As you saw just now, I can’t control my strength when I get excited, you see? So....”
Suddenly, Jo Tae-hoon lightly thrust his hips back and forth, miming something.
“When I do this, the partner breaks.” “Crazy.” “Yeah, crazy. But so what? Are you going to report it somewhere?” “....” “Look, this time I just couldn't react because it blew up too unexpectedly. Don't expect it to go this easily again.”
Jo Tae-hoon added that if I leaked the content of this proposal anywhere, he could completely block it with his power.
“So, just raise one for me.” “Re...” “You’ve heard the detailed reason, and you still want to choose refusal? Do you think that’s possible?” “Ha....” “Seems you understood. But it’s trouble if you still feel resistance... I’ll raise the reward to 10 billion. Ah! I’ll tie the target to you via the Buddy System, so take care of raising them well and bring them back.”
Jo Tae-hoon laughed fishily, left words saying he would wait up to 2 years, and disappeared. Thanks to that, the insides I had barely suppressed began to boil again. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to calm my anger.
“…You endured well. It will be hard, but... let’s drive out Jo Tae-hoon together with us.” “…Is it possible within 2 years?” “It’s close to impossible but... Yes. It’s worth a try.” “How?” “With the Purifiers’ connections and your power... the possibility is slim, but it exists.”
Cha Ji-hoon said we needed to hold a separate meeting for details and left saying let's meet later. I sat on the bench on the rooftop for a while, cooling my anger and thinking.
“…There’s no need to go up to 2 years, nor is there a need to borrow the Purifiers’ power.”
Half a year at the latest. Within that time, I will drive out Jo Tae-hoon and escape the Association’s influence.
‘S-Rank? No. I’m going up to SS-Rank.’