Chapter 62
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 62
Chapter Title: Conditions (2)
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Miller was just smiling.
Looking at Si-woo.
Forcing a choice with no shades of gray—only black or white.
"...Please give me a moment."
Si-woo fell deep into thought.
What were the pluses and minuses scattered throughout this proposal?
The first thing that came to mind was forging a partnership with the United States, the world's superpower—a deal no one else had managed to secure.
'It doesn't matter that they misunderstand my abilities.'
What mattered was that they would protect him at all costs.
They had already assessed his military value.
The meticulous setup Miller had orchestrated was proof of that.
What else?
Every condition Miller had offered was a plus.
His businesses and the hunters under Miracle Management could sign fixed-term contracts with U.S.-affiliated guilds without any special approval.
It was bait so sweet, you'd be a fool not to bite.
Sticky enough to cling to your teeth.
But there was one fatal minus.
A single misstep, and America could crumble.
They didn't have Kim Ye-eun.
They had no counter to the Awakeners.
Could they really win easily against the Villain Alliance?
'Who knows. If every S-rank hunter rallied, maybe.'
But the casualties would be devastating.
Currently, the U.S. military had only one S-rank: Michael.
Even mobilizing every government-friendly S-rank hunter wouldn't guarantee victory.
If America lost, he'd be dragging himself into the quagmire too.
And most importantly...
'...I don't like their scheming. Guess I should start by having them explain their position politely.'
Si-woo looked up at Miller, as if he'd made his decision.
"...Alright."
The moment Miller heard Si-woo's reply, he pulled a contract from his pocket.
"Well then, shall we sign?"
"But I have conditions."
"Name them."
"I have five conditions."
"... ."
"First. Don't pry into any aspect of my abilities. Whether I can really create S-ranks, or what powers I have—keep it all secret."
"Of course. We planned to honor that."
"Second. I'll fulfill the contract by scouting S-ranks for the U.S., but don't question the results. Even if I fail."
"...Yes. We'll accept that risk."
"Third. Any S-rank I scout must sign with Miracle Management."
"Pardon?"
"Fourth. I decide on contract renewals."
"...That's."
"Finally. This entire contract is only valid as long as the U.S. maintains its current standing. Meaning, if America loses to the Villain Alliance in their war. Or even if they win but fail to hold their position."
"... ."
"The contract becomes void."
"......"
"If you can't meet these conditions, no deal."
"......"
Miller couldn't answer easily.
Did he also doubt an easy victory?
'Probably.'
That was when it happened.
Click.
Colonel Michael stepped forward and saluted crisply.
Then he fixed Si-woo with an unwavering gaze.
"1st Brigade Combat Commander, Colonel Michael."
Si-woo simply watched him quietly.
Seeing that resolute expression, he could guess what was coming.
"Earlier, I showed unacceptable conduct toward CEO Han Si-woo. I sincerely apologize."
Colonel Michael bowed deeply, conveying his heartfelt sincerity.
"No matter what it takes, I will complete my mission. For America's future, I will seize victory at any cost."
"... ."
"Even if it costs my life! For America, I will gladly sacrifice myself to fulfill my duty. I'll bear America's past sins and sink into the abyss."
Colonel Michael kept his head bowed.
What expression was he wearing?
What resolute face as he declared it?
"I will win. I will definitely win. So please..."
'Haha...'
"I know it's an impertinent request. I'll bow my head again and again. Please, for America's future, lend us your talents..."
Tsk.
Unable to watch, Baek Chang-gi awkwardly turned away with a click of his tongue.
"I earnestly beg you."
Justice, noble sacrifice, unwavering loyalty.
Si-woo felt a profound disconnect from such ideals.
So he couldn't sympathize or empathize with that sense of righteousness.
How could he relate to what he couldn't understand?
But in this moment.
Looking at Colonel Michael, a shiver ran through him, ever so slightly.
He thought that noble spirit was utterly admirable.
Was this what a true soldier looked like?
'Throwing away his life and asking me to handle the future. There's a limit to irresponsibility.'
What made him entrust the future to a total stranger like him?
What did he trust?
Even as those thoughts swirled, Si-woo couldn't help the inspiration stirring within. The corner of his mouth twitched upward.
Feigning indifference, he spoke.
"If I betray you, America has no future, right?"
"......"
"Colonel Michael, tell me. If I betray you, what then? Convince me why I should entrust the future to you, or I won't believe your sincerity. You have to persuade me..."
"Lee Ji-ah, Kim Ye-eun, Baek Chang-gi, Choi Min-seok."
"... ."
"I'm betting on why the S-ranks follow you so loyally. There must be good reason for them to trust you."
Si-woo glared at Colonel Michael.
His evidence was flimsy at best.
The only basis for trust was the hunters under Miracle?
"Ha! What nonsense."
Baek Chang-gi burst out laughing loudly.
"They might not know, but I do. I'm not indebted or loyal to CEO Han. I just hate seeing my manager disrespected."
"That still boils down to looking out for him in the end."
"What? How do you twist it like that? Whatever, doesn't matter. The answer's already out anyway. I'll follow CEO Han's lead regardless."
"What do you mean the answer's out?"
Si-woo asked Baek Chang-gi, puzzled.
Baek Chang-gi laughed heartily, as if it were amusing.
"You really don't know? Haha! Look in a mirror if you're clueless. You're making that excited face."
Hearing that, Si-woo hurriedly pulled out his smartphone and peered into the dark screen.
The man's face reflected there...
Was deeply moved, profoundly uplifted.
Like a child.
"...Ha."
The face in the screen looked utterly baffled.
"Ji-ah, when did I start looking like this?"
"From when that soldier bowed his head... You've been like that."
"Have I."
Si-woo closed his eyes and nodded.
'...Guess I still have a bit of that heart left in me.'
"... ."
"We'll accept all your conditions."
"...You're serious? Do you know what it means to agree to every single one?"
"...Yes."
Miller's face was grave.
And rightly so.
Si-woo's conditions amounted to a one-sided contract.
Don't ask, don't pry.
I fail? Tough luck, no complaints.
S-ranks I make? They're mine with Miracle.
They can work in the U.S. after, but affiliation stays Miracle.
If America loses or takes heavy damage cracking its prestige, contract's void.
Renewals? My call, based on how you treat me.
'Treat me right.' That was the subtext.
And they agreed to all of it.
"Then we'll do it."
"CEO Han? So..."
"Yes, we'll sign. But I repeat: all conditions must be met unconditionally."
"Thank you!!"
Only then did Colonel Michael raise his head and shout.
About ten minutes later.
Director Miller quickly brought a fresh contract, and Si-woo signed without hesitation.
Classification: TOP SECRET - LEVEL 0
United States American Hunter Bureau - Miracle Management Special Strategic Partnership Agreement
Contract No.: US-AHB-252X-S001
This agreement is entered into by and between the following parties.
Party A (Commissioner): United States American Hunter Bureau Director James Miller
Party B (Contractor): Miracle Management CEO Han Si-woo
Article 1. [Purpose of Agreement]
This agreement aims for Party B to provide special hunter training and management solutions to address the national emergency facing the AHB, in exchange for top-tier authority and resources from the U.S. federal government.
Article 2. [Confidentiality and Non-Infringement Rights]
This agreement is classified as U.S. Top Secret and cannot be disclosed without written consent from both parties.
The AHB prohibits any investigation, analysis, surveillance, or interrogation regarding Party B's unique abilities, S-rank hunter scouting mechanisms, or training principles, and guarantees Party B's exclusive secrecy rights in perpetuity.
Article 3. [Scope of Duties and Disclaimer]
Party B shall conduct a project to scout and train potential S-rank hunters in the United States. However, the AHB holds no Party B accountable for the success or failure of results.
Party B and affiliated hunters may exercise independent authority for all commercial activities and contracts in the U.S. without AHB approval.
[Full Disclaimer] Party B and personnel are exempt from all legal disputes arising during U.S. stay, and the U.S. federal government bears full liability for incidental damages during operations.
Article 4. [Support and Benefits]
The AHB shall provide free land, construction costs, and initial operating funds for Party B's U.S. branch establishment.
Party B personnel shall receive top-tier security and accommodations during their stay.
Article 5. [Termination and Nullification]
This agreement may be renewed at the Contractor's discretion.
[Conditional Nullification Clause] If the United States loses the conflict with the Villain Alliance or is deemed to have lost national crisis management capability, this agreement immediately loses effect, granting Party B immediate termination rights.
If the AHB violates Article 2 (Confidentiality and Non-Infringement), this agreement is immediately nullified.
Article 6. [Governing Jurisdiction]
All disputes related to this agreement shall follow international law, prioritizing jurisdiction favorable to Party B.
To certify the above, two copies of this agreement are prepared, signed, and sealed, with each party retaining one.
Commissioner: United States American Hunter Bureau Director (Signature) James Miller
Contractor: Miracle Management CEO (Signature) Han Si-woo
"The contract takes effect immediately."
Director Miller said as he filed the contract away.
His face looked refreshed, as if a long-held belch had finally cleared.
"Looking forward to working with you."
Si-woo gave a light greeting and rose from his seat.
A faint blush colored his face as he left the room—rare for him.
**
A moment later, after Si-woo had gone.
Director Miller said with a faint smile.
"Fortunately, he doesn't seem connected to them."
"Yes. He didn't even glance at the Barkas corpse."
"...Lucky break."