Chapter 81
Chapter 81
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: The Request of the Departing One
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Na Ju-yong's laboratory was the Superhuman Rehabilitation Research Institute, a subsidiary of Ye-il Group.
Though it was secretly conducting illegal research on multi-abilities behind the scenes, it appeared utterly ordinary on the surface. Its stated research fields were equally mundane and socially beneficial: methods for treating superhumans afflicted with physical impairments or superpower disabilities, along with rehabilitation support.
And so, Ji Ye-won decided to infiltrate that "public-facing" side to surveil Director Na Ju-yong as part of Min Chae-ryeong's mission.
"The institute hired a cleaning service company, and I'll infiltrate as one of their employees. There are a total of 43 staff from that company working in the institute and its surrounding facilities. Adding one more person like me shouldn't draw any attention."
The Superhuman Rehabilitation Research Institute was divided into three security sectors, and cleaning staff were only permitted access to Sector 1, the lowest security level. However, being able to enter the facility through legitimate channels was more than enough for Ji Ye-won.
"Anyway, about the specifics of the mission."
The core of the mission was as follows.
First, as a cleaning staff infiltrator, Ji Ye-won would install various surveillance and listening devices throughout Sector 1 inside the institute. Using these, she would monitor Director Na Ju-yong and his close associates' every move. When the opportunity arose, she would do the same in Sectors 2 and 3 to scout the internal situation. If possible during this process, she would gather concrete evidence on where and how the multi-ability research was being conducted.
Listening to Ji Ye-won's explanation, Ahn Su-ho clenched his molars.
"......Isn't this too dangerous?"
Infiltration of a secure area and installation of surveillance equipment. If she were caught even by a slim chance, she wouldn't escape legal punishment. And if her true identity came to light in the process—what then?
No, legal punishment would actually be better. What if Na Ju-yong's side resorts to illegal methods against Ji Ye-won?
He was a renowned scholar on the outside, but Na Ju-yong's true nature was that of a villain. Thus, there was every possibility he'd employ illegal tactics.
For instance, capturing her to dig into her background and subjecting her to brutal torture.
Ahn Su-ho resented Min Chae-ryeong, who wasn't present. She'd promised to ensure Ji Ye-won faced minimal risk, yet this was the result. A deep furrow formed between his brows as seething anger bubbled up.
Watching him, Ji Ye-won let out a soft chuckle.
"Don't worry. I might not look it, but I'm a skilled spy. I spent four years at the academy posing as a student without anyone suspecting I was with the Dawn Legion. Right?"
"Still......"
"Worst case, I just run. I escaped the Dawn Legion—think I can't shake off some lab employees? Plus, I have this you gave me."
Ji Ye-won brushed her hair behind her ear. There gleamed the Cross of Cold Flame that Ahn Su-ho had given her, the transparent cross embedded with a red gem catching the light and twinkling as it swayed.
The Cross of Cold Flame was a powerful artifact that shone even in the original story's late stages. It would surely prove its worth if Ji Ye-won's life were ever threatened.
Yet Ahn Su-ho couldn't hide his unease. Maybe he should negotiate with Min Chae-ryeong again and cancel the mission for Ji Ye-won.
The moment that thought crossed his mind, Ji Ye-won smiled warmly and tugged Ahn Su-ho's nape toward her.
-Plop.
She cradled his head against her chest. Like a mother praising her dutiful child, she gently stroked his hair and teased.
"Aww, is our Suho worried his nuna might get hurt?"
"......Nuna? I'm only a year older than you."
"It's because you're so sweet for worrying. So sweet."
"Jeez......"
Ahn Su-ho grumbled, but he didn't pull away from her touch. The pleasant shampoo scent tickled his nose; she'd clearly just washed her hair.
"......This job is more dangerous than you think."
With his face buried in her embrace, Ahn Su-ho murmured lowly.
"I'm not doubting your skills, but the target is Ye-il Group, one of the top conglomerates right after Hanseong Group. And since it's a lab doing illegal research, their security will be way tighter than Greenhouse Academy's. Even for you, spying there is ri—"
"I told you, it's fine."
"What's so fine about it?"
Frustrated, Ahn Su-ho lifted his head to meet Ji Ye-won's eyes. A flicker of guilt passed through her gaze at his earnest concern.
I'm grateful you're worried, but I have no choice.
A few days earlier, Ahn Su-ho had confronted Min Chae-ryeong about Ji Ye-won's situation, but fundamentally, the relationship between Min Chae-ryeong and Ji Ye-won was one of strict superior and subordinate.
There were various factors, but above all, Ji Ye-won needed Min Chae-ryeong's help to find her one and only friend, Kim Min-ah. And Min Chae-ryeong knew that better than anyone.
Thus, Min Chae-ryeong had told Ji Ye-won one crucial fact.
That she had obtained information on Kim Min-ah's whereabouts.
The instant Ji Ye-won heard that, refusing Min Chae-ryeong's orders was no longer an option. Whether it was truth or lie didn't matter. If there was even a sliver of possibility, she was prepared to leap into fire for her dear friend who'd changed her life.
So, despite feeling sorry for Ahn Su-ho's worry, Ji Ye-won couldn't bring herself to abandon the mission.
And though Ahn Su-ho didn't know the full context, he vaguely sensed it from her aura.
"......Ji Ye-won."
"Yeah."
"Don't get hurt. Run at the first sign of danger. Put your safety above everything, anytime. Got it?"
"Yeah. I will."
So, enduring a gut-wrenching pain, Ahn Su-ho could say no more.
With those words, a heavy silence settled between them.
It was a warm spring afternoon. A fresh breeze slipped through the half-open window, brushing past the two.
"......The lab's in Yongin, so I rented a temporary room nearby. I'll probably live there for a while."
"When do you leave?"
"Day after tomorrow."
"Guess you'll quit the restaurant part-time."
"Yeah. Feels bad quitting after such a short time. The job was kinda fun, and the manager and other seniors were really nice to me."
"Kinda sad you're quitting. Should've visited more if I knew."
"Why? Come harass me while I'm working hard?"
"Yeah. When else would I get honorifics from you?"
"Tch. Knew it."
They both burst into light chuckles. The serious mood from moments ago vanished like a lie, replaced by ease. Ahn Su-ho cherished this comfort he felt only with Ji Ye-won.
Yes. To Ahn Su-ho, Ji Ye-won was one of the rare people he could interact with purely, without calculations.
Kang Ha-neul had been the same until yesterday. But today's events had planted seeds of doubt toward him.
"Ahn Su-ho."
Then, Ji Ye-won called his name in a subdued tone.
"Once I head to Yongin, I won't be back for a few weeks. So, I'm giving you some homework in the meantime."
"Homework?"
"Yeah. Homework."
"Homework out of nowhere? What is it?"
"Kang Ha-neul."
Ahn Su-ho's expression stiffened at the name.
"Solve every issue with Kang Ha-neul before I return. Don't hem and haw. Uncover whatever he's hiding, clear up any misunderstandings."
"Got it. I'll do that."
"And. Make up your mind clearly."
"Huh?"
Ji Ye-won took a deep breath. Her shoulders rose and fell with it.
"I like you. And Kang Ha-neul likes you too."
Steadying her trembling voice, she stated flatly.
"So decide properly. Pick me, pick him, or both. If both, don't sneak around—just be upfront. That'd hurt less."
It was so abrupt. They'd been discussing her mission, so why bring up romance now? Ahn Su-ho thought.
But to Ji Ye-won, the trio's relationship was as crucial as her mission.
While she was away, she wouldn't know what might happen between him and Kang Ha-neul.
So she urged him to sort it out properly first. It might ease her mind, even a little.
Originally, she'd planned to give him ample time to choose. On the night they made love, she'd even told him to take his time thinking it over before answering.
But now, faced with a long separation, anxiety gnawed at her heart.
Impatience.
Insecurity.
And selfishness.
Truth be told, Ji Ye-won hoped he'd use this chance to drop Kang Ha-neul and choose her. When she learned Ahn Su-ho suspected him and came to her for advice, a wicked thought briefly crossed her mind.
If I use this to drive a wedge between Ahn Su-ho and Kang Ha-neul.
If I make him distrust Kang Ha-neul.
If they grow distant and awkward.
Then maybe he'll look only at me.
But Ji Ye-won quickly shook her head, dispelling the selfish notion. Guilt soon took its place.
Feeling guilt toward another in a love triangle was absurd. Yet Ji Ye-won felt a twinge toward Kang Ha-neul, all because of that day.
That day: When Ahn Su-ho, Kang Ha-neul, Ji Ye-won, and Chae So-yeon had drinks together. That's when she clearly recognized Kang Ha-neul's feelings for Ahn Su-ho.
Knowing it, in her anxious state, she'd used the alcohol as an excuse to sideline Kang Ha-neul and share love with Ahn Su-ho.
It was selfish, but love was inherently selfish. She had no intention of apologizing to Kang Ha-neul over it. Still, she couldn't deny the faint regret.
Thus, Ji Ye-won wanted Ahn Su-ho to make a clear choice.
Whether her, him, both, or neither.
If he chose, she thought she could accept the outcome.
......She desperately believed she could accept it.
"......Yeah. Got it."
After much deliberation on her request, Ahn Su-ho finally replied.
Separate from uncovering Kang Ha-neul's secrets, properly addressing her feelings was something Ahn Su-ho had to do. Ji Ye-won had merely reminded him of that.
While resolving the Kang Ha-neul issue this time, he'd reach a clear conclusion about the feelings she held for him too.
With that resolve, Ji Ye-won gave him a bittersweet, ambiguous smile.
"Good. Smart choice."
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ A dimly lit office.
At the luxurious desk bearing the nameplate "Executive Director Han Yeoreum," she sank deep into her chair, lost in thought with a bored expression.
Before her glowed a white tablet screen. It displayed the minutes from yesterday's meeting on the "Knight's Grave" dungeon.
What captured Han Yeoreum's gaze was the testimony from the S-rank superhuman—the leader of the exploration team—regarding the dungeon's master monster.
Han Yong-su, the S-rank who had guarded the rear and fought Wilhelm until the very end during the team's escape.
Thanks to him regaining consciousness recently, the meeting revealed many new facts previously unknown.
For example, the master monster calling itself Wilhelm was furiously hunting someone it called a "fugitive"—a man who had entered the dungeon before the exploration team, fought Wilhelm, and fled.
Han Yeoreum shifted her gaze to the screen's corner. There floated a photo of the man currently suspected to be the "fugitive" Wilhelm sought so desperately.
[Greenhouse Academy Security Force, Special Countermeasures Division Team 2 Guard. Ahn Su-ho.]
It was Ahn Su-ho's photo.
"......"
Looking at it, a faint spark of life flickered across Han Yeoreum's impassive face.
It had been ages since someone piqued her interest.