Chapter 200
Chapter 200
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 200
Chapter Title: Transcender (1)
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“Make the call? You're saying you're going to start that plan you just mentioned offhand? No, absolutely not! We're woefully unprepared. I could maybe talk my way out of it somehow—it's just my own mumbling, after all. But what you're trying to do is on an absurd scale. Even getting into the Federation right away has a high chance of being blocked!”
But Jefferson made the call anyway.
That very day, Yoo Ji-tae entered the Federation.
“You've made it in... But this is where the real trouble begins. Once the tracking investigation squad is formed, they'll immediately verify the hostage rescue claim. What's your plan now with no evidence?”
The Federation's tracking department superhumans explored his pursuit route based on Clone 1's testimony and statement.
And they found evidence.
“You prepared the evidence in advance... But next up is the interview with the Federation's personnel department. They're picky and have an uncanny eye for people. These are the ones who picked out 4 demons from 2270 new superhuman recruits. Think you can fool them?”
Yoo Ji-tae went through the interview. And he wasn't caught.
“How in the world is this... No, even granting that. Requesting the military advisor position right away is too much, no matter the circumstances. Sure, the spot is vacant, and the military side is hollowed out. But how do you plan to handle military advising with tracking skills as your foundation?”
It was the opinion that his collusion with Jefferson would be too obvious.
“Do it.”
“This streak of luck might end.”
“Do it.”
“No. Please be a bit more cautious.”
Jefferson was adamant this time.
However, the report from the tracking investigation squad to their superiors lavishly praised Clone 1's tracking skills instead, and Jefferson received a call from the Federation Chairman.
The next day, Clone 1 was assigned as the military advisor.
“......”
This can't happen.
Things that clearly shouldn't work.
Why were they all succeeding?
By then, Jefferson felt like the world was playfully turning according to someone's will, with him as the spotlight.
Yeah. Unless it was the 'Truman Show,' how could this be?
“Set up a meeting with the Command Strategy Office Director tomorrow.”
That one wouldn't work.
Did he think the Command Strategy Office Director was a pushover? She would definitely spot their oddities and doggedly dig for the truth.
“Why no answer?”
“......”
“Can't do it?”
But by now, he couldn't say no.
“...I'll try.”
On the way back, Jefferson pondered.
For identity matters, he'd vouched for him personally. Possible thanks to 40 years of loyalty to the Federation.
Then the rest must be pure proof of ability, and it was exquisitely done.
Not just anyone—the 'Federation tracking squad.'
If there were 1000 people who'd trained in tracking their whole lives, maybe 10 would be called masters. The Federation tracking squad leaders were definitely among those 10.
People already at the top, hard-pressed to see higher.
Yet the superhumans who'd seen One's tracking unanimously said:
“Heh heh... Chief. I started tracking at 12 and followed the Lycap style for 35 years. It got flipped in exactly 35 seconds. Exactly. He shook the theory I held like gospel. And I still only understand half of his tracking skills.”
It was a voice of despair.
It wasn't just basic tracking. 'One' was a superhuman beyond common sense. After the interview, top-rankers who were interviewers were sticking out their tongues.
“His grasp of military science is impressive...”
“Mana and killing intent mastery beyond imagination. If I dare guess, double-digit ranker level or higher.”
“Rich wisdom on real combat. As you said, a veteran from the great war...”
Even hearing that much, Jefferson was still half-doubting.
But when he heard from Zhuge Hae-yan, the Federation Command Strategy Office Director, Jefferson felt utter despair.
“Old man. Where'd you drag these lunatics from?”
Round glasses. Neatly tied hair. Her somewhat gaunt eyes brimmed with sharp intellect.
Zhuge Hae-yan... This late-30s Chinese woman, the Federation's overall tactics chief, never praised anyone. So Jefferson had to ask what she meant by calling 'One' and 'Season' 'lunatics.'
“Did they screw up or something?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Then?”
“Them taking advisor roles means explosive power boost for the whole Federation. Mind-blowing. If you had connections like that, you should've brought them sooner.”
“That good? Quantify it.”
“1.12 times. In 1 year.”
Zhuge Hae-yan was a superhuman with a 'special computer' in her head.
Her calculations were never wrong.
So Jefferson was shocked. Two people boosting military power by 12% in a year... He'd never heard anything so absurd.
“Anything else impossible?”
So a few days later.
When 'Season,' the master of One, asked him that, Jefferson shook his head.
Now he couldn't tell what was what... His judgment blurred, Jefferson sighed in reply.
“What else do you want now?”
“Set up a meeting with the Chairman.”
But at 'Season's next words, a spasmodic response burst out.
They'd climbed past the sky-high limits to buildings then mountains. Now they wanted space.
“That... that's the one thing I can't do...!”
He wanted to cry.
* * *
This time, it really seemed impossible.
Well, meeting that busy man was premature anyway.
It took exactly 2 weeks for 'One' to secure a plausible position inside the Federation.
And incidentally, Season (Yoo Ji-tae) also gained a spot alongside One as his colleague.
Those two were superhumans beyond norms.
The Federation, with its military emptying out, had to welcome such personnel with open arms.
The timing was exquisitely aligned.
Of course, the Federation wouldn't offer key positions for a few years, and watchful eyes were already everywhere.
This living behemoth organization was watching them.
So. They needed to build trust for now.
During the day, Yoo Ji-tae lived in the Lair with the kids. When the hatchlings slept, he left the dorms and entered the Federation HQ.
There, as a Grade 4 agent, he performed military advisor duties.
The role was simple. Inspecting units, interviewing practical staff for power enhancement, and giving realistic advice on actual improvements.
For 2 weeks, without missing a day, he toured small Federation units, met many practical staff, and discussed military power.
“How do you know all this so quickly...?”
When someone asked in a dazed voice, there was no answer to give. Like, 'I hung around your unit for 4 and a half years'? No way.
He wasn't wise in military science. Experiential wisdom had limits there.
But he had lived history. 90 years of service, countless verified answers along the way.
Simple mimicry. Thus effective.
“Just do as I say. Don't pry.”
“Ah, yes sir...!”
But closeness always requires caution and time. Same for organizations and individuals.
Rushing always brings side effects.
Proving it, the next morning at breakfast with Season (Yoo Ji-tae), One (Clone 1), and Jefferson, a woman appeared before them.
“Hello. I'm Kang A-jin, from the Federation Command Division.”
A Korean with a dog-like impression matching her name.
Pretty like any superhuman, but her innocent smile made Jefferson grin broadly.
“Nice to meet you, A-jin. I'm Antonio Jefferson. Command Division? Didn't hear about this.”
“Sent by the 5th Command Office to assist.”
“Ah, the 5th Command Office...”
A special Federation position for the five strongest surviving superhumans in history.
Kaliovan's Five Transcenders
Currently including Rank 2 BM, Rank 3 Helen, and old-gen ranker 'Christophe' among powerhouses.
The 5th Command Office was a special ops command for these Transcenders.
Information not shared with anyone except the Chairman and 5th Command affiliates.
“We don't need an assistant.”
Clone 1's reply.
“Heard you're VIPs. Please accept it as the 5th Command Office's courtesy!”
Smiling with her eyes, the woman appointed herself assistant to One and Yoo Ji-tae.
“I know it's sudden and awkward, but trust me. I'm pretty good at this and that.”
“Good at what?”
“Errands. And I make great coffee.”
Reaction was poor. Kang A-jin chuckled.
“No appeal in stuff anyone can do? How about this: I'm from the 5th Command Division with name value. My word carries weight in Federation business. Even stuff needing authority, people do it if I say so. Think of me as a smooth human drill.”
“Talkative too.”
“Yep. Good listener too. And I can stay quiet. Wanna see?”
Then Kang A-jin beamed and naturally sat next to Yoo Ji-tae.
And said nothing.
Some might find it uncomfortable, but her voice and looks oddly fostered familiarity. Like a small puppy wagging its tail—who'd hate that? Her vibe was just that.
So Jefferson viewed her positively. Seemed the 5th Command saw Season and One favorably.
But One's expression soured.
“You, military lady.”
“Yes?”
“We don't need an assistant. You can go.”
“Nooo? I have to do what the military says, right?”
“Don't need volunteers either.”
“Volunteering! Totally.”
“Military, huh.”
“Yes! I've dreamed of being military since I was little. But once I was, fighting scared me. Realized helping fighters is my role!”
“......”
“Argh, just trust and leave it to me. You won't find better assistants out there.”
“......”
One's reaction was lukewarm.
“Anyway. Have a good day, you two. I'll go do my duties.”
Jefferson left, timed to the Chairman's arrival. He wouldn't return for the 5-6 hours the Chairman was at HQ.
Clone 1 also tried to leave first for his tasks. Kang A-jin stood with him.
“Hey.”
“Yes?”
“If you're insisting on assisting, don't follow me. Go with him.”
“Uh, but...”
“No backtalk. Do as you're told. Aren't you an assistant?”
Kang A-jin looked troubled. Yoo Ji-tae timed it perfectly.
But here, Clone 1's solo movements were more important. So she should stick with Yoo Ji-tae.
Thus, Yoo Ji-tae ended up alone with Kang A-jin.
He didn't talk much to her. When he got up and walked somewhere, she followed like a puppy.
But actually having her around wasn't bad.
“Ah. Mind waiting a bit? No contact from upstairs.”
“Sent during day, still no contact?”
“Procedure requires separate approval for military advisor activity time.”
In Yoo Ji-tae's memories, he'd never crossed Federation thresholds as a mere Grade 4 agent. These constant 'procedural hurdles' were annoying.
“Hey. Give me the phone.”
“Pardon?”
“This is Kang A-jin of the 5th Command Office.”
The handler nodded in surprise, and Kang A-jin snapped.
“Put them on now. Hurry. Ridiculous, right?”
5th Command affiliation gave her extra clout. Unnecessary procedures streamlined.
That day's work ended earlier than usual. Turning after finishing, Kang A-jin grinned confidently, like 'see?'
“How's that? Pretty good, huh?”
“......”
Reminded him of Yeoreum (Summer), almost praised reflexively. But he stayed silent.
Anyway. About time.
Images from the Apocalyptic Clock began forming in Yoo Ji-tae's mind.
If he hadn't been there. The form of the first malice that would drive the world to ruin.
It began to reveal itself clearly.