Chapter 569: The Conspiracy Begins (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 569: The Conspiracy Begins (2)
Throughout their lives, humans are forced to make endless choices.
From small things, like what to eat for their next meal, to large ones that encompass their entire lives.
What one chooses changes things, both big and small.
Simultaneously, there are things gained and things lost.
It’s inevitable.
The world isn't designed to let you have everything you want.
That is why choice is of the utmost importance.
At the very least, what is gained must be more valuable, or more plentiful, than what is lost.
Good choices and somewhat bad choices.
By making them in a ratio of about 8 to 2, Han Ju-hee had reached her current status and position.
S-rank Hunter.
Tower Lord.
Great Archmage.
Wife of the National Hunter, Son Si-woo.
Mother of Son Seo-yeon.
And so on.
She held in her arms far too many things for one person to grasp.
There was a time when it was her pride and her self-esteem.
Yes.
Once upon a time.
“What will you do, Scarlet Witch?”
In the office at the very top of the Magic Tower’s 77th floor.
The man who had abruptly appeared in a space permitted only to her was pressing for an answer.
“Isn't it about time you made a decision? I believe we’ve given you plenty of time.”
Time.
Yes.
They had given her a lot of time.
Considering her personality—one that contemplated choices thoroughly but never hesitated once her mind was made up—it was more than enough time.
And yet, she still couldn't make a choice.
That was how much was riding on this decision.
The man’s persuasion continued.
“It’s not a particularly difficult task for you. In contrast, the reward will be very sweet.”
What they wanted from her was just one thing.
“Three minutes is all we need, Scarlet Witch.”
Three minutes.
A mere 180 seconds.
“Just prevent the use of the Barrier for that short time.”
The Barrier.
It was a means to protect humanity.
From what?
From monsters.
It was meant to hold back the monsters that poured out of a rift that had surpassed its critical point and entered a Break State.
It bought time for Hunters to be dispatched and for citizens to evacuate, and furthermore, it minimized the loss of personal and national property.
It was, in short, the single greatest and most indispensable means of defense.
And they were demanding she disable it.
That made it all the more puzzling.
‘Just why?’
She pondered.
What reason could they have for making such a request?
For terrorism… it seemed a bit ambiguous.
A Barrier, which was deployed in a limited, narrow area, wasn't a good match for the kind of widespread terror attacks villains carried out across a city.
Ultimately, the most effective use of a disabled Barrier would be during a Dungeon Break.
Which meant…
“…Do you people have some kind of technology to artificially manipulate dungeons?”
“Well, now.”
The man shrugged, evading the question.
“Since you haven't made your decision yet, it’s difficult for us to tell you everything.”
If you want to know, you have to join us.
But his words were enough.
It was as good as admitting they possessed some extraordinary technology to artificially induce a Dungeon Break, or something equivalent.
The shock that followed was immeasurably immense.
‘How on earth did they get such technology…?’
Decades had passed since the Hunter society was established.
Research into dungeons was still active, but no one had ever found a way to interfere with them.
How in the world had they obtained such a method?
‘If their technology is that superior…’
She couldn't be sure.
Who knew what other trump cards they might be holding besides the technology just mentioned.
Her expectations for them rose sharply.
If it was them, then maybe.
‘It might actually be possible.’
She might be able to achieve her long-held aspiration.
She asked.
“Since I’m still an outsider, I won’t ask about the operational details. But there is one thing I must know.”
“Hmph… Very well. What are you curious about?”
“Your objective.”
“……”
“What is it you hope to gain through this plan?”
To gain something, something else must be sacrificed.
Every choice came with a price, and with it, a reward and a consequence.
That’s why she had to know.
She had to know what she could gain by getting involved in something that could potentially shake her life to its very foundations.
Not just a simple sense of belonging from being on their side, but something definite.
The man, sensing her inner thoughts, answered.
“We intend to drag down the establishment.”
Of course, he wasn't referring to all of them.
“Those whose paths differ from ours, the incompetent. And finally…”
A precarious smile formed on his lips.
“The ordinary.”
That last category struck her heart.
The man, quickly noticing this, spoke his final words.
“By dragging them down, we will take one step closer to our dream.”
Now, what will you do?
“Isn't that a sufficient reward for joining us?”
At the man’s question, she could find no justification, no reason to refuse.
No, in fact, she was tempted.
The dream they envisioned, its first step, was closely aligned with her own ideals.
She should accept without any further hesitation.
Once a decision was made, she should commit to it without regret and never look back.
That’s what the usual her would have done.
“…Give me three more days. I’ll give you my answer by then.”
“……”
The man’s eye twitched.
He hadn't known.
He knew she was a cautious person, but he never imagined it was to this extent.
If he had his way, he would have pestered her for an answer right then and there.
“Hoo… I understand.”
He accepted her proposal without another word.
He had no choice.
Her task was simple, but that single move would greatly increase the mission’s probability of success.
He judged it was better to do as she wished than to provoke her rashly and have things fall apart.
“I will take my leave now. I look forward to a positive response.”
The man took the elevator down.
As she felt his presence slowly fade, she leaned back against her chair.
She recalled her answer from a moment ago.
“…Why.”
Why did I do that?
It was a high-risk plan, but it was also a path toward her ideals.
The time for cowering at risk had long passed.
If she had been worried about losing what she held in her hands, she would never have even started.
Then why?
Why did she ask for more time right then and there?
She vaguely knew the answer.
And to resolve it, she left the Magic Tower.
Her destination was home.
The place where her daughter and husband were.
*
Korea was once again buzzing with Son Si-woo’s name.
It was only natural.
A sabbatical he had never once taken during his entire career as a Hunter.
How could people not welcome the National Hunter, active again after such a long time?
Thanks to this, Son Si-woo was finally savoring the life of the National Hunter.
Everywhere he went, he was met with hospitality and fervent reactions.
This feeling of being the center of the world was something no one could understand unless they experienced it themselves.
“Hehehe…”
Because of it, he couldn't help but smile, even when doing nothing.
It was that much fun.
Watching public opinion sway with a single word from him made him feel like a king commanding an army.
“It’s not actually that different.”
Right.
It probably wasn't that different.
His influence on this country was that immense.
If the president argued for A and he argued for B, there would probably be more people supporting B.
The crafty politicians, the veteran entrepreneurs, even the president himself showed him respect.
Perhaps that was why it was all fading now.
The past, when he was a target for high school bullies, getting beaten up and running bread errands.
Even more so since the tightly bound memories had begun to unravel.
And one more thing.
“Welcome home, Madam.”
“You’re home early today. The Master happens to be home as well.”
Hearing the voices from outside, he left his room just in time to see Han Ju-hee entering the living room from the entryway.
A beauty that made her mid-forties age seem meaningless.
A woman cloaked in a unique aura that no one could imitate.
One of the many reasons he had chosen Son Si-woo’s life.
“Honey, you’re home?”
His demeanor toward her had become quite natural.
There was no longer any reason to feel intimidated.
At the same time, his lust for her had diluted somewhat.
He still wanted her.
Of course he did.
What man in the world would refuse a night with her?
But he no longer felt the same thirst as before.
He had Michelle, with whom he regularly shared a bed, and there were plenty of other women.
It was also because he had come to realize that if he just put his mind to it, there was a whole slew of women who would eagerly spread their legs for him.
Spotting him, she asked.
“…You’re home early?”
“Yeah. I didn't have a raid scheduled today, so I came straight home from the guild. You?”
“I didn't have much work today either.”
He was deeply moved.
To think that he, who used to be unable to utter a single word in front of a woman, was now conversing with one so naturally.
To ride this momentum, he made a suggestion.
“It’s been a while since we both finished early. Should we have dinner together?”
Normally, he would have been rejected.
She would have said she had a mountain of work to do, apologized, and then left after telling the housekeeper to bring her meal to her study.
“Let’s do that. Wait just a moment. I’ll wash up and be right out.”
She accepted his offer.
“Oh, huh? Oh! Okay. Take your time.”
He was dumbfounded.
He’d said it to keep the momentum going, but he was sure she would refuse.
‘What is this?’
Her response was completely different from usual.
His heart began to pound.
Could today be the day they finally break free from their cold marital relationship and return to how they used to be?
You know, it happens sometimes.
Those moments when a couple, grown distant during a rough patch, finally gets through the hard times and becomes close again.
What if today was that day?
Thump! Thump!
The blood pumping from his pounding heart began to pool in one place.
He spoke to the housekeeper bustling in the kitchen.
“Ajumma.”
“Yes, Master. Is there something you need…?”
“Please prepare a bottle of good wine as well.”
A very strong one, if possible.
In his mind, the Great Wall had already been built.