Chapter 4
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: Superhuman Management Bureau (2)
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"So this thing has replaced cell phones now?"
Sitting in the back seat of the car, I fiddled with the smartwatch Team Leader Lee Min-hyuk had handed me, turning it over in my hands.
'It's imbued with mana. They've turned it into some kind of artifact.'
As I toyed around with the watch, Team Leader Lee Min-hyuk—who was driving from the front seat—glanced back at me through the rearview mirror.
"It's pretty different from the old smartphones, so it must feel awkward, right? But aside from the hologram interface, there aren't any major changes. You won't take long to get used to it."
"This is something. The world sure has advanced."
I fastened the smartwatch around my left wrist. It was already activated, so there were no issues using it right away.
"I've saved my number and Agent Choi's in your contacts. If you run into any trouble adapting to modern society, just give us a call."
"I'll hit you up if I need anything."
With that reply, I peered out the window.
Seoul's landscape looked much like I remembered. A few buildings had changed, so I couldn't pinpoint our exact location.
I glanced at Team Leader Lee Min-hyuk through the rearview mirror.
"So, where are we headed?"
"Superhuman Management Bureau headquarters."
"Why there?"
The answer came from Agent Choi in the passenger seat.
"We're supporting a program to help returnees readjust to society. We can process your identity restoration at headquarters, and we need to measure your rank too."
"Readjustment program?"
"Yes. Some returnees have spent so long in the otherworld that they've forgotten modern societal norms. The program teaches them common sense and rules."
Team Leader Lee Min-hyuk chimed in.
"We also offer mental counseling services. Plenty of returnees come back with severe trauma from the otherworld."
I nodded.
"So, basically, socialize us so we don't cause any trouble."
Agent Choi broke into a cold sweat and gave an awkward smile.
"Haha... It's not exactly meant that way..."
"Sure it isn't."
It was blatantly obvious that was the intent.
I turned my gaze back to the window. Taking in Seoul's bright nightscape even at this hour of the morning, a sudden question popped into my head.
"You mentioned measuring my rank?"
"Yes."
"How?"
Still haven't figured it out, even after what you just experienced?
Team Leader Lee Min-hyuk flashed a knowing smile.
"One of our bureau agents has that ability. She's out on assignment right now, so we can't do it immediately, but she'll be back soon enough."
"Hoo. Really now?"
His response brimmed with confidence.
What kind of power could that agent possibly have to sound so sure? No amateur ability could ever gauge my physical prowess.
'Kinda curious.'
Well, I'd find out when the time came.
The car carrying Kim Hyun pulled into the bureau grounds before long. The diner where Team Leader Lee Min-hyuk had first brought her was right nearby, so it was only natural.
While Kim Hyun stepped out and scanned the headquarters building, Team Leader Lee Min-hyuk called over Choi Ji-eun.
"Agent Choi. Take Kim Hyun to the headquarters conference room and have her wait. Bring her anything she asks for right away."
"What about you, Team Leader?"
"I need to make a few calls. And absolutely—do not do anything to provoke Hunter Kim Hyun. Got it?"
Choi Ji-eun nodded with a determined look.
"Yes, Team Leader! Leave it to me!"
After sending Choi Ji-eun off, Team Leader Lee Min-hyuk slipped in his earbuds and dialed on his watch.
A few rings later, a middle-aged man's drowsy voice came through.
-...What is it this early in the morning, Team Leader Lee?
"A new returnee just crossed over, Director."
-...A new returnee? From Busan?
"No. Anseong."
-...Anseong? That's...
The man paused briefly before grumbling in reply.
-Unusual, sure, but just follow the returnee protocol. Was there a reason to call me specifically?
"This one's at least quasi-S rank."
-...Hold on.
Rustling sounds came through the earbuds for a moment. Then the Director's voice sharpened.
-Quasi-S rank minimum? Did you verify it yourself, Team Leader Lee?
"Not personally. But judging by the abilities she demonstrated, I'm certain of it."
-Agent Chae's in Busan. Fine. Secure the returnee and lock down information for now. We don't want corporations or the media catching wind.
Fair point.
An unaffiliated quasi-S rank was prime bait.
Corporations would scramble to recruit her—it was inevitable.
The media wouldn't pass up fresh meat either.
The bureau would just get dragged into the mess, so the Director's leak concerns were justified.
Lee Min-hyuk replied reassuringly.
"She came from an irregular gate. The local precinct that found her has been muzzled, and no reporters crossed paths with her. No leaks possible. Just stay cautious from here on."
-Good. Lucky break. What's her temperament like?
Lee Min-hyuk thought back to Kim Hyun's demeanor so far. Confident, as befitted a powerful returnee, but no overt antisocial vibes.
"Doesn't seem like Code Red, but hard to say for sure. Psychological eval and observation will tell."
-As long as she's not Red. A little social awkwardness is par for returnees. Trainable.
"We'll run full protocol starting today."
-Got it. And persuade her to join the bureau if you can. Can't let corporations snag another one. We're already shorthanded...
"Understood. Then..."
After hanging up with the Director, Lee Min-hyuk dialed another number. A timid woman's voice answered.
-H-Hello?
"Agent Chae. Situation there?"
-W-We finished the measurements.
"Ranks?"
-Six E-ranks... one D. Two C-ranks.
"Copy. Head back solo once you're done. Nothing left for you there anyway."
-Y-Yes? B-But there's still work. Ditching now would look bad for the team...
"Something came up upstairs."
-...Ugh. O-Okay. I'll catch the first train...
"Safe travels."
After a few more calls, Lee Min-hyuk pulled out a cigarette and lit up. Kim Hyun's face came to mind.
'At least she's manageable.'
Considering cases where returnees rampaged on arrival, killing people or clashing with the bureau, she was a model case.
Any returnee who'd survived years in the otherworld was a live grenade.
Otherworld societies were cruder and more savage than modern ones. Thriving there meant leaning savage over civilized.
Surveys showed over 60% admitting to murder there. Factoring in lies for optics, 80-90% had blood on their hands.
'Makes 'em prone to crime.'
High-rank returnees usually went corporate, but low-ranks flooded crime syndicates. Even elites dabbled sometimes—needed watching.
'Surveillance covers it.'
He stubbed out the spent cigarette.
'Bigger issue...'
Scratching his head, he gazed up at the headquarters building and let out a deep sigh.
"...How the hell do I convince her to join the bureau."
Well, no choice but to try.
Lee Min-hyuk sighed heavily and trudged inside.
Pulsing club music thundered through the air.
In the center of a dim private room, groans echoed.
"Gheuk...!"
The room was utter chaos.
Naked women lay passed out everywhere, empty bottles and spent syringes scattered between them. White powder dusted the table, weed roaches littered about.
And at the back loomed a massive man.
Twice a normal person's bulk, stark naked. His sculpted muscles rippled beneath snake-like scales covering his body.
The man had one woman by the throat.
"Gheuk...!"
She flailed against his arm in vain—overwhelming size difference.
And then.
The moment her eyes rolled back.
"Whew. Nothing beats strangling for that extra kick."
Finishing his fun, the man released his grip.
He tossed the limp woman aside and snatched an unlit cigar from the floor. Pressing a finger to the tip, it glowed cherry-red, igniting the smoke.
"Whew."
A satisfied smirk crossed his face as he exhaled deeply.
That's when his smartwatch buzzed sharply. His eyes flicked to it.
[New returnee at HQ. Not Busan origin. Team 3 Leader handling solo.]
A text from his mole inside the bureau.
The man's eyes narrowed.
"New returnee? When'd she cross?"
The latest gate was Busan only. Another one?
'Team 3 Leader personally? Must be a heavy hitter.'
He smacked his lips.
'Too much hassle to scout myself. But blowing my plant at HQ ain't ideal.'
Reporting to HQ would just get shrugged off anyway. No point leaking.
Another text pinged.
[Female. Hot.]
[Photo]
The instant he saw it.
His pupils slit vertically.
Staring intently at the holographic image, he curled his lips into a grin.
"Now this...
changes everything."