Let's Do This Together
"What's your team leader like? I've never met him. Is he from the Intelligence Agency too?"
"Nah, the team leader came from the private sector. He's ex-military officer, but basically civilian."
"I thought the Mercenary Support Agency was only for intel agency folks?"
"Eh, intel people make up a big chunk, but not that big. If it was all agency operatives, it'd just be an intel outpost, not the Mercenary Agency, right?"
"Hmm."
"But yeah, Alley Cat is from the agency. I brought her on board myself. Would've loved to keep her in the office..."
Park Youngjun, the team leader scouted from the private sector with a massive salary promise by this public institution, floored the accelerator. His right foot was in a brown dress shoe, the left in a black one. His fingers fidgeted endlessly on the steering wheel. The shock from the video Lee Minyoung had just sent him hadn't worn off.
Lee Minyoung, rifle in hand, sniping at Haiseon. That alone was enough to drop Park Youngjun's jaw, but the video didn't end there. Amid the ear-splitting gunfire and flying casings, Haiseon just yawned, looking bored out of his mind.
Definitely an artifact effect. But Claymore Mercenary Corps didn't have the pull to acquire one. No way those guys had hunter connections, given their personalities. And even if they did, they wouldn't waste a precious artifact like a toy. How the hell...?
Park Youngjun, who'd been enjoying an early knockoff watching baseball and scratching his belly, jumped out of his seat. Racing straight to Gyeongju was only natural.
"Business, huh... What the hell have you gotten us into, Minyoung?"
Prickly and pessimistic by nature, Park Youngjun's mind raced with worst-case scenarios as he sped down the highway.
Throwing out impossible demands, then threatening to export overseas if we refuse?
It was the most common headache from negotiating with hunters. Add in some media spin from their side, and you'd get bombarded by press and public outrage.
In the end, we'd sign on even worse terms than before.
Memories that still made veteran bureaucrats shiver. But to cheerful Grade 9 Lee Minyoung, it was ancient history. Please, Minyoung, tell me you didn't commit to anything firm. Praying desperately, Park Youngjun arrived at the illegal structure in Gyeongju. There sat Lee Minyoung, legs swinging on the table, and Haiseon, leaning back in a chair. Spotting him, they approached.
"Nice to meet you. Claymore vice-leader Haiseon."
"Mercenary Support Agency Communications Team Leader Park Youngjun. I've heard a lot about you from Leader Pyo Yeojeong."
"Hope she didn't badmouth me too much."
"Hahaha."
Not a bad first impression. Unlike Pyo Yeojeong's jokes, he didn't seem like some total weirdo. After some pleasantries, they got down to business. No relaxing now. He had to watch this guy's intentions closely—figure out when he'd try to screw them over.
"My demands are simple. Just this."
He slid over a single sheet of paper. The first item was about the ghost company, just as Lee Minyoung had relayed.
"Call it a KAIST research team, Defense Acquisition Program disguise, or a new startup—whatever. As long as my identity stays hidden."
Not everyday stuff, but doable. Next, the projected delivery price.
"One ring at... a hundred, a hundred won?"
Park Youngjun's eyes widened as he double-checked. Not a million, not ten billion—just 100 won.
That's it?
In a seventy-year lifespan, how many times might you get caught in a shooting, robbery, or wild beast attack? At least three. One might even be life-threatening. That's just how the world was now. And he was offering something that could save your life for pocket change?
"In exchange, take a small cut from the profits as a percentage. We can hash out details later."
"Even with terms like that..."
"You think I'm a sucker?"
"Y-yes, no, I mean, no sir!"
"I'm not that selfless."
"Uh... right."
"I've got a lot more coming out soon, so think of it as early bird perks."
"Pardon? More products coming...?"
"Let's stick to the rings for today."
"......"
For a split second, it felt like Haiseon had played him. His head was spinning. It didn't add up.
If he could mass-produce artifacts, why not climb the tower himself? Or set up his own factory. Hell, trade with hunters. Any option would net way more cash than this. Why bother dealing with the government? What trust had they earned... Unless this was part of some bigger scheme.
"Wondering why deal with you guys?"
"......"
"Truth is, starting a company with my merc crew would be easiest. But not sure they'd go along quietly."
Haiseon chuckled lightly.
"Plus, it'd get risky again. We're just regular folks who can shoot a gun, right? Why piss off the hunters and see what happens?"
"Huh."
"So I'm looking for solid backing. Sorry to drag you into the dangerous stuff."
Fair point... If defensive artifacts flooded civilians, hunters' relevance would fade. Pinpoint the maker, and retaliation was likely. But with the government out front, even hunters wouldn't touch it lightly.
"I was the one who first suggested partnering up."
"......"
"Let's do this together."
Less a deal, more a joint venture. But the agency was public. Teaming with civilians for profit alone lacked justification.
"Our goals align with the agency's in the end, don't they?"
"Same goals?"
"Let's get back to before the tower."
"...!"
"Looks like you remember life pre-tower."
"...Yeah."
Memories resurfaced. Distant recollections from before middle school graduation. Half-faded already. All that remained was a vague sense of beauty. Teachers with guns were history book stuff back then. Full of hope, bright and green.
"Go back... Yeah, go back..."
"And stick it to those hunter bastards while we're at it."
"Haha..."
"No pressure if it's too much. I've got other options."
"...Let's do it! It's not fully my call, but I'll push it through!"
He committed like he'd been possessed. Couldn't even look at subtly smirking Lee Minyoung.
"Team leader, you always chew me out."
"What can I say."
Best to play it thick-skinned. For his superior's dignity.
After that, miscellaneous discussions followed.
"How much can you supply?"
"As you see, it's just me. Can't hire help. Five or six per hour, so not huge volumes."
"What about a tech partnership?"
"You couldn't even if I told you. Need to handle mana first... Actually, I'll show you—give it a try."
At that, Lee Minyoung and Haiseon started hammering together. Clumsy as she looked, she kept decent tempo with Haiseon.
"Heh, this feels like making couple rings, huh."
"Uh, yeah, sure..."
Two rings done quick. To Park Youngjun, the process looked identical—no tricks. But results differed. Ting—boom! Haiseon's ring formed a barrier to protect himself; Lee Minyoung's shattered pathetically.
"That's why small batches only for now. If I get busy, output drops."
"Better than nothing!"
"We'll need to control supply."
Next: who, how much, how to distribute.
"Key is getting them to those who need 'em most."
"Exactly. Otherwise scalpers go wild. Could end up with crime syndicates."
"Donate some to mercs and kids/teens. Sound good?"
He nodded. Mercs risking lives daily, kids/teens with highest gun death rates. They'd treasure the rings like their own lives.
"Profits from the rest, then."
"Haha, can't meddle that far."
As long as the original intent held, rings would flow to them as aid. Didn't matter. Even giving away 90% free was fine. Market ones would generate massive revenue. Profit and public good.
"You two are getting promotions."
The agency's duo's eyes lit up.
It was dawn by the time basics aligned. Refining the plan and adding ideas ate up time. Brains hurt after so long.
"We'll head out."
"Hotel in Bomun complex? Separate rooms."
"Back to Sejong. Can't slack with work like this. We'll report results ASAP."
"Team leader, you go. I'll stay."
"Minyoung, cut the crap and let's go."
"Hiiing."
The two headed out of the forge. I watched till they were gone. As Lee Minyoung and Park Youngjun reached their car, he stopped her. What, a kiss? Nope, wrong guess.
"Minyoung! That's my girl!"
Park Youngjun thrust out his hand heartily. Minyoung puffed her chest, shaking it proudly.
"Told you to trust me?"
Anyway, they looked happy. Good enough.
A few days later.
"Who is i—"
"Me."
Pyo Yeojeong burst into my workshop.