Chapter 84
Chapter 84.
Beijing, China, Ministry of State Security conference room.
Deputy Minister Wang Swei of the Ministry of State Security wore a grave expression upon hearing the news that flew in from Korea.
'To think Director Jin would fail...'
An agent who had never failed even once.
Director Jin, famous by the codename 'Scar'.
Since she joined the Ministry of State Security, her achievements had been so outstanding.
Despite being a young woman, hadn't she received an exceptionally rapid promotion all the way to the director position?
This time too, when she expressed confidence and said she would carry out the operation alone with Bureau 1014.
'I naturally thought she would drag the Heavenly Demon over here.'
Compared to the missions Director Jin had handled so far.
Something like 'Lee Ganghan kidnapping' was an easy task.
But then.
'To think he could use Player abilities in reality...'
This was a variable they had never even considered.
Until now, countless Players had awakened and leveled up, but.
Whether Diamond or Iron, in reality they were just ordinary people.
Moreover,
"...What do you all think about the video?"
Deputy Minister Wang Swei slowly looked around the conference room.
As the 2nd-ranking official in the Ministry of State Security who oversaw practical affairs.
The staff he had gathered in the conference room were the core working-level personnel of the Ministry of State Security.
Talents who had mastered collecting and utilizing information from all over the world.
However, even for such people.
The content in the video was something they had never seen before.
"To be able to use Player abilities in reality, and even utilize such a space..."
"We've never heard of such a case."
Trapped in a place called 'Ten Thousand Demon Battle' where summons reside.
Bureau 1014 agents living like slaves under the designation 'Lowest Grade Disciples'.
Moreover, Director Jin of Bureau 1014.
Being subjected to 'Bone-Splitting Muscle-Tearing Torture' and twisted into a horrific form.
Each and every detail came as a shock to them.
"Who would have thought the Heavenly Demon possessed such abilities. It's regrettable. We should have just listened to Director Jin's story back then and invested 1 billion yuan."
"...At that time, it was too much money to spend on a single Player."
"Right, it was a reasonable decision at the time... Sigh. I suppose kidnapping the Heavenly Demon is now impossible?"
"Yes. Now the Korean government will also strengthen security."
With Lee Ganghan having single-handedly subdued 21 agents.
If bodyguards were added on top of that, kidnapping him would be difficult.
Wang Swei abandoned his lingering attachment to Lee Ganghan's kidnapping and.
Decided to prepare response measures for Korea's protest.
"How should we handle Korea's protest?"
"We should say this was merely an aberrant act by the Bureau 1014 director. The content in the video can be dismissed as false confession under torture."
Though some agents in the video confessed that they proceeded after reporting to superiors.
That was something the Ministry of State Security could easily deny.
"Right. Unofficially express regret to the Korean side, but clearly inform them that this incident was Director Jin's personal aberrant act and has absolutely nothing to do with the Ministry of State Security or the Party."
"Understood."
"And inquire whether those people trapped in that Ten Thousand Demon Battle can be repatriated to their home country."
"You mean them?"
"Yes. If not all of them, then at least Director Jin."
Although this mission had failed.
Compared to other agents who immediately answered when threatened with torture.
Director Jin's keeping her mouth shut to the very end.
Was truly trustworthy.
"Understood. However, emotions are probably running high right now, so it would be better to pursue this after some time has passed."
"Hmm. Right. It would be better to do that for now."
Just as China was finalizing their position on this kidnapping attempt.
That 'it was Director Jin's personal aberration. The Ministry of State Security knew nothing about it.'
And was about to express regret to the Korean government through unofficial channels.
"What? Strong Lee almost got kidnapped to China?"
At the White House residence in Washington, USA.
President Alfred was hearing an urgent report from the CIA.
"That's correct. However, thanks to Player Lee Ganghan's appropriate response, he instead captured all the Chinese agents."
"Hah! Even if he's a Player, isn't he still an ordinary person? How could he escape from agents' grasp?"
"According to intelligence, Player Lee Ganghan can partially use Player abilities even in reality."
"What did you say?"
President Alfred's eyes widened greatly.
To be able to use Player abilities.
"Then he's no different from a superhuman!"
"Yes. He reportedly counter-subdued 21 armed agents."
"To be unaffected even by guns... It's regrettable, so regrettable. Strong Lee should have come to America!"
Lee Ganghan, whose differences from other Players were starkly apparent.
President Alfred had shown interest in him several times and pursued recruitment, but.
His agent's side had conveyed that Lee Ganghan himself hoped to remain in Korea for now.
So he swallowed his disappointment and was just listening to news about Lee Ganghan.
Who would have thought such an incident would occur?
"But why wasn't this incident made public?"
"For now, the Korean government seems to be trying to resolve this matter through private contact with the Chinese side."
"Hmph! How can this be resolved that way? They'll just be mindful of China's feelings!"
Then.
Swish.
President Alfred picked up his phone.
"Mr. President? You're not going to...?"
When a staff member noticed the President's pose of touching the screen with both thumbs.
Resembling when he frantically posted messages on social media, and asked just in case.
Alfred raised his head sharply.
"This is an opportunity to inform the whole world of their atrocities! I will immediately send a message to the entire world!"
"B-but this is a matter between two countries. For us, especially for you Mr. President, to step forward directly..."
"A matter between two countries? Are we supposed to just watch incompetent Korea try to cover this up? We need to show Strong Lee who he should trust for his own sake!"
President Alfred, having declared thus.
Tap, tap, Tap, tap.
Despite his advanced age of 70s.
Began rapidly uploading to social media with swift finger movements.
[China attempted to kidnap Strong Lee through despicable schemes! Fortunately this attempt failed, but this is an unacceptable act of terrorism! China will pay the price for this!]
[Korea failed to properly protect Strong Lee! Far from protection, they're busy trying to cover up this fact! Disappointing! America is different! We can keep Strong Lee safe!]
[Strong Lee is the best Player! The best Player should be in the #1 country! Come to America! We guarantee the best treatment and ironclad safety! America always welcomes you!]
Three messages that went up instantly on Alfred's social media.
At a time when the world's attention was already focused on Lee Ganghan, who had destroyed 4 towers yesterday.
Alfred's messages became nuclear bombs.
Soon making headlines in the media worldwide.
***
[Breaking News - US President harshly criticizes 'China attempted to kidnap Heavenly Demon... act of terrorism!']
[Chinese state media criticizes 'US improperly interfering in Korean domestic affairs... attempting to slander China with false information']
[US President Alfred makes bombshell statement via social media... 'Lee Ganghan, come to America!']
[Government clarifies position 'No intention to cover up whatsoever... just happened to appear on social media while responding.']
President Alfred, who actively used social media.
As comments from the US President, his every word making the news was frequent, but.
There had never been news with such great ripple effects.
-What? Lee Ganghan kidnapped?
-Chinese agents attempted kidnapping yesterday? ㄷㄷ
-Huh? Then what about the tower thing; he destroyed 4 towers yesterday
-They say he caught the kidnappers and then went to the tower
-Whoa... crazy ㄷㄷ He still went to the tower in the midst of all that?
When watching last night.
Lee Ganghan had shown a relaxed demeanor throughout the game.
But it turns out he had entered after preventing a kidnapping attempt.
-But he's already destroyed 7 towers... He stopped the Tower of Light for 2 months too... They've benefited plenty, so why suddenly attempt kidnapping? ㅠㅠ
-There are rumors they used live ammunition? Because tranquilizer guns didn't work ㄷㄷ
-Crazy bastards ㅡㅡ If Lee Ganghan had been injured yesterday, he couldn't have achieved the 4-tower feat
-Can't we just exclude China from achievement benefits...?
With public support for Lee Ganghan already heightened due to yesterday's achievement.
When the kidnapping incident broke, public opinion quickly turned ugly.
Meanwhile, in front of Lee Ganghan's house.
"Mr. Lee Ganghan! Is the kidnapping attempt true!"
"Is it really the Chinese government's doing?"
"What do you think about President Alfred's proposal?!"
Reporters from various media outlets had swarmed.
Holding cameras and bombarding him with questions.
"You cannot enter."
"Please maintain order!"
Security guards dispatched from the Presidential Office stood at the door blocking them, but.
"Just for a moment! Please grant us an interview!"
"The people have a right to know!"
The reporters also refused to back down, creating a tense standoff.
"It's complete chaos outside."
"Sigh. It's all President Alfred's fault."
Shin Yuri, entering Lee Ganghan's house for the first time.
Sighed while looking at the chaotic situation outside.
"I heard President Alfred was addicted to social media, but I didn't expect him to post so immediately, and at 11 PM at that."
"11 PM? Ah. That was the time in Washington."
"Yes. That's when he posted on social media."
Does that gentleman never sleep?
Lee Ganghan clicked his tongue at President Alfred's vigorous activity, then suddenly felt curious.
"But how did the US find out?"
"Well... Maybe there was a leak from the Presidential Office? That probability seems higher than the Chinese intelligence service."
"True."
"But are you thinking of going to America? The US side keeps contacting us."
At Shin Yuri's question, Lee Ganghan shook his head.
"Well. I don't particularly plan to go yet. The time when I needed big money has passed, and my own country is comfortable."
"I see... Then Heavenly Demon, as I mentioned yesterday, how about moving?"
After confirming Lee Ganghan's intention not to emigrate.
Shin Yuri suggested moving.
"Moving... Is it because of security?"
"Yes. Plus, since people all know this house's address, it seems like it'll be very inconvenient for your future activities."
Looking at the reporters swarming now.
It seemed this house's address had already been shared around.
"There's a residential area in Hannam-dong where Diamond Players live. Since the government provides security there, if you move there you'll be safe. Reporters and people won't come and go troublesomely either."
"Hannam-dong residential area... Are there vacant houses available right now?"
"You don't need to worry about that. There are many empty houses because so many Diamond Players went abroad. The government said they'd lease it to you for free too."
Until recently, when Player treatment was poor in Korea.
Many emigrated in droves, and the aftermath reached here too.
Actually, since the 'Arena Promising Player Bracelet' also blocked bullets, the need for security had somewhat decreased, but.
'Still, it would be tiresome if yesterday's kind of incident happens again.'
Rather than experiencing being suddenly attacked while at home again.
It seemed better to stay in a safe place.
'I still haven't found the reason why the First Tower portal reopened while looking for my passport.'
Well, it's not like living abroad.
If he found some clue, he could go back and forth to the Yongin house.
Lee Ganghan also firmed his decision to move.
"Understood. Let's move."
"Good decision! Then I'll set it up and proceed with the move within a few days. I'll prepare all the furniture and such, so please just pack the essential luggage."
"I'll do that."
"Then I'll look for the best house!"
After Shin Yuri said that and went outside.
Brrrr...
Soon after, his phone vibrated.
Kim Juyeong: Hey, are you okay?
Kim Juyeong: I stayed up all night yesterday since it was Friday and just saw the news... what kind of chaos is this;
-Ah. I'm fine. Perfectly fine.
Kim Juyeong, who belatedly encountered the news and sent a message asking if he was okay.
After chatting with him briefly.
Kim Juyeong: Hey, want to have a drink today? I have some things I want to talk about too...
Kim Juyeong suddenly sent a message saying he had something to discuss.