Potion War 3
Alfredo couldn't make sense of the situation at all. Why on earth was the chief of the Republic of Korea's Hunter Management Bureau reaching out to him on a personal direct line, bypassing official channels entirely?
"Hello. But why contact me on this private number? There's an official line for that."
Alfredo, already in a foul mood, responded curtly upon hearing it was the chief of Korea's Hunter Management Bureau.
Korea ranked decently among Hunter Association member nations—top 20 at worst, top 10 if you were generous. But sandwiched between China and the US, it was just a nation walking a tightrope. That's why he answered without hiding his irritation.
Yet his interlocutor remained impeccably polite.
-I've heard about it. Your agenda got shot down again. We were on your side this time. I was really hoping it'd make it to a vote. Such a shame.
What the hell? Alfredo racked his brain. During the meeting earlier, Korea's ambassador hadn't opposed him at all. In fact, they'd backed his position. In a close vote, support from a top-10 nation was a game-changer. His mind sharpened instantly.
Brightening, Alfredo continued, "Oh dear, I was rude just now. With all that hard work going to waste, I guess my frustration slipped out. My apologies."
-No need to apologize. I get where you're coming from. Even I'd trash my office if my proposals got ignored.
Lee Musin's empathy, rather than offense, at Alfredo's grumpiness lifted his spirits right away.
"Hahaha! Thank you. So, Chief Lee Musin, what brings you to call me? Do you have a good plan for this agenda item?"
-Not just getting it passed—this could be crucial for your future as president too.
No ordinary person could hold the World Hunter Association presidency, even if elected by fishing in troubled waters. It demanded real ability, and Lee Musin's words carried the sweet scent of opportunity.
"Chief, can I call you back on this line shortly?"
-Of course. I'll be waiting.
Alfredo hung up, a grin spreading across his face. Lee Musin's words had triggered the same instinct he'd felt before his election. This was no ordinary matter.
"Nice. Whatever it is, it feels good."
He pressed the intercom. "Kaylin, come in for a moment."
Kaylin entered promptly, and Alfredo issued orders. "Kaylin, compile everything on current issues in Korea right away. Keep it from the other secretaries—top secret."
"Yes, President."
Kaylin was someone he'd trusted since his Belgium days—the most reliable person in the Association.
After delegating, Alfredo investigated Korea himself. It didn't take long to confirm.
"The miracle potion… that's it. Wait, how did I miss this?"
No need to dig deep—a search for Korea pulled up "miracle potion" in related searches immediately.
Then he recalled Kaylin's recent report.
"Ah…!"
A low exclamation escaped as he pulled up the report. Detailed info on the miracle potion was right there.
"Damn! I sidelined this bombshell for agenda drafting. Or maybe that's why they called now."
Alfredo had pinpointed Lee Musin's reason. And it smelled irresistibly sweet, intoxicating his senses.
"Let's hear just how sweet those words are."
He activated security magic in his office, then dialed Lee Musin on his secret third phone.
"Yes, Alfredo speaking."
"Mr. President. The Association president took the bait—thrashing about, begging to trust him alone."
Lee Musin reported to the president immediately after hanging up with Alfredo.
The president, hearing the update, felt a wave of relief wash away his recent stresses, sighing deeply.
"Phew, what a relief. Good work, Chief Lee."
"It's not over yet. Now the real game begins. We need to sync perfectly to dodge US and Chinese arrows."
Knowing the critical phase ahead, Lee Musin stayed tense.
"Don't worry. I'm the world's best at playing the victim. Getting squeezed left and right has made it second nature. Hahaha."
The president's face lit up with amusement already.
"And this wasn't my doing—no, I did nothing. The NPC found the method and supplied extra potions. So, I need full authority. The NPC isn't some hack with skills. If rewards for the new potions fall short, they could turn on us anytime."
Lee Musin spoke to the president with unprecedented gravity.
In his view, Kim Suho was no pushover. To secure him, Korea couldn't match other nations' offers but must show maximum sincerity.
Thankfully, the president agreed.
"Absolutely. Full authority it is. It's all yours, Chief."
"Thank you, Mr. President."
"What the hell? Sudden emergency meeting? We just finished one. Heard anything, Van?"
France's ambassador, Thibault Pokne, grumbled to Belgium's Van Acker.
"Beats me. We've been together since. What would I know?"
Van shook his head, clueless too.
Not just them—ambassadors from other nations wore clear displeasure.
After a wait filled with grumbles, Alfredo entered the packed room.
"Sorry for the delay. Let's proceed."
Sharp glares pierced him, but Alfredo ignored them, diving in.
"This emergency session addresses a nation violating Hunter Law principles. We'll hold them accountable and seize the item for the Hunter Association."
Murmurs erupted.
"Hunter Law principles? What's that? You know it all by heart?"
Before they relaxed, Alfredo pressed on, commanding attention.
"Hunter Law Principle: Items vital to humanity's safety or deemed hazardous belong to the World Hunter Association, not the discovering nation."
Some ambassadors looked baffled.
"What? Something turned up? Van, seriously nothing?"
"I told you, we've been together post-meeting."
As the French and Belgian ambassadors chatted, Alfredo continued.
"Principle Article 1: For valuables, the nation takes 2/3, Association 1/3—usable with president's approval."
US Ambassador Jim Raymi and Chinese Ambassador Wang Tianzhong's faces hardened instantly.
"N-No way?"
"Nah, that's personal property."
The room buzzed, drowning them out. But one person savored their stiffening expressions with wicked delight.
Kukuku. Bet you didn't see this coming, you bastards. Time to pay for screwing me over. And repay that kind Korean friend for the gift.
"First, Korea's ambassador, step forward."
Others caught on. A few still puzzled, but no explanations came.
Korea Ambassador Kim Younggwang stepped up, reveling in the moment more than ever. He felt like dancing.
Lee Musin's call earlier had thrilled him. Especially seeing the US and Chinese faces twist—he wanted to cheer.
With Kim Younggwang forward, Alfredo and he launched their show.
"Does Korea's ambassador accept Truth Magic?"
"Yes."
"Apply Truth Magic to Ambassador Kim Younggwang."
"Truth Magic applied."
A waiting mage cast it on Kim Younggwang.
"Is your name Kim Younggwang?"
"Yes."
No change.
"Is your name Lee Younggwang?"
"No."
Red aura flared, confirming the magic worked for all to see.
With verification done, Alfredo fired real questions.
"Do you know about the miracle potion?"
"Yes."
The room exploded like a marketplace.
"That potion under principles?"
"Personal item, right?"
"Wait—could benefit us too."
"Must include it."
Bang. Bang. Bang. Alfredo slammed the gavel, drawing eyes.
"Disrupters will be ejected and lose voting rights."
Silence fell. Alfredo smiled, satisfied, and proceeded.
"You know its effects?"
"Yes."
"Why not report it to the Association?"
"It's a private creation. Why report a personal item?"
Kim Younggwang's natural indignation—honed by presidential-level grievances—shone through, untainted by the magic since it was truth.
"Then: Considering its power, can it be mere personal property?"
"Still, it's a private potion. Why principles? No precedents for other production hunters."
"If hunter-only, maybe. But this cures cancer 100%. Nobel-worthy ten times over. First safe mana potion for civilians too. Shouldn't it qualify?"
"Still personal—"
"Enough. How long will you abandon global patients with that excuse? Ignore foreign sufferers for Korean benefit only? Other ambassadors?"
The room ignited.
"Agreed! Qualifies fully."
"Hand over 1/3 now."
All echoed Alfredo—everyone knew the potion, the domestic struggles, the US-China monopoly rage.
Now, Association seizure meant chances for them. They backed him fervently.
Only two dissented—US and China.
"Since when does the Association seize personal hunter items? Absurd."
"US sides with Korea: barbaric, outdated. Should never happen."
No takers.
"Vote now. Approve miracle potion under Hunter Law Article 7.1: yes or no."
Results flashed on the screen behind Alfredo.
Approve: 194
Oppose: 2
Abstain: 22
Twenty absentees, plus proposer Alfredo and subject Kim Younggwang ineligible.
Only US and China opposed.
"Miracle potion declared under principles. Meeting adjourned."
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Alfredo ended it swiftly. Others pondered gifts for him.
Only two screamed for cancellation.
"No! Association's never been this one-sided. Didn't hear Korea out. Invalid!"
"China doesn't operate like this. What is this, communism? Modern world doesn't—absurd!"
Next episode continues...