Chapter 8. The Conference (5)
“……”
Han Tae-gang fell silent for a moment, staring at Lee Dojin. He'd considered the possibility of refusal. He'd even braced for a non-committal response like he'd need time to deliberate. Leaving aside his relationship with Lee Dojin, the matter was far too weighty for an on-the-spot decision. He'd prepared follow-up proposals for just such an outcome.
But he hadn't anticipated a refusal this firm, without a shred of hesitation.
“Ahem……”
“Er, hmm……”
Han Tae-gang wasn't the only one taken aback. Those gathered around Lee Dojin let out collective groans of surprise. When weighing all factors, it was clear that Eternal Guild held the clear advantage. No one had expected a flat-out rejection.
Assuming Eternal Guild was out, they turned expectant eyes toward the conversation, each believing their own group might be next in line. Only Professor Seo Sang-wook watched with a calm expression.
Have those two already reached an agreement……?
Guessing as much inwardly, Han Tae-gang spoke gravely.
“May I hear your reasons? We're prepared to meet you and Professor Seo's conditions as closely as possible. Given the rarity of this research, the company won't hold back on support. Hearing you out costs nothing.”
But Lee Dojin replied forcefully.
“No, no conditions matter to us.”
“……Hm?”
A different kind of bewilderment rippled through the room, distinct from before. It wasn't mere discomfort with Han Tae-gang or reluctance to collaborate with Eternal Guild. Lee Dojin and Seo Sang-wook exchanged a brief glance, and Lee Dojin declared to everyone present.
“We won't impose any restrictions on the use of the defense construct. Not just for individual Awakeners, but in armor, security facilities, books, research—every field.”
“What……?”
Even Han Tae-gang's eyes widened at that. In other words, use it freely. They were forgoing astronomical profits, committing solely to widespread dissemination of their creation.
Seo Sang-wook added, “We'll hold the patents to prevent excessive profiteering, where oversight is needed. But all revenue will be reinvested into dissemination and further research. I live alone, so more money means nothing to me. Professor Lee Dojin here feels the same.”
Someone listening quietly ventured cautiously, “Commendable as that is, couldn't a major corporation still handle the scale?”
“At the cost of much slower rollout. Two or three times longer, or more. That's not what we want.”
Lee Dojin's firm response silenced the room. The ensuing discussion diverged sharply from the prior competition to crown a winner. Now, it was a courtship to secure the closest position to Lee Dojin and Seo Sang-wook's future blueprint.
The gathering stretched well past eight in the evening before concluding. The research's public release. The ripples it would cause. Dissemination via the Awakener Association as mediator, as swiftly as possible. Talks with foreign governments and guilds would be necessary, and headaches inevitable……
But with Lee Dojin and Seo Sang-wook's resolve firm, things were unlikely to go awry.
Having secured a verbal promise of a central role in domestic rollout, Han Tae-gang quietly observed Lee Dojin. Noticing the gaze, he dipped his head slightly, as if apologetic for the abrupt refusal. Business concluded.
Han Tae-gang replied curtly. “I'll contact you next time there's business.”
“Yes, take care…… Uncle.”
The last word wasn't “President” but “Uncle”—a title he'd disliked for years. Unable to rebuke or respond warmly, Han Tae-gang left without a word.
Then his phone rang. Caller: Han Se-ra. His daughter, whom he hadn't seen once this year.
“Up early.”
<Just now.>
New York, where his daughter lived, was early morning by Han Tae-gang's reckoning. Her voice was clear, devoid of sleep.
<Conference over? Call back if you're busy.>
“Wondered why you'd call at this hour.”
A faint laugh came from the receiver.
<Killing two birds. Asked Dojin to look out for you—curious if it went well.>
“Se-ra, you…… knew ahead?”
Her laughter deepened.
<Sounds like the research impressed. Sounds good.>
More than good. Han Tae-gang swallowed those words. He couldn't yet fathom how to describe today's scenes to his daughter.
More pressing: what, how had she guessed?
Her answer far exceeded his imaginings.
<No real basis. Just, Dojin doing something after ten years. Can't be mundane. That's all.>
“……”
Just. Believed like truth, no evidence needed. Han Tae-gang had no reply. Couldn't chide her lingering hopes, nor praise her insight.
He shifted topics—to something crucial, tied to their exchange.
“When you return, I'll summon him. We'll decide then.”
<……Yes.>
“Busy morning ahead. Hang up. Father will call again.”
As the heavy mood signaled the end, Han Se-ra suddenly spoke.
<Oh, Dad.>
“Speak.”
A slightly embarrassed tone, uncharacteristically hesitant.
<That thing before. Won't dye or wear lenses on purpose. Inherited from Mom, born this way…… Changing it would be weirder, right?>
Unlike her prior easy agreement, this stance carried faint doubt. Still, Han Tae-gang didn't oppose.
“If you want, so be it. No major issue.”
<Thanks.>
They exchanged well-wishes, then hung up. Sighing as he boarded his car on the dark road, Han Tae-gang pondered.
June. Han Se-ra's graduate school graduation and return. He'd awaited that day……
Yet tonight, his heart was unsettled.
Nearing midnight. Standing in the middle of the street, I was in quite the predicament.
Professor Seo Sang-wook, flushed and drunk, was berating me.
“You really gonna do this?”
“Uh, um…… Professor. With respect, you're quite intoxicated.”
“Intoxicated? Best day of my life—'course I am. Krrgh— Seo Sang-wook here, devoted life to magic dynamics. Wife couldn't stand this madman, stamped divorce papers. No kids, just magic dynamics till forty-five…… Where else my joy today? Gotta get drunk. You too, Dojin. Right? Krrgh……”
“……”
I'd heard variations twelve times already. Fine for you, single and free to crash anywhere…… But not me. Cute bunny-like sister waiting at home for big bro.
Fortunately, I had the strength advantage. Steering him subtly to the roadside, I hailed a taxi.
“Eh? No more here, moving spots? Know a place—where was it—”
Shoving his rambling self into the back seat, I gave the driver his address—memorized earlier for this.
“Hm? Drinking at my place? Good ide—.”
“Driver, please.”
“No, Dojin. Why not get in? Hey, Dojin!”
Regardless, the taxi sped away. People surprise you. Didn't expect this much. He'd warned his drunk self was bad—foresight befitting a world-class scholar.
Arriving near home via substitute driver, I stocked up at the convenience store. Downing banana milk to shake off the booze, I opened the door……
“……”
Lee Sea, slumped on the sofa, looked up with sleep-heavy eyes.
“Why there. Go to bed.”
“……Will.”
Wrapped in blanket, she staggered ghost-like to her room. That wrapped up today's tasks.
……Save one.
After showering and lying down, day changed. Finally, I manifested mana into empty air.
Weeng, weeeng—
Two constructs appeared. One: the defense construct unveiled today. Other: shrouded in black.
In the pitch-dark room, I brought them close.
Pizzzt! Thunk—
Sparks flew with a dull thud. The innovative composite defense construct shattered instantly against the black one.
No one knew, and unless I revealed, none ever would: the sole spear piercing that sturdy shield.
Peeping Eye (Rank A)
Jeil High rift day—I was prepared then. Data irrelevant. Sleepless nights for one reason: hide this black construct contrasting the defense one.
Disseminate defense construct. Essential. Beyond C-rank to B, A, ultra-high magic. From new Awakeners to S-rank hunters—base all magic on my construct, wear imbued gear.
Hope never needed. But if forced to reveal before masses……
One spell would nullify all defenses.
Hours ago, post-presentation words resurfaced. Thesis opener: dedicated to Jeong Se-bin, Lee Si-hyeok—my parents.
Pure truth, no lies. All for them.
Even if undesired. I couldn't endure otherwise.
And, welcoming my resolve, a message appeared.
Delivering the final side quest of Kill the Evil Volume 1.
Clear Condition: By midnight April 18, slaughter ten Awakeners equivalent to A-rank within Seoul (within one hour from start).
Reward: One OX question (answer may be refused or vague based on importance).
This quest ends Volume 1, probably. Progress confirms nearing close.
Kill the Evil Volume 1, Academy's Genius Magic Swordsman, in progress.
Volume 1 Tags: [Academy] [Romance X] [Character Focus]
Progress: 83.7%
Delivering unique quest for Final Boss Lee Dojin.
Clear Condition: At Volume 1 end, without exposure as Phantom member, exceed protagonist ---'s attention in Academy 1.
Reward: Scaled by achievement.
Staring at the brutal hologram, I murmured low.
“……I can do it.”
Living for that.
April 10, Saturday, early dawn. A cleaner sweeping the park with a broom spotted something odd.
“Huh?”
Trash bin in park corner. A black plastic bag glowed faintly.
Unsettled yet curious, he approached, reached in, lifted it……
“Gahh!”
Screaming, he flung it. Thud.
Contents spilled: long-nailed, slender fingers—black as pitch, inhuman.