Chapter 36
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 36
Chapter Title: Recruitment (1)
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Choi Jihoon watched Kang Seoyul, who was reading the report with a grave expression.
His face was twisted in disgust.
Well, the photos are enough to make anyone feel a visceral sense of disgust.
And that wasn't all.
For Kang Seoyul, the pictures in that report must be trauma itself.
An expression like that was only natural.
...Where did you find this?
A cold voice escaped Kang Seoyuls lips.
Normally, information about this experiment shouldn't have been leaked yet.
The Seekers of Truth had used nearly a thousand children as test subjects in the heart of Seoul for over a decade.
The government, unable to reveal this to the public, had concealed the fact perfectly.
It was hidden so well that even Shin Jia and Yuhwa from the original story couldn't get a clue until the mid-point.
How could Choi Jihoon have obtained such top-secret information?
That was the biggest question.
Secretary Jang told me.
Secretary Jang? The man who showed me in earlier?
Yes.
...The Soosung Group also had a hand in covering up the incident. I understand.
Kang Seoyul accepted it.
Secretary Jang must have been one of the very few who knew the truth of the incident.
He probably couldn't help but release the information about the Sunshine Orphanage due to Choi Jihoon's persistence.
Is this a butterfly effect caused by Choi Jihoons extreme, unnecessary suspicion of me?
Seriously, hes relentless.
Kang Seoyul tossed the report roughly onto the table.
Youre right. Im the sole survivor of the Sunshine Orphanages biological experiments.
The Sunshine Orphanage.
The place where Kang Seoyul was presumed to have been born, and where he lived until he was fourteen.
From the outside, it might have looked like an ordinary orphanage, but in reality, it was a site for inhumane human experimentation.
A den of scum run by the Seekers of Truth.
No need to tell you what kind of experiments they did, right?
Kang Seoyul said mockingly, tapping the table.
Its all written here.
...
Choi Jihoon nodded silently.
The experiments conducted at the Sunshine Orphanage were broadly divided into two types.
The first was a gene-fusion experiment between different species and humans.
The second was the System Transcendence Project.
A project carried out alongside the bullshit idea of overturning the world's foundation, the Status Window.
I have a question.
Go ahead.
Your excessively low stats, disproportionate to your skills... is that a side effect of the experiments?
Kang Seoyul sighed.
Thats right. I was a test subject for the System Transcendence Project.
In the novel [S-Rank Status Window], the protagonist is initially described as the only being in the world without a Status Window.
The reason for that is precisely the biological experiments that took place at the Sunshine Orphanage.
As a side effect of those experiments, the original protagonist had no Status Window at the start of the novel.
The story of [S-Rank Status Window]'s very early stages covers his journey up to opening the superior S-Rank Status Window, influenced by Piale Allos trait.
Though that has nothing to do with the current Kang Seoyul.
...I see.
Choi Jihoon nodded, his expression bitter.
In Choi Jihoon's mind, Kang Seoyul had been the very definition of suspicious.
From their first meeting to the recent Demon's Second Coming incident.
Everything was suspect.
His worry and jealousy over Ha Siyeon were also among the reasons that amplified his suspicion.
But now, all his questions were answered.
The mismatch between his skills and stats is a side effect.
Other things he had found strange were naturally resolved when connected to his past.
The demon being resealed was probably just as Kang Seoyul saidit resealed itself and disappeared.
...Im truly sorry.
Once he learned the whole truth, the dark emotions of suspicion and jealousy in Choi Jihoons heart naturally vanished.
Only the guilt of having dug up someone elses trauma remained.
Whats with you? This isn't like the bastard Choi Jihoon I know.
Kang Seoyul let out a short laugh.
Choi Jihoon is a detestable bastard.
But hes not trash.
Should I say hes a bastard with principles, with his own code of conduct?
Its fine. Whats done is done. Just keep it a secret.
Of course.
Kang Seoyul stretched his limbs, his expression much more relaxed.
Anyway, the misunderstanding is all cleared up, right?
Yes.
Kang Seoyul wasnt a villain, but merely a victim of villains.
And youre not planning to retaliate for losing in the ranking match?
...Im not that petty.
Kang Seoyul chuckled.
Then were good. Knowing your personality, its not like youd go around blabbing my secret.
Kang Seoyul grinned playfully.
Ill just be content with not being hated by the heir of the Soosung Group.
Choi Jihoon made a sour face.
Whats with that look? Why? Feeling uneasy again because you were forgiven so easily?
...I won't deny it.
A glint appeared in Kang Seoyul's eyes.
This is the perfect chance!
If youre so sorry, then do me a favor.
Name it.
Likewise, a glint appeared in Choi Jihoon's eyes.
It was a chance to shake off his uneasy feeling.
By any chance, can you get me an Ancient Relic?
An Ancient Relic? What do you plan to do with that expensive antique?
Don't ask why. Just whether you can get one or not.
Choi Jihoon's mind spun like a top.
Ancient Relics are the armaments of other species.
There was definitely a species fusion experiment among those conducted at the Sunshine Orphanage.
Does that mean there's still a secret he doesn't know?
Curiosity reared its head again. But Choi Jihoon forced it down.
He had already forcibly dug into someone elses trauma; it felt wrong to ask anything more here.
I can get one.
Wow. Chaebols really are different. So cool. An Ancient Relic can't be cheap.
Of course.
Kang Seoyul let out a sound of admiration.
How many can you get?
It depends on how I acquire it.
How you acquire it?
Kang Seoyul tilted his head.
If I use the Soosung Groups name to acquire it officially, I can get you up to 12 billion worth.
...12 billion?
Kang Seoyul was stunned.
Isn't that too large a sum for making up for a misunderstanding?
Thats the amount I can move immediately from my personal companys funds. If I push it, I can somehow arrange up to 20 billion.
...You really live in a different world.
Kang Seoyul's eyes began to sparkle.
But from your perspective, youd probably want to avoid acquiring an Ancient Relic officially. Am I wrong?
Thats true.
If he were to purchase an Ancient Relic under the company's name, a record would naturally be left that it was given to Kang Seoyul.
This was not what Kang Seoyul wanted.
Then well have to use the black market.
You mean the Under Route?
Yes.
The Under Route is an underworld sales system that caters to superhumans.
Its known that you can get anything there, as long as you have the money.
How much can you spend using the Under Route?
About 2 billion is the limit.
...Thats more than enough.
Considering the prices on the Under Route, I think that will be enough for just one.
One is better than none. Can I ask you to do it, then?
Kang Seoyul cheered inwardly.
Does the type not matter?
There are various types of Ancient Relics.
Hmm. Well, a relic of the dragon race would be best. But thatd be difficult, right?
Relics of the dragon race are rare.
There are few of them to begin with, and the superpower that is the United States and an eccentric known as the 'Collector' have bought them all up, so there aren't many left on the market.
Ill try, but dont get your hopes up. Any other desired relics?
Second choice would be spirit or fairy. If not, then elf or... maybe a succubus?
Hm. Understood.
* * *
Weve arrived.
Ah, thank you for going through the trouble for me so late at night.
The current time was 12:30 AM, past midnight.
The driver had gone home long ago, so Choi Jihoon's personal secretary, the one called Secretary Jang, drove me home. His name was Jang Hyeokjae, if I remember correctly.
I apologize.
Suddenly, Secretary Jang bowed his head to me.
It must be an apology for revealing my past without permission.
Its alright.
The sight of a man in his sixties bowing to me was not a pleasant one.
Knowing that guy Choi Jihoon's personality, he would have kept suspecting me if you hadn't told him the truth. And in the end, it all worked out well.
I was incredibly flustered when he first showed me the report on the Sunshine Orphanage, but in the end, nothing bad came of it.
My relationship with Choi Jihoon, who has the immense power of the Soosung Group behind him, has improved.
I also managed to get an Ancient Relic.
And I've placed a debt on Choi Jihoon's conscience, so you could say I killed three birds with one stone.
Thank you.
Secretary Jangs warm wrinkles curved into a generous smile. At the same time, he offered me his business card.
If there is ever anything you need my help with, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I stand corrected.
It wasn't three birds with one stone, but four.
Thank you.
This man, Secretary Jang, is a key figure in the Soosung Group who used to assist the current chairman, Choi Jihoon's father.
I had gained an opportunity to receive help from such a person.
It even occurred to me that this business card might be the biggest reward I gained today.
Ah, one more thing. It would be best to take the young master's final words to heart.
My expression soured.
...You want me to take that bullshit to heart?
Choi Jihoons final words were:
Let me give you one last warning. Siyeon is mine. Stay away from her.
I never thought Id actually hear a line like that in real life.
My hands and feet were curling up from the cringe. Ugh, its cringey just thinking about it now.
Ive had my eye on Lady Siyeon as my daughter-in-law for the past ten years.
A murderous light gleamed in Secretary Jangs eyes.
...Ah, yes.
The secretary and his master are exactly alike.
A match made in heaven, truly.
Im not really thinking about dating in the first place.
Dating is a luxury I can't afford right now.
Where would I find the time for that?
Well then, I shall be on my way. Have a good night.
With those words, Secretary Jang disappeared in his limousine.
Ugh. Im exhausted.
Maybe its because I used my brain too hard. My head feels strangely fuzzy.
I trudged into the house.
According to my original plan, I should have figured out how to use the Whisper of the Fire Spirit and how to entice the Collector today. But my plans got all twisted.
...I don't know.
For now, Im just too tired today.
Ill think about it tomorrow.
Creeak
I unlocked the automatic lock and opened the door.
It was then that goosebumps broke out all over my body.
It seems you tend to return home quite late.
!
A low voice echoed from the darkness.
I immediately reached for my waist. But I hadnt brought my gear today. Other than the [Mastery of Arms] hanging around my neck, I had no equipment.
Thanks to you, Ive been waiting for three hours.
Perhaps because my eyes had adjusted to the dark, I could see the silhouette of an intruder perched on my bed.
He was about 180 centimeters tall.
A man with a nimble appearance.
The final witness of the Demons Second Coming incident, Kang Seoyul. Correct?
It was a rather pleasant, clear voice, but it was filled with thick killing intent. I didn't know why, but this man intended to kill me.
I also have information that you were at the scene of the doppelgngers arrest.
I slowly began to move my feet. Fortunately, I had left my equipment carrier near the entrance. If I could just get the Whisper of the Fire Spirit out of there...!
But I couldn't achieve my goal.
When someone is talking, shouldnt you at least pretend to listen?
Kuh!
As if he'd moved in an instant, the man was blocking my path.
Whether intentional or not, he had completely cut off the path to my equipment carrier.
The option of running back out the front door existed, but judging by the man's speed just now, escape was impossible.
In that case, there was only one option left.
...What is your purpose?
First, buy time with conversation.
It seems youre in the mood to talk. Good.
Had clouds been blocking the moonlight? A soft moonbeam now illuminated the man.
A long black coat and black sunglasses.
Beyond that, the man was dressed entirely in black.
First, allow me to introduce myself.
The man smiled gently.
I am called Hermit. It is not by my own choice, but I have taken refuge in an organization called the Seekers of Truth.
...Hermit?
In that instant, lightning struck my mind.
I didn't know why the Seekers of Truth had appeared here now.
But if my opponent was the recluse, Hermit, there was a way to escape this crisis!
I quickly hid my alarm.
And smiled arrogantly.
Yes. What is it?
Hermit possessed a trait called Search Eye, which allowed him to view Status Windows.
Hmm. Youre suddenly so composed...
Suddenly, Hermit's expression stiffened.
...This is?
Just as I thought! My prediction was correct.
I asked what you want.
I twisted my lips into an even more arrogant smirk.
Even with Search Eye, its impossible to see a Status Window that was never there to begin with.
His trait doesn't work on me.
The fact that it didn't work was crucial. This was my only way out.
...
A cold sweat trickled down Hermit's jawline. He must be flustered.
Until now, there had only been one opponent against whom his Search Eye had failed.
The boss of the Seekers of Truth, Unknown, against whom the trait itself was ineffective due to an overwhelming difference in power.
But now, a second person had appeared on whom Search Eye did not work.
So what would Hermit think?
In short, it was this.
Dont make me say it a third time, intruder.
Right now, I...
I asked why you came here.
...had become an existence on par with that personification of terror, Unknown.