Chapter 34
Chapter 34
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: Agency Head Announcement
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“Excessive force, huh... You must have seen the footage from back then, right, reporter? In that case, let me ask you this. A massive black fireball literally melting the ground around it is flying straight at you—do you plan on just standing there and taking it calmly?”
“......”
“The mutant in question posed a severe threat. From what I looked into myself, the government tried repeatedly to subdue them, but they always slipped away, and there were casualties each time.”
“But...”
“I’m not done talking yet. And I heard the government had issued an order not just to subdue, but to kill that mutant. Can you subdue someone like that without killing them? If I hadn’t stepped in, innocent civilians could have died, or valuable national personnel sent to take them down might have been sacrificed.”
The reporter was struck dumb, like their mouth was glued shut.
Well, of course. Trying to provoke me without even solid sources meant they couldn’t mount a proper rebuttal.
I was basically speaking on behalf of the government. They knew the mutant was dangerous but had no idea just how dangerous.
“Seo-hyun said just now that your future actions will prove you’re not a threat to others. So, what actions do you plan to take to back that up?”
“Some of you sharp ones might have already caught on, but I just mentioned the government a bunch, didn’t I?”
“No way...”
“Yes. I’m set to become the head of a new agency the government is launching. The name isn’t finalized yet, but it’ll handle all mutant-related crimes going forward.”
A murmur rippled through the room. I could understand why people were so rattled.
A fresh-faced college student taking charge of a government agency?
It was a shocking appointment, to say the least.
Even I had jumped in surprise when they told me they were putting me in charge, so this level of commotion was inevitable.
I waited for the noise to die down, then gripped the mic again.
“A lot of you are probably shocked. Handing an entire agency to a current college student? That’s some next-level parachute appointment... something like that. But my main role will be limited to subduing mutants who commit crimes. Someone else will handle managing the agency. In other words, I’ll just be like the mascot. Yeah, it’s kinda funny calling myself a mascot... but that’s pretty much the position.”
The reporters all fell silent. They wanted to ask more, but my words had clearly hit them hard. Better to just speak freely, then.
“Even so, this probably won’t ease everyone’s worries. I’d feel the same. Who wouldn’t be anxious about a 50-meter dragon that breathes fire and wields lightning living as a college student right in the middle of Seoul? But... I hope you can trust me anyway. I have zero intention of harming anyone. I just want to live as a member of this society.”
“One last thing I’d like to ask.”
That was when An So-young spoke up.
“Go ahead.”
“People fear individuals with uncontrollable power. Nations do too. There will be endless suspicions following you, Seo-hyun. Do you think you can withstand them?”
“Uncontrollable power... Yeah, a lot of people probably see it that way. But as long as no one touches my family or those around me, I have no plans to use this power recklessly.”
“As long as no one touches your family or those close to you...? So, if...”
“Yes. If someone maliciously targets the people around me to control me... well, I won’t just sit back and watch. There are surely people out there planning to use me somehow. But... I hope you don’t make that foolish choice. Unless you want to see the world go up in flames.”
This was my own brand of threat. I’d work faithfully for the people.
I wouldn’t use this power for personal gain.
But if anyone with malicious intent approaches or harms those around me, I won’t stay quiet.
If I don’t issue a warning like this, plenty of people will think they can mess with me.
So, that’s as far as it goes.
“That last statement might actually make people more anxious.”
“I get it. But this isn’t something I can compromise on. You understand everyone has their core values, right? Mine is family. That won’t change. If someone tries to damage what I cherish most, I won’t hold back. I can do far more than you all imagine.”
The atmosphere in the press room plunged instantly.
I stared quietly at the reporters. Those who met my eyes flinched.
Maybe I didn’t need to say that last part.
But if I didn’t spell it out directly, some fools might try something stupid. This statement was meant to shut that down from the start.
“The mood’s gotten heavy, but as long as that doesn’t happen, I’ll be your friendly neighbor. Whether it’s a mutant causing trouble or some disaster strikes. Oh, this is directed at the government. I trust no one will gloss over a public statement like this.”
After that, I stepped down from the podium. The next one up was... the National Intelligence Service Director.
“I’m National Intelligence Service Director Park Ki-tae. There will be an official announcement soon regarding the agency Yoon Seo-hyun will oversee...”
Even the Director seemed a bit flustered by my words. Well, that’s on me to deal with.
* * *
[The Press Conference Was Epic]
From that old interview to this, there’s a real sense of principle in how they act.
No chaotic mutant vibes at all.
And they’re not coming off like a total pushover, which is nice.
Usually, people with that kind of power suck up to everyone, become the government’s dog, then snap and burn everything down—that cliché? At least we won’t see that here?
-Scared me at that part tho... Turning the world into a sea of fire? Sounded like a game character lol
-But it doesn’t feel impossible;; Like, nukes probably wouldn’t even work on them?
-From that leaked footage, they just absorbed that demon-type mutant’s attack. Nuke? Probably fine.
-How the hell did they get that power in just 3 months??
[Still Kinda Anxious, Not Gonna Lie]
That last bit felt unnecessary...
Could’ve just stuck to the positive image?
-If they only show the sunny side, 100% some asshole will try shit.
-Fr real, grab their family hostage and blackmail? With world-flipping power?
-If they threaten and push for conquest wars, who stops them? Govt heads burn before nukes fly. Smart statement imo.
-Eh, plenty would nitpick anyway lol.
[What a Crock of Shit lol Hero’s Here]
“Friendly neighbor” my ass lol
Gives off total hypocrite vibes, makes me wanna puke.
Got that good boy syndrome? Girls like that always got skeletons lol
-Did they punch you or something?
-Lmao knew there’d be haters. Skeletons? So what? Why would they even bother with shady crap?
-Fr lol why bother with the hassle? One breath and everyone crawls.
People’s reactions were all over the place.
The optimistic ones.
The anxious ones.
The ones calling me a hypocrite.
All understandable.
That’s why I said it that way.
Still, as long as no one touches the people around me, their fears won’t come true.
“The press conference went off without a hitch.”
“You sure it’s okay? The Director didn’t look thrilled earlier.”
“Haha, just caught off guard. Honestly, good thing Seo-hyun came out strong. The higher-ups will get the message... They’ll probably go all-in protecting your contacts now. Though I planned to anyway... this lets us assign top-tier personnel.”
“Top-tier?”
“Yeah. We’re planning to station mutants friendly to us around you.”
“Oh... More than just Sia?”
“They’re good people. I’ll introduce you soon.”
“What kind?”
“One’s a vampire-type mutant, the other a fairy-type mutant. Both are great folks—you’ll like them. I asked if they’d join the agency full-time, and they agreed.”
“Vampire...? That’s safe, right?”
“From what I know, the only mutant kinder than her is you, Seo-hyun.”
“Wow, that’s unexpected. Don’t they have blood cravings?”
“We supply blood packs regularly. She’s content with that and has helped us out a lot. Probably can introduce her tomorrow.”
“And the other?”
“Oh, she’s a literal fairy. Not quite like an elf, but perfect for guarding your family. Unique abilities.”
“Ah...”
“Here’s hoping we get along. Agency Head.”
“Ahaha... Aren’t I just a figurehead?”
“Figurehead? No one but you can subdue mutants that easily. Just your presence deters the bad ones... No need to downplay it.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Leave the small stuff to us. And your compensation for operations will mostly come from reallocating existing budgets.”
“Didn’t expect to live off taxes. But tax money probably isn’t huge, right?”
“It will be. Higher-ups waste plenty on taxes anyway. Pulling some your way? No one’ll object.”
“...Sounds kinda illegal.”
“It was just padding useless people’s pockets. Blind money to weird citizen groups or corrupt politicians. Redirecting it to you, who serves the nation. Plus, you save massive taxes, so few complaints.”
“Uh... okay?”
“Yeah. Think of the costs saved subduing mutants. Like that special forces op for the demon-type before.”
“Ah...”
“And property damage from captures... Your existence alone saves a fortune. Don’t sweat it.”
“I’ve noticed this before, but you really distrust the higher-ups.”
“Seen too much filth... That’s why working with someone like you is a godsend. Less work too.”
“Ah... Well, looking forward to it, then.”
“Haha, same here.”
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