Chapter 66: Concentrated Interest
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 66: Concentrated Interest
Crunch!
As his hand swept over the tree, the bark of the giant trunk peeled away, leaving behind deep, jagged gouges.
On the mountainside, every time he swung his hands with fluid, bizarre motions, the surrounding trees seemed to groan under the assault.
Though he wasn't actively circulating internal power, the combination of his Strength stat—which exceeded 60—and the Blood Bone Claw boasted significant destructive power even without it.
It had already been two weeks since he returned to reality.
[Ding! A new game has been matched.]
[Difficulty: Medium-High]
[Game Version: Duo]
[Would you like to participate? (O)(X)]
[Ding! Your regular teammate has declined. Would you like to participate alone?]
Seo-un pressed the 'X' button, his thoughts drifting to Gi-chan.
That’s the third game already...
Ten days had passed since he began training alone at Gi-chan’s facility in Wonju.
Gi-chan couldn't join him because he was preoccupied with laundering the money earned from the items they had liquidated. Not wanting to waste precious time, Seo-un had immersed himself in training.
Whoosh! BAM!
His curled fingers snapped into a fist as he lunged forward, the air erupting with a sharp crack.
It still feels awkward.
Lately, Seo-un’s primary focus was the fusion of the Boundless Fist and the Blood Bone Claw. He was trying to transition between the two martial arts naturally and at will, but it wasn't as easy as he’d hoped.
As he continued to punish the surrounding trees, his phone rang.
"Yeah."
—Hyung. I’m on my way now... but something’s strange.
"What do you mean?"
—I’m in a taxi, and I think I’m being tailed.
In an instant, Seo-un felt the blood rush to his head.
The last time he was followed, those pieces of trash had used his parents to threaten him. Just hearing the word 'tail' made his blood boil.
Furthermore, Gi-chan was someone who prioritized a safe life above all else. It was only natural, as his young sister would be left all alone if something happened to him. If he was being followed and targeted, there was a high probability it was due to his connection with Seo-un.
Seo-un gripped his phone, his voice turning icy.
"How many cars?"
—Just one.
"At most, there are five or six of them. Where are you?"
—I just got off the highway. At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but they’re staying right on me.
"They won't try anything in broad daylight with civilians around. Lead them here slowly. We’ll settle this once and for all."
—Understood.
Hearing that cold voice and the rapid orders, Gi-chan was reminded of the Seo-un he saw in Cloyd.
Seo-un grabbed his shirt and threw it on. As he descended the mountain with blurred speed, his expression was chillingly cold.
*
"Boss! I did it! I’m into the Central Bureau’s servers!"
In a dark, warehouse-like space cluttered with thick cables, a man shouted. A woman, addressed as 'Boss,' ran over.
"Nice! Pull the recent surveillance documents first!"
"On it! I can't believe these Central Bureau guys are using the NIS intranet. Should I install a backdoor while I'm at it?"
"No. Don't do anything risky."
She leaned over the man’s shoulder as he hammered away at the keyboard, her eyes fixed on the monitor. Surprisingly, her face was a perfect mirror image of Jeong Su-hwa’s.
Aside from her sharp suit and neatly styled hair, their faces were identical.
*
A taxi pulled over, and Gi-chan stepped out. As he glared back for a moment, a black sedan came to a halt.
The moment a woman dressed in black stepped out of the car, Gi-chan bolted up the mountain path. The woman started to call out to him, but with a sigh, she quickly gave chase.
Just as she reached the base of the mountain, she saw Gi-chan waiting for her and spoke.
"I only came to talk."
The answer to her statement came from an unexpected direction—behind her.
"If you wanted to talk, you shouldn't have followed him."
For someone who had experienced Cloyd, having a presence appear behind them that they failed to detect was a bone-chilling experience. Startled, she spun around, her eyes widening.
"Jin Seo-un... ssi."
"You were looking for me from the start, weren't you?"
As Seo-un finished speaking, his fingers tensed and curled.
"That’s right. I wanted to meet you."
"How did you find me? I was quite careful."
After studying Seo-un’s expression for a moment, she answered honestly.
"The density of CCTV in this country is beyond your imagination. Using facial recognition programs, it’s practically impossible for someone to stay hidden if we want to find them."
"Isn't that called illegal surveillance of civilians?"
She didn't answer Gi-chan’s question. However, her gaze seemed to imply that she didn't categorize them as 'civilians.'
"Why were you looking for me?"
Seo-un wasn't actively radiating killing intent, but his voice alone carried a heavy weight that suggested things could turn dangerous depending on her answer.
"First, let me identify myself. I am Jeong Su-hwa, Team Leader of the Player Management Team at the Department of Homeland Security."
"The Central Bureau."
As Gi-chan spoke, stepping up beside Seo-un, the woman’s eyebrows twitched.
"We were part of the NIS once. But we don't particularly like being called that."
A smirk played on Gi-chan’s lips. "You're called that because you earned the name, aren't you?"
"I know our reputation among neutral players is poor. But the important thing is that we are doing our best to maintain social stability."
Seo-un spoke up, cutting through her defense. "I haven't heard it yet. Your reason?"
"To clear up a misunderstanding and make a proposal."
"A misunderstanding and a proposal?"
She began her explanation, her expression unchanging.
"I heard about the conflict with the Ability Users recently. I wanted to make it clear that those actions were not the will of the Department of Homeland Security."
She referred to the one-sided threats and the resulting friction as a 'conflict.' Naturally, this set Gi-chan off.
"Are you kidding me right now?! You threatened my family—civilians! And now you say this?"
Seo-un reached out a hand, stopping Gi-chan before he could get more heated. Now was not the time for an outburst.
At the mention of family being threatened, her brow furrowed as she realized the truth hidden between the lines of what she had been told. Naturally, the report she had received contained no such details.
"I wasn't aware that such a thing had occurred. The Department of Homeland Security would never intentionally harm a civilian. Our goal is to prevent civilian casualties caused by Ability Users and to minimize social chaos—"
"Let’s say that’s true. What’s the proposal?"
She didn't seem to mind him cutting her off and answered immediately.
"We would like to invite Jin Seo-un ssi to join the Department of Homeland Security—"
"I refuse. If your business is done, you can leave."
Jeong Su-hwa’s composed expression flickered at his flat rejection.
"Jin Seo-un ssi. Please think this over. I fully understand why you might misunderstand us—"
"It’s not a misunderstanding. It’s a fact that those thugs under your wing hunt down Ability Users like they’re something special. It’s a fact that you turn a blind eye to it in the name of 'social stability.' And it’s likely a fact that those guys who came for me did so regardless of your specific orders. However, the only reason I have your attention now is because I wasn't successfully 'hunted.' If I had been caught and dragged away by them, you wouldn't be standing here personally."
Jeong Su-hwa’s cold, expressionless mask finally cracked. Seeing the look of genuine confusion on her face, Seo-un continued.
"I have no intention of becoming some 'Resistance' fighter against you. I just want to go back and forth to Cloyd, make some money, and live a good life. I have no intention of causing social chaos by flaunting my abilities, and I certainly have no intention of becoming a dog for people who kidnap others and treat human rights like trash. So, let’s just live our own lives and stay out of each other's way."
Her sigh deepened at his blunt words.
"I understand what you're saying. I am well aware that the work of the Department of Homeland Security doesn't look good to neutral players like yourself. It is also true that among the organizations we've authorized... there are some that even I don't approve of. But please, know this one thing. The Department of Homeland Security isn't just made up of people like that. There are many agents who risk their lives for the security of this nation."
"That doesn't change anything. Go back."
As Seo-un spoke, clenching the hand hidden behind his back, she finally turned and walked back to her car. He didn't let his guard down until the very end, just in case, but no physical conflict occurred.
Only after they confirmed her car had left did the two men relax their stiff expressions.
"I can't believe she came all this way just to spout that shameless nonsense. It’s ridiculous."
"Well, she probably doesn't see it that way. I'm just glad there wasn't a fight."
Moving back to the house, Gi-chan grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and chugged it. "Phew! My throat was parched from the tension."
"Is everything settled with the business?"
"Yes. The complicated stuff was handled by experts anyway. To put it simply, I’ve been appointed as the CEO of a luxury bag shop."
"A bag shop?"
"You've heard of the brand 'Meres,' right?"
"The one where a single bag costs over ten million won?"
"Yeah. It’s an online shopping mall that imports and sells those bags. Since the unit price is so high, it can handle a decent amount of cash flow. I actually wanted to set up a corporation for foreign car sales, but that requires a physical showroom. So, this was the recommendation. They said if the amounts get even bigger later, I should open a small art gallery in the countryside. Apparently, you can launder tens of billions through an art gallery without any issues."
Seo-un nodded. "I think I’ve seen that in the news. Chaebols using art for slush funds and lobbying."
"Well, we're not at that level yet. For the time being, laundering through this shop won't be a problem. Here."
As he finished speaking, Gi-chan tossed a small plastic case. Seo-un caught it and looked inside. It was filled with business cards bearing his name.
[Mer-Mer Online, Executive Vice President: Jin Seo-un]
"Mer... Mer-Mer? Don't tell me you picked that name."
Gi-chan nodded with a proud smile.
"Your sense for naming is... r-really something."
He couldn't bring himself to say anything negative to Gi-chan, who had worked so hard.
"You're listed as the EVP and a co-founder. For now, I’ve tied up the 6 billion won from the enhancement stone sales here. Within a month, 3 billion won will be deposited into your account as a 'transaction payment.' Aside from that, the money from the other item sales has already been laundered through my existing business and sent to your account."
"Already?"
"Yeah. It’s 350 million won, so go ahead and check."
The mention of 350 million won made Seo-un’s heart skip a beat. The hundreds of millions currently in his bank account felt far more real than the billions that were tied up. He pulled out his phone and opened his banking app. A nine-digit number was clearly visible.
"Man... 350 million won from just a few coins..."
"We got lucky. Obtaining items made of obsidian isn't common, and since you happened to break it, I was able to get it for a good price. It’s one of the best materials for alchemists."
"I should make sure to keep even broken items from now on."
"If the material is good, it’s always a win to keep it. Orichalcum and obsidian have especially high unit prices."
Seo-un stood up and nodded. "Let’s see how much you've improved after all this time."
As he headed out of the house, Gi-chan followed behind, grumbling. "I just got here after a long trip. Can't we take it easy...?"
After a bout of training that exhausted their energy, the two men sat on the dirt ground, catching their breath.
"Pant... pant... I really need to change my main class or something..."
Gi-chan looked up at Seo-un, who hadn't broken a single drop of sweat, with a look of grievance.
"It’s a bit late to change now. And from what I’ve seen, Mages really come into their own at higher Circles. I once saw a top-tier expert get obliterated by a single Meteor from a Mage."
"A Meteor... that’s 9th Circle magic... Hyung, how did you survive that?"
"I almost didn't. Once you get a Circle Stone, you can power up quickly, so just hang in there. Your martial arts aren't bad either. Your internal power is a bit lacking, but the techniques you're learning are well-balanced."
As he was comforting the grumbling Gi-chan, Seo-un sensed a presence. Both Seo-un and Gi-chan turned their heads simultaneously, their gazes focusing on a single spot.
"Oh my!"
A woman who had been walking up the mountain suddenly covered her face with both hands, though she peeked at the two men’s bodies through the gaps in her fingers.
Since it was just the two of them and it was hot, they had naturally taken off their shirts to train. They were the ones who were actually flustered by the sudden appearance of a woman.
"W-why is a civilian coming up here?"
"I don't know. First, let’s get some clothes on—"
At that moment, Seo-un blurred in front of Gi-chan and spoke. "She’s not a civilian."
A faint trace of internal power from her had been caught by Seo-un’s senses.
"How about we talk after you put some clothes on? I mean, I don't mind either way, but..."
Wary of this new woman, the two men took turns putting their shirts back on. In Cloyd, it was expected, but in reality, an Ability User could be even more dangerous.
As they dressed, the woman who had been covering her face approached them with a look of slight disappointment. She was wearing jeans and a large flight jacket, with her hair tied back in a long ponytail. When Gi-chan saw her face, his expression twisted into a scowl.
"Kang Gi-chan, Jin Seo-un... It really is you."
Seeing her smile brightly after confirming their identities, Gi-chan spoke in a cold voice. "Is this some kind of joke?"
"Huh? A joke? What do you mean?"
A bright expression and a voice full of friendliness. It was clearly the same face and the same voice, but it was immediately obvious that she was a completely different person. Seeing Gi-chan’s strange reaction, she seemed to realize something.
"Did you happen to meet a woman who works for the Central Bureau? Someone who looks exactly like me?"
Twins. There are many twins in the world, but they thought it was rare to find twins who were so different.
"Twins?"
She nodded at Gi-chan’s question. "I’m Jeong Su-hee, the leader of Libertas, an organization that fights for the human rights of Ability Users."
The two men were dazed by her casual use of informal speech and her friendly demeanor upon their first meeting. It hadn't even been two hours since they had been followed by a woman who looked identical to her, and now this 'twin' had appeared out of nowhere to introduce herself.
"The Resistance?"
If it was a group fighting for the rights of Ability Users, they certainly wouldn't be pro-government.
"We don't really like being called that. There are so many groups resisting the Central Bureau. 'Resistance' makes it sound like we're some secret underground cult..."
"Sigh. The Central Bureau said they hate their nickname, too. Is it the same for you?"
"So Unni really was here? I’m nothing like her—"
"You clearly look different. Let’s keep this brief. How did you find us and get all the way here?"
Seo-un’s blunt interruption caused Gi-chan’s relaxed tension to tighten again.
"Because I can hack the Central Bureau’s servers. Thanks to that, I saw the recent reports and found you. Did you know? The CCTV in our country—"
"—has an excellent density." Gi-chan cut her off.
"...Well, if you have basic personal information, finding someone isn't hard. We live in an age where if we have your voice data, we can track your location the moment you make a phone call."
"Then what’s your business? No, before that. You should come out for your own sake."
As a storm-like pressure erupted from Seo-un’s body, Jeong Su-hee winced and stumbled back. A man and a woman who had been hiding behind the trees revealed themselves.
"How about you dial back that energy a bit?"
"Does the Resistance hunt Ability Users too?"
"Don't misunderstand. They’re just friends who came along to protect me, just in case."
A rugged-looking man with long hair and a leather jacket, and a woman with a hood pulled over her head, stepped up behind Jeong Su-hee, their eyes fixed on Seo-un.
That woman...
The hooded woman behind Jeong Su-hee was someone Seo-un recognized. He never expected to see the woman who had been chased by the Central Bureau here again. Seo-un looked away from her and back to Jeong Su-hee.
"Just get to the point."
"Well, since Unni already stopped by, I won't make it long. As you guessed, I run one of the resistance organizations you call the 'Resistance.' And I know exactly what you went through recently. That’s why I’m here. Join us—"
"I refuse."
Jeong Su-hee’s eyes gleamed as she looked at Seo-un, who had rejected her before even hearing the full pitch. "Your reason?"
"I understand your cause, but I have no intention of making enemies in reality."
"...You guys are Regular Players, aren't you?"
"I don't believe I’m obligated to answer that." Seo-un reacted sharply to her prying.
"Don't misunderstand. I’m only asking because it seems like you don't fully understand Guilds yet."
Gi-chan reacted to the new information. "Guilds?"
"You'll find out once you get into Regular Play. Many players are in Guilds—"
Jeong Su-hee’s head suddenly snapped around. Not just her, but everyone present turned their gaze toward a new figure stepping into the training ground.
A man dressed in a high-end navy suit with his hair slicked back in a pomade style was walking toward them, hands in his pockets and a look of amusement on his face.
"Well, well. I didn't expect to run into such precious people here."
The expressions of Jeong Su-hee and the two people with her twisted in anger the moment they saw him.
"Kim Chi-sang!" The hooded woman spat out the name through gritted teeth.
"Did I get beaten to the punch? Or... were you originally part of the Resistance?"
He looked back and forth between Jeong Su-hee and Seo-un as he spoke. Jeong Su-hee frowned and scanned the surroundings. Surprisingly, from the moment he appeared, a pitch-black shadow had fallen over Jeong Su-hee’s face, masking it like she was wearing a veil.
As her gaze swept the area, the man smiled and spoke.
"Who are you looking for? Or are you looking for an exit?"