“Ah!”
My assumptions were completely wrong. She didn’t know the other person had such a strong attachment to his native language.
Sometimes among the headhunting targets, there were people who have great pride in their own country. There were also separate manuals prepared to attract such individuals.
In the reported data, Choi Jun-ho had never expressed such thoughts. That’s why this catastrophe occurred.
Anna Christine, who didn’t want to let it go like this, shouted in Korean.
“Just a moment!”
This was also intentional.
It was a secret weapon designed to make her awkward Korean sound even cuter.
The beauty showing interest in the country’s culture and wanting to learn? It’s a point that couldn’t help but create a positive impression. And she was the best among those beauties.
However, what came back was a clear disregard. He didn’t even look back.
A perfect failure.
“...”
Looking at Choi Jun-ho getting farther away, she bit her lip.
***
Just by looking, she was clearly a beauty.
A moment later, Korean could be heard from behind, but it too was unskilled.
Pretending not to hear, as deciphering it seemed tiring.
Now that I knew the value of Level 8, it was natural for temptations to appear from all sides. But that was just a means to an end. My purpose was singular from the beginning.
I approached Jung Ju-ho.
His face showed a mixture of delight and embarrassment.
“Now you’re really Level 8. Congratulations. Your status is higher than mine. Should I show some respect?”
His dislike for that idea was quite evident. I, too, preferred it when Jung Ju-ho treated me casually.
I liked that he wasn’t afraid of me, and that he could show his emotions openly, even if it meant the thinning of his hair.
“I was able to do this because Director Jung took good care of me. And once a director, you’ll forever be a director in my mind. Please continue to treat me comfortably.”
“Then I won’t hold back either. But this isn’t the end, it’s just the beginning. If you have something you want, I’ll talk on your behalf, but it won’t be easy.”
In reality, there were many cases where awakened individuals who have grown tired of the negotiation process compromised to a certain extent.
They’re not allowed to leave the country, and if they wanted to negotiate elsewhere, they had to go through the same process from the beginning.
But I was different.
As long as the other party knew that they’re at a disadvantage, the would eventually have to give in to what I want. I could wait for centuries to get it. Time was on my side.
I just had to convince the government of my point and get what I want.
“Even if I attain an independent position, I intend to remain under the jurisdiction of the National Security Agency.”
“With you, we can become much stronger.”
But I didn’t know why he’s speaking through clenched teeth. Maybe he’s biting his tongue out of emotion.
In any case, we were partners who could help each other. Jung Ju-ho might be stressed in the process, but it’s the best choice for me.
Jung Ju-ho looked at the approaching Sacred Guild people and Jung Da-hyun and said.
“I’ll be stalling for time with the government people, so go and greet the people from the Sacred Guild. It’s okay if your conversation takes longer. It’ll make them more impatient.”
“Sure.”
Approaching with a smile, Lee Se-hee stepped forward. Compared to Anna Christine a little while ago, I thought that her calculated smile actually seemed quite natural.
“Mr. Jun-ho, congratulations. You’re now Level 8, and everyone now knows about it.”
“Thank you. I’ve received a lot of help from you as well.”
“Hey, what’s the big deal with this? We’ve gained an advantage now that this opportunity revealed the close relationship between the Sacred Guild and Mr. Jun-ho.”
I liked Lee Se-hee’s trading style, which never overreached, and considered more of the future instead.
The capabilities of the Sacred Guild’s research facility were also impressive, producing desired results promptly.
They even had potions that could mend broken limbs perfectly, so I should try ordering something different next time.
“May I introduce myself? I am Baek Gun-seo from the Sacred Guild. I’ve observed the measurement process and was deeply impressed. Quite remarkable.”
Baek Gun-seo, who had been quietly observing me until then, spoke up. He was a faithful follower of the Sacred Guild and was renowned for his solid skills. I never crossed paths with him in my previous life, but he had maintained a long-standing reputation within the Sacred Group.
A cautious and quick-thinking individual who valued loyalty. However, beneath that, he possessed the audacity to discard even the carefully built image he had accumulated over decades for the sake of profit.
And when Lee Se-hee took over the Sacred Guild, he was famous for standing on the opposing side.
“Congratulations on reaching Level 8.”
“Thank you.”
“The doors of the Sacred Guild are always open. Even if it’s my position, I’m willing to yield it gladly. What do you say?”
It was said in jest, but it’s obviously a probing gesture. While it’s not my favorite way of speaking, seeing Lee Se-hee’s uneasy expression, I moved past it gracefully.
“Are you asking if there’s anything I want?”
“That sounds intimidating. As long as it’s not my life, there won’t be a problem. What do you think?”
“The Sacred Guild is a good place. I trust it enough to leave my younger sibling in its care.”
“Other major guilds may boast large scale, but the Sacred Group, which has established roots in South Korea for over half a century, is truly the pillar that supports this country. Your sister will be content, and you, too, will be satisfied.”
Was it pretense or sincerity?
Why did someone like this clash with Lee Se-hee?
I wanted to pry into his inner thoughts, but the atmosphere could become awkward, so I decided not to create any discomfort. If he had any other hidden thoughts, I could discreetly uncover them later.
“Let’s stop here for today. Think about it once. If you want, I can ask the chairman to arrange a blind date for Se-hee.”
“To do that in front of the person involved, Uncle?”
“Where else can you find a groom like this? In situations like this, it’s best to play along with Uncle’s plan.”
“It’s not like that. See you next time, Mr. Jun-ho.”
“Sure.”
As Lee Se-hee and Baek Gun-seo left, only Jung Da-hyun remained. A sense of satisfaction filled her eyes as she looked at me.
“Congratulations. I observed the evaluation process closely, and I was impressed.”
“How was it?”
“It was refreshing. I realized that Jun-ho has reached a high level. And what I used to see as your natural state is actually a result of your efforts to reach that high level. I learned a lot. Thank you.”
“Just keep doing well. I’ll keep watching by your side at the National Security Agency.”
“Thankfully. I thought you’d be going far away.”
“Because Director Jung takes care of me. Although his hair might be in danger instead?”
In response to my words, Jung Da-hyun let out a laugh. Perhaps it’s because we decided to be more at ease with each other; it felt more relaxed.
“Overpowering enemies suits Mr. Jun-ho’s style. It must have been challenging to subdue them without getting then hurt.”
“...It was the most difficult battle I’ve fought so far.”
I wanted to crack open the head of the man who created this measurement system, really; I want to know what they were thinking.
“I understand. I do the same when facing villains these days.”
“How do you do it?”
“I give them a warning and then immediately demonstrate my skills. This way, the effect is certain.”
Even the frontline government hunters had become more enthusiastic about apprehending villains than before.
“It’s a positive development.”
“Thanks to you, Mr. Jun-ho. You’ve made me realize what truly matters.”
Huh? But I had only ever said that villains were bad.
I was curious about what that realization, but Jung Da-hyun didn’t say anything more.
“The next time I see you, I won’t be your superior anymore.”
“Is that so?”
“All Level 8 awakened individuals receive treatment as Grade 1 civil servants. Even someone with the rank of a chief director isn’t their superior.”
So that’s why Jung Ju-ho had said my status had risen.
Every year, as the salary increased and contracts were renewed, and they’re treated like ministry officials.
“So you know...”
“Yeah?”
“The next time I see you, I’ll call you ‘Oppa’.”
“Oppa?”
“Yes.”
It’s a completely unexpected way of addressing me. It’s the same term as Yoon-hee used, but it felt different.
“Well then, I’ll go. I’ll cheer you on during the negotiation. Jun-ho Oppa.”
With a bow, Jung Da-hyun left the room. Moments later, I was in a negotiation with a government official at Jung Ju-ho’s call.
***
“I’m Cheon Myeong-guk, Director of the Awakened Security Office.”
The Director of the Awakened Security Office was one of the highest positions related to awakened individuals in South Korea.
Cheon Myeong-guk, a former leader of the Assassin’s Guild, achieved numerous hunting records and collaborated on overseas hunts in his youth. He served as the head of the National Guild Union policy department before being appointed as the Director of the Awakened Security Office three months ago.
He was a symbol of gentle charisma and was skilled at resolving the balance of power between the government and guilds, as well as maintaining good relations with foreign countries.
I recognize the name. But not in a good way.
It was he who made the compromise between government, guilds, and citizens that led to the torturous hunt of Blood Master.
Even after stepping down as the head of the Awakened Security Office, he played a pivotal role in establishing the villain tracking system as a consultant for the National Guild Union.
That was all set up to catch me.
So, he’s one of the people I wanted to kill the most in my past life.
Of course, it’s the grudge from my previous life.
The grudge of the Blood Master, not mine.
“I am Hunter Choi Jun-ho, a level 9 government hunter of the Special Team for the National Security Agency.”
“I am well aware. The tales of Choi Jun-ho have reached me long ago.”
“It’s an honor.”
“I’ve always thought you’d be a great asset to the Republic of Korea in the future. Though I still seemed to have underestimated you since you turned out to be a Level 8 superhuman, haha!”
While delivering this with a touch of loftiness, he scrutinized me with a subtle gaze.
“I heard this from Director Jung himself, but I would like to hear directly from Superhuman Choi Jun-ho about your intentions. Do you intend to join the government?”
“Yes. However, I desire corresponding treatment.”
As a Hunter of the National Security Agency, I want a good relationship with the government, but I had to keep various paths open, as Lee Se-hee had coached me to do.
“The government intends to show as much sincerity as possible. Since Superhuman Choi Jun-ho’s thoughts are positive, we can align well with each other. Our expectations are high.”
“I feel the same way.”
Upon my consent, Jung Ju-ho spoke.
“First, how about explaining the benefits given to a Level 8 superhuman?”
“Sounds good. Initially, a superhuman receives treatment equivalent to a grade 1 civil servant for the first year, with a promotion in salary scale every year. The actual national rank is...”
Various tax benefits were mentioned, as well as state treatment when visiting foreign countries, participation in budget operations related to awakened individuals, and priority in the government’s armory.
While there were no astronomical salaries or unique incentives that could be presented by large guilds, if there’s no significant attachment to money, this might not be a bad deal either.
In fact, Lee Se-hee explained how the government’s position would be and most of it was in line with what she had said.
“How is it?”
“I like it.”
“Well, then...”
“If you can fulfill just two conditions, I will accept the Director’s proposal.”
“Please tell me.”
I wonder if he thought that the negotiation was almost over? Cheon Myeong-guk’s expression brightened. Well, it might not be a big deal to the other party, but I might be the only one finding it difficult.
After briefly glancing at Jung Ju-ho, who was watching from the side, I brought up what I had wanted for a long time.
“I want immunity and non-arrest privilege.”
“Wait a moment!”
Jung Ju-ho exclaimed in surprise, but this was what I wanted from the beginning.
Cheon Myeong-guk’s expression hardened, perhaps caught off guard. I didn’t have any intention of carrying over grudges from my past life, but looking at his expression made me feel better. Refreshing.
“Take your time to think, and it’s okay if you don’t answer today. It doesn’t have to be now.”
“...”
“Or can you give an immediate answer?”
In the end, Cheon Myeong-guk tightly closed his eyes.
“We need to discuss. Please give us some time.”
“I will wait.”
I was simply expressing what I had wanted from the start, but it seemed like I was bullying him instead.
Did he think I was intentionally causing him distress?
Anyway, the ball had now been passed on to Cheon Myeong-guk.
After exchanging greetings and rising from my seat, Jung Ju-ho followed behind me.
“What’s on your mind? Immunity privilege? Non-arrest privilege? Are you trying to destroy this country?”
“I believed it was necessary for me.”
“It would be better to ask for power like Kim Yong-hwan did. They already know everything about you on that side, so if you ask for that, would they accept it?”
“If they want me badly enough, they’ll take it.”
“···Come to think of it, we’re in a bit of a bind right now. Did you factor that in as well?”
I just wanted a non-arrest privelege from the beginning. The immunity privilege seemed appealing as well, so I included it on the spot and jabbed it in.
Was this what you call a deal? I liked the fact that I was the one making the demand.
“You truly are wicked. Director Cheon Myeong-guk has real skills, but you’re about to drive him to a corner. His head is probably about to explode right now.”
“If Director Cheon Myeong-guk is resourceful, he will find a way.”
“He’ll move because he needs you, but what are you going to do with all that?”
“I won’t do anything.”
Authority was something one had to keep, as there’s always a use for it.
There is no such thing as too much privilege.
I didn’t say anything, but it made Jung Joo-ho think.
“Junho, I’m truly begging you. If by any chance I do something you dislike, please tell me right there. Don’t just act on it. No, if you don’t like the National Security Agency, just say it. There’s a good place called the Foreign Cooperation Agency. The director’s a good guy. You saw how much he trusted you on the last operation. He’s got a lot of faith in people. He’s patient enough to put up with his wife’s nagging for 20 years. He’s got 20 years of indomitable strength to keep his hair from falling out. You can do it whenever you decide, okay?”
Jung Ju-ho sometimes overreacts. Once I received privileges and then got involved with various incidents, there’s no one other than Jung Ju-ho who could resolve them cleanly.
“I’ll stay with the National Security Agency to the end, so please provide me with a lot of guidance and support.”
“I don’t want to!”
Jung Ju-ho exclaimed.
***
“You’re my older brother, but you’re really impressive.”
Yoon-hee shook her head when she heard my request while congratulating me on reaching level 8.
“Why?”
“If they grant all of that, it’ll be a total lawless zone. Who’s going to stop you, Brother?”
“Do you think I’ll abuse it?”
It’s just for beating up on visible villains. Of course, my definition of a villain and society’s definition of a villain might differ slightly.
“Anyway, it’s impressive, very impressive.”
“I’ll accept it.”
“Well, that’s good, right? Because I’m on your side, Brother.”
“Isn’t there anyone bothering you for favors?”
“Well, it seems like it’s slowly happening.”
I even received a call from an unknown number. It never happened before.
On my smartphone, there were only my parents, Yoon-hee, Jung Da-hyun, and Lee Se-hee. Oh, recently, I registered that Berserker guy too. He’s the one who contacted me the most.
“And our parents will also get bothered, eventually. How about bringing them to Seoul?”
“I’m totally fine with it. But will mom and dad come?”
“We’ll have to persuade them.”
When I reached Level 8, the first thing that came to mind was bringing my parents, who are in the countryside, to Seoul.
Yoon-hee brought up a practical issue.
“Money? We need it if we want our parents to live here.”
“I don’t have any.”
“I don’t either. But do you think we could get a good loan? Should we try pulling all the strings?”
“......”
Silence lingered between the two of us. Money, something that hadn’t been a problem in my past life, now emerged as a new discomfort. Should I catch a demon?
Or maybe...
“Should I ask Lee Se-hee?”
“Sister Se-hee is not a bank!”
Yoon-hee exclaimed with a bewildered expression.
But if I ask, it seemed like she would lend it to me.
***
Three days later, Jung Ju-hoo guided Cheon Myeong-guk into the meeting room at the National Security Office and then called Choi Jun-ho.
Cheon Myeong-guk still looked troubled, like at their first meeting, and spoke.
“...To be honest, there are many conflicting opinions. Especially when people saw Choi Jun-ho’s record, many were concerned.”
“What do you mean?”
“I apologize for speaking so frankly, but there have been instances of excessive suppression. Many were worried.”
“Yes.”
Jung Ju-ho silently agreed. The government side seemed to be working properly.
What sent shivers down his spine was that Choi Jun-ho himself, who had been warned about excessive suppression, was now being treated as a hero for catching villains and was wearing the medal proudly.
“The government is indeed concerned about these aspects. If immunity privileges and non-arrest privileges are granted, there are worries.”
Although the end of the sentence was vague, it was clear what they were concerned about. The government had seen it properly. Just imagining what would happen if Choi Jun-ho had immunity and non-arrest privileges made their skin crawl.
Especially the Director of the Awakening Security Office, who should have been controlling Choi Jun-ho, would have to resign immediately.
Despite poking at a sensitive point, Choi Jun-ho remained calm.
“Things have gotten better these days.”
“Really?”
“If you’ve investigated, you should know that the excessive suppression cases were high initially, but they’ve decreased significantly recently.”
To mention that things had improved in the past month after just over six months of being a government hunter was audacious. Jung Ju-ho clenched his tongue in his mouth at the audacity.
Cheon Myeong-guk also nodded.
“The sample size is too small. It’s hard to say it has decreased based on that.”
“But in reality, the villains went to prison in decent condition.”
“But they’re not psychologically.”
The villains captured by Choi Jun-ho were so severely mentally damaged that they couldn’t commit any more villainous acts in the future.
The problem was that their outward appearance seemed fine.
Their concerns were vindicated a hundredfold.
Jung Ju-ho thought that Choi Jun-ho would be worried. But his expression didn’t change. Was there something more?
The subsequent response was even worse.
“I haven’t been able to control my strength.”
“Strength... control?”
“Yes. And I’ve learned from receiving many warnings that as long as the arrested villain’s shell is intact, it’s not a big problem. I’ll focus on appearances from now on. Trust me.”
“......”
The audacity beyond imagination left Jung Ju-ho speechless, his mouth agape.
