Chapter 59

Chapter 59

“Yoo Seongsu.”

The President wore a complicated expression. They were dealing with a corrupt politician—was there any reason to make it difficult?

The corruption the Awakened Minister had handed over regarding Yoo Seongsu fell into three major categories.

Facilitating smuggling, creating illegal funds, and colluding with villains.

There were finer subcategories beneath those, but all three types of corruption stemmed from his trade with Japan, and the real problem was that it was actually affecting Japan.

The funds generated through smuggling were flowing to the League's Japanese branch. From Japan's perspective, a foreign politician was funding the League, and from South Korea's perspective, it could be seen as the Mayor of Busan having ties to the League.

“They'll make a huge fuss calling it a political attack.”

Yoo Seongsu was a leading presidential candidate for the opposition party. Arresting such a candidate based on intelligence provided by Japan?

It was obvious it would drag them into exhausting political warfare, so the President smacked his lips and looked at me.

“For now, we can't act on Japanese data alone. This is something that needs cross-verification. And the source of the intelligence needs to be laundered as well.”

“We should also check how many more people are tangled up around him.”

In simple terms, it was a list of people to kill.

“...That too. Otherwise, someone might wipe them all out first. Screening is important work as well. You're planning to handle this personally, correct?”

Was that even worth asking?

“Considering the goodwill Japan has shown, I believe it's better for me to step in.”

It was a kind of customer care service. And having seen Yoo Seongsu once in Busan, there was a 99% chance he was connected. If it weren't for him, Jagalchi would never have grown that large.

Villain organizations within the city have limits no matter how big they get. They can never reveal themselves in the open. So while it was only a hunch, it was certain that Yoo Seongsu was behind them.

Jagalchi had already expanded into drugs and human trafficking. As a politician, Yoo Seongsu was connected to villains and every kind of crime. I believe they call someone like that a grand slam?

I figure I can just crush them and find the evidence, but the President's thoughts might differ.

“I'll let you know once the cross-verification is complete.”

“I'll wait with pleasure.”

“......”

The President shook his head with a look of disgust.

Ah, I don't mean I enjoy killing people—I mean I enjoy dealing with villains.

He won't believe me, will he?

* * *

While the cross-verification of intelligence was underway by the President's orders, Cheon Myeongguk was feeling the limits of assisting the President and managing Choi Junho.

This aligned with the President's interests—establishing a new Administration and reclaiming government initiative from the major guilds. Cheon Myeongguk sought out the most promising candidate and visited the National Guard Bureau.

“What brings you here so suddenly? Hyungnim.”

Jung Juho greeted him with a bewildered expression at the unexpected visit.

“I've come with a formal proposal, Director of the National Guard Bureau.”

“Hm, did I do something wrong?”

“Of course not.”

“Let's have some tea while we talk.”

“......”

Jung Juho brewed two cups of coffee, and the two spent the time drinking and organizing their thoughts.

The two had often drunk together with Choi Junho as an excuse, so this moment felt extremely awkward. Jung Juho felt especially anxious at Cheon Myeongguk's sudden formal demeanor.

Something's going on here.

“So, what's this proposal you mentioned?”

“It's not my proposal—it's the President's.”

“The President's?”

At the mention of the President, Jung Juho straightened his posture.

“The President holds in high regard your recent achievement in leading the three Bureaus and delivering outstanding results in the villain purge.”

“Leading? It's just that the people involved happened to get along, so coordination went smoothly. The National Guard Bureau did well, the Foreign Cooperation Management Bureau did well, and the Anti-Monster Defense Front Bureau did well on their own.”

“The President is fully aware of your humility, Director Jung Juho. And of your love for this country.”

“......”

He's talking too much.

Jung Juho could smell something rotten wafting off the elaborate praise.

If he got tangled up in this wrong, he'd be finished in one blow.

Naturally, his gaze toward Cheon Myeongguk narrowed.

“So what exactly is this proposal?”

“We're planning to establish an Administration above the three Bureaus. We'd like you to take that position, Director Jung Juho.”

“Let me confirm one thing. Will that Administration conduct operations in connection with Choi Junho?”

“Naturally, depending on the operation, there will be times when you work with Transcendent Choi Junho—”

Where are you trying to dodge?

Having caught the tail, Jung Juho clung persistently.

“No, let me rephrase the question. If I go to that Administration, will I run into Choi Junho often? For reference, three or more times a week counts as a hell of a lot.”

“...I can't say there won't be.”

“Then I decline. I won't do it.”

Having caught on to the nature of the rotten smell, Jung Juho refused immediately. Cracks appeared in Cheon Myeongguk's expression at failing to reel him in on the first try.

“The Administrator position is vice-ministerial rank. It's a promotion. And you're refusing?”

“Yes.”

“I'd like to know why.”

“First of all, I simply dislike the idea of increased responsibility.”

“Excuse me?”

Jung Juho began spouting sophistry without shame.

“Becoming that Administrator means being above the three Bureaus, doesn't it? Naturally, responsibility increases. The work I'd have to do increases. I'm satisfied with my current position. I'm not career-oriented—I'm a self-preservationist.”

“Haha.”

“And if I look around, there are plenty of people who could do better than me. What about Yeom Gicheol at the Foreign Cooperation Management Bureau? Director Yeom is leading his Bureau smoothly and has decent relationships with the various guilds. He's devoted to both work and family. He doesn't have hair left to protect either, so he could push government policy with real drive. I strongly recommend Yeom Gicheol.”

Having said his piece, Jung Juho fixed his gaze on his coffee cup and drank only his coffee.

It was a gesture that said he would hear no more.

“......”

Cheon Myeongguk, watching him, furrowed his brow.

He caught on.

Just like a raccoon leading the National Guard Bureau. The moment he sensed the trap, he put up an iron wall like this.

Of course, it was Cheon Myeongguk who had recommended Jung Juho for the newly established Administration.

It was a recommendation influenced by personal connections, but there was nothing particularly strange about it. There was no one besides Jung Juho who could lead the National Guard Bureau so well while smoothly securing cooperation from the Foreign Cooperation Management Bureau and the Anti-Monster Defense Front Bureau.

There was no talent of that caliber, and it was a position no one else could fill.

Above all, Jung Juho was the Special One when it came to handling Choi Junho.

The only person who could save him from his hell.

'Come to think of it, this is all your fault!'

When you traced it back, it was all Jung Juho's doing.

Handing Choi Junho over to him when he hadn't known the truth.

Because of that, his once-healthy body had been reduced to a state of pure suffering in an instant.

The problem was that Jung Juho also saw right through Cheon Myeongguk's intentions.

'You think I'll fall for that bait? Peace finally came to me. I have no intention of walking into hell.'

After Choi Junho transferred to Cheon Myeongguk, Jung Juho had tasted a miracle.

His receding hairline had slowed, and his hair had begun to thicken.

For Jung Juho, who had been slowing the progression with medication and procedures, there was no greater miracle.

'I need to drag Jung Juho in and share the burden.'

'He's a state-certified transcendent. Let the bigwigs handle each other. I'm staying right here and enjoying the honey.'

“......”

The two engaged in a fierce war of nerves over who would push Choi Junho onto the other.

* * *

While the government side was busy with the delegation, Shinseong Group began officially releasing news about the monster processing method to the press.

They named the monster's heart made with the new processing method the "Big Bang," and declared their ambition to leave a great mark not only on South Korea but on the global market.

The media began playing it up as a major story.

<Shinseong Group Has Done It! New Monster's Heart Processing Method Developed!>

<Newtype Monster's Heart! Raising Power Through Efficiency!>

<Will "Big Bang," True to Its Name, Cause a New Upheaval?>

<Why the Whole World Is Paying Attention to Shinseong Group's Processing Method! The "Big Bang Series" That Will Shake the Global Order, Unveiled!>

The reaction was explosive. The media couldn't hide their thrill at the claim that it could demonstrate at least 1.5 times and up to over 3 times the efficiency.

Monster's hearts were a new energy source, a powerful weapon and armor for Hunters, and a material for crafting all kinds of ability items.

When this efficiency increased, weapon power rose and armor became tougher. It meant hunting could be done more safely and more quickly than before.

It was a result that could well be called a revolution in the industry.

Shinseong Group revealed that Choi Junho held a significant stake in this development.

When word spread that Choi Junho—the man with nicknames like Head Breaker, youngest transcendent, Nuri Slayer, and walking human cider—would personally stand at the Big Bang Series showcase, the reaction began to boil over.

—Just how amazing is this invention that everyone's losing their minds?

—It's no exaggeration to call it a revolution. This is on the level of the shock when smartphones first appeared. It could genuinely change the global order.

—Monster's heart efficiency goes up. → Weapons get crazy strong. → Hunt more monsters. → Citizen safety is guaranteed. → Lost territory can be reclaimed. → More refugees can be taken in. → We can return to the peaceful days of old(?)

—Shinseong Group and Choi Junho, are they gods? This is an invention that will shake the world! I'm buying one right now!

—That means hunting duration will shorten, but it also saves stamina, so it's even better.

—But why are they trying to sell this through licensing?

—The world isn't unified like it used to be, so Shinseong Group can't distribute it worldwide on their own. Knockoffs will appear eventually anyway, so rather than leave it alone, they'll collect licensing fees. They'll still hold a dominant position though, right? Knowing the processing method doesn't mean you can immediately match Shinseong Group's efficiency.

—Shinseong Group's magnanimous decision, acknowledged. Is a peaceful world like the old days finally coming?

—That's still unknown. Who knows what kind of things live in lands where monsters have roamed for decades. What if you push deep and a Harmful-class Level 8 pops out? That said, it's definitely a remarkable invention.

—Wow, they actually pulled this off. Does hunting get safer now too?

—They didn't tell me about this... I'm hurt...!

* * *

Amid the explosive reaction, I was preparing for the showcase.

There was no particular reason I ended up handling the showcase.

Lee Sehee wanted to firmly establish the Big Bang Series through a transcendent's image.

For me, higher Big Bang Series sales meant more coming my way, and I was promised a treasure-grade dagger as payment for the showcase, so I couldn't refuse.

For attire, I wore a charcoal gray suit I liked, a tie, and dress shoes. Normally at showcases people wear comfortable clothing, but Lee Sehee recommended the suit.

“Since you're young, Junho, you need to project a more dignified image. Fresh and youthful isn't always a good thing.”

Lee Sehee smiled with satisfaction as she looked at my outfit. She said the angle mattered too, and adjusted my tie. I caught a whiff of a fresh perfume. It suited her well.

But preparing like this makes me feel like a clown.

Regardless, perhaps pleased with my appearance, Lee Sehee told me about the Big Bang Series reaction.

“The response is explosive. Now you just need to do well, Junho.”

“If I mess up, there probably won't even be scraps left.”

“Oh, come on, that won't happen. The product's performance is solid. Just go up there and explain it freely. Then everyone will fall for it and rush to buy licenses. And we'll get rich.”

“Rich—I don't hate that.”

“Yes, money is a good thing.”

Looking at Lee Sehee's face, she seemed quite excited.

“Go do well.”

“Yeah.”

The venue for today's showcase was the Shinseong Department Store Convention Center. It was one of Seoul's premier locations, hosting everything from group events to all kinds of large-scale functions.

Before entering the Convention Center, I spotted Heartworker among the event attendees.

“Heartworker.”

“Ah, it's been a while.”

“I'm sorry about your mother.”

“It's all right. At least she received proper treatment, even if it was late.”

She had been on life support, but not long ago, Heartworker's mother had passed away.

Still, I'm glad the end was peaceful.

Now it was just a matter of him getting his head straight.

Even if his work attitude wasn't great, as long as he had the skill, complaints could be suppressed.

I just hoped he'd make the right choice.

After exchanging greetings, I was guided by a staff member and stepped onto the stage, where I could see the VIPs and reporters attending the event.

I checked the mirror and practiced the reassuring smile I'd prepared. Fortunately, no one grimaced.

“I will now unveil the Big Bang Series, which will open a new world.”

I never said the new world would be a good one.

* * *

“The real Choi Junho is like an onion. Peel and peel, and new layers keep coming.”

The reporters attending today's event murmured among themselves.

The Big Bang Series that Shinseong Group had unveiled was a concept that consolidated existing ideas into one.

It was similar to how the smartphone emerged from combining multiple functions.

The reporters couldn't hide their amazement that Choi Junho had created the framework for this processing method and even presented a roadmap.

“Aren't they just trying to hype up Choi Junho?”

Someone raised a conspiracy theory, but it was immediately rebutted.

“Come on, would they share licensing stakes just for that?”

“That's way too much money to just give away.”

“The research institute Director actually met with Choi Junho several times.”

“Director Lee Myeonghak of the National Science Monster Research Institute was full of praise too. But he also said your head could get cut off if you cross him...”

“He really is something.”

While the reporters murmured, Choi Junho arrived at the showcase venue.

Several reporters gasped at his clean appearance.

“Whoa! He's handsome.”

“That face, and he's the Head Breaker? Is it really the same person?”

“He even has a fan club. Tons of female fans too.”

“Don't write articles carelessly just because he looks approachable. You could actually die.”

“That reporter Oh Changmun is still stuck in the hospital, I hear.”

“He'd be lucky just to be discharged. His bones aren't even setting properly.”

Meanwhile, preparations were completed and the showcase began.

“Today is a day I've been looking forward to for quite a while.”

Behind Choi Junho, a monster's heart appeared on the screen.

A name that carried the ambition that, just as the Big Bang was the phenomenon called the great explosion and the birth of the universe, the world would be newly born starting today.

This series was a model produced by Shinseong Guild, and it would spread across the world through licensing agreements.

Choi Junho began his explanation of the Big Bang in a calm voice.

“Every so often, when an innovative product appears, we get to experience the world changing.”

Paper, writing, the wheel—these things flashed by, arriving at the smartphone, and then the Big Bang Series appeared.

To anyone who didn’t know him, he looked less like a state-certified transcendent and more like a young IT entrepreneur who had struck it big.

“The item you’ll see today may not be easy to grasp at first. But one thing is certain. After today, our lives will be a little safer.”

Before anyone noticed, a dagger had appeared in Choi Junho’s hand. It was the Shot Series, Shinseong Group’s pride. Capable of emitting Force, it was highly sought after as a self-defense item.

However, because it was emission-based, its power wasn’t very strong, and it could only be used a few times—that was the drawback.

“The downside of the Shot Series was that it couldn’t pierce heavy armor. Watching the showcases all this time, the talk always dragged on. And when an explanation drags on, it means the other side is trying to pull one over on you.”

Laughter spread at the joke.

“That’s why the Shot Series was evaluated as inefficient when dealing with heavily armored villains or monsters.”

Choi Junho equipped the Big Bang Series onto the Shot Series.

“But once the Big Bang Series is applied, it demonstrates a whole different level of power.”

As Choi Junho swung the blade like lightning, a crescent-shaped Force burst from the tip of the dagger and cleaved in half the mannequin standing 10 meters away, heavy armor and all.

“......!”

The reporters watching all wore expressions of shock.

The Shot Series was a popular product, and since a showcase was held every time it was updated, they knew better than anyone that that kind of power was absolutely impossible.

“With the increased output, we’ve caught two rabbits at once—both emission speed and power. Of course, an even better method exists.”

He swung the dagger once more. The Force shot out in a crescent shape and pulverized the head of the mannequin standing beside the one that had just been cut in two.

Why does it look like blood is spraying from the mannequin’s head?

“This is how you blow the head off. A Shot Series equipped with the Big Bang Series turns the head to powder, allowing for a clean kill. I highly recommend it to our female Hunters.”

“......”

But unable to say a word, the reporters could only offer awkward smiles.