Episode 31
“Ah!”
What I thought was completely wrong. I had no idea that the other person would have such a strong attachment to their native language.
Sometimes, among the headhunting targets, there are people who have great pride in their country. There is also a separate manual prepared to attract such people.
Choi Jun-ho never revealed such thoughts in the reported data. So it was a disaster that occurred.
Anna Christine, who was sad to let things go like this, shouted in Korean.
“Now just hang on!”
This was also intended.
It was a secret weapon that I installed because I knew that poor Korean would be viewed as cuter.
A beautiful woman is interested in her country’s culture and wants to learn it? This is a point that cannot help but be liked. And she is the most beautiful among those beauties.
But what came back was clear disregard. Didn’t even look back.
Complete failure.
“······.”
As she watched Choi Jun-ho walking away, she bit her lip.
*
Just looking at it, it was a world of beauty.
I could hear Korean speaking behind me later, but that was also immature.
It was obvious that I would be tired from interpreting the conversation, so I pretended not to hear it.
Now that you know how much level 8 is worth, it’s natural that temptations come from all directions. But that was just a means to use, and my purpose was one from the beginning.
I approached Joo-ho Jeong.
There was a mixture of joy and confusion on the face that looked at me.
“You’re really level 8 now. Congratulations. Your status has become higher than mine. Should I be respectful?”
I could clearly feel his dislike. I also liked that Jung Joo-ho treated me comfortably.
It was nice to see that he wasn’t afraid of me, that he was honest about his emotions, and that he sometimes pulled out his hair.
“It was possible because the director took good care of me. And once a director, always a director. Please treat me comfortably.”
“Then I won’t decline. But this is not the end, it is the beginning. “You have what you want, and I will speak for you, but it won’t be easy.”
In fact, there are many cases where awakened people who are tired of the arduous process of negotiation compromise appropriately.
There are restrictions on going abroad, and if you want to negotiate with someone else, you have to go through the same process from the beginning.
But I am different.
As long as I know that the other person is at a disadvantage, I have no choice but to give in to what I want in the end. You can wait a thousand or ten thousand years to get it. Because time is on my side.
All I have to do is impress the government with my subject and get what I want.
“Even if we gain independent status, we plan to remain part of the National Defense Bureau.”
“Having you around will be of great help.”
But I don’t know why I’m speaking with my teeth clenched. Was I so moved that I bit my tongue?
Anyway, we are partners who can help each other. I don’t know why Jung Joo-ho is stressed during that process. It’s the best choice for me.
Jeong Joo-ho said as he saw the approaching Holy Guild figures and Jeong Da-hyeon.
“I will be wasting time meeting government officials, so come say hello. It can be longer. “Then they will be more urgent.”
“yes.”
As we got closer, Lee Se-hee smiled and walked forward. When I saw Anna Christine a little while ago, I thought that that calculated smile was actually very natural.
“Congratulations, Junho. “Now you have reached level 8, which everyone knows.”
“thank you. “I got a lot of help.”
“Hey, what can I do with this much? “We benefit by using this opportunity to let people know that the Shinsung Guild and Junho have a close relationship.”
I liked Lee Se-hee’s trading method, which sees the future and never overdoes it.
I also like the capabilities of the Sacred Guild’s research lab, which gives you exactly what you want.
There is also a potion that makes a broken limb unharmed, so I’ll have to order something else next time.
“Can I introduce myself? It’s called the Book of the Holy White Army. I was impressed by the measurement process. “It was amazing.”
Baekgunseo, who had been watching me quietly until then, came forward. He is a loyal member of the Holy Guild and is famous for his solid skills. Although he never clashed with me in his last life, he has maintained his reputation as a sword of the Shinsung Group for a long time.
A person who is cautious, quick to calculate, and loyal. But behind the scenes, he had the boldness to throw away the image he had built up over decades for the sake of profit.
And he was famous for standing on the other side when Lee Se-hee took over the Holy Guild.
“Congratulations on level 8.”
“thank you.”
“The door to the Holy Guild is always open. I’m willing to give up my seat even if it requires it. “How is it?”
I say it as a joke, but I throw it out and try to express my intention. Although I didn’t really like the way he spoke, I was happy to see Lee Se-hee looking at him nervously.
“Anything I want?”
“It’s scary when you say that. I’m willing as long as it’s not my neck. “How is it?”
“The Sacred Guild is a good place. “Enough to trust my younger brother.”
“Other large guilds also boast a large scale, but Shinsung Group, which has been rooted in Korea for over half a century, is truly the pillar that supports this country. “Your brother will be satisfied, and you will be satisfied too.”
Is it fake or sincere?
Why was this person at odds with Lee Se-hee?
I wanted to get my feelings out, but the atmosphere could get awkward, so I decided not to scratch and make a mess. If there are other intentions, you can quietly get rid of them.
“That’s it for today. Think about it. “If you want, I can ask the chairman to set up a blind date with Sehee.”
“You said that in front of the parties, uncle?”
“Where else can you find a groom like this? In times like this, it’s better to pretend you can’t win and go along with this uncle’s strategy.”
“That’s because I said it wasn’t like that. “See you later, Junho.”
“okay.”
Lee Se-hee and Baek Gun-seo have passed away, and Jeong Da-hyun is left alone. There was a feeling of relief in his eyes as he looked at me.
“congratulation. “I was impressed by the measurement process.”
“how was it?”
“It was new. And I realized that what was usually showing how high a level Junho had reached turned out to be a natural process of coming from a high level. I learned a lot. thank you.”
“You just have to do well in the future. Keep watching from the sidelines. “Because I’ll be in the National Defense Bureau.”
“thank god. “I thought you would go far away.”
“Because the director is good to me. Instead, hair might be a bit dangerous?”
Jeong Da-hyun laughed at my words. I feel a little more comfortable because I decided to be more comfortable with it.
“I think it’s Junho’s style to crush the enemy. “It was very difficult to subdue him without getting hurt, right?”
“···It was the most difficult battle I have ever fought.”
I want to open the mind of the person who created this measurement system. Should I really open it? I want to know what you are thinking.
“I understand. “I do the same thing these days when dealing with villains.”
“how?”
“Give one warning and then start exercising your skills right away. As a result, the effect is certain.”
Front-line civil servant hunters have also become more active in arresting villains than before.
“It’s a good thing.”
“Thanks to Junho. “You made me realize what really important values are.”
huh? All I’ve ever said is that the villain is bad.
I was curious about what the value was, but Jeong Da-hyun did not say more.
“Next time I see you, I won’t be your boss.”
“is it?”
“All level 8 superhumans are treated as first-class civil servants. “In terms of rank, even the director is not a superior.”
That’s why Jeong Joo-ho told me that my status has risen.
Each year, the salary increases, and when the contract is renewed, it is raised to ministerial level.
“So that’s it.”
“huh?”
“Next time I see you, I’ll call you oppa.”
“brother?”
“yes.”
It’s a completely unexpected name. It’s the same title as Yunhee, but it resonates differently.
“Then I’ll go. I will support the negotiation. Junho oppa.”
Dahyun Jeong bowed her head and left the place. After a while, I had a negotiation meeting with government officials at Jeong Ju-ho’s call.
*
“This is Cheon Myeong-guk, head of the Awakened Security Office.”
The Director of Awakened Security Office is one of the three highest Awakened positions in Korea.
Cheon Myeong-guk is a former deputy master of the Reaper Guild. He had numerous hunting achievements and overseas hunting collaborations in his youth. He served as the head of policy for the National Guild Union, and was appointed as the head of the Awakened Security Office three months ago.
He is synonymous with gentle charisma and is a skilled person who can smoothen relations between the government and guilds and foreign countries.
It’s a name I know too. But it doesn’t mean anything good.
When the cause was hematoma, it was this gentleman who reached a grand compromise between the government guild and citizens and made the grueling chase happen.
Even after resigning from his position as head of the Awakened Security Office, he made a remarkable contribution to establishing a villain tracking system as an advisor to the National Guild Association.
It was all done to catch me.
So, among the people I wanted to kill the most in my last life, he is ranked among the top.
Of course, it’s a grudge from my last life.
The hematoma’s resentment, not mine.
“I am Hunter Choi Jun-ho, a level 9 civil servant from the National Defense Bureau’s Special Team and Villain Task Force.”
“I know very well. “I have heard Choi Jun-ho’s story for a long time.”
“It is an honour.”
“I thought it was the material that would support the Republic of Korea in the future. Although I underestimated the level 8 superhuman. haha!”
He gave me an appropriate amount of attention and looked at me with his subtle eyes.
“I heard it from Director Jeong here, but I want to hear Choi Jun-ho’s intentions directly. Are you willing to be part of the government?”
“yes. “I just want to be treated accordingly.”
I said that as a National Protectorate Hunter, I want a good relationship with the government, but I am keeping several paths open.
Lee Se-hee coached me by saying that only this way I would have an advantage.
“You are saying what we fear the most. The government plans to show its utmost sincerity. Since your thoughts are positive, we can work together. “I have high expectations.”
“So do i.”
When I agreed, Jeong Joo-ho said.
“First, how about telling us about the benefits given to level 8 superhumans?”
“That’s right. First of all, first-year employees are treated as first-class civil servants, but their salaries increase every year. The actual national hierarchy is equivalent to that of minister…”
Various tax benefits, treatment as a state guest when visiting foreign countries, participation in budget management related to awakened people, priority rights for government-affiliated weapons, etc. were mentioned.
Although it did not have the astronomical salaries and unique incentives offered by large guilds, this is not a bad condition if you do not have any attachment to money.
In fact, Sehee Lee told us what the government’s side would say, and most of them agreed.
“How is it?”
“I like it.”
“then······.”
“I will accept the manager’s offer as long as you meet two conditions.”
“Please tell me.”
Do you think I’m almost there? Cheon Myeong-guk’s expression brightened. Actually, it may not be a big deal to the other person, but I may be the only one who thinks it is difficult.
After glancing at Jung Joo-ho, who was quietly watching from the side, he mentioned something he had wanted for a long time.
“I want to be granted immunity and the privilege of not being arrested.”
“Now wait!”
Jung Joo-ho shouted in surprise, but this was what I wanted from the beginning.
Cheon Myeong-guk’s expression hardened, as if he had been caught off guard. I had no intention of bringing back grudges from my last life, but seeing the expression on his face made me feel better. It’s refreshing.
“You can think about it slowly and give an answer. “It doesn’t matter if it’s not today.”
“······.”
“Or can you give me the answer right away?”
In the end, Cheon Myeong-guk closed his eyes tightly.
“I need a consultation. Please give it time.”
“I’ll wait.”
He said what he wanted from the beginning, but it seemed like I was harassing him.
I really don’t want to bother you?
Anyway, the ball is now in the hands of Cheon Myeong-guk.
After saying hello and getting up, Jeong Joo-ho followed behind me.
“What are you thinking? Privilege of immunity from arrest? Immunity? “To destroy this country?”
“I thought I needed it.”
“I’d rather ask for the rights like old man Kim Young-hwan. “They know everything about you, so if I ask for it, will they accept it?”
“If you want me so badly, you will accept me.”
“···If you think about it, we are in an urgent situation right now. “Did you even calculate that?”
I just wanted it from the beginning. As for immunity, this also seemed good, so I included it on the spot and added it.
Is this a deal? I liked the fact that I was the only one making the request.
“You are a real devil. Director Cheon Myeong-guk is really resourceful, but he immediately made me shut up. “My head is going to explode right now.”
“If you are resourceful, they will listen.”
“I will move because I need you. But what are you going to do with all that?”
“I’m not doing anything.”
As long as you have authority, it can be used at any time.
No matter how many privileges there are, they are never enough.
I didn’t say anything, but Jung Joo-ho became thoughtful.
“Junho, I’m really begging you, if you do something you don’t like, please tell me right then and there. Don’t take action. No, if you don’t like the National Guard, just say so. There is a good place called the Foreign Cooperation Management Bureau. The director there has a nice personality. Did you see that I trusted you during the last operation? He truly trusts people and is patient enough to endure even when his wife has been ripping him off for 20 years. I have been controlling hair loss for 20 years with my indomitable perseverance. Because you can do it whenever you decide. Understand? huh?”
Jung Joo-ho sometimes overreacts. When I receive privileges and solve various cases, the only person who can solve them most cleanly is Joo-ho Jeong.
“I will be attached to the National Defense Bureau until the end, so please provide me with a lot of guidance.”
“I do not want to!”
Jung Joo-ho screamed in joy.
*
“He’s my older brother, but he’s really amazing.”
Yunhee shook her head after hearing what I asked while congratulating me on becoming level 8.
“why?”
“If you accept all of that, it would be a completely lawless area. “Who can stop you?”
“Do you think I would abuse it?”
That’s just for hitting visible villains. Of course, the scope of the villain I see and the villain defined by society may be slightly different.
“Anyway, it’s amazing, it’s amazing.”
“I will accept it.”
“That would be good, right? “Because I’m on your brother’s side.”
“Isn’t there anyone bothering you?”
“Hmm, I think it’s happening slowly.”
I’m still getting calls from numbers I don’t know.
They didn’t come to me. All I have on my smartphone are my parents, Yoonhee, Jeong Dahyun, and Lee Sehee. Oh, I also recently registered Berserker.
The person who contacts me the most is also Berserker.
“And since your parents might be bothered, how about bringing them to Seoul?”
“I’m perfectly fine. But will mom and dad come?”
“I have to convince you.”
When I became level 8, the first thing that came to mind was to bring my parents from the countryside to Seoul.
Yunhee mentioned a practical problem.
“What about money? “You can’t live here.”
“I don’t have any.”
“I don’t have one either. But will the loan come out well? Should I try pulling it with the pull?”
“······.”
There was silence between us. What had been no inconvenience in my last life emerged as a new inconvenience. Should I catch a monster?
or not······.
“I should ask Lee Se-hee.”
“What kind of bank is that?”
Yunhee shouted with an absurd expression.
But I think they’ll lend it to me if I tell them.
*
Three days later, Jeong Joo-ho guided Cheon Myeong-guk, who was visiting the National Defense Bureau, to the conference room and then called Choi Jun-ho.
Cheon Myeong-guk said with the same troubled expression he had on the first day.
“···To be honest, there are many disputes. In particular, there were many people who were concerned when looking at Choi Jun-ho’s career.”
“What do you mean?”
“Excuse me for saying this, but there were many cases of excessive suppression.”
“yes.”
Jeong Joo-ho secretly agreed. The government is working properly.
What’s creepy is that Choi Jun-ho himself saw the warning he received for excessive suppression as a medal for working hard to catch the villain.
“It is true that the government is concerned about this. “If you are granted immunity and the privilege of not being arrested…”
I may have blurted out the ending, but I understand very well what your concerns are. The government got it right. Just imagining what would happen if Choi Jun-ho had immunity and the privilege of not being arrested gave me a headache.
In particular, if he had been the head of the Awakened Security Office who had to control Choi Jun-ho, he would have resigned immediately.
Although he was stabbed with a sharp point, Choi Jun-ho remained calm.
“It’s better these days.”
“yes?”
“If you had investigated, you would have seen that the number of excessive suppression cases was initially high, but has decreased significantly in recent years.”
I can’t believe I’ve been working as a civil servant hunter for just over half a year, and I can’t believe I’ve been doing better in the past month. Jeong Joo-ho stuck out his tongue at that shamelessness.
Cheon Myeong-guk also shook his head.
“The sample is too small. “It’s hard to say that it has diminished.”
“In fact, the villains went to prison unharmed.”
“I don’t know why, but I felt sick inside.”
The villain who took Choi Jun-ho’s hand was so devastated that he could never act as a villain again and was sent to prison.
The problem is that it only looks fine on the outside.
Those concerns were completely justified.
Jung Joo-ho thought Choi Jun-ho was cornered. But the guy’s expression didn’t change. Is there something there?
The answer that followed was shocking.
“I haven’t been able to control my strength for a while.”
“Strength… control?”
“yes. And I know this because I have received many warnings, but as long as the arrested villain looks fine, it is not a big problem. We will pay more attention to the outer packaging from now on. Trust us.”
“······.”
Jeong Joo-ho opened his mouth wide at the unimaginable shamelessness.