Chapter 86

EP 14 - Clams Are Supposed to Be Eaten by Crazy People (5)

Father was a businessman.

Occasionally, he would say this at seminars.

There are two things that move people.

Dreams. And responsibility.

* * *

We were able to hear the entire situation from the police officers who were protecting Seol Jin-woon.

The perpetrator was a woman in her 50s. After asking for help, she offered water as a token of gratitude. Inside the glass bottle was hydrochloric acid.

When Seol Jin-woon staggered, she threw sulfuric acid, which she had prepared in advance.

In a reflexive defensive action, he was hit once and died from severe injuries while being transported to the hospital.

The motive for the crime was,

"They said I killed their son."

Revenge.

"Specifically, they said that because we stirred up the Seoul Gate to prevent future rampages, monsters escaped, and as a result, their child, who was evacuating in northern Gyeonggi Province, died..."

“......”

“Well, I’m fine. I wasn’t really hurt, and the pain healed quickly with a potion.”

“......That’s a relief.”

“Actually, I’m more worried about the person I hit with my arm. I think I hit their face...”

I thought for a moment and then told him that the person had died.

“......Is that so? It’s going to get very noisy.”

As expected, Seol Jin-woon looked very composed.

His expression didn’t change much.

Perhaps it was natural.

“......”

This wasn’t the first time.

Maybe that’s why Seol Jin-woon didn’t seem particularly shaken. Perhaps he wasn’t just pretending to be fine; he might have really become numb. His expression didn’t change at all.

But, no matter what he was thinking inside,

“......Jin-woon, student?”

That didn’t mean I wasn’t angry.

“Can I call you a student?”

“......Ah, yes. I haven’t graduated yet.”

“Well, in today’s world, whether academic credentials matter, ah, they do. Anyway...”

I extended my hand to him and smiled.

“Can I borrow your phone?”

*

“Something... something is happening.”

“Ah, yes...”

Commander Kim Doo-sik looked at Minister Yoo Jae-kyung with a troubled expression.

They represented the literary and military aspects of the Republic of Korea, but because they were on the same level, they had a more relaxed relationship.

In any case, the strange collaboration that Yoo Jae-kyung had initiated by banging his head on the table had led to their second meeting today.

Of course, Kim Doo-sik was still picking at the mixed vegetables with a troubled look, and Minister Yoo Jae-kyung was frowning in the private room of a regular Korean restaurant.

The expression "shaken with fear" would be appropriate.

“Do you know who Yeo Do-yeon is?”

“I know that he is someone whom Representative Han Seung-moon follows like a sister.”

“He’s more than that.”

Yoo Jae-kyung shook his head.

“Currently, Korean awakened individuals are largely divided into two factions.”

First, the Kim Chun-sik faction, who have been working under the government since the early stages of the crisis.

Second, the Seol Jin-woon faction, who survived in Seoul without joining the government.

“Originally, the Hong Seon-ah faction, which split from the Kim Chun-sik faction, and other private PMC hunters were dominant, but the elite members of Aegis have mostly rejoined the Kim Chun-sik faction. These two factions now form the core of the Hunter Association.”

“......Hmm.”

Kim Doo-sik countered.

“There are thousands of awakened individuals in Korea. But the total number of people in those factions is only about 70, right?”

“Evaluating the strength of hunters by numbers is somewhat misleading.”

Yoo Jae-kyung pressed his furrowed brows and shook his head.

“Hunters become infinitely stronger as they absorb mana stones. In other words, they are a one-to-a-hundred type of species.”

“Are you saying that those few dozen people are more valuable than thousands of other hunters?”

“While those few dozen may not be able to defeat thousands, they can lead them.”

“......”

“At least for now. If a system is established to supply all awakened individuals with sufficient mana stones in the future, it might be different, but for now, those 50 people will have absolute influence in the awakened industry, both in terms of experience and power. Most of them have been active since the early stages of the crisis.”

Yoo Jae-kyung gently stroked his chin. The coldness of a top economic official shone through his glasses.

“I personally like to call them the first-generation hunters.”

“......Let’s get back to the topic of Yeo Do-yeon.”

“Ah, yes. In any case, that’s why Yeo Do-yeon is important.”

Yoo Jae-kyung took a careful sip of cold green tea and continued his serious explanation.

“In terms of the strength of hunters, Yeo Do-yeon is literally one-to-a-hundred.”

“I know.”

“And, Yeo Do-yeon is a person who exerts significant influence over both the Kim Chun-sik faction and the Seol Jin-woon faction, which currently divide the hunter industry.”

“......What?”

“Yeo Do-yeon is the only person deeply involved in both the Kim Chun-sik faction and the Seol Jin-woon faction. He is the only one who was in both the Gangnam Line and the isolated Seoul.”

Yoo Jae-kyung hit the core of the matter.

“Moreover, most awakened individuals see Yeo Do-yeon as the link to Han Seung-moon. Conversely, because of this person, Representative Han Seung-moon is believed to manipulate the Hunter Association from behind.”

“......That’s a rather dangerous statement, Minister.”

“Did you bring a recorder?”

“No.”

“I’m saying this because I believe you didn’t.”

In response to Yoo Jae-kyung’s words, Kim Doo-sik quietly took a recorder out of his inner pocket and dropped it into a water glass on the table.

Yoo Jae-kyung flinched slightly but continued his explanation.

“......This morning, Yeo Do-yeon attempted suicide. This afternoon, Seol Jin-woon was attacked. And I don’t think these are coincidences.”

“Someone’s plotting, you mean?”

“I believe it’s Representative Han Seung-moon’s plot.”

“What...!”

- Bang!

Kim Doo-sik lightly slapped the table with his palm. The dishes and glasses shook, and water splashed.

“Did you bow your head to me just to tell me this conspiracy theory?”

“Just listen.”

“I don’t think I need to.”

“Why is Representative Han Seung-moon scary?”

“He’s not scary.”

“I’m scared. Why would I be scared?”

Yoo Jae-kyung didn’t wait for Kim Doo-sik’s response.

“He’s been a member of parliament for less than a year. Does he have many supporters? Does he know how to cultivate his constituency? Has he ever run a political party? Is he good at making laws? Is he a star from debates or hearings? No, he’s not.”

“Minister.”

“No, just listen. In short, Han Seung-moon is a politician who hasn’t been fully vetted.”

“I don’t understand what you’re trying to say.”

“But, the one who always provided the answers was this man. Do you know what that means?”

Kim Doo-sik couldn’t help but agree with Yoo Jae-kyung’s analysis.

“The more chaotic the situation, the more power he gains.”

Heroes are called in times of chaos.

“Then, who is making the situation chaotic?”

*

“President Hong Seon-ah.”

“Ah, that title feels awkward!”

“You need to get used to it.”

The association is roughly divided into two factions: the Apgujeong faction and the Dongdaemun faction. The former follows Kim Chun-sik, and the latter follows Seol Jin-woon.

The Kim Chun-sik faction is divided into the purebloods who were close to Kim Chun-sik and those who followed Hong Seon-ah to GS Group. The relationship between the two is not very good. They are not particularly close.

On the other hand, the Seol Jin-woon faction is different.

“Everyone rushed to the hospital, even in the middle of a hunt. It’s...”

“So, you stopped them?”

“Of course, I sent them all. I had our people fill in. That’s the right thing to do.”

They were a tightly-knit group that had formed within the closed community of the Dongdaemun camp in northern Gangbuk for nearly a year.

Specifically, their loyalty to Seol Jin-woon was very strong. It varied from person to person, but generally, that was the case.

So,

“......Even when something happens, they are very united.”

“Everyone is in a state of unrest.”

It’s not strange that the entire hunter industry is in turmoil.

Hong Seon-ah asked me,

“......What happened?”

“It’s a revenge killing.”

“I know that. Is there no one behind it?”

“How would a member of parliament know that? I’m not the police.”

“Ah... a useless man...”

Although she was smiling faintly, Hong Seon-ah was suspicious of the background of the incident. A chilling chill flowed from her eyes, but her expression remained bright.

So, I smiled too.

“There are things a member of parliament can do.”

“What are they?”

“Can I borrow your phone?”

“Here.”

“Unlock it.”

“Sure.”

I gathered the phones of Seol Jin-woon and Hong Seon-ah.

And I started the real work.

Since the hunters were in a state of chaos, the job was completed in just 7 hours.

*

“......Representative Han Seung-moon made his sister attempt suicide and poured acid on Seol Jin-woon.”

“I suspect that Yeo Do-yeon opposed the acid attack on Seol Jin-woon, leading to a scuffle. Perhaps it was Representative Han Seung-moon who put Qing Zhongye in a difficult position by making him pressure Won Ok-bun. Of course, I can’t be sure...”

“What a convincing argument.”

Minister Yoo Jae-kyung desperately tried to persuade Kim Doo-sik.

“Something, something is definitely happening. And the ultimate winner will be Han Seung-moon.”

“What’s your evidence?”

“It’s always been like that.”

“That’s a very convincing argument.”

However, Kim Doo-sik’s reaction remained cold.

“Minister, I acknowledge and have been aware that Representative Han Seung-moon is a capable person.”

“No, he’s not the kind of person we can predict.”

“To me, he seems ordinary, sometimes selfish, and somewhat extraordinary and exceptional—”

“Would such a person casually kill hundreds of thousands of people?”

“Minister.”

Kim Doo-sik sighed and warned Yoo Jae-kyung with a frown.

“You’re making things very difficult. Don’t cross the line. Why would Representative Han Seung-moon kill people?”

“Who suggested driving the monsters to the north?”

“......”

It was Han Seung-moon.

“The monsters went north, didn’t they? I believe you are well aware of the situation in North Korea. We poured monsters into their rear.”

“Of course, I’m aware.”

“How many people died in Hwanghae and Kaesong?”

“......About seven evacuation zones were destroyed by the monsters. Most North Korean refugees were concentrated in the south.”

“So, how many people died?”

“......More than 700,000.”

“That’s why I find him scary.”

Yoo Jae-kyung shuddered and clicked his tongue.

“I’m not blaming him. As a public official, it was a good decision. But the fact that such a plan could pop into his head means he’s not an ordinary person. How could he think of building a wall with apartments and setting fire to drive away the monsters, naturally assuming the deaths of many people?”

“......”

“Moreover, if Commander Yoo Hyun-jong’s northern retreat operation had failed, our national army would have died, or rather, about 1,000 civilians and soldiers combined—”

“Don’t casually disclose top-secret information, Minister.”

“I’m third in the presidential succession line. In fact, I’m second because there’s no prime minister.”

“The higher you are, the more careful you need to be with your words.”

“......I’m sorry. Yes.”

Yoo Jae-kyung cautiously cleared his throat and rubbed his forehead with his clasped hands.

“......Anyway, I have a very high opinion of Han Seung-moon.”

“Yes. So, you’re suggesting we switch from the Won Ok-bun acting president line to the Han Seung-moon line—”

“Ultimately, the winner will be Han Seung-moon. Even if we don’t directly attack Acting President Won, we need to take a sufficiently friendly stance toward Han Seung-moon to secure our future.”

“......That seems too opportunistic. And I don’t see Representative Han Seung-moon that way—”

“No...! No...!”

- Bang!

“We need to be willing to bang our heads in the mud for the people we are responsible for!”

Minister Yoo Jae-kyung slammed his fist on the table and shouted.

“And Han Seung-moon is waiting for the right moment!”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s creating a muddy pond by releasing his eels into the world! In any case, something... something will happen!”

“Sigh......! Minister, please. These days, people call this kind of thing a brainwave on the internet—”

“There must be a hidden ace. No, there is one! There is!”

After five days of sleepless nights, Minister Yoo Jae-kyung, half-mad, foamed at the mouth. The sharpness in his eyes had disappeared, replaced by anxiety and fear.

“Have you ever seen Zhuge Liang step forward from the beginning!? This Republic of Korea is now Han Seung-moon’s game! When his chess piece falls, this, this...! The clam game is in chaos...!”

- Creak!

“Minister—!”

The door to the private room opened, and an aide rushed in.

Yoo Jae-kyung, who was thoroughly a bureaucrat, shouted.

“What are you doing?!”

“W, well...!”

“If you have a report, do it quickly!”

“T, TV! Please, watch the TV!”

The aide quickly turned on the TV with his smartphone and respectfully handed it over. Yoo Jae-kyung and Kim Doo-sik leaned in to look at the small screen.

[......There was a belief!

Right in the heart of Seoul!

Where the blood of heroes and martyrs flows!

Right in that Seoul!

There was a belief!]

Han Seung-moon at the press conference was shouting in a rare loud voice.

[That belief to save the world! It was that earnest dream and hope that returned the world to the people!]

He waved his trembling hand forcefully in the air, continuing his passionate speech.

[But, what is the current state of society?!]

[Look at Seoul. Monsters live in the city.]

[Look at the political arena. Monsters are in politics.]

[Look at the world!]

[Is what you see there people!?]

His subtle Gyeongsang dialect mixed with a rapid pace, the microphone’s rough vibrations adding to the overwhelming presence.

[We can remake the law.

We can rebuild virtue.

We can redraw the line.

But people cannot be replaced by anything! Belief and dreams cannot be replaced by anything! And we—

No!

I failed to protect that dream!]

Many people were around Han Seung-moon.

To be precise, many people were lined up behind Han Seung-moon.

[......I am not a hero. I have no belief, no dream.]

Some had no legs, some had their faces disfigured, and some had their limbs amputated and were in wheelchairs.

[But I have the duty to protect that dream.

I have the responsibility to protect that belief.

Therefore, I humbly apologize to the people.]

Han Seung-moon’s loud voice subsided, and a solemn declaration followed.

[Here are thirty heroes. All of them became disabled while saving people.]

[They can no longer fight, but their belief in helping the world has not been broken.]

[I believe these people should be in politics.]

Watching the screen, Kim Doo-sik felt his hair stand on end.

[The political world is full of filth.]

[As the leader of the National Party, I distrust the judgment of the Public Service Commission.]

[Therefore, I request that they review the strategic nominations for these thirty people.]

Yoo Jae-kyung finally smiled, his eyes filled with madness.

[If they refuse, I will run as an independent.]

[I am no exception.]

Yoo Jae-kyung bit his trembling lips and tried to suppress his smile, but he couldn’t hide the uncontrollable trembling.

[I have no dream.]

[But I have the responsibility to protect that dream.]

[People, who will you entrust the country to?]

Yoo Jae-kyung said in a trembling voice.

“......Look at this.”

EP 14

Clams Are Supposed to Be Eaten by Crazy People

END