Chapter Index





    Chapter 60: Something Seems Suspicious (5)

    Samgak District was created by chance where the territories of the three major guilds overlapped.

    This new autonomous district combined parts of the former Jongno, Seodaemun, Jung, Mapo, and Yongsan districts, becoming a wealthy area rivaling Hannam-dong and Samsung-dong.

    A new district in an already overcrowded Seoul? It was like trying to separate a hamburger patty – completely absurd. Yet the power of the three major guilds made it possible.

    How remarkable must this tiny area be to earn recognition as a “district” rather than a “neighborhood”? The answer lay in the district chief’s wealth.

    A previously unremarkable middle-aged man became one of Korea’s top 100 wealthy individuals after becoming district chief. After the Gates appeared, Samgak District became an economic powerhouse surpassing even provincial cities that had fallen into decline.

    The district’s influence was so great that both Seoul mayoral and presidential elections were thought to depend on Samgak District’s public opinion.

    In other words, District Chief Woo Hyodong had been extremely fortunate. He’d stumbled into the position during the chaos following the Gates’ appearance and managed to keep it for four terms.

    How had he secured a fourth term when the position was limited to three? The answer was Gyeonwoo’s power.

    As he strode toward Gyeonwoo, the district chief recalled that desperate moment from his past.

    “I know you’re quite ambitious, Chief. So I’ve brought you some excellent information,” someone had told him.

    The tip came in exchange for promising “favors” to a major construction company regarding large-scale redevelopment: make an “offering” to a certain cult and they would grant any one wish.

    “Ha, that’s ridiculous,” he hadn’t believed it at first.

    Even in an age where humans could cut stone with swords, there had to be limits. Granting wishes? If that were possible, he would have already lost his position as district chief.

    But…

    “Somehow it doesn’t seem like a lie.”

    By the time Chief Woo learned the cult’s true nature, Gyeonwoo’s power had already changed reality.

    “So perhaps it’s worth taking a chance and believing.”

    His wish was for this life-changing moment to repeat eternally – in other words, perpetual re-election as Samgak District Chief.

    The day to meet the cult arrived. Blindfolded and practically kidnapped, he was taken to a space where a man in an immaculate suit greeted him.

    “We have another distinguished guest today. So, Chief, what brings you here?”

    Though his words seemed deferential, his tone was remarkably flat. It was a subtle difference, but one familiar to someone versed in cutthroat politics.

    “…I gather I’m not such a distinguished visitor compared to your usual guests.”

    “Haha. You misunderstand. Everyone who visits the cult undergoes thorough screening. You’re more than qualified, Chief.”

    “I heard you demand money for wishes. Doesn’t that mean anyone with enough money qualifies?”

    “Offerings, not money. Though, financial capability is indeed one qualification.”

    In this battle of wills, the cult’s representative backed down first.

    “Since I’ve been rude, let me offer a small demonstration – proof that we can grant any wish you desire.”

    What could they be hiding to act so confidently? The chief remained skeptical.

    But when the suited man pressed a button and the partition wall rose to reveal an empty room beyond…

    “What is this! I-I want nothing to do with this!”

    Chief Woo jumped up in horror.

    Through what’s commonly called a one-way mirror sat a boy in terrible condition.

    One eye socket was empty like a skull, both legs severed at the stumps. He looked about 10 years old at most.

    Despite his horrific state, wearing only rags barely covering vital areas, he somehow maintained a simple, innocent smile.

    The scene suggested human trafficking catering to those with unusual preferences.

    Even though crime rates had skyrocketed since the Gates appeared, this was too much.

    Getting involved could cost him not just his position but his life at the hands of the three major guilds.

    As the terrified chief tried to flee…

    “Our guest wishes to verify your abilities.”

    “…What would you like me to do?”

    “Ah yes. To help everyone relax, could you let some warm sunlight into our room?”

    Ignoring the chief’s reaction, the man spoke one-sidedly to the boy.

    In an instant, warm light began pouring down into the dim room.

    “What in…”

    This vast room, surrounded by gray concrete, suddenly grew warm.

    Looking up at the ceiling revealed only dull concrete walls, not even lighting fixtures.

    The chief turned back, drawn by the light that even carried the scent of sunshine.

    He stepped forward to witness this unbelievable miracle up close to the one-way mirror.

    “Well? Are you satisfied?”

    Beyond the glass, someone in a white coat was injecting a potion into the pale boy’s carotid artery. As if entranced by this horrific sight, the chief spoke:

    “My wish is eternal re-election as Samgak District Chief. Is that possible?”

    His tone had grown notably more respectful, recognizing that despite bringing money, he wasn’t the one in control.

    “It’s possible, but changing so many people’s minds will require substantial funding. Shall we discuss this in more detail?”

    “Let’s do that.”

    That day, Chief Woo emptied his entire slush fund of billions of won accumulated through various corruptions.

    In exchange, he achieved a slightly different wish than intended – removing term limits for the Samgak District Chief position.

    Damn it. If he’d known it would turn out like this, he would have been more careful.

    That was the problem.

    Though term limits were gone, he still had to work to get elected.

    Money was paramount in politics.

    Having depleted his slush fund, his options were limited.

    He urgently needed to gather more money.

    Use that money to network with more powerful people.

    “Ah… you absolutely must greet that general…”

    His staff, who understood the chief’s situation better than anyone, had been fretting.

    But that was only because these ordinary pigs didn’t know about the Saint’s existence.

    Though he didn’t know why the precious Saint had come here, he couldn’t miss this opportunity.

    Even if he alienated everyone else, with the Saint alone…

    If he could just make another wish, anything was possible.

    Even if others would condemn it as criminal.

    “Wow! District Chief?”

    The chief flashed his brightest smile at Gyeonwoo’s reaction, clearly remembering him.

    “Well, who do we have here!”

    Gyeonwoo looked incomparably healthier than when he’d made his wish.

    This suggested she could grant even greater wishes than before.

    Ignoring the stares around them, the chief walked straight up and grasped Gyeonwoo’s hands.

    “I’m so glad to see you looking healthy.”

    “Hehe… I’m glad you look happier than before too, Chief.”

    He was determined to curry favor with the Saint somehow to secure fifth, sixth terms…

    no, to keep this position until death.

    Seemingly unaware of the chief’s ulterior motives, Gyeonwoo remained bright and cheerful.

    Wow! Finally met him!

    Suddenly coming to the district office.

    Learning that someone who tormented Pureumi was here.

    Remembering the district chief’s existence – none of this was mere coincidence!

    This was all the Almighty God’s arrangement!

    This must be an opportunity provided to heal Pureumi’s suffering, so I have to seize it!

    “Gyeonwoo?!”

    Though Han Dayeon raised her voice in concern when Gyeonwoo suddenly rushed forward, this time her worry couldn’t be helped.

    Though she now knew the surface world wasn’t purely happy and that there were many bad people…

    Still, meeting someone from underground.

    “But you’ve gained too much weight since I last saw you. You must always take care of your health!”

    At Gyeonwoo’s words – gasp!

    The staff who had reluctantly followed the chief silently covered their mouths.

    The chief was already suffering from obesity, back pain, and hair loss these days!

    Surely he wouldn’t raise his voice and curse at such a small child?

    Even if upset, they couldn’t antagonize a child connected to the Chungseong Guild…

    But contrary to the staff’s concerns, the chief just laughed heartily.

    “It’s all thanks to my small wish being granted. I’m so happy every day that I keep eating this and that. Ah, speaking of which – how about we go to a great restaurant nearby together?”

    He actually used Gyeonwoo’s words as an opportunity to extend what would have been a brief conversation.

    He worked hard to act benevolent, remembering the cult member’s earnest advice.

    The Saint favors kind people.

    And takes pity on the unfortunate.

    “Well… I can’t accept alone when there are other friends here…”

    Seeing Gyeonwoo look back at the nearby children and woman…

    “Ah! As expected of the Saint. Then as an alternative, I’ll have food delivered here. It’s only natural to share with everyone when the Saint has graced us with their presence!”

    He turned to his staff and quietly ordered:

    “What are you all standing around for? You know that restaurant right there? Order enough for all the children to eat.”

    Han Dayeon, who had been watching the situation unfold helplessly, grew serious as well.


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