Chapter 271

Chapter 271. Privileges Built on Reputation (3)

Thump, thump, thump, thump.

Squad Leader Yang Jochul’s heart was beating almost as if it were part of a drum performance.

‘At this rate, his heart rate must be close to 180.’

For a moment, I wondered if I had pushed him too hard.

‘It was something that needed to be done at least once.’

Of course, I didn’t intend to push him any further.

So, I quietly averted my gaze and sipped my coffee with a slurp.

I reflected on the current situation until Squad Leader Yang Jochul regained his composure.

‘The influence of the only Alpha at this moment is beyond imagination.’

The changes that occurred in the past few days just because I was in Korea were proof of that.

‘For starters, global investment funds have flowed into the stock market.’

In the actual market, the term “K Special” even emerged.

Additionally, each country’s political circles began to adopt a friendly attitude toward Korea in terms of diplomacy.

‘So far, it’s not bad.’

The media’s response naturally changes somewhat depending on the stance of the regime.

And currently, Korea’s government was using “K” as a connection to present players with a positive image.

Thanks to this, people were accepting the existence of players more easily and quickly.

‘The fact that public transportation is running already speaks volumes.’

Korea’s rate of social purification was among the fastest in the world.

It’s only natural for Squad Leader Yang Jochul to be nervous since I made a remark that seemed to doubt myself.

‘Of course, I don’t really believe he acted with malintent.’

He likely used me for the psychological stability of the people.

Just as my sense of justice lies with my family, his probably lies with the nation and its people.

‘Turning me into some sort of celebrity…’

I could view it as a side effect of taking advantage of the current era’s culture too well.

Various videos and press releases emphasized the friendliness of players rather than their dangers.

The goal was to showcase good deeds over evil ones and build trust.

Seeing that, today’s warning would end here, just with words.

At that moment, Squad Leader Yang Jochul, after a long silence, finally spoke up.

“First, to clarify… there was no such intention. We just wanted to achieve social stability more quickly…”

But I raised my hand to stop his words.

“As I repeatedly said, I don’t intend to take back what I said. Use my name, my face, and even my past if needed.”

If it was necessary to protect the land where my family and my people lived, there was no reason to hold back.

“To be honest, from the results alone, I think you did a good job. You really highlighted the parts that would resonate with the public.”

I leisurely added, finishing the rest of my coffee.

“The conversation we had today, let’s just say it stemmed from a sense of worry, so just keep it in mind somewhere.”

Squad Leader Yang Jochul’s complexion remained pale.

I looked straight into his eyes and warned him.

“You can take it as a request. Just a simple request not to wield me with some lofty pretext of serving the greater good.”

In the worst-case scenario, I considered the option of taking my family and immigrating to another country.

It wouldn’t be too difficult. Many places would want me.

Making the government the enemy of the people in that process wouldn’t be challenging.

If necessary, I could claim through media play that I was leaving because they were trying to oppress and persecute me.

“If you understand that what I wish to protect is not the country, but my family, we can get along pretty well.”

I conveyed my hope that they’d think it over before crossing any lines in the future.

“I meant it as advice, given the help you’ve provided in the past and my hopes to continue getting along in the future… perhaps it was unnecessary meddling?”

I asked in a neutral tone, and Squad Leader Yang Jochul, still tense, answered.

“No, it was precisely the conversation needed at an appropriate time.”

“Thankfully.”

As the somewhat one-sided conversation ended, the sound of fast-approaching footsteps was heard.

Sensing the familiar mana of Kim Yul, I stood up and spoke.

“With Yul here, I should get going now.”

The stiff Squad Leader Yang Jochul hurriedly stood up to see me off.

Later, I left the National Intelligence Service building with Kim Yul and picked up my phone.

I firmly pressed a number saved a few days ago.

After a brief ring…

「Hyunwoo!」

Park Hayoung answered.

“How have you been?”

「Of course. How could I not be in such a safe place?」

According to Squad Leader Yang Jochul, her boyfriend, whom she was with during the disaster, had died.

Although her voice seemed fine, I knew her insides were likely torn apart.

‘Then and now, she doesn’t want to show weakness in front of others.’

Recalling Park Hayoung from our school days, I stifled a wry smile.

Meanwhile, Park Hayoung asked with curiosity.

「By the way, when did you return? I just saw a sighting report about you. Did you see it?」

A sigh almost bubbled up my throat.

‘That sighting report.’

The overwhelming interest and attention focused on me weren’t entirely welcome.

But knowing it was something I had to endure, I suppressed it.

「Are you okay? The casualties announced this time are many… the others were worried about you too.」

“The others?”

「Our classmates!」

“Ah…”

Come to think of it, unlike me, Park Hayoung was still in touch with our high school classmates.

Hearing about them for the first time in a while, I got curious about how they were doing.

However, the present required more focus on future matters than past connections.

“Judging by what you’re saying, everyone seems safe.”

「Yes, fortunately, no one was seriously hurt or killed.」

“Let’s catch up next time. For now, I actually wanted to talk to Reporter Park about work.”

「Uh?」

“Would you consider working with me?”

「Work, you say? What kind of work?」

Kim Yul, who had been quietly following along during the call, tilted his head in curiosity.

Since I had to explain to him anyway, I said exactly what I was thinking without hiding anything.

“I plan to become a global big shot this time.”

For that, I needed a journalist to spread the news coming from my lips far and wide.

* * *

「Even if the refugee problem is serious, it’s not exactly a new issue…」

「Properly utilizing the justification of securing troops in exchange for accommodating families could persuade the media and citizens of each country…」

「The selection of players is proportional to the population. Countries with smaller populations are structurally vulnerable to defense…」

「Honestly, we want to welcome them with open arms…」

「In case of a similar incident, we might have to abandon our territory immediately…」

「However, the appearance of the Demi-humans could indeed cause…」

「Afraid of the inevitable conflict, leaving things untouched…」

「That’s true. There are also obvious benefits to be gained from enduring the said conflict…」

「Luckily, mana follows the character of its owner. Among the mages who haven’t betrayed…」

「Then perhaps…」

I focused intently on the content of the audio file through my earphones.

The file was delivered on a USB early this morning by a US diplomatic staff member.

It was the recording of a council executive meeting that took place the day before.

‘Damned System observes me externally.’

It can’t confirm everything I directly feel and hear.

Furthermore, it can’t meticulously inspect the entire Earth.

It has to run the function of “search” to confirm incidents occurring in various places.

It even got attacked heavily by those outside regulations before.

‘Because of the aftermath, I had to back off for three consecutive days while the Damned System said it’d add a new scenario.’

To try and communicate while the pager was off, I called the Damned System day and night for three straight days.

Damned System currently doesn’t have the capacity to scrutinize every little thing happening on Earth.

Therefore, to hide something from it, conducting actions in places where I am not present is key.

It’s not a perfect plan, but it’s the best measure possible right now.

‘I can conceal things to some extent.’

Before it’s too late, it’s time to seriously discuss the relocation of the Biharin refugees.

While there’s a risk of exposure, actions must proceed.

「The issue of accommodating Biharin forces and refugees should be formally discussed with governments through branch chiefs of each country.」

「It will take quite some time.」

「We have to hurry as much as possible.」

「Isn’t there a key issue we need to address before then?」

Following that comment, the ongoing conversation through the earphones paused briefly.

「Can they really come over?」

I wasn’t the only one to have experimented with Biharin people crossing gates or holes.

No one here is unaware that Biharin people crossing over to Earth is impossible.

Yet, discussions involving refugees and forces naturally led to a fundamental question.

In my absence at the meeting, it was Lily who provided an answer.

「It is possible.」

Precisely speaking, it will be made possible.

This is why busy movements occur both on Earth and in Bihar.

Preparations for when the project succeeds are also concurrently being made.

「Is that all there is? No evidence or further explanation?」

「Won’t it all be in vain if they can’t come over?」

「I am sure it is a better choice compared to having millions of refugees crossing over in an unprepared state.」

Lily skillfully suppressed the opposition and proceeded with the meeting.

The file’s length was an unedited four hours in total.

After verifying all the content, I jotted down a few sentences with an exhausted hand.

I recorded issues mentioned during the meeting that I could address or adjust.

Afterward, I closed the laptop and rubbed my eyes.

‘I’m tired.’

This meeting was merely the initial planning stage for refugee accommodation.

I wasn’t even directly attending it. I just organized what I’d heard, yet felt this exhausted.

With more things to consider in the future, I wondered how I’d endure.

‘Nonetheless, the groundwork is laid.’

During the meeting, the reactions of branch managers from each country split into two main categories.

The ones who complained about food supply issues because their player numbers were sufficient.

And those who actively argued for immigration because they needed extra forces to protect their land.

‘Countries with high population densities like India or Egypt are the former, while nations like the US or Russia with low population density for their land size are the latter.’

Likely, refugees from Bihar would cross over to the latter-nation groups.

Alongside military forces sharing the same nationality.

Frankly, this meeting took place because there was a need to secure additional forces despite taking on refugees.

Had there been enough players, undoubtedly no one would have accepted refugees who were clear troublemakers.

‘I’m sickened by the behavior of weighing benefits and losses over human lives.’

Yet, I wasn’t much different.

‘Anyway, the discussion ended in the desired direction.’

Now that the project aligned with my wishes, dismissing it because the reasons were unpleasant wasn’t feasible.

Despite the discomfort, I had to suppress my feelings and move on to the next task.

As I began rubbing my temples to dispel the lingering headache.

“Hyung, you’re done?”

Kim Yul, who had been with me since two days ago, cautiously opened the door and peered inside.

“What about lunch? Should we order something?”

At this point, a player who doesn’t go out hunting isn’t too different from being unemployed.

Therefore, the only people at home during weekday lunchtimes were Kim Yul and me.

We had to handle the meal together, but honestly, I had no appetite because of fatigue.

However, it wasn’t a good choice to skip meals just because I wasn’t feeling well.

So, I reluctantly got up and said.

“Let’s just eat whatever’s in the house.”

“Okay!”

While retrieving side dishes from the fridge as I left the room, Kim Yul prepared rice and soup.

After having the first bite of our simple meal.

“How’s the person search I asked about going?”

I checked on the progress of something I had instructed Kim Yul to do.

Damned System

TL’s Corner:

Hyunwoo is a softie inside, no matter how hard he tries to be cold and calculating, he can’t stop himself from helping the weak.