Ch.157156. Police Commissioner Han Seong-geun (1)

This news quickly spread to the allied forces engaged in combat with the Cult of Immortality on the Ulsan front.

It was major news that a police commissioner had been appointed for one faction, and since the position belonged to a commander on the Ulsan front, it would have been strange if it hadn’t become known.

The issue was the background of that commander.

“I’ve… become the Police Commissioner?”

Han Seong-geun asked Jeong Dong-geon before him with a bewildered expression, wondering if he had really been promoted after hearing the news that had just arrived.

From Han Seong-geun’s perspective, this news was extremely strange, and he couldn’t help but ask “why” out loud.

Of course, the promotion itself was good from Han Seong-geun’s personal standpoint. Since he had decided to settle in the Balhut Cult, he secretly desired to secure a good position, and having made significant contributions in this war, he could reasonably expect the Balhut Cult to reward him accordingly.

But…

“That’s right. The Prime Minister and Lady Yuna specifically selected you.”

“Lady Yuna selected me?”

Choi Yu-na, the dragon’s Priestess and leader of the Balhut Cult, had personally nominated Han Seong-geun, and the position was none other than Police Commissioner, the chief of all police forces.

In terms of the former Republic of Korea, it was essentially a top-tier position, practically equivalent to Jeong Dong-geon’s military rank.

While he did want advancement, could Han Seong-geun actually handle this level of promotion?

It was such an extreme promotion that it didn’t even feel real.

“Um… did I really accomplish that much?”

“Haha. It seems you’ve been well-evaluated at headquarters. Congratulations, Mr. Han.”

“B-but shouldn’t Son Sang-hui be appointed as Police Commissioner?!”

Han Seong-geun was so perplexed that he looked around with a bewildered expression, asking if he had really accomplished enough to deserve this.

Jeong Dong-geon wore an understanding expression, while Son Sang-hui simply offered a small smile of congratulations, showing no jealousy that Han Seong-geun had been promoted before her.

And finally…

“Wow. You’ve gotten an amazing promotion, Mr. Han.”

Even Jin A-yeon congratulated Han Seong-geun on his promotion in her usual manner.

If Jin A-yeon hadn’t been acting like her usual self, Han Seong-geun might have thought this scene was a vicious nightmare created by the Cult of Immortality.

A terrifying nightmare designed to stimulate human desire!

“No, isn’t this too much of a promotion? It’s actually scary.”

He had been promoted far beyond what seemed reasonable.

After all, Han Seong-geun was merely a resistance leader who had barely established himself at Ulsan Airport, yet this resistance leader had become the Police Commissioner of an entire nation just for accomplishing a few notable deeds. Even Han Seong-geun himself found it hard to believe.

As for his accomplishments, there were surely other Awakened in the Balhut Cult who had achieved similar feats, and above all, weren’t there Awakened who had sworn loyalty to the Balhut Cult from the beginning?

“Is this really okay?”

“The cabinet has already approved it. I suppose your contributions on the Ulsan front were taken into consideration.”

Han Seong-geun looked at Jeong Dong-geon as if asking whether this appointment was really appropriate, but Jeong Dong-geon had nothing to say about the news that had just arrived.

The right to make personnel decisions clearly belonged to Yuna, the dragon’s Priestess, and the appointment had already passed the confirmation hearing through an agreement between the Dragon God Association and the Constitutional Democratic Party.

Only a minority of opposition parties were protesting this appointment, but what could they do?

With the two major factions in agreement and the approval of Choi Yu-na, who was essentially the monarch, there were virtually no political forces that could oppose this appointment.

“But would people who were already there follow me…”

However, Han Seong-geun himself argued that others wouldn’t follow an outsider like him just because he had accomplished something on the Ulsan front.

While his achievements were certainly noteworthy, it was questionable whether they warranted becoming Police Commissioner.

Moreover, Han Seong-geun’s accomplishments weren’t his alone—they were shared with Jeong Dong-geon, Jin A-yeon, and Son Sang-hui.

It wasn’t even a battlefield where Han Seong-geun could claim sole credit!

“That’s indeed a concern. Other Awakened who were defending Gyeongju might be dissatisfied.”

Jeong Dong-geon had considered this point as well.

Though it hadn’t been specifically mentioned, there were many officers who had consistently followed Jeong Dong-geon from the beginning, as well as heroic warriors who had participated in the recapture of North Gyeongju and Pohang.

Even now, there were plenty of Awakened within the military at a similar level to Han Seong-geun, and among them, there might well be candidates qualified to become Police Commissioner.

“The problem is that none of them have proven their abilities as commanders.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. At this point, only you have proven yourself.”

However, even if they had such talent, Han Seong-geun was the only one who had demonstrated his abilities on the battlefield, while the others had not.

That’s why they weren’t chosen by Choi Yu-na, the dragon’s Priestess, and only Han Seong-geun, who had proven his leadership abilities, was selected.

Jeong Dong-geon asserted that currently, Han Seong-geun was the only Awakened who had proven his capabilities.

“Well, the lack of battlefields to prove oneself played a part too. Even within the military, there might be plenty of non-commissioned officers, but few with ministerial-level abilities.”

The real problem was that apart from the Ulsan War, there hadn’t been many opportunities to prove oneself.

So even within the military, there could be plenty who would claim they could prove themselves if given the chance.

In other words, challengers to Han Seong-geun’s position might emerge.

“If you’re afraid of their challenges, you don’t have to accept the position.”

“That’s…”

Overcoming that would be Han Seong-geun’s responsibility, not Jeong Dong-geon’s.

Jeong Dong-geon asked for Han Seong-geun’s decision, saying that if he couldn’t handle it, he would help him.

Even though the decision had been made, if Jeong Dong-geon raised an objection first, both Yuna and the cabinet would have to reconsider.

Han Seong-geun fell into contemplation at Jeong Dong-geon’s offer, but…

“I’ll accept it.”

His deliberation didn’t last long.

Han Seong-geun declared that he would face the challenge given to him head-on, as if saying he wouldn’t run away.

“Is that so?”

“If I step forward voluntarily, it will gradually dispel the doubts held by the refugees in Ulsan.”

Moreover, this promotion could give the people of Ulsan faith in the Balhut Cult, which was appealing.

Han Seong-geun knew that even now, many refugees who had fled to Balhut Cult territory harbored doubts, and to end those doubts, someone from Ulsan needed to represent their opinions.

The position of Police Commissioner was high-ranking enough to address their grievances, and it could motivate other Ulsan natives by showing they too could advance within the Balhut Cult if they worked hard.

“True. Living away from home in a strange place, they must feel anxious and dissatisfied. I heard not everyone can live in the city, right?”

“Yes. Their job options are limited, and they’re full of anxiety about the future.”

Additionally, the Balhut Cult’s immigration policy wasn’t perfect.

The Ulsan residents, forced to leave their hometown and live elsewhere, included some who were dissatisfied with their assigned jobs, and to reassure such people, a high-ranking official from Ulsan was essential.

And it wasn’t just an honorary position, but the role of Police Commissioner who could command all police forces.

Far from being dissatisfied, they would be more than reassured by such high treatment.

“I can’t really complain about that. They escaped to a safe place after having their lives threatened. Even if they’re unhappy with their jobs… no, they’re given homes, jobs, and security. Wouldn’t it be ungrateful to complain about that?”

Jin A-yeon expressed her disbelief, saying it was like asking for rice cakes from someone who had saved your life.

The Balhut Cult’s immigration policy might have had shortcomings, but it wasn’t so bad that people couldn’t live there.

They were given abandoned houses, provided jobs even if somewhat unsatisfactory, and guaranteed security and livelihood.

One might wonder what more could be done to satisfy them.

“But they’ll still have fears deep down. The fear that people from Ulsan might face discrimination. Humans are creatures who never know satisfaction. It can’t be helped.”

“That’s difficult.”

But Han Seong-geun, seeming to understand their feelings, pointed out that they harbored fears of possible discrimination.

“So I’m accepting this position to end those fears. Though I can’t deny having some ambition for the position.”

And he declared that those fears would end with his appointment as Police Commissioner.

He was essentially emphasizing harmony and integration.

“Besides, who wouldn’t like being the head of an organization?”

While it was a burdensome position, it was the leadership of a proper organization.

How could there be any complaints?

“Congratulations. From now on, you’ll be at the same rank as me.”

Jeong Dong-geon sincerely congratulated Han Seong-geun on his promotion to Police Commissioner.

“Haha. But I’ll still call you Commander Jeong. Honestly, I’ve been addressing you formally all this time, and it would be difficult to suddenly switch to informal speech.”

“That’s fine.”

However, as if not forgetting the favor Jeong Dong-geon had done in helping his promotion, Han Seong-geun maintained his respectful attitude toward Jeong Dong-geon despite now being of equal rank.

After all, the fundamental reason Han Seong-geun could be promoted was because Jeong Dong-geon had proactively appointed him as deputy commander.

In other words, Jeong Dong-geon was essentially Han Seong-geun’s benefactor, so gratitude was inevitable.

“Congratulations on your promotion.”

“Thank you, Ms. Son. I’m getting promoted thanks to you. I feel a bit sorry, actually.”

“No, I already have someone I serve in my heart. Being Commander Jeong’s adjutant is enough for me.”

He showed an apologetic expression to Son Sang-hui, who was congratulating him beside Jeong Dong-geon.

Considering the timing of her joining and the contributions she had made so far, Son Sang-hui should have been ahead of Han Seong-geun, so he couldn’t help feeling sorry for being promoted first. However, Son Sang-hui herself said she was content being Jeong Dong-geon’s adjutant because she already had someone she served.

“Come to think of it, now that you’ve reached a high position, you’ll need an adjutant.”

“True, as Police Commissioner, I do need an adjutant to assist with official duties.”

“Wow. Already showing off your bourgeois side. Flaunting how much you’ve been promoted. You’re really giving it your all.”

“That’s too much.”

Jin A-yeon wore a sour expression, saying he was already showing off his promotion, and Han Seong-geun responded that she was being too harsh, but he seemed to have a good idea as he soon wore a mischievous expression.

“Speaking of an adjutant to assist me. I’ll take you.”

With a bright smile, Han Seong-geun pointed at Jin A-yeon, declaring that he would make her his adjutant.

“Huh? What’s with that annoying finger?”

Jin A-yeon, not understanding his declaration at all, looked at Han Seong-geun’s finger pointing at her and called it annoying.

“I mean, I’ve decided on you. You’re my adjutant now. You’re mine.”

“…Huh? What… did you just say?”

At Han Seong-geun’s subsequent statement, she dropped the spear she was holding with an expression of disbelief, staring blankly at his finger.

Regardless, Han Seong-geun had already decided to make Jin A-yeon his adjutant, and Jin A-yeon, who had been staying as a guest without deciding on her career path, was now being dragged along with Han Seong-geun to the Balhut Cult like a bull with a ring through its nose.

“Liiiiiiiar!! You’re lying, right? Me, an adjutant?! Me, who only knows how to fight?”

“I’m not lying. I have no intention of returning you. Nice to meet you, Adjutant Jin.”

Jin A-yeon questioned with an expression of disbelief, but with Han Seong-geun’s rebuttal, she ultimately couldn’t escape the position of being his adjutant.