Chapter 203: Martial Law

Episode 203

“……!”

“Hmm…”

Everyone in the room groaned as soon as they heard the name ‘Kim Jinsung’.

To most Masters, except for the Korean Clan, he was more well-known by his alias, Alopsky.

“You’ve all seen the footage of Kim Jinsung fighting the FCC Clan members when he was operating as Alopsky.”

The scene where he single-handedly decimated Team 1, including Team Leader Henrique, and then wiped out Team 2, including Dumont, with an unknown explosion.

They had all gathered in this very conference room to watch the footage recorded by the camera inside Juan’s armor.

It had been only a week ago.

“You were all surprised by Kim Jinsung’s level of skill, even back then when he single-handedly destroyed the FCC Clan.

But this incident is far more significant. It’s not just about him defeating Finlay, who was considered invincible within the ‘Celcecheong’.

The biggest problem is that he completely destroyed the ‘Celcecheong’ building.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

The ‘Celcecheong’, like other important administrative buildings in the city, was equipped with every possible countermeasure against enemy intrusion.

It had strong defenses against physical and Mana attacks, as well as advanced surveillance systems and internal lockdown mechanisms to prevent surprise attacks using magic circles or teleportation.

More importantly, the ‘Celcecheong’ building was entirely constructed with expensive Mana Suppression Steel. It was practically indestructible with ordinary Awakened abilities.

“It would take at least two Major Clans, combining their forces, to even have a chance of breaching the Celcecheong. And yet, it was destroyed.

This means that other administrative buildings are no longer safe.”

The ‘Celcecheong’ was considered one of the most heavily fortified administrative buildings. The only other building that could rival it was the Paladin headquarters.

In other words, other administrative buildings were now vulnerable to attacks, and could easily suffer the same fate as the ‘Celcecheong’.

“And the fact that Kim Jinsung was practically the only one who bombed the Celcecheong is the biggest problem.

If we consider the possibility of other Ukobachi members besides Kim Jinsung, it means that Ukobachi is far more powerful than we thought.”

“Couldn’t it be that Kim Jinsung is the only member of Ukobachi?”

One of the people in the conference room asked.

It was Esteban, the Master of the Triunfo Clan.

“That’s highly unlikely. Because Kim Jinsung said this during the fight yesterday.”

Lee Sung-choon fast-forwarded the video to a specific time and then played it at normal speed.

Kim Jinsung’s voice filled the room.

[I’m Ukobachi! The largest ‘anti-government organization’ in the history of the New Continent, with spies planted in Major Clans and government agencies.

Even at this moment, information from our spies is being sent to my hideout.]

“…And he also said this.”

He fast-forwarded the video again and pressed play.

[I can afford to be arrogant. We’re fully prepared to execute Operation ‘Red Moon’. The launch of Operation ‘Red Moon’ is today, Finlay!]

“We need to pay attention to these two statements from Kim Jinsung: spies and ‘Red Moon’.”

He paused the video and continued his explanation.

“In other words, Ukobachi’s ultimate goal is an operation called ‘Red Moon’, and they’ve been expanding their forces by planting spies to prepare for this operation.

This means that it’s highly unlikely that Kim Jinsung is the only member of Ukobachi.”

“Hmm… But what is Operation ‘Red Moon’?”

“We haven’t been able to figure that out yet. We’re analyzing all past cases related to Ukobachi, but we haven’t found any concrete information.”

Yong Hangil, who had been listening to Lee Sung-choon’s explanation, interjected.

“Wouldn’t we be able to find out if we capture a spy?”

“That’s right, Master Yong. That’s why I’d like to propose the following.”

Lee Sung-choon finally got to the point after his long explanation.

“First, we need to join forces to capture the spies who might be hiding within our clans, as well as in government agencies.

Second, we need to reinforce our security forces to prevent another attack on administrative buildings. And you should also strengthen your own clan’s defenses, as your clans could also be targeted.

Third, since the ‘Celcecheong’ is gone, Major Clans will have to share the workload of the agency for the time being. However, it’s illegal for private companies like clans to handle government affairs, so it’s currently impossible.”

“Currently impossible…”

The man sitting at the head of the table finally spoke.

He was a handsome middle-aged man with neatly combed brown hair. He was wearing a military-like uniform with an eagle emblem on his chest.

Hemingston.

The leader of the Alpha Clan, the undisputed strongest and most prestigious clan on Earth, and the strongest man on Earth.

“You’re asking us to declare martial law.”

“That’s right, Mr. Hemingston.”

Lee Sung-choon answered respectfully.

“This is a serious matter involving both ‘Kim Jinsung’ and ‘Ukobachi’, who have been shaking up the New Continent recently.

Please remember that many government agencies suffered damage last year because we were late in declaring martial law during the ‘Ukobachi’ incident.”

Hemingston pondered Lee Sung-choon’s request and then nodded.

“You make a valid point. Any objections?”

He waited for a while, but no one spoke.

This wasn’t just any other issue. It involved ‘Ukobachi’. Many of the Clan Masters present had suffered significant losses at the hands of ‘Ukobachi’.

“Alright. I’ll declare martial law through public broadcast within an hour. Captain Lee, please prepare a document outlining the rules of conduct for Major Clan members and submit it to all Masters.”

“Yes, sir.”

* * *

“Martial law has been declared.”

Park Do-joon said, looking out the window of a hotel room in the B-3 Zone.

Kim Jinsung was lying on the bed, relaxing.

“I thought it would take at least one or two weeks, but this is unexpected. Those slowpokes actually moved this quickly.”

He took a sip of whiskey and continued,

“Last year, before martial law was declared, Ukobachi launched a series of attacks on clans and government agencies.

They must have learned from that experience and decided to act quickly this time.”

He turned and looked at Kim Jinsung.

“You’re now officially a wanted fugitive throughout the New Continent. Before martial law, you only had to worry about Major Clans and Paladins, but now you have to be careful even in the B Zone, in case someone stabs you in the back.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Kim Jinsung replied nonchalantly.

“I was being hunted down either way. It’s better to openly reveal my identity and advertise it.”

“What’s better about that?”

“The difference is having allies.”

He looked at Park Do-joon and continued,

“It’s an advantage to have allies like you who are sympathetic to Ukobachi. If I hide alone, I won’t even have that.”

“Heh…”

Park Do-joon chuckled, not denying it.

He had indeed become Kim Jinsung’s staunch ally.

“Ukobachi members who are hiding will start looking for me now.”

Kim Jinsung sat up on the bed.

“I’m not sure, but there must be other survivors from the ‘Daynight Mountain Extermination Operation’.”

“Is that why you bombed the Celcecheong? To draw everyone’s attention?”

“That’s right. And it worked perfectly.”

He picked up a glass of whiskey from the nearby table, and Park Do-joon nodded.

The ‘Celcecheong’ bombing was a major incident that had sent shockwaves throughout the New Continent and even beyond.

“Of course, we have enough power to execute Operation ‘Red Moon’ even now. But it wouldn’t hurt to have more.”

“So, can I assume that there are other people besides you who bombed the Celcecheong?”

“No comment.”

“Tsk…”

Park Do-joon clicked his tongue in disappointment, but he didn’t pry any further.

He knew it was rude to openly inquire about the details of a terrorist organization like Ukobachi.

‘I have a feeling there are a few more…’

He knew it was impossible for Kim Jinsung to have set up the Gravity Field magic circle that had destroyed the massive Celcecheong building all by himself.

He just didn’t have any evidence. Only suspicion.

“This is just the beginning. We need to show those greedy Rankers that the Celcecheong bombing was nothing.”

Kim Jinsung walked towards Park Do-joon, holding his glass of whiskey.

“And I need your help. In war, logistics are more important than troops.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll help you with everything I have.”

They clinked their glasses, and Park Do-joon raised a toast.

“To the success of Operation ‘Red Moon’. And to Park Sung-tae, who’s watching over us from above.”

“Cheers.”

They emptied their glasses in one gulp.

Kim Jinsung felt the burning sensation of alcohol coursing down his throat and thought to himself,

‘I’ve gained a reliable ally.’

He was sure that Park Do-joon would have helped him even without the Park Sung-tae connection, just because he was Ukobachi.

But now that he knew his true identity was Kim Jinsung and that he had helped Park Sung-tae, his gaze towards him was unwavering.

It was filled with friendly affection.

* * *

The next day, around lunchtime,

Kim Jinsung stood in front of a demon world dungeon entrance in the B-40 Zone.

‘…There’s not even a single administrator here.’

He looked around the deserted area.

Perhaps because it was a low-level, unprofitable demon world dungeon, there wasn’t even a single government official to check his ID.

‘Well, it makes things easier for me.’

He didn’t detect any other life forms with his senses until he stepped into the entrance.

His surroundings changed completely, and

▶ Your surroundings are filled with Demonic Energy.

▶ Activating Demonic Energy will slightly increase all stats.

▶ Beast Karma Points will be consumed at a slower rate when Demonic Energy is activated.

A familiar notification window popped up.

[You have arrived?]

Dantilion’s familiar voice echoed in his mind.

—