Chapter 213: Assimilation

Episode 213

“You’re saying there’s no spy now?”

Kim Jinsung asked, dumbfounded.

Park Do-joon had been so confident about the spy.

“Well, there is a spy. But not a Master-level one, like you and they suspect.”

“Then how?”

“How did I find out everything?”

Park Do-joon answered, reading his mind.

“Because I could monitor their every move even without a spy.”

Kim Jinsung looked confused for a moment and then exclaimed in realization,

“Your unique ability?”

“That’s right.”

Park Do-joon grinned.

▷ Assimilation: Assimilates the target over a long period of time.

To achieve 1% assimilation, the target must remain within a 5-meter radius for at least 10 minutes. The user can always check the target’s assimilation rate.

When the assimilation rate reaches 100%, the target becomes ‘completely assimilated’, and the user can monitor everything the target sees, hears, and says, as long as they are in the same dimension.

Although slow, the Assimilation skill is undetectable by any detection skills or senses.

The maximum number of people the user can assimilate is currently 5, and this number increases as the user’s power level increases.

“…I won’t reveal the details of my ability, but I can assure you that I can monitor the every move of someone in a very high position.”

“What? It’s not easy to use your skill on someone at the Master level.”

“It wasn’t easy. But the rewards were great. How do you think I became the most successful Korean information broker? Hahaha!”

His unique skill, ‘Assimilation’, played a major role in his rapid rise to success as a leading information broker in the New Continent at such a young age.

It was a slow process, but once the target was assimilated, he could access all the information related to them, including their connections.

It was one of the best skills for gathering information, and it was a perfect fit for Park Do-joon, an information broker.

“Is it also a secret who you used your skill on?”

“No, not really.”

“Who is it?”

“Guess.”

He poured himself another glass of whiskey, a relaxed smile on his face.

“Here’s a hint: my ability requires prolonged contact with the target.”

Kim Jinsung quickly processed the hint.

Prolonged contact… It meant that the target had to be someone he frequently interacted with.

And who was the Major Clan Master that Park Do-joon, the most successful Korean information broker, would most likely interact with frequently?

There was only one answer.

“Yong Hangil?”

“As expected, you got it right away.”

He grinned and raised his glass.

“It took exactly two years to use my skill on Yong Hangil.”

It was actually a very short time compared to other Korean information brokers. It was only because Park Do-joon was so skilled that he had managed to meet Yong Hangil frequently enough to assimilate him in just two years.

In any case, he had successfully ‘completely assimilated’ Yong Hangil, allowing him to eavesdrop on everything that was discussed during the Emergency Meetings.

* * *

Meanwhile, Yong Hangil, the one who had been ‘completely assimilated’…

**Bang!**

He slammed his fist on his desk in frustration.

The expensive desk, made of Mana-absorbing material, shook violently. Yoo Jun-ho, sitting in front of him, watched silently.

“Those idiots! How dare they accuse me of being a spy?!”

He glared at Yoo Jun-ho as if it was his fault.

“Who was the one who wanted to capture Kim Jinsung the most since he illegally entered the New Continent? Who was the first to be wary of him and warn the Paladins?!”

“……”

“They know I hate Kim Jinsung the most, and yet they’re trying to frame me to save their own skins?!”

He couldn’t control his anger and grabbed a pack of cigarettes from the corner of his desk.

He took a drag and exhaled a long plume of smoke, his voice calmer now.

“They probably realized it’s difficult to openly accuse the Alpha Clan, so they’re targeting us, their closest ally.”

The Alpha Clan, who had provided the armor right before the Paladin headquarters was destroyed, was currently the most suspicious.

He was sure that all the other Major Clan Masters knew this.

But the Alpha Clan was on a different level compared to other Major Clans. That was why the Korean Clan, their ally, was being scapegoated.

Yong Hangil, experienced in the political games of Major Clans, could see through their intentions.

“The problem is that they’re serious about this, even though they know it’s a false accusation.”

“I heard they’re going to issue a joint statement tomorrow.”

“Joint? Who’s representing them?”

“The Genshin Clan.”

(TLN: they gonna impact the korean clan)

“Hah! That bastard, Yuto…!”

His eyes blazed with fury.

Genshin, the undisputed strongest clan in Japan and the Korean Clan’s eternal rival.

And Yuto, their Master, was representing them?

“The fact that he’s the one making the announcement makes it even more obvious that it’s a false accusation. Those who joined him in this alliance must have no conscience!”

His voice rose again, and Yoo Jun-ho said,

“They’re moving quite strategically. I heard they’re going to demand that the Alpha Clan suspend their alliance with us during the announcement tomorrow.”

“What…?”

Yong Hangil’s eyebrows twitched.

“They’re trying to isolate us. Of course, the Alpha Clan is unlikely to agree, but there’s also a chance that they might.”

“A chance that they might agree?”

“Yes. The Alpha Clan is currently focused on restoring order within their clan, including disciplining Jackson. That means they don’t have the time or energy to deal with other clans.

Even their closest ally, the Korean Clan. They might take this opportunity to frame you and focus on their internal affairs.”

“Frame me? The Alpha Clan? Me?”

“Have you forgotten which clan always uses us as a shield when they’re in trouble?”

“……”

He was speechless.

As Yoo Jun-ho said, the Korean Clan had always been the one to take on all the dirty work when the Alpha Clan was in trouble.

“I believe they’ll use us as a scapegoat again this time, considering their past behavior.”

“…Then what should we do?”

“We need to prepare, of course.”

Yoo Jun-ho started explaining his plan.

“Before the Genshin-led alliance isolates us, we need to form our own alliance to counter them.”

“How can we form an alliance in this situation?”

Kim Jinsung’s words during his fight with Graham had spread throughout the New Continent.

All the Major Clan Masters were now suspicious of each other, believing that one of them was a spy.

It was especially difficult for Yong Hangil, the prime suspect, to form an alliance with other clans.

It was human nature to avoid getting involved in a situation where everyone was pointing fingers, even if it was a false accusation.

“Don’t worry, Master.”

But Yoo Jun-ho’s expression was full of confidence, as always.

“I anticipated this situation. I’ve already taken steps to gather clans who will stand with us.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. Here’s a document with a list of those clans.”

He handed Yong Hangil a document.

Yong Hangil’s eyes widened as he quickly scanned the list.

“…These are all top-ranked Major Clans.”

“That’s right. They’re comparable to the Genshin-led alliance in both quality and quantity.”

“Are you sure these clans are willing to help us?”

Yoo Jun-ho nodded at his repeated question.

“Yes, sir. You’ll understand how I managed to recruit them if you check the names of the representatives listed next to each clan.”

Yong Hangil looked at the document again.

He noticed a pattern in the names listed next to the clan names.

“…They’re all Vice Masters.”

“That’s right. The ones suspected of being spies are all Masters, not Vice Masters.”

“Ah…!”

He gasped in realization, and Yoo Jun-ho continued,

“I took advantage of that blind spot and quickly moved to persuade the Vice Masters to join forces.

I told them that if the leaders are hesitant to act, then the second-in-commands should unite to effectively counter Ukobachi’s attacks.”

He continued,

“After Genshin makes their announcement tomorrow, I’ll issue a counter-statement on behalf of our alliance the next day.

Their argument is baseless, and our alliance is much larger, so we’ll win this fight without a doubt.”

“Hmm…”

“My goal is to absorb the Genshin-led alliance and unite the entire Center Zone against Ukobachi, as before.

Of course, framing the Genshin Clan as the most likely spy would be the best outcome for us.”

Yong Hangil nodded, convinced by his explanation.

“The key is that this alliance must be led by the second-in-commands who aren’t suspected of being spies.

Of course, we can’t ignore the opinions of the Clan Masters, but the ones who will be publicly representing the alliance must be the second-in-commands.”

“I see.”

“I’m going to use this opportunity to become the center of this alliance, instead of the Alpha Clan.”

Yong Hangil looked into his eyes.

His eyes, always filled with confidence, were burning with even more ambition today.

It was the same gaze that had always reassured him.

‘That’s right, it was that gaze that made me recruit him into the Korean Clan.’

He briefly recalled his first encounter with Yoo Jun-ho and then nodded.

“Alright, do your best. It won’t be easy, as long as the Alpha Clan exists…”

“I know. But it won’t be difficult either, considering the circumstances.”

As Yoo Jun-ho answered,

**Boooom!**

A deafening explosion suddenly came from outside the headquarters building, and they both turned their heads.

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