Chapter 23
Lion Inside(3)
The work of creating and circulating a new currency progressed quickly. The Hyeseong Group paid employees’ salaries in the new currency, and that currency could be exchanged for gold at the Comet Bank at any time.
Of course, it could be used to buy numerous items produced within the Comet Group.
“Why are you doing something so troublesome?”
“Let’s quickly go and exchange it for gold.”
Initially, almost all employees exchanged their salaries for gold as soon as they received them. Because they thought gold was much more stable compared to the suddenly created currency. The fact that merchants outside did not handle the currency was also one of the reasons.
“How long do you think it will last?”
Kang Hyeon, who was observing the situation, asked Ahn Yu-seong with a worried face.
“We’re still comfortable.”
“Is it okay?”
If the gold runs out like this, everything will be over. More than anything, it was crucial to instill trust in people that they could exchange this currency for gold at any time.
“Of course. In fact, I’m surprised at how smoothly it’s progressing.”
“Really?”
Kang Hyeon brightened up at Ahn Yu-seong’s positive words.
“We’ll probably experience some trial and error, but I don’t think it will take too long to establish ourselves.
Gradually, the frequency of people using the currency was increasing.
Starting from places close to the Comet Group, merchants in the streets had also begun to accept the currency.
“We’ve replaced all bounty payments, such as monster hunting and crack handling, with currency.”
“Good job.”
“Because the currency is much more convenient to carry and trade compared to gold, it will definitely establish itself.”
“What we need to be careful about now are those trying to create counterfeit bills or terrorists aiming for the gold.”
“Are there already people making counterfeit bills?”
Ahn Yu-seong said with a smile,
“Because the new currency is essentially gold.”
“Anyway, as long as we prevent the bank’s gold from running out, we’ll definitely succeed.”
“This time, I’ll sell the weapons our guild makes and only accept currency as payment.”
The Badass Guild, centered around Director Jeong Seo-bin’s research institute, has a ban on all produced items being leaked externally.
Kang Hyeon intended to sell some of them and only accept the Comet Group’s currency.
“That’s a good method too.”
Just as Kang Hyeon and Ahn Yu-seong were discussing their future plans,
Knock knock
Someone knocked on the conference room door.
“What is it?”
“Guild Master. A guest has arrived.”
“Who?”
“An executive from the Korean Independence Alliance.”
“What?”
The Korean Independence Alliance was the place that had recently stolen their gold.
For a moment, the thought crossed his mind, ‘Did they catch on?’
‘Surely, I didn’t leave any evidence.’
Perhaps they came to probe after seeing the Comet Group rapidly releasing gold.
“Let them come in.”
“Yes.”
Whatever it was, he could handle it by meeting and talking directly.
Eventually, a man entered behind the guild member.
***
Ippotranslation
***
Lieutenant Jeong Seok-yeon.
He was like the right-hand man of Major General Kim Hyun-seung.
‘I must definitely persuade the Military Commander.’
The recent strange behavior of the Korean Independence Alliance’s leader, Park Byeong-geun.
Due to the resulting anxiety, Major General Kim Hyun-seung wanted to create connections with Hyeseong.
In case the alliance collapses, he wanted to immediately join with his forces.
‘Ahn Yu-seong… And Kang Hyeon.’
The Hyeseong Group’s chairman is now just 24-year-old Ahn Yu-seong, a young man.
He is also the vice-guild master of the Badass Guild.
‘In other words, if I can manipulate Kang Hyeon, both the Hyeseong Group and Badass Guild will come over.’
Kang Hyeon was also in his early 30s and not that old.
Gently persuading these two young ones to get what he wants would be as easy as eating porridge.
Lieutenant Jeong Seok-yeon secretly visited the Badass Guild with only a few select attendants.
“You can go in.”
Following the guild member’s guidance, he entered the conference room.
A familiar-faced man greeted Jeong Seok-yeon.
‘Kang Hyeon. This is the first time seeing him in person.’
“Nice to meet you. I’m Lieutenant Jeong Seok-yeon, Operations Manager of the Chuncheon Unit from the Korean Independence Alliance.”
“I’m Kang Hyeon, Guild Master of the Badass Guild.”
Kang Hyeon and Jeong Seok-yeon exchanged a light handshake.
“Chuncheon Unit? That’s an unusual name.”
“It was originally the 2nd Military Corps, but after joining the Korean Independence Alliance, the unit was divided and the name was changed.”
“Ah.”
Kang Hyeon nodded as if he understood Jeong Seok-yeon’s explanation.
“Anyway, I understand you’re a high-ranking official, but why are you here?”
Kang Hyeon sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, drinking a can of beer.
Seeing this, Jeong Seok-yeon’s eyes slightly trembled.
‘Insolent bastard…’
Even if he was an operations manager, he was at least 10 years older than Kang Hyeon. He didn’t like Kang Hyeon’s disrespectful attitude in front of someone like himself, but Jeong Seok-yeon was a professional.
“I came with some closely held information that would be very beneficial to you as well.”
Jeong Seok-yeon spoke to Kang Hyeon with a smile, showing no signs of displeasure.
“Oh?”
Kang Hyeon seemed slightly interested and adjusted his posture.
“But before that, there’s something I need you to promise.”
“Maintaining secrecy. That I was here. And everything I’m about to say. Please promise to keep everything confidential.”
“Don’t worry. I’m tight lipped.”
“If this leaks, it’ll be bad for both you and me. So the secret must definitely…”
“I said I won’t speak a word, so just start already.”
“Hmmm”
After a light cough, Lieutenant Jeong Seok-yeon began his story.
“Kang Hyeon. Are you aware of what’s been happening in the alliance recently?”
“Is it a pathogen or Byeong-geun, anyway
I heard rumors that the union leader has gone crazy indeed.”
It’s not just a rumor. On the day gold was stolen. Kang Hyeon, in a very brief moment, directly saw Major General Park Byung-geun, who was half-crazy, with his own two eyes.
“The rumors have already spread this far I see.”
“That’s right. I assume you didn’t come to talk about something everyone already knows. What’s the main point?”
“Because of the crazy union leader, the atmosphere within the union is not normal these days.”
“Is a coup about to happen?”
Jeong Seok-yeon shook his head at Kang Hyeon’s soliloquy.
“The probability of a coup is extremely low. Because Major General Park Byeong-geun is a cautious person who has placed almost all power and military force around himself.”
“Then?”
“Since it can’t be resolved internally, they want to draw in external forces.”
“Ah.”
Kang Hyeon roughly understood how the situation was unfolding. Inside the union, Byeong-geun is running wild and there’s no one with the power to restrain him. So he’s trying to borrow the power of other military factions.
“Are you trying to bring in other military factions?”
“Yes. That’s correct.”
Jeong Seok-yeon was secretly surprised that Kang Hyeon quickly grasped the situation and pinpointed the core.
‘He doesn’t seem to be just a simpleton who only knows how to fight.’
Well, having led a guild for a long time, he must have learned things by observation. While organizing his thoughts about Kang Hyeon, Jeong Seok-yeon continued speaking.
“At this rate, a big war will break out, and the union will be torn to pieces and absorbed by other military factions. Or, a secondary war might occur between military factions to claim the divided union.”
“So the conclusion is?”
“The Second Corps Commander, Major General Kim Hyun-seung, wants to rely on the Badass Guild and the Hyeseong Group.”
“Oh, that’s unexpected. I thought he would ask for help to take down Park Byeong-geun.”
“The Corps Commander does not like unnecessary fights.”
“Hmm…”
“When a typhoon blows, isn’t it the right choice to avoid the wind and rain rather than fighting stupidly?”
Jeong Seok-yeon, who drank the water in front of him, brightened his eyes.
“Of course, but I wouldn’t say this directly. What can the Hyeseong Group and Badass Guild gain from our joining…”
Kang Hyeon raised his hand to stop Jeong Seok-yeon.
“Let’s stop there.”
Jeong Seok-yeon nodded as if he understood.
“You thought well. From Kang Hyeon’s perspective, you just need to receive without any loss.”
“What nonsense are you talking about?”
Kang Hyeon’s face crumpled at Jeong Seok-yeon’s words, as if the deal was already settled.
“Yes…?”
“You’re drinking kimchi soup as if you’ve already been told you’ll be taken in, even though no one has said anything.”
Jeong Seok-yeon’s face hardened.
“What are you saying right now…”
“I’m saying we don’t plan to take you in. So leave. And next time, tell your commander to come directly.”
“This guy, staring me down!”
Jeong Seok-yeon suddenly stood up, unable to contain his anger.
“Staring me down. So what?”
“You’re totally mistaken! You’re probably too young to understand the situation. Seoul became a neutral zone simply because military factions are checking each other, not because you’re strong! Don’t be so arrogant with something like this…”
“Oh, you talk too much.”
Kang Hyeon got up from his seat, picking at his ear. Then he brought his face close to Jeong Seok-yeon.
“The one mistaken isn’t me, but you.”
Jeong Seok-yeon swallowed his saliva. Inhuman red eyes were burning and staring at him.
“Didn’t you say to avoid the typhoon?”
Kang Hyeon smiled, his eyes flickering with madness.
“You don’t know yet, but we are that typhoon.”
***
Ippotranslation
***
Lieutenant Jeong Seok-yeon left, snorting to hide his fear with anger. Watching him leave, Ahn Yu-seong opened his mouth.
“Why didn’t you accept?”
“Would you accept them?”
“It’s definitely advantageous to accept them.”
The power of the military in these times was beyond imagination. Even if they couldn’t use the most advanced electronic equipment. Just bringing a heavy-caliber machine gun could wipe out most monsters and ability users. Because they were originally meant to take down things like tanks and airplanes. Their power is completely different from the pistols or rifles we usually think of. The military had such powerful weapons, and those who could handle them were plentiful.
“Bringing in uncontrolled guys will only cause trouble.”
Kang Hyeon shook his head and said.
“We’re not even lacking in military power to begin with.”
“That’s true.”
While the military is strong, this is only in general cases. Since they were ineffective against extraordinary beings, Kang Hyeon wasn’t particularly concerned.
“And if we accept these bat-like guys who stick to this side and that side, I guarantee there’ll be repercussions later.”
“Is this from experience?”
“No, I just saw it in movies. That’s usually how it goes.”
Kang Hyeon laughed at his own words.
“So, we’ll go our own way.”
“Oh, looks like you have a plan.”
“A plan called ‘Touch and You’ll Get Bitten!’“
Ahn Yu-seong tilted his head at the strange operation name.
“What’s that?”
“For now, we’ll wait and see. If someone touches us, we’ll crush them.”
“Usually the boss sets the framework, and the subordinates who use their brains make the detailed plans. Learn this well, man.”
In the end, it means they’ll do nothing. Ahn Yu-seong sighed and shook his head.
“I’m worried about the guild’s future.”
“I’m more worried about the future of a company run by a guy like you. Punk!”
“I’m doing well, though?”
“Is this constant back-talk? Want to have a round for old times’ sake?”
As Kang Hyeon lightly tapped his shoulder, Ahn Yu-seong smiled.
“You can’t still think you’ll win, right?”
“What?”
“Actually, without equipment, I was stronger back then.”
“This punk, do you have delusions? What was more powerful about you? Are you high? It’s been a while since I’ve heard such fresh nonsense.”
“Seeing your long tongue, you seem anxious.”
“Come outside, now.”
Another day without a peaceful moment at the Badass Guild.
