Chapter 133.1: The Hidden Things (2)

Kang Chan received a call from Lanok around nine o’clock on Sunday morning to make plans to have lunch together. Kang Chan ended up leaving the apartment a little early, though. Having arrived at Namsan Hotel first, he asked to see Joo Chul-Bum.

If Kang Chan was going to run into Joo Chul-Bum at some point anyway, he would rather get the dreaded meeting over with when he was expecting it. He waited for Joo Chul-Bum in the hotel’s lounge.

“You’re here, sir?” Joo Chul-Bum greeted extremely politely as he approached Kang Chan.

“Come sit down. What do you want to drink?” Kang Chan asked.

“I’ll go with coffee, hyung-nim,” Joo Chul-Bum replied.

Kang Chan ordered two cups of coffee.

“Do-Seok hyung-nim has woken up,” Joo Chul-Bum said when Kang Chan finished ordering.

“Really?” Kang Chan exclaimed.

Suh Do-Seok having finally regained consciousness after months in the hospital was certainly welcome news.

“He can’t speak properly yet, but he can at least clearly express what he likes or dislikes now. Gwang-Taek hyung-nim and the others are currently in the hospital with him,” Joo Chul-Bum stated.

“That’s a relief. I’ll contact you, so let’s go visit him together someday,” Kang Chan suggested.

Their conversation paused for a moment when their coffee was served. The two chatted for a little longer until Kang Chan’s phone rang. When it did, Kang Chan immediately headed up to the room.

“Mr. Kang Chan!” Lanok greeted as he held out his hand.

Goddammit, that hurts!

Kang Chan’s thumb throbbed at the unexpected handshake, but he didn’t show it on his face. He wasn’t expecting to be in this much pain since he was taking the injury lightly. Tears sprang to his eyes because of the pain.

When Kang Chan sat down, Lanok’s secretary carried out some tea and cigarettes.

“How are you? Did you get hurt anywhere?” Lanok asked.

“How did you know, Mr. Ambassador?” Kang Chan asked in surprise.

“South Korea does not have the tendency to take care of business with subtlety,” Lanok replied.

Kang Chan had intended to tell Lanok about the incident anyway, so it didn’t matter. As Kang Chan explained yesterday’s events in detail, Lanok lit up his cigar and carefully listened.

“Mr. Ambassador, is information warfare supposed to involve putting the people around you in danger?”

Lanok briefly shook his head.

“No. And you would reach the same answer if you observe the agents of Korea’s National Intelligence Service. Your case is highly atypical, Mr. Kang Chan. You drew many people’s attention in a short span of time, and even more so because this is a vital matter for some countries, such as Britain.”

Lanok lifted a large paper file that was on the table and handed it to Kang Chan.

Kang Chan glanced at him, but Lanok remained silent as if indicating to him to look at what it was. When Kang Chan opened the envelope, three passports and three large pictures fell out, each one with personal information clipped to it.

“These are the three men who attacked you,” Lanok announced.

Just how far did this sly snake’s ability reach?

Kang Chan looked at Lanok for a moment before scanning the pictures and the information.

“They’re ex-SAS from the UK. Their abilities can match the special forces of the Foreign Legion. Since you handled those three all by yourself, you’ll find yourself faced with stronger enemies next time.”

The unfortunate explanation made Kang Chan sigh.

“Currently, your nationality is a weakness. South Korea has never fought in any retaliatory battles so far,” Lanok added.

When Kang Chan lifted his gaze, Lanok had a sharp glint in his eyes.

“In a case like this, France would retaliate until it has worn out its opponent. France will set a target and won’t hesitate to carry out assassinations. That threatens others not to touch the valuable assets of our homeland. I’m sure you’re well aware of how the DGSE conducts business as well,” Lanok stated.

Kang Chan picked up a cigarette, and Lanok lit it up for him.

“The previous incident in Mongolia is known to be a French operation. Thankfully, that is the reason why I was able to avoid conflict with China, but you still remain an easy target, Mr. Kang Chan,” Lanok said.

“Then I should get back at the UK,” Kang Chan replied.

Lanok shrugged his shoulders in an “if that’s what you want” attitude.

“Information warfare is like a fight between children who possess weapons. It’s why national power is necessary. Do you think South Korea can handle the UK in a full-scale war?” Lanok questioned.

“Will there be a full-scale war?” Kang Chan asked curiously.

“You may think that it’s immature of them, but don’t think Britain will just take it lying down. They may exert their influence in the international community and impose economic sanctions or even engage in military demonstrations. If you fail any operation and leave evidence, you will have committed a grave mistake in the international community,” Lanok explained.

“Sounds like adults intervening in kids’ fights,” Kang Chan scoffed.

“Indeed, that’s exactly it. In any case, national interest will take precedence above all else. Because it’s so important, it’s that much more difficult for a country with weak national power to confront and fight a stronger country. This is precisely the reason Vasili acted so rudely during our last meeting.”

“Then if it’s as you say, I shouldn’t attack the UK,” Kang Chan said, expecting confirmation.

“Not if you attack them perfectly where it hurts,” Lanok corrected.

Kang Chan smirked.

“Eliminate your chosen target perfectly without leaving any evidence. If such incidents are repeated once or twice, the UK won’t be able to attack you so recklessly anymore,” Lanok furthered.

“You speak as if I should assassinate someone like it was done to the director of the French DGSE.”

“That’s correct.”

Kang Chan had been half-joking, but Lanok replied in a serious tone. Lanok shook the ash off his cigar and leaned back on the sofa again.

“Assassinating the head of the UK’s intelligence agency would be the most effective, I’m sure,” Lanok declared.

“Are you being serious right now, Mr. Ambassador?” Kang Chan exclaimed.

“I don’t joke about such matters,” Lanok responded.

Why was Lanok suggesting he take such extreme lengths?

Seeing Kang Chan’s expression, Lanok continued, “Regardless of whether you like it or not, information about you has been spread in the world of intelligence. I’m sorry to say this, but South Korea is still weak when it comes to international strength, and the National Intelligence Service’s capabilities are mediocre. To survive in this precarious situation, you have to show your opponents that they have to be prepared to put their lives at stake if they plan on targeting you, Mr. Kang Chan.”

The statement was so blunt that it sounded as if it should be used to describe wars between tribes in Africa. However, listening to Lanok’s explanation made Kang Chan realize how brutal and cruel the fight he had gotten himself involved in was.

“It will be difficult for you to target the head of the British intelligence service immediately, so it would be better to eliminate the person who facilitated the entrance of these three men to South Korea instead. After all, it’s only a matter of time before the people involved find out who killed whom and why.”

Kang Chan slowly inhaled, then let out a deep breath. He was genuinely grateful Lanok was a friend of his, not a foe.

“The Speaker of the National Assembly, Huh Ha-Soo, assisted in their entrance to South Korea. The Chinese intelligence agency provided them with their passports, and they entered through Hong Kong. I’m sure the Korean intelligence agency must have gathered this information by now as well.”

“But China gave Vasili a plane and even returned the fallen soldiers,” Kang Chan countered.

“Mr. Kang Chan, from China’s point of view, if another country attempts to eliminate you, they have no reason to oppose it. Don’t forget, in information warfare, you will always regret it if you make decisions by looking at only a single side,” Lanok kindly explained as if he was a teacher educating a student. “The same goes for you and me. We can meet up to coordinate if the interests of France and South Korea happen to be in disagreement. However, if the interests of the two countries clash too severely, the DGSE may proceed and act without informing me. That is the nature of information warfare.”

“I really hate it,” Kang Chan remarked. He took a sip of tea from his cup and picked his cigarette back up.

“The Igla that was discovered at the conference hall was sold by the Russian government. The Serpents Venimeux purchased it and handed it over to Yang Jin-Woo.”

“Is Vasili aware of this fact?” Kang Chan asked with a sigh.

“If Vasili wasn’t aware of the smuggling of weapons in his own country, he wouldn’t have been able to climb as high as his current position,” Lanok snorted.

That son of a bitch!

“Mr. Kang Chan, I understand how angry you may be. However, you have to forget about Vasili for the time being. If you provoke him, South Korea will have to pay a heavy price. Russia will begin to provide North Korea with unlimited weapons and financial support, which means that even if the United States comes to South Korea’s aid, it will likely be after the country is already in ruins.”

Tsk!?

It was difficult to kill the bastards who really had to be killed.

“You should begin by taking measures to keep your family safe and sound. Since Huh Ha-Soo and Huh Sang-Soo are targeting you, I know you won’t feel comfortable if you don’t.”

“I suppose I’ll have to start there,” Kang Chan surmised.

“Now then, shall we finish the rest of our conversation over a meal?” Lanok asked in a tone that made it seem as if they were speaking about a pleasant subject. Kang Chan thought that this moment could be a break from Lanok’s daily life, at least in the sense that Lanok was having a lunch appointment with a friend and talking about a topic that wasn’t too serious based on his standards.

Lunch was served as a French feast. The large meal was a little heavy for the morning, but it didn’t matter. Kang Chan continued to ask things he was curious about, and Lanok took time to generously answer each question.

Kang Chan felt as if he was currently in the middle of a one-on-one tutoring session. Meanwhile, Lanok seemed to be very pleased that Kang Chan was taking an interest in international affairs and the nature of intelligence agencies.