Chapter 231.1: Something I Wanted To Tell You (2)

Kang Chan pulled out his phone as he looked out the window. As soon as he pressed the call button, the call was picked up.

“Anne, do I have the authority to order the assassination of the United States’ DIA director?” Kang Chan asked, getting straight to the point.

- You do, Monsieur Kang.

Mulling over his thoughts, Kang Chan looked up at the sky as he pressed his lips together.

- However, the moment you issue that order, it will be difficult for us to guarantee your safety. The same goes for the ambassador and the director and deputy directors of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.

“You mean they will be retaliating?”

- Every assassination team the DIA and CIA have will immediately make their way to South Korea. The United States is also connected to a large number of organizations in South Korea, making this battle even more difficult for us to win.

Kang Chan smirked. His opponent was proving difficult to deal with, but he expected as much.

“One more thing. If I ordered it, can the DGSE broadcast the battle in Africa the same way our operation in Afghanistan was shot?”

- A 360-degree revolving camera was used at the time. The DGSE has far more advanced satellite cameras. Since two of them are used only for Africa, we would have the option to record the operation at a much higher quality.

“I see. What is France’s stance on this deployment request?”

- Somalia used to be under Italian colonial rule, Monsieur Kang. It’s safe to say that at least ninety percent of the wars fought within Africa are European countries fighting to gain more control.

“Why is the United States involving themselves in this matter, then?” Kang Chan asked.

- The United States hopes to eliminate you and the South Korean special forces team so they can exert a greater influence over South Korea again. Ever since South Korea became a part of the Eurasian Rail, the United States has been rapidly changing its policy on the Korean peninsula.

While this had been happening, Kang Chan had been far too busy fighting other enemies to get the chance to observe what the United States was doing.

“What about Gerard?”

- He and his men are on emergency standby right now as the commander of the Foreign Legion’s special forces. They are in the middle of an internal power struggle right now, but we have concluded that Commander Gerard has to handle this matter on his own.

Kang Chan found no fault in their decision. He and Seok Kang-Ho also went through a similar fight, which was why he wasn’t worried about him. Gerard would probably take care of the opposition from the other special units with style.

“All right. I’ll contact you again soon,” Kang Chan said. Around the same time he hung up, Woo Hee-Seung went outside.

“Director Kim Tae-Jin and Manager Kim Hyung-Jung have arrived. He’s heading down to guide them,” Seok Kang-Ho informed him.

Kang Chan sat down at the table with Seok Kang-Ho and told him everything he talked about with Anne on the phone.

“Everything just has to be so difficult,” Seok Kang-Ho grumbled.

“I know, right?” Kang Chan agreed.

A moment later, Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung entered the office.

“Welcome to our place,” Kang Chan greeted.

“Why is it so dull here? Should I buy some flowers to liven up the place?” Kim Tae-Jin asked as he looked around the office.

“It’s because someone with no artistic sense at all decorated this place. What kind of tea would you like to drink?” Kang Chan offered.

“It’s tradition to always have coffee with you, isn’t it?” Kim Tae-Jin joked.

“I would also like some coffee,” Kim Hyung-Jung added.

“Alright. Please have a seat,” Kang Chan insisted, gesturing toward the same table he and Seok Kang-Ho were occupying.

This place had a spectacular view, offered more than enough privacy for them to no longer worry about other people, and had an air vent that sucked in all cigarette smoke. Why should they relocate to an uncomfortable reception room or a stuffy office?

“Mr. Kang Chan, we have finished a general investigation of the SSIS,” Kim Hyung-Jung began as Lee Doo-Hee served them four cups of coffee. “Moreover, the six agents who will be coming with you to Mongolia are planning to submit their resignation letters today.”

There was no time to waste making small talk and greeting each other.

“What about the company that Oh Gwang-Taek will enter a contract with?” Kang Chan asked.

“We intend to make a company that manages hotels and other establishments enter the mining industry. I’ve mentioned this before, but the DMZ King has also agreed to join us, which is somewhat of a consolation.”

Kim Hyung-Jung glanced at Kim Tae-Jin, who then nodded in agreement.

“Are you sure someone who’s been away from the military for so long can play the part? He must be quite old by now too,” Kang Chan wondered out of concern.

“While that may be true, you should still think of that man as a living weapon. Many of us have made a name for ourselves in the DMZ and North Korea, but he is the only person to ever been called a king,” Kim Tae-Jin stated.

Ha, what a nickname!

Kang Chan smirked to himself because of how immature the title was.

“It was during his time that North Korea’s DMZ team took five of our men captive. Even though our superiors didn’t order us to bring them back, that man ran over to them alone. His bravery caused quite the problem, though, eventually forcing him to take off his uniform.”

“But you said he managed to rescue them, didn’t you?” Kang Chan questioned.

“Yes, but it led to an intense shootout all over the DMZ and ultimately put us on the verge of war. That was the problem. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that he was thrown away to appease the protests from North Korea and the US command,” Kim Tae-Jin explained.

“And how old is he?”

“Kang Chan, can you just trust him if I vouch for him? He has a painful background, and while I want to accept his help with this matter, I also want to help him make a comeback. I hope you understand.”

Kang Chan just nodded in response. He had no reason to refuse the addition of another team member anyway. He was just uneasy about them having such high expectations for an old, retired soldier.

“Oh, right! Seok Kang-Ho will be going to Jeungpyeong tomorrow. He’ll be taking charge of the soldiers’ training and preparation for the upcoming operation in Africa,” Kang Chan said.

“That would be nice. How in the world do you know about the SSIS and how to train against them, though?” Kim Tae-Jin asked, voicing out his suspicions.

Seeing Seok Kang-Ho smirk in reply, Kim Tae-Jin just shook his head from side to side.

“So it’s something I have to pretend not to notice again, huh?” he sighed as he picked up his cup of coffee.

“I plan to meet Colonel Park Chul-Su this afternoon. Would you like to accompany me?” Kim Hyung-Jung asked next, turning to Kang Chan. “He has only ever been in the special forces and has a strong personality that tends to make everyone a bit uncomfortable.”

“Dissonance between the commander and the soldiers isn’t really ideal, especially during a time like this,” Kang Chan said with concern.

“I will make my decision after meeting him tomorrow. He will probably visit Jeungpyeong tomorrow. If he does, he’ll be coming across Mr. Seok,” Kim Hyung-Jung informed him.

“I’ll see how my schedule turns out first. I might come with you,” Kang Chan replied.

“That sounds great,” Kim Hyung-Jung responded.

The men then spent some time talking about the current situation at Oh Gwang-Taek’s company and discussed the personnel and supplies that had to be sent to Mongolia immediately. They ordered lunch from a nearby place, but someone had to go downstairs to receive it, which was incredibly inconvenient. Unfortunately, it wasn’t like they could hire someone just for tea or lunch errands.

After their meal, Kim Tae-Jin and Kim Hyung-Jung left the office. Meanwhile, Kang Chan called Yang Bum to give a summary of what happened during his call with Vasili.

- Russia will not easily give up on this matter. It likely only ended at that level of escalation because of you. Anyway, please send me the documents about the company that will take over the mine. I will make sure to send a draft of the contract from the Mongolian Ministry of Resources within two days.

“All right. I’ll do that,” Kang Chan replied.

- Thank you, Mr. Kang Chan.

“No, I should be the one saying that. Thank you for your help.”

After the call, Kang Chan immediately informed Kim Hyung-Jung about the details. It was now a little past one in the afternoon.

Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

After a while, Kang Chan’s phone began to ring again.

“Hello?” he answered.

- Where are you?

Oh Gwang-Taek’s voice was the same as ever.

- Let’s meet at the hotel for a bit. Just let me know when you’re available so I can move my plans around to fit yours. If you’re busy, I’ll head over to where you are. Just send me a location.

“Where are you right now?” Kang Chan asked.

- On the way to the hotel. I’ll be there in about twenty minutes.

“I’ll be there around that time as well,” Kang Chan said, then hung up. He stood up and got ready.