Chapter 280: This Isn’t Easy (2)

Sherman tried to suppress the anger rumbling deep in his chest.

South Korea had always managed to walk a fine line between great powers. With a sudden burst of luck and the emergence of the monster known as the God of Blackfield, it started attracting the attention of France, Russia, and China. However, it could not and should not attempt to stand without the United States.

“Mr. President, do you realize how much your words are jeopardizing South Korea?” Sherman asked.

Ignoring Hwang Ki-Hyun’s piercing gaze, he looked Moon Jae-Hyun directly in the eye. “South Korea and its president will be abandoning the hand of an old ally because you were tempted by short-term interests. I believe you need to make a sound judgment about whether your country can achieve national unity without the United States and whether abandoning Arabl oil and Jewish money will help you develop the next generation of energy.”

Moon Jae-Hyun nodded in agreement. “Director Sherman, it sounds like you are well aware of next-generation energy.”

What is this man trying to say?

“It will be a whole new world when oil engines are replaced by electric engines.”

Well, of course!

𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Sherman nodded.

“If the United States truly has such a vested interest in this opportunity, would you sign a joint development proposal if my country offered you some terms?”

Sherman looked at Moon Jae-Hyun as if he’d been slapped in the face.

“The foundations of entire industries would change. Every technology and product that South Korea makes, right down to the engine and the littlest parts of it, could become the standard. Why don’t we take a look at the conditions you offered in exchange for the benefits of the electric energy industry and the Eurasian Rail? The development of crude oil, unlimited bond issuance by South Korea, and a trillion-dollar currency swap... all of which we’ll have to pay back in the end even if we accept the terms of joint development.”

Sherman couldn’t help but gulp.

“Long-range missiles? That’s meaningless. F22? If we ask for them right now, the Japanese will probably buy fifty or a hundred and immediately deliver them to us. Allow me to ask you a question. I’ll privatize the next generation of energy development and sell you a stake in it. Since the United States is our closest ally, even if people end up accusing me of selling my own country, I’ll still offer you a thirty percent stake. What will you offer in return?”

Sherman was dazed.

I have to get a grip, but is he serious? Thirty percent of the shares? How much should we pay for that?

He had no idea where to even begin.

“How about I suggest some terms for you?”

Damn it! He beat me to it again!

“Joint development of oil fields and supply of crude oil, issuance of bonds, a currency swap of one trillion won, and development of long-range missiles and purchase of F22s.”

Seeing Moon Jae-Hyun’s smile, Sherman realized how absurd his offer had been.

“Director, if you truly are our most trustworthy ally, you would be honest and upfront with your demands and offer us terms of equal value. You should consider our stance, offer conditions that don’t exclude Russia and France, and firmly clear up your relations with Japan to appeal to the hearts of our people. I believe it is also only fair for you to offer ample compensation for the shares you covet.”

Moon Jae-Hyun picked up his cooled teacup and took a sip.

Click.

The moment Sherman heard the teacup being set back down, he focused his gaze on Moon Jae-Hyun like a man coming out of a hypnotic trance.

“This morning, thirteen of our National Intelligence Service agents in Libya and Egypt were killed. I assume you’re aware of this as well, Director.”

Sherman didn’t just know what happened. He even had a rough idea of who was behind it.

“At the cost of their lives, they sent us two pieces of information.”

Is he really going to say it out loud?

“One is an assassination plan against me, and the other is the bombing of the International Building in Samseong-dong.”

Sherman sensed Moon Jae-Hyun’s eyes beginning to glint intensely.

“This morning alone, thirteen agents of the Republic of Korea turned into nameless stars. As president, I will not bow down to any threats, and I will not stand idly by while our agents die.”

I messed with the wrong person!

Before Sherman could even finish formulating his thoughts, Moon Jae-Hyun continued, “I will make sure the organization that murdered our National Intelligence Service operatives, who were only doing their job, will be brought to justice. How the United States deals with this matter and what kind of conclusion it will draw will determine whether or not we’ll have another meeting regarding this.”

Even long after he was done, he kept his eyes on Sherman.

A moment of silence enveloped the room.

‘I’ll discuss this information with the others before giving you an answer,” Sherman replied awkwardly. He then left the reception room.

Hwang Ki-Hyun saw him out. When he returned, he found Moon Jae-Hyun leaning back in his chair.

“Why are you standing like that? Take a seat,” Moon Jae-Hyun said.

Hwang Ki-Hyun sat back on the sofa that he had been sitting on.

“Director, I achieved today what I’ve been imagining since I decided to become president, but I don’t feel at ease.”

Moon Jae-Hyun looked at Hwang Ki-Hyun, his complicated emotions written all over his expression.

“My heart breaks for the agents who sacrificed themselves for our nation, but I’m proud that South Korea now has the power to talk back to the United States. I can’t help but miss Mr. Kang Chan. He’s the one who made all of this possible, after all.”

Hwang Ki-Hyun stayed silent, listening intently. Moon Jae-Hyun stretched out his hand to pick up a cigarette.

Click.

“

Hoo

. Where is Mr. Kang Chan—I mean the assistant director right now?” Moon Jae-Hyun asked.

“I heard he’s with his security detail in Gapyeong,” Hwang Ki-Hyun replied.

“Gapyeong? Does he have business there?”

“He had Korean chicken soup for lunch with the agents. According to the reports, they are all enjoying a sport called Jokgu[1]

Moon Jae-Hyun smiled. Hwang Ki-Hyun did as well.

“I suppose the losing side will pay for the meal,” Moon Jae-Hyun used.

“Considering the assistant director’s personality, I doubt the agents will ever get to pay,” Hwang Ki-Hyun replied with a grin.

Moon Jae-Hyun stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray. He then pulled out a wet wipe and wiped his hands with it.

“Mr. President,” Hwang Ki-Hyun suddenly called. “Do you really plan to avenge our fallen agents?”

Moon Jae-Hyun briefly nodded.

“This will completely change the future. They have likely calculated the risks, which is why they’re telling us to build the electricity generation facility first, but we can’t just throw away this opportunity. I’m sure we’ll have a terrorist attack on our hands in the near future. If we still haven’t gotten our act together by then, our nation will succumb to terrorism. As the saying goes, we should strike while the iron is hot. We must not lower our heads while the United States is being submissive and France, Russia, and China are backing us up. Otherwise, we will never have this kind of opportunity ever again.”

“Assistant Director Kang Chan is currently in charge of the counterterrorism team. According to the norms, he should be the one organizing the team for the operation,” Hwang Ki-Hyun said.

Moon Jae-Hyun let out a quiet sigh.

“I’m already beyond grateful that he came back from Africa in one piece. If we send him to missions like this, our enemies might just start assassinating our agents just to get to him.”

“Understood, sir,” Hwang Ki-Hyun replied heavily.

***

Thud!

The dirt was hard and stiff, and the ground was uneven. Hence, the ball sometimes bounced in directions no one could predict.

Pow!

The agent standing in the middle kicked the ball in a motion that made him seem like he was lying down in the air.

Thump!

Seok Kang-Ho slammed the ball down after it bounced near the net.

“

Wooo

!”

With the ball falling into the net, the game ended.

Kang Chan, who was sitting on a low wooden platform seat, smirked at the attempt.

“Let’s do another round!” Seok Kang-Ho complained as he fiddled with the net.

“Why don’t we wrap this up and have coffee instead?” Kang Chan suggested.

“

Argh

!” Grumbling, Seok Kang-Ho obediently headed to the flat bench. “Go and make me some coffee.”

“Yes, sir!” the agent who saved the ball earlier with an impressive move eagerly responded. He immediately walked into the restaurant.

“That guy’s moves are almost like an animal’s,” Seok Kang-Ho said.

Kang Chan nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I saw.”

The past three games, the agent looked like the kind of soldier whose body would move before thinking. Agents like him were the scariest in knife fights.

“What a shame,” Seok Kang-Ho remarked.

“What is?”

“We should have an environment where people like them can use their full potential.”

Seok Kang-Ho raised his hands above his head, stretching.

At the same time, the agent returned with two paper cups on a round aluminum tray.

“What’s your name?” Seok Kang-Ho asked.

“Um Ji-Hwan, sir,” the agent replied.

Even though Seok Kang-Ho was the one who asked, Um Ji-Hwan was timidly looking at Kang Chan.

“Thanks,” Kang Chan said.

“Thank you,” Um Ji-Hwan replied, making Kang Chan laugh.

“What are you thanking him for?” Seok Kang-Ho asked.

“Everything that the assistant director has done. As an NIS agent, thank you.”

“What about me?”

“You too, sir.”

Once Seok Kang-Ho had taken the paper cup, Um Ji-Hwan walked over to the other agents, the tray still in hand.

“Today’s weather is incredible! It feels like the beginning of spring,” Seok Kang-Ho commented.

“Right?” Kang Chan replied, taking a sip of the coffee in the paper cup.

“That reminds me, what will you do about your graduation ceremony?”

“I shouldn’t go, right?”

“Yeah, probably not.”

“The UIS will probably target me if they learn I’m in an occasion like that. I don’t want to endanger everyone at the ceremony just so I can go.”

“

Hmm

.”

Seok Kang-Ho nodded.

Attacking a large gathering of people was one of the basics of terrorism. Even if they couldn’t eliminate the target, they could create fear by causing a lot of casualties.

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

Kang Chan’s phone started ringing.

“Manager Kim,” Kang Chan answered.

- When will you be back?

Kim Hyung-Jung didn’t sound too delighted.

“I was just about to get going. Did something happen?”

- Do you think you can come to Samseong-dong?

“Yes. I’ll be right over.”

- See you soon.

After hanging up, Kang Chan told Seok Kang-Ho about the call.

“It’s about time we catch up with him,” Seok Kang-Ho said.

“He sounded like something’s up,” Kang Chan responded.

“Yeah? We should get going, then.”

“Have you paid yet?”

“I’ll go do that right now. You can just wait here.”

Seok Kang-Ho stood up, then shouted, “Prepare to move out!”

He walked into the restaurant. They had spent quite a bit of time here, but since they arrived early, the clock hadn’t struck three yet.

They drove down the quiet roads and arrived at Samseong-dong around four. After parking the car in the underground parking garage, they took the elevator up, where Kim Hyung-Jung was waiting for them.

“How was lunch?” Kim Hyung-Jung asked in greeting.

“It was good. I’m sorry we couldn’t extend an invitation,” Kang Chan joked.

“Let’s head in,” Kim Hyung-Jung said, his tone just as heavy as it was on the phone. It made Kang Chan’s joke sound as if it wasn’t one.

Once inside, Kim Hyung-Jung set some beverages on the table for them. As soon as he sat down, he picked up some cigarettes.

“This morning, we simultaneously received intel from two sources that the UIS is preparing to assassinate the president and bomb the Samseong-dong International Building. Shortly afterward, thirteen of our agents in Libya and Egypt were killed.”

Kim Hyung-Jung offered Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho a cigarette and took one for himself as well.

“We hastily rescheduled and canceled the president’s affairs, and we have tightened the security at the International Building,” Kim Hyung-Jung continued, lighting up his cigarette.

Click.

“Thirty minutes before noon, CIA Director Sherman had an informal meeting with the president. He extended a next-generation joint agreement proposal between Saudi Arabia, the United States, and South Korea. The bottom line was that we will discuss it a bit further.”

“Who was behind the agents’ deaths?” Kang Chan asked.

“We still haven’t figured that out yet.”

“What do you plan on doing?”

“The President ordered retribution. Under the director’s discretion, we are currently selecting agent to replace the fallen thirteen and agents who will bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Kang Chan snuffed out his cigarette in the ashtray.

“All of this happened earlier today. Is there any reason you’re only telling me about this now that you’ve already decided what your plan of action is?”

“We wanted you to know of this as you spoke to the ambassador, and also felt that this is something that must be reported to the head of counterterrorism.”

Kang Chan wordlessly sipped his drink.

Thirteen agents had died. That meant that the enemy likely also numbered at least thirteen, maybe more.

“Manager Kim, what is our relationship with Libya and Egypt?” Kang Chan inquired.

“Both countries established diplomatic relations with North Korea first. We’ve been in talks with Libya since 2006, and this year marks the 15th anniversary of our diplomatic relations with Egypt,” Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

“Libya is Shiite, and Egypt is mainly Sunni. Considering both were attacked at the same time, this is probably an Islamic organization’s doing.”

“The NIS thinks so too.”

Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan with a hint of surprise on his face. It might not sound like much, but having a clear grasp on the ruling Islamist forces in Libya and Egypt was impressive.

“Manager Kim, I’m sure the National Intelligence Service knows better, but the Shiites and Sunnis have trouble collaborating. If they’ve united to accomplish one goal, it means one of the two parties must have made a move.”

Kim Hyung-Jung’s eyes flashed as he focused on Kang Chan’s words.

“Please determine if a Sunni tycoon had become Shiite or an influential Shiite had become a Sunni,” Kang Chan requested.

Kim Hyung-Jung felt even more surprised now. He froze in place to listen, not wanting to miss a single detail.

“One more thing. Since it hasn’t been that long since the UIS has been established, the number of their key executives is still small. Someone among them might have made a move. Regardless of whether it was the Shiites or the Sunnis, the Islamic Union wouldn’t be able to use the next-gen energy as an excuse to commit terrorism in our country. They need a valid reason for this.”

“According to one of our intels, it was in retaliation for insulting Islamic fighters in Afghanistan,” Kim Hyung-Jung quickly replied.

“Then please find out who gave us that intel as soon as possible. One of the characteristics of Islam is that no jihad is ever without a cause. Another is that before any jihad, they always announce that we have insulted them first. It’s almost like a declaration of war. We have to prioritize figuring out who’s going to make the announcement and where.”

Kim Hyung-Jung wrote down the keywords on his keypad. “What should we do once we’ve identified the announcer?”

“We need to trace their hierarchy and figure out the authorities above and below them.”

Based on what Kim Hyung-Jung said, he seemed aware of that information as well. However, it he clearly wasn’t as familiar with the Islamic forces as Kang Chan was.

“Assistant Director—” Seeing Kang Chan’s expression, Kim Hyung-Jung quickly corrected himself. “Mr. Kang Chan, to my understanding, the Islamic lineage is supposedly endless. If we identify the culprit, should we punish the culprit alone or the person who gave the order as well?”

He would likely have to report this conversation to Hwang Ki-Hyung anyway, so he wanted to know and hear Kang Chan’s decision firsthand.

“You have to choose,” Kang Chan responded.

“Between the culprit and the commander?”

Kang Chan smirked at Kim Hyung-Jung.

“Either we kill the culprit so brutally and horribly that they never ever look our way again or we kill the highest command before anyone realizes it.”

“What if the commander happens to be the head of the organization and his subordinates all retaliate?”

Kang Chan let out a quiet sigh. “They killed thirteen of our agents unjustly, didn’t they?”

“That’s right.”

There was no doubt about that.

“So you’re planning on assassinating the culprit or the one in command?” Kim Hyung-Jung questioned.

“Yes,” Kang Chan replied.

Retribution was a nice way of putting it. In reality, they were simply planning to kill.

He continued, “If you’re so worried about the backlash, I don’t see how you’re going to bring them to justice. I believe retribution is a way to retaliate against those who have wronged us. We will never be able to do that if we’re too concerned about what to do if our enemies fight back louder.”

Dazed, all Kim Hyung-Jung could do was stare.

Sharply, Kang Chan added, “If we were so worried about the aftermath, Jang Kwang-Taek would still be alive and would have likely killed someone special to us.”

1. Korean-style footvolley. ?