Chapter 372: You have crossed the line (1)

On the way back to the office, Kang Chan took out his phone and called Kim Hyung-Jung.

"Do you have a moment?"

- Good timing. I was just about to call you. Where are you?

Kim Hyung-Jung sounded noticeably different from usual.

"Let’s meet at the office. I'll be there in twenty minutes."

- Copy.

Kang Chan hung up and looked around, finding the car crossing Hannam Bridge. The river below looked different from the one near the pension house.

It was common to have breaks in between combat. Sometimes, the enemy would take that moment to regroup or pray, but no matter what they did, it would all lead to the same thing.

They would come back more brutally and fiercely than before. Enemies who weren't confident would, of course, choose to flee as fast as they could.

The bad feeling that Kang Chul-Gyu got essentially confirmed that the danger that Kang Chan’s instincts were warning him about was real.

Back in his previous life, he would’ve just had to keep an eye out for Daye, Gérard, perhaps any new recruits, and the operation itself. Now, he had so many people to protect that it had become his biggest problem.

Soon, they arrived at the office building.

The road was filled with cars and people. Naturally, many were entering and leaving the building.

Kang Chan headed to the office through the underground parking lot. Seok Kang-Ho, Gérard, and the interpreter greeted him.

"You good?" Kang Chan asked.

"Of course. Thanks, Cap,” Seok Kang-Ho replied.

They gave each other their characteristic smiles.

Seok Kang-Ho looked like he had shed some of the heavy burden that he had been carrying.

"Want some coffee?" Seok Kang-Ho asked.

"Make it a double. Bring some water too."

Normally, Seok Kang-Ho would have asked the interpreter to do it, but today, he made the coffee himself. He even stopped Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung from helping. It was probably his way of expressing his gratitude for the help he had received with Um Ji-Hwan's funeral.

No words had to be said right now. All that was left was to bury Um Ji-Hwan in his heart and wait for the wound to heal.

Kang Chan took off his coat, hung it up, and sat down at the table.

"Were you out doing something important?" Gérard asked.

"No. I just spent a day with Director Kang since he’s about to head back to Mongolia."

Having guessed Kang Chan’s relationship with Kang Chul-Gyu, Gérard didn’t pry any further.

"Here you go."

Kang Chan picked up and drank the bottle of water that Seok Kang-Ho had brought. He then grabbed the mug of coffee and took a sip.

At the same time, Kim Hyung-Jung entered the office.

"Welcome."

Kim Hyung-Jung was holding a paper bag with his left hand.

As they exchanged greetings, Kang Chan noticed that Kim Hyung-Jung's eyes were bloodshot due to sleep deprivation, and his face was showing signs of fatigue. Nevertheless, he still looked sharp.

"You look like you can use some rest," Kang Chan remarked.

"I plan to take a vacation once this is all over," Kim Hyung-Jung replied.

Believing that claim would be as wise as believing that Seok Kang-Ho would cut down on his eating. The interpreter quickly made coffee and offered it to Kim Hyung-Jung.

"Could you step out for a moment?" Kim Hyung-Jung then requested.

"Yes, sir."

The interpreter moved to the far end of the office and hung out with Choi Jong-Il.

Just as Kang Chan was wondering what this was about, Kim Hyung-Jung opened one of the many urgent matters they had to discuss in this hectic time.

"We might be able to catch the people who had Director Hwang and Director Song killed,” he said.

Kang Chan's eyes glinted. As Seok Kang-Ho looked at Kim Hyung-Jung with equal intensity, Kang Chan conveyed what he had just heard to Gérard in French.

Gérard smiled knowingly, the scar on his cheek stretching. He seemed as eager as Seok Kang-Ho to catch the terrorists.

Afterward, Kim Hyung-Jung took out documents from the paper bag that he had brought and placed them in front of Kang Chan.

"That file contains information about Jeon Sang-Woo, the Director of the NIS External Affairs division. It also has the bank account details of his relatives."

Kang Chan continued interpreting Kim Hyung-Jung's report in French, believing it was best for everyone to be aware of the situation.

"We gathered this information independently and without a court order. The director authorized the investigation intending to take full responsibility for it."

Kang Chan gazed down and examined the documents. However, he didn’t see anything wrong with it.

"Do you remember Assemblyman Huh Sang-Soo?" Kim Hyung-Jung asked, pointing to a section with his finger.

"His cousin married a man named Yang Seok-Woo. They have two daughters now, and their eldest is Director Jeon Sang-Woo’s wife."

Yang Seok-Woo?

Kim Hyung-Jung nodded briefly in response to Kang Chan's questioning look.

"He's the cousin of the late Yang Jin-Woo. It appears the two families have made what we call a

'Line Circle'

marriage."

"Line Circle?"

"The '

Inner Circle'

refers to the immediate families of top conglomerate executives and high-ranking officials like ministers. Their relatives are usually called the

'Line Circle.

'"

These bastards! Does that mean everyone else is just a servant or a slave?

Kang Chan smirked, then relayed all the information he had just gotten to Gérard, not wanting to make him feel left out. He knew that despite his somewhat slow demeanor, Gérard had moments of brilliance when facing the enemy.

After listening to him, Gérard said, “We just need to kill that bastard, then."

Oh boy. I might have expected too much from him.

Kang Chan returned his attention to Kim Hyung-Jung.

"The computer in the director’s office has a folder where all intel from our agents is stored. Besides reports about misconduct and insubordination, it also contains important information that requires the director’s approval. As a security measure, entering the wrong password three times wipes the folder clean. Now, please take a look at these photos."

Kim Hyung-Jung took out four photos from the folder and placed them on the table. They were of a man moving toward a door and then walking away.

"Check the date and time in the lower right corner."

Kang Chan looked at the numbers that Kim Hyung-Jung had pointed to.

"He entered the director’s office two days after Director Hwang was killed. His last entry was at 1:10 AM. At that time, there was no reason for anyone other than the anti-terrorism team and the Jeungpyeong special forces team to go in there."

After a brief pause, Kim Hyung-Jung added, "I believe one of our agents directly reported intel about the International Building terrorist attack to Director Hwang. Upon learning about it, Director Jeon Sang-Woo then had Director Hwang removed.”

"What about Director Song?"

"They probably used his death to divert attention and disrupt the next-generation power facility project. At the time of the International Building attack, Director Jeon Sang-Woo had been preparing an international trade conference with KOTRA at the NIS External Affairs office."

Although Kang Chan understood the situation, he still felt that they were missing something. After relaying the details to Gérard, Kang Chan looked back at the documents. Kim Hyung-Jung seemed to understand how he felt.

"Please take a look at this. I wasn’t sure about all this either until I got this information. Do you remember when the president announced a thorough investigation into dual citizenship and those who have assets overseas?"

"Was that when Japan mentioned investing in us?" Kang Chan inquired.

"Yes," Kim Hyung-Jung answered. He then pointed to a part of the bank statements.

"Jeon Kang-Ho, Jeon Sang-Woo’s youngest brother, is an American citizen, and his wife practices law over there. Moreover, just three months ago, they established an investment company. Three billion won in dollars have been invested in it."

"By whom?"

"Alman bin Jibril, a Saudi Arabian royal who has such deep ties with Abibu that he might succeed him. This file has more information on him.”

These bastards!

Kang Chan faintly smiled at Kim Hyung-Jung.

Kim Hyung-Jung looked like he had been sleep-deprived for so long that his eyes were about to bleed. Moreover, his lips had chapped due to fatigue. While Kang Chan was in Afghanistan, he must have dedicated himself to this work, obtaining such critical information as a result.

"You've done well," said Kang Chan.

He, Seok Kang-Ho, and Gérard felt that they had finally caught the enemy by the tail.

With glinting eyes, Gérard picked up a cigarette. As always, now that one person had lit up a cigarette, everyone else followed. Soon, the four men all ended up smoking.

"What about Abibu?"

"His condition seems to have stabilized. Smithen can be discharged, but he has requested to stay in the hospital until he meets with you, Assistant Director. Sharlan hasn’t regained consciousness yet."

After taking a sip of his coffee, Kim Hyung-Jung looked at Kang Chan again, his cigarette in between his fingers.

"What did you want to tell me?"

"Ah, right." Kang Chan flicked the ash from his cigarette. "It's hard to say this anywhere else, but..."

Kim Hyung-Jung and Seok Kang-Ho focused on him.

"I have a bad feeling that something’s about to happen again. For now, I’d like to tighten our security.”

"Got any ideas where this might go down?"

Thankfully, instead of doubting him, Kim Hyung-Jung immediately believed Kang Chan.

"It's just a feeling, so I have no idea where or how it will happen,” Kang Chan replied.

At the same time, Seok Kang-Ho pulled the documents toward him with a surprised expression.

"What is it?"

"You mentioned Alman bin Jibril earlier, right?"

"Yes," Kim Hyung-Jung answered with a curious expression.

"That's an Arabic name. Jibril is Gabriel in English."

"Gabriel?"

"The guy who had allegedly been killed was named Gabriel, remember?"

How is this bastard’s memory so good?

Kang Chan tilted his head. "Isn't that stretching things too far? If we went by names, all the Kims, Lees, and Parks would be in cahoots."

Gérard glanced at Seok Kang-Ho, then asked, "Cap, what is Daye saying?"

Kang Chan quickly explained what Seok Kang-Ho had said.

"He's always been Gabriel. Isn't it a coincidence?"

"That's what I’m saying.”

"What did he say?" Seok Kang-Ho asked Kang Chan.

These fucking idiots!

Thinking of doing it for Kim Hyung-Jung instead, Kang Chan interpreted what Gérard had just said. Before he could finish, however, Seok Kang-Ho dismissed his suspicions.

"Isn’t it about time we have lunch? I found a good place for naengmyeon[1], and they serve meat with it, too. Let's order from them.”

Kang Chan was sure that Seok Kang-Ho had already made his decision before even sharing it. At the very least, they would never have to worry about the menu for as long as they were with this guy.

"Order whatever you like."

Seok Kang-Ho stood up and walked toward Choi Jong-Il.

"Where is Jeon Sang-Woo now?" Kang Chan asked.

"He's under disciplinary action and currently at home." Kim Hyung-Jung quickly responded.

"What about his surveillance?"

"We've assigned two people to monitor him."

"And Jibril?"

"We haven't pinpointed his location yet. Being a Saudi royal, we might need help from the French or Russian intelligence bureau."

Kang Chan nodded. "Manager Kim, how deeply do you think Alman bin Jibril is involved in this?"

Kim Hyung-Jung paused for a moment. “Let’s get Director Jeon Sang-Woo's statement about this matter first.”

"We’re finally approaching the final battle,” Kang Chan said. “I don't know what the Star of David is planning, but instead of waiting for a moment to counterattack, we should launch a preemptive strike now."

When Kim Hyung-Jung looked at him with flustered eyes, he added, "We’ll have no choice but to act on revenge again if they cause another incident similar to the International Building terrorist attack. We should remove Jibril before that happens. At the very least, that’s what the French and the Russians would do."

"Captain! Chilled broth or spicy[2]?"

Kang Chan quickly turned to Seok Kang-Ho. "Order whatever you want!"

Afterward, Kim Hyung-Jung said, "This isn't something the director would authorize."

"Can the anti-terrorism team handle this independently?"

Kim Hyung-Jung shook his head. "I don't mean to sound pessimistic, but if we fail or leave evidence behind, it will become a national crisis. We also need to consider transportation, personnel deployment, and weapon supply."

He certainly had a point. Unlike the DGSE, they didn't have agents who specialized in assassination.

"In that case, please inform the director of my plan. That aside, please set an appointment with the hospital for me and tighten the security at the French embassy."

"Understood. Should we assign the 606 to the French embassy again?"

"Yes. Having them over there would be reassuring," Kang Chan replied.

They were already wrapping up their discussion when Seok Kang-Ho returned to the table.

𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

"I'll be stepping out for a bit tonight, Cap,” he said.

"Sure. You should drop by at home, you know. You haven’t gone in what, nearly a month?"

"Oh! These days, the person I respect and try to emulate the most is Admiral Yi Sun-Sin[3]."

What the hell does that even mean?

Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung looked at him curiously.

“When he left home, it took him at least five years before he returned,” Seok Kang-Ho explained. “Isn't that how a man should live?"

This crazy bastard!

Kang Chan couldn’t help but burst out laughing. He then asked, "Why are you going out anyway?"

Kang Chan didn't want to stop or question Seok Kang-Ho. The man’s ridiculous statement just made him curious.

"Ji-Hwan's mother is going to Jangseong today. I’d like to accompany her for a bit."

Kang Chan simply nodded in response.

Soon, their naengmyeon arrived. Even though Seok Kang-Ho had ordered five extra bowls, they still managed to finish all of them.

After the meal, Kim Hyung-Jun stood up. He didn’t even wait to have coffee.

"I'll be off now," he said.

Kang Chan stood up as well and walked him to the office door. "I don’t know where or when this bad feeling will turn into a reality, so no matter how busy you are, I need you to always have a security detail with you. Right now, no one is more important than you are, Manager Kim."

Kim Hyung-Jung smiled in appreciation, then left the office after saying goodbye. Kang Chan returned to the table, rejoining Seok Kang-Ho.

"Where's Gérard?"

"He’s gone inside to the satellite team. That bastard’s Korean has improved a lot."

"Really?"

Seok Kang-Ho nodded. “Anyway, if this Jibril is an ally of Abibu and is involved in the attacks on Director Hwang and Director Song, won’t he be planning another retaliation over this UIS matter?"

"He most likely is."

"Then let's work with the DGSE and eliminate Jibril ourselves already. You having a bad feeling about all this means we don’t have time to be hesitating like this."

Why is this guy so proactive all of a sudden?

Seemingly noticing the doubt in Kang Chan’s gaze, Seok Kang-Ho added, “I thought about what you said earlier. There are too many people around me who could get hurt. Not just my family but everyone we know, including Director Go, Manager Kim, Director Kim Gwan-Sik, and even our people in Mongolia....”

Seok Kang-Ho picked up a cigarette and handed it to Kang Chan.

Click.

Their conversation paused as he lit the cigarette.

“Let’s take the initiative this time. The three of us are enough to act as the DGSE of Korea, don’t you think?”

When Kang Chan simply smirked in response, Seok Kang-Ho gasped, frustration evident in his expression.

“I'm not doing this just because of Ji-Hwan!”

“Who said you were?”

“Well, honestly, if I get to eliminate those bastards too, then this will be a bit more exciting.”

Kang Chan blew out a puff of smoke and looked out the window. The brilliant sunlight was shining on the city.

Damn it. It feels wrong to decide to kill someone on a day like this.

“Let’s wait for Manager Kim’s report before we decide.”

“Understood,” Seok Kang-Ho replied quietly.

Kang Chan then took out his phone and called Lanok. He informed him that Gérard had decided not to take up the position as the Inspector Director-General of the DGSE and that they would be strengthening the security of the French embassy starting today.

- Is something wrong?

“Mr. Ambassador, this might sound unreasonable, but my instincts are warning me of danger. I would also like to discuss something with you in person.”

- Mr. Kang Chan, your instincts are a talent that others do not possess. Having seen it in action several times myself, I consider it a more reliable warning than any other information can give me. Anyway, it seems we need to tighten our internal security as well.

“That would be reassuring,”

Lanok burst out laughing. When he finally calmed down, he called out to him.

- Mr. Kang Chan.

“Yes, Mr. Ambassador.”

- I understand that your codename implies you bring death to your enemies. Hence, should someone target you or those around you, be sure to do the same to them.

Recalling Lanok’s words from before, Kang Chan asked a similar question. “Does that mean we need to take a tougher stance from now on?”

- Remember, I, Lanok, am behind you.

Kang Chan chuckled in response. Soon, Lanok joined him.

1. Naengmyeon is a Korean cold noodle dish ☜

2. When ordering naengmyeon, you can specify whether you'd like it as "

mul naengmyeon

" (water), served in a chilled broth, or "

bibim naengmyeon

" (spicy), mixed with a spicy red pepper sauce. ☜

3. Admiral Yi Sun-Sin was a legendary Korean naval commander known for repelling Japanese invasions in the 16th century using innovative turtle ships. ☜