Moon Jae-Hyun had such a tight schedule and so many meetings that he didn’t even have time to catch his breath. Things were still somewhat manageable after the announcement of the Eurasian Rail. However, the announcement of the next-generation energy facility made his schedule absolutely brutal. When South Korea's special forces team flawlessly executed a mission to eliminate the UIS leadership in Afghanistan, his workload intensified even further, as if fuel had been thrown on the fire.

A South Korea that could stand on equal footing with France, Russia, China, and the United States, make Japan take a step back, and defeat the UIS was a powerful image. Observing this, underdeveloped countries in Africa and other nations seeking development clamored for meetings with Moon Jae-Hyun.

South Korea's status had clearly changed. This shift became evident when a Korean university student in Australia and a Korean businessman in the Philippines were killed. The President of the Philippines and the Prime Minister of Australia promptly expressed their condolences to the Korean embassy and personally called the South Korean Prime Minister. They even made an official announcement to promptly investigate the incidents.

Right after a meeting with the President of Togo, Moon Jae-Hyun headed to the second reception room. His schedule was so hectic that two teams of attendants were required to manage it.

"Mr. President," the Chief of Staff quickly approached Moon Jae-Hyun. "The NIS director wishes to meet with you with Assistant Director Kang Chan."

"Really? Then please make time for it somehow," replied Moon Jae-Hyun.

"You have a meeting with the President of Malawi right after this. We’ll arrange it twenty minutes after that meeting."

"Notify the director accordingly."

"Yes, sir. How about taking a short break?"

Moon Jae-Hyun had five meetings with African presidents scheduled today. Although the major points were handed over to the responsible officials after laying the groundwork, he couldn't miss any of these meetings.

"This is glory earned through the bloodshed of our men. If I miss such opportunities, then I do not qualify to represent South Korea."

Refusing the Chief of Staff’s suggestion, Moon Jae-Hyun reached the reception room. Jeon Dae-Geuk stood right behind him with his security detail.

One had to row diligently when the water was in.

The meetings involved building airports, roads, and government offices for the African countries in exchange for their resources. The construction costs and expenses for resource development were all included, and the resources were deducted from their debt every time they were brought in. Through power and money, this method was made available to South Korea.

In the past, developing resources required significant payouts, and all the roads and development facilities had to be built at Korea’s expense. Now, the government paid the construction companies upfront for ports, airports, roads, and other buildings, and later received payment in resources. One might wonder—what if, after the construction was complete, the African countries refused to hand over the resources and acted defiantly?

Would they dare defy South Korea, which had flawlessly executed a mission to eliminate the UIS leadership in Afghanistan? The visiting presidents knew all too well that South Korea had the power and resolve to send its formidable special forces to deal with any such defiance. Stories of South Korea’s operations in Afghanistan, China, Libya, and France had already somewhat spread through intelligence networks.

South Korea even arrested and warned the Saudi Arabian prince. Hence, the countries now lining up to request cooperation believed that the UIS could not hinder their development.

Developing resources was as crucial to South Korea as the next-generation energy projects. Just like the next-generation energy facility, which would generate enormous profits, the resources they’d gain prepared their nation for the distant future.

Moon Jae-Hyun stared at the particularly vivid Taegeukgi near the reception room’s entrance, supported by long-tailed phoenixes on both sides. It made him remember the special forces soldiers who had been brought back in body bags at the Seongnam Airport. Today’s glory was certainly rooted in their bravery.

Moon Jae-Hyun habitually gazed at the Taegeukgi and the phoenixes.

‘I will not retreat or let their sacrifices be in vain. I will approach these talks with pride to honor our soldiers and agents who bled for South Korea..’

Moon Jae-Hyung took a deep breath, then nodded. The attendant pushed open the large door of the reception room.

***

Having finished his call with Lanok, Kang Chan took a cold shower and changed into new clothes. Removing the remaining stitches from his wounds made it much easier to move.

Soon after, Kang Chan's phone rang.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

"Hello?"

- This is Kim Hyung-Jung. The Director would like you to accompany him to the Blue House.

"When?"

- We're meeting in Naegok-dong in thirty minutes.

Kang Chan had no reason to refuse. They had to decide on the matter with Jibril anyway. Hence, after telling Kim Hyung-Jung that he’d be there, he immediately hung up.

"Choi Jong-Il, we're going to Naegok-dong."

"Yes, sir."

Lee Doo-Hee headed down to the basement first while Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung waited in front of the office.

"See you later. I’ll be out this evening," said Seok Kang-Ho.

"Don't forget what I said. Take agents with you and make sure to keep a pistol with you," replied Kang Chan.

"Got it," Seok Kang-Ho firmly answered while looking into Kang Chan's eyes.

Convinced that Seok Kang-Ho understood him well enough to follow his instructions, Kang Chan headed to the underground parking lot with Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung.

It was currently around three in the afternoon. Nevertheless, as if it was already approaching the dead of the night, his uneasiness grew stronger the more time passed.

Kang Chan double-checked everything. He made sure to check on the 606 guarding the French embassy, the DMZ team protecting Mongolia, Kim Tae-Jin, and the soldiers assigned to protect Kim Gwan-Sik and his family.

Afterward, he took a deep breath. It felt like half of his lungs were filled with mud, making it hard to breathe fully. His gleaming eyes made the atmosphere in the car sharp and heavy.

When they arrived at the main entrance of the Naegok-dong headquarters, Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung stepped out of the main gate.

"Assistant Director," Go Gun-Woo greeted.

Kang Chan bowed his head in response.

Noticing Kang Chan's intense gaze, Go Gun-Woo glanced at Kim Hyung-Jung. He didn't say anything about it, however.

Go Gun-Woo gestured to a black SUV. "Let’s head over to the Blue House together, shall we?"

Kang Chan got into the SUV with Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung.

Their convoy consisted of more than six SUVs.

"Assistant Director, there's something I want to confirm before meeting the President."

Kim Hyung-Jung sat in the passenger seat. Go Gun-Woo was behind him, while Kang Chan was behind the driver’s seat.

"I heard the report from Manager Kim. First, I'd like to hear your opinion on whether it’s right to eliminate Jibril based solely on facts that could be seen as simple investments,” Go Gun-Woo said. "Secondly, we cannot ignore the possibility of failure. If things go wrong, dealing with the aftermath will undoubtedly be detrimental to us. We would be accused of attempting to eliminate a foreign prince without sufficient evidence."

Go Gun-Woo glanced at Kim Hyung-Jung and then back at Kang Chan.

"Why don’t we conduct a more thorough investigation on Jibril's involvement in the attacks on Director Hwang before planning our next move?"

Go Gun-Woo was clearly reluctant about eliminating Jibril. However, suggesting to meet Moon Jae-Hyun together showed that he respected Kang Chan's opinion.

"I'm sure you're aware that UIS and Abibu are connected," Kang Chan said.

"There's no doubt about that," said Go Gun-Woo.

"I believe our country is currently at war."

Go Gun-Woo let out a low sigh. "

Hmm

."

"They attacked the International Building, killed Director Hwang and Director Song, and threatened us by gathering the UIS in Afghanistan."

Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

Just as he finished speaking, Kang Chan's heart suddenly began sending him warnings. The sharpness of it was so intense that Kang Chan even wondered if an enemy was aiming a rocket launcher at them from a nearby building.

Go Gun-Woo looked at Kang Chan with a puzzled expression.

"Director, there are times when my senses become exceptionally sharp. When that happens, my eyes are always the first to show it," Kang Chan explained.

"Like at the Eurasian Rail announcement?"

"Yes."

Now that he had thought about it, Go Gun-Woo had been there too.

Kang Chan wanted to make it clear to Go Gun-Woo that his gaze had become so intense not because Go Gun-Woo refused to accept his opinion.

"Since this morning, my senses have been strangely sharp, just like that day. Even now, I feel like someone is aiming a rocket launcher at us from somewhere nearby.”

Kim Hyung-Jung, sitting in the passenger seat, looked around, and Go Gun-Woo reflexively checked the front and back.

There was no way to avoid going to the Blue House now, though, nor did they have an alternative course of action. Hence, Kang Chan decided to just keep talking for now.

"As I was saying, I believe that gathering evidence and enforcing the law applies only to our citizens. Dragging out time to prove the crimes of a hostile country's leadership, who is fatal to us, is extremely dangerous."

Go Gun-Woo took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

"Assistant Director, you are becoming too prominent and significant in the eyes of those who have a vested interest in this. They're keeping their silence now because of your success in quelling the International Building terrorist attack and eliminating the UIS leaders, but if you make a mistake, they will undoubtedly turn on you."

Kang Chan found it hard to understand what Go Gun-Woo was saying.

"Even the military has quieted down because of your achievements, but if the operation to eliminate Jibril fails and problems arise, they are likely to be the first to denounce you."

With a bitter look in his eyes, Go Gun-Woo added, "They don't know the full details, and they believe you are being given too much power and authority. Moreover, if the public sees your achievements as our military and the NIS counter-terrorism team’s achievements, public opinion might turn against us, and we might not be able to officially protect you."

As Go Gun-Woo finished speaking, the SUV entered the Blue House's driveway.

Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

Kang Chan looked out the window and sharply scanned the area around them.

They were already in the Blue House. His heart should have calmed by now, but his instincts were warning him of even greater danger instead.

'Could it be...?'

Kang Chan shook off the thought that momentarily crossed his mind.

Jeon Dae-Geuk was definitely a reliable person. Was someone deceiving him and targeting Moon Jae-Hyun? Kang Chan scanned the perimeter of the driveway once more.

***

After his meeting, Moon Jae-Hyun headed back to the first reception room.

"Have the director and assistant director arrived yet?" he asked.

"They are expected to arrive before your meeting with the President of Malawi ends. Shall I guide them to the second reception room?"

"No. Prepare us a place in the garden."

"Yes, sir."

After giving instructions to the Chief of Staff, Moon Jae-Hyun gazed at the phoenixes and the Taegeukgi at the entrance of the first reception room.

South Korea was becoming a stronger nation.

He was grateful that talents like Kang Chan were born in this land. He was also both grateful and sorrowful for the soldiers and agents who shed blood and sacrificed themselves for South Korea and the Taegeukgi.

"

Haaa

."

Moon Jae-Hyun exhaled deeply. When he nodded, the attendant opened the door of the reception room.

***

Kang Chan handed over his pistol at the Blue House entrance. Since no one other than security personnel was allowed to carry firearms, he couldn’t argue his way out of this.

Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

His instincts were screaming that there was no more time left.

All Kang Chan could think about was that he had to meet Moon Jae-Hyun and Jeon Dae-Geuk as quickly as possible.

"Assistant Director, you also need to hand over your radio according to regulations,” the security staff requested cautiously but firmly.

"Can you contact Director Jeon?"

"We can."

"Contact him now. Tell him it's urgent."

"The President is in a meeting. Unless it's related to security, we can't disturb him."

Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

There was no more time to waste here. Kang Chan was just about to yank off the radio when a staff member approached him.

"You’re quite early. Anyway, the president has prepared a place in the garden. Please follow me,” the staff member respectfully said.

He then looked around nervously, noticing Kang Chan's intense gaze and the deadly atmosphere at the entrance.

"Where is the president?"

"He’s in the first reception room."

"Take me there."

"Pardon?"

"Take me to him. Now."

"Assistant Director, please cooperate with the security—"

Kang Chan's sharp glare was so intense that the security officer couldn't even finish his sentence.

Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

There was no time to argue. Kang Chan turned to Go Gun-Woo.

"Director, you have to trust me. The President could be in danger. We need to go to him immediately."

Go Gun-Woo did not avoid Kang Chan's gaze.

"Manager Kim."

"Sir."

"As the Director of the National Intelligence Service, I am declaring an anti-terrorism emergency at the Blue House due to a potential threat against the President. Assistant Director Kang Chan will take command."

"Yes, sir."

Click!

Kim Hyung-Jung immediately drew his pistol and aimed it at the security officer in front of Kang Chan.

"The Director of the NIS has declared an anti-terrorism emergency. Security personnel must cooperate!"

Click. Click. Click.

The surrounding security officers quickly pointed their guns at Kim Hyung-Jung and Go Gun-Woo.

"The Assistant Director is going in. You all know he's unarmed."

"Please don't do this!"

"This is an anti-terrorism emergency! Stop getting in the way and contact Director Jeon immediately! Go ahead, Assistant Director!"

After glancing at Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung, Kang Chan sprinted into the Blue House.

Woosh! Woosh!

Two security officers rushed at him. They were not enemies. They were agents moving with the same purpose.

Smack! Smack!

Kang Chan deflected their hands to the side and struck their necks and sides.

Bam-bam-bam!

Using the momentum, he sprinted up the stairs.

Click.

Kim Hyung-Jung lowered his gun.

"Contact Director Jeon immediately!"

Finally, the security officers picked up their radios.

Inside the reception room, Moon Jae-Hyun shook hands with Muritaka, the President of Malawi.

"Please have a seat,” he offered afterward.

As Moon Jae-Hyun sat down, President Muritaka took the indicated seat. Two interpreters sat close to them, holding notepads and concentrating.

Tea was served.

"Don’t you find the weather in Korea cold?"

"Perhaps because I came with passion, but I don't feel the cold," Muritaka skillfully responded.

Standing inside the reception room, Jeon Dae-Geuk touched his ear with a puzzled expression.

Chk.

"I'll repeat, the Director of the National Intelligence Service has declared an anti-terrorism emergency at the Blue House."

What is this about?

Jeon Dae-Geuk signaled the security guards to heighten their alert. Trust in Go Gun-Woo was one thing, but security was an entirely different matter.

Chk.

"Assistant Director Kang Chan is heading to the first reception room unarmed."

Kang Chan?

He acknowledged Kang Chan's ability to detect crises, which had been clearly demonstrated during the Eurasian Rail announcement. He also had accomplishments to his name.

Did our security really fail to pick up danger?

Jeon Dae-Geuk scanned the reception room sharply.

"May I smoke?" Muritaka asked.

"Of course. Feel free,” Moon Jae-Hyun responded with a generous smile, even extending his hand.

"This is made with tobacco from our country. Would you like one?"

"Thank you, but I’ve quit smoking."

"You’ve lost one of life’s pleasures."

Moon Jae-Hyun laughed in response.

Click.

Bang!

Just as Muritaka lit his lighter, the door burst open, and Kang Chan dashed in. Everyone's eyes, including Moon Jae-Hyun’s, turned toward him. Muritaka also looked at Kang Chan with wide eyes.

"What’s going on? What are you doing?" Jeon Dae-Geuk growled lowly as Kang Chan surveyed the room.

Huff. Huff.

"Kang Chan!"

Jeon Dae-Geuk called out again.

Huff. Huff.

Time seemed to slow down for Kang Chan.

Thump-thump. Thump-thump.

Even the sound of his heart beating to warn him seemed to slow down.

What is it? What am I missing? The guards against the wall?

There couldn't be a bomb planted in the building.

It’s not Jeon Dae-Geuk.

Crackle. Crackle.

At that moment, sparks flew from the cigarette in Muritaka’s mouth. Cigarettes mixed with sugarcane tended to spark like that.

Kang Chan’s eyes caught Muritaka’s surprised gaze.

Damn it!

Kang Chan lunged at Moon Jae-Hyun.

Whoosh!

Two security guards reflexively lunged at Kang Chan, while two more drew their guns.

Click! Click!

Crash!

Kang Chan, the two guards trying to stop him, and Moon Jae-Hyun tumbled to the floor in a tangled mess.

"

Gah

!

Ugh

!"

Right after, Muritaka grabbed his throat and convulsed, a horrifying expression on his face.

Kang Chan clamped his hand over Moon Jae-Hyun’s nose and mouth.

"Don’t breathe! Get the President out of here!"

As expected of Jeon Dae-Geuk, he quickly grasped the situation, rushed over, hooked his arms under Moon Jae-Hyun’s armpits, and pulled him away. Kang Chan continued to cover Moon Jae-Hyun’s nose and mouth as he followed Jeon Dae-Geuk.

"

Ugh

!"

"

Ack

!"

"

Urgh

!"

The two interpreters collapsed to the floor, writhing in agony like Muritaka. Two nearby security guards fell to the floor in similar distress.