Lines from the complex machinery were connected to Anne. The nozzle, bubbling with air, was linked to Anne's breathing mask. She was clearly in bad condition.

"We have removed the bullets, but both patients might need further surgery."

Although Anne already had an IV and blood transfusion going, Yoo Hun-Woo still connected the additional blood that he had gotten from Kang Chan.

While hooking up the blood transfusion, Yoo Hun-WOo turned to Kang Chan. "Is there any way we could get help from Dr. Kim Ji-Hoon of the Hannam Hospital? Given the conditions of this lady and the patient in the next room, our hospital's staff alone can't handle it."

Dr. Kim Ji-Hoon?

Seeing Kang Chan’s puzzled look, Yoo Hun-Woo added, "In the field of surgery, he's one of the best in the world. Abroad, they even call him 'Great Kim,' a play on 'great surgeon.' Right now, we desperately need his help."

"I'll request his assistance and get back to you."

"His surgery schedule is extremely tight, so I’m not sure if he can make time. I have no doubt that he’ll be a tremendous help, though. If he can come, it will give us a lot more hope. "

Kang Chan nodded.

Yoo Hun-Woo then took the remaining blood pack and headed to Lanok’s room, which was just right next door.

Upon entering, Kang Chan was greeted by a similar scene to Anne’s. Lanok was lying on the bed, his high nose and thin face just as pale as his daughter’s.

Long ago, Lanok’s wife was shot to death. Now, it seemed as though he was about to lose his daughter for the same reason.

Yoo Hun-Woo connecting the blood pack made Kang Chan a bit relieved.

Standing beside Lanok, Kang Chan began to talk to Lanok in French.

“Mr. Ambassador. I've given you and Anne my blood.”

Yoo Heon-Woo and the nurse turned to Kang Chan, unable to understand what he was saying.

"I believe you'll wake up. I'll be waiting."

Kang Chan carefully held Lanok’s hand, which had an IV line connected to it. It was cold.

"Just as you said, the enemy has started moving, but don’t worry. I’ll fight this war my own way. I’ll be back."

Kang Chan let go of Lanok's hand and left the room.

Clang. Clang.

The weapons and equipment attached to Kang Myung-Gu and his team made a reassuring noise with each step they took.

Kang Chan pulled out his phone and called Kim Hyung-Jung.

- Kim Hyung-Jung speaking.

"This is Kang Chan. Two patients admitted to the Bangji Hospital need surgery, and they require the assistance of Dr. Kim Ji-Hoon of the Hannam Hospital."

- He’s the President's surgical doctor. I'll contact him immediately.

Despite his heavy workload, Kim Hyung-Jung still sounded sharp and resolute.

"I'm heading to the hospital where Sharlan and Abibu are," Kang Chan said.

- I’ll notify them accordingly.

"I’d like to speak with the director as well. Can you send me his number?"

- Understood.

Kang Chan hung up and walked toward the elevator. Kang Myung-Gu and another agent accompanied him.

Clang. Clang.

"Take care."

"Don't worry, sir. "

Ding.

Kang Chan took the elevator down. It was already dark, so there were no outpatients around.

Ding.

On the first floor, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, Lee Doo-Hee, and armed soldiers filled the hospital, making it feel like they were in the middle of a battlefield.

"We're heading to the Police Hospital."

"Yes, sir."

The security had been tightened so much that Kang Chan’s sedan was now surrounded by six vans. As the car started, Kang Chan called Seok Kang-Ho.

- It’s me.

"Come to the Police Hospital with Gérard," Kang Chan said.

- Got it.

Kang Chan hung up and looked out the window, realizing once again that he should not underestimate his enemy. Even so, he was not afraid.

Why are they doing this?Everything is fine, but...

If they really wanted the next-generation power facility, they should have appealed to Lanok and negotiated with him. If they couldn’t stand seeing Korea grow more powerful, they should have tried harder themselves. Targeting the President of Korea, assassinating the President of a powerless African country, and shooting Lanok and Anne—their methods were simply unacceptable.

Korea no longer bows down when hit.

How many times did the Jeungpyeong special forces team, the 606, and the counter-terrorism team have to prove that Korea had become stronger?

Every time the car stopped at a signal, the vans completely surrounded Kang Chan's sedan. The large vehicles had their windows painted black, giving off a very strong and intimidating presence. Pedestrians and drivers nearby glanced at them with wide eyes.

Just as they were about to reach the hospital, Kang Chan's phone rang.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

It was Gérard.

"It’s me."

- Vasili was shot by a sniper as he arrived at the presidential palace to meet President Alexei. His location and condition are currently unknown.

Kang Chan exhaled slowly.

- And...

"Go on."

- Yang Bum is reportedly fleeing to the Mongolian base. Contact has been lost, so his location and condition are also unknown.

"Anything else?"

- Vant, the Director of the Swiss intelligence bureau, died in a car explosion in an underground parking lot.

Oddly, the more Kang Chan heard, the calmer he felt.

"Where are you now?"

- We're almost at the hospital. The satellite soldiers had to urgently relay this information to me first.

"Got it. I'll see you at the hospital entrance."

- Yes, sir.

Kang Chan put the phone in his pocket and scratched his eyebrow. The Directors of the Russian and Chinese intelligence bureaus guarding the Mongolian base had been taken out. Naturally, this meant their next target would be the Mongolian base.

Kang Chan's phone vibrated shortly, signaling a new message. Two vans entered the hospital entrance as two more blocked the surrounding area. The remaining pair covered the rear of the sedan.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Soldiers in black suits and sunglasses quickly spread out to secure Kang Chan's path to the hospital entrance. Choi Jong-Il, who had been in the back seat with Kang Chan, and Woo Hee-Seung, who had been in the front seat, stuck closely to Kang Chan.

Despite the cumbersome and troublesome situation, there was no room for complaints. With security tighter likely due to the assassination attempt on the President, the entrance was guarded by well-armed soldiers from the 35th Brigade.

Fortunately, there were no outpatients around due to the late hour.

As Kang Chan walked to the empty waiting room, Seok Kang-Ho, Gérard, and the interpreter entered through the main entrance.

"Let's sit for a moment before heading up."

"Yes, sir."

Kang Chan took out his phone, finding a message from Kim Hyung-Jung. He dialed the number it contained.

- Hello?

"Mr. Director, this is Kang Chan. Is now a good time to talk?"

- I have about fifteen minutes.

Kang Chan first relayed Gérard’s report to Go Gun-Woo.

"The satellite agents will report separately to the NIS, so Manager Kim Hyung-Jung should also be aware of this by now."

- I see.

Go Gun-Woo sounded calm.

"I intend to fight this war my way, Director. To start with, I need the authority to eliminate Sharlan and Abibu."

A stunned silence filled the line.

"Ambassador Lanok provoked the enemy, leading to this reaction. Even so, we still don't fully understand the enemy's identity. Although we’ll be wording the announcement differently, the enemy will surely know that I eliminated Sharlan and Abibu."

- Are you trying to become a direct target?

"Yes."

- Even if you don’t do this, you are already a target. No matter how hard we consider this a war, eliminating captives is...

Go Gun-Woo let out a deep sigh.

"This is no different from eliminating Alman bin Jibril, whom we assume to be the enemy's leader, sir."

- I understand your anger over all the attacks, but—

"Sixteen soldiers and staff lost their lives to the assassination attempt on the President. Jeong Won-Min, the commander of the 606's Special Operations Unit, was killed during the attack on the embassy,” Kang Chan interjected.

After a brief pause, he added, "Killing those two announces that we will be launching merciless attacks on the enemy. It might seem unethical, but it will be the clearest warning we can give them. Think of us as the DGSE but under the NIS, sir, not just a counter-terrorism team."

Gérard, Seok Kang-Ho, Choi Jong-Il, Woo Hee-Seung, and the interpreter listened to Kang Chan's conversation closely. Once the interpreter had relayed it in French, Gérard nodded.

- Are you asking me to turn a blind eye to this?

"If that were the case, I wouldn’t have reported it in the first place."

Kang Chan heard another heavy sigh from the other end of the line.

“I'm not asking you to take responsibility either. I’m merely stating that if we are to fight an invisible war, we must do so appropriately.”

- You’ll still proceed with this even if I don’t approve of it, won't you?

"No, I won't,” Kang Chan responded without hesitation. "When I referred to us as the National DGSE, I also meant that I would seek the NIS’ approval first before taking action."

-

Hmm

.

Silence followed the deep groan.

Given his lack of experience with the brutal battles in Africa and the operations that Kang Chan and his men had conducted so far, it was only natural for Go Gun-Woo to have trouble approving Kang Chan’s request. Even so, it wasn't a matter he could handle alone or take responsibility for by himself.

Finally, he broke the silence.

- Assistant Director, your work is the work of the National Intelligence Service. From now on, I will consider our counter-terrorism team as the National DGSE.

Go Gun-Woo spoke with unprecedented firmness.

- As the Director of the NIS, I give you permission to proceed with this operation. Use any means necessary to win this war.

"Thank you, sir.”

Something stirred within Kang Chan. Gazing down the dark hallway, he hung up the phone.

Bastards.

You messed with people who have a lot of responsibilities yet are ready to sacrifice themselves for their country. You should never have touched South Korea.

"Let's head up."

Kang Chan walked toward the elevator and boarded it. Seok Kang-Ho, Gérard, the interpreter, Choi Jong-Il, and Woo Hee-Seung all followed him in silence, causing the atmosphere to grow heavy and sharp.

Ding.

The elevator opened its doors on the sixth floor. As expected, the elevator was guarded by agents in uniforms and soldiers from the 35th Brigade.

"Where's Sharlan?"

"This way, sir."

Clang. Clang.

The soldiers led Kang Chan and his team to a room on the right side of the corridor.

Creak.

When the door opened, they saw Sharlan lying on the bed like a skeleton. IVs, machines, and a respirator were connected to him, He looked almost as if he were already dead.

"Sharlan,” Kang Chan called as he stood beside the man. "I only wanted one thing."

The interpreter quickly relayed Kang Chan's words. Behind Kang Chan were Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung; opposite them stood Seok Kang-Ho, the interpreter, and Gérard.

"It's fine to be greedy, but you should never take away someone else's most precious wish or only hope."

Staring at Sharlan as if he could hear him, Kang Chan added, “When you go to hell, be sure to relay my words in every language you know. T interpret my words. Tell them it's about to get a bit more crowded."

At that moment, Seok Kang-Ho glanced at Kang Chan.

"Tell them thathim it’s because the God of Blackfield has started a war."

Crack!

In an instant, Sharlan's head was twisted almost a full circle to fully around to face Kang Chan.

When the machines started beeping loudly, Seok Kang-Ho yanked out the machine's cords, allowing silence to envelop the room again.

The interpreter was stunned. After a long, long fight, one of their battles had finally ended.

"Gérard."

"Oui."

"Only the victors will survive this war. We will use any means necessary to win."

"Understood."

The interpreter stammered as he relayed Kang Chan’s words in Korean.

Kang Chan then turned to Seok Kang-Ho. Seok Kang-Ho’s eyes gleamed, and his lips curved into a sinister smile, terrifying the interpreter.

Afterward, Kang Chan looked at Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung. They looked like they wanted to say something but couldn't find the right words. Their eyes, however, showed they understood.

"If you want out, say it now."

"Absolutely not, sir."

Kang Chan and his team left the room. Two doctors and a nurse hurried toward them.

"Call Manager Kim and have him handle this."

"Yes, sir."

Choi Jong-Il blocked the entrance to the room.

"We'll take care of it."

The doctors and nurse, sensing the tense atmosphere, quietly turned back.

"Where's Abibu?"

"He's inside."

Clang. Clang.

As they approached, the soldier guarding the room opened the door. Abibu and his attendant were sitting in chairs in front of the bed. Startled, the attendant stood up quickly, but Abibu remained still, his head tilted up as if frozen. Kang Chan stood directly in front of him.

"Abibu."

Abibu swallowed dryly but still showed a hint of concealed arrogance. Right now, he had neatly tied hair, a beard, and curly sideburns that connected to his jaw.

Kang Chan slowly looked over at the attendant and noticed the remote control in his hand.

He then turned to the TV mounted to the wall in front of Abibu. It seemed they had just watched the news about the death of the President of Malawi, the assassination attempt on Moon Jae-Hyun, and Lanok's injury.

"Ambassador Lanok and his daughter were shot,” Kang Chan began as he watched Abibu’s eyes shake. "Vasili was also shot, Yang Bum is on the run, and Vant was killed on site."

Abibu quickly glanced at his attendant. It was unclear whether he was interpreting Kang Chan’s words, finding the situation advantageous, or both.

"Here's the thing."

Abibu returned his gaze to Kang Chan, swallowing dryly again.

"Our war has officially begun. The first thing I did was snap the neck of the man who tried to kill me. He was staying right next door.”

In this situation? Did he really?

Doubt filled Abibu's trembling eyes.

"You know Alman bin Jibril, don’t you?"

While trying to maintain a facade of calmness, Abibu offered him a reply.

"He said he does," Seok Kang-Ho quickly interpreted, slightly startling Abibu and his attendant.

"I have a request," Kang Chan said.

After a glance at Seok Kang-Ho, the attendant relayed Kang Chan's words back into Arabic.

‘I knew it! He came here to beg me for something!’

Abibu thought. A smile crept onto his face.

At that moment, Kang Chan reached out and grabbed both sides of Abibu's head.

"I'm going to kill Alman bin Jibril, but before I do, I need to send whoever ordered this attack a proper warning—one that will surely insult them.”

Unable to fully grasp Kang Chan's intentions, Abibu's expression filled with shock and confusion. The moment he raised his bewildered gaze and met Kang Chan’s fiercely gleaming eyes, he suddenly began to tremble.

This was a typical reaction. No matter how tough they pretended to be or how much they possessed, when faced with unimaginable fear, people normally lost all their will to resist, causing them to simply await their fate.

Those same people became incredibly cruel when they trampled on others. After all, it made them feel as though they could kill anyone they didn’t like at any time without feeling any guilt.

With that in mind, Kang Chan hardened his resolve.

"Go to hell and wait for Jibril. When he arrives, tell him that messing with the God of Blackfield was a grave mistake. Make sure to apologize to the soldiers who lost their lives because of you as well."

Gulp.

Why is this bastard swallowing so loudly?

As if he had swallowed his saliva so quickly that it got caught in his throat, Abibu started hiccuping. Nevertheless, he tried to speak out of desperation.

"He said he’ll tell you how to capture Jibril. If you spare his life, he will give you all his wealth and reveal the location of the next-generation power facility being built in Saudi Arabia..."

Seok Kang-Ho tilted his head, glaring at Abibu. Due to his fear and Kang Chan holding his head, Abibu’s Arabic pronunciation began to sound terrible even to someone who didn't understand the language.

"He just swore loyalty to you, Captain."

"Malbon dalki!" Abibu pleaded.

"He begs you to accept it."

In the face of death, some remained steadfast, while others threw away their pride. Even in the Foreign Legion, terrified recruits often pulled the trigger on themselves just before a melee began. Fear did things to people, and Abibu was no exception.

Kang Chan nodded.

This is why you should behave properly when you have wealth, power, and a high position.

Before the war, I might have felt some sympathy for you. If you had shown remorse when I entered the room, maybe—just maybe—the outcome of this meeting would have been different.

"Next time, try being more generous."

The attendant quickly interpreted Kang Chan's words, nervously watching him.

"You can't even use all that stuff anyway, so why be so greedy for other people's belongings?"

Snap! Crack!

Abibu's neck was twisted grotesquely.

Thud!

As Kang Chan released his grip, Abibu slumped lifelessly to the floor. Simultaneously, the attendant let out a wail.

You bastards kill others so easily. Whether they have much or little, death is the same for everyone. You might regret the unused wealth, but those who never got to live a proper life will be filled with bitterness.

"

Aaaaah

!"

Thwack!

The moment the attendant lunged at Kang Chan, Gérard landed a solid kick to the man's solar plexus.

"

Ugh

!

Gah

!"

While the attendant writhed in pain, Kang Chan turned and left the room.