Chapter 377: We Are Not a Nation That Bows (2)

"Choi Jong-Il, call Manager Kim and have him handle this, then join us at the office," Kang Chan ordered.

"Yes, sir,” Choi Jong-Il, who would usually never leave Kang Chan's side, answered without hesitation. He knew that eliminating Sharlan and Abibu was a response to the enemy's provocation and an equally important task.

"Gérard, head back to the office first. Squeeze Alman bin Jibril’s location and details out of the agents analyzing the intel from the satellite."

"Oui!" Gérard quickly responded. He then exited through the main entrance with the interpreter and agents assigned to him.

"Daye, you and I will stop by the hotel before heading over."

"Got it."

Kang Chan hopped into a car. Seok Kang-Ho followed him, taking the seat that Choi Jong-Il had usually occupied in the back. They then headed to the hotel where Kang Chul-Gyu was staying.

Just as the car was about to leave the hospital, Kang Chan’s phone rang.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

"Hello?"

- Monsieur Kang, this is Ludwig.

Ludwig, usually kind and relaxed, sounded as stiff as a piece of wood.

- I heard the news. I was lucky to survive because the car they blew up was the one my son was in.

Expressing the death of his son so positively—Westerners really were different.

- What can I do to help?

"I just eliminated Abibu, Ludwig."

A deep sigh immediately followed.

"I would like to have Romain transferred from the US to Korea. If possible, I'd also like to get Josh."

- What do you plan to do with them?

"I plan to eliminate them."

- That would mean war.

"Our strategy to drag out the enemy’s core members has worked. Now, we have to fight this war until only one of us remains."

- Understood, Monsieur Kang.

The call ended abruptly. Ludwig had tried to sound composed, but he was clearly furious. His uncharacteristically stiff tone and the abrupt end to the call made that obvious.

Right after the call dropped, Kang Chan’s phone rang again.

- This is Kim Hyung-Jung. The President will make an announcement in twenty minutes.

Things were progressing rapidly on all fronts.

- The director is in a meeting, so I don't have all the details. We plan to announce that Abibu and Sharlan attacked our agents, forcing them to kill the two.

"Copy."

- I’ll call you again if anything comes up.

As soon as Kang Chan hung up, the phone rang once more.

"Hello?"

- Sherman, Monsieur Kang.

Why did this bastard call?

Kang Chan looked out the window. "It’s been a while."

- I just got a call from Ludwig. We can transfer Romain and Josh to Korea, initiate a UN investigation into the Malawi President's assassination, deploy UN peacekeeping forces to Malawi, and fully support the Korean President’s upcoming announcement.

Someone offering so much would always want something in return.

"Tell me what you want," Kang Chan said.

Sherman remained silent for a moment.

- The construction of next-generation energy facilities in the US, the officialization of the US-Korea alliance, and the acknowledgment of the US influence in the Asian region. That's about it.

"Sherman, aside from the next-generation energy facilities, your other demands aren't within my power to decide," Kang Chan said.

Seok Kang-Ho glanced at Kang Chan and then looked out the window, seemingly uninterested in the French conversation.

- Monsieur Kang, if we win this war, you'll have all the power to fulfill those demands. All we ask from you is that you promise on your honor to keep your end of the bargain. If you lose, we’ll take responsibility for the failed investment.

Kang Chan thought about the proposal for a moment.

Sherman, currently in a bind for playing both sides, was clearly trying to take advantage of this opportunity. He was undoubtedly keeping another option open on the other side, so fully trusting him right now would be foolish.

Kang Chan smirked.

I need to hold onto as many allies as possible right now, though.

"Alright, Sherman. I'll do my best to meet those conditions."

- Excellent choice. We will start by informing the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the NIS of our support.

The call dropped. The fact that everyone, even these guys, was too busy to exchange proper farewells showed just how hectic things had become.

The car drove through the brightly lit streets and reached the hotel. As if there were not enough agents with Kang Chan, he was now being escorted by six SUVs in total. Their black suits, fierce expressions, and sturdy builds were bound to draw attention.

"Move the SUVs to the underground parking lot. We need to stay on the alert for prying eyes," Kang Chan ordered.

"Let one SUV stay with us, sir."

Kang Chan agreed, concluding that arguing about this would be too much.

"Let’s smoke before we go up,” he suggested afterward.

"Sounds good," Seok Kang-Ho replied.

They got out in front of the smoking area by the entrance. As Lee Doo-Hee drove to the parking lot, Kang Chan, Seok Kang-Ho, and Woo Hee-Seung lit their cigarettes.

"

Hoo

."

Kang Chan felt a bit relieved now that he finally got to smoke.

Kang Chan pointed to the SUV blocking their path. "Why aren't the agents in that SUV coming out?"

They had to be feeling cramped in there. Wouldn't it be better for them to join Kang Chan and his group and just pretend to be on close protection duty?

Woo Hee-Seung looked at the vehicle. "Heavily armed counter-terrorism team members are aboard that car. Determined not to fail at their job again, Captain Kang Myung-Gu requested to be deployed, and Manager Kim approved."

Kang Chan could only nod in response.

"Contact the agents in the hotel and have them check on Director Kang’s room."

"Yes, sir."

Woo Hee-Seung issued instructions through the radio attached to his sleeve.

"You didn't notify him?" Seok Kang-Ho asked.

"Where else would that old man go? He's probably tidying up his room. Besides, it's not a good time to wander around aimlessly."

Just as Kang Chan finished his cigarette, the radio buzzed.

Chk.

"He's in room 1109, sir."

"Got it. I'll be heading up. Have some tea with the agents here until I get back."

"I’ll come with you, Cap. I know you can handle yourself, but it won’t hurt to be cautious,” Seok Kang-Ho suggested.

Kang Chan nodded. They then walked into the hotel and took the elevator to the 11th floor, where agents were already stationed in the hallway. After exchanging glances with them, Kang Chan headed to room 1109.

Ding-dong.

"Who is it?"

Click.

As always, Kang Chan wondered why Kang Chul-Gyu asked when he would open the door without checking anyway.

"I’ve got something to discuss," he answered.

Kang Chul-Gyu stepped aside.

Seok Kang-Ho and Woo Hee-Seung bowed to him. "We'll be downstairs. Let’s save our conversation for later.”

The two then turned to the elevator.

The room was tidy, as expected. Apart from a chair facing the TV beside a round table, it looked unused.

Kang Chan and Kang Chul-Gyu sat at the table.

"Have you watched the news?" asked Kang Chan.

Kang Chul-Gyu nodded. With sharp eyes, he said, "Based on the information we’ve received, two key supporters from Russia and China were attacked. The director of the Russian intelligence bureau is missing, and the director of the Chinese intelligence bureau is heading to Mongolia.”

“That’s right. Unfortunately, that means the outer defenses protecting our base in Mongolia have vanished. Taking that into consideration, it’s safe to assume they’ll target that base, don’t you think?" Kang Chan asked.

"They’re targeting the heads of the Russian and Chinese intelligence bureaus, huh? Seems like we’re up against a formidable enemy this time."

Kang Chan nodded. "I'm planning to eliminate their leaders with the team here. Until I’m done, our base in Mongolia has to hold out. I'll send additional troops from Jeungpyeong soon, possibly even tomorrow."

His eyes conveyed how dangerous the situation was.

"Should we move your parents elsewhere?" Kang Chul-Gyu asked.

"I was considering bringing them back to Korea.”

Meeting Kang Chan’s gaze, Kang Chul-Gyu replied, "In that case, there's no need to send additional troops. Focus on guarding our key figures and preventing terrorist attacks here instead. The enemy might be targeting the base in Mongolia to scatter our special forces, so we shouldn’t spread ourselves thin."

That makes sense.

"Assistant Director," Kang Chul-Gyu called. "Dong-Sik went to meet his daughter in Sinwol-dong with Il-Gyu yesterday, but they haven't returned yet. Unfortunately, we don’t carry phones or know the address. Can you check on them? Her name is Yang So-Mi."

Thinking that wasn’t a problem for him, Kang Chan immediately called Kim Hyung-Jung to ask for the details.

"Do you think they’ve had an accident?"

Watching Kang Chul-Gyu sigh quietly, Kang Chan pressed his lips together. If Yang Dong-Sik had impulsively harmed his son-in-law or given him a grand tour of Seoul, then they’d be in huge trouble.

Soon, Kang Chan received a text from Kim Hyung-Jung.

"I have the address. What should we do?"

"Mind if I go?"

"I’ll come with you."

The two left the room.

If there had been a fight, Kang Chan intended to resolve it somehow. Once in the lobby, he called Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung.

"We need to stop by the Sohee's Noodles in Sinwol-dong."

"I’ll have a car prepared," Woo Hee-Seung replied.

Kang Chan nodded. Right after, Woo Hee-Seung issued an instruction through his sleeve radio.

"The car’s waiting up front, sir."

Kang Chan, Kang Chul-Gyu, Seok Kang-Ho, and Woo Hee-Seung got into the SUV driven by Lee Doo-Hee.

"Why are we going to Sinwol-dong?" Seok Kang-Ho asked.

"Yang Dong-Sik's daughter runs a restaurant there. He went to meet her yesterday, but he hasn’t been in touch since,” Kang Chan explained.

An awkward silence then filled the van. Fortunately, spending a day at the pension house had lessened Kang Chul-Gyu’s unease.

"We haven't even had dinner yet," Seok Kang-Ho said.

"We’ll eat after we see what’s happening in Sinwol-dong," Kang Chan replied.

Seok Kang-Ho was probably really hungry.

Soon, Woo Hee-Seung turned around. "The President is making the announcement. Would you like to watch it?"

"This car has a TV?"

"No, but you can watch it on this."

Woo Hee-Seung handed a tablet to Kang Chan. It showed a conference room with an extremely heavy atmosphere.

"What about the volume?"

"You can adjust it with this button."

Woo Hee-Seung pressed a button, and a circle icon appeared under the speaker symbol, indicating the volume.

As the screen showed a swarm of reporters and broadcasting cameras, a newscaster said, [Following the sudden death of the Malawian President and the attack on the French Embassy, a large number of domestic and international journalists have gathered.]

Right after, the sound of shutters clicking filled the air.

Click-Click. Click-Click.

[President Moon Jae-Hyun is now entering the conference room. We will broadcast his statement and then continue with our report.]

As Moon Jae-Hyun stood at the podium, a barrage of camera flashes went off. He placed his speech on the podium and looked up.

[Dear citizens, members of the press, both domestic and international.]

Click-Click. Click-Click.

[It is with my deepest regret to announce that during our meeting, Malawian President Muritaka was poisoned by a cyanide capsule hidden in his cigarette.]

Click-Click. Click-Click.

[President Muritaka, five of his aides, and sixteen of our aides and security personnel perished in this incident.]

Moon Jae-Hyun paused briefly. The heavy silence, punctuated by the sound of camera flashes, flowed through the screen.

[We mourn the loss of President Muritaka, his aides, and our own personnel and security officers,] he said.

Gritting his teeth, Moon Jae-Hyun refocused on the screen.

[Furthermore, earlier today, the French Embassy was attacked. Our 606 Special Operations Unit managed to neutralize the two assailants, but not before several French security personnel were killed in action along with one of the 606 members. We extend our condolences for their sacrifices.]

Click.

Click-Click. Click.

The camera flashes now seemed to burst cautiously.

[I come bearing one last piece of regrettable news. Abibu, the Saudi prince responsible for the International Building terrorist attack, and Sharlan, the mastermind behind the Nonhyeon-dong terrorist attack, put our agents in danger, forcing our men to take them out.]

Click-Click. Click-Click.

A murmur of surprise and astonishment arose among the reporters.

[In light of all this, the South Korean government has requested that the UN conduct a fair investigation into President Muritaka's death. Naturally, we will offer full cooperation.]

Moon Jae-Hyun, who had been looking down at his speech, raised his head again.

"After this investigation, we will deploy our military to Malawi along with UN peacekeeping forces to find and punish those responsible for assassinating the Malawian President within our country."

The murmur among the reporters grew louder, nearly drowning out the sound of the camera shutters.

"From this day forth, South Korea will no longer compromise with any terrorist forces threatening our sovereignty, territory, and citizens, no matter who they are!"

With a stern expression and steely gaze, Moon Jae-Hyun added, "We will stop at nothing to punish and retaliate against anyone who does."

Click-Click. Click-Click.

Moon Jae-Hyun's determination made the reporters look completely overwhelmed.

"That is all."

Click-Click. Click-Click.

The reporters eagerly raised their hands to ask questions, but Moon Jae-Hyun immediately left the press room. As the newscaster began to talk again, Kang Chan handed the tablet back to Woo Hee-Seung.

Amid the silence that fell in the car, Seok Kang-Ho softly asked, "Maybe not us, but don’t you think ordinary people will be scared by all this?"

Kang Chan just nodded and turned his gaze to the window. Assassinations, shootings, and the series of events that unfolded right after the International Building terrorist attack would naturally make the general public feel anxious and fearful.

Are Vasili and Yang Bum safe?

In this world, while bright lights are already enough to make some people anxious, others are putting their lives on the line at this very moment. I wonder how many think about or are even aware of the ones who risk their lives.

"We're here,” Woo Hee-Seung said, bringing Kang Chan back to reality.

They had arrived at an ordinary restaurant halfway down a side street. The old sign hanging above the entrance read "

Sohee's Noodles.”

***

After making the announcement, Moon Jae-Hyun returned to his office. The Chief of Staff, Head of Security, and Director of the National Intelligence Service accompanied him.

"It's ironic, but moments like this make me crave a cigarette more," Moon Jae-Hyun said as he sat at his desk.

A staff member quickly walked over to him.

"Mr. President, the President of the United States wishes to speak with you."

"Now?" the Chief of Staff asked.

"He's on the line."

Moon Jae-Hyun turned his head.

"Take the call. They've expressed their intention to support us. Maintaining a friendly relationship with the US is crucial right now," Go Gun-Woo said.

Following his advice, Moon Jae-Hyun reached for the phone.

Click.

"Hello? This is Moon Jae-Hyun, President of the Republic of Korea."

- Mr. President.

The simultaneous interpreter's voice overlapped in the background.

- I express my deep condolences and regrets for what Korea and its President have experienced.

The interpreter conveyed the message in a flat tone.

- The United States fully supports Korea's position on this incident and will cooperate to the best of its abilities as a blood ally.

The unexpectedly strong response left President Moon Jae-Hyun feeling somewhat bewildered.

- As soon as this call ends, I will announce the United States' and my position regarding Korea. I hope the strong alliance between the United States and Korea continues.

“I feel the same way,” responded President Moon Jae-Hyun.

- May God bless the Republic of Korea.

“Thank you.”

When the call ended, Moon Jae-Hyun placed the receiver down and looked at Go Gun-Woo with a puzzled expression.

“What is it, sir?” asked Go Gun-Woo.

“Why is the US President taking such a proactive stance?”

Go Gun-Woo, who hadn’t heard the call, found the question difficult to understand. Fortunately, the call had been recorded.

Moon Jae-Hyun was searching the records section on his computer when a staff member entered the office even more quickly than before.

What is it this time?

“Mr. President, the Presidents of France and Germany wish to speak with you. The Prime Minister of Malawi has also held an emergency press conference, expressing his regrets about the incident. He stated that he trusts the Korean government's announcement and has requested our military’s deployment to track down the culprits.”

What is going on?

The US was showing strong support, the Presidents of France and Germany were waiting for him to call, and Malawi had requested South Korea to deploy its military.

Has South Korea's status risen this much?

Moon Jae-Hyun felt an odd lump in his throat.

“Mr. President, the Presidents of France and Germany are waiting.”

“Then let's speak with the French President first.”

The staff member pressed the button for Line 1. The conversation would begin as soon as he picked up the receiver.

At that moment, Moon Jae-Hyun thought of Kang Chan.

‘

Assistant Director.’

This fight started with the Eurasian Rail. Without Kang Chan and his efforts, they wouldn't have managed to come this far. He faced France, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States alone. He then returned victorious from the brutal battles in Afghanistan, Africa, and Libya.

Click.

Moon Jae-Hyun picked up the receiver, firmly resolving not to miss the opportunity that Kang Chan had created.