Chapter 406: Why Did You Mess with Him? (1)

Moon Jae-Hyun looked as though he had ordered sweet and sour pork, stir-fried seafood, black bean noodles, and spicy seafood noodle soup, only to be told by the cashier that his card had been declined.

“Are you sure it’s North Korea’s 8th Special Forces Brigade?”

“Considering Kang Chul-Gyu, the DMZ team, and Jeungpyeong special forces team are all on-site, I see no reason to doubt the Assistant Director’s judgment,” Go Gun-Woo replied.

Moon Jae-Hyun turned his gaze to the garden. Now, Go Gun-Woo exuded the aura, expression, and authority of a National Intelligence Service director.

How reassuring.

At times like this, Moon Jae-Hyun would always remember Hwang Ki-Hyun and Song Chang-Wook, whom he had met through Hwang Ki-Hyun.

‘If only we were stronger...’

If Korea had been stronger, they could have protected Hwang Ki-Hyun, who had devoted himself to their country. Moreover, Song Chang-Wook would still be holding the old Korean flag that his grandfather had sacrificed everything for during the fight for independence.

Moon Jae-Hyun took a deep breath, trying to shake off his rising emotions. As the president, he had to prioritize the safety of the citizens and the development of South Korea in every decision.

Noticing that his mouth was dry, he drank some water from the bottle on the table before looking back up at the sky. He had never believed in a god, and he wasn’t about to suddenly seek help from one now. Instead, he strove to make decisions that would honor the sacrifices of those who had bled for South Korea and ensure the well-being of the nation and its people.

How could he think about fighting the United States? The idea was so absurd that it made him laugh humorlessly. South Korea had indeed produced an extraordinary individual—someone capable of mobilizing the forces of Russia, China, and France with a single phone call.

Moon Jae-Hyun nodded in acknowledgment.

I should accept the reality. Powerful countries like Russia, China, and France wouldn’t deploy their troops based on a single phone call from Kang Chan unless there was a good reason.

The time has come to shed the habit of living under the pressure of powerful nations.

“What’s Russia and China’s response?” Go Gun-Woo asked.

Kim Hyung-Jung met Go Gun-Woo’s gaze. “They’ve conveyed their intent to follow the Assistant Director’s orders. France has already deployed the Foreign Legion.”

“I’ve heard this risks a confrontation with the United States. If so, then the US is probably already aware of this situation as well. Deploying our military and declaring a state of emergency will likely face strong opposition from the ROK-US Combined Forces Command.”

“The National Intelligence Service will handle the deployment,” Kim Hyung-Jung answered.

“How do you plan to send out the Fighter Wing?” Moon Jae-Hyun asked. “I heard the last incident put two of their majors in a difficult position,”

“We can either make an official announcement or insist it’s a joint exercise with Russia and China. If a conflict arises, then there’s no avoiding...” Kim Hyung-Jung trailed off. His troubled expression made it clear that he was refraining from suggesting that the president should take direct responsibility.

An unfavorable outcome would undoubtedly lead to serious conflicts with the US. To make things worse, all the blame would fall on Moon Jae-Hyun.

Already aware of that, Moon Jae-Hyun instead asked, “How should we announce the state of emergency?”

“We can claim that we’ve detected suspicious movements from North Korea or make a public statement. The latter would make the US reaction unpredictable,” Kim Hyung-Jung said.

Moon Jae-Hyun let out a low groan. “The US has to be aware of the Assistant Director’s situation, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

Moon Jae-Hyun turned away from the garden.

Somewhere in the sky, Hwang Ki-Hyun, Song Chang-Wook, and the other patriots who had dedicated everything to South Korea were watching.

‘I hope I made the right decision—one that South Korea and our people can be proud of for years to come. Please guide us to the right path.’

With a heartfelt prayer, Moon Jae-Hyun lowered his gaze.

“Director.”

“Yes, Mr. President,” Go Gun-Woo answered. He then shared a meaningful look with Kim Hyung-Jung.

A brief silence ensued.

“I have always wanted South Korea to become a powerful nation. Unlike the Assistant Director, despite knowing that nothing comes without sacrifice and pain, I still often find myself afraid of the responsibilities we must bear,” Moon Jae-Hyun began, his demeanor and tone befitting a president.

“I will take full responsibility for this decision. I may go down our history as a criminal, but I refuse to waste the opportunity we have been given.”

With a tense expression, Go Gun-Woo focused intently on his every word.

“As the President of South Korea, I regard North Korea's attack on our citizens in Cuba as a serious act of aggression targeting our territory and sovereignty.”

Kim Hyung-Jung swallowed hard.

“I hereby declare Watchcon 1 and Defcon 2 for the entire South Korean military.”

Go Gun-Woo gulped as well.

“Dispatch the Fighter Wing, the NIS counter-terrorism team, and the 35th Brigade as per the Assistant Director’s request. Deliver my orders to the military and the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, and handle the follow-up procedures.”

This was far more than just declaring a state of emergency. After all, Moon Jae-Hyun’s orders involved live ammunition issuance and unit reinforcement.

With their determination evident in their faces, Go Gun-Woo and Kim Hyung-Jung stood up and headed out.

“

Haa

.”

Left alone, Moon Jae-Hyun also stood up and looked to the sky.

Now more than ever, I should put my trust in him and his judgment. South Korea has to unite firmly around its talent. We should never ruin him with our own hands.

Having steeled his resolve, Moon Jae-Hyun headed to his office.

***

Lanok had just finished a call with Uzman when his phone rang again. Checking the number, a corner of his lips curved upward. However, as if wearing a mask, all emotions left his expression just as quickly.

"Hello?"

- Lanok! Are you trying to start a war?

It’s rare for Sherman to sound this agitated.

- Although I expect that young man to make such a decision, shouldn’t you, Vasili, Yang Fan, and Ludwig refrain from joining this madness?

Despite Sherman’s unusually strong tone, Lanok's expression did not change.

- Lanok!

"I'm listening."

- What do you plan to do?

"Lower your voice."

- That’s not important right now—!

"You better start showing his name some respect, too."

Sherman laughed in disbelief.

"You put the DGSE’s credibility on the line to summon Monsieur Kang, Sherman, yet we still trusted your word and the CIA’s credibility enough to let you organize this meeting. Unfortunately, you repaid that good faith by trying to eliminate him. Taking all that into consideration, isn’t it only right for you to bear the consequences?"

- I’ve already told you that I didn’t know exactly what was happening!

"If you couldn't handle the responsibility, you shouldn't have called us to Cuba in the first place."

Seemingly at a loss for words, all Lanok could hear now was Sherman’s heavy breathing.

"Sherman, may I offer you some advice?"

- Please.

"Remember what happened to Brandon after terribly undermining US interests? The DIA has its eye on you too. Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t you personally order his elimination?

- Are you threatening me by relying on a mere Korean upstart?

"You dismiss my warning before the call even ends. Are you really naive enough to believe that the CIA is that powerful?"

- That’s... not what I meant. I apologize for my rudeness.

A heavy sigh followed Sherman’s apology.

- Lanok, I need your help.

He now sounded almost as if he had lowered his tail.

- That young man—no, Monsieur Kang respects your advice, doesn’t he? If he doesn't want a world war, he should settle this matter now.

"Settle? Now? You attacked him, Sherman. There were casualties. Do you expect me to advise Monsieur Kang to just let that slide quietly?"

- Tell me what you want, and I’ll compensate as best as I can.

"Sherman."

Sherman waited quietly.

"Two Foreign Legion regiments, a Foreign Legion special forces team, a Russian Kuznetsov-class carrier, the Spetsnaz, a Chinese carrier, and the White Wolves are on the move. That massive force is bringing eighty fighter jets with them, and we still have the South Korean forces to take into the calculation.”

Sherman groaned, seemingly in pain.

"I just had a call with Uzman. Would you believe it if I said the Shiites and Sunnites have joined forces?"

- That can’t be...

"So take a realistic view and come up with conditions that can appease Monsieur Kang before the DGSE, the Russian KGB, and the Mossad put a bullet in your head. Oh! And don't forget the DIA."

Lanok pressed the end call button and placed the phone on the empty spot on the bed. He then turned to Raphael, who was standing nearby with his usual calm expression.

"That old raccoon keeps making me imitate Vasili's bad behavior. Can you prepare some tea?" Lanok requested.

"Yes, sir. I’ll have a pot prepared," Raphael responded, his expression brimming with pride.

***

“Thank you for taking the time despite your busy schedule,” Uzman said in his characteristic soft voice.

The building he was in had Arabesque windows, a red, ornate carpet, and golden pillars lined up against its walls. Though usually accompanied by three attendants, Uzman had dismissed them all to focus quietly on the call.

While listening attentively to the phone, Uzman nodded as if the person on the other end was right in front of him.

“We appreciate the respect that you and the United States have shown our culture, Mr. President,”

Throughout the conversation, his voice remained incredibly gentle.

“However, this decision is beyond my control. Above all, this has created an opportunity for the Shiites and Sunnites to unite, which, as I’m sure you understand, the entire Arab world welcomes.”

- Uzman! If you invade Israel, we won’t just stand by.

“Then it seems conflict is inevitable,”

Uzman's response didn’t match his gentle tone.

- He has clashed with the Arab world many times. You are among the wisest people I know, so I find it hard to understand why you would support such an outrageous decision.

Uzman nodded before addressing the American President by his title once more.

“Mr. President, consider how the Star of David has exploited the Arab world. Even if Monsieur Kang has had several conflicts with us, we understand him.”

Uzman took a deep breath.

“On the other hand, I find it difficult to understand why the head of such a trusted nation's intelligence bureau would act this way. However, it is possible that he did all this without informing you beforehand, Mr. President.”

With the US President failing to respond immediately, Uzman added, “We have always agreed to center the world order around the United States. That was why we remained silent despite the conflicts between America and our world. However, things are different this time. If America defends the Star of David even though it has revealed its true nature, we will have no other choice but to proceed as planned.”

The experienced ones always sounded intimidating. They had an undeniable firmness within their softness.

- I hope for amicable relations with the Arab world, Uzman. Could you delay this decision by just a few days?

“Please seek Monsieur Kang’s forgiveness first.”

- I don't understand why he has the final say in this matter.

The US President genuinely sounded confused.

Well, I do get why he finds this hard to grasp.

Uzman nodded for the third time.

“At the very least, he has never harmed others for personal gain. Moreover, he has trustworthy eyes.”

- Uzman, the world doesn't place importance on such things. Why risk national danger due to sentimental reasons?

Although the man on the call made his displeasure clear, Uzman merely smiled faintly.

“I didn’t realize that uniting the Arab world posed a threat to our nation.”

- That’s not what I meant.

“I believe you, Mr. President. However, I advise you to increase the channels through which you receive information. Due to Sherman's recent actions, France, Russia, China, Germany, and the entire Arab world have begun to move according to Monsieur Kang's instructions.”

For the first time since the call began, Uzman sounded firm.

“At times like this, it's better to look in the mirror than blame someone else. I expect wise judgment from you, Mr. President. Thank you for your time.”

After a deep sigh, the US President thanked Uzman. The call ended shortly after.

Their conversation made Uzman uncomfortable, yet he still smiled while staring out the window, seemingly amused.

“How can one go against the will of God?”

He looked over the information on the table.

“A new order....”

Uzman put down the materials he was looking through and slowly turned the golden globe.

“Korea? God has chosen a truly distant place.”

Uzman nodded habitually.

“A chance for the Arab world to unite! Inshallah[1].”

***

With the blood transfusion done, Kang Chan continued his calls in the room on the second floor. The phone seemed to ring again every time he hung up. Unfortunately, he couldn't afford to ignore it. After a call with Vasili, he glared at the phone and put it on the table.

Who knew a phone that doesn’t ring could look so beautiful?

As if to taunt him, the phone rang again.

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

Who could it be?

Kang Chan picked up the phone and answered the call.

“Hello?”

- This is Grafelt, Monsieur Kang.

Who the fuck...? Ah! The Israeli guy I trained with in France!

Kang Chan chuckled as he picked up a cigarette from the table.

“It's been a while.”

- Indeed.

Click.

Perhaps because he had heard the lighter, Grafelt remained silent.

“Get to the point,” Kang Chan said.

- Monsieur Kang, I'll be brief. Please retract the proposal you made to Uzman.

“What if I refuse?”

- Then the Mossad and the Sayeret Matkal will target you.

“Does that include you?”

- Yes.

His honest answer made Kang Chan feel rather somewhat appreciative. However, honesty and compliance were two different things.

“I’ll be waiting,” Kang Chan replied clearly and firmly. "Doesn’t matter if it’s the Mossad or the Sayeret Matkal or whether you’re part of it or not."

Understanding the French, Gérard looked at him with wide eyes.

Kang Chan added, “Let’s see if I can kill Sherman and Ziegfeld and crush Israel first before you can kill me. I can’t help but be curious about how this will all turn out!”

- Monsieur Kang, isn’t that unfair to us?

Kang Chan chuckled at Grafelt’s sudden change in tone.

- The entire Arab world is suddenly targeting Israel. If this is all because of something you said, then Israel is just getting caught in the crossfire.

“Grafelt.”

- Yes, Monsieur Kang.

“Only two things can change my mind: Sherman and Ziegfeld’s heads.”

Although Grafelt had been quick to reply, he didn’t respond this time.

“Did you find your situation unfair when you were still hiding behind Ziegfeld and profiting through him?” Kang Chan stubbed his cigarette into the ashtray. “Cut the bullshit and decide. Bring me their heads or face me in war.”

Kang Chan ended the call and chuckled.

Are Grafelt and Ziegfeld related somehow?

Something was busily moving behind the scenes. It was as if Kang Chan was standing in the center of a spinning carousel in the neighborhood playground, watching the rapidly turning surroundings.

Fucking bastards!

These assholes had profited from local wars while hiding behind Ziegfeld and committing massacres in Palestine, yet as soon as their threats stopped working, they started whining about fairness. Kang Chan knew their true colors, though. If they could, they would have tried to kill him before making any of those calls.

1. (?? ??? ????) ☜