Chapter 66: Pied Piper, Invoker of Curses (2)

While preparing information about the remaining contaminated Gates and how to deal with them, President Kang Man-Ki of the Hunters Association heard that the Hunters who had taken part in the criminal subjugation operation had returned. The moment he received the news, he headed straight down to the underground parking lot.

Inside the elevator, President Kang Man-Ki turned to his secretary and asked, "About Guildmaster Kim Ki-Rok's request—how's that going?"

"The investigation has just been concluded."

"Hmm."

Lee Chil-Sung had once been a promising rookie with a bright future, but was now an A-Class Awakened criminal who warranted caution. It would be a waste to lose someone with his talent, however, especially since the crimes he had committed were not that big of a deal. Fortunately, his true identity had stayed hidden under the alias "Black Mask" throughout all his criminal activities.

"Is there any record of murder, or any serious crime like that?"

"I've checked multiple times. There aren't any records of it. Some Hunters did end up hospitalized with injuries, but that's the extent of it," his secretary replied.

"Any other criminal history?"

"It has been confirmed that he was involved in various crimes with Awakened criminals. However, we didn't find any direct illegal acts on his part. If we really pressed charges, he'd be considered an accomplice under the category of aiding and abetting. Furthermore, it's been confirmed multiple times that he actually prevented murders by Awakened criminals who were with him at the time."

"So, Lee Chil-Sung, also known as Black Mask, is classified as an Awakened criminal but has not committed any major crimes?"

"That's correct."

"Any chance he can be persuaded to our side?"

"None."

Right as the elevator doors opened, President Kang Man-Ki stepped out and turned to look at his secretary. "None at all?"

"No, sir. Only Kim Ki-Rok or Black Money could save crimina...

Hunter

Lee Chil-Sung's sole family member."

"

Tsk!

What a shame."

Lee Chil-Sung had a tough childhood because of Awakened criminals, but his misfortune did not end there. The criminals also put his younger brother in danger and ruined his life.

"Truly a shame," Kang Man-Ki muttered again.

Lee Chil-Sung was a skilled Hunter with exceptional talent. His younger sibling was also endangered, his life essentially ruined by them.

Kang Man-Ki looked toward the parking lot entrance, where a vehicle carrying the Hunters rolled to a stop in front of him.

"Thank you for your hard work, everyone." Shaking hands with the Hunters getting off the bus, his gaze landed on the last one to disembark.

"Oh my, your eye bags are practically down to your chin," Kim Ki-Rok remarked.

"

Haha,

you've worked just as hard, Guildmaster Kim Ki-Rok."

"I only did what needed to be done."

Kang Man-Ki quietly observed Kim Ki-Rok, then nodded and looked around at the Hunters who were waiting for his orders. "Let's head up to the conference room on the fourth floor. We'll finalize the situation report quickly and move on to the matter of your compensation."

"Ooooh!"

This topic was a matter of great importance.

In small groups, the Hunters started making their way toward the conference room. Naturally, it took some time because there were quite a few people.

At the very back, walking side by side with the Association President, Kim Ki-Rok spoke in a low tone, "Hmm, Association President?"

"Yes, Guildmaster Kim Ki-Rok."

"Of the three remaining Gates, is there one we can clear in one day, or rather, before six in the morning?"

He had just returned from a fight against Awakened criminals, yet the first thing on his mind was raiding another Gate.

President Kang Man-Ki turned his head, looking first at Kim Ki-Rok and then at the Hunters who had joined the subjugation team. They, too, seemed to be waiting for his answer, as if this topic had already been discussed amongst them.

Chuckling, the president shook his head. "No, none of the Gates fit that criteria."

"You said the remaining Gates are one C-Class and two B-Class, correct?" Kim Ki-Rok asked.

"That's right."

"Alright, then DG Guild will tackle that C-Class Gate."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes. Only when we pass Christmas Eve without any fuss can we rest."

***

Once everyone arrived at the conference room, they quickly wrapped up the situation report and began discussing compensation. At that moment, Kim Ki-Rok raised his hand.

"As for DG Guild's compensation, we want a pardon for Mr. Lee Chil-Sung."

Kang Man-Ki hesitated, not believing his ears. "Excuse me?"

"He hasn't committed any major crimes, but aiding and abetting is undoubtedly a crime, so he has still broken the law. Therefore, a pardon is necessary. No, actually, would it be possible to erase his criminal record altogether?"

"Are you sure that's all you want as a reward?"

"Of course, that alone won't be enough to hide all the facts," Kim Ki-Rok replied.

Kang Man-Ki nodded. "Indeed. Black Money might reveal all their information on him and could put DG Guild in a difficult position."

"I can take care of that."

At Kim Ki-Rok's calm words, everyone in the conference room looked more flustered than reassured.

"Let's see here." Kim Ki-Rok pulled out his smartphone. As the people in the conference room seemed puzzled by his abrupt actions, Kim Ki-Rok explained, "I plan to make a deal with Lee Moon-Geum from Black Money."

Brrrr, brrrr.

—Hello?

He put the call on speaker again.

"How did I get your private number, you ask? For someone like me, finding the personal phone of Mr. Lee Moon-Geum—the boss of Black Money—isn't all that difficult. Oh, by the way, if you hang up now, I will spread all the intel you possess on the internet and in the news."

There was a slight pause before the man on the other end replied.

—I'm already quite infamous, Hunter Kim Ki-Rok.

"Three years ago. South America. Drugs."

The moment they realized Kim Ki-Rok was talking to the boss of Black Money, people's eyes grew wide. Then confusion spread among them. A drug incident that had occurred three years ago in South America? Even after checking online, no information was available about such an incident.

However, Lee Moon-Geum reacted differently.

—What do you want?

"Erase all the information you have related to Lee Chil-Sung. It should be easy considering none other than the top officials from Black Money know the true identity of Black Mask."

—Anything else?

"No."

—You will have to honor your side of the deal. Otherwise, Black Money will use everything we have to destroy the DG Guild...

"James..."

—Stop!

Lee Moon-Geum cut off his threat immediately.

"Burn every detail you have on Mr. Lee Chil-Sung. Then nothing will be revealed to the world."

—Who else knows this information?

"Fifty-five... no, fifty-seven people."

Another pause.

—What?

"Fifty-seven. Well, since I didn't give any context, it will be tough to look up the information. Even if they start a forcible investigation with the little knowledge they possess, Black Money could easily manipulate the records, you see. Curiosity would normally kill the cat, but no one's foolish enough to step on a landmine on purpose. So there shouldn't be any problems."

Lee Moon-Geum fell silent.

The Hunters, apparently understanding his predicament, nodded among themselves.

Indeed, one shouldn't mess with crazy people.

—Guildmaster Kim Ki-Rok, the fact that fifty-seven people know this means that you are not contacting me from within your guild. Who is the highest-ranking person besides you?

"Shall I put them on for you?"

—Yes, do that.

"Just kidding. I've got you on speaker!"

—

Grr!

Who is it?

"Oh, that would be President Kang Man-Ki."

—Shit.

It was hard not to sympathize with the curse that spilled out of the phone. The Hunters cast awkward glances at the smartphone. They recalled how curses had come flying through the bus speaker not too long ago.

"He's the Pied Piper, invoker of curses."

"

Pfft!

"

Someone's muttered remark caused another Hunter to stifle a laugh, clamping a hand over their mouth.

—All right. You promise to keep it confidential, yes?

"Trust me. They say blessings come to those who believe."

—You fuc...

A curse slipped out once again.

—Guildmaster Kim Ki-Rok.

"Yes, Mr. Moon-Geum."

—You have an incredible knack for getting under people's skin.

"

Hahaha.

Thank you for the compliment."

As Lee Moon-Geum took a deep breath to calm his nerves, Kim Ki-Rok spoke before he could say anything. "'Just wait and see. Be careful. I'll show you how scary Black Money can be.'"

—Just wait...

"Were you just about to say that? The moment you do, Black Money will be exposed."

—

Ha... Hahahaha!

"It's not really something to laugh about."

—I can't help but laugh at such a funny story...

"Roots. Leader. Wife. And poison."

The pause he took was a bit longer this time.

—H-how, how did you know?

"I have evidence as well. The one who loved his wife too much keeps all of his relics separately."

—Erase all information about Lee Chil-Sung. Is that all that you want?

𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

"Well, if you could send a few artifacts by courier, I'd appreciate it."

—Anything else?

"That's it."

—You'll keep that other secret, as well?

"No guarantees."

—Kim Ki-Rok!

"Well, I need a failsafe in case you decide to kill me."

—So, you want to cause chaos? Is that your goal?

"Up to you. If you pick a fight first, that's even better for me. I can leak one piece of intel and watch everything go straight to hell."

—I'll message you after I've erased all the records.

"Just leave me a text message. We don't need to be in good communication, do we?"

—Fine.

"Yep! Well, good luck. I imagine things are a mess after your plan failed, so you must be in for a rough time."

Click!

Kim Ki-Rok retrieved his smartphone and smiled like a mischievous child whose prank had succeeded.

"Ta-da! I solved it."

"Oh man, really..." The president felt a headache coming on.

***

Sipping his coffee, Kim Ki-Rok spoke to Kang Man-Ki, who sat beside him overlooking the city. "If a huge turmoil sweeps through those Awakened criminal groups, and if that chaos is set to take countless lives, we must dispose of them."

At Kang Man-Ki's request, Kim Ki-Rok had disclosed Lee Moon-Geum's two biggest secrets to him alone.

"The opponents are Awakened criminals."

"There are also those who have become criminals due to the malice of others, like Hunter Lee Chil-Sung."

"Even so..."

"Then let me frame this in a different light. Awakened criminals are also Awakened. When the moment comes that they cannot withstand the onslaught of the monsters, they will have no choice but to help."

"Help? Them?"

"They wouldn't sit there and watch the world get destroyed, would they?"

Squeezing the paper cup in his hand, Kang Man-Ki narrowed his eyes. "Guildmaster Kim Ki-Rok, you seem to think our future is precarious."

Kim Ki-Rok knew from firsthand experience that Earth was on a path to destruction. Even excluding the times he had died before getting to that point, he had personally witnessed Earth's annihilation more than fifty times.

So he confirmed it without a trace of doubt.