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Chapter 316: Burden of Determination (1)

"Hey! Were you even listening? I said we might be in even more danger here than in the middle of combat in Africa."

"So I don't need to go anymore?"

Does this guy seriously lack comprehension?

Dumbfounded, Kang Chan stared at Gérard.

"Aren't you upset about decisions being made without your input?" Kang Chan asked.

"You're one to talk! You sent me away without even asking," Gérard replied, a satisfied look on his face.

"That guy’s happy about this, isn’t he?" Seok Kang-Ho interjected.

Here they go again.

Kang Chan confirmed it for them.

"Are you planning to properly step up now?"

"Well, even after the power plants have been built, some fool might still think of waging war. We can't just keep taking hits forever."

"That's true," Seok Kang-Ho agreed, yawning widely and then wiping his eyes. "What good is this bastard if he can't even communicate?"

"I'm thinking about having him guard the ambassador for now. I've filled out all the Foreign Legion's regulations, so even if Romain objects, it shouldn't be a big issue."

Seok Kang-Ho nodded silently.

"You should go to sleep."

"Sure. The meds I've taken are so strong I feel dizzy anyway. Oh! I'm being discharged next week."

"Got it."

Kang Chan left the room with Gérard.

"Captain, let's go have a cup of tea before we head home. It's frustrating how difficult it is to smoke at home."

"Shall we?"

They headed to a café in Misari as darkness settled around them.

***

They ordered coffee and settled outside, warmed by a heater shaped like an umbrella.

Perhaps avoiding alcohol whenever he felt even slightly in danger had become a habit ingrained in his body.

Once the staff had served them their order, Gérard took out a cigarette.

"Can I meet Michelle every day starting tomorrow?"

Gérard offered Kang Chan a cigarette and picked up a lighter.

Click.

"Hoo. I'm thinking of learning some Korean."

"That’s up to you, but I'd like you to start by guarding the ambassador."

"Yes, sir."

Visibly pleased by not having to return to Africa, Gérard took a deep drag of his cigarette and exhaled the smoke.

"Gérard," Kang Chan called.

Gérard turned his head toward him, pausing just before he could take a sip of his coffee.

"We’re up against the DGSE and the British intelligence bureau. Stay sharp. Just like how they eliminated Gabriel, they can target you, Date, or even me anytime, anywhere."

"Yes, sir," Gérard responded softly.

Taking a deep breath, the cool evening air seemed to calm both his body and mind. Addressing the Star of David’s threat might provide some answers. It could serve as a warning to some extent. However, it was still daunting.

Kang Chan had said that he would eliminate Romain, but it was hard to say how. Moreover, although he had seen Romain before, he had only ever heard of Josh.

Click.

The flame of the lighter illuminated Gérard's face. He clearly couldn't hide his joy.

***

The next day, early in the morning, Kim Hyung-Jung called Kang Chan to inform him of his scheduled meeting time with Director Song Chang-Wook and Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik. They had decided to meet before meeting Abibu.

Upon reaching the office, Gérard went straight to Michelle. Meanwhile, as if having switched places with Kang Chan, Kim Hyung-Jung arrived and sat down at a table with Kang Chan. Choi Jong-Il served them tea.

"After your meeting with Director Song Chang-Wook and Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik at ten o'clock, you are scheduled to see the President and the Director immediately afterward," Kim Hyung-Jung stated.

He looked around once before continuing, "After receiving the report yesterday, they told me they wanted to meet you in person, Assistant Director."

Kang Chan nodded in agreement. "Sure.”

This request would be difficult to accommodate under normal circumstances. Hence, he even considered creating an organization himself if things didn't work out as planned. For now, at the very least, he had received a direct invite to his answer.

***

Nam Soon-Pyo entered with an agent, displeasure evident in his expression. He seemed irked that he was summoned to a hotel room rather than a lounge.

“So you move in very secretive ways given your high status, huh?” he remarked.

“Please have a seat. Would you like some tea?” Hwang Ki-Hyun coolly responded despite Nam Soon-Pyo's sharp greeting.

Nam Soon-Pyo directed his question at the agent instead. “Got any water?”

After the agent brought water and a cup, he left the room on his own.

“Now, what’s this about? Summoning the head of the National Defense Committee to such an uncomfortable meeting could easily be seen as a political maneuver.”

“Don’t think too much of it. I just wanted to discuss something in private. Listen to what I have to say first, then judge for yourself.”

Instead of responding, Nam Soon-Pyo looked at his watch.

Hwang Ki-Hyun continued, “I trust you're aware of the President's recent announcement.”

He spoke as if he were talking to the wall.

“Following that announcement, we conducted an investigation into dual citizenships due to the medical benefits and educational support the president mentioned. It turns out both of your sons avoided military service by getting American citizenship.”

Nam Soon-Pyo glared at Hwang Ki-Hyun.

“Are you suggesting that my sons committed a crime by acquiring American citizenship? Are you threatening me?”

“I apologize if it sounded that way. I am merely discussing how to handle the fact that an American citizen owns buildings here and operates three upscale restaurants under someone else’s name.”

“I am a member of the parliament, elected by the people. Do you really think I will bow to threats from the National Intelligence Service? I am not ashamed of my children's actions. If you have evidence, then go ahead and release it!” Nam Soon-Pyo exclaimed. He then breathed heavily.

“Three members of the National Defense Committee, including their children, have been exempted from military service. Moreover, except for one person performing public service, everyone else has avoided it.”

Hwang Ki-Hyun remained calm.

“I am simply informing you of what will be reported in tomorrow's newspapers and broadcasts. Unfortunately, we have to do this even though we have concluded that the members being needlessly talked about would not be of any help to the country.”

Nam Soon-Pyo’s heavy breathing filled the room.

Hwang Ki-Hyun continued, “If you can cover this up through your contacts, then go ahead. Either way, I would also like to point out that we have found evidence of said issues. There might also be reports about illegal sex work being conducted at a massage parlor in a building owned by your wife and that speculative buying and false registrations have occurred twice in redevelopment areas.”

His breathing got rougher.

“That being said, the media have yet to pick up on the fact that your father-in-law has shares of the massage parlor and that the two houses in the US under your son's name were bought with illegal money transfers. Perhaps you can consider those as good news, at least.”

Nam Soon-Pyo clenched his teeth.

“I have said all I needed to say. I expect you to make a wise decision and contribute to the nation's development.”

“Haa.”

A long sigh replaced Nam Soon-Pyo’s rough breathing.

“Are you suggesting we cover up the overseas deployment?”

“Why would you think that?” Hwang Ki-Hyun questioned.

He stared right into Nam Soon-Pyo’s eyes. “The National Defense Committee should rightfully uncover illegal overseas deployments—if there is one. I hope you don't connect that with today's matter.”

Nam Soon-Pyo exhaled harshly.

“Do you really believe the National Intelligence Service would intervene just because your aides have begun investigating us?”

“You seem worried about recordings, so let me speak first. Please cover up this incident. The investigation by the Defense Committee hasn't been proposed yet. I'll handle the opposition myself. Can your side appease the ruling party?”

“The National Intelligence Service just hopes that the chairman of the Defense Committee doesn’t end up in a scandal.”

Nam Soon-Pyo's cheeks twitched as he gritted his teeth.

***

"Huff! Huff!"

Oh Gwang-Taek had never regretted smoking as much as he did now. He felt like his lungs refused to accept air—as if someone had plugged his nostrils with their index and middle fingers.

Clunk! Clunk! Click!

The rifle he was carrying, along with magazines strapped to his vest and thighs, clattered loudly.

"Huff! Huff!"

However, Oh Gwang-Taek couldn't stop running. If he hadn't experienced this in Libya, if he hadn't seen people dying, he might have already given up and collapsed.

It was a straight kilometer, but the path kept undulating like waves. The uphill parts made him feel like his thighs and knees were being ripped apart, while the downhill ones were perfect for a nasty fall if he wasn't careful.

Only fifty meters to go.

"Huff, huff!"

Kang Chul-Gyu had gathered everyone early in the morning and ordered training. This drill was part of it.

"President Oh," Kang Chul-Gyu called out to Oh Gwang-Taek as the latter entered the final stretch.

The gathering included the DMZ team, the Jeungpyeong special forces team, and Joo Chul-Bum, among his other younger colleagues.

"You're a decent special forces soldier now. I was hoping you could carry out the mission in this operation. Is that alright?"

Shit!

He wished he could have shown his daughter—who whined over the phone asking when daddy would come home—the looks he received from the DMZ and Jeungpyeong special forces teams, even if it meant he would have to record them.

Their expressions showed clear acknowledgment of his capabilities, not as the gangster Oh Gwang-Taek, but as a fellow special forces member.

"Huff, huff!"

Only thirty meters were left. His daughter's father was no longer a gangster. He was a man who fought for his country, bearing the Taegeukgi on his left arm.

Twenty meters.

Cha Dong-Gyun and Yoon Sang-Ki, camouflaged, watched the scene through their scopes.

"Huff! Huff!"

"Daddy? Banana!"

Okay! I'll buy bananas! A mountain of them!

The ground suddenly sank beneath him, nearly making him fall on the downhill slope.

Oh Gwang-Taek gritted his teeth and took a step forward.

Cha Dong-Gyun and Yoon Sang-Ki were right in front of him.

Thud!

Oh Gwang-Taek crashed into the ground next to the two men.

"Huff! Huff!"

Chk.

- Group Two, start moving.

At the crackle of the radio, the earth in front of them burst upward, revealing DMZ team soldiers. These were no ordinary men. If not for the asphalt, paving stones, and concrete, Seoul would have been theirs.

***

Kang Chan entered a building located a little past Yeoksam-dong toward Daechi-dong. The signposts indicated that floors ten and eleven housed the 'Fuel Resources Authority,' while floor nine had a grand sign for the 'Eurasia Rail Preparation Committee.'

Kim Hyung-Jung pressed the elevator button for the eleventh floor. People who appeared to be office workers joined him.

Kang Chan hadn’t thought about it usually, probably because he saw him often, but he thought Kim Hyung-Jung's demeanor seemed incredibly formidable when he was outside. Especially when mixed among ordinary people, and now with Choi Jong-Il and Woo Hee-Seung silently standing by his side, the three undeniably had the air of fixers.

What would these people think of him?

In the silence-swathed elevator, Kang Chan glanced at the mirror. He couldn't tell.

Ding.

As if escaping, people quickly exited the elevator on every odd-numbered floor. By the time they had reached the eleventh floor, only Kang Chan's group remained. A female employee was waiting outside the office.

"This way, please."

Kang Chan wordlessly followed her lead. Passing desks separated by partitions, they went further inside until they came across another female employee, who was behind a long desk.

Their guide opened the door to the Director's office.

"Your guests have arrived," she announced, then stepped aside.

Only Kang Chan and Kim Hyung-Jung entered.

"Hello?"

Kang Chan already knew Director Song Chang-Wook and Kim Gwan-Sik, Kim Mi-Young's father. He greeted them politely, but his greeting felt so stiff it was as if he were in a chalk factory.

"Welcome."

Song Chang-Wook shook hands with Kang Chan and then extended his hand to Kim Hyung-Jung.

"Hello." Kim Gwan-Sik, surprisingly using honorifics, offered a handshake to Kang Chan.

"Please have a seat."

As they sat down, a female employee promptly served them tea that looked immensely healthful.

"It seems unnecessary to brief you on our work, Mr. Kang Chan. I’m sure you’re more knowledgeable than we are. However, Mr. Kim Gwan-Sik and I want to make one thing very clear,” Song Chang-Wook began. He then glanced at Kim Gwan-Sik before continuing, "There will absolutely be no obligations tied to personal relationships."

He had the same upright attitude that he had shown the first time Kang Chan had met him.

"Oh! I should have given you time to enjoy your tea, shouldn't I?"

Prompted by Song Chang-Wook's gesture, Kang Chan took a sip of his tea.

It smelled and tasted almost like it was distilled from herbal medicine.

"Mr. Kang Chan."

"Yes?"

"Do you truly love your country?"

Caught off-guard, Kang Chan felt as though he had been pierced through. He stared blankly at Song Chang-Wook.

"I started this because it was a request from those I care about. I mentioned before that I am not yet prepared to sacrifice my life for my country."

Damn it!

Educated people were clearly different. Song Chang-Wook remembered something that Kang Chan could barely recall himself.

"What is the situation now?" Kim Gwan-Sik asked with a serious expression.

I haven't even seen Kim Mi-Young yet...

"Director,” Kang Chan began, making Song Chang-Wook fiercely gaze at him.

"I feel moved by the Republic of Korea whenever..." Kang Chan trailed off. It would be foolish to blurt out something inappropriate in front of Kim Gwan-Sik, who might not be aware of everything.

"Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik knows that you were the commander for the operations in Afghanistan and Africa," Song Chang-Wook revealed.

Kang Chan reflexively turned his head.

He was equally surprised by Song Chang-Wook's quick perception and Kim Gwan-Sik’s decision to allow Kim Mi-Young to meet him despite knowing all his secrets.

Kang Chan felt like a fool.

"I apologize if that came across as disrespectful. However, when we accepted this task, Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik and I were warned of the risks. Currently, even our families are under protection."

Song Chang-Wook maintained his composed posture as he met Kang Chan's gaze.

"I asked Manager Kim Hyung-Jung to inform the chairman as well because I believe he has the right to know. This may sound harsh to you, Mr. Kang Chan, since you have faced life-threatening situations, but Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik and I have accepted this assignment fully prepared for the possibility of our families’ deaths."

Compelling intensity enveloped the old man’s eyes.

"Ordinary people like us hope to safely go to work each morning. We hope that neither we nor our families would die from traffic accidents or by means we've only heard of through hearsay."

Song Chang-Wook quickly glanced at Kim Gwan-Sik. He then returned his attention to Kang Chan.

"You’re the person who will be ultimately leading this project, Mr. Kang Chan. Until then, Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik and I will risk our lives to hold the fort. That's why I want to know if you truly want the Republic of Korea to progress as much as we do."

Although Kang Chan couldn’t understand everything Song Chang-Wook said, he certainly felt a profound impact. He could now finally express the thought that he had been holding back.

"The Republic of Korea moves me whenever our agents and troops fall bleeding. So far, not one of my men harbors resentment. At the very least, I refuse to let their sacrifices be in vain."

Song Chang-Wook smiled faintly.

"Mr. Kang Chan."

"Yes?"

"There's an upcoming international conference on the new energy."

Kang Chan had heard of it, but he still hadn’t fully understood.

"Presidents and department heads from various countries will be visiting our country. Like the Eurasian Rail conference, there could be terrorist threats."

It wasn’t something to discuss in front of Kang Chan, the head of the counter-terrorism team, and Kim Hyung-Jung, the head of the Samseong-dong branch.

"Could you make me one promise?"

The old man spoke with genuine earnestness.

"If either Chairman Kim Gwan-Sik or I were to sacrifice our lives, we would hold no grudges. However, I hope you will add the burden of our dedication to your commitment to the Republic of Korea."

Kang Chan quietly took a deep breath.