noveltune Chapter 35
Chapter 35
Wang Jun-gul, who had locked the door and checked the soundproofing items, cautiously approached the lowered screen. A growling sound, like that of a beast, flowed from beyond the screen.
“Usually, we should start by signing a confidentiality agreement, but...”
He muttered with a tense expression and lifted the screen with a swish. A familiar face often seen on TV came into view. It was a miserable sight, with thick blue veins protruding over the skin.
The half-exposed upper body was even worse. Beneath the torn shirt, blackish-brown hair had grown bushy. As if a shapeshifter hunter had applied a beast transformation skill. The problem was the eyes that had lost their rationality.
Bloodshot white of the eyes, pigmented irises, pinpoint pupils, and drool flowing between sharply grown teeth. The Chairman’s appearance, firmly fixed to the bed with mana control devices, was truly shocking.
“...Did he consume a magic stone?”
Wang Jun-gul nodded a couple of times at Ryu Seo-ha, who asked with a hardened expression, looking at the typical manifestation of demonization.
“Yes. We suspect an attempted poisoning... Could Hunter Ryu Seo-ha treat this?”
His expression was desperate, as if begging him to say yes. Was it out of loyalty, or a calculated attitude considering political standing? Maybe he’s showing enthusiasm because his own life is at stake.
It was already an open secret that the leader of the Taliban, who had taken control of Afghanistan, was holding the lifelines of his close associates with sworn statements. The situation wouldn’t be much different for powerful countries like China or Russia.
Instead of a hasty confirmation, Ryu Seo-ha quietly looked around the bedroom. Items with geometric patterns were installed in various places. They seemed to have the effect of suppressing the rampaging mana.
“Before that, could I hear the explanation you were going to give?”
Wang Jun-gul hesitated, then lowered the screen again to hide the disfigured Chairman.
“To get to the point... We detected the planned terrorist act in advance but ignored it. No, we deliberately intervened.”
The following confession contained honest admission. The apologetic expression also gave a sincere feeling.
“We were already wondering how to bring Hunter Ryu Seo-ha to our country... We thought it was fortunate. The dispatch was delayed more than expected, resulting in unfortunate casualties... There’s no room for excuses. I apologize once again.”
A faint sigh escaped at the sight of the figure equivalent to the head of the Chinese Hunters Association showing his crown without hesitation. To think he would come out with such a clear submissive attitude. It must be part of a tailored strategy.
“You didn’t give the terrorist orders from behind the scenes?”
Perhaps because the presence of items interfering with mana flow felt unpleasant. Choi Gang-hu, who had been frowning since entering the room, asked mockingly as if picking a fight.
“A rabbit doesn’t eat the grass around its burrow. Even now, I desperately want to keep Hunter Ryu Seo-ha in our country if possible, how could we plan something that would make us fall out of favor?”
“People do anything when they’re desperate.”
The chaos that would ensue from the death of one Chairman, the ripple effects from the power restructuring within the Communist Party, the practical benefits that could be gained through treatment, the situation that would unfold if treatment was refused... My mind became complicated with all sorts of possibilities.
I realized that my decision alone could drastically change the political situation in Northeast Asia. I absolutely hate getting involved in political issues. If I refuse, it would be difficult to leave China without any trouble.
“Ah, I need the Guild Master’s permission first.”
For now, I passed the decision-making power to Choi Gang-hu. It was to buy time to think while clearly showing my current affiliation. I saw Choi Gang-hu unfurrow his brows and slightly curl up the corners of his mouth.
“You can choose as you wish. I’ll handle any problems that arise.”
A large hand gently caressed the white cheek. It was a touch as if trying to reassure a very tense small animal. Have I been tamed already? Strangely, my mind quickly settled.
Status: Remaining lifespan 19 days 12 hours 23 minutes
He was in no position to consider political repercussions. Whether China maintains its dictatorship or faces near-civil unrest. It’s uncertain if he’ll even live to see the results of his choice. He decided to erase secondary concerns from his mind. He decided to think only about the direct personal benefits he could gain in this situation. Once he lightened his mind, the decision was made surprisingly quickly.
After carefully examining the contents of the sworn statement, he added a few additional requirements. Party A was Ryu Seo-ha, Party B was most of the top officials in the Chinese Communist Party. The content was unilaterally favorable to him.
The effect of the item ‘Sworn Statement (S-class)’ is applied.
If the oath is broken, the status ailment ‘Blindness’ will be applied.
“Thank you so much! Hundreds of millions of people will be eternally grateful!”
Wang Jun-gul expressed his gratitude repeatedly with a noticeably brightened expression. He must also know well that the penalty attached to the sworn statement is essentially only meaningful to them, a mere formality.
Unless extreme penalties like instant death from heart attack as with YH Capital or mana restrictions like Promhell Guild were imposed, there was no sworn statement that could force Ryu Seo-ha, who possessed the characteristic [Sanctification].
He received the exaggerated greetings with a smiling face and approached the Chairman tied to the bed. As he lifted the screen and placed his hand on the furry skin, the growling sound grew louder.
The characteristic ‘Sanctification’ is activated.
The buff ‘Healing Regeneration’ is applied to the designated target (1 non-awakened individual).
The buff ‘Status Ailment Removal’ is applied to the designated target (1 non-awakened individual).
The characteristic activated as usual, but mana drained in larger chunks than usual. Immediately after activating the characteristic, a strange repulsion was felt from the mana. He tried to remove his hand immediately, but even that wasn’t easy.
“...!”
The Chairman’s body began to inflate like a balloon.