BRDM 193

chapter 193

It had been a while since going to work.

Even the bus passing over the Han River felt strangely fascinating.

“Korean office workers are really amazing. How do they navigate such crowded places every morning?”

Usually, hunters’ work happens mostly in the afternoon or at night, so commuting tends to be later overall.

But today was the first day back after a long vacation, and
last night, Im Wonyoung sent a message saying he had something to discuss, so I had left early.

― Have you had a good vacation? I vaguely heard you were going abroad.
― I was delayed because I was sorting out support-related matters for Team Z.
― Team Z has now truly become the representative team of White Burn, right?
― Come over when you have time.

“Originally, I had planned to finish the contract with the Demon King last night and then go to the office… but it’s not easy.”

The Demon King’s condition had clearly been improving.

Thanks to King Wuyang regaining his rank and the revival of the <Seven Great Stars> society, the Demon King had been positively affected as well.

But on the other hand, his mania had deepened.

It was because of the demonic nature left in his subconscious by the Horse King.

“The demonic nature is turning into a heart demon. If that intensifies, it could escalate into full-blown possession. I need to find a way somehow…”

Possession is a magical side effect that ranks like top-tier hunters need to be careful of.

It occurs when magical power is mismanaged, when there is mental disturbance, or when a strong emotional shock causes magic to surge uncontrollably.

There was a risk that his mind could break, giving rise to a true demon.

For a Demon King like him, possession could bring unpredictable disaster.

“Perhaps instead of trying to suppress the heart demon through the contract, I could intervene in his subconscious and remove the demonic nature directly…”

Just as Lee Hyun’s worry deepened,

「Do you think that’s easy? For now, just observe.」

Suddenly, Sun Wukong popped his head above Lee Hyun’s.

“When did you get here? You said you’d sleep through the commute because it’s too crowded.”

「Do you think I could sleep with you radiating so much intent?」

Lee Hyun let out a small, incredulous laugh. But he noticed Sun Wukong’s gaze was fixed elsewhere.

「A churros shop I haven’t seen before.」

Right in the middle of Gangnam, a large churros store had just opened on the first floor.

“Ah, looks like it just opened.”

「I smell a famous eatery.」

“Did you wake up because you smelled that?”

「It smells incredibly delicious! Authentic Spanish style! Most in Korea are Mexican style, so this is rare! Over there! That’s the one to conquer!」

“Yep, he definitely woke up because of the sugar smell.”

「What are you doing, you fool! The gods have decreed that the path lies there, yet you go the opposite way!!」

“This is the way to work. I’ll stop by there after work.”

「Change direction! The delicious churros smell is fading!!」

“Can you stop pulling my head?”

「My churros! My churroooos!!」

Watching Sun Wukong throw a tantrum like a five-year-old, Lee Hyun shook his head.

When would he ever grow up?

“…Huh?”

「Look! Even your subordinates are coming out with such happy faces! It’s a famous spot! I’m sure of it!」

From the churros shop came two familiar faces, laughing while clinging to each other.

It was Kim Minjung and Eom Giseon.

“That’s why Minyul suddenly shouted back then.”
“Really? Haha! This is crazy.”
“See what I mean!”

They were so happy, sharing churros from a paper cup, arms linked.

“….”

Lee Hyun stood in the middle of the street, watching them closely.

“Noona, so tonight… uh?”
“Why are you so surprised all of a sudden? What’s…!?”

They noticed Lee Hyun and stiffened, faces turning pale.

In the middle of bustling Gangnam Street,

Lee Hyun smiled.

Like a demon.

― Senior.
― Senior?
― Could you answer me?
― You won’t spread this, right?
― Just keep it secret from Team Leader Im.
― Senior.
― Senior!!!
― (Desperately praying cat emoji)

Drip, drip.

Lee Hyun’s phone had been ringing non-stop since morning.

“Busy this morning, aren’t you?”

A small conference room in White Burn HQ.

Im Wonyoung had been about to talk with Lee Hyun but paused to glance at the phone, tilting his head curiously.

“Ah, this? Don’t worry about it.”
“Isn’t this from Deputy Minjung? Judging from the urgency of the message, it must be important.”

Im Wonyoung glanced at the sender, ‘Junior Kim Minjung,’ with concern.

“It’s fine. She just got a boyfriend and got caught texting me.”

“Eh? Kim Deputy has a boyfriend?”

Im Wonyoung’s eyes widened slightly.

“Yes. But this is a secret. Just a short text.”
“Of course.”

A slightly sinister smile appeared on Im Wonyoung’s lips.

‘So that’s why her replies were so late recently. Haha.’

Lee Hyun sent a very short message:

― We’ll see how you do.
― ㅋ

Then he turned off his phone.

By now, Kim Minjung was probably tearing at her temples, screaming “Jang Lee Hyun!!!”

‘Who told them to have a date in front of the office at dawn? Serves them right. Haha.’

They had tried to avoid colleagues with late commuting times to enjoy a quick morning date, but it was hopeless.

Lee Hyun never let go of a weakness once he found it.

Not because he was jealous, of course. It was punishment for being caught enjoying happiness in front of the sacred company office.

‘But when did these two get so close? There’s always been a subtle tension.’

Lee Hyun considered how to tease his juniors later while quickly scanning the documents Im Wonyoung had given him.

“Looks good.”

Lee Hyun’s words made Im Wonyoung’s eyes widen slightly.

“You’ve read all of this already?”

“Of course. Even just the strategic and administrative support sections guarantee independent command, direct budget approval, field agent protection, dedicated medical teams, family protection programs… combat, tech, intel, network support, Level 1 data archive access… What more could I want?”

“You really read everything.”

It was essentially unprecedented.

“I particularly like this part.”

Lee Hyun tapped his finger on the third page:

― Independent Command Guarantee.

“It means the team is recognized as quasi-independent, with operational authority without reporting and a secured fund line without central auditing.”

Im Wonyoung smiled, pleased that Lee Hyun understood their intent so accurately.

“Honestly, it’s comparable to X Team or Y Team—maybe even better.”

A team equal to A Team.

Considering A Team was directly under the next Guild Master, it was a huge deal.

“We want Team Z to be more than a normal strike team, to become a bigger force beyond rebuilding Cheongrae.”

Lee Hyun’s eyes sparkled.

“You mean…?”
“Eventually, Team Z could be separated into its own company.”
“……!!”
“Not immediately, but eventually, we’ll even grant Right of Salvage.”
“…….”
“What do you think? Under White Burn, it would be the perfect place to continue dreaming of Cheongrae.”

Right of Salvage grants full control over the distribution of acquired spoils, usually reserved for top-tier powers.

This meant giving Lee Hyun that authority—and eventually, the whole Team Z.

Effectively, it was the rebirth—and independence—of Cheongrae.

‘If we can link up with Homeros Holdings later… we might achieve even more.’

If Homeros Holdings supported them in the shadows, Cheongrae in the open, and Lee Gunsan’s network at the back, could anyone oppose them?

‘Then… we might be closer to our dream.’

Lee Hyun imagined his team working globally and clenched his eyes.

Later, he finally opened them—his gaze deep and piercing.

Im Wonyoung smiled faintly.

“Is it really okay to give so much?”
“If you want to secure talent, such unprecedented measures are necessary. I assure you, even Astra…”
“Yes. They couldn’t guarantee this much. I understand.”

Im Wonyoung smiled.

“Honestly, after the last Crevasse operation, we were the ones who should have thanked Team Z. Thanks to Team Leader Jang, White Burn gained an advantageous position in many areas.”

Despite weeks of exhaustion, a victorious smile lingered.

“It was the team’s effort.”
“Yes, but it’s Team Leader Jang who built that team. That’s why we’re taking care of you like this…”

Im Wonyoung handed Lee Hyun a new set of documents.

“Thanks to you, we could prepare this much more easily.”

Lee Hyun’s eyes lit up.

A sticker marked “Level 1 Confidential” and the title above:

― Peng Jinghao Tracking Report.

“This includes the contents you requested about Peng Jinghao, along with recent trends in the chaotic Near Eastern front.”

Lee Hyun quickly scanned the documents.

The intelligence from the private sector was more macro-level than Lee Gunsan’s network.

“Chairman Peng. You’re planning to capture him, right?”
“Yes. He won’t forget past grievances. If we don’t end this now, he’ll hold us back forever.”

Lee Hyun nodded.

“Since you’ve granted me independent operational authority, I’ll use it. I’ll need support to intervene in the Near Eastern front.”

“You’re taking a difficult path.”

Im Wonyoung, knowing the feud between Lee Hyun and Peng Jinghao, nodded gravely.

“Understood. Just organize a plan, and I’ll approve it immediately.”

The Near Eastern front was a tangle of major guilds, evil forces, intelligence agencies, and corporations—hence the nickname Ant Hell.

It was a swamp impossible to escape from recklessly.

Peng Jinghao had stepped into it backed by Russia, so Team Z had to approach cautiously.

‘Sata King is there… and the Horse King might be involved. Heaven and Hell are mixed together.’

Lee Hyun could already smell the blood and gunpowder, harsher than anything he had previously faced.

‘The question is, how do we approach this battlefield safely…’

At that moment, a quiet English voice spoke:

“It seems like we might be able to help. Mind if we join the discussion?”

Lee Hyun and Im Wonyoung turned their heads.

Michael Shepherd waved lightly.

“Perhaps Astra could provide some assistance.”

Lee Hyun’s eyes flashed sharply.

Like a beast encountering its prey.