Episode 24 #10 Yeongjongdo (Part 1)
"What would you have done if that bastard hadn't swallowed the bait?"
At Ray's question, I answered internally:
'Baek Dosan wasn't on the "to save" list. He's actually on the "to eliminate" list.'
Baek Dosan was never a good man. Though he hadn't crossed certain lines before meeting Seol Rokjin, if forced into black or white categories, he belonged squarely in black - not even gray.
Keeping him alive wouldn't help save this world anyway.
If Baek Dosan fell to Seol Rokjin, Korea's entire underworld would become Seol Rokjin's domain. Hence, elimination was safer than preservation.
So if he hadn't taken my bait, I'd have found a way to remove him later.
"And yet you're rushing to save him now."
'If this man becomes my ally, that vast underworld could become my territory.'
Hadn't I already considered disappearing into the shadows? Impressing their ruler required no explanation.
Assuming things went well.
Dr. Geum in the driver's seat looked absurdly relaxed, casually humming despite our situation. His off-key tune did nothing to inspire confidence.
"Should we really be barging in like this?"
"No choice. The deal's set for today."
The last-minute persuasion plan was sound, but contained one critical flaw:
"You did tell him I'm coming, right?"
Dr. Geum's humming died mid-note. Cold sweat trickled down my spine.
"You didn't inform him?"
The doctor maintained his suspicious smirk. Grabbing the door handle, I shouted:
"Let me out!"
"Are you insane? Jumping from a speeding car? You'll be shredded to pieces!"
"But they won't kill you outright if you're with me."
"How reassuring."
"Maybe?"
No. Not reassuring at all. Did this man even possess a shred of common sense? I knew he was eccentric, but this defied reason.
"You're attending as my friend."
Since when did I befriend a thirty-something with such questionable fashion sense? As I scowled, Dr. Geum added:
"Even if they think you're some nonsense-spouting fraud, they won't kill you."
Marvelous.
"Maybe we should abort here."
Even spectating Ray suggested it. Why was I here again? Suppressing a sigh, I crossed my arms and stared ahead.
Well, since we're committed, might as well attempt proper persuasion.
Who knows what might shift?
Our car crossed Yeongjong Bridge, finally reaching Yeongjongdo.
Home to Incheon International Airport, Yeongjongdo remained a transportation hub through the ages. Yet few used passenger planes now. While Gate appearances tightened border security, occasional aerial monster attacks didn't help.
Rumor said flight monsters from a broken oceanic Gate still roamed free.
Thus passenger planes became reserved for critical needs.
Our car veered right at the airport junction. Exiting the highway onto a narrow road, we raced ten minutes before halting.
Sea wind clawed at my face as I exited the vehicle.
"The deal's happening on Sindo."
The small island beside Yeongjongdo had transformed its passenger port into a cargo terminal post-Gate era, now managing air and sea freight.
What transaction required this location?
Drugs - specifically designer narcotics for Awakened. Their enhanced purification systems neutralized even toxic mana, rendering normal drugs useless.
Alcohol and anesthetics likewise failed. Though potions reduced surgical needs, necessary operations required either enduring agony or specialized mental dissociation.
Carcinogens? Also ineffective. Smokers became the sole beneficiaries.
Thus, drugs effective on Awakened emerged. Profit-seekers naturally flocked here.
"Take this."
Though arriving unannounced, Dr. Geum produced a small boat at the designated spot. Not completely unprepared after all.
After crossing via car and boat, shadows massing on Sindo's shore forced a strained smile from me.
"Haha! Dr. Geum's friends are enthusiastic! Already out to greet us?"
"All Dosan's crew here. They'd know our arrival."
Still, this tense welcoming committee felt excessive.
The frontmost figure crushed his cigarette underfoot as we docked.
Baek Dosan.
The man resembled a black panther - jet hair, obsidian eyes, sun-bronzed skin. His noir-esque gangster aura complemented the tailored black suit clinging to his lean frame.
Dress shirt and tie completed the look that should've appeared pretentious, yet suited him perfectly.
Like a death god incarnate.
"I said don't come."
"Since when do I follow your orders?" Dr. Geum replied breezily. I marveled at his composure despite my trembling hands.
"Brought unnecessary baggage."
Baek Dosan's razor gaze swept over me. Showing fear meant death. I lifted my chin defiantly.
"Greetings."
"Impudent brat."
He snorted at my courtesy, amusement lacing his disbelief. Understandable - who brings a random kid to critical negotiations?
But listen.
I'm no ordinary kid.
With his type, actions trump words. Wax eloquent, and he'll sever your tongue.
"Postpone or cancel today's deal."
"Why should I?"
"Intel leaked."
"Oh? Interesting claim."
His mouth twisted. Eyes glinted like blades ready to flay me.
This... this is bad.
Cold sweat drenched my back under his murderous aura.
"Can you prove it?"
Someone gulped audibly - Dr. Geum. The doctor waved dismissively.
"Don't mind me! Continue your chat!"
Nothing kills tension like him. Still, it slightly eased the atmosphere. Leaning on one leg, I declared:
"There's a traitor among you."
Baek Dosan's brow furrowed into canyon-deep wrinkles.
"Ridiculous..."
"Him."
I pointed at a mole-faced man before rage erupted. Wang Seobang - nicknamed for the royal seal-like mole on his nose - served under Seol Rokjin.
"What? Never, boss! Why would I—"
"Him? A traitor?"
Understandable skepticism towards longtime comrades. Needed irrefutable proof.
"Laughable, but love motivated him. His new lover kept prying - harmless leaks at first. Patrol schedules. VIP client lists."
Kim Hongdeok (his real name) paled dramatically.
"Then came blackmail. 'What happens if boss learns of your betrayal?'"
Thus began his downward spiral. The seductress? One of Seol Rokjin's honeytrap agents with Charm abilities.
An easy mark for Hongdeok's simple mind.
How'd you know?
He drunkenly lamented his ruined life five hundred times.
Hongdeok suddenly kneeled, wailing:
"Forgive me, boss! I-I must've gone mad!"
Baek Dosan chuckled mirthlessly.
"Fascinating."
Finally believing me? I met his gaze challengingly. He narrowed his eyes.
"Thought the doc brought a fraud, but you're the real deal."
To his men:
"Bury him."
"Yes, boss!"
"P-please! Mercy!"
Kim Hongdeok's life - once promising as Seol Rokjin's subordinate - ended here. Baek Dosan ignored the pleas, addressing me:
"You. We talk."
Finally, proper groundwork laid. As I moved to follow:
"Doc. Where you sneaking off to?"
Dr. Geum's escape attempt foiled, we entered a fish-stinking container at a dockside fishing spot. None dared complain.
At Baek Dosan's signal, lackeys produced plastic chairs and a table.
"Leave us."
The underling bowed out. Only three remained.
"An actual precog."
Baek Dosan chuckled darkly.
"Or skilled conman."
Suspicion lingered. Precogs being rare.
"Regardless, you've aided me today. Now explain what 'would've' happened."
The board is set.
Time to steer the game.
Placing hands on the table, I declared:
"Assemblyman Seol Rokjin comes today."
Baek Dosan's gaze turned glacial.
"His target is you, Mr. Baek.”
