Chapter 179 - Real Culprit (1)
Global Awakener Federation.
An organization established by top leaders and player factions representing various countries. It exercises global influence over all aspects related to the Galaxy Arena, from the establishment of Awakener laws to villain designations and Outbreak management.
Today, the Federation’s conference hall.
“Now that everyone is here, let’s wrap up the agenda we discussed yesterday.”
The atmosphere was quite solemn.
And for good reason, “The matter at hand is the disposition of Yujeong, the Unbreakable Saintess of Korea.”
It was the day a decision would be made regarding the fate of not just any player, but a Ranker.
Beep.
A serene image of a beautiful woman was projected in the center of the circular conference room. Alongside her image, detailed information about her was displayed in English, the common language.
“As you all know, Yujeong is currently accused of murdering a non-Awakener.”
No sooner had the moderator finished speaking,
“Accused? Isn’t it clear she committed the murder?”
A male delegate from the front row raised his hand. On his desk was a nameplate featuring a red flag intertwined with a dragon’s emblem.
“I heard she confessed to the murder herself.”
“I agree with the representative from China. Using the term ‘accused’ doesn’t seem appropriate when she admitted to the crime.”
A blonde man seated next to the Chinese representative nodded in agreement. Next to him, “Pakistan also agrees with China and Russia.”
“Serbia too…”
A string of agreements followed from various country representatives. To this, “My apologies. Let me correct myself.”
The moderator bowed slightly and corrected his statement.
“We will now proceed with the final discussion and verdict on Yujeong, who killed a non-Awakener.”
“What is there left to discuss?”
The Russian representative shrugged, looking around.
“She murdered a non-Awakener, specifically her grandfather, out of personal vendetta.”
“You all saw the footage yesterday. She headed to the chairman’s office without a moment’s hesitation.”
“Her coldness was palpable even on video.”
The delegates who had previously demanded the clarification of “accused” now voiced their approvals. The Chinese representative, who had been nodding quietly, delivered the final word.
“We should designate Yujeong as a villain and proceed with the appropriate actions.”
The mood quickly turned toward branding Yujeong as a villain. At that moment, “You all seem to be in quite a rush.”
A deep voice resonated through the conference hall. Just like the previous representatives, seated at the foremost part of the hall, was a middle-aged, bald black man.
“Such a significant decision as designating someone a villain should not be made hastily without proper procedures.”
On his desk was a nameplate bearing the American flag.
“Marcus, what do you mean by that?”
The Serbian representative inquired.
“What I mean is this. Labeling someone as a villain means branding them as a public enemy of the world, doesn’t it? Such matters should be properly handled through due process,” Marcus replied with a gentle smile.
The Pakistani representative frowned deeply.
“Hasn’t she already confessed everything herself? Besides, Lee Yujeong is a ranker. Her potential for committing crimes is significant!”
“I am well aware of the danger posed by crimes committed by rankers. In fact, no other country understands that risk as well as the United States.”
“That is… true.” the Pakistani representative hesitated and nodded reluctantly.
Desperado, the world’s top villain organization. The incident that escalated their notoriety to its peak was none other than…
“Ranker-level villains are those who could even dare to terrorize the White House, aren’t they?”
Wasn’t it the White House terror incident in the United States? The global shock from that incident, in addition to…
It was one of the most significant events after the establishment of the World Awakened Alliance. Knowing that well…
“You’re aware of that, yet… you speak of due process?”
The Pakistani representative couldn’t assert himself as strongly as before.
“Please, feel free to speak. Isn’t it an incident we can now joke about? It even came up on yesterday’s talk show.”
Marcus chuckled and nodded slightly.
“But.” he continued, “Just because the risk is high doesn’t mean we can ignore procedure. We are talking about designating someone as a public enemy of the world, aren’t we?”
Marcus spoke with a calm, businesslike demeanor.
“And I agree. Besides, Lee Yujeong was quietly arrested by the regular police, wasn’t she?”
“That’s right. If she were truly a villain, the only casualty in Korea wouldn’t be Lee Suncheol.”
“Moreover, there are many suspicious aspects about her so-called confession.”
“Indeed. It doesn’t make sense that she revealed all her actions so blatantly on CCTV in the first place.”
“Unless she had given up on life… But isn’t Lee Yujeong a ranker and the sole heir of Holy Trinity?”
“Exactly. Why would someone at the top of society like her give up on life?”
The representatives nearby chimed in one after another.
Beep. Beep.
Green lights started to turn on one by one above the seats of the quietly observing representatives. It was a signal that they agreed with the current opinion.
Judging by the count, it exceeded more than half.
To this, “No, no!”
“Why are they suddenly acting like this?”
“Wasn’t everyone in favor of designating her as a villain just yesterday…?”
Representatives from Russia and Pakistan, who had supported Lee Yujeong’s designation as a villain, whispered among themselves.
The Chinese representative, Yuan Hong, who had been quietly watching with his arms crossed, slightly furrowed his brow and asked,
“In the end, it’s all speculation, isn’t it? Besides, what’s the proof that Lee Yujeong won’t commit additional crimes?”
“This morning’s report says that Lee Yujeong has been detained by the Korean Association.”
“Marcus. Let me remind you again, she is a ranker.”
“I know. And the head of the Korean Association is also a ranker. You know well who the Ironwood King is, right?”
“…We know very well.”
“If you know him well, then you can proceed according to due process, can’t you?”
Marcus said with a cunning smile. Yuan Hong bit his lip lightly and sighed.
‘Of all people to mention… Kim Muyeol.’
Ironwood King Kim Muyeol. Everyone here knew that the head of the Korean Association had close ties with mainland China.
Given that Kim Muyeol was mentioned, ‘If we push further, it will seem like we are disrespecting Kim Muyeol.’
If they continued to argue, it would appear as if they were undermining Kim Muyeol’s capabilities, especially since…
‘Even during the reinforcement committee, after the recent failed assassination attempt, he seems to be distancing himself from us.’
Recently, the mainland has seen a noticeable decline in exchanges with Kim Muyeol.
‘Even the Spear King cares about improving relations with him.’
Even Zhang Liqiu, the ruler of the mainland, was trying to improve relations with him. In such a situation,
‘What a sly black man!’
While Yuan Hong cursed inwardly, he couldn’t openly disrespect Kim Muyeol’s prestige any further.
“Very well. Let’s proceed according to protocol.”
He could only nod outwardly.
“You are indeed wise. So, moderator? Shall we proceed as per protocol?”
Marcus smiled slightly and looked at the moderator.
“Understood.”
And thus, the final vote on Lee Yujeong’s villain designation…
“We shall conclude Lee Yujeong’s agenda with a majority opposition vote.”
…was concluded with a majority opposing the motion.
*
After the meeting of the World Awakened Alliance.
“Marcus. Well done.”
“Well done, Andrea.”
The representatives exchanged brief pleasantries as they left the venue. Sitting furthest inside the round meeting room, Marcus was the last to leave. Yuan Hong was the same.
Hence, “What exactly are you plotting, Marcus?”
Yuan Hong could ask.
“Ah! Mister Yuan. What are you asking about?”
“Don’t feign ignorance. I’m talking about the agenda on Lee Yujeong.”
He was referring to the only agenda today that opposed Marcus. From the very beginning, Marcus, or rather, the United States and the Alliance, had frequent disputes and clashes.
“Why did you suddenly change your stance?”
This time, he couldn’t help but question. And rightly so.
“Until yesterday, you agreed to designate Lee Yujeong as a villain, didn’t you?”
Just yesterday, the US representative, Marcus, had supported Lee Yujeong’s designation as a villain. And it wasn’t just Marcus.
“Canada, Europe, the Middle East, even Japan. Everyone changed their stance, didn’t they?”
Yesterday, when the agenda on Lee Yujeong was brought up, except for a few countries, including Korea, almost all representatives had tacitly agreed to designate Lee Yujeong as a villain.
It was obvious.
“If Lee Yujeong disappeared, it would benefit you all, wouldn’t it?”
“Oh! Mister Yuan. You are going too far.”
Rankers are the pinnacle of players. In other words, they are the greatest human resources a country can possess. Eliminating such a ranker would naturally weaken the country’s power.
Just so…
“It’s just the two of us, so let’s be honest, Marcus. Isn’t Korea far too big compared to before the Galaxy Arena?”
Like the number of nuclear weapons before the advent of the Galaxy Arena.
“Lee Yujeong is one of the hottest rankers in current Korea. Her disappearance wouldn’t harm you either, would it?”
“Mister Yuan. We exist for world peace. As a member of the alliance, such statements are…”
Despite Marcus’s serious mediation,
“Isn’t this about eliminating her with a justified reason? I can’t help but ask why you’ve suddenly changed your mind.”
Yuan Hong cut off his words and spoke frankly and without hesitation. After a moment of silence, during which Marcus quietly observed Yuan Hong, “It seems you haven’t received any notification.”
He flashed a broad smile, revealing his white teeth.
“…What do you mean?”
Leaving such cryptic words behind, “I have an important meeting soon, so I must excuse myself.”
“H-Hey, Marcus!”
Marcus waved his hand nonchalantly and left the meeting room. There was a faint hint of amusement in his double-lidded eyes.
‘It seems the countries that opposed the villain designation earlier didn’t receive any offers. I suppose…’
That’s probably why they opposed it so vehemently. His lips curved up naturally. Smiling, Marcus headed straight to his office. His amusement was not just due to the successful resolution of matters.
‘Knowing her personality, she would have arrived by now.’
As Marcus had expected, “You’re here.”
Upon opening his office door, he saw a beautiful woman with sleek blonde hair neatly tied back in an elegant office outfit, adjusting her slim glasses with a cold demeanor welcoming him.
“Ah, Olivia. Despite being very busy, you made it here.”
“I happened to have some free time. I also wanted to express my gratitude.”
To this, “Haha! Who wouldn’t believe in the legend of the Recruitment Department? You’re always very eloquent.”
Marcus laughed heartily.
“Don’t I know the famous Winter Queen’s character? You must have come to personally check if things went well.”
“Well, it’s partly that.”
Olivia admitted without the slightest denial, making Marcus burst into laughter again.
He remarked, “Seems like I wasn’t very trustworthy, was I?”
“You’ve represented the United States since the establishment of the Alliance. How could I dare think that?”
“Haha! Compliments from a beauty are always delightful. Knowing you would come, I’ve reserved an excellent restaurant. What do you think?”
Winking playfully, “How about we have dinner and chat calmly?”
He boldly suggested a date to the Winter Queen.
“I now have to prepare to receive my reward.”
Olivia declined without a moment’s hesitation.
“Well, it seems you’ve handled things well, so I’ll take my leave.”
She turned him down flatly and walked off confidently.
***
『Shocking! Is Lee Yujeong not the real culprit behind Chairman Lee Suncheol’s murder?』
『Association: ‘It’s highly probable that Lee Yujeong is not the culprit’』
『Then who is the real culprit? A massive reinvestigation of the case!』
『Why did Lee Yujeong confess to a murder she didn’t commit? Mystery deepens』
Articles flooding various portal sites. And that wasn’t all.
『Over 70% opposed! Lee Yujeong is not a villain』
『World Awakened Alliance against designating Lee Yujeong as a villain?』
『Trust increases in the Alliance’s decision: Lee Yujeong found not guilty!』
『’Lee Yujeong is a valuable asset to our country, we will never give up on her,’ declares Association President』
The whole world was focused on whether Lee Yujeong would be designated as a villain. As the news spread that the designation was opposed by over 70%,
– Wait, what the hell is going on?
– Who’s telling the truth? Is it true that Lee Yujeong didn’t kill anyone?
– It must be true because the Alliance opposed the villain designation.
– Then why did she say she did it?
– That’s why they’re re-investigating the case, aren’t they? Are you illiterate?
– Of course, our Saintess wouldn’t do such a thing.
Haven’t you watched Lee Yujeong’s broadcast? She would never commit such an atrocity.
Communities, both domestic and international, were in an uproar.
And seeing all this, Shimun thought,
‘Everything is going as planned.’
He scrolled through his phone screen with a faint smile.
‘There are almost no opposing articles. I guess the opposing factions saw what happened to the others last time.’
Starting with the Scorpio Guild, the factions that stirred controversy in the National Platinum-rank were wiped out after the confession video of Kim Jongjun, the vice leader of the Scorpio Guild.
Especially the media, which, due to Uncle Kim Muyeol’s character, were likely completely wiped out.
So, ‘Nobody in their right mind would dare publish an opposing article.’
Even with blatant moves to manipulate public opinion, no one would easily dare to raise questions or publish opposing articles.
Of course, since humans are forgetful creatures, some time later, they might raise their heads again.
‘But we can deal with that when the time comes.’
Shimun put his phone away with a light motion and continued walking.
“Hyung. How did you do it?”
A clear voice stopped his light steps. Shimun turned around and asked, “What do you mean?”
“The World Awakened Alliance.”
Kim Shihyuk, with wide eyes, alternated between looking at his phone and Shimun. The reason for his surprise was simple.
“What did you do to have the Alliance oppose the villain designation by 70%?”
He had seen the same news that Shimun had just read. The same was true for Park Jinwook, who was following behind.
He was already aware of the conversation, having carried out Shimun’s instructions. Shimun glanced at Park Jinwook, who was silently following, and said, “I persuaded them with a growth buff.”
“…The World Alliance can be persuaded with a growth buff?”
“Well, it depends on the cook.”
“…”
Shimun shrugged his shoulders lightly.
To this, “I’ve always felt this way, but you have a tendency to talk about incredible things as if they’re no big deal.”
Kim Shihyuk shook his head and chuckled. Shimun raised one eyebrow.
“Hey, Kim Shihyuk, is that a compliment?”
“Of course!”
“Then that’s good.”
With a playful smile, he continued walking.
After walking for a while, Shimun stopped in front of a door lined with police tape.
“I have been waiting.”
Two suited individuals stood beside him. The people in suits, who appeared to be Awakened, bowed their heads politely.
“We received contact from the Association President.”
“Please, inspect the scene as much as you like.”
The association members cleared the police line and even opened the door for him.
“Thank you.”
Shimun expressed his gratitude and entered the office of Holy Trinity’s president.
As expected of a crime scene, yellow markers were scattered everywhere, but that was it. The scene preservation was perfect.
In fact, there wasn’t much to preserve.
“It’s quite neat.”
There wasn’t any major disturbance at the scene, as it was just a clean decapitation of Chairman Lee Suncheol.
Shimun headed to Chairman Lee Suncheol’s desk. Specifically, to the place where a white chalk outline was drawn. The luxurious chair was stained with dried blood. A circular outline was drawn next to the chair.
‘This must be where the head fell.’
Shimun’s gaze naturally moved to the opposite side of where the head had fallen. A large window, half-open, caught his eye.
‘As expected.’
Shimun’s eyes sparkled as he looked at it. He brushed through the air above the chair’s headrest and slowly walked towards the large window.
Seeing this, “Hyung, what are you doing? Did you already figure something out?”
Kim Shihyuk asked, looking puzzled. Shimun reached the large window and, “Yes.”
Tap.
He nodded and tapped the half-open window frame.
“It’s exactly as I expected.”
With those words…
Sssaaaaii.
A sinister, dark purple aura followed the space that Shimun had brushed through, stretching all the way to the headrest of the chair.
“W-What’s that!”
“Void?!”
The line drawn in void. Seeing this, Kim Shihyuk and Park Jinwook were horrified.
『The eyes of the Constellation Black Goat widen in shock, ‘That’s the aura of the damn Chaos spawn?!’』
Along with the unexpected being’s astonishment.
TL’s Corner:
Chaos spawn? Who dat?