252
Immediately after Park In-beom took office as Secretary-General, many things changed rapidly, starting with a reorganization.
First, the name was changed.
From Karma Corporation, it officially became the WDSO (World Dungeon Suppression Organization), an international dungeon subjugation organization.
It was a shame to see the name I had painstakingly created disappear, but I took some comfort in the fact that people still seemed more familiar with Karma.
There were other changes as well, but the biggest one was my stepping down as CEO.
Well, it was only natural, since I had declined the position of Secretary-General in an international organization that had grown out of a private company.
So, the new position I got was…
WDSO Korea Planning Headquarters.
Team Leader of Cleaning Team 3.
‘Shit…’
I was back.
I, who had started as a mere cleaner, acquired the Korean Association, and grew Karma Corporation into a global subjugation company, was back in the cleaning team.
I wondered what this was all about, but…
‘If you’re not going to be at the forefront as a leader, it’s better to step back and hide your presence.’
Park In-beom, the Secretary-General who had demoted me from CEO back to cleaner in one fell swoop, said that to my face.
At first, I couldn’t understand what he meant, but it didn’t take long to realize what it meant.
From now on, we have to fight against the international association.
The more we do that, the more fiercely the international association will try to control us.
And the Secretary-General is the one who must lead us at the forefront of that fight, and also be trusted by all countries, including Korea.
He must be someone everyone can trust and follow in order to lead the associations of so many countries without any problems.
But I had already been in that role for nearly two years.
In the process, I had built up quite a few achievements and formed many relationships of trust.
So, if I, who am not the Secretary-General, were to work with Secretary-General Park In-beom in an ambiguous position, his influence would naturally decrease, and…
‘The command system would be a mess.’
That’s why it’s better to step back if you’re not going to be at the forefront.
Once I understood that, I asked Secretary-General Park In-beom what I should do, and he replied:
‘A cleaner should clean, what else?’
I was horrified by his firm answer and asked him if I really only had to clean.
‘Didn’t you do more than just clean when you were a cleaner before? Just do what you used to do.’
He gave me a vague answer.
Well, if I had to interpret that… it means that the position is just a formality, so don’t worry about it and just do what you want.
‘Is he taking revenge for pushing him out of the association president’s seat?’
Anyway, the old man is so petty.
I leaned back in my chair and sighed.
As a result, I refused the position of Secretary-General.
And instead, I recommended former President Park In-beom.
The reason was that we needed someone with experience and wisdom, but in reality, it was half just an excuse.
I just needed someone to replace me because I couldn’t go back like this.
It wasn’t as if I hadn’t met my death at the hands of the international association in my previous life.
But to go back this time, leaving them to run rampant as they please, was something my pride wouldn’t allow.
‘Well… it would be a shame to make such a big deal out of it and then run away on my own.’
I muttered to myself and licked my lips.
Now that the organization has been reorganized, the future is really important.
In fact, the other half of the reason I recommended Secretary-General Park In-beom was genuine.
Before, the fight with the international association was just an invisible battle of wits and small conflicts to expand each other’s power and influence.
And that was my specialty.
But now the situation has completely changed.
With the meaning of rules and treaties gone, the world is in chaos and confusion.
To survive in this situation, you need someone who has experienced and survived real chaos.
And there is no one better than Secretary-General Park In-beom.
50 years ago, he roamed the dungeons with just a few packs of ramen, in an era when living was a blessing and dying was the end.
And the situation is no different now.
A situation where you can be robbed and lose everything in an instant.
From now on, every action will be dangerous.
The experience of an old general who has gone through the wilderness was more crucial than ever.
As I was muttering to myself, suddenly—.
Bang—.
“……!”
The new head of Karma, Secretary-General Park In-beom, burst into my office.
I was momentarily flustered by the sudden visit, and he smirked.
“Why are you so surprised? Did you do something wrong?”
“Anyone would be surprised if you come in so suddenly. You should at least knock.”
“I’ve never knocked on anyone’s door in my life.”
“…….”
…That’s not something to be proud of.
“So, what brings you here?”
“Hmm.”
He groaned once, sat down in front of me, and opened his mouth.
“The international association has launched a coup. They’ve taken control of the French government and put the national system under their headquarters.”
“…….”
Of course, I had heard the news as well.
“As you know, the world has been split in two.”
“Divided into the forces of the international association and those who are not.”
“That’s right.”
He nodded with a very dark expression.
“The entire European Union, except for Italy, is practically under the international association. Well… they’ll probably expand their power even more in the future.”
“Now that they’ve swallowed one country, it won’t be difficult to do it again.”
“If they put pressure on them politically and economically, including the dungeons, they won’t be able to withstand it. Even if America and Asia are on our side now, we don’t know when they’ll turn against us.”
“That’s right.”
“Of course, we won’t last long if we focus on profitability.”
He said firmly.
“We are no longer a company. So, from now on, we must fulfill our duty as a subjugation organization.”
“So, we’re going back to the old association.”
“Yes. Well… it’s a bit of a shame for you, who has built it up so much.”
“Well, do we have a choice?”
I shrugged.
In fact, money wasn’t the goal from the beginning.
It would be foolish to worry about profits in this situation.
“So…”
Then, Secretary-General Park In-beom opened his mouth in a very serious voice.
“Can we really fight against them by destroying the Bank Items?”
“Yes.”
I answered immediately.
“The current power of the international association is based on Bank Items. That’s how they were able to get this far. Without them, they will lose control.”
“But you said we need Eden to destroy the Bank Items, right?”
“Yes. Well… it’s just a hypothesis.”
“So, how are you going to find Eden? You made such a fuss in America last time and still couldn’t find it.”
“Well…”
After a moment of hesitation.
“That’s what I’m going to do from now on.”
“……?”
“You told me to do what I always do.”
I smiled slightly, but Secretary-General Park In-beom’s reaction was somewhat lukewarm.
“I know what you mean… but the situation isn’t good for moving around freely yet. The national relations, the funds, and everything else.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about that.”
“Hmm?”
I continued.
“Haven’t you been creating debts here and there? Vietnam, Central Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, America, etc. They will help us.”
They are the most reliable people in the current situation.
They will support us no matter what happens.
Above all, even if funding is blocked, doesn’t the hub of the Vietnam branch exist?
It was the only way to attract funds other than subjugation profits.
Also, the personnel of the Hong Kong branch and the equipment of the Japanese branch.
Even the state-of-the-art detection system of the American branch.
As long as they are there, there will be no restrictions on my activities.
“Well, now that I hear it, that’s true…”
Soon, Secretary-General Park In-beom nodded once.
“Okay, then… let’s get to work.”
The first task as an international subjugation organization began.
***
Vietnam, Hanoi.
The current WDSO Vietnam branch.
“Everyone, grab your weapons and gather!!”
“It’s a level 1 emergency!!”
“Gather all the operation teams!”
An unexpected emergency occurred at the first overseas branch of the former Karma Corporation.
“The welcoming party is quite grand.”
None other than the head of the International Hunter and Dungeon Management Association.
Secretary-General Wesley had come to visit.
“What, is he alone?!”
“Don’t let your guard down!”
“Attack immediately if he moves!”
Soon, all the personnel of the branch were in attack posture, but Secretary-General Wesley just smiled.
“Is Branch Manager Huin inside? I’d like to have a word.”
He said, raising both hands as if he had no intention of fighting.
“Don’t talk nonsense!”
“You don’t think you’ll be safe after walking in here on your own two feet, do you?”
“Try to move even one step!”
However, the hunters of the Vietnam branch were already quite agitated.
They were ready to pour out an attack at any moment.
Secretary-General Wesley’s smile gradually disappeared at the sight.
The moment he put his hands down again.
“Everyone, put down your weapons and step back.”
Branch Manager Huin, who had appeared, hurriedly stopped the operation team.
“B, Branch Manager!”
“But this bastard…!”
“We can’t even touch him with a finger even if we all attack him. Don’t be reckless and step back.”
A firm order.
Everyone there, watching his unusual command, slowly put down their weapons.
Then, Secretary-General Wesley smiled with satisfaction.
“You’re smart.”
“…You flatter me.”
Branch Manager Huin glared at him and asked.
“So, what brings the leader of the global rebel forces all the way here?”
“Hahaha. I guess you don’t quite understand yet. Rebels are those who resist the government. And the government is those who have power. So, the rebel forces are not me, but you.”
“…….”
A tone and eyes that revealed confidence.
Even though he had jumped into the middle of enemy territory alone, his posture was unwavering.
Secretary-General Wesley shrugged and opened his mouth.
“Well, actually, I came here to make a proposal.”
“A proposal…?”
“Withdraw from Karma Corporation and join the international association.”
“Ha…!”
At that moment, Branch Manager Huin burst into laughter.
“I was wondering what kind of nonsense you were going to say…”
“Think carefully. I’m giving you a chance to join the power elite right now. With no conditions. You all know that it won’t last long anyway…”
“I don’t need it, so get out.”
Branch Manager Huin interrupted him and answered.
Then, Secretary-General Wesley shook his head and said.
“Are you going to keep your loyalty? It’s not something you should give up for something so trivial, is it?”
“You didn’t even give us a glance when we asked for help, and now you’re telling us to side with you?”
Soon, Branch Manager Huin glared at him as if he wanted to kill him.
“When we were risking our lives and barely surviving under the ghost association, it was CEO Kim Jun-woo who saved us. If you’re thinking of driving a wedge between us with your trivial talk of power, you’ve come to the wrong place.”
“…I see, the trust is strong.”
Secretary-General Wesley smiled at his firmness.
“I understand. Then I have no choice.”
“If you understand, get out right now…”
“Hello, Team Leader Chloe?”
Secretary-General Wesley took out his cell phone and gave instructions to someone.
“Block the appearance of dungeons in all areas of Vietnam.”
“……!”
Branch Manager Huin’s eyebrows twitched greatly.
But the disaster was not limited to that.
“Oh, and also, raise the tariffs on the distribution of by-products from neighboring countries by three times. If the by-products coming into Vietnam are cut off after that… let’s prepare to sell the hub immediately.”
“Wh, what does that mean…?”
Branch Manager Huin’s pupils shook wildly at Secretary-General Wesley’s instructions.
Blocking the appearance of dungeons.
Selling the hub.
There was no need to think about it.
If these two things actually happen, the Vietnam branch will…
No, Vietnam is finished.
“If you change your mind, please contact me again, Branch Manager Huin.”
Secretary-General Wesley said those words and turned his back.
Branch Manager Huin could only silently watch his back as he slowly walked away.
And he realized one thing.
That they had finally begun to move to isolate and destroy Karma Corporation.