I’M A Max-Level Regressor [EN]: Chapter 152

Episode 152

“……”

Darkness is a powerful shield for an Awakened with the ‘Stealth’ ability.

It enhances their invisibility even further.

Jo Yun-hee, a member of Hong Mae-hwa and a close associate of Mok Jin-woo, had been hiding near the training room for a while.

Her purpose, of course, was to tail Shin-hwa, under Mok Jin-woo’s orders.

‘His team trusts him deeply. And they haven’t been a team for very long.’

Jo Yun-hee tilted her head, observing the team members’ unwavering faith in Shin-hwa.

Awakened individuals usually have high egos due to their pride in their abilities.

However, Choi Ji-hyuk, Han So-joon, and Yoon Byul-yi were all completely devoted to Shin-hwa.

Their eyes, actions, and conversations were filled with gratitude and trust towards Shin-hwa.

After saying goodbye to his colleagues, Shin-hwa took a swig of canned coffee and made a phone call.

“Ah, Ms. Bo-mi? Is now a good time to talk?”

‘Jin Bo-mi. An executive of Yanghwa Guild.’

Jo Yun-hee, who possessed most of the information about Shin-hwa, carefully eavesdropped on his call.

“About our date on March 20th, is it still on? You’re worried about the dungeon? Oh, it’s just an observation. I’m not the main participant.”

‘So it was just a bluff.’

According to Mok Jin-woo, Shin-hwa seemed to know something about the Hongyeon Guild’s movements.

However, his current conversation didn’t reveal any such hints.

“I’m just going to watch and lend a hand if needed. I’m not really aiming to clear the dungeon, but more to see the skills of the top Awakened.”

Shin-hwa’s words seemed to be driven purely by curiosity rather than preparing for any upcoming issues.

Jo Yun-hee continued to listen intently.

“Anyway, let’s grab a drink that evening. I have nothing else planned besides the dungeon guest appearance.”

“Oh, and about that dungeon license, is there anything you can do about it? KSA [Korean Special Ability Association] has been very cold since they rejected my scout offer last time.”

“Yeah, they’re really uncooperative. It feels like they’re emotionally penalizing me! Is that how a national institution should act? That’s why I was hoping you could handle it for me, Bo-mi.”

‘…His relationships seem to be a mess. At this point, he’s practically blacklisted by the KSA?’

Jo Yun-hee narrowed her eyes.

The call continued.

The content consisted of complaints about the KSA’s unfair treatment of Shin-hwa.

And also, a sticky conversation about an upcoming ‘secret date’ with Jin Bo-mi that would last until dawn.

‘Master seems to be suspecting Kang Shin-hwa more than necessary.’

Judging from the call, he’s not cooperating with the KSA, but rather in conflict with them.

Moreover, March 20th involves a dungeon visit followed by a secret date with Jin Bo-mi until the next morning.

There were too many loopholes in the actions of someone who had supposedly figured out the schemes of Hongyeon and Cheongyeon Guilds.

‘Well, there’s no way he could know our secrets. He’s just stirring up trouble and unsettling Master.’

A smile crept across her face.

The information gathering was complete.

The secretly recorded conversation was safely stored in her device.

“……”

Swoosh.

Soon, Jo Yun-hee disappeared silently into the dark alleyways.

It was the confident return of a stealth expert who had completed her mission.

* * *

At the same time.

‘There’s always someone above you, and someone watching the one above, huh?’

I made sure the unknown follower was far enough away before flashing a satisfied smile.

The identity of the dark shadow I could sense without seeing.

It was the result of the fantastic harmony created by my hearing and sense of smell, enhanced by Modification.

In my past life, I had been subjected to countless chases, tailing, spying, and secret investigations.

So even when I seem to be relaxing, my senses are always aware of my surroundings.

Even when I sleep, I scatter magic around me despite the security facilities; it’s become a routine.

In this situation, not being vigilant about my surroundings would mean exposing an unacceptable ‘gap’.

Of course, the follower wouldn’t know.

That I had figured out their identity and was putting on a designed act of deception.

“You only see what you know.”

I smirked and looked down at my smartphone.

The only call in my call history was to my old smartphone, which I had left at home.

Ah… So the person I was just talking to wasn’t Jin Bo-mi, but Sori Saem Quick Voice [a voice cloning/mimicking software or service].

Now, I need to make a real call.

I dialed immediately.

-Hello?

“Huh? Ms. Bo-mi, you answered before the signal even went through?”

-Ah? Ah, I was just looking at something. So I reflexively pressed the call button.

I was surprised.

Jin Bo-mi answered the moment I pressed the call button.

“I was wondering if we could meet in the secret room today, like we talked about last time. How about it?”

-Sure. Everyone is resting in their offices. They’ve all been waiting.

“I’ll head over right away. Let’s talk about the details when we meet.”

-Okay. I’ll be at the entrance.

“I’ll be there soon.”

After hanging up, I immediately jumped up and took my usual spot on the rooftop.

If you’re determined to run and jump, it’s the fastest way to get around the city, faster than any transportation.

The final puzzle in the plan to drive Mok Jin-woo and Shin Jung-ah into the depths of hell.

The time has come to wrap up the story with the Yanghwa Guild.

* * *

I arrived at the secret room and had a private conversation with the executives of the Yanghwa Guild.

As befitting the title of a special security facility, it was equipped with triple and quadruple defense systems.

Numerous results of uncommercialized research were lined up on one side.

These were probably items developed by the Yanghwa Research Institute, which belongs to the Yanghwa Group.

While I continued to explain the situation with the Hongyeon and Cheongyeon Guilds in detail.

The executives of the Yanghwa Guild, led by Jin Bo-mi, listened to my words without missing a beat.

Seo Ye-hee even wrote down the important points and added her own notes.

The reaction was completely different from when I spoke with Kim Jae-rim or Lee Ha-sung.

It was as if they had expected this to happen, and they were taking it too naturally.

After the detailed explanation was over.

Seo Ye-hee nodded and spoke first on behalf of the other executives.

“We actually expected it. We also have an internal intelligence network built at the guild level.”

“You all have considerable intelligence.”

“It’s true that our guild is lower in the rankings compared to others. But we are more prepared than anyone else.”

“Why didn’t you mention it separately even though you knew all along?”

“Because this kind of thing can’t be resolved if it’s revealed carelessly.”

“I see, I understand.”

In short, they knew but pretended not to know.

The plan that Mok Jin-woo and Shin Jung-ah are trying to carry out is, strictly speaking, close to a rebellion.

The only reason they can attempt such a dangerous thing is this.

If the plan succeeds and they seize power in the South Korean Awakened world, no one will be able to touch them anymore.

The public power, called the military police, is powerless in front of the Awakened.

Of course, there are Awakened special forces in the military police, but their treatment is poor, so their level is very low.

A failed rebellion is a revolt, but if it succeeds, it becomes a revolution. In other words, it can be packaged from the winner’s position.

If they occupy the main facilities and dungeons of the Hyehwa Guild, they will secure influence in most of the metropolitan area.

If the opportunists inside the KSA join forces, the internal structure of the KSA will also change.

The moment the Cheongyeon and Hongyeon Guilds are expected to prevail, they will turn their blades to Lee Ha-sung and Na Mi-na.

And if the KSA loses its ability to mediate.

The Hongyeon and Cheongyeon Guilds, which have succeeded in the plan, will naturally gain momentum.

“If you reveal this issue without confirmation, you’ll only create an irreconcilable enemy. It’s a conservative judgment.”

“I think it was the best decision. Anyway, that’s the current situation.”

“This situation seems pretty serious…”

Yoon Tae-ho, who was sitting next to me, scratched his head and looked very troubled.

Jung Hoon and Jin Bo-mi were the same, with their mouths tightly shut and lost in thought.

I continued to speak.

“I think the KSA should be active publicly, and the Yanghwa Guild should be active privately.”

I thought it would be a good idea to grow the Yanghwa Guild, which has been giving me full support and support.

Besides, if I remember correctly, Seo Ye-hee and Yoon Tae-ho will rise in rank while attacking the K-3711 dungeon soon.

They will rise from S+, S- to SS+, SS- respectively.

It’s not because of flowers or talent, but a blessed growth of the so-called ‘destined person’ that happens when the time comes.

Anyway, the executive’s growth is also scheduled, and if it’s the Yanghwa Guild….

Considering the internal infrastructure maintenance and training system, and the power of the Yanghwa Group, which is the parent company.

There was no more suitable force to fill the void left by the Hongyeon and Cheongyeon Guilds.

Above all, aren’t these people close to me, a ‘pro-Kang Shin-hwa’ force?

What if the South Korean Awakened order is reorganized around the Yanghwa Guild?

I will be able to receive generous support from within the country, attack the necessary dungeons, and monopolize the advantages that only returnees can enjoy.

It can be seen as a good arrangement that is a win-win for both me and the Yanghwa Guild.

But why don’t I try to be at the center myself? That’s the difference between me and Nicholas.

Nicholas wanted to solve everything himself.

From the beginning, he was the type of person who wanted to be a hero and secretly enjoyed the burden on his shoulders.

But I’m not.

What I want is.

‘The overflowing emerald sea and the relaxation of a cocktail brought by the cool sea breeze.’

Awake or asleep.

Past life or present life.

Always consistently retiring!

If I spread everything around me, I won’t be able to pull my feet out later even if I want to.

It’s better for the guild to take on the hard work if possible.

And Seo Ye-hee didn’t reveal it, but it’s also true that the Yanghwa Guild is interested in hegemony.

“First of all, let me tell you the conclusion. I will cooperate. If the KSA is involved, it must be a big deal.”

“It’s not just a big deal. However, early intervention can prevent large-scale bloodshed. All you have to do is catch the top executives and key forces.”

“However, there is one thing I would like to ask Shin-hwa. I’ve been wanting to ask you this for a while.”

“Anything.”

“How does Shin-hwa know things that others can never know in advance? This kind of information is high-level information that individuals can never obtain.”

As expected, to Seo Ye-hee’s question, which she had as expected.

“I can see the future that will happen to you. Very clearly!”

I shouted coolly.

It’s annoying to lie every time, so please understand now!