The Wise Cleaning Life Of A Returning Genius Hunter [EN]: Chapter 352

351. After Story 8

A detention center in Seoul.

I met Choi Jang-seok there, who was awaiting trial, and explained my plans for the future.

Then.

Thump!

He shot up, causing the chair to fall over with a loud noise.

“W-What did you say…?”

Choi Jang-seok’s voice trembled.

I slowly repeated myself.

“There’s a way to save Choi Mi-rae.”

“W-What does that… How? The doctor said it was impossible even with healing skills…”

“Healing skills are only a temporary fix, not a fundamental cure. Medically, it’s impossible, of course. But if we utilize Choi Mi-rae’s ability, it’s entirely possible.”

“……”

His expression became complicated.

He looked completely lost, unsure how to process the sudden news or what to say.

Understanding his feelings, I spoke first.

“It’s difficult to explain in detail here, but roughly, we plan to interfere with other skills through the Berserk state [a state of heightened power and aggression].”

“Other skills…?”

“Skills that can self-heal. Skills that revert the body to its previous state, skills that restore the body in real-time, etc. We’ll try everything possible.”

He hesitated to answer.

Well, it’s only natural since he’s a layman and wouldn’t understand even if I explained it.

“Just know the gist for now. I’ll send you the details in writing.”

I added, but Choi Jang-seok asked as if he didn’t care about any of that.

“Is Mi-rae… is she okay?”

“What do you mean by ‘okay’?”

“If Mi-rae has to suffer more because of a slim chance… I don’t want that.”

I crossed my arms and nodded.

“Well, I don’t know what kind of impact Mi-rae will receive. We’ve done enough research, but the clinical trial is a first for us.”

“…What? What?! A first?! Does that mean you’re going to use Mi-rae as a guinea pig?!”

“We use the word ‘experiment’ when we can’t predict the outcome at all.”

I leaned forward and met his eyes.

“Of course, I can’t guarantee 100%. However, internally, we expect a minimum of 75%… and a maximum of over 88% success rate.”

“Then the remaining 12 percent…”

“Is a variable.”

I answered immediately.

“No… it’s more accurate to say it’s Mi-rae’s will. Enduring the Berserk state depends entirely on the caster’s strong mental fortitude.”

“……”

“Of course, I’m not here to notify you. I’m here to ask for your opinion and get your consent.”

I handed him a thick stack of documents.

It contained everything needed, including consent forms for using personal information and skill interference.

“Read it carefully, and if you agree with the contents, we’ll proceed immediately. Of course, you don’t have to agree. It’s entirely Choi Jang-seok’s choice.”

“……”

He remained silent, staring at the documents.

And then…

“What… what can I do?”

He asked an incomprehensible question.

“To go this far, there must be something you want from me…”

“Don’t misunderstand. What could I possibly gain from Choi Jang-seok?”

“T-Then why…?”

“We’re preparing a new project in line with this. Mi-rae’s case is the first step.”

“Explain it in a way I can understand.”

I sighed softly.

I didn’t know where to begin.

I couldn’t even predict what problems would arise if I revealed the details of the project to an outsider.

Above all, Lee Ah-young wouldn’t let it slide if she found out.

But…

‘Tsk, I don’t know either…’

Yeah.

At least this man should know.

“WDSO’s [World Defense Special Operations] ultimate goal is to free the world from the Otherworld phenomenon that has persisted for 50 years.”

Choi Jang-seok blinked at the sudden statement.

I continued without paying him any mind.

“Of course, there are still many difficulties. Some countries will face national bankruptcy if the subjugation industry disappears immediately. It may take at least 5 years… or even longer. But that’s not the problem. We can wait patiently and prepare thoroughly.”

“But?”

“However, the public’s perception is a bit different.”

I lightly folded my hands.

“Citizens are always anxious. They think that we, who possess Bank Items [powerful, rare artifacts], could suddenly change like the old International Association.”

“So, the reason why civic groups and non-profit organizations keep protesting these days is…?”

“That’s right. In fact, it’s not just the citizens, but other countries as well. They also think that we can exert diplomatic pressure at any time under the pretext of the subjugation industry.”

I took a deep breath, feeling frustrated.

“In this state, there’s no guarantee that we can wait for liberation without any problems. If the anxiety continues, opposition forces will form, and the country will try to establish another organization to keep us in check.”

“……”

“If the international community is divided again… this phenomenon will never end.”

I finished speaking and looked at Choi Jang-seok.

He listened silently, then glanced at me once.

“So, you’re saying… that in the end, WDSO needs to gain the trust of the international community and the public to end this phenomenon?”

“Yes.”

“And the new project you mentioned is the way to do that?”

“That’s right. As I said, the project aims to solve diseases that are difficult to overcome with modern medicine through supernatural abilities.”

“……”

“And Choi Jang-seok’s daughter, Choi Mi-rae, has been selected as the first subject of this project.”

“…I see.”

He nodded slowly.

And then.

“…Thank you. Sincerely.”

He lowered his head deeply towards me.

“No need to thank me. Officially, I’m not helping Choi Jang-seok. As you know, Choi Jang-seok has nothing to do with our project. So, just focus on paying for your sins now.”

“Of course! That’s nothing. I can do it for a lifetime.”

“…That’s a bit difficult.”

I chuckled.

“Mi-rae needs someone to congratulate her when she gets a job in the operations team.”

“……”

Choi Jang-seok also smiled faintly, following my lead.

“Then, I’ll be going now. Have a good trial… well, there won’t be good results, but I hope you’re doing well.”

With those words, I got up from my seat.

Just as I was about to leave the visitation room.

“By the way, that project.”

Choi Jang-seok opened his mouth again, speaking to my back.

“What’s the name?”

“……”

Instead of answering, I smiled and left the detention center.

***

“WDSO Korea Association and Hanbyul Group have joined hands once again.”

Entrance of Giseok University Hospital.

“Their supernatural medical project, introduced through the Hanbyul Group’s Gold Foundation, aims to help treat rare and difficult-to-overcome diseases, and many are looking forward to it.”

“Giseok University Hospital, where Choi Mi-rae, the first subject selected, is hospitalized, is currently crowded with numerous reporters, citizens, and medical personnel to observe the surgery process.”

“In addition, it is known that President Jo Hyun-min, WDSO Secretary-General Kim Jun-woo, and Korea Association President Lee Ah-young, as well as top officials from various fields, have all attended.”

“The surgery is scheduled to begin in 30 minutes.”

“We will deliver new news as soon as it comes in.”

Dozens of reporters were eagerly reporting this hot issue in front of their respective cameras.

“Ugh……”

Thanks to that, I was exhausted from breaking through the countless microphones.

Only after postponing all interview requests until after the surgery, was I barely able to enter the hospital.

As I went inside, those who had arrived earlier greeted me.

The list included…

“You always surprise me. I didn’t hear about you preparing such a project.”

“I thought it would be better to keep it a secret until it was fully prepared.”

“Haha, that’s a wise decision.”

President Jo Hyun-min.

“Anyway, I knew it from before. You’re the best in the world at making things happen. Hehehe.”

“It’s been a while. Are you healthy?”

“Of course.”

Honorary Chairman Ha Deok-soo of Hanbyul Group.

And.

“Secretary-General! You’ve arrived.”

“You came early.”

“I came four hours ago. I didn’t have the confidence to break through that crowd.”

It was Chairman Ha Seong-il of Hanbyul Group.

“I never imagined it would be a project like this.”

“Well, it won’t make money, but it’s not bad considering the company’s image.”

“I would have done it even if it wasn’t for that. My grandfather wouldn’t have let me refuse.”

“Hahaha. Your personality is still the same.”

As I said that and looked at Honorary Chairman Ha Deok-soo, he burst into laughter.

While I was talking to the dignitaries who had gathered to watch the surgery one by one.

“You’ve arrived.”

A familiar voice was heard.

At the same time, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Thanks for inviting me, but… is this a place I can come to?”

“Well, why not? You’re the Association President’s closest aide.”

“Ha!”

President Lee Ah-young’s father.

Former Director Lee Doo-shik.

Of course, I had many private meetings with him in the past year, but it felt awkward to see him like this.

Director Lee Doo-shik seemed to feel the same way, and we were standing there awkwardly.

“Are you here?”

President Lee Ah-young appeared just in time.

“You managed to get in. I thought it would take an hour at the entrance.”

“I had a hard time breaking through. There are so many people.”

“Who told you to make it as big as possible?”

“That’s how you can attract attention.”

As I said that, President Lee Ah-young grinned.

“It’s not to divert attention from Choi Jang-seok, is it?”

“Well… it’s both.”

I smiled back at her.

And then.

“Stop flirting and come quickly, we’re about to start.”

Director Chloe approached us with a very uncomfortable expression.

“Ahem, how is the preparation going?”

“The Ability Stone Amplifier has been installed, and we’re currently checking the wavelength adjuster…”

“Just tell me if it’s going well or not.”

“Why did you ask if you wouldn’t understand even if I told you?”

“……”

I have to be patient.

There are many eyes watching.

“Well, all the medical staff and technicians have finished preparing for the briefing, so listen to the details in the conference room. There are only 10 minutes left until the surgery starts, so we need to proceed as quickly as possible.”

“I understand.”

Lee Ah-young and I followed Chloe in a hurry.

Soon, we arrived at the conference room.

There, the medical staff and support team technicians, who had been simulating until just before the surgery, were in their seats.

A tense atmosphere.

But in that place where everyone had gathered sincerely, I looked at them and said one word first.

“Please take good care of us.”

A project to overcome incurable and intractable diseases using Bank Items.

It was the moment of taking the first step in the Mirae Dream Medical Project.

***

“Me?”

WDSO Headquarters, Secretary-General’s Office.

Secretary Shin Soo-ji delivered a rather unexpected story.

“Yes.”

“Right now?”

“Yes. Section Chief Min Hee-sook specifically asked for it…”

“Why, why suddenly…? No, more than that, am I allowed to go? Strictly speaking, I’m not even affiliated with the Korean Association.”

“Of course.”

Secretary Shin Soo-ji answered immediately as if there was no need to say it twice.

A reaction that was bound to be embarrassing.

Unable to understand her intentions, I raised another objection.

“Putting everything else aside, is my schedule clear? Isn’t there a headquarters meeting this afternoon to prepare for the International Subjugation Conference?”

“Ah… that’s been postponed.”

“……?”

What was that supposed to mean?

“Who postponed it? I have the authority to convene the meeting.”

“……”

I asked as if I was pressing her, but for some reason, Secretary Shin Soo-ji kept her mouth shut.

And then…

“Anyway, there are no special schedules today.”

“……”

She stubbornly spat out only what she wanted to say.

“…Well, I understand.”

The sudden situation was very unsettling for me, but what could I do if she came out like that?

In the end, unable to resist her request, I got up from my seat.

I left the office and immediately moved to the operations headquarters.

When I arrived at the place, as expected, many people were gathered.

Everyone had tense expressions.

I left them behind and entered the office first.

“Ah, you’ve arrived.”

“Please sit here.”

Section Chief Min Hee-sook and other department officials were in their seats.

And in the middle…

“You’re right on time. I was wondering if we should start first.”

“Why are you here again?”

President Lee Ah-young was sitting there.

At the sight of the very embarrassing scene, I involuntarily spoke informally.

Then, President Lee Ah-young glared at me and said.

“I don’t know either. I was suddenly called out.”

“……”

To call not only the Association President but also the Secretary-General?

Just how important was this place?

Those questions continued to linger, but I couldn’t just go back.

I sat down with a sullen expression.

At the same time, Section Chief Min Hee-sook next to me gestured to the employee in front.

“Then let’s start. Please call the applicants.”

“Yes.”

Soon, the employee went out of the office.

“Applicants number 1 to 3, the interview will begin.”

With those words, three people entered the interview room.

The moment the applicants sat down in order.

“……”

“……”

Lee Ah-young and I froze and lost our words.

Section Chief Min Hee-sook glanced at us.

“Please introduce yourselves briefly in order.”

She said to the applicants with a smile on her face.

“Hello. I’m applying for the first half of the year’s recruitment for the Seoul Headquarters Operations Team…”

The moment she opened her mouth, a feeling I had never felt before arose from deep within.