Chapter 289.1: Did You Think It Would End Like This? (1)
Whoosh! Whoosh!
The Hellfire missiles disappeared into the building occupied by the enemies. A moment later, flames burst out from all of its windows.
Boom! Boom!
Ratatatat! Ratatat!
The enemies made intermittent attempts at resistance, but the machine gun tore through them until there were no traces left.
The Five Apache helicopters circling the building in the alley bombarded the area with missiles and machine-gun fire. Massive flames erupted with each explosion.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
The wind from the helicopter blades swept the rooftop debris into the corners.
Tch.
[Everyone, move to the rooftop!]
Seok Kang-Ho let out a robust curse.
The Apache helicopters expanded the range of their destruction, demolishing the nearby infrastructures. At the same time, a Black Hawk hovered above the building and dropped a rope to its rooftop.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
Braving the fierce wind of the helicopter blades, Kang Chan, dressed in a suit, descended onto the rooftop. Six Delta Force soldiers followed him, securing the corners of the rooftop as soon as they landed.
"Are you okay?" Kang Chan asked.
"Yes, sir," responded Cha Dong-Gyun.
A moment later, one of the soldiers on the first floor burst into the rooftop, carrying Seok Kang-Ho over his shoulder. Kwak Cheol-Ho and another soldier rushed to help, gently laying Seok Kang-Ho on the ground.
"Captain," Seok Kang-Ho called.
"You idiot—!"
Noticing Seok Kang-Ho's struggle to smile, Kang Chan abruptly stopped.
After ordering some of his men to head to the lower floors and bring their fallen to the rooftop, Cha Dong-Gyun turned to the ones still on the rooftop.
"Evacuate the injured! Hurry!"
Kang Chan approached the interpreter, who was holding up his right hand to show his injuries, and patted him on the head. Although he was crying and screaming over the loss of two of his fingers, he brimmed with pride as he looked at Kang Chan, seemingly having just received an award.
Kang Chan silently picked up the rifle beside the interpreter.
Click!
It was an odd sensation. Amid the deafening helicopter engines, the distinct sound of Kang Chan pulling the rifle's bolt was unmissable.
'Now, we're truly saved!' Kwak Cheol-Ho thought.
At Kang Chan's signal, a Delta Force soldier tied himself to a rope and fastened an injured person to him.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
As if being sucked up, he was then hoisted into the helicopter. When he descended again, he did the same thing to Seok Kang-Ho. Before they descended, Kang Chan and Seok Kang-Ho’s gazes met.
"Captain," said Seok Kang-Ho.
"Survive," Kang Chan ordered.
"Understood."
The mere movement of Seok Kang-Ho’s lips was enough to convey his intention.
Ratatatatatatata!
A distant Apache helicopter fired a white beam of light, preventing the enemies from shooting at them with their rifles and RPGs. It took a considerable amount of time to hoist the injured aboard. Ideally, the helicopter would lower its altitude a little further to make the process easier, but the current situation seemed to be making that difficult.
Once the interpreter, the last injured man on the battlefield, was hoisted up, the helicopter carrying all the wounded left with two Apaches. Another swiftly took its place to load up the deceased. It was a grim task, but there was a limit to how many could be carried, so the bodies had to be packed tightly.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
Afterward, the combat-ready soldiers and agents quickly boarded the remaining two Black Hawks. Being able to climb aboard by themselves saved them a lot of time.
"Go! Go!" Mark, the Delta Force commander, shouted.
In response, the helicopters turned and left, the fierce wind from their blades tousling hair and clothes.
This operation resulted in a devastating outcome. More than half of their men had been killed, and not a single one was unscathed. The blood-soaked bandages around Cha Dong-Gyun’s waist served as proof of that. Despite symbolizing their determination to punish their assailants and rescue their fellow combatants using any means necessary, the operation yielded nothing.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
The Apache helicopter adjusted its altitude to take the lead, leaving the Black Hawks trailing behind.
The capacity to dive into a hail of bullets and return fire was the result of repetitive training. After all, only those who had the skills and senses for it, in addition to the ability to effectively adapt, could do it. Without sufficient training, one would not survive in situations where they risked having their heads and bodies blown or torn apart.
Even if trained rookies, in their final moments of combat, pointed their guns at their own heads, the battles would still be referred to as operations. Hence, regardless of the outcome, commanders and subordinates alike always felt empty at the end of combat.
However, results like this didn’t just make them feel empty. It broke their morale. Witnessing a country like the United States effortlessly rescue them and achieve what they could not only made their disappointment more profound.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!
Cutting through the darkness, the helicopter landed at Tripoli Airport. By the time Kang Chan and the other able-bodied combatants arrived, the injured had already been moved to the US military's emergency center, and the Delta Force soldiers were already bringing out the deceased agents and soldiers.
As Kang Chan hopped off the helicopter, Kevin quickly approached him.
"We should hurry! Your men will be moved to the emergency center! Mr. Kang, please follow Kevin!" shouted the interpreter over the helicopter noise.
Amid the chaotic runway, Kang Chan locked eyes with Cha Dong-Gyun.
"Go to the emergency center! Stay with our men!" he ordered.
Cha Dong-Gyun saluted him in response.
Kevin led Kang Chan and the interpreter to a private plane. As if in an emergency, the plane took off as soon as they boarded and the door closed.
The plane had tables with grandiose chairs in sets of four. Kevin and the interpreter sat opposite Kang Chan.
Kang Chan felt troubled for not being able to stay with his men until they were out of harm’s reach. He also regretted not being able to transfuse blood to Seok Kang-Ho. However, due to the United States' questionable intentions, he couldn’t just recklessly let the medics get a supply of his blood.
"Where are we headed?" asked Kang Chan.
"Athens Airport, Greece," answered the interpreter.
These tedious bastards. Does the concept of national borders and immigration offices even exist to them?
It wasn't like he was one to talk, though, since he was traveling with them too.
"Would you like some tea? Or wine?" offered the interpreter.
"If it's alright, I'd like to take a nap instead. Wake me up when we arrive," answered Kang Chan.
"Understood."
Kang Chan reclined his seat and closed his eyes. He fell asleep not long after.
He woke up from his deep sleep when the airplane jolted.
Drrrrrrrrrr!
After a rough landing, the plane slowed down. He couldn’t determine whether the sunlight entering through the window was from daybreak or sunset, but if he had to bet, he’d say it was the former.
When the plane stopped, the door opened almost immediately. They descended the stairs, finding agents in black suits and sunglasses guarding a black limousine.
Click.
One of the agents opened the door, revealing seats arranged to face each other. Kevin and the interpreter, wearing clothes and sunglasses that matched the car, sat opposite Kang Chan again.
What a lack of creativity.
The car’s engine gently started.
On their way to their destination, Kang Chan turned his gaze to the roadside, finding energetic tourists and those waiting for them. The sight made him realize that he was right—it was early in the morning.
After about twenty minutes on the road, the car entered the underground parking of a building with a large signage that said 'Central Hotel.’ Together with the agents, they took the elevator to the 7th floor.
Click.
'That must be Sherman,' thought Kang Chan.
As the agent opened the door, a Western man in a tieless gray suit walked over from between the men in black suits.
"Mr. Kang? I'm Sherman," he greeted.
"Kang Chan."
Although Kang Chan was fluent in French, he introduced himself simply as 'Kang Chan,' not 'Monsieur Kang'.
"Let’s have a seat, shall we? Would you like to have some breakfast?” asked Sherman.
"Sure."
The hotel room offered a spectacular view of Athens.
Two agents put large plates, juice, milk, and coffee in front of Kang Chan and Sherman.
"Please, help yourself."
They set bacon, fried eggs, toast, butter, and jam on the table.
"Thank you for your help," answered Kang Chan.
"It was better than dancing the buttocks dance," Sherman said, then laughed at his own joke.
Kang Chan was reminded of a supporting character blurting out unintelligible lines. However, Sherman took it a step further, uttering even more bewildering statements and laughing about them.
"Hmm, I sincerely apologize for the slight mishap Brandon had caused," said Sherman.
"Mishap?" Kang Chan asked. With his fork, he put a piece of fried egg into his mouth.
"The broadcast in Afghanistan. Just as you forgave Ethan yesterday, we hope you will forgive us as well."
Ethan, that sly fox!
"Brandon is no longer of this world," Sherman said out of nowhere. Catching Kang Chan’s gaze, he then quickly added, "We want to maintain good relations with Korea and, through this opportunity, express our desire to collaborate on the development of the next generation of energy."
"I don't have the authority to decide on this matter for the government," Kang Chan answered.
Sherman’s lips downturned.
"However, as a gesture of appreciation, I will do my best to cooperate with you on issues where I can.”
Click.
Kang Chan put down his fork and knife, having already finished his meal.
"That would suffice for now. All I want is to forget the Afghanistan incident and create a friendly relationship between our countries," Sherman said.
Kang Chan sipped on his coffee as he listened.
A friendly relationship? What harm could there be in that? If relationships are lacking, we can simply make more, can’t we?
"Sherman, I have a favor to ask."
"It doesn’t involve attacking another country, does it?" Sherman joked.
"I believe this whole energy issue should be decided by our government, Ambassador Lanok, and the heads of intelligence bureaus," Kang Chan said.
With a stiff expression, Sherman focused on Kang Chan’s words.
Kang Chan continued. "If there's something you want regarding this matter, it would be better to discuss it with our government than with me. I intend to focus on finding those who ordered and commanded the attack on our men yesterday,"
"What do you plan to do once you find out?" Sherman asked.
"What else is there for me to do but kill them all?" Kang Chan replied.
"Hmm."
A soft sigh escaped Sherman. At that moment, Kang Chan realized that while Lanok hid his thoughts behind an unchanging face, making it seem as if he was wearing a mask, Sherman hid his thoughts by frequently changing expressions.
"The DGSE should be able to get you that information, shouldn't they?"
"That they should," answered Kang Chan.
Even now, he had trouble determining whether Sherman was genuinely curious or just pretending to be.
"However, if you happen to figure it out first, I would like you to inform me, director."
"Why would you want that?" asked Sherman.
"As you know, many agents from the DGSE were also sacrificed in this incident. Hence, we hope to find a solution elsewhere," Kang Chan said.
Sherman chuckled, seemingly amused. "Are you asking me that with full awareness of the symbolic authority you hold, Mr. Kang?"
"Not really."
"I see. May I ask you for a favor in return, then?"
"If it is within my ability, then I’ll accept it.”
"What would you do if I asked for exclusive rights to distribute the denadite coming from Mongolia? Of course, Korea would retain its production rights," Sherman posed.
Kang Chan looked straight at Sherman. After a moment of silence, he said, "As I’m sure you’re already aware, accepting that request would put our government, Ambassador Lanok, and the heads of intelligence in a difficult position. However, I’d consider it under one condition."
Sherman's eyes slightly wavered.
“I want all of the United States’ demands regarding the next-generation energy project to stop."
Sherman exhaled softly. "Hmm."
***
Hwang Ki-Hyun tried his best to suppress his thoughts as he listened to the interpreter. It was well past midnight, yet the urgency of the situation gave him no choice but to rush over. Fortunately, it proved to be worth the effort.
Lanok staying in Korea made sense, but the same couldn’t be said for Vasili, Yang Bum, Ethan, and Romain. World-renowned intelligence bureau directors, whom people desperately begged for a meeting with despite not having any guarantee of success, had just summoned him for a sit. The National Intelligence Service unfortunately was completely unaware of such a gathering, but it seemed wise to put that regret aside for now.
"The South Korean agents and soldiers are currently in Greece. The United States will be handling their transportation, so you should rest easy," Lanok explained with a gentle expression.
Even though they were just sitting together, witnessing him scrutinize every move of the United States still instilled fear and envy.
Lanok continued, "We would like your government to appoint a leader for the Eurasian Rail and next-gen energy development. Of course, Mr. Kang will be those projects’ actual leader, but we believe a nominal head is necessary. We hope you will give serious consideration to this matter.”
"Our government has limited information regarding the next-generation energy plan. Although we have received various proposals, we know nothing beyond the production of electrical energy using Blackheads and two other minerals. Is there a way to get detailed information about this?" Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.
Apart from exchanging greetings, he had mostly just been listening. This was essentially his first time speaking up.
"We will begin by sending you the guidelines that the Korean government needs to follow. Once they have been implemented, France and the UK will send over a research team, and South Korea can insert its own researchers to transfer almost all of the technology over," Lanok responded.
"Are you referring to experts in electrical energy?" Hwang Ki-Hyun inquired.
Lanok turned his head with a dreadful expression. Ethan looked like he was scoffing.
"The Korean government is currently unaware of denadite as well. Regrettably, the previous administrations have been cautious of the eyes of major corporations producing petroleum compounds, making this an unavoidable situation," Lanok explained.
Hwang Ki-Hyun let out a soft sigh.
"Denadite, after the extraction of sulfurous soda, becomes milabanite. Another extraction results in glabanite," Lanok said.
Surely, they didn’t convene this meeting just to give a chemistry lesson.
"As a simple courtesy, if South Korea could prepare about thirty STEM researchers, our French and British researchers will proceed with the study with them. Once their training is complete, we will introduce a second wave of researchers," Lanok elaborated.
"How many researchers will be needed in total?" Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.
"Let's see," Lanok glanced at Ethan before gazing back to Hwang Ki-Hyun. "Perhaps a hundred or so?"
"Understood," replied Hwang Ki-Hyun, concern evident in his tone.
"No need to rush. As I mentioned earlier, once you have appointed a leader, we will provide the related materials and guidelines. Following them should ensure a smooth process," Lanok reassured.
Unlike Yang Bum and Romain, who were just silently listening to the conversation, Lanok kept talking to Hwang Ki-Hyun with a friendly tone.
"In addition, if you ever need special assistance from the four countries present here, as well as Germany and Switzerland, feel free to send in a request through Mr. Kang," Lanok concluded. He then lifted his teacup, signaling that he had said everything he needed to convey.
DGSE Director-General Romain, who had not spoken a word, carefully observed Lanok's action. After all, a mere command from him could mean that Hwang Ki-Hyun would be found dead the next day.
'Should I take my leave now or should I stay a bit longer even if it risked being asked to leave?' Hwang Ki-Hyun wondered.
Being in such a gathering for the first time, Hwang Ki-Hyun could only try to gauge what to do next.
Click.
Lanok put down his teacup, turning with a cold, sharp, and unreadable gaze.
"Director Hwang," called Vasili. The interpreter quickly relayed his French words in Korean. "Mr. Kang won't have much time to spend in Korea for a while."
"However, our protagonist is quite worried..."
'Protagonist?'
Hwang Ki-Hyun's questioning gaze prompted the interpreter to nod affirmatively.
"We plan to dispatch two agents from each of our four countries, totaling eight people. For them, we will need office space and accommodations. We will also need an equal number of reliable Korean agents," Vasili elaborated.
"Can you tell me exactly what they will be doing?" Hwang Ki-Hyun asked.
Vasili grimaced as he replied, "We intend to teach them how to use the satellite that we will be transferring to Korea and how to utilize the information that our intelligence bureaus will share."
As Hwang Ki-Hyun looked at him with a blank expression, he added, "We are certain that the UIS will target Korea. If things go south, and Mr. Kang decides to kill them all, it would be difficult for us to handle the aftermath."
They’re transferring a satellite... Wait! Did he just say ‘satellite’?!
"Rather than bolstering the National Intelligence Service, think of it as empowering Mr. Kang," Vasili explained.
Hwang Ki-Hyun couldn’t quite understand. However, he deeply felt the immense power that Kang Chan, whom Moon Jae-Hyun had so passionately vouched for, wielded.
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