Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant - Chapter 114
Chapter 114
Suho smiled.
However, despite his smile, his words were exceedingly sharp and chilly.
Kim Seung-hwan furrowed his brow.
“So, are you telling me to live my life watching out for the Hunter’s favor?”
“Everyone lives with a certain awareness of others. Who lives entirely unbothered by others’ perceptions? But for people like us, just meeting separately like this and forming alliances could easily become a major weakness for both of us. So, wouldn’t it be better if we simply lived honestly? Why else do you think we have a separation of powers in this country?”
“My goodness…”
His words flowed smoothly.
But he couldn’t argue against them.
That was the impression Kim Seung-hwan had of Suho.
Suho spoke.
“In any case, someone has to hold power. But that doesn’t mean I’m aiming to become the president. What I want is to be a sword that can keep both misguided leaders and errant Hunters in check. And it’s the same for you, Prosecutor. I never suggested you should aim to be the president. I simply want the prosecution to function as it should.”
Kim Seung-hwan closed his mouth.
After a long pause, he asked.
“So, is your goal to become the president of the Korean Hunter Association?”
“My goal is to bring an end to the gates. I have no interest in titles like the president of the Association.”
“But didn’t you say you wanted to become someone who could keep Hunters in check?”
“Does it necessarily have to be the role of president? If the Association itself just does its job well, then systemic control will come naturally. My goal is to make the Korean Hunter Association function that way.”
“…I understand. I understand what you’re trying to say and what you’re proposing to me.”
“Do you really understand?”
“Yes, you’re saying that since I’ve resisted until I’m nearly broken, I should learn to bend, and that if I want to catch a monster, I shouldn’t shy away from becoming a monster myself.”
“Close enough. I’m simply saying we should each uphold our professional integrity. Prosecutors should do the work of prosecutors, and Hunters should do the work of Hunters.”
“Understood.”
“Since we’re on the same page, shall we have a toast? Let’s celebrate with this.”
Suho raised his takeout cup, and Kim Seung-hwan chuckled as he lifted his coffee cup as well.
The moment they each took a sip of coffee,
Bzzzz—
Suho’s phone rang. After checking the caller, Suho smirked and spoke.
“Some people really have a nose for trouble; it’s amazing they can’t keep still.”
“Is it Pi Seongyeol?”
“Yes.”
Suho held up his phone to show the caller ID to Kim Seung-hwan before answering.
“Yes, Senior.”
– Where are you right now?
It was Pi Seongyeol’s voice on the other end of the line.
His tone was filled with tension.
It was likely due to the article Jo Jin-hwi had circulated.
Suho replied.
“I was resting at home.”
– What about Son Baek-geum?
“Well… when I went to apprehend him, he’d already left Korea.”
– He left Korea?
“From what I gathered, he left briefly on vacation. He’s supposed to return in a few days, so I was planning to be at the airport when he arrives. Since I don’t yet have any proper authority or qualification to forcibly bring him back, I wasn’t able to do more. My apologies.”
– …….
At Suho’s report, Pi Seongyeol was momentarily silent.
He seemed to be pondering.
Considering whether to rebuke him as he usually would with subordinates, or whether to hold back this time.
After a moment of silence, Pi Seongyeol asked.
– Did you check the news?
“Yes, I saw it.”
– What’s your opinion?
“I just plan to follow what you advise, Senior.”
– Following my advice…
He must be deep in thought.
A few hours had passed since the article was released.
Only a few hours, perhaps, but considering it concerned none other than the Sword God, Ahn Suho, public opinion had already been inflamed.
Ordinarily, Pi Seongyeol would’ve brushed it off lightly, but judging by his voice strained with restrained anger, it seemed he had already received a scolding from President Jang Kyunghwan of the Association.
‘Otherwise, there’s no way he’d be reacting like this.’
Pi Seongyeol said.
– I understand. Make sure you come to me as soon as he returns with the ledgers. Ignore the news for now.
“Yes, understood.”
As expected of Pi Seongyeol.
He never says “don’t worry.”
It’s a commitment to not make promises he can’t keep.
Once Suho ended the call, Kim Seung-hwan, who had been quietly listening, asked.
“Did he call because of the article?”
“That’s right.”
“What did he say?”
“He just told me to focus on the task I was assigned and ignore the news. Given he didn’t say not to worry, it seems he’s deeply concerned.”
“How intriguing.”
“What do you mean?”
“You only recently joined the Association, didn’t you? Yet, how do you know so much about Pi Seongyeol? It seems like you know him better than I do.”
“I guess I must really dislike Pi Seongyeol. You know, people say they pay more attention when they hate someone than when they like them. I’ve done a lot of studying; they say knowing the enemy is the way to victory. I hope that man never rises again.”
“What, are you planning to kill him or something?”
“No way. If that were my goal, I wouldn’t have come to see you, Prosecutor.”
“Then?”
“He should be dealt with as a Hunter deserves.”
“Cheong-ok?”
“Yes, sometimes living is more painful than dying.”
“That’s frightening. I’d better make sure never to get on your bad side, Hunter.”
“Making enemies is never a good idea. With that in mind, I’m giving this to you, Prosecutor.”
“What do you mean?”
“Here, take this.”
Suho handed over a copy of the bribery ledger he had obtained from Son Baek-geum, containing only the names from the prosecutor’s office.
“…What is this?”
“You know the Baekgeum faction in Gangnam, right?”
“The Baekgeum faction led by Son Baek-geum?”
“Yes, that group. Son used to run a drug business with a pharmacist Awakened named Kim Goong-won. Recently, Kim Goong-won was arrested and has been lying low. Oh, and for the record, I’m the one who caught him.”
“…And?”
“I was recruited as a special hire and am currently undergoing training, with the final part in the special division. I’ve finished the written exam, and now only the field evaluation remains. Pi Seongyeol said they would combine the evaluation with both the special investigation and criminal divisions, and asked me to bring back Son Baek-geum’s bribery ledger as part of the test.”
“What on earth….”
Kim Seung-hwan looked incredulous as Suho explained.
It was only natural.
No matter how revered Sword God Ahn Suho was, he was still in his probationary period. Asking him to retrieve a bribery ledger from one of the biggest gangsters in Gangnam?
‘They wouldn’t even ask a rookie prosecutor to do that… is this just how Hunters operate?’
Seeing Kim Seung-hwan’s skeptical expression, Suho continued.
“I’m a special case. Knowing Pi Seongyeol, he likely wants to test my abilities and get my hands a bit dirty. Anyway, Pi Seongyeol wants Son Baek-geum’s bribery ledger to hold those involved by their throats.”
Kim Seung-hwan glanced over the bribery ledger and frowned.
“…It’s all police officers and prosecutors?”
“Yes, which is why I’m giving it to you. I’d like you to handle the ones in law enforcement.”
“Is there anyone else?”
“The Korean Hunter Association remains. But I’ll handle that part.”
“Not everyone in the Association is Awakened, right? You’ll need my help there.”
At that, Suho smiled.
“That’s right. So, when the time comes, I’ll ask for your help with the Korean Hunter Association. But I’m not asking you to arrest everyone in there just yet.”
“Then what do you mean?”
“Pi Seongyeol’s request to retrieve the ledger is his attempt to plant his own people in law enforcement… but don’t you think it’d be best to use it all at once, at a critical moment? If this explodes, Son Baek-geum will get caught too, making this ledger a one-time bomb.”
Kim Seung-hwan nodded as he spoke.
“But you know, don’t you? Even if I have something like this, I can’t do anything alone. All the people listed here are from Gangnam Police Station and Seoul Prosecutor’s Office, but I’m based in Gyeonggi-do.”
“So, you need to build up your strength again and get back to Seoul.”
“Back to Seoul?”
“Or are you planning to stay in Gyeonggi-do? To catch a tiger, you have to go to its den. I’ll help pave the way for you to reach Seoul.”
“And how will you do that?”
“Handle a few big cases that will boost your track record, and you’ll be able to go to Seoul right away. Don’t worry about investigation data. Whether it’s guild representatives, corporate executives, or even dirty prosecutors here at Gyeonggi Prosecutor’s Office, I can get you the information you need.”
“….”
Kim Seung-hwan swallowed hard at Suho’s words.
He wondered if he had heard correctly.
“…Is that even possible? Not even the most talented private investigator could pull that off.”
“I can. I’m not some ordinary investigator. So, let’s just focus on our respective roles honestly. That would be the best for both of us, wouldn’t it?”
“…It’ll be a lonely battle.”
“Is it because you’ll have to turn your back on your colleagues?”
“Hunting down your own allies leaves you in an awkward position in any organization.”
“But you’re not one to worry about things like that, are you? And why would you be lonely? If the organization is cleaned up, it’ll only be people like you left in the prosecution.”
“You talk like it’s a dream. But I like that. Just as you said, dreams aren’t meant to be shattered; they’re meant to be chased. In that sense, may I ask you one question?”
“Feel free.”
“When the gates are closed, what do you plan to do then?”
“I’ll retire cleanly. Closing the gates is my ultimate goal.”
“Won’t you feel any regret?”
“There’s nothing to regret. My dream is to retire young. I want to retire before I’m forty. I don’t enjoy working much either.”
At those words, Kim Seung-hwan let out a small laugh.
“It seems we think alike. Understood.”
“Then send me the list of people you need information on. Current investigations are fine too. Of course, it’s illegal for internal documents to be leaked externally… but surely you won’t mind this much, right?”
“Yes, if we’re going to change things, it wouldn’t do to start with a broken system.”
“Good. Send the information to the contact number I gave you. I’ll review it and get to work. We’ll discuss the details when the time comes. I’ll head out first.”
With that, Suho waved and got into his car.
Suho’s car took off.
Left alone, Kim Seung-hwan watched Suho’s car disappear into the distance, then took out a cigarette and placed it in his mouth.
“My goodness….”
He thought he’d seen it all in life.
But this, this was something else.
Yet, he didn’t think it was entirely a bad thing.
Rather than doing nothing and wallowing in frustration, he felt that, in this way, he could continue the life of a prosecutor he’d always aspired to and dreamed of.
And so, Kim Seung-hwan resolved.
‘If you don’t want to be held back, you’d better live a truly clean life.’
Not just anyone, but he decided he would keep the closest, most vigilant eye on Suho.
Because that was the role he believed he needed to fulfill.