(AN: Second chapter of the day because I owe you for last week that some were missing :3 I hope you enjoy it)
(For those who haven't realized yet, 'Gold Door' is a company that exists within the webtoon Manager Kim)
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"It seems we're not the only ones who managed to capture some of those beasts that arrived in our world"
"Supernatural beast traffickers?" – Robert didn't know how to react to this situation – "Are you kidding?"
"Do you think I have time for jokes?" – General Kim replied with a hint of mockery in his voice – "That message was sent to the phone of the 'Rostov Systems' owner to invite him to the auction, which is being organized by a Korean businessman. We don't know who it is yet, but we have some suspects."
"Sorry for insulting you, Your Highness" – Robert mocked General Kim's sarcastic response – "But this is… I mean, old man, this is complete bullshit."
"I know, you don't need to remind me" – the veteran soldier replied.
This was utter madness!
How the hell did someone find out about the existence of these beasts if the army had secretly poured all its resources into dealing with them?
Robert himself had participated in some of those missions to eliminate these creatures. Moreover, it was a mission that was supposed to have no leaks, especially not to a supposed civilian businessman.
'Wait a minute, could it be'
At that moment, Robert remembered something very important.
"Who is the seller? Is it someone known or have we finally found our ghost?"
"We believe it's another group" – the general replied – "A civilian one in particular."
Over the past week, Robert had been supporting various military units loyal to General Kim to clear some mountainous areas where reports of different types of beasts and monsters had been received with the objective of containment and/or elimination.
During this time, several sightings were reported, but something strange happened every time they reached the designated locations.
The supernatural beasts had either already been annihilated or had completely disappeared.
This didn't always happen, as there were times when Robert managed to kill several of those creatures. However, this occurred with reports farther away from the cities, and the reports near highly populated centers were the ones quickly eradicated.
This was very evident.
Someone, or something, was beating them to it and clearing those areas, eliminating all traces of supernatural presence.
At first, they weren't sure of this, but in the end, they realized after analyzing maps and topographies that the major Korean cities had never been touched by these beasts; they were only found in bordering and wooded areas.
Did these beasts fear a large number of humans? Robert didn't believe that.
Therefore, lacking any other evidence, the high command concluded that there was a "ghost," a name they assigned due to lack of a better term, which prevented large-scale attacks of these beasts within cities.
When Robert asked the system about this, he received no response.
For now, since they didn't know what they were dealing with or if there was indeed someone or something with that capability, they decided to remain vigilant for any eventuality.
"Damn, so now they're trafficking these things" - Robert spoke with a slightly annoyed tone.
"That's what we believe, but we don't have one hundred percent reliable confirmation. Intelligence channels only detected some encrypted communications mentioning 'supernatural beings' and 'born in Korea' to summon some millionaires with exotic tastes to come to Korea and participate in an auction. And not just foreigners, but some of the local millionaires linked to the mafias and gangs will also be invited. You know what that could mean, right?"
"The city would go to hell"
Robert didn't need much processing time for this information, as he could imagine what would happen if the gangs got hold of these beasts.
The most dangerous ones would be used as weapons for conflict!
Knowing the history of these gangs, he was sure some individuals with loose screws would do that.
This could turn the entire current society upside down. It would make the world focus its eyes on the Asian country, and in extreme cases, demand direct intervention.
And knowing how cowardly the current president was, there was a great possibility that he would surrender to avoid direct action on Korean sovereignty.
His perfect world for living comfortably would go to hell!
He wouldn't allow that, not while he was in this world!
"And who is the possible bidder?" Robert asked seriously.
"It is suspected that Uju Group is the company that will make that transaction, as old Cha Doo-Chul is very close to Director Lee. That conglomerate is one of the main sources of illicit income for the NIS"
"The old man from NIS? What does that old fox have to do with all this?" - Robert asked.
"Military intelligence believes that members of the Geomeun Yongdae of the NIS are the ones capturing the beasts and handing them over to old Doo-Chul to sell to the highest bidder. This allows the NIS to gain lucrative incomes that old Lee uses for his research. Additionally, it grants immunity to Doo-Chul to expand his company through fraudulent deals"
'Geomeun Yongdae' or Black Dragon, was the name assigned to the special unit that the National Intelligence Service used for its ultra-secret operations. However, it was known that this unit was composed of agents specially trained in scientific areas by the NIS.
And from what little was known of Director Lee's secrets, it seemed they were superhumans who had managed to break the human strength limit, achieving levels of strength beyond what was dreamt of.
When Robert learned about this unit, he was sure it could be exaggerations, or they held the term 'superhuman' in very high regard for special forces soldiers.
But now, after learning about beings similar to Park Jincheol running through the streets of Korea causing a stir, it was reasonable to assume that the government had some of these monsters within its ranks.
He even now knew that army units like 'Yureong Budae' (Ghost Squadron) and 'Baekdu' had soldiers of the same level or higher.
"Damn... humans put a price on everything that exists just for money, even on demons themselves" - Robert muttered with irony - "So, how are we going to prevent all of this?"
"What we will do will consist of several stages"
General Kim settled into his chair as he saw the interest in the young man's eyes:
"First, I initially thought you should be confined to the army barracks for at least a month to train rigorously with Park Jincheol and reach at least an acceptable level where you can move and defeat most current gangsters. However, after the surprising result and your strange 'transformation,' I now believe only a week will be necessary"
Robert grimaced at the thought of possibly spending a month locked in the barracks, fighting non-stop against the old man with glasses.
"Second, during the day, you will continue to act as usual, attending school and everything else, but at night, you will begin infiltrating various elite social spots in the city, making contacts, but focusing on locales associated with or belonging to 'Gold Door,' especially the four executives involved in the cryptocurrency business. The goal is for you to eliminate them all from the shadows within a week and take control of their business funds"
Robert sifted through the photographs, identifying the targets marked in a pyramid scheme based on the investment of a cryptocurrency called 'Coin Gold.' He saw their names, profiles, military backgrounds, and all the necessary information to carry out the mission.
"While you clean up that money, I will handle blocking and diverting information to an external agent, a foreign mafia that got involved and was responsible for that attack. This will give you a brief window of time to go after the head of 'Gold Door,' the man named Nam Woocheol"
"Do I also have to kill him?" - Robert asked.
"The question is poorly formulated, and the answer depends on your final ability," General Kim replied. "That guy is as strong as Park Jincheol, maybe even stronger. So, if you manage to surpass your trainer before facing Woocheol, then yes, you should kill him"
Robert no longer grimaced or showed any hesitation; he knew this was something he had to do. This would be a kind of self-imposed mission, pushing himself to train intensely against Park Jincheol and see if he could improve beyond what he had already achieved.
"Fourth, after you deal with 'Gold Door' and seize the cryptocurrencies, you will cash the money using foreign banks like 'BGL BNP Paribas' in Luxembourg or 'DBS Bank' in Singapore, with whom 'Rostov Systems' has worked closely. Once the money is laundered, you will use it in two ways: investing in a front company and buying shares in existing enterprises"
"Fifth, while you establish your covert company here, secretly evaluate the members of existing mafias and gangs and devise a plan to better manage them. You can bring them under your command if possible, subjugate them economically, or kill them if necessary. The latter, of course, in secret"
Robert took the papers containing information about the top-ranked companies in the country, which were involved in various industries. These companies were the economic symbols of South Korea, making the small nation one of the four Pacific Tigers.
"The company you will create and the shares you buy in other companies are entirely up to your judgment. I know you've hidden a lot of information from me. You're not just a genius student from another world who got lost; you're something more. I don't fully trust you, but you're my first and only option right now. However, I want to hear from you if you truly deserve it, if it's worth placing some trust in you, Robert Jovanovich"
Robert leaned back in his chair, observing the general with a thoughtful expression. A small smile formed on his face.
'Crafty old man... you're quite astute...'
He knew this moment was pivotal. Throughout their time in this room, as the general provided necessary information, he had subtly hinted that he had always distrusted Robert, always kept him at arm's length.
Robert knew it, and the general knew he knew. But now, it was becoming overtly clear.
For Robert, this was a moment where he needed to decide his course of action. If he wanted to carry out his plans, he needed to gain control of this country at least, before considering going elsewhere.
And to do that, he needed to execute a large-scale plan, just as General Kim was offering. Now, he was mentally debating whether to say something more to the old soldier to maintain a bit more of his trust, because that was what the general was indirectly asking for with all his insinuations.
The question was, what to say and what not to say.
The silence in the room was almost palpable. Finally, Robert leaned forward, resting his elbows on the metal table that separated them.
"General Kim" - he began, his voice calm but laden with intensity - "I understand your mistrust. After all, I'm not from this world, and I've kept many things secret. But there are reasons for that. Reasons that are not easy to explain or accept"
The general didn't blink, didn't flinch, keeping his gaze fixed on Robert - "Go on" - he ordered, his tone impassive.
This was the first time since encountering the brat that it seemed he was speaking the truth.
"The truth is, yes, there are things I haven't told you. My arrival in this world wasn't accidental, and what I experienced before coming here isn't something an ordinary civilian would experience. I have abilities and knowledge that have allowed me to survive and adapt, but they've also put me in extreme situations"
The general nodded slightly, showing he was still attentive to every word - "Go on"
"What you saw in my transformation, what you discovered in those documents, is just the tip of the iceberg. I've faced things that defy the logic and understanding of this world. But despite it all, I'm here to help. Not just because you order me to, but because I believe I can make a difference"
Robert paused, assessing the general's reaction - "I know trusting someone like me is a risk. I'm not asking you to trust me blindly but allow me to prove that I can handle this. I promise I'll explain things to you in the future"
General Kim remained silent for a moment, weighing Robert's words. Internally, he was smiling slightly; it was the first time in all this time that he had heard a bit of sincerity from this young man.
This, it seemed, was enough for him.
Finally, he nodded slowly.
"Very well, kid. I'll give you that chance. Don't disappoint me. Perhaps in the future, when I'm no longer in this place, you'll be sitting in this chair, or maybe even in the old Director Lee's chair"
"You're talking nonsense, old man. I'm not an officer to be there, nor am I a spy to be in the NIS. And don't talk as if you won't be around anymore, that's a big red flag. But now that you mention the old Director Lee and the NIS again, I think we'll have a big problem with these plans"
Robert had a valid reason for saying these words, as they had been overlooking a major factor that could ruin all their plans.
How the hell would he manage all this with the damn old man snooping around everything he did?
General Kim, seeing Robert's reaction, immediately knew what his concern could be.
"Don't worry, old Lee won't pose any inconvenience. I made a deal with him, he'll stop chasing after your hide for the time being. By the time the old man returns, if he does, you'll already be someone essential to this society, to this country. You'll help solve most of his problems by completing this mission as well"
General Kim's words surprised Robert, as he never expected the two great puppeteers of the country to strike a deal, let alone the old Director of the NIS agreeing to lay off him.
"Old man, you're scaring me," Robert murmured sarcastically. "What kind of deal did you make? I hope you're not asking me to give away some of my blood."
"Hahaha, no, it's not that. He just found something as interesting as you did, a place that will keep him busy for several months. I simply granted him the right to study it first. That's why I'm betting a lot on you, even sacrificing the lives of good soldiers to keep your secrets."
What the hell?
What place was he talking about?
What had the old fox discovered there that was so significant that he gave up trying to control it?
These questions circled in Robert's mind, but he didn't voice them as it wasn't the right time.
Knock, knock, knock
Suddenly, someone knocked on the door.
"Come in"
The door opened, and Park Jincheol entered.
"Oh, young Robert, I see you're awake now," the soldier with glasses spoke. "I hope the little explosion didn't cause you more trouble."
"Thankfully, it didn't cause him much trouble, as Robert was already awake and had come to this room to talk. However, the two guards who had been there weren't so lucky... They were very good soldiers."
Damn it... this old man...
Robert didn't need to hear more to understand what those words meant that the general said before Park Jincheol arrived.
To keep the secret of his transformation, General Kim had silenced them!
"They should be commended for their service. We shouldn't let those good men go without any reward" - Park Jincheol murmured - "Anyway, I'm here to take you to another place where we'll spend a week in intense training. There you'll meet the rest of my squad, with whom you'll also train. Are you ready?"
Robert gave one last look to General Kim and nodded silently, receiving a similar gesture.
There was nothing more to say; it was time to start this plan.
"I'm ready, let's go"
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Alright guys, here are the introductory chapters of this second volume.
Now begins the story of how Robert will gradually fulfill his missions, meet new characters, strengthen his relationships with some girls, and form new relationships with girls who will appear throughout the volume.
However, things won't be all rosy.
While Robert will have free rein to do his things thanks to General Kim's support and without interference from the NIS, things may get more complicated in the future. Director Lee is not someone who would let our MC act like this without consequences.
And to top it off, remember there's still a very large variable that hasn't come into play yet, and will come into contact with Robert in this volume.
Will Robert achieve all his goals and enjoy his life in Korea? You'll see in the following chapters.