Chapter 122.
『Kim Shimun, the winner of the Platinum debut, attracting global attention』
『The most promising player since the Star Generation』
『American Dream, love calls from giant guilds around the world…』
News articles filling the phone screen.
The rigid man, standing at a towering 2 meters, furrowed his brows slightly and changed the screen.
『National Preliminary Round! Finally announcing its start!』
『Many famous players from Korea, including Sword Saint Kim Shihyuk, participating』
『Confident Public: ‘Our Country’s Advancement to the Finals is Still a Sure Thing’』
『Shocking statement by Sword Saint Kim Shihyuk! ‘Advancing to the main stage may be difficult this year’ Arena community controversy!!』
『Guk-A’s Song Jaekyung’s analysis, in full agreement with Sword Saint’s opinion, must secure seed rights in the special match』
『Increasing importance of the special match, but isn’t Korea’s Platinum national team the weakest in Asia?!』
Once again, without any movement like a statue, the man frowned at the continuously rising news articles.
“Tsk. It’s all news about the National Preliminary Round if it’s not about Kim Shimun.”
Due to his position, he meticulously checked the Arena-related news, but even for a man known as Golem, facing the same annoyances for the past 3 days was unbearable.
Even Choi Changwook couldn’t help feeling irritated. Especially when the person he had to meet right away was involved, his frustration grew.
“Sigh… It’s suffocating.”
Choi Changwook loosened his tie slightly, without a single strand out of place, feeling like he might break something if he didn’t do something. Perhaps these inner thoughts were visible.
“You seem quite suffocated. Odd, the weather is perfect now that it’s spring.”
As the door to the reception room opened, a man with distinct features walked in. Choi Changwook’s expression hardened even more at his sight.
“Hello, Kim Shimun-nim.”
Kim Shimun.
A presence that had shaken not only the country but also overseas and Association President Kim Muyeol in just a short two months. Even though Choi Changwook did not welcome him warmly, the hint of formality was clear.
“Calling me Kim Shimun-nim now? I suppose it’s an honor to receive a title from the Secretary-General.”
A slight smile played on Kim Shimun’s lips.
“You never even used to call me by my name. It’s truly an honor.”
Although it could be interpreted as sarcastic.
“…”
Despite Kim Shimun’s attitude, Choi Changwook remained silent. Simply maintaining a staunch silence like a statue. Seeing Choi Changwook’s unwavering demeanor, Kim Shimun shrugged his shoulders.
“Well, I said it to please your ears.”
With a clear stance of not engaging in unnecessary provocations. Kim Shimun sat in front of him without further provocation. Then.
Click.
The sound of the reception room’s door closing echoed. Choi Changwook’s eyes, reflexively, glanced at the spot where the noise came from.
“Orabeoni, should I bring you some tea?”
A natural approach from a gentle beauty. At Lee Yujeong’s question, Kim Shimun clapped his hands.
“Lee Yujeong, what are you doing? I can handle it myself.”
“No.”
As Kim Shimun rose to his feet.
Lee Yujeong gently touched his shoulder. With a coy smile, Lee Yujeong gently lowered her head.
“A guest has come from the Association, so we should offer this level of hospitality.”
A smile that seemed pleasant and kind to everyone. Choi Changwook’s poker face cracked as he looked at him.
“What a rare treat. I never imagined I’d end up drinking all the tea you offer.”
A hint of surprise mixed in his expression. Yet, there was a subtle thorn in his gaze and tone.
“Hehe, isn’t it?”
Not missing a beat, Lee Yujeong responded with an even brighter smile.
“After all, you are the Chief of Staff of ‘that association president’, right? I should treat you well to put my mind at ease.”
To put her mind at ease…
Choi Changwook quietly pondered Lee Yujeong’s words. Even the slight emphasis on ‘that association President’ he had previously brushed off.
‘So it’s been a while since I’ve been directly threatened like this.’
Choi Changwook couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh, sensing the undertone of threat in Lee Yujeong’s gesture.
Shimun then proceeded to say, “I’ll handle it, Lee Yujeong, you just sit there,” almost like he would to a younger sibling. Was it because she was like a younger sister to him?
It was amusing that Kim Shimun, who was acknowledged by Kim Muyeol— the man Choi Changwook served—didn’t notice this threat at all.
“Lee Yujeong, there’s no tea or tea bags here. You have to boil it yourself…”
“It’s okay, orabeoni. I’ve learned how to do it. Please, have a seat.”
As her slender hand conjured up an image of a fairy, it was amusing to Choi Changwook seeing Shimun’s inability to defy her grip on his shoulder, keeping him in place.
The rising star who had taken the nation and the world by storm in just three months couldn’t shake off her delicate hold with one hand?
But then, ‘Indeed, the iron maiden. Her power is still formidable.’
Having experienced that delicate grip before, Choi Changwook subtly tilted his head and said, “Then, I’ll have tea, please.”
“Sure. And you, orabeoni?”
“Um… uh, then… coffee! Yes, coffee, please!”
Quick to reply, he then looked towards Lee Yujeong all set with the teapot.
“Yes, I’ll prepare it right away.”
“No, no! Take your time with it…”
Pausing briefly as he hesitated, he sighed deeply, scratching the back of his head before glancing at Choi Changwook.
“So, why did the busy secretary come to visit?”
“I came because of the promise with the President.”
“I see.”
A promise with the President. Knowing well what it was, Kim Shimun nodded.
‘It seems my uncle has obtained information regarding Zhang Liqiu’s research.’
The transcript obtained from the assassination case of the Continental. Using it as leverage, he had asked his uncle, Association President Kim Muyeol, to investigate the Continental’s experiments on transforming civilians into monsters.
“Well…”
As Choi Changwook tried to continue speaking, he hesitated. Seeing his gaze drift past his own shoulder to Lee Yujeong, about to touch the teapot, Kim Shimun reassured him, “It’s okay, you can just go ahead and talk.”
Choi Changwook’s expression noticeably hardened.
“I know about the two of you, but are you sure everything’s okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Though the other side might be problematic. Although not said out loud, Choi Changwook felt an underlying warning in those words. Shortly after letting out a deep sigh, he seemed to suggest that he wouldn’t play along any longer.
“According to recent information, it seems that Zhang Liqiu’s research facility is located within our borders.”
He shed his usual tough mask and spoke with a softened expression.
“It is in our country?”
“Yes.”
“Where did you get this information from?”
“It’s from the Continental, not from our side.”
“Continental?”
Kim Shimun showed a reaction similar to that of the guild leader, Kim Muyeol.
“Could it be information from the Moderate Faction?”
Looking at Shimun, Choi Changwook nodded quietly and continued, “Yes. Since you, Shimun-nim, have maintained a somewhat friendly relationship with the Moderate faction from the Continent.”
The two factions of the Continent, the Moderate and Radical Factions. The Association President had recently been close to Zhang Liqiu, the leader of the Radical Faction.
Kim Muyeol, also used to be close even to the Continent’s ex-Guild Master, the leader of the Moderate Faction, was naturally acquainted with him.
It was natural. After all, his uncle, Kim Muyeol, was the Chairman of the Korean Association. From a diplomatic point of view, he should have had amicable relations across the board, regardless of factional divisions.
Kim Shimun, who was well aware of this fact, nodded his head.
“It’s very much like uncle.”
Although he was an enemy, he was indeed thorough in this field. Kim Shimun’s gaze deepened slightly.
“I haven’t heard the information from Seo Wiryong yet.”
It wasn’t difficult to deduce the reason.
“Seems like Seo Wiryong might not have access to this information yet.”
He had promised to support Kim Shimun in pushing the Moderate Faction, but that was just a few days ago. It would take some time for the promised financial support to kick in, and for Seo Wiryong to make the Moderate Faction aware of Kim Shimun’s role as a crucial link in the vast sponsorship network.
Until then, President Kim Muyeol, who had maintained some friendship with the leaders of the Moderate Faction from the past, had no choice but to extract information more effectively.
‘Anyway, it’s not a big deal. I’ll get the information eventually.’
Hadn’t Kim Shimun also requested information related to Zhang Liqiu’s experiments from his uncle Kim Muyeol?
So, it was only natural for Choi Changwook, his uncle’s close aide, to ask for information. After organizing his thoughts, Kim Shimun asked, “So, where exactly is it located?”
“The town is called Cheorwon in Gangwon Province.”
“Cheorwon?”
As soon as the word left his mouth, there was a clatter behind him.
Kim Shimun glanced nervously at the noise behind him and asked, “I heard there are no arenas or related facilities in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province.”
“That’s correct. We also checked separately just in case, but there were no registered facilities.”
“I see.”
So, they would have to search the entire Cheorwon in Gangwon Province. Kim Shimun sighed softly and lowered her head.
“If it’s an unregistered facility, then it must have been well hidden. Searching through everything is madness.”
Korea might not be a large country in terms of landmass, but searching an entire region wasn’t easy, especially if there was intentional concealment involved.
‘Oh, come to think of it.’
Kim Shimun’s eyes widened slightly as he got lost in his thoughts.
‘Weren’t there unusually few outbreaks in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, even in my past life?’
Since the start of the Regular Arena in South Korea, countless outbreaks had occurred due to numerous failed arenas, and he couldn’t remember all of them.
However, Cheorwon, Gangwon Province was known for having remarkably few outbreaks.
As a result, it was an area where survivors mainly resided along with Seoul and Incheon until the apocalypse.
“If that’s the case, there must be something there…”
There was nothing particularly discernible. Because Shimun had no memories of going there even in his past life.
‘When situations like this arise, it’s better to rely on influence rather than individuals.’
Therefore, there was nothing wrong with Shimun asking the Association directly.
‘Even if the Association takes action, there’s no guarantee we’ll find out everything.’
The investigation itself would be conducted with sincerity, whether one liked it or not. Kim Muyeol had no choice but to act according to Shimun’s demands.
If he objected, Shimun would simply issue orders in the guise of official matters.
However, there was no assurance that the Association’s investigation would reveal the location of the facility.
Instead, there was a possibility that by noticing the Association’s movement, they could destroy the facility and escape.
‘But we can’t just leave it as it is. What should we do?’
As Shimun pondered deeply on this dilemma, “I brought the tea.”
With a clear voice, Lee Yujeong appeared.
“Secretary, your tea, and orabeoni, your coffee.”
“… Thank you.”
Lee Yujeong placed the tea and coffee down.
Kim Shimun, who momentarily glanced at the coffee with wavering eyes, forced a smile and looked at Lee Yujeong.
“… Th-thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Ah! And also.”
Lee Yujeong, who was smiling brightly, raised an eyebrow and made a slight wink.
“I need to talk with orabeoni. Could you spare some time after our conversation?”
“Uh?”
Kim Shimun, momentarily puzzled.
‘That’s the secret signal we used as kids… Wait. Could it be related to the conversation with Choi Changwook?’
Realizing it was related to the conversation with Choi Changwook, he naturally nodded.
“Alright. I’ll come find you as soon as we’re done.”
“Yes. Then if you’ll excuse me, I have something to attend to.”
With a light nod to Kim Shimun and Choi Changwook, Lee Yujeong left the room. Once her presence had completely disappeared from the reception room,
“Kim Shimun-nim, what will you do?”
Choi Changwook asked quietly without specifying a subject. However, Shimun knew well what Choi Changwook was referring to.
“Well, let’s see…”
He tapped the armrest with his fingers briefly before answering.
“For now, let’s observe until I say otherwise. Moving hastily could make us lose the trail.”
Kim Shimun addressing the Secretary General of the Korean Association as if he were his subordinate.
“Understood. I’ll hold off the investigation until further notice from you.”
But Choi Changwook only nodded without any sign of disagreement.
Then, he wrapped his large fingers around the teacup.
“Wait!”
Kim Shimun hastily raised his hand, but it was too late.
Slurp.
Choi Changwook, looking puzzled, took a sip of the steaming hot tea.
“…!?!”
He finally understood Kim Shimun’s sudden action after feeling the damage striking his tongue.
Of course,
“Puh, puhah!”
The repercussions were brutal.
“Cough, cough!”
The human golem, or siege weapon, even among the first-generation players still active, Choi Changwook, was reduced to intermittent groans from a single cup of tea.
Anyone who had fought alongside him in the arena would be shocked by such a sight.
“Are you okay?!”
Kim Shimun hurriedly approached Choi Changwook, who could barely keep his balance. Considering Choi Changwook was his uncle’s close confidant, this scenario should never have occurred, but.
“If you can’t endure it, force yourself to throw up!”
“I’m… fine.”
The common trait of ‘Lee Yujeong’s tea’ easily broke down even adversarial relationships. Kim Shimun fashioned an armrest into a makeshift container and handed over the water jug.
Gulping it down rapidly, Choi Changwook finally caught his breath and regained his composure.
“Th-that was just now…”
Even his speech was faltering. The face that had resembled a golem was now broken by pain, shock, and a hint of awe.
“Kim Shimun-nim, were you attempting to poison me?”
“No! Absolutely not an assassination attempt!”
Kim Shimun vehemently denied, interrupting himself.
“If I wanted to, I’d do it myself; I would never use my sister’s hand for it.”
“Well… yes, that makes sense.”
Choi Changwook nodded, finding the explanation reasonable. Still, his face was full of distrust, and Kim Shimun spoke earnestly.
“That was just tea. It might be Elven tea or some equivalent arena-grade tea.”
“What you’re saying is that it’s brewed to ‘that’ degree just with tea leaves?”
“Yes, unfortunately, Lee Yujeong is really bad at making tea…”
Kim Shimun trailed off, unable to badmouth his sister.
“She made it purely based on her own ability.”
He explained as gently as possible.
“I see… purely on her own.”
Choi Changwook nodded absentmindedly, his gaze landing on the table. There sat a cup of coffee with a slight steam rising from it.
“…Now that I think about it, Shimun-nim, you haven’t had a sip, have you?”
“What? Ah!”
Choi Changwook’s eyes were full of reproach and resentment. Kim Shimun turned his gaze away slightly.
“The coffee is at least better, but even that…”
He didn’t explicitly recommend it. Choi Changwook, understanding the unspoken words as if by instinct, ‘Avoid anything made personally by Lee Yujeong.’, engraved the warning deep into his bones.
***
-Ah! It’s collapsing! The backline is completely collapsing!
-This is bad! The healers have been wiped out!
-Where is the Sword Saint?!
-He’s been bombarded with concentrated attacks the entire game! To think our strongest asset, the Sword Saint, would be targeted like that…
The channel with the highest viewership in South Korea, ‘National Representative Arena,’ commonly known as “NationRep Arena,” was filled with lamentations from the main MC, Choi Kangyup, and commentator Song Jae-kyung.
It was inevitable. They were broadcasting the preliminary match of the national team competition. The Korean representative team, which always had the advancement to the finals secured thanks to their strong top-rank players, was facing…
-Ah… it ends like this!
-The strategy prepared by the Thai team was very effective. They were overwhelmed by the same strategy every game!
…the crisis of being eliminated in the preliminary round. The atmosphere among the representative team was far from good. To be precise, the mood of one person cast a shadow over the entire team.
“Uh… Kim Shihyuk-ssi? Is it possible to have a short interview…?”
Piercing through the aura of a ranker, and a ranker full of rage at that, a reporter approached with difficulty. Where had his usual refreshing smile gone?
Kim Shihyuk, with a face hardened to the limit, glanced at the reporter.
“I told you, advancing to the finals might be difficult.”
He then glared at the rest of the team before turning his body away. All of this live coverage on NationRep Arena threw South Korea into an uproar.
TL’s Corner:
There goes the trope of a female with bad cooking/brewing ability.