Operation Code: Jester’s Play
“Hoo~.”
Taking a deep breath, Hwanhee Park silently counted to himself. One, he grasped the doorknob. Two, he pushed the door open. Three, he stepped inside. The familiar dimly lit conference room and the round table with eight people seated around it came into view. As he entered, every person in the room turned to look at him. Most quickly averted their gaze, indifferent, but a few frowned slightly.
Hwanhee quickly bowed his head and apologized in a respectful tone.
“I’m sorry for being late. Something came up.”
Keeping his head down, he swiftly moved to stand beside Taejin Park.
“Hwanhee, what’s going on? You’re always early, but today you’re late…”
“I’m really sorry, hyung.”
Taejin glanced at him with concern, whispering softly, but Hwanhee remained silent, bowing his head even lower. Taejin shrugged and turned his attention forward.
“Sorry, there must have been a reason. Let’s let it slide this time.”
“It’s fine. Things happen. Anyway, can we continue?”
Taejin’s face held a mix of amusement and resignation as he nodded. Clearing his throat, Shin Hyuk caught Hwanhee’s eye before continuing.
“So, as I was saying, given the circumstances, I suggest we don’t antagonize the Mercenaries. In fact, building a good relationship with them might be a viable path. I know it might sound ridiculous, but let’s face reality. We don’t have many options. I didn’t expect the Mercenaries to return from the Dragon’s Spine either… Anyway, it’s not the best solution, but we have to make the best of the situation. I’ve done all I can.”
“Yes, Hyuk has really done his best. Even in that situation, he managed to negotiate with the Mercenaries and improve our alliance’s image, eventually securing Halo. There were some bumps along the way, but I want to applaud Hyuk’s efforts for achieving the best possible outcome.”
As Shin Hyuk finished his lengthy explanation, Seolhee Woo chimed in supportively.
The room fell into a heavy silence, the air growing thick and oppressive. Jihwan Seo, after a moment of contemplation, sighed deeply and spoke.
“Alright, we’ve heard Hyuk’s stance… Taejin, do you have anything to add?”
The meeting was primarily focused on Taejin Park and Shin Hyuk, with everyone tacitly agreeing that one of them would be chosen. Taejin was given a chance to make his case before the final vote.
“No, I’m fine. I have nothing to add, so let’s proceed with the vote.”
Contrary to everyone’s expectations, Taejin declined the opportunity.
Jihwan and the others widened their eyes in surprise. Even Shin Hyuk blinked rapidly, caught off guard, but soon smiled. Whatever Taejin’s plan was, it seemed to suggest he was conceding Halo. Given the current situation, Shin Hyuk felt confident.
”…Are you sure about this?”
“Yes, it’s fine. We’re all part of the same alliance. I’ll accept the outcome gracefully, whatever it may be.”
Jihwan confirmed once more, and Taejin nodded, smiling at Shin Hyuk, who returned the gesture.
“Hmm. Then…”
Jihwan glanced between Taejin and Shin Hyuk. As both men nodded in unison, Jihwan finally moved to the main point.
“As previously announced, there’s no abstaining in this vote. You must choose someone. With that in mind, let’s begin the vot—”
Just as he was about to declare the start of the vote, a commotion from outside interrupted him.
And then—
Bang!
The conference room door, which had been firmly closed, swung open as if kicked from the outside. The sudden, unpleasant noise shattered the room’s silence, causing everyone to frown. Shin Hyuk stood up, shouting in irritation.
“Who is it? Who’s the lunatic?”
At that moment—
Footsteps echoed, steady and deliberate.
“Calling someone a lunatic? That’s a bit harsh, isn’t it? Nambeol Lord.”
A cold voice accompanied the sound of many footsteps. A group entered the room, stopping just inside. The people at the table and those who had entered locked eyes.
Shin Hyuk, puzzled, looked towards the entrance and stammered upon recognizing the person at the forefront.
“You, you are… Seongho Cho?”
“I’d prefer if you called me Goryeo Lord. We’re not on a first-name basis, are we? Nambeol Lord? Or should I say, members of the Koran Alliance?”
Seongho Cho, leader of the prominent clan Goryeo from the eastern city of Princica, surveyed the room with a sneer. It was a clear display of disdain. Yet, the people in the conference room were too stunned to respond, merely staring in disbelief.
Indeed, the group that had barged in belonged to the Central Management Organization. Not just any members, but influential leaders from the east, including Goryeo, Reverse, Han, and Haemil—figures with power rivaling, if not surpassing, the Koran Alliance.
However, the Koran Alliance wasn’t about to sit idly by. The first to regain composure was Taejin Park, the alliance’s leader. He quickly recovered his demeanor, smiling as he spoke, though his voice was laced with menace.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the busy folks from the Central Management Organization. What brings you to such a remote place?”
“Indeed, I’m swamped with work, yet here I am, thanks to some lunatic causing trouble. Couldn’t you manage things better?”
Seongho’s retort made Taejin’s eyes narrow.
“A lunatic? Are you trying to pick a fight?”
“It’s amusing to hear that from those who started this mess. The world is truly entertaining.”
”…I don’t know what you’re on about, but perhaps you should look at yourself before criticizing others. Do you think this is appropriate behavior? Goryeo Lord isn’t some dog’s name… Or did you skip the learning part when you took over as clan leader? Hahaha.”
“Is that so? Still, I think I’m better than some. At least I’m not an ungrateful wretch who devoured the one who nurtured and led them.”
Taejin referenced the death of the previous Goryeo Lord during the war, while Seongho mocked the disappearance of the former Koran Alliance leader, Yongman Kim. The exchange was sharp and unyielding, but it was the Koran Alliance that first showed signs of strain. Mentioning Yongman Kim was akin to touching a raw nerve.
“You… I’ve had enough…”
The hot-tempered Baekdusan rose, eyes blazing.
Or rather, he tried to rise.
“Whoa, whoa, calm down.”
A powerful force pressed down on his shoulder, forcing Baekdusan to sit back down. He reflexively turned to see a man with a broad smile and a firm grip on his shoulder. Recognizing him, Baekdusan growled.
“Ki, Kim Deokpil…”
“Hey there. Long time no see, friend. But don’t make any sudden moves. You might get hurt.”
Baekdusan seemed ready to fight, but each attempt was met with greater pressure, leaving him gritting his teeth in frustration.
A tense silence followed, charged with the potential for conflict.
Finally, as Seongho took a step forward, Jihwan Seo, who had been silent until now, spoke up.
“Goryeo Lord, I don’t know why you’re doing this, but this isn’t your domain. If you can’t justify your actions, an apology won’t suffice for this rudeness.”
“Allow me to explain. I’ll now present the Central Management Organization’s position.”
Responding to Jihwan’s warning was Hyunmin Sung, another clan leader. Though he appeared polite and amiable, there was an unmistakable chill in his eyes.
“Let’s cut to the chase, as it seems we’re all uncomfortable with this situation. User Shin Hyuk, a complaint has been filed regarding your involvement in the Mercenary Clan’s Dragon’s Spine operation. You’ll need to come with us for questioning.”
“W-what did you say?!”
“I don’t think you misheard. If you come quietly, there won’t be any unnecessary trouble. Let’s not make this difficult.”
“Y-you’ve got to be kidding! Dragon’s Spine? A complaint? What kind of nonsense is this?!”
He was shouting with bravado, but it was nothing more than a reflexive outburst. Shin-hyuk’s face had turned so pale it was almost ghostly. Suddenly, he locked eyes with Song Hee-sun, swallowed hard, and tried to steady his voice.
“Wh-what? I have no idea what you’re talking about! Do you have any proof? Show me the proof!”
“Proof? Of course, we have it. Do you think we’d be doing this without any evidence?”
With a mocking tone, Jo Sung-ho reached into his pocket and pulled out a small orb, tossing it onto the table. It rolled to a stop at the center, glowing brightly as it began to play a recording. It was a recording crystal.
(Yeah! I did it. I was the one who did it…)
When the recording finished, the faces of the alliance members were a sight to behold, especially Shin-hyuk’s. His face was a mix of desperation and shock, his eyes wide as if they might tear apart.
“Since everyone seems to know already, I won’t say more. Hey, get him out of here.”
Jo Sung-ho gestured towards the stunned Shin-hyuk. Suddenly snapping back to reality, Shin-hyuk saw the users approaching him and shouted desperately.
“This is, this is fake! Yeah! It’s all fabricated!”
“Fabricated? Pathetic. Anyway, a proper investigation will reveal everything, so just come quietly.”
“Shut up! Don’t give me that crap! You think I’ll just go with you? Bringing this fake evidence here!”
“Everyone, be careful!”
Jo Sung-ho’s eyes sharpened as he shouted. In an instant, Shin-hyuk let out a scream, and a terrifying surge of magic erupted from his body.
As the leader of a clan and a mage, if he unleashed his full power, it could lead to casualties. Jo Sung-ho braced himself to confront him directly.
And then, it happened.
Crackle! Crackle!
Suddenly, a streak of golden electricity shot from the back of the entrance, striking Shin-hyuk. The bolt was so thick and powerful that Shin-hyuk, unable to react, was slammed against the wall.
Bang!
“Ugh!”
A loud crash accompanied by a sharp cry. Even as his body convulsed from the shock, Shin-hyuk barely managed to stay upright. The alliance members jumped to their feet in unison.
But they quickly recoiled at the sight of the user walking slowly towards Jo Sung-ho. His right hand was enveloped in golden energy, and the aura emanating from him seemed to swallow the entire room.
It was Kim Yoo-hyun, the Thunder Emperor.
“Ki, Kim Yoo-hyun! What are you doing? This is too much!”
Woo Seol-hee shouted fiercely, but Kim Yoo-hyun’s face remained expressionless, as if he didn’t even hear her. He approached the staggering Shin-hyuk and grabbed him by the collar, lifting him effortlessly. Shin-hyuk, still dazed, hung limply in the air.
After a moment, Kim Yoo-hyun spoke.
“Was it you?”
“Guh, guh…”
“Don’t make me ask three times. Was it you who messed with my brother?”
“Hamil Lord! Stop this!”
Even Jo Sung-ho, usually composed, hadn’t anticipated this turn of events and hurriedly tried to intervene. Kim Yoo-hyun glanced at Jo Sung-ho, then turned back to Shin-hyuk with a scoff, dragging him out while still holding his collar. As Kim Yoo-hyun disappeared through the entrance, Jo Sung-ho whispered to Sung Hyun-min.
“He might actually kill him. You should follow them quickly.”
“I told you we shouldn’t have brought him.”
Sung Hyun-min grumbled briefly, then followed Kim Yoo-hyun with a bitter smile. Jo Sung-ho shook his head, but soon turned to the frozen alliance members with a broad smile.
“Please forgive the minor incident. After all, the Southern Lord did resist, and Hamil Lord is very protective of his brother. Hahaha.”
“What? A minor incident? Are you kidding? This is too much!”
Bang!
Woo Seol-hee slammed the table. With the undeniable evidence presented, it wasn’t the time to act rashly. But she had no choice. If Shin-hyuk’s guilt was confirmed, she wouldn’t be safe either. Knowing how things worked in this world, she had to deny it, no matter how unreasonable it seemed.
“This is tyranny!”
“Tyranny? Even after seeing that video?”
“I saw it. But he hasn’t confessed yet. And more importantly, we don’t remember saying anything like what’s in the video. Plus, there’s no proof that this recording crystal isn’t fabricated, as Shin-hyuk said!”
“Oh. So you’re going to deny it to the end?”
Jo Sung-ho clicked his tongue in mock pity, but Woo Seol-hee continued to shout defiantly.
“There’s nothing to confess!”
“Yes, yes. I understand. I fully understand what you’re saying. So don’t worry too much. There are ways to definitively determine if it’s fabricated.”
Woo Seol-hee stared at Jo Sung-ho with a worried expression. The words “How?” were on the tip of her tongue, but seeing his confident face, she couldn’t bring herself to ask. Sensing her hesitation, Jo Sung-ho continued smoothly.
“Everyone here… you all remember the vagrant incident from two years ago, related to Baek Seo-yeon, don’t you?”
It took exactly three seconds for the alliance members to process this. After those three seconds, their eyes widened in realization.
“In fact, this recording crystal has already been thoroughly examined by the central management, and no evidence of fabrication was found. If anyone still insists otherwise… we plan to grant interrogation rights to the Mercenary Clan.”
Thud!
Woo Seol-hee’s face turned ashen as she collapsed into her seat. Watching her, Jo Sung-ho smiled gently.
“The Mercenary Lord said they’re always ready, just hand over Shin-hyuk. In fact, they prefer it that way.”
In other words, it was a warning to stay quiet if they didn’t want to be stripped bare.
Jo Sung-ho surveyed the room, then bowed politely, though his voice dripped with sarcasm.
“I apologize for the disturbance. Despite the minor incident, we’ve achieved our goal, so we’ll take our leave. Please continue with your meeting.”
Just before leaving the conference room, he turned halfway and added,
“The central management is very interested in the progress and outcome of this incident. So, the alliance members should look forward to it as well. Hahaha.”
The door closed quietly, without a sound, unlike when it had opened.
As the intruding users left, a heavy silence settled over the conference room.
Yet Jo Sung-ho’s final laughter lingered, echoing like a haunting memory.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Tonight at midnight, we have a memorial service. Haha. My father is returning late from a business trip, so my brother and I have been preparing everything. I finally understand how much effort goes into these preparations. -_-a I reflect on my past self, who only ever helped with setting up the screen and cleaning the ritual items.
By the time this post goes up, I’ll probably be rushing back to the living room to bow, or perhaps performing the ancestral rites. It should take about 1-2 hours, so I’ll check comments afterward.
Wishing everyone a great day! :D