Chapter 96: The Lunatic Who Finally Cornered the Dragon

“Still… knowing you two were there, Lee Chae must’ve felt less alone.”

“Y-yes! Hyung-soo-nim’s really struggling,” Jae-hyung said quickly. “I wanted to bring him back too, but… it didn’t feel right. He begged us to keep the calls secret.”

Hae-jin’s voice was quiet, almost gentle.

“I know. And that’s exactly what I want to ask you today.”

“Ask… us?”

Hae-jin covered his face with both hands, as if the words physically hurt.

“I want to pretend I still don’t know you’re talking to him. If it helps him hurt less—even a little—why would I stop you?”

Jae-hyung nodded slowly, understanding.

“Headquarters is monitoring Legion lines.”

“Yeah. Variant attacks spiked—surveillance tightened. Everything sensitive—digging dirt, opposition contacts—I do carefully.”

“I get it. I’ll make sure Yong-yong understands too.”

Hae-jin ruffled Jae-hyung’s hair.

“Thanks, maknae.”

“But promise me one thing,” Jae-hyung said, eyes fierce. “You won’t give up finding him.”

“Obviously. I’d chase him to the end of the earth. Promised him that.”

“Good. I’ll help however I can.”

Hae-jin left the room.

The weight of acting mature, reasonable—it suffocated him. Maybe Lee Chae had foreseen this, taught him early: So you can handle hard things alone.

Funny. Everything circled back to Lee Chae. Even this felt like sickness.

He shook his head, focused on today’s list: Lamia/Quiklops data, two meetings, possible battle, develop defense skills to reassure Lee Chae—no regeneration needed.

Tasks endless, time short. No second to waste until Lee Chae returned.

Lee Chae-less days—time flew. No room for tears.

Walking to intel storage, sparks flew from every step.

Two years as civil servant.

Contact with Jae-hyung cut off long ago— no more Hae-jin news. Lee Chae carried unhealing wounds.

Woke thinking of Hae-jin, slept dreaming of him.

Mornings—searched “Legion” and “Cha Hae-jin” online.

“Even fake news… just a photo…”

Imprint scar throbbed. Scratched till bled—trembling fingers typed name.

New articles finally.

[Legion Recruitment Competition Highest Ever—Second Year Running.] [Rep Cha Hae-jin: “Society Where Non-Awakeners Can Work Too.”] [Lamia Battle Credit: Platoon Led by Esper Sung Jin-woo.] [Legion Espers Seo-geon & Jung Jae-hyung—Mental Skills Boost Offense.] [Rep Cha: Esper in Legion with Stronger Fire Skill Than Me. Secret Esper Key in Poison Beast-Types.]

“Ah…”

Familiar names filled screen—heart pounded wildly.

Over twenty articles— all praising Hae-jin’s greatness, Legion’s positive impact.

Lee Chae’s lips curved up. But tears rolled down, hung on chin, fell.

Wiped angrily.

“Why cry? He’s perfect—be happy.”

Read aloud: “Rep Cha Hae-jin: Society where non-awakeners can work too.”

Pride, gratitude, overwhelming.

“My esper’s the best.”

Not now—but someday, if they met once while alive: You’re the most mature, serious man—my exact ideal.

Hae-jin succeeding brilliantly. Good.

One more year—total three since disappearance.

Memories preserved perfectly in Hae-jin’s chest—untouched by time.

Mornings began with whispered Jung Lee Chae, sleep well? Nights ended staring at wall covered in his photos.

Room held gifts—study supplies Lee Chae gave (“study more”), stuffed animal he slept with, books read aloud. Dusted daily, handled with care.

Hae-jin couldn’t empty a single corner of Lee Chae.

Love minus the person— nothing left? Wrong.

Love minus person left traces. Traces summoned memories. Yesterday-vivid recollections kept him alive.

Three years— time finally ripe.

Plans executed flawlessly. Hae-jin held negotiation cards, went to Kim Jung-mi.

No greeting—sat across table.

Weakest card first.

Slid file: spy names—Go Ki-yeol, Lee Seok-hyung, Yoon Sun-woo.

She smirked.

“Think this scares me? Delusional. Too late—should’ve used when your value was lower.”

Expected. No reply—next card.

Home-stolen headquarters embezzlement proof.

Her lips trembled.

“You dare… Am I still your mother even for a second?”

Hae-jin sneered.

“Stop pretending surprise. I checked—no trace of you. This protects ruling party politicians you might betray—not your weakness.”

“Then you know it’s useless for your goal.”

“Of course. Not planning to use these two.”

Her eyes iced further. If he were younger—or if she hadn’t taken Lee Chae— that cold gaze would’ve hurt.

She crossed arms—try me.

Hae-jin met it unflinching.

Time for words he’d waited years to say.

“These two? Fuel for Legion strike. Didn’t expect them to shake headquarters.”

Best weapon against her: himself and Legion. Judgment correct.

“…What?”

Shock broke her mask.

Hae-jin calm.

“As you said—my value rose. Legion’s value. Election two months away— if Legion strikes over headquarters corruption… what will your superiors say?”

Her face drained of color. She’d assumed no public interest in Lee Chae meant forgotten. Never imagined backstab while off-guard.

Hae-jin read her easily.

“What if I don’t care? Risk everything—your life matters more than that guide. Then what?”

He threw head back, laughed.

“Age bringing bad jokes? Won’t happen—but if it did, full war.”

“Full war?”

“Public opposition party endorsement. They win—you’re toothless tiger. Why would I fear you then?”

Shoulders shook—rage barely contained. Lip bit till blood.

But Hae-jin unflinching. Predicted her moves.

“Now you’ll try bargaining. Don’t.”

Eyes wavered—not shame at exposure. Fear of losing last cards.

“You took him citing regeneration— not for my power or life!”

CRASH! Masterpiece vase shattered on floor.

Hae-jin’s eyes flared.

“For Assemblyman Choi’s S-rank guide child! Am I wrong?”

Silence— truth hung heavy.

The lunatic had her cornered. No escape.

War declared— and this time, he’d take everything back.