Chapter 36: S-Rank Power vs. Politics

“Are you not leaving?”

“…Hyung wants to part with me that quickly?”

“No, that’s not what I meant.”

Seong Ju-an said he had something to tell Baek Eun-hoo.

‘Just go already.’

“Well, fine. It’s not like this is the first time hyung’s been indifferent and cold. Hic.”

Gong Se-yoon burst into tears and left the room. After confirming they were finally alone, Seong Ju-an turned to Baek Eun-hoo.

“Excuse me, Baek Eun-hoo. How strong am I in this world?”

“Your strength? Why ask me when you can just open your status window and see?”

“No… not that kind of strength. I’m asking about power. Do I have enough influence to move the government or local authorities?”

Even as he asked, Seong Ju-an thought it sounded ridiculous. Just because he was an Awakened, thinking he could move politicians? In his original world, he couldn’t even stand up to his own team leader.

But this was a game world. Maybe it was possible?

Baek Eun-hoo pondered for a moment, stroking his chin before speaking.

“So you’re determined to take the difficult path?”

“…What?”

“As an S-rank Awakened, trying to move those in power means intervening in politics. Are you sure about that? It’ll be more troublesome than you think. Don’t tell me you said that without realizing.”

He hadn’t realized.

He’d only said it because he’d heard before that S-rank buffers were highly valued in this world. He had no intention of getting involved in complicated politics.

“What made you think of that all of a sudden?”

“It’s just… people are suffering too much. It’s already hard enough to make a living, and now they’re injured on top of that. Their lives must have become even more difficult. It feels like it’s all Seong Ju-an’s fault.”

“Why would that be your fault? It’s because of those insane Constellations.”

The primary blame lay with the Constellations who triggered guerrilla dungeons at times and places they never should have. But the reason they acted that way was dissatisfaction with the Creator of Sacrifice. And that weighed heavily on him.

Seeing Seong Ju-an still downcast, Baek Eun-hoo pressed a hand to his forehead.

“So? What do you want to ask for?”

“If I say it, will you listen? You don’t like complicated things either, do you?”

Baek Eun-hoo smirked.

“If you want it, complicated is fine.”

Seong Ju-an narrowed his eyes at him. Not even trying to hide the lie. It wasn’t because Seong Ju-an wanted it, it was because Baek Eun-hoo wanted Seong Ju-an, and would use any means necessary.

He’d openly revealed himself as the Creator of Sacrifice to gain the party’s trust. Even if they didn’t say it out loud, they probably already knew.

Baek Eun-hoo’s large hand came down on his forehead, brushing away strands of hair stuck with cold sweat.

“I’m serious. You know I don’t have a sense of justice. I brought the ambulances just to look good in front of you.”

“…”

Whatever his motive, it was true that fewer people had died thanks to him.

“So tell me. What do you want? If I mobilize all my connections, I can make things move.”

“…I want compensation to be paid to the civilian victims.”

“Hm… The issue will be the amount. How much are you thinking?”

“There’s no such thing as ‘enough’ for lost lives. As much as possible. The maximum we can manage.”

Baek Eun-hoo frowned deeply.

“That’ll be hard for me to handle alone. It’d be better to review the related laws with my connections and proceed properly.”

Even knowing his motives, at that moment he seemed cool. Well, objectively speaking, with silver hair and blue eyes, he did look impressive.

While thinking, an idea suddenly flashed in Seong Ju-an’s mind.

“Right! S-rank weapon enhancement magic stones!”

“Hm? What are you talking about all of a sudden?”

“S-rank support items like potions are expensive, right? How much does one S-rank weapon enhancement magic stone cost?”

“Why ask that? At least 100 million won each. They only drop in special dungeons.”

One stone costs 100 million… and there are 5,000 of them. That’s… 500 billion?

Seong Ju-an gasped, mouth hanging open. Realizing his intention, Baek Eun-hoo smiled.

“Good idea. We’ll keep what we need and sell the rest. Use that money for the injured.”

He agreed without hesitation.

It was an enormous sum. Of course it was tempting, but his guilt was heavier than greed.

“I hope the others agree too…”

Baek Eun-hoo picked up his phone and sent a message.

“First, we’ll assess the victims. The stones are in everyone’s inventory, so we can gather them once we decide. By the way, aren’t you hungry?”

Thanks to the IV drip in his arm, he didn’t feel particularly hungry. He shook his head.

“You’ve been lying down for three days. If you crave anything, tell me.”

“Okay.”

After finishing something important, drowsiness returned.

****

How long had he slept? When Seong Ju-an opened his eyes, he saw an unfamiliar ceiling. Not the hospital from before, nor the Awakened residence.

‘Where is this?’

“You’re awake?”

At Baek Eun-hoo’s voice, Seong Ju-an recalled him saying the Awakened housing was filthy and suggesting they go to his house. Still, moving someone while they were asleep?

He glared at him. Baek Eun-hoo poked his forehead with a finger.

“Why that look?”

“You could’ve woken me up. What is this, kidnapping?”

“Kidnapping? I simply fulfilled our contract.”

Ignoring that, Seong Ju-an sat up. He felt lighter than before.

“Baek Eun-hoo. What did the others say? Did they agree?”

Baek Eun-hoo nodded slowly.

“They liked it. Especially Joo Ji-chan, he called you a genius.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Gathering the stones isn’t the real problem. The real issue starts now.”

Baek Eun-hoo’s brow furrowed.

“Why? We just convert them to money and pass it to an institution, right?”

“You really don’t know how the world works.”

He twisted his lips in a mocking smile.

“While bringing you here, I identified the injured and searched for someone suitable to handle this…

“…There wasn’t anyone trustworthy.”

He remembered the officials more interested in Baek Eun-hoo’s bait than in saving people.

“If that’s the case… what about Mo Jun-young? He’s an Awakened like us, righteous and trustworthy.”

“Ha!”

Baek Eun-hoo let out a disbelieving sound.

“Stop talking nonsense. Mo Jun-young hasn’t interfered in politics for a long time. He stepped in once because of Joo Ji-chan and got nothing but pushback.”

Even a high-ranking official like him couldn’t act. So they were supposed to just sit and watch?

Seong Ju-an lowered his head, disappointed.

“So there are things even you can’t do. You always show up like a hero, I thought something like this would be nothing.”

Baek Eun-ho’s face twisted at the word “disappointed.” Seong Ju-an seized the moment.

“Who are you, Baek Eun-hoo? The strongest hunter in the world with your Thunder skill, the brains of our party. And yet there’s something you can’t do? Then who am I supposed to trust in future dungeons?”

He sighed deeply, glancing up to gauge his reaction. A faint laugh escaped Baek Eun-hoo’s lips.

“So don’t laugh. I’m serious. It looks like you could do it, you just aren’t trying. So… use that brilliant head of yours.”

This was sincere. Compared to Seong Ju-an, who had suddenly fallen into this world, Baek Eun-hoo understood it far better.

After a moment of silence, Baek Eun-hoo finally spoke.

“About that Kiss skill…”