Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate
A brief briefing was taking place in Director Yoon Taeseop’s office.
Hunter Association Headquarters.
“They’re preparing an evacuation order?”
Yoon Taeseop looked up from the documents he was reading.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
The assistant standing before him bowed his head.
“Who authorized it?”
“Apparently, Chairman Jin Myeonghak personally gave the order.”
“Yes. orbit The evacuation is scheduled to officially begin in three days.”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
The relationship between the Chairman of the Hunter Association and its board of directors was quite similar to the relationship between the President of the Republic, as head of the executive branch, and the National Assembly, as the legislative body.
“Well, it’s been a while since I received such pleasant news.”
A peculiar smile appeared on Yoon Taeseop’s lips.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
However, Jin Myeonghak was a man who defied all conventional logic.
Under normal circumstances, the board of directors would have both a faction loyal to the Chairman and another faction opposed to him.
While the Association Chairman managed the organization, the board of directors supervised its budgets and operations, exercising oversight over his decisions.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
When he needed someone, he would summon them and use them as he pleased. arena But if something displeased him, he wouldn’t hesitate to humiliate them in front of others.
To begin with, he didn’t even treat those on his side particularly well.
As a result, his allies had begun turning their backs on him one after another.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Yoon Taeseop was also part of that alliance.
At this point, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that practically the entire board of directors belonged to the opposition against Jin Myeonghak.
“Do we have the evaluation results yet?”
“For now, it’s still classified as a Rank C gate. airport However, the evaluation department has raised the possibility that its classification may increase…”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
The estimated budget listed in a corner of the report amounted to an impressive twenty-five billion won.
Yoon Taeseop’s smile widened even further.
“What’s the probability?”
“Five percent.”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Those measures alone would entail considerable expenses, not to mention the countless complaints from small business owners who would be forced to suspend their operations.
Forcing businesses to close, restricting traffic on the roads, and relocating tens of thousands of residents to temporary shelters.
And what would happen if, after causing such an uproar, absolutely nothing happened in the end?
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
It could even be considered a reasonable expense to prevent a catastrophe.
However, politics was ultimately a battle to control the narrative.
Of course, twenty-five billion won wasn’t an impossible amount for a country to bear.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“The Association Chairman who wasted twenty-five billion won of taxpayers’ money.”
And the more provocative that narrative was, the more easily it would become ingrained in the public’s mind.
Wasn’t that an extraordinarily appealing narrative?
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Public opinion was already quite dissatisfied with Jin Myeonghak.
If his popularity declined even further, it might even be possible to initiate proceedings to remove him from office.
‘His approval rating will drop by at least three percent.’
“Contact the relevant departments. audit Find out how much money will actually be spent and obtain copies of every document containing the Chairman’s direct orders.”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“Why would we? anxiety If he wants to walk to the edge of a cliff himself, why should we stop him?”
“Should we intervene through the board of directors to prevent the expenditures from being carried out?”
Jin Myeonghak was issuing the orders under his own name and personally stamping his seal on the authorization documents.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
What sense would it make to stop a political adversary who was making such a mistake of his own free will?
However, for some unknown reason, today he had decided to do something that, for the first time in a long while, pleased Yoon Taeseop.
Normally, that man had an extraordinary talent for avoiding any situation that involved taking responsibility.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
And all the credit would go exclusively to Jin Myeonghak.
Of course, the situation would change completely if the gate really did go out of control and cause a catastrophe.
In that case, it would mean that the decision to issue the evacuation order had been correct. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
But was a catastrophe really going to occur with a probability of barely five percent?
***
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Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Although the vehicle was traveling at over eighty kilometers per hour, not the slightest engine noise could be heard inside the cabin.
The sensation of the seats enveloping my body was extraordinary.
I sank comfortably into the backrest of my seat and crossed my legs.
Inside a luxury limousine gliding smoothly down the road.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
I opened the built-in refrigerator beside me.
Under a faint bluish light, several luxurious-looking bottles were perfectly arranged.
So this was the comfort capitalism could offer?
Even when the car passed over a speed bump, the body of the vehicle barely moved.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
I lifted one of the bottles slightly before putting it back in its place.
‘Romanée-Conti? anxiety Thirty-year-old Ballantine’s?’
Were there really people who carried drinks like these in their cars so they could enjoy them whenever they wanted? Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
Even I, who knew practically nothing about alcoholic beverages, had heard those names.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
‘Ah, having money really is the best.’
‘I’ll have a glass when I get back from inspecting the site.’
How wonderful would it be to enjoy some good fried chicken with a glass of that?
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
It was a vehicle equipped with top-of-the-line specifications, similar to those used to protect the President of the Republic.
Its body featured special armor capable of withstanding not only gunfire but also magical explosions.
And this vehicle wasn’t just any limousine, either.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Even if I sold the secondhand car I drove in my previous life, would I have enough to buy even one of this limousine’s hubcaps?
Probably not even that.
No.
Was this what it felt like to have succeeded in life?
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Because if I wanted to continue enjoying this life, I would first have to solve a fundamental problem.
Prevent Lee Hanseong from killing me.
However, I couldn’t simply enjoy all these luxuries without a care in the world.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“Tell me, do you know a hunter named Lee Hanseong?”
“Yes! orbit Tak Sanggu, Director of Security Strategy, at your service!”
“Director Tak.”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
In that case, we were probably at a very early stage of the original story.
“Lee Hanseong… you say? afford I apologize! palette I’ll begin investigating immediately!”
The fact that Tak Sanggu didn’t recognize that name meant that Lee Hanseong, the protagonist, had yet to make a name for himself.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
That was excellent news.
I took a fountain pen and a leather notebook from inside my jacket.
‘I’d better write everything down before I forget it.’
It meant I still had time to prepare.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Hidden Piece of Insubong, Mount Bukhansan.
The Five Virtuous Ones.
The Five Demons.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
.
.
.
I began writing down some of the things I still remembered.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
The Five Virtuous Ones were five heroes who stood against them.
Naturally, the Five Demons were enemies, while the Five Virtuous Ones belonged to the allied side.
‘Although, wait… Wouldn’t it be different from my perspective?’
The Five Demons were five calamities that threatened the world.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Couldn’t things be different for someone who held the position of Association Chairman?
After all, that classification was made from Lee Hanseong’s point of view.
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Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
[The Bomber – Terrorist Attack on the Association Building.]
I wrote another line beneath the Five Demons.
‘Although definitely not this one.’
To put it another way, even one of the Five Demons could end up becoming my ally.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
He was the first of the Five Demons to appear.
I couldn’t remember it exactly.
His real name was Ma… something.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
There was a very particular reason why that individual worried me.
Well, even if he had a tragic backstory, that was none of my business.
I only vaguely remembered that he had originally been an ordinary researcher, but ended up becoming a terrorist after being falsely accused of a crime.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
‘But why the hell do you have to attack the place where other people work?’
I turned to the next page.
And that was because the building he would attack was none other than the headquarters of the Korean Hunter Association.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
For now, using the Korean system as a reference.
In that story, levels coexisted with other systems used to measure the characters’ strength.
In Western regions, categories such as Swordmaster or Archmage were used, while in Eastern regions, martial arts realms were generally used as well.
Then I began organizing the details of the novel’s power system according to what I remembered. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
[Levels 1-2: Rank F. artist Equivalent to ordinary people and porters.]
[Level 5: Rank C. matrix Equivalent to a first-rate martial artist.]
[Level 3: Rank E. antique Equivalent to a third-rate martial artist.]
[Level 4: Rank D. canvas Equivalent to a second-rate martial artist.]
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
This was as far as ordinary hunters, who could be found practically anywhere, could reach.
[Level 8: Rank S. acid Equivalent to a martial artist of the Transformation Realm.]
[Level 7: Rank A. album Equivalent to a martial artist of the Supreme Peak Realm.]
[Level 6: Rank B. academy Equivalent to a martial artist of the Peak Realm.]
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Level 8.
So, what about Jin Myeonghak?
A Rank S hunter who, within the martial arts system, had reached the Transformation Realm.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
In the case of the Transformation Realm, it was divided into four stages Initial, Intermediate, Advanced, and Extreme.
In the higher realms, there were also subdivisions that made it possible to distinguish differences in power between martial artists.
There were only three Rank S hunters in all of South Korea.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Jin Myeonghak was a powerful martial artist who had reached the Advanced Stage of the Transformation Realm.
I needed a point of comparison.
‘The problem is that I still can’t get a clear idea of just how big the difference is between Level 8 and the lower levels.’
Considering that Levels 9 and 10 belonged to practically uncharted territory, reached by only a handful of people in the entire world, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he was among the most powerful human beings on the planet.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Of course, it was possible that information had appeared in the novel.
“Director Tak.”
“Yes, Chairman!”
“Tell me, what level are you currently?”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
It was impossible for the Association Chairman not to know the level of his closest aide, the Director of Security Strategy.
‘W-why is he suddenly asking about my level?’
Tak Sanggu’s eyes trembled at Jin Myeonghak’s unexpected question.
But how was I supposed to remember every detail about an insignificant supporting character?
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
That meant he had some hidden intention.
However, he had decided to ask him at that precise moment.
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Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Had he made a mistake by not knowing that hunter named Lee Hanseong?
His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
But what?
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Tak Sanggu swallowed nervously before answering.
“Level 6, huh…?”
“I-I… am currently Level 6!”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
In martial arts terms, that was equivalent to an expert of the Peak Realm.
A Level 6 hunter belonged to Rank B.
He was certainly not someone to be underestimated.
Jin Myeonghak sank into thought.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“Impressive.”
He had thought Tak Sanggu was nothing more than an opportunistic flatterer, but it turned out that he possessed abilities considerably greater than he had imagined.
For Jin Myeonghak, those words expressed completely sincere admiration.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
‘Impressive…? acquire There’s no way the Association Chairman is sincerely praising me!’
What were Chairman Jin Myeonghak’s nicknames?
However, Tak Sanggu couldn’t interpret them the same way.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
However, lately, he had begun using completely new techniques that Tak Sanggu had never seen or even heard mentioned.
To survive in front of that man, it was essential to uncover the hidden intentions behind every single one of his words.
The Walking Mental Crusher, capable of shattering a person’s emotional stability with a simple conversation.
The Human Dehydrator, capable of completely draining anyone dry using nothing but his words.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“I apologize! apron From now on, I’ll work even harder to become a subordinate worthy of serving as your hands and feet! arctic I’ll dedicate my entire life to serving you, Chairman!”
In situations like that, there was only one rule for survival.
That was why it was practically impossible for him to decipher his true intentions.
Humble yourself completely, regardless of the circumstances!
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“No, you don’t have to go that far. abandon I was just curious. acid Tell me, how many Level 6 people like you would be needed to face someone at Level 8?”
But for now, the important thing was to get out of that situation alive.
He didn’t know whether that answer would please Jin Myeonghak.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“…!”
Because he had finally understood Chairman Jin Myeonghak’s true intentions. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
However, this time was different.
Tak Sanggu had just been put to the test once again.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
What if he mentioned a number that was too small?
This was a test of ideological loyalty!
He had to answer very carefully.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
It would be an unforgivable statement that belittled the Association Chairman’s power.
He would be publicly acknowledging his own incompetence.
But what would happen if he mentioned a number that was too large?
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
It was an extremely difficult mission.
However, Tak Sanggu had managed to reach his current position precisely because he knew how to overcome situations like this.
He had to walk a tightrope, combining the appropriate amount of flattery with the need to preserve his own value.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Tak Sanggu discreetly observed Jin Myeonghak’s expression through the rearview mirror.
His face remained completely expressionless.
“According to the general consensus among experts, it’s normally considered that around a hundred people would be enough to face someone of that level, but…”
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“I suppose so.”
“Of course, that’s only a rough comparison of their combat capabilities. acoustic In an actual battle, the outcome can vary considerably depending on the terrain, compatibility between martial arts, and each combatant’s individual mastery.”
“Furthermore, not all martial artists of the Transformation Realm possess the same level of power. academy If we’re talking about someone like Hyeon Musik, I believe ten people like me could put up considerable resistance against him. altitude However, if we’re talking about an expert like you, Chairman, whose martial arts possess enough power to shake heaven and earth… Not even a hundred people would be enough!”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Hyeon Musik.
He was one of Jin Myeonghak’s most powerful political adversaries.
“Really? amber By the way, who’s Hyeon Musik?”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“He’s nothing more than an insignificant nobody whose name doesn’t even deserve a place in your memory, Chairman!”
Naturally, it was impossible for the Chairman not to recognize that name.
Therefore, uncovering the intention behind that question was extremely simple.
“Oh, really? absorb But wait, could I actually take on a hundred people like you?”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“Of course! arctic No matter how many ignorant fools like me gathered together, we would never pose a threat to you! altitude We would be completely insignificant! timber It would be like trying to break a rock by striking it with an egg!”
“M-Miss Seo Jiyeong is Level 6!”
“The same as you.”
“Really? arctic Hmm, I see. meadow Then what level is Secretary Seo?”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“Really? airport By the way, where’s Secretary Seo?”
“Secretary Seo is traveling in one of the escort vehicles behind us.”
“Exactly! alert However, I’ve already reached the Extreme Stage of the Peak Realm, while Seo Jiyeong has only just entered its Initial Stage. acquire There’s a considerable difference between us! orbit Of course, that doesn’t mean Seo Jiyeong is incompetent in the slightest! shadow Considering her talent, I’m convinced it won’t take her too long to reach the Supreme Peak Realm! alien And all of that is thanks to your generous benevolence and extraordinary ability to recognize talent, Chairman!”
“Escort vehicles?”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Escort vehicles?
It wasn’t that I disliked nice things.
I frowned slightly.
After all, who wouldn’t enjoy driving good cars, wearing quality clothes, and eating delicious food?
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Did I really need protection in my current situation?
However, “excessive luxury” and “wasteful spending” had to be avoided.
If someone had achieved success, it was only natural for them to enjoy its benefits.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
No.
Who the hell was supposed to be protecting whom?
Jin Myeonghak was one of the three most powerful individuals in all of South Korea.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
And to begin with, there weren’t even just two cars.
If two vehicles were used, fuel and personnel expenses would double.
This was nothing more than a completely unnecessary ceremonial protocol. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“Ah, and about Hyehwa-dong…”
“All of this is a waste. arctic A complete waste. zenith From now on, no more escort vehicles.”
“Understood!”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“Yes, Chairman.”
“Two weeks, huh?”
“When did they estimate the anomalous phenomenon might occur?”
“The analysis team estimates that, if current conditions remain unchanged, it will occur in approximately two weeks. audit The confidence level of that prediction is 95%.”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
Two weeks.
What did that mean in a typical mass-produced fantasy novel?
I gazed at the scenery on the other side of the window.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
For an ordinary hunter, that would be a rather complicated situation.
‘That it’s going to happen right now, obviously.’
However, from my position as Association Chairman, the solution was extremely simple.
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“Summon all available personnel and order them to report to Hyehwa-dong.”
“Yes, Chairman!”
“Director Tak.”
Translation of The Tyrant Association President Works Too Well - Chapter 3: The Hyehwa-dong Gate by Indra Translations.
“…Excuse me? timber Do you mean absolutely everyone?”
Tak Sanggu’s eyes widened.
“Exactly. aluminum Summon everyone. echo I want anyone with Rank C or higher combat capabilities there. athlete But exclude external mercenaries.”
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