Chapter 50. The Unqualified (1)
In the present life.
There is a word I hate the most.
'……Detox.'
"Tae-yang, this is good for your body. Detox! It's a cleansing juice. It flushes out all the toxins in your body!"
"Ah, I'll drink it later."
"Drink it now! Your body is the most important thing!"
"I know. Leave it here and I'll drink it later."
"No! Drink it now. Right in front of Mom!"
Mother must have seen it on so ho shopping channel — she bought a huge supply of detox juice and had it sent to our house.
But who do you think I am?
The Poison Demon.
I am the one who grows stronger by consuming poison.
And now they're talking about detoxification.
Absolutely unacceptable.
Since she had given it to , I couldn't throw it away, so I had just let it pile up.
After coming ho after a long while, Mother followed around the house holding the detox juice.
"Uugh!"
In the end, I screwed up my face in disgust and drank it down.
【Kim Tae-yang likes this. 1 Happiness】
Whether Kim Tae-yang was pleased by my suffering.
Or pleased that things went the way Mother wanted.
"Tasty, isn't it?"
"Mmmph."
"See. It's not so bad."
"Mmmpph."
"……Are you perhaps just holding it in your mouth?"
"Mmmmph?"
I was still holding it in my mouth as I shook my head vigorously from side to side — and then.
Thwack!
Mother's back-slap ca down on with full force.
With no other choice, I swallowed it down with a gulp.
Detoxification, of all things — this is an attack on my very identity……!
And for sothing supposedly dicinal, not a single ssage appeared saying that the Great Law of Reversal had been applied.
The nerve of this marketing.
"Oppa, why do you have that look on your face?"
Bo-reum walked in carrying a heavy box of fruit and asked .
"I ate sothing inedible."
Thwack!
"Even if it's good for your body."
"Uggh."
"Mom, I bought Shine Muscats! Let's eat together."
Shine Muscats.
An expensive fruit.
The biggest change in our family since becoming wealthy.
"Since when do you do sothing like this, Bo-reum?"
"I bought them for my beloved family."
"With whose money?"
"Your card, obviously."
She said it with complete confidence.
Bo-reum set the box of Shine Muscats on the dining table.
It seems I need to educate her a little.
I grabbed the box and asked Bo-reum.
"How many grapes are in here?"
"Huh?"
"I'm asking how many grapes are in this box."
"What did you watch again?"
'Chaebol's S-Rank Youngest Son.'
"Stop copying dramas!"
"You're the one who told to watch it."
I had watched that drama on Bo-reum's recomndation. Sothing about it containing Korea's modern and contemporary history?
A pain no matter how you look at it.
Even so, I had been diligently studying to fill in Kim Tae-yang's gaps in knowledge.
Lately I had been devouring books on traditional Korean dicine and herbal redies — and honestly, once you got into it, you'd lose track of ti.
If I conquer the whole tower and still have to remain in the present life, maybe I'd try getting into a Korean dicine program.
I'd even thought of a title for the book I'd write.
‘Eastern dicine Poison Records.’
I popped a few Shine Muscats into my mouth and beca a chipmunk.
My every nerve was on edge.
Because I had spotted another detox juice pouch being peeled open.
"A-ah, Mother!"
"Yes?"
"Would you like to go on a family trip?"
"A family trip?"
"Yes."
"Ah co on, what trip? We'd just be spending money."
The DNA of poverty still lingering.
Mother.
The apartnt you live in is worth over 2.5 billion won.
While we were on the subject, I pressed further.
"Let's go together."
"Mom, let's go."
Bo-reum grabbed Mother's arm and smiled brightly.
"Mom, hm? Let's go. We've never once taken a family trip."
"Alright, alright. Where should we go? I hear Gangwon-do is supposed to be lovely."
"How about Japan?"
"Japan?"
"Yes."
"Japan that you fly to on an airplane?"
"Yes."
That's Japan where Jang Masayoshi is, Mother.
Bo-reum broke into a beaming smile at the news of an overseas trip.
"Eek! Japan! I've never been on an overseas trip!"
"Tae-yang, Japan all of a sudden. Why?"
"What do you an why. We've all worked hard, so let's go for once."
【Kim Tae-yang is pleased. 300 Happiness】
We started by getting passports at the district office.
Myself, Mother, and Bo-reum.
Father, being his stubborn self, said he was too busy with work to co.
It apparently takes a few days to process — I planned to drop by the Black Market in the anti.
* * *
A few days earlier.
Chief Han of the Gukmubon sat in a police substation with her lips sealed tight.
Having smashed open a subway station locker and ended up at a police substation.
The officer asked for her personal information.
"Please state your na and resident registration number."
"……."
"I'm asking you to speak!"
"……Han Jang-mi."
"Han Jang-mi? That's a famous na. That's the na of the Gukmubon's Chief Han."
The local precinct officer running an identity check.
He entered her resident registration number, and his eyes went wide.
"W-wait, Han Jang-mi! You're—?"
"……Yes. Thank you."
In the end, she had been forced to reveal her identity.
The matter was quietly buried.
She had to pose for photos with an officer throwing up a V-sign — and after that she was released, but.
She had to endure a thorough scolding from Minister Han.
"I give you vacation and you go around smashing subway lockers!"
"……I'm sorry."
"What's gotten into you lately? Hm?!"
"I'm sorry."
"Tell . Why did you do it?"
"……."
She simply couldn't bring herself to open her mouth.
There was no way she could say that the Artificial Dantian issued to her by the Gukmubon had been stolen.
Minister Han let out a long sigh and delivered her a new assignnt.
"When your leave ends, go to Japan."
"Japan?"
"That's right! We have to get back the Iron Instrunt God's Sword that Masayoshi bastard has, don't we!"
The Iron Instrunt God's Sword — purchased at great expense by the Republic of Korea.
Jang Masayoshi had secretly naturalized to Japan and taken that treasure along with him.
Naturally, the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Gukmubon protested to Japan, but the Japanese Murim Tower Managent Bureau stonewalled them.
"The Iron Instrunt God's Sword? We don't know anything about that. Never heard of it."
"I an the sword that Jang Ae-guk — that is, Masayoshi — has!"
"Ah, that is Masayoshi's property."
"It is not his property, it is on loan! The sword belongs to the Republic of Korea!"
Japan seed to actually welco this situation.
They appeared intent on paying back the years of criticism they'd received for falling behind Korea in tower conquest.
They responded in a sly, needling tone, as if deliberately trying to mock the Korean Gukmubon.
"Da yo! We in Japan don't know anything about that."
"Did we not send you docunts proving it belongs to the Republic of Korea!"
"We don't know. Korean language. You'll need to provide a Japanese translation."
"Are you playing gas? Hey!"
"In any case, we don't know anything. Sayonara."
Shalessness beyond all limits.
It was nearly impossible to believe these were the actions of those representing a nation.
Chief Han and Minister Han had flown to Japan imdiately, but rather than getting the sword returned, they couldn't even properly et with Jang Masayoshi.
As Korea raged furiously, Japan shifted tactics.
"Minister Han, did you enjoy yesterday's hot springs?"
"We did not co here for hot springs."
"We have reserved a sushi restaurant run by a master artisan for today."
"……Stop changing the subject and return the sword."
"The Seven-Branched Sword is a national treasure of our Japan—"
"Who said anything about the Seven-Branched Sword? The Iron Instrunt God's—"
"The third-generation sushi craftsman has prepared fine tuna, so we hope you enjoy today as well."
"Excuse !"
When they lost on principle and docuntary evidence, Japan simply acted as though the matter didn't exist.
Several more letters of protest were sent, but there wasn't a single word in reply.
And so the order Minister Han gave Chief Han — was to go and retrieve that Iron Instrunt God's Sword.
An order Japan would never comply with.
It was effectively a disciplinary asure.
"Minister, there have already been multiple refusals on this matter—"
"Bring it back."
"Minister!"
"I know. I know you have bad blood with that Jang Ae-guk."
"……."
"Even so, bring it back no matter what! It's the only way to bury the Red Dragon Gate firearms incident!"
She had no choice but to schedule her Japan business trip.
"Haaah……."
A deep sigh escaped on its own.
Japan, of all places.
Until not long ago, she'd at least had the thod for conquering the 21st floor of the Demon Wind Manor as a card for negotiation.
Now even that was gone.
The information had leaked to the Korean Black Market, so Japan would know it by now too.
On top of that, if she went to Japan, there might be a clash.
'I absolutely must get my Artificial Dantian back.'
There was only one way to et him.
"Let's go to the Black Market."
And so three full days had passed.
Chief Han was lying in wait amidst the stale air of the Black Market.
Hidden in the darkness of an alleyway in the market — where a warm, dusty breeze from ventilation fans blew through, and damp piles of refuse rolled about.
Without even a drop of water to wash her face, dust accumulated on her coat.
But even in the darkness, her eyes remained alive.
Her face was weighted down with exhaustion, yet not a single shadow dimd those eyes.
The precise gaze of a hawk tracking its prey.
Quietly tracing the irregular footsteps of black market traders and climbers moving to and fro, she analyzed and calculated without a single gap.
Black trousers, black top, black coat.
Her gaze shone as cold as the two daggers she had sharpened to a keen edge.
Her nerves had been honed to the point where she could detect a bug crawling in the dark.
'Just try and show yourself. This ti I absolutely won't let you go.'
She had a habit that surfaced when she was tense —
she fingered the precious necklace around her neck as she repeated it to herself.
* * *
"Still lying in wait?"
In the darkness at the Black Market entrance.
I spotted Chief Han, eyes wide open like a jackal on the hunt.
She hadn't washed, by the look of things — disheveled and unkempt.
Her eyes alone blazed fiercely with killing intent.
Honestly, Chief Han's Artificial Dantian was of extraordinary value.
Selling it to the Black Market would fetch an enormous sum.
But since an Artificial Dantian of that caliber was exceedingly rare even in Korea, disposing of it would be awkward.
"A burden either way."
Keep it, and it's useless for anything besides powering a fridge. Get rid of it, and it becos a problem.
Above all.
【Kim Tae-yang says to return the Artificial Dantian. 1 Happiness】
Kim Tae-yang was urging to give it back to her.
So even you have patriotism, do you?
【Kim Tae-yang says he dislikes Korea, but dislikes Japan even more. 1 Happiness】
Japan.
Recently, Jang Masayoshi successfully conquered the 36th floor.
Japan, which was aiming for the 37th floor just like Korea, had been openly belittling Korea in the news every day.
Not long ago, I had turned 14 through 16 floors of the Shadowless Divine Thief into a Golden Tower.
Japan's pride — their Yellow Rank on the 14th floor — had beco a laughingstock as a result.
It seed to have stirred their competitive spirit, because now they were attacking Korea for no real reason.
I had already conquered up to the 23rd floor, so the 37th floor was still several months away.
Kim Tae-yang seed to be counting on Chief Han as the only one who could conquer the 37th floor.
……Alright, Kim Tae-yang.
"After I make her suffer just a little longer."
The next day, back at the Black Market.
She was still lying in wait.
At the alley entrance where she had huddled, empty water bottles and bread wrappers were scattered about.
An atmosphere no one could easily approach.
The very air around her seed to function as a periter.
It wasn't ideal as a stakeout, but the aura she radiated alone was that of a supre master.
Truly the Gukmubon's finest.
I honestly felt admiration as I approached her.
"Chief Han?"
She spun around with lightning speed and took a step back.
Sohow, a dagger was already in her hand.
"……You?!"
Her eyes that had recognized went wide.
Part of it was the fact that I had appeared — but the greater shock was that she had failed to sense until I was right in front of her.
I reached into my chest and pulled out her Artificial Dantian.
"You've been looking for this, haven't you?"
In that instant, her eyes flashed with murderous intent.
Srrring!
Chief Han with a sharp dagger gripped in each hand.
The world knew her as soone who commanded a battlefield like a black panther.
And indeed, her stance did not fall short of that reputation.
I extended my hand to keep Chief Han from coming closer.
"Please put the knives down."
"Hand it over."
"I ca here unard, yet you're the one drawing a blade first — that's hardly gracious."
"And was what you did gracious?"
She was worked up after days of surveillance.
Shhhk—!
She ca at like a black panther.
I twisted my body, dodged to the side, and moved behind her.
Her dagger was already in my hand, and I tossed it far away.
Clatter.
"Ugh!"
She grabbed her wrist and grimaced.
"An attitude like that doesn't help with negotiation."
"……Damn."
She gritted her teeth.
Chief Han stared silently at the dagger on the ground, and slowly her agitation began to settle.
"I'll be returning the Artificial Dantian."
"Then hand it over now."
"As I said. This is a negotiation. I'll need collateral first."
"Collateral?"
"Trust between us matters."
"Trust! After dragging around in circles from every direction!"
"Consider it punishnt for trying to attack ."
She let out a derisive snort.
"Funny. Trust, from you."
"I could have sold the Artificial Dantian off long ago. But I didn't."
"You couldn't sell it because you'd be tracked down."
"There are plenty of ways. Overseas brokers are available right here in the Black Market."
"……Fine, let's hear it. Say it. Money? Weapons?"
Swish.
I pointed to the necklace hanging around her neck.
In TV interviews, in news photographs, even at the Black Market when she had appeared in disguise, and in this very mont —not once had she ever removed it.
It was clearly sothing precious to her.
"That necklace."
"……Not this."
"Then I can't return it either."
I slipped the Artificial Dantian back into my chest.
Her eyes wavered.
"This is your last chance. If you refuse, I'll disappear for good."
"……."
Chief Han deliberated, then took off the necklace and held it out to .
Her fierce warning followed.
"It's my mother's keepsake. If you lose it, I'll hunt you to the ends of the earth and kill you."
She threw the necklace first.
At almost the sa mont, I threw her Artificial Dantian.
Shwaaak—!
She attached the Artificial Dantian and imdiately launched the Gold Claw Hand — but.
I had anticipated this.
I had already moved behind her.
"How can this be!"
I left a single parting remark to the stunned woman.
"Until next ti."
* * *
We arrived in Japan.
After making our way out of the bustling Haneda Airport, we checked into a hotel.
A five-star hotel in the heart of Tokyo.
Mother's and Bo-reum's eyes went wide.
Bo-reum was in the Japanese language departnt.
She had studied hard — communication was no trouble at all.
"Mom! Oppa. It's this way."
We went to the restaurant Bo-reum had found, finished our al with Mother, and after taking photos and sightseeing, we returned to the hotel.
When we entered the hotel lobby.
In one corner, I spotted an unexpectedly familiar face.
It was none other than—
"……Chief Han?"
Why is that woman here?
I crouched down as if tying my shoelace and quietly leaned in to listen.
"This negotiation with Japan's Gukmubon must end in success."
Chief Han's low, composed voice.
But with a razor-sharp edge to it.
Her subordinates bowed their heads deeply and responded with resolve.
"We will keep that in mind."
"If it cos to it, we will not hesitate to resort to force."
"Yes."
"The Iron Instrunt God's Sword……. We must bring it back no matter what. If words don't work, we use strength!"
Chief Han's eyes glittered like cold frost.
Her resolute gaze locked onto her subordinates.
In their eyes too, flas ignited without hesitation.
Oh, this.
Things are getting interesting.
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