◈ Episode 193

Even in today's world, espionage warfare continues.

Although we live in an era where each individual is the main focus, we are always concerned about the trends of other countries. This is especially true in relatively developed countries, because they have the luxury of looking outside.

Naturally, the most underestimated target is Shiran.

That means there are a lot of spies in Shiran.

There is no proper means of remotely contacting the distant home country, and since the Empire's investigation is tight, most of them are passive. However, when a major incident occurs, they quickly report the news to their contacts in the home country.

This was that time.

"Sometimes I think, the world is really big."

"yes?"

"I swear I've never seen such a crazy person in my life."

Harrenhal's Generalissimo Kenneth Kluivert burst into laughter. He could see through the whole story from just a few lines in the report. The truth about the 'terror' that had occurred in Shiran.

"It's most likely the work of Selfrogics Lab, or rather Dustborne."

"I see. You see it that way."

"Even if they disguised themselves as the Legion, it's nothing more than turning a blind eye. The leader of the rap group was taken away, so why would they move? To take revenge with their own hands? I understand the motive, but I'm not sure."

Kenneth didn't know how big the Legion remnants were, but they must have been significantly weakened compared to before. Trying to touch Shiran would be like throwing an egg at a rock, like committing suicide.

Taking on such a risk is called revenge. It doesn't add up.

"First of all, no one will be fooled."

The identity is revealed just by the circumstances. The general public who sees the news will also have doubts. It goes without saying that it is a high-ranking official like Kenneth who receives reports separately without going through media distortion.

"But there will be people who will 'be fooled'."

It was never a meaningless disguise.

Rather, Kenneth was even impressed.

'It's been almost 50 years now.'

Since 2000, many nations have declined and fallen. Kenneth, who is barely 50 years old, does not know the peaceful times before. The continent he knows has always been filled with screams.

Meanwhile, Shiran maintained its national power. In fact, its population grew even more as it accepted refugees. The empire, which had been strong since ancient times, has now become a true and powerful nation.

"I've always wondered about Shiran. Shiran is so healthy. The disaster that should surely strike indiscriminately feels especially kind there."

"Are you saying that you are artificially causing a disaster?"

"No, no. What kind of exaggeration are you talking about?"

Kenneth added, lightly reprimanding his secretary.

"Shiran's land has been hit by disasters many times. They were mostly small in scale, but to that extent, yes. It's at a level where you can accept it as luck. However, the response was too quick."

The last catastrophe deepened the mystery. The sudden outbreak of the Parasite Incident. It took Harrenhal at least two years to stabilize. And even that was thanks to outside help.

On the other hand, Shiran established a parasite response system in just three months.

"It's as if he's looking into the future and preparing for it in advance. If Shiran has nothing to do with the disaster, I'm more afraid of that. It just shows how excellent the Emperor's skills are."

If you are in power, you cannot help but think about it.

After the current global disaster ends.

"So I want to avoid the Cellbrox Lab being absorbed into Shiran."

Many are hopeful about the research of Ishrad and Cellbrotics Lab. If Shiran, who has swallowed Lab, succeeds in calming the disaster, its international status will rise dramatically.

It's not a very pleasant picture.

'Besides, Dustborn has debts.'

Kenneth decided on a course of action.

"Isn't the terror of the Legion truly terrifying? Why does the world become more and more dangerous?"

Let's be a little naive.

* * *

As the news spread, the terrorists escaped from Shiran safely, using the tunnels to leave just as they had entered.

It was a trick that wouldn't work from then on.

The police and bailiffs, who have been properly humiliated, are hot on the trail. Even though Ghost has tried his best to erase his tracks, there are clear limits. Sooner or later, all the tunnels and hideouts will be discovered.

'I thought it was disposable anyway, so whatever.'

It's not a pity. Above all, when I visit Shiran again, I won't be as relaxed as I was during this operation. I plan to use all the means I've saved to finish the job in no time.

It may not be such a distant story.

"Are we going to Bastetira like this?"

"That's right. I'm saying this just in case, but it's better to behave well if possible. Don't show your face at official events. It would be weird if someone who was taken by the Legion were to walk around normally."

Since the operation team is disguised as Legion, they must act accordingly. On the surface, Kushan has been kidnapped by Legion. Although it is obvious to everyone that it is a show, each and every excuse is important.

Kushan also understood his situation well.

"Of course. You can make my corpse."

"You figure that out. Just decide who you're going to appoint as your representative."

"Are you a representative? I have a proposal regarding that."

"Is that what you said you would tell me when you had time?"

"Yes. From now on, there will be few days as free as now."

Despite the bombing just a few days ago, it is now incredibly quiet. Cars drive on dirt roads, the desolate landscape remains unchanged. The road to Bastitera is not an easy one.

We're also quite far from the Shiran border. Now we just need to find the nearest safe house and swap cars. Even with a helicopter, it would be realistically difficult to chase them.

There is time to think calmly.

That's why Kushan spoke up.

"Why don't we just merge Rap and Dustborne?"

"I feel like I've heard it a few times before."

"No, at that time it was closer to an acquisition than a merger."

This time it's different, he said.

"If we were to appoint someone as the head of the research institute, it would be either a professor or Leila. However, the professor has his own instability, and Leila has her own instability. I believe you know what I mean."

"Because they are both so unique."

"So I'd like you to help me balance things out. I'd appreciate it if you could be my co-CEO."

As co-representatives.

It wasn't unexpected. Kushan had no choice but to step down from the front line. Even though his position within the organization remains the same, it is a situation where a new leader is needed on the surface.

And from Rap's perspective, a merger with Dustborne was an attractive option.

"Since the fall of Shalem, there are no more entanglements in the lab. Up until now, I have stayed because I hated the entanglements, but now that it has come to this, I can't just say things that are easy. It's time to find a new home."

"You're coming over to Cilicia?"

"If you want."

Since it was a serious topic, Kim Lee-hyun also thought about it seriously.

'If Rap belongs anywhere, it would be Bastitera or Cilicia.'

Both have pros and cons.

If you go to Bastitera, you will receive full support from the royal family, but there will be difficulties in communicating with the outside world. On the other hand, there is concern that Cilicia will be a burden to the council.

'I'm not sure about this.'

In the game, it has always been independent. But is it really necessary to follow the same path? Considering what happens after the ending, it might be better to find a nest like Kushan said.

From the perspective of Cellbrox Lab, it feels like it's half positive and half negative.

Dustborn can also grow in size without losing its original color.

But for Kim Lee Hyun personally, well.

"It might be a bit bothersome."

"...it's bothering?"

Doesn't that sound like it's difficult or burdensome?

"Uh. Sorry, but I'm not the best at managing my subordinates. I leave everything in my company to others, so what the heck is a co-CEO? I don't really like that."

It wasn't just a matter of feeling.

"I don't think this is something that needs to be decided in a hurry. It would be difficult if I were tied up right now, and there's also the possibility that you could return surprisingly easily."

"I never asked you to decide here."

"Look at it longer than that."

Of course, after the ending, it was a future worth thinking about for Kim Yi-hyun as well.

Just because it's all over doesn't mean I'm going into hiding or cutting ties with rap.

But it is still too early.

"We have to save our lives first. You and I."

As the episode begins, there are mountains of issues to deal with.

Today is too intense to discuss tomorrow.

* * *

There was no crisis until they arrived at Bastitera. As they entered the checkpoint, familiar faces greeted the operation team. It seemed that they had contacted the safe house in advance and were there to meet them.

"Chief…!"

"It's been almost two months, Leila."

Kushan smiled bitterly as he met her large eyes.

"It was much faster than I thought. I thought it would take at least a year."

"If you knew this would happen, you should have been more careful! I know the decision-making authority lies with the director, but you were too arbitrary. I understand why you did that, but I wish you had thought about it together…."

Leila poured out her complaints with a sullen face, as if she were a daughter scolding her father for smoking. Kushan also had nothing to say in defense, so he just listened in silence.

"If Mr. Hyun hadn't helped me, I would've been in big trouble. No, actually, I didn't even think you'd bring the director. I thought you were just going on a reconnaissance mission."

"Me too. What on earth did you do?"

Even the professor looked bewildered. It wasn't a random remark. No matter how elite they were, who could have expected that three people would invade Shiran and take out prisoners?

Everyone was curious about the details. There had been no news of terrorism here yet. Bastite had been so closed off that it had no spies planted in other countries.

Kim Yi-hyeon turned away from the curious gazes.

"The longer it dragged on, the more unfavorable the situation became."

"Ugh, I feel like I always owe Mr. Hyun everything. I wonder how I can repay this favor."

"Don't worry. I won't forget and I'll tear it all out."

There are plenty of corners to exploit. For example, they bring in agents from the lab in the form of accepting applicants. They provide free medicine related to spells or infections.

And that's not all.

There are things to get started on right away.

"I think I need to borrow some manpower."

* * *

The land of Bastetira was still dry. Even though it was summer, a biting wind blew and the roofs were covered with snow. When I think about it again, it was an unfriendly land for humans.

But there were definitely some parts that had changed.

"You've become quite frugal since I last saw you."

"Is that what you mean when you say you're meeting someone after a long time?"

"It's catching my eye, what should I do?"

The palace, which had been at the height of extravagance, became modern. With the disappearance of the excessively extravagant ornaments, a kind of restraint emerged. Ainoa's clothing also became less flashy than before.

"It feels like a drama set has been transformed into a high-end theme hotel."

"I don't know if it's good or bad reviews."

"Of course it's well-received. This is more familiar to outsiders."

"In reality, we just sold off unnecessary luxury items to increase disaster relief funds."

Ainoa let out a deep sigh.

One of the reasons for the sigh was the recent royal expenditures, and the other was the other person's cold reaction. Given Kim Yi-hyun's personality, I had expected this to happen.

"Are you going to stay here for a while, Hyun-do?"

"It's true that he's active in Bastetera, but I don't know about his status."

"Where is this guy going to stir things up again…."

Kim Yi-hyeon briefly thought about the glare.

It seemed like it would be polite to disclose this to the landlord.

"This is information I obtained separately."

He said, recalling a man.

"The prince of Shiran is hiding in Bastetira."

Securing the guy is the first priority.