The room was tense with silence, both sides contemplating what to do about the situation.
Somewhere along the line, Director Baek had gone out to ease himself, leaving just us three in the room to mull over the issue.
On the positive, the Hunter Association had temporarily solved a great deal of their money issue, thanks to the number of resources they were able to obtain from the Dungeon Break.
Unfortunately, the infrastructure that had been devastated thanks to the attack of the monsters was going to take up a sizeable amount from the profit they would gain.
'I could do something about that, but let's hold off on that got now.'
At this point, I was adjusting my plans to fit into the current situation. If I could find a way to improve it, then it would end up being advantageous for both myself and the residents of this world.
"Chairman, I have urgent news!" The Director rushed into the room, his face as pale as snow, and sweat dripping from his facade.
I could instantly tell, from the strain in his tone, the heavy breaths he made, and the desperate, fearful look in his eyes, that what he had to say was of grave importance.
Perhaps even worse consequence.
"What is the matter, Director Baek? You can speak, we're the only ones here."
So, the Chairman wanted us to listen,despite it probably being a very sensitive issue?
'Is he trying to curry our favor? Maybe Garner our sympathy?'
I knew he didn't want Aloe to leave anytime soon, thanks to the pinch their country was in. Perhaps this could be a way to appeal to us.
"W-well... it's about the SS Grade Monster Core that was in transit..."
'Ah...' My eyes widened slightly, and I could already see the parking expression of the Chairman from those simple words uttered.
"The transport vehicle was attacked, and the cargo was stolen! Based on the symbol they left at the scene... it has to be the Shadows of Light."
"N-no... no way..." The Chairman's usually energetic voice crumbled under the weight of the news.
The SS Grade Core was supposed to be given to the Zenith, yet it was stolen before it got to them.
The ones who would bear the responsibility for this was none other than the South Korea. Hunter Association.
In essence, they were in deep trouble.
~So this was their game all along. Use the Dungeon Break as a distraction, so they can go ahead with their plan. A smart move, wouldn't you agree?~ Kuzon's voice echoed in my mind.
He was correct. The Shadows of Light were really brilliant in the implementation of their plan.
'Though it's not as if I wasn't already aware of it.'
In the first place, this was the natural progression of events. And, from what I could see, this would only be the start of the downward spiral that this organization—and country—would go down.
'Not unless I stop it, of course.' A small snake radiated from my face and I spoke up.
"Chairman Sung. The situation seems quite bad..."
It was a lot more than 'quite bad.' A lot of problems seemed to be collapsing on the Hunter Association, and I could see it consuming the Chairman.
"Do you want me to help you?" I asked, a serious, yet calm expression playing on my face.
"H-help us?"
"Yes. I will solve this entire problem for you. In exchange, you will answer one of my requests." A small smile formed on my face.
Some would consider my condition exorbitant, since these people were in a desperate situation.
The shock on their faces, and the looks of hesitation the Chairman especially had was proof of that worry.
"Don't be too concerned about it. I won't be unreasonable in my demand. I promise, it won't be harmful in any way. This arrangement benefits you all more, actually."
Once everything concluded, they would see it with their own eyes.
'For now, I just have to make the offer.'
After a lot of mulling and weighing his options, the Chairman finally asked his final question.
"Can I trust you with this?" His tone was sullen, without any bias or pride.
I could tell he was just trying his best to be honest—to make a plea of reliance.
"Yes. You can trust me." My response had already been determined.
"Very well. I accept your offer." I used Sound Magic to record our entire conversation, just in case.
Though, I doubted there would ever be a need to use it again.
"Great. There's no need to worry about it anymore, then. Chairman Sung... once I'm done, you'll see it with your own eyes—how much of an opportunity all of these problems are."
"I certainly look forward to it..." He chuckled, though echoes of sadness, pain, and worry leaked from his hollow tone.
"You both must be tired already. Director Baek, please lead them to their rooms."
"Chairman..." The Director glanced at his boss with a bit of hesitance and concern flickering in his eyes.
"I'll be fine. Don't you worry." Straining a smile, the Chairman sent us on our merry way.
The last thing I saw of him when I left the office was his bittersweet smile.
'Don't fret too much, old man.' I smiled. 'All is well that ends well.'
*
*
*
"Please, make yourself feel at home." Director Baek bowed as he initiated his leave after leaving us at a marvelous suite truly befitting VIPs. "I should be going now."
"Director... don't you worry too much too. I'll take care of everything. I promise you that."
"Thank you, Mr. Leonard. You too, Mr. Kuzon." He smiled, and then walked away.
I knew he had a lot on his mind too, so I left it at that and closed the door of our room.
Once again, I was made to appreciate just how great the place looked. I had definitely seen better, but the culture and civilization of this world made me simply appreciate the new aesthetic that greeted my eyes.
Unfortunately...
"We need to talk, Jared."
... That didn't last very long.
Kuzon was already seated, his stern expression showing me how he wasn't in a very good mood.
I also knew the reason why
"Why in the world would you offer to help them?"
We were currently in a hurry to get back home. Why would I decide to waste even more time here?
"As you can tell, this situation is something that needs to handled intricately, and over time. It's not something that sheer power can just solve." Kuzon added, his glare becoming more obvious.
Of course, I understood that.
"Then why...? Why would you go so far? We have our own problems to worry about."
Even though he was upset, Kuzon was being mature enough to let me have the floor and explain myself.
His annoyance was justified, and his focus on our goal was commendable.
I just had a different perspective of the whole thing.
