“Looks like Gukwayeon will be hacked soon.”
“Should we stop it?”
“No, just leave it. It’s not like it’s a proper code anyway.”
South Korea had been plagued by the threat of hacking lately.
The culprits were mostly suspected to be the Red Team, countries such as China, Russia, and North South Korea, but there was no solid evidence.
In fact, every country wanted to hack.
They just lacked the ability to do so.
Nevertheless, they suspected that Yeohong-sik, who was maintaining his position, had a force behind him.
There was a saying in Yeouido.
When Beijing coughed, a few people immediately boarded a plane, and Yeohong-sik was likely to be at the forefront.
He was a prominent pro-China figure, like the late Prime Minister Park Hyung-gu, but he had slightly different intentions.
He was under suspicion of receiving various favors and conveniences from China.
In fact, every time he visited Beijing, his fawning behavior was noticeable.
When reporters asked if he was treated well, he would deflect the question.
—Chinese food suits his taste buds well. Indeed, brothers often have similar tastes.
—If skillfully steering every question towards China was a talent, then he certainly had it.
—Anyway, because he was a key figure in the ruling party, it was difficult to casually meddle with him.
—In addition, after the death of Prime Minister Park Hyung-gu, there was a tendency for pro-China factions to gather around him as the right-hand man.
—If they let him be, he would become a nuisance, entangling himself with other people and causing a big mess all at once.
—If Gukwayeon gets hacked again this time, find out if it’s the same people who infiltrated our research lab.”
—What should we do if they are the same?
—For now, just keep a record. And when is Li Weiwei’s visit to South Korea?
—It’s in a week.
—Coincidentally overlapping, huh?
—Was it really just a coincidence that it coincided with the day when the new bulletproof vest plates were supplied to the front-line troops?
—He didn’t think so.
—China had sent Zhang Jiaojun, a director of the NCC Group, to exert pressure on him.
—What they wanted was an independent black metal ecosystem.
—However, the United States couldn’t make an exception for China when it was establishing factories domestically.
—He clearly conveyed that to them, but it seemed China couldn’t accept it.
Zhang Jiaojun sent him the following letter:
—China currently has the largest black metal reserve in the world, including the South Sa-gun’s black metal. Although we can currently obtain black metal from the East Sea, there is no guarantee that we will be able to do so in the distant future.
—In Chinese idioms, there is a saying ‘no revenge is as important as seeking revenge.’ I expect wise judgment.
It was a polite message, but it was nothing short of a threat to surrender the disintegrator.
He tore up the letter and didn’t even bother to respond.
Li Weiwei, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs who was visiting this time, would probably ask him directly about that matter.
There might be other motives as well…
“Arma, what is the probability that the Chinese visitors coming this time will steal the bulletproof vest plates?”
“I would say it’s quite high. We have secured Park Junho, who was at the Pangyo Research Institute.”
“Ah, that guy.”
Park Junho was one of the few individuals, besides Yeohong-sik, who could transform black metal. But his psychic abilities were too weak to be useful.
However, it seemed that Park Junho himself and China didn’t share that perspective.
“He has been in China for over three weeks without returning. He was probably absorbed by the Communist Party.”
“So, he lied about needing products made of black metal to strengthen his position?”
“China fell for his deception. After all, he can transform black metal into various forms.”
“Well, since the transformation phenomenon occurs right in front of their eyes, they probably did as he asked.”
However, even if they managed to steal the plates, exporting them to a foreign country would be challenging.
First of all, the government kept track of them and managed them with serial numbers, and the National Intelligence Service was closely monitoring them.
Moreover, the plates were large in size, so they would be caught at airport security checkpoints.
Arma presented a different opinion.
“There’s something called a diplomatic pouch. It allows for the transportation of various items without going through customs inspections. Generally, opening a diplomatic pouch is forbidden.”
“Is that so? The plates would have to be quite big to be transported.”
“Yes. By examining the diplomatic pouch of the visiting delegation, we can determine whether they are taking the plates.”
“Hmm…”
China’s intentions were clear.
They wanted the source code of drone systems and high-resolution disintegrators.
Yu Ji-ha didn’t want to get involved in the black metal ecosystem of the Preserve.
While he understood their freedom up to that point, he couldn’t tolerate this kind of manipulation.
“If they fail this time, their plan is to kidnap me?”
“More precisely, it’s a rescue mission. The Taliban handle the kidnappings. The disintegrators are naturally obtained loot during the process.”
“Isn’t it known that getting involved in Afghanistan leads to friction with China due to the Uyghur issue?”
“That’s the perspective of the traditional Taliban. Those who were part of the Afghan government forces have a slightly different viewpoint. Running a country requires money, you know.”
“The Taliban might have the ability to drive out the US, but do they have the ability to govern a nation?”
“Apparently, drug exports aren’t enough for them.”
Yu Ji-ha organized his thoughts.
“For now… contact Hi-Tech and tell them to supply the plates as planned. But before that, implant microdrones throughout the entire plate.”
With Settler’s Aether Reactor operational, there was no difficulty in performing three-dimensional patterning.
“If the plates are exported, will the government suspect anything?”
The National Intelligence Service should have a grasp of that level.
They’ll check the schedule when the plane arrives.
“Liu Wei will probably try to meet with Yeohong-sik or Zhang Jiaojun.”
“I’ll secure as much evidence as possible.”
“Let’s take care of everything at once, including the person who steals the plates.”
A week later, Liu Wei’s chartered plane arrived at Incheon Airport.
This delegation was of considerable size, ranking at the level of deputy minister, and it was expected that there would be in-depth discussions related to black metal in the media.
However, not a single media outlet focused on the diplomatic pouches of a size that could hold a person.
As soon as Liu Wei arrived in the country, he met with Zhang Jiaojun from the NCC.
Yeohong-sik, a member of parliament, was also present, but no details of their conversation were revealed.
Liu Wei had requested meetings with several individuals from the domestic major companies, and Yu Ji-ha was on the list.
When Yu Ji-ha entered the meeting room, he only saw Liu Wei and Zhang Jiaojun, both with lean appearances, holding their positions.
From the beginning, it was clear that others were just for show, and the plan was to have a private meeting.
“Leave.”
Two burly men wearing sunglasses left the meeting room.
Now, Yu Ji-ha was face to face with Liu Wei.
“I asked politely several times, and you should have accepted it reasonably.”
The interpreter’s rough tone emerged from the start.
Yu Ji-ha calmly replied, “I have one stance. If you want black metal, establish factories within the country.”
“What if I refuse?”
“Then China won’t be able to obtain black metal. You might have plenty of Wongoang, but that will be all.”
A smirk appeared on Liu Wei’s lean face.
“Do you really think so? You believe you’re the only one in this world who can modify black metal?”
“If someone like that existed, there would be no reason for them to come to me like this, would there? Isn’t that right?”
“I won’t waste more words. If I give you high-resolution disintegrators, I won’t bother you again. I’ll give you more money than you can spend in a lifetime. And if you want Chinese citizenship, I can provide that too.”
“Why do you want high-resolution disintegrators, exactly? Are you planning to create weapons?”
Liu Wei’s face contorted.
“Who doesn’t know that you made railgun barrels? Why are you only wagging your tail at the United States?”
“The expression ‘wagging your tail’ seems a bit inappropriate. Anyway, the reason is simple. We’re still allies.”
“Listen carefully. It’s only been 76 years since the United States settled on South Korean soil. South Korea has been a brotherly country to China since ancient times. Brothers should get along well, shouldn’t they?”
“Who’s the brother?”
“Of course, it’s South Korea! South Korea has been part of China for generations!”
The thin disguise tore apart, revealing its true colors.
Of course, China today is very powerful, and South Korea relies on its economy to a large extent, so it’s natural for the pressure to weigh on South Korea’s shoulders.
However, with Yu Ji-ha’s arrival, many things would change.
“It seems we’re on parallel paths. I’ll go first.”
“Sit.”
“Do you think you can oppress South Koreans on South Korean soil? Deputy Minister Liu Wei, your influence is truly remarkable.”
As a warning, he was notified that there would be regrets if he stepped outside.
“I’m looking forward to that.”
As Yu Ji-ha attempted to open the door, the men blocked his way.
“Get out.”
The sudden burst of Chinese words surprised the men, who looked at Liu Wei in confusion.
Reluctantly, he nodded his head, leaving Yu Ji-ha with a smile before disappearing.
A few days later, Arma reported to Yu Ji-ha, who was resting at home.
“The armored plate convoy is heading towards Incheon Airport.”
“How much money did they offer to make them steal it all?”
“It’s quite a lot. They received 3 billion won through a secret account.”
“…So the National Intelligence Service just stood by and watched?”
“They realized it too late, and tracking became difficult as the truck entered the embassy compound.”
“Then we’ll be getting a call soon.”
Sure enough, the President himself called on the phone.
Yu Ji-ha put on his clothes and started the Windrunner.
-Vice Chairman, can you help me?
-If it’s within my power, I will help. But what’s the matter?
-The armored plate that was delivered was stolen by a senior military officer. He has been arrested, but the plates were taken to the Chinese embassy. They are currently en route to Incheon Airport in a diplomatic pouch.
-Ah… Wait a moment. So you’re saying China is stealing the armored plates?
-That’s correct. We need evidence to inspect the diplomatic pouch. Otherwise, it could escalate into a diplomatic issue. Is there other way?
Since the other party was China, that was right.
If it were any other country, the government would have immediately opened and inspected the diplomatic pouch.
But in the first place, they wouldn’t have dared to do such a thing.
Yu Ji-ha slowly drove the car onto the main road.
—We can confirm it with the disassembler, but we’re in Seoul right now…
—Understood. Drive. Police cars will escort you. We’ll try to prevent the bag from leaving the country.
Shortly after, two patrol cars joined in.
—Wee-woo-wee-woo!
With loud sirens, all the traffic lights in the vicinity turned red at once.
The only traffic light that turned green was the one heading towards Incheon Airport.
The Windrunner raced through the wide-open road.
When Yu Ji-ha arrived at the airport, he saw a confrontation between the Chinese delegation and the South Korean side.
In between them were three wooden boxes.
The large size made the words “Diplomatic pouch” on them look insignificant.
Of course, there were no specific regulations regarding the size and specifications of diplomatic pouches.
In times of emergency, a container could be designated as a diplomatic pouch to support their own nationals abroad.
That was the logic of the Chinese delegation.
“I’m warning you, step back!”
“Preventing the movement of the diplomatic pouch itself can be a problem! How do you plan to take responsibility for the consequences?”
Meanwhile, the frantic aides from the Blue House and the police were sweating profusely as they discreetly prevented the pouch from being moved.
They had been doing that for almost 40 minutes, so their hard work was understandable.
As Yu Ji-ha approached, their expressions changed as if they had encountered a savior.
“Are you recording with a bodycam?”
“Yes? Oh, yes! Of course!”
The police officers responded in a rigid posture as if he were with the president himself.
In fact, this was not a place for an ordinary civilian to intervene.
However, considering his ability to handle black metal effortlessly, the reason for his involvement became evident.
President Lee Hyun-seong believed that Yu Ji-ha could resolve this situation.
He approached Deputy Minister Liu Wei, who had a cold expression.
“Nice to meet you again, Deputy Minister.”
“Are you holding a busy foreign official, detaining them with South Korea’s supposed etiquette?”
“Of course not. I just need to confirm one thing and then I will send you away.”
After exchanging a glance with his secretary, Yu Ji-ha spoke quickly.
“We suspect that this diplomatic pouch may contain the new model of bulletproof vests… I mean, the black metal plates. Do you deny that you may have stolen them?”
Liu Wei shouted angrily, but Yu Ji-ha calmly stared him down.
“It’s unlikely that the plates supplied to frontline units would accidentally end up in a diplomatic pouch, don’t you think?”
“…So you want to open the pouch for verification? Present the evidence first. If you dare to open it recklessly, you will pay a severe price. Just like before, you know.”
It was nothing short of a threat to activate the Hanhanryeong once again.
China had the capability to carry out such a move, and the South Koreans present at the scene were apprehensive about opening the pouch for that reason.
In the end, the crux of the matter was whether they would find evidence or not.
Instead of answering directly, Yu Ji-ha turned to the Chief Secretary and asked a question.
“Chief Secretary, if it is confirmed that they have stolen the bulletproof vest plates, what will be the consequences?”
“Well… it would be a clear case of theft and a violation of the Military Secrets Protection Act. However, since they are foreigners, it would likely result in a ban on their entry into the country.”
“So, if the plates are found here, it means that Deputy Minister Liu Wei will not be able to set foot on South Korean soil from now on?”
“Yes, his entry would be denied at the airport. It would be a different story if the entry ban is lifted.”
“I see… By any chance, do you have the serial numbers of the stolen plates?”
“Here they are.”
“Hmm, a total of ten… “
“…”
Liu Wei felt a sense of unease as he observed Yu Ji-ha checking the numbers.
If they were caught, this would be an issue that couldn’t simply be brushed aside.
Regardless of China’s superiority in the bilateral relationship, there needed to be at least some justification.
Especially when it came to anything related to Black Metal, countries around the world were exercising caution.
But if a deputy minister from one country was caught stealing Black Metal plates in another country, it would not only become a laughingstock worldwide but also face firm reprimands from superiors.
“It shouldn’t be a problem. Just present the evidence…”
The diplomatic pouch looked like a wooden crate, but it was sealed tightly with steel.
If it wasn’t opened from this side, there would be no contact with the Black Metal, and consequently, no evidence could be found.
This conclusion brought a relaxed expression to Liu Wei’s face.
“We are busy people. If you can’t find the evidence within 10 minutes, I will contact my homeland.”
“If it’s evidence you want, I’ll show you right now.”
Yu Ji-ha pulled out his dismantling device and fitted it like a glove.
As the Black Metal made a crackling sound and transformed right before their eyes, everyone’s eyes widened.
Black Metal had become quite familiar to people by now, but it still evoked a sense of awe whenever seen.
Yu Ji-ha placed his gloved hand on the left side of the pouch.
“There’s one thing you’ve misunderstood. I can manipulate it without even making direct contact with Black Metal.”
Being an Omega-level psychic beyond the norm was the reason why.
“What?”
Liu Wei’s eyes widened in astonishment, and at that moment, the sturdy seal was torn open, and the wooden crate made a creaking sound as it broke apart.
What emerged from within resembled a turtle-shaped figure folded from black paper.
“Wow… It came apart.”
“There, the plates are inside!”
“Check the serial numbers!”
This was the end…
A sense of impending doom swept through the officials.
With things turning out this way, there was absolutely no room for denial.
As Deputy Minister Liu Wei tightly closed his eyes, he heard the voice of the Chief Secretary.
“We’ve checked the serial numbers. They match the plates that went missing from the front-line unit.”
“Deputy Minister Liu Wei, it seems you’ve been engaged in theft.”
As if questioning why he did it, a reproachful voice caused him to falter in his attempts to make excuses, his gaze fixated on the turtle.
The Black Metal model… was not a turtle but a monitor lizard.
South Koreans often failed to distinguish between monitor lizards and turtles, but the Chinese were different.
That’s because there was a superstition in China that monitor lizards mated with their own mothers, making them taboo.
So, they insulted him by calling him a monitor lizard, implying that he would join forces with his mother.
“I, I…”
Just as his anger was about to explode, Yu Ji-ha calmly spoke up.
“It seems you have a fondness for turtles. Unfortunately, this belongs to the government of the Republic of South Korea, so I cannot give it to you freely.”
His anger instantly dissipated.
No matter how you looked at it, it was a monitor lizard, but arguing that it was a turtle would only make him appear more ridiculous.
Explaining how insulting it was to be called a monitor lizard here would only make matters worse.
“Deputy… Deputy Minister, how…?”
The officials were watching silently, and Liu Wei shrugged his shoulders.
The police officers held up their cameras and took photos of the scene.
Liu Wei’s frustrated face was captured in the photos.
With a smile on his face, Yu Ji-ha spoke to him.
“Now you will return to your country. Have a pleasant journey.”
Silence filled the air.
There would be no pleasant journey for him. He would become the subject of global ridicule and be persecuted by other factions.
To the Communist Party, a deputy minister-level bureaucrat was nothing more than a disposable pawn that could be replaced at any time.
Liu Wei’s face turned pale as he sensed his impending fate.
Note:
Hanhanryeong – is when China stopped buying and watching things from South Korea because they were angry that the US put a big weapon in South Korea. This made it hard for many South Korean people and businesses who sold or showed things to China. But it did not work very well or for very long, and now China and South Korea are getting along better again.
Monitor Lizard – In China, some people think that monitor lizards are bad animals because they have a bad habit. They believe that monitor lizards mate with their own mothers, which is very wrong and disgusting. So they use the word “monitor lizard” to insult someone who is very evil or stupid.