Chapter 20: Everyone is Obsessed with Me (2)

Lee Taebaek went to find Fumito. He gave a brief rundown of what had just happened, sticking to the essentials.

“…And that’s how it went.”

“W-Wait a sec! Stay right here!”

The moment the explanation ended, Fumito bolted off somewhere. Lee Taebaek was left standing awkwardly in front of his door for a moment.

Soon enough, Fumito returned with someone in tow.

Thud thud thud thud.

No need to guess—it was Kang Hyeonseong. He charged forward like a raging water buffalo, kicking up dirt with every heavy step of his heels.

“Taebaek—!”

A grin bloomed across his face. Not figuratively—his mouth stretched all the way to his ears.

Lee Taebaek had ultimately chosen to stay with the 9th Battalion. Pride be damned; Kang Hyeonseong wanted to whoop for joy.

No.

“Kuhahahahaha!”

He burst into booming laughter that echoed down the hall. Passing unit members stared at him like he’d lost his mind.

“What’s up with Battalion Commander Kang Hyeonseong?”

“Heard there was an emergency battalion commanders’ meeting at dawn. Must’ve been some good news. Or maybe his head got messed up after that trip to the Brain Prison.”

“Like anything good ever happens to the 9th Battalion.”

“True. They call it a special forces unit, but it’s basically just a collection of psychopaths. Every last one of them.”

Spot on. Lee Taebaek knew it firsthand.

“Anyway.”

“Look at that black-haired guy too. The day Battalion Commander Kang brought him in, he beat the crap out of Deputy Commander Swallow James.”

“Yeah, what’d he say? ‘Kneel.’ Or something like that…”

If you’re gonna gossip, at least keep it quiet, you bastards! His thumb instinctively drifted toward the umbrella’s open/close button.

“Let’s just go. No point getting involved.”

The unit members hugged the wall as they passed the trio, as if a barrier had been cast around them.

“Stop grinning like an idiot. You’re embarrassing me. I might change my mind and withdraw.”

Lee Taebaek furrowed his brow.

“Ahaha! Sorry, sorry. I’m just so damn happy!”

He looked ready to pull him into a bear hug. If he tried, the barrel of the Python would cool his mouth right down.

“Don’t be so creepy, man. Please.”

“I’m just proud! You look like some pretty boy parasite, but your loyalty’s like iron wire! Kuhahaha!”

“Loyalty can go fuck itself.”

Lee Taebaek crumpled his expression like a wad of tissue and shuddered. Kang Hyeonseong kept smirking, clearly delighted.

By rank, Kang Hyeonseong was definitely the superior. Yet somehow, their org chart felt inverted in this bizarre setup.

Still, putting himself in the guy’s shoes, he could kind of understand.

The other offers were so outrageous that even a random passerby would gape if you explained them.

‘If I were Taebaek.’

He’d have secured at least half a day of grace period, then weighed the pros and cons meticulously.

Just because they’d escaped the Brain Prison together didn’t obligate Lee Taebaek to join the 9th Battalion.

That had been Kang Hyeonseong’s whim, nothing more.

No intent to saddle him with debt, he swore.

If anything, he was proud of himself for not leaving the guy to rot in there. A stroke of genius, really.

‘Taebaek will make a huge contribution to the Resistance’s strength.’

In their last mission, Lee Taebaek had more than proven his worth. He’d earned the right to choose his affiliation through his own merits.

‘The Commander-in-Chief, with her near-prophetic eye for talent, said his potential was Ten Wings class.’

So wherever Lee Taebaek ended up, Kang Hyeonseong had no regrets, no resentment—not even a hint of displeasure.

Except.

Just one thing: please, not the 8th Battalion… not with that sugar-water bastard.

‘Pepper, that lunatic, actually offering the deputy spot.’

Kang Hyeonseong could’ve dangled flashy incentives too, and pushed them through if he wanted.

But he didn’t.

Special treatment for Lee Taebaek? Sure, with the joint escape and shared missions, the 9th Battalion was the natural fit anyway.

Great in the short term.

But the existing members?

There’d be grumbling galore.

The balloon effect. When balance tips heavily one way, the other side suffers. It could happen to the 9th Battalion too.

‘If Taebaek sows seeds of discord, what’s the point?’

The 9th Battalion was bound by thick camaraderie, but only because their interests aligned.

Would betrayed members still trust and follow Kang Hyeonseong? In Lake City, absurd notion.

Appealing to emotion here was the height of folly.

He could picture it: Yu Dahui eyeing him pitifully. Rock lowering her mask. Fumito… probably the same.

‘For Taebaek’s sake, the members’, and mine. Throwing out offers blindly would’ve been bad.’

So Kang Hyeonseong offered something realistic, competitive with the others: ‘external agent status’ for Lee Taebaek.

That’s when Fumito cut into their conversation.

“Looks like things worked out great, Commander. External agents are super picky to get into.”

Lee Taebaek looked indifferent, but Fumito was making a fuss. His eyes sparkled with envy and admiration.

“Taebaek, you might not know, but external agents are really hard to become. Slots are super limited.”

“Even as a reward, how’d I snag a spot? I heard they’re all full.”

“One just happened to open up unavoidably.”

Kang Hyeonseong answered.

“Remember the external agent we planted in Lukaken Pharmaceutical? That bastard betrayed us. That’s how we missed the whole Triad-Lukaken connection. Sold out the organization for cash. Tsk tsk.”

“What happened to that agent?”

“Probably sleeping right now.”

“Nice place. They even let traitors sleep.”

“Bed’s under the coffin lid, though.”

Message received loud and clear. A subtle warning: ‘Don’t even think about stepping out of line.’

“Anyway, Taebaek. You’re officially one of us now. On behalf of the battalion, thanks again for choosing the 9th.”

“Don’t go so low-key with me from now on. I’m part of the unit now. Gotta save face, right?”

“Haha, yeah. Our unit… Uh, wait.”

His pupils dilated like he’d spotted a ghost.

“Y-You, just now, what’d you say?!”

The word ‘our’ struck Kang Hyeonseong’s heart.

“You said ‘our unit’!”

“No.”

“Don’t play dumb! Fumito, you heard it too, right?!”

“Sorry, adult ADHD. Got distracted.”

“Hey, you punk! Being distractible’s not a flex!”

“Whatever.”

Lee Taebaek swiftly shut down the commotion.

He let out a sigh and spoke again.

“Even if I’m operating externally, if the 9th Battalion needs my help, I’ll come running, Kang Hyeonseong. Or rather—”

Lee Taebaek took a deep breath. His chest swelled and fell substantially.

Words he’d never uttered in his life. His lips kept curling like squid tentacles, making it hard to spit out.

But just once.

Once wouldn’t hurt.

Embarrassing as hell, but.

He was grateful, after all.

He wanted to mumble a quick thanks while he could. No way he could do it formally. Don’t get the wrong idea—it’s not some sappy sentiment.

Just adopting Kang Hyeonseong’s offer to operate more freely under the Chaos Goddess search.

If not for that proposal, he might’ve gone elsewhere.

Long story short.

Regardless of the choice, he planned to thank Kang Hyeonseong.

Without him, the guy who’d nearly turned to electric-chair dew wouldn’t have rooted himself in this world.

‘To Kang Hyeonseong, whom I created.’

A momentary cringe was bearable.

“Looking forward to working with you. I mean—”

Embarrassed, Lee Taebaek’s lips flapped awkwardly for a while. He finally forced the words out.

“Battalion Commander Kang Hyeonseong.”

“……”

Kang Hyeonseong blinked. Clarity returned to his dazed expression moments later.

“Yeah. See you out there.”

A smile spread across his face.

The lower districts of Lake City. The name might make you think all residents were lower-class, but reality was different. Middle-class folks were the majority now.

Narrow alleys barely wide enough for one person clearly marked it as not upper district, yet the people strolling the asphalt didn’t fit the lower-class mold.

Men had neatly trimmed beards. Women flaunted their style in outfits. Money in the air.

Of course, it used to be mostly lower-class. Crime den, hotbed of vice, illegal haven, slum—the labels fit with the abysmal security.

Back then, buildings were patched-up like darned old socks, haphazardly developed.

Those days were gone. Grime stains mostly swept under the rug. Old remnants lurked in building shadows, visible only if you looked closely.

Population exploded like rabbits breeding nonstop. Deaths were high too, but growth outpaced casualties by miles.

Murderous density. Skyrocketing prices. Pushed out by megacorp capital.

Factors driving the upper district’s relatively poor en masse to the lower districts. All in just five years.

“Leaves us Beggar Clan folks without a place.”

A beggar grumbled sadly. Lee Taebaek got snagged by him while looking for directions.

“Well, that’s deep lower districts talk. The outskirts are still raw. Gangs run wild. Like the Top Ten Gangs.”

He considered ignoring him but changed his mind. Listen a bit, ask for directions—cheap entertainment.

‘Ragtime with a beggar.’

Oh, reality hits. Lee Taebaek belatedly realized how he must look to others.

Like a bum. Felt like one too.

Damn. All because of those heartless Resistance bastards. Transport cited security and dumped him like luggage near his destination.

Welfare level: trash.

Ugh, whatever.

They meant for him to wander and learn Lake City’s layout. But Korean Lee Taebaek valued efficiency. Just get to the spot and rest.

…Easier said than done. Directions it was. The city was merciless to outsiders.

‘Eyes too guarded to ask anyone.’

Wary knots everywhere.

Makes sense—it was still lower districts, name or not. Roads and buildings shiny new, but resident mindset inherited the old sleaze.

‘Device not activated yet, no maps.’

So Lee Taebaek pretended to listen intently to the Beggar Clan’s lament. Hoped it was worth sacrificing his nose. Ew, that stench.

“Got long-winded there. Sorry. Haven’t had eyes on a Beggar Clan member in ages.”

“Good thing you know manners.”

“Heh heh, pretty face, pretty words.”

“Don’t mind the casual talk. Habit.”

“Habit like that? One of two: sheltered young master or thug.”

The beggar eyed Lee Taebaek up and down, appraising. Then withdrew his gaze.

“Looks like you’re lost. Fate brought us together; as thanks for hearing this old beggar’s woes, I’ll guide you. No separate begging.”

Sharp eyes. Wanted company under guide pretense. Nod along, ears closed—easy.

“Won’t say no.”

“Such spirit. Eh, where to?”

Lee Taebaek pulled a paper from his pocket and showed it.

“Paper in this day and age… Knew you were carrying an umbrella in clear skies, but that mug? Born for the Beggar Clan, yet heaven-blessed looks let you live cushy. Filial too.”

“Ask if parents are alive first. Manners.”

“……”

“……”

“Hmm, let’s see~.”

The beggar turned to the paper to save face.

“Location… right nearby……”

Mumbling stopped. Lee Taebaek looked up. The beggar wore a stepped-on-landmine face.

“…Eunko Bar……”

“Place called Eunko Bar? Weird name.”

“No way you don’t know and you’re heading there… Nah, none of my business.”

He shook his head vigorously.

“Let’s go. As promised, right to the door. But I ain’t going in.”

Shady vibes. Still, free guide—good enough.

He followed the trudging beggar. Lee Taebaek heightened his combat senses, tensing muscles. Just in case.

Leading to a gang den under guide pretense—cheap tricks like that. Confession: his body craved incident.

Chance to try [Bullet Time]? Urge to draw blade tickled his fingers nonstop.

– The 9th Battalion’s a special unit in name only. It’s basically just a bunch of ‘psychopaths.’ Every. Last. One.

The words echoed in his ears.

…Bugging me for no reason……