Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Choi Junho paid no mind to the stunned gazes filling the hall and spoke calmly.

“With the arrival of the Big Bang Series, the Shot Series has also become faster and stronger.”

With that, he explained the improvements to the Shot Series, gesturing toward the remaining mannequins.

Afterward, he presented the efficiency figures for weapons and armor equipped with the Big Bang Series, then concluded the showcase.

“That concludes my explanation of the Big Bang Series.”

He ended the showcase on a striking note, then took questions from the reporters.

He explained why the monster’s heart could produce this level of efficiency, the underlying principle, and predictions for future changes.

There was a fair bit of exaggeration mixed in, but even just hearing about it was enough to make one’s heart race.

“…Holy shit.”

As they watched Choi Junho leave after the Q&A session, the reporters burst into exclamations.

The arrival of the Big Bang Series, which pushed efficiency to its extreme limits.

It had been a short showcase, but it was more than enough to send massive ripples through the stagnant equipment market.

And throughout the entire showcase, the comment reaction was beyond explosive.

—This is insane, insane. Is what I’m watching right now actually real?

—Head Breaker did some head breaking. lolol

—RIP to the mannequins, my own neck was shrinking just watching.

—Why do I keep seeing blood splatters? I can even smell blood lol

—The Big Bang Series, if the specs are really as stated, this is going to be a massive shift.

—Villains are screwed. It won’t be easy to poach those things either, so how are they supposed to hunt a hunting team going forward? lol

—But isn’t it a big problem if villains poach them?

—I heard Shinseong Group is even engraving serial numbers.

—You know what’s really scary? The fact that after all the “too aggressive, too aggressive” talk, I’m getting used to Choi Junho’s behavior. Why am I watching someone smash heads and smiling about it?

—Shinseong Group is going to make an absolute killing. I heard Choi Junho has a stake too—how much is he even earning?!

—And through all that, Choi Junho says he plans to pay all his taxes lol

—Flawless Head Breaker!

—The fact that he doesn’t care about money is even scarier, seriously.

—Kekeke, I want to put one in a camping car…!

* * *

“You did wonderfully. Even I wanted to buy one just watching.”

“Is it really that impressive?”

Am I the weird one here? I can take it or leave it. The results are always the same anyway, so I suppose I’ve grown numb to it.

Everything I said at the showcase was just lip service.

Even when the improved monster’s heart actually hit the market, nothing dramatic happened.

Villains did run a bit less rampant than before, of course.

For one thing, the processing method itself requires enough skilled artisans, as well as accumulated capital and know-how.

But the world didn’t change dramatically.

“Of course. This product can overturn the global market landscape! It can generate astronomical revenue.”

“I suppose so.”

“What’s truly incredible is that it doesn’t apply to just one field. The monster’s heart is a new energy source, and it’s eco-friendly too. All of this—when efficiency rises, the whole world’s standard rises with it.”

“But doesn’t that mean villains can get stronger too?”

“If they get their hands on finished products, certainly. But that won’t be easy.”

A wicked smile curved at the corner of Lee Sehee’s lips.

The processing method was being pursued on two tracks. One was the Big Bang Series, which Shinseong Group had developed by accumulating the technology. The development time was short, but I had shown the completed form from the start, Heartworker had polished the details, and Shinseong Guild’s research institute had thrown its full weight behind it.

The actual development time was about three months, but according to the research institute, catching up to a similar level would take competitors at least two years—three or more at most.

Naturally, during that time, the institute would release an even more advanced Version 2.

While others were still analyzing, the plan was to maximize the Big Bang Series’ market share and lock them into licensing. That was Lee Sehee’s idea.

On top of that, each Big Bang Series item was engraved with a unique serial number, which made it possible to identify whoever leaked one.

Needless to say, whoever leaked it would owe astronomical penalties.

And if they refused?

The license would be provided to a competitor nation, a competitor organization. Even if it doesn’t affect their own livelihood, seeing the neighbor get rich stings. Lee Sehee had built safeguards—multiple ways to squeeze the other party.

She really did have an exceptional talent for making money.

“Impressive.”

“What, it’s thanks to you for sharing the technology, Junho. And this level of know-how is something other places have accumulated too.”

“I’m just trusting you and going along with it.”

“I’ve heard that line from plenty of people, but hearing it from you, Junho, it resonates differently. Mm, good. I like it. I want to hear more. I think I’ll get addicted.”

“That doesn’t mean I’ll say it easily.”

“And that’s what makes it special.”

Lee Sehee smiled at me.

I guess money really is nice. Well, even someone as indifferent to money as me can tell this will earn a fortune—so how much more must it be for Lee Sehee, who’s sensitive to every market shift?

“There’s still the afterparty, but that would be uncomfortable for you, wouldn’t it, Junho?”

“People have been asking to see me a lot these days anyway.”

“I’ll cover for you, so please go home.”

“Is that all right?”

“Of course. If you’re uncomfortable, Junho, who would dare object?”

Surely no one would get their head smashed just for objecting.

She doesn’t actually think that way, does she?

Rumors about me keep getting stranger. It’s not like I go around killing people.

If I did, would I be a villain or a state-certified transcendent?

And it’s not like I only smash heads. How many people have died from injuries elsewhere?

“Then I won’t refuse.”

In any case, since she offered to send me off, I didn’t decline.

Leaving the rest to Lee Sehee, I headed straight home.

Hm, showing up dressed like this in a compact car. I’ll be earning money now, so I should probably get a new car too.

I’ll have dinner at home with Yunhee.

* * *

After Choi Junho left, Lee Youngtan, who had been watching from a distance, approached.

“Still, it would have been better to bring the transcendent Choi Junho along.”

“I know.”

Even if Shinseong Group had developed it, the star of the afterparty would be Choi Junho.

How could she not know?

He had handled today’s showcase brilliantly, too.

Lee Sehee’s decision to put Choi Junho forward was heavily intentional.

This venture would earn Shinseong Group astronomical profits. The more it did, the more people would come with their hands out. But with Choi Junho present, much of that could be prevented.

No fool would want their head smashed, after all.

She’d heard the opposition party was harshly criticizing Choi Junho, and that the Mayor of Busan was behind it.

When a state-certified transcendent runs wild, criticism is the least people can do.

Red Snake Kim Younghwan was also a figure who had taken considerable criticism.

But Choi Junho was different in nature. Even if his methods were heavy-handed, everyone who died by his hand had deserved it. He didn’t amass wealth, and he showed no interest in power or perks.

The Big Bang Series was also a joint venture that opened up a new market.

The world didn’t know that as long as you don’t commit crimes, as long as you don’t provoke him, Choi Junho is a remarkably safe person.

Of course, even saying that, there are always people who insist on poking to see if it’s shit or soybean paste.

“If anyone complains, tell them to say it to Junho’s face.”

Lee Sehee had her own regrets, but Choi Junho’s wishes mattered more.

“We mustn’t try to wield Junho however we like. From our standpoint, the best choice is for Junho to attend the afterparty—but from his standpoint, the best thing is to avoid the pesky flies clinging to him. By understanding and accommodating that in advance, we earn points.”

“Your judgment is correct, Team Leader.”

Lee Sehee looked at Lee Youngtan and spoke.

“I appreciate that you prioritize the guild’s interests, Deputy Team Leader. But when it comes to matters involving Junho, please think from Junho’s perspective. That leads to increased trust in us, which benefits the guild.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? You’ve worked hard in so many places today. Enjoy the afterparty. I’ll handle anyone who comes sniffing around.”

Before anyone noticed, a cold mask had settled over Lee Sehee’s face.

* * *

“What, why are you home so early?”

Yunhee, who had been lounging around the house, greeted me warmly when I came home early. When I told her I’d skipped the afterparty to eat at home, she threw a fit.

“You jerk, you should’ve called me there! You’re telling me you left all that good food and came home to eat plain rice?”

“Home cooking is better. It’s safe, and it’s delicious.”

She said it dismissively, but that was deeply rude. After our parents moved up to Seoul, Mother made side dishes every week and sent them over.

From a variety of banchan to the occasional special meal she’d prepare and leave behind. It was nothing short of a lavish feast, and to dismiss home cooking like that?

Lee Young-hee’s daughter apparently doesn’t understand the value of a home-cooked meal.

If I said it to her face, she’d throw a fit, so I quietly forwarded her remark to Mother. This was something that required consequences.

Yunhee must not have meant it seriously either, because she quickly calmed down and brought up the Big Bang Series that was the talk of the town.

“The Big Bang Series is seriously amazing.”

“Didn’t you already know about it?”

“I’d heard rumors. Word was a huge product was coming out. But seeing it in person, it exceeded anything I imagined. They said guild members get theirs first, so it’s going to be insanely popular. I should brag to my friends.”

“Now that you mention it, you do have friends.”

Yunhee made an incredulous face.

“Do you think I’m you, oppa?”

“…Why would you assume I don’t have friends?”

“Don’t tell me you actually do?”

“……”

My pride stung at how obviously she looked at me, as if it were a given that I had none.

But you can be friends despite an age gap, can’t you? Jung Juho, Cheon Myeongguk… hm, and Berserker too, in the broadest sense… No, forget it. Even I have my pride—I won’t call that lunatic a friend.

“See, you don’t have any and you’re pretending you do.”

“…Ugh.”

“Anyway, I didn’t expect the Shot Series to have that kind of power. If the power keeps improving, it seems like it’d be devastating not just against villains but against monsters too.”

“It’s not great against high disaster tier monsters. A regular weapon is better.”

“I see.”

Yunhee’s eyes sparkled as she peppered me with questions. Wanting her to make good use of it, I answered kindly. Soon, Lee Young-hee’s doomsday would arrive.

By the time we finished eating and I’d done a quick wash of the dishes, Yunhee’s smartphone rang. Faster than expected.

“Oh, Mom? What? When did I ever do that? No! How can you think that of your daughter? I’m telling you it’s not true. What? Oppa? Oh, okay. I’m really not. No, why do you only believe what oppa says? I’m also an icon of trust at the guild, you know? No, coming home late after drinking is just part of social life, okay? Huh? I try to watch dramas in moderation too, of course. I’m telling you it’s not true. Ugh! Why did you even take a picture of that. No, no, I’ll try harder. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Take care, Mom.”

After hanging up, Yunhee began glaring at me with murderous eyes.

The tattling had gotten through fast.

“You absolute menace! You told Mom on me?!”

“……”

Watching the angry boar charge at me, I quietly shut my bedroom door.

A moment later, a thunderous crash echoed through the house.

* * *

Thinking the Mayor of Busan investigation might be finished, I stopped by the Awakened Security Office. When I asked, they said it was taking time because they had to investigate not just the Mayor but everyone around him as well.

Knowing that intelligence investigations aren’t easy, I accepted it without complaint and was about to head back when Cheon Myeongguk seemed to have something to say.

“I saw the Big Bang Series. Congratulations.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Cheon Myeongguk offered his congratulations. I quietly waited for what came next.

“I thought it best to address this, so I apologize if it’s uncomfortable—it’s about the tax matter you mentioned last time.”

“Yes, taxes.”

“You, ah, said you had no intention of reducing your tax burden…”

“I’ll take whatever deductions I’m entitled to. I just don’t intend to go for aggressive tax avoidance.”

“Uh, hm.”

Was my meaning hard to understand?

I spoke, recalling the conversation I’d had with Shinseong Group’s tax team leader.

“There are many kinds of tax reduction, and many of them are ambiguous—somewhere between legal and illegal. You could hang it on your nose or hang it on your ear, depending on how you look at it. As a tax team leader, avoiding as much as possible is ideal, but he said that’s how you fall into temptation.”

“……”

“It’s a mechanism designed so that if they decide to come after you, they can. The team leader said there are things that would normally slide but could become a problem if someone decides to scrutinize them, so I told him I’d rather not go that far.”

“I understand what you mean. I have no excuse on that front.”

“What did you do wrong, Director? Just take it as me saying I’ll pay a lot of taxes.”

“Haha, yes.”

Cheon Myeongguk wore an awkward smile. I didn’t think much of it, but he seemed more bothered than I was.

My thoughts on taxes were simple.

I earn a lot, so they take more than half.

Our country isn’t a poor one.

There are a lot of people embezzling tax money.

I should track them down later and smash their heads.

…That was about the extent of it.

“There’s something I’ll need your help with soon, regarding Director Jung Juho.”

“Is there a problem?”

“Not a problem, no. It’s a good thing, but Director Jung Juho can be remarkably stubborn.”

That man must be digging in his heels over something strange again. If it’s a good thing, there’s no reason not to lend a hand.

“If it’s a good thing, I should step up too. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Thank you.”

Only then did the worry seem to lift from Cheon Myeongguk’s face as a smile spread across it.

But why does that smile look so wicked?

* * *

First batch sold out. Second batch sold out. Third batch, reservations flooding in.

After the Big Bang Series’ first launch, it achieved a record of complete sellouts.

It was fair to say they couldn’t sell more because there was nothing left to sell.

Even after releasing 500 units in the first batch and 1,000 in the second, everything sold. The third batch was taking reservations for 2,000 units, and it looked poised to sell out entirely.

Satisfaction with the product was top-tier. From Tier 4 to Tier 7 monster’s hearts, the efficiency each displayed was at minimum 1.5 times to 3 times that of existing products.

Shinseong Group attached series numbers based on the monster’s heart tier, and the most popular by volume was Series 4, which had the largest numbers.

But the first to sell out was always Series 7, with its high rarity.

The output of the monster’s heart mattered, of course, but “compatibility” also played a critical role.

Shinseong Group’s dominance continued, having perfected even this part.

The resulting sales had broken through a whopping 1 trillion.

That was when everything seemed to be going smoothly.

—Mr. Junho.

“Speak.”

—Craftsman Kim Jonghyeon… has vanished with the backup file containing the compiled processing method.

“……”

So he’d gone and done it after all.

In a way, it made sense. The mother who’d essentially served as a hostage had passed away, and he’d always been a spendthrift who chased after women. It wasn’t surprising.

Either way, Heartworker had come from the villain ranks in the end.

—We’ll send a pursuit team, so……

“Wait.”

I was the one who brought Heartworker in. Which meant taking responsibility and finishing this was on me.

“Send me the intel on him. I’ll end it myself.”