“Are there people among ordinary citizens who are as strong as administrators? Of course, there are. ‘Tree’ probably doesn’t have a complete grasp of every single person in this world… Ah, or maybe they do know but choose to leave them be.”
“So, you’re saying it’s entirely possible.”
“Yes. Besides, a group like Ilseong has quite a close relationship with ‘Tree’ as well… So it’s not too strange that their second son possesses that level of strength. They’re not just some nobodies—this is Ilseong we’re talking about. I think it’s entirely within the realm of possibility.”
“Could an ordinary person with nothing suddenly become strong enough to defeat an administrator?”
“No one knows. Maybe they weren’t an ordinary person to begin with. Maybe they deliberately hid their strength. Even if that’s not the case, they could have awakened their power later on, just like the administrators here… And if none of those apply, they could’ve done anything with an endless supply of money.”
“Is it possible to become strong through money?”
“With overwhelming capital, I don’t think it’s impossible. There’s a saying: If something isn’t working with money, maybe you’re just not spending enough.”
“……”
People have different values in life. Some seek honor, others seek power, and some pursue wealth. If that’s the case, even among the administrators of ‘Tree,’ there might be those who would kneel before overwhelming financial power.
‘It’s not impossible.’
Choi Harin added further explanation.
“From what I know, there are mercenary groups and problem-solving organizations made up of superhumans like administrators. Naturally, they don’t operate openly in the public eye.”
“You mean there are private organizations composed of administrator-level individuals?”
“Yes. I believe there are at least a few. But I’d need to look into it further for details.”
“I don’t quite understand. ‘Tree’ knows these organizations exist, yet they just sit back and watch without taking any measures?”
“That’s not the case. Hmm… To put it simply, think of them as affiliates or subsidiaries. If you want to take it to the extreme, you could call them subcontractors. ‘Tree’ wouldn’t just sit back and allow such organizations to exist unchecked, right? If they show even a little defiance or cross the line, I’m sure ‘Tree’ will immediately take action.”
Hearing the explanation, I could roughly grasp the situation. Though there might be some differences between each organization, in the end, it seemed they were all operating with ‘Tree’s’ permission.
“So, according to what you’re saying, there could definitely be beings similar to administrators outside of ‘Tree’s’ ranks.”
“Yes, exactly. There’s no need to overcomplicate things. Think about it—creatures that suddenly appear from within rifts still roam freely in society until ‘Tree’ isolates them, right? It’s pretty much the same concept.”
“I get the gist of it now.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Team Leader Choi Harin.”
“Yes?”
“I have a favour to ask.”
Lee Taeseong grabbed a tool-type entity and left ‘Tree.’ After getting into his car, he started the engine and stepped on the accelerator.
The car Taeseong was driving was a premium model, meticulously crafted by a renowned domestic automobile manufacturer. Its performance was impressive, but its sleek black design was even more striking.
“It’s been a while since I’ve driven myself.”
Since joining ‘Tree,’ this was the first time he had taken the wheel. Turning on the radio and rolling down the window, he let the cool breeze flow in.
Taeseong ’s destination—A fried chicken restaurant in Incheon.
—5 km remaining to destination.
“Gugu Chicken, huh?”
The favor Taeseong had asked of Choi Harin was to obtain personal information on ‘Yeo Gilsoo,’ a truck driver. For the intelligence division’s team leader, acquiring information on a mere civilian was easier than breathing.
Of course, in principle, this was something that shouldn’t be done. But at this level, Taeseong’s authority allowed him to bypass such trivial restrictions.
This was the power of influence.
“……”
—Escape at 3 O’Clock! Hello, everyone. It’s been a while. Chanh o-hyung recently had a tooth pulled, so he’s having trouble talking—please be understanding. Now, the story submission we received this time… It’s a bit bizarre.
—What kind of nonsense did someone send this time for you to say that?
—There are things in this world called ‘monstrosities,’ entities that defy description. Ghosts, urban legends, mythical creatures, yokai—they’re all classified under this category. These beings exist in our society, influencing it from the shadows. But ordinary people remain unaware. Do you know why? Because of a secret organization known as ‘Tree.’
—Oh, is this some kind of conspiracy theory? Like the Illuminati or Freemasons? You know, “The dark side of the moon is actually an alien base,” “There’s a hidden civilization inside the Earth,” “The president is actually a reptilian”—that kind of stuff?
—Chanho… The things you just mentioned were all proven to be true ages ago.
—Huh? What are you talking about? That was a joke, right?
—‘Tree’ is real!
—What the… Someone get that guy! Catch him!
—Chanho-hyung! Chanho-hyung! I said, catch that guy!
Taeseong, who had been absentmindedly listening to the broadcast, turned off the radio with an incredulous expression.
Judging from what he had heard, it seemed like a crazy person had broken into a live broadcast.
“Who the hell sent that nonsense?”
If the sender was actually a former administrator…There was a high chance ‘Tree’ would execute them.
At that level, it was practically an open invitation for death.
If Taeseong recalled correctly, ‘Tree’ had a strict rule that forbade revealing anything about their existence to the outside world.
“This must be the place.”
Lee Taeseong parked his car in a nearby parking lot and made his way through an alley toward the main street. As he turned his gaze, he spotted a sign ahead that read “Gugu Chicken.”
“It’s completely deserted.”
At a glance, the place didn’t seem to be doing well. In front of the store, a man with a scowling face was smoking a cigarette. Judging by the photo Choi Harin had shown him, this man was likely Yeo Gilsoo.
The man loudly cleared his throat, gathering as much phlegm as he could before spitting on the ground. Then, he stepped into the chicken shop.
“Kaaahk. Ptoo.”
Watching this, Taeseong adjusted his tie neatly before following him inside.
Step. Step.
The sound of his leather shoes and the chime of the doorbell rang out simultaneously, drawing the attention of everyone inside.
It was just past 3 PM, and for a failing chicken restaurant, the presence of such a well-groomed man was highly unusual.
His slicked-back hair. A black suit and polished shoes. A strikingly handsome face.
Taeseong was the kind of man who drew attention wherever he went.
A woman inside let out a small exclamation.
“Oh my. He’s totally my type.”
There were three people inside—one woman and two men. The woman wore heavy makeup and revealing clothes.
The two men, each towering over 190 cm, had massive builds covered in tattoos.
At the woman’s remark, the two men turned their eyes toward Taeseong, clearly displeased.
“What’s so great about a scrawny bastard like him?”
“Exactly. A real man needs to have some bulk, don’t you think?”
“Tsk, tsk. Couldn’t agree more, hyung. Your biceps are on another level.”
One of the men flexed his thick arm proudly, but the woman’s gaze remained fixed solely on Taeseong.
As he casually took a seat, Yeo Gilsoo spoke up.
“You here to eat chicken?”
“What else would I come to a chicken shop for?”
Yeo Gilsoo muttered under his breath.
“The fuck’s up with this guy’s attitude.”
Taeseong glanced over at the men’s table. Despite indoor smoking being banned for years, they were puffing away like it was their personal living room.
Scattered across the table were poker cards, wads of cash, chicken, and beer.
“I’ll have a fried chicken and a bottle of beer.”
Without a word, Yeo Gilsoo grabbed the menu and started frying the chicken. While waiting, Taeseong casually observed the restaurant.
Soon, the food arrived.
Taking a bite of the chicken, Taeseong immediately frowned and spat out a piece of meat.
“Ptoo.”
The chicken smelled like garbage, as if it had been fried in rancid oil. He washed his mouth with beer and muttered under his breath.
“Disgusting.”
Sensing an opportunity, the two men stood up and walked over.
Thud!
One of them slammed the table, leaning in close.
“Hey, buddy.”
Taeseong simply stared at him without replying.
Annoyed by the lack of response, the man furrowed his brows and tried to act more intimidating.
“What, you deaf?”
“What do you want?”
“What do I want? Ha! You’re hilarious. You lose your job and come to eat chicken, but you can’t even be grateful? What’s with all the complaints, huh?”
The closer his face got, the stronger the stench of a sewer wafted from his mouth.
A nasal, whiny voice called out from behind.
“Oh, oppa~ Why are you starting something again? Let’s just have fun~”
“Stay quiet. I’m gonna teach this rude little shit some manners.”
The man spoke in a coercive tone.
“Hey, you. Do you even know who I am?”
“Who are you supposed to be?”
“Ha. This guy’s a real comedian.”
He rolled up his sleeve, revealing a crude tattoo of an axe.
Pointing at it, he said,
“You see this? I’m part of the Incheon Axe Gang.”
“And?”
Bam!
The man slammed the table again, sending the chicken and beer crashing to the floor.
“You little shit. You think this is a joke?”
The tall thug was feeling quite pleased with himself. He figured his overwhelming masculinity must have impressed the woman behind him.
Taeseong sighed and stood up.
“Haa… I really don’t want to do this.”
At first, the man had been slightly wary of Taeseong, but hearing those words, he smirked triumphantly.
“Yeah, that’s right, you little fuck. Now you’re finally getting it, huh? A weak little shit like you shouldn’t be running his mouth. If you get on your knees and beg, I might just let you walk out of here on your own two feet.”
But Taeseong, looking completely unbothered, muttered to himself in a worried tone.
“I don’t think I can hold back.”
