Kwon Hyuk-bong, the President of the Blue House (It is where the president of korea lives. Its like the ‘White House’ version of Korea.) and the highest official responsible for the state affairs, lowered his gaze seriously as he read through the report placed on his desk.
The 57,000-character report was submitted by the Ministry of National Defense and contained information related to Dok Jong-sik. It was the so-called surveillance report.
“Immediate promotion, the new strategy of Fire Lizards’, the discovery of a rare disease treatment… Is all this really the work of one person? So, is it true that Dok Jong-sik did what he did?””
“Yes, sir.”
“Why am I receiving this report only now?”
The Minister of National Defense hastily spoke up in response to the president’s irritation.
“He was a figure we were closely monitoring. We were planning to organize the data soon, but in the meantime, to develop a cure as well…”
“In other words, it’s an achievement accomplished in such a short period of time. I see. So, Minister of National Defense, what do you think of him?”
The Ministry of National Defense is a central administrative agency responsible for military affairs related to national defense, military governance, and command, among other military matters.
Under the Ministry of National Defense, there is the Hunter’s Bureau. The head of that bureau, Minister Gong, responded as follows:
“I believe he is a once-in-a-lifetime genius. While there have been many hunters with outstanding potential, compared to him, they seem like children playing in the sand. Therefore, we must ensure to utilize him for the national interest…”
“Minister Gong seems to have a keen sense.”
“…?”
“I have a different opinion. Dok Jong-sik is not a genius. He’s someone who knows something.”
‘If it had been a drug developed at the guild level, it might have been plausible. The new strategy of Fire Lizards would have been the same.’
‘They had substantial capital and had been conducting research for years. However, these achievements were made by a rookie hunter who hadn’t even dried the ink on his hunter’s license. This didn’t make sense.’
“Are you implying…”
“I think Dok Jong-sik came from a different dimension.”
Otherwise, it couldn’t be explained. But the Minister of National Defense fired back. so it was a bit of a stretch.
“This is unprecedented. Furthermore, isn’t he a citizen of our country?”
“But he was missing for 10 years. Has the organization that kidnapped him been found?”
“…We haven’t found them.”
“Look. His claim of being kidnapped is just that, a claim and the appearance of dimensional people was unprecedented. But what about now? They’re popping up all over the world every day, Moreover, now that even a prophet has emerged. Haha.”
It’s not a wrong statement. But that doesn’t mean it can be conclusively determined. The Minister of National Defense’s face was filled with concern.
“Isn’t that so, Minister Ahn?”
At that, President Kwon Hyuk-bong turned his gaze. At the end of his gaze was the Minister of Foreign Affairs. She, too, visited the office for the same reason as the Minister of National Defense.
It was for reporting. However, the content was different.
The Ministry of National Defense reported on documents regarding Dok Jong-sik. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported to the president about the proposal from the U.S. side, which came through a secret channel.
The term ‘prophet’ that the president just mentioned was also included in the report.
Anyway, she expressed her agreement with the president’s intention. The current era has seen unprecedented events unfold in the blink of an eye.
“I believe your words make sense.”
“So, here’s the thing. Should we deploy Dok Jong-sik’s team for this U.S.-Korea joint operation?”
“If he is indeed a dimensional being, then we will surely find anomalies even there.”
“Indeed, Minister Ahn, you understand my thoughts well.”
“But if there’s one concern… will he agree willingly?”
Interjecting into Minister Ahn’s question, the Minister of National Defense responded.
“We will handle that matter from our end.”
Then the president continued.
“The problem will be resolved if we capture not Dok Jong-sik but the Healing Guild.”
“The capture plan?”
“Recently, the Healing Guild has been exerting all efforts for dungeon bidding. So, we plan to use that as bait for our proposal. Although there is concern that other guilds may contest the fairness, we will somehow resolve that as well.”
“Haha. Such a bulldozer-like response is quite to my liking.”
“We will do our best.”
“Since participating in a national operation itself is a great benefit, the Healing Guild will undoubtedly welcome it with open arms.”
The Minister of National Defense nodded confidently.
“While our Minister of Defense is working hard like this, I can’t just sit idly by.”
“Pardon?”
“Each matter requires careful handling. The Minister of Defense will handle the Healing Guild, and I will take care of Dok Jong-sik.”
At that moment, someone knocked on the door of the president’s office. It was none other than the personal secretary.
“Mr. President, all the guild representatives have arrived.”
The mention of ‘all’ implied that the Healing Guild had also arrived. President Kwon Hyuk-bong made a thoughtful expression.
“Now that everyone has arrived, it’s time for us to head out. Come on, let’s all go.”
“We’re just going out for a meal. Just dress comfortably.”
Literally, they were just going out for a meal. But why make such a fuss about it?
Jong-sik watched Jong-pal and Yeona, who had been fussing for a long time over what to wear, shaking his head.
“But it’s still a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Having a meal with the nation’s hero. Hehe. I have to brag to Cheong-sol oppa about this. Oh dear! Get a hold of yourself.”
Then Yeona tried to grab another antacid.
“As expected, our daughter is always well-prepared. But Dad already got some. Hehe.”
That’s the father and daughter for you. Jong-pal took out the antacid he had prepared and showed it to Jong-sik and Trigo.
“I only brought two pills. Should I get some for you and Trigo too? I guess I should, right?”
“I’m good with the medicine. I’m fine.”
Jong-sik declined, and Trigo asked with curiosity in his eyes.
“What is that?”
“It’s an antacid that helps with food absorption. Hmm, now that I think about it, you probably don’t need it, Trigo. You won’t be nervous since you don’t know the president.”
“No, please give me some too. I’ll take it.”
“Is that so?”
“You said it’s a pill that helps with food absorption, didn’t you? That medicine is essential for me.”
It hadn’t even been a few hours since they finished their meal. Didn’t Trigo boldly eat fried rice as well?
But Trigo showed no hesitation in preparing for the next meal. The antacid was also part of his preparation.
“Then I’ll take some for Trigo too. Let me know if you need more after eating.”
“Thank you.”
“My, how much are you planning to eat?”
“Korean food is truly delicious, isn’t it, sir?”
Upon Trigo’s response, Jong-sik thought. When would be the next time he could take Trigo to a buffet?
“Well, anyway, is everyone ready?”
Having dressed neatly and even prepared antacid, they nodded along as Jong-sik led the way.
Outside the shop, a black sedan awaited them, the one they had sent from the Blue House.
“I can’t believe we’re actually going to meet the president. I’m so nervous.”
“The food coming out of the banquet hall. It must be the work of a great chef, right? It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Let’s eat and learn.”
“Hehe. We should eat until we’re stuffed.”
The Jong-sik family each had different thoughts. Yet, they were all heading towards the Blue House.
“The president is coming in.”
Jong-sik glanced at the president entering the dining hall. President Kwon Hyuk-bong. He was a president who commanded respect and trust from the people.
Contrary to the thoughts of those who believed that all high-ranking officials were the same, he was honest and courageous.
‘During the Great Upheaval, didn’t he stand at the forefront of the war, risking his own life to protect the country?’
‘By the way, he would have naturally given up his role as a hunter after taking office. Yet, he still seemed to be involved.’
How did Jong-sik know? Yeona provided the former information, and the latter he gleaned from his own observations.
As the president entered the dining hall, he exuded a subtle aura towards Jong-sik. What was with this unwarranted arrogance?
“Everyone’s got their own quirks.”
‘Still, among those I’ve seen so far, he’s exceptional. ‘
Jong-sik casually dispersed the pressure directed at him.
Then he took a stance of standing his ground. This, too, was subtly sending a force towards Kwon Hyuk-bong, albeit doubled from what he received. With his level of skill, he should be able to handle it just fine.
“Ahem.”
For a moment, President Kwon Hyuk-bong’s face turned red. He looked at Dok Jong-sik as if surprised.
“…A monster.”
“Mr. President, are you alright?”
Alarmed by the sudden change in the president’s complexion, the secretary rushed to his side.
“Of course. I’m fine. Just had a moment of coughing.”
Since the other party initiated it, there’s no need to pursue further. Jong-sik opened his mouth, his eyes narrowing slightly.
“Thank you for the invitation.”
“Hehe. Dok Jong-sik, you do have a fiery side. Well, young people should have that kind of passion.”
As expected. He responded to Jong-sik’s greeting without showing any signs of anger. At this, including the secretary, the family members exchanged puzzled looks.
“Dok Jong-pal, Dok Yeona, and our dimension-traveler, welcome as well.”
Just for a moment, the three of them bowed their heads in response to the president’s welcome.
“T-Thank you for having us.”
“M-Me too! Mr. President. It’s a truly truly great honor to meet you.”
“You said you’re serving food. We’ll enjoy it.”
Except for Trigo, the two bowed their heads to the president with eyes full of respect. They were also citizens of South Korea.
Anyway, after a light exchange of greetings, they took their seats. Food began to be served on the round table in front of them.
‘ I wonder if this is what the kings of old used to receive. The side dishes neatly arranged in golden bronze bowls were quite appetizing.’
Trigo had already buried his head and was quickly picking up his chopsticks. It seemed he had gotten quite used to using chopsticks now.
“Wow…! Dad, shouldn’t we take a picture?”
Yeona whispered in Jong-pal’s ear while fiddling with her phone. Seeing her like that, Kwon Hyuk-bong burst into laughter.
“Hehe. Take a picture or don’t, it’s up to you. Nowadays, the younger generation prefers to capture the moment in photos before actually tasting the food, right?”
“Hehe. Memories for later, you know. Anyway, thank you for allowing us.”
“You have good manners. Well, raising excellent children under a great adult, that’s how it goes.”
In response to the praise directed at him, Yeona smiled shyly and quietly said, “Thank you.”
Jong-sik and Jong-pal’s lips also curved upwards in a gentle smile. There was no reason to feel bad about praising one’s own child and nephew.
Inside the dining room, a warm atmosphere was created. At that moment, the president got down to business, explaining the reason for inviting them today.
“You saved thousands, tens of thousands of lives. As the leader of this country, I deeply thank you once again.”
“We’re the ones who are more thankful. It’s an honor to be able to have a meal with the president after such an eventful day.”
“Hehehe. When such talented individuals say that, I’m at a loss for words.”
“It’s not talent. We were just lucky.”
Empty compliments were exchanged, and Jong-sik humbly responded. He had no intention of speaking the truth anyway. But somehow, the president seemed to be probing.
“Considering the achievements, it’s hard to attribute it to luck. I heard that Dok Jong-sik also discovered the new strategy for Fire Lizards.”
“That was just luck.”
“Isn’t it a technique acquired from another dimension?”
The president threw a direct question. For a moment, Yeona and Jong-pal froze as if caught red-handed. Even Trigo, who had been eating without pause, hesitated at this moment.
The president smiled knowingly. Jong-sik remained unchanged in expression, but his family did not. With their attitude, he could be sure.
“No, it’s luck.”
Jong-sik, on the other hand, said without changing his expression. He knew he was caught, but still told him No, so what could he do?
For some reason, the president didn’t pursue the matter further. Instead, he called for the secretary standing nearby and instructed him to bring something.
“You know, I might have said something foolish. Secretary Kim.”
“Yes, Mr. President.”
“Bring what we’ve prepared.”
After a while, the secretary returned with four boxes.
“Take a look. It’s one of the small tokens of our appreciation.”
