Chapter 228: Meeting with the President (1)
The bodyguards at the Blue House couldn’t shake their tension.
The reason was none other than the news that the infamous Black Scythe was coming to meet the President.
“Senior, shouldn’t we call in the military for this?”
“The military?”
“Do you think we can stop Black Scythe with just us? You know how strong players are.”
“Kid, stop freaking out. You think Black Scythe is a terrorist? Or do you think he’s storming the Blue House to take it over? Why are you worrying about useless things?”
“Do you trust him, senior? What if he’s here to assassinate the President? We need to be prepared for the worst.”
“Listen, you need to know who to be afraid of. This guy single-handedly took out KF in Nigeria. He’s got the official title of Deputy Commander of the CPF here in Korea. Does that sound like a dangerous person to you?”
“Still, isn’t that why we’re on high alert like this? Just in case something happens?”
“Exactly. That’s why we’ve secured this reception room, inspected all the security measures, and gathered dozens of personal bodyguards around the President. Though, honestly, it won’t matter in front of Black Scythe.”“Do you really think that?”
“Come on, do you really believe people like us could take down Black Scythe? Even players bow down to him. How do you think a few bodyguards could stop him? Even an army wouldn’t be enough.”
“Then why is the President meeting someone this dangerous?”
“Because he’s decided Black Scythe isn’t a threat. If he were power-hungry, this place would’ve been in ruins long ago. Instead, he’s been busy hunting down KF and criminals, not causing trouble.”
“Hmm, when you put it that way, I guess you’re right.”
“So stop worrying and focus on your job. And, worst-case scenario, if Black Scythe attacks the President, prepare yourself to take the hit.”
“More like a scythe to the chest than a bullet, huh?”
“You’re joking at a time like—oh, here he comes.”
The guards snapped to attention as Black Scythe and the President approached from the hallway.
Alongside them were the Chief Secretary, the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister, the National Security Advisor, and nearly twenty guards shadowing them like a cloud.
As the security personnel opened the doors to the reception room, the President smiled and said, “Please, come in, Black Scythe. This will be a good place to talk.”
“Yes,” Black Scythe replied.
Despite being dressed casually, without any visible weapons, he wore a peculiar white mask.
‘Is he really not dangerous? How can we trust someone whose face we can’t even see…’ one of the bodyguards grumbled internally.
But as soon as his eyes met Black Scythe’s through the mask, he froze completely.
Just from making eye contact, he felt like a rabbit staring at a tiger.
Unable to bear the gaze, he looked away as Ryu Min walked into the room.
“Please, have a seat. Would you like some tea?” the President offered.
“No, thank you. I’d like to get straight to the point,” Ryu Min politely declined, his gaze locking onto the President.
‘President Yoon Seong-ho. A clean leader, free of corruption, with a strong sense of justice. He prioritizes the safety of his people and isn’t overly authoritarian. He’s someone I can trust.’
Moreover, after reading his thoughts, Ryu Min knew he wasn’t hostile towards him. In fact, hadn’t he personally called to commend him for his role in dealing with KF?
‘If he had been uncooperative, I might have had to use Yamti, but that won’t be necessary.’
Although he hadn’t stated his requests yet, he had a good feeling about how the conversation would go.
“You called and asked to meet me on such short notice. Do you have a favor to ask?”
“You’re sharp. Yes, I have two requests for you.”
“Two? Let’s hear them.”
“As you know, I have a record of taking down KF. As Deputy Commander of the CPF, I’ve also helped apprehend criminals.”
“Of course, of course. There isn’t a citizen in this country unaware of your great accomplishments.”
“But I don’t plan to stop there. I want to help other countries as well. I believe there are more nations in need of assistance than we realize.”
“Nations in need of help?”
“I’m referring to countries that have been taken over by players. Players who are drunk on power tend to seize control of governments first. While I suspect there are more such countries than we know, they’ve likely kept their people isolated to avoid drawing attention.”
Ryu Min wasn’t merely guessing. He knew for a fact that such countries existed, where players ruled like kings. They just hadn’t been reported in the news due to their oppressive regimes.
“If there really are countries like that, it would be a serious issue.”
“Exactly. Which is why I’d like you, Mr. President, to take responsibility and use your intelligence network to find these nations. That’s my first request.”
“And the second?”
“My second request is to set up a broadcast so I can address the world. I want to tell these countries to ask Korea for help if they need it. I’ll offer my assistance to liberate them.”
“Hmm…”
It wasn’t an unreasonable request. However, there was one concern that lingered in the President’s mind.
“You realize that such a statement could potentially lead to international conflict, right?”
“Of course. But I’ll take full responsibility and ensure that doesn’t happen. I promise no other country will retaliate against Korea. You have my word.”
“Hmm…”
Despite the assurance, the President’s brow remained furrowed. His priority was always the safety of his citizens, and this made him cautious.
“What do the others think?” he asked.
“While helping other countries is a noble cause, there could be diplomatic repercussions if things go wrong…”
“But didn’t Black Scythe say he’d prevent any retaliation?”
“Nothing ever goes as smoothly as we hope. We should prepare for unexpected variables.”
“I believe if Black Scythe takes responsibility, there shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Are you suggesting we entrust the fate of an entire nation to Black Scythe?”
“That’s not what I meant. It’s only right to help a country in need, isn’t it?”
“Exactly. If people are in danger, there’s no time to be picky about the details.”
“And besides, we have the strongest player, Black Scythe, on our side. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about.”
“I agree. If things go well, this could elevate Korea’s standing in the global arena.”
The ministers, prime minister, and other officials each shared their opinions.
In the midst of this, the President glanced over at Ryu Min.
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