Trash of the Count's Family Book 2: Chapter 390: The Birth of Evil (7)

Cale executed his plan, even as his allies and the ancient powers exhibited reactions that made him feel deeply apprehensive.

“I can at least shield you from Han Taek Soo. And—”

Cale sensed he had devised a strategy to address the fundamental fear Chief of Staff Kang Geun Mok harbored as well.

“That absolute death you desire. I believe I've discovered a method to achieve that outcome too.”

The God of Death.

As long as the God of Death remained Cale's ally, he was confident he could unearth the answer Kang Geun Mok sought.

“…I understand.”

Kang Geun Mok's tense shoulders eased, and he settled back against the couch.

“Mm.”

Cale pondered for a moment before speaking.

He felt there was a wealth of information to be gleaned from Kang Geun Mok, so perhaps sharing details that would encourage his relaxation and cooperation would be beneficial?

“Furthermore, our objective is to eliminate that King’s Successor, so—”

“Pardon me?”

Kang Geun Mok sprang up in alarm.

“Wh- whaaaaat?”

“Huh? No, I just—”

Cale felt a flicker of fear as Kang Geun Mok’s bloodshot eyes fixed intensely upon him.

“Our ultimate goal is simply to eradicate all the Hunters and the King’s Successor as well. Hmm, essentially, if things go according to plan, you will achieve your desired outcome?”

“Ha!”

Kang Geun Mok tilted his head back and released a laugh that sounded like a sigh.

“You intend to dispose of that monstrosity?

Ha!”

His disbelieving laughter continued, yet Kang Geun Mok’s hands, gripping the armrests, gradually tightened.

‘There might be a possibility.’

This red-haired man standing before him…

Having personally witnessed the King’s Successor, Kang Geun Mok perceived potential within Cale.

However—

“Your current standing is insufficient to vanquish that beast.”

It remained merely ‘potential.’

“Hmm?”

Alberu's eyebrows lifted slightly. His gaze turned frigid as he looked towards Kang Geun Mok.

Rosalyn withdrew a top-tier magic stone from her pocket, letting it roll between her fingers as she observed the Chief of Staff.

Yet, Cale displayed minimal reaction, posing his question.

“Why is that?”

Kang Geun Mok elaborated.

“That entity has likely been growing in power for over five decades.”

When he first encountered the creature, it appeared no older than a child under ten.

“Naturally, you possess potential. My intuition strongly suggests it.”

Kang Geun Mok’s instincts were so acute that even Chairman Han held them in high regard.

This was the reason he shared his premonitions.

“Seven hells. I perceive in you the capacity to contend against the combined might of those seven hells.”

Cale recalled the words of the elder, Baek.

‘The same applies to you. Of course, you are distinct from the King’s Successor. The scope of your world is considerably smaller in comparison to the successor’s. It is also weaker. It wouldn't be surprising if your world were to shatter at any moment.’

He had stated that Cale’s world was less expansive than the King’s Successor’s.

And this assessment was based on information from approximately fifty years prior.

The King’s Successor must now wield even greater might.

“…That assessment is not incorrect.”

Cale concurred with Kang Geun Mok’s assertion.

“However—”

But there was something he needed to convey to Kang Geun Mok that he was unaware of.

“I will not be undertaking this alone, so you need not fret excessively about it.”

He was surrounded by numerous friends and allies.

It was merely a matter of preparing step by step.

“The King’s Successor also commands allies and retains their loyal retainers.”

As Kang Geun Mok truthfully spoke with a rigid expression…

“No?”

“Excuse me?”

A wry smile touched Cale’s lips as he offered an explanation.

“Are only the Transparent Bloods and the Five Colors Bloods remaining?”

“……!”

Kang Geun Mok’s eyes widened considerably.

“Could you be the mastermind behind the group systematically eliminating the Hunter families one by one?”

He inquired with a trembling voice, but Cale offered no direct reply. Instead, he stated something else.

“And the Transparent Bloods will soon cease to exist as well.”

With a smile, Cale’s expression took on a distinctly villainous aura, yet Kang Geun Mok clenched his fists and returned a smile.

His aged, tree-like visage regained a touch of vitality.

This was hope.

“Why have you sought me out?”

He finally steered the conversation toward the core matter.

“The access code to the clandestine laboratory.”

Kang Geun Mok instinctively tapped his knee once Cale revealed his objective.

“You discovered that?”

Well, it was the RPOG system that informed him…

Cale had just received a new quest…

[Sub quest : Let’s pilfer the special research report from the Transparent ©'s secret lab!]

“Precisely. The specialized research report is housed within. I need to retrieve it.”

Observing Cale’s smile, Kang Geun Mok cautiously inquired.

“Do you know its location?”

“Indeed. I do.”

The quest details provided an address.

The system had informed him.

“Ho—”

Kang Geun Mok inhaled sharply.

“Chairman Han stated that uncovering the location would require a divine intervention…”

‘A god?’

Cale flinched.

Oblivious to Cale’s reaction, Kang Geun Mok gasped in admiration.

“I see. Are you perhaps a deity?”

“No!”

Cale vehemently denied the suggestion.

“Then how is it possible—”

“There is a deity on my side.”

“Hoooo.”

A further spark ignited in Kang Geun Mok’s eyes.

“This… it appears this confrontation might genuinely be feasible.”

The King’s Successor had not yet attained divinity.

He was merely striving to ascend to godhood.

Yet, the individual slated to confront him was far from divine.

“Yes. So, I understand now.”

Kang Geun Mok nodded, and the pieces of the puzzle seemed to click into place.

“Only the Chairman and I are privy to that location’s passcode. At least among those still alive. To think you knew that and sought me out… even if a god had revealed the location, this is quite astonishing.”

‘Mm.

It was merely the RPOG system that furnished me with this information.’

Kang Geun Mok apparently hadn't even considered the possibility that the game system had betrayed them and sided with Cale.

‘I suppose the game system is, in a sense, the god of New World.’

In RPOG, the game system was currently the sole deity.

‘Huh?

I feel as though I’ve stumbled upon an incredible asset?’

Cale felt an urge to converse with the system itself.

‘Perhaps our most significant ally at this juncture is the game system.’

The very system that was believed to be under the control of the Transparent ©…

It had spawned the AI, One, and engineered mutant NPCs to safeguard its world.

‘Xiaolen, Central Plains, Aipotu.’

Among the worlds he had traversed, this one was the most dynamic and formidable thus far.

Naturally, it possessed its own constraints as a system, bound by the dictates of the Transparent ©…

‘However, it might just be our most potent hidden weapon.’

Cale momentarily halted his contemplation of the system and directed his gaze toward Kang Geun Mok.

‘This schemer remains oblivious to the system’s existence.’

Trusting this individual was out of the question.

Cale issued an instruction to Kang Geun Mok.

“Inscribe the passcode onto your business card.”

“Yes, sir.”

A method to maintain contact with Kang Geun Mok was necessary.

“I intend to raid the secret laboratory tomorrow morning.”

“Mm.”

“Pack minimally and phone this number prior to the operation.”

Given that only the Chairman and the Chief of Staff knew the passcode, Kang Geun Mok’s flight beforehand was entirely logical.

Specifically, if he wished to evade termination by Chairman Han.

“I shall contact you thirty minutes before the raid, so excessive worry is unnecessary.”

Upon receiving a business card from Cale, Kang Geun Mok’s eyes widened in surprise.

“…Sun.”

Choi Sun Hee, President of Sun ©. Her name was emblazoned on the business card.

“Should unforeseen circumstances prevent contact with her, reach out to this contact instead.”

Merely three words adorned the front of the subsequent business card Cale presented.

< Ahn Roh Man >

“!”

Kang Geun Mok’s hands began to tremble.

“How far-”

To what extent had his preparations gone?

This man before him had meticulously laid a grand snare, undetected by the Transparent ©.

“No inquiries will be entertained.”

Cale pocketed the business card bearing the passcode, stating his terms.

Frankly, it would be safer for me to accompany you to the laboratory.”

The passcode on this card might prove inaccurate.

It was plausible that Kang Geun Mok might relay their conversation to Chairman Han.

“I am permitting your departure for one specific reason.”

Cale stipulated a demand.

“If your desire is not a serene end but rather continued existence-”

The condition Kang Geun Mok had initially sought was a peaceful demise.

However, if he aspired to remain alive-

“Furnish me with intelligence you deem valuable.”

Admittedly, such a life might lack tranquility and comfort, potentially resembling a descent into hell, yet…

“What is your decision?”

He posed the question to Kang Geun Mok.

“Is this not an endeavor worth undertaking?”

Kang Geun Mok nodded assent, securing the two business cards within his pocket before rising.

“Then, I shall take my leave.”

“Very well.”

Cale gestured dismissively, observing Kang Geun Mok’s departure.

Kang Geun Mok offered a bow, his expression rigid, and proceeded toward the exit.

He resembled a weathered ancient tree, as if no significant event had transpired.

“Ah.”

Kang Geun Mok paused in his stride momentarily.

“I nearly committed a grave error.”

He turned back to inquire.

“How should I address you?”

Cale responded with a shrug.

“I shall disclose that at a later time.”

“…You still harbor reservations about my trustworthiness. I comprehend. I eagerly anticipate our next encounter.”

Kang Geun Mok appeared poised to resume his departure, accepting the response, when a youthful voice suddenly interjected.

“What sort of monstrosity is Han Taek Soo?”

“You are unaware?”

“I only know he transcends humanity.”

Kang Geun Mok’s complexion paled slightly as he replied to Cale, who acknowledged his lack of knowledge.

Moments later…

Beep.

The door sealed shut, leaving only Cale’s entourage within the living room.

“Ha-”

Rosalyn let out a scoff, running a hand over her face.

“Han Taek Soo-”

She was recalling how Kang Geun Mok had just divulged the true nature of Han Taek Soo.

“Is a chimera?”

“To be more precise, his nature deviates from that of typical chimeras.”

Alberu elaborated, his gaze fixed upon Cale.

Cale had meticulously recorded Kang Geun Mok’s statements.

‘Chairman Han Taek Soo is indeed human. However, he is a human who consciously opted to transform into a chimera.’

‘Save for his brain, no other part of his anatomy remains human.’

‘He integrated the superior attributes of numerous living organisms into his very being.’

‘Indeed. Though he originated as human, classifying him as a monster seems more appropriate.’

A Black Mage.

The Blood Demon.

The Dragon Lord.

These were the patriarchs they had encountered up to this point.

Two patriarchs remained unaccounted for.

The patriarch of the Transparent Bloods was a human who embraced the transformation into a chimera.

The patriarch of the Five Colors Bloods represented the inaugural wanderer.

‘Nothing comes easy.’

Up until now, the three leaders had presented challenges, but this opponent felt like a true formidable foe.

“Let’s depart for now.”

Cale’s entourage vanished without leaving any trace, mirroring their stealthy arrival.

Naturally, all the guards fortifying Kang Geun Mok’s estate were plunged into a deep slumber, destined to awaken with the morning light.

This was all thanks to Hong’s specialized soporific poison.

* * *

“Sir. The prosecution is demanding the Chief Aide’s presence!”

“Reports indicate prosecutors have just arrived at the Chief Aide’s residence! What evidence could they possibly unearth when there is none?”

President Ahn Roh Man.

He had emerged from his Virtual Reality session to summon all his aides and trusted confidants to his office, a rare occurrence in recent times.

“……”

“……”

Ahn Roh Man occupied the head of the table, with Mary seated beside him.

Only the two of them remained in quiet contemplation as information flooded their awareness.

“Chief Aide!”

One individual urgently addressed Mary.

“We need to formulate a strategy!”

“……”

However, Mary offered no response. Her uncharacteristic silence instilled a palpable sense of suffocation in everyone present.

Ordinarily, she would have been swiftly devising a surprising countermove.

Yet, some observed a subtle shift in her demeanor, prompting a realization.

“……”

Ahn Roh Man, seated in silent observance…

Mary’s gaze was fixed upon him with an intense scrutiny.

A long-serving aide, who had served alongside Mary under Ahn Roh Man’s command, inquired.

“Sir, have you discovered a solution?”

Currently, Mary was in an unavoidable confrontation with the prosecution.

Undeniable records documented Mary’s presence at the abandoned elementary school site.

Questioning the installation of a camera there would only hold relevance if a counter-argument could be presented against this evidence.

A method to exonerate Mary…

Hundreds of human remains had been discovered within that elementary school grounds.

Mary, branded the perpetrator of this horrifying incident, was now facing intense criticism from the press and the nation’s populace, enduring far worse.

Ahn Roh Man’s position was as precarious as a candle in a downpour.

“……”

Mary finally broke her silence, posing a question.

“What is the plan?”

Mary was aware that Ahn Roh Man had mentioned a plan, but she had yet to hear its details.

This lack of information was the reason for her inaction and quiet presence.

But she could no longer remain passive.

Her impending arrest as the prime suspect would further complicate the situation, rendering it exceedingly disadvantageous.

“…Mary, the Chief Aide-”

Ahn Roh Man finally broke his silence.

“Was under my orders, investigating something. This situation arose from that endeavor.”

This was a clandestine operation aimed at uncovering evidence against the Transparent ©, a closely guarded secret.

It was knowledge shared only between Mary and a select few of his trusted confidants.

‘The fact that Mary has been ensnared in such a predicament indicates the presence of a traitor among my trusted circle.’

This realization was why Ahn Roh Man hesitated to speak openly.

He uttered a single directive.

“There is but one course of action available to us at this moment.”

His gaze drifted towards the window.

Darkness still blanketed the sky.

“Endure for as long as you possibly can.”

Until the sun graces the horizon.

‘Ahn Roh Man. We will present undeniable proof of the Transparents’ illicit activities.’

Alberu, accompanied by Rosalyn and Cale Henituse, had conveyed this message.

‘Simply await the dawn.’

He then made a request.

‘And when the sun rises, dispatch trustworthy individuals skilled in discreet operations to this location.’

Ahn Roh Man examined the provided address and inquired.

‘Do you know the whereabouts of this place?’

‘Yes. I am familiar with it.’

Alberu Crossman responded with characteristic calm.

‘Should the quiet resolution of matters prove difficult, a significant incident may transpire. You will need to manage such an eventuality. Do you not concur?’

Ahn Roh Man found himself unable to voice any dissent.

He was well aware of the location indicated by the address.

‘The Transparent Museum.’

The heart of Roan’s capital.

An architectural marvel, boasting the most prestigious position within the city’s best district.

This edifice was conceived by the Transparent ©, serving as a repository for their historical records and accomplishments.

‘What secrets does it hold?’

Ahn Roh Man suppressed the gnawing anxiety within him and awaited the sun’s ascendance.

* * *

“The sun begins its ascent.”

Alberu observed the dawning sun, while Cale consulted his watch before speaking.

“Are you prepared, Miss Rosalyn?”

“Indeed. However, I doubt I can dismantle the camouflage spell discreetly.”

“That is of no consequence. Subtlety is not a requirement.”

Chhhhh-

Bracelets adorned Rosalyn’s wrists and arms, each crafted from the most exquisite, brilliantly shimmering magic stones.

Possessing wealth sufficient to sustain most cities for a year, Rosalyn spoke with an invigorating demeanor.

“A clandestine laboratory concealed behind the facade of a museum. It appears the truth will be unveiled for all to see today. Hoo hoo.”

Her eyes glittered like twin suns as she emitted a soft chuckle.

“Young Master Cale. My role is merely to draw attention externally?”

“Precisely.”

“Should circumstances require, may I introduce a degree of flair?”

“Certainly. To whatever extent you desire.”

Cale, donning a mask and attire, turned towards the museum and began to walk.

“Let us proceed.”

“Understood.”

Cale, adorned in a disguise, walked alongside Alberu, who was similarly attired.