I wandered around, gathering information to monitor the movements of the Nest.
The one ruling this Nest was a man called Baek Cheol-Soo, known as the "Butcher of Men" and a rising star in the underworld.
His estimated combat prowess was at the level of a fifth-grade warrior.
He was leagues above your average drifter, and the organization he had swallowed up, the Baekgolpa, was so large that it operated multiple businesses not only in the shadows but also in the legitimate world.
Recently, he had been preparing to step into the legitimate world, using the funds accumulated from his underworld operations.
One part of that plan was the black market.
"…More importantly, are you really going to pay me?"
I had grabbed a junkie drinking in a corner of the Nest and was listening to him talk.
I tossed him 100,000 won without hesitation. The junkie grinned widely and continued his story.
"Boss Baek Cheol-Soo is really something, you know…"
Though it was all information I already knew, I was gathering it firsthand to fill in the gaps in my memory.
'This was around the time he was beginning his ascent into the legitimate world. By the time I had infiltrated the Nest, the Baekgolpa was already a well-established organization.'
In his early days as a drifter, Baek Cheol-Soo leveraged his unique resourcefulness to handle cleanup work for powerful figures, securing various interests in the process.
Once he had gained a foothold, he seized control of the Nest and brought the slums of the safe zone under his rule.
Having achieved those two goals, Baek Cheol-Soo became even more ambitious.
He started wrapping up his underworld businesses one by one, preparing to transition into the legitimate world.
To some extent, this plan was successful.
However, due to a certain incident, he clashed with the Soongmu Clan and ended up receiving a visit from the main family's warriors.
From that point, the story was a common one.
The Baekgolpa was dismantled overnight.
Baek Cheol-Soo managed to retain only enough men to sustain his operations, forced to remain in the shadows.
'Right now, he's in the phase where he's growing his influence in the underworld while slowly making his way into the legitimate world. A period of transition—a perfect time.'
He was undoubtedly investing heavily in the black market.
That meant there would be plenty of goods, and by now, his warehouses would be filled with all kinds of valuables.
'The real issue is figuring out how to access the black market and the warehouse… and how to slip away without leaving a trace.'
A good idea quickly came to mind.
I left the Nest for the time being.
***
The residence of Baek Cheol-Soo, the owner of the Nest and the leader of the Baekgolpa, was the largest mansion at the very center of the Nest.
He burst into laughter upon hearing the black market's revenue report.
"This is turning out to be more profitable than drug dealing. Chief Jung, you've worked hard."
"…"
Baek Cheol-Soo smirked as he looked at the man standing silently before him.
Jung Jin-Soo, Chief of Operations.
He was the brain of the Baekgolpa, personally brought into the organization by Baek Cheol-Soo a few years ago.
Thanks to him, Baek Cheol-Soo was able to dream bigger than the average thug in the underworld.
Baek Cheol-Soo soon flashed a sinister smile.
"Chief Jung. No—Jung Jin-Soo."
A chill ran down Jung Jin-Soo's spine.
For a moment, he held his breath.
"You should learn to control your expressions. I'll say this again—I'm not holding you here. If you can handle it, you're free to leave anytime."
Baek Cheol-Soo stared at him intently.
At that moment, Jung Jin-Soo felt as if he were plummeting into an endless abyss.
Forcing his stiff facial muscles to move, he managed to fake a smile.
"I'll… be careful."
His rigid face and the way his lips twitched in an awkward attempt at a smile made him look pitiful.
Baek Cheol-Soo chuckled at the sight and leaned back into his chair.
"Good. You look much better when you smile. I truly value you, Chief Jung. After all, isn't it thanks to me that you went to a good university, made money, and got where you are?"
"…Yes, boss."
"Good. Now, let's finish that report."
Baek Cheol-Soo took out a document and casually tossed it onto the table.
Even though all the reports were written down in documents, Baek Cheol-su always made Jeong Jin-su report to him in person.
"The service has become a perfect fit for the tastes of the wealthy, serving as both entertainment and a means for money laundering. Additionally, the ability to obtain items that are difficult to acquire in legitimate markets without revealing one's identity seems to be highly attractive."
"I was worried since we only handed out a limited number of admission tickets, but it seems the high-profile clients actually prefer it that way, huh? How about expanding the customer base?"
"Maintaining exclusivity by distributing only a minimal number of invitations per quarter is more beneficial for keeping our clientele."
The black market operated by the Baekgolpa was an elite, highly secretive community accessible only to a select few.
The term "black market" might evoke images of shadowy backrooms, but in reality, it was quite different.
In keeping with the 21st century, Baekgolpa's black market operated from a sleek, modern building.
The target customers were the highest echelons of society.
And within its walls, rare and coveted items were freely traded.
From drugs to elixirs, expensive artwork to stolen or smuggled goods, and if one so desired… even people.
At first, only a handful of customers came, driven by curiosity or a taste for the illicit, but the clientele was steadily growing.
"Hm. Good. Very good."
Baek Cheol-su smiled in satisfaction.
"I'm sure Director Jeong is handling things well, but be careful. Our goal isn't to stay in this shady business forever—we're aiming much higher. Didn't you say you wanted to leave this dark world behind?"
"..."
Baek Cheol-su gave a knowing smile as he spoke.
Jeong Jin-su could only press his lips together in silence.
"So, handle things as you see fit, but don't lose sight of the goal. The money and connections we gain from this black market are more than enough. We'll use that foundation to step into the legitimate world. And remember, if a tail grows too long… it's bound to get stepped on—"
Just as Baek Cheol-su's eyes gleamed and he was about to finish his sentence—
"Boss!"
Thud!
The door to Baek Cheol-su's office burst open, and a subordinate rushed in, looking flustered.
Baek Cheol-su's brow furrowed.
"Do you have a death wish?"
The intruder flinched but quickly started speaking, his voice urgent.
"N-no, it's not that! Something big has happened!"
"Speak."
"A-a guest has arrived, but… Sir, I think you need to see this personally…"
"A guest?"
"Well, um… It looks like they're from… the Sungmuiga."
Both Baek Cheol-su and Jeong Jin-su froze in shock at those words.
***
A safe zone in South Pyongan Province.
The border region near the northern danger zone had become a slum, but the central and southern areas were practically no different from any other typical city.
The place I was heading to was a building located slightly outside that urban area.
At first glance, the luxurious exterior of the building made it look like any other office complex.
The facade was pristine, and the staff waiting at the entrance were dressed in formal suits, standing with impeccable posture.
However, in reality, this was one of Baekgolpa's key strongholds.
I stopped a short distance away from the building and reached into my coat, pulling out a mask.
A mask with a smooth, unmarked surface.
One of the four masterpiece-grade pieces of equipment I had received from Sungmuiga—the Manmyeon Cheolpi.
I had only brought this item, leaving the other three in the hands of the Hunter Association, because its abilities were necessary for this mission.
I immediately put on the Manmyeon Cheolpi and channeled my magic into it.
Wooong!
As I looked into a mirror, my appearance began to change naturally.
I left my hair color and eye color untouched.
Instead, I lowered the bridge of my nose slightly and softened my sharp eyes to appear more indifferent. My full lips thinned and lengthened.
'Did it work?'
I checked my reflection in the mirror.
The face staring back at me was no longer mine—it was that of a man in his late 30s or early 40s.
'As for my voice… there's nothing I can do about it. Since Baek Cheol-su has also mastered magic, using magic to alter my voice would only make him more suspicious.'
Since my voice hadn't fully matured yet, it might sound odd, but if I simply lowered my tone a little, it would just come across as unique rather than unnatural.
With my new face in place, I strode confidently toward the front desk.
"Welcome. How can I assist y—"
I cut the employee off mid-sentence.
"Call Baek Cheol-su."
The expressions of the employees flinched at my words.
"If you don't mind me saying, someone like you shouldn't be here…"
"You'd better watch your mouth. Unless you want to see the Nest and this filthy establishment turned to dust without a trace by tomorrow."
"…!"
A blue hue flickered in the employee's eyes once again.
Not only did this person know about the boss, but also the true nature of the Nest and the building itself.
A glance revealed that they carried a sword at their waist and a long, cloth-wrapped piece of equipment on their back.
A warrior.
And not just any warrior— a proper, well-trained one.
Only then did the employee notice the rare eye color and deep black hair, unusual for someone of Eastern descent.
'Sungmuiga!'
The employee felt their fingertips tremble slightly.
This was clearly someone beyond their authority to handle.
"The boss is currently away at the moment, so…"
"Then tell him to come here immediately."
"A-ah, well, the thing is…"
"It makes no difference to me if I walk away right now. But can Baek Cheol-su handle what happens next?"
The person speaking was presumably a direct descendant of Sungmuiga.
And if not direct, then at least from a closely related branch family.
The employee's mind raced.
"I will escort you to the VIP room for now. I will contact the boss immediately."
"Good."
I was led to a reception room on the highest floor of the building.
The regular employees fidgeted nervously, unsure what drink to serve, but I waved them away.
Causing a scene at the Nest wouldn't have been an issue, but it was strange for a warrior of Sungmuiga to come all the way here just to meet a wanderer.
That's why I made the effort to come in person.
Exactly thirty minutes passed.
Despite the distance from here to the Nest, Baek Cheol-su arrived quickly.
But as soon as I saw him, I spoke in a low voice.
"You're late."
"Who might you be… Ugh!"
Thud!
Before he could finish his sentence, I kicked him in the stomach.
Caught off guard, Baek Cheol-su rolled unceremoniously across the floor.
The people who had accompanied him, a middle-aged man in a suit, and the other employees all looked on in shock—including Baek Cheol-su himself.
"If you made someone wait thirty minutes, you should have walked in with your head bowed. But instead, you dare to hold it up high?"
"I-I sincerely apologize."
Baek Cheol-su quickly got up and lowered his head.
'It's real.'
As he bowed, Baek Cheol-su swallowed dryly.
No one in this country would dare impersonate Sungmuiga lightly.
Of course, every now and then, some lunatic might attempt it.
That's why he had to check first.
And the moment he took that hit, he knew.
He had been taken down in an instant without realizing it.
Not to mention, there was that overwhelming, tyrannical aura unique to Sungmuiga.
'At the very least, a close branch family member.'
He had always taken great care to avoid clashing with Sungmuiga.
Every action was calculated to ensure not even the slightest friction.
'Damn it, but why here?'
No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't think of a reason why he'd be involved with Sungmuiga.
'For now, I need to greet him properly.'
Baek Cheol-su exhaled quietly, composing his expression.
Then, cautiously raising his head, he spoke in the most respectful tone he could muster.
"I am Baek Cheol-su, running the Nest and this establishment in a modest capacity. It is an honor to meet a descendant of the great Sungmuiga."
"You've been up to some interesting business."
I didn't bother acknowledging his greeting before speaking.
"Interesting business…?"
"I hear you run a black market. Quite ambitious for a mere mongrel of the Ten Swords Clan. I thought you'd stay buried in the shadows, yet you're preparing to step into the light."
Baek Cheol-su's eyes trembled.
This person, presumably of Sungmuiga lineage, even knew about his background and business.
That realization alone sent a chill down his spine.
"You intend to use this as a foundation to rise above. The black market is a means to gather connections and wealth, isn't it?"
"If my actions have in any way offended the great house, I sincerely apologize."
I watched Baek Cheol-su struggle to compose himself, my eyes gleaming.
All of this information came from my past memories, but to him, it must have felt like his innermost secrets were laid bare.
Anyone could guess he was expanding his business, but the fact that he aimed to move into the legitimate world— that was something he had tried to keep hidden.
"I did not come here for no reason. My lord has taken an interest in you. He intends to use you to begin a certain endeavor."
A flicker of surprise passed through Baek Cheol-su's lowered gaze.
But along with it, a hint of curiosity emerged.
"Are you wondering about my lord's identity?"
"If it is not too presumptuous of me, may I ask?"
"The purest bloodline of Sungmuiga. And the one most suited for the throne among them."
I smiled.
"The seventh son of Sungmuiga— Lord Lee Jae-hak."
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