25:

The next morning, the sun came out to ruin Do-Yun day yet again. Although he could’ve pulled the blinds and went back to his sweet bed. But, today an important meeting awaited him.

Ryu Ji-Hu contacted him last night and set up a meeting with the Item maker for this morning. He couldn’t miss that, so after a splash of cold water he walked out of his house. Reaching the streets without turning any heads, he caught a taxi for Jong-Nu. He soon arrived at the Association Building.

Paying the driver he entered the grounds. The guards didn’t notice him, and soon he entered the main building without as much as a security check.

Many entered alongside him, but he didn’t bother to look at anyone or anything inside this place. Like a ghost he weaved between people and entered the elevator, Ji-Hu waited for him on the upper floors. Feeling his presence he navigated through the twentieth floor and soon reached the room.

“Yo.” He opened the door like he entered his own office.

“Mr. Do-Yun, we were just talking about you.” Ji-Hu didn’t mind it either, but the woman sitting in front of him seemed surprised.

Her eyes turned to him the moment he entered. She sat on the sofa with her back taut like a bow string. The light blue suit with a white collared shirt fit her well and didn’t seem to constrict her movements. Her face wasn’t obstructed by her hair which was kept in a high ponytail.

“Oho? I assume you weren’t bad-mouthing me in front of our new friend?” Ji-Hu’s eyes squinted when Do-Yun walked past him with that comment.

“Nice to meet you, I assume you know my name already.” He offered a hand to the woman as her sharp orange eyes went back to their previous calmness.

Standing up and straitening her coat, she took his hand.

“That I have Mr. Lee Do-Yun. My name is Park Shin-Hye, it is a pleasure

e to meet you.” She spoke curtly.

‘So, that’s how you gonna play it, eh?’ Do-Yun sat on the sofa with a smile after the firm handshake.

“Is there something on my face?” Shin-Hye asked.

His stare felt dangerous to her, almost as if she had locked eyes with a snake. However, she thought it was her imagination as she hadn’t felt this type of presence before.

“Nothing, I didn’t expect our secretive Item creator to be so stunning and have such proficiency with the sword.” But that snake wrapped itself around her.

“…Huh?” Shin-Hye’s eyes jumped.

“Your hand Miss Shin-Hye. Such callouses can only form on people who are serious about their training. I’d say you’ve had about 15 to 17 years of practice. And your grip strength is also nothing to scoff at.” Do-Yun smiled. It wasn’t about this alone, the way she sat and stood up to shake his hand.

The small movements and the alertness she had, each of these qualities were found in seasoned combatants. It was enough for Do-Yun to reach his conclusion.

‘She isn’t the Item Maker.’ Do-Yun glanced at Ji-Hu once and shook his head, ‘Well, it doesn’t matter as long as I get my items.’

The slight panic in her eyes faded as soon as it appeared when he didn’t push further.

“…Yes, I have practiced Kumdo since I was young. I didn’t expect Mr. Lee to find that much about me with just a handshake.” Shin-Hye said.

“Tis is nothing.” Do-Yun waved his hand in dismissal.

Her interest in Do-Yun soared. At first, she thought he was a perverted man like the last Awakened she met. His handshake felt rather forced Even his gaze seemed to examine her body closely. But now she understood that it wasn’t anything beyond figuring her out.

‘We even fooled Colonel Ryu and most Awakened so far. But, he saw through me with ease.’ Shin-Hye sighed as he didn’t seem to have any ulterior motive so far but still, ‘I’ll need to report this to Young Miss immediately.’

This method of operating wasn’t safe any longer. But, that had to wait till this meeting concluded. Unlike her expectations, things progressed fast.

“I need three sets of body armor and gloves with the serpent skin with some leather as padding. It would be good if you can make them self-fitting, if not I can provide you the measurements right now.” Do-Yun dove right into the main subject.

“No problem with the self-fitting feature, it comes with every piece I make. Also what type of leather would you prefer?” Shin-Hye had a couple of samples with her, but he already prepared the materials in advance.

“I have some Blue Horned Bison hide lying around still. So I’ll provide that, just be sure to not have the Serpent skin visible. It’ll look real tacky.” Do-Yun grimaced at the idea of walking around with such armor, “So, how much will it cost?”

“Since you are providing me with the materials, the only thing to take into account is the labor and tools cost. So, I’d say about this much…” Shin-Hye raised three fingers and he looked confused.

“So, 30 million Won for three? That’s a deal then.” Do-Yun smiled and extended his hand, “It was a pleasure Miss Shin-Hye.”

“Ah, likewise.” She shook his hand with a small smile, but there was still more.

“Also Mr. Lee I saw the sample for the Serpent skin and am very interested in buying it.” The main reason she came here could finally be discussed.

“I’ll think over it until our next meeting.” But, he shot down the offer immediately, but he also prepared something else, “I would be grateful if you could be quick with delivery, my team is planning on entering the Tower within three days.”

“You’ll be entering the Tower in Three days?!” Shock dominated Shin-Hye's face, but realizing her outburst she coughed and sat down again.

“Yes, that is why I ask you to be quick. I can transfer the money to you right now if you want.” Do-Yun offered but she shook her head.

“There is no need for that, since Sir Ryu had recommended you we can rest assured about your credibility. I will be sure to deliver the order before three days complete.” Shin-Hye stood up as he accepted her words.

“I’ll take my leave then Mr. Lee and Mr Ryu.” She left with swift steps after saying her goodbyes all while feeling his gaze on her back.

'So tense.' Do-Yun chuckled and downed the glass of juice in front of him. That sweetness and freshness of the apple juice breathed life into his body. However, the silence in the room prevailed as Ji-Hu’s eyes turned in his direction.

“Did you almost fall asleep?” He found it funny, but Ji-Hu didn’t.

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“Too many things have happened in the past week. That means less sleep for me. I suppose even Awakened aren’t that far off from humans in some needs.” He made himself some espresso to fight off the tiredness. Sleeping now would result in a big loss.

“So, do you have no plans on selling material?” Ji-Hu asked.

“I plan to sell it but not at once.” Do-Yun said pouring himself another glass of juice.

He didn’t want to saturate the market that had yet to form. It would result in a terrible loss for him.

“Well, we don’t plan to buy your entire stock. Just a reasonable amount that we can use.” Ji-Hu sat in his seat and took a sip of the coffee before realizing something, “You want some?”

“No, coffee drives away sleep I don’t like that.” Do-Yun shook his head.

“I see, so how about it?” Ji-Hu asked.

“I’ll give you two rolls. But, rather than upfront payment I want 70% of the money you make from it.” Do-Yun said.

“Isn’t that a bit too much?” Ji-Hu planned to stabilize the Association’s funds through this deal, but that didn’t seem viable with this.

“It wouldn’t be if I give you a plan that can maximize the profits.” A smile appeared on Do-Yun’s lips.

“Go on.” Ji-Hu of course leaned forward. If the plan was good he had no problem with that cut.

“I heard that the Middle-Eastern countries are holding auctions for Gate material in Dubai. A lot of money is flowing in there. You have to make a show with this one as you did in the livestream. The flashier it is the better, use skills, weapons, or whatever you could get your hands on to showcase the durability of the material.” Ji-Hu understood where Do-Yun was going with this.

“That would certainly grab the Awakened’s attention around the world. They’d want such material to increase their defense.” The auction in Dubai already attracted eyes from around the globe, and if they succeed in their plan they’d get a long line of customers with ease.

“Awakened? They aren’t our main target.” Do-Yun shook his head. It wasn’t that simple.

“You don’t mean…?” Ji-Hu was wide awake now.

“Yes, we target the rich bastards.” Do-Yun chuckled. It was a very simple strategy but to use it one needed information, and he had the upper hand when it came to that.

“I am sure you have already tested that normal Humans can also wear the armor.”

Ji-Hu nodded. The coat Da-Eun wore was part of that experiment, so he couldn’t see this not working for them. It came as a shock to him when Baek-Hyeon suggested this idea, and it worked. With Do-Yun knowing of this, it became a concrete fact.

‘Of course, there will be items that have special requirements and the jargon. But anyone can wear the common armor. Even people with no skills or magic.’ Do-Yun yawned. He had to prepare for the future, after all, humans liked to put a price on everything. And if he sees something he needs, he should have enough cash ready to acquire it.

“The paranoia about the Awakened wouldn’t calm down anytime soon. Everyone is scared that someone strong can just come in and rob them, especially the rich ones. We need to offer them this false sense of security and they’ll open their pockets.” Ji-Hu looked over his eyes narrowed.

“Have you been planning for this?” His curiosity got the best of him.

“Kind of. This is basic Human behavior, when one gets money they start to worry about other things. The biggest buyers of Gate and Tower Materials right now are the Unawakened Rich who worry about being killed in their sleep or want to arm their private groups. It will be that way until the Awakened Groups accumulate enough money on their own.” Do-Yun expected it to happen soon which is why he wanted to capitalize on the situation and prepare for it.

“So? You up for it?” He asked.

“Of course.” Ji-Hu nodded.

‘There isn’t any loss for us in this. In a way we gain way more as the front face of the operation.’ Ryu Ji-Hu already had a headache with the Rich families in the country. They still tried to sway the young Awakened Association in South Korea and it was hard to counter them with limited resources and connections.

If he uses this opportunity to stabilize the Association it would move forward without any problems. As not only can he establish balanced connections with rich business owners, but also with Awakened and organizations from other countries. This would prove to be helpful to them as the countries that had such high-rank materials are keeping it close to their chests.

“Nice. Also, where did you get this apple juice from? It’s delicious.” Do-Yun examined the empty bottle in his hand that used to have the Juice. He drank it all in an instant.

“That was a gift from Jade Pharma. If you want I can send over the stock we have.” Ji-Hu already received a truckload of them as a gift. But, he didn’t enjoy juices and only a few people in his team liked it.

“No, don’t want it.” However, Do-Yun threw the bottle into the dustbin sitting in the left corner across the room.

‘What happened suddenly?’ Confused, Ji-Hu tried to find any clues from Do-Yun’s face. But he couldn’t find anything, not even the slightest hint. Almost as if he went blank. However, now wasn’t the time to question this.

“Are you really going into the tower with only two other members?” Ji-Hu asked.

“Yes. That is that plan.” Do-Yun looked back at him. The only reason he recruited the two and made these plans, everything was to enter the Tower as soon as he could. And the perfect time has arrived.

“I’ve already told you about China, but they are planning on sending a real Awakened strike team inside the Tower this time.” Ji-Hu sighed. This whole situation has become too big.

“A Real Team?” Do-Yun tilted his head. Didn’t they send one that failed?

“The last team was forced to enter, it had low-ranked Awakened. From what I can guess their task was to scout the area and bring back information. But, they all died.” A very cruel way to do things, but they had no say in this. Even then, it did nothing but create more problems for them.

“Since that attempt, the Gate spawn rate around Asia has increased by 30%. There is another thing that we haven't made public yet to avoid mass panic.” Ji-Hu sighed. The headache returned, but he had to push on.

“If the first floor of the Tower isn’t cleared within 26 days, it will release all the Monsters to the outside world. Similar to a Gate Break. But, I feel that it would be way more dangerous and destructive.” That message was displayed at the entrance with the timer on every Tower across the world ever since the news about China’s move came back.

Most of the Countries that had Towers blocked access to it since they appeared, so hiding this news became easier. But, even if they hide it they have yet to resolve the problem at hand. If things continue like this, it was only a matter of time before the public learns of it.

“America, Canada, Brazil, India, Germany, even Japan, and other countries that are going through trouble, everyone is trying to form their own Squads to raid the Tower, but the progress had been slow due to negotiations and their inability to understand the threat.” Said Ji-Hu placing his cup on the table.

The risks of entering an unknown territory like the tower had too many problems, and they couldn’t reveal the threat as the chance of it leaking increased. The authorities around the world were stuck between a rock and a hard place.

“What about you guys? Are you not forming any groups?” Do-Yun asked and as if waiting for that question, Ji-Hu spoke up.

“We have tried but aside from you, no other Guild or group has shown interest in entering the Tower. So, if push comes to shove the Awakened Squads under the Association may have to step in themselves.” Ji-Hu and the squads under him were now affiliated with the Association while maintaining their ranks in the army. So, their chances of entering the Tower increased.

“That is why I have a proposal for you.” Reaching for the drawer under the table, Ji-Hu was about to present his plan but Do-Yun shook his head.

“Doing a combined attack won’t work.” Do-Yun had his way of doing things. The people he had gathered were alright with that so they followed him, but he couldn’t say the same for the members of the Awakened Squad. Most importantly, he didn’t want to waste more days waiting for some volunteers who wouldn’t come at all. People with abilities should be able to feel it instinctively, the dangers inside the Tower.

“Well, it was worth a try.” Ji-Hu sighed as Do-Yun got ready to leave.

“Hmm, also be sure to deliver the materials to Miss Shin-Hye and also take out the stuff we discussed.” Do-Yun had stored all the materials they had gathered in the Association’s Warehouse. So, Ji-Hu could take things out from there without problems.

“Aren’t you worried about leaving it that unguarded?” Ji-Hu couldn’t understand that part of him.

Other groups used money and resources to guard their warehouses, renting their own places to store the materials. But Do-Yun had not spent a single penny to do so. In fact, he hadn’t paid for security or attempted to secure his own warehouse either.

“I can afford to lose that stuff, but can the Association?” A smile appeared on Do-Yun's face.

“I thought you disliked tests.”

“Only when I am subjected to them.” Hearing that, Ji-Hu chuckled. That extreme boldness is what separated him from others. A very defining quality that was almost impossible to find in most Awakened.

“This country could benefit so much if you joined the Association.” He truly believed they could do so much more.

“The country’s benefit has nothing to do with me. No one does things without expecting gain you know?” Do-Yun looked over his shoulder.

“Well, I suppose that is true. So, do consider us for selling materials after you exit the Tower.” Ji-Hu said refilling his coffee cup.

“I’ll think about it. Until next time Association President, Ryu Ji-Hu.” After Do-Yun left, silence overtook the room.

Ji-Hu finished the steaming cup of espresso in one sip, but the drowsiness in his eyes had yet to recede. It continued to deepen as he forced himself awake.

‘Even such a strong brew has almost no effect on me now.’ He sighed. He’d probably need a dozen more cups before it showed a slight effect.

“With this inhuman body and powers… how can I change this country for the better, Si-woo?” His mutters were confined in the large office as he wondered what to do next.