Chapter 48

I didn’t know how things ended up this way, but somehow I had become the commander-in-chief of this relief train.

"Damn it. Damn it."

I muttered to myself as I scanned through documents without rest. Lee Se-eun had succeeded in arriving in the Netherlands two days later, but then took about three days to rest.

A Hunter ranked in the top ten is basically a national treasure. That level of consideration was expected.

But hey, technically I’m also a designated national treasure in the making. Isn’t it too much to work someone like this to the bone?

“What should we do about the distribution of relief supplies? Just like the Warsaw case, it's difficult to control.”

People were faking distribution vouchers, stealing supplies from others, robbing them, and bringing children or elderly to play on emotions. Human nature doesn't change.

And now people have even started addressing me formally.

I answered coldly.

"Set a daily limit and distribution hours. I don’t care who comes to get it. After three hours or when the fixed quantity runs out, we shut it down immediately."

Even if the same person comes again and again, I don’t care. Even if someone steals or robs, I don’t care. I’ll show the world what an isekai-style relief system looks like.

“Is… is that really okay?”

I responded immediately.

"Until now, distribution has taken an average of ten hours. Use the remaining seven to send people out and comb the area like we're rat-hunting."

We focus on tracking down those who sell the supplies illegally or rob others of theirs.

"If you find them, crush them. And if someone provides intel, reward them with extra relief supplies."

This is the kingdom-style welfare law from another world. Honestly, I don’t even know if it counts as proper policy.

“There’s a risk of witch hunts.”

You mean like someone reporting a wealthy guy just to strip him down and get more rations? A fair concern. It's the fundamental flaw of this sort of system.

"That can't be helped."

I’m not trying to create the most perfect, eternal distribution system.

"Perfect policies that satisfy everyone only exist in heaven after you die."

We’re human, and all human-made policies will have flaws. If the benefit outweighs the flaws, you just push through.

"But still…"

"No buts."

It’s like dealing with a patient. If you can minimize side effects after treatment, great. But if you can't, the priority is just to keep them alive.

The same logic applies here.

"Three hours a day, fixed amounts. Then we use all available manpower to crack down on people messing with the system."

Someone else raised a concern.

"But those who hoard supplies probably have money. If they try to bribe the patrol…"

"Han Sang-ah."

She looked up from the corner of the command room when I spoke her name.

"I saw what you did in Warsaw."

"Yeah."

It left quite the impression. Word was she beheaded those stealing supplies and abusing minors and hung their heads in the marketplace. It was brutal, but from my perspective, it was the most effective move at the time.

"I agree with your methods. Do it again here."

Among those manipulating the system, some will definitely be part of organized groups. We’ll track them down, chop off the rotten parts, and hang them for all to see.

“Hold on a minute, this is outrageous!”

One of the others present finally stood up as they listened.  

“The Netherlands, while unofficial, is under our control! Don’t you think it’s proper to consult us first?”

I turned to look at him. The Sicre Alliance. A military faction that spread from the Netherlands to France and Spain.

And this man was Robert Anelka, who held the title of Dutch governor under the Sicre Alliance.

"I don’t agree, Robert Anelka."

I stood up. His face stiffened. He must have heard the rumors of what I did in Hamburg.

So why raise his voice now?

It was obvious. There were connections between the criminal groups across the Netherlands and these guys.

"Relax. I’m not planning to drag you guys into this mess."

I recognize that even if the security is a disaster, these guys are still in control here. If we took them all down, things would spiral further out of control.

"As long as you cooperate quietly, we won’t touch you."

"You…"

He started to say something but then clamped his mouth shut.

"You’re outsiders. Can you really handle the backlash this will cause?"

"The relief supplies were produced in Korea and transported by us. They’re our property. If they’re not being distributed according to the original purpose, we have the right to intervene."

I swept my hand across the table and continued.

"Don’t like it? Sue me. Assuming you guys, an internationally unrecognized paramilitary group, even have that right."

You thugs got lucky and seized a country and now you’re running your mouths.

"You really think Lee Se-eun would approve of how you’re handling this?"

Trying to use her name against me now?

"You’re not talking to Lee Se-eun. You’re talking to me. And she gave me the authority to handle this."

"If she finds out about this…!"

Doesn’t matter. I looked away from Robert.

"The meeting's over. Calculate the daily output limit and submit it. Draft patrol schedules and personnel assignments. I want it all on my desk by this afternoon."

I left the room and headed back to my quarters. A little while later, there was a knock and Ja Sujeong came in.

"You were really something today."

"Yeah. I felt absolutely disgusted with myself."

I gave myself a short review. Ja Sujeong looked startled, like she wanted to compliment me.

"What? No, I meant… you had real charisma."

"This isn’t because I enjoy it."

Charisma? I don’t care what she thinks.

"I’m just forcing people into submission with brute strength. It’s sickening."

I’m stronger than you, so shut up and obey. Or get crushed. That was my method.

I clenched my fist. I saw enough of that crap back in the other world. I hated it more than anything.

Now I’m here on Earth doing the same thing.

"This was the only thing I could think of. But I don’t like it."

Even if it was the best option, it doesn’t really comfort me.

"Is that the paperwork for daily output?"

I nodded at the document in her hand. She handed it to me.

"Yes. I think this will work."

I signed it, sighed, and got up.

"Thanks for your help."

I headed to see Lee Se-eun, who was still resting.

"I got the report."

I nodded as I heard her response.

"You may not like it, but it can’t be helped."

She gave me the authority, after all.

"It’s fine. We just have different styles. What matters is that it’s functioning."

I looked around after hearing her.

"Are you still thinking it over?"

She was still replaying the fight in Hamburg in her head. The aftermath was already healed.

She murmured after hearing my question.

"Yeah. I can’t see the path."

No matter how much she reviewed it, she couldn’t see how to win against that guy.

You hit a wall, as they say. She’ll struggle with it for a while. She probably won’t listen to my advice, but—

"I don’t think there’s any sudden moment of enlightenment."

That’s all I was able to really say.

We’re not monks. If you want to grow stronger, you have to fight and grind. Hunters use their bodies, and you don’t improve by just meditating.

"…Yeah."

She nodded for now.

"Once relief is done and the supplies to the UK are shipped, the shield generator will also be transported."

Then, that’ll be the end of our job.

"I know. But why bother bringing it up?"

"I don’t think the Descendants of Dangun will give up."

They might target the one installed in the UK.

"So, you’re saying you’re going to stay in the UK?"

"Yes. According to Embargo Tower, it’ll take about three to four months to collect meaningful data."

Han Sang-ah and I will stay under a short-term contract and train.

"What’s your plan exactly?"

"Train in the UK for three to four months, then on the way back to Korea, we’ll take on the Bratsk first-class Erosion Zone, the Fridge."

She looked at me and smirked.

"You crazy bastard."

She handed me a strawberry candy. I took it, and after a moment she spoke.

"I was going to take a break after this mission. A month, maybe two."

She guarded Cheorwon for years and jumped right into the transport mission. She’s not made of steel after all. She needed rest.

"I’ll stay too. The UK won’t say no. And I’ll help however I can."

Her eyes gleamed after speaking.

"If you manage to show meaningful results while I’m here… I’ll join you for the Fridge."

I bowed politely.

"Thank you."

With her level of skill, how could I say no? She looked at me and spoke after seeing me bow.

"The Bratsk Fridge may be considered one of the weaker grade 1s, but still. You said you’d form a team to specialize in taking down grade 1 Erosion Zones."

She looked at her greatsword.

"After experiencing a grade 1 for real, I hope you can still keep that fire alive. Some Hunters at my level say it starts at grade 1, while others call it hell."

"It certainly will be."

I’ve been to real hell before. Not this world’s, of course, but hell all the same.

Lee Se-eun’s expression looked complicated. Perhaps if things go well here, maybe I can try to convince her to ditch Jannabi and become my partner.

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