Hyunjin
I was not pleased to hear that Mishimoto wanted to meet with me. My first reaction was to ask the Saturnia squad commander to assign a few people to monitor Mishimoto's movements.
Something here smells fishy to me.
To properly explain what Saturnia actually does, I'll outline the gang's hierarchy.
NABI is divided into three groups, with me at the head of the entire organisation. Calleta is the main division of the gang. They are tough, unyielding dealers who sell my Cyanex and guarantee to spread it throughout Seoul and beyond — a task they are performing very well.
Actias works during the day. Its members ensure that the police are kept at bay and that there is always a cover for the dirty work we do. They are mainly experienced, cunning hackers who can access anything, and thanks to them, I have a perfect overview of everything. According to the latest reports, the police are doing everything they can to find out where Cyanex comes from, but they are completely powerless to do so, which means that Actias is doing its job well and covering up any traces.
Saturnia are my eyes. They carry out the dirtiest and most thankless tasks, covering up physical evidence. When someone needs to be dealt with and my presence isn't required, they take care of it.
Mishimoto certainly has something planned, so I must be fully prepared. I need to put more effort into training Taesung. Safe training at home is no longer enough — he must prove himself in unforgiving, real terrain.
Hanil gave me a report on how Taesung performed in weapons training. For a moment, I thought he might have begun to respect the boy. It was precisely that slight recognition on his part that made me decide to move the test to the field.
I want to put on a little show for Hanil while walking the dogs. Taesung thinks it will just be the two of us, but the others will be watching. They will be hidden along our route, exposing Taesung to situations that he will have to deal with. These situations will threaten me, his boss, and he will have to protect me at all costs.
If he can't handle this, he's useless to me. If he fails, it won't just damage my pride, the people around us will also be in danger because of him. And I'm not just saying that as a cliché. I know people who give up at the first sign of trouble. This game is played without mercy. Anyone who has to decide your worth will see if you are willing to lay down your life for something greater than yourself.
Taeju and the Kang's brothers left my residence in the early hours of the morning to report to their posts. I told Taesung that they were doing some work for me.
We met in front of the iron cages where the dogs spent their evenings. I stood there with leather leads in my hands, opening the sturdy doors to reveal Gwon and Hyeok growling inside. They are used to long daily walks. Unfortunately, lately I've been letting them run around the garden more often as I haven't had as much free time recently. Actually, that's been the case since Taesung showed up.
They sit obediently behind me and wait for my command. I attach a heavy metal carabiner lead to both of their collars and let them go. They run towards Taesung, which takes me by surprise. The leads slip out of my hands, pinching my wrists as I jerk towards them.
I'm about to scold them when they both lie on their backs and let Taesung scratch their bellies. That boy has spoiled them, and it only took him one visit to do it.
„Enough!" I yell, raising my voice, and yank the leads towards me. The dogs immediately sit up and whimper quietly.
„You know pets need love too, right?" Taesung looks up at me, still kneeling by the dogs. His voice is calm but slightly trembling and sincere.
„They're not supposed to be pets." I settle him down and set him straight. I didn't get Dobermans to cuddle, but to bite my enemies' testicles on command. However, deep down, I feel that I don't want to lead them down this path.
Taesung stands up and I move closer to him, grabbing his chin. Our eyes meet. I pat him twice on the cheek, not exactly gently. His youthful, almost innocent appearance contrasts with the seriousness of the situation.
„You still forget your manners," I point out. His youthful appearance does not excuse him from treating me with respect. Unfortunately, I can't seem to teach him that because I let my guard down around him. I turn to leave.
„So do you," he whispers behind my back. His voice has a cheeky, slightly biting tone that catches me off guard for a moment.
„What did you say?" I look back at him and give him a cold, piercing stare. He puts on an innocent, amused smile.
„Nothing." He walks past me and opens the gate leading from the property to the wide driveway.
... ༺༻ ...
BLOOD DEBT (피의 빚)