Chapter 132 : A Huge Bait
A Huge Bait
Nomen's voice echoed down the dim hallway.
Baek Ji-woong, upon hearing his question, paused for a moment before speaking.
"I'd appreciate an honest answer. Did you happen to move Akaoni?"
Akaoni (赤鬼) was currently the predecessor of WID, the armed organization under the Hongu Society.
With the internal strife of the Hongu Society, it had also become the only armed force of Aoshika (青鹿).
"If you mean Akaoni, then it's always busy moving in unseen places."
Baek Ji-woong let out a sigh at the evasive answer.
"That's not what I'm asking. I want to know if you've directly clashed with Kurotora."
Kurotora (黑虎)—that had originally been the name of the branch under Hakushikijou. It was also the name they abandoned after taking control of the Hongu Society's original headquarters. But to Nomen and him, the current Hongu Society would always be Kurotora.
"Directly... no, that's never happened."
"Then does Aoshika have nothing to do with Skull?"
At the renewed question, Nomen, face obscured by his expressionless mask, tilted his head.
"Skull... they've been hindering Kurotora's business recently, right? But why are you trying to link Skull to us?"
"Because Skull knows TMT and is attacking Kurotora. If it's not Aoshika, I guessed it must be some group with roots like ours who also bear a grudge against Kurotora."
Nomen seemed to understand, falling silent before opening his mouth to speak.
"For now, our Aoshika is definitely unrelated to Skull. Insofar as I know, there's no group acting independently of our plans either."
"Is there no one suspicious internally?"
"Not that I know of. And if there were a group as formidable as Skull, would we really be in this situation?"
The current Hongu Society believed Aoshika had been destroyed. But they had only stepped back for a while. Like the current Hongu Society, they quietly grew in size, spreading out here and there while laying the groundwork for the future.
Baek Ji-woong understood his words.
But his suspicions remained: What did Skull want from the current Hongu Society, and how were they attacking without leaving traces, while knowing about TMT and its members?
"I realize that. But Skull's true identity is so unclear..."
"I completely understand that sentiment. If we could contact Skull, we'd even consider poaching them."
"You mean... poach them?"
"The enemy of my enemy could become a friend. But since we can't meet Skull... that's the biggest problem."
The only trace of Skull was the person wearing a skull-shaped mask. That was all they had confirmed.
Then Nomen spoke again.
"Is that the extent of your curiosity?"
"That's all for now."
"You could have asked by message—was there a reason you needed to meet face to face like this?"
Baek Ji-woong let out a long sigh.
"It was important to me. I had to see you in person to be certain."
Nomen nodded in response.
"I don't particularly like it, but if this relieves Chairman Baek's doubts, it's a relief. By the way, since we're meeting in person... it seems our plan will be moved up sooner than expected."
At that, Baek Ji-woong was taken aback.
"Wasn't the original schedule at least three years away?"
"It's thanks to Kurotora's current situation. Their Laudandi Project has been shaken due to AMK Partners, creating an opening. And Hwain Techon's funds have been siphoned. But is it alright for you, Chairman Baek? Didn't you say your authority had been restricted because of all this?"
Baek Ji-woong let out a low groan.
"It's partly due to those foolish people, but... I also made mistakes."
He was referring to Jeon Hae-in from KQ Group—while helping her through Daemyung Detective Agency, he left traces that ended up botching the job.
"If necessary, I can lend you some of Akaoni's men to act quietly from behind the scenes."
It was Nomen's way of showing concern.
But Baek Ji-woong shook his head.
"No. There's no need for that right now, and Hyottoko is surely watching me closely. I can't risk leaving traces that would harm our cause."
"Thank you for prioritizing the organization. Still, if you ever need anything, just let me know. I always say this, but you're very important to us, Chairman Baek."
And with that, their conversation came to an end.
Nomen stepped back into the darkness—his figure fading until it was nowhere to be seen.
Watching him vanish, Baek Ji-woong let out another sigh as he exited the building.
* * *
【Velbyte Technology's production countdown! As the opening ceremony approaches, corporate leaders are lining up to attend...】
【Greenbyte Labs and AMK Velion's joint-venture, Velbyte Technology, launches! As production nears, companies from various countries are showing interest in distribution and manufacturing...】
【Unprecedented Swordsmanship corruption! Under Prosecutor General Kim Jeong-heon's command, more swordsmanship prosecutors caught for misconduct, with additional crimes uncovered—massive trials are expected...】
...
...
South Korea was in an uproar with so much news pouring in.
Meanwhile, In-hyuk and Tae Ju-ha spent around 20 hours together in the air, arriving only in the morning at Sedona Airport, Arizona, America.
The Velbyte Technology opening ceremony was scheduled for the next day.
The two, accompanied by Taeshin Security's security guards, exited the arrivals hall.
As they headed towards the car waiting at the airport entrance, Tae Ju-ha let out a sigh.
"Phew... it's hotter here than I thought."
In midday, Sedona's temperature could rise up to 30 degrees.
"But the nights are chilly, so don't dress too lightly."
"I know this is surrounded by desert, but I can't figure out why Velbyte would build a factory here."
In fact, Greenbyte Labs' factory site was purchased under Velbyte Technology's name.
"I heard it was mainly because land is cheap. Also, typhoons rarely happen here, and it's midway between Greenbyte Labs and AMK Velion. The major cities of Phoenix and Tucson are within a 300km radius, so hiring staff won't be too hard."
Tae Ju-ha nodded as she listened to the explanation, then the two got into their car, protected by security guards.
In-hyuk glanced at the escort cars and drivers around them—most of whom he recognized as Taeshin Security staff, including those he'd seen in his previous life, such as Baek Si-hwan.
'How many more are there among them...'
He was referring to Kooou's agents.
Recently, Kim Seong-tae, whom In-hyuk had disguised himself as, also belonged to them.
Since In-hyuk never guessed their real allegiance in his past life, it bothered him now even more.
Tae Ju-ha then turned to In-hyuk and asked,
"My grandfather and the others are supposed to arrive in the afternoon. What will you do in the meantime, In-hyuk?"
"I'll stop by the hotel briefly, then check on the preparations for the opening ceremony."
"Is there something you need to do there?"
The main operating executives of Greenbyte Labs and AMK Velion handled the preparations for the joint-venture's opening.
"I heard Mark Campbell, the CEO of Greenbyte Labs, is here as well. While I'm here, I'd like to talk with him."
After considering for a moment, Tae Ju-ha asked again.
"Maybe I can come too?"
"You too, CEO?"
"I thought it'd be good to say hello in advance. I also want to see what Velbyte Technology is like."
"Then let's go to Velbyte straight from the airport, not the hotel."
Upon hearing the plan, the car changed direction. After driving for about twenty minutes, they arrived at the Velbyte Technology building, on the northwest side of Sedona.
People bustled about, preparing for tomorrow's opening ceremony.
"In America, if it's not a financial city, the buildings have such low ceilings—it feels strange."
"They've got plenty of land, after all."
"Is there a factory here too?"
"This site only has the office and research lab. The actual plant is in Flagstaff, about an hour north."
"Was it necessary to separate them?"
"Sedona is also a tourist city. Velbyte Technology's line of business is electricity, so the research lab could be here."
As they continued their discussion, they slowly walked around Velbyte Technology's two-story campus.
It was then that a blond, middle-aged man—Mark Campbell, CEO of Greenbyte Labs—strode over.
"You're here, Division Director!"
With a hearty greeting, he shook hands with In-hyuk.
"Long time no see, CEO Campbell."
"Indeed! How have you been?"
"I've been busy, thanks. This is Tae Ju-ha, CEO of Taeshin Asset Management."
When introduced, Tae Ju-ha also extended her hand for a handshake.
"I'm Tae Ju-ha."
"Ah, hello. When I saw you from afar I had a feeling—you must be the madam. Pleased to meet you!"
Mark Campbell shook her hand vigorously, nearly making her fall over.
"I-I'm glad to meet you too," she managed.
Formalities done, In-hyuk asked,
"Is the opening ceremony preparation going well?"
"It's fine so far. But there have been so many requests to attend that it's been troublesome."
"That many?"
"They must see the potential of this project. To be honest, I didn't expect production to become possible this quickly."
It was thanks to In-hyuk supplying the necessary funds and AMK Velion providing the required technology for success—Mark Campbell had repeatedly thanked In-hyuk for this.
"I'm glad things are going well."
"And as you asked, a special security team has been arranged for the guests' safety. I've also coordinated with your security team to avoid any friction."
"Thank you. Team Leader Lee Yoon-cheol, please meet the contact person and collect the relevant details."
He said this, glancing at the second team leader of Taeshin Security standing behind.
Mark Campbell then excused himself briefly.
"I'll bring over the person in charge."
After a while, they returned and shared the security details with Lee Yoon-cheol.
Meanwhile, In-hyuk looked around.
Frankly, under his usual preferences, whether it was a joint venture or a project's success, he wouldn't have made an event on this scale.
Yet, he arranged for the Taeshin family to attend this opening.
'Given the geography, it'll be hard for snipers to be positioned in buildings. Maybe they'll use something like a bomb?'
Not long before, word had leaked to Tae Seok-ho via Cheong Geumbang regarding Taeshin Group's proxy shares.
For Tae Seok-ho, it would have been a nerve-wracking situation.
But given the current calm, it meant they were waiting for the right moment.
'I've set the stage for him—he won't be able to resist moving.'
In other words, the Velbyte Technology opening was thrown out as a huge bait.
Of course, it bordered on madness. If Hong Yu-geon were here, he'd have tried to stop it.
Maybe that's why In-hyuk sent him away on a business trip with Van Hester regarding this plan.
Just then, In-hyuk received a message on his phone.
It was now past midnight in Korea—the message was from Mi-ah.
【Red Witch: CCTV access complete. I'll start with the roster. But does this count as overtime?】