Ranker Who Shatters Myths - Chapter 111

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Broken Ranker

Devours Myths

 

Chapter 111

ASTRA (2)

 

 

 

Michael Shepherd had personally confirmed the research facilities that the Central Hero Committee had established on the Korean Peninsula.

 

[Eye of Revelation]

 

He possessed not only the trait that others called ‘prophecy’ but also the trait of ‘psychometry’.

When he touched objects imbued with strong emotions, he could read those emotions through the eyes bestowed by Gabriel.

Thanks to this,

he was able to glimpse Lee Hyeon’s activities in much greater detail than what ASTRA had grasped.

And he knew.

Not only had he already returned to his prime, but he might have even surpassed it…

‘Jet’s return is dangerous. There’s a possibility that Thunder Unit, which we barely managed to disband, might stir again.’

That was Michael’s concern.

The strong bond between Lee Hyeon and Thunder Unit.

‘Ping Xin was a group whose full strength even we couldn’t accurately predict. But Thunder Unit… they overwhelmingly crushed them. Even White Night Unit, which claimed it would replace Thunder Unit, couldn’t do anything about it.’

If the bond was strong enough to fill a four-year gap, it wouldn’t be easy to break even with schemes from the middle.

No, it would only provoke stronger backlash.

So Michael didn’t want to force things.

Instead, he flipped his thinking.

‘If Jet and Thunder Unit’s return is an inevitable sequence… what if we make them defect to our side entirely?’

His plan was positively reviewed by his superiors.

All necessary support had already been decided upon.

‘Although relations with Korea or White Burn might sour, we can just crush that if needed.’

Michael believed in the power of his superpower homeland.

That’s why he met Kim Min-jeong under the pretext of training.

However, Michael planned to break her spirit once before making his full proposal.

He needed to make her think that it wasn’t her choosing America, but America rescuing her.

“…I’m not sure what you mean.”

Kim Min-jeong replied with a cold expression after a long silence.

Michael clicked his tongue inwardly.

‘Definitely not easy.’

Indeed, she was Jet’s right hand and the woman most likely to become the new Thunder Unit’s vice-commander.

He never thought she’d break easily from the start.

“Don’t play dumb, Twin Shot. You were in Thunder Unit back then, so you can’t not know our side’s conditions.”

“Was there such a thing? This is news to me.”

“Strange. I understood that all unit members at the time had the information shared.”

“I guess I wasn’t high enough rank.”

“First, do not attempt anything related to Thunder Unit’s restoration. Second, do not create a unit system with Jet as leader…”

“Those all look like clear interference in domestic affairs.”

Kim Min-jeong snorted.

“The situation was that urgent at the time. Without this, Korea would have become good prey for the major powers.”

“…”

“But Korea broke the promise first. Are you going to say the Ulleungdo operation wasn’t Thunder Unit?”

“The members deployed then were strictly in mercenary capacity—”

“You take us for fools.”

“Whatever you think, the facts don’t change. You’re not trying to force our actions too, are you? That would be a clear violation of international regulations.”

The content stating that since Hunters are free citizens before being ability users, international society cannot arbitrarily force their actions and decisions.

Kim Min-jeong replied coldly with her arms crossed.

“Let me say just one thing. Thunder Unit was already disbanded four years ago, and I’m now a civilian.”

“…”

“Even if Thunder Unit is restored somewhere, it has nothing to do with me, and even if it did, there’s no reason for you to interrogate me like this, is there?”

Kim Min-jeong thought Michael’s face with its unreadable smile was irritating.

‘The longer this conversation drags on, the worse it’ll be for us. Right now I have to stick to playing dumb as much as possible and keep my distance.’

Since Lee Hyeon had decided to revive Thunder Unit through Z Team, she was already expecting interference from various forces.

She planned to deny Michael’s words as much as possible and leave.

“I came here on my day off because of the official document asking for cooperation in investigating the Committee… If I’m just going to hear this nonsense, I’m leaving. Let’s go, Chief Eom. Or would you rather stay and enjoy reuniting with old colleagues?”

“No way! I’ll return to the company with Manager Kim!”

Eom Gi-seon grinned broadly while pushing away Donovan’s arm that was still draped over his shoulder, and followed behind Kim Min-jeong like a puppy.

Michael watched Kim Min-jeong adjusting her bag and said,

“If it sounded like interrogation, I apologize. It’s inevitable to be sensitive about matters in international relations.”

There was still no response from Kim Min-jeong.

Michael’s voice was much softer than before.

“Actually, ASTRA won’t have a problem with Thunder Unit’s revival. Our home country and Korea are allies, and Mountain God is also a very important partner.”

“…”

“But many other forces are the problem. The Korean government will face considerable pressure from all directions.”

“…”

“Same goes for your backer Lieutenant General Lee Gun-san and Mountain God. No matter how superhuman they are, they’d struggle just facing the Committee alone, but if other places join in, do you think they can withstand it all?”

“What exactly are you trying to say?”

Kim Min-jeong could no longer pretend not to hear.

Eom Gi-seon, who had been happily pondering what to do with their free time together, glared at his talkative former superior from behind.

Michael smiled.

“But I want to say that our ASTRA can sufficiently protect you.”

Kim Min-jeong frowned.

“Defect to you?”

“Defect? As I said, your side and ours are allies. You could think of it as changing jobs, couldn’t you?”

“You’re just covering your eyes and pretending.”

“The Committee has already contacted City Cartel, the Underground Cult, and Zeus’s Sons.”

“…”

This was a fact Kim Min-jeong was completely unaware of.

But it was also an extremely natural move.

“The Committee has become desperate in its own way, and the other forces have agreed that it’s time to start restraining White Burn.”

Michael continued with a cynical expression.

“City Cartel and the Underground Cult will probably interfere with White Burn’s overseas events soon.”

“…!!”

“Zeus’s Sons said they’d think about it for now, but will those troublemakers who love stirring things up really stay still? I’d bet my entire fortune that they won’t.”

Kim Min-jeong just listened to his words silently.

“Besides those, there are at least four more forces that our agency’s intelligence network has detected.”

“You’ll protect us from them?”

“If Jet and Thunder Unit rise again, the restraints will become more serious. They might even attempt terrorism against you, don’t you think?”

Michael’s smile turned cold.

“Especially Jet will be dangerous. Don’t you know? There are more than just one or two places that bear grudges against him.”

“Do you think he’ll be easily taken down?”

“Probably not. But what about you? Or your families?”

“…….”

“Of course, most factions are still just watching for now. But that’s only a matter of time.”

Michael nodded as he continued speaking.

“But the home country can protect you sufficiently. Not only your safety, but we can guarantee your families’ futures as well.”

Kim Min-jeong twisted her lips.

“It seems like you’re enjoying this situation just as much, doesn’t it? You’re only pretending to care on the surface, but you’re taking advantage of this opportunity just the same, aren’t you?”

“I won’t deny that.”

Michael shrugged his shoulders and replied nonchalantly.

“But at least we have principles.”

“Principles?”

“That’s right. Principles. The principles to honor heroes who devoted themselves and sacrificed for their country.”

“…….”

Kim Min-jeong was momentarily speechless.

Michael twisted his lips.

“Honestly speaking, what did you get in return for your military service in Korea?”

“…….”

“Weren’t you just treated like disposable items, good for one use and then thrown away?”

“……That’s,”

“The same thing happened during the Gangneung incident. What kind of treatment did the victims receive back then?”

“……!”

“You were only criticized for not resolving it quickly and causing the nation’s credit rating to plummet. And they didn’t even properly protect the unit.”

Kim Min-jeong unconsciously bit down hard on her lower lip.

The sense of betrayal she felt from the country at that time was real.

The reason many unit members took off their uniforms when the unit was disbanded was exactly because of that.

“……Noona.”

Eom Gi-seon gripped her hand tightly.

Michael continued speaking.

“But the home country is different. We treat heroes with the respect they deserve.”

“…….”

“I don’t know what kind of treatment you’re receiving at White Burn currently, but we’ll offer three times more than that. Permanent residency and citizenship, of course, plus pension, medical insurance, and if you have children, we’ll provide full tuition support through college.”

Kim Min-jeong felt like she was being seen through by Michael’s gaze.

Before she knew it, his whispers felt like the devil’s temptation.

“We’ll keep your team completely intact and provide unlimited support for it. You know about ASTRA’s equipment, don’t you? How amazing it is. Aren’t you curious what it would be like if Blue Thunder had access to that?”

The ASTRA agents casually showed off the equipment they were wearing.

All specially crafted items.

At minimum A-rank or higher superior items.

“And,”

“……I suppose you have more to offer?”

“We’ll give Twin Shot ‘Soma’ as well. You’ll need it to treat your brother, won’t you?”

“……!!!”

Kim Min-jeong unconsciously clenched her teeth hard.

She never expected them to suddenly bring up her younger brother who was in the hospital.

“……You,”

“If you’re displeased that we investigated your background, I apologize. But we’re that desperate.”

“…….”

“But isn’t it tempting? Wasn’t that what you’ve been working so hard to obtain?”

A fact that no one at White Burn knew except Im Won-young.

It was shocking that ASTRA knew about it, but even more shocking was the fact that they could offer it as compensation.

It was within reach if she just extended her hand.

With just that, her brother wouldn’t have to suffer anymore,

“Noona! Snap out of it!!”

When her mind was in chaos, Eom Gi-seon gripped her hand tightly.

Her mind snapped back to clarity.

“Don’t think about Min-yul right now! Just think about yourself! Make a clear judgment about what the right choice is and decide! Don’t be swayed by words like that!”

There was one more person who knew about her brother.

Eom Gi-seon.

Who was also her brother’s closest friend…….

Kim Min-jeong finally realized her mistake and shook her head.

“Haha. It must be reassuring to have such reliable comrades. Since this is such a sudden proposal and must be confusing, please take your time making a decision.”

Michael pulled something from his jacket and tossed it to Kim Min-jeong.

“And this is a gift. To show you how sincere we are.”

Kim Min-jeong caught it reflexively and was surprised.

It was a glass bottle.

Filled with white liquid.

 

[Soma]

The heavenly drink that the gods of enjoyed. Just drinking it grants strength and healing.

-Type: Recovery Potion.

-Origin: Mythology ‘Veda’

 

“……!”

Even Kim Min-jeong was truly surprised this time.

They had given her the cure for her brother’s incurable disease so easily.

“Didn’t I tell you? If you join us, we can give you as much as you need. I don’t know how much more you’ll need, but it should be enough to use until he’s completely cured.”

“…….”

“Well then, I’ll await your positive response.”

Michael smiled confidently and extended his hand forward.

Kim Min-jeong looked at it silently for a moment, then soon clasped his hand.

‘Got her.’

Michael chuckled inwardly.

‘I feel a bit sorry for using her sick brother……. But it can’t be helped. I need to take out insurance considering national interests too.’

The reason Kim Min-jeong had been wary of him but was momentarily entranced.

It was because of Gabriel’s divine power.

 

[Gabriel’s voice is embedded in your voice, adding sincerity.]

[People who hear your proposal gain strong persuasive power.]

 

But the truly frightening aspect of Gabriel’s revelation was something else.

 

[Gabriel seeks to read the opponent’s memories through the ‘Eye of Revelation’!]

 

The psychometry that the Eye of Revelation boasted could read not only objects, but human memories as well.

Skill trees, of course, and even the secrets of inheritances.

Michael had been using this technique to steal the memories of many rankers, making great contributions to ASTRA’s development.

This time was the same.

In case Kim Min-jeong rejected the proposal, he planned to read all her memories and inheritances.

If he could meet all of Blue Thunder’s members and shake hands with them like this, all data about Blue Thunder would be collected.

Even if Cheongroe doesn’t come into America’s embrace, sufficient methods to counter them would emerge.

‘Of course, it would be best if they came to our side. In that case, we could use them to complement weaknesses and strengthen our forces.’

The moment he fully grasped Kim Min-jeong’s hand with such thoughts,

“……!?”

Michael experienced a moment of agonizing pain as his vision twisted.

 

[Gabriel panics at the curse that pierced through his revelation.]

[Gabriel warns to let go of her hand immediately!]

 

[Horse Killing Intent infects the soul!]

 

“Kugh!!”

Along with the illusion of a demon king in the form of a buffalo briefly flashing before his eyes,

Michael coughed up blood and staggered backward.

“Colonel!!”

“Are you alright!?”

The agents hurriedly gathered around him,

and Donovan drew his sword, pointing it at the two people.

“What the hell did you do to the Colonel!”

But all that came back was Eom Gi-seon’s mocking laughter.

“Puha! I thought I was going to die holding back my frustration! Who told you to do something so pointless? You cause the trouble yourselves and then take it out on others.”

“What?”

Eom Gi-seon paid no attention to Donovan’s furrowed brow and spoke to Kim Min-jeong.

“Sis, I think you can take off that bracelet now.”

“Yeah.”

Kim Min-jeong removed the wooden bracelet she had been wearing on her right wrist with a coldly hardened expression.

“……How is this possible?”

Michael looked at Kim Min-jeong with shaking eyes,

and Kim Min-jeong coldly replied as she threw the bracelet, its inside completely charred black, to the ground.

“Our leader told me to absolutely make sure to wear this.”

“Don’t tell me, Jet?”

The moment Kim Min-jeong nodded slightly,

 

[The legend ‘Daytime Goblin Dance Formation’ appears!]

 

Kwarrrrrung!!

A blue-white lightning bolt struck down from the sky in front of ASTRA.

Simultaneously, a flash of light burst forth.

Through it, Lee Hyeon walked out.

“……!!!”

Michael’s eyes widened in shock.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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