The Chairman of Pharmaceutical Company is a Poison King - Chapter 34

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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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Chapter 34: The Poison Demon’s Method

If you were to pick the safest place in Gurye, it would definitely be the Castle.

Behind it lies a cliff, and in front, an artificial lake.

And the entire area is surrounded by incredibly high walls.

But the Castle isn’t a place just anyone can enter.

Unless you’re a resident, you need to get permission in advance to go in.

The means of entry are two large ferry boats that travel between the artificial lake dock and the Castle dock. They’re big enough to carry cars, and since the distance is short, entry isn’t difficult as long as you have permission.

A small number of residents living in the Castle, which is the size of a small town.

Most were Autonomous Committee members, municipal government officials, high-grade awakened individuals, businesspeople, building owners, shop merchants, or local influential figures.

The Castle is like a fortress.

Most magical beasts can never cross the castle walls.

That’s not all.

There’s an air defense network prepared for flying magical beasts, and there are shelters inside the Castle as well.

The castle walls are the first line of defense.

The internal shelters are the second line of defense.

When a wave occurs, they leisurely enter the shelters and spend time until the subjugation forces come to suppress it, then emerge from the shelters when it seems safe.

So except for the early days, there were almost no Castle casualties from magical beasts in recent waves.

Thus, even in dealing with magical beast waves, wealth disparity exists.

The wealthy are safe, and if you have no money, you die.

Inside the Castle, all the infrastructure needed for survival was present.

From their own power plant to smart farms for food production, passages connecting each underground shelter, satellite communication devices… and schools and academies, various shops, restaurants, and even entertainment establishments.

The only entertainment establishment operating in the Castle.

Its name is ‘Palace of Heaven’.

The entire 10-story building is all Palace of Heaven.

The number of hostesses serving at the establishment approaches nearly 100, and the number of employees is countless.

Right here, at the Palace of Heaven, Colonel Park Chul-gi of the Jirisan Defense Corps’ Special Forces Unit was infiltrating with his identity hidden as an employee.

“The targets?”

– They’re together in room 1013 on the 10th floor.

“How many hostesses?”

– Four. Two on each side, having fun? Those bastards…!

“Jealous?”

– I don’t like this kind of thing.

Colonel Park Chul-gi brought a total of 8 subordinates.

They transformed into janitors, employees, and even hostesses.

Garbage cleanup operation.

Corps Commander Oh Jin-hyeong staked everything on this Jirisan Wilderness great magical beast subjugation operation.

Expected operation period: one month.

Since they made thorough preparations, the possibility of success was very high.

Moreover, even the chairman of Taehong Bio promised support.

If the subjugation succeeds and the danger of magical beast waves from Jirisan disappears, surrounding cities will have a foundation for growth established.

Population will increase, additional infrastructure will be built, and the economy will develop.

Especially Gurye, Free City, would benefit the most.

But then who would benefit from that?

It would be fine if the benefits were distributed evenly to citizens, but most of the profits would go to the local power groups that have dominated Gurye for a long time.

Like cooking porridge for dogs.

If only Gurye’s privileged class were even slightly fair.

Just looking at Min Dong-yeol and Ji Gwang-in is enough to know.

Those vermin bastards who wield power as they please. Those who even keep the Self-Defense Corps, the center of Gurye’s security force, in check for fear their own power might be reduced.

Since security is weak, slums emerge, crime increases, and demons hide there taking advantage.

Oh Jin-hyeong judged that Min Dong-yeol and Ji Gwang-in were also responsible for demons appearing in Gurye.

Of course, Guild Leader Lee Jeong-hak, who was swayed by those bastards, was an even more foolish guy.

Clean up the garbage before the subjugation operation.

So Colonel Park Chul-gi of the Special Forces Unit received Oh Jin-hyeong’s special orders and infiltrated into the Castle.

“Is the garbage truck ready?”

– Standing by.

“The room 1013 operation team?”

– Just give the order.

– We’ll breach immediately.

The operation plan is simple.

Call the hostesses inside out so only the two remain in the room, then agents enter and subdue those bastards.

Hide the two bastards in a pre-modified cleaning cart, take the elevator down, and load them into the garbage truck.

Then leisurely escape the Castle on the large ferry.

Actually, this is an incredibly burdensome task.

The military intervening in a free city?

If discovered, it could go beyond just losing their positions to being referred to a military tribunal.

However, it’s something that must be endured for the greater good. Park Chul-gi, a soldier to his bones, firmly believed this was the path for the Empire.

“Did you handle the bodyguards?”

– Yes, we knocked them out and tied them up.

“Good job. Now, let’s execute…”

But right then!

– Wait! A v-variable has occurred.

“What’s wrong?”

– It’s Chairman Kim Tae-ju. He appeared in front of room 1013.

“What?”

Why would that person suddenly…

“Are you sure? You didn’t see wrong?”

– It’s definitely Chairman Kim Tae-ju. He’s wearing a gray coat too, and gasp! He made eye contact with me.

An unexpected situation occurred.

Quick judgment was needed.

Major Park Chul-gi immediately gave the order.

“Cancel the operation. All forces withdraw!”

– Yes!

With Chairman Kim Tae-ju appearing, they could no longer proceed with the operation.

If they kidnapped those two bastards, he would become a suspect.

‘Of all times…’

But why did he come?

First, let me report to the Corps Commander.

* * *

Room 1013 of the Palace of Heaven.

Chairman Min Dong-yeol and Secretary Ji Gwang-in were already heavily drunk.

The two men held women on both sides, chewing snacks fed to them by mouth, and venting their complaints.

“Oh Jin-hyeong! That son of a bitch, ignorant military bastard! Drawing guns on people!”

“That Kim Tae-ju bastard is more of a problem. Acting so arrogant, just because he developed a few new drugs, he doesn’t know fear.”

They’d been badmouthing so much that snacks weren’t even necessary.

“Don’t worry about Oh Jin-hyeong, Chairman. I’ll personally file a complaint with military headquarters tomorrow.”

“…Will that work on Oh Jin-hyeong? That bastard has connections in the military too.”

“Factions exist within the military too. We can use opposing factions.”

“Oho! I see. Educated people are different.”

“I’m smarter than military bastards.”

“Hahahaha! Let’s have a drink.”

Then the topic shifted to the Jirisan Wilderness monster subjugation operation.

“Part of me hopes the operation succeeds, but another part thinks it wouldn’t be bad if it failed either.”

“That’s exactly how I feel. If it fails and a wave occurs…”

“Oh Jin-hyeong will either be demoted or forced to resign.”

They were perfectly in sync, feeding off each other’s words.

“Even if a wave occurs, I won’t open the Castle gates.”

“Exactly. Last time we opened the Castle and took in refugees, but what was the result? Those ungrateful bastards… just cursing the Autonomous Committee.”

“That’s because they’re lowly scum. This time, let’s not even care whether they live or die outside the Castle.”

“Well, failure would be another opportunity for us. There’ll be more ownerless real estate in Gurye.”

“Hahaha! Exactly!”

A harmonious drinking session.

The humiliation they’d experienced a few days ago seemed to be washing away cleanly.

That’s when it happened.

Bang!

The door opened.

Someone entered.

Thud!

The door closed.

“Gasp!”

“You, you’re?”

It was Tae-ju.

“Listening from outside, this is quite a sight. You guys really have no conscience.”

Ji Gwang-in and Min Dong-yeol were shocked.

They never imagined this.

Why did that bastard come? And how did he know…

“Could you step outside for a moment?”

Tae-ju said with a smile to the hostesses.

Then.

“Ah, yes yes. I’ll go out.”

“Me too…”

“I was wanting to leave anyway.”

“…Honestly, I’m doing this job for money, but those people are really human trash.”

The women filed out one by one.

Ji Gwang-in and Min Dong-yeol trembled as they shouted at the top of their lungs.

“Y-you bastard! Where do you think this is!”

“…If you leave now, we’ll pretend this never happened. G-get out right now!”

Tae-ju chuckled.

“Trembling while trying to act tough.”

“H-how d-dare you…”

“Anyway, it seems you’re hoping the monster subjugation operation fails, but that won’t happen.”

“…We never said such things.”

They were certainly shameless bastards.

Lying came as naturally as breathing to them.

“Sure, I’m sure you didn’t.”

Today, Tae-ju didn’t come as the chairman of Taehong Bio.

He came as Jeoldaedokma Danggumak.

A poison demon more vicious than the Heavenly Demon, who wouldn’t hesitate to use any means for his goals.

The reason why martial artists of the orthodox faction still called Danggumak a demon despite his righteous affiliation.

Tae-ju took two clean empty glasses from the table and poured alcohol.

Glug glug glug.

The glasses filled with golden liquid.

Ji Gwang-in and Min Dong-yeol just watched.

What’s with this bastard? Did he come here to drink?

But when Tae-ju dropped a black pill into each glass, their expressions twisted mercilessly.

“Come on! Drink up, one glass each.”

But they only glared at Tae-ju, not reaching for the glasses.

Kim Tae-ju was skilled at making antidotes.

Naturally, he must be well-versed in poisons too.

“Won’t drink?”

“…You want us to drink alcohol you poisoned right in front of us?”

“It’s fine. If you take the antidote I give you regularly, nothing will happen, so don’t worry.”

“Ha! Don’t be ridiculous! I won’t even touch it.”

“M-me neither.”

Forcing them to drink would be troublesome.

“Then die here.”

“…You’ll kill us? You won’t get away unscathed either.”

“Many people saw you… Do you think you can escape?”

Tae-ju quietly placed his smartphone on the table and said.

“Hmm, really?”

“An investigation will begin and you’ll be named as a suspect.”

“A suspect, I see. Let me ask right now.”

Beep, beep, beep, beep…

Tae-ju dialing numbers on his smartphone.

Click!

The call connected.

“Hello, Mr. Lee Jeong-hak?”

– Yes, Chairman Kim Tae-ju.

“I have something to ask.”

– Please ask anything.

“I’m currently with Mr. Min Dong-yeol and Mr. Ji Gwang-in. If these gentlemen are found dead in a few minutes, what would you do? Would there be an investigation?”

– …Ah! Of course there would have to be an investigation.

Ji Gwang-in and Min Dong-yeol glared at Tae-ju as if to say ‘see?’

“Would I become a suspect?”

– No way! Chairman of Taehong Bio would never commit such an outrageous act.

“Then?”

– It would probably be the work of demons. Revenge against Gurye City standing committee members responsible for a fellow demon’s death? Of course, you would have tried to stop the demon but failed and let it escape.

“Phew, demons really are bad guys.”

– I think so too. Ah! Since demons usually kill through demonification, there should be claw marks on the body. Just mark about 4 to 5 scratches roughly.

“Yes, see you next time.”

Click.

The call ended.

Silence flowed for a while.

Gulp!

Only the sound of swallowing saliva could be heard.

Finally.

“W-why are you doing this to us?”

“You wouldn’t be asking because you don’t know.”

“What we said earlier wasn’t our true feelings. We were just angry and…”

“If you really won’t drink, well…”

Tae-ju casually pulled out five willow leaf throwing knives from his jacket.

“Five claw marks…”

Instantly, a single scene flashed through Ji Gwang-in and Min Dong-yeol’s minds.

The three Mages who died horribly in Chilheukdong Daldongne.

That could be their own fate.

“N-no! I’ll drink it.”

“Me too…”

Gulp gulp!

The medicinal effect spread quickly along with the alcohol.

Ji Gwang-in and Min Dong-yeol poured the drinks down their throats.

“Kugh!”

“Aagh!”

They clutched their chests with pained expressions.

“Your heart will sting. If you don’t take the antidote in time, you’ll eventually die from acute myocardial infarction…”

Tae-ju took out two pills from his pocket and handed one to each of them.

“But if you take this, you’ll be fine.”

Min Dong-yeol and Ji Gwang-in frantically took the pills Tae-ju offered.

“Take one pill a month, regularly. Well, it’ll be fine if you’re a day or two late, but try to keep to the schedule.”

“Will you bring them to us personally after a month?”

“Go find Guild Leader Lee Jeong-hak. I’ll leave them with him.”

Now it was time to change Gurye.

“Listen carefully! From today onwards, the Castle will be fully opened to ordinary people.”

Gasp! The two men were shocked.

“…What? Th-that’s impossible.”

“That’s right. The residents will strongly oppose it.”

“Don’t want to take the antidote? Then do whatever you want.”

“…”

“…”

Just opening it wouldn’t be enough.

“And use the Autonomous Committee’s budget to build a bridge over the Artificial Lake. Make it as fast and sturdy as possible!”

At least in Gurye, he wouldn’t tolerate any discrimination whatsoever.

He could understand inherited wealth.

The Empire was a capitalist society after all.

But human lives too?

That was absolutely unacceptable.

“If the Castle opens, internal security will be at risk too. So we’ll need to increase the Self-Defense Corps numbers.”

“B-but the committee’s budget…”

“Money? Then use your own private funds. You’ve saved up plenty, haven’t you?”

Tae-ju chuckled as he spoke.

“Consider yourselves lucky I came here. If I’d been just a little later, you would’ve simply died.”

“Wh-what do you mean?”

“Ask your bodyguards later. Aren’t you curious? Why your bodyguards are so quiet.”

“Uh…”

He had seen them on the way up.

The staff members, janitors, and attendants lurking around room 1013… They were disguised, but they couldn’t fool his eyes.

Some of them he recognized.

Jirisan Special Forces Unit.

The soldiers he’d encountered in Chilheukdong Daldongne.

They probably intended to eliminate these two like Jo Hun-seok.

Once again, he had unintentionally shown mercy.

* * *

Master Oh Jin-hyeong received a report from Colonel Park Chul-gi, who had infiltrated Gurye City Castle for the mission.

The mission had ultimately failed.

“So, those two returned unharmed?”

“Their expressions looked very sour, but… they didn’t appear to have any injuries.”

What could be Kim Tae-ju’s reason for meeting them?

It wouldn’t be about compromise or joining hands.

Actually, what did the reason matter?

If Kim Tae-ju had intervened, withdrawing was the right choice.

And it was also a good sign.

Either way, he was directly exercising influence over Gurye.

That’s how it should have been from the beginning.

‘There’s no need to recommend re-enlistment.’

If he had his way, he’d really want to make it a territory and hand it over to him.

However, to receive a territory, one had to wear stars and belong to the Imperial Forces.

Would Kim Tae-ju, who had no interest in the military, want to re-enlist?

Even if not now, he could re-enlist anytime he wanted.

The planned Jirisan large-scale monster subjugation operation.

Chairman Kim Tae-ju’s official contribution had already been determined.

This operation was only possible because of the antidotes and recovery potions he had created.

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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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