The Chairman of Pharmaceutical Company is a Poison King - Chapter 37

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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 37: Jirisan Magical Beast Great Subjugation Operation (1)

The subjugation operation was imminent.

Tae-ju also went to Sancheong to attend the final briefing.

Three main force units from Sancheong, Hamyang, and Namwon divisions.

Plus four special raid teams.

The plan was already fully established.

A final procedure to check if anything was missed and if the supply plan was perfect.

Tae-ju would form one special raid team with Master Oh Jin-hyeong and enter Jirisan through the Gurye entrance route.

“By the way, Master.”

“Hm? What is it, Chairman Kim?”

“Didn’t they say distinguished guests are coming from the Imperial Palace? You should join them, Master.”

“Do I look like someone who entertains guests? That’s so bothersome, Jun-yeong agreed to handle it.”

“…Ah!”

“And Pil-seong will be taking care of those cadet brats.”

Come to think of it, Sancheong unit division commander Gu Jun-yeong and Hamyang unit division commander Park Pil-seong haven’t looked well since earlier.

Meanwhile, Namwon unit division commander Hong Jun-tae had a relaxed expression.

General Hong Jun-tae probably has the highest seniority among the three.

This is why the military is all about seniority.

“Hehehe, Chairman Kim and I can slowly enter the Gurye Jungle and quickly rush wherever support is requested.”

Then he said with a subtle look in his eyes.

“Since we two are the strongest here, it would be troublesome if we exhausted ourselves from the start. We need to preserve our strength.”

“What? Hmm. Master, you being the strongest is correct, but I’m still below the division commanders…”

“Oh come on, who are you trying to fool? Didn’t you get stronger again recently? Right after subjugating that mage.”

“…”

This old man really…

“Now you’re probably on par with me… no, if you use poison, even I might not be able to handle you.”

His intuition is incredibly sharp.

Tae-ju quickly changed the subject.

“But what happens to the elite magical beast crystals obtained during the subjugation?”

“Hmm, elite magical beast crystals handled by the military naturally belong to the military, and what you handle you can take.”

“Is that so?”

“Why? If you need them, I could spare you one or so.”

“I’ll take care of getting them myself.”

Just one and he acts like he’s being generous?

There’s something I want to make with these.

Elixir?

‘Why would I make something I can’t even consume.’

I’ve already thought of their use.

So the more the merrier – the more I have, the better.

Finally, the day of the Jirisan magical beast great subjugation operation.

All preparations were complete.

Tae-ju met with Master Oh Jin-hyeong’s special raid team at the Gurye Jirisan entrance.

Imperial Broadcasting Station and press crews flocked there but were denied access, and civilian awakened raid teams also suspended hunting during the operation.

Military operations take priority.

Oh Jin-hyeong issued the operation start command via radio.

Crackle.

“I’ll keep it simple. Any bastards who die during the operation will answer to me. If it’s dangerous, run away! Don’t spare the recovery potions, and I absolutely won’t hold anyone accountable.”

Tae-ju also looked at Baek Chang-hun and Jang Soon-cheol and said.

“You understand, right? If you think it’s dangerous, run immediately.”

“Yes!”

“I’m good at running away.”

Oh Jin-hyeong took out a small medicine bottle from his pocket and continued.

“Now everyone take the mosquito poison antidote. Even if you’re Expert level, you must drink the antidote! Even I, a Master, am drinking it. Don’t be complacent just because your skin is tough, and remember that not all three-striped variant mosquitoes are the same. Keep in mind there are some with potent poison.”

Gulp!

While downing the mosquito poison antidote.

“Forces! Full advance!”

Thus began the Jirisan magical beast great subjugation operation.

* * *

The unit advance order was given.

Imperial Forces slowly advancing toward the jungle.

They must not rush.

The basic strategy for conquest is positional warfare.

After the main force occupies a specific area, they hunt the surrounding magical beasts.

When they feel it’s sufficiently cleared, they move again to occupy another position.

Here, the role of specialist raid teams is crucial.

They determine the route for the main force to advance and search for the presence of elite magical beasts.

Usually, specialist raid teams are selected mainly from the strongest soldiers in the unit.

Sancheong Defense Division’s Gu Jun-yeong also led his team forward through the jungle.

But he wasn’t feeling good.

He was anxious.

“Division Commander, please don’t worry so much. I have enough skill to protect myself.”

A young officer wearing lieutenant rank insignia spoke to Gu Jun-yeong with a gentle expression.

“Phew, no Your High… ah, no. You must not think of the jungle as an easy place. So you must absolutely follow my instructions.”

“Yes! Division Commander.”

The imperial dignitary Gu Jun-yeong had to escort was no ordinary person.

None other than the Emperor’s youngest son, 5th Prince Ryu Jin-cheol.

Since his identity was hidden, he wore lieutenant rank insignia, but everyone gathered here knew who he was.

It was truly burdensome.

If the prince got injured, it wouldn’t just be a matter of losing his position.

However, there was a reason the Imperial Palace sent this young man in his late teens to join the advance team.

His awakening grade was Superior Expert.

A talent guaranteed to become Master within one or two years.

Even without combat experience, he would be helpful to their fighting strength.

The Imperial family’s tremendous DNA.

It originated from the first Emperor of the Three Han Empire and current Emperor.

Usually Emperors aren’t called by name, but his name from before becoming Emperor was passed down by word of mouth.

Surname Ryu, given name Tae-hyeon.

Emperor Ryu Tae-hyeon

His age was unknown.

You couldn’t tell from his appearance either.

When the Emperor first established the Empire and ascended the throne, he looked the same as he does now.

The Three Han Empire was established 60 years ago.

However, the Daejin Kingdom that became the foundation of the Empire was established over 100 years ago.

The person who established Daejin Kingdom was also Ryu Tae-hyeon.

Meaning he was at least over 100 years old.

However, it was certain he was native Korean.

Rumors also circulated that he was an early awakener.

Emperor Ryu Tae-hyeon was originally single.

He only started marrying and having children 30 years ago.

It was due to the persistent appeals of his subjects that the Imperial bloodline must be continued.

So princes and princesses are usually under 30 years old.

Among them, the youngest, 5th Prince Ryu Jin-cheol, was only 21 years old.

Meanwhile, a pair of Red-furred Wolves appeared ahead.

Ryu Jin-cheol’s eyes lit up as he spoke.

“Division Commander, may I handle this?”

Gu Jun-yeong read the deep desire in Ryu Jin-cheol’s eyes.

Though he had a cautious and gentle personality, given his age, he must be eager to test his own strength.

“Go ahead, I’ll back you up from behind.”

In fact, there was no need for that.

As soon as permission was granted.

Whoosh!

He quickly approached the two Red-furred Wolves.

Slash! Slice!

“Kekeng!”

He immediately killed one.

Slash slash slash slash!

And the remaining one too.

Both died in an instant.

There was no time for berserk rage or anything – he didn’t give them the chance.

It was truly insane talent.

* * *

Meanwhile, the main force of Hamyang Division advancing through the Jirisan Hamyang entrance.

They arrived at their target location while dealing with all the monsters they encountered.

“We’ll establish a position here.”

It was the area designated by the advance team via radio.

Though it was in the middle of the jungle, the site was wide enough to build a temporary base.

The sun was slowly setting.

The plan was to stay here for a day or two while hunting the surrounding monsters.

“Come on, what are you doing? Set up tents and prepare camp.”

The main force numbered over five hundred.

It was a mix of regular soldiers for supply duties, combat support aptitude holders, and awakened individuals.

Soldiers were spacing themselves out, leveling the ground and setting up tents.

Among them were military academy graduates-to-be who had been assigned separate areas.

But then.

“Damn it, won’t you get lost? Of all places, you’re setting up your tent next to ours!”

Kim Tae-pyeong and Kim Tae-cheon flinched at their fellow cadet’s sharp irritation.

“…There’s no space anywhere else.”

“What do you mean no space? There’s a spot over there.”

“That’s, that’s next to the toilet.”

“Ugh, just get lost!”

Kim Tae-pyeong’s anger flared up.

He thought about flipping out, but he had no choice.

Most of their peers were stronger than them.

Kim Tae-pyeong and Kim Tae-cheon were barely User grade.

However, those from good families had already taken elixirs and raised their grades.

They had been completely marked as outcasts.

Their peers wouldn’t even approach them.

Especially Cadet Jeong Yeon-hee, daughter of Baekdu Automotive, who looked at them like bugs.

How did it come to this?

It was all because of Lieutenant Do Min-su, that bastard.

He found fault with everything they did.

If they made even the slightest mistake, everyone got punished.

This wasn’t just once or twice.

So naturally their peers treated them this way.

And that wasn’t all.

They were also marked by the soldiers responsible for supplies.

The tent they were currently issued was old and torn in several places, their canteen was 30 years old, and their military boots had nails sticking out that hurt with every step.

Even their personal military supply equipment was problematic.

Both Kim Tae-pyeong and Kim Tae-cheon had been issued swords, but the blades were rusted and the edges were completely chipped.

“Ugh, I really can’t stand this. Should I write a complaint letter?”

“Would it even reach the higher-ups? Let’s just endure for one month.”

“I won’t even piss looking at Jirisan.”

This was their first time experiencing such ostracism.

When they spent their childhood in Paju, they were basically kings.

Even the school teachers watched their moods.

If there was someone they didn’t like, they just had to drop a word.

‘You’ve been getting on my nerves lately?’

Then it would be taken care of automatically.

The so-called delinquents would start the bullying.

But to think they would be the ones getting ostracized.

And at this moment when a brilliant path should have opened after becoming awakened.

But they endured it.

Let’s just hold out for one month.

Once they were commissioned and assigned to the northwest or northeast regions, what happened at Jirisan would quickly be forgotten.

However, the two brothers didn’t know.

How fast the military’s internal gossip network was.

* * *

Jirisan Wilderness in the Gurye direction.

Master Oh Jin-hyeong formed an elite special raid team with 50 awakened officers.

Field-grade officers of Expert level or higher from Military Headquarters.

Even the porters were company-grade awakened officers of at least Beginner level.

Tae-ju and Oh Jin-hyeong walked side by side through the jungle.

Oh Jin-hyeong’s main weapon was a large serrated greatsword. The sight of him carrying the greatsword diagonally across his back was more impressive than expected.

“How is it? My sword.”

“It’s cool.”

“Right? This sword was bestowed by His Imperial Majesty. Originally, when you earn stars, His Majesty bestows weapons along with territory…”

“I’m not interested.”

This man doesn’t know when to give up.

Maybe his surname isn’t Oh but Jeong?

Oh Jin-hyeong just kept bragging about his sword.

Then what about hunting?

The occasional common monsters that appeared ahead were handled by the porters.

Bang bang bang bang! Bang bang!

When large monsters like Giant Panda Bears or Steel-feathered Owls occasionally appeared, the field-grade awakened officers would join in to hunt together.

It had already been 3 days since entering the jungle.

While the soldiers slept and ate in the jungle, Tae-ju commuted – going to Gurye at night to make medicine and get some sleep, then rejoining at dawn.

How about that?

He was a civilian after all.

However, Baek Chang-hun and Jang Soon-cheol stayed with the team.

To diligently gain experience.

“But you know what. Those two young men you brought along, were they always that strong?”

“…Hmm, you can tell just by looking that they have talent.”

Baek Chang-hun and Jang Soon-cheol.

They certainly stand out.

Tsriririt!

Sword energy drawn from their blades, swift movements, precise thrusts and sharp vertical cuts, horizontal slashes, disciplined body movements rather than wild swinging.

“I’m acquainted with one of those young men, though I wonder if he remembers.”

He must be talking about Baek Chang-hun.

That’s right.

On the day there was a conflict with Lee Jeong-hak, when Oh Jin-hyeong appeared in a helicopter, Baek Chang-hun was there.

Good eye for detail, quick-witted too…

“Back then he didn’t even look like a Regular, no, not even a Beginner, but no matter how talented he is…”

“…”

This is annoying as hell.

Why is he prying so persistently?

“His skills look extraordinary too. What, did you feed him some elixir?”

“Yes, yes, I bought him elixirs. The top-grade line from Mirinae Pharmaceutical.”

“R-really?”

“All the money I earned went to those guys.”

“…I’m envious.”

Making excuses like this.

Otherwise he’d keep asking endlessly.

That aside, the progress is too slow.

Fast progress.

That’s Tae-ju’s specialty.

“I’ll go check ahead for a moment.”

“Huh? By yourself?”

“Don’t worry. If it’s dangerous, I can just run away.”

“Do as you please, but! Keep your radio on at all times.”

Spot!

Tae-ju’s figure disappeared in an instant.

‘What the?’

Why is he so fast?

Seeing that, Oh Jin-hyeong was certain.

‘He must have learned martial arts.’

Martial arts, or martial techniques.

300 years have passed since Earth was covered in mana.

Civilization that collapsed from too many deaths.

As the population gradually increased, civilization was restored, and many things were established completely anew.

For instance, Eastern martial arts and Western magic.

For example, 300 years ago, danjeon breathing was practically a scam.

But now it has effects.

If you breathe in a certain pattern, ki gathers in the danjeon.

Because intangible energy, mana, actually exists.

Not just danjeon breathing.

I heard there are quite a few people who accumulate ki through breathing techniques passed down to only a select few as family secrets.

Even taekwondo isn’t the same taekwondo as before.

It’s developing into a terrifying lethal martial art.

In fact, if you train diligently, skill registration becomes possible.

‘What martial arts did Chairman Kim Tae-ju learn? The way he uses poison too…’

Those two young men he’s raising must have learned martial arts as well.

‘I’d like to learn one myself.’

* * *

Tae-ju raced through the jungle using Pyoholjilfungbo.

Monsters charged at him, but he just avoided them without catching any.

He even avoided the Giant Panda Bear.

His target was solely Elite monsters.

Could he catch them?

They use gang-ki.

Even the level of their gang-ki varies.

Long-lived Elites wield gang-ki that surpasses Masters.

Naturally, their mana crystals are of good quality too.

‘If only Honweonmusangdokryeongong reached 7-star, it would be easy.’

Because then I could use gang-ki.

But I’m still at the 6-star level.

Still, I’m confident.

A poison master’s main strength is poison techniques based on poison essence.

Papapat!

I’ve come quite deep.

This is my first time coming this far.

That’s when it happened.

“Grrrrrrrrrrr…”

A deep, low-pitched throat sound that seemed to pierce the lungs.

Tae-ju turned his head toward where the sound came from.

‘It’s an Elite.’

Much larger than ordinary ferrets, smooth and beautiful fur, bright red eyes, mana fluctuating around it even without doing anything.

It was an Elite Blade-Toothed Ferret.

The thick killing intent felt from it.

Fear.

Fear? What’s that?

I am Jeoldaedokma.

How dare a mere spirit beast!

Wooooong!

The Poison Essence Dormant in Tae-ju’s Dantian awakened.

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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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