Chapter 31: Condensation (5)

Translator: Dreamscribe

'"I already had it" my ass, when there was still a price tag on the back.'

Kang Jae-ha let out a small sigh as he watched Lee Chan-hoo, who had made his entrance with his voice dropped low. This guy, did he have a crush on her? Didn't seem like it before.

He couldn't quite recall.

Basically, Kang Jae-ha didn't pry into his Mercenary Corps subordinates' private lives. Though, come to think of it, when Chan-hoo had brought up Ha Yeon-ji earlier, his reaction had been a little off.

Kang Jae-ha smirked, wanting to see Chan-hoo's reaction, and Chan-hoo, oblivious to the tag, gave Yeon-ji a faint smile.

"What are you so shocked about?"

Drop the low voice act already. As Jae-ha muttered internally, Yeon-ji scanned Chan-hoo from head to toe. Then her brow furrowed.

"What, you came over too?"

"Yeah. I did. I'm number one. First to meet the Commander."

Yeon-ji gave Chan-hoo's shoulder a light shove.

"Can you back off a little? You're kind of in my space."

"I'm not even that close. Quit overreacting."

"Honestly, I was kind of looking forward to this, but it's a bit of a letdown that you're the first one I see. Nobody else?"

"Don't act like you're not glad to see me."

Yeon-ji let out a sigh as if annoyed and replied.

"Do you always dress like that? Why are you in a suit?"

"It's my version of combat gear. Better sharp and crisp than decked out in pure comfort like you."

"What a load of crap, seriously."

It was hard to tell whether the exchange was friendly banter or picking a fight. Still, Yeon-ji wasn't letting her guard down around Chan-hoo.

'This guy's the same here as he was there. He'll be cracking jokes like this, then the second the battle starts, his eyes roll back and he goes wild. Maybe the most dangerous type of all.'

Around then, the two heard Kang Jae-ha's low-toned command.

"Both of you, sit. If you're going to fight, take it outside."

Chan-hoo moved first.

"Fight? What are we, kids?"

Yeon-ji followed.

The three took their seats at a six-person table, with Yeon-ji sitting across from Kang Jae-ha. After sneaking a glance at Jae-ha, Yeon-ji looked around the 'MEG' office.

"So, is this your hideout?"

"Close enough."

"Ooh. What kind of place is it?"

"Too early to say. I don't know what's going through your head yet."

"Yeah, fair."

"Got any questions?"

"Obviously. If I ask, will you tell me??"

"Depends."

"Hmm."

Yeon-ji smiled with her eyes and spoke again.

"Kim Ho-yeon, he came over too, right?"

"Yeah."

"Figured. And he lost it, so the Commander took care of him."

"Who knows."

"......"

Keeping her faint smile in place, Yeon-ji stared at Kang Jae-ha before speaking again.

"That woman's voice I heard when I met the Commander. Is it for real? Like, you die if you break 'Absolute Obedience'?"

"Testing it yourself would be the surest way, but I wouldn't recommend it."

"So Kim Ho-yeon died because he defied the Commander. What are you planning to do with me?"

Kang Jae-ha crossed his legs.

"I'm not planning anything in particular. It's your choice."

"My choice?"

"Right. If you don't want to see me anymore, you can wave goodbye and walk out right now. Go live your life. I won't touch you."

"And if I want to see more of you?"

"Then you do it properly. As a member."

Jae-ha meant it. Just like when he first met Chan-hoo, he was prepared to let Yeon-ji go if she wanted her freedom. Of course, in that very moment, Kang Jae-ha was sizing her up. The atmosphere in her eyes, her overall presence, all of it.

'If her eyes are gone like Kim Ho-yeon's, I'll have to take care of her...'

Fortunately, Yeon-ji was rational. Her demeanor wasn't that of someone craving blood.

'If anything, she seems to be adapting better than Chan-hoo.'

Probably because in the Mercenary Corps, Yeon-ji had been in the Scout Unit, focused on reconnaissance rather than slaughter. Even if she hadn't been Scout Unit, humans instinctively choose survival when their environment changes. Unless they're a mutation like Kim Ho-yeon, killing isn't exactly suited for survival in this world.

"Ha Yeon-ji."

When Kang Jae-ha called her name, she clutched her head with both hands.

"It's weird. Hearing the Commander say my real name, it's weird. Something's tingling. The feeling is really strange."

"I'm building something here. Still in the early stages, but I'm looking pretty far ahead, and in the end, it won't be all that different from the other world."

"Go on."

"Obviously, no bloodshed or going to war. Instead, money, power. Things like that will be the focus. The world we live in has changed."

"So you're saying you're putting together a new Mercenary Corps. Here. Taking care of the ones who came over."

"You could see it that way."

Uncrossing his legs, Jae-ha asked Yeon-ji calmly.

"Are you in?"

So what would Yeon-ji do? Would she ask to be let go? But surprisingly, Yeon-ji's answer was crisp.

"Obviously. Don't leave me out. If you do, I'll come after you."

Here Chan-hoo cut in. For some reason, his tone felt like a mild imitation of Kang Jae-ha's.

"Be sure. If you're joining halfheartedly, you're better off just leaving."

"What's with the low voice? And do you really think I'd make a half-assed call when a half-assed call could get me killed? Honestly, in this world, you're dangerous too, but the one who's most dangerous to me is the Commander."

"...Pull any kind of betrayal or anything close to it, and..."

"Worry about yourself. Besides, you said betrayal, rebellion, any of that and I'm dead anyway."

"Hmph."

Chan-hoo grunted and narrowed his already narrow eyes even further. A sign that he'd be watching. Yeon-ji scoffed and fixed her gaze back on Kang Jae-ha.

"Let's be real, over there or here, the Commander is terrifying. On top of that, there's this 'Absolute Obedience' thing present as well."

"And?"

"The other world and now are similar for me. There are a lot of exciting things when I'm around the Commander. A little fear keeps me on edge. So count me in."

Kang Jae-ha's decision was just as quick.

"Alright then."

"Yes! So I'm an early member too??"

"A founding member."

Interest and excitement quickly sparked in Yeon-ji's eyes. Kang Jae-ha asked her another question.

"What's your 'ability'?"

At the mention of 'ability', Yeon-ji looked back and forth between Jae-ha and Chan-hoo. Her smile soon deepened.

"I can smell other people's lies."

After that.

With Kang Jae-ha and Chan-hoo's curiosity now piqued, Yeon-ji explained her 'ability' in detail.

"Um, when the other person tells the truth, there's a sweet smell, and when they lie, there's a stench, sort of? It doesn't happen in every conversation... It only happens when I choose to activate the ability."

She can smell lies? Then like Chan-hoo, she'd been using it since the other world. Arms folded, Kang Jae-ha thought her ability was useful too.

"Conditions?"

"Conditions? Well, first off, to use the ability, I need physical contact with the target. Just one touch is enough... Oh! And I can't detect truth or lies indefinitely. Once I activate it, it's good for about two or three exchanges, then done."

"How many times a day?"

"Once a day per person."

The conditions felt similar to Chan-hoo's 'Search'. Yeon-ji shrugged.

"Not exactly an amazing ability, right?"

"No, that's more than useful enough. Just seeing through a lie can turn a situation around. You can read the opponent's strategy, prepare in advance, set up countermeasures."

Depending on how it was used, Yeon-ji's ability, like Chan-hoo's, had limitless potential. Kang Jae-ha stroked his chin.

'The abilities are useful on their own. But the real power comes when they're combined.'

They already possessed abilities ordinary people didn't, and combining them would create enormous synergy. For now it was just Chan-hoo and Yeon-ji, but the more subordinates he gathered, the more the destructive power would multiply several times over.

And naturally, the one commanding them, giving the orders, was the Commander, Kang Jae-ha.

Just then, Chan-hoo asked Yeon-ji.

"Your ability, what do you call it?"

"Call it what? An ability is an ability."

"You didn't name it? Then I'll name it. How about 'Smell'? 'Smell'. Since you're sniffing out lies."

"What, that's lame. Whatever, call it that. So what's your 'ability'?"

"Mine is 'Search'."

Chan-hoo briefed her on his ability. Yeon-ji's already-big eyes grew wider.

"Hey, you used that Search thing on me too, didn't you."

"I did. I had to check up on you."

"...Use it again and I'll kill you."

"I won't use it from now on, but if the Commander says jump, I jump."

"Take the tag off the back of your jacket, idiot."

"What?!"

Only then did Chan-hoo startle and whip off his suit jacket. Watching him with a pitying look, Yeon-ji suddenly leaned in close to Jae-ha. Along with a pleasant scent, Kang Jae-ha could see her eyes sparkling.

"So, Commander. Honestly, I used my ability the moment I saw you."

Chan-hoo, pulling off the tag, chimed in.

"Call it 'Smell', it's easier."

"Ugh, fine, 'Smell'."

Her brow unfurrowing, Yeon-ji smiled at Kang Jae-ha with her eyes.

"I used 'Smell' on the Commander, so why doesn't my ability work on you?"

The answer came from Chan-hoo instead, who stuffed the torn-off tag into his pocket.

"Because he's the Commander. My 'Search' doesn't work on him either."

"......"

After watching Chan-hoo for a moment, Yeon-ji asked.

"You bought that suit recently, didn't you."

"I told you, no. I already had it. Bought it a while back and just never took the tag off."

Yeon-ji scrunched her face and pinched her nose.

"Stinks. Lying through your teeth when it's obviously new."

"Ah."

Chan-hoo flinched, remembering how Yeon-ji had shoved his shoulder earlier. The first physical contact. Meaning the condition for her ability had been met. Narrowing his eyes, Chan-hoo muttered meaningfully.

"...If you're going to be like that, I might just watch you shower."

Because Chan-hoo, even if only briefly, could see someone's location and that specific moment, goosebumps rose all over Yeon-ji's body.

"You asshole. You actually do that and you're dead."

War broke out between the two. After they found a rough compromise, things settled, and Yeon-ji, now stuck close to Kang Jae-ha...

"But seriously, Commander, you're badass, aren't you? Our abilities don't even work on you."

...gave a thumbs up.

"Total apex predator, no question."

Smirking, Kang Jae-ha had Yeon-ji sit down and explained various things. What Jae-ha was currently working on, the direction of 'MEG', the relationship with Leon Entertainment, what was currently in motion, and so on.

"What about the Mercenary Corps members?"

"I'll keep searching."

"What if another guy like Kim Ho-yeon, or worse, shows up?"

"I will take care of them."

Kang Jae-ha gave his instructions to Yeon-ji, who was listening seriously.

"For now, keep working as a journalist."

"But affiliated with 'MEG'?"

"Right."

Meaning she'd be a founding member of 'MEG' while continuing her work as a journalist. Kang Jae-ha had no intention of keeping every subordinate at his side like Chan-hoo. Same as during the Mercenary Corps days. No problem with keeping only her affiliation under 'MEG' while she operated externally. The more members he gathered, the more 'MEG'-affiliated people would spread through the world.

'Once 'MEG' grows bigger, I'll have to call everyone in eventually.'

By that point, the former journalist Yeon-ji could be given a title heading the marketing division.

Once Yeon-ji had heard the full explanation, her cheeks flushed slightly.

"Oh my, this is already fun."

At the same time, a certain playground.

It was pitch-black night, and there wasn't a soul at the playground. Except one. A man riding the swing alone. A face rough enough to startle any passerby. None other than Oh Jong-man.

"......"

His thoughts ran deep. Because of Manager Kang Jae-ha, whom he'd met before. What Jae-ha had told him over the phone weighed heavily. The suggestion to try writing instead of acting. He'd been thinking about it for a good while but hadn't reached a firm conclusion.

The biggest reason was fear.

On top of that, his wife and child's livelihoods rested on his hands, so of course the decision didn't come easily. And yet, the word 'writer' still lingered in Oh Jong-man's mind.

"Acting... I really do have to give it up."

Because his limits as an actor were clear. He hadn't been able to let go. He'd looked away all this time. But thanks to Kang Jae-ha's brutal advice, Oh Jong-man had finally come to see himself clearly.

Whether he pivoted to writing or not, acting was over.

Since that call with Kang Jae-ha, every audition he'd done had ended in rejection.

In the end, it came down to retirement or writing.

Expression grim, Oh Jong-man stood up from the swing. Soon he was stepping into what amounted to a two-room apartment. The place was quiet, but a woman quickly came out rubbing her eyes. Oh Jong-man's wife.

"Honey, you're back? You worked hard again today."

His wife patted the shoulder of Jong-man as he took off his shoes. In that instant, something welled up in him and he pulled her into a hug. She didn't ask him why. After holding her for a few minutes, Jong-man finally spoke.

"I'm going to quit acting."

"......"

"And there's something that's been on my mind."

Oh Jong-man shared with his wife everything he'd been wrestling with alone. The things Kang Jae-ha had said to him. Writing? His wife clearly hadn't seen that coming either, but although startled, she quickly composed herself.

"Oppa."

"Yeah."

"I get why you're hesitating. But wouldn't it be better to try?"

"...It might be even harder than making a comeback as an actor."

"It's not going to kill you, is it? So what? It's been a long time since anyone actually saw you for who you are. You know as well as I do there aren't many people like that Manager nim."

His wife took Oh Jong-man's hand.

"And yeah, actor Oh Jong-man was great, but I think writer Oh Jong-man sounds pretty cool too, don't you?"

A few days later, on 6th.

The location was near Chungju Lake. A dozen or so crew members had gathered at a spot with a sweeping view of the water. The 'Condensation' team. Today's shoot was mostly An Ji-hee solo shots, with Yoon Da-yeon and the other actors stuck in an endless wait.

But sitting in a folding chair, Yoon Da-yeon wasn'tgrumbling like before.

Watching her, Kang Jae-ha smiled without letting it show.

'That's right, she has to endure.'

Lately, Yoon Da-yeon's 'crazy psycho' streak had mellowed considerably. Sure, she still snapped here and there, but it was a big change.

Then.

-Vrrm, vrrrm.

Kang Jae-ha's phone let out a long vibration. An incoming call. When he checked, the caller was Oh Jong-man. Jae-ha stepped a little away from the set to answer.

"Yes, Oh Jong-man ssi."

On the other end of the line, Oh Jong-man's voice was full of strength.

"Manager nim. I'll give writing a try."

The corners of Kang Jae-ha's mouth lifted slightly. He arranged a time to meet Oh Jong-man, and the moment he hung up, he dialed Chan-hoo. Chan-hoo picked up quickly, as if he'd been on standby.

"Sir, yes sir."

"There's a guy named Oh Jong-man."

"Oh Jong-man?"

Jae-ha gave Chan-hoo the key points about Oh Jong-man. Chan-hoo caught on quickly and asked back.

"Ah, right, and?"

"Prepare a contract. We're bringing Oh Jong-man into 'MEG'."

"Huh? We're taking over right away? Can we even do that that fast? You said Oh Jong-man is currently under Leon. His contract has to have time left on it."

"Right. But that's as an 'actor'."

Jae-ha answered and laid out his thinking.

"Oh Jong-man the 'writer' signing with 'MEG' is a separate matter. It has nothing to do with the acting side."

In other words, he was going to make Oh Jong-man MEG's first writer.