Chapter 20

Crocodile Bird.

The only vigilante group in this city.

They practically dominate the swamp area.

With over a hundred members and most skilled hunters belonging to them, they are the most powerful group in terms of combat and intelligence.

Though the Viper, with its problematic members, and the Fishermen, a group of hunters, are also competing, even combined, their strength doesn’t come close to half of the Crocodile Bird’s.

However, due to some reasons, the Crocodile Bird is hesitant to attack the other two forces, so the swamp area remains in a cold war between the three factions.

And my target is the Crocodile Bird.

The Fishermen don’t have the capability or reason to buy what I have, and dealing with the Viper, a criminal group, would likely end with me getting betrayed and robbed.

Going to Seoul to find the client isn’t an option either.

For someone like me, an escaped experiment from the research institute, going to Seoul is too risky, and I can’t even be sure if they’d be friendly.

So, my options are limited.

“Long time no see, Chief. I heard you got your hunter license? Rumor has it you locked the instructor in a cave to pass. Is that true?”

“I did lock him in the cave to avoid trouble.”

“That guy’s an acquaintance of mine. He said he got an earful because of you.”

He fiddled with his neatly trimmed beard, chuckling as he sat down.

We met at a secluded spot, arranged through the boss. We sat on a bench, keeping our distance, eyeing each other.

“You’ve got quite the network.”

“I’ve been in this business for over 20 years. I know everyone worth knowing.”

“How did you end up getting caught?”

At my question, he scratched his head and sighed.

“Got drunk and went outside. That’s how it happened.”

His face showed a complex expression, hinting that there was more to the story than just being drunk.

Maybe he was a victim of internal politics?

“So, I can’t even touch alcohol these days. Sigh. Can’t ignore it since I caused trouble…”

“Maybe it’s a good chance to quit drinking and focus on your health…”

“Chief, how am I supposed to live in this messed-up world without alcohol?”

Well… fair enough.

The remnants of civilization are buried in the ruins of war, leaving only traces of a slowly fading world.

While the folks in Seoul are living in a cyberpunk-like utopia, just stepping into Gyeonggi-do reveals a backward environment where electricity is a luxury. It’s enough to make you cry.

But moving to Seoul isn’t easy either.

“By the way, what kind of alcohol do they have here?”

“Surprisingly, there’s quite a variety. Interested, Chief?”

“Not entirely uninterested.”

“Then I’ll recommend a few bars later. I know some amazing places.”

“You’re not just using me as an excuse to drink, are you?”

“Heh heh.”

Guilty as charged.

“Ahem… so, what’s the agenda for today?”

“I want to meet the boss of the Crocodile Bird…”

As soon as I brought it up, his playful expression turned serious.

He glanced around, then asked in a low voice, “…Chief, why do you want to meet him?”

“I’ve got something big, and I want to make a deal.”

“Hmm.”

His gaze, which had been soft, sharpened.

I sensed that it was time to get down to business.

Though we’ve become friendly, business is business.

So, I decided to be direct.

“It’s something quite important. Found it in a hidden bunker. It’s something the Crocodile Bird would find valuable.”

“Hmm. Many have said that. What is it?”

“A USB. It contains information from the old era…”

I lowered my voice and glanced around to make sure no one was nearby.

There might be users who could eavesdrop from a distance, so caution was necessary.

But this was enough to show how important the matter was.

“This place is secluded, so no one’s eavesdropping. Don’t worry.”

“That’s a relief. What’s inside is quite dangerous…”

“So, what is it?”

“Military classified information.”

“Is that even valuable these days?”

He tilted his head, skeptical.

I expected that reaction.

Military secrets might not mean much to him.

So, I decided to explain a bit.

“Well, if it were just ordinary documents, I wouldn’t have come all this way.”

“Judging by how you’re dragging it out, it must be something big.”

“It’s not much use to me alone, but for an organization as big as the Crocodile Bird, it could be very useful.”

“So, what is it?”

“…One last question. Can you arrange a direct meeting with the boss?”

I wondered how high his position was.

He’s been with the Crocodile Bird for a long time, so he’s probably not just a lackey.

Maybe not an executive, but still someone with influence.

His attire alone stood out. Not flashy, but well-dressed, which was rare in this world.

In a world where clothes are hard to come by, dressing well suggests he’s not in a low position.

“Well… it’s not impossible. I’ve got some connections with the boss!”

“The information on the USB I have… it’s blueprints for weapons and military maps.

It includes the locations of bunkers across Gwangju.”

“Wow… you really found something.”

“I stumbled upon it by chance. Never imagined I’d catch something this big.”

I played it off as luck.

I couldn’t exactly say I knew the location because I’m a possessor.

“Chief, you made the right choice. If you tried to sell this to the Viper or the Fishermen, you’d have disappeared without a trace by now.”

“Everyone knows the Crocodile Bird is the only trustworthy group around here.”

“The Crocodile Bird… sigh. Never mind. I shouldn’t be saying this to an outsider. I’ll send someone to call you tomorrow.”

“Then, see you tomorrow.”

“Chief, why don’t you just join the Crocodile Bird?”

A recruitment pitch.

He seemed to be half-joking, not really expecting much.

“I just gained my freedom. I’m not keen on being tied down again.”

“Well, if you change your mind, let me know. Someone like you could easily rise to an executive position.”

“If it comes to that, I’ll consider it.”

“Then, see you tomorrow, Chief.”

We both stood up and left, as if we’d made a pact.

————————

“Uncle, take care.”

“Eat well and rest.”

“Uncle.”

“Yeah?”

“Take care.”

As I turned to look at her, Mina waved with a bright smile.

She’s so beautiful, it’s almost blinding.

I rubbed my eyes and headed to the hotel entrance.

At the entrance, familiar and unfamiliar faces were waiting.

“Chief, did you sleep well? Did you bring the item?”

“Of course.”

“Is this the person the boss mentioned? The one who led the escape from the secret research institute?”

Who’s this guy? A subordinate?

I looked at the sharp-faced man. He seemed to be in his mid-20s.

“That’s right. Thanks to the Chief, I was able to return to the swamp area.”

“Who’s this?”

“This guy’s Gyeongungi, my subordinate. He’s quite capable. You’ll probably see him around, so remember him.”

Why’s his name like that?

“He’s a skilled hunter. Just knowing his face will make half the bullies back off.”

“There are plenty of hunters at that level.”

“Enough chit-chat. Let’s get going.”

Negotiations require ample time.

As I urged him, the bearded man laughed and turned toward the Crocodile Bird’s hideout.

“Let’s go!”