Chapter 228 - Meeting with the President
The presidential guards at the Blue House couldn't relax the tension.
This was due to the news that the famous Black Scythe would come to meet the president.
"Sir, don't you think we should mobilize even the army for this?"
"The army?"
"Can we stop Black Scythe with what we have? You know how strong players are."
"Boy, don't get scared. Black Scythe, a terrorist? They say he's coming to the Blue House to deliver something? Worrying about unnecessary nonsense?"
"No, do you trust that person? What if he's coming to assassinate the president? We should prevent unforeseen situations."
"Hey, get scared if you have to. This guy went to Nigeria and wiped out ISIS by himself. In Korea, he also holds the official title of CPF unit leader. Do you think someone like Black Scythe seems dangerous?"
"Still, aren't we here prepared for unforeseen situations?"
"Yes, exactly. That's why we're here conducting security checks in this meeting room. Don't you see dozens of presidential bodyguards stuck here? Against Black Scythe, these precautions mean nothing, but."
"Do you really think so?"
"Yes, speaking frankly, how do you think we, mere civilians, could subdue Black Scythe? They even say players are mythological creatures, how are we going to stop them with a few guards? Even if we mobilize the army, wouldn't it be impossible?"
"Why does the president want to meet someone so dangerous...?"
"He deemed him not dangerous, so he's having this meeting. Frankly, if Black Scythe wanted to do something, what could we stop? Instead of catching ISIS or criminals like we're busy with now."
"Well, hearing it, it sounds sensible."
"So stop worrying about nonsense and mind your business. It might not happen, but if Black Scythe attacks the president, be prepared to receive a rain of bullets, not a scythe attack."
"Wouldn't it be more of a scythe attack than a rain of bullets?"
"I was kidding... Hey, here he comes!"
When the bodyguards saw Black Scythe and the president walking down the hallway, they stiffened their posture.
Beside them, from the chief of the private office to the defense minister, the foreign minister, the prime minister, the chief of national security, and nearly twenty bodyguards, all stuck together like clouds.
When the bodyguards of the meeting room opened the door, the president smiled and said:
"Please, come in, Mr. Black Scythe. This place is ideal for conversation."
"Yes."
Black Scythe wore casual attire, no visible weapons, but curiously sported a white mask.
"Why isn't he dangerous, really? How can we trust someone whose face we don't even see...?"
The bodyguard murmuring to himself was completely frozen the moment the eyes behind the mask that were watching him were completely frozen.
Even just meeting the gaze, he felt like a rabbit in front of a tiger.
Walking past the bodyguard who inadvertently looked away, Ryu Min entered.
"Please sit here. Would you like anything, even just a cup of tea?"
"No, thank you. I plan to take care of matters quickly and leave."
Ryu Min politely declined and looked at the president.
"President Yoon Sung-ho. A clean president, free of corruption, who values national security. Not authoritarian. I can trust someone like him."
Above all, by reading his thoughts, he doesn't seem hostile towards himself.
Even last time he praised my contribution to handling ISIS, didn't he call me personally?
"If he had been unfavorable towards me, I would have even considered using Yamti, but it seems unnecessary."
Although he hasn't mentioned his demands yet, I have the feeling that the conversation will flow smoothly.
"He suddenly wants to meet me and calls me. Does he have any requests?"
"You have a good intuition. Yes, I have two requests for the president."
"Two requests? I'll hear what you have to say first. Go ahead."
"As you know, I have a track record of eliminating ISIS. I have also collaborated in eradicating criminals as the leader of the CPF unit."
"Yes, I know. There may be citizens unaware of those great feats."
"But I don't want to stop here; I plan to help other countries as well. I believe there are countries that need help more than we think."
"Countries that need help?"
"Countries where players have taken control of the government. Players obsessed with strength tend to seize leadership first. Although it's an assumption, I believe there are quite a few countries that are slipping under the radar and have fallen into players' hands."
It wasn't just an assumption, it was a reality.
These days, a player had taken control of a country and ruled like a king.
Just because he kept citizens within his boundaries, they didn't realize they had become pawns in his game.
"It would be a big problem if there really is such a country."
"Yes, that's why I would like the president, using the information from the National Intelligence Agency, to find countries that need help and take charge. This is my first request."
"And the second?"
"The second request is to provide a platform to globally convey my intention. When a needy country asks for help, let them turn to Korea. I'm planning to tell them that we'll be willing to help anytime."
"Hmm..."
It wasn't a difficult request.
However, the president was concerned about one thing.
"Isn't it dangerous to make such a risky statement that could lead to national conflicts?"
"Of course. But I will take charge and prevent that from happening. I'll make sure no other country can retaliate against South Korea. I can promise that."
"Hmm..."
Although he had promised to take measures to prevent national conflicts, the president's forehead still remained tense.
Given his priority on citizens' safety, it was understandable that he was cautious.
"What do the others think about it?"
"The intention to help other countries is good, but if something goes wrong, it could become a diplomatic problem..."
"But didn't Black Scythe already say he would take measures to avoid retaliation?"
"Do things in this world ever go as everyone wants? We must also consider the variables."
"In my opinion, if Black Scythe takes charge, there shouldn't be a problem..."
"Are you suggesting leaving the fate of a nation in Black Scythe's hands?"
"I shouldn't phrase it like that. If a country is in crisis, isn't it natural to help?"
"Yes, if someone is in danger, let's help first and then assess. When will we have time to question everything?"
"Moreover, don't we have Black Scythe, the best among players? There shouldn't be concerns."
"I agree. If things go well, there's nothing like elevating Korea's position."
The ministers, prime minister, directors, and others expressed their opinions.
Amidst this, the president glanced at Ryu Min.
"It seems I can't read your expressions with that mask on."
The president, unsure if he could truly trust Black Scythe, finally organized his thoughts.
"Though his identity hasn't been revealed, this individual has already proven his worth. He could kill me right now if he wanted, but he hasn't. Probably because he doesn't want to see the country fall. That's why he willingly offers to help other countries."
It's evident this individual considers the country and its citizens.
He doesn't seem like someone irresponsible who would allow conflicts with other countries.
"Can I trust him?"
"Yes, trust him."
Was Ryu Min's firm affirmation the final decision?
"Very well. We will accept all the opinions you have asked for. When should we start?"
"The sooner, the better."
"Then we will start immediately. Secretary."
"Yes."
"Please prepare a place for Black Scythe to address the entire nation."
"Understood, Mr. President. Please follow me, Black Scythe."
After bidding farewell to the president, while following the secretary, a phone rang.
Ryu Min took out the Lost Yak phone and checked the sender.
"John Delgado?"
Seems like there's information to share related to the Messiah.
"Yes. What's up? Ah, really? Have they made plans to meet? Understood. Please send me the location and time via message."
The secretary spoke courteously while taking Ryu Min's phone.
Nothing seemed amiss.
But the content wasn't something to be taken lightly.
"It seems John Delgado's true identity has been revealed earlier than I thought. It seems he has proposed to meet on the Messiah's side first."
As he said this, they requested to arrange a meeting between Black Scythe and them.
"They're bold. They don't come directly, yet they ask me to go to the place they've chosen?"
If they ask for a meeting at the place they've chosen, there's definitely something suspicious.
"Alright. I'll give them what they want."
After sending a message with a confident smile, Ryu Min lifted his head.
"Let's go. Secretary."
"Yes."
The content of the message he sent was as follows.
"Get ready for an international trip, Yamti. It's time for a mission abroad after a long time."
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With the Blue House in the background, a man with a white mask stood up on a stage.
"Hello. I am a Korean player using the nickname Black Scythe."
Click, click.
The cameras of journalists in the front row flashed.
Behind, journalists with laptops pounded their keyboards swiftly.
"I'm not a government official, so it may seem strange that I'm suddenly holding a press conference. You might wonder by what right I'm standing here. But I had to create this place somehow, as I have something important to tell people all around the world."
As Ryu Min paused his speech, the audience fell silent.
Why was he taking so long to utter his words?
All the curious ones stayed quiet, paying attention.
"As some of you may know, a few months ago, I eliminated the leader of ISIS and the remaining forces. The reason is simple: I don't like criminals. Their existence is detrimental, to be honest. In that regard, I want to warn all players worldwide."
The word "warn" made everyone hold their breath.
A statement that could turn players worldwide into enemies.
It was arrogant, but in a certain sense, it was impressive.
Only Black Scythe could speak this way.
"If there are players who, intoxicated by power, are seizing power and terrorizing civilians, stop immediately. I don't want players involved in crime. I don't wish to tarnish the image of players. But this is a warning to them. If they don't stop their actions..."
Black Scythe's gaze behind the mask turned fierce.
"I will personally come to condemn them. I will rescue citizens in danger. So, if anyone is suffering because of players' crimes, don't hesitate to ask for help. The reason I've taken this place, please don't hesitate to call the Korean embassy. And then..."
Ryu Min, after taking a brief pause, continued speaking.
"I will gladly liberate that country from the oppression of players."
If anyone requested help for any country dominated by players, he would help.
It was a bold and challenging statement to criminal players worldwide.
However, no one dared to laugh in front of Black Scythe.
He had enough skills to back up his words.
"That's enough with the defiant statement..."
As he turned his head, he saw the president stepping onto the stage.
He was personally intervening to back up his words.
"As Black Scythe said earlier, if there is any country being oppressed by players, please contact the Korean embassy. I promise to act immediately on behalf of the president to take measures. Thank you."
At the end of his speech, the president stepped down from the stage and, after looking for his secretary, asked:
"Where is Black Scythe?"
"He left saying he had urgent matters."
"Urgent matters?"
"He didn't give details. Just said that if we received information, we should verify the source and inform him. Oh, and he also said that since he was flying, it would be better to send him an email instead of calling..."
"Flying?"
Where could he be going abroad?
"Well, it doesn't matter. Anyway, now that the die is cast, I can only trust in Black Scythe."
President Yoon Sung-ho, who had momentarily shown a worried expression, walked away with his bodyguards.
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