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Go Gun-Woo took and then let out a deep breath.

“You took this on purpose under those circumstances?”

“I zoomed in from where the snipers were. Their faces are blurred and unrecognizable, so I’ll release it as soon as you give me permission.”

Go Gun-Woo incredulously looked up at Kim Hyung-Jung, who was standing in front of his desk.

“Manager Kim, what if… this turned out to be a simple incident?”

Instead of waiting for an answer, Go Gun-Woo continued, “Civilian communication systems, including phones and police radios, were shut down for nearly an hour without authorization. What if that guy named Smithen didn’t have a bomb? What if the guy driving the van was just giving him a ride? What if they were friends?”

“We used satellites to track the van’s movements and had a sniper confirm that the driver was a foreigner. Hence, we concluded that it was worth the risk if it meant stopping a potential terrorist attack.”

Go Gun-Woo still looked unconvinced. “Don’t you think it was too risky a gamble?”

“Director.”

“Go ahead.”

Despite having addressed Go Gun-Woo, Kim Hyung-Jung still found it hard to be straightforward.

“You shouldn’t hold back in front of me. If you’ve got something to say, please go for it. Only then will I understand your intentions.”

“Then let me be blunt, sir. The NIS counter-terrorism team is not a police force or the prosecutor’s office. It is an organization whose primary goal is to stop terrorism.”

With a determined expression, Kim Hyung-Jung added, “In response to your ‘what if,’ allow me to ask you this. Between a C-4 explosion in the middle of Gangnam, the death of the assistant director, the agents, and some innocent citizens, or injuring the people in the van, which would you choose, sir?”

Kim Hyung-Jung didn’t avoid Go Gun-Woo’s gaze.

“I know you have principles, sir. However, emphasizing principles as an administrator is different from the work of the NIS. It would be best for you to know that your opinion is the most important basis for the president when he makes his judgment.”

“I’m not sure what you mean by that last statement,” Go Gun-Woo replied. He looked as if he was expecting an explanation.

“I meant that the methods you suggest will ultimately be the most important factor in the president’s decision on counter-terrorism policy.”

“So you’re saying I should be bolder?”

“I’m sorry.” Kim Hyung-Jung looked down. However, he didn\'t deny it.

“Is this what the assistant director thinks?”

“The counter-terrorism agents of the Samseong-Dong created this plan themselves.”

Go Gun-Woo looked at the report, then back up.

“Manager Kim, if we do this, what do you think are the odds that we can prevent terrorism and punish Abibu?”

“I estimate our success chance to be around seventy percent.”

“Do you really think we should do whatever it takes to achieve our goals? Even if that means bending the rules?”

“The NIS is an organization that works behind the scenes, doing whatever it takes to protect Korea and its people. We are shadows in life and nameless stars in death.”

Go Gun-Woo sat motionless, staring at Kim Hyung-Jung.

“Director, we’re not an organization that operates against the people. We can’t be principled while dealing with enemies or the intelligence bureaus of other countries.”

Go Gun-Woo let out a deep sigh. “Haaa. Are you aware that if your ideals change and you turn against the people, no other organization will be able to keep the NIS in check?”

“I am.”

“I, too, have given instructions to say that the violence was part of the arrest process. Do you think I should do more than that?”

“Director.”

Go Gun-Woo’s face was unreadable. “There is still time. Please be honest with me.”

“You and the president are the ones who set the direction, not our agents, sir.”

The corners of Go Gun-Woo’s mouth twitched, but he didn’t reply.

Kim Hyung-Jung’s statement could come across as arrogant or dangerous. It was no different from saying that their agents would never do such a thing as long as the higher-ups did well.

“World powers are trying to put a stop to the Eurasian Rail and the development of next-generation energy plants. They’re not afraid to sponsor terrorist attacks or assassinate people through the DGSE or the DIA. If we don’t respond to them aggressively out of worry about what might happen later even though our own people have already been caught in the crossfire…”

Go Gun-Woo’s gaze prompted Kim Hyung-Jung to be more straightforward.

“Our agents and soldiers will have to shed endless blood in vain.”

“So you didn’t approve of negotiating with Abibu either.”

“I apologize, sir. Although I followed your order to stop the assistant director, I didn’t feel comfortable doing so.”

The corners of Go Gun-Woo’s eyes twitched.

“I feel like I’m talking to the assistant director himself,” he said as he stood up from his desk. “I’ll meet with the president and let him know what we decide.”

With Kim Hyung-Jung walking ahead of him, Go Gun-Woo left his office.

***

Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz, buzz.

Kang Chan, who was sitting at the table, picked up his phone. He had just finished lunch and brushing his teeth.

“Hello?”

- It’s Kim Hyung-Jung.

“Manager.”

- Two of the criminals we caught in the vans are dead, while Smithen and the other terrorists are in the ICU. Smithen has stated that he was forced to cooperate with the attack.

Kang Chan had expected as much.

Seok Kang-Ho just observed Kang Chan’s expression since Kang Chan couldn’t tell him what was going on mid-call.

- Smithen has stab wounds on his chest and severe cuts and burns on his thighs.

“What about Sharlan?”

- He’s in critical condition in the ICU.

“Please increase the perimeter around Sharlan and make sure no doctor can get near him unescorted. Let me know as soon as he regains consciousness.”

- Understood.

Kang Chan hung up and relayed the conversation to Seok Kang-Ho.

“How did someone locked up in Loriam manage to get into South Korea?” Seok Kang-Ho muttered to himself.

“Romain probably sent him,” Kang Chan answered.

“The DGSE guy?”

Kang Chan nodded. “Yes.”

“Doesn’t that mean Romain has decided to get rid of you altogether?”

“That’s right.”

“That son of a bitch…”

Seeing Kang Chan’s expression, Seok Kang-Ho shut his mouth.

Kang Chan looked out the window.

Romain hadn’t even taken away his position as deputy director-general yet, so why had he tried to use Sharlan to kill him? If he used the DGSE, their attack would’ve been more precise and intense.

Kang Chan seemed to have found a connection and was getting closer to it, yet for some reason, he still couldn’t see it.

‘This doesn’t match what the ambassador said either.’

Kang Chan recalled what Lanok had told him.

‘If we get rid of Sharlan, the Star of David will have one less thing to worry about. On the other hand, if we keep him around, he’ll continue being a nuisance who can reveal their secrets at any moment.’

If so, Romain, who was most certainly a member of the Star of David, would have already killed Sharlan, not sent him to South Korea like this.

What was it? What was going on?

Kang Chan continued to glare out the window.

***

Moon Jae-Hynu pushed himself up from his desk.

“Shall we take a walk?”

The promenade was one of his favorite places to go for private talks.

The two entered the promenade through a door at the back of his office. A short distance from them, Jeon Dae-Geuk followed in silence, and a bit farther away, suited bodyguards could be seen.

After about ten minutes of listening to Go Gun-Woo, Moon Jae-Hyun gestured to a bench. “Let’s take a seat.”

He then sat down and waited for Go Gun-Woo to sit.

“You must have been quite offended,” Moon Jae-Hyun commented.

“It was more like being hit with a stinging slap. It startled me awake.”

Moon Jae-Hyun chuckled, and Go Gun-Woo smiled.

“In the past, Director Hwang had said something similar. He said he would do all the dirty work, so I should keep my hands clean.”

“Sir, I’m still not sure. I feel like we might be unsealing a monster that shouldn’t be unsealed.”

Moon Jae-Hyun nodded after hearing Go Gun-Woo’s words.

“When I told Director Hwang that, he replied that if I didn’t use the power of the NIS now, someone in power would eventually use it with ill intentions.”

Go Gun-Woo pressed his lips together.

“What do you think, Director?”

Go Gun-Woo looked at Moon Jae-Hyun. “I believe this is something you should decide, Mr. President.”

He expected the president to agree.

“Right now, I agree with Director Hwang. The country has gained a priceless opportunity, and the stakes are too high. Someone has to play the villain against the enemy even if the cost is painful and blood is shed. Moreover, I feel it is my duty as president to take responsibility for this.”

Moon Jae-Hyun stood up, his expression firm.

“I’ll leave this up to you, Director. You will decide what the NIS will look like in the future. I chose one of the most capable people I know in this world to lead the NIS, and I trust in my decision.”

Go Gun-Woo stood up from his seat and sighed.

“Sir, could you just give me five more hours?”

Moon Jae-Hyun slowly looked around their surroundings before finally fixing his gaze on Go Gun-Woo.

“I have entrusted the NIS to you for the rest of my term. You’ve got two years left,” Moon Jae-Hyun replied with a determined expression.

***

Counter-terrorism team barracks.

As the agents stood by their respective beds, Go Gun-Woo walked in with two attendants.

“Attention! Salute!”

As Kang Myung-Gu commanded, the agents saluted Go Gun-Woo, who nodded in response.

“At ease!”

“No need to be so stiff. Let’s relax,” Go Gun-Woo said.

“Rest!”

The agents relaxed into more comfortable positions, but their stances remained rigid.

The room wasn’t too bad.

Go Gun-Woo was walking into the back of the waiting room when he stopped and saw an empty bed and locker.

“What happened to the agent using this bed…?”

“He turned into a star during the suppression of the International Building terrorist attack, sir,” Kang Myung-Gu, who was following behind with another attendant, replied.

Go Gun-Woo raised his hand to sweep the empty bed. He then walked over and opened the locker.

Despite laying down their lives for their nation, agents like the one who used to occupy this bed came to his desk as a one-page report, the unrecoverable pain their families felt delivered to him on a single sheet of pair. The same was true for those who were deployed around the world.

“Your name and rank.”

“I am special agent Kang Myung-Gu of the counter-terrorism team, sir.”

Go Gun-Woo looked at Kang Myung-Gu and the agents standing next to their beds.

“I’d like to ask you one question,” he said.

Kang Myung-Gu gave him an intense look.

“The agents who turned into nameless stars during the International Building incident… what do you think they wanted most?”

Finding the question unexpected, Kang Myung-Gu tilted his head, unable to respond.

“I heard you all rush into the sites of terrorist attacks first and come out last. I wanted to know what you and your fallen brothers wanted when you all ran to the scene.”

After a moment of silence, Kang Myung-Gu asked, “May we tell you our resolve in chant?”

“You have a chant?”

“We do.”

“If it will serve as your answer, please do.”

Kang Myung-Gu turned to the agents and quickly looked at them.

“Attention!”

Thud!

The agents simultaneously stood straight.

Kang Myung-Gu’s voice echoed in the room. “Our motto!”

“Taegeukgi! Take my soul! Motherland! Take my blood!”

Their chant was short and strong, and the determination in their words dug into Go Gun-Woo’s heart like a stake, rendering him speechless.

Silence enveloped the barracks. A moment later, with a determined gaze, he said, “Moving forward, we will definitely face many hurdles. Nevertheless, I will not forget your chant. You have given me the courage to meet with the president. I will lead the NIS with the knowledge that we have agents like you to rely on.”

Go Gun-Woo looked more relaxed now than when he had entered.

***

The International Building incident caused quite a stir. However, the Nonhyeon-Dong terrorist attack in broad daylight along with the articles about Abibu caused an even louder buzz.

When the president’s emergency press conference was announced, local and foreign reporters flocked to the newsroom.

As Moon Jae-Hyun entered, flashes immediately went off.

Standing on the podium, he raised his gaze and looked straight ahead.

“First of all, I would like to express my regret for having to hold a press conference about unfortunate events twice in a row.”

It was time people left work. Hence, many were listening to the press conference through radios and TVs.

Moon Jae-Hyun glanced at the manuscript on the podium and then looked up with a firm expression.

“South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has arrested Saudi Arabian Prince Mohammed Abdullah Abibu as the mastermind of the terrorist attack on the International Building.”

Stunned exclamations from the reporters could be heard over the airwaves.

“The evidence we have gathered that incriminate him includes radio interception from the NIS and our military, radios from the terrorists we have neutralized, and a tablet connected to the CCTVs of the International Building. We also have Prince Abibu’s confession.”

The flashes were so loud that it was almost hard to speak.

“The NIS has received a confession from Prince Abibu that there would be another attack today in addition to the last raid in Mongolia. Hence, we made all the necessary preparations against it. Earlier at eleven-thirty today, we arrested all the perpetrators of the attempted terrorist attack in Nonhyeon-Dong.”

The press conference room lapsed into heavy silence.

“Contrary to the reports of the alleged assault in the news, Prince Abibu stubbornly resisted during the arrest, which led to unavoidable injuries.”

Flash! Flash! Flash! Flash!

“We still don’t know if Prince Abibu was motivated by personal greed or simply planned the attack to further Saudi Arabia’s next energy initiative given his status.”

The screen showed the reporters tapping away rapidly on their laptops.

“These two terrorist attacks, as well as the raid on our base in Mongolia, have caused the Republic of Korea incalculable monetary losses and the unfortunate sacrifices of the members of the NIS counter-terrorism team, the 606’s Special Forces Unit, and the 35th Brigade.”

Moon Jae-Hyun looked at the manuscript on the podium and looked back up.

“My fellow citizens, they have committed an unprecedented crime against our nation. For that reason, I ask for your cooperation, patience, and understanding while we do what must be done to protect our homeland and sovereignty.”

Flash, flash, flash, flash!

The flashes didn’t go off as much as they did in the beginning, perhaps because they thought it was the usual end of the announcements.

“Moreover…”

Moon Jae-Hyun paused for a moment and spoke toward the camera with a stern face.

“As the President of the Republic of Korea, I hereby inform the government of Saudi Arabia that Prince Abibu has violated the territory and sovereignty of the Republic of Korea, threatened the lives and safety of our people, and murdered our soldiers trying to defend our sovereignty and territory.”

The president of South Korea was lodging a formal protest against the Saudi Arabian government during a press conference?

The flustered reporters could be seen panicking and checking with neighboring reporters for confirmation.

“If, according to the results of the investigation, any organization or country has anything to do with the terrorist attack by Prince Mohammed Abdullah Abibu, the government of the Republic of Korea will make sure that they pay the price for their actions. Consider yourselves warned.”

Flash. Flash. Flash, flash.

Shortly after the press conference ended and Moon Jae-Hyun was shown leaving the room, a screen flashed into the studio with the words “Breaking News.”

[At the end of the president’s announcements, a video of the terrorist incidents in Nonhyeon-Dong earlier today was released.]

The video began with blurred faces.