Chapter 48
I didn’t know how things ended up this way, but sohow I had beco the commander-in-chief of this relief train.
"Damn it. Damn it."
I muttered to myself as I scanned through docunts without rest. Lee Se-eun had succeeded in arriving in the Netherlands two days later, but then took about three days to rest.
A Hunter ranked in the top ten is basically a national treasure. That level of consideration was expected.
But hey, technically I’m also a designated national treasure in the making. Isn’t it too much to work soone like this to the bone?
“What should we do about the distribution of relief supplies? Just like the Warsaw case, it's difficult to control.”
People were faking distribution vouchers, stealing supplies from others, robbing them, and bringing children or elderly to play on emotions. Human nature doesn't change.
And now people have even started addressing formally.
I answered coldly.
"Set a daily limit and distribution hours. I don’t care who cos to get it. After three hours or when the fixed quantity runs out, we shut it down imdiately."
Even if the sa person cos again and again, I don’t care. Even if soone steals or robs, I don’t care. I’ll show the world what an isekai-style relief system looks like.
“Is… is that really okay?”
I responded imdiately.
"Until now, distribution has taken an average of ten hours. Use the remaining seven to send people out and comb the area like we're rat-hunting."
We focus on tracking down those who sell the supplies illegally or rob others of theirs.
"If you find them, crush them. And if soone provides intel, reward them with extra relief supplies."
This is the kingdom-style welfare law from another world. Honestly, I don’t even know if it counts as proper policy.
“There’s a risk of witch hunts.”
You an like soone reporting a wealthy guy just to strip him down and get more rations? A fair concern. It's the fundantal flaw of this sort of system.
"That can't be helped."
I’m not trying to create the most perfect, eternal distribution system.
"Perfect policies that satisfy everyone only exist in heaven after you die."
We’re human, and all human-made policies will have flaws. If the benefit outweighs the flaws, you just push through.
"But still…"
"No buts."
It’s like dealing with a patient. If you can minimize side effects after treatnt, great. But if you can't, the priority is just to keep them alive.
The sa logic applies here.
"Three hours a day, fixed amounts. Then we use all available manpower to crack down on people ssing with the system."
Soone else raised a concern.
"But those who hoard supplies probably have money. If they try to bribe the patrol…"
"Han Sang-ah."
She looked up from the corner of the command room when I spoke her na.
"I saw what you did in Warsaw."
"Yeah."
It left quite the impression. Word was she beheaded those stealing supplies and abusing minors and hung their heads in the marketplace. It was brutal, but from my perspective, it was the most effective move at the ti.
"I agree with your thods. Do it again here."
Among those manipulating the system, so will definitely be part of organized groups. We’ll track them down, chop off the rotten parts, and hang them for all to see.
“Hold on a minute, this is outrageous!”
One of the others present finally stood up as they listened.
“The Netherlands, while unofficial, is under our control! Don’t you think it’s proper to consult us first?”
I turned to look at him. The Sicre Alliance. A military faction that spread from the Netherlands to France and Spain.
And this man was Robert Anelka, who held the title of Dutch governor under the Sicre Alliance.
"I don’t agree, Robert Anelka."
I stood up. His face stiffened. He must have heard the rumors of what I did in Hamburg.
So why raise his voice now?
It was obvious. There were connections between the criminal groups across the Netherlands and these guys.
"Relax. I’m not planning to drag you guys into this ss."
I recognize that even if the security is a disaster, these guys are still in control here. If we took them all down, things would spiral further out of control.
"As long as you cooperate quietly, we won’t touch you."
"You…"
He started to say sothing but then clamped his mouth shut.
"You’re outsiders. Can you really handle the backlash this will cause?"
"The relief supplies were produced in Korea and transported by us. They’re our property. If they’re not being distributed according to the original purpose, we have the right to intervene."
I swept my hand across the table and continued.
"Don’t like it? Sue . Assuming you guys, an internationally unrecognized paramilitary group, even have that right."
You thugs got lucky and seized a country and now you’re running your mouths.
"You really think Lee Se-eun would approve of how you’re handling this?"
Trying to use her na against now?
"You’re not talking to Lee Se-eun. You’re talking to . And she gave the authority to handle this."
"If she finds out about this…!"
Doesn’t matter. I looked away from Robert.
"The eting's over. Calculate the daily output limit and submit it. Draft patrol schedules and personnel assignnts. I want it all on my desk by this afternoon."
I left the room and headed back to my quarters. A little while later, there was a knock and Ja Sujeong ca in.
"You were really sothing today."
"Yeah. I felt absolutely disgusted with myself."
I gave myself a short review. Ja Sujeong looked startled, like she wanted to complint .
"What? No, I ant… you had real charisma."
"This isn’t because I enjoy it."
Charisma? I don’t care what she thinks.
"I’m just forcing people into submission with brute strength. It’s sickening."
I’m stronger than you, so shut up and obey. Or get crushed. That was my thod.
I clenched my fist. I saw enough of that crap back in the other world. I hated it more than anything.
Now I’m here on Earth doing the sa thing.
"This was the only thing I could think of. But I don’t like it."
Even if it was the best option, it doesn’t really comfort .
"Is that the paperwork for daily output?"
I nodded at the docunt in her hand. She handed it to .
"Yes. I think this will work."
I signed it, sighed, and got up.
"Thanks for your help."
I headed to see Lee Se-eun, who was still resting.
"I got the report."
I nodded as I heard her response.
"You may not like it, but it can’t be helped."
She gave the authority, after all.
"It’s fine. We just have different styles. What matters is that it’s functioning."
I looked around after hearing her.
"Are you still thinking it over?"
She was still replaying the fight in Hamburg in her head. The aftermath was already healed.
She murmured after hearing my question.
"Yeah. I can’t see the path."
No matter how much she reviewed it, she couldn’t see how to win against that guy.
You hit a wall, as they say. She’ll struggle with it for a while. She probably won’t listen to my advice, but—
"I don’t think there’s any sudden mont of enlightennt."
That’s all I was able to really say.
We’re not monks. If you want to grow stronger, you have to fight and grind. Hunters use their bodies, and you don’t improve by just ditating.
"…Yeah."
She nodded for now.
"Once relief is done and the supplies to the UK are shipped, the shield generator will also be transported."
Then, that’ll be the end of our job.
"I know. But why bother bringing it up?"
"I don’t think the Descendants of Dangun will give up."
They might target the one installed in the UK.
"So, you’re saying you’re going to stay in the UK?"
"Yes. According to Embargo Tower, it’ll take about three to four months to collect aningful data."
Han Sang-ah and I will stay under a short-term contract and train.
"What’s your plan exactly?"
"Train in the UK for three to four months, then on the way back to Korea, we’ll take on the Bratsk first-class Erosion Zone, the Fridge."
She looked at and smirked.
"You crazy bastard."
She handed a strawberry candy. I took it, and after a mont she spoke.
"I was going to take a break after this mission. A month, maybe two."
She guarded Cheorwon for years and jumped right into the transport mission. She’s not made of steel after all. She needed rest.
"I’ll stay too. The UK won’t say no. And I’ll help however I can."
Her eyes glead after speaking.
"If you manage to show aningful results while I’m here… I’ll join you for the Fridge."
I bowed politely.
"Thank you."
With her level of skill, how could I say no? She looked at and spoke after seeing bow.
"The Bratsk Fridge may be considered one of the weaker grade 1s, but still. You said you’d form a team to specialize in taking down grade 1 Erosion Zones."
She looked at her greatsword.
"After experiencing a grade 1 for real, I hope you can still keep that fire alive. So Hunters at my level say it starts at grade 1, while others call it hell."
"It certainly will be."
I’ve been to real hell before. Not this world’s, of course, but hell all the sa.
Lee Se-eun’s expression looked complicated. Perhaps if things go well here, maybe I can try to convince her to ditch Jannabi and beco my partner.
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