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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Silverriver
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The day after Kwon Tae-ho defeated the Heavenly Demon Returnee, Kim Beom-soo.
“Mmm…uh huh…mmm…”
Lee Ha-yeon dozed in a corner seat of the light rail that stretched to the outskirts of Seoul, oblivious to the fact that it had long since reached its final destination.
“Miss? Wake up. Miss?”
“Mmm…”
“Miss? This is the last stop. Miss?”
“Huh?!”
Ha-yeon jolted awake, a trickle of drool escaping her lips. An elderly woman, looking at her with grandmotherly amusement, asked,
“The train’s about to leave. Aren’t you getting off?”
“Oh! I am! Th-thank you for waking me!”
Ha-yeon scrambled off the train just as the doors slid shut and the train departed.
She’d nearly ended up riding all the way back. A shiver ran down her spine, and she let out a relieved sigh.
“Whew, thank you, ma’am. You saved me!”
“Don’t mention it. I couldn’t help but worry seeing a young lady sleeping so soundly. What brings you all the way out here so early in the morning? Out all night?”
“Haha, no. I just got a new job near here.”
“My, my, so young and already working hard! It’s admirable. I wish my grandson would get a job. He just stays cooped up at home all day.”
Perhaps it was the natural friendliness of the elderly, but the woman chatted with Ha-yeon as if they were old neighbors.
Ha-yeon, used to interacting with her own two grandmothers, readily responded, and they continued their conversation as they walked.
“Where are you headed, ma’am?”
“The senior center just up ahead. We’re finishing a Go-Stop game from yesterday.”
“Oh, really? I hope you win big!”
“It’s just a friendly game. Even if I win, I’ll end up sharing the winnings anyway. But it’s still fun.”
Chatting and laughing, they turned into an alley. Coincidentally, they were headed in almost the same direction.
-…!! …!!
Suddenly, they heard a commotion coming from further down the alley.
“Huh? Is there a fight going on?”
“Not a fight, a protest.”
“A protest…?”
“A real troublemaker lives in that commercial building just past the corner.”
The closer they got, the clearer the noise became, and Ha-yeon’s unease grew.
‘A protest…could it be…? No, even so…really…?’
As they rounded the corner and reached the front of Kwon Tae-ho’s Enforcer office, the scene confirmed her suspicions.
“Kwon Tae-ho is a criminal!”
“Criminal! Criminal!”
“Violent Enforcer, resign!”
“Resign! Resign!”
“We oppose excessive force!”
“Oppose! Oppose!”
Loud chants amplified by megaphones, signs and banners held high, and people shouting angrily.
“Tsk, tsk. Look at them, at it again.”
The elderly woman, seemingly accustomed to the sight, clicked her tongue and headed into the adjacent senior center. But Ha-yeon couldn’t tear her eyes away.
She was starting to have second thoughts.
She’d chosen Kwon Tae-ho’s office for her training because she’d heard he was incredibly skilled, despite his bad reputation.
Had she made a mistake…?
-Buzz! Buzz!
Her phone vibrated. The number was unfamiliar.
“Hello…?”
“Lee Ha-yeon?”
A cool, feminine voice.
“Yes, it’s Lee Ha-yeon….”
“Stop dawdling and come upstairs. Use the back fire escape, not the front entrance. There are protestors. And don’t look like you work here. You might get hit with an egg.”
“What? Uh, yes! I understand-”
-Click.
The abrupt end to the call left Ha-yeon dumbfounded.
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‘…She said the back entrance…?’
She followed the alley and found the fire escape leading to the second floor, just as the woman had said. Nervously, she climbed the stairs and knocked on the office door.
-Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
The same feminine voice.
“Excuse me…”
She stepped inside, and the familiar office greeted her. But there was one difference.
“…Yes, we’ll proceed as discussed. I’ll email you the relevant documents shortly. Yes, we’ll be more careful next time. Thank you for your cooperation.”
An unfamiliar woman sat at a desk, speaking on the phone.
She had dark, almost bluish-black hair pulled back neatly, giving her an intellectual air.
She was much taller than Ha-yeon, easily over 5’7”. Her skin was pale, and her long eyelashes rested against closed eyelids. She looked almost ethereal, like a statue of a goddess from an ancient temple.
What was strange was that despite her eyes being closed, she moved around and handled documents as if she could see perfectly well.
“Yes, I’ve received confirmation. We’ll be more careful next time. Thank you again for your cooperation.”
Just as Ha-yeon was about to greet her, the phone rang again.
-Ring…click.
“Hello, this is-”
“Kwon Tae-ho’s Enforcer Office.”
A crisp, immediate answer. The woman held up a hand, signaling Ha-yeon to wait.
“…Yes, I see. Then please take action immediately. That’s an illegal assembly without a permit. We’ll be expecting swift action. Goodbye.”
-Click.
The woman hung up and sighed. Ha-yeon tried again.
“Hello! I’m Lee Ha-yeon, starting my trainee program at Kwon Tae-ho’s Enforcer Office today! It’s a pleasure to meet you!”
“…Hello, Ha-yeon. It’s a pleasure to meet you too. I’m Yoo Seol, Assistant Director at Kwon Tae-ho’s Enforcer Office. Yoo is my family name, and Seol is my given name.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Assistant Director Yoo!”
“Likewise. Welcome.”
Yoo Seol extended a hand. As Ha-yeon shook it, her gaze drifted to the woman’s closed eyes.
Still closed, but she acted as if she could see perfectly. It was both mysterious and unsettling.
“Curious about my eyes? There’s a reason for it. I keep them closed most of the time. But I can see just fine. 20/20 vision, probably even better. I was just making coffee. Would you like some?”
“Yes, please!”
“I like your enthusiasm. Have a seat.”
Her voice was cool, but her tone was polite and friendly. Ha-yeon, feeling more relaxed, sat on the sofa and smiled.
“Um, Assistant…Director? What’s with the protest outside?”
“Enforcer Kwon caused some property damage yesterday while subduing a Returnee. They’re protesting that.”
“But that was just yesterday! Shouldn’t the victims be dealing with the aftermath? How could they organize a protest with banners and signs so quickly?”
“Ah, right. My mistake.”
Yoo Seol placed a cup of coffee in front of Ha-yeon and shrugged.
“Those aren’t the victims from yesterday’s incident in Suyu-dong. They’re the ‘Kwon Tae-ho Victims Association,’ a group of semi-professional protestors who show up whenever Enforcer Kwon causes any collateral damage during his missions.”
“P-professional protestors? Why would they target Enforcer Kwon…?”
“Various reasons. Property damage caused by Returnee incidents he handled, delays in receiving compensation from the Bureau, or simply because they find his methods objectionable.”
Most of them are just taking out their frustrations on him. She thought to herself, Why do they do this? Unfazed by the noise outside, she returned to her work. Clearly, this was a common occurrence.
“I’ve already reported them. They didn’t file for a permit, so it’s an illegal assembly. The police will be here soon to disperse them.”
“I-I see. But, where is Enforcer Kwon-?”
-Slam!
The inner office door burst open, and Kwon Tae-ho walked out, water dripping from his hair, his upper body completely bare.
“Eek!”
Ha-yeon quickly covered her eyes. Tae-ho, unperturbed, casually poured himself a cup of coffee.
“Oh, you’re here. When did you arrive?”
“Just now, sir. Please put on a shirt. It’s indecent.”
“It’s not like anyone’s going to melt from looking. I’m fine, don’t worry about it.”
“We’re worried. Have some consideration for the women in the office. Or do I have to file a sexual harassment complaint to get you to behave? ‘Violent Enforcer Kwon Tae-ho, Secretly Harassing Female Employees…’ That would make a juicy headline, wouldn’t it?”
“You’re so uptight…”
His tone, now cold and sharp, was a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor with Ha-yeon. She stared at him, speechless.
“And why did you walk through the front entrance when there’s a protest going on? You got egged! With your reflexes, you should be able to dodge eggs in your sleep.”
“Would you believe me if I said I was caught off guard? There was a Returnee in the crowd. Powerful throwing arm. Judging by their form, they’ve played baseball. Never seen an egg fly so straight.”
“So proud of yourself, aren’t you?”
Tae-ho roughly dried his hair and grabbed a random shirt, pulling it on.
He’d just showered, but he somehow managed to look disheveled again in seconds. Yoo Seol sighed.
“Sir, the Bureau will cover the damages from yesterday’s incident with Kim Beom-soo. Officer Seo Ye-rim gave a favorable testimony. Said you weren’t responsible for the collateral damage. The Bureau is likely to reach the same conclusion.”
“Really? That’s good to hear.”
Tae-ho let out a sigh of relief. He’d been worried about being held responsible for the damages.
“Honestly, how are we supposed to do our jobs if people keep demanding compensation for every little thing? If it weren’t for me, that entire neighborhood would have been leveled yesterday. And they’re complaining about a few broken windows…”
“You’re absolutely right, sir, but people are less forgiving these days. It’s easy to get unfairly blamed, especially for private Enforcers like yourself.”
“…There was a time when being an Enforcer, public or private, meant you were a hero protecting the citizens. Times have changed.”
Enforcers specialized in Returnee-related crimes.
They were divided into two categories: Public Enforcers, who were government employees, and Private Enforcers, who were quasi-civil servants.
Public Enforcers were the elite of the elite, selected through a highly competitive process after obtaining their Enforcer license. They were immediately granted a Grade 5 government rank, equivalent to a senior administrative officer. Their salaries, including various allowances and benefits, far exceeded that of a typical Grade 5 official.
Private Enforcers, on the other hand, were those who passed the licensing exam but chose to operate independently instead of joining the public sector.
Essentially, they were freelance contractors. Registered with the Bureau but not directly employed by the government.
They received payment through contracts with the Bureau or other government agencies. The emergency dispatch Tae-ho responded to yesterday was a typical example. They also received requests from the police for assistance in Returnee-related criminal investigations.
However, such requests weren’t regular. Therefore, a Private Enforcer’s income was inherently unstable. While some enjoyed celebrity status and lucrative incomes, they were the exception.
Even skilled Enforcers like Tae-ho, who used to be in high demand, were now facing tougher times. The recent increase in the number of Public Enforcers meant fewer contracts for Private Enforcers.
“Anyway, it’s fortunate that Officer Seo Ye-rim, who’s in charge of Kim Beom-soo’s case, is acquainted with you. If we were held liable for the damages, we would have been in the red, even with the mission payment. We’d practically be homeless.”
“Come on, we’re not that poor. You worry too much, Assistant Director.”
“…”
Yoo Seol stared at him silently, her eyes still closed. But Tae-ho could feel her pointed gaze.
“Are we really that bad off?”
“We’re fine for rent for now, but if we were held liable for those damages, we’d be talking thousands, minimum. A small office like ours would go bankrupt.”
“Well, we’ll try to avoid that. And even if it happens, the Bureau will help us out. I’ve worked with them on so many cases. They’re not going to let me go bankrupt over a few measly bucks.”
“With all due respect, sir, you’re incredibly naive about how government agencies work.”
“What?”
Tae-ho frowned. Yoo Seol replied in an exasperated tone.
“Let me rephrase that. You are astonishingly clueless about the realities of government bureaucracy. You think the Bureau won’t abandon you over ‘a few measly bucks?’ Government agencies pinch pennies religiously. They’re not driven by sentiment.”
“Even so, they can’t afford to neglect me. I’m the only Enforcer in Gangbuk district capable of handling A-rank or higher threats.”
“That might not last. You know they’ve been increasing the number of Public Enforcers, right?”
“A bunch of rookies are no match for me.”
“Of course not, sir. You are faaaaaar too superior.”
Her sarcasm was dripping.
“Well, I am pretty good.”
Yoo Seol’s sarcasm was a subtle protest, but it was lost on Tae-ho.
“…”
She wanted to punch him.
Not because violence was wrong, but because hitting him would only hurt her fists. He’d probably dodge effortlessly and taunt her.
“…But what if, among those ‘rookies,’ there’s someone, even if not as skilled as you, who’s competent enough to handle this backwater district? Don’t you think that’s possible?”
“…So you’re saying the Bureau will ditch me if they assign a Public Enforcer here?”
“Not immediately. But they’ll gradually prioritize you less. And eventually, they might not be as willing to cooperate on matters like this. That’s why I keep telling you to minimize collateral damage.”
It was about being prepared.
Anticipating the worst and taking precautions. Tae-ho didn’t disagree.
“…I understand what you’re saying, Assistant Director. But minimizing damage isn’t always up to me. Returnees are like walking time bombs! I can be as careful as I want, but if they explode, that’s it! End of story!”
“That’s true, sir. There are always unforeseen circumstances…”
“Exactly! That’s what I’m saying!”
He wasn’t at fault for yesterday’s incident. He’d contained the blast from the Thunder Tiger Fist. Without his intervention, the damage would have been far worse.
“Still, we need to prepare for the worst. If minimizing damage is difficult, then we should at least have enough savings to cover the costs.”
“That makes sense, but…”
Of course, he wanted to make more money. Who didn’t?
“The problem is there’s no work.”
As mentioned before, Private Enforcers had two main sources of income:
Subduing Returnees causing violent incidents.
Investigating and resolving Returnee-related crimes at the request of the police or the Bureau.
But both were slow right now. That’s why he was stuck in his office doing nothing.
However, there were other options.
Kwon Tae-ho was a Private Enforcer, not officially affiliated with the government.
Unlike Public Enforcers, he could have a “side hustle.”
“Why don’t you get a side job like other Private Enforcers, sir?”
Ha-yeon, who had been quietly listening, perked up at Yoo Seol’s suggestion.
“Um, what kind of side jobs are we talking about?”
“Lots of options. Anything that utilizes the ‘Type 1 Ability Use License’ included with your Enforcer license.”
The current South Korean government strictly regulated the use of “abilities.” This included not only the powers possessed by Returnees, but also any skills or techniques acquired by non-Returnees through Returnees.
These regulations were necessary to maintain social order.
However, they couldn’t completely ban the use of such convenient powers. So, the government implemented a system of licenses for ability use.
The Type 1 license held by Enforcers permitted the use of abilities in any non-criminal situation, essentially a free pass.
“Hmm, I’m not familiar enough with the specifics. Could you give me some examples?”
“The most common one is being a bodyguard for the wealthy or politicians. Enforcer Kwon, despite your…personality, you have a reputation for being incredibly skilled. You’d probably get offers to protect CEOs and the like. We’re talking serious money, not annually, but monthly.”
“M-monthly…?♡”
Ha-yeon’s eyes lit up at the mention of such a large sum. Not a positive sparkle, but a dangerous glint.
Yoo Seol felt a chill run down her spine.
“Yes, well. Anyway, once you establish yourself in the security business, you could use that capital to start your own security company. That would make it easier to handle taxes and other administrative matters.”
“What else?”
“Besides security…construction work is always an option. Enforcers are basically walking heavy machinery. Register with a contractor, and construction sites all over the country will be begging for your services.”
“And? What else?”
“This probably wouldn’t suit you, but you could start an academy. You’re proficient in martial arts, magic, superpowers… You could teach ordinary people how to use abilities. Getting a teaching license is a bit of a hassle, but once you open an academy, you’ll be rolling in money.”
Ha-yeon looked like she was floating on cloud nine, imagining herself rich beyond her wildest dreams.
“Ha-yeon, are you short on money?”
“What? No! I mean, well, actually, yes. A little…”
She smiled sheepishly. Yoo Seol felt a pang of sympathy.
She’d thought Ha-yeon was just a cute, eager trainee, but it seemed she was quite motivated by money.
‘Dealing with Enforcer Kwon’s financial troubles is enough for me. But I guess being driven by desire is…honest, in a way?’
She wasn’t sure. She didn’t want to think about it. Managing Kwon Tae-ho’s affairs was already more than enough for her.
“That’s unfortunate. Larger offices offer incentives and bonuses to trainee Enforcers. But we’re not in a position to do that. Because, surprisingly, Enforcer Kwon refuses to take on any side jobs.”
“What? Really? None at all?”
“None. At. All.”
Ha-yeon looked at Tae-ho questioningly. He cleared his throat.
“Power should only be used for righteous purposes, not personal gain. Otherwise, we’re no better than the criminals we deal with.”
“Oh…”
That’s…kind of cool. Ha-yeon thought, impressed.
“Wouldn’t providing for your hardworking employees be considered a public service rather than personal gain?”
Yoo Seol deflated the moment with a sigh and a dose of pragmatism.
“Why would you willingly give up the biggest advantage of being a Private Enforcer? If you’re so against side hustles, why not try for a government position? With your experience and record, you could easily get recruited directly.”
“No way. I refuse to become a government lapdog. I’m a lone wolf, Assistant Director.”
“A lone wolf, my foot. You’ll starve to death.”
“What?”
Tae-ho blinked, surprised by her sharp retort. Ha-yeon looked equally stunned.
“Did I hear that right?”
“Yes, you did. I’m worried about you, and this is how you repay my concern? An Enforcer who ignores his assistant director deserves to be out on the streets, freezing and starving.”
“That’s a bit harsh. But I know you care. Thank you.”
“If you know that, then please, please, listen to my advice for once…”
Yoo Seol’s voice was almost pleading. Tae-ho chuckled.
“Don’t worry, something will come up. Work always finds you when you least expect it.”
“That kind of baseless optimism doesn’t-”
-Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing!!
The office’s landline rang. Yoo Seol stared at the phone, then at Tae-ho.
“See? What did I tell you?”
“…”
Tae-ho shrugged, a smug look on his face.
Yoo Seol seethed, wanting to punch him again. But knowing he’d dodge, she gritted her teeth and forced herself to remain calm.
“Kwon Tae-ho’s Enforcer Office.”
She spoke on the phone for about five minutes. Tae-ho finished drying his hair, and Ha-yeon, with nothing else to do, traced patterns on the ceiling tiles.
“I see. Thank you. I’ll let him know. Goodbye.”
-Click.
“Work?” Tae-ho asked eagerly. “Something big?”
“…Fortunately, it’s a very big case. A joint investigation request directly from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.”
“See? There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. So, what is it?”
Unlike the excited Tae-ho, Yoo Seol’s voice was somber.
The nature of the case left no room for excitement.
“Serial murders. Targeting only Returnee criminals.”
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