RG 118

Eun Woojeong didn’t show much of a reaction to what I said—aside from a slight stiffening of his shoulders. It was unfortunate I couldn’t see his expression because of the mask. I kept my gaze fixed on him as I sorted through my thoughts.

The two things Eun Woojeong wanted ultimately boiled down to getting information on Cover. And what I’d prepared in return was information about Eun Woojeong himself.

Cover’s information versus Eun Woojeong’s information.

When I weighed both on a scale to judge which was more important, I decided to protect the information about Cover.

There was no doubt that both pieces of information could shift the balance. But if I gave up Cover’s info, it would likely interfere with my activities going forward. If one side has a heavier penalty, naturally you choose the other. And honestly, I liked the idea of flipping Eun Woojeong’s lousy deal on its head and using it against him.

‘I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a bit of regret…’

Who knows when another situation this urgent and important will come up? This is exactly the kind of situation I was holding onto this info for. Hoarding it would only let it rot past its expiration date.

If I could get Cha Sahyeon’s location in return, it wasn’t a bad trade.

‘Not to mention, it’s not just a one-time bit of intel either.’

The term I set was three months. Which means after three months, he’d need to strike another deal with me if he wanted to keep his identity hidden.

“Ha ha…” Eun Woojeong let out a soft laugh and spoke in a tone that said he found it ridiculous. “So that’s what this is…”

“Why? Still think I’m joking?”

“I don’t know where you picked that up, but I’m not giving up information over nonsense.” His voice stayed steady as he spoke.

He didn’t overreact or show any obvious signs. From the outside, it would’ve seemed calm enough to make someone wonder if I was the one mistaken. It was exactly how I’d expect him to act. He wouldn’t expose a weakness easily, and even if he got caught, he wouldn’t let panic show.

But that wouldn’t work on me. “Nonsense, huh? Then prove it.”

“What?”

“Take off your mask.”

Eun Woojeong was at a loss for words for the first time, caught off guard by my indifferent retort. I smirked at the sight. “Just showing your eyes should be enough, right?”

“…”

His eyes weren’t just golden—they were uniquely tinted with blue, a very distinct pair of irises. Even when he dyed his hair freely during his acting career, he never messed with his eyes. Probably because Awakened energy is most concentrated there, making it impossible to hide with something like colored lenses.

“Well. I don’t see any reason I should tolerate this kind of reckless demand.”

“Then how about this? You show me your eyes first, and I’ll show you everything. I’ll take off both the mask and the hat.”

“…”

“With those terms, doesn’t it actually work out better for you? You said you couldn’t let go of your curiosity about my face, right? You’d be clearing up this misunderstanding and seeing my face.” I straightened my back from the slight lean.

He should understand now. Eun Woojeong didn’t have many options left. Either acknowledge it and accept the deal, or reject it completely and try to deny everything. If he chose the latter, I’d have to drop the offer and start seriously threatening him. I needed Cha Sahyeon’s location, no matter what.

‘It’d be better for me if he just picked the first option.’

Since I didn’t know where the lab bastards had taken the kid, I needed to get the info and move quickly. I didn’t have the luxury of sitting around trying to squeeze Eun Woojeong through intimidation. So then…

Clatter-clatter, bang!

Just as I was waiting for Eun Woojeong to respond, one of the chains surrounding us lashed out like a snake. I gasped and hurriedly dodged, just in time to see the hook at the end scrape across the floor.

A chilling energy surged from directly ahead, crashing down like a wave.

Drenched in cold sweat, I looked at Eun Woojeong, who slowly lifted his head and muttered in disbelief, “That’s strange…” He stood and waved a hand, causing the chains to stir one by one. “How did you know? There’s no way you could’ve—especially you.”

I deflected the chain flying at my neck with the scabbard and replied, “You’re asking that while throwing a tantrum? Got any shame?”

“A tantrum? I’m being serious. If I kill you here, there’s no need for any deal, and I don’t have to worry about my identity leaking, do I?”

Clang, clank!

Even more chains began pouring in. If the earlier attack was just a greeting, this one was something else entirely—the speed, the weight, the killing intent packed into each strike was on a whole new level. Each time I blocked a chain, a painful jolt ran through the hand gripping my scabbard. 

Gritting my teeth, I held my ground. “You think I’d start something like this without at least some kind of preparation?” Claaang! I smacked away yet another chain and continued, “If you’re so curious, go ahead and try killing me. But don’t blame me for what happens next.”

“Huh. I didn’t take you for the loose-lipped type.”

“Yeah? Then why don’t you experience just how loose I can be.”

Eun Woojeong fell silent at my sarcasm, then deactivated his skill. The chains that had filled the space faded into pale white light and scattered.

“…Alright.” He spoke in a weary voice, his shoulders slumping.

He had just been radiating murderous intent, and now suddenly he looked completely drained. I couldn’t believe it.

“What the hell?”

“I’ll give you what you want. You said you wanted to make a deal, right?”

“You’re just gonna go along with my demands now?”

“What else can I do?” Eun Woojeong pulled something from his coat and handed it to me—a folded paper card. His voice remained deflated as he explained, “The location where Cha Seohu’s brother was kidnapped is written here. I’ve got a bike waiting below the building. Take it.”

Still wary, I cautiously approached and unfolded the card. Sure enough, there was an address written inside.

‘The church in the center of Zone A-12.’

Zone A-12 was near Tanhyeon in Ilsanseo, once home to Tanhyeon Park. Now, it was a restricted area swarming with criminals and monsters. If I left right away and didn’t stop, I could reach the place before sunrise and rescue Cha Sahyeon.

I stared at the card for a moment, then shifted my gaze to Eun Woojeong. “It’s hard to believe. If you were serious about deceiving me, there’d be no way for me to know.”

If I naively trusted this and went to the wrong place, everything could fall apart. Not only would the rescue fail, but I had no way of knowing what might happen to Cha Sahyeon in the meantime.

“If you don’t trust me, then why propose a deal at all?”

“The situation now isn’t the same as before.”

“It is the same. I accepted the deal, and now you’re responsible for it.”

Eun Woojeong crossed his arms and tilted his head, as if asking, So what are you going to do now?

I stared at the paper for a long time before finally accepting it. If he really wanted to keep his identity hidden, he would’ve given me accurate information. Even if he tricked me to get back at me, there was nothing for him to gain from that.

‘What he’s really worried about is the “minimum preparation” I mentioned.’

Eun Woojeong was afraid of how I might use his identity. And I deliberately avoided explaining the details to keep him on edge.

“When you arrive, a Hunter affiliated with Spider’s Web will inform you of the number and scale of enemies inside the church. Of course, they won’t help you. Getting in and rescuing the brother—that’s on you.”

“That much is obvious.” I tucked the paper away and turned to leave. If I wanted to arrive as soon as possible, I didn’t have time to waste.

As I stepped up onto the rooftop ledge, Eun Woojeong spoke up again behind me. “…Once you rescue the brother, let’s meet again.”

“What for? Afraid I’ll go around blabbing your name?” Even with the sarcasm, Eun Woojeong just stared at me. That actually got on my nerves more, and I ended up nodding. “Fine.”

“I hope you won’t ignore my call next time.”

Instead of replying, I jumped off the rooftop. 

I pressed my hat down with one hand as it started to come loose and grabbed onto a protruding ledge on the side of the building. Clinging to windowsills, pipes, and external units, I made my way down quickly. Just like Eun Woojeong said, a bike was parked in the corner.

Normally, I’d have brushed it off—but in this situation, I almost felt like I owed him a thank-you.

I got on the bike and started the engine, glancing upward. Not that I expected to see the guy still standing on the rooftop.

‘Tch. This doesn’t sit right.’

Clicking my tongue, I scratched my forehead. Maybe I should’ve gone a little easier on him, tried coaxing instead. The image of Eun Woojeong, looking drained and lifeless, came to mind and left me feeling unsettled.

‘…Whatever. He said we’d meet again, so I’ll deal with it then.’

What mattered right now wasn’t Eun Woojeong’s feelings. Leaving the building behind, I revved the bike and took off.