Chapter 29: Normalizing the Abnormal (1)

Control of the Tower.  

The use of Summon Tickets.  

Of course, these were clear acts of hostility.  

But if one called it a war, there was no choice but to raise a question mark.  

It could only be regarded as hostile actions, a form of diplomacy at best.  

However, this incident—the occupation battle over Dokdo—was completely different in nature.  

Japan’s fury.

A declaration that it would no longer tolerate South Korea’s arrogance.  

[Acting Prime Minister Takaoji Fumio warns the Government of the Republic of Korea: This illegal occupation will not be overlooked.  We declare we will not hesitate to go to war.]  

This was no mere warning.  

Along with the declaration of war, the Japanese navy violated the territorial waters of South Korea.  

Fighter jets patrolled the precarious airspace, a full battle readiness truly for war was underway.  

In response, the Government of the Republic of Korea appealed to the world.  

“Dokdo, formerly South Korean territory, was unlawfully occupied by Japan.”  

“Japan instigated this occupation. South Korea merely did what was necessary.”  

“We are obligated, under the International Awakened Law, to respond to incidents related to upheavals only through Awakeners.”  

“Help us.”  

But the reaction was cold.  

[Joel Morris, President of the United States: South Korea provoked the pretext for war.]  

[Zhang Zhao, President of China: South Korea must pay the appropriate price.]

[Vlad Yakoblev, President of Russia, stated publicly: Those who commit crimes must be punished; it is common sense.]  

The United States, China, and Russia all sided with Japan.  

The blatant and transparent nature of this stance was, in a way, expected.  

South Korea had risen as a rookie securing fifth place on the weekly ranking, and Japan, as one of The Four Powers, was gearing up for conflict.  

Though the likelihood of actual war was slim, if it were to occur, it would greatly benefit the other three powers.  

South Korea’s momentum would falter under Japan’s assault, and Japan would lose some strength from containing the rookie.  

The other three powers, long troubled by Japan’s shadow, would seize this opportunity to widen the gap.  

Hence, rather than preventing it, the atmosphere was one of incitement.  

As if inviting them to fight freely, setting the stage.  

But Japan was shrewd.  

[A sharp warning to the Government of the Republic of Korea: Immediately extradite the criminal Kim Si-won.] 

[If you hand over Kim Si-won, the root of all problems, nothing further will happen.]  

Japan subtly laid out its demands while pressuring South Korea under the threat of war.  

It seemed to tempt the Korean government with an offer to let the whole matter disappear if only Kim Si-won was handed over.  

Naturally, shaken by the looming war crisis that meant inevitable defeat and massive damage, the South Korean government could do nothing but bite the bait.  

***

An emergency cabinet meeting was convened.  

What should have been a quiet session erupted in unexpected turmoil.  

“No!”  

The voice came from someone who abruptly stood up.  

It was Hosik Jeong, Minister of the Awakening Bureau, called to the emergency meeting.  

“Handing over Kim Si-won is absolutely unacceptable. It’s the worst choice we could make!”  

The topic was the conflict with Japan.  

It aimed to find solutions to resolve the crisis that had escalated to the brink of war, and to prepare future countermeasures.  

Yet, there was no real debate; it was just a notification of predetermined decisions.  

Hosik Jeong was the sole voice of opposition, unable to comprehend the current situation.  

“Unacceptable!” He glared fiercely.  

“Isn’t this all the mess caused by Minister Hosik Jeong? We’re trying to clean it up, so what’s with all the complaints?”  

Prime Minister Kim Sejun, who also served as vice-chair at the meeting, was visibly displeased.  

“That’s right. It all started when we needlessly provoked Dokdo!”  

“Despite the president’s clear opposition, reckless actions were forced through, leading us here.”  

“What audacity to maintain such shameless defiance.”  

Everyone criticized Hosik Jeong.  

Yet, undeterred, he continued speaking.  

“And what was the result? Kim Si-won reclaimed Dokdo, unlawfully occupied by Japan 50 years ago. He achieved alone what neither the government nor military could. How can we cast out a man who, by all rights, should be a national hero? If we do that, who will ever stand for the nation again? Do you honestly think this makes any sense?”  

The predetermined conclusion was absurd.  

Using state power to arrest Kim Si-won and hand him over to Japan.  

Allowing Japanese forces to enter South Korean territory and stand by as they capture him.  

Though the methods differed, the outcome was the same: handing Kim Si-won over to Japan.  

This was how a hero who reclaimed Dokdo after half a century of illegal occupation was treated.  

“A hero? Speak properly. He invaded foreign territory and slaughtered soldiers — how is that a hero?”  

“Exactly. Takeshima has been Japanese territory for 50 years. Minister Hosik Jeong, do you not realize you’re defending a murderer who trespassed and slaughtered residents in another country?”  

“Protecting a murderer? Minister Hosik Jeong, surely you’re not in your right mind.”  

The words from the cabinet ministers were overwhelming.  

‘…So this is how far it’s come.’  

Calling Dokdo “Takeshima,” branding a war hero a murderer.  

Of course, he knew.  

Politics could turn heroes into murderers in an instant.  

But even so, there was a right time for that.  

And now was not that time.  

“Everyone knows why Japan is so obsessed with Kim Si-won. Control of the Tower, the rapidly advancing rankings. Japan is anxious. After South Korea’s one-sided victories, even without the Dokdo incident, Japan would have pressured the government by any means necessary to hand him over. That is why now is the time not to reject but to embrace him. We must protect him. This is South Korea’s chance to rise as a powerful nation for the first time in 50 years, and we cannot afford to lose it like this…”  

“Enough!”  Interrupting Hosik Jeong’s desperate words was the middle-aged man seated at the center, the highest seat in the room.  

It was Jang Mangoo, President of the Republic of Korea.  

“Minister Hosik Jeong.”  

“Yes.”  

“You seem to be deeply mistaken. We tried to embrace him despite multiple oversteps. We even forged close agreements. But the one who rejected those opportunities was Kim Si-won, and you yourself.”  

“But…”  

“It doesn’t matter if he’s a national hero. Power beyond state control is a curse, not a blessing. What if that blade turns against us? Even if our national power weakens, handing him over to Japan is the path to protecting the nation. Remember that.”  

In that moment, Hosik Jeong realized.  

They cared not for South Korea’s safety, but their own.  

The current government sought only to eliminate political threats to their positions.  

“And remember, Minister, you will not escape responsibility for this incident.”  

He had been mistaken.  

No matter how hungry for power they were, he had assumed they would at least care for their country, their homeland.  

That was a grave misjudgment.  

To them, South Korea was merely a fence around their power, nothing more.  

A cold chill ran through him.  

Realizing the truth, Hosik Jeong slumped down in his seat.  

“Then, let us discuss the disposition of Kim Si-won.”  

Jang Mangoo spoke as if the meeting was only now beginning in earnest.  

“How about mobilizing the military? No matter how powerful an Awakener, they can’t stand up to military pressure.”  

“Military, huh? What about civilian reactions?”  

“Some civilian casualties are expected if there’s fierce resistance…”  

“They’re just cattle anyway. Once we manage public opinion, it will subside quickly.”  

“It seems better we hand him over directly rather than letting Japanese troops enter the territory. The optics are cleaner that way.”  

Mobilize the military.  

Ignore civilian casualties.  

Calling the public cattle—he could only shut his eyes tightly at the horrifying sight before him.  

‘I was blind all along.’  

Rising through the ranks on merit alone, becoming Minister of the Awakening Bureau.  

No nepotism, no regionalism, no blood ties influencing appointments.  

He had thought South Korea had a future because of this.  

But no.  

He had been placed minister merely as a facade for the public.  

He was thoroughly excluded, and the current state of affairs proved it.  

They cared only for their own positions, not the future of South Korea or its people.  

It was as if he had swallowed the red pill from some movie, dizzy with the stark reality, unable to keep his eyes open.  

And then.  

A soft touch rested on his shoulder.  

“…I just want to ask one thing.”  

A low voice sounded beside him.  

It was neither the president’s nor any minister’s voice.  

“W-who is it?”  

“Security! Security!”  

Chaos erupted in the hall.  

The president and ministers fled to a corner, shouting loudly at the intruder.  

Hosik Jeong turned his head.  

The one resting a hand on his shoulder was a massive presence—an immovable mountain.  

“Ki-Kim Si-won?”  

Kim Si-won had appeared in the meeting room, a place that allowed no unauthorized entry.  

Their eyes locked in the air.  

“Suppose I clear out all these idiots here, and in doing so, grasp power. What do you think of that?”  

It was like a whisper from the devil.  

A secret offer that corrupts the soul, causing his pupils to tremble violently.  

But the devil’s offer was also an opportunity.  

The reward gained through corruption was bound to be sweet.  

Therefore.  

“I will make South Korea an unprecedented powerhouse. Of course, at the forefront will be you, Kim Si-won. I fully intend to use you.”  

He willingly accepted the devil’s bargain.  

At that moment.  

A slight twitch.  

The corner of Kim Si-won’s mouth moved faintly.  

“‘Fully use me’? I like how that sounds.”  

Had there been no further words, no one could say what would have happened to this pact.  

But Hosik Jeong’s pleasing response changed the situation dramatically.  

With a light tap on the shoulder, Kim Si-won passed by.  

“Remember this vow well. Otherwise, what is about to unfold will be your future.”  

“What the…”  

And then.  

“Flash!”  

A burst of light, like lightning, scattered wildly through the room.  

Screams?  

Groans?  

Nothing.  

Only.  

“Thud”, roll—  

***

Dozens of severed heads decorated the floor.  

That afternoon, shocking news shook the world.  

[Breaking news!]

[Tragedy at the Blue House. Hundreds, including President Jang Mangoo, lawmakers, and ministers, were slaughtered!]  

[Who was behind this horrific tragedy? Suspicious eyes turned toward Japan, which had recently been pressuring the South Korean government. ] 

[Awakening Bureau Minister Hosik Jeong, the sole survivor of the tragedy, stated: Japan orchestrated the surprise attack on the Blue House.]  

[As acting president, Hosik Jeong declared Japan’s atrocities unacceptable and promised a firm response to the nation.]  

“The Government of the Republic of Korea declares war on Japan.”  

After 50 years of cautious watchfulness, South Korea finally declared all-out war against Japan.