Chapter 40 : Brown Jewel, Golden Secret

What would the food storage in the basement of Cheongwadae look like?

It would probably be somewhat different from Chairman Iwoo’s own food storage.

Rather than focusing on the quality or rarity of ingredients, it might emphasize having enough supplies to last a long time.

There could be mountains of rice, various seasonings, salted seafood, pickles, and preserved processed meats piled up.

Or, on the contrary, there might be many rare ingredients as well.

Caviar, truffles, foie gras, top-grade extra virgin olive oil.

Isn’t that how politicians usually are? They preach integrity outwardly but indulge in greed behind closed doors.

In any case, that food storage was a tremendous temptation to Yuseong.

“No.”

Despite everything, Yuseong firmly rejected Hwang Rian’s proposal.

After declining cleanly, Yuseong took a sip of water, and Hwang Rian watched him silently.

“I thought you’d like it a lot.”

She hadn’t expected him to refuse so neatly.

Although she hadn’t said it so bluntly before, “I can take good care of you. At least enough ingredients to eat comfortably for your entire life. That’s what I plan.”

Judging by her words, the amount of stored food was definitely far greater than Chairman Iwoo’s personal supplies.

“Still, I don’t want that.”

“Are you scared? Of coming to Dae-gak?”

A childish taunt.

Yuseong caught it instantly and let out a small laugh.

“Pfft. Small but sly like a snake.”

“Taller than aunty, though.”

“Keep calling me aunty and you won’t like what happens.”

“I think the conversation’s over.”

Yuseong stood up.

His attitude was clear—he didn’t want to continue this discussion.

“Just tell me the reason.”

Hwang Rian grabbed onto him.

She was determined not to let him go without convincing him.

Though she had nothing else to offer, Hwang Rian’s desire was strong.

Knowing that, Yuseong pondered for a moment.

“… Hmm. It’s true that I’m moving because of the food. It’s a tempting proposal.”

“But why?”

“I don’t want to waste my life eating old, decades-stored rice.”

Had Hwang Rian made this offer before his return—or immediately after—Yuseong might have agreed.

But the situation was different now.

Yuseong had already cleared the Abyss once.

Since returning, he dreamed a new dream.

To be at the forefront of Abyss hunting, catching rare monsters.

To consume all kinds of delicacies and monsters, gather the ingredients, and store them in a gigantic warehouse.

Finally, after clearing the Abyss, when food returns to the world, his dream was to open his own restaurant.

“If I enter Dae-gak, I won’t be able to hunt anymore.”

“We’ll be entering the Abyss too.”

“To catch criminals? I want to catch monsters, not be an explorer.”

As Yuseong said, once inside Dae-gak, he would be far from hunting in the Abyss.

There wouldn’t be a shortage of food immediately, but clearing would be delayed and he wouldn’t get to taste rare monsters.

“So, I can’t accept it.”

Hwang Rian had no way to understand Yuseong’s deeper meaning.

But at least she sensed she couldn’t overturn his decision.

“Then so be it. If you say no, I’d have taken you by force.”

With her power, Yuseong at his current level could not resist.

Even if she didn’t use modern tech, the outcome would be the same.

Yuseong secretly felt relieved to have overcome the invisible threat.

“I’ll keep this contract for now. If you change your mind, let me know.”

Hwang Rian did not give up her last chance.

“If something happens during your explorations, contact me. I’ll help.”

She said this, lit a cigarette, and Yuseong nodded in response before walking toward the reception room door.

“Well then, I’m off.”

She would probably say goodbye on the way, but Hwang Rian just waved her hand roughly without turning her head.

Since she was the Deputy Commander of Dae-gak, if the Seven Stars ever got involved next time, they might be able to get help.

Yuseong chuckled softly and left the reception room.

Not far from the reception was Park Mi Sun.

She was reviewing documents and turned her head upon seeing Yuseong.

“You’re early.”

“Yes, just a quick greeting.”

Park Mi Sun seemed curious about what he might have been talking about.

Yet, true to her capable administrative role, she refrained from questioning.

“I wanted to talk about the Serpent extermination we mentioned last time. It seems it’s going to take a bit longer.”

“Did something go wrong?”

Yuseong was already close to clearing the ninth floor.

Much faster than the month he originally told Park Mi Sun.

“It’s not that. It’s just that you cleared too fast… The higher-ups approved the participation of the extermination team, but the ‘preparation’ you mentioned isn’t quite done yet.”

“Understood.”

Since it was true he had cleared quickly, Yuseong couldn’t help but bite back his disappointment.

It seemed he could relax a little until the extermination was ready.

Park Mi Sun packed the documents into her bag and said,

“Well then, good work, Yuseong.”

“Oh, and the execution department head’s reception room.”

“Pardon?”

“It seems that person was smoking there. Isn’t it a no-smoking zone?”

“What did you say?”

She frowned sharply.

Then, bowing her head slightly to Yuseong, she started walking briskly toward the reception room.

“This person, smoking in someone else’s reception room…”

Seeing the furious Park Mi Sun, Yuseong held back his laughter.

That was when he was about to leave the exploration building.

Brrrring.

A call came.

The caller was Chairman Iwoo.

“Hello, Chairman.”

Yuseong informed him he had just harvested potatoes.

Usually, Iwoo would be delighted and immediately suggest cooking something with potatoes.

But this time, his reaction was oddly reserved.

This was their first call since then.

“Yeah, Yuseong. Did your exploration go well?”

“Yes, nothing special happened.”

His voice was still far from bright.

“Hmm, I see.”

“When shall I serve the dish made with those potatoes?”

Iwoo was Yuseong’s number one patron and sole ingredient supplier.

He planned to cook a potato dish this time as well.

“Alright, I’m looking forward to finally tasting your potato pancake.”

His tone brightened a bit, but still different from usual.

“Chairman, is something wrong?”

“Hmm.”

When Yuseong asked directly, Iwoo paused.

“Yuseong, do you like whisky by any chance?”

Whisky—the epitome of fine liquor.

Also known as the ‘brown jewel,’ a precious drink.

“Of course, sir!”

“What do you mean ‘of course’?”

His joyful tone slipped out unconsciously.

Yuseong cleared his throat and composed himself.

“Yes, Chairman. I like it.”

“Let’s have a drink.”

He didn’t say why, but the chairman suggested whisky.

“Can I come right now?”

“Now? Yes, come over.”

Yuseong had no reason to refuse such an opportunity.

***

It goes without saying, but even in Korea, people no longer make kimchi during kimjang season.

Still, thirty years after the Great Cataclysm, people say “kimchi” when taking photos.

The West is no different; they say “cheese” or “whisky.”

Many don’t know what those words actually mean anymore.

Yet they still shout those words when taking pictures.

Perhaps shouting such words helps loosen facial muscles and create a smiling expression.

Even so, not all questions are answered.

If pronunciation or syllables are important, there are many alternatives to kimchi, cheese, or whisky.

Some say saying “hey” creates a more natural expression.

But why? Why are all these words foods?

“I don’t know.”

Yuseong had no idea.

But kimchi and cheese were definitely not ordinary foods.

They were deeply ingrained in the souls of the people in those cultures.

Perhaps that’s why, even decades after the Great Cataclysm, those words are still used.

If so, whisky might similarly be a drink etched into the souls of Westerners.

That was the fleeting thought Yuseong had after receiving a glass of whisky from Iwoo.

“Beautiful.”

A small glass similar to a wine glass.

But the shape flared slightly upward like a tulip.

Inside was dark brown transparent liquid.

When he swirled the glass, the whisky left wave-like traces on the inside.

“Smell it.”

Following Iwoo’s words, Yuseong brought the glass lightly to his nose.

He sensed a soft aroma.

“Honey, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon.”

“Exactly.”

It was a straight whisky, no ice added.

Yuseong took a sip.

“…Ah.”

All whiskies left in the world now were heavy ones aged decades.

“Rocks, fallen leaves. The scent of autumn.”

The distinctive, deep aroma unique to aged whisky passed by.

Though not a liquor expert, Yuseong could tell this whisky was exceptional.

It was cold when it entered his mouth but grew hot like molten lava as it went down his throat.

Over 40 degrees alcohol content gave a curious experience of locating his esophagus and stomach.

[You have just tasted the essence of distilled craftsmanship.]

[Pain resistance significantly increased.]

[Strength substantially improved.]

The pain resistance and strength that usually rose slightly when eating delicious food surged from this whisky.

For Yuseong, it was a glass of tremendous value.

“How is it?”

Chairman Iwoo, also holding a glass, asked Yuseong.

“Delicious.”

Yuseong’s answer was simple.

He had nothing else to say.

The melancholy thoughts from before disappeared with the whisky’s aroma in an amazing experience.

“This is a 52-year-old Balvenie whisky, of course.”

Iwoo laughed heartily and took a sip.

His drinking style was surprisingly bold for his age.

But his expression wasn’t bright.

“However, would you believe me if I said there’s an even more amazing whisky than this?”

“…More amazing than this?”

Yuseong’s expression changed.

Even he felt the whisky Iwoo gave was top quality.

It was clearly very expensive and precious even before the world changed like this.

“Yes, it’s true. There is a much more special whisky. A rare bottle carefully hidden by the now-deceased nobility of Scotland.”

Whisky’s image had originally been a drink for the wealthy.

The traditional method in Scotland took a lot of time and money.

If the nobles had carefully hidden one, it wasn’t ordinary.

Yuseong felt saliva gathering in his mouth.

“Just one glass, just one glass.”

Since Iwoo said that, it was obviously prepared.

Yet Iwoo disappointed Yuseong’s expectations.

Patting his head with a somewhat regretful and envious look, he said,

“It’s not that I have it. The problem is that Chairman Park has it. Darn it.”

“…You mean Park Gyeongjae?”

“Yes, that bastard!”

Here, ‘bastard’ wasn’t referring to a drug dealer like the Seven Stars.

It was unmistakably Park Gyeongjae, chairman of BioKizen, a leading domestic bio and energy production company.

Ninth in the business rankings.

“Remember the ‘Order of the Assembly’ I told you about?”

“Of course.”

Iwoo had once told Yuseong about Korea’s secret organization, the Order of the Assembly.

The highest echelon of the financial world.

A secret society of the most distinguished people among the powerful.

He told Yuseong because members were passionate about alcohol and food.

Because it was a gathering of upper-class people, each had food supplies collected during the Great Cataclysm.

They still shared food and drink while discussing Korea’s future.

Iwoo himself belonged to that gourmet society.

“That bastard Park boasted he has a 102-year-old whisky in an oak barrel.”

“…102 years?”

Yuseong couldn’t help but be surprised.

102 years was before the Korean War.

At that point, the whisky was more like a cultural asset than just a drink.

“I told him not to brag. But it’s true. He really had it.”

Iwoo confirmed it was true.

Then the whisky’s value would surpass imagination.

Regardless of taste, it would be worth more than gold by weight.

“So, what happened? Did you get it?”

Yuseong was eager.

He wanted to taste that whisky at least once.

But Iwoo sighed deeply.

“That bastard… When I bragged to you, he got jealous. He made such a fuss.”

Iwoo explained:

His aged whisky was perfected by Yuseong’s abilities.

Chairman Park, who was the same age, envied it and asked for the secret.

Iwoo was excited, saying he recently got a grandson, boasting to Yuseong.

That’s when Park’s jealousy flared up.

“You should have seen his arrogant face!”

So Chairman Park revealed his secret card.

The 102-year-old Macallan special limited edition whisky.

For the Order of the Assembly members who appreciate taste, it was an irresistible temptation.

Of course, Iwoo didn’t want to lose face and requested a glass.

“But that guy… demanded an appetizer that matches the class of that whisky.”

“An appetizer that matches the class…?”

“Yeah, since you’re down in the Abyss, I tried to find a chef myself.”

“So, what happened?”

“That bastard! Damn, he was so picky.”

Iwoo searched his contacts and called for chefs from the past.

But only the Order of the Assembly would invite those chefs.

By current standards, the chefs were not exceptional.

And the ingredients were limited.

Though they had a food storage, as time passed, freshness and variety declined.

It was difficult to find ingredients worthy of matching such a treasured whisky.

“Five times. I was rejected five times. I brought the best ingredients from my storage! Fresh scallops, premium nuts, oysters, all of them!”

Iwoo was furious.

Yuseong was equally frustrated hearing the story.

“Those were ingredients I was going to use.”

If Park Gyeongjae hadn’t rejected them, Yuseong might have used those ingredients someday.

Especially scallops—they were rare and almost depleted.

“So, what do I do?”

“Yes. I thought if it was you, Yuseong, you could satisfy that guy.”

Iwoo pinned his hope on Yuseong.

It was a tempting offer to Yuseong as well.

If he could make an appetizer satisfying Chairman Park, he could receive a bottle of that 102-year whisky.

Then Yuseong would finally get to taste it.

“Isn’t Chairman Park deliberately making demands to avoid giving the whisky?”

“If that were true, that’d be better. But that old man has pride. He’s not that kind of person.”

“Then it’s worth a try.”

When Yuseong said that, Iwoo’s face brightened.

“Do you have any ideas?”

“Yes. I have the perfect whisky appetizer.”

“Ohhh!”

But when Yuseong said what it was, the chairman’s face darkened.

“Potato pancake.”

“Th-that’s a makgeolli appetizer!”