<H.A.O. Club>.
Also known as the “Witnesses.”
A secret society that had remained quietly beneath the surface, only to begin revealing its influence at a frightening pace in recent years.
A members-only secret club that had swallowed Freemasonry whole after its centuries-long reign, and was now devouring the world’s centers of power one after another from behind the curtain like something possessed.
Bzzzt—.
The sound of a microphone came from the ceiling.
〚Prospective brothers waiting in the antechamber, if you have completed all preparations, please enter. To pass the final stage, the in-depth discussion, you must obtain the approval of at least half the existing members. Please bear this in mind.〛
“How considerate.”
“Indeed.”
A hunting dog wearing an eagle and a wolf turned fox.
The two Rankers of New York gave small laughs and stepped into the passage side by side.
✧
“112 Emergency Services.”
[“I-I-I think I just witnessed a m-m-murder.”]
“What is your current location?”
[“Here, Gangwon Province, Seoraksan. Somewhere near Sinseondae on the Dinosaur Ridge…… I don’t know my exact location, just please come quickly. As fast as possible!”]
“……Understood. Police officers are being dispatched.”
[“But, excuse me!”]
“Yes, caller. Go ahead.”
[“……A R-Ranker. I think the person who killed them is a high Ranker. I’m so scared.”]
“……A Ranker. Understood. We’ll look into it. Police are currently on…