CHAPTER 228. MEETING WITH THE PRESIDENT
The Blue House security guards couldn’t relax their tension.
Because they’d been told that the infamous Black Scythe was coming to meet the president.
“Senior. Shouldn’t we mobilize the military or something?”
“The military?”
“Can we stop Black Scythe with just us? You know how strong players are.”
“You little punk, you’re trembling. What is Black Scythe, a terrorist? You think he’s storming in to take over the Blue House? Why are you worrying about pointless crap?”
“No, senior, do you trust that guy? What if he’s coming to assassinate the president? We should prevent any possible situation in advance.”
“Hey. Be scared of someone worth being scared of. He’s the guy who went to Nigeria alone and wiped out IS. In Korea, he’s got a proper title as a squad leader of the C.P.F. Does Black Scythe look like a dangerous person to you?”
“Still, isn’t that why we’re standing by like this, just in case?”
“Right. That’s why we did a full security sweep of this reception room, and why dozens of guards from the president’s own security detail are swarming around. Even though it’s all meaningless in front of Black Scythe.”
“You really think so?”
“Hey, let’s be honest—how would ordinary people like us subdue Black Scythe? I heard even players crawl around carefully in front of him. You think a few dozen guards can stop him? Even if you mobilize the military, it’d be impossible.”
“Then why would the president want to meet someone that dangerous…”
“Because he judged he’s not dangerous, that’s why. Honestly, if Black Scythe really wanted to, what couldn’t he do? If he wanted power, this place would’ve turned into a wasteland ages ago. He wouldn’t be running around hunting IS and criminals like he is now.”
“Mm… when you put it like that, it sounds right.”
“So stop worrying about useless crap and mind your own job. And even though it won’t happen, if Black Scythe attacks the president, be prepared to be a human shield.”
“Not a human shield—wouldn’t it be a scythe shield?”
“Are you seriously cracking jokes right n— Hey. He’s coming.”
When the guards saw Black Scythe and the president walking down the corridor, they snapped into rigid attention.
At the president’s side, there was a whole cloud of people—starting with the Chief of Staff, plus the Minister of National Defense, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Prime Minister, the National Security Office Chief, and nearly twenty guards.
When the reception-room guards opened the doors, the president smiled and spoke.
“Please go in, Black Scythe-nim. This will be a good place to talk.”
“Yes.”
Black Scythe wore ordinary clothes with no weapons, but oddly enough, he had a white mask on.
‘Is he really not dangerous? How are we supposed to trust someone whose face we can’t even see…?’
The guard who was grumbling to himself froze completely when he suddenly met the gaze inside that mask.
Just making eye contact felt like becoming a rabbit standing before a tiger.
Ryu Min walked past the guard—who lowered his eyes without realizing—and entered.
“Please sit here. Would you like some tea?”
“No. I’m planning to take care of my business quickly and leave.”
After politely declining, Ryu Min looked at the president.
‘President Yoon Seong-ho. No corruption, a strong sense of justice, a clean president who prioritizes the people’s safety. Not authoritarian, either. Someone like this, I can trust.’
More than anything, when he read his inner thoughts, the man wasn’t hostile toward him.
Didn’t he personally call last time, saying he wanted to award him for dealing with IS?
‘If he’d been uncooperative with me, I was planning to use Yamtti if I had to, but I won’t need to.’
He still hadn’t stated his demands, but he had a feeling the conversation would go smoothly.
“You called suddenly saying you wanted to meet me. Do you have some favor to ask?”
“You’re perceptive. That’s right. I have two requests for you, Mr. President.”
“Two? I’ll hear you out first. Go ahead.”
“As you know, I have a record of executing IS. As a squad leader of the C.P.F., I also contributed to handling criminals.”
“I know, I know. Is there any citizen who doesn’t know that great achievement?”
“But I don’t intend to stop there—I plan to save other countries as well. I believe there will be more countries in need of help than you’d expect.”
“Countries in need of help?”
“Countries where the government has been dominated by players. Players intoxicated with force tend to seize the leadership first. This is a guess, but I think there are quite a few such countries, in ways we may or may not know about.”
It wasn’t a guess—it was real.
Around this time, there were players who took over countries and ruled like kings.
They simply weren’t aware because those players penned the citizens behind fences, preventing it from being reported.
“If such countries truly exist, that would be a serious problem.”
“Yes. So my first request is this: I want you to take responsibility and use the National Intelligence Service’s information to find countries that need help.”
“And the second?”
“For my second request, I’d like you to arrange a broadcast—an address that can be aired worldwide—so I can convey my intentions. I plan to say this: if a country needs help, they should request assistance from Korea, and I will help at any time.”
“Hmm….”
It wasn’t an impossible request.
But there was one thing that bothered the president.
“Do you realize that could become a dangerous statement that might lead to international disputes, depending on how it’s taken?”
“Of course. But I will take responsibility and make sure that doesn’t happen. I will conclude things decisively so that no other country can retaliate against the Republic of Korea. That much, I can promise you.”
“Hmm….”
Even after Ryu Min said he would ensure international disputes would not occur, the president’s furrowed brow didn’t relax.
Because he put the people’s safety first, he had no choice but to be cautious.
“What do the others think?”
“The intention of helping other countries is good, but if something goes wrong, it could become a diplomatic issue…”
“Didn’t Black Scythe-nim say he would ensure there is no retaliation?”
“Does everything in the world go the way we want? We must consider variables.”
“I believe that if Black Scythe-nim takes responsibility, there won’t be an issue, but…”
“Are you saying we should entrust a nation’s fate to Black Scythe-nim?”
“You shouldn’t twist it that way. If a country is in crisis, isn’t it only right to help?”
“Exactly. If people are in danger, you help first—there’s no time to nitpick this and that.”
“Besides, don’t we have Black Scythe-nim—the best among players? Nothing we fear will happen.”
“I agree. And if this goes well, there’s nothing better for elevating Korea’s standing.”
The ministers, the prime minister, the chiefs—all offered their opinions.
In the middle of it, the president glanced at Ryu Min.
‘With that mask, I can’t read his expression at all.’
The president wavered, torn on whether he could truly trust Black Scythe—then organized his thoughts.
‘Even if he hasn’t revealed his identity, he has already shown trustworthiness. If he wanted, he could kill me here and now, but he didn’t. Because he doesn’t want the country to collapse. And even now, with that same intent, he’s stepping forward to help other nations.’
His concern for the country and its people was genuine.
And he didn’t seem like someone irresponsible enough to leave potential international disputes to chance.
“Can I trust you?”
“Yes. Trust me.”
Was Ryu Min’s firm answer the deciding blow?
“Very well. I will accept all of the requests you’ve made. When should we begin?”
“The sooner, the better.”
“Then we’ll proceed immediately. Chief of Staff.”
“Yes.”
“Prepare a place for Black Scythe-nim to deliver a national address.”
“Understood, Mr. President. This way, Black Scythe-nim.”
After giving the president a respectful nod, Ryu Min was following the Chief of Staff—
Bzzzz— Bzzzz—
“Just a moment. I’m getting a call.”
Ryu Min lifted Lostyak’s phone and checked the caller.
‘John Delgado?’
He’d told him to contact him if there was anything to pass along regarding the Messiah side—so it must be that.
“Yes. What is it? Ah, I see. So they set an appointment on your end? Understood. Send me the place and time by text.”
With the Chief of Staff beside him, he answered in polite speech.
As if it were nothing.
But it wasn’t something he could take lightly.
‘John Delgado’s identity got exposed earlier than I expected. For the Messiah side to propose meeting first…’
From what he heard, the Messiah side had come looking for him and accused him of being in league with Black Scythe.
Then they said they’d set a location, and asked him to arrange a meeting with Black Scythe.
‘How brazen. They’re not coming to me themselves—they want me to come out to their meeting place?’
If they’re telling him to come to a place they chose, they definitely have some scheme.
‘Fine. I’ll walk right into the snake’s maw.’
Wearing a confident smile, Ryu Min sent a single text, then lifted his head.
“Let’s go, Chief of Staff.”
“Yes.”
This was what his text said.
[Prepare the private jet, Yamtti. It’s been a while—an overseas business trip.]
A man in a white mask stepped onto a podium with the Blue House behind him.
“Hello. I am a Korean player who uses the nickname Black Scythe.”
Click— click—
The shutters of the reporters lined up in the front row flashed.
Behind them were reporters pounding away at laptops, rushing to publish fast.
“You may find it strange that someone like me—who is not a government official—would suddenly hold a press conference and make an announcement like this. You may want to question what right I have to stand here. But I had to create an opportunity like this. Because there is something I truly want to say to people all over the world.”
When Ryu Min paused, the crowd fell silent with him.
What was he going to say, that he was dragging it out like this?
Everyone who was curious listened closely.
“Some of you may already know, but a few months ago, I eliminated IS’s leader and the remaining forces. The reason was simple. Because I hate criminals. Their existence is no different from harm. And in that sense, I want to issue a warning to players all over the world.”
At the word “warning,” everyone held their breath.
A statement that could turn players worldwide into enemies.
It was arrogant—but in another sense, it was impressive.
Only Black Scythe could say something like this.
“If there are players who are drunk on power, stealing governments and threatening ordinary people, stop immediately. I do not want players to take part in crime. I do not want the image of players to be stained like that. Let me be clear—this is a warning to them. If you do not stop your crimes…”
Black Scythe’s eyes, behind the mask, gleamed with a murderous chill.
“I will come in person and deliver judgment. I will save citizens who are in danger. So if you are suffering 피해—if you are being harmed—by players’ crimes, request help from me at any time. This is why I asked the president to grant me this place. Because I want to protect more people from players who aren’t even worth being called insects. So do not hesitate—make a single phone call to the Korean embassy. Then.”
After taking a brief breath, Ryu Min continued.
“I will gladly save that country from the shackles of players.”
He would help any country dominated by players, if they asked.
It was a declaration of war against criminal players worldwide—an arrogant, audacious statement.
And yet no one could laugh at Black Scythe as he stepped down from the podium.
Because he had the ability to back it up.
‘That’s enough of the declaration…’
Turning his head, he saw the president stepping onto the podium.
He was coming out personally to add official credibility to Black Scythe’s words.
“As Black Scythe-nim has said, if there is a country being oppressed by players, please contact our Republic of Korea embassy. In the name of the president, I promise we will exert our efforts so immediate measures can be taken. Thank you.”
After finishing the address and stepping down, the president looked around and found the Chief of Staff.
“Where is Black Scythe-nim?”
“He said he had urgent business and left first.”
“Urgent business?”
“He didn’t give details. He only said that if reports come in, we should verify the source of the information and contact him… Ah, and he also said this. Since he may be unreachable during a flight, if possible, we should send an email…”
“A flight?”
Does he have to go overseas for something?
‘Well, fine. The die has been cast—now I have no choice but to trust Black Scythe-nim.’
After wearing a briefly worried expression, President Yoon Seong-ho moved off with his guards.