103

<<The Hero Captured By The Villain>>

“Why is the room like this? What happened?”

“It became like this because you came in. Why did you come in without permission?”

The window was completely broken, and the place where the bookshelf was was empty. The bed was twisted, and the chair was broken. There were questions to ask, but Seo turned the blame on the guest as if everything was his fault.

It was indeed his fault. Because of the sudden activation of the key card, he ended up chasing Bellze out like this.

“Well, you might have secretly colluded with that villain Belze again.”

The uninvited guest shook the key card of Room 805 without any embarrassment or apology. Although the dormitory was originally known for its good security, it was different in this case.

Seo had negotiated to bring Belze to the Hero Disaster Headquarters and failed miserably, adding to his existing disciplinary record of being a traitor. Naturally, surveillance became stricter, and key cards were randomly issued to some security guards, allowing them to come unexpectedly.

The uninvited guest was a man in his early thirties, characterized by a sleek appearance and adorned with expensive products from head to toe.

“I knew it from the disciplinary committee, but you must be really into that woman. But I’m curious. What’s so great about her? Does she perform exceptionally well in bed? I wond…”

“Get to the point.”

The thin steel bar that once bound Belze’s wrists flew right by the uninvited guest’s ear. Jihyeok swallowed hard, trying to control his chills.

“The disciplinary committee has come to a conclusion. They’ll let you off the hook if you bring Belze back in.”

“Not the big boss?”

“After thorough consideration, they deemed the woman more dangerous. While the big boss represents natural disasters, that woman undermines social order. If she sets her mind to it, she could create a new communication network and distribute it.”

“And that’s a problem?”

“Very much. It means fewer opportunities for us businessmen to make a living. That’s just one example, but she’ll do worse than that.”

Seo glanced at Jihyeok with a hint of annoyance. He didn’t like the way they were injecting their own self-interest into work.

But neither the Hero Disaster Headquarters nor the heroes themselves are immune to political and economic influences as long as they are part of society. Even the members of the disciplinary committee, who were supposedly independent, often represented the interests of the ruling and opposition parties and various businessmen.

Especially in the case of the Hero Disaster Headquarters, which often received donations from external sources to handle the aftermath of the heroes, it naturally became entangled with businessmen.

That’s why Jihyeok is able to talk smack about discipline in front of Seo, even though he’s neither an employee of the Hero Disaster Headquarters nor a member of the disciplinary committee.

As the young successor of a major conglomerate, he represented the true power players behind the disciplinary committee to convey messages to Seo.

“Still, don’t harshly judge someone for holding onto the good times. Especially when it’s something decided with special consideration for you.”

Jihyeok chuckled as Seo made an expression of disbelief.

“Unofficially, I’ll give you Belze.”

Jihyeok spread his arms as if making a generous offer. He even snapped his fingers at Seo, who didn’t look pleased.

“It’s a decision from the Association. Once you bring her in, they’ll hold a trial and then let her go. Then, you’re free to do whatever you want with that woman. I’ll try to ensure you’re as exempt as possible. You’re a great hero, so I can overlook this much wrongdoing.”

Seeing Seo remain silent, Jihyeok seemed to think a more detailed explanation was necessary, so he chuckled more ominously.

“I’m saying you can treat her like your slave. You can do whatever you want to her, beat her whenever you want, and no one will care. It’ll be hard to keep her from being seen by others, but you can live with that, right?”

“…….”

“Don’t glare at me. Did my words shock you because they were so harsh? You can keep her in a comfortable place and have a loving relationship if you want. I’ll even provide a mansion if you want to keep her locked up.”

Various thoughts crossed Seo’s mind, but he chose his words carefully.

“You think you can just offer up a person to resolve things?”

And not just any person, offering up Belze at their whim.

Seo could predict where this was going. When the committee, which initially agreed to Seo’s condition of not putting into discussion Belze’s past in exchange for bringing her in, saw how things were turning out, they hesitated and even attempted to detain Seo.

Seo was willing to risk his career and take the penalty, but the committee was worried that he might fall in with Belze’s side. Before the negotiation, the lack of certainty had made it difficult, but after Seo’s admission, things were different.

They didn’t let their guard down against Seo, and this was the result.

Arresting Belze personally to sever the connection with Cheonha and providing an opportunity to control Belze at will.

The offer to hand over Belze was truly an offer that didn’t consider Belze’s position or ethical considerations to be observed as a person. It solely focused on utility.

It was a clear ploy to use Belze as bait to keep Seo attached to the Heroic Disaster Headquarters, blocking any chance of him joining Cheonha.

Even if it was unofficial, it meant that it could be used against him at any time. There were clear intentions to exploit Seo later using this.

When asked if he was in his right mind, Jihyeok seemed indifferent. He shrugged as if he didn’t understand why Seo was asking.

“If it can protect the city, it’s a bargain. What was it that you always say? Ah, villains don’t have human rights.”

“Shut up.”

“You don’t like it? I thought you’d like it, but I guess not. You were so enthusiastic, but maybe your heart has cooled down…”

“Shut your mouth.”

Jihyuk’s eyes fluttered as he was scolded twice.

“…Anyway, it’s your special assignment to arrest Belze within three weeks, so I’ll organize a special team right away….”

“I won’t do it.”

Even if someone is persistent, being refused three times in a row should make them realize something is off.

“You won’t do it?”

“Officially speaking? I refuse. Please handle it according to the rules.”

“Are you losing it because of that woman? Do you know what kind of situation you’ll be in if you refuse?”

The smile that was about to appear on Jihyeok’s face disappeared. However, Seo’s firm attitude remained unchanged.

“I know.”

“You already admitted to having some kind of relationship with Belze, so if you refuse, you’ll be thrown straight into jail with a shortened trial.”

“Then do it.”