Chapter 286

“The Invisible Hand (4)”

‘Someday, there will come a time when I can laugh and talk with that guy.’

When that time comes, I’ll tell him everything without missing a single detail.

The taboo set by the shadow has already been broken by Jin Hyuk.

The restriction that if he reveals his identity as the one who returned to Son Jin-hyeok, he will surely die.

It was the shadow’s mistake to appear hastily, ignoring Jin Hyuk’s ego and subconscious.

Still, Jin Hyuk didn’t dig deeper.

He feared that digging into things he couldn’t remember or understand might destroy the present.

It was still an admirable belief. A personality that doesn’t get distracted from what needs to be focused on.

That’s why Hong Ki-jun also didn’t bring up old stories. He only hoped that someday, they could share a drink and resolve the 300 years of pent-up feelings.

‘Now, only the contract remains.’

Hong Ki-jun was someone who couldn’t return.

To be precise, he was destined to board a time that would return him to a state where he had no memory at all.

**

【You, Eraflach, you’ve suffered a lot. I’ll send you back. If you do well, you might be able to save three lives from death. May it be a happy life······.】

Watching Jin Hyuk disappear like frost melting in the morning sun, Dugu Elil asked,

“Did you create another world?”

【I turned back time. The time that existed has disappeared, and a new world has opened. The extinguished lives will live again, and a new era will open following new steps.】

“Will that person’s memories also disappear?”

【No. At the moment of turning back time, since he didn’t belong to that world, he will remember the past left in his soul. Though the teeth of time may have gnawed at it, it will come back to life one by one. Memories have an amazing regenerative power.】

“Even the memories from here?”

【He didn’t want to remember. He erased it himself. I sealed it with my hand. No one can undo it except me and Tulsosso. But that’s only if he sincerely wants to. Simple curiosity won’t undo it.】

Although he had never met him, according to what Hong Ki-jun had observed, Tulsosso was Dugu Elil’s only superior being. The only one he feared and didn’t hesitate to bow to. It felt like the difference between a group chairman and a terminally ill president.

Well, for someone living as a human on Earth, that kind of thing didn’t matter. Whether they played god among themselves or destroyed planets, what’s important to humans is life, right?

Old man Hong Ki-jun pleaded with the shadow,

“Isn’t it possible that his lonely life might repeat? I will help that person.”

【If he wants to live an ordinary life, what help are you talking about? Isn’t living within the given environment with his own abilities what’s ordinary?】

“The human world isn’t that easy. You’ve seen it together, don’t you know?”

【I don’t know. To my eyes, it’s no different from a swarm of insects. For insects, being stepped on, eaten, or swept away is natural and ordinary. Don’t forget that even if I mix words with you, I don’t consider you a special being.】

Dugu Elil. This damn bastard.

They say a small god, but isn’t his capacity really too small?

Even after 300 years together, there’s no special treatment.

And he doesn’t care if others live or die. He’s heartless.

“Do you see that person as an insect too? Are you so heartless as to not care if he suffers again?”

Oops.

I argued with the absolute being. But Dugu Elil was indeed cold and unfeeling for 300 years.

【······Hmm. Is that so···. Then go. On the condition that you keep the contract, I’ll preserve your memories.】

His ears were surprisingly thin.

It seems he didn’t like being called heartless, so Hong Ki-jun also became a returnee.

【Don’t interfere with his life. Since he said he doesn’t want to remember, don’t tell him either. Until the words ‘It’s done now’ come from him, you must continue to live as Eraflach. If you break this, only death awaits you. This is the contract.】

Eraflach.

Guide.

Helper.

The language is so messed up that even the talented Hong Ki-jun struggled to learn it.

He could have just not learned it, but he had no choice if he wanted to look good in front of the shadow.

【You will remember the time spent with me as a vivid dream. Now go.】

When Dugu Elil tried to push his forehead with his finger, Hong Ki-jun quickly stepped back.

“Um··· before I go, there’s something I need your help with.”

【You’re being bothersome.】

“But we’ve been together for 300 years···.”

【To me, it’s a very short time.】

Damn. Your arms are thick.

“I beg you. It’s for the fulfillment of the contract, so please be lenient······.”

【Speak.】

Even so, if you prostrate and worship, he reluctantly agrees.

And so.

Among the people living in the same era, Hong Ki-jun could access the figures and technical information he needed. Richard Hammond was also found in the process, and he explored all kinds of technology recipes he could think of, from semiconductors to nuclear weapons, submarines, rockets, etc. To stay ahead.

Over several months, he explored and obtained something resembling parchment to record it.

That’s why his return was later than Jin Hyuk’s.

“Is it certain that I can take this leather-like thing?”

【Old man, you seem to doubt my power.】

“Ah, no. There’s an unwritten rule about the balance of the world, right?”

【I’ll send it to your bedside. It’s not an item from another world, but something I gave you, so it’s not a violation of the rules.】

“Thank you.”

Scratch scratch-.

The sight of the old man crouching on the floor and recording must have looked pitiful and admirable.

【Will that be enough?】

It must have been inevitable.

With an old, stiff body, rubbing dry and dim eyes, trying to look as pitiful as possible.

It was a trick Hong Ki-jun came up with after understanding Dugu Elil for a long time.

The wit of an old man.

There’s a story about boiling soup with a stone.

A hungry traveler tricks his way into a rich man’s kitchen, saying he’ll show how to boil soup with a stone if given a chance.

The cook, watching the traveler put a stone and water in a pot and light a fire, hands over meat, vegetables, and all sorts of ingredients, saying, ‘Will that be enough?’

【Look at this too.】

【This too.】

【Wouldn’t that also help?】

【How about this?】

Dugu Elil went out of his way to help Hong Ki-jun access technology from other worlds.

Even translating for Hong Ki-jun, who didn’t know the language.

“Is this······ a spaceship? It’s bigger than a city.”

【A trivial and crude thing.】

“Yes······.”

The difference in levels made normal conversation impossible, and this was consistent until the end.

“If that person wants it, can I pass on these records?”

【Have you forgotten the taboo?】

“Isn’t it possible for the taboo to be lifted? You’ve given me such precious knowledge, wouldn’t it be a waste if I grow old and die and these records disappear?”

【···Hmm. That makes sense. I won’t interfere then.】

Indeed, the negotiation master Hong Ki-jun, indeed the fickle Dugu Elil.

Though he seems to oversee the universe, in Hong Ki-jun’s eyes, the shadow’s intelligence is below the cosmic average. Not quite a fool, but similar to a child.

Understanding that, Hong Ki-jun worked hard to flatter to get opportunities.

Hong Ki-jun thought the saying that gods take the form of children was wrong. It’s not the appearance, but the intelligence of a child.

Perhaps it’s the difference in perspective, being curious about trivial things and bored by grand things, that makes it seem that way.

【Now go. Since I turned back time, Tulsosso won’t forgive me.】

Still, he had a sense of duty.

Knowing he would be punished, he turned back time to the era Son Jin-hyeok wanted.

“Dugere, Adzeh······”

God, receive glory.

【Farewell, old man.】

Even as he bid farewell to Hong Ki-jun, Dugu Elil behind the mask faintly smiled.

**

“Richard hates exercise. If I move my body quickly, I get out of breath, and if I get out of breath, it feels like yellow paint is poured into my eyes. My heart hurts, and it feels like needles are piercing my knees. And-.”

Though Hammond chattered non-stop, Hong Ki-jun couldn’t take his eyes off the TV.

He was satisfied seeing the no longer lonely figure roaring and hugging competitors.

Though he’s clueless and frustrating, seeing him makes me feel good.

‘He was cold but without malice. He didn’t envy or admire others.’

And he was always confident.

Challenging the strong, warm to the weak.

‘Ah, should I make a phone call?’

Though busy, Hong Ki-jun avoided meeting Jin Hyuk because of his eerie shadow.

No matter how detached and desireless a person is, no one would be happy to meet someone who holds their life in their hands. It’s the most basic human desire and right. The right to self-determination. Not just the right to end one’s own life, but the right to decide one’s own fate.

‘Humans are not slaves.’

Though most live without realizing they are slaves, human dignity comes from the right to self-determination.

‘It’s disgustingly romantic, but it’s true.’

I should have a call with that guy.

I even avoided the call after winning the gold medal in the 100m.

It wasn’t because I was scared or uncomfortable with Jin Hyuk.

No matter what, it’s the relationship between an adult and a subordinate, and I wanted him to enjoy life without worrying about the uncomfortable existence called Hong Ki-jun.

‘Is my contract also about to end······.’

Only one person can break Hong Ki-jun’s taboo.

Not the shadow, not Hong Ki-jun, but a single word from Son Jin-hyeok.

That was the condition set by the shadow.

When that time comes, I’ll see Dugu Elil again.

Lost in thought, Hong Ki-jun was awakened by Hammond.

“Boss? What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing. I should go now.”

“Boss is always busy.”

“How many countries would stop if I weren’t here?”

“That’s true. But don’t stop Australia.”

“Why? Did you buy an oil field or farm there under the RB name?”

“Poor koalas. Eucalyptus trees generate heat and can start fires, and if a fire breaks out, the slow koalas can’t escape. Then firefighters have to put it out. But if the country stops-.”

Crazy guy.

Is that the reason?

And if a fire breaks out in the eucalyptus forest, I won’t put it out. It’s a natural thing.

A natural thing, a choice stemming from the thought that humans are part of nature.

‘How romantic.’

Hong Ki-jun, who had been sparing his words, shook his head.

How many geniuses are ignored by the world because of eccentric personalities like Hammond’s?

Hong Ki-jun had written down over a thousand names on parchment. Geniuses in various fields. Some he met, some he unfortunately couldn’t recruit. And some ended their lives in accidents or suicides.

Naturally, Son Jin-hyeok’s name isn’t on the list.

Son Jin-hyeok was just a model student who awakened his brain and body through effort, excelling in many areas, far from being a genius in one field.

“Boss, you haven’t eaten, have you?”

“Huh. How did you know?”

“Your under-eye bags are sagging. Let’s go eat. Richard will treat you.”

Following Hammond, who slowly got up, Hong Ki-jun immediately left his seat.

Though it was the shadow of 300 years of weariness, he was also hungry, as Hammond said.

“Meat again?”

“Of course. Humans need to eat staple food to get energy for their brains to work. Richard’s staple food is meat. He’s not a carnivore because he eats meat.”

Strangely logical······.

*

In a quiet alley, at a pub, Hong Ki-jun was suddenly moved by the steak accompanied by beer. The joy of being alive. The juicy, tender meat always feels new, as if it’s the reason for living.

“Boss, by the way. There’s something I’m curious about.”

Hammond, who had been busily cutting his steak, looked at Hong Ki-jun while mumbling. Unaware that steak sauce had fallen on his airbag-like belly.

“Next year, the Korean president will change, right?”

“That’s right.”

“It’s not my field, but um-.”

Hammond squinted his eyes for a moment.

“If the giant wave is weak, the party won’t change, right? As far as I know, Boss hopes for a change.”

A valid point.

Despite the lack of notable achievements due to Hong Ki-jun preventing many incidents, the government’s approval rating was decent. The provocations from the North, which used to frequently shoot guns and send armed spies and submarines, have also quieted down. A few spies who set foot on the coast were killed by SSS agents after refusing to surrender. Hong Ki-jun secretly sent a letter to Pyongyang along with the spy’s body. If they keep messing around, they might end up swallowing only Sinuiju······.

The brilliant achievements of the Sein Group also contributed to the regime’s approval rating. Regardless of contribution, a company’s performance is inevitably packaged as the government’s achievement.

“The ruling party will change.”

Not to repeat the same political history.

It was the businessman’s wish to speed up the spread of high-speed internet and move towards the future.

Weighing the scales before the election is something any businessman would do.

After preliminary investigations and behind-the-scenes contacts, only one person showed active interest. Others made uncomfortable faces at the mention of various information media diversifying and advancing, with faster delivery speeds.

“Actually, it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t change. I can push it with my will now. But I’m holding back because of that guy who respects the system. Anyway, it would be good to change. The market favorable to lobbyists is now disgusting. A waste of money.”

“Boss is the richest but doesn’t dislike spending small change. But what if it doesn’t change?”

Even if the past history doesn’t repeat, there’s nothing we can do.

As Jin Hyuk said, it’s right to leave the world’s changes to the public. Unless you plan to seize power through rebellion. Stupid or regressive, that’s the system called democracy.

“We’ll do what we can.”

For the Sein Group.

“Pushing with strength is what the ignorant do. Using our brains is our style, right? It’s also fun-.”

“Like chess.”

“-Like chess.”

Hong Ki-jun and Hammond said the same thing simultaneously.

In the past and now, Hong Ki-jun was a negotiator. Even without the promise with Jin Hyuk not to interfere in politics with power, he had no desire to rule barbarically. At least regarding domestic issues.

“How do you plan to do it? I’m curious.”

“We’ll make a deal. If it doesn’t work, we’ll set up another racehorse.”

“Wow-. Racehorse, that sounds plausible. Elections are like horse racing. Boss is the invisible hand. Moving the world with just your brain.”

I’m not even sure if we’re saying the same thing now. Mumbling, Hong Ki-jun cut a large piece of meat and put it in his mouth. Too tired to respond.

Hammond, happy to meet a friend, chattered excitedly.

“In horse racing, usually two fast horses are entered in one race. Then the bets would concentrate on those two, right? But here’s the trick. Add one more horse that’s decently fast. Give that one the nickname ‘dark horse’ and promote it. Do you know who bets on this horse?”

“I think I know. But just because many bets are placed, it doesn’t mean it will win, right?”

“But the owner wins. Because the ticket sales revenue comes back. After all, it’s not the horse that earns money, right?”

Hammond shrugged.

“Does the owner represent the party? That sounds plausible.”

Nodding, Hong Ki-jun chewed the meat and washed it down with beer.

Then suddenly, he glared at Hammond.

“You······.”

“It’s my only exercise.”

Hammond shrugged.

Sigh-. Do more.

Swinging arms at the racecourse is exercise?

“With the company money-.”

“What do you take Richard for?”

This time, Hammond glared at Hong Ki-jun.

“Never mind. But be careful of addiction. You have a lot to do in the future.”

Hong Ki-jun transferred a piece of meat to Hammond’s plate.

The meat carried a message as vivid as its blood.

I’m the one who feeds you.

“Old story, Boss.”

His spirited response shows he clearly knows his role.

‘Now my role as Eraflach is also coming to an end······.’

In his younger days, when he couldn’t resist curiosity, Hong Ki-jun would check the ending of a novel first.

But now, he enjoys the pleasure of solving puzzles in order, step by step.

Hoping the end won’t come.

Regardless of the weariness of long years, the story coming to an end is a sad thing.

***

“Oppa-, Dad called, can you take it?”

“Sure. Thanks, Soo-jung.”

In the early afternoon, Jin Hyuk, who was resting, received a call from Hong Ki-jun.

They frequently exchanged emails, and recently, Jin Hyuk often wrote long letters, so their relationship wasn’t considered distant. Still, it had been a while since they heard each other’s voices.

“Ah, you’ve been very busy, right? But you know I won the gold medal and made it to the 200m final, right? Yes. No. I’m not disappointed. You’re a busy person.”

“You told me to be the only one.”

“So, I have a request.”

“Tonight, during the final. Can you put some pressure on the organizing committee?”

Jin Hyuk lowered his voice.

Whisper whisper-.

Though he wasn’t one to abuse power, if it’s Hong Ki-jun, he has the power to replace the IOC president.

A small event like this should be possible.

“Oppa, what’s wrong-?”

Yoo-jin, who couldn’t stop thinking about the final tonight, approached, wandering the lawn. Holding a thousand-dollar bill in her hand.

Though in the US, Yoo-jin’s signature messy hairstyle remained. No matter how