God of Blackfield

There was a limit to how much people could be pushed. If asked to nsomeone who had cruelly gone past that limit, Cha Dong-Gyun would undoubtedly think of Kang Chan. The members of the Jeungpyeong special forces team would likely agree as well. This time, however, they felt as if they were encountering monsters charging in packs.

"Is your stomach okay?"

"What about your shoulder?"

The seniors, looking as if they might cry at any moment, inspected the injuries of their juniors. The deep sympathy and regret in their expressions made them look as if they would tear their own flesh and blood if it meant they could take their juniors' places.

They soon conducted a mountain warfare drill, which the soldiers accustomed to live ammunition training had adapted. The DMZ team’s objective was to defend a location from the Jeungpyeong special forces team’s invasion. Capturing the flag in the middle of the mountain would end the exercise.

Cha Dong-Gyun busily opened fire alongside two team members.

Much to their surprise, someone popped out of the ground and attempted to slit their throats with a training knife.

They were fortunate that the knives weren't sharp. After all, even if they were, their reckless seniors would still have aimed for their throats. The skin around the area that their seniors had hit turning red and peeling off served as proof of that.

Cha Dong-Gyun managed to take out one of the DMZ team members. The impact was strong enough to knock his target’s helmet off.

Shot in the forehead, the man fell backward like a ghost descending back into the earth.

Cha Dong-Gyun learned about this combat tactic from Kang Chan. However, although he had heard about the DMZ team before, he only understood now how fearsthey truly were.

Kang Chan had told them to listen to their breathing whenever they were nervous. Following that advice and drawing on the harsh combat experiences that they had accumulated helped Cha Dong-Gyun survive battles like this.

Sensing something nearby, Cha Dong-Gyun reflexively turned his rifle.

In such times, Kang Chan had told them to always listen for the enemy’s breathing.

He felt as if he was diving into a field haunted by ghosts, not humans. He heard someone rising from the ground, but when he fired, there was nothing.

One was bound to leave traces behind when hiding in the dirt, yet their seniors emerged from the pitch-black soil without leaving even just one footprint.

As two gunshots echoed, the two soldiers following Cha Dong-Gyun were knocked back.

Guessing the direction the bullets had cfrom, Cha Dong-Gyun turned toward it and slowly scanned his surroundings. Again, he saw nothing. It was the end of winter. The trees were bare, and the ground was hard. With those meant to cover his back now ‘dead,’ he was left completely alone.

Kang Chul-Gyu had to be somewhere around here, but Cha Dong-Gyun couldn’t find any traces of him.

Hiding behind overlapping trees, Kang Chul-Gyu smirked. He didn’t expect one of his juniors to watch out for his breaths. To suddenly confront him with a knife would mean a good chance of dying together.

Kang Chul-Gyu remembered him—Cha Dong-Gyun, the de facto leader of the Jeungpyeong special forces team.

He lowered his stance. This training was disadvantageous for the DMZ team since wearing helmets and body armor made it harder to hide on the ground. Even so, the skills that Cha Dong-Gyun had shown deserved recognition.

Right in front of the flag, Oh Gwang-Taek was hidden. Despite having two DMZ team members helping him, he still left traces of his movements all over. He might feel slighted, but he truly wasn't much help.

In the distance, Kang Chul-Gyu could see Cha Dong-Gyun taking a few steps. He soundlessly aimed his rifle at him.

A member of the DMZ team emerged behind him.

Cha Dong-Gyun hit him with his gun, causing his head to tilt away and tumble backward.

Kang Chul-Gyu tilted his head. The way he held his rifle and reacted was at an elite level, and that was further evidenced by the fact that he had just taken out a DMZ soldier attacking from behind. He had to be as skilled as the Spetsnaz or the Baekrang team, perhaps even more. Kang CHul-Gyu was surprised to see that their juniors had advanced this much. The skills they had shown in Libya weren't just a fluke. They were truly good with rifles.

Kang Chul-Gyu stared at Cha Dong-Gyun within his sights. Pulling the trigger now would end him. Unless one had a natural sense for it, it would be hard to detect an enemy aiming for them.

Grinning a little, Kang Chul-Gyu silently lowered his rifle.

The sound of dirt stirring cfrom afar.

A startled scream rang out, signaling that the DMZ team had taken down another Jeungpyeong special forces soldier. That was enough. Should Kang Chul-Gyu actively participate, the outcwould be as clear as a closed case. However, given that this was a non-lethal training exercise, stepping out now would be best.

Kang Chul-Gyu put his hand on the radio.

"This is Kang Chul-Gyu. The training is over."

Cha Dong-Gyun could be seen exhaling a long breath and straightening up.

Near Cha Dong-Gyun, Yang Dong-Sik emerged through the soil.

"Junior! It's me! Me! The training's over!" Yang Dong-Sik shouted as he raised his dirt-covered hands. The training knife in his right hand seemed menacing.

"You okay?" asked Yang Dong-Sik.

"I knew the training was over, and yet…. I'm sorry, sunbae-nim. I was too tense," Cha Dong-Gyun said.

"What are you talking about? You were really great! To think you haven't even fully recovered from your injuries yet!"

As Yang Dong-Sik was noisily moving around, Kang Chul-Gyu and Nam Il-Gyu walked over together.

"Great work," Cha Dong-Gyun greeted.

Kang Chul-Gyu smiled.

"You were amazing!" Nam Il-Gyu said. showing a proud expression.

"Let's head down. One more round this afternoon should be enough for training,” Kang Chul-Gyu instructed.

Everyone lowered their rifles and followed him.

"By any chance, do you listen to the sound of breathing during combat?" asked Kang Chul-Gyu.

Cha Dong-Gyun countered Kang Chul-Gyu's question with two of his own. "How did you know? Is there a way to recognize that?"

"Those who do move differently. In crucial situations, listening to your opponent’s breathing would allow you to shoot faster than your opponent."

Cha Dong-Gyun focused on Kang Chul-Gyu, seemingly learning something important.

"When you're tense, your body naturally stiffens. That goes for even the most well-trained soldiers. By keeping an ear out for breathing, you becmore relaxed. That difference manifests in the timing and accuracy of your shot."

"Was Captain Cha listening to our breathing?" asked Nam Il-Gyu.

His question was met with a nod from Kang Chul-Gyu.

"I almost put a hole in Dong-Sik's helmet."

"Why does he always have to mess around like this..."

Yang Dong-Sik, who was charging in, stopped talking when he saw Kang Chul-Gyu.

Those who had cdown first were waiting for them in front of the barracks.

"Good work, everyone. Eat lunch and rest up. We'll have close-quarters combat training later. Prepare accordingly.”

Kang Chul-Gyu then dispersed the crowd. It was better to wash off the dirt before eating.

"Sunbae-nim, how will the close-quarters combat training be conducted?" Cha Dong-Gyun asked.

"The men here are faultless in most aspects, but they do lack experience in close-quarters combat,” Kang Chul-Gyu explained. “Since we have experience facing the Spetsnaz and Baekrang teams in knife fights, I thought it would be a good learning opportunity."

"Yes, sir," Cha Dong-Gyun immediately responded, but inwardly he was puzzled.

Could he tell that close-quarters combat was lacking just by watching movements without even drawing a knife?

"Captain Cha."

"Yes, sunbae-nim."

"I would like you to prepare sharp knives for the training this afternoon."

"Why would someone used to training with live ammo be surprised by knives?" Kang Chul-Gyu asked, looking genuinely curious.

***

After a hearty meal, Kang Chan, his parents, and Gérard left the restaurant. Kang Chan relayed Gérard's gratitude for the meal.

"Are you busy?" Kang Dae-Kyung asked on the way back to the office. He looked like he had something to say.

"I'm free today. Why do you ask?"

"I was thinking we should have tea."

"Sure. I have a request too, Father," Kang Chan said.

"What is it?"

"Oh, right! Honey, Channy said he'd like his foreign friend to stay with us at our place," said Yoo Hye-Sook.

Kang Dae-Kyung glanced at Gérard.

"I'm fine with it as long as you are. It's nice to have a friend stay over. Won’t he be uncomfortable, though?"

"I've already discussed it with him,” Kang Chan answered.

Kang Dae-Kyung nodded.

"What does this friend do?" Kang Dae-Kyung asked.

Baffled, Kang Chan looked at Gérard. He hadn't anticipated this question.

What would be a good answer? Student? Employee? Soldier?

Noticing Kang Chan's lack of response, Kang Dae-Kyung generously added, "Maybe he doesn't have a job right now? That’s not such a bad thing. He could gain much more through this trip."

The Foreign Legion's special forces commander had suddenly been labeled as jobless, yet that person just kept looking around.

Instead of the office, Kang Dae-Kyung led them to a nearby coffee shop.

"What do you want? Ask your friend too."

"Why are we having it here?" asked Kang Chan.

"We might not have the tea your friend likes in the office. Now, go ask."

After a brief discussion, Kang Chan and Gérard decided to have coffee. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook chose green tea. Their orders were served soon after they sat down.

"Son," Kang Dae-Kyung called.

"Yes?"

Kang Dae-Kyung glanced at Yoo Hye-Sook before speaking.

"I plan to sell the company. Your mother intends to transfer her foundation to an institution designated by the government too."

Kang Chan couldn’t help but be confused.

"We are thinking of taking a break."

How could they give up the Gong Te automobile dealership that they had fought so hard to obtain and the foundation they had been so eager to establish?

"We’ve discussed this in passing after the Eurasian Rail presentation, but after the president's last announcement, it’s bectoo much to handle. That’s why, after talking about it with your mother, we’ve decided."

"What happened?"

It didn’t make sense. Why would the announcements about the Eurasian Rail and the next-generation energy project necessitate the disposal of Kang Yoo Motors and the Kang Yoo Foundation?

"The car orders are overwhelming, and the foundation just received a donation offer of over 10 billion," said Kang Dae-Kyung.

Kang Chan softly inhaled.

"The sgroup and its affiliates expressed interest in both the car orders and the foundation donations. For now, they're biding their time, but if it becomes known that you're deeply involved in the next-gen energy project, it might truly becunmanageable."

Kang Dae-Kyung maintained an eerily calm facade.

"It's just buying cars, right? And donating money to a foundation that helps needy children. What's the problem with that?"

"The companies asking for corporate vehicles also suggested making donations to your mother's foundation. It seems they're trying to find a way to connect with you. I don't want to sell cars to those with such motives."

Yoo Hye-Sook looked at Kang Chan with sympathy.

"Kang Yoo Motors is practically your achievement, and the foundation was established with your money. That's why we wanted your consent. In exchange, about half of the money you put into the foundation will be replenished with the proceeds from selling Kang Yoo Motors."

"Father, it's not about the money right now, is it? Mother, I know you didn’t start this to make money," Kang Chan said.

"It's okay, Channy. Don’t worry too much about it," Yoo Hye-Sook said.

"How can I be okay with this?"

Anger surged within Kang Chan.

Those with greedy intentions were desecrating Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook’s hard work for their own benefit. Given that they were part of a conglomerate, they were hardly in need. They were the type to purchase corporate cars.

"You know the executive vice president of the company, right? He has agreed to take over the company. We'll receive half when we hand it over, and the rest a year later."

Kang Dae-Kyung continued, "This opportunity will allowand your mother to travel and study things we missed out on before. I was hoping you would understand."

"Do you really have to do this?" Kang Chan inquired.

Kang Dae-Kyung nodded and smiled, not wanting to hurt his son's feelings in any way.

"Father, let's think about this a little more. I'll look into an alternative. Those people buying cars or making donations doesn't necessarily mean that they can gain anything from me."

"People's affairs aren't always straightforward, Kang Chan. It might be fine now, but if anything goes wrong, it can beca noose around your neck."

Kang Dae-Kyung was surprisingly firm in his decision. In front of a wary Gérard, Kang Chan lowered his gaze.

He never imagined that the result of his hard work would blow away his mother's dreams and force his father to sell the company that he had devoted years to. He almost wished Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook were somewhat greedy, people who knew when to turn a blind eye...

"Captain," Gérard suddenly called Kang Chan. "I'll step out for a bit."

It must have been awkward or uncomfortable for him to stay seated with them.

As Kang Chan nodded, Gérard smiled at Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook before getting up.

"He said he'll be back in a bit," Kang Chan passed on.

Gérard gathered the glances of the women in the coffee shop as he stepped out onto the terrace.

Gérard then sat down in an empty spot across the glass, casually lighting a cigarette. Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook quickly turned back their gaze toward Kang Chan.

"In France, smoking isn't much of an issue, but I forgot to mention it. I'm sorry."

"As long as he doesn't smoke in the house, it's fine. Since he’s in Korea, it would be best to teach him sof our etiquette, but don't be too hard on him," Kang Dae-Kyung said.

"Understood," Kang Chan answered.

As Gérard exhaled smoke, a sound of admiration cfrom a table of three women.

"Look at those eyes. Makeswant to hug him," said one of the women.

"Doesn't he have the vibe of a fallen aristocrat?" said another.

"Chan," called Kang Dae-Kyung.

Kang Chan snapped back. Now wasn't the tto have such useless thoughts.

"Let us proceed with our decision," his father said.

What worried Kang Chan the most was that the more he resisted, the more it might hurt his parents.

"Father, do you really want to do this?" he asked.

"Let us push through with this," answered Kang Dae-Kyung.

"Have you discussed this with Manager Kim?"

Kang Dae-Kyung shook his head.

"There’s nothing we can do about those wanting to buy cars. There's no way to stop those who want to help the needy either," Kang Dae-Kyung said.

Looking at Yoo Hye-Sook, Kang Chan sighed softly.

Gérard's exhaled smoke hit the glass window before disappearing into the air.

"Channy..." Yoo Hye-Sook trailed off.

Kang Chan could sense her empathy and guilt for his situation. It pained her to see her son so concerned.

"I'm sorry. I know how much you both wanted this. I feel like this is all my fault.”

"No, Channy..."

Noticing Gérard lighting his second cigarette, Yoo Hye-Sook's tears dried up. Kang Chan couldn't suppress a smirk—a gesture not lost on Kang Dae-Kyung.

Kang Dae-Kyung chuckled, his laughter mixed with tears. Yoo Hye-Sook awkwardly joined in.

"Don't worry about me," Kang Chan reassured them.

"Thank you, Chan," Kang Dae-Kyung said. The mood was now noticeably lighter thanks to Gérard's nonchalant behavior. "We shouldn’t keep your friend waiting too long. Shall we? Could you apologize to him for the delay?"

"Of course.”

The three got up almost simultaneously.

"What now, Channy?" Yoo Hye-Sook asked.

"I’d like to show Gérard around. We’ll head haround the tyou return from work," Kang Chan proposed.

"Let's have dinner at home, then. I'll cook something," Yoo Hye-Sook warmly offered.

"Sure. I wanted to show off a bit anyway."

As the three left the coffee shop, Gérard stood up and walked over to them.

"See you at dinner," Kang Chan said.

"Okay."

"See you at home, Channy.” Yoo Hye-Sook smiled. She then awkwardly bid Gérard farewell. "See you at dinner."

Gérard, ever so quick to adapt, found his own way to say goodbye. His somewhat hunched and awkward stance almost made him look like he was inviting Kang Dae-Kyung and Yoo Hye-Sook to a taekwondo sparring match, though.

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