BKR Ch 7

“The current that will flow through here is the same as in actual torture. However, the duration is limited to 1-2 seconds for safe training…”

Kim Jihan and Dohan, in the same group, listened to the instructor’s explanation.

“…Then, let’s begin the training. Group 1, step forward!”

The called-upon Group 1 stepped forward and onto the safety mats. This was to prevent injuries from falling while being electrocuted.

“Put on the vests!”

The five members each put on the electric vests as instructed. The long wires attached to the back of the vests were connected to a switch held by the assistant instructor.

Once the preparations were complete, the instructor scanned the cadets.

“I want everyone to experience this firsthand and understand exactly what torture is like.”

The instructor shouted, “Ready.” The five cadets wearing the vests all knelt on the mats.

“Hoo…”

“Haa…”

Everyone took shaky breaths. Even though it was a fleeting moment of only 1-2 seconds, it was still torture, so it would be extremely painful. Naturally, they were tense.

The instructor put the whistle to his mouth.

Beep-

“Aaack—!!”

As soon as the electricity flowed, the members of Group 1 screamed and collapsed forward.

“Huu…!”

“Heok!”

They all gasped for breath and trembled like aspen leaves. The pain seemed incredibly excruciating.

The experience continued.

“Aaack—!!”

Cha Woohyuk from Group 4 was also electrocuted.

“Huu…!”

Woohyuk shook his dazed head and walked back to his place. As he passed, Kim Jihan from Group 5 asked curiously,

“How was it?”

“Fucking… crazy…”

Woohyuk could barely answer, his mouth agape.

‘…It must be really bad.’

Seeing his reaction, Jihan realized this wasn’t something he could endure with willpower alone.

“Next, Group 5!”

Jihan’s turn came, and he walked forward. He stood next to Dohan, who was at the very end of the line.

“Put on the vests!”

Group 5 members put on the vests and knelt on the mats.

Jihan, with his hands on his thighs, glanced at Dohan beside him. Dohan was staring straight ahead with an impassive face. There was no sign of nervousness or fear.

‘Well, he’s not the type to express himself…’ Jihan looked away and took a deep breath.

“Hoo…”

He wouldn’t scream pathetically from this little pain. His determined expression spoke of his resolute will.

The instructor brought the whistle to his mouth and blew—beep.

Zzzt-

Jihan’s mouth opened wide. As he resolved, he didn’t scream, but his body convulsed and he staggered forward. Still, he endured remarkably well compared to the other members who collapsed while screaming.

“Heok!”

“Ugh…!”

The fallen members turned pale and struggled. Like the previous groups, they trembled and couldn’t close their mouths.

“Haa…”

Jihan gasped. The pain was truly beyond imagination. No wonder the instructor said it was better to just kill yourself. He understood the reason instantly.

What about Dohan…? Jihan focused his wavering eyes and looked to the side. Surprisingly, Dohan’s expression hadn’t changed at all. As if he hadn’t experienced anything.

‘How can he be like that?’ 

Jihan wondered if that was even possible.

Soon, all the groups finished the experience. This time, the instructor held a steel baton and scanned the cadets.

“This time, you will wear the vest, receive a 3-second current, and then strike the mannequin over there with this baton. Those who succeed are exempt from the next running drill. Understand?”

“…!”

The cadets’ jaws dropped. The fleeting moment was so painful. They all questioned what they heard at the additional instruction to strike an object.

‘3 seconds…’

Even with the words “drill exemption,” Jihan wasn’t easily swayed. Knowing the extent of the pain made him even more hesitant.

“Step forward when your name is called!”

Training was training. The called-upon cadets stepped forward and stood about 5 meters away from the mannequin. They held the baton in one hand and wore the vest. There was only one wire connected to the back of the vest, allowing for free movement.

Beep-

“…Ugh!”

Failure. Failure. Continuous failures.

The cadets who tried all screamed and collapsed as if convulsing. Groans of agony filled the air. No one had succeeded even as the turns continued.

“Keuh!”

Even the tallest, Cha Woohyuk, failed.

“Next, Cadet Kim Jihan!”

Jihan sprang forward, put on the vest, and grabbed the baton. The distance to the mannequin was only 5 meters. A distance he could easily cover within 3 seconds.

‘I will succeed no matter what.’

Jihan gripped the baton tightly, burning with unusual determination. He had never been exempt from any training so far. He couldn’t accept his undefeated record being broken here.

‘Let’s see who wins.’

Jihan smirked as he stared at the mannequin.

Beep-

The moment the current flowed, Jihan’s body shot forward like a bullet.

Clang- Surprisingly, the end of the baton struck the mannequin’s torso. At the same time, Jihan’s entire body stiffened and he collapsed onto the mat. The extreme pain caused his vision to white out.

“Kim Jihan, exempt!”

Jihan, lying face down, opened his mouth as his vision returned.

“Ha… Haha…”

Instead of joy at being exempt, an incredulous chuckle escaped his lips. How could it be this excruciatingly painful? He had never experienced such pain in his life. It was an experience he never wanted to go through again.

The instructor called the next cadet.

“Cadet Seo Dohan!”

Dohan stepped onto the mat. He, too, put on the vest and grabbed the baton.

Jihan, now exempt, returned to his place and watched. His eyes were filled with curiosity as to whether Dohan would succeed.

Dohan stood before the mannequin 5 meters away with an impassive face. His unusually dark eyes fixed on the target, recalling the past.

‘Electric torture…’

He had undergone this training numerous times on Yeongam Island. To withstand torture like this, and to endure the electromagnetic field flowing through the special combat suit.

The key to the training back then wasn’t just enduring. It was overcoming the pain and killing the enemy in an instant.

‘The problem is…’

Dohan bit his lip as he gripped the baton tightly.

‘Control.’

But he had never tried to moderate his strength while being electrocuted. He always annihilated in one go. This was his first attempt.

‘I can do it.’

Dohan took a calm breath and resolved to succeed without any problems.

The instructor blew the whistle—beep.

Crack—!!

The mannequin’s head flew off gruesomely. The steel baton he swung bent instantly.

“…!”

Everyone’s faces were filled with shock. Jihan’s lips parted slightly.

Thud, thud… The detached head of the mannequin rolled on the floor.

‘Oh…!’

Dohan realized his mistake. He tried to hit it lightly, but the pain from the electricity made him lose control and put in too much force.

He didn’t expect it to break so easily, though…like jelly!

Dohan hesitated with the bent baton in his hand and turned his head towards the others.

The gymnasium was dead silent. Looks of shock, confusion, and questioning glances alternated between him and the headless mannequin.

Even the instructor just stared blankly at the headless mannequin, without saying “exempt,” as if wondering what would have happened if it were a real person.

Seeing that, Dohan realized.

‘I messed up…!’

After the mental arithmetic incident, he broke the mannequin. He even bent a steel baton like a twig.

“What the… him…”

“How…?”

“Is that…”

Confused murmurs began to erupt from here and there. Dohan’s dark eyes, looking at the murmuring crowd, were filled with anxiety.

Everyone seemed unable to comprehend the situation. If someone suspected his true identity because of this. If his desertion were discovered…

‘What do I do…’

His bewildered gaze wandered aimlessly. His gaze, roving the air, landed on Jihan standing amidst the numerous cadets. At that moment, it stopped, as if drawn by a magnet.

Dohan’s eyes were fixed on Jihan’s face. He didn’t know why he was looking at him. But in this place, Jihan was the only one who stopped his wandering gaze.

“…?”

Jihan’s expression turned unreadable as Dohan stared at him. He started walking toward Dohan, as if reading the anxiety and helplessness in his eyes.

The distance between them gradually closed.

‘Now…’

As Jihan approached, Dohan closed his eyes and relaxed his entire body.

‘This is the only way…’

The baton slipped from his hand as his body tilted forward completely.

Jihan quickly stepped forward and caught the falling Dohan in his arms. Dohan was once again buried in his firm, broad chest.

Honestly, he hadn’t expected to be held like this again. But there was no other choice. It was a desperate decision, driven by the feeling that he had to faint to escape this situation.

“Ah, I knew this would happen!”

Jihan, holding Dohan, suddenly exclaimed.

“That’s why I told you not to do this training! Why be so stubborn when you’re already sick!”

“Sick?”

The instructor asked with a surprised look. Jihan looked up at the instructor and nodded.

“Yes. So I asked him to get your permission to be excused, but he refused, saying he wanted to do it with his comrades. But it seems the pain was too much, so he hit it in a daze and fainted.”

“Ah… is that so…”

“That’s it…”

The cadets finally seemed to understand. If he was out of his mind from electric torture while sick. And even in that state, wanting to be with his comrades… Some cadets even looked pleased.

“Oh dear, quickly take him to the infirmary!”

The instructor shouted to the senior assistant instructors nearby. Jihan quickly requested,

“Would it be alright if I take him to the infirmary? I’m exempt, so I don’t have anything else to do.”

The instructor had no reason to refuse and granted permission. As soon as he got the approval, Jihan removed Dohan’s vest and carried him on his back.

“Oh dear, I don’t know if he’s made of steel or glass…”

Kim Jihan muttered to himself as he carried Dohan on his back. Dohan, draped over his back, had his eyes half-open. It didn’t matter since Kim Jihan couldn’t see him anyway.

“What would he do without me?”

Kim Jihan chuckled. Dohan, with his slight frame, must have been quite light because Jihan ascended the stairs with long strides, showing no signs of exertion.

He’s always laughing goofily, but it’s reassuring sometimes. Dohan formed a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

It was a bit funny. For some reason, he had the certainty that Jihan would catch him if he collapsed. This inexplicable faith grew stronger as he saw Jihan approaching without hesitation. That’s why he could pretend to faint without worry.

As expected, Kim Jihan didn’t disappoint. He caught Dohan as he fell, cleared up the suspicions of others, and now, was even carrying him all the way to the infirmary.

‘I must have been carried like this before, too.’

Dohan closed his eyes. It probably happened that time too. That time when Kim Jihan had brazenly stolen a kiss… He had the feeling he’d been carried on this warm, broad back that day as well.

Click, the infirmary door opened.

“Good day, sir!”

Kim Jihan greeted the medic energetically and headed straight for the infirmary bed.

“Our Dohan has fainted again, so we’re back again.”

“Again? What do you mean, again? Oh, you’re that cadet from last time.”

Dohan, laid on the bed, was still pretending to be unconscious. Inwardly, he was debating whether it was time to wake up.

“What happened this time?”

“He experienced electric roasted chicken and got well-done.”

“Oh dear, with his constitution, that’s understandable! Aren’t you the cadet who was malnourished last time? You should be eating the chicken, not being cooked yourself!”

“You’re right, sir. When do you think he’ll wake up?”

Should I wake up, or not? Dohan listened quietly to their conversation, which treated him like a roast chicken.

“Hmm, it’ll be difficult right away, right? He’s already weak, and now he’s had electrical training… You have more classes, so let’s observe for an hour or two.”

It would seem more natural not to wake up yet. Dohan stopped his internal debate. It wouldn’t hurt to lie down and rest comfortably while he was here.

“Let’s get him on an IV while we’re at it.”

A cool sensation touched his arm. A stinging needle followed the path of the alcohol swab. He heard the sounds of the IV bag being hung and the curtains being drawn around the bed.

“Oh, I have something to attend to. I’ll be back in 10 minutes. You can go to class, cadet.”

“Yes, sir.”

Kim Jihan readily agreed.

On the cozy, curtained bed, Dohan lay with a peaceful expression, as if in a deep sleep. But he wasn’t feeling very comfortable. Someone had pulled back the curtain and entered.

‘Kim Jihan.’

Dohan peeked through narrowed eyes to identify the source of the presence.

Screech- Kim Jihan pulled a chair from against the wall closer to the bed and sat down. He rested one arm on the mattress and propped his chin on his hand. In that position, he stared intently at Dohan.

‘Why isn’t he going to class…?’

Dohan felt extremely uneasy. Was he planning to do something foolish again, like last time? If so, he had no intention of letting it slide, pretending to be unconscious or not.

But for some reason, Kim Jihan just stared at him, as if admiring him. Then, he slowly extended a hand.

“……?”

Dohan felt the sensation of Jihan’s fingertips gently landing on his eyebrows. His fingers moved carefully, following the direction of his brow hairs, as if touching the downy hair of a sleeping baby.

Dohan found the touch not unpleasant, so he remained still for the time being. After smoothing both eyebrows, the fingers moved to his eyelashes, delicately caressing each one. Next, they trailed down the bridge of his nose.

‘What is this…?’

Dohan couldn’t interpret this action. Why was he touching his face like this?

The finger that slid to the tip of his nose then went to his lips, carefully stroking his upper and lower lips. Further, he gently rolled them along their shape.

As if licking his lips with his fingertips.

A low, hushed voice escaped Kim Jihan’s lips.

“……Like flower petals.”

Thump, Dohan’s heart pounded. Did he just say that about his lips?

“He’s been eating well lately…”

Kim Jihan’s hand, which had been lingering on his lips, moved to Dohan’s cheeks.

“He’s getting prettier and prettier.”

Dohan couldn’t breathe properly. His voice was incomparably softer than usual. Jihan’s face was very close to his. His scent, his warm breath, was so close, only a paper’s width away.

“You… are you really unconscious?”

Kim Jihan whispered softly.

Even though it wasn’t true, Dohan couldn’t bring himself to open his eyes. He had just passively accepted Jihan’s touch while fully conscious. He had even allowed the lingering kiss! He found it more embarrassing for Kim Jihan to know that he was awake the entire time. It was better to maintain the pretense of being unconscious.

“I’ll believe that….”

Another subtle murmur reached him.

What, why, believe what…? Before such questions could even form in Dohan’s mind, a soft and supple sensation settled over his entire lips.

“……!!”

Dohan almost opened his eyes. Kim Jihan’s lips touched his again. This time, even deeper than before.

‘What the…’

Peeking through narrowed eyes, he saw Jihan’s closed eyes. His elegant brow and thick eyebrows came into view. Large hands gently cupped his cheeks and neck.

‘Why is he doing this…?‘

Dohan quickly closed his eyes again, not wanting to be discovered. He hoped Jihan would quickly break the kiss.

But unlike the previous time, when their lips had merely touched, Kim Jihan sucked Dohan’s lower lip into his mouth. He wrapped his lips around his upper lip as well. Then he went back down and sucked his lower lip again… Repeating this several times, Dohan’s lips became moist with saliva.

“……!!”

Dohan couldn’t collect his thoughts. The tip of Jihan’s tongue traced his lips like a swirling lollipop. His hand on the bed clenched the sheets involuntarily. Kim Jihan then bit Dohan’s entire lip, nibbling slowly as if savoring a sweet fruit.

Smack, smooch…

Ah… Dohan’s lips burned, making it hard to bear. It felt like all the blood in his body had rushed to his lips.

This kiss was markedly different from the previous one, both in duration and depth. How was he supposed to interpret this? Dohan couldn’t figure it out. Before, he could have dismissed it as a prank.

The sound of wet lips echoed in the quiet infirmary.

Smack. Finally, Kim Jihan parted his lips, which had been pressed together for a long time. One hand still cupped Dohan’s cheek and neck.

“Ha….”

Kim Jihan licked his glistening lips and inhaled.

“Dohan.”

“…….”

“Stop pretending to be unconscious.”

Thud, Dohan’s heart sank.

‘What?’

Had he known all along? Or was he just teasing? He couldn’t decide and was completely unsure.

“I said, stop it.”

Kim Jihan chuckled.

“…….”

Still, Dohan stubbornly maintained his feigned unconsciousness. He had no intention of falling for it if Jihan was just teasing. He wouldn’t act so carelessly as to give him that opportunity.

However, deep down, Dohan seethed for another reason entirely.

‘Damn it…!’

He couldn’t stand it. The fact that he, in his right mind, had meekly accepted Jihan’s touch. That he had even permitted the lingering kiss!

‘Damn it!’

But the most horrifying thing was the reality of Kim Jihan finding out.

‘No way—!!’

He couldn’t allow that to happen, no matter what. He’d rather die. He’d rush to the instructor right now, snatch a vial of poison, and bite down on it. He’d escape this damned world forever!

Kim Jihan gazed intently at the motionless Dohan and then gently cupped his cheeks with both hands.

“…He really is unconscious.”

Kim Jihan gave Dohan’s flushed lips one more peck before getting up. He opened the curtains and walked out, forcing down the corners of his mouth that were twitching upwards.

Click-

As soon as he stepped out of the infirmary, Kim Jihan’s lips stretched into a wide grin.

“Ha, haha….”

His neat teeth showed as he let out a suppressed laugh. Kim Jihan continued to chuckle as he walked down the hallway with a spring in his step.

On one of his hands lingered the distinct feeling of Dohan’s racing pulse.

✦✦✦

“Sir. I’ve gathered the information you requested earlier.”

Secretary Yoon spoke to Kim Jihan. The two were sitting face to face at the outdoor table on the terrace, just like before.

“…….”

Kim Jihan stared blankly at the sky.

The kiss from the infirmary wouldn’t leave his mind. It was a truly intoxicating sensation. Enough to momentarily make him lose half his mind.

Looking back, he couldn’t believe he’d become so entranced by a mere kiss. Every time he thought about it, his body flushed with a tingling excitement.

He had always been surrounded by countless people, but they were all insignificant ornaments that didn’t leave any lasting impression. No one, no touch, had ever made him feel so restless.

But this strange, lingering heat… what was it?

Should I ask him out? Kim Jihan let out a soft chuckle. He found it absurd that he was the one having such thoughts, driven by his desire.

Secretary Yoon, seeing his absent-minded boss chuckle for no apparent reason, covered his mouth with a fist and cleared his throat with an ahem. When there was still no response, he opened his briefcase.

“Cadet Seo Dohan’s file is…”

At the name ‘Seo Dohan’, Kim Jihan’s head finally turned slowly.

The box containing Dohan’s true identity. The file in his hand was the key that would finally unveil the tightly wrapped secrets.

But why did he feel reluctant to open it…? To Kim Jihan, that file felt like Pandora’s Box. He felt like the moment he opened it, there would be no turning back.

This was likely due to a suspicion he already harbored deep down.

“Haa….”

Kim Jihan shook off his thoughts and took a sip of his cold drink. The sharp coldness cleared his head, and he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

“Please summarize it for me.”

After all, he wasn’t the type to be swayed by emotions or tolerate uncertainty. He was meticulous and resolute, never changing his mind once it was made up.

For him, the concern he had just entertained was nothing more than a fleeting amusement.

“Yes, sir.”

Secretary Yoon immediately pulled out the documents from the brown envelope.

“Well, first of all… according to his transfer records, he lived in an orphanage in Gyeongju until he was 8 years old. There are no records of him attending any other school besides the current military academy.”

“He didn’t attend school?”

“No, sir.”

“Is that even possible?”

Kim Jihan asked, puzzled that Dohan hadn’t received even compulsory education. Secretary Yoon opened his mouth with a contemplative look.

“Well, but this was around the time of the Gyeongju air raid, so most of the children in that area probably couldn’t attend school.”

“Ah…”

“Anyway, although there are no school records, there is a record of him passing the GED exam last year. Also, the recently registered home address is a lease, and the military academy tuition was paid in full for four years via bank transfer.”

‘Paid in full?’

Once again, a wrinkle formed between Kim Jihan’s eyebrows. How could an orphan from an orphanage have the money to pay a deposit on an apartment and the full tuition for an expensive military academy?

Kim Jihan, unable to leave it at that, reached out to confirm it himself. Secretary Yoon immediately handed him the documents.

Kim Jihan scanned them.

Just as Secretary Yoon had said, the name ‘Seo Dohan’ appeared on the academy’s tuition payment receipt. The deposit for his current apartment was also a considerable sum. Yet, there was no record of loans, credit card usage, or any other financial activity.

Kim Jihan’s gaze stopped at Dohan’s GED score report. His math score barely scraped past the cutoff line.

Kim Jihan’s eyes narrowed slightly. The Dohan he knew solved difficult math problems mentally. But such a poor score…

“Secretary Yoon.”

Kim Jihan held up the paper he was holding.

“Is it possible to forge this?”

“Forge it, sir? Which part…?”

“His identity.”

Secretary Yoon rolled his eyes behind his glasses for a moment.

“Well, it’s possible. Because of the war, the system is a mess, so there are many brokers who create identities for a price. They even sell tiered ID cards on the black market.”

Kim Jihan nodded in understanding. Secretary Yoon pushed his glasses up and leaned forward slightly.

“And among the IDs traded there, those with unique numbers from the air raid zones are the most expensive.”

“Of course. There’s almost nothing to trace.”

Kim Jihan’s expression indicated he saw right through it.

“Exactly.”

Secretary Yoon nodded, looking at the intelligent and perceptive young master with satisfaction. Kim Jihan smiled faintly and pulled out his wallet from his pocket.

“Anyway, thank you for looking into this.”

“Oh, thank you, sir.”

Secretary Yoon bowed deeply, accepting the check with both hands. Kim Jihan watched Secretary Yoon leave, then lowered his gaze to the papers in his hand.

‘Seo Dohan…’

Kim Jihan’s heart grew cold as he looked at the open box. The reality he had hoped wasn’t true unfolded as he’d suspected. It had become an irreversible outcome.

“Ha….”

Kim Jihan let out a short laugh and placed the papers on the table. Staring at the lush early summer garden, he muttered softly.

“This… this is a real catch.”

Woof, woof-!

The sound of barking dogs was loud. Kim Jihan arrived in front of a gray concrete building tucked away in a corner of the garden. Inside this kennel, large dogs were separated in individual cages.

All the dogs were fighting dogs. This was the sole hobby of Kim Jihan’s father, Kim Youngho. Kim Youngho often took the fighting dogs raised here and went out to watch matches with other generals, placing bets and returning. He didn’t have time for it these days, though, due to his busy schedule.

Whimper, whine-

Seeing Kim Jihan enter the kennel, the dogs scratched at the cages with their front paws and whimpered. They seemed desperate for attention. But Kim Jihan didn’t even glance at them.

A long time ago, a small child had become deeply attached to a young fighting dog born here. He let it lick his face, played with it, held it in his arms, and felt its lively pulse and warm body heat. It was his first experience of bonding with an animal.

Perhaps because it sensed the child’s genuine affection, the young fighting dog never bared its teeth at him, even as it grew larger. It would wag its stubby tail at the mere scent of the child from afar, and when the cage was opened, it would rush into his arms and act like a puppy.

Words weren’t necessary. It was enough to know what they meant to each other.

But his father had subjected that fighting dog to a horrific end because it wasn’t skilled enough.

The child had seen it. The flesh and bones that had been held in his arms, being broken and torn apart.

His heart shattered.

At the time, that was the most appropriate expression for how the child felt.

He cried so much. He cried until his eyes were swollen, cried until he couldn’t breathe, cried until he couldn’t eat. Not only when he was awake, but even when he woke from his dreams, tears would stream down his face.

After that, the child never looked at the dogs again. Not even after so much time had passed, not even until he had grown into this tall adult.

“Sir, you’re here?”

A deep voice made Kim Jihan turn his head. He saw the kennel manager entering through a side door. In his thick, strong hands, he held the chain leash of a dog that had just finished training.

“Hello.”

Kim Jihan greeted him cheerfully.

“Yes, just a moment. I’ll just put this one away.”

The manager bowed his head and gestured with his chin towards the panting dog with its tongue lolling out.

Pant, pant- The fighting dog wagged its stubby tail and approached Kim Jihan. Despite being exhausted from training, it seemed pleased to see a visitor after a while.

Whack—!

The manager kicked the dog. And roughly shoved it into the cage. Curiosity flickered in Kim Jihan’s eyes.

“Why did you kick it?”

“You can’t treat them well. You have to cultivate their aggression. Dogs that like people don’t fight well.”

“Why not?”

Kim Jihan asked, looking even more puzzled. The manager replied with an indifferent expression.

“They don’t fight properly because they expect their owner to save them.”

Kim Jihan suddenly looked as if he understood.

“As expected… you’re a professional.”

So that’s why that dog met such an end. Kim Jihan remembered the fighting dog that had died miserably a long time ago because it wasn’t skilled enough.

To foolishly seek affection in a cruel world where one must fight with one’s own strength. To be swayed by mere emotions was a dangerous thing. It put one in a position where those emotions could turn into a knife and stab oneself.

The agonizing pain he had felt back then was simply the result of affection turning into a blade.

The manager locked the cage containing the dog and looked at Kim Jihan.

“But what brings you here?”

Kim Jihan glanced around the kennel and nodded.

“Let’s talk in the office.”

The manager’s office was a long container building next to the kennel. Inside, the two sat facing each other at a table. Kim Jihan glanced around the interior.

The inside was simple, with only basic furnishings and a few pieces of furniture. Looking at the sink, it appeared he had finished eating but hadn’t done the dishes.

No matter how he looked at it, this wasn’t a spotless, fragrant place like Dohan’s home. But it wasn’t smelly or dirty either. In a way, Dohan’s home was unusually clean, and this was a perfectly ordinary environment for a middle-aged man living alone.

“Are you here for training today?”

The manager asked, and Kim Jihan shook his head with a smile.

“I’ve graduated, Instructor Jung.”

“There’s no graduation in learning. You must always strive to improve.”

Instructor Jung said with a solemn face.

He had been teaching Kim Jihan lethal martial arts since he was in middle school. He was a muscular man with a thick beard. Although his clothes were shabby, his demeanor was impeccable, and he didn’t have a frivolous air about him.

“Today, I’m not here for training, but to have a serious conversation. With the martial arts instructor of the special forces unit under the direct command of the Commander.”

Kim Jihan’s eyes, having mentioned his affiliation, scanned Instructor Jung.

He was a soldier with significantly more qualifications than necessary to manage fighting dogs. But Kim Youngho hated it when his hobbies were revealed outside the military. And Instructor Jung was a man who wouldn’t refuse any job as long as the pay was good.

Shall we begin then? Kim Jihan pulled a check from his wallet and placed it on the table. Instructor Jung’s eyes flashed at the sight of the check. This was the only thing he reacted to.

Kim Jihan tapped the check on the table with his finger.

“I heard from my father that you received a medal of valor in the past… Is that true?”

“I received one for a special operation mission.”

“What exactly was the mission?”

“Rescuing POWs and counter-espionage operations.”

Perhaps because of the check, Instructor Jung answered readily and without hesitation. A satisfied smile touched the corners of Kim Jihan’s lips.

“Instructor.”

Kim Jihan leaned forward slightly. His eyes, as ruthless as his father’s, smiled chillingly.

“You’ve caught spies before?”