novelnext Chapter 56 : Chapter 56
Chapter 56 : Chapter 56
Chapter 56
Kim Ju-han’s mind was complicated.
The phrase ‘going crazy’ must be used for times like this.
Too many troubles rushed in all at once, so he had no idea where to even start.
“Accumulating debt at this time wasn't in the plans. What should I do.”
The circumstances of Kim Ju-han joining the Money Game were different from other players.
The Taepyeong-gyo he established was a small-scale cult with 1,500 followers, operating only in the Gyeongbuk area.
It had been at most three years since it was officially given a religious name.
It was effectively a newly emerged cult.
Despite it being only three years, Kim Ju-han’s personal assets, accumulated by cleverly sucking the lifeblood of his followers, were around 1 billion won.
He was not satisfied with just 1 billion won.
Kim Ju-han’s goal was to one day gather a hundred thousand followers and be grandly revered as a cult leader.
While he was pondering every day how to collect more followers and funds, a follower requested a consultation with him.
‘Cult leader, I have a lot of debt. Suddenly, someone wearing a strange mask came to visit and asked if I wanted to participate in a game. They said the total prize money is 100 billion won, so would it be right to participate here?’
Total prize money of 100 billion won.
For Kim Ju-han, who wanted to build a stronghold of 100,000 followers, there was no news more appetizing than this.
Under the pretext of solving the follower's troubles, he asked to meet the official, and he conducted negotiations with the official who called himself a Dealer.
‘Mr. Dealer, it seems the number of participants is so lacking that you have to tempt them with a large sum of money? If you give me the chance to participate, I will bring my followers and participate as a group.’
Other players had to participate alone and mingle with others while carrying the risk of being betrayed, but since Kim Ju-han’s group participated as a collective, the risk of betrayal was almost non-existent.
It was like having the conditions to move forward with an overwhelming advantage from the start.
Even if all 100 billion won was impossible, he thought he could gather about 10 billion won in a short period and leave.
However, things got extremely twisted.
Ever since he met that man, Lee Ju-seong.
“900 million. To think the debt is 900 million. Boarding fees are added even to the debt. If I board the ship now, the debt increases from 900 million to 1.26 billion. It’s an amount that cannot be repaid even if I dispose of all the assets I have outside.”
Inside a small walking trail located on the east side of the Shopping Mall.
He kept clutching his head while waiting at the place where the followers agreed to gather after the game ended.
‘Lee Ju-seong, what on earth is that man’s ability? Why does he have multiple abilities? For now, I can’t gauge his depth. It would be best to avoid him and not run into him if possible.’
While he was submerged in seriousness, followers began to gather one by one.
“Cult leader, you arrived first. I am glad you are safe.”
The number of followers who crossed over to this island from the other island with Kim Ju-han was nine.
Among them, three had just joined after participating in other games.
A man in his early 40s wearing a safety helmet and red work clothes.
A man in his mid-20s wearing a free-sized hoodie, jeans, and a headset.
A woman in her early 30s wearing excessively thick long sleeves and cotton pants.
The safety helmet man touched his bruised nose and bowed his waist deeply.
“How was this game? Since it’s you, the cult leader, and not anyone else, you must have achieved great results.”
All three followers were sending infinite trust toward Kim Ju-han.
Their eyes sparkled, expecting that Kim Ju-han would have used his divine powers to produce overwhelming results.
How could he tell the truth to those who were so highly expectant?
He couldn't possibly say that far from leaving a surplus, he was only burdened with debt.
Kim Ju-han recited the script he had prepared in advance.
“It was a time when I realized that there are many trials to overcome in order to exercise salvation in this world.”
While combining and laying out plausible words, he took gestures that seemed appropriately sublime.
As if changing a mask made of skin, the safety helmet man instantly changed his face to a serious expression and asked.
“What on earth happened?”
“There was a very outstanding demon in the game that the followers and I participated in.”
“Cult leader, haven't you reformed or defeated countless demons until now. Was it to the extent that even your divine powers could do nothing about it?”
“Of course, even the demon could not properly use its strength before me. However, because the followers who fell for his temptation lost their faith...”
He performed a scene of swallowing his anger while trailing off.
The three followers, who fell completely for Kim Ju-han’s acting, gritted their teeth and expressed their resentment.
The safety helmet man wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and asked in a choked voice.
“We shouldn't just be grieving. We have a grand goal of gathering funds to save the world and returning.”
“We must. Those who lost their faith had no right to be saved from the beginning, so let's just forget them.”
“Cult leader, then shall we settle up soon? I will deposit the prize money obtained from this Round 3 and 4 into your Money Watch.”
They had agreed that the prize money gathered by the followers would be collected and managed collectively by Kim Ju-han.
The followers' faith in Kim Ju-han was that solid.
However, as for now, collecting the followers' funds had the opposite effect.
As soon as the followers deposited the money, it would be used to pay off the debt.
The situation would lead to him clearly receiving the money but not a single penny remaining in his possession.
What if the followers requested accommodation or food expenses while he was penniless?
He wouldn't be able to say he didn't have money at that point.
Kim Ju-han cleared his throat to adjust his voice and proposed an improvisation.
“As for the money, let’s manage it individually for the time being.”
“Yes? Is that okay?”
“According to a reliable source, there is a possibility that we will be put into games where cash is essential in the future. Since there is no guarantee we will always participate in the same game, it would be good to have a certain level of cash, wouldn't it.”
“You are amazing. To think you have even influenced the organization members while we weren't looking. As expected of the cult leader. Truly a person like light.”
“So let's save the funds. Let's stay at the free lodging and use the free meals for a while while watching the trend.”
While attaching a suitable excuse, he adapted the story to show that his influence extended even to the organization members.
As expected of Kim Ju-han, whose profession was deceiving people with words, every adaptation was plausible and flowed like water.
The three followers currently in this spot had no way to see through the skillful swindler's eloquence.
“Phew.”
Since he seemed to have successfully deceived the three followers somehow, he let out a short sigh of relief at a volume they couldn't hear.
After feeling relieved, he finally had the leisure to observe other people carefully.
Kim Ju-han pointed out the bruise marks stained on the man's safety helmet.
“But how did those bruise marks get there? Do you not need to receive treatment?”
As if he had noticed it at the right time, the safety helmet man shouted emotionally with heat.
“Oh right! I forgot to tell you! While you were in the game, cult leader, I was waiting in the hall when some demon guy assaulted me for no reason and left!”
“You mean he hit your face and passed by while you were just staying still?”
“Yes! I was receiving treatment from the doctor when he suddenly kicked my face!”
“To think this island would be teeming with demons.”
“He might be less than the demon you witnessed, cult leader, but it seems like we need to take measures against the demon who assaulted me quickly.”
Kim Ju-han thought the demon the safety helmet man was talking about was a separate person from the Lee Ju-seong he mentioned.
Because the safety helmet man said he met him ‘while the cult leader was in the game’.
He had completely forgotten the fact that he came out much later than Lee Ju-seong because he was in despair.
Unless it was a man of Lee Ju-seong’s level, there was nothing to be afraid of.
What big deal was a ruffian who brandished violence without thinking ahead?
“I will personally meet him soon and get an apology. Along with compensation, of course.”
As Kim Ju-han finished with a boast, the three followers, including the safety helmet man, nodded and made expressions full of awe.
“Oh, thank you!”
It was at that moment.
Crash!
The industrial food cans piled up at the corner of the building collapsed with a noisy sound.
Someone had kicked the cans irritably.
At the same time, a person revealed themselves.
A woman with faded brown dyed hair tied back, letting blood-like anger flow under her white T-shirt.
“That bitch, where is she?”
The intent conveyed through the raspy voice, as if phlegm was stuck in it, was very clear.
Pure hostility was contained in the voice.
“You’re the cult leader, right? The leader of Taepyeong-gyo. I know you’re the swindler who enticed that bitch and tore my money away.”
Park So-yul, her expression was disheveled and there was an edge at the tip of her tongue.
There was no way Kim Ju-han would recognize her, whom he was seeing for the first time.
No, before that, there was no reason for him to recognize her either.
“Wait, excuse me... but what is the Bodhisattva here for all of a sudden...”
“Shut up.”
Park So-yul cut off Kim Ju-han’s words in the middle.
She tapped her back pants pocket with one hand, then took a follower ID card out of her wallet and held it out in front of his face as if throwing it.
“This is that bitch’s thing. I don’t know what kind of brainwashing you did as a follower in a place that isn't even a church with this piece of plastic, but you’d better answer what I ask properly.”
Kim Ju-han’s expression collapsed rapidly.
A familiar name was written on the follower ID card.
Park Young-ok.
He remembered.
She was one of the several women he had recruited under the pretext of a healing program for the underprivileged.
An awkward smile popped up on his lips.
“Ah, are you talking about that faithful person? You don't need to worry. Our Taepyeong-gyo...”
Thud!
Park So-yul’s instep kicked a can rolling on the floor.
The can floated up, drew a parabola, and collided with Kim Ju-han’s upper body.
Excess juice poured out from the can labeled ‘Sweet Corn’ and soaked Kim Ju-han’s shirt.
The followers jumped up in surprise, but she didn't care.
“Shut up and just answer what I ask. Park Young-ok, where is that bitch?”
“You are being rude. You must not have learned to have proper manners when asking a person a question.”
“I told you to just answer what I ask!”
It was Park So-yul, stepping forward as if she would grab Kim Ju-han’s collar at any moment.
“Where is she? You said you’re the cult leader! Then you must know where she is!”
However, the followers were not ones to let someone who would harm Kim Ju-han approach as they pleased.
The youth in the hoodie wedged his arms into both of Park So-yul’s armpits from the rear, holding her firmly by raising his arms as if locking them.
Following that, the safety helmet man slapped Park So-yul’s cheek.
Slap!
“Where does a young thing think she's acting out! Do you know who this person is!”
A small bloodline was drawn as Park So-yul’s mouth burst.
However, the act of violence, far from breaking Park So-yul’s spirit, only had the effect of pouring oil on a fire.
The spite rose even more sharply and the murderous intent became even more grim.
“I won't leave any of you alone.”
The moment Park So-yul was about to use her ability while throwing a warning with a spiteful expression.
Suddenly, a thick hand appeared from behind the safety helmet man and tapped the man’s shoulder.
“I guess the physical therapy wasn't enough?”
I, Lee Ju-seong, spoke as I approached them.
“Who the hell are you!”
The safety helmet man glared and twisted his head to look back.
And before his head could completely turn direction, a fist flew in.
The fist completely smashed the nose that was already severely crushed, beyond any hope of reconstruction.
Crunch!
“Aaaagh!”
The safety helmet man rolled around while clutching his nose, and looked at the person who hit him with bloodshot eyes that were tearing up from the pain.
It didn't take long to recognize the identity of the person who hit the same spot again.
“Cu-cult leader! It’s this guy! The demon guy who hit me!”
The safety helmet man wailed and shouted, but Kim Ju-han’s mouth was wide open and wouldn't close.
Lee Ju-seong.
With just that one name, his thoughts came to a halt.
To think the demon the safety helmet man mentioned was actually Lee Ju-seong.
Since he had boasted so much, he had to do something, but if he recklessly touched Lee Ju-seong, he would only repeat the events of Round 4.
While his insides were burning, the safety helmet man, not knowing how the person felt, went wild.
“You said you would get an apology and receive compensation if you met him! It’s now!”
If you don't know anything, you should just stay still!
I felt anxious because of the safety helmet man who couldn't grasp the situation and was babbling.
He should have smashed the mouth instead of the nose.
If he had done that, things wouldn't have become more complicated than this.
I, Lee Ju-seong, acted nonchalant after hearing the safety helmet man’s words.
It was a nonchalance that was terrifying to Kim Ju-han.
“Ho~ you going to extort compensation? I wonder if it’s a way to solve the wallet situation of someone located somewhere.”
It was a remark that sounded like there was no problem on the surface, but every single syllable was a threat directed at Kim Ju-han.
I was utilizing Kim Ju-han’s situation, where he must not get caught with his balance by the followers, in reverse.
Unable to find the confidence to look me straight in the eyes, Kim Ju-han eventually turned his head and avoided my gaze.
In the meantime, I spoke to Park So-yul in a cheerful tone.
“Oh my, how did you end up coming back?”
Park So-yul spat out saliva mixed with blood on the floor and forcibly composed her expression.
It seemed she didn't want to make an angry expression toward me, even if she did toward others.
Park So-yul answered with a much softer voice than before.
“There's a reason. I'll tell you later.”
“Is there a need to put it off until later. I was just about to go to the lodging, so let's go together.”
“But I... have things to hear from these people...”
“If you show off your friendship with me now, it will be much easier to hear the story later. I will guarantee it with my three-character name.”
Then, I tossed a word to the man in the hoodie who was holding Park So-yul in a light tone.
“I think it would be beneficial for each other if you let her go quietly.”
The hoodie man, colored with embarrassment, looked back and forth between Kim Ju-han and the safety helmet man.
Not knowing what to do, he was pleading with his eyes for the others to decide.
Kim Ju-han spoke with bitterness.
“Let her go.”
Only the safety helmet man, who still couldn't read the atmosphere, felt wronged and appealed to Kim Ju-han.
“Cult leader! Why are you doing this! That demon guy openly assaulted me, but you’re just letting him go!”
“Be quiet. All of this is for all of us.”
Whether the safety helmet man protested or not, the hoodie man let go of Park So-yul for his own safety.
I turned my head and gave a nod to Park So-yul.
“Let’s go.”
The two of us left the place together.
The feet of the two people made a crushing sound as they stepped on the pile of collapsed cans.
Crunch!
The sound of the cans crumpling was no different from the sound of Kim Ju-han’s pride being crumpled.
Kim Ju-han barely held onto his spirit, which was about to break, and gnashed his teeth internally.
‘Now is the time to endure. I must not be in a hurry to win against that guy. When I feel certain that I can definitely win... when that time comes, I will surely return this humiliation to him.’
He had lost the initial intention(?) of thinking it was best to avoid Lee Ju-seong out of fear until just now.
Even now, his heart had changed due to being swayed by Lee Ju-seong’s provocation, yet he didn't even feel the realization that he was being manipulated by his every move.
It might be possible if he gathers capital by scraping money together and gathers the followers scattered across various islands to this island.
In that way, Kim Ju-han was vowing revenge amidst vague expectations.