Descent of the Demon Master

"Come in," said Kang Jin-Ho.

"Sir!"

The office door opened, and Lee Hyeon-Su stepped inside. He shot a sharp but brief gaze in Lee Hyeon-Ju's direction, then bowed toward Kang Jin-Ho.

"Good morning, Assembly Master."

"I thought you're usually busy in the mornings?"

"Yes, I am. Even so, I still need to prioritize some things above all else, sir."

Kang Jin-Ho noticed that Lee Hyeon-Su's face was slightly flushed. That was because Lee Hyeon-Su had rushed here at his top speed after learning about Lee Hyeon-Ju heading to the Assembly Master's office.

"My apologies, as I have not caught all of the discussion, just the tail end of it. Allow me to offer my opinion on this matter. I would like us to be more prudent."

"More prudent?" Lee Hyeon-Ju shot back unhappily. Her voice was much sharper than when she was speaking to Kang Jin-Ho.

"Words can mean different things depending on the situation and how they are used, wouldn't you agree? And that's why when you said prudent, it sounded suspiciously like you wanted to repudiate my idea."

The flames shooting out from their eyes collided mid-air. However, Lee Hyeon-Su promptly ignored Lee Hyeon-Ju and sat down on an empty chair. "Assembly Master, sir. We need to be prudent about this, especially after going through this whole mess with the Japanese. Joining the surface world means we will face even more restrictions than ever before."

Kang Jin-Ho slowly nodded. "Mm…!"

"We will be entering a whole new uncharted territory, sir. Up until now, we could determine how we'd proceed. But our overall situation has changed greatly. Making information about us publicly available could limit our options and prevent us from effectively fending off large-scale attacks from our enemies like the last time."

"That's a strange assertion, Mister Lee!" Lee Hyeon-Ju sharply rebuked Lee Hyeon-Su. She was obviously not prepared to let him have his way. "Going public will not restrict our freedom. Let's be real here, shall we? Even if the Assembly becomes a legitimate business entity, most Assembly members still can't do much. After all, the only things they know how to do are training and beating people up."

"…That's a bit too harsh, don't you think?"

"I'm merely stating the truth," Lee Hyeon-Ju curtly cut Lee Hyeon-Su off, her expression unwavering. "The management of the company doesn't involve regular Assembly members, to begin with. Instead, what we do will expand everyone's movement options. Besides, it's not like I'm insisting on legitimizing the Assembly for an easier, more streamlined management. No, it's to create ways for us to make a living!"

Lee Hyeon-Su cocked his brow. "To make a living?"

"...Do you know where we get our income from?"

"Huh?" Lee Hyeon-Su tilted his head. What did she mean by that? Of course the Assembly got its income from…

"Our situation has changed. By a lot, too. In the past, we could make some money through illegal activities. However, the world has changed too much for us to keep doing that, Mister Lee! And don't forget that South Korea's public order is one of the best in the world.

"Organizations in countries with much worse public order than ours have long turned themselves into legal entities and legalized their income source, too. Compared to them? We're late to the table."

Lee Hyeon-Su nodded. "Sure, I agree with you on all that. However, all I'm saying is there is no need to rush."

"No, there is definitely a reason to rush," Lee Hyeon-Ju firmly shook her head. "If our situation doesn't change soon, the Assembly will face a serious financial loss this year."

"A loss? Even though we've confiscated so much hidden wealth?"

"Mister Lee, that's not a sustainable income source. The Assembly is getting more bloated every day. And to feed every member, we need money. But our source of income is basically non-existent. There is a clear limit to how long we can rely on what's in our bank account."

Lee Hyeon-Ju abruptly shifted her focus to Kang Jin-Ho next.

"Assembly Master. Yes, we have a lot of assets. But we also have a lot of Assembly members to take care of. Worse still, we even accepted over ten thousand freeloaders who can't even contribute financially. That number of people would even put some governments in a bind, sir! At this rate, the Assembly will definitely go bankrupt."

The disharmony of the situation was too real to ignore. Despite the estimated value of all the assets high enough to pierce the heavens, the Assembly was still facing bankruptcy?

'Then again, Lee Hyeon-Ju isn't exactly wrong when you think about it.'

The current-day demon cult was quite literally weighty baggage. In other words, they couldn't even pull their own weight.

Soon, they should prove their worth as martial artists. Kang Jin-Ho would ensure that. That didn't mean the demon cult believers were capable of financially helping out, though.

No one in this world was free from the need to put food on the table and a roof over their heads. That included the Martial Assembly and its members; to keep chugging along, the Assembly needed to make money somehow.

When Kang Jin-Ho silently nodded, Lee Hyeon-Ju smiled in excitement and spoke fearlessly. "Now is the most optimal time, sir! While we have enough funds to stay afloat and in operation, this organization must become a legal business entity. And then, we must use the available funds to create a new source of income. Please permit us to do this."

Kang Jin-Ho leaned back on the couch while rubbing his chin. "And I'm guessing you want to be in charge of that?"

"No, sir. Not me. I want Mister… Chief Lee here to handle it for us."

"Huh?" Lee Hyeon-Su stumbled back. "Me?"

"Yes, you." Lee Hyeon-Ju stared straight into Lee Hyeon-Su's eyes. "Didn't you create the administrative department just for this purpose?"

"N-no, well, uh, sure. But…"

That wasn't why the department had been created, though!

Lee Hyeon-Su merely wanted to make the Assembly's operations more convenient for him to manage, and being a part of something like this never even entered his mind once!

However, admitting that in this situation would make him look like a damn fool, now wouldn't it!

"We at the accounting department are already up to our necks trying to manage the Assembly's money flow. I'm not saying I'm unwilling, but my situation leaves me with no room, sir. So, someone else has to do it, and it doesn't matter who.

"We might be fine for now even if we sweep everything under the carpet, but in a decade? Sir, we might be living on the street, sucking on our fingers to survive in a few years!"

At this point, even Lee Hyeon-Su's expression had become grave. "Is it that bad?"

"Here. Take a look for yourself," said Lee Hyeon-Ju while handing the financial documents over to Lee Hyeon-Su.

He took his time poring through the documents, then sighed deeply. "For sure, this… is going to be a problem. A big problem."

"See? We need to act as soon as we can."

Lee Hyeon-Su sighed again, then looked over at Kang Jin-Ho next. It was plain to see that he was now leaving the decision up to Kang Jin-Ho.

Kang Jin-Ho asked Lee Hyeon-Ju. "I'm sure you're not here to give me that report only. So, what do I need to do?"

"We need the political power on our side, sir."

"Political power, you say?"

"Yes, sir!" Lee Hyeon-Ju nodded. Knowing that they were about to discuss a sensitive topic, she tried to steel herself. "As mentioned before, placing so much wealth under the management of one organization is beyond my abilities, sir. It will be impossible without the tacit permission from the government."

Kang Jin-Ho narrowed his eyes. "Impossible? Even though we're doing it legally?"

"It will be possible… Technically speaking, that is. However, we will have to make it look like a wealth transfer or disposal of assets first. And that will cost us at least 20% of our assets on taxes alone."

"…!"

20% of the Assembly's assets?

Kang Jin-Ho wasn't the type to prefer shortcuts or bending the rules. Of course, he was aware of what kind of person he was, a man who liberally committed many illegal acts. A man who nonchalantly chopped people up like pieces of tofu shouldn't discuss which laws made sense or not.

As such, he wanted to be as law-abiding as possible in matters of the surface world. He figured being a part of the hidden world was already enough of living like an outlaw! He wanted to do everything by the book, no matter how much it'd cost him, but to think it'd be 20%…?

'That's astronomical, isn't it?'

Even though Kang Jin-Ho never considered the Assembly's wealth as his own, it still felt like a sharp dagger was digging into his side.

"Also… Money isn't enough to ensure we become a legitimate entity. A corporation boasting such wealth suddenly entering the business sector is bound to create several problems. That's why we need the government higher-ups to help us stop that."

"Mm…!"

"To that end, my recommendation is…" Lee Hyeon-Ju sighed a little. "Please, create connections with people in power, sir. Those who can quietly sweep everything under the carpet, that is."

Lee Hyeon-Su scratched his cheek while looking frustrated, then suddenly addressed Kang Jin-Ho. "Sir, how about a short smoke break?"

"Mm, good idea."

Lee Hyeon-Su pulled out a cigarette and gave it to Kang Jin-Ho. The latter lit the cigarette up and leisurely smoked away in silence.

Eventually, though, Kang Jin-Ho began tilting his head. "I gotta ask something since I don't know much about this stuff, but… What you said just now? Can that be done with the cooperation of one or two high-ranking people?"

Lee Hyeon-Ju quickly replied, "Since a new source of tax revenue is joining the fray, I'm sure no one will oppose us."

That was when Lee Hyeon-Su weightily shook his head. "No, it's not as simple as that."

"What do you mean?" Lee Hyeon-Ju cocked an eyebrow and stared suspiciously at Lee Hyeon-Su. "This will help everyone, so what could be the problem?"

Lee Hyeon-Su smiled bitterly, then explained himself to Kang Jin-Ho, not Lee Hyeon-Ju. He wasn't trying to look down on her, though. He merely thought Kang Jin-Ho needed to hear this.

"We can certainly try, sir. That's because the Assembly's palm-greasing has been targeting not just one side but both sides of the aisle, you see? Whether it's the ruling party or the opposition… They all receive an equal share from us."

"Mm…"

"But the problem is…" Lee Hyeon-Su scratched his head as if a migraine had begun assaulting him. "Logically, this will increase tax revenue and bring more prosperity to the country. So, both sides of the political aisle should be celebrating in unison, but… I'm sure you're already well aware of this, but politicians are incredibly conscious of potential benefits."

"Yes, they are. But what does that have to do with our situation?"

"They care more about their rivals making ten cents, even though they are about to make a buck."

"…!" Kang Jin-Ho's brows quivered ever so slightly. "Mm?"

"Well, to explain that… Simply put, politicians will step in and stop something beneficial to them if they think their rivals will benefit much more. As such, the opposition party will most likely play hard-to-get."

"Okay, so, what you're saying is…" Lee Hyeon-Ju groaned in dismay. "The Assembly going legit and adding to the tax revenue will benefit the current ruling party, so some politicians will oppose our plan? Is that it?"

"That's right."

"...But, how does that even make sense?"

"That's how greedy monsters called politicians operate, Miss Lee."

"B-but…! Anyone with a brain can work out that…"

"Let me stop you right there. They do have brains, and that's exactly why they will oppose us."

"Sorry?" Lee Hyeon-Ju looked even more surprised just then.

Lee Hyeon-Su casually shrugged. "More tax collected means the ruling party could use the extra cash to get additional favorable policies off the ground, you see? And that will obviously make them look good in the media. Then, what do you think will happen during the next election cycle?"

"...Oh, my god!" Lee Hyeon-Ju shook her head as if she couldn't understand the madness of this situation.

This was about the prosperity of their country. So, she couldn't comprehend why politicians purporting to serve the people would block this move just for the sake of their benefits.

"So, basically…" Kang Jin-Ho cut in between the two Lees' conversations. "Going legitimate is necessary for our future, but it will face real-world problems? Is that about it?"

"Yes, sir. Dealing with that real-world problem might cost us more than if we try to handle the situation by the book."

"Hmm…" Kang Jin-Ho slowly nodded. If money could solve the issue, he would have no problem spending whatever amount necessary. However, the way Kang Jin-Ho saw it… Money wouldn't be the best solution available.

'I don't like it.'

The dynamics of human relationships could be determined by what people did to each other. If the Assembly acted all groveling and such during the process of going legit, wouldn't that mean it must continue sucking up to the government officials for the foreseeable future?

Kang Jin-Ho was not okay with that. That was not his style.

"Looks like we need a different solution, then," said Kang Jin-Ho.

"Sorry?" Lee Hyeon-Su and Lee Hyeon-Ju tilted their heads in unison.

"Before all that…" Kang Jin-Ho spoke in a resolute voice. "There is something we need to be crystal clear about. Summon the other directors. Let's hold a proper discussion."

"Yes, sir!"

"Sir!"

Lee Hyeon-Ju and Lee Hyeon-Su quickly got up and smartly exited the office. Kang Jin-Ho watched the door close while leisurely puffing away at his cigarette.

The gray smoke lazily drifted into the office air.

'It is indeed a field I have no idea about.'

Kang Jin-Ho tried to leave this matter to those who knew what they were doing. At this point, however, that didn't seem to be the right answer, either.

At the end of the day, the Assembly Master was a helmsman. Where he decided to go next would also determine where the Martial Assembly would head next.

Kang Jin-Ho closed his eyes and tried to organize his thoughts. A while later, his eyes flew open, the light in his irises so much colder and sharper than before.

The corners of his lips suspiciously curled up.

"In that case… Should we create some ripples?"

Although he should discuss the matter with everyone and get their agreement… Kang Jin-Ho wanted to take the lead in this matter. Doing so could make this situation even more entertaining.

Lee Hyeon-Su spoke from beyond the closed doorway. "Assembly Master? The directors are on their way now."

"Got it." Kang Jin-Ho slowly nodded.

A hint of mischievousness crept into his expression.

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