Descent of the Demon Master-Chapter 1388. Arrested (3)

“Sacrifice?”

Kang Jin-Ho tilted his head slightly.

“You say I don’t know what it’s like to make sacrifices?”

How much did Kim Myeong-Chan think he knew about Kang Jin-Ho to utter nonsense like this? Kang Jin-Ho’s expression grew colder as he thought that.

Did this man know just how much Kang Jin-Ho had to give up and sacrificed to maintain his current life?

As if he could guess what was in Kang Jin-Ho’s mind, Kim Myeong-Chan spoke up first.

“I’m sure you are confused.”

Kim Myeong-Chan released his interlocked fingers to grab the paper cup. After taking a sip of the still-hot coffee, he glared at Kang Jin-Ho again, his eyes unwavering.

“Because you believe you have given up on so many things already.”

“...”

“Unfortunately, Mister Kang... No, the Assembly Master. You seemed to have an incorrect understanding of what making a sacrifice entails.”

“I don’t get what you’re trying to say.”

“I’m not surprised. Those who live ordinary lives don’t usually think about such things, after all.”

“Ordinary lives, you say?”

“Of course, I’m not implying that your life has been ordinary,” said Kim Myeong-Chan with a quick wave of his hand. “However, isn’t it also true that you have never lowered your head to a power so much greater than yourself? A power that you can’t possibly fight against?”

Kang Jin-Ho furrowed his brow. Kim Myeong-Chan most likely didn’t know, but his words still accurately described Kang Jin-Ho’s life.

“So what? Are you trying to say I should lower my head and wag my tail?”

“No, no. I’m not saying that. Assembly Master, you might think you’ve sacrificed so much for your current life, but in reality? You have not sacrificed anything.”

“And what makes you say that?”

“What do you think making a sacrifice means?”

It seemed Kim Myeong-Chan wanted to answer a question with a question of his own. And he didn’t wait for Kang Jin-Ho’s reply before explaining his thought process.

“It’s giving up on something precious to you.”

“...”

“But people often mistakenly equate getting harmed with making sacrifices. That goes for you, too.”

Kim Myeong-Chan’s demeanour grew more somber as he spoke.

“One must suffer to say they have sacrificed. As for you, though? Assembly Master, you are simply being... let’s say inconvenienced for the sake of your acquaintances. If you want to call that making a sacrifice, you must consider yourself more precious than your acquaintances. However, is that true? Because I don’t think so.”

Kang Jin-Ho couldn’t respond, because Kim Myeong-Chan was right.

“If you really think enduring your frustrations and pains for the sake of people in your lives is a sacrifice, then workers overworking themselves to make extra money also qualify as making sacrifices. And athletes staying in the competition despite injuries are making sacrifices, too. However, is that true? Do people call that making sacrifices? They don’t, now do they?”

A sly smirk formed on Kim Myeong-Chan’s face.

“Hence my assertion that you’re a greedy man, Assembly Master. You act as if you’re making significant sacrifices, but in reality? You do not want to let go of things you hold dear. Which is actually great news from our perspective.”

The corners of Kang Jin-Ho’s lips curled up. “Looks like I must admit it, then.”

“...? What would you like to admit?”

“It seems I’ve been subconsciously looking down on you. Even though I often told the others we must be wary of you.”

Kim Myeong-Chan smirked right back while adjusting his glasses. “I’m not sure how to respond to that. Should I be happy? Or express my gratitude for viewing me favorably?”

Kang Jin-Ho held the Prime Minister’s gaze and smiled strangely. “So...”

“...?”

“In your estimation, what do you think I’ll do next?”

The smile on Kang Jin-Ho’s face grew indescribably icy as his glare sharpened. It was as if he’d jump over the table and break Kim Myeong-Chan’s neck right this second!

“Well, if I’m being honest, my predictions won’t matter much, wouldn’t you say?” Kim Myeong-Chan tried to sound jovial in his response. “Although, I do have a wish. And that’s for you to do nothing, Assembly Master.”

“And do you think I’d humor you?”

“Yes. Because that will be for the best.”

“For the best?”

Kim Myeong-Chan smiled brightly again. “Yes. To you, the best thing is not about enjoying your power and wealth. No, it’s ensuring the happiness of your family and acquaintances, even if that means you have to be inconvenienced somewhat.”

“...”

“And yes, this place will be an inconvenience to you. However, as long as you stay put and endure, your acquaintances will all get to enjoy ordinary lives. Comfortable lives. However, if you decide otherwise...”

Kim Myeong-Chan leaned forward.

“...Your life might become a little less inconvenienced. But the others in your life will pay the price instead. Their happiness will get sacrificed, so to speak. They will be branded as families and friends of an escaped convict, you see?”

The corners of Kang Jin-Ho’s lips curled up even higher. “So, you think I’ll endure it all?”

“I’m not going to force you. The decision ultimately is up to you, Assembly Master. If you want, you can just kill me here now and leave.”

Kim Myeong-Chan spoke calmly with nary the arrogance of the victor. He was definitely not mocking Kang Jin-Ho here.

“However, I firmly believe you won’t make that kind of choice. Because that would lead everyone toward their destruction.”

Kang Jin-Ho sighed softly. That was when Kim Myeong-Chan took out a packet of cigarettes and a lighter before presenting them to Kang Jin-Ho.

“Here, have a smoke. On me.”

Kang Jin-Ho subtly cocked an eyebrow. “Is it fine to give a prisoner something like this?”

“I’m sure nothing of note will happen, Assembly Master.”

Kang Jin-Ho mouthed the cigarette, then lit it up. Soon, the thick, unhealthy smoke filled the office and his lungs. That did wonders for the tightness in his chest; it felt like he could relax a little more now.

“Assembly Master,” said Kim Myeong-Chan after a lengthy bout of silence. His determined gaze remained locked on Kang Jin-Ho’s face. “Please stay here.”

“...”

“This is not a recommendation. No, I’m asking you for a favor. As you may well know, the relationship between the Assembly and the government has become too extreme to be tenable. And it’d be impossible to fix this situation if you are running free.”

“You speak as if I’ve done something wrong.”

“Yes, I know that the fault is with us. That’s why we have to resort to desperate measures,” said Kim Myeong-Chan, then bowed his head a little. “But I don’t plan to beg for your forgiveness. If you want my life, you can have it. But we’re not doing this for my sake. No, this is for the country.”

“...”

“I give you my word that your family will be safe. That goes for the Martial Assembly as well. And we will even support MK under the table, too. Yes, we will look after them all. And I’ll personally ensure that your stay in the penitentiary will be as comfortable as possible. With my authority, I’ll permit you to do and have things that are usually not allowed in prisons. And yes, that means you can even briefly leave the prison, too.”

Kang Jin-Ho chuckled softly. “Really now? I didn’t know the Prime Minister had that much authority.”

“Yes, such a thing should be impossible. Usually, of course.”

“And who told me that everyone is equal under the law? Wasn’t it you?”

“...Well, we all know you haven’t broken the National Security Act. Since you’re about to be blamed for a crime you didn’t commit, this is the least I can do.”

“I see that you don’t feel any guilt while running your mouth off, then.”

“Of course. Why would I? When you’re a murderer?”

“...”

Kim Myeong-Chan’s expression grew icy.

“If we apply the law as it should, you would have been executed a long time ago for your crimes, Assembly Master. Adding one more crime to your rap sheet wouldn’t make much of a difference, wouldn’t you agree?”

Kang Jin-Ho chuckled hollowly.

Again, Kim Myeong-Chan wasn’t wrong. Of course, those crimes and this one were a separate issue, but Kang Jin-Ho wasn’t so morally bankrupt to argue his innocence here.

“That’s why... All you have to do is be patient and stay here for a while. I mean, this arrangement isn’t all that different from your old life, isn’t it? Yes, your patience will be key to resolving everything.”

Kang Jin-Ho leaned against the chair while lazily smoking away.

He thought rage would overwhelm his mind the moment Kim Myeong-Chan showed his face again. However, rather than rage, he was currently as calm as he could be. Maybe even more level-headed than usual.

“So... Everything will get sorted if I’m no longer in the picture?”

“Assembly Master,” Kim Myeong-Chan sighed softly. “You are the root cause of everything that has happened. Your entrance was the trigger that rocked the world. Yes, I admit that things won’t go back to how they were even if you disappear. However, at least it won’t be as chaotic as now.”

“You seem to be underestimating the Martial Assembly a lot here.”

“But that’s underestimating your own self, Assembly Master. I can safely say that your influence is far greater than you think it is.”

Kang Jin-Ho chuckled hollowly. “You expect me to believe that after throwing me in here?”

“But no one can imprison you unless you allow it to happen. Isn’t that right?”

Kang Jin-Ho tossed the cigarette into the cup of coffee, then stared silently at Kim Myeong-Chan.

The Prime Minister, feeling intimidated by that glare, hurriedly spoke up first. “Yes, I understand that you haven’t processed what I’ve told you. Maybe I’ve failed to convince you at all. However, please believe me when I say this, Assembly Master.

“There is only one way for us to co-exist. And this is it. If you accept my proposal, I give you my word that I’ll expunge your records and let you return to society when everything is resolved. And I’ll even throw in a large monetary reward, to boot.”

“That’s enough,” Kang Jin-Ho cut Kim Myeong-Chan off, his voice flat. “You should stop talking now. Since your voice is starting to get on my nerves.”

Kim Myeong-Chan wisely clamped his mouth shut.

Kang Jin-Ho was definitely not a bluffing type. He would really twist Kim Myeong-Chan’s head off if he found the latter’s voice too grating to listen to!

Kang Jin-Ho might have fallen into a trap, but the one walking on a tightrope was still Kim Myeong-Chan. This was not a fair trade or a negotiation between equals. One side was risking his neck here, while his counterpart only had time to lose, after all!

Kang Jin-Ho coldly muttered. “Leave.”

“But Assembly Master...!”

“Thanks for letting me know what you were thinking of. Now, it’s my turn. Leave. And wait. You’ll soon learn what my decision will be. Whether that’s a favorable one for you or not...!”

Kim Myeong-Chan’s complexion lost all color in an instant. Of course, he figured out what Kang Jin-Ho meant just now.

If the Assembly Master chose not to go with this recommendation, he’d appear before the Prime Minister with vengeance in mind!

The grim reaper that could not be avoided would come for him!

Kim Myeong-Chan’s face grew a little more gaunt than before as he nodded.

“I... see. Then, I’ll take my leave for now. But I’ll come speak to you again when you’re ready to make your decision. Meanwhile, I’ll make sure your stay here is as comfortable as possible. If something is still not to your liking, please inform the guards or the warden.”

Kang Jin-Ho wordlessly got up, then headed to the exit. However, just before he knocked on the door, he stopped and stood still. Without looking back, he addressed Kim Myeong-Chan.

“Let me ask you something.”

“...?”

“I noticed that you’ve left one thing out of the recommendation just now.”

Only then did Kang Jin-Ho slowly turn his head. His eyes, now resembling those of a starving beast, locked onto the frozen figure of Kim Myeong-Chan as if he was a mere prey!

“Do you think you can keep your life after all is said and done?”

“...!”

Kang Jin-Ho bared his fangs. “Leave. Know that I’ll come for you. When that will be, no one knows. But I promise you this. Your death will not be easy.”

Kang Jin-Ho knocked on the door. The guards waiting outside opened it, then escorted Kang Jin-Ho back to his cell.

Now left alone, Kim Myeong-Chan reached out to the packet of cigarettes on the table. His hand trembled pitifully while gripping the packet. But he somehow managed to shove a cigarette between his lips.

Unfortunately, his hands trembled too much, and he couldn’t light up the damn cigarette. After several fruitless attempts, he gave up and sagged weakly in his chair.

His forehead was caked in cold sweat.

This is... merely the start!

Kim Myeong-Chan was aware that all he did was placing his head inside the tiger’s maw. To catch this tiger, he still had a lot of work left to do.

The Prime Minister of South Korea hurriedly rubbed his face with his still-trembling hands.