Chapter 780: A Night of Treachery

The world outside the car window was a blur of darkness as the vehicle bumped along.

Was it the monotonous scenery or the phone calls with Myeong-su and Manager Ma that made me so tired? My tension finally broke and I dozed off.

“Boss.”

I slowly opened my eyes at Manager Kim’s voice.

“I think we need to stop the car.”

I frowned at his words, and Manager Kim quickly elaborated.

“We’re almost out of gas.”

“…What’s our current location?”

“We’re about an hour away from Rajin.”

“Let’s go as far as we can first.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Ten minutes later, the car really did run out of gas.

“It looks like we’ll have to walk from here.”

Manager Kim got out of the car first, surveying the surroundings. I followed him out.

Immediately the bodyguards poured out of the vehicles and moved with practiced precision.

I ignored them as they began retrieving flashlights and various pieces of equipment from the trunks, instead taking in the surroundings.

It was still pitch black and I couldn’t see a thing.

“Boss, take this. Just in case.”

Manager Kim handed me a flashlight.

I took the flashlight and followed him as he shined its beam on a map spread out on the trunk.

“It’s too dangerous to follow the road. If we encounter the enemy, there’s no way we can win with our current equipment.”

I nodded in agreement after checking the bodyguards and their gear.

“We’ll take the mountain path over there. It’ll probably take half a day to reach Rajin, and we can’t stop moving.”

Manager Kim traced the route on the map with his finger as he explained the plan.

The North Korean map looked strangely glossy under the flashlight beam.

“Alright, let’s move out.”

Manager Kim briefed the other bodyguards on the plan and then stood by my side.

The bodyguards surrounded me, and we began climbing up the mountain path.

We had been walking along the rough mountain path for about two hours.

The early winter mountain wind quickly cooled the sweat on our bodies and my body temperature began to drop rapidly.

Manager Kim noticed my condition and spoke up.

“Boss, let’s rest for a moment.”

I barely managed to nod, then slumped down on a nearby rock.

“Man, this is tough.”

I was in pretty good shape, but the unfamiliar terrain and the rapid onset of North Korean winter were quickly draining me.

“Manager Kim, the satellite phone.”

I took the satellite phone from Manager Kim and powered it on. Then, I immediately contacted Igor.

—Boss! Where are you right now?

Igor answered the phone right away. His low voice was laced with worry.

“We had to leave the car and we’re walking through the mountains. I’m not sure how much further it is to Rajin…”

I glanced at Manager Kim.

“Near Chongjin.”

Manager Kim quickly answered.

“He says we’re near Chongjin.”

—Understood. We’re heading your way. We’ll be near Rajin soon.

“You’re already there?”

—The Russian military provided a helicopter to take us to the border. We’re going to get there earlier than expected because of that.

He wasn’t kidding when he said he’d spare no expense. Medvedev really had given Igor his full support.

I’ll have to thank him personally when I get back.

“Alright, I’ll put Manager Kim on the phone. It’ll be easier for him to arrange a meeting place.”

I handed the receiver to Manager Kim.

While they talked, I looked over the bodyguards.

They were also visibly struggling with the cold. Their lips were blue as they tirelessly scanned the surroundings.

I let out a deep sigh and looked up at the star-filled sky.

‘What a mess.’

This day was going to be harder than I expected.

* * *

Choi Ryong-hae slammed his fist on the desk, shouting.

“What? You lost Kim Mu-hyeok? You moronic bastards! How could you let that happen!”

This ‘revolution’ wouldn’t truly begin until Kim Mu-hyeok was captured.

If he escaped North Korea unharmed, who knew what could happen next?

“The Guard Headquarters counterattack was too strong, sir.”

“Then you should’ve used tanks right away! It’s because you were so hesitant that this happened!”

Frustrated, Choi Ryong-hae pounded his chest and raised his voice.

He then gritted his teeth and said fiercely.

“Forget capturing him alive. Chase him down and kill him.”

“They’re already pursuing him, sir.”

“Where’s he heading? Is he coming to Pyongyang?”

“No, sir. They say he took a different road in the middle.”

“That lucky bastard. It would’ve been better if he was headed to Pyongyang…”

Choi Ryong-hae rubbed his throbbing head and muttered.

“General Director of the General Political Bureau.”

At that moment, Kim Young-chun called out to Choi Ryong-hae in a low voice.

“Yes, Vice Marshal.”

Choi Ryong-hae calmed down and sat back in his chair.

“Kim Mu-hyeok is Kim Mu-hyeok, we must move our troops immediately. If there was an engagement with the Guard Headquarters, Jang Seong-taek already knows about our existence.”

“You’re right. We need to move up our plans.”

With Choi Ryong-hae’s approval, Kim Young-chun got up and gave orders to all the military officers.

“Move all units to Pyongyang immediately. We’ve already seized all checkpoints leading into Pyongyang. Issue the orders now.”

After responding, the military officers all contacted their units using communication devices.

“Hey there! Get over here immediately! What? Stop talking nonsense and move the units immediately! That’s an order! Got it?”

The same orders were being relayed to each unit. Kim Young-chun ignored them as he turned to Choi Ryong-hae.

“We need to secure the General first. That’s the fastest way to guarantee the success of this operation.”

“Yes, we’ve already stationed troops nearby.”

Kim Young-chun nodded and smiled.

“If this operation is successful, General Director of the General Political Bureau, you’ll become the most powerful man.”

“How could I dare to do that without Vice Marshal…”

“I’m already a relic of the past.”

“Vice Marshal!”

“Protect the General and the Baekdu bloodline and lead the Republic. This is an old man’s request.”

……

Kim Young-chun shut his mouth after speaking.

Choi Ryong-hae looked at Kim Young-chun and lowered his head slightly. His eyes gleamed with a strange light.

* * *

After receiving a call from Kim Mu-hyeok, Jang Seong-taek immediately summoned the Commander and Vice Commander of the Guard Headquarters, and the Deputy Director of the State Security Department to his office.

“This is Jang Seong-taek.”

—Yes, Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs Commission.

“Seize all checkpoints leading into Pyongyang. Also, from this moment on, block anyone from entering Pyongyang. You may use tanks.”

Jang Seong-taek ordered Hong Joon-soo, the Commander of the Security Bureau.

—Yes! I will follow your order immediately.

He couldn’t fully trust the Pyongyang Defense Command, which was influenced by Choi Ryong-hae.

“Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs Commission.”

At the sound of knocking, Jang Seong-taek answered in a loud voice.

“Come in!”

The door opened, and the Commander and Vice Commander of the Guard Headquarters entered.

“Did you call for us, Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs Commission?”

“Report on the current situation.”

Won Seong-hee, the Commander of the Guard Headquarters, swallowed hard and began his report.

“The reactionary faction including Choi Ryong-hae have gathered at the General Political Bureau. This is the list of the high-ranking officials gathered there.”

Jang Seong-taek nodded after checking the paper that Commander Won Seong-hee had handed him.

He then assigned the Guard Headquarters to monitor the coup forces.

After seizing power, Jang Seong-taek had completely reorganized the Guard Headquarters and greatly increased its authority.

He had transferred half the authority of the Pyongyang Defense Command to the Guard Headquarters, giving it tremendous power.

With Kim Mu-hyeok’s help, they also received the latest Russian weapons.

“Surround the General Political Bureau immediately. Vice Commander, go there yourself.”

The Vice Commander, who had been standing stiffly, saluted and shouted.

“I will move immediately.”

“Use all available forces. Tanks or whatever.”

“Yes, Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs Commission!”

“And…if they resist, you may kill them all.”

Jang Seong-taek said coldly. He had no intention of letting this situation slide.

After the Vice Commander left, he said to Commander Won Seong-hee, who was alone with him.

“Sit down.”

Commander Won Seong-hee sat down.

“What happened to the forces guarding President Kim Mu-hyeok? Did they contact you?”

“…Contact has been lost.”

Commander Won Seong-hee replied in a somber tone.

“Are they all dead?”

Jang Seong-taek let out a soft sigh. He and Kim Mu-hyeok had been too complacent.

He never thought they would target Kim Mu-hyeok directly. They were so focused on the coup that they hadn’t anticipated this.

Jang Seong-taek closed his eyes and then opened them, gritting his teeth.

“Those crazy bastards! Don’t they know that if President Kim Mu-hyeok dies in the Republic, we’re finished?”

Relations with China had already soured.

Now, their only option was to receive support from South Korea and Russia.

Moreover, Kim Mu-hyeok was a guest who had come to the Republic with the official permission of the Korean Government.

No, not just a simple guest, but a savior who was leading North Korea’s economic development.

If they killed such a man, what other country would step forward for North Korea?

“I received word that President Kim Mu-hyeok is safe. He said he would not return to Pyongyang.”

“That’s a relief. Checkpoints have been set up on all roads leading into Pyongyang. It was the Pyongyang Command that made the move.”

“Those rebellious bastards!”

Jang Seong-taek slammed his fist on the desk.

He should have replaced them all when he took power.

However, Jang Seong-taek, whose support base was still insufficient, had been unable to make a decision.

In the end, he had only replaced those who had opposed him, leaving the rest as they were.

“Arrest them all! Every single one! And tell those in the Pyongyang Command to arrest all of the rebels and secure control. And…”

Jang Seong-taek trailed off, lost in thought. He made a decision and spoke with a calmer voice.

“Tell the guard forces at the General’s villa to arrest the General and his family and confine them all. Don’t let them take a single step outside the house.”

Kim Mu-hyeok had gone to meet Kim Jong-il for one last time.

He didn’t know what they had talked about then.

But perhaps because of that meeting, the coup forces were moving faster than expected.

Instead of immediately attacking Pyongyang, they probably planned to first capture or kill Kim Mu-hyeok before moving the military.

“If the General doesn’t comply, you may use force.”

“……Yes.”

Commander Won Seong-hee’s reply came after a long pause. Jang Seong-taek raised an eyebrow at the sight of it.

“Is it uncomfortable? Should I transfer command to someone else?”

“No, sir. I will do it myself.”

Jang Seong-taek nodded and said.

“Move out immediately. Every second counts right now. If it seems like we’re going to lose control of the General’s safety…kill him. Never let the rebels get their hands on the General! Do you understand?”

“Yes! Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs Commission!”

Won Seong-hee saluted and left the office.

Just as he was about to leave, the Deputy Director of the State Security Department arrived.

The two exchanged glances and brushed past each other.

“Wait here for a moment.”

Jang Seong-taek had Deputy Director Woo Dong-cheuk of the State Security Department wait, then called someone.

—Yes. This is the Commander of the 8th Corps.

“This is Jang Seong-taek.”

—Yes! Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs Commission!

“Immediately send troops to the villa where the General is staying!”

—Are you referring to the villa where the General is staying?

“Yes. Send them now! There’s no time!”

When he received no answer, Jang Seong-taek yelled.

“Can you not hear me?! The rebel bastards are threatening the General! Move now and protect him!”

—Yes! I’ll dispatch troops immediately.

If the rebels managed to secure Kim Jong-il, it could escalate into a civil war.

All the leaders of the rebellion were gathered at the General Political Bureau.

Even if they were all arrested, the military officers under them might continue to resist.

After giving the order to the 8th Corps, Jang Seong-taek finally looked at the Deputy Director of the State Security Department.

“Sit down.”

Deputy Director Woo Dong-cheuk sat down, visibly nervous.

Jang Seong-taek threw the binder in front of him.

“Arrest all the families of the rebel bastards listed there.”

Deputy Director Woo Dong-cheuk looked at the list and asked as if to confirm.

“Are we arresting all of them?”

“Yes. Arrest them all.”

“Understood! I’ll mobilize the Security Bureau members immediately.”

Jang Seong-taek nodded and said.

“When this is over, I’ll appoint you as the full Director of the Security Bureau, not just acting. You must not make any mistakes. Do you understand?”

“Yes! Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs Commission.”

“Especially Kim Won-hong, kill that bastard’s family. Do you understand?”

Choi Ryong-hae’s betrayal had been a shock, but the betrayal of Kim Won-hong, whom he had placed by his side to monitor him, was even more shocking.

“Yes, Comrade Chairman of the State Affairs Commission! I will arrest them all!”

“Move out immediately.”

Deputy Director Woo Dong-cheuk immediately left the office.

Left alone, Jang Seong-taek got up from his seat and moved to the window.

He watched the soldiers moving busily, lost deep in thought.