章 50: Infiltration

Chapter 50: Infiltration

The grand office of the President held an air of stoic authority. Behind an expansive mahogany desk sat President Seoul, a man bearing the weight of a nation's troubles on his weary shoulders.

His face, though dignified, showed the lines of endless responsibilities and sleepless nights.

A tablet sat before him, managed by his secretary, Robert—a sharply dressed man with quick eyes and an air of relentless efficiency.

"Mr. President, we need to address other issues if we're serious about boosting the economy," Robert urged, his tone as steady as his gaze.

President Seoul nodded, rubbing his temple. "I know, Robert. I've been working on it. But no matter how many issues I solve, another appears. There's no end to it, and I barely have time to sleep. You know this."

Robert's voice softened slightly as he replied, "You hold the most powerful office in the nation, Mr. President. Naturally, the workload and pressure will be immense."

President Seoul sighed deeply, ignoring Robert's words. "What's next on my schedule?"

Robert glanced at his tablet. "We have a meeting with the Finance Ministry, then with Defense, and finally, a public event to attend."

"Free time?" Seoul asked, a weary hope in his tone.

"Your free time starts at 11:30 PM, sir."

Seoul slumped in his chair, muttering, "I wonder why I even took on this role. My wife was right; she said I shouldn't have done it."

Just then, a knock echoed through the room. Both men paused, surprised at the interruption.

The interruption startled Robert, who raised a hand. "We're in the middle of a discussion. No interruptions," he called out.

Ignoring the order, the door opened, revealing two security guards.

Clad in black suits, sunglasses, and carrying automatic weapons, they cut an imposing figure.

Behind them stood a middle-aged man with sharp, calculating eyes and an unsettling calmness.

As the guards entered, the middle-aged man followed, closing the door firmly behind him. President Seoul's gaze hardened. "What's going on here?" he demanded.

Without a word, one of the guards raised his gun and pointed it at the President. "Mr. President," he spoke with icy control, "say a word, and I won't hesitate to pull the trigger."

Seoul's eyes widened with shock. Robert, beside him, seemed frozen, his thoughts racing.

Have these men betrayed our country? he thought, his hand itching to reach for the emergency button hidden beneath his desk.

The middle-aged man noticed the glance and smirked. "Don't bother trying anything. I don't want to harm anyone, so don't make this difficult."

Ignoring the warning, Robert discreetly reached for his tablet, attempting to activate the emergency alert. But before he could complete the action, the man sighed.

"Why do people always ignore my words?" he muttered, stepping forward.

The man raised his hand, extending two fingers towards Robert. "Submit," he whispered.

From his fingertips, a beam of light shot forward, hitting Robert directly in the forehead. The impact was swift—Robert staggered back, his expression blank as he collapsed to the ground.

President Seoul leaned forward in horror. "Robert! Are you alright?"

One of the guards, weapon in hand, stepped in front of the President, his face expressionless. "Remain seated, Mr. President."

Seoul's shock gave way to anger. "You won't get away with this!" he spat, glaring at the guard.

The middle-aged man chuckled, addressing the President with a strange familiarity. "Mr. President, I'm a big fan of yours. I even voted for you, you know?"

Seoul glared at him, disbelief flickering in his eyes. "You're insane. What have you done to Robert? Who are you?"

Before the man could answer, Robert—who had collapsed moments before—rose to his feet, his face eerily calm. He turned to the intruder, bending one knee and bowing. "My Lord, command me as you wish."

A twisted smile crossed the man's face as he turned to Robert. "There's no need to be so formal. I despise formalities."

Robert straightened, nodding obediently. "As you wish, my Lord. What would you have me do?"

The man smirked. "Continue as you were, but only at my command—not of your own free will."

Watching the exchange, Seoul's horror deepened. "Robert! What's happened to you? What are you saying?"

Robert turned to his superior, his gaze hollow. "Mr. President, I suggest you also bow to my Lord. He is the true ruler of this universe."

Seoul's mind reeled. "So, you're some kind of magician—or did you… manipulate Robert?"

The middle-aged man let out a soft laugh. "Clever guess, Mr. President. Your people did well to elect a man of your intelligence. You saw the light from my fingers, you recognized its effect. You understand… but you cannot stop it."

Seoul's mind raced. If he can control people of such high rank, he could control me too. A shiver ran down his spine. No… I have to act before he uses that power on me.

Quietly, he slid his hand into his pocket, fingers brushing against his phone. With cautious, almost imperceptible movements, he began typing a message.

He needed to alert someone—anyone—that the nation's highest office was compromised.

The middle-aged man tilted his head, his eyes narrowing as he glanced at Seoul. "Your time is up, Mr. President."

Seoul's fingers flew over the keypad, barely managing to send the incomplete message.

This is an emergency from President Seoul— he had managed to type, sending it without knowing where it would end up.

A light pulsed from the man's fingers, hitting Seoul directly in the forehead. The President's body slumped, his head hitting the desk with a dull thud.

Moments later, he lifted his head, his eyes vacant. He looked up at the intruder with newfound reverence. "Master, what can I do for you?"

The man laughed, his amusement laced with malice. "Just like your secretary, continue your duties. But only as I command—not out of your own free will. And when I call, you will obey without question."

Bowing deeply, Seoul replied, "As you wish, my Lord."

The man nodded, signaling to the guards, who flanked him as he departed.

Left behind, the President and his secretary resumed their tasks, their minds devoid of any memory of their encounter with the dark figure who had, in one swift move, seized control over the highest office in the nation.