NOVEL NEXT Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Lee Si-hyun had decided to stay quiet for a week, appearing to hold back as if to show restraint. He ignored Jang Hak-ki, seemingly conforming to the upper management’s pressure.
But that was, of course, a tactical retreat for future plans. Internally, he was sharpening his knives. He felt disgusted by the inmates who flaunted the prison rules and lived according to their whims.
However, what truly irritated him was how Jang Hak-ki blatantly treated him like an idiot. It was the first time an inmate had made him this furious. Therefore, he was ready to use a stronger method to straighten out Jang Hak-ki’s mental attitude.
He had no intention of using the Iron-Blooded Guard technique. It seemed too convenient a method for breaking Jang Hak-ki’s spirits in one go, and he couldn’t complete the quest with it either.
He wanted Jang Hak-ki to experience hellish torment. Thus, he planned to use his Shouting Skill to gradually break him down by simultaneously inflicting humiliation and suffering.
In doing so, he could not only defeat Jang Hak-ki but also complete the quest of rehabilitating the problematic inmates using the terrifying guard’s thunderous shouts.
And so, he quietly waited, refining his strategy.
“Hey, what’s up with you, Si-hyun?”
Jun-cheol, who checked the weekend work roster, had a bewildered expression. Si-hyun’s name was listed for both Saturday and Sunday.
Typically, people only worked one day on weekends; it was rare to work two consecutive days. The scheduling office avoided back-to-back shifts unless a request was made. Even they thought it was a bit harsh to work someone for both days of the weekend.
“What’s the problem?”
Si-hyun asked nonchalantly.
“Do you need money that badly? What’s with this back-to-back weekend shift? Aren’t you tired?”
“It’s fine. I’m happy making money, and the ones who swapped shifts with me get to spend time with their families. It’s a win-win.”
“Such weird reasoning. You used to hate working weekends.”
If he liked it, it would be even stranger. Daytime workers looked forward to their weekends. But if they had to work, they naturally felt irritated. Si-hyun was no different.
But this time, he felt a sense of anticipation. The time to deal with Jang Hak-ki was drawing closer.
“I told you; I’m happy making money. It’s all about the cash.”
Si-hyun stated casually. The underlying motive for officers who sometimes took weekend shifts was the same: money. There was no other reason to do it.
Si-hyun gave that excuse so no one thought it strange. Actually, even without saying anything, people would likely assume it was for that reason.
“Well, what can I say? Work hard while you’re young. But just remember, don’t overdo it. You might burn out.”
Jun-cheol shook his head and clicked his tongue. He was genuinely worried about his younger brother. Si-hyun nodded in acknowledgment.
“Don’t worry. I always prioritize my health. Thanks for caring, hyung.”
◈ ◈ ◈
The reason Si-hyun chose Friday to Sunday to capture Jang Hak-ki was simple. Sundays were usually visitation-free days, and while Saturdays allowed for visits, Jang Hak-ki had never had one on a Saturday. In essence, there would be no contact with the outside world on Saturday and Sunday.
So, after finishing the Friday shift, he could start his operation, ensuring Jang Hak-ki would have no outside contact for at least three days.
Even using his abilities couldn’t prevent him from meeting with a lawyer. Not seeing the usual lawyer would raise suspicions. Therefore, he planned to delay that timeframe while bending Jang Hak-ki’s mental state as much as possible.
In truth, there might not have been a necessity for such caution. He had felt he could weave an impenetrable web just with the ability to shout.
But he wanted to prevent any possible unforeseen events. Unlike previous inmates, Jang Hak-ki had the protection of higher-ups.
That’s why Si-hyun was approaching carefully. Of course, he also considered accelerating the final stage of his plan based on the ongoing status.
“Has Jang Hak-ki been exercising daily?”
Si-hyun asked.
The one in charge of the exercise routine was the Assistant Duty Officer, Do-yeon. He submitted daily exercise reports, so he was the one who best understood the inmates’ physical conditions.
“Yeah, as far as I remember, he probably showed up every day except one?”
Do-yeon thought for a moment before replying.
While other inmates paired off for indoor exercises, Jang Hak-ki exercised alone for thirty minutes. Not every solitary inmate exercised alone, but Jang Hak-ki was receiving special treatment even in this regard.
But for Si-hyun, this was actually turning into a favorable situation.
“You opened the door for him, right?”
“Yeah… did I do something wrong?”
As Si-hyun had said, Do-yeon merely unlocked the door for Jang Hak-ki and then completely disregarded him. He considered it tiresome to keep an eye on him.
In fact, according to procedures, officers were supposed to periodically check whether the inmates were exercising properly.
“That’s fine. When you unlock Jang Hak-ki’s door, let me know afterward.”
“Sure, got it.”
◈ ◈ ◈
While reading the newspaper, the intercom buzzed.
“Are you going to exercise?”
“Why are you asking something so obvious? Hurry and unlock the door.”
“…Understood.”
Click.
He heard the unlocking mechanism as the door opened.
Jang Hak-ki stepped out slowly, taking his time to stretch as if his body was sore.
Jang Hak-ki looked alright. There had been a moment not long ago when he felt irritated by some cocky junior officer who ran his mouth without knowing his place.
But now, that guy seemed to have grasped his position and was quiet. It was necessary to occasionally remind the lower ranks of their place.
Those pig-like creatures.
Jang Hak-ki thought those beneath him believed they were clever, but in reality, they were just stupid enough to vote for whatever party ran, whether it was a drunk driver or a sexual harasser. They had managed to get elected despite their pasts. Nowadays, one could learn everything with just a bit of time, yet they didn’t bother making any effort.
It was no wonder politicians weren’t afraid of the public, given that they were such individuals.
Jang Hak-ki walked leisurely toward the indoor exercise area. He didn’t even glance at the section with cells. There was no need to waste his eyes on social refuse.
He didn’t believe in rehabilitation. His motto was that once garbage, always garbage. Jang Hak-ki had even considered resurrecting an ineffective death penalty system if he ever became president.
“It’s a nice day.”
Jang Hak-ki muttered as he swung the door open.
It was winter, but the weather was pleasantly warm. Perfect for exercising.
“Yeah, it is nice.”
Huh?
As the closed door opened, that cocky junior officer walked in.
◈ ◈ ◈
The location Si-hyun chose was the space where the inmates did their indoor exercises. The railings were heightened to prevent anyone from committing suicide, making them hard to see from the outside.
Even if someone watched closely, they wouldn’t be able to discern what actions were taking place. Inside, the area was recessed from the hallway, meaning it was also naturally out of view from the CCTV cameras. If another officer entered the ward, they would be in a blind spot.
As long as Do-yeon signaled in advance, it was a spot where no one could catch on.
“What do you want? Why are you here?”
Jang Hak-ki shouted.
“What do you think? I came to give you some exercise.”
Si-hyun closed the door and stood in front of it like a barrier.
“What nonsense is this? Get out right now.”
Jang Hak-ki gestured for him to leave.
“I can’t do that, Jang Hak-ki.”
Si-hyun called Jang Hak-ki by name.
An inmate refusing to be addressed by name.
It was absurd, and even though he’d intentionally held back until now to avoid provoking him, there was no reason to keep doing so here.
“What? Jang Hak-ki? Has this punk lost his mind? Do you want to rot in the countryside for the rest of your life? I could make one call to the correctional headquarters, and you’d find yourself rotting away in some remote place.”
Jang Hak-ki threatened with a furious face. It was a threat that would have left a regular officer pale.
However, Si-hyun smiled instead.
“Let’s lower that voice a bit—!! It’s too noisy.”
Si-hyun added his Shouting Skill to the mix.
“This brat is giving orders now, huh…?”
Jang Hak-ki, who was initially going to raise his voice, suddenly wore a stunned expression. Contrary to his expectations, his voice didn’t come out as loudly as he intended. It didn’t just come out softly; it was almost a whisper.
“Ah, ah… why is this happening?”
After a few attempts to speak, Jang Hak-ki’s face turned flustered. He could only manage soft murmurs.
“Well, I don’t have time, so let’s start exercising.”
“What?”
“From now on, follow my commands—!!”
Si-hyun activated his Shouting Skill once more.
Jang Hak-ki glared at Si-hyun, as if questioning why he was talking like a madman. Externally, nothing appeared to change.
However.
“Attention.”
When Si-hyun spoke firmly, the situation switched.
“Huh?”
Jang Hak-ki’s body automatically snapped into an attention stance. His arms pressed close to his body, and his legs were stiff and together.
“What’s going on? What is this?”
Even with a bewildered expression, Jang Hak-ki shouted, but Si-hyun continued without answering.
“Relax.”
“Huh?”
Jang Hak-ki’s body dropped into a relaxed position. He appeared completely flustered. As if realizing the current situation to some degree.
He scowled and glared at Si-hyun.
“What the hell did you do? Answer me, you punk!”
“Geez, I was just trying to loosen you up a bit, but seeing all that energy of yours, I guess we have to start with some intense exercise.”
Si-hyun shook his head in mockery. Then he continued.
“Let’s do 20 laps hopping like a rabbit first.”
“Hey, will you answer me? Ugh, you jerk….”
Jang Hak-ki’s body then started moving on its own, skipping around the indoor exercise area. Although the space was small, it was enough effort for a man in his mid-fifties who was not used to such strenuous exercise.
“Hey, you little punk! You’re done for! I mean it!”
At first, while hopping, he kept cursing and glaring with ferocity, but after 14 laps, he was gasping for breath.
“Huff, huff….”
He could hardly speak, only managing rough gasps. His face was flushed, and sweat dripped down profusely.
“Looks like you’re finally warming up. Right? Remember, when exercising, you have to be quiet.”
“Huff huff… you… huff huff huff….”
He tried to say something, but it was too hard, and his exhaustion prevented clear words. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest.
By the time he finished the 20 laps, Jang Hak-ki collapsed on the floor, too busy gasping.
But of course, Si-hyun wasn’t going to let that slide.
This was just the beginning.
“Let’s do 100 laps at full speed now.”
Si-hyun’s command was enough to cause Jang Hak-ki’s heart to drop.
“Huff, huff… no, please!”
But despite his mind’s protests, his body was already moving.
Pat pat pat.
Jang Hak-ki began to sprint around the indoor exercise area at his maximum speed.
“Huff, huff….”
His breathing quickened, dizziness crept in. His heart raced madly. His mouth and lips felt parched dry. He was thirsty to the point of madness. It felt like his chest would burst. His head pounded. He just wanted to collapse.
Yet his body was running at full speed.
“Huff… huff….”
Just as he completed 100 laps, Jang Hak-ki collapsed and could not rise again. He didn’t even have the energy to curse Si-hyun, the source of his torment.
“Now, let’s do some strength training.”
Si-hyun’s voice sounded like that of the Grim Reaper.
“Attention.”
“Ugh….”
Jang Hak-ki rose with an utterly lifeless expression and snapped back into the attention position.
“100 push-ups.”
“Uhg… uh….”
He couldn’t even do 100 when he was fine. Now he had to do it while completely exhausted. Jang Hak-ki was horrified, but his body was already doing the first push-up.
◈ ◈ ◈
The exercise period lasted for 30 minutes. No, to be precise, it was 45 minutes since Si-hyun had arbitrarily added another 15 minutes.
After the hellish experience of 45 minutes, Jang Hak-ki lay sprawled on the floor, lifeless. His entire body screamed in agony from the excess strain on muscles he’d rarely used. The uniform he wore was drenched in sweat. He continued to breathe heavily.
‘Good.’
Si-hyun nodded with a satisfied expression. The first phase of exhausting the body had been successful.
However, that alone was far from enough. He wasn’t someone who would easily succumb to this.
Si-hyun recalled a line he had read in a news article a few days ago.
The American Psychological Association states that depriving sleep is utilized as the most effective method for making inmates docile.
Had Jang Hak-ki not openly considered him a fool, he wouldn’t have gone this far.
But his thoughts had changed. Thus, he revised his plan, intending to exhaust Jang Hak-ki’s body significantly and then make him unable to sleep.
Unimaginable agony. It would truly be a hell for Jang Hak-ki. How many days could he endure?
Si-hyun approached the collapsed Jang Hak-ki and whispered near his ear.
“Jang Hak-ki.”
“Huff… huff….”
He had no strength to respond, even when his name was called, just lying there with a tortured expression, gasping heavily.
“Starting today, you won’t be able to sleep. I’m going to make sure of that.”