The Newbie Civil Servant Hunts Villains Before Going Home

Chapter 12: Let’s Write It Up (2)

‘I need to handle this well.’

Hyeon-yul took a deep breath. Along with salary negotiations, he needed to get everything else firmly in place.

Hae-ryeon glanced at his expression, then smiled sheepishly.

"I said it so boldly, but isn’t it kind of funny to be talking about an employment contract on your third day?"

"Not at all. I’ve been waiting."

Hyeon-yul answered cautiously, his expression stiff.

"Thanks for saying that. Originally, it should be signed right away, but here, we observe for at least three days—sometimes up to two weeks. We assess character. I hope that doesn’t offend you."

The Black Eagle was a special class of civil servant. Who became a Black Eagle made all the difference. It was only natural to evaluate the person’s character.

The same went for Hyeon-yul. No matter how many times they reviewed his records, there was nothing about him killing civilians.

His missions were clean. Even if they tried to look further, his record lacked depth compared to others. At this point, it was best to trust her own judgment.

‘…I knew it.’

Hyeon-yul felt a chill at Hae-ryeon’s words. If he had taken a break when Seo-yul and Na-yoon suggested it, things might have gone differently.

"I’m not offended. I actually agree with the approach. I want to stay here without any trouble."

"That’s a relief."

Hae-ryeon smiled gently as she handed over the contract. Hyeon-yul focused intently on the paper.

"These are the basic conditions for the Black Eagle. All the benefits listed in the job posting are included. If there’s anything you want to negotiate, let me know. I can’t speak for other places, but we’ll genuinely do our best to revise things."

Hyeon-yul listened as he received the contract. His heart raced without permission. Just like Hae-ryeon said, all the benefits he had seen before were there in writing.

‘Stay calm.’

He steadied his trembling emotions. The one who lost composure would lose the game.

"Will this all be honored as written?"

"Of course. We’re part of the Empire. For overtime, we guarantee paid leave in return."

"...If those aren’t honored, will additional wages be paid?"

Hae-ryeon happened to notice his hands trembling as he held the contract. She held back a laugh.

Was he really that happy?

"Yes. Two and a half times the daily rate. What’s the point of saying sorry? You show sincerity with money."

Apologies from a company were best expressed through money. And it had to be an amount that didn’t leave any room for resentment.

"I added a little something I thought you’d like to that condition."

Hae-ryeon pulled another contract from the drawer.

"……?"

Hyeon-yul froze.

Something extra?

‘…What’s going on? What is she trying to do?’

He started to feel wary.

"I added clauses guaranteeing time for medical treatment and covering medical expenses. Check it."

As she gently nudged the paper, Hyeon-yul’s eyes moved. He looked at it like a child seeing something unfamiliar for the first time.

The exact clauses she mentioned were written right there.

"……."

He doubted his eyes. This was something that had caused him a lot of anguish. There were times he had gone without eating.

"I know you’re strong, Hyeon-yul. I’ve seen it. But the aftereffects of your time as a test subject are worse than I imagined."

With his consent, a medical exam had been done. Through a consultation, they learned about his condition.

To put it simply, his body couldn’t last even a day without medication. The drug he currently took was so potent that it would be considered poisonous to a normal person. Only with that kind of drug could his body function.

It was fair to say that his entire body had been twisted by ongoing experiments. The medication was extremely expensive.

And since there were no other living test subjects, there was no existing budget to support it. The leash villains had used on Hyeon-yul was money.

"As long as I take the medicine, I’m fine."

Hyeon-yul wasn’t flustered. He answered like it was second nature. It was his own body. He knew it best.

"I heard that too. I also heard that, aside from pills, you need regular injections at the hospital."

"I’ll make sure it doesn’t interfere with the mission."

"I didn’t bring this up to pressure you. You’re doing really well."

"……."

A troubled expression flickered across Hyeon-yul’s face.

‘Is he flustered?’

Hae-ryeon tried to read him. His expressions were faint. She had heard that was another side effect of the drugs.

"Your uniform will be upgraded—thicker and more durable. I’ve also ordered a mask to cover your face."

She looked at his gloved hands.

"Did you get cut?"

How did she know? Hyeon-yul kept the thought to himself and answered.

"I administered first aid."

"Your fingers looked stiff. Someone said the bleeding wouldn’t stop. Are you okay now?"

In response, Hyeon-yul reached out his hand. From the shadows, a medical kit appeared. He opened it.

Everything was neatly organized by purpose. Hae-ryeon was impressed.

"It’s all prepared in here."

Something about his quiet pride made her smile.

"Then, is there anything else you need?"

"If necessary, I can work overnight. I understand there might be late shifts. But please, keep the part about paid leave after overtime."

"Of course. If we don’t, take my head. I’ll gladly give it."

Hae-ryeon grinned.

"It’s better not to say things you’ll regret. I actually follow through."

"I could tell when you brought back Shin Dae-ho’s head. But this is my resolve too. I have to be different from those who only talk."

Hyeon-yul gave a faint smile at her intense gaze. That smile—he quite liked it.

"I’d appreciate it if the salary came on time. I’d like to be able to eat."

‘…You bastards! The least you could do is feed your workers!’

Hae-ryeon barely swallowed her rising fury.

"You’ll get paid. No delays. I swear."

"And I hope I won’t be suddenly summoned at night for errands. Or asked to play chauffeur because someone drank. Or have my results taken away. Or be told my clothes look nice and have them taken, too…"

As he rattled off complaints, Hae-ryeon finally understood.

Why he had come here.

Why he had no choice but to kill Shin Dae-ho.

Why he was determined to destroy villains.

‘I really want to buy him a drink.’

But if she said that now, he’d definitely run. He might even ask what the hell she meant.

"Hyeon-yul, have you had a hard time lately?"

"I’m still adjusting. The atmosphere is different from my last workplace."

"Right. It does feel different, doesn’t it? Has it been really rough?"

She stammered a little. She genuinely wanted to help.

"I’ve been reading and putting in effort. So if my words or attitude seem awkward, I hope you won’t misunderstand."

"You’ve been… reading?"

"Yes. A book called 101 Ways to Survive Office Life."

Hae-ryeon struggled not to laugh at the title. It didn’t match his stoic appearance at all. But it was endearing.

‘He’s really trying.’

"Also… never mind."

He had almost asked her to ease up on the attention. But decided against it. It felt like a pointless request.

"I look forward to… working with you."

He quickly changed the subject. It made him look a little shy. Hae-ryeon wanted to dig up Shin Dae-ho’s corpse and strangle him again.

How could someone do this to a person?

‘Die, Shin Dae-ho! No, you’re already dead. Die again! And all the scumbags Hyeon-yul killed—die again too!’

Hae-ryeon smiled sweetly while cursing up a storm in her mind. Seeing him like this made her realize how merciful Hyeon-yul really was.

"Oh, Team Leader."

"Hm?"

"That company we’re trying to track through Shin Dae-ho… was it the one I visited earlier?"

"It’s a bit shocking, but no. That wasn’t one of his affiliates."

"Could I borrow some paper?"

"Just a second."

When she handed over the paper and pen, Hyeon-yul immediately drew the wineglass symbol.

"If you see any design like this, please consider it part of Shin Dae-ho’s affiliates. It could be casually displayed near the entrance, or hung like a painting in the lobby. I thought this might help us track them down more quickly."

Hae-ryeon was deeply moved by the gift he had just given her.

"Hyeon-yul… I’ll treat you right. Don’t leave. Stay with us, okay?"

"That’s my intention."

Hyeon-yul gave a wide smile. For someone his size, it looked surprisingly innocent.

"Then sign here and head to the hospital. Got it?"

"Is it okay to leave now?"

"Of course."

"Then I’ll go."

With genuine excitement, Hyeon-yul picked up the pen.

‘…Feels like a dream.’

Leaning against the window of the bus, Hyeon-yul stared blankly outside. The sunset hadn’t even started yet. Just being able to see the blue sky felt like a miracle. It had been so long since he’d felt this kind of peace.

But something started to bother him. A prickling sensation, as if someone were staring at his back.

‘Always when I feel good, someone shows up to ruin it.’

Without turning his head, Hyeon-yul lowered his gaze to cover his eyes. There were several people on the bus. Among them, three kept glancing his way.

Their eyes weren’t friendly.

‘What are they doing…?’

He shifted his gaze to the ceiling behind them.

They weren’t speaking. They were texting.

[Yo. Yo! Hey hey hey hey!] [You sure that guy got on this bus?]

After sending the message, the man glanced off to the side.

[Brooding A: Isn’t that him? The one with gray hair.]

‘They’re talking about me…? Gray hair, huh.’

So this was what it meant to blur perception. Hyeon-yul found it surprisingly effective.

[Disappointed V: What are you talking about? He looks too dopey to be the guy. Stop staring. He’ll notice.]

[Ugh. We have to find him. Don’t you know what he looks like?]

[Brooding A: If I did, would I be doing this?]

[Disappointed V: Are we even sure he got on this bus?!]

[Ughhhh!! I don’t know! You’re the ones who told me to come!]

[Brooding A: Just get off. I was hoping to find out where he lives, but this is a waste of time.]

Looking at the messages, Hyeon-yul quietly smiled.

‘Why are they trying to find out where I live?’

He could narrow it down to two reasons. One, to mess with him. Two, to kill him when he let his guard down.

He couldn’t help but laugh.

‘So that’s why they’ve been so still.’

Either way, it was best to eliminate threats like this early on.

‘…What to do.’

Hyeon-yul paused to think. Unlike before, he had restrictions now. Killing villains had once earned him praise. But not here.

If he killed them now, where would suspicion fall?

‘Should I take them out one by one?’

He had to be more meticulous than ever. After a moment of consideration, Hyeon-yul quietly smiled.

‘…No need. I won’t even have to lift a finger.’

Just then, the bus came to a stop. Hyeon-yul looked beyond the open doors. He sensed an unfamiliar force stirring out there. Something was coming.

The three men stood up almost simultaneously. Hyeon-yul slipped one hand into his pocket.

Only one of the three put their phone back in their pocket. From within his coat, Hyeon-yul’s hand melted into the shadows and gently snatched the phone.

He looked back out the window. When the bus doors closed with a hiss, he stood up quickly and approached the driver.

“You’d better step on it.”

The driver gave a silent nod. He was also a White Sparrow.

Those three might have been White Sparrows too. As the bus sped up, Hyeon-yul returned to his seat.

BOOOOM!

An explosion roared behind them. Everyone turned to look. Hyeon-yul did too.

From the spot where the bus had just been, a vivid pillar of fire shot up.

Hyeon-yul shielded his eyes. Three people were engulfed in the searing flames. They burned spectacularly.

‘Magic.’

He had never seen magic this powerful before. Which villain was causing a scene now?

Lowering his hand, he glanced at his smartwatch. It was eerily silent.

That meant someone else had stepped in. Relieved, Hyeon-yul looked up at the clear blue sky.

If any villain got in the way of his time off, they wouldn’t die peacefully.

***

“…Hyeon-yul.”

A man sighed deeply and adjusted his glasses.

[Team Leader Oh Hae-ryeon: The explosion near the bus Hyeon-yul was on was magic.]

[Team Leader Oh Hae-ryeon: Looks like the work of a bomber. You’re not hurt, are you?]

‘That explosion earlier… was from the bomber?’

Hyeon-yul replied.

[I’m fine.]

“Hyeon-yul? Are you listening?”

“I am.”

“Who was that?”

“Someone.”

Just as he thought. The man gave him a look but decided to play dumb.

“I told you to be careful even with small injuries. You were always good about that, but what happened today?”

“I applied first aid.”

“Right, right. Good job. I don’t know when you got hurt, but you did the first aid well. Look, blood’s still dripping, right?”

The man lifted Hyeon-yul’s hand to show the finger. It was still bleeding.

He had seen him so many times that the teasing tone held no real emotion.

This man’s name was Lee Jeong-min.

“Still, I kept my promise today, didn’t I?”

“Exactly!”

Suddenly excited, Jeong-min clutched his hair.

“…Wow, I’m still in shock. My heart nearly dropped. Do you know how long it’s been? Hyeon-yul! Actually showed up on time! It’s a miracle!”

“Then I’ll lie down now.”

Hyeon-yul lay down on the bed like it was routine. Jeong-min shook his head.

So boring.

“I’m quitting tomorrow.”

“Is that so?”

As usual, that was the reply. Jeong-min couldn’t help feeling a bit hurt.

“You’re not going to ask where I’m going? We’ve known each other for years, you know.”

Before giving the injection, he glanced at Hyeon-yul. For reasons he couldn’t explain, he had been obsessed with test subjects since childhood.

Beings who were once human but had been turned into something else. He wanted to save them.

He studied hard, became a doctor, and thought things would work out. But that was arrogance.

Subjects rescued from villains died quickly, no matter what. He had dedicated more than half his life to them. But he hadn’t saved a single one.

Everything felt meaningless. In that moment of despair, Hyeon-yul appeared.

A living test subject.

—

…Please save me.

Even back then, he thought it was an awfully arrogant thing for a kid to say.

“Where are you going?”

Even now, with the same expressionless face, Hyeon-yul would bring in other test subjects.

He didn’t know how he found them, but they’d show up one by one, sometimes in groups of three or four.

They all died, but Hyeon-yul never stopped. And neither did Jeong-min.

As long as Hyeon-yul lived, he could cling to hope that others could be saved too.

“Are you really curious? Or are you just asking to be polite?”

Jeong-min teased. Hyeon-yul lightly smiled.

“I was thinking about something.”

“About what?”

“If you were being forced out, I was wondering what I should do.”

He wasn’t oblivious. He knew the hospital director was trying to get rid of Jeong-min. Even with Imperial funding, test subjects didn’t bring in money.

If Jeong-min was being ousted, then the director should be killed. That was Hyeon-yul’s honest conclusion.

“I’m scared you might actually do something. But I’m going to a good place. The Black Eagle. You’ve heard of it, right?”

Hearing that, Hyeon-yul’s expression froze.

Now that was genuine surprise. Jeong-min burst out laughing.

“Surprised? I was too, when I got the offer.”

‘Whose idea was this…?’

Hyeon-yul blinked.

“They’re starting a support program for test subjects. And frankly, the money and benefits are way better than here. I’ve been struggling with quotas and reports anyway. I couldn’t say no.”

“Well done, Doctor.”

“Kind of hurts to hear that from a kid way younger than me.”

“Doctor, I mean it.”

“I know, I know.”

“Congratulations.”

There was something strangely moving in his simple words.

Was it because the once-young test subject had grown up like this? Or because someone who used to show no emotions could now speak from the heart?

Or was it simply because he was still alive?

“Oh, Hyeon-yul. There’s apparently another test subject in the Black Eagle team. You’re not the only one.”

‘…That’s me.’

Hyeon-yul blinked, then smiled. He finally realized this was Hae-ryeon’s doing.

“Hyeon-yul.”

“Yes.”

“Even after I move to the Black Eagle, I’ll still be treating you. The distance will be longer, but I already got permission to let you visit. Don’t worry. I’ll never give up on you.”

“I never worried. You’re the only one who’s ever cared for me.”

Caught off guard, Jeong-min turned away.

What a day.

“Your recovery’s… going great. I wonder who could’ve made that happen.”

Pointless nonsense slipped out.

Knock knock.

At the sound of knocking, Jeong-min tensed. The Black Eagle was scheduled to visit today.

Their status alone was enough to make meeting one a huge honor.

“C-come in.”

The door opened, and a man walked in.

Team 3.

That insignia glowed faintly in the air.

Startled, Jeong-min quickly stood and bowed.

“Hello. I’m Lee Jeong-min.”

“Doctor, it’s me.”

“…Huh?”

Hyeon-yul took off his smartwatch. The man from before had vanished, and Hyeon-yul now stood in his place.

Jeong-min’s eyes widened.

“……?”

“Looking forward to working with you, Doctor.”

Hyeon-yul smiled lightly.