The Hidden Dragon, Yun Hyun-chul

    It was undeniable.

    Yun Hyun-chul’s massive physique was not just bulky—it was a well-maintained, solid build. His body resembled polished armor.

    However, despite his impressive frame, his sunken eyes and indifferent expression conveyed apathy, as though nothing in the world mattered.

    But Su-ho knew better.

    Though Yun Hyun-chul was known as the "Hidden Dragon" now, in the distant future, he would be called the "Mad Dragon," Yun Hyun-chul.

    ‘I must tame him and bring him to my side before he loses control and succumbs to madness.’

    Now, and in the future, there was no other inmate in Cheongok Prison as strong as him.

    Su-ho casually sat on the fallen Yun Hyun-chul like he was a cushion, smirking.

    “You seem quite agitated. Should I start by calming you down?”

    “Ughhh!”

    “Wow, you’re really worked up... Anyway, let’s get straight to the point. I know why you’re on death row. You were sentenced to death for killing every single Hunter who gang-raped your girlfriend. Even here, you didn’t let anyone mess with you. You beat up every inmate who provoked you—some ended up disabled, while others... well, didn’t make it.”

    If one were to tally all the people Yun Hyun-chul had crippled or killed, the number would already exceed ten.

    That’s why he was now a death row inmate.

    Su-ho continued.

    “Still, I don’t think you’re a bad person. If the same thing had happened to my girlfriend, I’d have done exactly what you did. And if I ended up in prison afterward, I’d probably act like I’d lost everything, just like you.”

    “Ughhh!”@@@@

    This was no mere platitude—it was the truth.

    ‘No matter how many lives I’ve lived or how experienced I am as a civil servant, I’m no Buddha or saint.’

    But Yun Hyun-chul seemed to want to scream, "What would someone like you know?" Despite having his pressure points sealed, he shook violently, struggling to express his defiance.

    Su-ho ignored this and kept talking.

    “Even though I don’t think you’re in the wrong, the world doesn’t share my sentiment. Neither does the law. But wouldn’t it be too sad to keep living like this, with dead eyes and no purpose in life?”

    Rising from his seat on Yun Hyun-chul, Su-ho helped him into a chair. He adjusted the pressure points in his lower body so he could sit comfortably.

    Although Yun Hyun-chul’s gaze was still filled with murderous intent, Su-ho paid it no mind and pressed on.

    “You grew up in Aram Orphanage, didn’t you? You were admitted there with your younger sister.”

    At that moment, Yun Hyun-chul stopped struggling entirely.

    Seeing his reaction, Su-ho smiled.

    “I understand your sister was adopted shortly after entering the orphanage, while you aged out. I also know you spent years trying to find her after leaving the orphanage.”

    Su-ho released the remaining pressure points.

    Yun Hyun-chul clenched his fists, but instead of lashing out, he sat properly in his chair, glaring at Su-ho.

    “Think of it as improving efficiency.”

    “...Go on.”

    “Do you know Kim Goong-won?”

    “Kim Goong-won?”

    “The drug maker in Cheongok. I want him as your subordinate.”

    “I don’t need him.”

    “You do. Someone needs to handle the grunt work while you focus on bigger issues. Cheongok is vast, and you can’t manage it all alone. That’s why I want you to be not just a king but an efficient one.”

    Su-ho pulled out two banana milk cartons from his inventory, handed one to Yun Hyun-chul, and said,

    “Kings create laws, and laws establish order. I want you to be a terrifying tyrant—a king so fearsome that inmates dread returning here, and the outside world fears your reputation.”

    “...That’s complicated.”

    “It’s simple. Think of it as Hammurabi’s Code—‘an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.’ Just follow that principle and handle any additional requests I might have. Oh, and Kim Goong-won isn’t just a drug maker—he can also produce healing and buff potions. He’ll be useful.”

    Yun Hyun-chul stared at Su-ho for a long time before nodding.

    “...Fine. I accept the deal.”

    Su-ho smiled, extending his hand.

    “Thank you. I’ll make regular visits to check in, so don’t worry.”

    As they exited the room, Kim Geon, still disguised as Pi Seong-yeol, turned to Su-ho.

    “Shall we move on to the next one?”

    “Yes. Let’s go.”

    Finally, it was time to meet the last target.

    When they arrived at the third visitation room, a hulking man entered, laughing boisterously.

    “Well, well! I wondered who’d call for me at this hour. You’re that guy from TV, aren’t you?”

    “Cho Gwang-ho?”

    “That’s me. But wait—aren’t you the Sword Saint, An Su-ho?”

    “That’s right. And you’re one of Cheongok’s two monsters—‘The Iron Mace.’”

    “Ha! Even someone as famous as you has heard of me?”

    Su-ho didn’t reply.

    Instead, he stood and began pressing pressure points on Cho Gwang-ho’s massive body.

    [Pressure Point Activated.]

    [Pressure Point Activated.]

    [Pressure Point Activated.]

    With each strike—

    “Arrrgh!”

    Cho Gwang-ho collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony as Su-ho watched calmly.