EPISODE 58 – The Public Spotlight & The Shadow Hunt
The quiet hum of the water purification plant was slowly being replaced by the distant wail of arriving police and government vehicles. Minjae, Kevin, and Dohee stood amidst the neutralized bio-bomb, the chilling face of Kang Jun-ho still haunting their thoughts. Alex, from the SUV, was already scrambling to trace the true ZEROFACE's digital ghost.
"He played us," Minjae muttered, his voice raw. "Every step. Every move. He planned it all."
Just then, his comms buzzed, followed by Micha's voice, startlingly cheerful amidst the lingering tension. "Minjae, Kevin, Dohee! You are NOT going to believe this! I just got a call from a Senior Health Ministry official! They want me to meet with the Health Minister and the police for an interview! Because of the antidote! Apparently, I'm a 'medical marvel' and a 'national hero' now! Can you believe it? I'm going to be famous!" A light, self-deprecating giggle followed, a surprising sound in the aftermath of near-catastrophe.
Before Minjae could even respond, Guen's voice, usually a picture of calm, chimed in, laced with a rare hint of exasperation. "And I just got a call from Chief Detective Gu. He said 'people saw you with a chemical and toxicology specialist' during the antidote injection. They want me there too. To 'corroborate' and 'provide expert testimony.' An interview." She sighed audibly. "This is going to be a headache."
Minjae pinched the bridge of his nose. "Are you kidding me? We just stopped a city-wide bio-bombing, and now you two are on a press tour?"
"It's about controlling the narrative, Minjae," Kevin said, already thinking strategically. "It's better they have a public explanation, even a partial one, than widespread panic. Good work, you two. Play it straight. Don't give anything away about us."
"Professionalism, ladies," Dohee added, a smirk playing on her lips. "I'll be watching from home. Make us proud!" She glanced at her watch. "I have a meeting with a client, so I have to go now, but guys, be careful. Nobody should know about our secret group and investigations."
"Oh, definitely! We'll be tuning in!" Alex's voice chimed in from the SUV. "Hey, 'sugar factory'! Don't eat a lollipop during the interview! If you do, the Minister might just kick you out! We'll be laughing so hard!"
"I am a professional, Alex!" Micha retorted, though she sounded more amused than annoyed.
"Good luck," Minjae muttered, shaking his head. "Don't trip on your way to fame."
The Interview: Public Truth, Private Secrets
Hours later, under the glare of studio lights, Micha and Guen sat facing a phalanx of reporters and a visibly relieved Health Minister. The atmosphere was a strange mix of formality and fervent curiosity.
"Dr. Guen , Ms. Micha ," a reporter began, "the city owes you a debt of gratitude. Can you explain, in layman's terms, what exactly this antidote is and how you managed to create it so quickly?"
Micha, surprisingly composed and articulate despite her usual quirks, adjusted her microphone. "The antidote, which we're provisionally calling 'Aether-Blend,' is a complex fungal extract compound designed to neutralize specific enzyme binding sites targeted by the Crimson Seraph toxin, while also rapidly degrading the crystalline structure of the evolved neurotoxin, Pandora's Breath. It's a highly delicate molecular balance. It was conceptualized by brilliant, groundbreaking research." She offered a confident smile.
Another reporter, sharp-eyed, interjected, "But Ms. Guen, you're a forensic doctor. How were you involved with a toxicology specialist in a field operation, and without official clearance? And Ms. Micha, how did you inject people without official permission letters? This sounds highly irregular."
Guen, calm and professional, took over. "My role was purely consultative. Dr. Micha is a highly respected expert in applied toxicology and experimental bio-pharmaceuticals. I merely assisted her in identifying critical cases and confirming the efficacy of her formula through rapid on-site assessment. As for 'permission letters' in a rapidly escalating public health crisis, our priority was saving lives. We coordinated directly with the overwhelmed emergency medical teams on the ground, who validated the immediate positive effects and then transported patients to hospitals."
Micha nodded. "When people are seizing on the pavement, bureaucracy takes a backseat to humanity. Our focus was rapid stabilization to give the emergency doctors a fighting chance in the hospitals. And as for its creation," she continued, "the initial research was based on groundbreaking theoretical work. We worked tirelessly, synthesizing and testing the compound in a compact mobile lab. Guen Unnie here was instrumental, not only with her forensic insights but also in helping me scale up production under immense pressure. She even invested her personal funds to acquire specialized equipment to expedite the process of preparing a large number of antidotes. Her dedication was immense." Guen offered Micha a subtle, grateful smile.
A reporter, pushing, asked, "You mentioned groundbreaking theoretical work. Were there others involved in this 'groundbreaking research'? We recall Dr. Guen was previously connected to the tragic Miran Lee case, and the North Korean spy incident..."
Micha and Guen exchanged a brief, almost imperceptible glance. "Our research is a culmination of years of scientific inquiry, spanning multiple disciplines," Micha replied smoothly, her smile unwavering. "As for other individuals involved, we are doctor and scientists, and like all scientists and doctors , we stand on the shoulders of giants. We have a network of friends and colleagues who support our endeavors, share knowledge, and push us to be better. They supported us tirelessly during this crisis, as all good friends do. But no, there's no secret person, just dedicated professionals trying to make a difference."
The answers were logical, confident, and professional, effectively shutting down further invasive questions. The interview concluded with handshakes with the Health Minister, who praised their bravery, and a few group photos, sealing their public image as quiet heroes.
A Day in the Life
As the sun climbed higher, casting long shadows over Seoul, the team dispersed into their 'normal' lives.
Dohee changed into a sharp business suit, heading to court for a high-stakes client meeting, her mind already navigating legal complexities, even as she replayed Kang Jun-ho's chilling words.
Kevin was in his sleek corporate office, calmly chairing a critical board meeting, his strategic mind effortlessly switching from global terrorism to quarterly profits.
Guen was in the sterile environment of the National Forensic Service lab, donning latex gloves for a post-mortem, her keen analytical mind dissecting the physical evidence of another tragedy.
Alex sat in his bustling tech office, patiently helping his juniors debug code for a new AI robot, his brilliant mind already miles ahead, secretly tracing the invisible threads of ZEROFACE's digital presence.
Minjae, in his dimly lit gaming room, was hunched over his console, the furious clicks of his controller echoing through the quiet space as he unleashed virtual fury on digital enemies, a temporary escape from the phantom he now hunted.
And Micha, on her off day from the government R&D lab, was in her cozy kitchen, humming slightly off-key as she meticulously baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies, the sweet aroma filling her small apartment. These weren't just for her; they were for the team. A small, domestic gesture in the face of global terror.
The Grand Cleansing Begins
The afternoon shadows began to lengthen when a terse text message from Alex simultaneously pinged on everyone's phones: "HQ. Now. Critical."
Micha, fresh from her baking, grabbed the still-warm container of cookies. Minjae grunted, pausing his game. Dohee excused herself from her meeting. Kevin wrapped up his. Guen finished her examination. One by one, they converged on their hidden base.
As they entered the main operations room, a large TV screen mounted on the wall showed a live news channel. A reporter stood in front of the National Police Agency, grave-faced. "...Police are continuing their investigation into yesterday's mysterious public health incident. While the rapid containment is being hailed as a success, authorities admit they are still without a clear motive or suspect. Investigation is ongoing."
Dohee watched the screen, then turned to the team, a strategic glint in her eyes. "This is good. It means nobody knows about ZEROFACE yet. Not the real ZEROFACE. It gives us a window. A precious, safe window of opportunity to move freely, without public scrutiny or official interference. We use this time. We find him. Then, we hand him over."
Micha placed her cookies on the central table, a small act of normalcy. Minjae grabbed one, crunching it thoughtfully.
"Alright," Kevin said, stepping forward, his face grim but resolute. "Alex, put up the manifesto details again. Kang Jun-ho wants to expose 'structural lies' at the financial summit. We need to understand how he plans to do it, and where he's operating from for this 'Grand Cleansing.' The clock is ticking, and this time, the stakes are global."
The important meeting began, the team diving deep into the intricate web of ZEROFACE's ambition, fueled by coffee, cookies, and a burning desire to stop the phantom before he could unravel the world.
What revelation does Kang Jun-ho's manifesto contain about the precise mechanism of "The Grand Cleansing" at the financial summit? How does CHIPER prepare for this final, global confrontation?