Snake Venom Ch 26

Chapter 26

After driving down the main road for quite some time, the van turned onto a quiet country lane, weaving through several smaller roads before entering a densely wooded mountain path. A few minutes later, the dark and rough dirt road that required high beams smoothed out into a sleek, paved road. Tall streetlights reappeared, illuminating the way ahead.

Zigzagging streetlights lit the uphill road of the mountain directly in front of them. As they ascended halfway up the mountain, a bright light in the distance gradually grew larger. It was the main estate of the Tessa Group. The grand mansion, perched against the backdrop of a steep, black mountain range like wings, had all its windows lit in readiness to receive guests.

The entrance was heavily guarded. The front gate, surrounded by high walls, resembled a military checkpoint. A group of men holding rifles—ready to fire at any time—approached the slowing van. They checked the license plate against a list they held and shone small flashlights into the vehicle to inspect the occupants and verify their identification.

Even after all necessary procedures were completed, the gatekeeper hesitated and stared blankly. Only then did Im Sehan lean his elbow on the window and speak with a playful tone.

“We’re here on a cigarette errand, by order of Director Nam.”

With that cryptic comment, the gate finally opened.

Instead of heading toward the mansion, the van continued toward another building located below it. Unlike the classical architecture of the main house, this was a modern four-story structure. Vehicles similar to their van were lined up in front of it.

The engine shut off and the rear door opened. Polished shoes, connected to straight ankles beneath neatly pressed pant legs, stepped onto the dirt ground with a firm tap. Previously mistaken for a druggie due to his shabby coat, Lee Yeonwoo now wore a clean-cut suit. His tidy and youthful face gave him the appearance of a student in uniform.

Lee Yeonwoo looked around, awkwardly adjusting the collar of his shirt. In the dark mountain, the only visible things were the brightly lit mansion in the distance and the building before him. As he stepped out further, Cheon Wooshin appeared, gripping the rear door. Soon, Im Sehan and Jung Suho exited through the front.

Armed men were stationed at the entrance of the building as well. With stern faces befitting their role as guards, they scanned the new arrivals with sharp eyes. While Im Sehan and Jung Suho appeared unfazed—clearly accustomed to such scenarios—Lee Yeonwoo averted his gaze, afraid to make eye contact. Everything was unfamiliar to him.

It was clear that no mistakes would be tolerated here. To think that he had to prove himself in such a place. Just as the weight of that vague burden began to settle in, a cool touch brushed the nape of his neck. It was Cheon Wooshin’s hand.

“The head of security is Nam Gunho. Just keep that in mind.”

The instruction to simply remember the head of security’s name implied that the authority over Lee Yeonwoo still rested with Cheon Wooshin. Two days ago, Cheon Wooshin had told him not to worry and to just listen to him. Lee Yeonwoo took a deep breath. His shoulders, unknowingly tensed, lowered just slightly.

After a simple identity check, Lee Yeonwoo followed closely behind Cheon Wooshin into the building. Beyond the double steel gray doors was a wide-open space. Various exercise equipment, cabinets, and even a well-equipped boxing ring in the corner made it look like a large-scale fitness facility.

There appeared to be at least a dozen men occupying the space. All wore black suits and in-ear communication devices, facing forward. At the very front stood another man facing them with a straightened back. It wasn’t hard for Lee Yeonwoo to guess—he was likely the security team leader Cheon Wooshin had mentioned.

Upon spotting Cheon Wooshin, the security team leader gave a brief nod, and that was the extent of their interaction. Cheon Wooshin and Lee Yeonwoo stood at the back of the formation. Im Sehan and Jung Suho, who had effortlessly blended in with the bodyguards, were bantering lightheartedly without a hint of concern.

The team leader began briefing them on the mission.

“During the clients’ mating time, our role is to protect their now-vulnerable persons. To strictly control access, we will divide into ten teams, each responsible for guarding and inspecting their assigned areas.”

The teams were assigned in order, and naturally, Cheon Wooshin and Lee Yeonwoo were paired together. At a signal from the security team leader, two other men brought over a heavy box and opened the lid.

“Each team will be issued two tranquilizer guns. Each member will carry one. Each gun will be loaded with six rounds of sedative darts. You may only use them after radioing in and receiving the team leader’s approval. In unavoidable circumstances, discretionary use is permitted, but it will cause complications in post-operations, so exercise caution.”

A man standing in front of Lee Yeonwoo lowered his voice to mutter,

“So basically, they’re telling us not to fire at all. And it’s not even live ammo—they’re being ridiculously strict.”

The man next to him, keeping his eyes forward, responded calmly.

“It means we can’t risk even a scratch on these precious clients. And don’t worry too much. They’ll be too busy with each other in the rooms. We won’t have to intervene.”

Though meant to be reassuring, the explanation failed to lift the first man’s displeased expression.

“They may be high-class, but when they’re in heat, they’re all the same. What if one of them charges at me? I know money’s important, but I’m not about to let myself get screwed for it.”

The other man frowned deeply.

“You bastard, I only recommended you out of pity ‘cause you’re broke.”

It seemed Lee Yeonwoo wasn’t the only one nervous. Somewhat reassured, he was handed a gun. It looked strikingly similar to a real handgun. Meanwhile, Cheon Wooshin picked one up and checked the magazine and chamber. Lee Yeonwoo neither grasped nor refused the remaining gun, stammering as he spoke.

“Uh, um… I, this…”

Afraid of being overheard admitting he didn’t know how to use it, he trailed off. At some point, Cheon Wooshin—already holstering his own weapon—wordlessly took Lee Yeonwoo’s tranquilizer gun as well. Despite his indifferent expression, his hands moved with swift, mechanical precision as he loaded the magazine.

The moment the sedative dart was loaded, the gun fired.

Bang! Though the tranquilizer gun wasn’t loud, the shot was enough to draw everyone’s attention. Startled expressions turned toward the sound. The security team leader raised his voice from the front.

“What was that?”

Raising the gun-wielding hand high, Cheon Wooshin replied nonchalantly,

“Seems defective. Requesting a replacement.”

His voice was so shameless that it was hard to believe he’d fired it on purpose. Clicking his tongue, the team leader ordered a new gun to be brought.

Lee Yeonwoo’s gaze was fixed on the sandbag against the wall. The dart had struck the brand logo near the top with pinpoint accuracy—it was clearly no accident. As Cheon Wooshin attached the new magazine, he said,

“If it comes to using this, just do what you’re best at. This isn’t a situation where mistakes will be forgiven.”

At his cold, emotionless voice, Lee Yeonwoo quietly blinked. Though it was a crash course on how to shoot, he’d surely make mistakes if flustered. A tranquilizer gun was still a gun. Rather than mishandle it and cause a problem, do what you’re best at—that’s what Cheon Wooshin was saying.

What I’m best at. There was no need to debate. Hiding and running away.

Lee Yeonwoo looked up at Cheon Wooshin.

“By myself?”

For the first time since the commotion, Cheon Wooshin slightly widened his eyes. The remark—laced with swagger and wit—hinted at whether he’d be alright on his own. A faint trace of approval colored his otherwise blank gaze.

“If you judge the situation calls for it. Don’t hesitate—just go.”

Though spoken gently, it was likely a command. Yet Lee Yeonwoo only moved his eyes. Despite the joking tone, it didn’t seem like a subject to be taken lightly. As Lee Yeonwoo’s silence dragged on, Cheon Wooshin looked to the side. Just as their eyes met, the security team leader signaled the start of the operation.

The long night had begun.

The mansion loomed with countless glowing windows and tightly stacked walls that exuded power. Lee Yeonwoo looked up at the grand home, awash in classical charm.

Just standing beneath it made him feel strangely diminished. The massive, pointed hemispherical dome radiated an overwhelming presence beyond simple foreignness—it was hard to put into words. It felt like gazing at an enormous mural.

Did someone say the owner was a serpent? The exotic and surreal architecture blended with the eerie clouds to create a haunting spectacle. Even television rarely depicted such a scene. Lee Yeonwoo imprinted the sight into his memory as if taking a photo.

Guards who entered through the back gate moved to their assigned positions. Cheon Wooshin and Lee Yeonwoo were stationed in front of a room where the mating would take place, performing final identity checks.

They rode the service elevator up to the third floor. Despite being for staff, the design was no less luxurious than that of a typical hotel. As soon as the doors opened, a team that had ridden up with them branched off in the opposite direction—toward the main elevator used by the hosts.

“Wow.”

Lee Yeonwoo let out a soft exclamation. The interior before him was just as opulent and elegant as the exterior. Though the dimly lit corridor had a slightly eerie feel, to Lee Yeonwoo, this level of darkness didn’t even qualify as darkness.

The corridor, adorned with artwork and decorations, made it feel like he had stepped into a gallery. Every step on the carpet felt like walking on clouds, prompting Lee Yeonwoo to glance down at his feet several times.

Cheon Wooshin stopped in front of one door. It was the room they were assigned to.