Become Overpowered CEO of Hero Clan

Become Overpowered CEO of Hero Clan – 207

Lee Geon-ha’s Rift (4)

Seo Eun-ha, an idol trainee who looks just like the hero Seo Eun-ha.

The trainees who followed her out of the car also shared similar visual traits.

“Nice to meet you, sir. My name is Gil-seong!”

“I’m Hwang Man-deuk. I’ll work hard!”

“Y-Yeo Jin-soo…”

Four idol trainees of varying ages. Their physical appearances were as similar to the team members as their ages were identical.

“Mr. Man-deuk, are you twenty-six this year?”

“Yes! That’s right.”

An age far too advanced for aspiring to be an idol.

While there are rare cases of debuts in the late twenties, the chances of a parent company aiming for a global K-pop group committing to a seven-year contract with a trainee with such a glaring weakness are extremely slim.

‘What’s going on here.’

Predicting the trainees’ futures was a manager’s instinct. But for the office worker Lee Geon-ha, a far more shocking issue had arisen, one that couldn’t be resolved by simply ignoring it.

This was the first anomaly that occurred after returning to reality from the world of Clan of Heroes.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes!”

Forcing his wobbly legs to move, Manager Lee Geon-ha led the familiar-looking trainees while pretending to be fine on the outside. His brain, however, was trying to make sense of the anomaly unfolding before him before cognitive dissonance set in.

‘According to the many-worlds interpretation, all probabilities are open.’

It was said that transcenders could freely traverse the infinite space-time of the multiverse, or the Great Thousand Worlds.

Since Clan of Heroes operated on a multiverse setting, the Earth that Lee Geon-ha lived on must be the same.

Wasn’t the hero’s life he experienced clearly a reality and not a dream?

‘I’m a normal person. I haven’t developed schizophrenia or anything like that.’

A separate brain scan had shown all parameters to be within normal range.

Therefore, it was possible that a group of four with the same names and appearances as the team members could aspire to be heroes in that universe and idols in this one.

“As you may have heard, we’re still in the early stages of our business. For the time being, I’ll be managing you all. Let’s start with a brief orientation. Our company, Innovation Core Media…”

Manager Lee Geon-ha’s initial plan to establish dominance while engaging in some friendly interaction went out the window, replaced by an uncharacteristically fast-paced company introduction.

Even if they had been defeated by Satanael, weren’t these four the talents he had painstakingly nurtured both in mobile games and in reality?

The more he thought about it, the more confused he became.

‘I’m exhausted, both physically and mentally. I’m no longer Hero Isaac.’

Lee Geon-ha’s brain quickly overloaded from this unexpected coincidence that seemed like a cruel joke of fate. The side effects followed suit.

“Here… This is the contract. Please read it carefully and sign.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you.”

Unaware of their manager’s science fiction-like circumstances, first-generation trainee Seo Eun-ha gave a bitter smile at Lee Geon-ha’s somewhat businesslike attitude.

“Manager! If you’re feeling unwell anywhere, please take your time.”

The elderly trainee Hwang Man-deuk, noticing Lee Geon-ha’s poor complexion, showed composure by trying to look after the manager’s health from the very first day of trainee life.

The faces of the relatively younger Gil-seong and Yeo Jin-soo weren’t very bright either, so Manager Lee Geon-ha’s first impression was set as ‘a cold representative of the ruthless capitalist market’.

“Ah, was it that obvious? Unfortunately, I’m not in the best condition on the day I’m meeting you all. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, don’t worry about it. We’re all just trying to make a living. You should take care of your health.”

“Yes. You’re right.”

The dizzy Lee Geon-ha managed a faint smile at trainee Hwang Man-deuk’s banter.

After announcing the schedule and parting ways with the mysterious group of four trainees, he couldn’t find peace of mind even after work hours.

Gulp, gulp. Clank!

“Ugh. I don’t know anymore.”

Uncharacteristically, Lee Geon-ha downed a can of cold beer, trying to stop thinking.

Hero Isaac had done his best but ultimately failed. It wouldn’t have been strange if his soul had been annihilated right then and there.

Whether it was Tetragrammaton’s final consideration for forcibly conscripting him or something else, his life continued as the office worker Lee Geon-ha.

Both his body and mind were exhausted, and now that he had returned to the ordinary life of Lee Geon-ha, he didn’t even want to think about a hero’s mission of risking his life to protect the universe.

Isn’t it human nature to avoid difficult tasks and pursue a stable life?

“I just need to focus on living well and comfortably. Hoo-aah… Hmm-nyam-nyam.”

With his cheeks flushed from the alcohol, Lee Geon-ha sprawled out on the bed.

His vocal cords, constantly mumbling in his sleep, would occasionally call out the names of the team members.

“Kids… Hoo-eum.”

===

* * *

===

Three months later.

Innovation Core Media Co., Ltd.

―Entertainment Business Division―

Lee Geon-ha, Management Team Leader

Office worker Lee Geon-ha gazed down at his business card, reflecting on his rapid and dramatic series of promotions with a sense of nostalgia.

By leveraging the department head’s weaknesses a few times, he had accelerated the typical promotion route of ordinary office workers by 5 to 10 years.

Although rumors of him being a ‘parachute team leader’ were circulating behind the scenes, his nonchalant charisma was quietly suppressing the resentment of the experienced team members in the industry.

This was because, despite his title being just Management Team Leader, his influence in the fledgling entertainment division was no less than that of the department head.

“You’ve made a good decision. Let’s work well together from now on.”

“Hoho! I’ll be counting on you, Team Leader.”

Team Leader Lee Geon-ha, who had successfully recruited Director Kim Miju, a high-flyer from a major entertainment company, as the leader of the yet-to-be-established A&R team through his peculiar way of speaking that touched people’s hearts and his psychological warfare sales skills.

His influence grew day by day, and he became the de facto power player in the entertainment division. It was a remarkable achievement made in just half a year since changing jobs.

Clunk.

“Sit down if you’re here.”

Glare.

This was the story of how Department Head Kim Jin-seok, the overall manager of the division, came to glare at the child who had grown from a tiger cub into a full-fledged adult tiger.

“What’s the matter?”

“The CEO wants to see you. I told you, didn’t I? He’s a meticulous person. Especially when it comes to personnel matters.”

“You didn’t say anything strange, did you? You must know it would be disadvantageous for you too.”

“This bastard! Where do you get off threatening me again? There’s a limit to how much I can overlook.”

“I’m not interested in emotional battles. You just need to watch my back. Why don’t you tell me what I should be cautious about?”

This ungrateful bastard sure knows how to run his mouth.

Department Head Kim Jin-seok felt his anger rising at Lee Geon-ha’s impudent attitude, but he managed to keep his composure.

After all, the man sitting in front of him now was an oddball who, despite having unremarkable education and experience, had managed to take control of the business division in just half a year.

‘How can there be such a bastard.’

Although he was furious, the department head’s honest feeling was that he absolutely did not want to turn him into an enemy.

He opened his mouth softly towards this monster created by capitalism.

“If the CEO questions you, just tell it like it is. Just leave out the part about you threatening me.”

Team Leader Lee Geon-ha, the parachute appointment recommended by the department head.

However, his footsteps over the past half year more than fulfilled the department head’s false justification that he had been ‘selected based on ability rather than experience’.

After all, bringing in Director Kim Miju, an industry giant, to the newly established A&R team was something that even Department Head Kim Jin-seok himself would have found difficult to achieve with his own capabilities.

“You said the CEO is Korean-American, right?”

“Yes. He’s someone who only looks at ability, so if you just don’t rub him the wrong way, you should be able to get through this without any issues.”

“Is that all?”

“What, do I need to make a list of expected questions for you?”

Team Leader Lee Geon-ha’s concern was the possibility that the meeting with the CEO might be a trap designed by the department head.

It was a thought he could have only because of all the strange experiences he had in his life as Hero Isaac, but Department Head Kim Jin-seok wasn’t particularly adept at scheming.

“I understand.”

Management Team Leader Lee Geon-ha, who had been carefully observing the department head’s eye movements, hand gestures, and slight body language, judged that the other party’s psychological state was stable. He concluded that there would be little benefit in pressuring him and provoking impulsive behavior.

‘Fuck. He’s looking at me like prey.’

Although the department head felt the hair on his arms and neck stand up at Lee Geon-ha’s cold gaze that seemed to be observing the movements of his prey, the desire not to provoke the other party was mutual.

He just wanted to speak his mind from the unfair position of being used. If that secretive schemer decided to make a move, it would surely result in imprisonment.

“Ah. And about Hwang Man-deuk. We’ve decided to move him to the acting side this time. That’s how it is, so keep that in mind.”

“Actor? Hmm. I understand.”

It was welcome news, as he had been concerned about the future of the senior trainee Hwang Man-deuk.

Rather than trying to fit a man in his mid-twenties, especially one with a bulked-up body, into the limited concept of an idol, wouldn’t it be better to replace him with a completely different talent?

Given that the probability of the company planning a boy group with a gym rat concept was close to zero, Hwang Man-deuk’s transition to acting seemed like a reasonable decision at first glance.

===

* * *

===

“Team Leader, here’s the end-of-month evaluation report from the New Talent Development Team.”

What came up to Lee Geon-ha upon returning to the Management Team office was the growth graph of the 4-member group that closely resembled the heroes of the Harmony Clan. No, now it was a 3-member group excluding Hwang Man-deuk.

“Looks like they’re working hard.”

Their singing and dancing skills were steadily improving.

The cheerful Gil-seong had practically secured the variety show position, while Seo Eun-ha had locked down the position of the chic visual member, making their debut seem all but certain.

Even the young Yeo Jin-soo was at a level with no flaws except for his introverted personality.

Although he hadn’t yet overcome the hurdle of voice change during puberty, that was something the highly-paid, well-educated vocal trainers would resolve.

===

* * *

===

The next day, the big day.

Lunchtime.

Lee Geon-ha felt nervous for the first time since changing jobs.

It was because he felt uncomfortable about having a one-on-one meeting with the CEO of a mid-sized company.

‘His name was Benjamin, right? My English isn’t that fluent yet.’

As he walked, running simulations in his mind, he suddenly found himself in front of the CEO’s office door.

“This is Lee Geon-ha, Management Team Leader of the Entertainment Division. Is the CEO inside?”

“Yes. You can go right in.”

After communicating with the secretary, Management Team Leader Lee Geon-ha knocked twice, then turned the doorknob while maintaining a poker face. However,

The moment he visually confirmed the face of the person said to be the CEO,

“…!”

His calm pupils shook in all directions.

Just like when he met the mysterious trainees, the CEO’s visuals made him recall someone specific.

“Team Leader Lee Geon-ha?”

“Ah, yes. It’s an honor to meet you, CEO. I heard you called for me.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you. Let’s talk over a meal.”

Team Leader Lee Geon-ha, the capable individual who was appointed despite rumors of being a parachute appointment by the Entertainment Division’s department head.

The mixed-race handsome man exuding Western beauty scrutinized this person of interest with eagle eyes.

His demeanor was undoubtedly that of a CEO hardened by an infinitely competitive society, but in some ways, it was even more familiar than the trainees who resembled the team members.

‘Isaac?’

CEO Benjamin was none other than the spitting image of Isaac himself.

A 4-member group of aspiring entertainers resembling the team members. And now, a CEO Benjamin who seemed like a copy-paste of Isaac.

While nothing is impossible according to the multiverse interpretation, what are the odds of encountering these individuals right in front of Lee Geon-ha, and at his workplace no less?

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

With his head spinning from the mental shock, Lee Geon-ha got into the CEO’s sedan and arrived at a Korean restaurant in the suburbs.

When he came to his senses, he found himself having a pleasant meal with him.

With his temples throbbing, Lee Geon-ha subtly tried to verify the CEO’s identity.

“May I ask for your full name?”

“Speak comfortably. I only look at ability. Korea’s vertical corporate culture is not right.”

“Oh. I think so too.”

“My full name is Isaac Benjamin Greenwood. You can just call me Benjamin.”

Moreover, his first name is blatantly Isaac.

How could this bizarre phenomenon be dismissed as mere coincidence?

Management Team Leader Lee Geon-ha was simply dumbfounded at this meeting with Isaac. As a result, he found himself at a loss for words when faced with the CEO’s sharp questions as part of a thorough talent verification process.

“How did you find out about the department head’s secret?”