Chapter 46

〈 Chapter 46 〉 Part 1, Chapter 4

The day of the decisive battle had dawned.

A quarter of all Korean heroes, including two S-Rankers, formed the largest possible extermination force Korea could muster.

This newly risen commander, Jin-gwang Shin, received the baton directly from President I-cheol Sun and declared his resolve to undertake the operation.

– We will retake Seoul!

With that statement, the heroes boarded vehicles heading towards New Seoul.

April 13th, 2020, 09:00 AM.

The Seoul Reclamation Operation had begun.

* * *

<April 13th, 9:20 AM, Gyeongbu Expressway>

“Do we really have to come all the way up to Seoul like this?”

Harang furrowed her brows in the bouncing seat. Thankfully, she’d conjured a cushion with magic beneath her bottom, or else she might have suffered serious buttock injuries before even reaching Seoul.

“There’s nothing we can do about it. The road conditions are terrible.”

Seung-hyung gripped the handle tightly with a wry expression as the military truck jolted over monster corpses left on the road.

“Ugh! There’s a monster corpse every ten minutes!”

“They were hunted by hunters passing through. The cores are missing, right?”

“Well then, couldn’t they at least clean them up?!”

Her subtle shift to an informal tone while throwing a tantrum seemed deliberate. Seung-hyung turned his gaze away from Harang who was starting to go hysterical and looked toward the road beyond.

“…It’s possible.”

He clenched and unclenched his hands while checking the flow of magical power within his body – everything was normal. Seung-hyung and Harang had slipped out of the banquet hall at just the right time to preserve their strength.

“Hmph. Here he goes showing off again… Sir, this isn’t a film set…”

Harang stopped mid-sentence when Seung-hyung shook his head with a benevolent smile.

“It’s alright. Not anymore.”

“Sorry, but you’re just… I mean, until yesterday you were acting like you were dying or something, and now you’re like some tragic hero lost in reverie…”

Harang struggled to articulate what she felt. Until recently, this man had been walking around looking half-dead, but now he appeared resolved like a romantic lead steeped in sorrow.

“W-well, everyone deals with things differently, but I’m sure you’ll be fine, sir. You have such a bright future ahead…”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“Alright already! Stop apologizing! You’ve grown up under strict management since childhood. As a promising prodigy showing S-Rank potential from a young age, you’ve lived in a world far removed from death and destruction – like a greenhouse flower.”

Which is why she’s known as Snow Princess. Like an icy flower, transparent and pure Harang lacks much worldly experience.

“Let’s talk about the mission plan. First, our command center is in Anyang, right?”

“Yes, at the comprehensive stadium where you defeated the Fire Demon Dragon. It can accommodate equipment and supplies for 152 heroes and is also a place monsters don’t approach, possibly due to lingering energy from the Fire Demon Dragon.”

Seung-hyung found it strange to be returning to a place in Seoul after so long. But upon further thought, the reason for setting up headquarters in Anyang was clear.

President I-cheol Sun. By placing the command center there, he aimed to leave a lasting impression on people – the hero who defeated the Fire Demon Dragon is now going to reclaim Seoul.

“In Anyang, we’ll split into three teams. The West Team led by Tempest Lady and Unsah. The East Team led by Pungbaek and Usa. And the Support Team with you and me.”

Harang puffed her cheeks in dissatisfaction.

“Does that make sense? Seriously. Preserving full strength until crossing the Han River?”

The Minister of Monster Countermeasures, Jin-gwang Shin, divided the A-Rank heroes to deal with the snake at City Hall.

The vanguard would circle around Gwanaksan Mountain from both sides to converge at Yeouido, then join the two remaining S-Ranks to cross the Han River and eliminate the S-Rank monster at Seoul City Hall.

That was today’s primary plan. Harang didn’t like it.

“We’re not using much magical power against these small fries anyway.”

“Still, usage is usage and needs to be managed.”

“You’re just boasting about your abundant magical power now, aren’t you? Compared to me, you only have slightly more!”

Harang stuck out her lower lip.

“What have you been eating to suddenly explode with magical power after awakening? Did you eat some magical ginseng that grows on mountains?”

“Not exactly, but perhaps it’s because I became desperate… How did you become an S-Rank?”

Harang perked up, framing her face with her hands.

“I was born an S-Rank. I didn’t know until Master Guangjian discovered me while I was growing up in an orphanage.”

“Is this boasting or a sad backstory?”

“Both! Later, when I find my parents who abandoned me, I’ll tell them this! Parents! The child you abandoned has returned as an S-Rank! Hehe.”

“Eh, um… Good job.”

Seung-hyung scratched his cheek and looked up at the sky.

The sky was perfectly clear without a single cloud.

“So anyway, first I’ll show my wealth to my parents…”

While Harang excitedly chattered on, Seung-hyung drifted into thought, tuning her voice into white noise. Somewhere in Seoul, Gaeul Cheon.

The mid-April spring sky was as crystal-clear as an autumn day.

* * *

<10:00 AM, Rooftop of 63 Building>

“Perfect weather for villainous deeds, isn’t it?”

I lay on the rooftop of the 63 Building basking in the sunlight. Solar energy helps restore my depleted magical power.

– Preparations are complete.

At Deok-bae’s words through my smartwatch, I projected a screen over my eyes.

“The Lighthouse?”

– Lighthouse, ready.

– …

Ga-eul, who was with the Lighthouse, said nothing. I urged Ga-eul to respond.

“Ga-eul, can you hear me?”

– …Masquerade, ready. Though I wonder what exactly I’m supposed to prepare for?

“Of course you have preparations. A vow never to leave the barrier?”

The screen showed Ga-eul sitting on a sofa inside the Speaker’s Office in the National Assembly building. The entrance was sealed with a Flame Barrier preventing outsiders from entering.

– If you’re worried about surveillance…

– Ahaha. Speaking of surveillance makes my position somewhat…

“Monitoring the entire battlefield while worrying about surveillance? If the Lighthouse tries anything funny, Ga-eul, gouge out its eyes. I can fix it later.”

– I feel increasingly mistreated…

Ji-hwa put a hand to his eye and sniffled. But his statement about monitoring the entire battlefield wasn’t entirely false.

♪♪

A little canary flying in the sky landed on my finger. This mini-Phoenix resembling my true form is one among dozens placed throughout the battlefield.

They all serve as magical power relays assisting the Lighthouse’s special ability. The Lighthouse currently shares the vision of all mini-Phoenixes.

A report came from a mini-Phoenix watching over southern Seoul from the peak of Gwanaksan Mountain. It seems they’ve spotted something.

– They’ve arrived.

“Lighthouse!”

Through the relay of the mini-Phoenix – abbreviated as Minics – the pattern of blue-white pupils appeared on the back of the Lighthouse’s hand covering my eyes.

Whoosh.

On the rooftop of the National Assembly building, a blue flame shaped like an eye ignited. By linking the Minics to the Lighthouse, it has elevated its reconnaissance capabilities to a higher level.

The Far Sight ability allowing a panoramic view of southern Seoul. Right now, the Lighthouse serves as the CCTV and artificial satellite covering the entire battlefield.

“Where are the enemies?”

– They’ve set up a command center at the Anyang Comprehensive Stadium. Judging by their state, they seem likely to divide their forces into three groups. They appear to be approaching from three directions.

“Why that place… Well, okay. So, where are Hwakwon and Snow Princess?”

– They’re standing by in Anyang.

Given the Lighthouse’s report, I wondered why they kept the top fighters in reserve.

‘The opposing commander has a military background. If I evaluate him as incompetent in commanding heroes…’

There must be some scheme. Countless possibilities flickered and disappeared in my mind. The most probable scenario would be-

‘Simply think. No need to complicate things. Power conservation.’

They’ll use C~B-Rank heroes to handle minor threats and deploy A-Rank or above for named monsters or dangerous species. For situations across Seoul requiring S-Rank intervention, there’s only one answer.

‘They’re preserving their strength until attacking the snake at City Hall.’

“Lighthouse, how are the enemy units moving? Any changes?”

– They’ve roughly split into thirds. The main bodies have separated left and right, and most non-combatants remain at the command center. Doesn’t look like they’ll cross Gwanaksan Mountain.

“Good.”

Assuming the existence of the Blue Wind Sect hasn’t been revealed yet, the heroes must consider their opponents to be only monsters and villains.

Since they aim to reclaim all of Seoul, they would naturally conserve their strength for the more challenging northern part of the Han River.

Drawing expected routes on the map.

‘Even assuming the enemy commander is experienced…’

Circling north around Gwanaksan Mountain from both sides. Clearing out monsters and capturing villains along the way.

The scattered forces will converge at the only route crossing the Han River, Yeouido.

“Our side has no particular enemies to watch out for, right?”

– There’s Storm Girl. Most appear to be younger individuals.

“Oh? What does that mean?”

– As you mentioned, the veterans Pungbaek and Usa have been assigned to the eastern unit. On our side, we have Unsah.

The heroes heading east went predictably toward Seocho District.

Those heading west moved along Line 1 toward Yeouido.

Fortunately, the enemy is moving as expected.

“Then let’s begin. Mr. Deok-bae, do you read me?”

– Why do you call Masquerade by name but me ‘Deok-bae’?

Through the screen, Deok-bae grumbled. Though he disliked being called Rock Monster, being addressed by his real name seemed somewhat embarrassing.

“Because in the Ability Supremacy doctrine of the Blue Wind Sect, everyone below B-Rank is a regular member. From B-Rank onward, you earn nicknames. So, work hard, Junior Number One.”

– That’s true.

Annoyed, Deok-bae tried to throw something in his hand but stopped at just the gesture. Watching him fail to follow through, I chuckled.

“Don’t get upset. If you handle this properly, I’ll help you secure more cores.”

– So you’re saying I should cause chaos again?

“It’s different. Last time, you were rampaging uncontrollably, weren’t you?”

I drew a route on the map and sent it to Deok-bae. Zigzagging through alleyways from four-lane roads across the entirety of Geumcheon District toward Guro Digital District.

“The goal is to drive all the hidden monsters in the alleys onto the main roads, understand?”

In Deok-bae’s hand was a spirit stone charged with magical power.

* * *

<10:10 AM, Anyang Command Center>

Jin-gwang Shin tried to hide his trembling hands by gripping the baton tightly.

Nervousness? No. Not fear either.

‘This is an opportunity…!’

Excitement. The heavy responsibility of having an important mission. Sweet dreams of the honor and power he would gain after succeeding in the mission.

Above all, what made Jin-gwang happiest was holding the baton itself.

“A-team, respond.”

– This is A-team, <Unsah> awaiting orders.

“B-team, respond.”

– B-team <Pungbaek> here.

Jin-gwang disconnected the microphone in his ear and chuckled quietly. Just a few weeks ago, he had revered these A-Rank ability users like gods, but now they answered and moved according to his commands like soldiers.

Ideally, he wanted to drill the soldiers like on a training ground, but his current power and confidence were insufficient. He decided to save that for when they reclaimed Seoul and advanced on Pyongyang. Jin-gwang tapped the map on the screen with his baton.

“A-team, proceed along Kyungsudaro Road. B-team, move toward Gwacheon as instructed.”

– Acknowledged. We’ll report any abnormal signs during our advance north.

– Heh heh, let the old folks pass peacefully.

Pungbaek’s jab made Jin-gwang frown. Though older and an A-Rank ability user, Pungbaek was clearly under Jin-gwang’s command in the current operation.

“Watch your words, Agent Pungbaek. That’s a warning.”

– Why torment old folks about to die? Are you planning to sit them on electric chairs? Heh heh! Got it. I’ll follow, hahaha!

– …Apologies, Commander. Please issue orders to me regarding B-team.

“…I’m changing the team leader of B-team! Transfer authority to Agent Usa!”

Frustrated, Jin-gwang’s order prompted hurried action from the operators in the situation room. Most D-Rank heroes assembled were operators responsible for relaying commands and similar tasks.

“What are you doing?! Change it!”

The extreme measure of replacing the field commander due to inappropriate language caused the operators to grimace unseen. Knowing both Pungbaek’s past and Jin-gwang’s background, they followed the order despite disliking it.

“Transferring field command authority of B-team to Agent Usa.”

– Tch… Commander, hero command differs from regular military…

“Communicator! Cut the line!”

The operators stared blankly at each other before hastily cutting communication. Jin-gwang’s neck to crown turned red.

“You bastards…”

His baton trembled as if it would break. Overwhelmed by his fierce aura, the operators remained silent, fixed on their screens.

If only someone could break this tense atmosphere. Fortunately, a report arrived to calm Jin-gwang’s anger.

– This is Unsah. Detected monster presence 200 meters ahead. C-Rank.

Ah, finally something satisfactory. Adjusting his throat, Jin-gwang tapped the map with his baton.

“A-team! Begin attack with prepared heroes!”

* * *

“Unsah, you’re from military background?”

“Nope. Just conveniently assigned.”

Unsah tapped her watch. Among those advancing north on the western route in A-team, no one had more hero experience than Unsah.

“Isn’t it obvious how the teams were divided? Since I have the most experience here, I guess I’m carrying the burden.”

“Unsah is younger than me but feels like an older sister.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

Pungbaek, Unsah, and Usa – veterans among veterans among A-Rank heroes active before the Pyongyang incident.

Among them, Unsah stood out as a prodigy among prodigies, fighting as a hero while still a middle school girl.

Ki-aack!

The sound of monsters reached their ears. Monsters gathered on the main road began running toward A-team.

“A-team, commence interception. All monsters in sight.”

Unsah, gripping the spear on her back, dashed forward along with close-range heroes.

“Let’s exterminate every last one of them.”

The heroes charged toward the monsters.