Chapter 202

〈Chapter 202〉 Part 1, Chapter 10, Section 5

Baek Hee-a entered the New Seoul bus terminal in disguise.

As a member of the Association, she had a mission to accomplish, but appearing at the terminal as an Executioner in a white beret and uniform would surely cause trouble.

Being the granddaughter of the most powerful figure in politics and the de facto second-in-command of the Korean branch of the Association, Baek Hee-a’s reputation as an “Executioner” was formidable, wielding significant authority. If spotted by protesters, it could escalate into chaos.

Thus, the Association’s Heroes, led by Baek Hee-a, infiltrated various parts of the terminal disguised as civilians.

“Hey, give me five automatic Hero lottery tickets.”

Usa, dressed in a hoodie, was buying lottery tickets while wafting cigarette smoke.

“Tch… This country is going down the drain. Tch. And that Sun Icheol, what a bastard…”

Pungbaek, wearing a wrinkled vest, sat slouched on a chair, clicking his tongue as he watched Sun Icheol on the monitor.

“I’d like one ticket for the Gangneung-bound bus, please.”

Unsah, dressed in military fatigues, posed as a returning officer heading back to a remote base.

The Heroes were truly excelling in their roles, except for Baek Hee-a, who awkwardly stood in the middle of the terminal.

“…Hmph.”

She couldn’t help but feel self-conscious under everyone’s gazes. She’d softened her usual strong makeup to appear more feminine and swapped her pants-only wardrobe for something more age-appropriate.

“How am I supposed to walk around feeling embarrassed like this…?”

Baek Hee-a kept fidgeting with the hem of her mini-skirt, which barely covered her thighs. Every passerby seemed to glance at her, making her cheeks flush red.

“…Unsah.”

She touched the small earpiece tucked into her ear. Unsah raised a finger to his ear, looking troubled.

[Yessir.]

“I’ll be right back; I’m just washing my hands.”

[Understood. I’ll inform you when VIP arrives.]

“I’m only going to wash my hands.”

With quick steps, Baek Hee-a left the waiting area and entered the women’s restroom. Among the partially occupied stalls, she chose the farthest empty one, locking the door behind her.

“Phew…”

Even though it was just a disguise, the mini-skirt required immense courage for Baek Hee-a.

‘Why does that girl insist on coming by bus instead of her limousine? Why must she make things so difficult?’

Baek Hee-a checked her watch. It was 11:30 AM. The estimated arrival time from Seoul, passing over Gwanak Mountain, was still half an hour away.

‘If there weren’t protests, we’d all be in our uniforms welcoming Cheongnyeon at the terminal.’

To avoid escalating tensions, the Heroes had disguised themselves to meet Cheongnyeon at the platform, then escort her directly to the prepared vehicles.

‘Just calm down and head back out—’

[Baek Hee-a.]

A chilling voice echoed. Neither male nor female, it sent shivers through her body.

“A ghost?!”

[Not quite. This is our first conversation, isn’t it?]

“…Could it be you?”

I’ve heard stories about you. And I met you once in Beijing during my trip to China. What are you doing here?

[Calm yourself. I didn’t come here to harm you.]

“If you wanted to harm me, New Seoul would already be an inferno.”

Baek Hee-a knew well the destruction caused in Daejeon. The Villain Phoenix, who killed Light Blade, possessed powers that could reduce New Seoul to ashes within moments.

“…I’ll open the door, so reveal yourself.”

[…]

Creak.

Baek Hee-a unlocked the stall door, and a black-armored Villain stepped inside.

Click.

The door locked again, and the Villain Phoenix faced Baek Hee-a, leaving space for about one person between them.

“What’s your intention for approaching me like this?”

[What were you thinking letting a Villain get this close?]

“You’re here now, so talking through a door wouldn’t do any good.”

[That’s true.]

Phoenix flicked a finger. Baek Hee-a felt Phoenix’s eerie Magic Power envelop the restroom stall. As described in confidential reports, the Flame Barrier trapped her.

[This way, we can have a more comfortable conversation.]

“Comfortable? How can I comfortably talk to a Villain?”

[Oh dear. Is this uncomfortable? Then I guess we’ll just have an uncomfortable conversation.]

Phoenix leaned forward, meeting Baek Hee-a’s gaze. Through the eagle-shaped helmet, glowing Blue Flames stared directly at her face.

[Do you really think Black Dragon is a Monster pretending to be human to lure people?]

“Of course. That thing is merely a Monster in human form.”

[Then why did Hwakwon react so strongly when Black Dragon shook her chest?]

“…Can we not be so explicit?”

[…Breasts.]

“…”

[Tits.]

“…”

[Thorax.]

“Ahem.”

Baek Hee-a covered her mouth and cleared her throat, signaling her willingness to continue. Phoenix nodded readily.

“There’s only one reason. I don’t want to see the nation’s ace look ridiculous.”

[Do you like Hwakwon?]

“No? Why would I like someone whose family tormented mine?”

[Then why did you take Hwakwon with you to China?]

“You’re awfully curious.”

Baek Hee-a’s eyes narrowed. Despite Phoenix’s endless questions, she maintained her composure as an Executioner.

“It’s because he’s also a Hero.”

[Impressive. Truly worthy of being the successor to the Administrator. So then—]

“Now it’s my turn to ask a question.”

[…Alright.]

Phoenix gestured for her to proceed, and Baek Hee-a unleashed her pent-up curiosity.

“Why did you kill Light Blade? What did Sun Icheol do to deserve being dethroned? Why did you show up in China? What’s your relationship with Seolhwa-ryeong? Are you two perhaps in a honeymoon phase?”

[I killed him because there was a reason. I dethroned him because he was a hindrance. I went to China because there was a reason. Seolhwa-ryeong and I are sworn enemies. Even so, given our mutual enmity, we have a common enemy before us.]

“…You actually answered everything.”

[I have no reason not to. No need for detailed explanations either. Now, my turn?]

Phoenix leaned closer, pressing a hand against the wall. Baek Hee-a briefly panicked, fearing the blue flames might leap off his body. Whatever question was about to come surely warranted sealing them in a barrier for private discussion.

[What’s your relationship with Yoon Yuhwa, the next chairman of Yu-sung, Eun Jae-min?]

“…?”

[I hear you two are quite close.]

“…Excuse me.”

Baek Hee-a glared daggers.

“Is this really the question you needed to trap me in the women’s restroom to ask?”

[I just can’t resist my curiosity.]

“…So what if we like each other? Or even love each other?”

[…]

Phoenix fell silent. Baek Hee-a smirked, nudging Phoenix slightly. Her white fingers slowly slid off the black armor.

“Sorry to disappoint, but I already have someone I like.”

[Hmm. I see.]

Despite showing great interest in Bae Hee-a’s romantic life, Phoenix relaxed. His condescending tone irked her, but she reminded herself to stay calm while dealing with a Villain.

“…So what’s the real issue?”

[The main point? …Ah, yes. Right.]

Phoenix bent his knees slightly. Unlike his previous threatening stance, he leaned casually against the wall, meeting Baek Hee-a’s gaze.

“…”

Baek Hee-a subtly raised her heels. Phoenix’s casual posture seemed to grate on her pride.

[Let’s cut to the chase. Would you consider working together?]

“No.”

[Don’t tell me you understand what I mean.]

“It’s absurd to collaborate with a Villain. You’re the one who killed Light Blade. No matter how much you manipulate Seolhwa-ryeong, I will never compromise with you. You are…”

Baek Hee-a clenched her fists.

“Nothing more than a villain I should arrest.”

[All the infrastructure in Seoul that you’re eyeing—I rebuilt it all. Reviving Seoul requires my power, doesn’t it?]

“I admit Seoul has recovered thanks to you. But that doesn’t excuse your crimes. You killed Light Blade and massacred the old Pine Unit ability users.”

[What if they deserved it?]

“Then why not let them face legal judgment instead of committing murder?”

Baek Hee-a stood firm, clearly stating her opinions despite Phoenix’s threats. After a brief silence, Phoenix shrugged.

[You’re as rigid as I thought. Do people tease you for being a ‘Miss Know-it-all’?]

“This is justice! I’ve never been called that, but to you, I suppose I might seem like a stick-in-the-mud. Who talks like this? Looks like you trust your own strength too much, but you’ll regret it later.”

[And nagging, too. You haven’t changed much since the old days.]

“What do you mean? Do you know me?”

Baek Hee-a misunderstood Phoenix’s comment. She didn’t realize the truth behind his mention of “the old days,” and Phoenix had no intention of correcting her.

[I know you well. Down to the number of moles under your breasts.]

“…”

Baek Hee-a clenched her fists. The blatant sexual harassment from the villain was humiliating, but resisting violently against someone who could snap her neck with a gesture was risky.

“Huff, huff…”

Baek Hee-a took deep breaths to calm herself. Phoenix reached inside his armor.

Whoosh. Baek Hee-a’s vision was engulfed in blue flames. Thinking it was an attack, she awakened her Magic Power, but the flames only warmly enveloped her.

“…?”

Baek Hee-a froze at the sight of a black ring on her left fourth finger.

“What is this…?”

[Watching the Black Dragon incident made me realize you were stepping too far ahead. This is a warning to be careful. I’d rather work with someone reasonable like you.]

“I don’t accept bribes. Take it back.”

Baek Hee-a tried to remove the ring from her finger, but it was stuck as if fused to her skin.

[Unless you reach S Rank, you won’t be able to take it off. Don’t worry—it has no ill intent. With this ring, you’ll be safe from anyone.]

“…Excuse me.”

Baek Hee-a held up her flushed hand.

“Why this finger?”

[…Habit?]

“Do you habitually propose to your enemies?”

[…Anyway, negotiations are broken off. Since you refuse to cooperate, I’ll have to force collaboration.]

Phoenix changed the subject and dissolved the barrier. Watching him casually leave, Baek Hee-a lost the energy to report him.

“What on earth was that…?”

The first meeting between Korea’s representative Hero and Villain occurred in the women’s restroom of the New Seoul Bus Terminal, unknown to anyone.

* * *

Thoughts after my first conversation with Baek Hee-a.

She’s definitely a heroine and an Executioner.

When the Villain attacked in the restroom, she immediately identified the attacker and realized gathering the terminal’s Heroes wouldn’t be enough. She quickly understood my intentions.

Once she sensed I wanted dialogue, she boldly lured me inside the stall, feigning calmness. Though her leaking Magic Power revealed her panic, confusion, and fear, she maintained a composed exterior while conversing with me.

‘This is how it goes, huh. She doesn’t genuinely like Eun Jae-min. She’s using the Yoo-sung family to strengthen her own clan’s power.’

That was the main point. I was curious if she was really flirting with Eun Jae-min and Yoon Yuhwa.

‘She’s not as rigid as in the original story, but her essence remains the same.’

Miss Baek. In many ways, she’s conservative. Baek Hee-a hasn’t changed much from the original or now.

‘At least I gave her something with a protective function. She shouldn’t get hurt anywhere now.’

From the rooftop railing of the terminal, I waved toward the incoming bus.

“Hmm.”

The bluenette girl in the bus window smiled wryly upon seeing me, waving back.

Soon.

Cheongnyeon descended in New Seoul and transferred to a bus heading to the Association under the guidance of Executioner Baek Hee-a. I watched from the terminal rooftop before soaring high into the sky.

June 26th, 12 PM.

Beast Tamer Cheongnyeon has arrived in New Seoul.