Chapter 218

〈 Chapter 218 〉 Part 1, Chapter 10, Section 21

If Blazing Phoenix is the undisputed number one, then the ever-steady 17th place in popularity rankings undoubtedly belongs to none other than “<Executioner>” and “<Captain>” Baek Hee-a.

Regardless of her character’s personality, many people had significant grievances with the actions displayed by the character Baek Hee-a.

– This level of nationalism is toxic.

As the Korean-made game gained word-of-mouth popularity worldwide, foreign players began to harbor considerable complaints, naturally focusing their dissatisfaction on the character Baek Hee-a, who promoted patriotism.

– Delete Baek old-timer already.

– Is this what they call “kimchiflavor”?

– I see Neo-Nazism in her.

Of course, while international votes reflected these sentiments, her domestic popularity was surprisingly decent.

She covertly influenced politics from behind the scenes against towering figures like Sun Icheol, providing substantial political support to the protagonist’s group. Later, during a certain incident where the protagonists were pursued globally, she even gave up everything to hand over the ship’s key for their escape.

At first glance, one might mistake her for an overly righteous character, but Baek Hee-a’s true nature only reveals itself once you delve into her personal route.

Two-faced (表裏不同).

While Cheon Gaeul dreams of becoming the top star in entertainment and Yun Yuhwa aims to be the ultimate capitalist kingpin, Baek Hee-a embodies the spirit of ambition, seeking to become the political ruler of a nation.

I revealed my intentions five years before the original timeline by deposing Sun Icheol, stepping out from the shadows for the very same reason.

A monster pursuing the righteous path.

Whereas Yun Yuhwa concealed his true identity within seven dolls, Baek Hee-a hides her real self behind a mask.

…Ultimately, as one of the heroines, she harbors the complex ambition to love the protagonist, make him president, and engage in “bedroom politics,” making her a “shadow attribute” heroine that invites varied perspectives.

* * *

After both parties revealed their true intentions.

Our negotiations proceeded rather quickly.

“The country I want to go to will be decided by me.”

“Agreed. However, please consider the priority. We cannot assist with countries diplomatically problematic.”

“And places we must visit no matter what?”

“In that case, at least try to ensure it benefits us maximally. Please don’t run out mid-negotiations like last time.”

The national issues were resolved. Next, it was Baek Hee-a’s turn to propose something.

“Naturally, since we’re moving officially, your secret organization, the <Blue Wind Sect>, cannot board my ship.”

“Baddies riding the association’s ship would indeed cause problems. Understood. Accepted.”

“…There seems to be some ulterior motive here.”

“If there is, what can you do about it? Don’t worry. I absolutely won’t put you in a difficult situation.”

Baek Hee-a wanted Korean heroes to participate in the overseas monster raid missions. I also agreed with this point.

“However, let me choose some of those participants. For example, students entering the academy being built in Seoul.”

“It would be hard to accept individuals without proven abilities, right?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll select people whose skills far surpass those of the association’s heroes.”

“No villains allowed.”

We settled the allocation of participants. On this part, I made significant concessions, and Baek Hea-a seemed quite skeptical when her share increased to 80%.

“What exactly are you planning?”

“It’s nothing much. You’ll change your mind once you see the lineup of my 20%. Let’s skip trivialities.”

I pointed at a spot on the map.

“Here. Dock the ship here.”

“Yeongjong Island?”

The first place I arrived at in this land, now a pristine zone devoid of any monsters, thanks to the concealment of the Western Sea Weapon. Not even New Seoul or Seoul knows much about it.

Though Xiao Lin’s landing with the red earth turned it all into rubble.

“I’ve tidied it up nicely for you. From Yeongjong Island to Incheon Bridge. Now, you can drive in and out freely. And there, you’ll keep your private plane on standby.”

“You plan to use the international airport as a private airstrip? No way. That’s our foothold to reclaim its past glory after Seoul’s restoration.”

“But surely you could spare a dedicated runway for the world’s sole monster pilot?”

“…Alright. Let’s discuss this later. Meanwhile, we need transportation to the airport—”

“We’ve got the Black Flame Dragon.”

“Alright.”

Suddenly, the Black Flame Dragon became a limousine service to and from the airport, but what can you do? Until it ascends to S-Rank and transforms into its true draconic form, it’ll remain just a giant dragon-vehicle.

“So, after defeating the monster, how about the settlement rewards…?”

“You take it all. I’ll manage separately.”

“…Then what exactly are you planning to take?”

“I’ll tell you later.”

There was no immediate need to tell Baek Hee-a about the Cube. She seemed to be imagining what I desired in her mind.

“…Alright. That should suffice.”

“Huh?”

“For the first time… But still, for the sake of my family and the nation…”

Suddenly, Baek Hee-a started blushing furiously, muttering to herself.

“My body… to you, Aiyah!”

“What did you say?”

I flicked her forehead with my finger.

“I’m not interested in your underdeveloped chest; I’m only interested in your ship.”

“…Is there a fetish for ships?”

“Vessels, airships, private jets, etc!”

“Then stop making people misunderstand! Like earlier in the car—”

As Baek Hee-a rubbed her forehead, she suddenly remembered something and her face flushed.

“D-did you do something to me after knocking me out?!”

“…What pattern is this?”

I found her maiden-like behavior utterly baffling. Though she is indeed a maiden…

“What do you think I did?”

“All sorts of things!”

“I just put you to sleep for two hours because you were about to collapse. Otherwise, you’d probably be hospitalized right now. Why did you stay up all night anyway?”

“Because someone said weird things…! What does that mean?!”

Baek Hee-a pointed at the icebox on the table. The pretty pink box with a ribbon still preserved its contents intact.

“It’s a gift.”

“For whom? Surely it’s for Seol Hwaryeong? Or are you planning to send severed heads in boxes like you did with Sun Icheol? Did you pick mint chocolate as a preservative?”

“Hmm…”

Upon reflection, it makes sense why she stayed up all night.

“First off, this is genuinely a gift. There’s someone who likes mint chocolate.”

“How does anyone eat that…!”

“Those who like it really do. It might even become one of the seven keys to saving the world.”

“Tch.”

Baek Hee-a clicked her tongue, clearly disbelieving. Indeed, who would believe the world could be saved by mint chocolate?

“Save the world? Is your goal world peace or something?”

“Ah, correct.”

Baek Hee-a twisted her lips, looking even more astonished.

“Saying ‘world peace’ from a villain’s mouth feels so absurd. Then why don’t you just be a hero instead of pretending to be evil?”

“This side suits my operations better. We’ll talk about that later. Time has passed.”

I lifted Baek Hee-a’s left hand and gently rubbed the ring on her ring finger.

“…I’ve been genuinely curious, what does this signify?”

“It helps recover stamina. Rub it before sleeping, and you’ll feel like you’ve slept eight hours after just four.”

“Lie.”

“It’s true.”

Though better than germanium bracelets or yellow clay mats, it seems we haven’t reached that level of trust yet.

“Anyway, I’m not taking it off, so continue wearing it. It looks good with your color.”

Baek Hee-a pushed my shoulder and hugged herself. Although she didn’t hurt me by pushing me back onto the bed, her sudden action was baffling.

“You definitely did something!”

“What nonsense… That degree of black-haired lecherousness—”

I barely held back the rest of my sentence. If I caused more misunderstandings here, the entire negotiation might fall apart.

“…That degree of black-haired lasciviousness, honestly.”

“You changed your words just now.”

“Because you suddenly pushed me, I momentarily got a lump in my throat. Anyway, I have no intention of harming you. You’re my world’s only exclusive captain.”

“Treating people like what exactly… sigh.”

Baek Hee-a sighed in exasperation. I rose from the bed and filled a cup with water.

“Anyway, let’s get along well from now on. Since we’re on the same boat now.”

“Only because you’re currently useful to this country. I’ll help the monster pilot, but I’ll never assist the villain <Phoenix>. Understand? Even if…”

Baek Hee-a asserted firmly as she took the cup.

“I’d blow up the private jet if necessary.”

“Even if you’re on it?”

“I’d blow it up with me on it.”

“Alright. Let’s see how far your resolve goes.”

The negotiation concluded successfully. Baek Hee-a would finally be freed from all her worries and fantasies about me, ensuring at least a proper night’s rest. Still, if she continues to worry unnecessarily, there’s nothing I can do.

“By the way, it’s funny. If you had known my true identity, our conversations would have been much easier.”

“…I doubt that. How so?”

“No, it’s just…”

I guided Baek Hee-a’s pent-up frustration toward another direction.

“I told Seung Hyung about it. That I’m Phoenix.”

“…”

“Though I did ask him not to tell others—”

“Hold on.”

Baek Hee-a prepared to type rapidly on her watch.

Tatatatak.

Baek Hee-a swiftly refined the content of our negotiation into politically polished and formal expressions, which I adjusted appropriately to ensure maximum freedom of movement.

“Alright. Let’s publish this agreement.”

“Leaving already? Can’t we hang out a bit longer?”

“Are you trying to play with me? Teasing me.”

“Caught me? Puh-hehe.”

Her reactions were too entertaining, so the jokes had to end here. As intended, Baek Hee-a now wants to leave the room quickly to vent her anger elsewhere.

“I need to talk to Seung Hyung.”

Even knowing it’s misplaced anger.

“Why vent at him when you’re mad at me?”

“It would only work if you were reasonable.”

“After such a great negotiation?”

“Pfft. Great negotiation through threats, huh.”

Baek Hee-a openly lost her temper. I approached her one last time, leaning close to her face.

“What is it?”

“One last request.”

Tap tap. I stroked the ring on her ring finger.

“Never take it off. Got it? This is our promise—”

“Open the door!”

Baek Hee-a snapped. I obediently opened the door, extending my hands toward the entrance.

“…Sleep well and munch on some mint chocolate.”

“Who are you talking to?”

“Don’t know!”

Baek Hee-a turned her head away, giving me one last glare before leaving.

Further details of the situation need not be elaborated.

The basic duty of a villain is, after all, to sow discord among the tightly-knit trust of heroes.

July 1st.

Externally, I established a honeymoon relationship with a political ally.

‘This means I can’t renounce my nationality anymore.’

“Would you shout your true identity to the world the moment you renounce?”

I closed the door and sprawled on the bed. The warmth left by Baek Hee-a’s departure lingered, warmed by my magic power.

“Ah.”

I forgot.

‘I should’ve tried courting Park Ra-on while I’m here.’

Park Ra-on’s magical aura was detectable outside the door. The pure magical energy untouched by core destruction in Seoul unmistakably belonged to Park Ra-on, who possessed both wind and water attributes.

‘Should I approach Park Ra-on? Easy target though.’

“…Still, I have time. Let’s extinguish the urgent fire first.”

…Since I’ll have plenty of opportunities in New Seoul, I decided to postpone it.

I created a small Phoenix and placed it delicately on the bed, then rested my head beside it, closing my eyes for a brief respite.

– Are you resting now?

“…No. Starting tomorrow. Tomorrow.”

I need to summon the main body of this food thief soon. With the little canary nuzzling against me, I drifted off to sleep in its embrace.