Chapter 236

〈 Chapter 236 〉 Part 1, Chapter 11, Section 6

As the Light Blade technique was learning the truth and choking on guilt…

At the Lighthouse, Ji Hwa of the Blue Wind Sect spent his time tirelessly monitoring the full strength of the organization members.

“We’ve got this covered for A Rank, and since the headmaster said he won’t use any cheats for S Rank Hwakwon…”

“Please take a break and eat something.”

Gongsung Yu I-shin brought snacks while working and handed them to Ji Hwa. Ji Hwa merely nodded slightly before grabbing a sandwich with one hand and taking a huge bite.

“I’ll enjoy it, thanks.”

“But you’re not resting at all…”

I-shin was clearly annoyed by Ji Hwa’s relentless attitude even after the dissolution.

“We’re not fighting tomorrow morning, right?”

“Who knows? They could declare war and launch a surprise attack anytime.”

Watching Ji Hwa’s deployment nearby, Deokbae grabbed two sandwiches. I-shin’s expression darkened but Deokbae paid no attention.

“Do you know what people are calling you these days, Mr. Deokbae?”

“What is it? Baldy? I’m used to that so it’s fine.”

“You’re just like the headmaster, recklessly picking fights with everyone.”

Tuck.

Deokbae dropped the sandwich he was about to eat.

“How am I supposed to handle this?! It’s handmade!”

I-shin flipped out as her precious homemade food kissed the ground. However, Deokbae was completely shocked by what I-shin had said.

“Hmph. No matter how many times you die and resurrect, you should have some self-restraint. Tsk.”

Judging that the surrounding noise was too loud to continue, Ji Hwa stretched and picked up his iced tea.

“The old guys?”

“Architect and Sky Castle went out for a drink. They said they’re not fighters.”

“They’re just the type who’d sell out to the government in a pinch… Back in the Gangnam Nuclear Fist era, that guy used to personally beat up delinquents… Pfft.”

Ji Hwa clicked his tongue and threw away the 2D caricature doll labeled “Sky Castle.” In front of Ji Hwa were countless dolls mimicking ability users spread out like soldiers on a Seoul map.

“That guy used to reign supreme in Seoul until half a year ago; now he’s fallen on hard times.”

“You were also king of Guro, weren’t you? Cowardly king.”

“Yeah, true. All because I met the headmaster.”

Ji Hwa nudged the blue maiden doll stationed in Yeouido with a plastic cup.

“So, for the headmaster’s sake, we need to prepare well for tomorrow… sigh.”

“Relax your shoulders. Hey? Are Architect and Sky Castle really drinking alone? There must be a truckload of Seoul residents targeting those two. They’re probably having quite the party.”

“Pfft. You hate that stuff but you sure love teasing me about it, huh? Eh?”

“There’s nothing more fun than mocking sympathy. Heheh. Yo, I-shin.”

Deokbae tousled Ji Hwa’s hair and patted his shoulder.

“Since the Blue Wind Sect might perish tomorrow, how about giving this kid a medal?”

“Jo Deokbae, you’re crossing the line-”

“Good point. Your opinion is surprisingly reasonable for once, Mr. Deokbae.”

“Huh.”

Ji Hwa and Deokbae froze simultaneously.

“Kidding, right?”

“It won’t hurt. It doesn’t wear out or anything.”

The stiffened Ji Hwa was suddenly lifted up by I-shin. Despite being relatively small in stature, I-shin’s eyes were sharply gleaming as she targeted Ji Hwa.

“Uh, um, uh… Have a good time…”

“Yes. I shall sacrifice myself.”

I-shin was definitely smiling. Deokbae awkwardly found himself playing mediator.

“Hey, where are Cheon Gaeul and the others?”

“A pajama party.”

“What?”

Deokbae snorted through his nose.

“What kind of pajama party at this age… Oh.”

Deckbae found the answer himself.

“They’re probably sorting out ranks among themselves.”

Before things escalate unnecessarily, Deokbae hastily hid.

* * *

<July 18th, 8 PM, Cheon Gaeul's Apartment>

Though the officers have their own assigned rooms in the Yeouido hotels, Cheon Gaeul sometimes commutes from her apartment, sleeping and waking there occasionally.

After discussing countermeasures against the heroes, Phoenix granted each officer free time. Gaeul returned to her apartment to rest, preparing food and drinks upon arrival.

“Tch, don’t forget this apartment was built by our company.”

Following Gaeul inside, Yuha sat on the couch in his pajamas, stroking the wall with his hand.

“True. The apartment’s nice, isn’t it? Why not just buy another one then?”

“Are you saying that seriously? If you weren’t the benefactor of the Blue Wind Sect, I would’ve killed you halfway already.”

While cooking, Gaeul pointed the knife at Yuha, but Yuha didn’t seem to feel any threat, instead joking around. In reality, though Gaeul was an S Rank ability user, the Yuha present here was just a puppet.

“Anyway, why are you here causing trouble instead of sending someone like Eun Jae-min or another puppet?”

“Well, isn’t it convenient to use me as a discard card? And who else runs wild better than me? Did you know I’m the president of Yu Sung Construction? President.”

“Yes, President. How about moving from this middle-class apartment to a nice hotel in Yeouido? There’s someone you love on the top floor, isn’t there?”

“You love someone too.”

Their gazes met. With icy cold eyes, they glared at each other before bursting into laughter simultaneously.

“What’s the point of two rejected people arguing?”

“That’s right. What’s the meaning of comrades fighting among themselves?”

“Comrades? Can you please avoid using that term?”

“Oh. Then how about ‘siblings-in-law’? Hole-siblings. People who occasionally get inserted into our beloved customer?”

“Yuha!!”

Gaeul screamed.

“Bring your main body here immediately! This puppet’s disgusting! Is this how you normally act?”

“I have all the data of you leaving nasty comments calling me a reckless idiot. Want me to file a lawsuit for you?”

“This guy doesn’t shut up. Hey, let’s have a serious talk. Bring your main body here. Let the reckless one go back.”

“Tsk.”

Yuha clicked his tongue and closed his eyes briefly. After a moment, seven star patterns beautifully blossomed in his eyes.

“Honestly, isn’t the term ‘hole-siblings’ appropriate? I can just use Eun Jae-min or other male puppets, and you can transform into a man and insert yourself, right?”

“That guy will nail it properly. Haven’t you seen the monster form? That’s not a woman’s body, is it?”

“It’s a body brainwashed by Seongju, so it’s not her real identity. And speaking of which…”

Yuha raised the corner of his mouth mischievously.

“Isn’t our customer going to adjust to our preferences? As a spirit from outer space, surely they can do that much, right?”

“That’s actually plausible, Chairman.”

Hikari, who had changed clothes in the bedroom, emerged and agreed with Yuha’s opinion.

“The headmaster’s body is made of magic power. If the headmaster wishes, changing into a male form should be possible, both scientifically in terms of abilities and through the use of the Cube.”

“Our customer’s…”

“Male form…”

Both swallowed saliva. At that moment, a clicking sound came from the screen beside Yuha.

[Your drooling sounds are reaching Busan. Do you really like that so much? Weren’t you the ones who decided to pursue Phoenix regardless of gender?]

On the screen was the white-haired woman, Seok Harang, munching on squid while lying on a bean bag with a brown cushion as the background.

“So, Harang, you don’t like our customer being male?”

[Sis, if given the choice, wouldn’t you prefer a red skirt? When did I say I dislike it?]

Harang also revealed her true colors. Gaeul and Yuha sighed deeply, realizing they had gained another competitor.

“How come everyone’s so difficult to deal with… sigh.”

[Still, we’re better off. Think about the latecomers. They start under far worse conditions than us.]

“Then what? We’re all minor shareholders anyway. Arguing over a 1% stake when we’re all small fry.”

They all felt depressed.

[Didn’t they say they loved themselves back then? Wasn’t that just narcissism talking?]

“Someone with strong self-love feeling love and getting deeply infatuated with another person…”

“If we knew who it was, we could either intervene or recruit them, but there’s simply no way to figure it out…”

Phoenix never revealed who they would love in the future. They pieced together fragmented information, sharing what they knew to trace the identity of the mysterious major shareholder hidden behind the veil.

“Isn’t it Yoo Inah? She keeps singing songs about wanting to see Yoo Inah.”

“If she were really the major shareholder, wouldn’t she have sought them out by now? She’s openly attending New Seoul Girls’ Middle School.”

Yuha displayed a secretly taken photo of the middle school girl.

“Tch.”

“……It’s really frustrating.”

[Golden Horse is truly clueless. Wow, judging someone based solely on appearance…]

The 20-year-old women felt jealousy towards the 16-year-old middle schooler for the first time. Only Hikari, who was a year younger at 15, sipped Calpis while examining the profile of candidate number one for the major shareholder, Yoo Inah.

“She doesn’t seem to possess any talent worth the headmaster’s attention…”

“Any ideas?”

“You judge based on talent before considering looks or physique, don’t you? Everyone bows down to the headmaster first.”

Hikari’s unbiased remark made the three frown. Perhaps due to her young age, Hikari innocently stabbed at their hearts with her pure face.

“……But still, I’m better!”

Gaeul placed her hands on her hips to emphasize her pride.

“……Next year, I’ll be nine-”

“Stop!”

Gaeul quickly surrendered. Though 28 wasn’t particularly old, regrettably, she was the oldest among the shareholder candidates.

“Are you kids really…! Is being young that great?”

“Yes. Very.”

[…….]

“In around 2025, I’ll be of legal age. Considering the headmaster comes from the future, only those who’ve just turned adults-”

Hikari clapped her hands excitedly.

“Ah! Then we should add five years to Chairman, Seol Hwa-ryeong, and Gaeul Unni!”

“Hikari.”

Yuha smiled sweetly.

“Close your mouth before I cut off the lab’s power.”

“……Sorry.”

Hikari immediately lowered her head. Although threatened materially by Yuha, she couldn’t bear to meet Gaeul’s condescending gaze.

“……Alright. Since I’m a monster, I don’t age. I’ll forever be in my twenties.”

“Yes, it must be wonderful for you… …sigh.”

Yuha yawned even as a puppet, lacking caffeine due to not drinking coffee, and looked quite exhausted.

[Sis, are you alright? Should I bring something when I visit tomorrow?]

“I’m fine. Something from New Seoul will do.”

“……Are you coming to Seoul, Harang?”

Tension hung in Gaeul’s voice. Beyond the uneasy relationship of competing for the same spirit, they were uncertain whether they’d be enemies or allies tomorrow.

[…Nope? I received orders to stay in New Seoul. Ah, should I not tell Gaeul Unni?]

“It’s fine. If Gaeul Unni doesn’t tell the customer, it’s okay.”

“…What’s your scheme? Now that I think about it, you didn’t say much during the meeting.”

Suspicious of Gaeul, Yuha grinned brightly.

“It’s nothing big. I just decided to form an alliance with another minor shareholder.”

“With who?”

“…With whom else?”

Yuha rubbed her left ring finger with a sinister look.

“Oh. Maybe we should check if there are others just in case. Should we ask the customer?”

“……Doesn’t Jo Deokbae know everything?”

[That balding uncle? Really?]

“The headmaster must have told them everything. Their current location… Ah, they’re trying to leave Seoul right now.”

The pajama party of women transcending camp, ideology, race, and age showed no signs of ending.

* * *

“I feel a wave of hostility directed at me somewhere…”

Phoenix shivered while conducting a simulation using a map of Seoul.

“Hostility? Like Azidahaka casting a curse or something?”

Phoenix focused on simulating battles against the heroes.