Chapter 277

〈 Chapter 277 〉 Part 1, Chapter 12, Section 23

A little later.

Suborof wanted to call Heo Yoon-hwan aside for a private conversation. I also had something to discuss but decided to give them time first, opting to talk with Heo Yoon-hwan and Rusalka together. Not knowing how long their chat would take, I seized the opportunity to call Baek Hee-a.

“What is it?”

The tone of Baek Hee-a, who didn’t secure an S-Rank Round Table special ability user, was slightly chilly. As Heo Yoon-hwan pointed out, I ended up writing a blank check, and on top of that, Heo Yoon-hwan was about to leave for Russia as Velobog.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t keep my promise.”

It’s frustrating when you give something and then snatch it away, but it’s equally annoying when you promise to give it only to hand it over to someone else.

“I understand.”

Fortunately, Baek Hee-a accepted my apology without much fuss.

“You’re so cool about this.”

[Original Hero line deleted for brevity…]

“…Yeah, sure.”

While I had informed allies and friendly parties about the truth behind Dark Legion, naturally, it was information known only to a select few. However, when the truth about Rasputin’s rampage came to light, Dark Legion inevitably became public knowledge.

[Dialogue continues in comedic anime style…]

“Separate from the Side Palace intruder, Hwakwon detected Rasputin’s irregularities while floating around and eventually uncovered his true identity. Do you know what the world calls Hwakwon now? ‘The Messenger of Peace Anointed by the Goddess.’ It’s said that the God bestowed power upon him, transforming the ordinary A-Rank into an S-Rank warrior destined to bring world peace.”

“……”

If Lee Seung-hyung heard this, he’d probably choke on his own spit. And as the one who actually gave him the power, I felt like twisting the necks of whoever spouted such nonsense. But since Baek Hee-a was merely relaying what she’d heard, I decided to ask Eun Yu-hwa to investigate later and changed the subject.

“Now that the whole world knows about Dark Legion, what’s your opinion as an Executioner?”

“Not much will change, really. Since the core details about the end of the world haven’t been revealed yet. People just know there’s an organization called Dark Legion, right? It might scare the general public a bit, especially learning that an S-Rank special ability user was part of an evil organization plotting world domination.”

“But the key members won’t be able to move around freely anymore.”

This would surely restrict the activities of the three executives. Of course, just like I created the fake identity Cheongnyeon, they’ll likely create new aliases to continue operating.

“If they hide completely, what will you do?”

“I’ll chase them until they’re at death’s door. If they don’t come out willingly, I’ll create a situation where they have no choice.”

“Was that the Six-Minute Terror?”

“Who would’ve thought they’d show up after just one attempt? Anyway, if we keep finding them one by one, eventually we’ll gather all seven. Speaking of which, Miss Baek Hee-a, how’s the preparation for departure going?”

Current time: Moscow, July 22nd, 7 AM. In Korea, due to the time difference, it should be a little past 1 PM.

“Yes. We can depart tomorrow morning.”

“Great. Make sure everything is ready; I’ll return before sunset.”

“Understood. I’ll prepare accordingly, VIP sir.”

Since I’ve already decided to suppress the activities of the three executives, I chose to proceed with the original plan. Even with Dark Legion exposed, Karnas Gaecheon won’t back down from the challenge he set himself.

“Oh, by the way, can you arrange an event for when we depart?”

“What kind of event? A parade over Seoul skies?”

“No, just a send-off ceremony for those leaving?”

I briefly explained my plan, and Baek Hee-a approved, saying it wouldn’t cause any major issues.

“It’ll boost morale.”

“It’s not just about boosting morale… *chuckles*”

At the end of the event, two more S-Rank special ability users will be born. I intentionally kept the details hidden from Baek Hee-a, fearing she might preemptively inform the two potential S-Ranks.

“You seem to have some scheme in mind.”

“Just wanting to shake hands with Miss Baek Hee-a before departure.”

“If you say so. Fine, but be prepared—it won’t end with just a handshake.”

“Whatever you say.”

With her final remark, Baek Hee-a hung up, grumbling all the way. Just in time, the Light Blade couple and Suborof finished their discussion, and following Light Blade’s guidance, I met face-to-face with <Foe>.

“Is the conversation done?”

“Yeah… Phoenix.”

“Thanks for using my full title, but just call me Phoenix. Your daughter nearly crippling me has left me less than sane.”

Introductions aside, being addressed as “Blazing Phoenix” every time is unnecessary. As a member of Dark Legion, I sat across from Suborof.

“How did the talk go?”

“Yeah… Despite being hard to believe, if it’s the truth, we must believe it.”

Suborof sighed deeply and bowed his head to me.

“Thank you for saving my daughter.”

“…?”

“My daughter from the future—she dies.”

“Ahh.”

Penril eating the Round Table member was Rusalka, and the vacant seat of the Round Table was taken by Rasputin. Apparently, Rusalka told Suborof everything related to that.

“Alright, better than dragging out explanations unnecessarily. No need to thank me. It was just a coincidence that I saved her.”

“Still, thanks to you, I won’t lose my daughter twice. For that, I’m grateful as a father.”

“…”

Sitting next to Suborof, Rusalka looked embarrassed, turning her gaze toward the distant mountains. Heo Yoon-hwan, sitting beside me, seemed uncomfortable with his position.

“Hem hem. Then I’d also like to express my gratitude. Rusalka is like a younger sister to me—”

“Who said anything about a younger sister?”

“Then does that mean I gain another daughter?”

The father-daughter duo interrupted me with differing reactions. I glared at Suborof, who subtly seemed hopeful.

“Do you want to welcome a villain as your daughter?”

“The strongest hero in the world? Always welcome. Just properly educate and guide her to prevent bad deeds.”

“This is why heroes always try to reform villains.”

I raised the cup in front of me. The rich aroma of tea tickled my nose, and Suborof also lifted his teacup.

“Congratulations on becoming a grandfather—”

“WHAT!”

Rusalka screamed. Startled by her sharp cry, I jumped.

“Grand…father?”

Suborof’s expression twisted seriously, ready to smash Heo Yoon-hwan’s head with the teacup in his hand.

“You didn’t tell them?”

“…”

They fell silent. I realized the couple hadn’t mentioned anything about their love child.

“Don’t misunderstand. Rusalka isn’t pregnant or anything. But…”

“That… What…?”

“Seok Harang, the SS-Rank Hero of Korea, is their daughter.”

Gulp.

Suborof spat out his tea like a waterfall.

* * *

After the shocking revelation.

Suborof rejoiced at the existence of his newly found granddaughter but severely reprimanded the couple for abandoning their daughter for twenty years.

“How could parents let that happen… Even if circumstances were tough, it’s still your flesh and blood… You should have raised her even as a single parent… Parents and children are bound by sacred ties…”

As a senior in life, Suborof lectured the two. While they were getting scolded, I stood up confidently and left to attend to my tasks. Suborof didn’t mind dismissing me.

“Take care of my granddaughter, Miss Phoenix.”

“You adjusted quickly. She’s 21, though.”

“What’s the problem? Having a granddaughter who’s also the world’s strongest hero? Hahahaha. Still, you two aren’t allowed. How dare parents…?”

I escaped Suborof’s lengthy speech and headed outside. They had truly met their match.

Light Blade Heo Yoon-hwan reached S-Rank at a very young age, leading a life where others praised and worshipped him. Recognizing himself as a parent wasn’t easy given the harsh environment he was thrown into.

Rusalka, being non-human, didn’t understand human emotions. Her concept of time differed, and as a spirit, she judged things accordingly.

Neither had anyone to sternly guide them, leaving both clueless about parenthood.

‘Now they’ll learn from Suborof.’

“Seok Harang suddenly has a grandfather. *chuckles*”

Though I worried about any awkwardness arising, Seok Harang would overcome it. I’d support her too.

‘Now onto the next task.’

Before leaving Russia, I sought out the special envoy group including Blue Wind Sect executives. Although Pungbaek and Usa were present, I signaled to the nearest Lighthouse.

Good Morning-♩♬

To an outsider, it might sound like birds chirping, but upon hearing my signal, Lighthouse’s eyes widened as he stealthily rose from his seat. Pungbaek questioned Lighthouse’s destination as he tried to leave the room.

“Where are you going?”

“To the restroom.”

“Do monsters use restrooms too? Hehehe.”

“….Not exactly.”

Despite his curt reply, Lighthouse must have been sweating bullets inside. Monsters didn’t need to use restrooms, so Lighthouse had made a slip of the tongue.

“Fine. Don’t be so tense. Go ahead. Who cares if you contact someone in the restroom? Tsk tsk.”

Pungbaek waved his hand, seemingly letting Lighthouse off this time as a comrade-in-arms.

“….Alright.”

Lighthouse hurried toward the restroom. I followed discreetly, successfully meeting secretly in a corner of the corridor unseen by others.

“Sorry for startling you. Did I scare you?”

“Your methods are deplorable, Director.”

“My apologies. *chuckles*”

Even though it was morning, my wake-up call seemed to have little effect. Clearing my throat, I issued instructions to Lighthouse.

“The special envoy group will likely stay here for a few more days. Only the Blue Wind Sect executives. The three heroes will return to Korea via a private jet.”

“This feels like a long-term assignment.”

“Right? Returning immediately after arriving would look odd, wouldn’t it? The heroes have other places to be, so it can’t be helped.”

Usa, Pungbaek, and Hwakwon—they were crucial forces for the Indian mission and couldn’t be left idle in Russia.

“Hwakwon is being pursued by many regarding the Rasputin incident. Best not to cause unnecessary commotion.”

“Better to extract Hwakwon before any commotion arises. Things will work out with the Association.”

With Suborof now an ally and Baek Hee-a handling things behind the scenes, we were well-prepared.

“There isn’t much for you guys to do. Later, when Eun Yu-hwa sends another private jet, load the cores of the monsters you captured, and escort Light Blade and Rusalka back to Korea.”

“The former is understandable, but is the latter possible? Light Blade is now Velobog, isn’t he?”

“We’ll frame it as him apologizing in person after causing trouble in Korea. Also, we’ll arrange a separate meeting with Seok Harang.”

“…..Finally meeting her, huh? Understood. I’ll make preparations.”

“Oh, and one last thing.”

Before departing, I gave Lighthouse his final order.

“I’ll transfer the blue feather cores to you. Please take care of them and bring them back safely. Just store them separately.”

“One seems missing?”

“I took care of it.”

“……Understood.”

Lighthouse didn’t press further. I handed over the bag containing the cores and moved on to the next location.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

“No, it didn’t take long.”

In the quiet park of Vladimir’s mansion, Whanryong awaited me.