〈Chapter 302〉 Part 1, Chapter 13, 19
Cheongnyeon’s visit to India happened without any prior warning. The world’s attention turned to India, and the massive fire disaster at the Taj Mahal spread across the globe.
– That guy, wherever he goes overseas, an accident happens in the visited country.
People began to suspect. On the day Cheongnyeon visited China, a so-called <Good Morning Terror> erupted across the nation. While there was a benefit with all dormant special ability users awakening, people suffered from stress due to the incessant alarm sounds ringing in their ears. Perhaps there was a reason why accidents kept happening wherever Cheongnyeon went. Conspiracy theories started to emerge.
– Isn’t he actually creating monsters? I heard the Black Flame Dragon didn’t exist before.
Cheongnyeon deliberately causes accidents to create monsters. The theory that he is not a <Beast Tamer> but a <Monster Maker> started to spread quietly. However, this conspiracy theory was ridiculed and suppressed by Cheongnyeon’s fanbase, known as the <Sun Cult>.
– Isn’t it just a simple coincidence?
– Even if monsters are dangerous, how could they fail to manage cultural heritage? Hmph.
As the saying goes, “When the crow flies, the chestnut falls,” people insisted it was merely a coincidence. It was already known that the Indian government and associations had practically abandoned managing places like the Taj Mahal and other temples across India. Whether it was a real fire, arson, or spontaneous combustion, the argument that once a fire starts, it is hard to control held significant persuasiveness.
– Shouldn’t we try putting it out first?
– Do we even have the manpower?
Before the firefighters from New Delhi arrived, Indian heroes erected barriers to block the flames while some members of the expedition team ran around trying to extinguish the fire. However, the flames were too intense, and ultimately, the heroes could only helplessly watch the Taj Mahal burn.
Kiyoooot-
The shape of the crimson-black flames resembled a legendary phoenix in flight. With the phoenix’s ascent, the main beam collapsed, and the building began to crumble. Despite their best efforts, the heroes were overwhelmed.
Ddaaahh…
The sunlight faded, dark clouds gathered, and a heavy rain poured down. Though late, the heavens managed to douse the flames of the Taj Mahal, but it was already completely burned, leaving only skeletal remains.
“Looks like it’s been thoroughly burnt. This clears the condition.”
The arsonist himself seemed unusually delighted as he said this to those around him.
“Let’s go catch Yasha!”
His cheerful smile was testified by those present to be purer than any child’s.
* * *
<3:00 PM, Above India. Baegnaroh Bridge Room>
Under the escort of the Indian Air Force, the Baegnaroh soared eastward. The S-Rank monster Yasha had taken up residence near Kolkata in eastern India.
“People are going crazy, asking if we’re running away.”
The Executioner looked even more haggard as he glared at me. Having returned to the Baegnaroh, I swapped places with Gaeul again, who stood behind me as Phantom. As I ate a strawberry handed to me by Gaeul, I curiously asked back,
“Why? We’re on our way to catch Yasha.”
“It’s because we’re heading east.”
“Aha. They think we’re fleeing because of the fire.”
It’s quite amusing being mistaken for an arsonist. A tiny spark from a cigarette butt, under the scorching sun, became an uncontrollable inferno.
“Don’t worry. Instead, this is a great opportunity to divert attention.”
“That might sound easy, huh. Alright.”
If I pushed further, the Executioner’s head might explode. Using magical gear, I displayed information about Yasha in the briefing room.
“Hmm…”
The heroes all frowned at Yasha’s appearance. His wild hair and the grotesque entrails hanging from various parts were disgustingly exaggerated, making him look even more horrifying.
“Let’s check what the Hero Association has gathered so far. <Yasha>. S-Rank monster. Resembles a dog transformed into human form, approximately 20 meters tall. It’s difficult to see clearly due to its fur covering its whole body. Casualty situation… Does anyone know?”
“Also responsible for destroying the entire Kolkata area. Thousands of casualties, no fixed habitat, and reportedly wandering around the eastern region.”
Unexpectedly, Hwakwon supplemented my explanation. He had graduated with excellent results from the academy, and his reputation suggested he had a keen ear for foreign monsters.
“So, Hwakwon, can you describe the opponent’s attack patterns?”
“…Primarily swinging its disproportionately large left arm. It’s almost like a one-pattern attack.”
Hwakwon played a video. It showed when the Indian Hero Association launched a major raid against Yasha.
[Kiiyaahhh!!]
A hysterical, sharp scream echoed as the limping Yasha swung its right arm, three times longer than the other, pressing the heroes. The heroes dodged the straightforward attack, and Yasha broke through their defense line, falling into a trap.
“Yeah. Just a dumb brute who only knows rushing. Many weaknesses, but purely relies on overwhelming specs.”
In the video, the heroes trapped Yasha with chains. However, Yasha tore them off with its hands and caused chaos. Heroes attempting close combat were all thrown off, and Yasha ran towards the nearby deserted city, demolishing buildings.
“So now, question. What would be the best way to take down this monster?”
“Find its weakness.”
“Correct. So where is the weakness?”
“……”
Everyone, including Pungbaek, fell silent. There were no plausible weaknesses recorded in the association’s database.
“Dark attribute, right? How about attacking with light attribute?”
Phantom suggested exploiting attribute weaknesses. I flicked my finger, and three flames appeared mid-air, one transforming into the word ‘Attribute.’
“Initially correct. But unfortunately, we don’t have any light attributes here.”
We do have a Light Blade, but that gentleman is currently in Russia receiving lectures on how to apologize to his daughter-in-law, so we’ll have to handle this ourselves. I checked the elemental composition of the expedition team.
“Hwakwon – Fire, Wind, Water attributes; Usa – Water attribute; Pungbaek – Wind attribute; Tempest Lady – Wind attribute; Gongsung – Wind attribute; Phantom – Illusion Magic. No light attribute among us.”
While I didn’t disclose this to others, Executive Officer is Dark attribute, and Jo Deokbae has Durability. All elemental types except Light are covered. The heroes expressed disappointment.
“So does that mean we can’t catch it without Light?”
“Nope. Even if we had Light, it would need to be at least S-Rank to match Yasha. Light and Dark are pure 1:1 battles; the weaker side gets wiped out. But if you have no teeth, chew with your gums, right? We can overpower it with sheer stats.”
I flicked my finger again. The second word, ‘Stats,’ appeared.
“…According to our professor, it’s the level of power, meaning the realm of special abilities and maximum magic power. Simply overpower it. The problem is determining Yasha’s magic power.”
I compared the objective numerical values of the heroes’ full strength with Yasha’s stats on the screen.
Yasha, Dark Attribute 95.
“Isn’t this S+, borderline SS?”
“S-Rank top-tier…!”
Heroes already knew the scale of strength thanks to Hikari’s indicators. Thanks to the proactive introduction by the Executioner, explaining became easier, and I placed Yasha above all the heroes.
“The only one who can stand against it is Hwakwon. Everyone else is severely outclassed in terms of stats.”
I subtly glanced at Unsah. Although her stats might have reached SS-Rank, her actual power was still at the uppermost A-Rank—barely reaching average S-Rank at best.
“And now the third element, ‘Gear.'”
I removed the teal veil I was wearing and draped it around Phantom’s neck. Despite hesitating, Phantom firmly tied it around herself.
“Representative examples include Hero Suits and Core Weapons. You can’t fight monsters bare-handed, right? To compensate for inferior stats, gear is essential.”
“But we don’t have the means to procure that right now, do we?”
Hwakwon’s point was valid. Gear mostly consisted of individual weapons, and since Hikari’s research wasn’t fully developed yet, the heroes lacked proper equipment. The Indian Association was the same, and Kolkata was less than an hour away.
“Why wouldn’t we?”
But gear can be created. I handed everyone a piece of paper.
“Since time is short, each of you write or draw the armor you want. I’ll be back shortly to gather materials.”
“Where will you go?”
“China. I’ll bring back a Light attribute weapon while I’m at it.”
If the opportunity presents itself, why waste it? I pointed to the veil Gaeul was wearing.
“Even though it’ll all become Fire attribute armor, you won’t find such instant S-Rank suits easily elsewhere.”
* * *
“Do you have a core entrusted to me?”
Hwanryong frowned unhappily at my visit. Wondering what could’ve happened within a day, I felt my heart sink.
“Did something happen with Rasputin…?”
“Not that. Why did you show up when I’m like this?”
Hwanryong pointed to himself with his finger. Far from the pot-bellied middle-aged man he used to be, he now had a sturdy build resembling a tyrant of chaotic times.
“So what? No big difference.”
“But don’t you get most excited when I’m in human form?”
Perhaps influenced by his body, his tone changed too. Overflowing with authority and vigor, it seemed he was ready to unify the world anytime.
“Not necessarily, but how long do you plan to sit there?”
“……”
Hwanryong pressed his forehead against his desk, frowning. Given his personality, he would’ve welcomed me with open arms even if I broke the window, but instead, there was no sign of him standing up.
“Hmph.”
I approached Hwanryong, causing him to panic and try blocking my approach. But I already knew. Someone else was present in this room besides Hwanryong and me.
Churp.
“Huh…?”
Under the desk, a golden-haired woman with two antennae-like strands of hair was enthusiastically sucking on Hwanryong’s erect penis. After briefly glancing at me, Callipera refocused on Hwanryong’s stiff member, which she was devouring.
“Pfft. I knew it would come to this.”
“…This is practice for you. Don’t misunderstand.”
“Suit yourself. But sorry, I need to borrow this for now.”
“What?”
At my statement about borrowing Callipera, Hwanryong became extremely flustered. His face turned red, seemingly contemplating all sorts of things, but Callipera’s service reached its peak, and Hwanryong climaxed right in front of me.
Bwoorrrk.
“Hoeee…. Master Hwanryong’s essence, mmm…”
Callipera licked the semen splattered on her face with a seductive smile. Despite looking like she’d been drenched in yogurt, she didn’t care and seemed to enjoy it even more.
“…I’ve made a spectacle of myself.”
“No, it was quite rare and interesting in many ways, so it’s fine. Where’s Bonghyo?”
“He’s behind.”
Hwanryong tried to stand up but stopped awkwardly when Callipera grabbed his penis and pulled.
“Where are you going, Master Hwanryong… The cleaning isn’t finished yet…”
“Kuuh…!”
Callipera forcibly sat Hwanryong back down. Though he desperately stretched his hand toward me, I smiled and clenched my fists at him.
“Sorry for interrupting your happy time. Have fun!”
“Wait, just a moment!!”
Hwanryong screamed.
“I was practicing because I wanted to spend this happy time with you-”
Waaaaahhh!!
A dirty sound of pleasure reached my ears. It sounded like souls being sucked away. Expressing condolences to the panting Hwanryong, I entered the secret chamber.