Chapter 343

〈Chapter 343〉 Part 1, Chapter 15-1

August 13th, 2020.

It had been over two weeks since the Blue Wind Sect returned from India.

Karna, who temporarily visited Korea as <Gaechonkwang>, took refuge with the Yu-Sung Group, and in response, Yuhwa Yun, known as the group’s reckless troublemaker, personally accompanied Karna worldwide via Yu-Sung’s private jet.

With a strong determination to hunt down remnants of the Dark Legion spread across the globe, people cheered. The public feared Dimensional Gates, disasters arbitrarily triggered by evil organizations, and were shocked to learn that heroes like <Rasputin> and <Mahatma> were actually henchmen of this evil organization.

Instead of Cheongnyeon traveling overseas once a month due to frail health, Karna and Yuhwa traveled globally hunting all sorts of monsters.

Though the intention was partly to track down low-level members of the Dark Legion, it was also because letting someone with potential S-Rank—or possibly higher—special abilities just sightsee and return seemed wasteful.

“I seek battle with the mighty. Anything less than an S-Rank monster is not worth my time.”

“Then I’ll handle anything below A-Rank.”

The true nature of the seemingly reckless Yuhwa was finally revealed.

This next-gen model of the household sex doll Xroid, piloting ‘Bioroids,’ turned out to be an A-Rank special ability user known as <Puppeteer> making their global debut.

***

<August 13th, 2020, 8:00 AM, Phoenix Penthouse.>

“Explain yourself.”

As soon as I called Yuhwa, I started questioning them. Onscreen, Yuhwa was sipping coffee made from beans obtained after defeating a monster at a Guatemalan coffee plantation.

[Customer, what exactly do you wish to hear explained? I’ve done so much, it’s hard to pick.]

[Our Yuhwa has indeed caused quite a stir.]

On the other side of the screen, Karna, stark naked, wandered around the airplane drying his wet hair after showering.

“You two seem awfully cozy.”

[Isn’t this all part of our effort to get closer?]

[Exactly. If jealousy bothers you so much, why don’t you come join us right now?]

“…What kind of situation are you inviting me into?”

I couldn’t help but laugh awkwardly.

“Are you inviting me to join your wild party involving seven Bioroids mimicking my body?”

[Wild party? Even for me, that’s pushing it. Let’s correct that to ‘seven consecutive battles.’]

[True. When Karna transforms into male form, they’re truly magnificent. Customer, if you feel envious…]

Yuhwa and Karna lazily opened their eyes and licked their lips—a clear provocation.

[We’ve kept our original forms pure, haven’t we? Customer, let me send you the coordinates.]

[Yuhwa’s main body is definitely still a virgin, confirmed through magical power. And this is Karna’s first time too! Both virgins!]

“These ridiculous people…”

I unconsciously blurted out something crude, utterly baffled.

“You’re supposed to be specialists in this field, yet what nonsense is this? One of you mastered every position with dolls, while I know full well you’ve played around with spirits back when you were in Tera.”

[That’s all the skill honed for the love of our dear customer!]

[Well… talking about those Tera days does make me somewhat embarrassed. But still, I’ve never done anything with you.]

“Honestly, no interest. If I go there, I’ll just end up getting used, and that’s something I’d avoid even on pain of death.”

Getting sandwiched between Yuhwa controlling male dolls with Chang-yeom’s body and Karna transformed into a golden-tanned punk is something I’d refuse even if threatened.

But they interpreted my thoughts entirely to their own advantage.

[Ah, customer prefers to dominate, doesn’t she? Then transform into male form! It’s no longer a secret that spirits can change gender!]

[Indeed. I find it strange that you hide this fact and remain female. Isn’t that odd?]

“That’s my choice.”

Even though I gained the ability to transform into human form, I have no desire to do so. Hence, I maintained an ambiguous demeanor.

“And isn’t the male form already being shown as a monster? Isn’t that enough?”

[Hmm… Is there some restriction?]

[Tsk. That could be. Well, it’s disappointing, but I think I’d be fine even in this state… Yuhwa, wouldn’t you agree?]

[Eh, I completely concur. We really understand each other.]

They’re so in sync, it feels like they’re about to devour me whole. I tapped the screen to bring them back to reality.

“Snap out of it. I’m refraining from flying over there and smashing your heads together just to ask you this: Yuhwa, when exactly did you scan my body?”

I pointed at the large bed behind Yuhwa where eight bioroids identical to me lay sleeping nude.

The bioroids Yuhwa uses as full strength under the title of <Puppeteer> all resembled Cheongnyeon, drenched in the magical residue left by Karna.

[Uh, I didn’t touch or scan your actual body…]

Yuhwa scratched their cheek, avoiding my gaze.

[I gathered data from Garura and Gaeul Cheon disguised as you.]

[Still, I can’t be sure unless I directly compare. Phoenix, won’t you give me the chance?]

“No. Moving on, wrap up your business. Were there any real remnants of the Dark Legion in LA?”

I forcibly steered the conversation back to the main topic. Yuhwa and Karna sobered up and became serious.

[There was one. A creature hiding in Washington who immediately transformed into a monster when exposed to Karna’s light. It was an A-Rank politician.]

[Shit… It was Azidahaka’s creation. Not a special ability user. He ran upon seeing me, so I hit him with Brahmasutra.]

Karna shook the magical gear on his wrist.

Unlike Yuhwa’s magical gear, this was specially crafted by Hikari for spirits, and Karna’s wasn’t black but the same gold as his hair.

“Did you use Vijaya?”

[Yes. Please thank Hikari when you see her. Thanks to her, I can easily travel with my disciples.]

The magical gear on Karna’s wrist contained six S-Rank cores of light fused into one object. It functioned as both magical gear and weapon, transforming at will with Karna’s magical power.

[Hikari’s investment paid off. We’re nearing the stage where we can release mass-market versions of magical gear. Guro Industries might release prototypes soon.]

“That’s good news.

Hikari created it in two days. No, it took Hikari two whole days. Technologically, it’s probably more than a century ahead of its time.

[Of course, Hikari can’t keep handcrafting these forever. Customer, are you really turning this down?]

“What? You mean swapping Dokdo Island for Hikari? Would the chairman do it?”

[Obviously not.]

Dokdo Island.

The hot potato that appeared right next to Haeundae.

“First, they need to calm the people of Dokdo before negotiating. Tch.”

[Understood. Once I finish here, I’ll head straight from LA to Gimhae.]

“Yes. Let’s meet when you return to Korea. We need to discuss the Bioroids, especially Model <Garuda>.”

Click. I ended the call. The catalog Yuhwa sneakily sent beforehand left me stunned.

“What am I going to do? There’s bound to be riots worldwide.”

Magical Gear.

And Bioroids, Model <Garuda>.

Despite Karna’s pilgrimage diverting attention, early adopters worldwide were flocking to Korea.

…

I replayed footage of the area near the Yu-Sung Group mansion in New Seoul.

[Yuhwa! Sell Garuda! Sell!]

[Exclusive item! What are you saying?! We want it too!]

“They don’t want to buy it; they want to fight it. Sigh.”

Watching videos of Yuhwa using puppets to defeat A-Rank monsters in Europe gave me a headache.

“They just want their own Garuda…”

People desired one per household.

Above that desire lies S-Rank Garuda, and above that…

‘Chang-yeom’s body is starting to feel a bit restrictive.’

“…It’s terrifying how gleefully she’d grant permission.”

I need to check out Cube stuff.

And I rose from my bed, preparing to obtain the Cube.

Pyongyang, SS-Rank Monster Nuclearian.

Upon Karna’s arrival in Gimhae, four SS-Rank individuals would set up barriers and hunt the monster.

***

Bioroids were a distinctly different entity from the mechanical dolls known as Xroids.

Despite some bioethicists raising concerns as the Bioroids became increasingly humanoid, everyone fell in love with the overwhelming combat prowess and appearance displayed by <Puppeteer>.

Based on monster cores, Bioroids possessed power comparable to an average special ability user. Their strength became globally renowned when Yuhwa defeated an A-Rank monster using seven Bioroids.

Certainly, Bioroids were exceptional combat units. However, they were merely a byproduct of failed attempts to create “Homunculi,” and the sole technician capable of producing them lost interest in further production.

“So, Hikari, no plans to develop a higher model?”

“Of course not. Watching YouTube is far more productive, Director.”

Once satisfied with a research project, Hikari lost interest. Coercing her would only stifle her creativity.

“Rather, Director, what you mentioned earlier intrigues me.”

Tuduuduudu.

Hikari paused the war movie she was watching. The table was cluttered with various firearms-related materials.

“Why the sudden interest in guns, Director?”

“Um, I want to fight stylishly?”

“Director’s style is brute-force superhero action, not noir-style hitman stuff.”

“…When did you analyze that?”

I felt struck at the core. Indeed, using Phoenix’s powers effectively and my primary fighting method aligns with that.

“Statistics.”

Hikari adjusted her glasses, which doubled as vision protectors. Various holographic screens floated above the lenses.

“…Aren’t you living too much in the 22nd century?”

“Hmm… Even the 22nd century couldn’t develop this.”

“……”

This clearly demonstrates what happens when a genius with unlimited budget develops things freely. Hikari wasn’t just making future tech available now but was already prepared to leap into the next century.

“Hikari, what do you think about terraforming?”

“Sounds interesting, but something else is catching my attention right now.”

Hikari sipped green tea, pointing to a capsule behind her. A small girl with white hair floated in the nutrient solution, naked and asleep.

Not alive yet, but soon to become a vessel for life. Half of Rusalka’s spirit.

“Anyway, I need to complete this first before moving forward… Director, did you secure the cores?”

“Could we use A-Rank ones?”

“Director?”

Hikari wiped her chin with her thumb and smirked coldly. This smile was eerily similar to Gale Guest severing someone’s head, sending shivers down my spine.

“Seven S-Ranks are mandatory. Even if it’s currently homunculi, it could become the foundation for new humanity! Yes, above all!”

Hikari suddenly stood up, raising both hands high.

“It annoys me that Seongju succeeded first!”

“…Hmph.”

Here stands a (technically) heroine shouting to overthrow Seongju.

“To be honest, Director, as a technician, I deeply respect Seongju despite being an enemy. Don’t you agree? Brainwashing someone like Director is impressive.”

“…I’ll overlook that comment, but never say that in front of other spirits. Especially Karna.”

“Oh… Oops?”

“Exactly. Extremely. If I hadn’t known your personality, I might have burned everything you’re researching right now.”

At my words, Hikari paled beyond just being ashen-faced and began nervously glancing at me.

“Sorry. Truly.”

“It’s okay. I understand.”

Hikari is still a teenager. Having suffered abuse as a young prodigy, she needs someone to provide emotional stability.

“Hikari, have you thought about returning to school?”

“…Director?”

Hikari’s face turned pale. Just hearing the word ‘school’ made her lips tremble. I know she hasn’t overcome her trauma.

“No, not regular school. University.”

“…That.”

Hikari hesitated. As someone with university dreams, she wanted to attend on her own terms.

“…I should probably think about it. Are you referring to Galaxy University? Applications close today, right?”

“…? I think you’re misunderstanding. Sorry, but you’re not a student.”

I corrected Hikari’s misunderstanding.

“Why would <Professor> act as a student?”