Chapter 355

〈Chapter 355〉 Part 1, Chapter 15, Section 13

<August 14, 2020, 6:55 PM>.

The Executioner took it upon themselves to hold an unexpected press conference.

This official announcement through the association’s website and social media was highly unusual for the Executioner. Naturally, various anonymous insiders unleashed a torrent of wild guesses and predictions.

For instance, they claimed all admission applications for Galaxy University had been processed within a day, with the first round of successful candidates about to be announced.

Or that Cheongnyeon and the Blue Wind Sect were preparing for an expedition to a new city.

Or perhaps there was some kind of agreement between the association and the Queen of Demon Island concerning Seok Harang.

Or that the association would take charge of nurturing S-Rank Ability User Kim Nori.

Or maybe Baek Hee-a would represent both the association and government regarding the refugee situation.

Amidst this whirlwind of speculation, even the journalists remained clueless about what exactly was going to be announced.

A completely shrouded mystery.

No one knew anything, not even the assistants who supported the Executioner’s work at the Association.

“Prime Minister sir, do you have any idea…?”

Only the acting Prime Minister, who held his position thanks to Executioner Baek Hee-a, remained tight-lipped.

Even amidst the preparation for the upcoming presidential election, the head of the Hundred Families retained power due to Baek Hee-a’s influence.

“I don’t know either.”

And now, even that power had come to an end. Without informing the Prime Minister, the Association was set to make an announcement so secretive that many suspected it involved something more than just a routine measure.

Finally, Baek Hee-a stepped up to the podium.

Everyone expected it.

Just one line. One sentence.

Baek Hee-a stood before the press without any notes. Amidst the hushed anticipation, she carefully parted her crimson lips.

“Pyongyang.”

The world froze as everyone fixated on her moving lips.

“Tomorrow, August 15th, at 10 AM, we will eliminate the monster in Pyongyang.”

It was like a nuclear bomb detonating.

* * *

<8 PM, Yeongjong Island S Hotel Penthouse>

“Everyone’s having PTSD-induced meltdowns.”

“Of course, it was almost like the end of the nation.”

Seok Harang mocked, but I didn’t care at all. After all, chaos like this happened in the original future timeline too—if anything, it was worse now.

“Is this Pyongyang incident really such a serious problem?”

“Yes. All S-Rank members except two died here in Korea.”

Gwanggeom and Princess Seoyea.

Including those near-S-Rank talents, nearly ten S-Rank heroes perished during the Pyongyang Incident. By declaring this, Baek Hee-a ignited fears among the populace greater than even the Seoul Recovery Operation.

“Everyone’s cursing Baek Hee-a right now.”

Yun Yuhwa narrated the rage spreading across the network, filled with unspeakable anger and curses all directed at Executioner Baek Hee-a.

“To summarize… ‘Stop showing off.’ Are you planning to lose Seok Harang too? It’s utter chaos.”

“Externally, it looks like Korea’s Association is sending Seok Harang alone.”

Baek Hee-a had only announced one name—Seoyea Ling—for the Pyongyang conquest operation. Not Hwakwon, Gongsung, or even the Blue Wind Sect’s monster army. Essentially, it was a solo mission.

“It’s different in reality though.”

All the actual combatants were gathered here: me, Seok Harang, Yun Yuhwa who’d just arrived from LA, Karna, Xiao Lin freshly returned from cutting Demon Island in half, and Hwanryong.

“Customer, I’ll handle crowd control with Xroids and Bio-Loids around the perimeter, right?”

“Yes. There are definitely crazy people already trying to approach Pyongyang.”

While Yun Yuhwa wouldn’t participate directly in the battle, he’d construct defensive lines using mechanical puppets, much like how Indian heroes guarded during the Yasha raid. This was also to prevent fallout from affecting the outside world and to stop overly eager individuals from rushing in like fools.

“And please calm down public opinion. Spread rumors about the benefits and rosy future if we claim all of North Korea and stabilize things.”

“That won’t be easy. People are seriously worried. Is Seok Harang alone stronger than the special task force sent to Pyongyang? Can she really handle everything alone? … The fire’s burning fiercely. If people find Baek Hee-a, they might tear her apart.”

“Also causing trouble inside my domain.”

Seok Harang wore a look of enlightenment. With the official story being that this “Pyongyang Conquest” was solely Seoyea Ling’s raid, chaos erupted not only in Korea but also in Demon Island.

“They’re making noise saying we shouldn’t let our queen go fight recklessly. Ugh, why should they care when I volunteer to fight?”

“People feel safer under the protection of SS-Rank ability users.”

Karna defended the frightened masses. In a Hawaiian shirt and baggy shorts, Karna chewed gum while wearing sunglasses indoors.

“Human nature dictates seeking shelter under the strong. Hmm…my phrasing was a bit off. Let me rephrase: searching for safety is natural for the weak.”

“Not really a correction…”

Hwanryong teased from Xiao Lin’s arms. Despite Karna’s words exuding confidence, they felt slightly uncomfortable to ordinary ears, prompting Hwanryong to shake her head.

“Well…it’s undeniable this land feels the most secure now. Once the Nuclearian is subdued, they might say we can settle in Pyongyang too?”

“That’s unacceptable.”

Yun Yuhwa shook his head firmly.

“All this land belongs to me. It’s land I intend to purchase.”

“Hmm. That’s only proper. You are my partner after all.”

“Uhu, shall we start by building a resort? We can clear the land with puppets and begin construction.”

Already envisioning success, Yun Yuhwa was completely calm. Only a few people present—the actual participants and a portion of the Blue Wind Sect—knew that four SS-Rank individuals were involved. To the rest of the world, the situation remained shrouded in mystery.

Yun Yuhwa was abnormal. 99.99% of the population was furiously hunting for Baek Hee-a.

Brrring!

My Magical Gear received a call. My disciple, Lee Seung-hyeong.

[Master, I’ve secured her.]

On-screen, Lee Seung-hyeong carried Baek Hee-a on his back. Pale-faced, Baek Hee-a nodded to me in greeting.

[…Please let me see the sunlight tomorrow.]

“Of course. Stay hidden until then.”

In my room.

Lee Seung-hyeong abducted Baek Hee-a from New Seoul and ran all the way to Seoul, breaking through underground routes with the Architect’s help to arrive at Yeouido.

[Master, may I also join?]

Again, Lee Seung-hyeong tried to overstep his bounds. I shook my head firmly and swiped the screen.

-You’ll die if you come.

Before he could call back, I sent a text message. Though satisfied with Lee Seung-hyeong’s performance of his duties, I noticed an uncomfortable gaze and looked up.

“…So, what’s the issue talking to my disciple?”

“Not really, but you seem to cherish your officially recognized disciple quite a lot.”

Seok Harang grumbled, pointing out the difference between teaching her informally versus formally mentoring Lee Seung-hyeong.

“Jealous?”

“A little. You and Lee Seung-hyeong…?”

“Pfft. I just don’t want my hard-won disciple getting hurt. If I could mobilize all S-Ranks, I would; why would I sit idly by?”

“That’s fair.”

To ensure maximum safety, we gathered four—no, five—individuals. I stood up and scanned the combatants with my eyes.

“There’s something we need to do before heading out.”

“What is it?”

I ignited flames of magic power in both hands.

“Everyone, strip.”

“…”

Some hesitated, others frowned disapprovingly, while someone else casually tossed aside their Hawaiian shirt.

“So, are you suggesting we party hard before possibly dying? Fine, I’ll transform into a man immediately-”

“No, it’s not that. If you don’t want to discard your clothes, consider this a replacement.”

I pointed to my priest robes. Realizing instantly, Hwanryong crawled into Xiao Lin.

Whirrrr.

Inside Xiao Lin, Hwanryong transformed their attire into magical clothing, glowing with gray eyes. The black and white ceremonial robes, mixed with gray, radiated far more authority than during the old Unjang era.

“Is it because the person inside changed?”

“That person can hear you, you know.”

“Wouldn’t SS-Ranks only see transparent ceremonial robes if they synced?”

Technically naked despite wearing magically woven armor visible only to SS-Ranks and above, Xiao Lin would technically enter battle in the nude.

“At least you and Xiao Lin haven’t fully synchronized yet.”

“I won’t expose myself even if we do.”

“…Then you’ll never achieve synchronization.”

People syncing with Xiao Lin always developed exhibitionist tendencies. Though I’d witnessed it once each, I’d never seen Hwanryong’s case.

Next, it was <Gaechonkwang> Karna’s turn.

“Hmm…this is sufficient for me.”

Karna fiddled with his Magical Gear.

Golden light enveloped Karna’s body, soon forming a brilliant golden armor. Though still lacking a helmet, the full-body armor left no brown skin exposed.

“Armor Archer.”

“Don’t worry. It won’t hinder combat.”

Karna swung his weapon, Bijaya, in the air. Coated in magic power, it morphed into something between a longbow and kukri, clearly a powerful melee weapon capable of damaging the Nuclearian.

“We can shoot if necessary.”

“Yes. Then lastly…”

“…”

Seok Harang remained silent. Though dressed stylishly in clothes dug out by Kim Nori for her rare visit to New Seoul, unfortunately, these were casual wear, not Hero Suits.

“Besides, can’t we just cast protective barriers without worrying about clothes?”

Though not outwardly apparent, Seok Harang possessed far more magical power than Karna. Still, everyone scrutinized her outfit critically.

“I don’t think fighting like this is appropriate either. Look at your own body. Even if you usually don’t wear them, you always put on ceremonial robes for important battles.”

“Seoyea’s daughter. Though you were born human, battle is akin to a sacred ritual. Wearing a white blouse with dolphin pants into such a historic battle is disrespectful to the enemy.”

“What does it matter what I wear?”

Seok Harang resisted the warriors’ approaching hands stubbornly, appealing for salvation with glances towards me and Yun Yuhwa. Neither of us supported her fashion choices.

“Maybe if you were in formal attire, but this isn’t a casual outing. Such attire seems inappropriate.”

“Customer, shall I procure a Hero Suit from New Seoul? There are newly made ones using the next-generation fair process.”

“The probability of never being able to use it again is high, so let’s not.”

A battle where all equipment would likely be destroyed. Still, Seok Harang violently resisted, tripping over me.

“If that guy fights looking like that, what about me?!”

Snap.

[Do you have anything to say?]

“Damn you, freaky monster!”

I flexed my shoulder once in my armored state before reverting to human form and picking up my priest robes.

“You can do it now, right? Making clothes with magic power.”

“…!”

Seok Harang’s already pale skin turned even paler.

“…?”

There was no need for me to create the skin personally. Seok Harang had grown enough to weave protective gear entirely from magic power. Yet, she paled so dramatically for one reason.

“…Show it. Now.”

I aimed the camera lens of my Magical Gear at Seok Harang.

“How spirit-sensitive must the clothes be to make her this embarrassed?”

“Wait! There’s still time! Make new clothes! Or you could make them for me!”

Seok Harang resisted fiercely, but everyone in the penthouse wanted to see her “battle attire.”

“Don’t worry. Only we’ll see it. We’ll cast a barrier before the fight, so no one else can.”

“Hehe, Seoyea’s daughter. Whatever design, we won’t criticize.”

“Exactly. It’s about dressing appropriately for the occasion.”

“Indeed. Remember, this is my hotel. If you show up in a hoodie and slippers dragging along for breakfast, you’ll get kicked out.”

“Shut…”

Seok Harang finally bit her lip and sniffled.

“Don’t tease me…!”

Seok Harang’s body was enveloped in white light. I marveled at her battle suit.

“A fairy!”

Like a delicate fairy sitting quietly in a fairytale.