Chapter 375

〈Chapter 375〉 Part 1, Chapter 16, Section 10

August 20th.

Whether or not the Great Demon Isle had safely docked in Fukuoka,

whether or not South Korea was flipped upside down with the announcement of successful applicants for the Galaxy University,

I came to know that the nationwide push north over these five days had finally come to an end.

Heroes, hunters, reformed villains, soldiers, civilians, monsters, and even Garura – every single person living on the Korean Peninsula had surged north day and night to make all of North Korea’s land wholly Korean. The operation concluded when the frontline heroes took Baekdusan Heights first.

Here there was a Taegukgi.

Over there was also a Taegukgi.

The countless Taegukgi flags Sun Icheol had mass-produced using the Pine Tree Division were rotting away unused in factory warehouses, but when Baek Hee-a discovered them, she immediately handed them out to the heroes heading north.

The vanguard heroes planted the flags, the hunters cleared out any remaining monsters from the area, and the soldiers set up temporary bases by pitching tents in each newly secured region.

– This is our land!

The Chinese authorities and Russian leadership were passive about the Pyongyang conquest. Officially, Seok Harang’s solo assault on Pyongyang was emphasized, so they couldn’t openly declare the annexation of North Korean territory.

But dissatisfaction was quietly rising.

Where was Xiao Lin at this time? What was she doing?

And where was Rusalka during this time? And what was she doing?

Setting aside the latter who was in Moscow, Xiao Lin’s ability to move around unseen was already well-known. So I flew to Beijing to check on China’s situation while I was at it.

“What’s going on today?”

For once, Illusory Dragon greeted me in her usual gray maiden form.

***

“Feel free to sit. Feel free to relax. You can even feel free to undress.”

“I’ll pass on the last one.”

Illusory Dragon welcomed me in casual attire, which was practically pajamas, and I was invited all the way into her personal quarters within the Illusory Dragon Manor.

“The authorities have firmly stated they won’t intervene.”

“That’s quite helpful.”

“When Mo Taegyeong himself stepped forward and clearly said it, everyone backed off. He outright yelled, ‘Do you have no pride and just covet others’ things?’ After that, no one dared to say anything.”

“And Xiao Lin?”

Officially, Xiao Lin hadn’t participated in the Nuclearian Raid. Even after entering Phase 2 and capturing three Nuclearian clones—more than Seok Harang—Xiao Lin didn’t demand her share.

“People are in an uproar. Why isn’t Xiao Lin stepping forward? What is she doing?”

“It’s something everyone knows. Xiao Lin tried to go to Pyongyang before but got stopped by you. That kind of thing keeps circulating.”

Illusory Dragon chuckled as she showed me a network post via Magical Gear.

“They’re saying the reason Xiao Lin hasn’t appeared on the frontlines is because we’ve been secretly battling somewhere unseen, like what happened in Pyongyang before?”

“An impressive enough fabrication to cover both our absences.”

Simultaneously, I sent this information to Hikari and Yuha, who would now embellish it further to disguise the truth.

“Then wouldn’t Phoenix’s image be ruined in China? Is that okay?”

“Who knows?”

“Hmm, that’s true. It’s not like Spirit originated from someone born on Earth anyway. Oh, wasn’t Spirit originally Korean? Hehe.”

“…Someone might hear. Be careful.”

Even though there’s no one around and I’m speaking freely, conversations with Illusory Dragon require extra caution. Only the Spirits and high-ranking officers know the secret-not-secret that Blazing Phoenix has another separate entity residing within her. Illusory Dragon shrugged while sipping tea.

“Does it matter anymore if people find out? Everyone’s already stopped caring. Whether you’re originally human or a Spirit of Tera, the fact that you aren’t Blazing Phoenix herself isn’t important.”

“Still, thanks for the words.”

“Hehe, did I just score points? You should thank Blazing Phoenix.”

“……Sigh.”

I took a sip of the tea infused with dried strawberries placed before me. Why does Blazing Phoenix show this guy such memories, making her act like this? As if reading my thoughts, Illusory Dragon giggled, propped her chin on one hand, and tilted her head slightly.

“It’s really fortunate that you’re not the real Blazing Phoenix.”

“To me, that’s a compliment, but it’s an insult to Blazing Phoenix.”

“Yes, yes. Blazing Phoenix-sama. You can insult yourself, but Blazing Phoenix must never be disrespected, right? But I didn’t insult Blazing Phoenix, did I? I’m just happy to meet someone who might love me forever. Hehe, gotcha?”

“……”

For the first time in my life, I was speechless against Illusory Dragon. I had no choice but to respond. The Illusory Dragon I’m talking to now is too different from the Chaotic Dragon I remember. That guy wouldn’t have worked this hard.

“You’ve changed since Blazing Phoenix showed you those memories. If you hadn’t seen them, you’d probably have just lain around lazily, finding everything annoying.”

“I couldn’t just sit idle after seeing those memories. We can play hard in five years. With an eternally predestined future of love ahead, I can’t afford to fail after playing around for five years, can I?”

“That’s true. Thanks for changing your mindset.”

“Changing? Nah, just postponed. I still want to play. Preferably with you, Gaeul, Xiao Lin, Baek Cheongyoung, and the members of the Illusory Dragon Group.”

“Though some parts sound questionable, sure. Now let me ask you a question.”

I pointed at Illusory Dragon from top to bottom. She glanced at her pajamas and tilted her head.

“Why? Are you uncomfortable?”

“Why aren’t you possessing Mo Taegyeong?”

“Your asking implies discomfort, so I guess it bothers you somewhat. Mo Taegyeong is currently resting.”

“…Why?”

Isn’t Mo Taegyeong supposed to decay if left alone? Illusory Dragon showed me his vital signs through Magical Gear. A black magical core was embedded in the heart of Mo Taegyeong, who had now fully become Illusory Dragon’s body.

“……You turned Mo Taegyeong’s corpse into a Gigai, didn’t you?”

“No willpower. Just embedded the core. When I use the core’s magic power, Mo Taegyeong sleeps. While he rests, I enjoy my personal time outside like this.”

She sipped her tea again and looked away. She seemed to be hiding something, but I decided not to press further. However, Illusory Dragon noticed my gaze and asked me back.

“Why don’t you ask how I spend my time?”

“I have a rough idea.”

“How do you think I spend my time?”

“Considering the experiences of Rusalka and Karna, you’ve probably been enthusiastically… getting it on as Mo Taegyeong.”

Ouch. Illusory Dragon covered her mouth with her teacup. But I caught her briefly raised eyebrows.

“Spirits, you see, tend to be well-behaved as officers, but upon awakening as Spirits, their libido explodes. Rusalka has her pillar man, and Karna… is living very human-like. I heard she even slept with an idol recently.”

“Wow, impressive. What did that idol win? Neither Gaechonkwang nor Karna would just spread their legs out of pride.”

“Not spreading, but penetrating. That guy, revealing his male form unnecessarily…”

“Tsk.”

“Ah! Hehe, you, fuwah, were hiding that, weren’t you?”

“……The male form of the monster was exposed due to Karna. Now everywhere I go, they’re telling me to change into a male form. Such chaos, such chaos!”

That cursed DLC sold to extract money from certain female player groups. All Spirits except Blazing Phoenix have a “male form.” Since heroines born as humans can’t be altered, the logic was that a Spirit’s body, formed by magic power, could be transformed into a male form.

Penril, Ajidahata, Hydra, Karna.

Four male forms sold like hotcakes, and I eventually bought them too. Bought them, and then permanently sealed them.

“I’m fine since I can possess male bodies, but it’s different for you.”

“What’s different?”

“If you transform into a male form, it wouldn’t become Blazing Phoenix’s male form… She wouldn’t create a male body, would she? She treasures her own body too much.”

“……That’s true.”

It was also official lore. Blazing Phoenix didn’t create a male form. In fact, she was the only one whose monster form was never revealed.

“Let me know if anything piles up. I can help you in whatever way you wish.”

“Everything is possible here. It’s maddening, truly.”

Karna, who can switch genders.

Gaeul, who can perform gender transformation and tentacle play.

Yun Yuhwa, who can deploy male and female dolls.

Illusory Dragon can just possess someone, so there’s hardly any difference. And Illusory Dragon has a very terrifying item left.

“…Where is it now?”

“…Ah, Rasputin?”

“That’s right.”

As difficult as it was to bring up, curiosity got the better of me. After all, Rasputin is an equippable weapon that can turn anyone, regardless of age or gender, into a super-being.

“It’s probably being used by Black Death now. The Illusory Dragon Group kids are busy, so Callipera is likely using it.”

“Hooh….”

It was hard to picture in my mind.

“Do you want to take a look?”

“No, it’s fine.”

“Or should I fetch it for you…?”

Illusory Dragon stood up. With the unique sliding motion of an ethereal spirit, she climbed onto the table and straddled me where I sat in the chair. We were face-to-face.

“If we use Rasputin, Blazing Phoenix probably wouldn’t complain.”

“Would she even allow it?”

“Just a sec.”

Illusory Dragon leaned in as if to kiss me, seemingly entering my mind without warning, and was about to bounce back—

“I got permission!”

“Liar.”

Illusory Dragon burst into laughter and started jumping around wildly. I couldn’t trust her words so easily.

“Did Blazing Phoenix really approve this? That’s laughable.”

“Apparently, she said it’s okay if I transform into Baek Cheonghua, equip Rasputin, and penetrate me from behind!”

“Are you insane?”

“……”

Illusory Dragon froze with a hurt expression. Feeling guilty, I cleared my throat and added.

“That’s directed at you.”

“Wow, that’s really unfair! I was going to show you the techniques I’ve honed using Mo Taegyeong!”

“I’m the one who penetrates, not the one who gets penetrated.”

The moment I get penetrated, I’ll die, both physically and mentally. The materialized Illusory Dragon gripped the table and thrust her hips violently.

“……We could try.”

“Right? I’m good, right? So I’ll go get Rasputin!”

“But you’re worse than me, so cut it out. Never think of penetrating me. Rather, I’ll get Blazing Phoenix’s approval and penetrate you instead.”

“……Didn’t you just say you wouldn’t bother asking Blazing Phoenix?”

Illusory Dragon grabbed my collar with an utterly serious expression. I shrugged and twiddled my fingers.

“She’s not someone who’d appear just because I call. Moreover, she wouldn’t listen to requests like that.”

What’s the difference between offering to give permission if one is ready to accept Rasputin’s consequences? I wasn’t prepared for that, nor did I have any intention.

“I’ll ask Blazing Phoenix when I see her later. Let’s leave it at that. Calm down.”

“You could just change your mind, you hypocrite!”

“To change my mind? Ha, you’re joking. Before betraying, I’d rather get penetrated by Rasputin. I’m a principled person. What’s wrong with me?”

“Cruel kid.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I pushed Illusory Dragon away. She resisted until the end, refusing to let go. Eventually, I dragged her to the bed, pinned her down, and managed to break free from the wrestling match.

“Lie down and sleep. Isn’t that what you do best?”

“Ah, is that a signal? You plan to penetrate me while I sleep? Hehe, understood.”

“Look at you, acting like a Spirit gone wild. Damn.”

At this point, maybe it would’ve been faster to prevent Seongju’s brainwashing and maintain the officers’ sense of self instead of awakening them as Spirits.

“Alright. Do whatever you want until the Round Table meeting starts. Things will get incredibly busy afterward.”

“Xiao Lin mentioned it, but you’re officially declaring it soon, right?”

“Yeah. From beginning to end, everything.”

The declaration of the world-ending organization, its officers, and the global ‘extermination’ declaration against the public Dark Legion.

Originally, this was supposed to be announced in Seoul right after the Nuclearian Raid, but it was postponed due to Aruel running away. Consequently, all plans were temporarily delayed.

“While you’re here, let’s talk. From the 26th to the 28th, we’re gathering on an island together to enjoy a vacation. Come if you feel like it.”

“We could send Mo Taegyeong on vacation. Yeah, I’ll come too. Swimming, right? Or just brain death?”

Illusory Dragon slightly unbuttoned her pajamas and smiled seductively. But I felt nothing. Her physical appeal was close to zero. Being shorter than me by about 10cm, such actions only made her seem like a provoking child.

And I’d already grown far too accustomed to such provocations through Kim Nori.

“You’re lacking on your own.”

“Hmph, if alone doesn’t work, two people attacking simultaneously will! Who do you want to team up with? Xiao Lin? Or Gaeul? Or both? Three of us? Just say the word! Or should I possess that girl named Yuna?”

“She’s still in high school. Ah, when you come to Korea next time, let’s meet Yuna together.”

Since Illusory Dragon has strong mental barriers, she won’t easily fall under Yuna’s demonic charm.

“Yuna…”

Illusory Dragon pronounced Yuna’s name meaningfully.

“If I sync with her, I might be able to defeat Blazing Phoenix!”

“Sync with Yuna? Not a chance.”

I was certain.

“Do you have the confidence to study 24 hours a day, minus sleeping time?”

“W, well, but in the future, Yuna synced with me!”

“That’s her sacrifice for you. Knowing full well she’d lose her soul someday, she still gave her body.”

“Ahhh….”

Illusory Dragon pouted.

“Is Yuna… an angel?”

“No.”

I corrected her immediately.

“She’s a goddess.”