Chapter 398

〈Chapter 398〉 Part 1, Chapter 17, Section 6

The summit between Baek Se-joon and I at White Phoenix Isle captured the attention of the entire world.

I boldly declared myself as Blazing Phoenix and revealed almost all information to Baek Se-joon, except for a few things that absolutely had to remain hidden – Syncro, Yuna, Otherworld Spirits, Chang-yeom, and my origins from the fourth dimension.

Of course, none of this was made public. To maintain appearances, Baek Se-joon and I strolled along the beach having what appeared to be serious discussions while the lighthouse stood far enough away that our conversation couldn’t be overheard by the cameras.

Behind Baek Se-joon walked Baek Hee-a in an advisory role, while behind me strode Seok Harang with her usual cold expression.

We continued exchanging trivial banter while pretending to discuss important matters.

“Is it really true there’s only one building left in Seoul?”

“That’s right. I’ve never been one for material possessions. As long as there’s a cafe to enjoy tea, I’m content paying rent in beverages rather than money.”

“…You certainly live humbly, but strangely so.”

“I embrace a life of contentment. And anything that disrupts that – namely killing Seongju – is my ultimate goal.”

I paused briefly. Though Baek Hee-a had likely already informed him of everything, I dramatically summoned flames to explain the situation.

“Just so you know, Earth won’t end immediately when Sungju arrives. Seok Harang has become the guardian deity of Earth, and as long as she stays in Korea, the country will remain safe from extraterrestrial threats.”

“Only Korea survives?”

“Even if Earth were to explode in a nuclear blast, those within Seok Harang’s barrier would be safe. Overseas travel might become impossible, but we’d essentially become an orbiting star.”

“Funny way of joking…”

“It’s not a joke. Should the planet itself be destroyed, we’d still be fine inside the barrier. We might evolve into something new…”

I glanced at the Magical Gear data. People speculated wildly about what information was being exchanged, but I didn’t bother giving Baek Se-joon any lengthy explanations – he didn’t need them.

“After this meeting, I’m heading to Rome. Officially, I’ll be held captive on White Phoenix Isle while interest in Phoenix shifts elsewhere.”

“If your mission involves awakening the Hydra spirit, I can cooperate with that.”

“World leaders will swarm to question you. Expect a flood of calls from heads of state.”

“This is my chance to flex some presidential power, hehe.”

Baek Se-joon laughed heartily. There was something undeniably protagonist-like about his current demeanor as leader, more similar to Baek Cheonghwa than Baek Hee-a.

“So when do you plan to depart?”

“That’s not up to me. Your granddaughter decides.”

“…Tomorrow morning.”

Baek Hee-a finally spoke up from behind. She looked like she had something to say, gazing at me with a serious expression.

“Heea, speak your mind. Thanks to Elder Seolhua-ning’s sound-blocking technique, our conversation won’t be broadcast.”

“Some lip readers might try… Nevermind Grandfather, let me apologize first. Phoenix-san, why do you have a male voice?”

“It’s my preference.”

Baek Hee-a frowned. But I had no intention of changing my monstrous form to female.

“Wouldn’t a feminine voice suit someone like you?”

“Cute, sure, but that’s talking about human form.”

I checked the network reactions. The Executioner seemed to be interrogating Dark Legion’s intentions, though the usual mix of gossip and important matters dominated discussions.

“…”

Meanwhile Kim Ji-hwa was busy filming, and Seok Harang maintained her cold silence – correction, a clearly pouting expression.

[After all that fuss just to hear your voice…]

Seok Harang loudly complained through magic power. Despite her magical capacity increasing to 100, her actual combat strength still lagged slightly behind Karna and Xiao Lin, yet that slight numerical advantage managed to inconvenience me.

“…Not everything about identity is determined by voice, is it?”

“And can you transform into a man?”

“Possibly, but unnecessary. When I can take a more beautiful female form, why bother with male? …Though unfortunately, this is my male version.”

Being Cheongnyeon or Chang-yeom doesn’t compare to being Phoenix.

“You seem curious about something else.”

“Would you consider obtaining Korean citizenship?”

“I already registered under Cheongnyeon.”

“Not just that – what about male identification too? You’ll need proper documentation, right?”

“Forgeries work fine.”

“Boldly admitting forgery, aren’t you?”

“Villains don’t play by rules.”

“Hehe, understood.”

Baek Se-joon chuckled heartily, prompting various experts online to speculate wildly about why he found it amusing.

“Is there anything else you need help with besides drawing attention?”

“Nope. Just handle political issues. For consultations regarding government and associations, talk to Baek Hee-a. Her decisions are as good as mine unless major disagreements arise.”

“…Don’t worry, we’re not like old times anymore.”

“Good then. Now, let me ask – do you happen to know where your grandson lives?”

Both Baek Se-joon and Baek Hee-a froze at my question. While I knew about Baek Cheonghwa from the future, Baek Se-joon hadn’t even named or seen his grandson before having to send him away.

“Do you know this as a deliberate question or are you genuinely asking?”

“Both. I know the future, but not the present.”

“I don’t know either. Beyond having spent childhood with Elder Seolhua-ning…”

Baek Se-joon glanced at Seok Harang.

“…there’s little else I’m aware of.”

“Huh.”

Seok Harang finally spoke after loudly complaining through magic power.

“Really?!”

“Don’t be shocked. Your reaction ruins the image.”

“Settle down, Seolhua-ning. As the strongest ability user who defeated Phoenix, maintain more dignity in both expression and tone.”

“…”

Seok Harang received a scolding from Baek Hee-a, her slightly twisted eyebrows revealing silent grumbling.

“…So, is it true that brat is actually the president’s biological grandson?”

“Speak normally. Keep your expression serious.”

“So that punk who always argued with me is really your grandson?”

“Also an S-Rank fire attribute ability user involved in the Pyongyang incident.”

Their expressions darkened with shock, anger, and fear. According to established lore, Korea had two S-Rank fire users: the well-known Hwakwon master, and the future <Divine Officer>.

“…My grandson was <Mugunghwa Boy>?”

Mugunghwa Boy.

First victim of Nationalist Train Go Sun-Icheol.

“The one wearing a mugunghwa mask? Called Go Sun-Icheol’s scapegoat?”

“The boy in blue spandex with a taegeuk flag cape and mugunghwa petals on his face? That’s him.”

The protagonist concealed their past identity due to sheer embarrassment. Their reason for becoming such a hero was equally humiliating.

“Now hold on. That kid’s the same age as me! But Mugunghwa Man started activities back in 2009!”

“Had they achieved notable accomplishments, they’d have earned the title <10-Year-Old Who Defeated A-Rank Bear>. They were physically advanced for their age, standing taller than peers by about three years starting at age ten.”

From a young age, Baek Cheonghwa naturally awakened to S-Rank status. However, before officially registering, they were cultivated by Go Sun-Icheol as both a hunting dog and propaganda tool, disappearing during the Pyongyang incident.

Flying to America, they openly renamed themselves in a way only Go Sun-Icheol could decipher:

Xian (Cyan). For ‘Cheong’ color.

White (Hibiscus). For ‘Baek’ color.

Hibiscus (Mugunghwa). Academic name for mugunghwa.

‘Go Sun-Icheol wouldn’t have known anyway.’

Could Go Sun-Icheol possibly recognize the academic name Hibiscus? Ultimately, only upon being dragged to prison did he discover the protagonist’s true identity.

‘This story holds little significance now.’

Baek Cheonghwa and Xian in America meant nothing to me. If anything, they represented potential danger. So I issued a preemptive warning.

“Looking for them unnecessarily isn’t wise. They’re living comfortably in America. Being a righteous person, they’ll emerge when the time is right. What if they attract unwanted attention from Azidahaka, Hydra, or Penril? They could become monsters or get killed.”

“You said you came here with their help. Why not seek them out?”

“…”

If I met them as Chang-yeom and fell for them… That would create major complications. I swallowed my words and avoided answering, leaving room for strange misunderstandings.

“Huh.”

“Eh, surely not.”

“Hold on.”

I clarified firmly.

“I like women, not men.”

“….Phew, glad we cleared that up.”

“Gladness aside, relief.”

“….Now I understand why Hia tried meddling with marriage laws.”

“No, it wasn’t.”

Had there been no cameras, I would have immediately switched forms to declare my coming out. Without cameras, that is.

“So our lady-loving Phoenix, or should I say miss? Thank you for sharing so much information. Grateful for enlightening us about my grandson as well. However…”

Baek Se-joon gestured toward Baek Hee-a.

“I’m merely an old man with a granddaughter. Should Baek Cheonghwa come knowing all truths, I’d welcome them gladly, but I only have one grandchild – Hee-a.”

“Grandfather…”

Baek Hee-a’s voice trembled. Though delivering the same lines from the original story, hearing these words from someone who once committed sexual harassment felt entirely different as president.

“What if this causes the thousand-year lineage to break?”

“They’re doing fine in America, aren’t they? Hehe, that settles it then. Ancestral faces may lose honor, but meeting Hee-a makes everything forgivable. Hehe.”

In many ways, he was remarkable. Watching how position shaped character played out before my eyes. Or perhaps he was originally like this but changed due to Go Sun-Icheol’s influence.

Either way, we formed an alliance. Sharing the common goal of world peace, fortunately I successfully gained tacit support from the highest authority.

“Then Hee-a, prepare to head to Mexico upon returning. Don’t worry about diplomatic issues. I’ll handle them.”

“…Thank you. I’ll review the roster again.”

“Shall I guard home?”

Everyone’s roles were decided. At the video’s conclusion, I shook hands with Baek Se-joon to finish the scene. All Phoenix-related issues would soon transfer to Baek Se-joon.

“Since you’re here, why not stay for dinner?”

“Can I even eat…”

I signaled to Kim Ji-hwa. The live broadcast ended, and with a clap of my hands, I transformed into flames.

Whoosh.

Returning to Chang-yeom’s body, I adjusted my priest robes.

“With this form, I can eat without issue.”

“Seeing Qinghua as Phoenix directly is surprising… and suddenly using honorifics?”

“It’s always been like this. Hehehe.”

“Dinner… Excuse me, Phoenix-sama.”

Baek Hee-a frowned deeply, adding the “sama” suffix.

“This is my island after all.”

“Kick me out if you’re unhappy.”

I claimed White Phoenix Isle for myself.

* * *

That evening.

As usual, Baek Hee-a announced another surprise press conference, sparking wild speculations.

What exactly transpired between Dark Legion officer Blazing Phoenix and President Baek Se-joon?

Perhaps, against astronomical odds, the evil organization’s officer experienced an awakening of love and justice, embarking on a path to save the world?

Amidst everyone’s hopeful anticipation, Baek Hee-a finally appeared officially.

“Qinghua and all members of Blue Wind Sect are heading to Mexico.”

At this juncture?

Everyone was baffled, but Baek Hee-a turned sharply and departed.

And I too prepared everything for my departure to Rome.

Tomorrow.

I hunt Hydra.