Chapter 401

〈Chapter 401〉 Part 1, Chapter 17, Section 9

<Over the Pacific Ocean, aboard the Baegnaroh.>

“Yes, understood. Right now, Cheongnyeon is livestreaming a tour of the Baegnaroh, so naturally, attention will shift here.”

[Do that for me. I will focus on supporting Phoenix Sir, so please do your utmost. For the future of the nation, for the future of the world.]

Click. The call ended. Baek Hee-a sighed deeply after confirming no one was around to overhear.

“Such a tiring phone call…”

“I’ll give you a shoulder rub.”

“No, it’s more mental exhaustion.”

“Even Executioners get tired?”

Unsah Park Ra-on began massaging Baek Hee-a’s shoulders from behind the captain’s chair. Though done without permission, Baek Hee-a had already fallen under the spell of Park Ra-on’s massage skills.

“Hmm… President Yoo Sung.”

“Indeed. Even the toughest tycoon sides with justice in the face of global destruction, it seems. There must be reason behind Chairman Yoo’s change of heart. In which case, I have another reason to be grateful.”

“Why?”

“Because thanks to him, there are now cost-effective products from Yoo Sung. As you know, they used to be notorious for shoddy goods.”

“They were pretty cheap.”

Yoo Sung, with its fingers in every pie across Korea including convenience stores, had recently shifted to consumer-centric strategies improving product quality and service after years of hard-nosed business tactics.

This change was significant enough that even Raon, who boycotted Yoo Sung products, started buying some items. A magic gear adorned Raon’s wrist.

“With even Yoo Sung’s chairman cooperating, anyone uncooperative would surely be either a Monster or a Villain, or someone endorsing the world’s destruction.”

A simple logic indeed. Before the great cause of saving the world, even if one can’t directly help or cheer, tolerating those who troll saying ‘the world’s doomed anyway’ was unacceptable to both.

And currently…

Mexico could be called the epicenter of such trolling. With drug cartels deeply intertwined with the government, trolls ran rampant.

“Unsah, take care of Nuri.”

“Of course. Children are the future of the nation. I’ll ensure this S-ranked potential doesn’t get swept away.”

According to the Lighthouse, Phoenix had repeatedly worriedly advised Nuri about going to Mexico. Especially when specific individuals were pointed out as cautions, it was also a prophecy that something big would happen involving them.

Or as some might say, past worries over future events.

“Please return safely.”

Baek Hee-a’s concern was no small matter. On her shoulders rested not only over two hundred Heroes but also the lives of people worldwide.

“Oh, Unsah. Congratulations.”

“…Thank you.”

For the first time, Park Ra-on, who usually wore an expressionless face, faintly smiled.

“With the end of the world looming, I couldn’t just sit still. Perhaps that’s the source of my growth. Now that Gongsung is also onboard, they’ll make a fine face maker in Mexico.”

“So, Unsah… no, Ra-on.”

Seizing a moment when no one was around, Baek Hee-a subtly asked,

“…You won’t suddenly switch to being a Hunter, right? You’ll continue as a Hero?”

“Director.”

Park Ra-on showed sympathy towards Baek Hee-a for the first time.

“Are you asking each person individually like this because you’re worried Heroes might defect to the Blue Wind Sect or the Hunter Guild?”

“……”

Baek Hee-a’s face turned red.

“In that case, don’t worry. Unless the Association expels me, I have no intention of quitting being a Hero.”

“…Why did Ra-on choose to become a Hero?”

“Because I wanted to save people, like the person who saved me when I was young.”

A common reason.

“Who saved you? Light Blade? Or Hwakwon?”

“Master Mu Hwa saved me.”

“…Mu Gung-hwa Boy?”

Park Ra-on’s expression twisted.

“Please call me Mu Hwa. I don’t know any Hero named Mu Gung-hwa Boy.”

“Are you mocking our national flower, Mugunghwa?”

“That’s not it, Director. As far as I know, even Sun Icheol himself referred to himself as Mu Hwa regarding the ridiculous name Mugunghwa Boy!”

“The official title is Mugunghwa Boy!”

The two women engaged in a complex battle of pride. Meanwhile, the Baegnaroh steadily sailed through the peaceful Pacific skies.

* * *

“Achoo!”

Suddenly, pollen infiltrated my nose, prompting a cough. I pulled out a handkerchief from inside my coat to prevent any cough droplets from spreading. After approximately four hours of travel, I arrived in Rome, where pollen filled the air as soon as I stepped off the plane.

“What a mess, what a mess.”

The airport was packed with countless people. Those entering Rome were vastly outnumbered by those trying to leave the country through the airport. They all wore headbands bearing both the Taeguk mark and the Italian flag.

[The government must increase flights to Korea!]

“Truly a mess.”

In the hearts of those seeking safety, if one were to pick the safest nation globally, Korea would undoubtedly top the list—after all, it’s where Seok Harang, who defeated Dark Legion officer Phoenix, resides.

“Really quite a commotion, isn’t it?”

“……?”

A woman with chestnut-brown hair approached me and struck up a conversation. She stood well over 170cm tall with an impressive figure. Despite her modest attire resembling a nun’s habit, her allure was unmistakable at first glance.

It took but a moment to scan her entire presence before I gently removed my sunglasses and smiled.

“I didn’t expect such chaos during a business trip. Nice to meet you. Are you local?”

“No, I’m traveling too.”

“At a time like this?”

“I want to see as many countries as possible before the world ends. It’s a bit sad seeing this everywhere. Everyone talks about Korea, Korea. Thanks to that, I can’t even visit Korea.”

The woman pointed at the information board. Flights to Korea, China, and Vladivostok in Russia were all fully booked—not just today, but tomorrow and the day after as well.

“It looks like you’ll have to give up on East Asia travel unless you take the train.”

“On the other hand, other flights are quite available. Hehe. What brings you here on business?”

“…Company matters. Excuse me, but shouldn’t we start with this first?”

I retrieved my wallet from inside my coat pocket and politely handed over a paper business card while smiling gently.

“<Oracle Studio> International Sales Director, Xian.”

“…Xian?”

“Yes. Cyan. My hair has been this color since birth.”

“Ah, an unusual name. Not blue though.”

“My parents wished for me to be unique rather than ordinary anywhere.”

Though it’s teal now. The woman stared at my card for a long time before placing it in her handbag.

“Definitely an unusual name. Nice to meet you. I’m Ceres.”

“…Your real name?”

“It’s my stage name.”

“Ah, you’re a Hero?”

The woman shook her head.

“Alias. Sorry, but I don’t carry business cards, so I can’t disclose my real name easily.”

“I understand.”

I didn’t pry further. Holding a black case, I adjusted my cap.

“Well then, it was a pleasant meeting. I’m glad to have made a good connection upon arriving in Rome. Wishing you a safe journey.”

“Excuse me?”

“Yes?”

“You’re not just leaving, are you?”

Ceres looked at me with exasperation tinged with annoyance. But I was busy and couldn’t afford to waste time here.

“Uh… sorry. I’m here on a business trip, not vacation. I’m just a salaryman.”

“You’re working during these uncertain times when the world might end? Seriously?”

“The world might not end, right? If I quit and had fun, and the world didn’t end?”

“And if it does?”

“…Hmm. True. Dying while working might be a little regrettable.”

At that, Ceres finally smiled faintly. I checked my smartwatch and pointed toward the taxi stand.

“Thanks for the advice. I should check into the hotel and rest for a day.”

“Not really, you’re impossible.”

“It’s called separating work and personal life.”

“……That makes it hard for me to respond. Alright, Mr. Gentleman. Which hotel are you heading to? Do you know the location?”

“…This hotel.”

I pulled out an envelope. The reservation documents prepared two weeks ago contained no errors. Ceres quickly scanned the paper and grinned broadly.

“My goodness! What a coincidence. I’m staying at this hotel too.”

“Coincidence. Haha.”

I slightly moved aside to create space, but Ceres closed the gap by approaching me.

“Hey. Aren’t you ignoring me?”

“Sorry, but I’m married—a wife who’s rabbit-like.”

“Ah, is that so? No ring though.”

Ceres dropped the pretense and revealed her true colors.

“…So, since we’ve met like this in Rome, how about letting me stay with you for a night—or a few nights?”

“…Were you aiming for this from the start?”

“If a penniless college girl wants to travel the world, why not enjoy while the world’s ending?”

I openly sighed. Ceres kept laughing while trying to grab my arm. Having noticed from her alias, Ceres didn’t hide the fact that she was a Special Ability user.

“Heh, didn’t expect this kind of situation on a solo business trip, did you?”

“Approaching someone like this alone is pretty bold. What if I have ill intentions?”

“Then consider it a rare chance to recharge. I have absolutely no issues.”

Ceres openly revealed her intentions. Never imagined such an event would occur immediately upon arriving in Rome. I subtly disengaged my arm from hers.

“It’ll cause problems for me. My wife might be watching.”

“Come on, liar. You don’t look married.”

“Don’t believe me? Wait a sec. Let me show you a picture of my wife.”

I pulled out a photo of my beloved from my smartwatch. For a brief moment, contempt flashed in Ceres’ eyes.

“Beautiful, isn’t she? Stunning, isn’t she? Goddess-like, isn’t she?”

“…She’s Beast Tamer, isn’t she?”

“Yes. My wife.”

“Ah, Waifu? So you’re one of those Sun Cult followers obsessed with Beast Tamer’s face.”

Ceres openly started belittling me. Once she realized I was a fanatical devotee, her intent to lure me seemed to vanish. I corrected her misunderstanding.

“Just kidding. Actually, it’s more like a talisman. She works tirelessly to save the world, you know? She’s heading to Mexico right now, though I’m not sure what exactly.”

“…Seriously?”

Ceres’ eyes widened. Through my smartwatch, I played Cheongnyeon’s live stream.

[Yes! The person I’ll introduce next is Korea’s S-Rank Hero, <Hwakwon> Lee Seung-hyeong! …Chat frozen! That’s not me! It’s Garura! We may look alike, but our bodies are different! Look!]

“…”

Ceres visibly recoiled, shaking her head vigorously. I felt similarly, but given my business trip, I stopped the video.

“Whatever she’s doing in Mexico, it’s definitely for world peace.”

“Mexico…? ……?”

“Have you been there?”

“No. Haven’t visited the Americas yet…”

Ceres appeared confused. Meanwhile, murmurs began among the crowd. People demanding more flights to Korea split into groups, and a middle-aged man with a scruffy blond beard stood before the protestors.

“Citizens of Rome! Please calm down!”

The man shouted loudly enough for the entire airport to hear, attempting to pacify the demonstrators. His voice clearly carried Magic Power, marking him as a high-ranking Special Ability user. And I recognized the familiar energy emanating from him.

“…Neurosis?”

“Neurosis?”

“That’s his alias. Alias.”

I scrutinized the Greek S-Rank Hero <Neurosis>, originally known as Zeus, who was earnestly calming the riot.

“He’s a Greek hero.”

“Why is he… Ah. I see.”

Ceres nodded to herself as if answering her own question.

“…Did he come to calm the protests?”

“It seems so, but it’s counterproductive. He’s a suspect right now.”

A monster related to Azidahaka.

As Neurosis tried to soothe the citizens, they panicked, dropping their placards and fleeing.

“Aaaaah! It’s an S-Rank male!”

“Run everyone! He’ll definitely summon Azidahaka!!”

“I don’t want to die to the Dark Demon Dragon here!!”

The citizens fled. Neurosis’ attempt to calm the protest resulted in its dispersal.

“…”

Neurosis began picking up the discarded placards, looking utterly forlorn.

“…”

But I found his figure detestable.

“Why?”

“No, just… Since he might really summon Azidahaka, I should leave the airport quickly.”

I hastily exited the airport and flagged down a taxi, faster than Ceres could grab me.

“Driver, take me there quickly.”

“Quickly? We’ll hit traffic.”

“Will this work here? Double fare.”

“Now this is a reasonable passenger.”

Money truly is great.

…However, Ceres caught the taxi right behind mine and followed, forcing me to pay quadruple the regular fare.

“Hehe, think of it as the cost of dating a pretty foreign college girl~”

“…”

This is why I dislike appearing as Baek Cheongnyeon.

Good-looking sucker.

My Roman journey began with being taken advantage of right from the start.