Chapter 419

〈 Chapter 419: Part 1, Chapter 18, Section 1 〉

Rome, Italy.

Canberra, Australia.

Mexico City, Mexico.

Gangwon-do Wonsan, South Korea.

While something about one of these locations is definitely off, it’s been two weeks since the four Gates summoned by Azidahaka disappeared.

Even though Koreans themselves aren’t too familiar with Wonsan’s location, foreigners were puzzled as to why only in Korea did the Dimensional Gate open in a place other than the capital—neither New Seoul nor Seoul, but Gangwon-do?

“What? Not Seoul or New Seoul… just Gangwon? Wonsan?”

In response to this, Seol Harang of the Snow Spirit mentioned that they had been distracted by guarding the western Barrier and thus momentarily neglected the eastern sea, admitting that the presence of Phoenix had created a gap in their defenses. It was true that while the area south of the Korean Peninsula was tightly guarded, the old North Korean territories, outside major cities, were still under-monitored.

“Is the Korean Peninsula still dangerous?”

Though she managed to gather an immense amount of Core, Seol Harang admitted that she couldn’t cover all of the Korean Peninsula alone.

Taking this crisis as an opportunity, Executioner Baek Hee-a flipped the narrative.

“But conversely, the area south of the Korean Peninsula is fully controlled.”

Even after Mexico lost its main force, Seol Harang closed the Dimensional Gate on her own. She not only reopened the gate to devour invaders but also mercilessly crushed every single dragon that emerged, no matter how many there were, displaying overwhelming power.

And Baek Hee-a delivered another blow.

“And there are still twelve potential S-Rank Special Ability users remaining in Korea.”

This was nothing short of a bombshell declaration. When asked for specifics, Baek Hee-a refused, citing that external interference could hinder their growth. Despite people complaining that the world was on the brink of destruction, she stood firm.

“The world will be protected. And to ensure these individuals can protect the world, their identities must remain hidden from Azidahaka.”

Baek Hee-a swiftly silenced complaints, labeling anyone who questioned her as an Azidahaka minion, ensuring the secrecy of the twelve S-Rank individuals.

The only person people could guess at was A-Rank Special Ability user Kim Nori, formerly of Siren, now known as Nix, along with several other A-Rank ability users.

Strangely enough, stronger heroes kept appearing in Korea, drawing more and more people to the country.

“If Pluto hits, Lady Seol Harang will stop it!”

Though baseless, people inevitably flocked under the banner of the world’s strongest being.

In East Asia, there was Seol Harang.

In America, Lightning, who previously held the title of the strongest, stepped down due to Azidahaka, leaving Carna the <Gaechonkwang> to maintain peace in the Americas, much to everyone’s relief.

And in Europe…

People originally intended to go to Britain where Gawein resided. However, the British government blocked the seas and severed railroads to prevent entry. The Queen, Gawein, and the Princess visiting Rome was partly to ease such anxieties.

Now, people began gathering in Rome.

Queen Ze Ze <Ceres>.

The emergence of a new SS-Rank Special Ability user brought cheers. Those who complained about her late arrival changed their tune upon seeing Ceres’ photo.

“Isn’t this the person who was dating around Rome before the Gate incident?”

Amidst the crowded streets, people noticed a blue-haired man in a white coat accompanying Ceres on dates. They suspected the pair might even be lovers—or possibly married—and were curious about his identity.

“So, who exactly is Xian?”

Xian.w.Hibiscus.

The culprit pretending to be them, Phoenix, was currently in Korea with <Ceres>.

***

<October 10, 2020, Dongjak Underground, Seoul.>

“Transform immediately.”

“I respectfully decline.”

I politely rejected Hydra’s request. But Hydra looked ready to grab me by the collar with a menacing face.

“Now, now, sister. Our boss has always been unpredictable. Calm down.”

Architect, wearing a hard hat, stepped in front of Hydra to restrain him. They say hitting your mother-in-law is worse than mediating between sisters-in-law, and Architect was doing just that.

“You’re my subordinate, so why side with Hydra?”

“Boss, everyone knows you’re unpredictable. Let’s be honest here. This is sincere advice. Ahem.”

Architect coughed and spat out the dust filling his mouth.

“Do you know how deep the underground kingdom we’ve dug under Dongjak is compared to how many women you’ve seduced into bisexuality or lesbianism?”

“I’m aware, which is why I’m running away like this.”

“If the spirits know, then why do you insist?”

“I already explained—I only gained the ability to transform into a male form recently. And to deceive Hydra, I had to deceive our allies first.”

I revealed my ability to transform into Xian, or rather Baek Cheonghwa. Somehow, footage of me dating Hydra spread worldwide.

“This is like using a rolling stone to dislodge another.”

“Sister, maybe it’s time to consider becoming a Korean citizen?”

“Citizenship aside, once everything is done, return to the Zze Kingdom and pacify the monsters. Surely, there’ll be crazy ones trying to flee there too.”

Few were searching for Xian, but the number of people seeking Ceres was enormous. Hydra invited Gawein and Aruel underground, revealing their existence.

The monstrous creatures and beastmen of Zze could invade the surface anytime.

Ceres claimed herself as the queen of the earth, declaring she would temporarily help since she didn’t want Earth destroyed either. It was similar to how Hydra cooperated until Seongju was killed for love.

“That guy doesn’t even thank those who worked hard.”

“He already said ‘thank you,’ ‘good job,’ and ‘you can rest now.'”

“Proper gratitude requires this.”

Hydra leaned forward, tapping her cheeks playfully—a demand for a kiss. As I moved to peck her cheek, she recoiled in surprise.

“Really now.”

“Greetings concluded. I’ll take my leave.”

“Boss, won’t you just run away again once you return?”

Architect pointed to the newly dug secret tunnel leading from Dongjak to the Han River.

“You’re not planning to wander around central Seoul like this, right? Cheon Gaeul is waiting. Actually, everyone feels deceived.”

“…I’m aware.”

I gathered my coat. The weather had turned chilly, and I sprinted through the secret passage Architect dug for me.

Currently,

I was fleeing from wicked forces threatening my virtue. It’s been ten days since I last returned home.

“Well, James, I’ll leave the rest to you. I have some things to discuss with this one.”

Hydra positioned herself behind me, ready to follow. Architect looked up, reluctantly nodding.

“The name… does it matter? Better to escape quickly. Boss, hang in there. Heroes may have three wives and four concubines, but you’ve already surpassed double digits. Haha!”

“Your wives are twin sisters.”

“…What…did you say?”

Once again, I spoiled someone’s future. Then I bolted through the secret passage.

Not long after, cries echoed through the tunnel as women grabbed Architect like a rat.

Where’s Phoenix gone—?!

With Hydra blocking the way, they wouldn’t easily find me. Taking advantage of this, I planned to dive into the Han River with Hydra.

“Clothes will get wet if we just jump in.”

“Let me stop you then.”

“I don’t want them to get wet.”

Hydra pressed her hand against the dirt wall, forming a sphere. Following her lead, I entered the sphere, which she shaped into a duck-like boat.

“So, where to?”

“To the Galaxy University Dormitory.”

There, Hydra’s synchronization target, Yuna, awaited. We pedaled upstream against the current of the Han River.

***

<Shortly After, Galaxy University Women’s Dormitory.>

“Phoenix Sir, isn’t it improper for you to enter here?”

“As I’m in female form now, there’s no problem.”

“Is that so? Since there are no rules regarding spirits, it should be fine. So, Phoenix Sir…”

Yuna pulled out photos from the Magical Gear, confronting me. As the video played, Hydra covered her eyes and ears.

“Is this truly your wife, Phoenix Sir?”

“No. She’s just boasting without basis.”

“…It’s not entirely false, but hearing it phrased that way annoys me a bit.”

Even with her ears covered, Hydra clearly heard me. In the video, Ceres arrogantly declared herself my wife. I remember; less than three minutes later, she cried after hearing my truthful words.

“Is she really not your wife?”

“Of course not. But Yuna, why are you worried about this…?”

“I’m concerned that I might be stealing time from your wife.”

A halo appeared behind Yuna. Touched by her kindness, I wanted to give her more. Grabbing Hydra’s wrist, I made her shake hands with Yuna.

“It will never happen. If anything, I’m the one stealing your study time.”

“Studying is fine since it’s only related to special abilities now.”

“What about the college entrance exam?”

“I study for two hours before sleeping. So, there’s no need to worry. Hehe.”

As Hydra interlocked her fingers, Yuna trembled. Quietly summoning her power, Hydra infused Yuna with magic energy—more than I ever did. I held Yuna’s other hand.

“Wow… 104!”

Exciting! Yuna achieved Durability SSS+4. Although the actual grade of special abilities was still limited due to recent regulations on usable magic power, Hydra could now fully synchronize with Yuna without reservation.

“Should we proceed with the synchronization?”

“Hmm… You mentioned being a commander. Can I sync with Commander Hydra?”

“The subject of synchronization is the spirit Ji Ryun. The consciousness belongs to the commander, Hydra. Yuna, you are the vessel meant solely for you.”

“That’s my destiny then. Yes, understood.”

Yuna shook hands with Hydra.

“For the sake of acing the college entrance exam, I’ll gladly serve as your vessel!”

“Please don’t call yourself a vessel because Phoenix used the term improperly.”

“First time I’ve heard you object to that.”

How did a member of a villainous group plotting world domination become the voice of reason and common sense? A sigh escaped me.

“So, how exactly do we sync?”

“If you boil it down, Phoenix Sir, will you teach us?”

“……”

I hesitated to answer. Seol Harang achieved self-synchronization through mental awakening after preparation, but heroines typically synchronized through a certain method.

But.

“Why the hesitation?”

Yuna.

Born in 2005.

Even though her capsule age might qualify her as an adult, legally she was still a minor. I wrote instructions on the Magical Gear for Hydra, who paled upon reading it and released Yuna’s hand.

“Are you serious? She’s a minor! Are you insane?”

“Apparently, actions minors cannot perform—or equivalent acts—are part of the synchronization conditions.”

“Exactly why I tried explaining it via text.”

Yuna was sharp and quick-witted. From my hesitation and Hydra’s mention of “minor,” she deduced the synchronization process.

“Um, Yuna? Don’t misunderstand what he said. He’s not suggesting anything untoward towards you…”

“But I’m okay with it.”

“……”

Hydra froze at Yuna’s innocent expression. Scratching her cheek, Yuna smiled sheepishly.

“If it’s you two, it’s fine.”

She patted the empty spots on either side of her bed.

“My first time… please be gentle?”