Chapter 593

〈 Chapter 593: Part 2, Chapter 1-23 〉

Though we set out for hunting, New Seoul is a dangerous place. Smaller than Seoul but with ten million people crammed into one spot, every corner was overflowing with masses of people.

“Yuna, Raon. From now on, the two of you will go buy supplies needed for the office.”

I gave them a new mission—buying depleted office supplies—but it also implied I’d act separately from them.

“Boss, won’t it be dangerous?”

“Tch, isn’t New Seoul the safest place in the world? There’s absolutely no danger. I’ll be fine alone.”

Truthfully, there are many lurking threats. However, ironically, because they’re busy keeping tabs on each other, the protagonist can move around relatively freely.

“And when I’m alone, that’s when things heat up with heroines.”

Boy meets girl. Love encounter. Fate always brings these meetings, and catching them to create opportunities with heroines is the true mark of an ace commander. And I’ve already set the stage.

“Don’t women’s products seem better suited for two people to buy?”

“…Boss?”

“If you say that here…”

The two acted shamelessly in bed, but even they couldn’t ignore public eyes outside. Using magical gear, I handed them cash.

“Buy whatever you need. Let’s meet at…6 PM, alright? I’ve reserved a restaurant, so let’s meet up there.”

With a wink, I waved goodbye to them and disappeared into the crowd. Yuna and Raon stared wide-eyed at the generous expense allowance given to them.

“Boss!”

“It’s too much!”

“Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty of money.”

Well, technically, money I’ll earn later. I turned around after giving them a third of my entire fortune and walked off. Money’s easy to make.

“There are ways to earn more.”

In the distance, a woman with a blueberry scent vanished into the crowd.

* * *

“Delicious prey has started moving alone. Quiz time! How many forces are after the protagonist?”

– Answer: A ton.

– If we narrow it down to factions, we can count them on one hand.

– Shouldn’t we add factions targeting his virtue too? Haha.

“Oh, I forgot to mention—it’s New Seoul.”

Alone in a franchise café, I scanned passersby. They were puzzled by the blond foreigner sipping strawberry yogurt smoothies but quickly lost interest and moved on.

“Let’s check one by one, shall we? The two people at the table behind me? They’re Sun Icheol’s henchmen.”

– ???

– Aren’t they lovers about to get married?

– Nah, just hunters.

“Why would a couple about to tie the knot be here instead of heading to a motel? …Just kidding. Ordering black coffee at a Yu-Sung Café is proof they’re Sun Icheol’s people. It’s terrible coffee here anyway.”

– That’s true.

– Complaining won’t change anything. Haha.

– ??? : I love money the most!

Of course, the culprit is Yun Yuhwa (27). He loves coffee enough to import beans via private jet but sells subpar Americanos to the masses.

So, if they ordered it? Black as sin.

“And do you know who those two over there are? One’s a C-rank sexual offender, the other a D-rank con artist with tattoos forced to follow him. Both trash.”

– Aren’t the Patriotic Youth Corps members hiding their faces?

– Not high-ranking ones; they’re regulars.

– Do they really know everything about 6 billion people? Haha.

“I know all special ability users.”

To find even the smallest clue leading to Phoenix’s route, he surveyed every single special ability user. His knowledge applies to enemies too, allowing me to confirm the Patriotic Youth Corps’ underlings.

“Over there, across the café, the woman wearing a hat and looking at something on her laptop—is a hero. Secretly assigned by the Hero Association to watch over commanders. Probably…Firewheel, Kang Si-a?”

– Wow, really?

– Isn’t that a guy?

– Disguise! Now it makes sense why she looks like Firewheel.

<Last Commander>: Since she’s a woman, should we scout her?

“B-rank fire attribute. Female, but not interested. She’s not a heroine. Hmm…but this could be fun. Just a sec.”

Since she’s fire-based, maybe I’ll mess with her a little.

I closed the system window, grabbed my drink—a plastic take-out cup—and headed outside. No one noticed my presence despite the lack of sophistication in carrying a mug.

No idle talk. Unlike moments ago when I opened the system window, everything I say now can be heard by everyone in this world.

“Nice mask, good figure…”

Thump thump.

I boldly crossed the street and leaned close to Firewheel through the glass.

“Wha?!”

Anyone would be startled if someone stared at them through a window. Especially if a blond foreigner presses their hands against the glass and stares directly at them.

“Super lucky.”

I pulled out a business card and entered the café. The staff looked confused but didn’t dare approach me.

“Good evening, strong and mighty one. My name is Xian.Hibiscus.”

I politely greeted Firewheel. Even though indoors, she wore sunglasses and stared blankly at me.

“Eh, uh, excuse me?”

“Nice to meet you. If it’s not inconvenient, may I have a quick chat?”

“…Sure. What is it?”

Firewheel glanced around cautiously, showing both wariness and trust in her eyes. I pulled out a pink business card inside and handed it to her.

“Are you uninterested in idols?”

“Idols?”

Her expression turned strange. I continued with my sales pitch, smiling brightly.

“At our studio, we’re recruiting actors aiming for Hollywood. This movie’s concept is <Warfield Idol>, featuring singing and dancing heroes. If you’re interested, please contact us via this card.”

“A-Ah, okay, okay.”

Caught off guard by my storm of words, Firewheel stuffed the card into her jacket. I apologized to the approaching staff and waved goodbye to her.

“Even if you’re not interested in acting, I hope we meet again somewhere nice.”

“A…okay!”

Firewheel nodded enthusiastically and smiled brightly. With this, any low-level thugs targeting me will soon feel the burn. No need to involve the heroines unnecessarily.

“Ahem.”

I reopened the system window.

“Some are watching me on behalf of the Hero Association, while others are small fries just trying to profit from a blond foreign man. And there are plenty of Dark Legion spies. Like that guy over there.”

Walking back onto the road, I approached a man conducting surveys on the street.

“Hello, do you have a moment?”

Under the guise of a university report, he was conducting a survey titled “Factors Hindering the Restoration of the Gyeongbu Expressway.”

“The Dark Legion doesn’t just have monsters. Humans who want to become monsters pile up too. Those who fail to awaken abilities but still crave immense power.”

– Terrorists?

– Monster enthusiasts?

– Let’s just call them baby monsters. Haha.

“Baby monster…puhaha. So, should we call that one a puppy monster?”

A quadrupedal beast indeed fits the description of a dog. Approaching the gray-and-purple-magic-powered individual, I engaged.

“Hey, you’re a foreigner, right? Can you help with this survey? We’re working on a university project…”

“Do you know ‘Ra’?”

“Uh…yes?”

“Your heart seems heavy.”

Instead of responding to the survey, I countered. Pointing at his flustered face,

“You look gloomy. Make sure to bask in the sunlight often; staying in dark places might cause mold to grow on your body. And possibly on your heart too. Like a virus.”

“What are you saying?”

“Sometimes tough times come. But whenever that happens, look toward the sun and steady your heart. May sunlight be with you, Blazing Phoenix Revival.”

“Are you some kind of cultist?”

“Not at all. Most Korean graduate students conducting surveys turn out to be cultists, so I was just joking. You’re not one, right? Neither am I.”

“…”

His expression twisted sharply. He realized I was messing with him. Though my intent was merely to prevent him from becoming a monster, he spat on the ground and muttered,

“Damn cheese bastard. Bad luck meeting you…”

“I’m not using a translator right now. Hehehe.”

“…”

His face hardened. I lightly waved goodbye to him and turned away.

“Hmph. Excuse me.”

I’ve drawn enough attention. If I pull a few more bizarre pranks, the amateurs will naturally leave.

‘Then only the real ones will remain.’

This isn’t just for fun. To ensure only the genuine beauties gravitate toward the protagonist, I need to clear away the flies buzzing around him. Turning my steps, I headed somewhere no one—not even Sun Icheol—could secretly monitor.

– Hahahaha!

– Sexual harassment!

– Avatar is male, so it’s irrelevant.

Men’s restroom.

Sitting on the toilet lid, I sent a message to whoever had been following and monitoring me via magical gear. Through an auction site, I contacted the recipient.

[The meeting place is confirmed.]

After sending the message, I waited for a bit. Soon, the door next to me opened, followed by muffled swearing.

“Damn it…”

Knock knock. A voice came from the adjacent stall.

“Excuse me, do you have any tissue?”

“Yes, hold on.”

From my pocket, I pulled out an item wrapped in tissues. Most public restrooms have gaps between stalls, so I slid it under the gap.

“Thank you.”

The man wiped something with the tissue before leaving. After waiting a while, I washed my hands and exited.

Ding dong.

An alarm sounded on my magical gear. 10 billion credits appeared in my account. The sender was unknown, but someone had just transferred this massive sum.

‘Is this chick?’

Testing me by accidentally sending 50 billion? Watching a man disappear into the crowd holding shopping bags, I scratched my head.

“Should I make another one…?”

“Achoo.”

A black-haired woman coughed right outside the restroom. Despite wearing a celebrity-level disguise with a cap and mask, she avoided my obvious gaze.

“Excuse me!”

In one stride, I blocked her path.

“Are you interested in being an idol?”

“Excuse me, what did you say?”

“Fate brought us together. You’re someone who could shine globally, even in Hollywood!”

“Ah, well…that’s kinda obvious, isn’t it?”

“I’m this kind of person. If you’re interested, please don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Grasping her hand, I shoved a business card into it before swiftly stepping aside. As she called out to me, I loudly shouted and ran off.

“Beef! Beef!!!”

She, S-rank Seok Harang, didn’t chase after me after receiving my card.

* * *

“Another one?”

Seok Harang twirled her dyed-black hair while waiting for a response.

[Senior! I’ve received the item.]

“Please deliver it to my association dormitory. Absolutely do not inspect the contents.”

[Of course not, Senior! I wouldn’t dare touch your magic pills. Hopefully, this one works.]

“Thank you, <Earth Tear>.”

Seok Harang ended the conversation and held up the pink business card toward the sky.

“Thanks for setting me up to track you down, punk.”

Smiling cheerfully, Seok Harang headed toward the Hero Association.