Chapter 618

〈 Chapter 618: Part 2, Chapter 2, Scene 13 〉

“Yeah, Yuna. It’s nothing serious. Just one of those ruckuses we’re gonna be dealing with a lot from now on, so don’t worry too much.”

The daily life of a commander involves getting attacked.

Actually, it’s kinda weird that I’ve managed to avoid attacks up until now. Even though I’ve been dodging suspicious characters as best as I can, monster attacks typically happen about once every three days—it’s practically routine.

“Starting off with Rasputin? This is oddly refreshing.”

Externally, it’ll just be reported as some foreign monster causing chaos. And even that will only be known by those involved. The incident inside the Yu-Sung store where Yun Yuhwa works will be swept under the rug as a minor disturbance to keep public opinion in check.

[Mr. Owner, if anything happens, please let me know! I’ll come rescue you!]

“Yeah, thanks. I’ll contact you as soon as the investigation is done.”

I finished my conversation with Yuna. In front of me stood three women who were interrogating me with their piercing gazes.

Xroid-YuhaD, the facility supervisor and representative from Yu-Sung.

Nightmare Seol Ji-young, the president of the Korean Hero Association.

And Kang Soyeon, the vice-minister of the Giant Monster Countermeasures Department.

“The last one must be Cheongsong.”

She’s better known as “Tattooist,” but she’s climbed the ranks both in the association and key government positions. She’s here not just because of the monster, but also because of the harm caused to a certain woman during the attack.

“So, the Xroid at Yu-Sung guided everyone through the emergency exit, but the enemy monster followed, and you just ran away with Ms. Sun Gyeoul?”

“Yes. No matter what the monster was after, I couldn’t leave the lady behind, could I?”

“Then the next question: how did the monster disappear?”

“I have no idea. There was this big ‘KWAANG’ sound, I blacked out, and when I woke up, everything was like this.”

I raised my hands to emphasize the handcuffs around my wrists. Seol Ji-young gave me an uncomfortable look but quickly regained her stern expression as she pressed me further.

“Is that really the truth?”

“What would I lie about?”

“…It seems like you’re lying about something.”

“Hmph, why would I do that? I’m just a talent scout who flew in from America to discover new talent for Korea. And also, a producer looking for the world’s greatest free diva.”

They kind of know who I am.

Yun Yuhwa already got the info directly from me, and as the president of the Hero Association, Seol Ji-young has definitely heard things from the American branch. Kang Soyeon might not have direct intel, but she’s surely guessed something indirectly.

“Personally, I think we should talk somewhere more private… maybe just the two of us?”

“Hah, are you hitting on us right now? Who exactly?”

“All three of you. How can I resist such charming ladies?”

I winked at Kang Soyeon, who looked utterly baffled.

Let’s cut the act—Tattooist could also potentially be recruited as an ally. Not necessarily a heroine type, but still, story-wise, even if she’s a main villain, recruitment is possible. The conditions are super strict, and the aftermath isn’t a joke, which is why most people shy away from it.

“Anyway, is Ms. Sun Gyeoul alright?”

“Is your back alright?”

“This? It stings a bit, but I’m fine. A potion and some healing magic will fix it. I’ve already taken care of it, haven’t I?”

I had a long gash on my back—not from the monster Zmei, but deliberately inflicted by Penril at my request.

“How did you get injured?”

“Uh… trying to protect Ms. Sun Gyeoul, I guess. Didn’t realize it at the time. Ha ha, thinking about it now, it was pretty dangerous. But hey, we survived, so that’s good. Is Ms. Sun Gyeoul okay?”

“Of course. She’s currently recuperating at the hospital… However…”

Seol Ji-young handed me a video clip with a complicated look.

In the footage, my coat was open, revealing my face buried between Sun Gyeoul’s exposed breasts. When she regained consciousness, Sun Gyeoul was flailing around in front of Seol Ji-young, pointing at my wound and shouting for 119.

“Your hand is grabbing her breast, and your face is buried in her cleavage. Is this really the position of someone trying to save her?”

“It was an accident… or maybe fate? As a living being, it’s a natural reaction. If I’d been fully conscious at the time, I probably would’ve done the same thing.”

My words made all three women give me strange looks.

“Isn’t it fair to touch a woman’s chest before dying? Haha, but somehow, we survived!”

“…Do you even know who Ms. Sun Gyeoul is?”

Kang Soyeon glared at me venomously, clearly questioning my knowledge of Sun Gyeoul’s background as a government official.

“Yes, I’m well aware. Thanks to this, I understand her even better.”

“Understand what?”

“That Ms. Gyeoul has a kind heart? Look at the video. Even after regaining consciousness, instead of pushing me away, she’s checking my wound first. She’s truly an angel. Must be her broad-minded nature.”

“…”

Aduo clenched her lips while glaring at me. Meanwhile, the dignified Yuha’D held her head high and pulled out a new document.

“The damages incurred by this incident at Yu-Sung.”

“…Two trillion?”

The total cost—including repairs to the facilities, destroyed Xroids, and miscellaneous expenses—was nearly two trillion. I might as well admit it—I planned it. YuhaD was glaring daggers at me, clearly making another deal proposal.

“Whatever the reason may be, this commotion was definitely caused by you, correct?”

“That cannot be denied.”

I’m technically the victim here, but the fact remains that the disturbance occurred within Yu-Sung’s premises due to me.

Why today, of all days, did Gaon and I visit the Yu-Sung suit shop when monsters decided to ambush us?

“We’ve considered filing a compensation claim for this incident. The government naturally refuses, and the Hero Association claims they can only cover half of the astronomical two trillion loss.”

“…”

Seol Ji-young bit her lip and started sizing me up. Frustrated glances were exchanged on either side. She’s probably wondering how reckless the commander has become.

“Wow. Are you saying the Hero Association will support one trillion?”

“Yes? Ah, yes! The maximum funds the association can mobilize immediately… that’s correct.”

“Great job. But don’t worry about it. Since this happened because of me, I’ll take responsibility.”

Even with the staggering sum of one trillion, I declined the association’s support.

Sure, they call it the association’s support, but deep down, I know that one trillion is likely pooled together by compassionate heroes like Seol Ji-young feeling sorry for the poor foreigner.

‘That’s why I can’t be harsh on Korean heroes.’

Take Seok Harang for example—most of the heroes affiliated with the association are good-hearted suckers who refuse to abandon Korea despite its dire situation. There’s no way I can take their hard-earned money and waste it on corporate whims.

“Even though it’s two trillion, it’s a problem I caused. I’ll pay it off with my body.”

“It’s not right for an individual to compensate for an issue caused by Russian forces.”

“It’s fine, President. I’m used to situations like this.”

By self-certifying as a sucker, I win favor with the association president and Yun Yuhwa. At the same time, I lower Tattooist’s guard.

Taking responsibility for any issues caused by oneself…

If embedding that image makes the upcoming year smoother, I’d mobilize trillions, not billions.

“But right now, I don’t have that much money. There’s a limit to the funds our headquarters can provide. So, here’s my proposal to Yu-Sung.”

I offered a deal to compensate the two trillion owed to Yun Yuhwa.

“I’d like to meet the chairman. The chairman of Yu-Sung.”

* * *

<Shortly After, A Laboratory Basement in Daejeon>

“Man, I’m creeped out. Do you know I couldn’t even say a word? They didn’t even give me a chance to speak. Both sides subtly restrained and blocked me.”

“And what do you want me to do about it?”

Sun Gyeoul snapped back sharply while sipping her coffee. The sweet aroma of caramel filled the lab.

“No matter what, shouldn’t the government at least offer some support? Can’t I complain a little?”

“In Hell-Joseon? Initially, the government refused outright to offer any support. We’re the Giant Monster Countermeasures Department, so we won’t take responsibility for disturbances caused by monsters. What a ridiculous excuse.”

“Meh…not my problem.”

Kang Soyeon shrugged and took a sip of her black coffee, its strong scent cutting through her lungs.

“So, how does it feel meeting him in person today?”

“Hmm…hard to grasp?”

“In what way?”

“You can’t predict his actions. The monster attack itself was unexpected, but his behavior during the attack… sigh.”

Kang Soyeon frowned as she reviewed the footage Sun Gyeoul had obtained. The man, the commander, was unconscious with his hands firmly gripping her bosom.

“All lies. He suddenly pulled out a gun from the coat he’d given me and blasted the monster with one shot. Sure, the monster was injured beforehand, but then ‘cut!’—the monster disappeared. He definitely had a bodyguard nearby, someone S-rank level.”

“No, I mean, how did it feel to be pinned down by a guy like that? Naked and all… hahaha.”

“……Don’t even joke about that. I passed out the moment I heard gunshots. When I woke up, he had a wound on his back and was covering me. It’s obviously staged. That guy.”

“You say that, but didn’t you hide it? Claiming ‘I saw nothing’ while knowing full well what happened.”

Kang Soyeon’s comment left Sun Gyeoul speechless. Indeed, after regaining consciousness, she had played dumb to the association president regarding what she witnessed.

“Enough. Find out what deal the commander intends to strike with the Yu-Sung chairman. Two trillion worth of stuff? It must exceed normal standards. It could be strategic material or cutting-edge technology. While Yu-Sung’s growth is good, it should benefit us too.”

“Hmm…actually, it’s not that.”

Kang Soyeon chuckled mischievously, smacking her fist into her palm.

“Like awakening the chairman’s youngest daughter as an ability user?”

“Sis, are you crazy?”

“Why? Don’t you remember how the auction in Europe sold one milliliter of the commander’s essence for trillions?”

Gyeoul fell silent momentarily. The value of the commander was indeed extraordinary.

“That was just some rich idiot throwing money around. Besides, the chairman loves that guy too much to do something like that, right?”

“Imagine if that guy becomes an ability user and starts wandering around. Sounds horrifying, doesn’t it?”

“Surprisingly plausible. If the chairman suggests it first, the guy would jump at it. If the guy suggests it first, the chairman would agonize over it before accepting. Or maybe the chairman wants to use it to become immortal themselves. Heeheehee.”

“……Sigh, I really shouldn’t talk anymore.”

Would a man with seven children really go that far? Gyeoul sighed deeply, finishing her caramel macchiato in one gulp and standing up.

“I’m heading out. You handle the rest, sis.”

“Just leaving? Stay longer.”

“I’m busy. I need to plan to stop Dad from causing trouble again on Sam-il Day.”

“Hehe, good luck. Miss.”

Kang Soyeon donned a mask and disguised herself as Tattooist. Only in front of Gyeoul did she reveal her true self, grabbing Gyeoul’s hand and pulling her into the shadows.

Whoosh.

Through the shadows, the two reappeared in a laboratory identical to the previous one. However, this wasn’t the earlier lab—it was an entirely different space constructed elsewhere.

“Huff…just a break…”

Pip. Pipip.

Gyeoul activated her Magical Gear to summon someone. After a short wait, a black-haired woman resembling Gyeoul rushed into the lab.

“You came?!”

“Sis, you were bothering girls again, weren’t you?”

“Ah, no, it’s not…bothering…”

“Please don’t do that in New Seoul. I trust your acting skills, so I’ll leave it to you.”

Gyeoul sighed genuinely. The talented recruit she discovered in Seoul possessed undeniable abilities and powers, but her sexual preferences and other aspects left much to be desired.

“How can people who look so alike be so different? Hmph.”

“Shut up.”

Tattooist mocked the woman while opening the shadow portal. The woman accepted the Magical Gear data from Gyeoul and hastily jumped into the shadows.

“Be careful of that blonde delinquent, Gaeul-sis.”

Gyeoul fervently hoped that clumsy woman wouldn’t fall for real.

“……Now, let’s figure out how to mess with Dad.”

Gyeoul put on the coat hanging in the lab. On the back, in large letters, it read <Seoul Liberation Front>.

And.

“……Why does putting them in the same place drive people insane?”

Gyeoul pulled out a necklace from the coat pocket and hung it around her neck. The geometric hexagonal object nestled snugly between her voluptuous cleavage.

“I’m letting you off easy because of your face. Sigh.”

Outside the lab.

Gyeoul walked alone through the quiet underground passage, muttering to herself.