Chapter 787

〈 Chapter 787 〉 Part 2, Chapter 7, Episode 19: VS Zeus

New Seoul, US Hotel VIP Room.

Yu-Sung’s hotel was bustling with a welcoming party for the foreign dignitaries.

Numerous Xroid maids were delivering food, and the gathered VIPs from all over were laughing heartily as they exchanged pleasantries, carefully trying to build good relationships with S-Rank Heroes.

“Haha, really? You’ve studied in my hometown too? Haha….”

Even creating minor connections to familiarize faces can be beneficial.

Even if direct help isn’t possible, simply knowing someone could still prove useful later on.

For instance, when a Korean visits Greece and receives assistance.

Or when Korea is in danger, and an S-Rank Hero flies in to help.

Politicians, economists, social figures, and cultural icons gathered here, closely observing every move Zeus made.

“So now, let’s enjoy a special welcome performance by Zeus-sama… featuring E Entertainment’s idol group, ‘Vier.’ Love of Human!”

“Ooooh!”

The elegant male idols’ dance captured Zeus’ immense interest.

Though slightly intimidated by Zeus scrutinizing their every move, the idols performed patriotically, feeling the weight of their country resting on their shoulders.

“Amazing! So this is what Korean idols are like. Incredible. If you ever perform in Greece, please invite me. I’d love to host you at one of my villas there!”

“Thank you for your kind words. Our company E Entertainment plans to…”

Everyone scrambled to connect with Zeus.

This wasn’t unusual.

When an S-Rank Hero visits another country, that nation treats them with presidential-level hospitality.

There was nothing strange about the way Zeus was being entertained.

Everyone present was skilled in flattery.

They knew that lowering their pride and letting out a few strategic farts could yield massive benefits, so they desperately wanted to establish ties with Zeus.

It was mutual.

“Hmm…there’s someone I personally wanted to meet, but alas…”

“What? Who might that be? I’ll summon them immediately.”

“Oh, sorry. I wanted to have a deep conversation with another ability user—specifically, an S-Rank-to-S-Rank discussion.”

As Zeus expressed his disappointment, many internally sighed.

Princess Seok Harang, known as “Saladin,” missed the meeting due to her own commitments.

Her motto of protecting Busan aligned with the principle that S-Ranks should handle S-Rank matters.

Light Blade Heo Yoon-hwan—absent.

The number-one guest Zeus himself respected didn’t even show up.

“Hmm…I really wanted to meet him.”

Zeus kept mentioning Light Blade, expressing regret.

Normally, someone would’ve gone to fetch him, but Light Blade was notoriously difficult to deal with.

The president’s dog—but more like a mad dog.

With his towering pride, not even Sir Gawein, the greatest knight of the Round Table, could bring him here.

He only appears in official settings a few times a year. Would he come just because Zeus is here?

Some say he avoids Zeus intentionally.

“Light Blade…he’s older, right? Young Zeus probably wouldn’t appeal to him romantically.”

“A fight would break out for sure.”

“Zeus might’ve messed up there, but couldn’t Light Blade just spare some time?”

“Why don’t you go tell Light Blade to spend an hour with some gay guy then?”

In Korea, even the president doesn’t dare mess with Light Blade.

Would you throw such a person at a gay man?

That’d be an outrageous move, possibly driving Light Blade away from the country.

Just as the mood sank into despair…

“…It seems it’s about time. Thank you for today’s hospitality. But I must search for my Ganymede. I’ll remember each of your words fondly.”

Zeus greeted the crowd.

While everyone rejoiced that their names had stuck in Zeus’ mind, they now wondered who this “Ganymede” was.

-Isn’t it Light Blade?

“In fact, I’ve already sought help from the Hero Association. I’ve set aside time specifically for Ganymede. Please bless our happy moment together.”

Subtle applause filled the air as Zeus smiled broadly.

“Um, excuse me, who exactly is Ganymede?”

Someone raised their hand bravely.

Based on legends, myths, and context, Ganymede was clearly a “man,” but the question remained—”who?”

“Ho ho, I understand your concerns. But worry not. My fiancé, Ganymede, is…”

Behind Zeus, a brown-haired secretary adjusted her glasses.

“…a Korean, and someone truly beloved.”

—

Squeak.

The van stopped.

I stepped out with the magical girls.

The underground parking lot, illuminated by dazzling lights, already had men dressed in suits waiting for us—apparently Zeus’ subordinates.

“Are you Magical Kyuukkkyuss Xian.w.Hibiscus?”

“Yes. These are my teammates. We’ll proceed together.”

“I’m sorry, but weapons aren’t allowed…”

“I get it. Everyone, hand over your Core Weapons.”

At my command, the magical girls, including Yuna, handed over their Core Weapons to Zeus’ men.

Wands, swords, spears—all visible weapons were surrendered.

Click.

Even my pistol.

When I revealed its thick TAT barrel, Zeus’ subordinates gulped nervously, glancing downward.

‘So they recognize me.’

Who determines the size of a TAT?

Of course, Zeus’ men would know.

“We’ll conduct a magic power scan. This way please…”

“I refuse. I’m entering without a scan.”

I pushed back against the subordinate guiding us toward the body scanner.

“Tell Zeus that submitting our Core Weapons was enough. A body data scan violates the rules.”

“Just a simple scan…”

“I said ‘tell,’ not ‘argue.’”

“…Understood. Please wait a moment.”

Though they seemed annoyed by my authoritative tone, I could’ve been even harsher.

‘After all, we’re bound to fight.’

Why endure an X-ray peepshow when laughter and chaos will inevitably erupt?

Since Zeus works for Hydra and targets my ass, combat is unavoidable.

“…”

Yuna and the other magical girls were bracing themselves.

Why else would they wear formal business attire instead of their magical girl costumes unless they were ready for battle?

Besides, it helps keep the enemy off guard.

There’s armor beneath these suits.

“This way, please.”

“Hmph.”

We boarded the elevator reserved for VIPs. Nuri and Su Ri were visibly excited.

“…Boss.”

Yuna whispered cautiously.

“Are you…okay?”

“Of course.”

I lightly tapped Yuna’s hand.

“I told you—it can’t be avoided.”

Talk of battle.

Our escort mistakenly thought I came to pay respects, smacking their lips in anticipation, but that’s pure fantasy.

‘There’s no way.’

No one gets behind me except Shin-ra.

And even Shin-ra only gets close when she wants to tease my prostate with her tongue.

Anyone aiming for my rear gets eliminated.

Even if ordered by someone higher up.

Ding.

The doors opened.

On the rooftop garden with a glass ceiling, “he” spread his arms wide and grinned.

“Welcome, my Ganymede!”

“Enough with the nonsense.”

I immediately flipped him off.

“Why are you in Korea, Zeus?”

“Ah, my Ganymede! Don’t treat me so coldly.”

“…”

His previous media-perfect demeanor vanished as Zeus embraced himself and blushed while looking at me.

“Is that how you see me?”

“How do I look at you?”

“Like I’m pathetic…dirty…disgusting…and beyond redemption.”

Tsk.

Zeus licked his lips.

My team winced visibly, goosebumps rising.

“So…you disappeared from America and ended up playing around in this backwater corner of East Asia?”

“They’re humanity’s future, not toys.”

“Future? These C-Rank barely-mades-it types? And that blonde over there—she might be decent, but the rest are useless!”

Zeus wiggled his fingers dismissively.

“That’s why Easterners are…”

“Racism detected. Are you really an S-Rank hero?”

Nuri exploded first at his blatant disrespect.

“Hero training teaches us to treat all humans equally. Do you know that?”

“Tch. Looks like you got cocky after winning a little favor from my Ganymede. Listen up—you’re dragging him down from where he truly belongs.”

Flap.

“My Ganymede! Come back to Greece! Return to the Round Table! There, you can lead the twelve S-Ranks as the true ‘Commander’ for humanity!”

Everyone froze at his words.

“B-boss…?”

“It’s fine. He knows me well enough to call me that.”

“Doesn’t he mean…like, romantically?!”

“That too.”

Smack!

Zeus threw his hands behind his back, gripping his rear tightly.

Then he leered at me, licking his lips seductively.

“My beloved Ganymede—if you don’t want your precious girls devoured by my children…strip off those pants, come here, and mount me!”

“Crazy bastard.”

That’s right.

“Yes, I’m crazy for you!”

The depraved knights of the Round Table.

“If you won’t take initiative, allow me to pin you down and ride you myself, Commander—-!!”

Corrupted Commanders fused with Villainous intent—they’re called this by players.

The Degenerate Knights of the Round Table.

Or simply…

Bung-Tak.