Chapter 990

EP.990 Part 2 Chapter 10 Scene 03 Truth or Lies

July 17th, 11:47 PM. Seoul, Noryangjin.

Where exactly is this place called Noryangjin?

Geographically, it’s closest to Yeouido, and symbolically, it’s where the most aspiring civil servants gather to study for exams.

Numerous test prep academies cluster here, with many people relocating from other regions to live in dormitories while preparing to pass civil service exams.

Regardless of reality, this place was a dream mecca for many.

And now, the numerous high-rise dorms have become temporary lodgings for those who’ve gathered to become magical girls.

Like tiny prison cells, these rooms cram everything into one small space – bed next to the toilet and sink, yet surprisingly, when Seoul was restored, the plumbing still worked!

Though there’s no electricity, using the faint glow of their magical gear or candles makes life bearable.

Rustle, rustle.

The woman pulled out a crumpled note from her bosom.

Scrawled in ballpoint pen, it was proof from her “benefactor”:

– Used magical gear: 370,000 won. Clothes: 230,000 won. Cash loan: 150,000 won.

Everything she possessed – the borrowed magical gear, the outfit, even the wadded-up cash in her pocket – was all loaned to her.

“Free national dish as a welcome gift to Korea. No charge for etiquette’s sake.”

“…”

Could she really secure nearly one million won from someone from a foreign land, especially one with which relations weren’t particularly warm?

“Thank you, benefactor.”

Even if the person was an A-Rank special abilities user, this level of financial support clearly demonstrated trust in her potential.

Yes, this was an investment.

Her benefactor believed in her success, and she must repay that faith.

“When I succeed, I’ll return it a hundredfold, a thousandfold. Incheon Bulppada Lee Gi-woo.”

“Of course.”

Favors must be repaid.

Grudges must also be settled.

The blood coursing through her veins burned with determination to settle debts of gratitude and vengeance alike.

So why did she come to Korea, where at least basic communication was possible?

For revenge.

Revenge for what happened in her homeland.

Even if it meant offering her body to a commander, she would destroy the evil entity that had consumed her country.

And to save her family.

“…I need power.”

She lacked sufficient strength on her own.

Operating within her nation’s strict controls was impossible, and her brother’s dying words urged her to flee eastward.

“He might be in Korea right now.”

“…Your guess was correct.”

Just three months ago.

When chaos erupted in Seoul, she pinpointed a blond Western man in New Seoul as the probable commander.

But even knowing this, she didn’t act.

She didn’t report to her superiors.

Wary of sparking a war.

If the truth emerged while she lacked sufficient deterrent power, she knew massive armies would cross the Yellow Sea.

So she remained silent, only to be detained for “incompetence” when the commander finally revealed himself.

This became the turning point.

She couldn’t rescue her brother from abduction and imprisonment.

Her brother, who came to save her but ended up captured alongside her, urged her to escape and seek refuge with the commander instead.

“……”

The woman pressed her face into her hands.

If only she had one keepsake from her brother, but smuggling herself into Kimhae Airport left her with nothing but her own body.

Swoosh.

She activated the internet on her magical gear.

Though sluggish due to its secondhand nature, it still functioned adequately.

“Search…”

With practiced fingers, she tapped out a search query about herself on the virtual keyboard.

“Hmph.”

Result: 0 hits.

As expected from a place with such tight control, there was no trace of her existence online.

While they probably tore apart her homeland searching for her, anyone spreading rumors would have already drawn attention.

Fortunately, she hadn’t been discovered yet.

What worried her was…

“Will I be exposed?”

Revealing oneself is a crucial part of the magical girl audition process.

When the time comes to impress the commander, if her true identity is uncovered?

War.

Whether special forces cross the Yellow Sea to capture her or operatives already infiltrated within the country move against her, conflict will erupt.

Thus, she must enter the commander’s notice without revealing too much.

That’s why she chose the more difficult path of the “online” test, which minimized exposure…

“…Why did I pass?”

The magical girl initiation tests are divided into online and offline categories.

Naturally, the offline route has lower competition.

The online option accepts applicants worldwide beyond just Korea.

Though she doesn’t know how many stages exist, Produce Magical Stars selects “Magical Girl of the Month” with two spots:

One each from online and offline applications.

She applied online, and astonishingly passed immediately upon starting the test.

The only information she revealed was her bare face.

Known as a hero worldwide, though officially recognized as male.

Having worn a mask daily, few recognize her unmasked appearance.

Yet she passed the online test?

“……Perhaps.”

Maybe this was fate.

Perhaps a divine sign to repay her benefactor and exact revenge.

Thus, she hopes.

For an opportunity to prove herself in a place seen only by the commander, away from prying eyes.

“…I can win.”

When the time comes to wield weapons and fight,

She will demonstrate her worth.

“S-Rank, after all.”

China’s S-Rank Hero, Military God (Gunshen).

Its true identity: a woman with hair flowing past her thighs, currently residing in a Noryangjin cram school dormitory and indebted about one million won to a certain Korean youth.

“…Should I pretend to be Korean and choose a name?”

She ran her name through a translator.

“Commander.”

Xiao Lin.

“…Borrowing my benefactor’s surname, I’ll go by Lee So-ryeong.”

Woman Lee So-ryeong prepared for the next day.

Tomorrow was the on-site second round test.

* * *

Morning arrived.

As soon as the time came, So-ryeong headed to the designated location.

-Korea Standard Time, July 18th, 9:00 AM arrival at Dongjak Station Exit 9 required.

“……?”

So-ryeong reached the destination.

Arriving 30 minutes early just in case, she found nobody around.

All that greeted her were the collapsed Dongjak Bridge, the Han River, and the ruins north of it.

However, as time passed, women wearing raincoats or masks gradually appeared, confirming So-ryeong’s suspicion.

These were all candidates who, like her, had passed the first stage.

Sure enough, instructions to head underground would arrive soon.

Ping.

Her magical gear alarm sounded.

The Magical Girl Audition exclusive app glowed brightly, and So-ryeong followed its directions down Exit 9.

Ten women, including So-ryeong, entered Exit 9.

“Ugh, why do we have to come here…?”

Among them was a fairly well-known Korean CEO.

A woman whose face So-ryeong recognized despite being masked – famous enough internationally.

She was a B-Rank special abilities user who founded a hunter’s guild after awakening her powers while running a cosmetics company.

‘So they didn’t select everyone based on abilities alone?’

So-ryeong scanned the group.

Including herself, only three were special abilities users.

The rest seemed to be ordinary civilians, trembling fearfully as they descended into the dark subway tunnel despite the absence of monsters.

“I’ve been waiting for you all.”

In the subway station.

The woman, concealing her identity with a mask, bowed deeply.

The blonde wore an absurdly blue bird mask on her head.

“My name is Bluebird Flight 4796, and I’ll guide you to the next testing site.”

“What kind of test is it?!”

“You’ll find out step by step. Follow me.”

Bluebird turned and headed deeper into the subway.

The women hesitantly followed, and So-ryeong realized this guide was an ordinary human.

Yet despite lacking powers, she carried herself confidently.

“If you enter here, you’ll find chairs waiting.”

Bluebird led them to a room-like space by the tracks.

Upon entering first, So-ryeong noticed chairs arranged neatly, matching the number of participants.

“This is…?”

“Please take your seats and activate the app on your magical gear.”

The participants sat down.

The reclining chairs reminded So-ryeong of massage chairs, and she detected magical energy emanating from them.

‘What is this?’

Before So-ryeong could ponder further,

[Magical Girl Magical Qqulqs Initiation Test 2nd Stage]

[Truth or Lies]

Text appeared on her app screen.

[Rules: Answer questions by pressing Yes or No buttons.]

[Three falsehoods will result in disqualification.]

“So it’s a lie detector?”

“Easy. Just tell the truth, right?”

“Hmm…truthfulness is important for heroes.”

Similar text seemed to appear on other participants’ screens, and So-ryeong focused on hers.

Then,

First question.

[Are you China’s S-Rank Hero ‘Military God’ Xiao Lin?]

[Yes / Yes]

“…….”

At that moment, So-ryeong understood why she passed the first stage so easily.