Chapter 1273

<Episode 1273> 1273. Pheromone Monster

The woman furrowed her brow. She decided to ignore me and focused her gaze on the TV screen. Fortunately, she seemed not to understand Korean; otherwise, if she knew the meaning of “dick vagina,” she would have glared at me with disdain.

I slid a cocktail in front of her casually. But she didn’t even spare it a glance. Feeling awkward, I looked around and sat next to her. Again, she showed no reaction.

“Is the news that interesting? Or are you a fervent supporter of ‘dick vagina’? No, wait, are you a die-hard fan of President Ha?”

I shifted my eyes to the TV screen. If she’s a passionate supporter of President Ha, pretending to support him might help me charm her.

President Ha stared straight into the camera confidently. His face was brimming with self-assurance—after all, he is the U.S. President, so lacking confidence would be stranger.

“China has betrayed our trust! They violated international law without any remorse! We must strike down on China! From now on, we will impose tariffs on 780 items imported from China! This is just the beginning! China! You thought we, America, were weak! America is the greatest nation in the world!”

President Ha shouted.

I widened my eyes in amazement and let out an exclamation.

“Wow.”

What a fiery guy to become the President of the United States… Maybe America is even more intense than I thought.

President Ha wasn’t done yet.

“Japan! Our Department of Defense has identified serious security threats within the U.S.-Japan alliance! Japan will pay the price! We will double the burden-sharing costs!”

The atmosphere in the bar turned silent as if cold water had been poured over it. Everyone, including the bartender and customers, turned their attention to the TV. Most of them were astonished.

“What did Boss Ha just blurt out?”

“I heard Boss Ha wants to dominate East Asia… Isn’t this insane?”

“Heartily approve! This is what America should be like!”

And President Ha continued.

“There are too many hunters crowded in such a small land in South Korea! We will invite South Korean hunters to come to America! America will be safer from damn monsters and dungeons!”

There are indeed quite a lot of hunters in Korea. I sipped my beer calmly.

“Rocketman! Listen up! Your amateurish provocations won’t work! Dangerous and precarious peace is unnecessary! For the sake of Northeast Asia’s peace, I’m ready for war! Rocketman! Stay locked up in your kingdom like you always do!”

“…”

Even my relaxed expression turned serious.

President Ha wasn’t just crazy—he seemed completely unhinged, like his brain had gone haywire. He then talked about taxes and workers’ wages.

“Starting next year, we’ll reduce taxes by 0.5% and increase the minimum wage by 5%! These policies are prepared for the American people!”

After spewing out his agenda, President Ha turned around and disappeared.

Voices erupted from all corners of the previously quiet bar.

“What the hell is that lunatic?”

“He’s just talking big, right?”

“Who the heck voted for that idiot?”


“Hey, you’re the one who elected him, idiot.”

I took a swig of my drink.

‘You fools chose your own president. Good luck dealing with that mess.’

The words bubbled up to the tip of my tongue but I swallowed them back. Pulling aggro never ends well. Right now, I need to focus on the blonde bombshell sitting next to me.

“Haha, America truly is amazing.”

“…So you’re not American, huh?”

The blonde beauty sighed in response. She picked up her beer and chugged it down.

“Just because I’m in America doesn’t mean I have to be American, right?”

“That…is correct. So where are you from?”

“I’m American.”

“…”

The blue-eyed blonde gave me a piercing glare. I handed her a Sex on the Beach with a smile.

Let’s do introductions again. I’m Kyle. And you are…?”

“…Sophia Mayverse.”

“Sophia. Hmm. Nice name.”

“I’ll enjoy the cocktail, but don’t get any ideas. Getting involved with me will bring you nothing but trouble.”

“You seem to have some baggage. Let me help you.”

“…Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Do you hit on every woman like this?”

“I take responsibility for my words. And no, I don’t hit on just any woman. To be honest…Sophia, you intrigue me.”

“You just want to sleep with me, right?”

“A night of sweet dreams…sometimes that’s all we need. By the way, are you married?”

“I was, half a year ago. I had a kid too, but lost custody…I’m not as charming as you think. I’m in my mid-30s and have a terrible temper.”

My eyes widened.

‘Mid-30s?’

Unbelievable. She looked like she was in her mid-20s without heavy makeup.

‘…Naturally young-looking divorcee. Hmmm, interesting.’

Sophia finished her cocktail in one go. Her cheeks turned slightly red. Her gaze shifted toward me, softer than before. The pheromone perfume was kicking in.

“Sometimes you just want to forget everything, right? Let’s enjoy tonight and forget.”

“Hah. Your straightforwardness is almost refreshing. You must be new in town…”

“I’m here for the first time.”

“…Do you have a smartphone?”

“The latest model. Want to see?”

“Look up my name online.”

“Are you a celebrity?”

“…”

No response.

With a pounding heart, I searched her name online.

Sophia Mayverse.

She wasn’t an actress but a journalist. The kind who exposed Governor Booshi’s corruption when he was still a Virginia senator. I skimmed through the articles.

“You’re a righteous journalist.”

“…”

“Is this sarcasm?”

“No. I respect what you’ve done. Writing such stories isn’t easy. So Governor Booshi really took money from cults and covered for them?”

“I pursue the truth. But people often refuse to accept the truth. You don’t believe me, do you?”

“I believe you. He also took bribes from companies…and used his influence to free his cousin who caused a traffic accident.”

“There are more unreported scandals.”

“With so many scandals, how did he become president?”

“Your question proves you’re not American.”

“Ah, sorry for lying earlier.”

“It’s fine. Did you know about the China incident?”

“You mean the large-scale dungeon break event in China? Who doesn’t know about that?”


“Well, I’m sure you’ve already guessed.”

“But what does that have to do with anything?”

“At that time, America didn’t help China. The representatives led by Boshi strongly opposed aiding China, and public opinion was on their side too.”

“Hmm. The image of the Chinese wasn’t good anyway. So you gained popularity by being hostile towards China, huh?”

“Also, they did an excellent job managing their external image. To the point where my articles had no impact at all. This part is a bit strange… sigh. Anyway, now you understand why I shouldn’t be involved with you, right?”

“So what’s the problem with that?”

“Boshi is watching me. They’re monitoring me so I can’t do anything. My friend lost their job because of me, my parents’ company suddenly started wobbling, and I… lost my family.”

“Haha. Sounds like something out of a movie. Would you like another Sex on the Beach?”

“…Are you joking around?”

Sophia’s voice changed. It was as if she was suppressing something bubbling up inside her. She glared at someone, and my eyes followed her gaze. The bartender, who was drying wine glasses, raised his eyebrows. He placed a beer in front of me.

“…I didn’t order any beer.”

“It’s a gift from me to you.”

The bartender leaned forward. He revealed his imposing presence while looking down at me. An oppressive mana emanated from him, sweeping through the area.

‘…C Rank maybe.’

It wasn’t just the bartender. I could feel gazes coming from all over. Judging by the sensations, they weren’t on the bartender’s level. Just F to E rank nobodies.

“Let me warn you. If you want to live long, it’s best to manage your connections carefully. You seem especially dumb, so I’ll say it again: don’t act like a horny bastard and just drink your piss-like Chinate beer and get lost.”

As I shut my mouth, the bartender smirked and retracted his aura. He gestured for me to drink the beer.

I grabbed the beer mug and slammed it onto his head.

Clang!

The mug shattered, and yellow beer soaked the bartender’s head.

Before the bartender could channel his mana, I grabbed the back of his head and slammed him onto the bar.

‘Lightning.’

Zzzziiiiipppp!

Thousands of bright blue electric currents surged from my right hand, electrocuting the bartender. Stopping his heart wasn’t enough for me. I decided to fry his brain until it melted into goo.

“Shit! It’s Michael! Unexpected situation! Requesting backup! The bartender went down instantly! The opponent has at least A Rank Electrokinesis! Backup needed!”

“Kyyyyyaaaaaah!”

“Bang! Special bullets can take down even an A Rank! Fire your guns!”

Heavenly Lightning Flow Electromagnetic Curtain.

The metal bullets aimed at me froze the moment they touched the electromagnetic curtain. I waved my hand. The metal bullets reversed 180 degrees and flew back.

“Aaaaahhhhhh!”

The men holding the guns screamed. I originally planned to kill them, but since it was my first time, the power was weak. As I moved closer to finish them off, Sophia grabbed my arm.

“That’s enough! We need to run now!”

I hesitated for a moment before deciding to follow her advice.

“Where to?”

“Through the back door!”

Sophia ran ahead. I trailed behind her while spreading my senses in all directions. No danger was detected.

Before reaching the back door, she grabbed car keys from a coat hanging on the wall. Once outside, she sprinted toward a black sedan. She took the driver’s seat while I sat in the passenger seat. She started the engine and slammed the accelerator with all her might. She turned out to be surprisingly bold and fiery.

“You came from Bluecad, right? Even so, that was way too rough.”

“Bluecad? What’s that?”

“…You’re not from Bluecad?”

“Nope.”

“……”