Chapter 231

〈 Chapter 231 〉 Part 1, Chapter 11, Section 1

It had been two weeks since Phoenix’s <6 Mint Big Ben Terror>.

The world couldn’t help but worry about the existence of SS-Rank Villain <Penril>, who lured out Phoenix. Especially, the British royal family was thrown into an uproar.

-A black cat that escaped from the palace transformed into a monster.

-Is it true that the black cat is <Lady Catseye>?

-Is Britain also hiding an SS-Rank villain like South Korea?

Public opinion plunged into suspicion and confusion beyond mere likes or dislikes for mint chocolate. Especially, suspicions arose regarding the Round Table which had been acting suspiciously ever since China.

-Aren’t the Round Table gathered in Korea to counter Phoenix?

-What’s the relationship between Blue Youth and Phoenix? The rumor that they’re partners seems credible…

-So, the Round Table and Phoenix are working together? Dang, a villain and everything!

Fake news ran rampant as public sentiment worsened. Calls for boycotting both the Round Table and Phoenix were accompanied by growing doubts about the very existence of the Round Table itself.

On July 30th, 2020, Sir Gawein, the leader of the Round Table, declared at Camelot Castle before the public:

“We will hold a Round Table conference.”

Under Gawein’s summons, all members of the Round Table were announced to gather in one grand spectacle.

“The location is Seoul, Yeouido.”

Gawein attempted a direct approach to address all suspicions.

“It’s the 63 Building.”

***

<July 17th, 8:30 AM, Yeouido Blue Wind Sect Penthouse>

The Blue Wind Sect was busier than ever. From regular members to officers, everyone bustled around tirelessly carrying loads off trailers.

“Hey! Hold on! You’re not supposed to go that way!”

At Phantom Cheon Gaeul’s shout, masked monsters set down furniture onto the floor. The monsters, turned into Durahan by Phoenix’s <Blue Feather>, awkwardly stood before Gaeul.

Cha-chak, chak.

One monster signaled its intent through sign language. Gaeul snorted derisively and smacked something against the monster’s helmet.

“Who do you think you’re messing with? Don’t get cocky just because you got issued gear.”

Black bracelets hung heavily on the monsters’ wrists. The monster that got hit on the head with the tentacle pressed its magic gear.

Weeeeng.

Below the helmet visor, a holographic human head glowed blue. Unable to reach the next level yet, these blue monsters could only speak through their magic gear’s hologram.

[Yu Sung’s beds were ordered to be placed in hotels within Yeouido.]

“So… why are Yu Sung’s beds being placed in hotels? Do you want people to hurt their backs?”

“Gaeul-dnim, excuse me for a moment.”

Yu I-shin approached quickly, linking arms with Gaeul and subtly moving to a less crowded spot.

“What is it?”

“Yesterday, the Sect Leader gave an urgent order. Due to unexpectedly high demand for those coming up to Seoul, Yu Sung’s items will temporarily be placed in Yeouido…”

“Huh? I didn’t hear anything about this.”

“It was directed only to priority gear recipients…”

I-shin alternately pointed at her own wrist and Gaeul’s. I-shin wore a standard-issue magic gear while Gaeul still had a smartwatch.

“…Sorry.”

Realizing the truth, Gaeul bowed her head to the monster she’d hit earlier. The monster’s holographic eyes widened in surprise.

“No, it was a situation where anyone could have misunderstood.”

The monster readily accepted Gaeul’s apology. Feeling apologetic, Gaeul thought about giving away a core or two but froze when she recognized the monster’s face.

“Didn’t we meet somewhere before?”

[…Perhaps in New Seoul? And wasn’t I once a registered hero in the association?]

“…Oh really? Alright then. Go finish your work.”

After bowing politely, Gaeul left. I-shin cautiously followed behind.

“Um, Gaeul…nim?”

“What?”

“….Don’t you remember him at all?”

“Are you kidding me? That’s the guy I fought at the National Assembly.”

“…..<Iron Pine> Park Seong-tae. He was the leader of the Pine Tree Squad back then.”

Gaeul sighed in relief that her memory hadn’t failed her. To avoid any potential awkwardness in their complicated history, she acted as if her memory was vague and excused herself.

“Thinking about it, you’re the one who stabbed me through the heart.”

“Yes, and thanks to you, I got my head cut off by the Sect Leader and became a monster.”

I-shin joked while tracing his neck. Despite their first meeting being between killer and victim—essentially sworn enemies—they grew close living together in Seoul, able to joke about their past conflicts.

“Is it because he’s a monster?”

“They don’t seem to make rational judgments, do they. Everyone.”

“Well, considering he’s directly under some villain commander, it makes sense.”

“But aren’t you a little different, Gaeul-nim? After all, you’re the Sect Leader’s ninth wife-”

“Do you wanna die?”

Gaeul silenced I-shin with a tentacle. I-shin skillfully drew a dagger from inside his thigh and cut the tentacle invading his throat.

“Mmmph…gulp…haaa, S-Rank indeed. Your tentacles keep getting tastier.”

“Ugh, I really hate this. You used to throw tantrums every time I said no.”

“Getting used to it helps. Or, Gaeul-nim, how about we have an affair using tentacles…?”

“Shut up. You’re just trying to turn the officers to your side again, right? Are you planning a rebellion by gathering people?”

“…Well, a rebellion might be too much. I know my limits.”

Licking the mucus off his lips, I-shin tapped his standard-issue magic gear to bring up the screen.

“Since we’ve had our snack, Gaeul-nim, shall we move along? Would you like to walk to the conference room?”

“I’d like coffee on the way…ugh.”

Gaeul scowled at a blonde woman leaning casually outside the only café on the way to the conference room. The blonde, half-covered by dark sunglasses, looked at Gaeul and-

“Tsk.”

Spit gum on the ground. Shocked, Gaeul rushed toward Yun Yuhwa.

“What is your problem?”

“I spat gum on the street. So what? Anyway…oh, I see. Why so cranky this morning? Is Number 9 having her period?”

“Are you trying to die? Do you want to become a monster?”

“Number Seven doesn’t want to become a monster. Besides, my ex-husband has no intention of doing so, so it’s useless.”

“Do you even know if he’s your ex-husband or ex-wife?”

“I’ll consider him my ex-husband. Unless Number Nine wants to consider herself my ex-wife? Maybe you’re a lesbian?”

“…I shouldn’t say anything. Bring out your true form. Who sent such an idiot to Seoul? You’re making people irritated.”

While bickering, Gaeul and Yuhwa ordered coffee. Padre Juan’s owner Huan immediately handed Gaeul an iced caramel macchiato upon seeing her.

“Calm down, Actress Chun. And building owner, don’t overstimulate her.”

“Tch. Alright.”

“Why do you follow the boss’s words so obediently?”

“He’s the world’s best barista.”

Despite her twisted mood, Gaeul accepted the coffee. Though practically free, Huan’s skills as the world’s best barista acknowledged by Yuhwa weren’t exaggerated.

“Much better than Yuhabucks. Sorry for comparing it.”

“…”

Huan avoided answering. His face clearly showed his inner thoughts while Yuhabucks’ owner glared daggers at him from afar.

“…Hmph, I’ll make him the world’s best eventually, so don’t worry.”

“Will you be running around recklessly during the conference too?”

“No? At that time, I’ll need my true body to directly control this one. This is only 1/7th of me.”

“…I don’t understand what special ability users talk about at all. Still, it’s quite thoughtful of them to provide such a magnificent building in Yeouido for free.”

Huan handed I-shin an iced tea and gestured toward the conference hall.

“Isn’t it time to go? Look, others are already running.”

In the direction Huan pointed, a bald man in a suit sprinted down Assembly Street.

“A A-Rank core for being late!”

Rock Monster Jo Deokbae proudly displayed the black bracelet on his wrist as he entered the conference building. The three women leisurely sipped their coffees and walked slowly.

“Just pay one and be done with it.”

“There’s still plenty of time. Hmph.”

“…Isn’t the concept of lateness penalty meaningless?”

I-shin anxiously checked the time on his magic gear.

8:55 AM.

Five minutes before the Blue Wind Sect’s morning meeting began.

***

As the three officers strolled leisurely through the entrance,

Phoenix, the Sect Leader of the Blue Wind Sect, spun a realistic plastic model gun in her hand, passing the time.

“What wind blew you here with a gun again? Planning to drill holes in the heads of those sleeping during meetings?”

“You’re mocking me again. How about I put a hole in your head?”

“Is this everyday occurrence? Isn’t it about time you changed your threats?”

Deokbae chuckled as he teased Phoenix. Setting the model gun on the table, Phoenix rose from her chair and sneered at Deokbae.

“In that case, let’s adjust the threat to suit you best.”

“What is it?”

“Hydra is fourth priority.”

“Yah, you #$%&!!”

Deokbae pounded his chest in anger. Seeing Deokbae’s genuine rage after so long, Phoenix’s gloomy mood seemed to lift slightly as her lips curled upward.

“Why? Shouldn’t Hydra be second priority instead of falling to fourth?”

“Because I bullied Hydra too much that day. Shouldn’t I give them time to heal their wounds?”

“Ugh, I shouldn’t say anything. Fine. Anyway, it’s all about durability and such. If we don’t catch the officers soon, the world will end. Am I in a hurry? No, you are.”

Struck by Deokbae’s words, Phoenix fell silent. Though Deokbae often talked about durability, Phoenix was the one with the fire under her feet.

“That’s why, why did you leave me behind that day? Come on, didn’t I wake up the dragon? Seriously?”

“Now you’re identifying yourself as a dragon?”

“Whatever. Just take me along next time. Come on, didn’t I help a lot when we went to China? Right?”

“…How unfortunate that you ended up as today’s escort. It’s so annoying.”

Phoenix shook her head in distaste. As she opened the door and exited the room, her pace quickened while Deokbae hurriedly followed, chatting nonstop.

“That’s why, why do you keep causing trouble alone? Remember what happened the day you visited Daejeon to greet Light Blade?”

“…Seriously, how many times do I have to tell you? I didn’t expect something like that would happen!”

Phoenix grabbed the doorknob and turned around. Her face looked like she was about to burst into tears from injustice.

“How could anyone predict you’d show up on the first day like that? Did I know Penril woke up early and infiltrated the British royal family? Could I have known Azidahaka and Hydra would wake up and start fighting among themselves? Hey?! One wakes up to find it’s 2020, another spends 20 years stockpiling cubes! How was I supposed to know, dammit!”

“Wow, someone’s on fire. Keep going. It’s entertaining. More flames, please. Not a bother at all.”

Instead of calming Phoenix down, Deokbae poured oil on the fire. But perhaps because Deokbae’s teasing reached its limit, Phoenix, who had been spewing profanities, suddenly calmed down.

“Huff, huff. That’s right. Whose fault is this anyway? Ugh, I’m letting it slide because I’m nice, that’s all.”

“That’s probably your fault.”

“Shut up. Do you know who I’m talking about?”

Phoenix waved her hand to cut off Deokbae’s continuing remarks.

“Phew. My life. How did I end up exposing everything that day?”

“My intuition tells me you still have plenty of secrets.”

“Are you seriously unable to stop picking fights? Be quiet. Do you know how much I suffered because of you that day?”

“Hey.”

Deokbae shrugged and grinned mischievously.

“Then why did you explain everything to me like that, huh?”

“…Damn.”

Phoenix wanted to erase Deokbae. But Deokbae’s position had risen far beyond what Phoenix dared to touch.

“Mutual destruction…”

“What, gonna rat me out? To whom? Number 9? Number 13? Number 7? Or maybe the one you’ve been desperately searching for, Number 1?”

“Mr. Jo Deokbae.”

Phoenix recited the magical incantation to silence Deokbae.

“Actually, you’re Number 17.”

“……Uuuuuuuugh!!”

Deokbae, finding the thought repulsive, clutched a flowerpot and vomited.

“…Even though it’s all lies, reacting so strongly…”

“Uuuph, phewwwk, uugh.”

Phoenix snapped her fingers to erase what Deokbae threw up and looked down at him with complicated emotions.

“Why did I turn you into a monster?”

Phoenix recalled the memories of returning to Seoul after the Mint Chocolate terror incident.