Chapter 238

〈Chapter 238〉 Part 1, Chapter 11, Section 8

“Hear the story first before making a judgment. Let’s see why such deeds were committed.”

Before I could say what I wanted, I wanted to hear Eun Yuha’s explanation first.

“Alright. We wouldn’t want you, esteemed customer, getting unnecessarily mad, now would we?”

Eun Yuha then willingly explained the reasons behind mediating between me and the association—reasons that might even result in us becoming sworn enemies.

“What I’m saying is this: Why must I watch these two companies I heavily invested in bash each other?”

Eun Yuha judged us from an extremely entrepreneurial standpoint.

“After the Great Monster Era, do you know how much funding Yu-Sung has poured into the association annually? Whenever there was profit, nearly 90% went straight into core industries and hero cultivation.”

“How much?”

“About 500 trillion? Through years of relentless investment and reinvestment, thanks to Yu-Sung Group’s efforts, our nation’s core industry remains competitive even after the Pyongyang incident.”

“…The funds injected into Blue Wind Sect over three months probably amount to several trillion won, right?”

“Yes. But who knows? Perhaps the potential of Blue Wind Sect or your organization could surpass that.”

“That’s true.”

I didn’t particularly disagree with Eun Yuha’s evaluation of Blue Wind Sect.

“Therefore, I can’t just sit by and watch your organization clash with the association. Not only would it destroy Seoul’s painstakingly restored infrastructure, but it would also delay the <Yuhwa City Project>, which I cannot allow.”

“…Is that your main objective?”

“It’s sort of a bonus. If you keep bickering and fighting, I’ll be the one losing out. Do you think I’d just stand by and take that loss? Never!”

“So you persuaded Baek Hee-a.”

I was dumbfounded by the mischievous alliance between the two heroines.

“Baek Hee-a approached me with her own separate plan.”

“Baek Hee-a did?”

“Yes.”

Eun Yuha briefly relayed to me the story of how Baek Hee-a had come seeking him—Eun Jae-min.

“After much thought, she realized that an all-out war against Blue Wind Sect would cause immense national losses. So, she decided on the most plausible carrot to lure them in.”

“The Special Pardon, right?”

“Yes. Everyone will initially serve a five-year, five-month probation period. Know why it’s specifically five years and five months?”

“To match the end-of-the-world day. Tch.”

Since I proposed a joint fight to prevent the world’s end, Baek Hee-a obviously tailored the timing accordingly.

“During the probation period, we’ll turn a blind eye, but if any crimes are committed during this time, they’ll face real imprisonment.”

“Whether we have the power to bind criminals or not, this sets a minimal ‘line’.”

“…Blue Wind Sect members can’t live as criminals forever. However…”

I pulled out the criminal record list handed to me by Baek Hee-a.

“In my case, there’s a murder conviction, and some others under me have similar records. Despite Blue Wind Sect’s great contributions, letting murderers roam freely poses significant issues, right?”

“Therefore, a ‘Special Inspector’ will be assigned to Blue Wind Sect.”

“…Who?”

“Hmm, well, who do you think would be best? I was thinking of <Unsah>.”

“…”

Park Ra-on would indeed be the perfect candidate for the title of Special Inspector.

But there’s a big problem with the plan orchestrated by Baek Hee-a and Eun Yuha.

“Do you really think I’d follow this?”

“That’s why I’m currently asking you, esteemed customer, to please consider my proposal.”

“…What if I suddenly turn around and harm you?”

“I’ve prepared for that possibility.”

Eun Yuha showed no hesitation against me.

“No matter what happens, we must avoid bloodshed. What would happen if the association rejects your proposal for a joint fight? There would be no heroes left in this country, only monsters everywhere.”

“That’s true.”

“You’re now facing the entire world as your enemy. It’s possible even the Round Table could become adversaries, at least half of them.”

“That’s correct… Then are you planning to face the entire world as well?”

Eun Yuha’s thoughts likely reflect Baek Hee-a’s. Pressing my throbbing head, I spread out a world map.

“I play the role of a villain here because I aim to protect this country from becoming the world’s target. If things go awry, I can cut my losses.”

“And we’re helping to ensure that doesn’t happen.”

“By turning Blue Wind Sect into the government’s lapdog?”

“Dear customer, why so prickly? Honestly speaking?”

Eun Yuha pointed to his neck.

“You’re not someone who can be restrained like Guangjian with a leash, nor someone who stays caged. You break out of cages.”

“If you know that, why try to cage me?”

“We’ll guarantee maximum freedom. Blue Wind Sect will merely affiliate with the association as a Hunter Guild. Nothing changes except their official recognition.”

“…Seems like there’s quite a difference in our perspectives.”

My heart burned with frustration.

“Can you handle the possibility of the entire world becoming your enemy? That’s not something easily accepted. Once tied to the state, running away isn’t as simple as fleeing with your body.”

“Are you referring to something that will happen in the future?”

“…Yes. Speaking from the perspective of someone who’s already made the entire world their enemy.”

A full seventeen times. But Eun Yuha’s resolve seemed firm.

“Both Baek Hee-a and I desire our nation to rise. We’ve already been battling the world. All we lacked was the ‘power of special abilities.'”

“You intend to fill that gap with Blue Wind Sect.”

“Yes.”

“…”

I quenched my parched throat with the strawberryade placed before me.

If this were the older versions of Eun Yuha and Baek Hee-a, they wouldn’t dare execute such a reckless operation. But perhaps due to being five years younger, their actions were incredibly aggressive.

“I don’t understand the merit of bringing Blue Wind Sect to the forefront.”

“That’s because public opinion differs greatly from the past.”

“…Public opinion?”

“Yes. This isn’t fabricated propaganda but genuine public sentiment.”

Eun Yuha smiled broadly, as if revealing his trump card.

“If the entire populace wishes for <Phoenix> to become the nation’s hero, what would you do?”

“Lies. A gamble like this… never.”

I couldn’t help but scoff at the statistics Eun Yuha presented.

* * *

– Foreigners are trying to naturalize the villain <Phoenix> into their countries.

On July 2nd, following the Six Mint terror attack, rumors began quietly circulating in Korea.

Initially dismissed as mere hearsay, the intentions of foreigners entering the country clearly pointed towards “ascending to Seoul.”

At first, people suspected they were targeting Beast Tamer Cheongnyeon, but opinions shifted.

-Isn’t the real target <Phoenix>?

It wasn’t uncommon for nations to poach villains estranged from their homelands. Especially since Seon Icheol started leaning towards nationalism, many ability users dissatisfied with him fled abroad.

Phoenix was undoubtedly a criminal. In Korea, a major offender. Globally, more of a mischievous troublemaker.

For instance, blocking Chinese heroes attempting to invade Pyongyang at the Yalu River.

Or casually flying across China during the <Good Morning Terror>.

Or using bizarre methods to draw Aggro from another villain akin to Phoenix during the <Six Mint Big Ben Terror>, leading to a duel.

To foreigners, Phoenix was undeniably a tantalizing talent despite being seen as an occupying villain in Seoul.

An ability user who had already defeated World-Class Hero Seok Harang.

Some extremists were willing to sell their entire country just to recruit an SS-Ranked World-Class hero.

Moreover, opinions about Phoenix’s contradictory behavior began diverging within Korea itself.

-Isn’t he just a weirdo who dislikes Seon Icheol and runs around Seoul with villains?

n Seon Icheol fell immediately after showing interest in New Seoul; that’s proof.

n Nonsense,,, Isn’t he trying to monopolize the prime land of Seoul…?

-Isn’t it true that those he killed were civilians massacring others in Seoul? They deserved it.

n Then who killed Guangjian?

n That’s a real mystery… Was there bad blood between Seol Hwaryeong and Guangjian? The master died, yet Guangjian lives. Is there something we don’t know? Honestly, Guangjian was practically Seon Icheol’s lackey.

n Don’t insult Guangjian. For nearly twenty years, he was a devoted hero to this country.

-Still, hasn’t Seoul almost been restored since his arrival…?

n I’m a resident who abandoned 103 buildings in Seoul for New Seoul. Every morning, I bow nine times toward Architect sir to start my day.

n Ah, you’re living among Seoul refugees…

n Regardless of his crazy nature, it seems certain he’s trying to revive Seoul. dud

People had differing interests, and thus their judgments of Phoenix and Blue Wind Sect varied. These differences became starkly evident through one particular public opinion poll.

-Do you agree with the opinion that the villain <Phoenix> should be expelled to a foreign country?

The masses clearly expressed their diverse opinions.

Those insisting on expulsion purely because he’s a criminal.

Those arguing he should receive punishment but opposing expulsion.

Others recognizing his contribution to Seoul’s restoration while disliking his crimes, suggesting he shouldn’t be exiled.

And those advocating actively embracing him, encouraging him to settle down here.

When the news of Guangjian’s death coincided with the rise of Cheongnyeon, public opinion leaned heavily towards expelling Phoenix. However, over time, sentiments gradually shifted towards supporting him.

Mint Chocolate.

All because of this polarizing dessert.

***

“Cheongnyeon visited New Seoul without warning, bought a lot of mint chocolate, and returned to Seoul. Then <Phoenix> suddenly appeared in England with boxes filled with mint chocolate, staging a protest claiming he hated mint chocolate. What do people think?”

“…Could they possibly believe Cheongnyeon gifted it to Phoenix?”

“Yes. There was already a subtle suspicion among people that the two shared some kind of relationship. The 6Mint incident solidified that suspicion.”

“Really? How could they equate those incidents?”

“If someone who supposedly hates mint chocolate flew all the way to England to burn it, logically, they must have received it as a gift. And who else in New Seoul could have wrapped gifts and headed to Seoul?”

“…Cheong.”

Eun Yuha nodded at my statement. His mouth was dry with tension, and he hadn’t touched his beloved coffee.

“So, people started to suspect. Could Cheongnyeon and Phoenix actually be a pair? When you were spotted confronting Ha-rang in Gwanak, the suspicions turned into certainty.”

“Technically true since we’re the same person. Ugh.”

I never imagined my plan to create a global mint chocolate craze to divert Fenril’s Aggro would backfire like this.

“So, this is the shift in public opinion over the past two weeks.”

Do you think the SS Ability User <Phoenix> should be expelled to a foreign country?

“To summarize, 3 in favor, 7 against. More than half fear sending you abroad.”

“Which includes you and Baek Hee-a, I assume.”

Eun Yuha flinched slightly. As his original form, disconnected from other puppets, he was visibly nervous while addressing me directly.

“Aren’t you scared I might really leave for another country?”

“…Customer, I’ve lived fearlessly until now.”

Despite trembling voice, Eun Yuha steadied his breathing and continued.

“But what scares me the most right now…do you know what it is?”

“That you’re afraid I’ll establish roots elsewhere, rendering all your earnings over the past two months worthless.”

“…Yes.”

He truly worried I might escape. Baek Hee-a, though having different motives, likely aimed for the same ultimate goal: confining me within Korea’s cage through extreme measures.

“Customer, no matter how much you dislike it, heroes are still heroes. You defeat them, right? People will start fearing you. They’ll fear the bloody sword you wield more than the sweet honey you offer. Some might even wish you’d leave the country. Once public opinion escalates, I won’t be able to control it. It’ll reach a point where capital alone can’t suppress it.”

“…Enough about that. What’s your true intention?”

I pressed for Eun Yuha’s real feelings.

“I…I…”

Eun Yuha answered with a trembling voice, tears welling up.

“I don’t want you to stop being my ‘customer’… Do you understand how terrifying it is to have you turn into an enemy…?”

“Hmph.”

When did Eun Yuha start fearing me?

“Because of the Cube.”

“Yes…”

The Core Fragment of the Otherworldly Spirit—an item of incalculable value beyond monetary terms—had shaken Eun Yuha’s usually cool judgment.

“…I’ll have the Cube you entrusted to Hikari recovered.”

“Wait!”

Eun Yuha leapt from his seat, grabbing my arm and sitting beside me.

“Please, don’t leave. Stay with me till the end, alright? I’m begging you…”

Eun Yuha clung to me desperately. Persuaded physically as well, I sighed deeply, patting his trembling back.

“Fine, fine. I’m not going anywhere.”

“Really? Will you continue doing business with me?”

“Yeah, sure. Why would I trade with anyone else when you’re the best money-maker in the world?”

“…Hihit.”

Eun Yuha chuckled, rubbing his face against my arm. A faint dampness seeped into my clothes.

“…You’re risking your life like this because you judged yourself capable of handling it, right? Eun Yuha, can I trust you with Blue Wind Sect?”

“…Yes. I’ll stake my entire fortune to ensure no harm comes to you, Customer.”

Eun Yuha staked his entire fortune.

What promise could be heavier than that? Suddenly feeling renewed respect, I hugged his waist and patted his back.

‘Never heard anything about staking his entire fortune when I took the Eun Yuha route.’

Perhaps because he’s younger in this version, it feels somewhat different.

***

Thirty minutes later, I returned to the penthouse.

“…Did everything go well with Chairman?”

“Yeah. I’ll accept it.”

“…Phoenix Sir.”

Baek Hee-a stood up, kneeling to bow deeply.

“Thank you very much. On behalf of this country, I am truly, truly grateful.”

“…Not sure if this merits such gratitude.”

“Phoenix Sir doesn’t realize because you don’t know.”

Standing again, Baek Hee-a grinned widely.

“How much suffering people endured due to national wealth leakage.”

“Are villains considered national wealth?”

“Come on, aren’t you Korean? That’s settled then.”

“I’m a spirit, remember?”

“Still, thank you for choosing Korean nationality among countless nations. Though I’m officially your superior, privately I’ll always treat you as my superior.”

“…”

In the late stages of the original work, Baek Hee-a voluntarily demoted herself to helmsman, handing the captain’s position to the protagonist Shin-gwan.

Suddenly finding myself reinstated in that role, I felt oddly unsettled.

“Alright. Count on me for Blue Wind Sect.”

“Yes. Then, let’s sign the agreement we prepared—”

“This is something discussed and finalized with Chairman Eun.”

I tossed the core in my hand onto the sofa.

“Blazing Phoenix Revival!”

“Aaaaah!”

Flames erupted from the core, revealing a man.

“D-Director? Why are you trying to kill me…?”

“Tsk, why would I be the director? Kim Ji-hwa of Lighthouse, Director of Blue Wind Sect. Your bounty’s risen to 5 billion, huh?”

Baek Hee-a’s face paled. Unaware of the agreement’s content, Kim Ji-hwa adjusted his glasses, reading the contract and gaping in shock.

“D-Director. What exactly is going on…?”

“I’ll give you Blue Wind Sect. If you want it that badly, that is. But…”

I repeated to Baek Hee-a the exact words I’d already told Eun Yuha.

“I’m Dark Legion’s officer, <Blazing Phoenix>. Sorry! Not a member of Blue Wind Sect.”

No matter how heroic they may be, no one can confine me within a cage.

“For there is only one person in this world who can bind me.”

Pointing to my chest with my thumb, I grinned widely.

An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.

If you try to trick someone, you deserve a taste of your own medicine.

Though it’s like hiding your eyes and pretending ignorance, what can you do?

“I’m the party involved here. If you’re upset, let’s scrap everything and fight. Shall we turn the entire Korean Peninsula into our battlefield?”

“…”

July 19th.

Blue Wind ‘Sect’ was officially registered as a Hunter Guild under the association.

Director.

<Beacon> Kim Ji-hwa.

“Hohoho.”