Chapter 255

〈 Chapter 255 〉 Part 1, Chapter 12, 1

After the conversation with Illusory Dragon.

I gathered the bachelors for a proper sausage party. Since it was an operation that could cause quite a scandal if seen by others, I excluded heroes and only recruited villains.

“Hey! There’s no way I can’t join something this fun. I’m one of your officers, right? But don’t go squashing me or something like Rasputin or whatever.”

“I hadn’t thought that far, but if you wish, I’ll do as you say.”

“Hey!!”

Jo Deokbae, who said he joined because it seemed fun. (1/99)

“The Blue Wind Sect is officially a Hunter Guild, but the ‘Blue Feathers’ created by our Sect Master are not part of the Blue Wind Sect. Since they were born as villains, I believe they are the optimal factor for such a situation.”

“Let’s allow anything that doesn’t harm people.”

“Yes. We don’t want unnecessary headaches from killing them unnecessarily. It would be better to recover those who die causing chaos.”

Nine Blue Feathers still treated like slaves and haven’t regained their minds. (10/99). These feathers A, B, C without even ranks or nicknames will be used appropriately where needed.

“Am I going too?”

“You look like a villain to anyone, so yes.”

The A-rank monster Western Sea Weapon, who completed guarding Yeongjong Island, has finally reached the time to shine in my operation. Western Sea Weapon will be the leader moving the Blue Feathers.

With Western Sea Weapon, we’re at 11 members. (11/99).

“That’s all from the Blue Wind Sect.”

“Are we not mobilized? This is gender discrimination!”

“If you want to get impaled by Rasputin, feel free. But if you submit and become the enemy, I won’t resurrect you. I’ll make you into a monster later and let you get impaled to your heart’s content.”

“Excuse us. We will guard Seoul then. Please forgive us….”

Gongsung expressed interest but withdrew voluntarily. Other ability users are preparing for their trip to India and cannot be mobilized further.

“I will assist from the side.”

Baek Cheongyoung (12/99), the original planner of the first operation, volunteered to participate in the operation. Everyone disliked him for the crazy idea of cutting off Rasputin’s penis and making him a monster, but someone desperately thanked him.

“Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

“Not at all. I move for my own benefit too.”

The protagonist of the operation, Light Blade Heo Yoon-hwan (13/99), bowed deeply several times to Baek Cheongyoung, the operation planner. For the ex-hero, Baek Cheongyoung’s strategy was unimaginable and to him, he was no different from Prometheus who gave fire to human civilization.

“Phoenix Sir, how about mobilizing the Illusory Dragon Group too? They’re all men anyway.”

“Their faces should be covered, though…”

“For a spy organization, their faces are fine. What’s worrying is their magic power pattern.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. All monsters have altered patterns when I or Illusion Dragon increase fire or illusion attributes by 10,000.”

“Oh ho. Then there shouldn’t be much of a problem with the Association’s radar.”

All former Illusory Dragon Group members were mobilized. Baek Cheongyoung selected elite troops suitable for infiltration, excluding those necessary for organizational management, core production, and information control.

Thus, 11 more Illusory Dragon Group members joined (24/99).

“I’ll go too. I’ve heard Novosibirsk is pretty vast; I’d like to see it myself.”

Emperor Shi (25/99), a monster resembling Black Scorpion just like Western Sea Weapon, expressed his intention to participate. Together with Western Sea Weapon, they looked like top-ranking high-ranking villains from some tokusatsu series.

“As the overall commander of the operation, I’ll be joining too. If things go wrong, I’ll appear in monster form, but I won’t directly confront Rasputin.”

“That’s obvious. If Phoenix Sir gets beaten up by Rasputin, aren’t we all doomed?”

Getting beaten up.

This was slang understood among the participants of this operation. The nuance alone was enough for everyone to understand, so there was no need for explanation. The only issue was that the subject of “getting beaten up” might refer not just to failure but also to Blazing Phoenix.

Jo Deokbae, Western Sea Weapon, Light Blade, Baek Cheongyoung, Emperor Shi.

A special commando team composed of 5 named individuals and 20 subordinates had overwhelming power that could overthrow any ordinary nation.

“Then let’s go rescue the princess and show Dark Legion what happens when they mess with us.”

While villains act covertly to kidnap the princess, some heroes have come forward to support, diverting attention.

“Who knew the Executioner could come up with such a plan.”

“It’s all to help you, Light Blade Uncle. You must marry Rusalka at Gwanghwamun now, got it?”

“If I can save Rusalka, I’ll do that much.”

Executioner Baek Hee-a provided the best possible support within her means, selecting the most appropriate lineup for vision disruption.

In other words, <Let’s Get Along>.

To foster harmony between heroes and hunters (former villains), Baek Hee-a devised a strategy.

* * *

<July 20, 2020, 11 PM, Gyeongbu Expressway.>

“Hmm…”

Lee Seung-hyung couldn’t hide his discomfort as he sat uneasily in a minivan speeding along the nighttime Gyeongbu Expressway.

“Uh, viewers? Do any of you know where I’m heading?”

Seung-hyung found it awkward to deliver his long-absent broadcasting lines, but he explained the situation for the viewers who would meet through his smartwatch live stream.

“So, where am I now? I was suddenly called out of bed for what they said was an ad shoot. Yeah, it was by order of Executioner Baek Hee-a…”

Seung-hyung pointed to the blindfold over his eyes.

“They suddenly put this on me and shoved me into the car. So, I don’t even know where I’m going. Yeah, S-rank ability users have to follow Executioner orders. Haha…”

Would the viewers watching this video think Seung-hyung was being teased, or would they criticize Baek Hee-a for issuing unreasonable orders? Most likely the former, and Seung-hyung received clear instructions via the cameraman to completely embarrass himself.

“In fact, there are a few others here besides me. Uh, well…”

“Kuh-hehng, puh-hoo…”

“……”

Seung-hyung pointed his thumb toward the back seat where snoring sounds were coming from. There, a middle-aged man and an elderly man—Usa and Pungbaek—were reclined in their seats, ignoring the blindfolds and sound asleep.

“…Seniors told me to handle the broadcast while they continue sleeping. And the others…”

Seung-hyung pointed his hand to the two men sitting in front of him. One insisted on wearing a fedora even in the summer heat, and the other was a blond middle-aged man in hanbok—a combination bizarre beyond description.

“…Seoul Mayor Ryu Cheonseong and <Architect>…”

“James Lee.”

The cameraman reminded Seung-hyung of the name he had forgotten. Startled by his blunder, Seung-hyung panicked, but Architect waved his hand casually from behind his seat.

“Don’t worry about it. Honestly, I’ve been called by so many aliases that it feels like my real name anyway. Isn’t that right, Heaven Castle?”

“That, um, that name…”

Architect mentioned Ryu Cheonseong’s old villain alias during his bungling broadcast, leaving Seung-hyung at a loss for words.

“What? Everyone knows it already. Since I’ve been pardoned, there’s no problem. I’m Ryu Cheonseong, <Heaven Castle>. Currently serving temporarily as Seoul mayor.”

“But introducing yourself like this suddenly…”

Seung-hyung felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, unsure of what to do. While Ryu Cheonseong’s bold coming-out caused the comment section to explode, unfortunately for Seung-hyung, the broadcast continued.

“So, Sung, is it really okay to drink alcohol while we’re traveling?”

“This person. I’m on official business. It’s inappropriate to drink alcohol while on overseas trips.”

“Ah, but we can decompose alcohol with magic power… Tsk. You’re so strict.”

“What can I do? Ho ho ho. Official occasions must be maintained. Who would drink a bottle of makgeolli next to someone on official duty?! Uho ho!”

Ryu Cheonseong burst out laughing heartily. His laughter triggered the white-haired old gentleman seated at the very back.

Grinding teeth.

Though seemingly asleep, Pungbaek was grinding his teeth. The makgeolli flask he always carried on his waist remained untouched, its cap tightly closed.

“Um… Mayor Ryu. Aren’t you going to tell us where we’re really headed?”

“If I tell you, would it change anything? Anyway, once we board the plane… Oh, spoiler alert.”

“Plane? Wait, hold on.”

Usa, pretending to sleep, was startled and threw off his blindfold.

“Senior! According to broadcast rules, you must keep the blindfold until we arrive—”

“You shut up! Hey, Heaven Castle! What do you mean by plane?! Wasn’t this supposed to be catching monsters in Gangwon-do or Kaesong?!”

“……”

Ryu Cheonseong avoided eye contact. Then, turning his head, he cleared his throat towards the cameraman and explained to the viewers.

“Our destination is known only to me. Others merely need to prepare their passports, but since I am an official on an overseas trip, I know beforehand. Let me clarify—it’s not special treatment. This overseas trip was formally arranged with the Hero Association, and it’s natural that other heroes don’t know.”

That’s what’s officially known. Seung-hyung marveled at Ryu Cheonseong’s audacity to blatantly lie in front of the camera. The cameraman turned the camera back to Seung-hyung.

“Mr. Seung-hyung, how do you feel now that you’re escorting these four distinguished guests?”

“…Escort? You mean me?”

Seung-hyung stared blankly in disbelief.

“Isn’t it obvious? Look at the seating arrangement.”

Seung-hyung gestured to the seats in front and behind him. Pungbaek and Usa, who had fought valiantly on the hero side during the Seoul Recovery Operation, and Heaven Castle, who had blocked them on Gangnam Boulevard. Although Architect didn’t participate in the frontline battles, the four passengers in the van had been enemies clashing swords just four months ago.

Brrrr.

Seung-hyung’s smartwatch buzzed with an incoming call. Fumbling around, he answered, and on the screen appeared the execution officer wearing a white beret.

“Ah, Officer Baek.”

[Usa, please put the blindfold back on.]

“Yes…”

Usa, who had been scanning outside the tinted windows, obediently put the blindfold back on at the execution officer’s command. Thanks to magic, they could sense the general direction of the vehicle’s movement, but the mention of “plane” was incomprehensible to them.

“Are we heading north, correct?”

[Yes, that’s correct. Now, I have a mission for you. Ah, you’re live, right? Hello, dear citizens. This is Execution Officer Baek Hee-a.]

As the single white lily bloomed amidst a field of sweaty men, peace descended upon the warlike comment section of the live broadcast.

[Many of you may be confused. Showing such a situation without prior notice in a live broadcast. However, I believe our ability users can unite and overcome any difficulties.]

Baek Hee-a placed a hand on her chest and bowed slightly.

[In about 10 minutes, before we reach our destination, the broadcast will pause briefly. There will be an advertisement for Yu-Sung’s new product, so please bear with us. This broadcast is sponsored by Yu-Sung Group. …Haa.]

After delivering formalities in a stiff voice, Baek Hee-a sighed heavily. To change the topic from her minor slip-up, Seung-hyung made a fuss.

“Uh, viewers? Keep tuned in and wait just 10 minutes. I’ll give away ten Yu-Sung’s new products to randomly selected commenters. I don’t know what it is yet, but the mission is… guessing where we’re heading? Mayor, can you give the viewers a hint?”

The camera turned to Ryu Cheonseong. Ryu Cheonseong tipped his fedora to his chest in greeting and spoke gently, pointing to the sky.

“We’re flying to a very nearby place. The weather is cold, but it’s a country full of warmth from its people. Actually, we’re going there to thank a former Round Table hero who lived in this land. …Hoho, does that give you a hint?”

Ryu Cheonseong subtly held up three fingers. The comment section exploded again, and Seung-hyung went pale.

“Uh, uh, by the way, what is this new Yu-Sung product? Is it a TV? Or a laptop?”

“A new smartwatch. Each unit costs 1 billion to manufacture.”

“……”

Seung-hyung covered his face with both hands. With that, the broadcast paused temporarily.

Ten minutes later.

The broadcast resumed at Incheon International Airport.

“Hello! I am Eun Yuhwa, the crown jewel of Yu-Sung Group! Yuk, it’s so dim. We probably need a pretty face on the screen, huh?”

Eun Yuhwa greeted with open arms to welcome the six men. Behind him stood female-type androids dressed as flight attendants bowing politely.

“To that end, we have Xroid to assist you in your journey! From now on, Xroid flight attendants will be helping you when you travel through Incheon. Hehe.”

“……”

The cameraman pushed up his sunglasses that were sliding down. Under the moonlight, his irises and whites of his eyes had swapped colors.

Shortly after.

The private jet provided by Eun Yuhwa sped down the runway at Incheon International Airport and took off towards Russia.