Chapter 307

〈Chapter 307〉 Part 1, Chapter 13, Section 24

When the Blue Wind Sect and the Heroes announced their intention to take down Yasha, many people expressed concern.

Cheongnyeon and Black Flame Dragon were strong. They had fought Water Monkey one-on-one and emerged victorious, but even Black Flame Dragon struggled until transforming into a giant form.

The Executioners and Heroes were also formidable. During the Black Scorpion incident, they fought at the front lines and successfully repelled the Black Scorpions, later earning great acclaim during the Black Scorpion raid.

But could such a small group of less than ten defeat Yasha, known worldwide for his infamy?

– Is this going to end in total annihilation?

Yasha’s reputation was that fearsome. He had already killed S-Rank monsters, so even with the elite squad, worry was unavoidable.

Then all doubts vanished instantly. The Guild broadcast the expedition team’s assault on Yasha live, and viewers were astonished by the seamless coordination of the Heroes.

When Hwakwon pulled back, Pungbaek and Unsah moved in to draw attention, and when they were in danger, suppressive fire redirected Yasha’s focus. The team bombarded Yasha with full strength while persistently targeting his exposed internal organs.

Grrrr…

When Yasha finally collapsed, gasping for breath, the expedition retreated to a safe distance. Viewers who had endured the grotesque spectacle began questioning why the team didn’t finish him off.

– Why not just kill him now? Are they playing around? What if he escapes?

Criticism poured in: Why weren’t they attacking? Were they toying with the monster? But then Mahatma made an unexpected move.

BOOM!!

Yasha, who had been passively taking hits, unleashed magic power, knocking the heroes back and revealing his second form—a dark armored ghostly figure.

Before the transformation completed, the expedition unleashed their full might. Phantom, wielding a golden weapon, was escorted safely to Yasha’s belly, where he plunged a serrated blade deep inside.

That was it.

The relentless targeting of what appeared to be Yasha’s weak point caused him to let out a final roar before perishing.

In under thirty minutes, the battle was over.

Under the excellent command of the Executioner, the expedition team successfully defeated S-Rank monster Yasha.

* * *

<4:00 PM, Baegnaroh Briefing Room>

“Seventeen points out of seventeen, I’ll give fifteen.”

I replayed the footage, pointing out areas for improvement. Though the Heroes, cleansed of grime by my flames, seemed slightly fatigued after the immediate feedback session following the fight.

“First deduction—this was a formation error. You wasted time finding the optimal entry route. Hwakwon, Unsah, right?”

“…Yes.”

“I admit.”

During Phase Two, only after my assistance did they quickly find the best path. Without my help, they would have eventually found it, but there wasn’t time.

“If you let him transform fully, stopping him becomes impossible. Hence, you need to eliminate him beforehand. Quick and decisive action. Unsah, did you see the ‘path’?”

“…I barely saw it. Thanks to you.”

“Good thing.”

Others looked confused, but I saw no need to explain further. When they reach S-Rank someday, they’ll understand. And I’m not oblivious to the glares some are giving me.

Everyone wants to wrap up and rest.

“One last critique before we move on. Here, towards the end, when he flared up.”

Before delivering the final blow, the Heroes clearly hesitated upon hearing Yasha’s roar.

“There was no sonic attack involved; it was merely a delay tactic for transformation. Why attempt a transformation after using a counterattack? If you transform, you’re vulnerable to attacks mid-change.”

Apparently, due to their heroic nature, none of them considered disrupting or halting the transformation.

“Does anyone think attacking during a transformation is dishonorable? Remember, the transformed state could lead to death anyway.”

My sarcastic tone left a couple looking uneasy, but I deflected their complaints with examples.

“Though Garura fell easily, making Phase Two seem trivial, these transformations typically signify stronger versions.”

An example: Sumaryong Mobidick’s Phase Two, Anisakis. Without Seok Harang, Busan would have become a city overrun by parasites.

Dark Demon Dragon Rasputin’s Phase Two, Abyss Dragon and Dimensional Gate. Without Light Blade and Rusalka, Moscow would have been chaos.

“The ideal is defeating them before transformation. For those who drop more cores post-transformation, we’ll handle separately. No need to wait unnecessarily. Understand?”

The Heroes solemnly nodded. While allies growing stronger is welcomed, enemies doing so is insanity—or perversion.

“Still, good job for your first real combat. This bodes well for future missions.”

Time for rewards after the harsh criticism. Their expressions brightened with my closing remarks.

“Question.”

Hwakwon raised her hand. Despite other Heroes’ sour expressions—even the Executioner who hadn’t participated in the fight—she pressed on regardless of the disapproving glances.

“What should we do about foreign Heroes who charge recklessly during counterattacks?”

“Is that really necessary to know now? Desperately important? Will you die without knowing?”

“Yes. Fortunately, no one died this time, but accidents can happen.”

“That’s true.”

Had Yasha’s counterattack been lethal instead of a setup for transformation, casualties would have been inevitable.

“Alright, I’ll answer.”

I clapped my hands and pointed outside the briefing room.

“Hwakwon excluded, everyone else is dismissed. Go rest in your rooms.”

“Understood.”

“Then I’ll leave first. Good work.”

Gongsung and Phantom stood up and exited the briefing room. Surprisingly, the others stayed seated.

“You said we could rest.”

“I guess curiosity got the better of us. Executioner, was this discussed with Mahatma beforehand?”

The Executioner firmly shook their head.

“I agreed not to intervene unless directly requested.”

“It felt too calculated for individual actions. That Yasha…”

“Madness Contagion. Laying down a counterattack and provoking on a wide scale.”

A useful technique among allies, but dirty when used by an enemy, especially an S-Rank one.

“And given those who lost family or friends to Yasha, it was easy to provoke anger.”

Yasha’s tactics were despicable.

“So, instead of deductions, I commend you for resisting the provocation and waiting until the counterattack finished. Great job.”

Simulated battles practicing against endless counterattacks paid off. Especially focusing on Tempest Lady, whose boiling point is low, ensured she didn’t act impulsively.

“If this happens again… two options. One, inform everyone. But then they’ll question how you obtained the information—annoying. Pass. Two,”

I patted the Executioner’s shoulder.

“Bae Hee-a gains enough renown and authority to command foreign ability users. The problem arose because command was split this time.”

As the Expedition Team’s commander accumulates achievements, gaining global recognition.

“This person can be trusted to lead our Heroes. Eventually, the Executioner will command not only our team but international and possibly global Heroes.”

“And you’ll pull the strings from behind? Heh.”

Pungbaek chuckled teasingly. I simply shrugged.

“Only possible because the Executioner allowed me to assist.”

“Feels like overstepping quite often.”

“Supporting parts the Executioner missed. Forgot how Guro and Gangnam handled things?”

Despite the AI-like ineptitude of the previous commander in Anyang, the fact remains the Heroes faltered under my leadership.

“We’ll conduct more simulated battles. Once facilities are ready at Galaxy University in August, training will be smoother.”

“Facilities?”

The Executioner showed interest, but I wanted them gone.

“Later. Rest for now. Executioner?”

With subtle pressure, I silenced the Executioner with a headlock as we exited the room. They reluctantly trailed behind, kicking their feet.

“Ch, Cheongnyeon. There’s still…”

“You and I need to talk privately in the Captain’s Room.”

“…Ahem.”

Heroes watched us walk toward the Captain’s Room, slowly standing up.

No one followed.

Was it trust that I wouldn’t harm the Executioner, or fatigue-induced avoidance of unnecessary drama? Unclear, but I didn’t care. The Executioner awkwardly followed me.

“I want rest…”

“What nonsense?”

Releasing the headlock, I patted their back and held their side. My pressure prevented escape.

“Now we discuss strategies for other S-Ranks. Remember, my instructions were actually tasks meant for you.”

“But you kept preempting me whenever I tried to speak!”

“You should’ve spoken confidently before I did. You scored ten out of seventeen.”

Separate from the Heroes’ efforts, the Executioner lacked decisiveness, frequently checking my reactions and subtly handing over command multiple times.

“You worry too much. Let’s have a cozy feedback session before dinner, okay?”

“I want rest…”

“Do you?”

I infused magic power into their body comfortingly.

“You can sleep tonight after everything’s done. Puhehe.”

“…Hold on.”

Sensing something in my words, the Executioner stopped mid-step in the hallway.

“Aren’t we done for today?”

“Not even close.”

I pulled out India’s S-Rank list from magical gear. Yasha’s entry was removed, but two remained.

“Garura’s not due yet, and we have plenty of time before tonight. Distance-wise, it’s feasible. Let’s go for Kinna-ra.”

“…”

“Want to crush Kinna-ra so badly? How about another target instead—”

“Let’s stop and sleep tonight.”

Heroes lack perseverance. Back in Korea, I’ll design a special course for them at Galaxy University.

“Ga-eul, back in my day, amidst swarms of monsters…”

“Shut up and come here for a massage. Ui-shin says your techniques are amazing?”

“…”

Unbeknownst to me, Bae Hee-a sought help from Cheon Ga-eul. Before being devoured by her, I instinctively realized today’s schedule was over.

“Thirty minutes is enough to crush Kinna-ra.”

“If you’re so eager, pick someone else besides Kinna-ra—”

“Let’s sleep tonight.”

Heroes lack endurance. I vowed to create a special program for them at Galaxy University upon returning to Korea.

“Back in my day, amidst swarms of monsters…”

“Shut up and come here for a massage. Ui-shin says your techniques are amazing?”

“…”