Chapter 331

〈Chapter 331〉 Part 1, Chapter 14, Section 22

“So, here’s the Core of Kinna-ra. Please make sure to present it well.”

“Could there be any issue? Rest assured.”

As fitting for a perfectly gray Rama, Baek Hee-a’s led transaction was accepted.

The distrust towards <Mahatma>, the representative of the Association, meant that they could not register with the Indian Association.

Until the Indian Association reforms, they would remain abroad, embarking on a pilgrimage from the Far East to the West.

To prepare for this, they would briefly enter Seoul with the Korean expedition team.

“So Master Karna will travel during the day on your pilgrimage and spend the nights either in Seoul or India?”

“Yes. Depending on the situation. Mostly in India. Seoul already has an SS Rank.”

“…I see. Spreading full strength across the world, hmm. There must be some reason for that.”

Rama didn’t pry further into the background. Just knowing that he’d frequently visit India was more than enough.

“In that case, I’ll look for a place where Master Karna can get sufficient rest.”

“It’s not like I’m particularly concerned about housing, but too luxurious a place might offend Karna. He’s detached from wealth.”

“<Lakshasa> has been known for its simplicity since then. Moreover, you deliberately hide your radiant weapons, so we respect your intentions even more.”

While it’s true that Karna doesn’t have any particular desire for possessions, as both a commander and spirit, he fundamentally lacks the concept of ‘residence.’

After all, Earth is destined to be destroyed.

Even if real estate is acquired, by 2025, it’ll all become worthless anyway, so Karna just sleeps wherever he finds himself.

‘Now that Bijaya is attached, such things won’t happen anymore.’

All six of Karna’s monsters—Lakshasa’s six disciples—became Apostles. All six disciples reached S Rank Light Attribute monsters, and each became one of Karna’s weapons.

Though five were sealed during the battle with Garura, leaving only Bijaya, they’ll recover with time.

Then the nagging from the six Apostles will multiply, and Karna will have no choice but to wander around the Earth aimlessly.

With Garura now available as transportation, Karna will traverse the world.

“I hope we can continue to count on you, Rama.”

“I’d rather ask for your help. If an S Rank Hero appears in India later, may I request assistance again?”

“Hmm…if an S Rank Hero appears, wouldn’t you request help anyway?”

“…Huh?”

It seemed Rama hadn’t anticipated becoming S Rank himself.

A short while later.

In place of the reclusive Mahatma, Rama stood before the journalists and officially announced:

<Kaechonkwang> Karna.

Starting from Seoul, he aims to uproot the roots of ‘seeds of evil’ spread worldwide.

Karna’s heroic actions were both a warning and provocation.

– Now it’s 4:3.

Penril, Azidahaka, Hydra.

At least one of these three will act rashly, and when they do, I’ll bring the Black Flame Dragon to wipe them out.

Before returning to Seoul,

I was granted some rest.

“Then, Master Cheongnyeon and Executioner, please say goodbye to our Prime Minister before you leave—”

“Sorry, but I’m sleepy during the day… zzzz.”

Only I was given rest. Baek Hee-a could decide to rest herself, but…

“…Then I’ll go instead.”

Because of some strange sense of responsibility, I got up despite not needing to. Though I had already relieved her fatigue, missing out on rest was undoubtedly regrettable.

“Our Prime Minister is a huge fan of Executioner. Especially moved by your performance in the last Black Sand Gallows Campaign…”

Seems Baek Hee-a’s rest is thoroughly ruined.

Under the guidance of the heroes, I returned to Baegnaroh first.

There was no one at Baegnaroh. It seemed everyone had gone out in small groups before leaving India, so I entered my room and lay down on the bed.

“Ugh…why does my body ache so much?”

Especially my lower back and inner thighs feel strained. This never happened before. Every step felt excruciating—it must’ve been obvious to others how awkward my walk was.

‘Next time, I should fight while dodging more carefully.’

Clearly, the Core suffered damage from the battle with Kaechonkwang. Lying on the bed, I adjusted the tasks I needed to complete in Seoul before heading to Greece.

Top priority: Make the gun as Chang-yeom suggested.

It’ll serve as a self-defense weapon, but it’s good to have it ready just in case.

Next task: Prepare for the opening of Galaxy University Academy in Seoul.

This is something Yoon Yuhwa has likely already handled, so I don’t need to worry too much about it.

Next task: Upgrade Yoon Yuhwa from C Cup to S Rank.

Since there are no other decent Light Attribute beings in Korea besides Yoon Yuhwa, introducing him to Kaechonkwang should awaken his S Rank potential.

His growth limit might stop at A Rank, but thanks to his special ability, Yoon Yuhwa could have easily reached S Rank long ago.

And the final task.

“Phew.”

Phoenix.

Seok Harang.

Xiao Lin—imbued with the Hwanryong.

And Karna.

Four SS Rank special ability users, all spirits.

Finally, it’s possible to tackle it “without any casualties.”

Nuclearian (NUCLEAON).

The world’s strongest monster, born on Earth, capable of going head-to-head with officers who’ve fully monsterized at Level 99.

With the infrastructure to harvest Cores now in place, there’s no longer a reason to keep it alive.

It’s also irresponsible to leave such an explosive threat capable of wiping out all of Asia sitting in Pyongyang indefinitely.

‘Set up four barriers and capture it.’

If radiation leaks during the fight, all the infrastructure we’ve built in Seoul would be meaningless.

I neatly organized my schedule for the empty month of August on the calendar.

“Oh.”

There was something else.

“There’s a Round Table meeting scheduled in Seoul in August.”

An unprecedented gathering where all 13 members of the Round Table are required to attend.

It’s set to take place in Yeouido, South Korea.

* * *

The appointed time arrived.

I greeted the returning heroes alongside Baek Hee-a, who had returned an hour early.

“Eeeeek, I feel like a doll…”

Garura, dressed like a princess from the Middle Ages, was dragged along by Gaeul. Behind them, Seongju appeared mentally exhausted, carrying countless bags of clothes.

“Did you buy Garura clothes?”

“I just wanted to buy underwear and casual wear, but everyone passing by insisted she try them on. We probably tried on close to fifty outfits today?”

“……”

So now they’re satisfying their vicarious desires through Garura instead of me. I glared, and Gaeul shrugged.

“What? Should I stop?”

“……Do as you wish.”

Garura isn’t me. Though outwardly identical, Garura feels like my daughter both spiritually and as a spirit.

Born from Karna and infused with my magical energy, though her appearance resembles Chang-yeom, there’s an undeniable paternal vibe.

“Garura.”

“Yes?”

“Would you like me to teach you an unbeatable technique later?”

“……”

Garula glanced at Gaeul and Seongju before nodding at me. I patted her shoulder and led her inside.

“Hmm…”

“What is it?”

“It’s nothing, but I’ve been feeling something odd about you since yesterday…”

Gaeul kept looking me up and down, as if sensing déjà vu, but I wanted to know what it was too.

“Not solving things alone in the hospital room again, right? If you want, call me. Eleven hands are waiting!”

“Of course not. At least not here. Actually, nowhere else either.”

Our candid conversation made Baek Hee-a blush instantly. After apologizing to her, Gaeul whispered in my ear.

“I’ll handle the front, and let him take care of the back.”

“……You’re insane.”

Somehow, I feel like I’ve stumbled upon something I shouldn’t have. Suddenly, Gaeul’s mask reminded me of Masquerade.

Her carnivorous tendencies weren’t shaped by the environment but are part of her nature. I saw a whole new side of Cheon Gaeul.

“……”

Carrying armfuls of shopping bags, Seongju avoided making eye contact with me. I couldn’t help but snicker.

“What? Enjoying following behind my daughter? Watch out, she might grow up and start targeting her teacher next.”

“……That will never happen in a lifetime… Ah. It’s because of me too. G… Phantom said if she’s really on our side, she should show her determination…”

Seongju genuinely looked aggrieved. But the fact remains—he touched Garura.

“Hmm… I want to conduct an experiment on the way.”

“An experiment?”

“Yes. Fusion. Fusion.”

I formed a circle with my fingers and thrust my thumb into it. Seongju displayed discomfort and embarrassment simultaneously, but I paid no heed.

“What? Garura’s appearance is genuinely beautiful. Do you dislike tan skin? Or maybe…”

“Master Cheongnyeon. Hwakwon feels uncomfortable. There’s someone coming behind, so let’s stop this.”

“…Alright. Let’s go inside.”

Seongju rushed inside. However, my urge to experiment burned like an active volcano ready to erupt.

“What kind of prank are you trying to pull?”

“A prank? This could be a chance to advance world peace by leaps and bounds.”

“Huh?”

“I’m serious. It might even provide clues to defeating Seongju—or even the gods beyond.”

Perhaps this wildcard card could even touch upon inter-dimensional deities.

To perfect this wildcard card, I sought cooperation from researchers—

“Ah.”

Hikari is obsessed with Seongju.

Damn.

* * *

[Wait, really?! Big news! So our brother is getting married to the Chief’s daughter?!]

“……”

I wasn’t expecting this reaction. I was flabbergasted by Hikari’s sparkling eyes.

“Hikari, didn’t you like Seongju?”

[…? I do like him, but are you asking about a romantic relationship? Pfft, I’m still a minor. What’s the age gap anyway?]

“……”

There are couples who’ve started two separate households despite being nearly twenty years apart. Hikari waved her hands dismissively before coughing and speaking seriously.

[I just wish the person who saved my life succeeds. Oh, you mentioned Garura, right? If you come, you’ll explain the mechanism by which monsters become human, correct? I’ll wait patiently.]

“Yes. Since Karna will be joining us, we’ll gain deeper insights.”

[Hmm, establishing theories on monster humanization and apostles… Oh, I have a question.]

Hikari sent over two pictures. The Black Flame Dragon, after successfully transporting Kinna-ra’s corpse to Seoul, rested by the Han River.

[Will Uncle Kwak Yong-woo transform like the Chief? Is this what they call TS?]

“…You’ll only know once you reach S Rank.”

Will the Black Flame Dragon return to human form as Cheongnyeon with black hair and black eyes?

“Creating 3P colors might take a bit…”

[Why not create other colors while you’re at it? They call it palette swapping! With green and pink, we can form a Cheongnyeon Ranger team!]

“The colors would be green and yellow. And wouldn’t Red Garura be the leader?”

Since Wind Attribute and Durability Attribute monsters served as the base, they’d be green and yellow. Hikari shrugged.

[You don’t necessarily need the Chief to join. How about forming a Phoenix Squad with Garura as the leader? Hehe. Can I research it? If you send more materials, I’ll try creating Humunculus with Rusalka too!]

“…Anyway, you talk too much.”

[Hehe.]

Hikari truly means to create it. She’d definitely do it if I give permission.

“I’ll meet you tomorrow morning with Yoon Yuhwa. I’ll introduce you together.”

[Understood. I’ll wrap up my research for today and sleep then.]

“That’s fine. …Oh, by the way.”

I almost forgot the most important thing. I handed over the data I had prepared beforehand.

“Can you make this?”

[…Chief.]

“Yes.”

[Can I use all the materials in the lab?]

Hikari’s crimson eyes sparkled as she grinned widely.

“…Use Kinna-ra’s corpse too. Don’t use it all, just a portion.”

[I love you, Chief!]

Click.

The connection ended. I sighed, resting my head on the pillow and gazing at the ceiling.

Red Garura.

Black Black Flame Dragon.

“Will the Black Flame Dragon really change?”

Will he maintain his identity as Kwak Yong-woo?

Or will he get a new birth certificate under a slightly different name, perhaps as Kwak A-young?

“…Whatever.”