Chapter 348

〈 Chapter 348 〉 Part 1, Chapter 15, Section 6

Hikari Himeji is a hacking genius.

Once, she hacked to secure a single ticket for the ferry from Osaka to Busan. If Hikari so desired, she could easily cause someone’s digital downfall. The only reason she doesn’t is because she lacks interest. Had Hikari chosen the path of magitech engineering instead of hacking, the world’s nuclear buttons would likely be under her control by now.

In that sense, asking Hikari to delve into government databases was undeniably criminal.

“Hmph, hmpfh~? Director, what are your ex-wives doing right now~?”

And Hikari was an ashen-gray child who cared not at all about illegally accessing information. Despite possessing talents in three attributes—light, dark, and illusion—all rated A-class, she concealed them while hacking into the association’s network to portray herself as incompetent.

“Ah, Director.”

“Yes.”

“What kind of wife was I?”

“…Suddenly ambushing me like this?”

While extracting all the data on Kim Nori from the database, Hikari asked me questions. Though I hesitated to hear theories about future Hikari’s discoveries, I was curious about how she navigated love.

“Hmm, nothing much different? Loves hot springs, loves research.”

There was more I wanted to say, but Hikari was still a minor. Saying anything further would have been dangerous.

“So did our brother just let you marry me? Knowing his personality, he’d probably try to slice Director up regardless.”

“Yes, he definitely tried to slice me up. But when he turned into a sister, it stopped him.”

People often say that the true heroine in Hikari’s ending is Hitomi.

“Then Director, shall I turn our brother into your sister?”

With surprising seriousness, Hikari asked. Naturally, I poked her nape with my fingers to prevent her absurd imagination from becoming reality.

“That kind of joke isn’t allowed.”

“Why not? It’s not like our brother isn’t pretty.”

“Even if they’re pretty, their personality is completely ruined.”

“Director, do you know something? The person who hears that the most isn’t who you’d expect.”

This… Hikari giggled mischievously as she subtly mocked me. While I may act freely at times, I’m nowhere near as bad as Gale Guest. …Right?

“Hikari, were you just sniping at me?”

“Nope? That was aimed at Cheongnyeon.”

“Why is Cheongnyeon such a mess?”

“People always say that Garura’s inability to adapt to the human world and acting like a wild child isn’t because of her nature but rather Cheongnyeon’s true character… Hehe.”

“…”

During her search, Hikari casually typed with one hand and showed me videos of all the antics Garura had pulled off.

[Garura! Parading down New Seoul Boulevard in just underwear. “It’s a swimsuit, so it’s fine.”]

[Is the beast’s nature lewd? Garura keeps making inappropriate moves on Hwakwon.]

[Shock! Garura cohabiting with Hwakwon! Is there a man living with the monster?!]

“It’s all true.”

That Garura kid, I left her with Seung-hyeong to adapt to the human world, but instead she kept pulling shenanigans from another realm. Since I couldn’t leave her solely with Cheon Gaeul, I occasionally entrusted her to Seung-hyeong, and every time, she caused trouble.

“Director, aren’t you uncomfortable?”

“With what?”

“You know, bodies are almost similar, faces are identical…”

“Hmm…”

I hesitated whether to say it or not. Revealing details about future indiscretions felt inappropriate, especially to someone so young. However, Hikari knew everything and was somewhat aware of the secrets behind Cheon Gaeul – Masquerade.

“Hikari.”

“Yes.”

“If… hypothetically speaking, if there were circulating videos of Gale Guest… hmm… What would you think?”

“I wouldn’t even want to imagine it.”

Hikari shuddered in disgust. I understood the sentiment. Gale Guest and Hikari resemble twins so closely, except for their eye color.

“But what if the subject of those videos didn’t care at all?”

“…Does such a person even exist in this world?”

“Exactly.”

Such people might not exist, but such spirits do. People look at the sun and go blind, yet somehow consider looking at it occasionally normal. Though I don’t understand it, since the spirit says so, there’s nothing I can do.

“So even though Garura acts like this, it doesn’t bother you much. That’s what you’re saying.”

“Hmm… Director, you’re quite unique yourself. Are all spirits like this?”

“Maybe only Blazing Phoenix would behave this way?”

“….Got it. By the way, I’ve finished searching. Looking at the situation before the runaway incident, I understand why they ran away.”

The search concluded. Hikari gathered all the electronic data on the Kim Nori family, and I confirmed the flow of funds and GPS location changes in the Kim Nori household.

“Buying a house in Seoul, leaving the kids behind while working in New Seoul? Of course the kids would go astray.”

“She even participated in protests urging the quick opening of elementary and middle schools in Seoul. Probably trying to ensure her two middle school-aged daughters don’t miss out on their education… Both parents seem to commute from a spa?”

“Good grief.”

As in the original story, greed knows no bounds. Their desire to shower materialistic love on their children is understandable, but what the twin sisters truly needed was emotional stability, which both parents failed to provide.

‘So they became monsters.’

Park Ra-on might be marked by personal misfortune, but Kim Nori’s misfortune stems from her family. Still, I heard her middle school years were happy, so I planned to leave her be until then. But it seems I’ll need to take her in after all.

“Hikari, this won’t work.”

“What do you plan to do? Officially, the number of application forms for Galaxy University has already been announced. Adding one more would cause chaos, right? Especially since it’s a test with insiders.”

“Galaxy University is merely a stepping stone. A specialized educational institution for nurturing. Hikari, spread some rumors online.”

That’s also Hikari’s specialty—upending networks through YouTube.

“The Blue Wind Sect is recruiting interns.”

“Yes…? Director, where are you going?”

Hikari called out as I was about to leave.

“Seoul. To check personally.”

“No matter what, finding people…”

“Aha.”

“Yes. There’s something I’d like you to do.”

There’s someone in Seoul specifically skilled at finding people. After all, I brought them into our ranks for situations like this, and now it’s time to see their true potential.

‘There’s no mission more frustrating than playing hide-and-seek with heroines.’

Though Lighthouse has become an excellent commander capable of leading the entire Blue Wind Sect in my absence, I feel apologetic. The main reason he became a monster was for ‘finding people.’

“Oh, and can you check if anyone else is around? Just being cautious.”

“Sure thing. Don’t worry, I won’t tell any other sisters.”

Hikari zipped her lips and giggled. As I placed my foot on the windowsill to leave, I turned back and glared at her.

“To another brother, huh?”

“…”

“Fine. It would’ve come out eventually anyway.”

Unfolding my wings, I gave Hikari the names of ‘three individuals.’ She tilted her head upon seeing the last name.

“This name?”

“Check it out once. If we don’t find this one, I’ll handle it myself.”

“Eh… Director! I bet on this sister with the boss!!”

“…Not in the way you think, so don’t misunderstand.”

Though it will surely get noisy, we must find her now. Besides Kim Nori, there are still others whose whereabouts remain unknown.

<Agni> Su Ri Jung.

<Virgin> Yuinah.

And… <Priest>, Baek Cheonghwa.

* * *

<At that moment, Café Padre Juan in Yeouido>

“Running away all the way to Seoul? You’re quite impressive.”

Cheon Gaeul tousled Kim Nori’s hair while letting out a hollow laugh. Kim Nori swatted her hand away with a sullen expression, retorting, “Unlike you, I’m gonna grow super tall. Don’t you know bagels are trendy?”

“Wow. This kid’s sass screams middle schooler!”

Cheon Gaeul immediately bristled at the age comment. Though she acted immature, pointing out her lack of maturity triggered her irritation instantly. But in terms of age, Cheon Gaeul lost the battle against Kim Nori.

“To match your age, I’d need twice the bowls of rice you’ve eaten so far.”

“Hey, listen up. For fourteen years, I lived on a strict diet. Do you know the agony of dieting?!”

“Because you ate so much, you gained weight, right? Look at your chest. When you lose weight, does your chest stay the same size? Jeez, it’s huge.”

“Hmm, ahem.”

Kim Nori thought she landed a hit, but Cheon Gaeul raised her head proudly, revealing her ample bosom.

“Not a kid anymore…”

Yu I-shin found Cheon Gaeul’s childish behavior both amusing and pitiful. It wasn’t common for her to react emotionally like this. Perhaps bringing in someone with common sense and justice was a mistake.

“Phantom, shouldn’t we find her parents first?”

“Yeah, sure. Tell us quickly. Where are your mom and dad?”

“……Waaaahhhhhh!!!”

Kim Nori deliberately made a wailing sound and started throwing a tantrum. Her face flushed red, using the fact that there were only ‘four women’ in the café as leverage to throw a fit.

“Look at her causing a scene despite knowing it’s embarrassing. Truly steel-plated.”

“Hell nooo! I wanna join the Blue Wind Sect! No way I’m going homeeeeeeee!!”

“One more noise, and no service for you, nyaow.”

Behind Kim Nori, a green-eyed maid with cat ears approached, holding a piece of cake. Her sharp, slit eyes glinted with killing intent, causing Kim Nori to gulp nervously.

“…Sorry.”

“Just eat it quietly. But you must finish it all, nyaow.”

The cat-eared part-timer whistled a tune while setting down drinks. The group watched as the maid in her uniform with cat ears gracefully disappeared, shaking their heads.

“Wow, the boss has quite the unique taste. Now I get why she didn’t hire help earlier.”

“Such dedication to her job.”

“In Seoul, you survive by doing things like that, huh? Scary. Still, joining the Blue Wind Sect seems like the best option.”

“……”

The black-haired woman remained silent. Though her appearance resembled ‘Cheongnyeon’ from the Blue Wind Sect, her behavior was extremely shy and awkward.

“Are you okay? Feeling strange returning to human form after so long?”

“……”

The woman took out a pen and paper and scribbled furiously. Clearly, she had no intention of speaking.

[Do you really think this is a human problem?]

She lowered her head, her face turning bright red. The gothic dress that appeared with her transformation was extremely revealing, adorned with fishnet-like frills. Cheon Gaeul smirked mockingly.

“Tsk. So why were you hiding it? If you could’ve returned to human form sooner, none of this would’ve happened, right?”

[Would I want to be like this…]

Tatatata. The woman ran out of space on the paper mid-sentence. Clutching her head in frustration, she finally sighed deeply and spoke.

“…Would I want to be like this?”

“Hey, that sounded just like Phoenix. Stop it. Change your tone.”

“…Damn.”

“Let’s understand. After all, you were originally Black Flame Dragon. Hehehe.”

Yu I-shin twisted her lips similarly upon seeing the woman, Black Flame Dragon. Her jet-black hair and slit crimson eyes looked exactly like a human version of the Black Flame Dragon.

“Garura is the same, right? Haha, you’re now sporting the ‘Cheongnyeon face.'”

“I had my original body!”

“If you reach S-rank, then you’ll be able to reclaim it, right? Don’t you remember?”

Cheon Gaeul pointed behind her coat and shrugged.

“Definitely before reaching the pinnacle, I flaunted it.”

“Yeah. Once you reach your level, you should be able to regain your original body, right? This is something you brought upon yourself.”

Cheon Gaeul waved her finger teasingly at Black Flame Dragon.

“You’re still stuck at A-rank, aren’t you? If you reach S-rank, you can change your body too.”

“Talk is cheap…!”

“……”

While the three leaders conversed, Kim Nori sat quietly with a fork in her mouth, her eyes shining brightly. Yu I-shin slid her portion of mint-green cake toward Kim Nori.

“So, what do you plan to do with this child?”

“Of course, send her back to her parents-”

“Waaaaaahhhhh….”

Kim Nori threw a quiet tantrum. Overcome by the aura of rebellion from a junior high schooler who had been missing for over two weeks, Cheon Gaeul lost her nerve.

“Alright. Let’s see how strong your resolve is.”

Cheon Gaeul pushed all the complimentary mint chocolate cakes in front of them toward Kim Nori.

“If you eat all this, I’ll specially introduce you to our director.”

“Really?”

Kim Nori immediately picked up the fork.

“Super sweet.”

Yum yum, yum.

“……”

That day, Cheon Gaeul witnessed a possessed entity.