Chapter 38

〈Chapter 38〉 Part 1, Chapter 3 (7)

<9:00 PM, New Seoul Hero Association Headquarters.>

“…….”

Seung-hyeong collapsed onto his bed, utterly exhausted. The top-of-the-line mattress provided by the headquarters cradled his body like a hammock.

“Ugh… this is insane.”

He couldn’t understand why the days felt so long or why so many people kept asking him if he would participate in the Seoul recovery operation.

“Sun Icheol…”

To Seung-hyeong, Sun Icheol had become nothing more than a blood-related stranger. Yet that man tried to manipulate him like a puppet, using their familial ties as shackles.

BEEP! It’s 9:00 PM.

The alarm from his smartwatch made Seung-hyeong bring up the screen. There, he saw a woman in formal attire standing in front of a news desk.

– Good evening, this is JBS 9 o’clock news.

Even amidst his busy schedule, keeping up with the news had become one of his small hobbies – a way to stay informed about the world.

“Oh no…”

As soon as Seung-hyeong saw the first headline appear as subtitles, his face contorted in frustration.

– President Sun Icheol officially announced the recapture of Seoul during today’s press conference. Many heroes, including Princess Snow and Hwakwon, are expected to participate…

“So it’s come to this, huh?”

Seung-hyeong sat up. His participation was already being treated as a foregone conclusion by the media.

– …Today, Chief Administrator Yu Yinghuo posted on social media stating, “A hero’s participation in operations is entirely based on their own will.” Let’s discuss this with Professor Do, an expert in heroes.

The professor, with oil glistening on his chin and glasses, filled the screen.

– Hello, Professor Do. Do you think the Seoul recovery operation is justified?

– Of course. What is Seoul? Until just eight years ago, it was the capital of our great nation. We’ve suffered the pain of losing our capital countless times throughout history, but we always managed to reclaim it. Now, the only difference is that instead of another country, monsters have taken it. I believe reclaiming Seoul is not only the mission of our heroes but also of Korea itself. It’s about restoring the prestige of a hero powerhouse.

– How do you interpret the controversy surrounding the administrator’s recent social media post?

– There are two ways to look at it. One is as an encouraging message for heroes to participate in the Seoul operation. The other suggests some hidden dissatisfaction lurking beneath the surface. I lean toward the latter.

– …You mean the latter?

– That Young-ho Agent Seung internally doesn’t want to participate in the Seoul recovery operation.

The comment section below the live broadcast erupted in chaos, ranging from insults directed at the opinions to critiques of the professor’s appearance.

Seung-hyeong turned off the comments and focused on the professor’s voice.

– It’s been only a week since Hwakwon awakened. I believe he held deep affection for actress Cheon Gaeul. Enough to take over her role as a mainstay. What Young-ho needs right now isn’t the will to participate in the Seoul operation but time to grieve for the loss of someone he loved…

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

“Yes!”

At the knock on the door, Seung-hyeong turned off the news and straightened his clothes. Tapping his watch caused the door to slide into the wall.

“Did I interrupt something?”

“No, not at all, Senior!”

Seeing the middle-aged man blocking the doorway, Seung-hyeong quickly stood up straight from his bed. The man in formal attire held a plastic bag in his right hand.

“Let’s have a drink tonight.”

“But sir, drinking inside the headquarters is against regulations…”

While Seung-hyeong nervously mentioned the rules, the man chuckled and pointed at the CCTV camera in the corner of the ceiling.

WOOOOSH—

A cloud of white light appeared in front of the CCTV camera, sparkling brilliantly. This phenomenon, which didn’t emit any magical power, left Seung-hyeong awestruck.

“Senior, your control over magic is truly remarkable. I can see it now—the finesse of your control is far beyond me. Truly admirable.”

“We low-magic types have to focus on efficiency. You, with your abundant magic, don’t need to worry about such things. I’m certain that among all S-Rank heroes, you possess the most magic power.”

“Senior, that’s…”

Seung-hyeong didn’t know what to say. The man entered his quarters like it was his own home and casually sat down beside the table.

“Young fellow, your room feels too empty. No decorations whatsoever. I recommend saving up to move out soon. This place isn’t fit for living—it’s more like a detention center.”

Taking out some snacks from the plastic bag, the man began munching on a squid leg. Seung-hyeong knelt humbly opposite him.

“Please relax. Why so formal?”

“How could I possibly relax in front of someone as esteemed as you, like the heavens above?”

“If you don’t sit comfortably right now, I’ll repeat everything you just said to Harang later.”

Seung-hyeong immediately loosened up. The man laughed heartily and handed him a can of beer.

“Drink up. You’ll need it.”

Seung-hyeong grabbed the ice-cold can, feeling as if it had just come out of the freezer. He bowed deeply. The faintest trace of magical energy lingered on the can.

“…I thought I was hiding it well, but I guess it was all exposed.”

“As you sense us, we sense you. When you reach S-Rank, it gets exhausting. People should gradually get to know each other through experiences, but with magic, you instinctively perceive others’ natures, feelings, and thoughts.”

Seung-hyeong struggled to contain his magic. Even though it was already exposed, the sorrow emanating from his aura was thick and heavy.

CLINK.

With a refreshing sound, the tab was pulled open. The man pushed his beer can toward Seung-hyeong with a smile.

“To this unfortunate young man who gained power but lost love.”

“…Isn’t that a bit ironic coming from you, Senior?”

The man shrugged.

“You wouldn’t understand unless you’ve experienced it. A time when you resent the entire world, and if there were gods, you’d grab them by the collar and throw them into the mud. When you hate yourself for possessing this power. Am I overly sentimental?”

“…No, it’s quite similar.”

They clinked their cans together.

“When I awakened, someone appeared and offered me power in exchange for working towards world peace.”

“Whoever they were, they must have been a good person. But do you know something?”

The man pointed at Seung-hyeong’s heart and smiled.

“Awakening varies from person to person, but the essence remains the same. It’s the manifestation and objectification of your subconscious self—a kind of meta-awareness of special abilities. Something you’re usually unaware of until the moment of awakening.”

“How did you awaken, Senior?”

At Seung-hyeong’s question, the man frowned. Seung-hyeong hurriedly bowed his head.

“I apologize for my indiscretion…”

“Love.”

“Huh?”

The man’s face carried a bittersweet nostalgia.

“I fell in love. A brief but unforgettable love that lasted a lifetime.”

“Was she your first love?”

The man nodded. To Seung-hyeong, the man before him seemed like someone who had transcended worldly attachments, resembling a hermit.

“So, Senior, have you remained unmarried for twenty years—”

“You’re interrupting me again. I was married to her. For ten months, we loved each other so passionately it felt like setting the world on fire.”

“But I heard you never officially registered the marriage.”

“The local office was destroyed by a monster. Hehe.”

The man took a bite of the squid leg, cutting through its chewy texture effortlessly with magic-infused strength.

“…How could I embrace anyone else when this feeling still lingers in my heart? That would be disrespectful—not just to her, but to myself.”

Seung-hyeong took a breath. Though unaffected by the alcohol due to the influence of magic, he felt intoxicated by the poignant atmosphere radiating from the man.

“How did you overcome it, Senior?”

“…Overcome? There’s no overcoming it. It’s like carrying a burden for life.”

The man spoke with a cold tone.

“You keep it within your heart for the rest of your life. So that when we meet in the afterlife—if there even is one—you can face her without regret.”

“…Is that how it is?”

Seung-hyeong pondered deeply. The man scratched his head and added,

“You’re young, so you’ll be fine. Maybe someone who loves you even more will appear, or maybe you’ll end up like me, unable to forget someone forever. If you call me a sentimental old man, that’s fine too.”

“…No, I’ll remember your words. Just…”

Could someone capable of such intense love appear again? Deep down, Seung-hyeong was certain it wouldn’t happen.

“Senior.”

“What is it?”

“I heard from Princess Snow. She said that the three of us—Princess Snow, me, and Senior—must absolutely go to Seoul.”

Hesitation flickered across the man’s face.

“Why is that? You didn’t just come here to console me, did you?”

“…Can you already sense my magic? You’re quick. Those flame mages sure are overflowing with talent.”

Muttering under his breath, the man met Seung-hyeong’s eyes.

“Yeah. I came to persuade you, and I’m planning to go to Seoul too. I’ve already heard from Yinghuo that you don’t want to go.”

“I haven’t heard anything from Brother Yinghuo about you…”

“Of course not. I didn’t tell him. This is the second time I’m mentioning it to you. If only Harang hadn’t encountered that thing at city hall. Tch.”

The man clicked his tongue, grumbling about Princess Snow’s actions—how she lacked decorum, was reckless, and behaved improperly.

Seung-hyeong interrupted the man’s muttering with a question.

“Harang aims to finish off the monster at city hall. But why does Senior plan to participate in the Seoul recovery?”

No matter what, Sun Icheol wouldn’t let this man leave New Seoul. The man himself must be fully aware of that. Yet, if he insists on going to Seoul, it must mean there’s some compelling reason worth leaving New Seoul vacant.

“Curious, aren’t you?”

Hesitation.

A glimmer passed through the man’s eyes. Flames began to rise in Seung-hyeong’s eyes as well.

Seung-hyeong sensed an overwhelming presence from the much smaller man. It felt as if sharp blades of light were about to pierce his throat, pressing against his entire body.

GROOOOOSSSH—

The flames in Seung-hyeong’s eyes faded. Immediately, the man relaxed his pressure.

“Haaah, haaaah!”

“…As expected, I can’t tell you yet.”

The man clicked his tongue and stood up. Seung-hyeong was confused by the sudden coldness in the man’s attitude.

“Senior?”

“The president, Harang, none of them know the truth yet. And you’re still too weak to bear this reality.”

“…I’m not weak. Even if I am, I can still be of help. I can defeat the Fire Demon Dragon if it appears again.”

Seung-hyeong burned with determination. The man mocked his resolve with a sneer and opened the door.

The light that had concealed the CCTV disappeared at the man’s gesture. Before closing the door, the man turned back to Seung-hyeong with a blank expression and left one final statement:

“Do you truly believe the greatest crisis facing this world is merely dimensional gates or devil races?”

* * *

<Same Time, Blue Wind Sect Guro Base Rooftop.>

“Mr. Jo Deokbae, did I say something too shocking?”

“Of course. President Sun Icheol has a reputation for being a good person despite appearances. You’ve shattered that illusion and exposed the truth.”

Phoenix swung her legs back and forth while sitting on a bench on the rooftop.

“It’s scary how accurate physiognomy can be. No matter how much image-making happens through the media, the core essence is clearly felt intuitively.”

“Is that related to the future knowledge you mentioned to Cheon Gaeul or something like that?”

Phoenix nodded with a grin.

“Something like that. Anyway, Sun Icheol won’t conquer Yeouido for the next five years. Instead, he’ll lose control of all Seoul. So I took care of it beforehand. That guy doesn’t deserve it.”

“That dude must be furious. But…”

Deokbae pointed at the cube Phoenix was fiddling with.

“Didn’t you say last time that this could awaken latent abilities in others?”

“That’s right.”

“Then why don’t you use it to awaken Cheon Gaeul directly?”

Phoenix stopped moving.

“You said it can do almost anything, even revive the dead as monsters. With a magical lamp like this treasure in your possession, why bother making Cheon Gaeul suffer through awakening herself?”

“A magical lamp, huh? Your taste is pretty outdated, Mr. Jo Deokbae. To cut to the chase, it’s possible. However…”

Phoenix spoke firmly.

“Cheon Gaeul must awaken on her own. Cube-induced ability awakenings have very low growth limits. While it can elevate ordinary individuals to C-Rank, paradoxically, it caps even A-Rank talented individuals at C-Rank.”

“Are you saying Cheon Gaeul’s talent would be wasted? Is that all?”

Deokbae snorted.

“What exactly do you want from Cheon Gaeul? Just enough power to protect herself? Once you reach C-Rank, the government showers you with attention. Does Cheon Gaeul really need to advance to A-Rank or higher?”

“Of course. If you think about the future of those awakened by this…”

Phoenix hesitated mid-sentence. Seeing the usually talkative Phoenix reluctant to explain, Deokbae found it strangely unsettling.

“Just… I feel uneasy using this. What if something goes wrong with Cheon Gaeul?”

“Alright, stop if you don’t want to talk about it. You’ll probably share enthusiastically when the time comes.”

“…Not necessarily.”

“Pfft. Anyway…”

Deokbae turned his head and continued.

“If you have any worries, share them. Don’t suffer alone and cause unnecessary accidents. After all, two heads are better than one, right?”

“What about ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’?”

“You’re not the type to hand over the steering wheel to someone else, are you?”

Phoenix widened her eyes. Deokbae, looking somewhat embarrassed, kept glancing at his watch before turning away.

“Anyway! Time’s running out. If you’ve rested enough, come downstairs and plan the operation. Don’t sneak off and cause chaos on your own.”

“…Tch.”

Phoenix snorted and turned her head. Deokbae silently clicked his tongue, imagining the future where Phoenix would recklessly rush to S Hospital like a runaway train.

‘Will it be alright?’

The Blue Wind Sect car only had an accelerator, no brake pedal or navigator. Cheon Gaeul currently served as the brakes, but would things remain okay after she’s gone?

“It’s none of my business anyway.”

After dying once, living without the possibility of death again meant the state of the world no longer held much interest for Deokbae.