Chapter 394

〈 Chapter 394 〉 Part 1, Chapter 17, Section 2

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<September 1st, 9:00 AM, Yeouido Café Padre Jaun.>

With the villain Phoenix now living in exile, various changes have come to the situation in Seoul.

Seok Harang had indeed proven himself to be the strongest outwardly, but people no longer trusted S-Rank or higher entities as they once did.

– Isn’t this just becoming a sacrificial offering for opening a dimensional gate?

Under the guise of public welfare, every move made by S-Rank and above special ability users—especially males—was being shared with the public. There was concern about whether they might turn into monsters, or if Azidahaka might secretly appear and seduce them.

Suddenly, all S-Rank individuals worldwide found themselves without any private life left. Even their bathroom visits were met with suspicious glances from others.

As such, people began gathering in Seoul and Busan. While Seok Harang maintained his base in Busan, he would instantly appear at the Han River whenever Phoenix caused trouble in Seoul.

Some conspiracy theorists claimed it was a fixed game between the two, but such claims were quickly deleted. Seok Harang’s overwhelming power made it hard to argue otherwise.

Thus, Phoenix’s external activities were all restricted.

But ‘Cheongnyeon’ is safe. Since Gaeul disguised herself and wandered around for extended periods, and because the public has fully separated Phoenix and Cheongnyeon in their minds, I can now actively move as Cheongnyeon.

“So this means I can come out and act like this.”

I slurped on my strawberry smoothie while chatting with Huan, the café owner, before the café opened. I usually arrived early to eat some snacks before the day’s work.

“There are many people looking for you, whichever side you’re on.”

“Fame comes with its own burdens. Who knows if Azidahaka will come trying to save Hydra?”

Hydra hasn’t publicly appeared yet. And Penril fought me at Big Ben, revealing her monstrous form. This led to a strange misunderstanding among people.

“The leader of the Dark Legion, Azidahaka, is female. And there are three armored monsters under her. Puheheh. But that’s not the reality.”

“From the moment the landlord came in demanding rent, it’s tyranny, boss. Time to file a complaint with the labor department.”

Penril emerged in tracksuit attire, scowling at me the moment she saw me.

“Why? Can’t I come to my own building?”

“Does someone exiled to White Phoenix Isle really have the right to be out and about?”

“But Phoenix is restricted. Cheongnyeon, however, is a free hero and hunter.”

“Totally arbitrary.”

“As if you’re one to talk.”

Kim Penril didn’t show up in her usual maid outfit today. Instead, she wore a green tracksuit with slippers, moving freely as if heading to a nearby convenience store.

“So why are you here?”

“To keep an eye on you and take advantage of the situation. I can’t avoid activity entirely.”

“Total scam artist.”

“You started scamming the world from the get-go. Anyway, Kim Penril, don’t cause trouble if Azidahaka or Hydra shows up. Someone higher up is watching you closely.”

I pointed at the ceiling. Unlike CCTV, another pair of eyes from heaven monitored every movement in Yeouido.

“Hmph, that’s probably useless anyway?”

But Penril didn’t seem bothered at all. She acted as if she didn’t care, shrugging despite knowing she was under surveillance from the lighthouse.

Hooooo.

I glanced at Huan, but he avoided my gaze while sipping coffee. It was clear he was hiding something. However, threatening or pressuring Huan wouldn’t help; he was stubborn enough to stick to his principles even if threatened with a knife to his throat.

“To prefer part-time workers over landlords, what kind of boss are you?”

“It’s called paying love forward. Since you let me use your space for free, I’ll pass on that kindness to those below me. Hehehe.”

“I politely decline such love.”

“Same here.”

After finishing my smoothie, I stood up. Having eaten my fill for the day, it was time to get down to business.

“So where to next?”

“Galaxy University.”

“…Isn’t it too late to go now?”

“Anyway, Gaeul’s attending all lectures since the opening ceremony. We can switch places in the restroom. Besides…”

I stretched my hand toward the sunlight streaming through the café window. Thanks to the sunlight, my hand became invisible.

“I’ll be leaving like this.”

“Indeed.”

Taking a caramel macchiato to go, I left the café.

* * *

<10:55 AM, Galaxy University Lecture Building 2nd Floor Lounge.>

“Are you enjoying university life?”

“It’s only been two days. You sound like you’ve been to college yourself.”

“I just asked if it’s fun, but you’re already prying into identities again.”

I high-fived Gaeul, who had transformed into Cheongnyeon. As we high-fived, Gaeul reverted to her original form, and I took on her appearance, changing clothes directly using magic instead of physically switching outfits.

“Isn’t this outfit a bit too revealing…?”

“But you’re a college student. Young and fresh. This is perfect for a freshman. Did Yuhwa say something about raiding department stores?”

Gaeul wore a tight-fitting OL uniform, designed to blend in as university staff should the need arise to hide her true identity. The buttons strained against her bulging curves, showcasing her gentle nature.

And all these clothes were crafted by manufacturers under Yuhwa’s umbrella. From head to toe, we were dressed in gear provided by Yuhwa and Yuhwa’s team.

“And yet rumors spread that we’re sponsored by Yuhwa. You’re really hammering the point home.”

“It’s not wrong, and worrying about such rumors is unnecessary.”

“True, so acknowledged.”

Acknowledging it didn’t stop me noticing how the deep V-cut white top accentuated her cleavage. Someone behind us handed her a coat.

“It’s cold.”

“Thank you, Raon.”

“Not at all.”

<Park Raon>. Like Cheongnyeon, Raon entered Galaxy University as a first-year hero. Though somewhat awkward calling him a full-fledged college student, given the current state of affairs and the university’s objectives, it wasn’t a major issue.

“Is the special curriculum for superhumans manageable?”

“…It’s tougher than I imagined.”

Raon looked exhausted. Still not having reached S-Rank, the specialized training program designed for superhuman abilities was pushing him to his limits.

“What level have you reached?”

“…Solo cleared Kerberos up to fire attribute. Managed B-rank achievements across all seven attributes.”

Raon pressed the magical gear on his wrist, displaying his accomplishments to us. In just two days since enrolling, he’d cleared all individual missions for the seven attributes up to B-rank, achieving A-rank in fire attribute.

“Did you train all night yesterday?”

“Yes. The facilities are excellent. Encountering new monsters made it enjoyable. It was a great experience. Thank you, professor.”

Raon seemed genuinely delighted. I wondered if Hikari, who designed the training facilities, would also be pleased.

“Still, holograms must lack the realism of real fights.”

“……”

Raon fell silent, scratching his cheek as if sensing something. I finally noticed Raon’s condition, which Gaeul had already picked up on.

“Did you try challenging S-Rank?”

“The Black Flame Dragon was formidable.”

The fire attribute S-Rank monster, currently played by the Black Flame Dragon, served as the sparring partner for incoming students. Whether in solo battles or group raids, the Black Flame Dragon dominated all challengers.

“Defeating it alone was beyond me. I nearly succeeded but ultimately lost after taking a fatal blow.”

“You don’t have to fight 1-on-1. Team up with others.”

“Gaeul, anything less than 1-on-1 lacks meaning. This is a trial for me.”

“…Do as you wish. It doesn’t concern me anyway.”

Gaeul stepped back. The hologram monster combat training program, verified by senior members of the Blue Wind Sect, was highly regarded. Even the association expressed interest in adopting the technology.

“So why did Phoenix… oh, sorry, Cheongnyeon, come here today?”

“To check how the school is running and see if Gaeul is adapting well to university life. Also, to ensure no accidents happen.”

“…Am I a child?”

Gaeul sniffed, clearly irritated. But I couldn’t ignore it. After all, there were six heroines at Galaxy University.

Park Raon.

Gaeul (Cheongnyeon).

Yuhwa.

Hikari.

And Yuna, Jung Su-ri.

‘Who knew they’d enter as refugees and enroll so quickly?’

I hadn’t worried much since they seemed capable of handling things independently, never imagining they’d seek asylum in Korea and manage enrollment.

“Are you focusing on someone else besides us?”

“What do you mean?”

Gaeul, are you psychic? That comment struck a nerve.

“No, why. Remember that girl you always call out for? Yuna…? Sounds like it could be her. Probably not a namesake.”

“…”

Gaeul’s intuition was sharper than any ghost. Her S-Rank perception and reasoning far exceeded my expectations.

“Yes. That goddess-like figure. How did you know?”

“You wouldn’t create such a facility without bringing her. I’ve already scanned all the women here. Anyone else? Is it that celebrity? Or someone young like Yuna?”

“Just leave her be. I brought her here because it’s the safest place. Didn’t we discuss this before?”

I spread my arms wide then crossed them.

“One spirit per person. Minimum five needed for synchronization.”

“I’ve never heard this story before. Could you explain further?”

Raon’s question made me itch to speak. But before I could, Gaeul grabbed Raon’s hand and stood up.

“Let’s go find other girls. I’ll explain along the way. If you stay here, you’ll end up chatting for over three hours.”

“But isn’t this the face you wanted to see?”

“You’ll miss your afternoon training.”

“Apologies, Lady Cheongnyeon. Perhaps next time.”

“…”

Gaeul dragged Raon away, leaving me stranded like a forgotten duck egg. Was she actually going to search for other heroines besides Yuna?

‘Even if she finds them, it won’t be much of an issue.’

Personally, I disliked Shuri. While understanding her rough upbringing, her stress management through violence towards men was concerning.

‘Really got beaten up.’

She refrained from hitting women but was aggressive towards men. Not just verbal altercations but actual physical assaults, often leading to conflicts with male colleagues.

And these conflicts manifested as “mutual beatings.” Joking aside, Shuri would exchange punches even with opponents twice her size.

‘Better to avoid her.’

Though delinquent-like, her environment shaped her behavior. Despite fiery temperaments, she wasn’t inherently bad. Future records may reflect violent tendencies…

“What are you doing here?”

“Likely you.”

“That doesn’t sound right.”

Yuna naturally sat across from me. Curious about what she wanted to say, I adjusted my posture.

“Anything on your mind?”

“After comparing Professor’s lecture on magical energy theories with Lady Cheongnyeon’s explanations, there are parts I don’t understand. Is Seongju using Tera’s magical energy or a separate unique ability?”

“…Closer to the latter? Magical energy ultimately belongs to Tera. Think of it as someone from another planet contaminating it for their convenience.”

“I understand. Thank you.”

Yuna scribbled notes in her notebook before tucking it away.

“Is that all?”

“My questions are answered, but I have a favor to ask.”

Yuna pulled up a news clip via her magical gear. Oracle stood before the Pentagon press conference announcing that Pluto was hurtling toward Earth, potentially causing global extinction by the end of November.

“Is this a sign of the world’s end?”

“…Yes.”

Indeed, a goddess. Yuna seemed to intuitively grasp that Seongju’s arrival signaled significant events.

“So, I’d like to request… please save the world.”

“Shouldn’t it be the hero’s duty to receive the mission of world peace from a goddess?”

“Anyone can become a hero. Even if they were previously part of an evil organization… right?”

Yuna asked hesitantly. I firmly grasped her shoulder and nodded.

“Maybe not a hero, but I’ll try to save the world.”

For myself, Chang-yeom, and everyone living in this world.

After dismissing Yuna, I arrived at my true destination and erected a barrier. Professor <Professor> Himeji Hikari greeted me with curiosity.

“Welcome, Chief!”

“Yes, yes. Shall we start the research?”

“Can we begin immediately?”

[Of course.]

Transforming into my monster form, I entered the capsule prepared by Hikari. My entire magical pattern would be read by her, but I was beyond caring about means and methods.

“…Let’s start.”

Whirring sounds echoed as the capsule door sealed tightly. I deactivated my protective shield and relaxed completely.

On the day this research concludes,

we will uncover the exact location where Hydra and Azidahaka’s true bodies are hidden on Earth.

“Hehe, finally getting to study the Chief directly, hehehehehee! Nya-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!!”

WEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

The sound of a chainsaw reverberated throughout the lab.