Chapter 43

〈 Chapter 43 〉 Part 1, Chapter 3 (11)

<April 12, 2020, 7:00 AM. Hero Association Headquarters.>

“Definitely different at S-Rank…”

Seung-hyung was carefully examining his face in the mirror, moving it this way and that.

It was definitely different from when he was A-Rank. Even though he hadn’t taken proper care of himself due to fatigue over the past few days, his skin was smooth and flawless without a single blemish. The stubble that used to bother him had vanished completely after three days.

No wonder the company coordinator who came in at dawn to do his makeup just matched his clothes and left looking deflated. He went back to the office muttering about losing one of life’s pleasures.

Morning alarm.

The smartwatch displayed the news screen along with the alarm. Seung-hyung listened while fixing his hair.

– Today at 9:00 AM, the association will officially announce the heroes participating in the government’s Seoul recapture operation. Setwha Princess is likely to participate, but Hwakwon hasn’t expressed any clear intention yet…

“Because I didn’t do the interview, right?”

The last day of Cheon Gaeul’s funeral. A reporter had thrust a smartphone in front of Seung-hyung asking if he would participate in the Seoul recapture operation right there at the funeral home.

Seung-hyung politely replied that he would do the interview later since they were in the middle of a funeral, but somehow ended up frowning, causing those around him to chase the reporter away.

After the funeral, when Seung-hyung looked for the reporter to do the interview, he had gone on leave after receiving an enormous amount of abuse and criticism. Since then, no one official or from the press had asked Seung-hyung about his intentions.

“What should I really do?”

As a hero, he should definitely participate. There were still residents trapped in Seoul suffering as refugees caught between monsters and villains.

But he didn’t want to go to Seoul now.

“Because of me…”

The place where Cheon Gaeul died. Seung-hyng couldn’t shake off the guilt toward Cheon Gaeul even in the final moments of the mourning period.

“Master Gwanggeom said you have to live with this forever…”

Seung-hyung’s magic power leaked out unconsciously. Since reaching A-Rank, he had never lost control of his magic power due to emotions, but ironically since becoming S-Rank, his emotional fluctuations were more severe.

The director suggested taking some rest and seeing a counselor. Seung-hyung thought it wasn’t such a bad idea.

One person immediately came to mind who would disapprove of an S-Rank hero seeing a counselor, but he didn’t care. PTSD among heroes was commonplace these days anyway.

“Hmph, let’s take a walk.”

Seung-hyung left the room and aimlessly walked down the hallway. He grabbed a can of coffee from the fridge and deliberately took the long way to the terrace while walking.

Sssshh–

A cold morning breeze swept through his hair as he stepped onto the terrace. The sun was beginning to rise, but Seung-hyung felt particularly chilled in his side.

Taking a deep breath, he absorbed the ambient magic power when suddenly he frowned at the news playing on the opposite electronic billboard.

– This is entertainment reporter Baek Gi-dae. Last night, the production team of “Last Love” announced they are holding auditions to find a replacement actress for the late Miss Cheon Gaeul’s role as Hyun Ji-yuk. With leading actor Lee Seung-hyung participating in the Seoul recapture operation, the filming schedule has been delayed…

“Man, they’ll do anything. Really.”

There was definitely influence from Sun Icheol behind this. Seung-hyung felt unpleasant as if invisible strings were pulling at his neck from all directions.

“I feel like ruining the drama.”

He became an actor for one reason only.

To be Cheon Gaeul’s leading man. He even took the male lead role in “Last Love” away from someone else for her sake. Now that Cheon Gaeul was gone, could he really whisper lines of love to another woman?

The reporter continued oblivious to Seung-hyung’s thoughts.

– So far, over thirty entertainers and heroes have announced their participation in the audition through agencies and personal SNS accounts…

“Damn.”

Swearing under his breath, Seung-hyung watched the faces of actresses appear on the data screen. They seemed like foxes daring to take Cheon Gaeul’s place, making him increasingly depressed.

Seung-hyung shook his head violently.

“Get a grip. It’s probably a good opportunity for them, right? They must be desperate.”

Just like how Seung-hyung swallowed his pride and begged Sun Icheol for the role as Cheon Gaeul’s leading man, they too must be desperate in their own positions.

A nationwide drama with average ratings of 30%. With only two episodes left until the finale, weathering this brief pressure would make them top-tier stars.

Glug glug.

“Ah, I should’ve gotten more.”

The can of coffee was already empty. Seung-hyung gripped the bottom of the aluminum can and raised a little magic power.

Whoosh.

White flames burned inside the aluminum can, vaporizing the remaining liquid. This magic control training method that Seung-hyung developed during his academy days was still useful even now that he was S-Rank.

A win-win training method that also helped protect the natural environment.

“The recycling bin…it’s over there.”

There was a can-only trash can next to the terrace vending machine. Seung-hyung gathered his hands above his head as if shooting a basketball.

The distance to the trash can was about 20 meters. Focusing his senses to draw a gentle parabola with magic power, he was interrupted by a familiar voice.

– …and don’t you tell our Gaeul she’s alive! Please talk to someone inside! Please!

– Sir! Don’t just burst in like this… sigh. Miss Cheon Gaeul has passed away. We held the funeral, didn’t we?

– That’s why I called last night! Hey! I talked to her yesterday!

– You didn’t record it and the number you called from is an unregistered burner phone from New Seoul. Sigh. If we keep doing this, we’ll have to call security…

“Father!”

Seung-hyung instantly teleported to the entrance gate where the old man in a wheelchair was pleading with the guard. Seeing Seung-hyung, the old man excitedly wheeled toward him.

“Oh, Hero Lee Seung-hyung! Thank goodness you’re here!”

“Master Hwakwon. I apologize for so early in the morning. That…”

“This guy!”

From afar, Cheon Gaeul’s mother rushed over and grabbed the old man’s hand. The elderly woman repeatedly bowed her head in apology to the guard and Seung-hyung.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! He hasn’t come to his senses yet…”

“Not at all. I understand how great your sorrow must be. I’m the one who should apologize.”

“She’s alive! Our Gaeul is still in Seoul!”

With surprising strength for his frail body, the old man pushed away his wife’s hand. Wheeling closer to Seung-hyung, there was a hint of madness in the old man’s eyes.

“Please, go to Seoul and find our daughter! Didn’t you promise? Consider it this old man’s last wish before I die…”

“Aiyah! What are you doing, sir!”

The elderly woman forcefully grabbed her husband’s hand. Trying to subdue him by force, the old man’s determination wavered. The wife whispered something very quietly into her husband’s ear.

“…Gaeul told us to keep it a secret!”

“But we need to know, don’t we? In case something goes wrong within three days…”

“If you cause more trouble because of this, what will we do…”

“What did you just say?”

Seung-hyung approached the elderly couple. No matter how quietly they spoke, a hero’s hearing, especially an S-Rank’s, was sharp enough to hear whispers as clearly as if they were right next to him.

The old man, who had been dazed for a moment, suddenly regained focus.

“Ah, nothing…hehe. Looks like this old man’s dementia is acting up again. Sorry to show you such an embarrassing scene this early in the morning. We apologize to the young people.”

Wiping sweat from his brow, the old man bowed his head to Seung-hyung and the guard. Though trying hard to maintain composure, Seung-hyung could sense something was off about the elderly couple.

It was an act.

“Mother, Father.”

Seung-hyung took both elderly people’s hands.

“Let’s go somewhere quiet inside. I’d like to hear the full story.”

* * *

<Same day, 8:50 AM, Association Briefing Room>

“So you’re telling me to announce it and leave?”

Yoo Yeong-ho, who had just finished preparing to leave for Busan at dawn but got detained by the association, angrily shook the briefing materials.

“Uh, what can I do? Should I do it?”

Kang So-yeon was almost on the verge of tears. Originally, this was a task for the public relations team handling external affairs or a high-ranking official in charge, but since the contents received at dawn were sensitive, everyone ran away saying they couldn’t do it.

In the end, the briefing responsibility passed through many hands and landed in Yoo Yeong-ho’s lap. Yeong-ho crumpled the briefing materials.

“Shit, so you’re telling me to be the scapegoat? Since I’m already getting cursed at, might as well take more, right?”

“There are reporters outside, Director! P-please maintain your dignity…”

“Where’s that president bastard? Isn’t this the time he should step up since he got the position of president?”

Yeong-ho growled like he was about to eat the president alive. So-yeon, who suddenly had to bear his anger, teared up.

“Playing golf with the prime minister-”

Bang!

Yoo Yeong-ho kicked the wall with his foot. The concrete wall had his shoe print embedded thanks to the magic power infused kick.

“Jeez, what-”

One reporter cautiously opened the door and peeked in. Yeong-ho turned his demon-like face toward the reporter and shouted.

“Who gave you permission to enter the waiting room?! Can’t you see we’re preparing here!”

“S-sorry!”

The reporter closed the door and disappeared with a pale face. But the murmurs of reporters beyond the door could already be heard inside the preparation room.

Is Director Yi really mad right now?

Is that rumor true? Is Lee Seung-hyung not participating in the operation?

Nonsense. The president himself announced it. Would Lee Seung-hyung go crazy and not participate just because he reached S-Rank?

Lee Seung-hyung isn’t participating? Wow, the president’s face is going to get smeared with poop big time.

Did Director Yi order it? That guy hates the president so much.

“…I could grind their bones to dust and still not be satisfied.”

While grinding his teeth, Yeong-ho was stopped by So-yeon who tackled him physically.

“Please hold back! Director, if you cause another incident, I’ll get fired!”

“I know! What’s the problem? I’ll take responsibility! I’ve got money!”

“That’s good in its own way, but that’s not the issue right now!”

Yeong-ho tried to open the press conference room door while flailing around, but So-yeon clung on desperately to prevent the devil from being broadcast live to the entire nation. Both were powers users, but So-yeon had superior physical strength.

“Move! I’m going to blow everything up here today and leave the country! Damn it!”

“You can’t speak English at all! Stop saying things you don’t mean! Ah, really!”

Pow!

So-yeon delivered a powerful punch to Yeong-ho’s stomach.

” ”

Yeong-ho fell over, clutching his stomach and unable to breathe.

“Fine! If you don’t want to do it, give it here! I’ll announce it and take the curses!”

“…No, I can’t allow that.”

Hugging the briefing materials to his chest, Yeong-ho struggled to his feet while panting.

“I won’t make my subordinate be the scapegoat. Tch. Ah, shit. My stomach really hurts. Have you been eating too well lately?”

“Does it hurt?”

“If you’re sorry, do it yourself. And stay right outside the door. As soon as I come out, lock the door immediately. Ah…Hey. Can we delay this five minutes? I need a short break.”

“Are you alright, Director Yeong-ho?”

Seeing the face of the man who entered through the staff passage, Yeong-ho forgot his pain and jumped up, waving the paper around.

“You! You son of a…. Hmm. No, I shouldn’t swear. What sin have you committed? It’s my fault for being powerless to stop the president’s schemes.”

“I’ll participate.”

“What the hell?”

Yeong-ho didn’t even try to hide his shocked face. So-yeon refused to describe his facial expression.

“Sorry, but I have a reason to go to Seoul now.”

“Si-, damn, sigh. So-yeon, sedative.”

Kang So-yeon quickly pulled out medicine from her pocket and handed it to Yeong-ho. Yeong-ho gulped down the water in the bottle in one shot.

“Huff, huff, okay. Good. Got it.”

Yeong-ho pointed to the last sentence in the briefing material.

– Heroes Hwakwon and Lee Seung-hyung will not participate in this Seoul recapture operation due to personal reasons.

“Don’t ask me why. Everyone has their reasons, which is why you came here to talk. But.”

Yeong-ho checked his watch. 8:59 AM. The scheduled press conference was one minute away.

“If you’re going to change your mind again, decide within one minute. Once I step out that door, you really have to go to Seoul. You’ll become a puppet dancing to Sun Icheol’s strings. You’ll end up like Master Gwanggeom, locked up for life. Understand?”

Seung-hyung nodded.

“If you wish, I’ll go directly to the press conference stage. My resolve will not change anymore. If Director Yeong-ho excludes me from this announcement…”

Seung-hyung clenched his fists tightly.

“I’ll go to Seoul through President Sun Icheol’s request if necessary. Even if I have to join the Pine Tree Unit.”

“Lee Seung-hyung!!”

Yeong-ho shouted red-faced. So-yeon closed her eyes realizing the sound had carried beyond the press conference room. The reporters outside must be listening intently to every word through the door cracks.

“Huff, huff…”

Fortunately, thanks to the sedative he just drank, Yeong-ho quickly calmed down and continued in a low voice.

“…You clearly stated it. You said you’re going to Seoul. If you change your mind, don’t expect to stand on the same battlefield as me ever again. I’ll send orders to stick your head into a monster’s mouth.”

“I’m prepared.”

Without looking back, Yeong-ho slammed the door open and entered the press conference room. So-yeon quietly closed the slightly opened door.

“…Sorry. Director Yeong-hyung may seem fine, but he’s suffering mentally these days.”

“It’s my fault.”

Seung-hyung would apologize and ask for a favor after the operation was over.

Go to Seoul, rescue Gaeul, and propose to her. Have the presiding officer be the Director.

‘…Wait for me, Miss Gaeul.’

Thinking of Cheon Gaeul in a pure white dress, Seung-hyung steadied his resolve.

* * *

The screen flashes with reporters’ camera flashes. Yu Yeong-ho stands before the podium microphone with a tired expression and bows his head.

– Hello. From the Korea branch of the Hero Association’s Tactical Planning Division, Director <Commander> Yu Yeong-ho. I will now begin the briefing for the first Seoul recapture operation. Following the relocation of the capital to New Seoul in 2014, Seoul…

* * *

“Ooh. Start it louder, Jo Deok-bae.”

“Is it right to beat people while listening to the news??”

“It’s training!!”

* * *

– …accordingly, the operation execution time is April 13th at 09:00 AM. Departing from New Seoul…

“Director. What should we do? The operation starts tomorrow morning.”

“…When do we gather at Yeouido?”

“Today at noon, at the National Assembly.”

* * *

– The total number of heroes dispatched by the association is 152. Among them, the commanders include Minister Shin Jin-gwang, current Minister of Monster Countermeasures…

“152 heroes? Deploying a quarter of Korea’s hero forces? Is Blue Wind Sect okay with this? Isn’t this going to fail?”

“Are you doubting Master Ji Hwa because you don’t trust him? …Trust Phoenix. She promised we can win. She keeps her promises.”

“Yes… But didn’t Miss Gaeul not sleep? Your eyes are slightly swollen-”

“Shut up.”

* * *

– …Accordingly, the government pledges to eradicate the roots of the villains and monsters occupying Seoul…

“Almost got punched.”

“Excuse me? What did you just say?”

“Nothing, Chief Secretary. Just ensure there are no delays in preparing the Pine Tree Unit for deployment at Yeouido.”

* * *

– …The association pledges to do our utmost to reclaim Seoul for the citizens.

This concludes the briefing. Thank you.