Chapter 639

〈Chapter 639〉 Part 2, Chapter 3, 04

After sending Penril off to America, I received an invitation from someone very special.

“Blindfold.”

“Of course.”

Suddenly, someone approached and blindfolded me. I willingly let them do it and followed the agent’s guidance.

It wasn’t as if I didn’t know who was leading me. The person locking arms with me was definitely a secret agent from the Hero Association. If it had been a man, I would have shrugged him off immediately, but Seol Ji-young must have understood me to some degree and sent a woman instead.

“C….”

“Yes?”

“It’s nothing. Hehe.”

Just the touch on my elbow was enough for me to gauge her size. The woman noticed and flinched, but since she knew my identity, she leaned in even closer to flaunt herself.

“Haa… Haa…”

During the autonomous vehicle ride, all I did was enjoy her attempts at seduction without making a move.

About two hours later…

The self-driving car sped along, clearly heading somewhere. Though it seemed like they were intentionally circling around to waste time, I already knew our destination.

‘This is a Yu-Sung vehicle.’

All association vehicles belong to Yu-Sung. Even though my vision was blocked, through magical gear, I could receive real-time data from my colleague.

After looping around inside New Seoul, we finally arrived—definitely at the Hero Association’s lodging facility.

Yu-Sung Hotel Seoul Main Branch.

“…We’ve arrived.”

With a curt voice, the woman turned around, and I lightly patted her back before getting out of the car.

“Thank you, Fire Spirit.”

“…?!”

“What? Did you think I wouldn’t recognize you? Puhaha.”

I still wore the blindfold. The woman tried to disguise her voice to hide her identity, but I quickly figured her out.

‘Not knowing would make me a fool.’

Even if she wasn’t the heroine, fire attribute ability users mostly know each other. I waved at the stunned woman and removed the blindfold.

“Ahhh?! Now?!”

“Indeed.”

I stood in front of the elevator in the underground parking lot. Fire Spirit looked flustered as she began to check my reaction, and I pressed the elevator button while waving goodbye.

“I’ll make sure no report is filed against you.”

“…Thank you?”

“Hehe.”

She was undoubtedly instructed to keep the blindfold on until the end, but her panic made me act on my own. She’d surely get in trouble for that.

But would Seol Ji-young really care about that? She’d probably be more focused on my meeting with “her.”

Ding! Dong!

I pressed the elevator button. The elevator doors opened, heading toward the top floor, and I stepped inside.

“I’ve been waiting.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Princess Snowflower.”

A silver-haired woman, <Princess Snowflower> Seok Harang, greeted me in formal attire.

* * *

<A While Later. Yu-Sung Hotel Penthouse>

“Calling a man late at night might cause rumors.”

“You know what? Most people are just urging me to get married and have an S-Rank superpower baby already.”

“…I doubt it’s that bad.”

“Just kidding. It’s because you started playing around first.”

Seok Harang handed me tea. It was clear she’d gathered information on me—my table was covered in pink-themed treats: strawberry cake, strawberry lattes, and more.

“I almost fell for it.”

“…Treating someone according to their preferences is basic hospitality. Does it bother you? We’re subtly letting you know we’re watching.”

“If you’re going to tell the truth so bluntly, Princess Snowflower, you really are a good kid.”

As Seok Harang moved to sit across from me, I chuckled and lifted my cup.

“Not particularly bothersome. Living under everyone’s gaze has become second nature. Besides, Korea feels much more comfortable; there are far fewer people watching here.”

“You’re remarkably positive.”

“As bright and energetic as the sun. So why did you call me here? Surely not for a date.”

“……”

Seok Harang stood up and bowed deeply.

“I’m Seok Harang, representative of the Busan branch of the Korean Hero Association, known as <Princess Snowflower>. Allow me to formally introduce myself, Commander.”

“<Commander>. But I don’t like such stiff introductions. Would you call me ‘Baek Cheonghwa’ instead?”

She hesitated again. As I tapped my cup to show my displeasure, she reluctantly straightened up and sat down.

“T… Baek Cheonghwa? That name…?”

“Xian White Hibiscus. Blue, white, flower. To reduce any discomfort, I’ve created a Korean-style name for my activities here.”

“…Understood.”

Seok Harang stared at me suspiciously. Beating around the bush isn’t beneficial for her, but it’s better for her to figure things out on her own regarding this matter.

“Congratulations on reaching SS Rank.”

“Did you deliberately plan that? Including such low-level pranks?”

“Pranks? There was definitely an effect, wasn’t there? Fengyuhuan is Fengyuhuan. Just…the side effect may have increased your magic power.”

“You’re quite the jokester.”

Seok Harang sarcastically rolled her eyes. But I clearly knew her chest had grown slightly under her formal wear.

Seok Harang. She reached B-cup when she became SS-class. What a pleasant surprise.

“Princess Snowflower might have been slightly upset, but this is my approach—using something the other party needs as a medium. And it worked, didn’t it?”

“…That’s true.”

“Didn’t you realize my identity after using Fengyuhuan and noticing your increased magic power?”

“…Y-Yes.”

Ah, she realized. After cross-checking with Seol Ji-young, she figured out who I am. She only understood after exchanging information with Seol Ji-young.

“Hehe. Let’s work well together. Not just for the Seoul Recovery Operation, but because I’ll likely be staying in Korea for a while.”

“Why is that? Why did you come to this country?”

“……”

Seok Harang’s gaze was serious. I met her eyes and spoke with emphasis.

“To keep a promise.”

“Eh?”

“…A childish promise from long ago. Hehehe.”

I gave a meaningful pause before turning my gaze to my tea. Despite the intense heat from her stare, I regained composure with the sweet taste of strawberries and lifted my head again.

“Just idle talk. Actually, there are too many charming women here. You, Princess Snowflower, included. Korea seems full of attractive ladies.”

“Is it because your tastes lean towards Eastern beauty?”

“Surely not. I don’t discriminate based on race.”

Just gender.

“As a commander working for world peace…I strive daily.”

“…That’s one thing.”

“Sex?”

“…Commander, please remember I’m a woman of your age.”

Seok Harang warned me with a pale face. But I knew this was her natural reaction to embarrassment.

“Alright. Let’s call it <Magic Supply>. As you know, it’s the sole power I possess to enhance magic.”

“…What I genuinely want to know is…”

Clang!

Seok Harang swiftly produced something. It was the empty case of the used Fengyuhuan.

“What exactly did you use to make this?”

“What do you think?”

“Don’t dodge the question.”

“…You might find it rather unpleasant.”

Seok Harang’s eyes narrowed slightly. Knowing further teasing might lead to actual combat, I raised both hands in surrender.

“Sigh. I mixed in some blood.”

“Really?”

“Yes. They say there’s a dish called ‘sundubu jjigae’ here in Korea? I thought people wouldn’t mind drinking blood since they eat soup dishes. Isn’t it common to eat hot soup when hungry here?”

“That’s different. Completely different…”

Seok Harang closed her eyes and calmed her magic power. The frost on the penthouse windows melted into droplets.

“…If it happens again, please avoid using blood. Some might feel uncomfortable.”

“Blood is the cleanest option, isn’t it? What else would you suggest?”

“…Do you really expect me to say it?”

“Come on, Princess Snowflower. I trust you wouldn’t imagine anything disgusting. I do have common sense.”

Saliva? How revolting could that be? Someone might consider it a reward and gladly accept it.

“If you prefer not to use blood for magic supply, there are other ways. The reason you summoned me today…wasn’t it for this?”

“Yes. Take a look at this.”

Seok Harang handed me a test sheet. Though it lacked the official association mark, it was one they used internally.

“Seok Harang. Estimated birth year 00, presumed born in Busan.”

It appeared to be an unofficial profile detailing various physical stats.

“From the top…8-”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“SS Rank 98. Congratulations on becoming the unofficial second strongest in the world.”

The identity of the number one and another number two remains a secret. Seok Harang pointed to her increased magic power stat with a complicated expression.

“Yes. To be called the strongest human…just one point remains.”

“Yes.”

On purpose. I sold her three Fengyuhuan pills, and if she took all three, increasing from 95 to 98 makes perfect sense.

“Do you have any questions? Why didn’t you sell me more Fengyuhuan?”

“Why do you think that?”

“…Don’t forget we’re monitoring your surroundings.”

“Puhaha.”

The partially melted cake began freezing again. Frost formed on the windows, completely blocking the view outside.

“All S-Ranks can create barriers. SS-Ranks can craft spaces even more solid and discreet.”

“That means you’re trapped here.”

“Would Princess Snowflower really threaten the last commander of humanity?”

“She’ll let you go if you answer honestly.”

A single butterfly made of ice crystals landed on the back of my hand. Delicate and beautiful like glasswork, it carried immense magic power.

– Showy but lacking substance.

Simultaneously, it contained traces of her wasted half-life. What should have been hollow inside was now filled to the brim with SS-level magic power.

“Please be honest. What’s the reason behind the one point you left?”

“Really honest?”

“Yes.”

“Because I want to have sex with Princess Snowflower.”

Her eyes wavered.

“If those observing know, then they understand how I enhance the talents of the team members I recruit.”

“…”

“Magic supply. Using the large syringe every man possesses to inject magic power. As you know, the sensation given by a commander is indescribable. Women who’ve experienced it with a commander…some fall into monsters just to relive that feeling.”

“…”

Seok Harang remained silent. Her wavering gaze betrayed her innocence.

“I don’t want to miss someone as attractive as Princess Snowflower…surely you haven’t…ever?”

“…”

I drove the point home with her silence.

“My goodness. I’ve made a grave mistake. I didn’t realize Princess Snowflower hadn’t experienced such things yet. Why is that? Was it because of Light Blade? Did he prevent anyone from getting close to his disciple?”

“…”

“Or perhaps…”

Leaning on one arm, I teased Seok Harang with a sly look.

“Still holding onto your first love, planning to give your virginity to him?”

“…Commander. Excuse me for asking, but…are you really American? Is your name really Xian W. Hibiscus?”

“Ho ho ho ho…”

Laughter escaped involuntarily.

“Did you know? Hibiscus is related to the Rose of Sharon, but its scientific name is Hibiscus Syriacus.”

“…Ni…Ni…Could it be…?”

“Though embarrassing…and I don’t like bringing up old history, it’s better not to mention it.”

Snap.

I leaned back, crossing my legs on the table.

“‘Snow White’ touched me so deeply that the little brat insisted on calling herself <Princess Snowflower>.”

BAM!

Seok Harang suddenly stood up and embraced me. Her distorted face looked ready to burst into tears.

“You…you thought I was gone…!”

‘Right on schedule.’

Why hide?

Seok Harang.

She’s the typical childhood friend heroine position. Before parting at age twelve, she and the protagonist shared a bed every night.

“I’m not the type to die easily.”

The only way to conquer Seok Harang’s attributes in multiple retries.

“When have Infinite Roses ever fallen?”

Revealing hidden identities.

Baek Cheonghwa.

The protagonist is Seok Harang’s first love.

“Mission complete.”