Chapter 684

〈 Chapter 684 〉 Part 2, Chapter 4, Section 11

The C-Rank Monster fell easily. Naturally, people’s attention turned to the one who had defeated it.

– Wasn’t that someone other than a Light Blade user who took down the monster in New Seoul?

A mysterious ability-user who struck down the chaotic beast head-on like the wind.

The wielder of a water blade who split apart enemy attacks with grace.

Someone who, even in battle, carefully looked after and cared for those around them.

– Is this really how newly awakened ability-users fight?

It couldn’t possibly be the fighting of an ability-user registered with the association for merely two months. It was clear that with just a bit more refinement, her combat power could reach B-Rank. The Maiden’s fighting was extraordinary.

– Don’t you think she at least deserves a codename since she beat the monster?

People needed a way to refer to this unnamed Maiden. While officially registered with the association, they firmly refused to disclose her name.

– Let’s come up with something ourselves!

– What about “Pillar Cutter”?

Even those who knew the identity of Kim Nori didn’t realize the C-Rank ability-user was her. Unlike the once perpetually hunched-over loner, this girl radiated overflowing confidence as she saved people and defeated monsters.

Thus, under the spotlight of public attention…

“Kukuku, hehehe!”

Maiden Kim Nori spent the night awake in bed watching videos of her heroic exploits circulating across community boards.

“<Yasha>…”

Unlike her sister <Seiren>, the two-character codenames commonly given to Korean heroes suited Kim Nori well. Smiling happily at the codename created by the people, Nori nonetheless began glancing around nervously.

“Boss, is it okay if I use this codename?”

Checking with me…

“What’s wrong with it? People gave it to you.”

“But isn’t it supposed to be the Commander who names their team members?”

“You won’t live long if you worry about all that. Yasha suits you fine. I was worried it might be weird.”

Like “<Night Striker>” or

“<Ju Jupiter>” for making pancake-like explosions, or

“<Lanfa>” for breaking eggs,

“The public comes up with all sorts of codenames. Especially the first one tends to be playful.”

“Isn’t that just a way to get rid of the first name quickly?”

“It depends on how it sticks, but realistically it’s just hazing for newbies. Yasha is a decent name.”

Among the many codenames Nori had, <Yasha> was relatively unproblematic. Though it shared a name with an S-Rank Hero from India who had since disappeared, no one else currently used it.

“Congratulations. Your official codename is Yasha. From now on, I’ll call you that.”

“Ugh…it feels strange being the only one getting this.”

“Eventually, we’ll all just go by codenames anyway.”

Though the image of a magical maiden and Yasha don’t seem to fit, someday she’ll be known as <Ya Huang>. People must have subconsciously sensed the fierce and savage nature within Nori.

“Boss, does this mean I’m a star now?”

“Yeah, our main star. Just keep wearing the mask during activities.”

“Thinking my face would get recognized, but this is embarrassing.”

“Don’t worry. The angle wasn’t good.”

At the moment the monster’s attack caused Nori’s hat and mask to fall off, the wind from the battle scattered her hair, covering her features.

Since the battle happened so quickly, the magical gear camera failed to capture her face clearly.

“People passing by might suspect ‘Hmm, could that be her?’ but most won’t know Yasha is Nori. The association isn’t giving any information to reporters.”

In this country where talent is rare, even C-Rank ability-users attract those seeking connections or recruitment.

“That’s scary, Boss. My parents said some relatives who disappeared after swindling money when I first awakened are contacting them.”

“It’s similar to winning the lottery jackpot. Even if you don’t tell anyone, everyone finds out eventually.”

Being an awakened ability-user is even more valuable than a lottery win.

“Still, thanks to me, your magical gear remains quiet. Without me, you’d already be flooded with calls from old classmates.”

“Come to think of it, what exactly are you doing behind the scenes, Boss?”

“I’m pulling strings in the adult world. Fufufu.”

Even the association, which normally leaks information for bribes or favors, refuses to divulge anything about Nori. Similarly, her somewhat loose-lipped parents remain tight-lipped about her specifically.

“Boss, I noticed something while fighting the monster.”

“What is it?”

“Wasn’t the monster controlled by you? Despite expecting its appearance, it moved far too precisely for something completely berserk.”

Indeed, Yahuang. You truly excel at understanding villains.

‘They only expected me to say a monster would appear, not that I’d create and control one.’

Who would ever guess the small cat lounging by the windowframe bathed in moonlight was controlling the chaotic monster? But Nori, having fought it directly, knows.

This monster was different from the typical ones.

“Nori, there’s a big flaw in what you’re saying.”

“What is it?”

“Why would I bother controlling a male monster?”

“…That’s fair.”

Though not fully convinced, Nori set aside her suspicions. She realized she had become the perfectly scripted protagonist following my precise instructions.

“For today, rest. Gaon will soon arrive with your parents, so until then, don’t watch too many magical gear videos and just lie down.”

“…Boss, I already know.”

Nori grabbed my sleeve with a sly smile.

“Did you really just sleep at that hotel in Yeosu?”

“……”

“Probably not~”

“So what do you want to say?”

Nori cleared her throat and subtly lifted the blanket.

“There’s still an hour before Sister and Mom/Dad arrive. Didn’t I do well today? Don’t I deserve a stamp of approval?”

“……”

Meow.

With the sound of a cat’s cry, the atmosphere in the hospital room shifted. I quietly rose from my chair and lightly sat on the edge of Nori’s bed.

“If I get caught, I deny everything.”

* * *

Strong Weak Weak Strong.

Sadly, this phrase best describes what Goan thought about herself and Nori’s parents when asked to describe them in one sentence.

“Aren’t you aware, both of you? No information regarding Miss Nori should leak outside. It’s akin to a state secret…”

The B-Rank Hero from the association earnestly warned Nori’s parents outside her hospital room. Watching her parents bow deeply to the man in a black suit made Goan feel somewhat bitter.

‘Living in this country is truly something.’

Submitting to power was the only way to survive in New Seoul. In that sense, Goan’s parents considered obeying the association natural.

“So inside you shouldn’t….”

“That’s enough, stop already.”

“Understood, Lady <Seiren>.”

When Goan spoke up about the overly cautious instructions, the agent immediately changed posture and bowed deeply to her.

“…Ahem.”

Goan’s parents looked awkwardly and complexly at their daughter Goan. Having lived as authority figures for 22 years, they found it strangely uncomfortable to see their superiors showing respect to their own daughter.

“L-Let’s go in.”

They weren’t shameless enough to lean on their daughter’s influence to hold their heads high. Knowing Goan had gone abroad to avoid entanglement with them, the couple opened the hospital door to Nori’s room with tense faces.

“Ah, Mom/Dad came?”

“NORI?!”

Lying in bed, Nori was drenched in sweat. Clutching the blanket tightly, she greeted her family with an awkward smile.

“J-Jeez, you’re early.”

“Are you alright?! Any injuries?!”

“Not at all! I’m more energetic than ever. Just feeling a bit drained right now.”

“Why are you sweating so much?! Could it be-”

CHIRRING!

Before Nori’s mother could pull back the blanket, a giant water droplet crushed it down. Pale-faced, Nori slightly relaxed seeing her body covered by the watery blanket.

“It’s just cooling off. No need to fuss.”

“T-Then? I thought…”

“…Ahem, she’s fine.”

Relieved, the parents sighed. Goan, sensing the intense energy, turned her head toward the panic room installed in every special room.

“…”

Through the crack in the panic room door, a corner of Kim Nori’s patient pants could be seen peeking out. Though the person was lying in bed, the messy pants were shoved into the corner?

“World.”

Realizing what was happening under the blanket, Goan was shocked. While enduring her parents’ lectures and nagging, Nori signaled to Goan.

– If I release this, I die!

“…”

Keck keck. The sweet smell lingering in the room made Goan’s head ache. The open window wasn’t due to heat but for ventilation, she instinctively understood.

“Excuse me.”

“Speak freely, Lady Seiren. Aren’t you her senior?”

“…Then could you…”

Quietly whispering, Goan conveyed her message to the agent, who coughed and called the parents over.

“Sorry, but visiting time is limited to five minutes. Important people will be arriving shortly, so your presence is requested elsewhere.”

“Wh-Who are these important people?”

“But our daughter is currently collapsed…”

“I’ll stay here with her. I’m fine, right?”

“Yes. Being an A-Rank Hero like Lady Seiren.”

Following the agent’s order to leave, the couple reluctantly hugged Nori goodbye. With an awkward smile, Nori saw them off.

Creeeak, thud.

“Phewww—.”

As the door closed, Nori let out a sigh of relief. Goan immediately dispelled the water blanket and pulled off the one covering her lower half.

“World.”

“B-B-Pervert!”

“How can you call me a pervert when you’re the one lying here naked except for your underwear, sweating profusely after some exercise….”

Goan threw the pants and underwear tossed in the corner at Nori. With an embarrassed smile, Nori caught them to dress.

“So was it worth it?”

“…Sister.”

Gently grabbing Goan’s hand, Nori softly smiled.

“Of course, damn straight.”

“Haa, if our parents find out, there’ll be chaos.”

“Why? Because we became co-wives to the same man?”

“…”

Goan couldn’t deny it.

* * *

“Phew, thank goodness. Kim Penril, I almost got caught.”

Hiding within Penril’s barrier and sneaking out of the hospital room, I successfully escaped into the hallway.

“Without cleaning up, you just rolled around and hid. Sorry about that.”

“One minute later and I would’ve been caught nyaa.”

“Doesn’t matter since I didn’t get caught.”

Fortunately, I avoided getting caught. After enjoying a session of passion with Nori, I barely had time to savor the afterglow before her parents burst in. Thanks to Penril’s help, I managed to hide unnoticed.

“Goan had good timing too.”

“If she hadn’t covered for us, your lack of pants would’ve definitely been exposed nyaa.”

“Hahaha, if that happened, we’d be screwed. But since I didn’t get caught, it’s fine.”

Carrying Penril on my shoulder, I slowly walked down the corridor. Now there was only one thing left to do.

“All I need to do is defeat an A-Rank Hero in sparring…”


“Huh?”

Far away, around the corner, I heard footsteps approaching. Penril and I held our breath.

“…”

The fiery demoness with bronze skin and curvaceous figure frowned sharply upon seeing me.

“Hello there?”

Finally, I’ve met you, <Agni> Su Ri. Waving casually to greet her, she scanned the area before striding over and shoving me into the vending machine alcove.

“Hey, bastard.”

Right off the bat, Su Ri cursed at me, her teeth bared menacingly.

“Are you the bastard who got our Yuna pregnant?”

“…Excuse me, there seems to be a misunderstanding.”

“This bastard! You tricked innocent Yuna and discarded her, didn’t you! Speak! After having your fun locally, you’re planning to flee to America, aren’t you!”

“Clearly, it’s the opposite.”

Seeing the confusion in Su Ri’s eyes at my words, I seized the opportunity, tightening my throat and declaring:

“Yuna did this to ME, me!”

“……Eh?”

“…”

Tears streamed down as Su Ri’s grip on my collar tightened. Taking a deep breath through my choked-up throat, I continued.

“I told her to always use protection…”

“Ah…?”

“Victory Through Divine Juice.”

“I’m powerless, forced against my will…sniff!”

Since Yuna scammed me first, I decided to scam her back using her own methods.