Chapter 730

〈 Chapter 730 〉 Part 2, Chapter 5, Section 23

In response to Penril’s provocation, we dove headfirst into a full-blown boss battle.

The stage? The old Incheon International Airport.

What was once Yeongjong Island now lay in ruins—what remained of its buildings were barely recognizable, reduced to mere traces of their former glory.

Right off the bat, hiding within this place were A-Rank monsters, and the surrounding area was absolutely swarming with beasts. Even if we had thrown a full-scale raid party of fifty people at this location, it wouldn’t have been enough. We were talking about an average force of one hundred B-Rank monsters showing up—a situation that demanded nothing short of overwhelming numbers!

“Mint-Beam—!”

Penril unleashed her Mint Beam towards an A-Rank monster hiding inside the remnants of Incheon International Airport. The <Drug Tarantula>, a monstrous arachnid lurking amidst the concrete debris, immediately transformed into a ghoul upon being struck.

“Uh… uh?”

“Spider woman? What’s this nonsense?”

“A-Rank monsters are practically indistinguishable from humans at this point.”

The Drug Tarantula, known as the Narcotic Spider, transformed into a beautiful long-haired black straight hair maiden.

She looked almost entirely human, except for six legs sprouting from her back, each adorned with mint-colored eyes that sparkled ominously.

“Um… Master?”

“Who’s your master?! I am Banargande, the hound of the Commander! A hunter of monsters and ghouls alike!”

“……?”

The Drug Tarantula was utterly confused! She genuinely couldn’t comprehend why Penril, who referred to herself as the Commander’s subordinate, would address her like this.

[Commander, you really can convert these into cores later, right?]

A text message came from Yun Yuhwa. He was extremely dissatisfied with turning an A-Rank monster into a ghoul since while monsters could be farmed for cores, ghouls couldn’t.

[Of course. Since these ghouls were created by Penril, they won’t just vanish. Later, when we gather all the cores together, we can simply extract their magic power.]

[I trust you.]

Fortunately, Yun Yuhwa didn’t press further. Although extracting magic power from ghouls’ cores using the “machine” would take at least three months, I hadn’t mentioned the timeline and proceeded with creating ghouls anyway.

“Penril, gather the ghouls.”

“Understood, meow. Gather around here—!!”

Penril raised her fist and summoned the ghouls. Outside, countless B-Rank monsters awaited, their mint-colored eyes gleaming as they lined up obediently.

While A-Rank ghouls resembled cosplayers of their original monster forms, often transforming into handsome men or beautiful women, B-Rank ghouls took on shapes similar to anthropomorphic hybrids.

For instance, avian-type ghouls had humanoid heads and torsos but bird-like talons for hands and feet. Gorilla-based ghouls sported fur-covered faces, while a concrete ghoul wore a full-body concrete armor. Strangely, despite the bizarre sight, there was something nostalgic about it, especially with the tufts of hair growing atop their heads.

“Commander, everyone’s gathered, meow.”

“Hmm, quite a number.”

Standing before me were over a hundred ghouls. If twenty B-Rank ghouls could flip England upside down, what would happen with five times that number, plus A-Rank ghouls?

This large-scale ghoul outbreak would require at least three S-Rank heroes to handle. Yet, no alarm went off from the Magical Gear.

[Hey, am I imagining things? There are nearly thousands of monster and ghoul reactions inside the barrier alone!]

Seok Harang, who had erected a barrier across all of Yeongjong Island, trembled at the sheer quantity of monsters hidden within this small island.

[Geez… How much do you think this converts to in cores?]

[At least 20 billion… No, probably over 200 billion.]

As I casually replied to Seok Harang’s message while surveying the ghouls, I realized that with roughly a hundred ghouls, all B-Rank, converting them into cores would bring in an astronomical amount of funds.

Unfortunately, both Yun Yuhwa and Seok Harang were left disappointed because I planned to use these creatures worth trillions in economic value not for immediate core farming, but merely for “training.”

[If we can’t convert this into magic power, I’m going to hate you.]

[Yun Yuhwa… If I knew you’d react like this, I would’ve wiped them out earlier.]

Both Yun Yuhwa and Seok Harang lamented the loss of potential core value. Setting aside the Magical Gear, I addressed the ghouls.

“You’re likely confused. Your instincts tell you to kill the Commander, yet Penril, your current authority figure, forbids it.”

Their survival instincts clashed with their obedience to their creator (Penril). To resolve this internal conflict, I decided to create a stage for them.

“So, I’ll give you the opportunity to kill the Commander. Ta-dah!”

Creak, creak, creak.

Two models of Xroids appeared before me. One closely resembled my current form—a blonde delinquent-style male model. The other—

“This is Xi’an Jiang, specially prepared by Yu-Sung!”

A golden-haired beauty with piercing blue eyes and an ample bust, she bore a striking resemblance to the “Blazing Phoenix.”

“These hostages guarded by heroes are now yours to attack.”

I unbuttoned Xi’an Jiang’s top, while Penril promptly yanked down Xi’an Kun’s pants.

Swish.

These intricately designed Xroids possessed surprisingly realistic features tailored to their intended purpose. The ghouls’ eyes gleamed hungrily at the sight of the exposed figures.

“These ‘targets’ are civilians you’re allowed to attack. In other words, you can freely unleash your ghoul instincts. Any questions?”

“That… does that mean we can really…?”

The Concrete Ghoul’s eyes glimmered with sinister intent. Nodding, I personally reached beneath Xi’an Jiang’s skirt.

“Ahhh…!”

Squish.

“They’re yours to devour.”

“Wooohooo!!”

The ghouls erupted in excitement. Even the female ghouls began eyeing Xi’an Kun’s exposed lower regions with rapt attention.

“But, of course, there are those protecting these civilians. Who might that be?”

“Heroes!”

“Yes. These civilians are under the protection of heroes. Specifically, magical girls.”

I revealed this information to the ghouls. While exact details of the heroes’ capabilities weren’t disclosed, basic facts like “Kim Nori wields a sword and specializes in water-based close-range attacks” were shared.

“These heroes will counter your every move. And I won’t interfere directly, as this battle assumes the scenario where the spread of Magical Gear signals has been blocked.”

The ghouls nodded after reviewing the strategic outline Penril had distributed via wind currents. Her straightforward plan involved deploying thirty B-Rank ghouls against each A-Rank target, while smaller groups tackled C+ ranks.

“Let me make one thing clear: regardless of how many B-Rank ghouls you may be, I don’t believe my magical girls will lose.”

My confident taunt visibly irked the ghouls. Despite their numerical advantage, the prospect of facing numerous A+ ranks wasn’t comforting.

“But you need motivation too. Penril, show them the sample.”

I lifted Xi’an Jiang’s white skirt, revealing black stockings covering navy-blue panties. Penril flicked her tail, tearing through the stockings and inserting it between Xi’an Jiang’s legs.

“Ahhk…!”

With every thrust, Xi’an Jiang trembled violently. Her originally golden eyes gradually shifted to a mint-green hue.

“If you consume civilians, the targets will turn mint green. The collars around your necks will count this.”

The ghouls chuckled nervously as they touched their own chokers. Their primal instincts, combined with personal desires, aligned perfectly with the situation. This information also reached the magical girls.

“Any ghoul killed in this fight will remain as a core, locked away for a year. However, those who earn ‘Kkung Kkung Points’ by consuming civilians will become fully human again in three months.”

This bombshell announcement ignited a fiery determination in the ghouls’ eyes.

“Now, give it your best shot. After all, you’ve been chosen for something special…”

“Mint Squad, move to your positions, meow—!!”

Every ghoul present had already been vetted by Penril. None had consumed human flesh, making them suitable candidates for eventual reintegration into society.

“Ah, Magical Girl Kkung Kkung Squad, are you ready?”

[Commander, isn’t this going too far?]

As soon as I opened the channel, Su Ri let loose a barrage of curses.

[The more injuries inflicted on civilians, the longer we delay having sex? That’s crossing a line!]

If attacking civilians is encouraged among ghouls, then naturally, heroes bear the responsibility to protect them.

“Why? Xroids or not, civilians are still civilians. Su Ri, surely you wouldn’t just leave my TS model to be devoured by ghouls?”

[Of course not! But damn it, if I mess up, I’ll have to watch the Commander get eaten right in front of me!]

“In that case, just protect them so they don’t get eaten. Su Ri, I believe in you!”

[Aaaahh!!]

Thus, I provided the magical girls with powerful motivation.

“Each civilian you guard represents Kkung Points. I’ve balanced the difficulty levels fairly, so there’s no unfair advantage. Whoever protects the most civilians wins. Got it?”

With that, I fondled the mint-green chest of the transformed Xi’an Jiang and retreated to my command post. Following Penril’s instructions, the ghouls exited, and under Yun Yuhwa’s guidance, the civilians moved to their designated positions under the heroes’ escort.

Thirty minutes later.

“All units.”

“Mint Squad!”

“Commence battle.”

“Attack—Gaaaahh!!”

Crash!!

The ice-glass barrier conjured by Seok Harang shattered as the ghouls stormed the old Incheon International Airport.