Chapter 97

〈Chapter 97〉 Part 1, Chapter 6 (3)

Thus concluded Seok Harang’s ultimate dating coaching session.

Seok Harang seemed to like the new skin tone so much that they didn’t switch back to their original overcoat, and I certainly had no intention of making them change back either. Like priest robes or veils act as armor, Seok Harang’s clothing transformed by my magic power provided a certain level of protection.

Because of this, after enjoying a simple meal at the cafe, there was no need to change clothes for what was about to happen next.

Being able to strike without worrying about tearing clothes was quite refreshing.

* * *

“Too slow.”

With Phoenix’s wave of a hand, the ice butterflies shattered into powder. Though the butterflies failed to deal any damage, the powder lingered in the air and clung to Phoenix’s armor.

“Sshh.” Frost formed on Phoenix’s armor.

“So, you’ve made sure I won’t die outright, huh?”

“Of course!”

“I’m talking about magical power, dimwit.”

Each butterfly carried magical power that barely surpassed Phoenix’s Flame Sphere. The ice butterflies broke through the flames and flew toward Phoenix.

The momentum faltered as butterflies swarmed from all sides. In the brief moment of opportunity, Phoenix leaped away.

“We’ll have to work on your speed.”

Phoenix charged straight into the swarm of butterflies with their armor intact. Parts of the armor froze and buckled but were soon melted away by a burst of flames.

“Much better since Gwanak. Must be thanks to your awakening as an elemental spirit.”

“Well duh. After enduring such humiliation, did you think I’d sit around doing nothing?”

Seok Harang smiled with their slate-gray eyes gleaming. Their irises, proof that they were fully harnessing the power of the elemental spirit, shone with magical power solidified like ice crystals.

“You’re growing fast. At this rate, you might even kill me soon.”

“Not ‘might’—I will! Right now!”

Seok Harang stretched their hand high into the sky. All moisture in the air turned to ice. Phoenix gathered magical power around themselves to create a safe distance.

A space roughly five meters in radius centered on Phoenix appeared. Ice crystals formed everywhere else, rapidly spinning to create a blizzard.

This reminds me of my battle with Hyeo Yoon-hwan.

“Die already!”

Seok Harang created a massive block of ice high above their raised hand. The enormous chunk of ice, large enough to fill half the barrier and resembling an iceberg transported from the North Pole, plummeted toward Phoenix like a meteor.

Phoenix ignited flames in both hands.

“It’s still not enough. Half-assed effort.”

“Again! Again!”

Seok Harang, annoyed, hurled the iceberg. The colossal mass blocked out the sky as it descended upon Phoenix like a falling star.

“This is why you’re uneducable.”

Shaking their head, Phoenix raised a hand and said,

“Today’s lesson ends here, student Seok Harang.”

Bringing their hands together in a praying gesture, two swirling flames trapped within a blue barrier churned with surging magical power.

“What about magical power?!”

Seok Harang flapped their wings and fled to the edge of the barrier. They created a protective barrier by pulling their wings forward toward the front.

“Go home and reflect and review.”

Phoenix tore into the magical barrier with their power. The endlessly splitting White Flames erupted outward.

□□□□□□□—-!!

An earsplitting explosion filled the air as the barrier glowed with blue light.

* * *

<4:00 PM, Seok Harang's Residence, Busan>

“No homework.”

“…….”

Seok Harang faceplanted onto the table and collapsed. I kicked their side with my foot while lounging on the bean bag.

“Snap out of it. I was going to make you do two more hours, but ended early.”

“SAT tutoring wasn’t this intense…”

“Want to slack off on the SAT or save the world?”

“…If I were a senior, I would’ve chosen the former. Definitely.”

Should Seok Harang be thankful they’re in their second year of university? I sucked on the straw of my packaged drink.

“Do well. When I go overseas, you’ll have to protect the base.”

“That’s obvious. Unlike Master Hwakwon who always nosebleeds in Seoul and can’t be trusted…”

Seok Harang, lying face down on the table, turned only their head. Their expression brimmed with dubious suspicion.

“Come to think of it, I saw a bit of your color in Master’s flames.”

“I awakened that potential.”

“…Really? No wonder. How did a layabout who followed celebrities around without training suddenly become S-Rank?”

Seok Harang crawled over to me after falling off the table.

“If that’s the case, can’t we just awaken other Heroes in the Association? Uncle Usa especially seems like he’d hit S-Rank right away.”

“Marry him if you want. Have you forgotten what happened in Seoul?”

“……Guh.”

Seok Harang clutched their forehead and writhed on the floor.

“Probably setting a Guinness World Record for liking the most people in two days. Five thousand people? Pfft.”

“Are you jealous?”

“Can I survive without you? Anyone with even slightly higher water affinity compatibility turns into a puddle around you.”

“…That wouldn’t work.”

Struggling, Seok Harang placed their head on my knee. It was heavier than expected.

“Tch. You’ve got it easy. Fire attribute special ability users are practically nonexistent in this world.”

“But in exchange, judgment becomes clouded. Originally, I just wanted to ignore or kill Master Seo Hyung, but since he was the first fire attribute user I met, I was happy…”

“…Then what would you have done if Master was another element?”

“What kind of stupid question is that?”

I drew a line across my throat with my thumb. Seok Harang made a disgusted face. Then they soon widened their eyes and asked,

“Wait, are you into Master? That’s why you made him S-Rank and everything!”

“Me? Are you insane?”

I flicked my thigh upward, sending Seok Harang flying. Rolling 360 degrees to the side, they climbed onto the bean bag beside me and leaned in close.

“Last week?! Is that why you’re sparing him? Even though he killed our dad, the only reason you’re letting Master Seo Hyung live must be because of that, right?”

“Excuse me. There may not be a reason to spare him, but there’s also no reason to kill him. Besides…”

I hesitated whether to continue the conversation. Seok Harang rested their chin on my shoulder and poked my side. They shook their head left and right while breathing heavily near where my breath could reach, laughing carelessly.

“Then what? Is there another story I don’t know about? If you tell me, I won’t kill you today. Promise.”

“…….”

Had anyone else committed such atrocities against Phoenix’s body, their touched parts would’ve been burned off. But recalling my connection with Seok Harang, I let it slide.

“…I’m not into that type.”

Thump, thump. Through the contact point of our chests, I could hear Seok Harang’s heartbeat. The smell of living human flesh, different from a monster’s core pulsation, tickled my nose. Seok Harang’s cold breath grazed my forehead and cheek.

“Why? Master does have a handsome face. Don’t you know about Heartbreaker Seo Hyung?”

“My heart’s already under attack right now.”

Seok Harang always enjoyed whispering trivial matters while pressing their body close. They claimed it’s because being ice attribute allows them to feel body heat easily. My hand instinctively ruffled Seok Harang’s hair… I couldn’t endure it any longer.

“Hey, Seok Harang.”

“…?”

“Don’t try to seduce me too.”

Seok Harang stared dumbfounded, unable to speak, then grabbed my collar and shook it.

“Are you crazy? Another round of self-admiration? Last time it was ‘I’m the best,’ now it’s completely axe-murderer mode? Stop getting delusions about yourself.”

“In that case, it’s fortunate.”

I removed my hand from Seok Harang’s head.

“…Do you know Ga-eul?”

“Huh? Oh, Seo Hyung’s unrequited love interest who died. I cried so much. Their final romance was so tragic. Ratings dropped to single digits.”

“She’s alive. In Seoul. Under the Blue Wind Sect.”

“……Whaaat. Big news!”

I grabbed and shook Seok Harang’s lips before letting go.

“So don’t go spreading this around. I don’t want Seo Hyung accidentally killing Ga-eul because she gets involved. Even if you promise not to say anything, I don’t trust you even a little.”

“…But shouldn’t you at least give me a chance? Do you really think I’d go telling everyone?”

“Hmm. You’ll start spilling as soon as you meet Yun Yuhwa, won’t you?”

“Do you think I’m as loose-lipped as you?”

Tch. I grabbed Seok Harang’s crown and shook it.

“I believe your mouth is as heavy as your body. But if you end up telling someone…”

I whispered into Seok Harang’s ear.

“Yun Yuhwa will become my wife.”

“……On the honor of the Light Blade, I swear I won’t utter a word.”

I sighed and got up from the bean bag. Seok Harang zipped their lips dramatically with a determined look.

“That concludes our tea time. I’m heading back to Seoul.”

“Huh? Why so suddenly? Can’t you stay a bit longer?”

“Trying to extract more information about me liking Yun Yuhwa? No way.”

“Man, your insight is terrible. Fine, forget it. Not a single hint of gas or assistance.”

Lying down, Seok Harang nudged my thigh. I grabbed their ankle and tossed them onto the bean bag before jumping out the window.

BANG!

“Hey, you son of a—!!”

None of my concern.

* * *

<7:00 PM, New Seoul Government Building>

Sun Icheol sipped herbal tea while signing numerous approval documents laid out on the table.

“Mr. President. Ryu Cheonseong has returned to Seoul. As for Seokchan…”

“That’s enough. Would someone like to dine with me?”

Minister of Monster Countermeasures Jang Hujung made no attempt to hide their displeasure. A villain had laundered their identity to become mayor of six hundred thousand Seoul citizens. Prime Minister Baek Sejoon anxiously asked,

“Shouldn’t we at least dispatch a vice mayor? If the government has no means to monitor Seoul, then Seoul will almost…”

“All part of the Republic of Korea, aren’t we? That’s enough.”

Sun Icheol raised his hand to stop Baek Sejoon. His demeanor resembled that of an enlightened hermit.

“Just interfering unnecessarily would be counterproductive. Who benefits if Seoul recovers quickly? It’s a blessing for all of Korea.”

“Mr. President, ugh!”

Jang Hujung was moved. Baek Sejoon swallowed hard.

“Mayor Ryu Cheonseong’s fourth term, rather Mayor Ryu Cheonseong and all of us legislators, isn’t it? Hahaha. I miss the days of debating in Yeouido.”

Sun Icheol chuckled while stroking the scratches on his glasses.

“When Seoul stabilizes, we should visit once, shouldn’t we? Gwanghwamun, Seocho, …and Yeouido too.”

“That’s correct, Mr. President. However…”

Jang Hujung hesitated, pointing at the document Sun Icheol was about to sign.

“What shall we do regarding Japan’s request?”

“S-Rank dispatch?”

When Baek Sejoon questioned, Jang Hujung nodded.

“They say the monster heading north from Okinawa has disappeared. We’re investigating its whereabouts but haven’t found it yet.”

“…Isn’t there no real reason to dispatch anyone then?”

Sun Icheol picked up the document. Receiving it officially through the Foreign Ministry, Sun Icheol tore it cleanly in half with both hands.

“Let the Japanese handle their own problems. Don’t they have their own Round Table? Kukuku.”

“…Mr. President, without Kwang-geum currently, if another Dimensional Gate should appear during combat…”

“My nephew will take care of it. Hahaha!”

Sun Icheol laughed heartily. Baek Sejoon and Jang Hujung responded with awkward smiles.

“Lately, you seem to have grown closer. Didn’t you even help your nephew find housing near the government building after helping him escape the Hero Association dormitory?”

“That’s right. Watching Mr. President care for his nephew makes me incredibly envious.”

“Is that so? Hahaha!”

Since Guangeum fought their first battle against a murderer in Daejeon, Sun Icheong has increasingly cherished and nurtured his nephew. Grabbing Baek Sejoon’s shoulders and shaking them, Sun Icheol laughed.

“Prime Minister! Isn’t your daughter nearing marriage age?”

Baek Sejoon eagerly turned to Sun Icheol.

“Um, she’s an unworthy child. Embarrassing to show…”

“When should we invite her over for a meal sometime? Hehehe, I truly have great fortune meeting good people like you, Prime Minister. Sometimes it feels like family!”

Watching the president and prime minister exchange compliments, Jang Hujung held their tongue.

‘While we don’t even know where Seo Hyung is.’

Jang Hujung discreetly hid the incoming notifications on their smartwatch. Since Team Leader Kang Soyeon went missing, the administrator has been monitoring the real-time locations of all heroes.

‘Might something happen again?’

The night deepened in New Seoul.

* * *

<8:00 PM, S University, Seoul>

Seo Hyung stood alone on the deserted grounds of S University.

To ensure no one knew he was here, Seo Hyung came alone, even removing his smartwatch before crossing over from Gwanaksan Mountain.

“…”

Seo Hyung placed the chrysanthemum he had been holding in his arms onto the center of the ruined parking lot. Without a tombstone or burial site, Seo Hyung placed the chrysanthemum on the asphalt and paid his respects in silence.

“Hmm, I thought someone was here.”

Someone leapt down from the rooftop. The sound of heels echoed against the asphalt, and the woman’s pale skin glistened under the moonlight.

“To whom are you praying?”

“…That’s none of your business. Villain.”

“<Phantom>, actually.”

The corner of Phantom’s mouth beneath the mask curved into a crescent moon. While gathering magical power, Seo Hyung endured the pain piercing his chest.

“So they say a fox spirit’s essence can transform into a person.”

The lips beneath the mask strikingly resembled Ga-eul’s. Having studied countless scenes of Ga-eul for kissing practice, Seo Hyung felt momentarily dizzy from how similar they looked.

“Thank you for calling me a fox spirit.”

Behind Phantom, nine tails of irregular shape swayed. From head to tail, Phantom turned ashen gray as they gathered magical power, prompting Seo Hyung to prepare himself.

“There are other ways to call me, but I can’t hurt a woman’s feelings.”

“You’re making people curious while saying that? Too much.”

“…I can’t understand the mindset of those perverts anyway.”

The so-called “tentacle freaks” on the network referred to Phantom as “Tentacle Lady.” Seo Hyung couldn’t possibly call a lady such a vulgar name. Phantom snorted.

“Whatever. Anyway, why are you here? Overtime is bad for skin care. Quickly state your business. Someone as busy as me needs to warm up the bed.”

“…I came looking for someone.”

“Can’t you just check the list of resurrected residents?”

Seo Hyung shook his head.

“…They might still be somewhere in Seoul. I have to find them. So please step aside.”

“Sorry, but heroes like you aren’t allowed in Seoul at this hour. To the citizens, Seoul’s hero is scarier than Mother Kwang.”

“…I have to find someone I couldn’t protect! Ga-eul!”

At Seo Hyung’s cry, Phantom’s hand paused mid-motion. Seo Hyung immediately noticed.

“Ho, perhaps?”

“…Are you interested in where Ga-eul is?”

Seo Hyung vigorously nodded. Phantom raised their hand to their mask.

Swish. The mask disappeared, and their body was enveloped in gray mist. When the mist settled, Seo Hyung stood there with nine irregular tails.

Though shocked, Seo Hyung observed that the tails revealed the deception despite the perfect disguise.

Phantom spoke in Seo Hyung’s voice.

“My ability copies anyone I’ve seen. As you can see… though the tails remain and give it away quickly…”

Phantom casually wiped their face with the mask they held in their hand, causing the mist to ripple and reveal a feminine silhouette.

“!”

Seo Hyung’s expression hardened.

For nearly two months, he longed for and kept this woman close to his heart. She appeared with the same face and outfit, complete with nine tails, right where they last parted ways.

Phantom chuckled lowly. The smile reminded Seo Hyung painfully of someone else’s laughter.

“Ha…”

However, Seo Hyung steadied his wavering magical power, wrapping his fist in white flames. The hint given by the opponent was clear to anyone who heard it.

“Alright. Good. Esteemed Master Hwakwon. Come try to knock me down once. Then I’ll tell you where the person you so desperately seek is.”

Phantom, appearing as Ga-eul, extended their nine tentacle-like tails.

“The woman you couldn’t protect, where is Ga-eul?”

“ROARRR!!!”

With Seo Hyung’s battle cry, fist met tentacle.