Chapter 98

〈Chapter 98〉 Part 1, Chapter 6 (4)

<10:00 PM, New Seoul.>

Phoenix had returned to Seoul.

Had she come alone as usual, it would’ve taken her only about ten minutes to get back. But this time, Phoenix had to escort a group from New Seoul.

“Ho ho, thank you, Commander.”

Ryu Cheonseong tipped his fedora and gave a short nod. Phoenix waved in response.

“Nah, what’re you talking about? I let you fall right into enemy territory, so this is the least I could do.”

“Heh heh, it wasn’t enemy territory, was it? It’s safe now.”

Ryu Cheonseong gestured behind him. There stood Gang Soyeon, the team leader dispatched by the Association, grinding her teeth.

“…”

Phoenix casually glanced around and pulled out a Cube from her bosom. Gang Soyeon’s eyes turned bloodshot.

“Why? Are you upset? If you’re upset, why don’t you try taking it?”

“…”

Gang Soyeon gritted her teeth and turned away, clearly deciding not to associate with Phoenix at all. She didn’t utter a single word as she followed Ryu Cheonseong. Phoenix smirked.

“Oh my, how pitiful. If you work hard for another five years, you might reach S-Rank and use it to your heart’s content.”

“…What?”

Gang Soyeon reacted for the first time. Phoenix tucked the Cube back into her bosom and feigned ignorance.

“Eh? Well, that’s all water under the bridge now, isn’t it? No worries~! Goodnight, Mayor!”

“Commander, wait a moment.”

Ryu Cheonseong whispered into Phoenix’s ear.

“Hey, how much longer do I have?”

For politician Ryu Cheonseong, his life goal was to become mayor of Seoul. For power-wielder Sky Castle, his life goal was reaching S-Rank.

Phoenix smiled ambiguously.

“…Even me or Cabbage White can’t awaken you, Mayor.”

“I know that much. If it were possible, wouldn’t I have done it earlier? Listen here, Commander.”

Sky Castle leaned forward, meeting Phoenix’s eyes. His hands in his pants pockets made him look like a mafia boss threatening someone.

“I went all the way to New Seoul. Endured all sorts of humiliation and couldn’t even eat properly there. Do you know what they call us in New Seoul? They call us ‘flower bums’ of Seoul.”

“That’s because our clothing methods are different. What can you do?”

Phoenix alternated pointing between Gang Soyeon and Ryu Cheonseong.

If Ryu Cheonseong represented the old era of luxury brands, Gang Soyeon’s clothes were part of the new generation crafted with Core technology. Naturally, from the perspective of New Seoul residents, Ryu Cheonseong was just a flower bum wearing rags. Phoenix patted Ryu Cheonseong’s arm.

“Don’t worry. Yuseong will be setting up a factory here soon. You should think about where to allocate the land.”

“That plan has already been drafted. If I give Architect some Cores, he’ll build the factory in no time. But don’t change the subject, Commander.”

Ryu Cheonseong’s muscles twitched. Phoenix looked troubled for a moment before snapping her fingers.

“Aha, I’ve got a great idea.”

Phoenix whispered something into Ryu Cheonseong’s ear.

“Monster transformation? No thanks.”

As expected, Ryu Cheonseong flatly refused. Phoenix nodded knowingly.

“There’s nothing I can do for you right now. The boundary between A-Rank and S-Rank is delicate-”

“Hmph, what nonsense are you spouting with that Cube?”

Gang Soyeon snapped. Ryu Cheonseong also turned his head sharply.

“You said you could use the Cube. Then why not just use it for everything? Hey, Sky Castle! If you take that Cube, you could reach S-Rank!”

“Dear me. Is she trying to sow discord? Isn’t that right?”

“The Cube’s useless anyway. Everyone knows that except you.”

Phoenix’s words made Ryu Cheonseong chuckle as he straightened up. He then picked Gang Soyeon up effortlessly. Unfortunately, his bear-like hand brushed against her lower abdomen.

“Kyaak?!”

Gang Soyeon squirmed, her face turning red as she screamed like a bird. Ryu Cheonseong pointed towards the hotel interior.

“I’ll hand her over to Lighthouse.”

“Thank you. Great job, Sky Castle. I look forward to seeing you with a new name soon.”

“My pleasure.”

Ryu Cheonseong entered the hotel. This C Hotel in Yeouido served as both the Blue Wind Sect’s hideout and a more secure prison for Gang Soyeon.

“Thanks for sending such a fine representative from the Association.”

Phoenix spread her wings and took off from Yeouido, riding the night breeze past Mapo Bridge and heading towards Yongsan.

“…Ugh.”

The man guarding Mapo Bridge immediately raised his arms in a Y-shape upon spotting Phoenix. Phoenix casually waved and increased her wingbeat speed.

“He’s still doing that over there.”

Phoenix landed on the rooftop of a restored apartment complex in Yongsan. This high-end apartment sat at the border between Mapo and Yongsan districts.

It was the apartment where Cheon Gaeul used to live in Seoul.

‘She had her reasons for insisting on Yongsan.’

Though Phoenix still lived in the penthouse of the hideout, Cheon Gaeul had asked Architect to restore her home. When she explained that she’d saved money since her child actor days to live with her parents, Architect, who had been sleeping, suddenly woke up and built the building.

Currently, the only resident of this apartment was Cheon Gaeul herself. However, as Seoul stabilizes, people will gradually return to northern Gangbuk as well.

“But why isn’t Cheon Gaeul responding…?”

Phoenix pressed the doorbell at Cheon Gaeul’s entrance. There was no sign of movement inside.

‘Is she at the hideout?’

Phoenix quickly raced back to the apartment roof and flew upwards again. Somehow, the man on Mapo Bridge had noticed her and was now standing mid-bridge under a lamppost with his arms raised in celebration.

“Ah, ahaha.”

Phoenix landed awkwardly on the hideout roof with an embarrassed smile. In response to Phoenix’s magical energy signature, the roof opened, allowing her to land smoothly at the entrance.

‘It feels just like returning after a sortie.’

Architect had installed a device on the roof after getting tired of Phoenix constantly breaking windows. Phoenix folded her wings and slid into the penthouse as the floor sank beneath her feet.

‘This was the right choice for a base. Definitely.’

In high spirits, Phoenix skipped down the stairs. Most of the senior staff occupied rooms on the floor where the suites were located.

Knock knock knock. Phoenix knocked on Cheon Gaeul’s door. There was no response.

‘It’s not bedtime yet.’

Phoenix pressed her ear against the door. A faint breath could barely be heard.

“…Hmm.”

“What’re you doing loitering outside someone else’s room like that?”

Deokbae, drenched in sweat, approached Phoenix and questioned her. He had just finished exercising, his Core pulsating rapidly.

“Exercise?”

“Just had a match with those feathered ones.”

“Ah. Training, huh.”

Phoenix snapped her fingers, erasing Deokbae’s sweat entirely. With the toxins gone, Deokbae reluctantly bowed his head in appreciation.

“Thanks.”

“Not at all. I’m grateful that you’re diligently studying unlike someone else.”

“…You mean Seok Harang?”

At Deokbae’s question, Phoenix nodded.

“Objectively speaking, he’s reached SS-Rank, but the kid still hasn’t broken free from the mindset of combat typical of S-Rank. Watching him makes me feel exasperated. This isn’t the time for love games.”

“Isn’t that exactly what you’re here for?”

Deokbae pointed at Cheon Gaeul’s room. Phoenix chuckled nervously and shrugged.

“I came to report my return. Otherwise, she’d go searching for me again, climbing walls with her tentacles.”

“…Ugh.”

Deokbae scratched his neck. Sensing that he was trying to divert attention, Phoenix narrowed her eyes and asked,

“Do you know where she is?”

“I do, but…”

As Phoenix prepared to snap her fingers, Deokbae sighed and answered.

“She went to intercept a Hero in Gwanak.”

“Ah, I see. Then she’ll be back soon. I’ll just wait in her room.”

Phoenix waved and tried to enter Cheon Gaeul’s room. Deokbae tugged at the towel around his neck and shouted.

“One question!”

“Yes! Did you call me?”

Phoenix spun around and rushed to Deokbae’s side, her blue eyes sparkling brightly. After hesitating for a moment, Deokbae cautiously spoke.

“If you reach SS-Rank, can you kill a god?”

“A god? Hmm…”

Phoenix pondered for a moment, raising her fist.

Index finger extended.

“At S-Rank, you can destroy a city.”

Middle finger extended.

“At SS-Rank, you can destroy a country.”

Thumb extended.

“At SSS-Rank, you can destroy the Earth.”

“…The Earth?”

Phoenix nodded, tapping the thumb representing SSS-Rank with her other fingers.

“At SS, meaning harmony rate 99%, it’s nowhere near enough. At SSS, harmony rate 100% is required to kill interdimensional gods. Ah, pronunciation is tough. EssEssSess…”

“What’s the method to reach harmony rate 100?”

Phoenix clapped her hands joyfully.

“Our student Deokbae, longing for Teacher’s famous lecture once more!”

“Enough. Just answer the question.”

Phoenix giggled mischievously, raising both hands and igniting flames on each index finger.

“Alright, here we have one power-wielder. And over here, we have one awakened spirit.”

“Hmm.”

Phoenix merged the two flames. The spirit flame was absorbed by the power-wielder flame.

“It works when humans and spirits merge. There are various ways, but the first is similar to Light Blade, where the spirit transfers its power and disappears, making the power-wielder stronger. Like how monsters absorb cores.”

“And the second?”

“Wow, you’re really enthusiastic today!”

Phoenix ignited the flames again. This time, the spirit flame was very small, entering the human flame.

“The second is possession. The spirit becomes ethereal and possesses the human. In this case, while the body remains human, the spirit controls the body by suppressing the human soul, similar to how Yun Yuhwa controls the Eun Jaemin mech.”

“Anything else?”

“Yes. There is one last way, though…”

BANG! The door to Cheon Gaeul’s room burst open. There stood Yu Ishin, completely naked except for a coating of grayish-white slime all over her body.

“Whoa.”

Deokbae hastily turned away, while Phoenix marveled at the sour smell and snapped her fingers. Flames erupted, instantly evaporating the slime.

“Shouldn’t you put something on?”

Yu Ishin nodded shakily and wrapped herself in a robe from inside the room.

“T, thank you, oh divine being.”

“What exactly happened here?”

“……”

Yu Ishin’s face turned bright red like a volcano erupting. Phoenix smirked slightly, noticing the transparent liquid trickling down Yu Ishin’s thigh, and patted her shoulder.

“Kyaaat?!”

“Good job. Touching work. Fall girl has been troubling Miss Gaeul quite a bit. Understand her need to release her desires through you. You bear some responsibility too.”

“B, but it’s fine if Miss Gaeul uses me to resolve her urges, factually-”

Yu Ishin rolled her eyes, debating whether to explain or not. Suddenly, her gaze met Deokbae’s standing behind Phoenix.

Deokbae raised his index finger and pointed at Phoenix.

Deokbae brought that same finger to his ear and tapped it.

Deokbae spread his hands, folding his thumbs, leaving nine fingers wiggling.

Deokbae pointed his other index finger at Yu Ishin.

Finally, Deokbae drew a line across his throat with his thumb.

Despite the garbled signals, Yu Ishin nodded understandingly and responded in ventriloquism.

‘Divine being knows. Miss Gaeul will cut me if she finds out.’

Perfect. Deokbae gave a thumbs-up.

“What are you two whispering about?”

Phoenix tilted her head, looking around. Even standing on tiptoes, she could barely see over their heads. Their silent conversation had taken place unnoticed above her.

Deokbae shrugged, pointing at Yu Ishin to deflect.

“Cheon Gaeul left Yu Ishin behind to try handling things herself.”

“Ah, right. Didn’t I tell her to accompany her even to the restroom?”

Phoenix’s expression hardened. Yu Ishin turned to Deokbae with a betrayed look before kneeling dramatically at Phoenix’s feet.

“Please understand, divine being! I did my best! But I couldn’t withstand Miss Gaeul’s tentacles! They invaded my insides…sniff sniff!”

“…Ah, yea?”

Phoenix’s voice wavered. Yu Ishin vigorously nodded, placing her hand on her chest and declared,

“Yes! Now, without Miss Gaeul’s tentacles, I cannot survive! I’ve become her submissive partner, wail!”

As Yu Ishin collapsed on the floor sobbing uncontrollably, Phoenix stepped back slightly and pointed at her with her finger.

“Deokbae, please move Yu Ishin to a room!”

“She doesn’t have a room.”

“There are plenty of empty rooms downstairs. Let her use any of them!”

Phoenix shrieked and entered Cheon Gaeul’s room. BANG! The door slammed shut. Silence filled the hallway, and Yu Ishin rose as if nothing had happened.

“Thank you, Mr. Deokbae.”

“…At least adjust your robe properly first.”

Deokbae stared at the ceiling. Yu Ishin blushed furiously and adjusted the front of her robe.

* * *

Inside the room.

Phoenix pinched her nose at the trail of slime stretching from the entrance to the bed.

“How many times did you two go at it?”

Phoenix ignited flames and burned away the slime trail leading to the bed. The smell of burning protein filled the room, prompting Phoenix to throw open the windows.

“Feels better.”

Cold night air flowed in through the window, refreshing the atmosphere. Phoenix sighed heavily as she surveyed the disarrayed room.

“Seriously, everyone’s survival instincts are messed up.”

Phoenix rolled up her sleeves.

* * *

The battle concluded. Lee Seung-hyung planted his fist next to Phantom’s head as the latter lay sprawled on the ground.

“Victory is mine.”

“…That’s right. I lost.”

Gaeul admitted defeat readily. Despite copying abilities, controlling nine tentacles, and even mimicking Lee Seung-hyung’s powers, she still fell short.

“Your magical power may be on par with mine, but your experience is lacking. That was your downfall.”

“…Indeed. Properly mastering S-Rank is truly difficult.”

Lee Seung-hyung stood up, brushing dirt off his thighs. He extended his hand to Phantom.

“Will you not arrest me?”

“Why should I arrest you? I have ears too. I know you’re not evil at heart.”

“…”

Phantom accepted the hand and stood up. Coincidentally, they were standing at the exact spot from early April.

“Now, tell me. Where is Miss Cheon Gaeul?”

“Are you stupid?”

“Huh?”

Phantom removed the mask from his head and hung it loosely. The magical aura emanating from Gaeul subsided.

“????”

Phantom ceased using magic. However, the transformation didn’t revert. Lee Seung-hyung clapped in surprise.

“Wow, your transformation persists even without using magic!”

“Hey. It’s me. I’m Cheon Gaeul.”

Gaeul pointed at herself. Lee Seung-hyung’s expression froze. Gaeul snorted and loosened her grip.

“You were supposed to close the dimensional gate and arrive immediately. Thanks to your tardiness, this mess happened. What do you want to say?”

“G, Gae, Gaeul?!?”

“Not GaGaGaEul but Cheon Gaeul.”

Gaeul unbuttoned the top three buttons of her white shirt. Her pale cleavage was exposed, and where her heart should’ve been, a black gemstone pulsed rhythmically.

Gaeul closed the buttons again with self-deprecating humor.

“Well, due to someone’s delay, I’ve ended up like this. What is it?”

“A, aa, aa….”

His legs gave out. Lee Seung-hyung dropped to his knees.

The Dullahan figures emerging from Gwanak all shared one common trait—cores replacing their missing hearts.

Cheon Gaeul continued indifferently.

“I said I’d listen, didn’t I? Fine, I’ll hear you out. Go ahead.”

Gaeul crouched down to meet his gaze. Behind her, nine tentacles writhed.

“What did you want to say? Hm?”

This was all Lee Seung-hyung could manage.

“To my relief, you’re alive…”

Lee Seung-hyung slumped forward. Gaeul gazed at the night sky for a moment before sighing.

“…I’ve become a complete villain.”

Gaeul wrapped Lee Seung-hyung with her tentacles and headed toward the lecture hall.

The very lecture hall where she first awoke and conversed with Phoenix.