episode_0069

069.

Seong Yura’s mansion located in the middle of Hajung Mountain.

Using our various abilities and items, we were able to approach Seong Yura’s mansion while hiding our presence.

“Is this the place.”

A postmodern-style building situated beyond the dense undergrowth gradually came into view.

Near the mansion, with the abundance of CCTV cameras, guard dogs, and security guards, it was not easy to hide all the way here.

But it seemed like there were fewer security guards than expected.

And there was a sense of unease lingering in the air, as if something had happened inside the mansion.

“…But are you guys really going to enter together?”

I glanced back at them while observing the situation of the mansion through binoculars and casually asked them.

“Yeah.”

“Of course.”

Ishiwoon and Roxanne nodded as if it was obvious.

Both of them showed a response that they would go in even though there was no need for them to enter the mansion.

“I promise. Jinhyuk, I won’t be a hindrance.”

Ishiwoon looked straight into my eyes and added in a low, firm voice.

Unlike his usual dry self, there was a look of determination and resolve in his eyes.

It seemed like he didn’t want to just sit around and wait while Soyeon was kidnapped.

Maybe he wants to be the male protagonist.

Honestly, it’s quite cool.

Risking danger for the woman he secretly loves.

“…But do you really need to stop us?”

I subtly signaled to the security guards under Ishiwoon.

In response, one of the middle-aged male security guards, armed with all sorts of high-tech equipment, smiled gently and nodded vigorously.

“Yes. It’s almost the first time Shiwoon has acted like this for a friend.”

The middle-aged man’s name was Seong Doha.

He was a former top-ranking hero who had been guarding Ishiwoon since childhood.

Originally responsible for the internal security and safety of Ishiwoon’s mansion, he seemed to have taken on the role of a butler(?) lately, assisting Ishiwoon in various ways.

From Ishiwoon’s perspective, who had been separated from his parents for a long time, he might feel like a surrogate guardian?

In fact, in the setting book, it was noted that the members of Ishiwoon’s family trusted Seong Doha quite a bit and Ishiwoon relied on him a lot.

“Whether it was during the strange stalker incident last time or now, seeing Shiwoon go all out for a friend brings tears to my eyes. Hoho.”

“Uh, really?”

The middle-aged man wiped away tears with a wistful expression, looking up at the sky and pulling out a handkerchief.

Contrary to his appearance, he seemed to be quite sentimental.

It was almost like a parent rejoicing in the growth of their only child. Hmm, should I call it overacting? Well, I knew he had that kind of personality.

“Yes, it is. Whether it’s true or not. In fact, since he was young, he couldn’t get along with others, and it wasn’t just my worry. But to push it this far… I was deeply moved by Seong Doha.”

“Sir.”

“Ah, how long has Shiwoon been pushing himself?”

“Sir.”

“Of course, it’s a dangerous thing. I know it’s a bit illegal. And when this matter reaches the chairman’s ears, it will be quite a headache in many ways.”

“Sir.”

“But! Shiwoon, who risks danger for a kidnapped friend. Yes, when you’re young, you need experiences like this. Hoho. Indeed, in front of Shiwoon’s first love, he will show his manly side…”

“Sir, I’m sorry, but could you please stop now?”

As Ishiwoon let out a deep sigh and asked him to stop, Seong Doha finally realized and gently touched his neck before bowing his head.

“I’m sorry, Siuna. Was I too impulsive?”

“….”

Ishiun remained silent, simply giving Seongdo a sharp look and scratching the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact.

From a third-party perspective, their interaction seemed slightly amusing, but it was clear that they would be of great help in this matter.

“Anyway, it’s fortunate that Ishiun’s security team is providing assistance. They all have skills equivalent to active heroes. Hmm. Ishiun seems to have quite a following.”

Although their numbers were not large, they were a suitable group to sneak into the mansion together.

It would have been impossible to carry out the operation with too many people.

“My abilities could be helpful. So please.”

“Hmm.”

This time, Roksanne approached slowly and manifested her powers.

Roksanne’s extraordinary ability was creating barriers.

She could create special areas and impose various laws and rules, making her ability highly versatile and potentially helpful in various situations.

However, Roksanne…

“Are you sure about this? Other believers might object. Was this discussed in advance?”

I glanced at the ten followers who had come with Roksanne.

They had steadfastly supported Roksanne, ignoring Seongyura’s schemes.

Although their numbers were not many, their unwavering faith, trust, and expectations in Roksanne were tremendous.

Moreover, Roksanne was a candidate for saint.

Would someone in such a position willingly enter a dangerous place? I would have definitely opposed it.

“We’re fine.”

“Excuse me?”

“If Roksanne has decided to do this, we have to trust her. Haha.”

“Oh, I see.”

What can I say?

It was a truly faithful response, right?

It was good that they were allowed to proceed with a confident smile, but their unwavering trust in Roksanne was a bit scary.

Because those people, even if Roksanne were to become corrupt and evil, would follow her. Their faith in Roksanne was too extreme.

It felt reassuring to have them as allies, but it could be intimidating if they turned against you.

Like fanatics.

“I feel like I shouldn’t miss out on anything related to Seongyura. Please.”

“Um, okay.”

Since Seongyura detested Roksanne, it should be fine.

Perhaps she could use Roksanne for a mental attack.

“Jinhyuk, are you ready? It’s getting late.”

“Ah, Yuseolhyun.”

“By the way, Ishiun and Roksanne are both trying to enter the mansion recklessly. Just wait outside like me.”

Yuseolhyun sighed and shook her head.

“Why is everyone unnecessarily going through so much trouble, huh?”

“Are you the only one who won’t do it?”

Honestly, Yuseolhyun was the one who had worked the hardest today.

From persuading her clan members, presenting rewards and achievements, preparing for contingencies, to coordinating with prosecutors, police, and media contacts.

Yuseolhyun was taking on a considerable responsibility in case of any mishaps, but she was surprisingly proactive in helping to resolve many issues within this short period of time.

Is it because she firmly believes in my precognitive abilities?

“Yuseolhyun, thank you. You managed to gather a lot of people in such a short time.”

“Whether the plan succeeds or fails, in the end, I’ll have to deal with a lot of it, but if I really fail, you won’t just sit idly by.”

I scratched my chin and nodded as I looked at Yoo Seol-hyun, who was speaking in a calm tone.

“Got it, got it.”

“The secret ledger and various pieces of evidence come first. Understand?”

“Yeah.”

“My troops can’t move until we secure them. Remember that.”

With Yoo Seol-hyun’s warning, I was able to roughly locate the secret passage through the spyglass.

Alright, now it’s time to go.

To save Soyeon.

***

Jin So-yeon slowly opened her eyes.

Her head was still a bit fuzzy, as if the anesthesia hadn’t completely worn off, so Jin So-yeon just twisted her head slightly.

Ah, why is my head so foggy?

Did I not sleep well last night?

“Hello, are you Jin So-yeon?”

“Uh?”

Beyond her blurry vision, a strange face appeared.

A cute girl with short brown hair was smiling brightly. Who is this girl?

Jin So-yeon felt a moment of confusion. Why is there a girl with brown hair in her room?

Is this not her house?

Maybe she fell asleep in the academy and woke up here.

Wait a minute.

Jin So-yeon glanced around.

It wasn’t the academy. This place, filled with expensive-looking items, whose room is it?

A sense of confusion bubbled up to the surface.

Why, why is Jin So-yeon in a room she’s never seen before?

‘Let’s first figure out where this is… Oh, this?’

She was tied up.

Bound to a chair, she couldn’t move an inch.

Jin So-yeon widened her eyes.

Tied up? Why?

“It’s better to stay still. I won’t harm you. At least for now.”

“You?”

“Me? I’m Seong Yura, Seong Yura. Haven’t heard of me before? I haven’t been going to the academy much these days.”

“Seong Yura, from Class 3?”

Seong Yura nodded with a smirk.

“That’s right. In the same class as Roksan.”

“Why am I here?”

“Oh, come on, don’t you remember? Still groggy from sleep? Alright, I’ll explain the situation briefly.”

Seong Yura said with a cheerful smile.

“You’ve been kidnapped by me.”

“!”

It all came back to her.

Last night, someone broke in, subdued Jin So-yeon, and used drugs to make her unconscious.

And then she was taken somewhere…

“Kidnapped? Me? And you even had people do it?”

“Yes.”

Seong Yura.

What on earth is this woman thinking?

Why would a hero academy student resort to kidnapping…!