Part 1 Chapter 3 (11)

April 12, 2020, 7:00 AM. Hero Association Headquarters.

“S-rank really is different, isn’t it…?”

Seung-hyung observed his face in the mirror, moving it this way and that.

It was definitely different from when he was A-rank. Even though he hadn’t been able to properly take care of himself due to fatigue for the past few days, his skin was smooth and spotless. As if reading Seung-hyung’s mind, who found beard maintenance bothersome, his chin beard, which he used to trim every three days, had completely disappeared without a trace.

His company’s stylist, who had set out at dawn to do his makeup, merely fitted him with clothes and then dejectedly disappeared. The stylist returned to the company with slumped shoulders, lamenting that they had lost a joy in life.

7:00 AM, alarm.

A news screen popped up on his smartwatch simultaneously with the alarm. Seung-hyung tidied his hair and listened to the news.

– Today at 9:00 AM, the Association will officially announce the Heroes participating in the government’s Seoul Reclamation Operation. According to information received so far, Seolhwa Princess’s participation is highly likely, while Fire Fist has yet to express any particular intention…

“Is it because I didn’t do an interview?”

On the last day of Cheon Gaeul’s funeral, there was a reporter who shoved a smartphone in front of Seung-hyung, asking if he would participate in the Seoul Reclamation Operation.

Seung-hyung politely declined, saying he was in the middle of a funeral and would agree to an interview later, but he inadvertently frowned, causing those around him to chase the reporter away.

After the funeral, he looked for the reporter to give an interview, but the reporter had already gone on vacation after receiving immense curses and criticism. After that, no one, nor any media, officially inquired about Seung-hyung’s intentions through official channels.

“What should I really do?”

As a Hero, he absolutely had to participate. Even now, residents who couldn’t leave Seoul were suffering as refugees amidst monsters and Villains.

But he didn’t want to go to Seoul right now.

“Because of me….”

The place where Cheon Gaeul died. Even at the very last moment of the mourning period, Seung-hyung couldn’t shake off the guilt he felt towards Cheon Gaeul.

“Gwanggeom-nim is living with this for the rest of his life, they say….”

Seung-hyung’s mana spontaneously leaked out. Since reaching A-rank, his mana control had never been disrupted by emotional fluctuations, but paradoxically, now that he had reached S-rank, his emotional changes were more severe.

The Praetor suggested he take a break and receive psychiatric counseling. Seung-hyung thought that wasn’t such a bad idea.

One person came to mind who would strongly dislike an S-rank Hero receiving psychiatric counseling, but it didn’t matter. Heroes’ PTSD was now commonplace.

“Hoo, let’s get some fresh air.”

Seung-hyung left his room and walked aimlessly down the hallway. He grabbed a canned coffee from the refrigerator and deliberately took the long way to the terrace for a walk.

Sa-aak–

As he stepped onto the terrace, the cold morning breeze swept through his hair. The sun had begun to rise in the sky, but Seung-hyung felt a particular pang of loneliness.

As he took a deep breath and absorbed the mana in the air, Seung-hyung frowned at the news flowing across the electronic display opposite him.

– This is entertainment reporter Baek Gidae. Last night, the production company of the drama Last Love officially announced that they are looking for an actress to take over the role of ‘Hyunji’ played by the late Cheon Gaeul-yang. As lead actor Lee Seung-hyung-ssi’s participation in the Seoul Reclamation Operation has delayed the drama’s filming schedule, auditions will be held to find Cheon Gaeul-yang’s successor during that time….

“They’re doing all sorts of crazy things. Seriously.”

Seonui Cheol’s influence must have been at play. Seung-hyung felt unpleasant, as if leashes were pulling at his neck from all directions.

“It makes me want to overturn this drama.”

There was only one reason Seung-hyung became an actor in the first place.

To be Cheon Gaeul’s co-star. For that, he even snatched the role of the male lead who had already been cast in *Last Love*. Now that Cheon Gaeul was gone, could he truly whisper “I love you” to a woman who wasn’t Cheon Gaeul, even if it was just acting?

The reporter continued to read the news, oblivious to Seung-hyung’s inner turmoil.

– As a result, the number of celebrities and Heroes who have announced their participation in the audition through their agencies, personal SNS, etc., has already exceeded thirty….

“……Fuck.”

Curses he never uttered spontaneously escaped his lips. The faces of the actresses shown in the footage seemed like vixen daring to covet Cheon Gaeul’s place, making him feel needlessly depressed.

Seung-hyung shook his head vigorously.

“Snap out of it. It’s a good opportunity for those people, isn’t it? They must be desperate.”

Just as Seung-hyung had swallowed his pride and asked Seonui Cheol for help to get the co-star role with Cheon Gaeul, they too must have been desperate in their own positions.

It was a national drama with an average viewership rating of 30%. With only about two episodes left until its finale, if they could just endure that brief pressure, they would become prominent superstars.

Jjoreureu.

“Ah. I should have brought more.”

The canned coffee was already empty. Seung-hyung held the bottom of the aluminum can and gently activated his mana.

Hwareureuk.

A white flame blazed inside the aluminum can, evaporating the remaining liquid. This mana control training, which Seung-hyung had developed himself since his academy days, was still useful even now that he was S-rank.

A training method that killed two birds with one stone, also protecting the natural environment.

“The can is… over there.”

Coincidentally, there was a can-only trash can next to the terrace vending machine. Seung-hyung cupped his hands upwards as if shooting a basketball.

The distance to the trash can was about 20m. Just as he was concentrating his senses to imbue mana and draw a clean arc, a familiar voice reached his ears.

– …and isn’t our Gaeul-i alive! Please tell them inside! Please!

– Elder-nim! You can’t just barge in like this… Haa. Cheon Gaeul-ssi passed away, didn’t she? We even held a funeral.

– I’m telling you, I called her last night! Hey, hey! I even talked to her yesterday!

– You didn’t record it, and looking at the number, it’s a burner phone that wasn’t even activated in New Seoul. Haa. If you keep this up, we’ll have to call someone….

“Father-nim!”

Seung-hyung leaped and landed in front of the main gate where the commotion was. The elderly man in the wheelchair, who had been desperately clinging to the security guard, immediately pushed his wheelchair wheels in delight upon seeing Seung-hyung.

“Aigo, Lee Seung-hyung Hero-nim! You’ve come at a good time!”

“Fire Fist-nim. I apologize for this early in the morning. That….”

“This old man!”

Cheon Gaeul’s mother, who had rushed over from afar, pulled the old man’s hand away. The elderly mother repeatedly bowed her head to the security guard and Seung-hyung, apologizing.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry. He’s still not in his right mind….”

“Oh, no. I understand. How great your sorrow must be. I am the one who should be more apologetic.”

“She’s alive! Our Gaeul-i, she’s still in Seoul!”

The elderly man in the wheelchair, with a strength that came from somewhere, shook off his wife’s hand with his emaciated hands. As he pushed his wheelchair towards Seung-hyung, a hint of madness could be seen in his eyes.

“Please, go to Seoul and find our child! Didn’t you promise! Consider it an old man’s last wish before he dies….”

“Aigo! You old man!”

The elderly mother fiercely grabbed the old man’s hand. Her momentum, as if she would subdue him even by hitting him, broke the old man’s will. The wife whispered very softly into her husband’s ear.

“…Gaeul-i told us to keep it a secret!”

“But shouldn’t he know? What if something goes wrong within three days….”

“What if something even worse happens because of you…!”

“What did you just say?”

Seung-hyung approached the elderly couple. No matter how softly they spoke, an S-rank Hero’s hearing was clear enough to hear even a whisper as if it were right next to him.

The old man, who had been momentarily dazed, suddenly snapped back to reality, his eyes focusing clearly.

“Ah, it’s nothing… Haha. It seems this old man has dementia again. You’ve seen an unpleasant sight this morning. I’m sorry to you young people.”

The old man sweated and bowed his head to Seung-hyung and the security guard. The elderly couple tried their best to feign composure, but Seung-hyung somehow immediately sensed their true feelings.

It was an act.

“Mother-nim, Father-nim.”

Seung-hyung took the hands of the elderly couple.

“Let’s go somewhere quiet inside for a moment. I’d like you to tell me the details.”

* * *

Same day, 8:50 AM, Association Briefing Room.

“So you’re telling me to give the announcement and then leave?”

Yoo Young-ho, who had just finished preparing and was about to leave for Busan at dawn but was caught by the Association, shook the briefing materials with a clearly displeased expression.

“W-we can’t help it! Then should I do it?”

Kang Soyeon was on the verge of tears. Normally, this task would fall to the public relations team in charge of external affairs or a high-ranking official, but given the content received at dawn, everyone had run away, saying they couldn’t do it.

Eventually, the briefing role passed through many hands and landed in Yoo Young-ho’s. Young-ho crumpled the briefing materials.

“Fuck, so you’re telling me to be the punching bag for insults, right? Since I’ve already been cursed at, it’s okay to take more?”

“There are reporters outside, Praetor-nim! Your, your words and dignity….”

“Where’s that son of a bitch Association President! He took that position to step up at times like this!”

Young-ho growled as if he would devour the Association President at any moment. Soyeon, who suddenly became the target of his wrath, teared up as if she was about to cry.

“He went golfing with the Prime Minister-nim-“

Kwang!

Yoo Young-ho kicked the wall. His shoe heel was embedded directly into the concrete building from the mana-infused kick.

“What, what-“

A reporter cautiously opened the door and entered. Young-ho showed his demon-like face directly to the reporter and yelled.

“Who allowed you into the waiting room! Can’t you see we’re preparing!”

“S-sorry!”

The reporter, with a pale face, quickly closed the door and disappeared. But the murmuring of reporters beyond the door could already be heard inside the preparation room.

The Praetor’s pissed off, right?

Is the rumor true? That Lee Seung-hyung won’t participate in the operation?

It’s just gossip. The President publicly announced it. Why would Lee Seung-hyung be crazy enough not to participate? It’s not like he’s rebellious just because he became S-rank.

Lee Seung-hyung not participating? Wow, that would really smear the president’s name, wouldn’t it?

Didn’t Yoo Young-ho order it? That guy fucking hates the president.

“…They’re not even worth grinding their bones to dust.”

As Young-ho gnashed his teeth and tried to head to the press conference hall, Soyeon blocked him with a body block.

“Please, control yourself! If Praetor-nim causes another incident, I’ll get fired!”

“What do I care! I’ll take responsibility! I have a lot of money!”

“That’s good and all, but that’s not the problem right now!”

Young-ho struggled to open the press conference door, but Soyeon stubbornly clung to him, preventing the demon from being broadcast live to the entire nation. Both were superpowered individuals, but Soyeon’s physical abilities were stronger.

“Get out of the way! I’m going to ruin everything here today and flee overseas! Damn it!”

“You can’t even speak a word of English, don’t say things you don’t mean! Ah, seriously!”

Peo-eok.

Soyeon landed a strong punch on Young-ho’s stomach.

” “

Young-ho couldn’t even breathe and collapsed, clutching his stomach.

“That’s enough! If you don’t want to do it, give it to me! I’ll make the announcement and take the flak!”

“…Haa, no.”

Young-ho, clutching the briefing materials to his chest, gasped for breath and got up.

“I’d rather do it myself than make my subordinate a punching bag for insults. Tch. Ah, fuck. That fucking hurts. You’ve been eating well lately, haven’t you?”

“……Did it hurt?”

“If you’re sorry, make the announcement and then run straight back here, wait at the door, and lock it as soon as I come in. Ah…. Hey. Can you delay it by 5 minutes? I’d like to rest for a bit.”

“Are you alright, Young-ho Hyung-nim?”

Upon seeing the face of the man who entered through the staff entrance, Young-ho forgot his pain, sprang up, and pointed his finger, waving the papers.

“You! You son of a…. Hoo. No. I shouldn’t curse. What sin could you possibly have? It’s my fault for being powerless and unable to stop the President’s schemes.”

“I will participate.”

“What, you son of a bitch?”

Young-ho had no intention of relaxing his expression. Soyeon completely refused to even describe Young-ho’s face.

“I apologize. But I have a reason to go to Seoul now.”

“Ugh, tsk, haa. Kang Soyeon. Sedative.”

Kang Soyeon quickly pulled out a pill from her pocket and handed it to Young-ho. Young-ho chugged the water from the bottle in one go.

“Hoo, hoo, alright. Fine. I understand.”

Young-ho unfolded the briefing materials and pointed to the last sentence.

– Hero Fire Fist, Lee Seung-hyung, announces his non-participation in this Seoul Reclamation Operation due to personal reasons.

“I won’t ask for the reason. You must have a good reason to come all the way here and tell me. But.”

Young-ho checked his watch. 8:59 AM. Only one minute left until the scheduled press conference.

“If you’re going to go back on your word again, decide within one minute. Once I walk out that door, you really have to go to Seoul. You’ll become a toy moving according to Seonui Cheol’s intentions. If you do that, you’ll be trapped for life like Gwanggeom Hyung-nim. Understand?”

Seung-hyung nodded.

“If you wish, I will go up to the press conference hall myself. My will will not change now. If Young-ho Hyung-nim excludes me from this announcement….”

Seung-hyung clenched his fist tightly.

“I will go to Seoul even if I have to ask President Seonui Cheol. Even if it means joining the Pine Tree Unit.”

“Hey, Lee Seung-hyung!!”

Young-ho’s face turned red as he shouted. Soyeon closed her eyes, realizing that the sound had carried to the press conference hall outside. The reporters must already be holding their breaths, focusing on the sounds leaking through the crack in the door.

“Hoo, hoo.”

Fortunately, perhaps thanks to the sedative he had just drunk, Young-ho quickly calmed down and continued in a low voice.

“…You clearly said it. With your own mouth, you said you’d go to Seoul. If you go back on your word, don’t ever think about fighting on the same battlefield as me again. Then I’ll order you to stick your head into a monster’s head.”

“I’m prepared.”

Young-ho didn’t look back, threw the door open with a Kwang! and entered the press conference hall. Soyeon gently closed the slightly ajar door.

“…I’m sorry. Even if not as much as Seung-hyung-ssi, Young-ho Team Leader-nim is secretly going through a lot right now.”

“It’s alright. It’s my fault.”

After the operation, Seung-hyung would apologize to Young-ho and ask him for a favor.

Go to Seoul, save Gaeul, and propose to her. With the Praetor officiating.

‘…Wait for me, Gaeul-ssi.’

Thinking of Cheon Gaeul in a pure white dress, Seung-hyung steeled his resolve.

* * *

Camera flashes sparkled on the screen. Yoo Young-ho, with a tired face, stood before the podium microphone and bowed his head.

– Good morning. I am Yoo Young-ho, of the Tactical Planning Department, Hero Association Republic of Korea Headquarters, also known as Praetor. I will now begin the briefing on the 1st Seoul Reclamation Operation. Following the relocation of the capital to New Seoul in 2014, Seoul…

* * *

“Oh. It’s started. Jo Deokbae-ssi, turn up the volume a bit more.”

“Hitting people and listening to the news, does that make sense?!”

“It’s training!!”

* * *

– …Accordingly, the operation execution date is April 13th at 09:00. Departing from New Seoul…

“Hyung-nim. What do we do? They say the operation execution date is tomorrow morning.”

“…When is the meeting time in Yeouido?”

“Noon today, at the National Assembly Building.”

* * *

– The total number of Heroes dispatched by the Association is 152. The commander will be Minister Shin Jingwang, the current Minister of the Monster Countermeasures Department…

“152 Heroes? Mobilizing a quarter of the Republic of Korea’s Hero forces? Will the Azure Syndicate be okay? This isn’t going to go wrong, is it?”

“Jihwa-ssi, why are you doubting your master? …Trust Phoenix. He publicly announced he could win. He’s a man who keeps his promises.”

“Yes…. But Gaeul-ssi, didn’t you sleep? Your eyes are a little puffy-“

“Shut up.”

* * *

– …12 A-ranks, and for S-ranks, Seolhwa Princess Seok Harang. Fire Fist Lee Seung-hyung, two people will participate….

“Harang-a. Let’s drink coffee now. Unnie won, didn’t she?”

“N-no way. Mana resonance clearly said he wouldn’t go….”

“What are you talking about? You haven’t tried Luwak, have you? This is civet cat….”

* * *

– …The government promises to eradicate the Villains and monsters occupying Seoul…

“That was almost an utter disgrace.”

“Excuse me? What did you just say?”

“Nothing, Chief of Staff. Make sure there are no hitches in preparing the Pine Tree Unit to be deployed in Yeouido.”

* * *

– …The Association promises the citizens that it will do its best to reclaim Seoul.

This concludes the briefing. Thank you.