episode_0703

Guild Leader Pretzel of EK chewed on his lips, eyeing the communication network.

His plan to stop the dominance of the Iris Guild was undoubtedly flawless.

“These foolish bastards… acting like scared dogs.”

However, the influence of the Iris Guild was stronger than he had anticipated.

Even though Guild Leader Pretzel of EK personally reached out, there were quite a few who did not want to be associated with the Iris Guild.

No, most didn’t even bother replying to him.

Only three guilds of some repute responded.

Pretzel’s pride was deeply wounded by this fact.

“People who don’t know what true fear is, dodging a flickering flame. Libera. Isn’t that right?”

“….”

Libera, the 1st Commander of EK Guild, quietly bowed his head.

No matter how many times he tried to convey his sincerity, it fell on deaf ears.

There was no need to provoke the Guild Leader’s anger unnecessarily.

“Most guilds, even those who have shown goodwill, have not participated in the war.”

Those cowards hiding from disaster do not understand the true power of Lee Hoyeon and the Iris Guild.

Gathering trash amounts to nothing but a futile effort.

Libera, knowing this, chose not to say more.

“Ignorant fools. Tsk. Jane. Even with the people gathered here, the plan will proceed.”

“Yes, Guild Leader. Please tell us about the plan.”

Jane, the Vice Guild Leader of EK, stood before Pretzel.

Knowing Pretzel’s temperament well, she always approached his words positively, reaching her current position.

“This is it.”

“A party…?”

“You are aware that a large-scale party led by Threestar Corporation, the biggest sponsor of the Iris Guild, is soon to take place, right?”

A gathering of individuals and guilds worldwide to foster camaraderie.

An interview with the Iris Guild regarding recent events criticized by EK Guild is also scheduled.

With simultaneous global broadcast, people’s attention is focused on it.

“Yes. We know that our EK Guild is also participating in this party, but…”

“Yes. However, it seems there are those aiming for this place right now.”

“…What is this?”

Jane’s eyes widened as she looked at the holographic monitor in front of her.

Pandemic.

The name of the terrorist group that shook the world came to mind.

Though they were reportedly dealt with under Lee Hoyeon’s leadership, remnants still lingered.

Most members were dead, but those who wreaked havoc under their name were still alive.

“We’ve received top-secret information that they plan to attack this party.”

“…Guild Leader, do you intend to assist a terrorist group?”

Libera looked surprised and stared at Pretzel.

Despite her loyalty to EK Guild and its leader, she couldn’t fathom aligning with a terrorist group.

“I have no desire to associate with these scumbags. But… casually enjoying the party at that time should be fine.”

The security of this party falls under the Iris Guild’s responsibility.

Pretzel could slip in between and cause chaos.

A wicked smile briefly crossed his face.

*

A few days later.

I went to see Dr. Kang Hyorin with Scarlet.

It hadn’t been long since we heard that the investigation had already concluded.

“Scarlet, shall we go to France after so long? The food was delicious last time we went.”

“If you’re thinking of taking me to that Korean restaurant we went to last time, speak now. One of us will die, either you or me.”

“…Wasn’t planning on that far.”

Hyoyeon closed his mouth and quickened his pace.

“The cheese soft tofu stew was honestly delicious.”

It seemed Scarlet had a somewhat picky palate.

Adjusting my taste buds, I entered Dr. Kang Hyorin’s office.

She was sitting leisurely on the sofa, legs crossed.

“Welcome. Magician Lee Hoyeon. Good timing. The investigation just wrapped up.”

“I heard, but it’s amazing. It hasn’t been that many days.”

“Iris Guild must have hidden well, considering how long they were investigated by EK Guild. They are also making efforts to conceal themselves.”

As Kang Hyorin continued speaking, she tapped the air.

At the same time, a holographic monitor unfolded in front of Lee Hoyeon and Scarlet.

The information investigated by Iris Guild was neatly organized.

“It seems there’s a party scheduled for a week from now.”

“Yes. The media is in a frenzy these days; don’t you know?”

“Ah… I’m quite busy myself.”

Recently, whenever Baek Ayoung and Im Sol crossed paths, avoiding each other’s gaze, Hyorin couldn’t help but worry.

She couldn’t understand why they were embarrassed to face each other.

“To give you a rough explanation, there’s a party led by Iris Guild and Thrysta Corporation in France. They plan to conduct an interview with Iris Guild there. However, we’ve received information that the place might be under attack.”

“Attacking a place with so many people gathered? Does that make sense?”

“Blatantly criticizing Iris Guild and Lee Hoyeon the magician doesn’t make sense either.”

“… Is that so?”

“Yes. It seems like Lee Hoyeon still thinks he’s a student at the academy.”

“No, I am a student. Don’t deny me like that.”

Despite everyone ignoring him, he had graduated from the academy.

Even if he were expelled from all classes…

“While Thrysta Corporation leads the party, Iris Guild is the main focus. Visitors trust Iris Guild’s security and participate in the party.”

“Yes. So, why would they be attacked? EK Guild wouldn’t just ambush the party host, right?”

“The possibility of terrorism is high.”

“Terrorism… Wow. It’s been a while since I heard about terrorism.”

Suddenly, Lee Hoyeon recalled past memories.

In this world, much like in an academy setting, there had been quite a lot of terrorism directed at academies.

Back then, it had been challenging to stop the pandemic, but now, even hearing the name “pandemic” didn’t scare him.

Even if they called it a pandemic without Maestro, only a few stragglers remained.

“It started when Lee Hoyeon revealed his name to prevent terrorism against the academy. I witnessed the explosion of honor back then.”

“That’s an old story. But would EK Guild alone carry out such a large-scale terror attack?”

“There are guilds cooperating with EK Guild. Most of them are guilds operating illegally outside Iris Guild’s purview. Of course, those guilds aren’t leading the terrorism… It’s likely remnants of the pandemic.”

“The remnants of the pandemic… Right. We haven’t completely cleaned up those trash.”

While Maestro and key officials had been dealt with, the remnants hadn’t been fully eradicated.

Back then, Lee Hoyeon had been busy in various ways.

Still, it seemed that the pandemic’s name no longer held the fear it once did.

Lee Hoyeon nodded as he pushed the holographic monitor aside.

The information compiled by Iris Guild was very detailed.

“By the way, Iris Guild’s power is impressive. To extract this level of information in three days.”

“Yes. Many guilds contacted by EK Guild. However, among them, some are secret branches of Iris Guild. They deliberately infiltrate to gather information.”

If guilds receiving contact from EK Guild are considered strong enough to have secret branches, how powerful is Iris Guild?

“Well, they’re my friends anyway. Strong or not, it’s good.”

After reading the information, Lee Hoyeon closed the holographic monitor.

He roughly understood the situation.

If a terrorist attack occurred during the party, they would handle it all.

That was what Lee Hoyeon was most confident about.

“Understood, Dr. Kang Hyorin. I’ll head towards Iris Guild on the day of the party.”

“Huh? Ah, wouldn’t it be better to go to France in advance? You need to coordinate with the security team…”

“Why?”

“Well… because there might be a terrorist attack.”

“That’s why I’ll join on the day of the party.”

In the slightly off-track conversation flow, Kang Hyorin turned her head slightly to look at Scarlett, who was quietly reading information.

She didn’t react to Lee Hoyeon’s words and continued reading the information with a calm expression.

Scarlett clearly distinguishes between work and personal matters. She is closer to Lee Hoyeon than Kang Hyorin.

If someone were to point out nonsense, it should be Scarlett, not Kang Hyorin.

Although he appears gentle and takes care of Kang Hyorin, logically, it wouldn’t make sense for Kang Hyorin to boss around Lee Hoyeon just because of his reputation.

For the Korean branch, criticizing Lee Hoyeon isn’t a good move.

However, even she did not outright deny Lee Hoyeon’s words.

“…Was I being overly friendly?”

It dawned on Kang Hyorin.

Lee Hoyeon.

People call him by various names.

Genius magician, dreaming magician, strongest magician…

But active hunters refer to Lee Hoyeon as a ‘monster.’

Knowing his unmatched strength, they dare not provoke him.

“He knows it himself… his own strength….”

Lee Hoyeon never worried in the first place.

He had a firm belief that there would be no casualties where he stands.

Even Kang Hyorin found it hard to deny this fact.

It’s natural for a lion to trample a rabbit.

Predators don’t make mistakes when catching prey.

“…So why are we bothering this crazy man?”

Was he underestimated for being quiet?

There were indeed crazy people who forcibly plucked a lion’s whiskers.

Kang Hyorin sighed and shut down the hologram monitor.

“I understand. Magician Lee Hoyeon. You’re the only one I should trust, right?”

“Yes. Trust only me. Then let’s meet later.”

Nodding his head, Lee Hoyeon left the office.

Despite feeling arrogant for not preparing for the terror attack, Kang Hyorin, who knew his strength, could only laugh in disbelief.

“Kang Hyorin.”

“Yeah? Scarlett. What are you doing if you’re not leaving?”

“Don’t call him ‘you’ to Lee Hoyeon. He doesn’t like that title much.”

“…Ah, really? Got it. I’ll be careful.”

Scarlett left the office with a satisfied smile.

Watching her leave, Kang Hyorin clicked her tongue after Scarlett disappeared.

“She’s completely smitten… Scarlett. I thought she was clear about work and personal matters…”

Tsk tsk.

When a person falls for a man, they end up like that.

Kang Hyorin lowered her evaluation of Ace Guild member Scarlett by one notch.