Chapter 257

Chapter 257. Age of Turmoil (7)

There’s a saying that the heavens and the earth are turning upside down, signifying a great upheaval.

There’s no more fitting phrase to describe the current global situation.

Because of this, not only the community but various portals in reality were in chaos.

「Alien invasion! An unprecedented crisis for humanity!」

「The collapse of the world economy begins!」

「The Apgujeong incident, with an estimated ten thousand dead, is a catastrophe looming over humanity?!」

「(World Issue) African region, plagued by hundreds of thousands of refugees.」

「The purpose of players is to ‘protect humanity’.」

「(Current Affairs) Who are they? Another monster or the hope for humanity!」

「The head of the Korean branch of the Player Association, Yang Hyewon, only twenty-five years old? What moves will this young powerholder make!」

「(World in Crisis) Humanity on the brink of extinction.」

It seemed there was no end to the chaos.

Among them was a headline that particularly made me frown.

「The world’s only Alpha ‘K’, is he the hope of Korea?」

「(Exclusive) A player talks about K, a person with a fiery nature.」

「What is the nationality of the so-called hope of humanity, K? A foreigner staying here?」

「K, a big figure in the player community with followers worldwide!」

「He says, come to Korea for purification? K refuses to leave the country!」

Just reading the articles written with such determination made my head ache.

After the situation had somewhat settled, it was true that I had been receiving constant contact from Lily regarding the pathogen issue.

‘Of course, I had no intention of visiting every country.’

In a situation where teleportation magic was limited, it was a waste of time.

Persona one of the players capable of teleportation did not yet have enough mana.

Even with his help, traveling to several regions was difficult.

At best, I could visit India once.

If that was the extent, it was better for others to move while I carried out purifications.

‘Or maybe gather in Bihar.’

Thus, the association and the Korean government were hastily setting up a purification schedule.

‘The estimated number of infected is about 4,000 people…’

It was fewer than expected.

This was possible because the damage in the European area where Ethan was located wasn’t significant.

Thanks to the active initiation of infected individuals, there were no additional infections.

However, looking at the absolute number, it still felt daunting.

‘When will I manage to purify all 4,000 people…’

There was another reason for my headache.

Last night, after the barriers were reactivated.

I finally managed to take some time to meet with the family being protected under Squadron Leader Yang Jochul’s care.

I explained the situation as simply as possible to relatives anxious because they had no information about the ongoing events.

I told them that I was a player.

– What’s that now…?

– Hyung, you’re a player? Could it be that you didn’t tell us all this time because of that?

– No, right? It’s a lie, isn’t it? How come…?

– Hyung, can’t you just stop? You can stop, right?

– That’s right! Stop, don’t they say even corpses are found? You could die!

– You always told us not to do anything dangerous! Why are you doing it, hyung?!

– Orabeoni, we won’t even take part-time jobs and we’ll listen to you. Okay? Okay?

The look on the twinsqw’ faces, who were practically speechless and in shock at the time, was unforgettable.

Even Jinwoo had shown signs of hyperventilation.

‘They’ve grown enough to seek independence.’

Yet, the twins knew how significant a loss it was to lose a guardian.

Hearing that I might die, I expected them to react strongly.

I knew it and even saw it firsthand.

After much deliberation through the night, I decided to give the twins an even bigger shock today.

I sighed deeply and tried to look over the articles once more.

But just then, there was a knock on the door of the waiting room I was in.

“Yes.”

After replying, the door opened, and a familiar person entered.

“Mr. K, the reporters have finished entering.”

It was Squad Leader Yang Jochul.

With his appearance, I rose from my seat and buttoned my suit jacket.

“Thank you for attending today’s press conference, even though you must not have been pleased.”

Squad Leader Yang continuously expressed his gratitude as I approached the door.

I merely nodded lightly in response.

After all, I accepted this position because there was also something in it for me after my own calculations.

A powerholder’s debt of gratitude was never a bad thing to store up.

‘If I tuck them away, like an installment savings plan, I’ll eventually make use of them.’

My relationship with Squad Leader Yang Jochul had been ongoing since the very beginning, and he was a figure with some influence in state institutions.

He handled matters well, making him a connection I wanted to keep for as long as possible.

I exited the room with him.

On the way to the press conference venue, Yang Hyewon, who had been waiting outside the waiting room, joined us.

Soon, those waiting outside the venue opened the door for us.

Simultaneously, a flood of camera flashes began.

If one were just an ordinary person, opening their eyes would have been difficult in that light.

Even before taking the seat prepared in the midst of the dazzling light, shouts masquerading as questions rang from all directions.

“Mr. K! We’ve heard that you’re considered the best, the strongest player! Could we have your thoughts!”

“What is your nationality?! Have you naturalized?!”

“Are you affiliated with the association?!”

As previously instructed by Squad Leader Yang, I didn’t react to questions that weren’t formally posed.

Then, amidst the sea of reporters’ faces, I spotted a familiar one.

‘Park Hayoung?’

The high school classmate I had saved and sent beyond the barricade a few days ago.

‘Now that I think about it, wasn’t she interested in the media?’

I recalled that her goal was to pursue that path in university.

‘So she became a journalist.’

Hearing news of a classmate I hadn’t been aware of due to the chaos of life felt strangely comforting.

It felt even more reassuring because it seemed the news could serve as a fresh variable to solidify the plans I’d set.

If the situation pushed me this much, hesitating just because I didn’t want to cause further worry for my family was the wrong move.

‘The only privilege I could condone was asking to exclude my family from the selection.’

That was the line drawn by my personal conscience.

Anything beyond that was something I could not allow.

Firmly refocusing my resolve, Squad Leader Yang Jochul began the conference.

Initially, I had no role to play.

Most of the responses were handled by Squad Leader Yang and Yang Hyewon.

Since, unlike them, I had neither a job title nor an affiliation to cite, it was a given.

I was largely present as a figurehead.

In essence, it was a show declaring that such a remarkable player existed in Korea, so there’s nothing to worry about.

‘A show that didn’t suit my personality at all.’

But considering the significant benefits I anticipated receiving from the government and Squad Leader Yang Jochul, enduring this face-to-face role was bearable.

The conference continued for a while.

Once essential information was sufficiently disclosed, the focus of the reporters shifted towards me.

“There are many speculations about Mr. K’s nationality! Could you be a foreigner?”

A question I had expected.

In fact, everyone was keen to find an answer to this about me even before I entered the venue.

Thanks to their efforts and tenacity, the reporters would obtain what they desired.

“Mr. K is indeed a Korean.”

Yang Jochul replied on my behalf.

For the first time at an official conference, a definite answer regarding my identity had been given.

Perhaps seeing this as an opportunity, the reporters’ questions grew slightly more specific.

“What can you tell us about your family relations?!”

“Could you share your real name?!”

“Is your codename derived from your real name?”

“Did you naturalize? Or were you born in Korea?!”

“Are you possibly holding dual citizenship? If so, which country’s citizenship do you possess?!”

Questions rained down in a deluge, a true deluge.

In the cacophony, I absentmindedly touched my ear with one hand.

The faces of the twins flashed in my mind once more at the last moment, causing hesitation.

‘One can’t hide forever.’

Keeping secrets was merely postponing issues, not resolving them.

Haven’t I already delayed long enough?

Delaying further wasn’t a good choice.

In the end, I cast aside my hesitation and removed my earring.

“Gasp!”

“Oh, heaven!”

“What was that?”

“Did we get that on camera?!”

“Could you show it again?!”

“Could you explain the situation just now?”

“Was that an artifact players speak of?!”

“Mr. K!”

I instinctively met Park Hayoung’s eyes, and his face showed both shock and bewilderment.

Judging by his reaction, he seemed to recognize me.

Of course, those who didn’t know me also reacted overtly to the unforeseen situation.

Thankfully, neither Squad Leader Yang Jochul nor Yang Hyewon showed any significant disturbance.

Though he did seem curious, occasionally glancing my way as if wondering what I looked like.

But all discussions with them had already concluded.

-Feel free to utilize my personal details any way you need.

-Whether it’s to restore government trust or elevate the nation’s status, use them as much as necessary.

-And, it would be nice if you could improve the image of players along the way.

-As long as you stay within that framework, I don’t mind how you use my face or name.

If the presence of players could properly take root not only in Korea but globally.

I didn’t mind my image being leveraged.

However, preventing my family’s photos or information from spreading too widely was necessary.

I had pondered over it many times, and even then determined this was right.

‘When I register with the association, I won’t be able to fully keep my identity hidden.’

Surely, somewhere, from someone, the information would leak out.

If there’s no way to remain hidden, better to tactically make use of it when the time comes.

Now that it was irreversible, even reflection was pointless.

Taking the microphone, I spoke.

“It belongs to a different category than an artifact, being classified as a magic tool.”

I deliberately reinserted and removed the earring repeatedly, embedding the concept of magic tools into their awareness.

The first goal was to clear the misconception that my previous appearance was my real form.

“And as you can see, I am a Korean who was born and raised here.”

I mentioned the third goal I aimed to achieve by revealing my true form.

“I used this altered appearance initially because military authorities unfriendly to players were trying to uncover my identity.”

I further explained that at the beginning of the game, I had no choice but to protect my family.

Mentioning the events in China was merely a bonus.

It was intended as a jab at those likely obstructing future endeavors.

Individuals such as Brigadier General Kim Jonghwa, who were unfriendly toward players.

Simultaneously, it served as a warning to the president who condoned their actions.

If they continued to balance like that, the relationship with me wouldn’t remain smooth.

As long as the president wasn’t out of touch, he could no longer weigh his options at my expense.

‘From now on, I must also regard Earth’s political sphere.’

The sound of typing was heard loudly.

Pausing momentarily to steady myself, I subtly glanced at Squad Leader Yang Jochul.

I was giving him an opportunity.

A chance to eliminate those trying to exploit players for personal gain.

‘Squad Leader Yang should be able to make good use of it.’

He must make good use of it.

It was something I desired enough to endure the shock my siblings would receive.

‘If they knew I fought against someone of nemesis-rank, it would shock them even more.’

However, I had no regrets about removing the magic tool.

Yang Jochul nodded lightly, as if indicating he understood my intention.

That acknowledgment was enough for now.

After verifying Yang Jochul’s resolve, I returned my gaze to the journalists.

Then, imitating how my mother had spoken in court when I was young, I addressed them with a calm voice and firm pronunciation.

“I am aware that this is a chaotic and grieving time caused by sudden tragedies.”

I asked them not to forget that players were bustling around, striving to protect their hometowns.

As soon as I finished my prepared speech, Squad Leader Yang Jochul rose from his seat and declared the end of the conference.

As we walked out, leaving behind the barrage of camera flashes and shouted questions, I casually remarked to Squad Leader Yang Jochul.

“There was a reporter from NBC named Park Hayoung.”

When I asked him to call her over separately, he inquired.

“Someone you know?”

“We were classmates in high school.”

He must’ve already checked my personal information after ensuring my family’s safety.

Yet, memorizing every single classmate’s name would be impossible.

With a slightly surprised look, he widened his eyes and nodded in acknowledgment.

“Understood.”

I thanked him as I glanced back towards the press room.

‘Who would’ve thought that human connections could unfold this way?’

To meet again under such circumstances.

‘Fortunate, if I could say.’

Thinking of future events, maintaining ties in the media field seemed wise.

‘Provided Park Hayoung doesn’t show hostility or negativity towards players.’

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to entrust her with some responsibilities.

In return for allowing her to publish a personal article about me, the numbers would add up.

To counter individuals like those reporters who infiltrated past the barricade, allies were necessary.

While pondering various upcoming matters, I momentarily stopped.

After the invasion on Earth, as per habit, I checked the communicator retrieved from my inventory.

Its gem had turned green.

Damned System