81. The Police and the Thief (2)

* * *

“This time, I’m really exhausted. Do it properly, okay? I trust you.”

[Huh-huh, just trust me.]

“Alright. Alright.”

Darkgarm’s alluring voice echoed through the magical communicator.

Actually, I could handle this alone, but it’s frustrating to be on the receiving end. I wanted to resist somehow.

Reina had better do her part.

But is sniping even possible from the top of Songdo’s penthouse? I had planned to meet as close to Songdo as possible, but maybe not this close.

Whatever. Let’s move.

All I need to do is drive Yoo Jin-seok away.

“If Yoo Jin-seok moves, he should be around Yeonsu-dong by now.”

I have a feeling.

Indeed, his presence was felt in Yeonsu-dong. To endure the maki, he was releasing overwhelming magic around him.

It was unmistakably Yoo Jin-seok, with his intense magic waves that anyone could recognize.

As the former Divine Sword user, he had a massive amount of magic, enough to qualify him to wield the Divine Sword, and he began purifying the maki in the area.

Of course, not the entire area, just a certain range, allowing him to move forward.

Other hunters are no different. However, Yoo Jin-seok’s magic, being so righteous and powerful, purified a wide area.

Still, it has its limits. He can’t expand the range infinitely or achieve permanent purification.

He probably thought finding Baekhwa wouldn’t be difficult.

His method is different from mine, which turns maki into magic stones.

“Maybe it’s hard to find? How about we go on a date instead?”

A familiar voice came from the neighboring building.

It was Kim Ji-hye, Bulbangmangi.

When Kim Ji-hye acts like this, she seems like an old maid trying to seduce Yoo Jin-seok.

“Let’s focus on work, Ji-hye. Your mindset isn’t healthy if you’re always thinking about fun.”

“Do you really need to say that?”

What’s with her age?

“Anyway, the Hunter Association’s image is at stake, and I’m personally curious about how great Baekhwa is.”

“Are you into her?”

Kim Ji-hye is still intimidating me with her bat, even now. I understand she’s jealous, but Yoo Jin-seok won’t like this behavior.

If he dated a woman like her and something happened, he’d probably get hit with her bat.

“It’s not like that. We’ve had many similar cases before. But I’ve never seen a strong figure like Baekhwa.”

“Exactly.”

Yoo Jin-seok touched on a sensitive spot.

In the original story, even after the barrier was built, there were many villains in the maki zones.

Back then, President Ha Jung-seok had some authority, so the maki spread more, creating an environment where more monsters and villains emerged.

“Who knows, maybe the dynamics in the maki zones have changed while we weren’t looking.”

“Maybe new monsters?”

“Yes. Honestly, I suspect Baekhwa is a monster. Others may not notice, but her techniques feel purely evil.”

Typical of a Divine Sword user.

Still, evil? Baekhwa is just enjoying the act of hunting villains, not necessarily being evil.

“Then.”

“Yes. It felt like she enjoyed the killing, not just acting for justice. So, Baekhwa might actually be a monster.”

Nice one, oppa. You’ve got it right.

“Then, is she a woman we shouldn’t underestimate? Or should we just beat her up?”

Beating her is famous since the original story. Just hit first and see.

“But even if she’s a monster, we can’t just call her evil. So, I agreed to bring her in. At least to confirm,”

“I guess we have no choice.”

It’s been years since the original story. Yoo Jin-seok still acts like the protagonist.

Meet Baekhwa, and if she’s on the side of justice, at least negotiate.

Yoo Jin-seok’s personality won’t let him take Choi Cheol-sik’s words at face value.

He’ll either meet Baekhwa, verify her ideology, and leave her be, or negotiate to protect the Hunter Association’s image.

But what can I do? I don’t want to meet her.

At least I can talk to her. But with Kim Ji-hye tagging along, who Yoo Jin-seok can’t control, it’s problematic.

Does she even qualify as a teacher? She has no business being one.

It’s not a joke; it’s serious.

In reality, unlike novels, a character like Kim Ji-hye wouldn’t be chosen by the protagonist and would just be a burden.

She doesn’t deserve to be called a heroine.

Should I turn on the broadcast now?

Probably, they’ve noticed me by now.

Since I’m in Yoo Jin-seok’s maki purification zone, they must know. That’s why they’ve been quiet for a while.

Kim Ji-hye probably knows too. Time to act.

“Hello, everyone~ I’m Baekhwa from Baekhwa TV!”

Laughter after a long time. Even with a mask, waving and greeting the viewers.

-Baekhwa

-Why the long wait? Almost died holding my breath.

-Must have level S stamina.

-Why so quiet today?

The villains in Yeonsu-dong have been dealt with or assimilated into Songdo’s residents. This neighborhood is now just a maki zone.

“Today’s content is an adventure in the maki zone! I’m sure you’re curious, right?”

-Yeah, I want to see it.

-I’ve only seen her beat up villains, but the actual maki zone is what I’m curious about.

Beyond the barrier, the maki zone is an unknown space even to hunters.

“Well, this is Yeonsu-dong~”

-Looks completely ruined.

-Exploring such a wasteland would be fun.

Indeed, in the world before, there were no such apocalyptic zones for ordinary people.

Indeed, this world is one without hope or dreams, with only maki zones.

“Ordinary people can’t come here because monsters appear, right?”

Waving my finger at the drone like warning a child, the chat filled with complaints.

-Why limit the stream to hunters and say that?

-LOL.

“Well, today will be more of a horror experience. For example.”

“Baekhwa, right?”

Yes, like that intruder.

“What? Are there special guests too?”

“Does Baekhwa know them?”

“Haha. Of course, you can’t hide it. Even with a hood, anyone can tell who you are. Yoo Jin-seok, Kim Ji-hye.”

“You’re not ordinary at all.”

Of course not. Even a low-ranking hunter would recognize their faces up close.

“We didn’t come to fight you. We want you to join us in Seoul, with the survivors.”

“Survivors? Baekhwa doesn’t know what that means~”

“Ugh, this impudent woman. Why don’t you come nicely?”

Kim Ji-hye gripped her bat, ready to strike.

Right now, I can only use a bit of physical ability, affected by the mental manipulation.

-Is this real life? Is Kim Ji-hye here too?

-Looks like the rumors about the association searching for Baekhwa are true.

-What will Baekhwa say?

What’s there to say?

“Fuck you.”

I raised my middle finger. In that moment, Darkgarm’s maki arrow fired between me and Yoo Jin-seok’s group.

Twhang!

The chase began, with Yoo Jin-seok and Kim Ji-hye, the police, pursuing me, the thief, while Darkgarm’s maki arrows provided me with reliable support.

Twhang!

Darkgarm’s maki arrows, fired from Songdo’s penthouse toward Yeonsu-dong, were almost like missiles.

Even when they exploded, maki spread, blocking vision, continuously hindering Yoo Jin-seok from catching up.

“Where is this attack coming from? Should we deflect it?”

“Don’t. It seems Baekhwa has a skilled monster ally. So, Baekhwa is likely a monster herself.”

“Those arrows are nothing. Should we trace their path?”

Yoo Jin-seok and Kim Ji-hye’s conversation could be heard from behind.

If they abandon me now, locating Darkgarm would be easy.

However, with Yoo Jin-seok’s power, if he can’t purify the maki, I can just have Reina chase him.

“No. We know the direction, but not the distance or origin.”

“You don’t know?”

“It means the monster using mythical-grade weapons.”

Do they have time to chat?

Should I provoke them a bit?

“Do you have time to chat?”

“That damn bitch! I’ll catch her and shove my bat up her mouth!”

“Yeah, it’s meaningless if you can’t catch her? So simple-minded? A spinster?”

“I can’t take it anymore. I’ll kill her. Calling someone in their late 20s a spinster.”

Seeing her fall for such simple provocation, it’s clear she’s easy to manipulate.

-Does Baekhwa have another partner?

-A partner? Someone’s shooting arrows.

-Shibal. That’s not important. The arrows are spreading maki. Baekhwa’s monster partner.

-Is Baekhwa one too?

It’s hard to deceive the viewers anymore. Time to reveal myself.

“Huh! If you’re curious about my true identity, let me tell you! I’m Baekhwa, the Dark Holy Maiden, awakened as an SS-class Core at 17!”

-Shibal, she’s a monster.

-So, she’s a villain.

-Why would she call herself the Dark Holy Maiden? How embarrassing.

“Not all monsters are the same, right? I’m nice, beautiful, and help people. Where else would you find such a monster?”

-Can’t tell if she’s pretty without seeing her face.

-At least Baekhwa is different from other monsters, judging by how she’s fleeing from the first Divine Sword user.

-Shut up. Reveal her face then.

“I’ll explain! This is really my face! The half-mask is from my monster awakening and can’t be removed!”

-So possible

-Want to join Baekhwa’s fan club.

-F*cking idiots, calling her a villain when she’s a woman.

“Oh, don’t you think I’m cute? I’m a good Baekhwa!”

Honestly, if I were a viewer, I’d be attracted to her regardless of being a villain or monster, as long as she’s pretty. After all, for a woman, what’s below is just a hole, not a stick.

“How did you become a monster?”

“That’s a secret~”

Now’s not the time for talk. I need to keep running.

Just run as much as Yoo Jin-seok struggles, until he’s out of stamina.

After running for a while, it’s quiet behind. Was I too focused on the chat?

-Are they not chasing? Where are they hiding?

-Let’s approach carefully.

Kkiiing!

Some buildings on both sides began collapsing toward me. Even burning buildings. It seems they’re determined to kill me.

“Regret calling me a spinster and die!”

“This is harsh. Too much for a girl.”

“Don’t throw a tantrum if you’re a monster!”

Now I’m annoyed.

I dodged the falling buildings and sneaked up to the wall, catching Kim Ji-hye off guard from behind.

“This is your punishment, stupid Bulbangmangi.”

“Where?”

“Here. Bulbangmangi♥”

I grabbed her head and kissed her deeply.

Zoque