Episode 653. Demon King’s Attack (4)

The strongest Guild, Iris Guild, took the lead and mobilized its forces, and the governments of each country threatened to declare war on any nation that did not join the coalition army.

Knowing it was truly an emergency, important figures entered Korea one after another.

Most of the leaders of major Guilds gathered in Seoul, Korea, and even outstanding Hunters not affiliated with any Guild or government Hunters were summoned.

In other words, all the top-tier Hunters from around the world had gathered.

It was a conference where prominent Hunters from their respective countries gathered.

Some people inwardly harbored dissatisfaction that a cadet was leading the proceedings. They believed that seniority and experience were crucial for leading the coalition, regardless of how strong one’s power was.

However, as Lee Hoyeon’s briefing continued, their eyes grew wider and wider.

“The enemy’s main force consists of 72 demons and numerous monsters. And one individual presumed to be the leader. We have confirmed the revival of Karkus, Amon, Malphis, whom we already killed, and even Melves, whom we defeated just two days ago.”

Lee Hoyeon handed over documents summarizing the demons’ characteristics and weaknesses to the important figures. This was data compiled based on memories from the original work, after the demons appeared.

“Th-this is…? You figured out the characteristics of all the demons in just 3 days?”

“…Is this information reliable? How do you know weaknesses that even we, who fought them directly, couldn’t grasp?”

“He’s the genius mage Lee Hoyeon. He’s personally defeated 4 demons alone. Perhaps those golden eyes are an ability to perceive the opponent’s weaknesses.”

The documents Lee Hoyeon distributed contained organized information on each demon’s characteristics, combat methods, and weaknesses. It was higher quality data than they had expected, so everyone couldn’t hide their surprise.

“That data is something I created by analyzing combat footage myself. It’s reliable data, but feel free to ask anything if you have questions.”

While people were reading the documents, Lee Hoyeon continued speaking. “As you all know, if the demons continue draining the world’s strength like this, humanity will eventually be defeated. Rather, now, when we can fight head-on, is our last chance. Seoul is humanity’s final line of defense.”

The demons approaching from near the Pacific Ocean are heading towards Seoul. In the original work, the Demon King also descends upon Korea. They must be faithfully following that scenario.

“There are about 20 hours left until the demons arrive in Seoul. It’s far too little time to organize the coalition army while accepting everyone’s opinions. Therefore, I have organized the coalition army’s structure. However, I will accept any complaints or points for revision.”

This is the operation I prepared while defeating Melves, who appeared in Korea. Lee Hoyeon continued speaking, handing over the documents. “Naberus, the giant monstrous bird that appeared in France. Its weakness is judged to be lightning. Mages specialized in lightning magic have been organized into Group A. I will entrust the command of Group A to Chris of the Angela Guild.”

Famous lightning mages from each country were organized into Group A. Not only famous mages but even less famous ones were assigned to Group A.

At that moment, the Iris Guild Master, who had fought Naberus directly, spoke up. “Mage Lee Hoyeon. I’m sorry, but we naturally tried lightning magic against Naberus. However, the magic didn’t work properly, neither in its monstrous bird form nor its human form.”

“Guild Master Iris. When Naberus reverts from its human form to its monstrous bird form, a weakness is revealed near the crown of its head. Although it’s for less than a minute, I clearly confirmed that the regeneration of its feathers is slower only at the crown.”

“…Irene. Check it.”

At the Guild Master’s words, Irene, who replayed Iris Guild’s combat footage, opened her eyes wide. “Y-yes, that’s definitely right. There’s a spot where feathers fill in belatedly for about 40 seconds.”

“Just because the feathers regenerate slowly, why do you think that spot is a weakness?”

“It’s the same pattern as the boss monster Phoenix from a Gate that appeared in Sao Paulo about 10 years ago. However, unlike the Phoenix that exposed its crown, Naberus flies high in the sky, so it wasn’t properly visible. Are there any other questions?”

“Ha, seriously? To miss something so basic…”

Isaac let out a hollow laugh at Lee Hoyeon’s briefing. Although he said it so casually, Lee Hoyeon had found the weakness just by watching combat footage. Just how outstanding is that guy, no, my son-in-law?

“…You analyzed that just by watching combat footage? No, did you analyze all the demons’ patterns in just 3 days?”

“Judging by the Emperor of the Night’s reaction, he seems convinced, doesn’t he?”

Even though the surroundings became noisy due to Isaac’s reaction, Lee Hoyeon continued the briefing. While 20 hours might seem long, it’s definitely not a lot of time. After finishing the briefing, we need to synchronize the teams, and there are many other minor preparations to make.

“Next is the demon Melves who appeared in Korea. He manipulates souls while riding a ghost ship. Mages capable of mental defense magic and close-combat warriors will be assigned to Group A-2. The command of Group A-2 will be Nancy of the Alkaline Guild. Next is….”

It was back when I was studying Hunter Sociology at the Academy for a long time. I remember hearing about all the famous Guilds and Hunters from around the world at least once. Lee Hoyeon’s memory enhancement ability allows me to recall even those things.

“You know the aces of Guilds worldwide? Does that make sense?”

“You prepared this much volume alone?”

“Anyone would think you expected an attack…”

The Hunters from each country listened intently to Lee Hoyeon’s words. There was no one left inside the conference hall who didn’t acknowledge Lee Hoyeon.

“…That concludes the team organization. Next, I will explain the operation overview.”

Lee Hoyeon unfolded a map and pointed to the area near Seoul. It was Namyangju, which had become a barren wasteland due to a Gate that appeared about 5 years ago. It was a place recently cleared of the Gate’s aftermath and being prepared for civilian residency, but this wide open field would be where they greet the enemies.

“We plan to install an interception magic circle in the fields of Namyangju.”

After the briefing, which spanned 3 hours, ended, Lee Hoyeon took a breath and spoke. “With this, the explanation of the operation is finished. If anyone has questions, please state them now. As I mentioned, we don’t have much time.”

To Lee Hoyeon’s question, the people inside the convention center exchanged glances. While they were gauging each other’s reactions, the first to speak was Arthur, the president of the Wizard Association. “You mentioned there was an individual that appears to be the leader of the demons. Haven’t you considered a plan to create a special task force to assassinate him?”

“The possibility of the demons being incapacitated even if the leader is killed is small, so that is considered Plan B.”

“Plan B… If so, where is the organization for the special task force? Since we don’t know how the situation will unfold, I think we need to decide on it all now.”

“If, by chance, the battle doesn’t go well, going to assassinate the boss will be just me.”

“…What? I know you’re strong, but that’s too dangerous.”

“Bringing someone else would be more dangerous. In an emergency situation, I don’t have the confidence to look after someone else either.”

“Hmm…”

Arthur felt uncomfortable, but he couldn’t refute Lee Hoyeon’s words. He is no longer just Professor Im Sol’s disciple and a promising mage who came to visit the Wizard Association. Lee Hoyeon is the only man in the world to have defeated demons. Others might just hold him back.

“What if the demons don’t come to Namyangju? They clearly have intelligence. Maybe they might notice that we prepared a magic circle.”

“The interception magic circle is just insurance. During the remaining time, we’ll prepare everything we can. If they avoid that area, we’ll have no choice but to split up according to the organization and fight individually.”

According to the original work, they would naturally head straight for Korea, but in this world, we don’t know how they will move. The plan Lee Hoyeon devised is purely about maximizing the probability as much as possible. Even if the magic circle works properly, there’s no guarantee of victory.

‘This should be enough.’

As I answered many people’s questions, more time passed. It was a sufficiently realistic plan even to the Hunters, so there weren’t many questions about the operation itself. In the first place, except for Lee Hoyeon, there wasn’t anyone who had properly grasped the demons’ weaknesses.

“Seriously? Such a large-scale battle would happen so suddenly. With only 15 hours left, is it possible?”

“Mage Lee Hoyeon is hunting demons at the forefront, they say, so we can’t back out.”

“That’s true. The person who devised the plan is leading the charge…”

“Chris. This is Robert from the Freaks Guild. I look forward to working with you on this operation.”

“It’s nice to meet you here, Mr. Robert, the prodigy of lightning magic.”

The remaining time until the operation is only about 15 hours. The Hunters exchanged greetings with their respective teams and headed towards Namyangju. As they were veterans who had experienced many such emergency operations, coordinating wasn’t difficult.

“…Haaah.”

And Lee Hoyeon was taking a deep breath from behind the podium of the convention center. Moon Surin, who was beside him, headed to Victoria Academy to manage its professors. He especially asked her to speak well to Baek Ahyoung. He figured she would probably follow along, even if she couldn’t fight.

‘With things like this, can I even kill the Demon King? Tsk.’ Maintaining a serious demeanor for several hours straight made my shoulders feel stiff and sore. Lee Hoyeon stretched and looked outside. Many of the heroines were also visible inside the convention center. I don’t know why they were there, but sitting in the VIP seats were the Lucy-Lumi twins and Im Sol. Irene and Alice of the Iris Guild. Including Rebecca, the heroines I live with were in the very front row among the unaffiliated Hunters. Liliana was there too, and it was a relief that she seemed to be behaving today. Normally, I might have gone to see them briefly, but right now, I didn’t want to meet anyone.

‘The revival of demons definitely has limits. But I don’t know what those limits are.’ Although I haven’t told anyone else, I inwardly thought that if I kill the Demon King, it would affect the other demons too. The best outcome is for the demons’ lives to be extinguished immediately, and the next best is for their power to weaken. Either way, it’s something that helps humanity. But killing the Demon King is not an easy task.

‘Amidst a complex battle, creating a one-on-one situation with the Demon King is nearly impossible.’ In the end, the one who must kill the Demon King is me. The reason Lee Hoyeon is creating a coalition of all humanity is for that very reason. He needed forces to hold back the demons guarding the Demon King.

“Is this really the end…”

Lee Hoyeon has overcome numerous crises until now. There were hard times and good times, but everything was a stepping stone for this Demon King’s attack. Ultimately, if the Demon King isn’t killed in this battle, the world will be destroyed. Although everyone else knows this fact too, it felt even more significant to Lee Hoyeon.

“…Tsk. What am I doing, acting so pathetically.” I calmed my restless heart. Staying here like this won’t change anything, so I too must quickly head to Namyangju. Lee Hoyeon was needed for the construction of the magic circle to intercept the demons.

“Hoyeon…?”

Just then, a familiar voice was heard from behind. A girl, neatly dressed in a cadet uniform instead of a suit. It was Nam Daeun. Nam Daeun looked at Lee Hoyeon with a faint smile. “Daeun-ie? What are you doing here?”

“Scarlett-ssi said you’d be here if it were Hoyeon, so I came… and you really were here.”

“Scarlett?”

When I glanced over her shoulder, Scarlett was visible, clinging to the wall and cloaked in stealth. Scarlett made eye contact with Lee Hoyeon, dropped her stealth, and approached him. “Since I couldn’t see Hoyeon-nim, I came to find you myself.”

“What about Rebecca and Liliana?”

“It seemed necessary to have someone to keep Liliana company, so I left her with Rebecca-nim.” Anyone would think she was a lost child. She shouldn’t be at an age where she needs a guardian.

“Anyway, everyone has left for Namyangju. Hoyeon-nim, what are you doing here?”

“Just. I was thinking about the operation.”

“I see.”

“Yeah. You came at just the right time. Let’s go to Namyangju together.”

Thinking about it any longer only brought useless thoughts to mind. Lee Hoyeon looked at Scarlett and Nam Daeun and started walking.

“Hmm…”

And Scarlett stared intently at Lee Hoyeon. It’s been quite some time since we started living together, and that man can’t properly hide his emotions in front of women. Various complex emotions were filling his mind right now.

‘No wonder he seemed like a completely different person at the convention center.’

Tok tok.

Scarlett nudged Nam Daeun’s waist, who was standing next to her. Nam Daeun, who was about to follow Lee Hoyeon, was startled by the sudden touch and looked at Scarlett.

“Scarlett-ssi?”

“Daeun-yang, please comfort that guy.”

“Huh? Hoyeon?”

“Other thoughts shouldn’t fill his head before an important fight, right? ‘I like you.’ ‘Cheer up.’ If you tell him things like this, he’ll like it.”

“That’s true, but… Scarlett-ssi doing it… Ah, Aah?”

Nam Daeun also felt something strange inwardly, but Hoyeon acting like that wasn’t a rare occurrence. So I was going to let it slide, but Scarlett shoved Nam Daeun’s back hard.

Hwaak-

In the end, Nam Daeun had to back hug Lee Hoyeon, regardless of her own will.

“Uh. Uh…”

“Daeun-ah?”

Since I was suddenly hugged from behind, when I turned my head, Nam Daeun was looking at me with a flustered expression. Why is she making this face after hugging me herself?

“I, I like you.”

“…Suddenly?”

“No. It’s not that. Hoyeon, you can definitely do it. I’ve received help from you too… others think so too. So… H-in the sense of cheering you up…”

My voice gradually got quieter, and eventually became like a whisper. Nam Daeun felt her face heat up, lowered her head, and buried her forehead against Lee Hoyeon’s back. Although I said it myself, saying ‘I like you’ in a place like this was incredibly embarrassing.

“Isn’t that a bit too sudden?”

Lee Hoyeon chuckled and pulled Nam Daeun away. She still seemed embarrassed, with her head lowered.

“Since Daeun-yang showed courage, it seems you should show yourself mustering courage too.”

“You pushed me, Scarlett.”

“You found me out. But it seemed more effective for Daeun-yang to do it than me.”

Scarlett knows what Lee Hoyeon has done so far. Although he sometimes does strange things, he always takes the lead and resolves incidents. Therefore, she had no doubt that he could succeed this time too.

“Now that your tension is gone, let’s start heading out. After all, you’re the leader of the coalition, so you can’t be the last one to arrive.”

“…”

Lee Hoyeon belatedly felt his shoulders lighten. His mind was clear, and his body felt much lighter.

‘I was tense.’

Only then did Lee Hoyeon realize that fact. His body had been stiff unconsciously, so his chest felt heavy and unwanted thoughts were bound to arise.

“Thank you, Scarlett. Daeun-ah.”

“You’re welcome.”

“…”

Nam Daeun was still hiding behind Scarlett, seemingly embarrassed, but seeing that made me chuckle again. Lee Hoyeon shook off the lingering thoughts and offered his hand to the two of them.

“Let’s hurry. Like you said, we can’t be late.”

14 hours until the final battle. There was still much to prepare.