episode_0061

*****

The attack on the research center by Genesis executive Cheongun──3 days after the so-called Samhwan Pharmaceutical terrorist attack occurred. South Korea has fallen into the greatest chaos of the past five years.

The biggest cause was that the mortal barrier of one of the Four Heroes, Paladin Galahad, was broken through. The fact that the Holy Knight’s shield, which had a record of withstanding even a nuclear bomb, was pierced was a huge shock to the people.

These days, news and newspapers are filled with related articles, and public opinion polls show anxiety levels being updated day by day. This was my impression after reading the newspaper that wrote a long speech about the uncertain future of the Republic of Korea.

“They are playing.”

“Don’t be so mean. There are probably quite a few people who are seriously anxious.”

Changhyuk smiled, as if to cover up my frowning expression. I folded the newspaper and handed it to Changhyuk, then stretched out.

For the past three days, I have been stuck in the hospital, not even allowed to do simple exercise, let alone train, so I feel drained. If I didn’t have the ability to recover, I wouldn’t have been able to sleep at night worrying about muscle loss. Of course, because of that recovery ability, muscles are not being built.

It wasn’t just exercise that was banned. Almost all leisure items, including cell phones, telephones, and newspapers, were banned. If Siara hadn’t been there, the unprecedented situation of people dying of boredom might have occurred.

When people protested for at least a cell phone, the doctor would respond like this.

“Sorry, sorry. Still, if possible, I want to refrain from any strong emotional changes during the test. There is no precedent for a case like this.”

Any further questioning was impossible for me, who had drunk the potion and created an unprecedented precedent. Considering that the fever had risen after reading the newspaper, the doctor’s judgment may not have been wrong.

“Still, huh? What kind of fuss is this when no one has died? In my time, even if a massacre occurred in Seoul, there wasn’t a single news item!”

“Eck, is it true!? Uh, what should I do? I think I heard something amazing… .”

“Calm down, Director Lim. At that time, all the broadcasting stations were destroyed, so there was no news in the first place. This happened before Seoul was even recaptured, so you don’t have to worry about it.”

“Ah, is that so? You don’t deny the massacre?”

Director of Information? Director of Information? Changhyuk lightly passes the doctor’s voice calling out. Since we’ve known each other for 20 years, it’s okay to pretend to be good.

Of course, there were people who did not like that view. This was the case for Jeong So-yeon, who went from orphanage director to information office secretary to parachute greetings.

“You two, please don’t embarrass Director Lim too much. Especially Ami, you are now far below in terms of rank.”

“What do you think, everyone here knows everyone.”

“Still, you have to be careful.”

On the surface, it appears to be asserting principles. But in reality, I would just hate to see Changhyuk and the doctor talking haha. The reason I’m tripping over myself is probably because I know that no matter what I say, it won’t work.

Of course, I don’t like being nagged even for such a cute reason. I slowly changed the direction of the conversation.

“Still, Galahead, you’re in no position to talk to others when you’ve become weak to me and all. Since it only takes one breath, I’ll have to make fun of it later.”

“You are the only one who can describe Dragon Breath as best. And it’s a bit unfair to say that my skills have declined.”

The pure power of the breath is not much different from that of a nuclear bomb. However, since breath is reinforced with dragon words, defense using magical power is relatively ineffective. In other words, it does not mean that ‘can block the nucleus = can block the breath’.

“But it’s true that there hasn’t been any development for 7 years, right?”

“The opposite is true. Just being able to stay in place for 7 years is considered amazing. In the past 7 years, the Four Heroes have gone on operations in less than 10 cases even if all three of them combined.”

“Aha.”

Certainly, there is nothing like actual combat to improve your skills. Especially if you are a combat person like me or Galahad.

In a situation where the Four Heroes could not be expected to strengthen, a villain that was difficult for the Four Heroes to block appeared. It’s definitely something that will cause an uproar throughout society.

“But then is it okay to just lie down like this?”

If you look at today’s newspaper right now, the story about Sia’s injury is featured in the headlines. As he now boasts the highest level of recognition among the S-class, the impact of his injury was significant.

Sia’s transportation was carried out as secretly as possible, but it is said that trash can be found everywhere. A photo taken of a tattered Sia from afar has gone viral. Sia’s wounds are so serious

The fact that returning to active duty will be difficult for the time being is a bonus.

The problem was that the gossip was never a lie. Sia, whose recovery magic had become less effective due to the magic of Yongeon left on her wound, had just undergone a major surgery that lasted several hours.

Recovery magic is not completely ineffective, so recovery itself will not be a problem, but it is clear that it takes time.

“No, it’s okay. Rather, I need you to lie down like this a little longer.”

But Changhyuk said it as if it was no big deal. In fact, his expression was even slightly smiling.

There is nothing wrong with this guy when he makes an expression like this.

“Nudge. The photo was leaked.”

“Haha, what are you talking about? If anyone hears it, they will misunderstand it. I just guaranteed freedom of speech.”

“Who is the anonymous informant who provided information about Sia’s injury?”

“Well. Isn’t he some kind of righteous person within the association who can’t stand the suppression of the media?”

… Well, this guy will take care of it. If I had to guess roughly, I think it would be putting pressure on the government that is behind this incident.

There is no way the government guys would have risked their lives on this matter. Because they are the ones who care so much about their own lives. They probably compared Genesis’s power with the Four Heroes’ power and threw the dice, thinking that they would win 100%.

But when I actually looked at it, something outside the standard called Cheongwoon stuck out. The calculation that the Four Heroes would be able to do something no matter what happened was shattered.

Then, they need more power to protect themselves, but where is that power in Korea? There are A-levels here and there, but most S-levels are in the association.

In other words, they have no choice but to reach out to the association, and Changhyuk is preparing to do his best. Or maybe you are already doing it.

If you do it too much, you don’t know where public opinion will go, so you may need to cut it off somewhere appropriate… . As I said before, he’s not a guy who can’t control those aspects. If you continue to believe in it as usual, you will get good results.

“I roughly understand what you’re thinking. But then I don’t need to be here?”

There is room for political use of Sia’s hospitalization, but I, or more specifically the hero Fafnir, does not have that level of recognition. At least the inspection was a justification, but that too will end soon. Even if I stayed here, I would just be bored.

At my suggestion, Changhyuk put his finger to his lips. It’s a habit he has when he has something to think about. Was there anything to worry about so much about what we were talking about?

Are you worrying about whether to say something or not, or are you choosing the words themselves? Either way, after thinking for a longer time than expected, the guy opened his mouth.

“Hamin, aren’t you planning on transferring schools?”

… What kind of ghost talk is this again?

“What, am I getting fired? Even though I’ve been leaving the kids in too much danger for a guard… .”

Still, that’s because the main character needs trials. Isn’t this something that has already been discussed between us? That was the unspoken remark I made.

“It’s not your problem. You are doing well enough. But honestly, there are stronger enemies than we expected. You know this part too, right?”

“Well, what is that.”

Enemies that are stronger than we expected, that is, those that appear in the original work, are appearing. That part was what I also felt. Didn’t he once encourage Hwain, who had lost confidence because of that?

Since I joined the Surtur team, only Genesis executive-level enemies have been appearing. Doctor Goe doesn’t know the reason, but in Cheongwoon’s case, the probability that I am the cause is quite high.

“But isn’t that actually a good thing? Because I can prepare for any emergency when stronger enemies appear.”

“Absolutely not. Because I didn’t send you to school to have you suffer like that in the first place.”

I was a little surprised that the reaction was stronger than I expected. When I leaned back slightly, Jeong So-eun gently grabbed Chang-hyuk’s shoulder.

The guy must have realized only then that he was leaning forward and adjusted his posture again. After exhaling slightly, Changhyuk spoke again.

“Actually, both the association president and I decided that this would be easier. I don’t know if it will be in a few years, but I thought you wouldn’t need to be active for a while. Of course, I thought it would be a lot different from what I originally expected, but I still didn’t expect it to change to this much.”

“What do you think? If the enemy is strong, the kids will get stronger faster too, which is good. Are you telling me that you went on vacation? Let’s say the vacation ended a little early.”

“Yeah, I thought that too before this incident.”

Suddenly, Changhyuk’s head turned in the direction where the doctor was. Please report it. The doctor hurriedly took out something that looked like a chart at that stiff voice.

“Uh, I mean, I don’t see any changes in overall body function. However, the body change rate has increased to 24%, and when the conditions are met, there appears to be noticeable body changes such as scales and fingernails. In the case of conditions, the present is a dramatic change in emotions, and──”

“It is enough. Ha, you idiot. What on earth did you eat?”

“It’s nothing special, it’s just a slightly stronger potion. Should I say it’s like a Mario mushroom?”

“As a result of estimation based on the data held by Dumping Cat, it is believed to have an effect on the soul of the target, Ami Kim. Although it does not have a significant effect immediately, the ingredients of the medicine continuously affect the target’s soul──”

“Ah, doctor. Why are you telling me things I wasn’t even asked?”

I belatedly covered the doctor’s mouth, but Changhyuk was already staring at me almost like he was glaring at me. First of all, I had to make an excuse, so I just picked up whatever I could.

“Of course, I was a bit impatient. But still, there is such a thing as force majeure. There’s no way I could abandon Sia in that situation. You know that if I hadn’t taken my time there, the surrounding area would have been devastated before Galahad arrived, right?”

At first, I just said it literally, but as I said it, it became quite plausible. The so-called reverse anger operation.

Do you still not trust this guy after that?? uh!?!?!? As I gave a full speech with the same feeling, I could see Changhyuk’s mood dropping. In the end, Changhyuk shook his head and sighed.

“Okay, okay, do whatever you want… .”

“Huheung, it should have come out like that a long time ago.”

A smile of victory naturally appeared at Changhyuk’s declaration of surrender. In the first place, Changhyuk has rarely been defeated by my force, so this too was like a promised victory.

While I was responding to the loser’s complaints, I noticed that the atmosphere of the women’s group was a little strange. For some reason, both of them are looking at me with very subtle expressions… .

First of all, in Jeong So-eun’s case, she has a very scary expression. He is looking at me with an expression that is as sharp as that of the doctor who was just chatting with Changhyuk, or perhaps even sharper than that.

Why are you looking at me like you’re a rival? Was there anything you misunderstood in the conversation between me and Changhyuk?

“Rehashing, is that on purpose? It’s not that it doesn’t fit, but… .”

“? What do you mean, revival?”

“… no. If you don’t know, that’s okay.”

Considering that he said it was done, this is a very suspicious look. Out of concern, I tried using the potential once, but I could even feel the hostility in his gaze.

‘It’s the Doctor you should be antagonizing, not me!’ I want to let you know. As proof, the doctor is looking at Changhyuk with passionate eyes from earlier. Even now, aren’t you talking to Changhyuk with strangely heavy breathing?

“You two, you two get along really well. Have you been like this before?”

“Yes, he has been disobedient for a long time. I don’t know if other people even know that I’m worried. Director Lim, as the attending physician, please be careful. Even though I’ve been telling him to take care of his body for a long time, he always says nothing but that he’s okay because he’s covered in scars.”

“Did you see it yourself?”

“In the past, I also played on the field. There were no medical facilities back then, so you had to take care of yourself, but that guy didn’t even care about his own health──”

Changhyuk is also pouring out his complaints as if he is bursting at the seams with the doctor’s enormous interest. Isn’t that how you originally opened up about what was on your mind, and then your relationship got better and you became a couple?

Jeong So-yeon’s eyes, wary of faraway places with her greatest enemy right in front of her, could be said to be a hole in the eye.

Fortunately, the uncomfortable time didn’t last too long. This is because for me and Changhyuk, there isn’t much that can be used as small talk when it comes to talking about old times.

Changhyuk slowly began to get ready to get up with a somewhat refreshed look on his face. Since you’re so busy, you probably can’t spend that much time visiting the hospital.

“Anyway, just remember this. I know that because if I ever hear news that something is wrong with your body or anything else, I will throw you away in the countryside.”

“Hey, the kids are already busy, so I guess I’ll have some time to play with the staff.”

“Anyway, I won’t say a word. see you later. Oh, and Jun-seok comes down.”

It rattled. The table shook. Although the water cups placed on top almost spilled, I was able to barely catch Changhyuk as he tried to stand up.

“Hey, you should have said that first!”

“Let go of this. Clothes stretch. This is expensive.”

“Ha, at least it’s a shame! At least for some reason!”

“If you want to get a job, you have to work hard from now on. I don’t have time.”

This bastard is so shameless!

However, I couldn’t ignore the story that was presented as bait to just pretend not to know. In order for Jun-seok to step forward, he has to become one level stronger than he is now. No, considering the 7-year period, that might not be enough.

“Wasn’t there a shortage of people in the North!? Can I take him out!?”

“Why are you like that? Shouldn’t you be happy when your disciple comes back?”

student. As Changhyuk says, Junseok is definitely my student. I didn’t teach him martial arts or anything like that, but I feel like he developed his capabilities as a hero through a lot of special training like he’s doing with Hwa-in now.

The problem was the timing. Hwa-in, I had gained experience, had mental composure, and knew information about Hwa-in through the original work, but the opposite was true for Jun-seok. I was in a situation where I had no experience, no time to spare, and no confidence in my talent.

As a result of several unfortunate circumstances overlapping, Junseok and I had another connection in addition to our priestly relationship.

It is a relationship of bitter enmity.

I made as pitiful an expression as I could and pulled on his sleeve, but Changhyuk didn’t budge. At this rate, I feel like I might have to hold on to my pants and pray.

Of course, what Changhyuk wants is not such an extreme reaction. I didn’t feel like taking back what I thought I had won, but… . Life was usually a higher value than weak pride.

“… ”

“Huh? what? I can’t hear very well.”

“Ho, I’m sorry for overdoing it on my own. I won’t do that next time… !”

“It should have come out like that a long time ago.”

The guy sat down at the table again with a very satisfied face. Since I didn’t like that, I kicked him under the desk, and soon a swan-like fight broke out under the desk.

“It is true that the Information Director is busy, so please stop there. What kind of children are you both?”

“When you talk to someone you have a relationship with since elementary school, there are times when things get a bit childish.”

“Am I a kid? It’s seventeen pics?”

It was a light joke, but what caught people’s attention was the documentary. It felt like he would be dragged away by force if he played any more, so both Changhyuk and I adjusted our postures.

“The reason why Junseok is coming is simple. I was nominated by the government.”

“Ah, they are like the incarnation of damned self-seeking. Do they even know what it means to have an S-class hero missing from the North?”

A colony of giant cracks spread across Manchuria. Like the Land of Despair in Africa or North America, it is a place designated as a forbidden land for mankind.

Korea was able to maintain its standard of living because it was able to reliably block the monster waves coming from there. In other words, if something happens there, in the worst case, a post-apocalyptic worldview could unfold.

Fortunately, according to Changhyuk, it seems like they are sending an S-class hero to replace him. Considering that the additional support was also quite useful, it seemed that the government was not aware of the situation.

“Sia lying down was really big.”

“Then that’s a good thing, but why is it Junseok? Really… .”

Changhyuk didn’t respond to what I said, but just shrugged his shoulders.

It was an obvious reason to begin with. If the Four Heroes, especially Jun-seok, have been filling my empty spot for the past seven years, then there is probably no hero in Korea with stronger fighting power than Jun-seok. There will be no bodyguard more attractive to superiors.

“The reason I brought this up was not to discuss the overall situation. To inform you of countermeasures.”

“Okay, okay, it’s already been decided. I know everything.”

“First of all, unusually, I will not tell Junseok about your identity. So, if you meet Junseok, pretend not to know him as much as possible.”

It is said that I told most people who were close to me about my identity when I was Asura. Even though there were only a few people, Junseok was not one of the majority.

“In the first place, not many people know, so it is unlikely that your identity will be leaked to Junseok. The most unsettling part is that Director Lim is strictly prohibited from contacting Jun-seok.”

“Well, you and the people in the intelligence department won’t open your mouth. … Huh?”

While talking about other precautions, I realized one strange thing.

Since Junseok was coming towards Seoul, it was natural to prepare in case we ran into each other. But considering that, I feel like the precautions are a bit detailed.

It seems as if we are assuming a situation where we will see Junseok a lot from now on… .

You must have guessed this from my anxious expression. Changhyuk nodded once as if my thoughts were correct.

What came next could be said to be the most terrible news I’ve heard in a while.

“Officially, the reason why Junseok is coming back is to replace the injured Sia. In other words, taking over what Sia was doing.”

Sia has two major tasks. His role is as a teacher at the Capital Defense Department and Cheonmyeong High School. That’s also my homeroom teacher.

I held my head and groaned as the difficulty of school life rapidly increased.

*****