episode_0317

The organization of the association is broadly divided into five categories.

The central management department responsible for overall administrative leadership and command.

A regional management department that handles various tasks centered on branches expanded around the world.

Disaster Management Department, which works with the Observatory to observe and manage crisis situations and take responsibility for post-resolution responses.

The Monster Squad that solves dangerous monsters and dungeons.

A border guard that protects the human sector from external forces.

It can be divided further, but these five are generally known as common sense.

At this time, the punitive force belongs to the Monster Punishment Department, and the defense force belongs to the Border Protection Department.

A common analogy is that of a spear and a shield.

The punitive force is a stabbing spear.

The role is to resolve dungeons and monsters that show signs of spreading into disaster within the sphere of influence.

The past battle against the twin-headed dragon is an example.

This was a punitive war in which the Changhae Clan, which borders China, and its three major clans, its blood allies, were the main force, but the Association did not help in the crisis and contributed greatly to it.

In contrast, the defense force is a shield that blocks.

Their role is not to dig in and subdue, but to station themselves in one place and block incoming danger.

The most representative job is managing the front lines in Africa, the only magical realm in the modern era.

The force that is putting the most effort into preventing the monsters that are piling up like loneliness in Africa from spreading to the outside is the Association.

In other words, the main force of the association, without any distinction of superiority… to put it bluntly, the military.

“… Are you talking about the punitive force and the defense force?”

Accordingly, the order to move the two armies cannot help but feel heavy.

The reaction of the members of the National Assembly, who were becoming stiff with seriousness, was understandable.

‘From now on is what’s important.’

Now it’s my job to convince that hardened complexion.

I joked to Maxwell that I could ‘beat him up’, but I couldn’t really beat him up.

It’s possible, but it would just create resentment for nothing.

‘What should I do…’

He shook his head and wiggled his heavy fingers.

The knowledge I can glean and use is limited. The records of the original work or the records obtained from the Tower of Knowledge…

“May I ask why?”

‘hmm?’

As I kept my mouth shut for a moment, one of the assemblymen, whose expression had hardened, spoke carefully.

Despite being a superhuman of quite advanced level, he appeared to be close to old age. He was currently holding a pen, but the hand he had just held still bore the marks of a struggle.

‘Robert Heyline.’

One of the state legislators. At the same time, the state legislator who was caught in the 9th round…

‘The reaction is milder than expected?’

I tilted my head inwardly.

The words he spoke were quite polite. I thought he would be more aggressive and resentful.

That makes sense, because suddenly a lump of flesh appears claiming to be the acting president of the association, and he’s about to mobilize the military.

– Mr. Maxwell, have the members of the National Assembly also been notified in advance?

– No. The only ones who received information about Lee Ha-yul from the association presidents were the executives directly under the association president.

When I asked Maxwell over the phone just in case, the answer I got was negative.

[… It seems like you accept me more than I thought. Don’t you usually resist? Or did you know this would happen beforehand?]

“Haha, at least none of us have the ability to foresee the future. And if I have to be picky… I don’t really feel any resistance.”

When I asked directly, the answer came back with a small laugh.

“It’s too sudden… I think the association presidents must have some thoughts.”

[Since you trust the president, are you willing to accept the sudden appointment of a stranger as acting president?]

“Lee Ha-yul, a special admission student at Siyoram, is too famous to be ruled by an unknown person.”

The council members responded lightly with a strange smile. My expression became a little strange at that.

It is not observed as a lie…

They really trust the president, so even I, who has put the president in charge, agrees.

I thought the biggest challenge would be persuading the congressman, but I got over it easily.

‘Did the members of the National Assembly say that they personally selected the top lords of space and coordination?’

Perhaps because of that, his sense of justice is secondary, and his loyalty to the association president seems quite high.

[Ahem, then let me explain the reason first]

I cut off the branches of thought that were trying to extend to the gaze that was focused on me.

[This is not a confirmed matter. It means that you should be prepared to respond immediately in case something happens that requires a response.]

“That part is already prepared. The power that can be operated right now is maintained at all times.”

[More than that. To give an example… even if a demonic realm appears in the middle of the land, you can deal with it.]

“… !”

The faces of the assemblymen hardened further at my denial.

For those who are well-versed in world affairs, the word ‘magic realm’ may not be light.

Rather, it will be even more burdensome because they are the leaders of the association that manages the Demonic Front.

How much does it cost to maintain the African Magic Front right now and enter, and something similar is blown up in the middle of the country?

Just thinking about it makes my stomach churn.

[This is not an exaggeration. It may be fine now, but it is a disaster that could one day turn the center of the country into a demonic realm.]

“A devil’s paradise… What on earth is going on that makes you say that?”

[Um… For now, let’s call it the back side of the disaster. Also, what I’m trying to find and prepare for this time is the entrance to the back side.]

After briefly explaining the definition behind it, I raised my right hand and drew a line in the air.

The sky splits according to my gestures.

This space itself has strong security, but since it is the ‘same’ power, I was able to bypass it without any problems.

My actions caught the attention of those watching.

“The power of space… !”

You might mistake it for space magic or some other ability, but since they were once servants of the Tower Lord of Space, they recognize it right away.

[I will find the entrance behind with the power of space that I have been granted]

“Ahh…! You have been granted power, what a proof of your qualifications.”

[…Is that so?]

My expression became slightly pale as I closed the space back to the muttering of a member of the National Assembly.

It’s not that the members’ reactions have changed significantly.

If you had the feeling earlier that you had doubts but should just follow along? Now, your eyes are sparkling with trust.

‘… I should have just started by showing off my powers from the beginning.’

Then there would have been no need to add all this unnecessary nonsense in the beginning. I continued my explanation, feeling a belated realization.

[The back side will go berserk like a dungeon at some point. The damage at that time is so great that it is difficult to compare it to the chain of berserk in a normal dungeon.]

“Is that rampage causing a demonic realm?”

[Yes, with a high probability]

In the original, the place where the backside burst always became a demonic realm.

Because a huge amount of magic power and monsters poured out in an instant and could not be dealt with quickly, there was no way to stop the magic transformation.

“Association President, are you planning to find the back entrance and prepare for the reckless behavior?”

[Yes]

“Surely, it would take a lot of troops to stop that kind of damage. But… ”

Congressman Samuel Delany, who muddled his words. You could guess what he was muddled.

[If you block the entrance while it is running wild, you will suffer huge damage. You may even fail to suppress it.]

“Then… ”

[However, if we leave it alone, it will cause much greater damage]

“Hmm… Should I specify a location and deploy the defense force first… ”

“Didn’t you say that monsters are pouring out? If it’s a threat similar to the Demon Realm, then it’s possible that 3rd-tier monsters are included, so as the acting president of the association said, we should also have the punitive force on standby.”

“If it’s a threat on par with the Demon Realm, you’ll have to take a lot of damage even if you bring in all your power. If there’s even a hole in the wire… ”

“… I don’t want to imagine it.”

The faces of the members of the National Assembly were filled with worry. It was certainly a story that gave them much to think about.

The reliability of the information… Since it has been proven with authority, it seems everyone believes it.

I gave them a moment to think, then tapped the table with my fingers.

– Thump thump

Perhaps because the space was so desolate, the sound was loud.

[I have something to say about that]

“I will listen.”

In that brief moment, she felt the attention of the assembly members who had been talking about various things turn back to her and she stroked her necklace.

Actually, from now on, this is the main part of my plan.

[I plan to find the back entrance, investigate it, and if I determine that there is no room for a runaway… I plan to enter the back entrance]

“Yes?”

[And, we plan to force and suppress the outburst from within, and directly reduce the damage spreading outward]

The rampage behind the scenes cannot be stopped. The cracks have already widened, and the space has begun to function like a dungeon.

A runaway is inevitable. If so, the best way to reduce the damage is to detonate it here before it gets any bigger.

At the same time, it would be better if the damage could be borne from the inside, no matter how much it was destroyed.

Of course, finding the entrance is a struggle, and even if you find it, it’s impossible to enter using the normal methods…

[I can do it because I have the power of space]

I will be able to enter through the power of space, find the core behind it, and if necessary, forcibly detonate it and receive it from the inside.

“That’s… dangerous.”

When Robert heard my plan, he shook his head in shock.

“I am ignorant of the space called the back, but it is common sense that the aftermath will not be mild. Lee Ha-yul, who touched the core from the inside, is exposed to great danger.”

Although he was speaking politely, it was an earnest expression that said that if you touch him, you will be left behind.

[Don’t worry]

I shrugged my shoulders and tapped my left arm. Bang bang! A rough metallic sound was heard from inside my clothes.

[A top-tier artifact specialized in defense. There are many other methods, and it can be alleviated with the power of space.]

“Even so, isn’t it the same as being exposed to infinite damage?”

The answer came from behind, not in front. It was Maxwell’s question, who had been standing behind me after the Q&A began.

“Agent Maxwell is right. It’s too dangerous.”

The legislators also voted against my plan. They seem to feel it is more dangerous than I judge.

[Well, that’s just the plan. We’ll see what happens and it could change at any time. And…]

I touched the proof of guardianship.

[… It’s a risk that we have no choice but to endure]

Because it’s dangerous and you can’t run away.

Once you run away, the next time will be easier.

If you already make excuses and run away, how are you going to stop the invasion of the tower later?

So, you shouldn’t run away from the beginning.

* * *

“Miss has arrived.”

“Ah, it’s already vacation… ”

Jiyeon Choi, who was buried in documents as usual, exclaimed in surprise at the news of Yeonhwa Hong’s return.

“Ugh, my head hurts… ”

Jiyeon Choi, who was thinking about the Hong Yeonhwa that would come soon, touched her forehead.

Reuniting with my daughter is something I look forward to as a parent, but I have so much going on right now…

It is largely due to the incident that occurred in the Changhae family’s territory.

Since the three generations of the family were bound by blood, they could not turn a blind eye to someone else’s business.

There was more work to be done, sending support in various areas and dispatching several key forces, including purification units.

‘And now a special dungeon has suddenly appeared and it’s a mess…’

It’s a headache in many ways.

In the meantime, Hong Yeon-hwa said she was visiting, so we decided to have some tea together and take a break.

“How is it? Isn’t it cute?”

“?”

But when Hong Yeon-hwa came looking for him, there was a child in her arms.

Jiyeon Choi, who was preparing refreshments, blinked blankly.

‘what?’

Although she was startled by the sudden sight, Jiyeon Choi quickly came to her senses.

And then the question just now came to mind and I glanced at the child in Hong Yeon-hwa’s arms.

Common spotless, pure white hair and eyes. A somewhat dull expression, but even that is a perfect set of facial features that are incredibly cute.

“… I see. I wonder what he’ll be like when he grows up. So, who is this kid?”

A child with an outstanding appearance. I can see that he looks special, but why did you bring him into your arms?

When Jiyeon Choi tilted her head and asked, Yeonhwa Hong gently patted the head of the child she was holding in her arms.

“Yes, Mom, I’m your granddaughter. Say hello.”

“I see, that’s my granddaughter… ”

Jiyeon Choi nodded with a kind expression… nod… nod…

“What the fuck?”

The six-character words poured out of my throat without me knowing. I couldn’t understand what this fire-attribute daughter was talking about.

Granddaughter? Granddaughter?

Jiyeon Choi looked at the child, Seoyul Lee, in Yeonhwa Hong’s arms in shock.

… I looked closely and realized that they really did look alike. My son-in-law, who was so strangely handsome…

“What the fuck, really?”

“Why are you swearing in front of the kid?”

As Hong Yeon-hwa narrowed her brows and scolded, Choi Ji-yeon’s face cracked.

Her lips opened stammeringly in shock.

“… Oh my god. I never thought I’d hear that from you in my lifetime.”

“The listener may be dissatisfied, but I’ll let it slide today.”

Hong Yeon-hwa, with her lips pursed, gently stroked the head of Lee Seo-yool, who was in her arms.

“Ugh… ”

Lee Seo-yool wrinkled his face, but he observed Choi Ji-yeon’s expression and obediently accepted her hand.

“Huh… ”

Jiyeon Choi let out a soft exclamation at the sight that seemed rather affectionate.

“Oh, right.”

It was when Jiyeon Choi was left with her mouth open in a daze at the sudden turn of events.

Hong Yeon-hwa, who had given Lee Seo-yool a snack, asked in a casual tone as if it was nothing special.

“Can we deploy our troops now?”

“What the hell has this crazy bitch been talking about all this time.”

“I told you not to swear.”

Jiyeon Choi swallowed the tea she was about to drink and put her hand on her forehead.

I tried to cool my head, but it only hurt more…