Cheon Woo-Seong looked sorrowful within the communication marble.
—How many... casualties?
Kwon Oh-Jin, now disguised as Park Geon-Woo, answered in a low somber voice. “I don’t know the exact number yet... but there were at least several hundred.”
Cheon Woo-Seong bit his lip.
—I expected it... but hearing it out loud is tearing my heart out.
Tears streamed down his grief-stricken face.
Kwon Oh-Jin coldly glared at the man who cried like a victim despite being the one responsible for all those deaths. What a bunch of bullshit.
“This is a sacrifice for a better future,” he said, keeping up the act.
Cheon Woo-Seong wiped the tears from his eyes and raised his head.
—I also heard the Black Lion and the Thunder Wolf were headed your way. How did that go?
“They’re preoccupied with the demonic beasts.”
Cheon Woo-Seong smiled contentedly.
—I understand. Make sure you don't get caught. All the evidence has been destroyed, correct?
“Of course.” Kwon Oh-Jin nodded with a sly grin. “They won’t have the slightest clue what hit them.”
—Hahaha, I knew I could count on you, Geon-Woo.
“Then I’ll return immediately—ugh!”
A sudden explosion shook the area.
The communication marble showed Park Geon-Woo's face turn pale as he turned to look at something.
Cheon Woo-Seong’s voice turned stiff.
“Th-The situation... has taken a turn.”
“The Hunting Dog is headed this way.”
Choi Woo-Jin was an eight-star Awakener of Canes Venatici and a special agent of the association, specializing in tracking and pursuit. If he were to catch Park Geon-Woo, it would jeopardize the entire plan.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, Cheon Woo-Seong shouted urgently.
—Get out of there now!
Another explosion echoed.
—How did they even get on your trail?
“I’ll contact you after I get out of here!” Park Geon-Woo frantically yelled before the communication marble shut off.
The surroundings suddenly fell silent, devoid of any thunderous explosions. Park Geon-Woo’s face dissolved, revealing Kwon Oh-Jin’s form.
“I bought some time, at least.”
Cheon Woo-Seong couldn't move hastily now that the Hunting Dog was on Park Geon-Woo’s trail.
If Park Geon-Woo were to reveal anything, it would ruin all their meticulous planning. Cheon Woo-Seong must be scrambling to rack his brain for a solution.
Kwon Oh-Jin chuckled. “Try your best to think your way out of this one.”
He cast a wry smile over Park Geon-Woo’s corpse.
He ignited a fire with his lightning and tossed the body into the flames.
Park Geon-Woo's remains were reduced to fine, white ash.
“Time to move on to the next step.”
Kwon Oh-Jin hummed a tune as he walked, spinning the black chalice in his hand.
Kwon Oh-Jin found Han Jun-Man running his hand through his short hair.
“Haa... At least it seems like all the demonic beasts have been dealt with.” Rolling up his blood-soaked sleeves, he poured a potion over his wounds. “There were a lot of casualties. But thanks to your quick response, Oh-Jin, we managed to minimize the damage.”
Han Jun-Man bowed deeply toward Kwon Oh-Jin, who shook his head and waved his hand dismissively.
“I just happened to be nearby, that’s all.”
“Even so, facing such a massive horde without retreating is commendable,” Han Jun-Man remarked. There weren’t many Awakeners who'd consider fighting thousands of demonic beasts alone.
Kwon Oh-Jin smirked to himself. Honestly, I was planning to run away too, but I guess it’s better he doesn't know that.
The title of "hero" was always convenient to exploit.
“By the way... didn’t the demonic beasts seem a bit unusual?” Han Jun-Man asked, furrowing his brow. “For unintelligent creatures, their actions seemed oddly coordinated... and the way they suddenly stopped was strange, too.”
As expected, Jun-Man noticed.
“Actually, there’s something I need to tell you regarding that.” Kwon Oh-Jin's expression hardened.
“It’s not something I can discuss here. Would it be possible for me to meet with the association chairman?”
Kwon Oh-Jin had never met Chairman Han Tae-Ho personally, but from what he'd heard through Han Jun-Man, the man was exceptionally capable.
This matter requires the chairman to take direct action. Only then can Cheon Woo-Seong's schemes be thwarted.
“I understand. I’ll arrange a meeting,” Han Jun-Man replied.
Kwon Oh-Jin turned and headed toward the battlefield where the fierce battle had raged.
Song Ha-Eun noticed him and ran toward him, her fiery red hair swaying like flames. “Oh-Jin!”
Sprawled around were the charred remains of countless demonic beasts.
Just how many is that? Kwon Oh-Jin wondered.
Her flames had seemingly incinerated nearly a thousand demonic beasts—an overwhelming number regardless of when the demonic beasts had frozen in place.
Looks like she fought hard.
He chuckled softly as he noticed soot smudged on her cheek and reached out to gently wipe it off. “Are you hurt anywhere?”
She touched the area around her left eye, where thick veins appeared more prominent than usual.
He frowned. Is this a side effect of using the Dragon Eye?
She began, “It hurts a little, but it’s fine—”
“Come here.” He grabbed her arm and pulled her closer.
Holding her face steady with both hands, he leaned in to examine her eye.
“O-Oh-Jin?” Her shaky breath brushed against his cheek. “Y-You’re way too close.”
As she tried to pull away, he tightened his grip and carefully ran his fingers over the area around her eye.
Her mana seems a little unstable. Goes to show how much power she used during the battle.
“Still, it doesn’t seem too serious. It should be okay once you get some rest,” he said, securing the eye patch back on.
“Geez, are you that worried about me?” She poked his side, despite her face being slightly flushed.
“Of course. Who else would I worry about if not you?”
“A-Ahem! Y-You can't keep saying such embarrassing things like it’s nothing.”
He saw her lips twitch up ever so slightly, then asked, “By the way, where’s Vega and Riarc? I haven’t seen them since earlier.”
“I think they returned to the Sanctum.”
The two had pushed their limits even through the restrictions to help chase after Park Geon-Woo, so they were likely forced back into the Sanctum.
Song Ha-Eun squinted and glanced around before suddenly stumbling. “Ah, my legs are giving out.”
“What are you doing?” he asked, observing her awkward acting skills.
“I-I don’t know, my legs just gave out. Maybe it’s because I only have one?”
Dang, she’s abusing her trump card again. I'm helpless against it.
“I don’t think I can walk ..." Her eyes sparkled as she looked at him. "Is there anyone who can help me?”
He chuckled and asked, “You want me to help you?”
“I meeeaaan, not necessarily, but it would be nice if you did.”
“Here.” He extended his arm toward her, and she latched onto it tightly. A soft, warm sensation pressed against him. Then, she leaned her head on his shoulder, smiling shyly.
“Hehe. Alright! Now escort me to the car!”
“Will lending you my arm really be enough?” he teased.
“Huh? What are you talking about?”
“You said your leg hurts, so I should do more.” With a mischievous grin, he slipped his other arm under her and lifted her in one swift motion.
The classic princess carry.
It looked less cool because of her tall figure, but it wasn’t meant for others to see in the first place.
“O-Oh-Jin!” Her face flushed as red as a ripe apple as she glared at him sharply. “How dare you do this without my permission...?”
“Shall I put you down, then?”
“... Since my leg hurts sooo much this time, I’ll let it slide.”
She quickly turned her head, but he could see the corners of her mouth twitching up under her blushing cheeks.
“Pfft! You’re so cute.”
“C-Cute?! I’m not cute!”
“Let’s get going,” he declared, carrying her toward the car.
Suddenly, Lee Woo-Hyuk called out, “Mr. Oh-Jin?”
“Aaahhh!" Song Ha-Eun shrieked as she hastily scrambled out of Kwon Oh-Jin’s arms and hid behind his back, utterly embarrassed. Of course, her model-like height didn't help her stay hidden.
“Um... did I interrupt something?” Lee Woo-Hyuk asked.
“Haha, no. It’s fine,” Kwon Oh-Jin replied, walking forward. “Thank you for your help this time.”
“I was only doing what I should.” Lee Woo-Hyuk shook Kwon Oh-Jin’s extended hand before his gaze turned sharp and predatory. “By the way... it seems like the Black Star Society was involved in this incident.”
Kwon Oh-Jin stared at Lee Woo-Hyuk, quickly running calculations in his mind. If I involve him in this, things will get a lot easier.
He quickly made up his mind and said, “I actually have something to discuss with you regarding that.”
“Have you found something out?”
Kwon Oh-Jin nodded with a heavy expression. “Yes.”
“I’ll be going to see the association chairman soon, I’ll explain it in detail then. Could you join me for that meeting?”
“I’ll contact you later, then.”
Kwon Oh-Jin walked past the Black Lion.
The association chairman, Lee Woo-Hyuk, and the chalice. Everything's in place to take down Cheon Woo-Seong.
A sly smirk spread across his face.
Now, all that's left is to put that arrogant bastard in his place.