Chapter 10. The Kids Know How to Grow Up on Their Own
Rustle rustle.
Hyejip is worried about the sound coming from Hyunseok’s hand as he has spread out a bag of snacks for a side dish.
It’s working hours, so we can’t drink, but here we are, wasting our precious food at home while drinking water.
Unho can only eat snacks, and even though their cheeks are puffing out like they’re going to burst, they look as if they’re still happy.
“Is it because you eat stuff like that every day that you’re not growing taller?”
What a ridiculous thing to say.
“I still wouldn’t grow taller even if I ate well, you crazy.”
“Have you tried?”
“I was grabbed by a monster, and even that didn’t make me grow. I gave up after that.”
The two monsters who helped with the experiment returned the favor by tearing my arms apart.
As they also experienced having their limbs pulled, I naturally pulled their limbs in return.
It’s just a fair trade of giving and receiving the same thing.
“They must be satisfied with that.”
“How about drinking some milk?”
“Are you serious or joking?”
If that’s serious, then the International Union that the Branch Manager of the Association has situated would have to take a hit.
“Of course, it’s a joke. You still can’t understand jokes, can you?”
It’s just that your jokes have been boring since the previous era.
He seems to believe his jokes are funny, but his teammates have remained silent, only giving awkward smiles.
Now that I think about it, did he just make a cold joke about the color blue being his?
“Your subordinates must feel sorry for you.”
Having to react to such stiff jokes every day must be exhausting.
Living in an organization is tough.
“I don’t joke around in front of them. I’m the Branch Manager overseeing them, and I’m not personally acquainted with them.”
“Oh, I see.”
The bitter beer went down my throat; the weak carbonation irritated my throat.
It was just a mere imitation. Pretending to drink alcohol.
Even if it’s meaningless alcohol, I still feel a sense of intoxication.
If I leave it as is, the conversation won’t progress until tomorrow morning.
So, borrowing that pseudo-intoxication, I spoke directly to him.
“So, why are you at my house? If there’s something you want to say, you can just send one of your subordinates instead.”
The guy who used excuses to meet with a representative even when I came.
“If I’m asking for a favor, I should show my face directly, right?”
“A favor? Has some corrupted hero come up that needs killing? It’s been a while since one showed up, hasn’t it?”
“Those cruel times ended a long time ago. That’s why you’re not out of the Association, are you?”
“Well, when people gain power, they tend to do questionable things. No one knows what’s in someone else’s heart.”
Even today, I’m just training a girl who seems intent on killing someone.
No matter how righteous someone may seem, it’s unknown what dark thoughts lurk in their heart.
“We’ve always had discussions about that. No matter how it ends, the story I’m asking you to do today isn’t about spilling blood.”
As he drank water, Hyunseok sighed and opened his mouth.
“The reaction to the Hero Ambusher from the monsters has been confirmed. Code name, Blat Marauder. Otherworld’s Power was also detected at the scene of the incident, and we received word that a hero has been born to eliminate the relevant enemy.”
What does that even mean?
I’m a monster? Otherworld’s Power?
That information is so unexpected that I’m sitting with my mouth agape, waiting for his explanation.
“In the Association, the Blat Marauder has been confirmed as a copycat monster of Cream’s Hammer. Some people are still suspicious about the knuckle, but the opinions have shifted since a hero has appeared to talk about taking down Blat Marauder.”
Hiding my astonishment, I responded to Hyunseok’s words.
“You’re speaking about it directly in front of the person involved.”
That’s just typical of Hyunseok.
“Didn’t you already know? The report says the watcher was munching on snacks.”
“Of course, with that level of skill, they can’t sneak around.”
If they’re a watcher, they should have the skill to leap over buildings as if they were strolling.
“Let’s skip that. After you go through one procedure, you will be able to escape most of the scrutiny.”
Hyunseok pulled out a small black device that looked like a hairdryer from his pocket and handed it to me.
“By the authority of Park Hyunseok, Branch Manager of the Hero Association Korea, I will carry out a forceful measure. This cannot be refused, and all self-defense representation via excuses or counterarguments is prohibited.”
“Do as you wish.”
Even if Otherworld’s Power is truly detected, I won’t think about that right now.
The enemies are still not here, friends, and I can’t just tear myself apart with my own hands.
Brr brr brr.
A mechanical sound rang out as I felt a weak, unnoticeable wave resonating from the machine.
That was the wavelength containing the Otherworld’s Power emitted by a magical girl’s mascot or a hero’s supporter.
What Hyunseok was holding in his hand was a scientifically implemented object reflecting that wavelength.
There was no way to escape it.
While there were monsters that could hide or disguise Otherworld’s Power, there’s no way I would have that kind of power.
Click.
It seemed the results were out, and Hyunseok was staring at the small paper that popped out.
“What’s the result?”
“Clean. A little contamination was detected, but it’s within the normal range.”
“That’s a relief. I had a lot of work to do, and I was worried.”
I smiled brightly as if it were obvious.
Inside, my heart was burning a bit, but now, my influence should be lifted.
Unexpectedly, I found a way out from Hyunseok.
By the way, about that Otherworld’s Power…
If I transformed into a black outfit, will the Otherworld’s Power be extracted?
Thinking a new power from the monster’s power was again proving Unho’s uselessness.
Hyunseok tucked the machine back and started chewing on snacks again.
The empty snack bag quickly piled up in the corner of the room, and another bag was already opening.
If I don’t do something now, all the snacks at home will be gone.
“Are you not going?”
If you want to keep eating, pay up.
“The talk isn’t over yet. I’m only saying this because I’m worried you’ll softly manage this.”
“Since you came to find me, that means there’s really no suitable candidate for this, right? If you had other choices, you could go there.”
While that’s true, looking at your appearance, I’m really starting to have my doubts.
“What’s wrong with my appearance?”
“At least don’t scratch your belly while appearing as a girl.”
“That’s none of your business.”
If you were that concerned about the difference between my actions and appearance, you should have had a better way of speaking it from the start.
“It matters. I’m leaving it to you.”
Anyone can dream; everyone has wishes.
Buzz buzz.
Why, of all times, is the phone ringing?
“I’ll take this call.”
“Go ahead.”
What kind of high-ranking phone call could that be? The screen showed it was an octopus head calling.
What the hell!
I hurriedly opened the front door and rushed outside to take the call.
“Are you trying to kill Tai Mang? I’m currently having a conversation with a high-ranking person from the management bureau. Do you want to die?”
“Then shouldn’t you just not answer? Why are you taking it out on me?”
“I can’t do anything if I’m suspected, right? Should I hang up and act like nothing happened?”
“Wait a second. That seems fine, but…”
“So can I not?”
“Shut up. Anyway, hurry and tell me what you need.”
Trying to admit my mistake, I returned his response in a shaky tone.
“The monster is more or less complete. Are you going to collect it?”
“You said it was hard to make, yet it’s done in one day?”
“There’s a difference between being tough to make and how much time it takes. Besides, If it’s a mindless monster, it doesn’t need time to grow an ego.”
Speaking of which, if I instill an ego, I could just remake it. Its personality could be similar to mine.
With things having already diverged from Hyunseok’s orders, there’s no need for our methods of control.
It’d be more convenient to make a self-operating model and have it act as a monster or transform while I’m on the move.
“What do you think we are, huh? Just because we’re done doesn’t mean you get to ask for a redo.”
Is that the instinct of a species or something?
Even after saying it several times, it’s like talking to a wall.
Do you want to get sealed up? Or do you want the Korean division to explode and retreat from Korea?
Epically enough, a high-ranking figure from the Hero Association is right next to me! If I report it, a big bounty will be on the table.
“I’m not sure what you mean, but I’ll do everything as fast as possible.”
And it has to be a top-tier monster, so I should pass on the genes too.
“You’re telling me you’re planning to make it? I intend to use it as a copy, so at least it’s not overkill in terms of strength, right?”
“Ah, the monster required isn’t particularly strong, just a weak one that could burst by a single hit from the hammer. But if the plan has gone awry, it increases our need for strength.”
In order to disguise it, strength of that level is necessary.
“It’s too expensive. No matter how we are, that’s impossible.”
“Just name one organization. Whether it be a hero or a hostile faction.”
You have to pay the price. Anything.
“Are you serious?”
Yeah. Even if a hero dies, I’ll utterly destroy it from the inside.
“What about the Hero Association Korea?”
“Do you want to die that badly?”
Even when joking, there are words you can say, and words that you shouldn’t.
“Just kidding. I’ll send you data on a suitable organization later.”
Yeah, please take care of it.
Click.
As I returned to the room, the empty snack bags had multiplied in an instant.
At this rate, even rice or ramen will be swiped clean. Seriously, how do you eat like this? Hurry up and get out.
“Any calls?”
“Something came up in the volunteer organization.”
“Got it.”
The conversation is dragging on in an odd direction; one of those gluttons needs to be kicked out of the house soon.
Though I want to chase both away, that’s a tall order.
“So what do you want to say? Hurry up.”
If they stay here, those gluttons will devour all of our supplies.
Finally, he seemed determined as he put down the snack bag and looked at me.
“Haram Lee. How about taking my student?”
Why is he acting up today? Has he gone senile?
“What? Kids these days know how to grow up on their own; why do I need to babysit?”
He ignored my words and threw a document at me that he pulled out of the storage room.
“Read it.”
“If it has boring content, I’ll just chase you away.”
I picked up the paper and skimmed through it.
‘Baek Sihyeon. 18 years old. From Cheongju, Korea. Awakening type is Magical Girl. Awakening date is today.’
“Where can someone awaken today find themselves? There should be at least some basic skills to teach.”
“Just keep reading.”
‘Confirmed abilities are physical enhancement, weapon manifestation, telekinesis, electric magic, healing magic, short-term future sight.’
“What kind of ridiculous powers are these? It’s not like we’re sitting around playing house here.”
Even with just two out of the six kinds, that would be enough to call her elite as a magical girl, yet she’s boasting six.
Especially since both weapon manifestation and telekinesis coming out at the same time is truly absurd talent.
“Just keep reading.”
What happened afterward is written below, but I had no interest in that and skipped to the awakening story.
Meeting a typical mascot, encountering his forced organization, it’s specified as:
‘Blat Marauder.’
Sure. Unusual circumstances indeed, a case where there’s only one specified member of an organization.
“The Management Bureau’s Conflict Department concluded that Blat Marauder is an 0-Rank monster capable of world destruction.”
Therefore they judged that such power can be harnessed.
“Didn’t expect my clone directly? But that’s truly strong, huh?”
“That might not be the case. They might be stronger than you or weak for now but have the potential to grow quickly.”
Finally, I understand why this kid pops out as a student, which sounds utterly absurd.
It’s likely a scheme to have me take a beating while facing my own clone to sharpen my combat instincts.
Thinking rapidly in my mind now, if I can monitor these overwhelming powerful enemies by my side.
And if I could mentally influence them and make them grow in the direction I want, I could find their weaknesses.
Under any circumstances, I can corner them.
“How much will it cost?”
Hiding my dark intentions, I casually spoke as if to fit in.
“At least enough to support two people’s living expenses.”
“Alright, let’s see what you’ve got.”
With a bright smile, I gave my approval. It feels like my future life is going to get a bit lively.
At the very least, it’ll be more cheerful than living with Unho.
But then, she’s a girl.
“Are you not renting a place? This place is too tight for three people to live.”
“I’ll consider it.”
That’s tough for now.
“Ah! One last thing. If I’m going to take down Blat Marauder…”
“That’s forbidden. You know well what happens when you mess with someone else’s story. Especially since it’s a monster completed on its own. If something goes wrong, there’s a likelihood of a hole appearing.”
“Got it.”
Even if I don’t face Blat Marauder, I can still get valid reasons lined up.
Things are shaping up quite nicely.
Then, since it seems this story is coming to an end, I’ll take my leave.
Hyunseok got up from his seat and headed straight for the front door.
As if symbolizing his thoroughness, a crumb from a snack stuck in his pristine suit caught my eye.
“Next time we meet, it’ll be time to introduce Baek Sihyeon, the hero.”
“Do your best.”
Yeah, Hyunseok. I’ll do my best.
For the sake of justice.
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