Seira’s face turns red.
Seeing that, Aris lets out a sigh.
This happened while Kim Deok-Sung was busy experiencing making kimchi at the academy.
*
My choice is.
“Choice or whatever, my kimchi is way better than the one you guys made.”
It was me.
The expressions of the five beautiful girls turn blank at my words.
I guess they never expected I would choose myself.
[Partner, are you serious?]
The Black Prince asks in my head.
Of course, I am serious.
After all, my own kimchi tastes the best to me.
With a shameless face, I took another bite of my kimchi with boiled pork.
Delicious as expected.
“If you don’t believe me, you can try my kimchi.”
I slyly slide a generous bowl of my kimchi toward them.
The five heroines taste my kimchi with their chopsticks.
“······I admit it. Your kimchi is the best, Deok-Sung.”
The first to respond is Rin.
“It’s really good! So you were Korean, Master······!”
Next, Eri’s eyes sparkle.
Why is being Korean even relevant?
“Well······ it’s alright… not bad, I guess. Hmph.”
Olivia puffs her cheeks afterward.
“Master, you really know how to make kimchi······.”
“Junior, you’re skilled at sneaking away with culinary tricks. What a sly little junior······.”
Makoto looks surprised, and Senior Kasumi shoots a sharp glance in my direction.
Sly? What are you talking about?
Anyway, just when my intended kimchi catfight was fading away towards a subtle ending…
Beeeeeeeep!
A sound like a siren rings out from the smartphone in my pocket.
It’s not just me.
The same ringtone echoes from the phones of all the members present and the filming crew.
If my memory serves me right, this is…
An emergency disaster alert tone.
What the heck, suddenly an emergency message?
I pull out my smartphone and check the text.
[Emergency Disaster Message]
[Korea Hunter Association]
[On August 11th at 13:54, a large-scale gate has appeared simultaneously across all of Seoul for an unknown reason, along with suspicious behavior indicating the presence of villains. Protect yourself from threats from otherworldly beings and villains, and ordinary citizens should move immediately to designated shelters, while hunters should gather at the specified emergency assembly points.]
I couldn’t believe my eyes.
What?
Villains have appeared? Not in Japan, but in Korea?
What kind of crazy situation is this?
Furrowing my brows, I open a portal site.
If an emergency disaster message is sent out, there should at least be some photos of the villains.
[(Photo) Suspicious Behavior Indicating Villains in Seoul? Who Are They?]
As expected, there’s an article.
I click to check the article’s photo.
The photo shows a girl with crimson side tails wearing a red oni mask, her face obscured.
My expression stiffens at the sight.
The picture is blurry, barely allowing for any identification, yet that’s enough for me.
To figure out who she is.
‘Muramasa······.’
Her former name was Kurosawa Haru.
She is the titular heroine of Volume 12 and the younger sister of the protagonist, Kurosawa Yuji.
This is the protagonist Kurosawa Yuji’s younger sister.
What a mess.
Ten years ago, when Messiah killed the Sword Monarch and annihilated the Kurosawa family.
The only survivor publicly known from that tragedy was Kurosawa Yuji, and he believed that too, but as in any light novel, that’s not the whole truth.
Kurosawa Haru, Yuji’s only sister and the daughter of the Sword Monarch, also barely survived that day.
The problem is that she fell into the clutches of Messiah.
Like a common light novel cliché, she has been used as a pawn for the League’s minions since that day.
To be precise, her body is being exploited as a vessel for the transcendent weapon Yodo Muramasa’s spirit ‘Muramasa.’
This means that the one who currently occupies Kurosawa Haru’s body is not Haru herself, but the spirit Muramasa from Yodo.
The real soul of Kurosawa Haru is trapped in the realm of consciousness.
This is all revealed just before the battle with Yuji in the original volume 12, when Muramasa casually removes the Oni mask.
This also explains why Kurosawa Haru came to be known as ‘Muramasa’ of the 13 Apostles.
Seeing the face of his sister, whom he thought was dead, Yuji screams and charges in true light novel protagonist fashion, only to lose in the first fight against Muramasa.
Then, after calming his emotions in the second fight, at the moment when the manifested Kusunagi separates the spirit Muramasa from his sister’s body, both of their consciousnesses connect, and Yuji ‘saves’ the real Kurosawa Haru’s soul trapped in the realm of consciousness, wrapping up volume 12.
The beautiful girl villain has her backstory, and it’s a plotline that strictly adheres to the light novel convention where one must always redeem and convert the villain into an ally afterwards.
Of course, since Kurosawa Haru is Yuji’s real sister, she was not included as a member of the protagonist’s harem in the original.
Like many younger sister characters in light novels, she cleverly uses her sister position to express affection that teeters on the verge of crossing the line, showing obsessive traits as a bro-con character, but just enough to still be considered sibling-like.
The issue is, why now?
To separate Muramasa from Kurosawa Haru’s body, the powers of a manifested spirit are needed.
I’ve awakened to the True Name Liberation, but it’s still incomplete, so I can’t manifest the Black Prince yet.
Right now, Kurosawa Yuji has not yet awakened to True Name Liberation.
The other S-ranks, Olivia and Rin, don’t have spirits either because they’re not owners of transcendent weapons.
Even if I call Principal Seira, it would take time.
But I can’t just let Kurosawa Haru go like this.
Since the political situation has crumbled in my hands, there’s no guarantee that Muramasa will show up at the Sports Festival like in the original volume 12.
Maybe now is the last chance to turn Kurosawa Haru into an ally.
To face Messiah, I need to gather all the heroines and supporting characters, and that includes Kurosawa Haru as well.
[Partner? Why are you so serious?]
The Black Prince’s voice echoes in my head.
I bite my lip.
I have no idea why the League is attacking Korea right now.
But there’s no time to leisurely think about that.
Kurosawa Haru.
I must turn her into an ally.
By any means necessary.
But right now, since Yuji hasn’t awakened, I’m the only one who might have the chance to save Kurosawa Haru—or at least face off against Muramasa.
Because the most efficient way to block a spirit’s power is with another spirit.
Damn it, I’m really losing it.
Just as I was cursing inwardly, my phone rang with a notification.
[Yoshizaki Seira]
The caller ID showed Yoshizaki Seira.
I answer the phone.
[Hey kid! I heard the news from Seoul and reached out. Are you okay? We’ve got intel that the League’s villains invaded Seoul.]
Seira’s urgent voice spills out as soon as I hit the call button.
[If you permit it, I can come help you right away…]
“Come on over.”
I cut off Seira’s sentence.
Even with Shinozaki Ichiro involved, there’s a chance of diplomatic issues arising due to his position as President of the Japan Hero Association.
But due to his position as President of the Japan Hero Association, there’s a chance of diplomatic issues arising.
That’s why Yoshizaki Seira is the strongest force I can mobilize right now.
Especially in an emergency situation like this, there’s no reason not to use her.
I need insurance in case something goes wrong.
[Is that true?]
“Yes. You should leave right away, President.”
[I understand. I’ll leave quickly. Hang in there a bit, kid.]
Click.
The call ends.
Though he said “a bit,” the physical distance from Tokyo to Seoul will definitely take some time.
I have to hold out during that time.
Against Muramasa.
It sucks that my body has to suffer, but this is the only method I have right now.
I feel like I can breathe a little easier now.
“Attention, the disaster warning for the other world has been issued, filming has been canceled. All civilians on site, please evacuate immediately to Gwanghwamun Plaza shelter!”
As I look up, the filming staff and Kimchi master grandma are quickly moving to the designated shelter.
“Kim Deok-Sung, hang in there!”
Yoo Se-Ra shouts encouragement quietly as the Gyeonghui Palace empties out like a tide receding.
All that’s left are the leftover kimchi and boiled pork, along with the club members and Han Seo-Jin.
“Did everyone receive the disaster text?”
Han Seo-Jin speaks in Japanese.
“Yeah, we all got it. Han Seo-Jin.”
The one who answered her was Senior Kasumi.
Senior Kasumi shows a disaster text in Japanese.
Seeing that, Han Seo-Jin mutters to herself.
She speaks slowly.
“Seoul is currently in a state of crisis. According to the National Intelligence Service, over a hundred suspected Zeta rank gates have opened in Seoul, and two S-rank villains have invaded, leading numerous villains, and unfortunately, we have yet to determine their whereabouts.”
Over a hundred suspected Zeta rank gates?
This is definitely the work of the League.
They’ve used gate-generating devices to open gates all over Seoul.
They’re really intent on smashing Seoul.
And two S-rank villains, huh?
It’s clear that another S-rank villain besides Muramasa has been dispatched.
“Active heroes from the stationed U.S. military in Korea, along with domestic Hunter guilds including the Korean Hunter Association, are attempting to tackle the gates, but they are insufficient to deal with the situation. I apologize to the friends of Kim Deok-Sung, who are visiting Korea as dignitaries······.”
“You’re asking for help, right? Han Seo-Jin.”
Erin cuts in.
Han Seo-Jin, upon hearing her, blushes and bows her head.
“Yes, I’m sorry, but we need your help.”
The only forces Korea can mobilize are the heroes stationed here and me, the only hero candidate with Korean nationality.
The club members here are merely guests, meaning they’re foreign tourists.
So, that’s why Han Seo-Jin is bowing and asking for cooperation like this.
To be honest, I don’t have much patriotism, but seeing her like this is a bit touching.
I never considered myself this sentimental.
“Is that even a question? Of course, we have to help! This is Master’s country! Erin will definitely help!”
Erin puffs out her cheeks.
Then Rin steps forward.
“I will help too. As a future daughter-in-law of Korea, I cannot ignore the crisis in Seoul! I will save our Deok-Sung’s country!”
Rin bites her lip and says with a solemn expression.
“Even if Han Seo-Jin hadn’t asked, I would’ve stepped up. Because······ this is Junior’s country.”
Senior Kasumi speaks confidently, which is unusual for her.
“I’ll do anything to help my lord! Leave it to me!”
Makoto shouts, clenching her fists.
“As a friend of Kim. No, as a human, I can’t just overlook the misfortunes of others and the villain’s evil deeds. I will help. Han Seo-Jin.”
After Makoto, Yuji steps up.
Yuji.
He speaks with unwavering eyes and a voice reminiscent of a Japanese anime protagonist.
“If it’s my brother’s business, leave it to me!”
Ishihara follows closely beside.
Finally.
“Secretary Han Seo-Jin, you don’t need to ask about that because… I am the noble princess of France and the great successor of the Black Prince. My brother told me that heroes must never turn their backs against injustice! So I will help you!”
Thump.
Olivia places her hand on her chest and speaks with a determined expression, unlike her usual self.
[Ah, that’s my sister. Partner, how about it? Feeling touched?]
The Black Prince’s line comes flying in as expected.
I knew this would happen.
If this were a domestic hunter web novel world, we would have had to negotiate coldly over the distribution of rewards before executing the plan, battling for every smidgen of gain with ruthless political maneuvering.
At a time when every second counts, we would have had to persuade the uncooperative and selfish ones or forcefully suppress them by power.
In a domestic web novel, it is unthinkable to engage in a mindless act of volunteerism based on blind trust like now, as it would be a pursuit of authority and refreshing moments.
Only in this unnecessarily kind light novel world, overflowing with emotions prioritizing feelings over logic and trust, is this utterly foolish and naïve development possible.
And for today, I found that damn kindness somewhat agreeable.
Not a lot, just a little.
“Thank you. Really, thank you.”
Han Seo-Jin bows her head.
“There’s no need to thank me, Secretary Han Seo-Jin. This is something a hero must do, after all.”
Yuji smiles like a shonen manga protagonist.
“Exactly! There’s no need to thank for something so natural!”
Olivia speaks with an air of confidence.
A heartwarming scene fitting for a kind world.
“Understood.”
Han Seo-Jin lifts her head.
Just then, at the moment when the atmosphere became cheerful.
Patsutsutsutsu!
The hunter watch on Han Seo-Jin’s wrist sparks.
Flash.
A dazzling light bursts from the hunter watch, projecting a hologram.
“What is it?”
Something ominous looms.
Everyone’s gaze turns to Han Seo-Jin’s hunter watch.
“I didn’t touch anything. I’ll find out the cause right now…”
Han Seo-Jin was about to reply in her rarely shaky voice to my monologue.
[No need for that.]
A figure appears in the hologram.
A girl with crimson side tails and a red oni mask covering half of her face.
[I am Muramasa.]
It was Muramasa.
[As the representative of my master, I declare this in the name of the great master.]
Muramasa’s voice echoes through the pavilion.
[Resistance is futile. All of you shall quietly accept your fate of death along with this city.]
A sly smile spreads across Muramasa’s lips.
Slide.
She removes the red oni mask.
Beneath her red eyes, the face of Kurosawa Haru, just as seen in the anime, is revealed.
Damn it.
She did that deliberately.
It’s 100% intentional.
Just like in volume 12 of the original work, Muramasa’s shallow ploy to provoke and lure Yuji to kill him using Haru’s bare face.
“…No way, could it be… could it be… Haru? Is it really you?”
The problem is that, true to the light novel world, our naïve protagonist falls for this shallow trick far too easily.
Yuji’s face, with a steadfast will like a shonen manga protagonist, hardens.
A desperate voice escapes his lips.
[That is the price for hindering our great endeavor, and the last mercy bestowed by our great master.]
Thud.
The hologram flickers off.
“Haru…!!”
Yuji screams in a trembling voice.
With a face filled with confusion, he cries out just like when he first encountered Muramasa’s real face in the anime.
That warm atmosphere shattered into pieces again.
Ah, seriously.
It’s a complete mess, truly.
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