#272
Rebattle (1)
An office filled with all kinds of extravagant decorations.
“Did the tracking ultimately fail?”
A man, Yul Ryeong-ja, was reading a report on the monitor as usual, when he subconsciously frowned and sighed.
In the meantime, his mechanical eye continued to scan and organize collected data on the ‘large hospital terror and the white-armored knight’ in his mind.
‘Once again in Korea. And it’s related to Holy Power…’
– The world of origin for the Holy Power has yet to be confirmed.
– Therefore, the origin of this individual remains unknown or is presumed to be from a recently discovered dimension.
After checking that last piece of information once more, Yul Ryeong-ja rubbed his temples with a troubled expression and slumped deeply into his chair.
Since this incident had become quite a topic of discussion within Korea, it was natural for the Buncheon Society to be keeping tabs on the situation almost in real-time.
The movements of a newly emerged powerhouse, especially one wielding the special power of Holy Power, could potentially introduce significant variables.
“Not just with Hahoe Mask and Heinz the vampire; now we have a Pope-level knight? Ha! This is ridiculous.”
Yul Ryeong-ja let out a hollow laugh in disbelief.
Of course, the appearance of a strong returnee was not uncommon on a global scale; the issue was about the timing and location.
‘It hasn’t even been six months since Hahoe Mask first appeared. And now, three named individuals have popped up in the same area in succession?’
At this point, it couldn’t merely be dismissed as coincidence.
Rather than shrugging it off, it would be more rational to assume that there was something unusual about that small fraction of time.
‘And once again, we’ve failed to track their movements.’
Moreover, their behavioral patterns were exceedingly similar to those of previous individuals.
Despite the Buncheon Society’s Korean branch having retreated from the scene and keeping a low profile, he believed their intelligence capability was still sound…
‘Could it be that the Oracle warned about being cautious in Korea because of this?’
Tsk, clicking his tongue, Yul Ryeong-ja activated the communication network that was only permitted for branch leaders using a magical tool placed beside him.
The existence of the knight was highly likely to introduce variation in some form, so it was necessary to make preparations in advance.
‘The Pantheon’s Korean branch said they were looking for him too.’
Due to the organization’s nature, the Pantheon had a tendency to favor individuals with strong Holy Power.
The hierarchy among the gods they served was based solely on the one commonality of ‘faith.’
In such a context, a priest who might be one of the best in the world suddenly appearing in Korea was significant.
‘Yes, if we can bring him in one way or another, it could be of help in some manner. Whether as a figurehead or for actual influence expansion.’
And it applied to them as well.
If such talent could be secured, it would surely be best to use him.
Though seeking assistance from elsewhere for an incident occurring under his jurisdiction was a blow to his pride, after several failures, he decided to prioritize pragmatism over vanity.
“Shall we raise the stakes a bit?”
He sent a message through the activated magical tool.
Sender: Buncheon Society Eastern Asia Branch Leader Yul Ryeong-ja.
Recipient: Buncheon Society North America Branch Leader Scribe.
The location of the recipient was none other than the headquarters of the Pantheon religious union in the other world.
*
‘It’s heating up more than I thought. I really need to create a solid alibi soon.’
Returning home after an outing, I took a peek at the flowing public sentiment and lightly shrugged my shoulders.
After all, it was true that I had been at the scene, and while it could get bothersome if someone with an obsession initiated a comprehensive investigation…
‘But that kind of thing holds no meaning for me. Even if I was under surveillance for 24 hours, I could easily ignore it with my new abilities.’
Before sending Hugo to Ganghwan Realm, I had consecutively enhanced my unique skills.
The ability that cost 1.3 million had an additional effect of “Entity Projection,” which I looked forward to in the future.
Moreover, from a 1.4 million point enhancement, the acquisition was—
A function to remotely summon avatars.
What had previously been possible only around the main body could now happen over a broad radius of 30 kilometers.
Of course, to summon with precision, I had to have some form of cognition of that location, but just with that, I could instantly send my avatars to any desired place without much hassle.
Living on the outskirts of Seoul, this effectively meant that almost all of Seoul, as well as areas around Incheon and Suwon, were within reach.
‘If I grow further from here, I might be able to dispatch avatars anywhere in the world in an instant. It’s a pity that the number hasn’t increased, but even with the current number, it’s sufficient, so this isn’t bad.’
My avatars were bustling about at their respective locations.
Those who had temporarily gathered in Tarak returned to their places, Hubert, who had evacuated south, returned to the meeting with Diana, and Howard entered the production phase for new suit models based on his real-world experiences.
‘Still, it’s convenient that the cooldown of the Dimensional Teleportation Circle has been reduced to five days. It’s already been two days… no, just a day and a half left.’
Of course, as always, I could manage without it, but there was definitely a difference in mindset when one had insurance or didn’t.
Isn’t it better to be certain than to worry about how to resolve incidents unnecessarily?
‘Now that I’ve dealt with the revolutionary, there shouldn’t be anything particularly risky in Auterica either.’
I smiled contentedly and headed to the gym to work on my upper body, which was part of my routine for the day.
*
Right after a massive battle broke out between the Hero Party and the Undead King in Tarak.
The significance of that event caused related news to spread swiftly across the globe.
It was only natural that such reports made their way to the royal family of the Azerion Empire, the world’s strongest nation, and reached the heir, Riley.
Upon learning this, she naturally…
“…So I think I’ll have to be away for a while.”
“Really?”
She shared this information with Hesperon.
“It was already planned that I would have to go once the Papal mourning started, but opportunities like that for high-ranking individuals to gather aren’t common, right?”
According to the procedure, the shrine would be closed for a while while the church members mourned the Pope.
Just when it was time for external visitors to pay respects, this incident occurred.
“So, since they’re all gathered, a strategy meeting will be held too. Um, it’s informal, but can it be regarded as the third summit meeting?”
“If it’s that kind of gathering, you absolutely have to go. Now, you’re basically the representative of the empire, Princess.”
“…That’s true.”
The reason Riley looked so glum about that completely reasonable schedule was because she wouldn’t be able to bring Hesperon with her this time.
Having met at least once a day, she suddenly felt anxious about being apart for an extended period.
“Really, I must find a way for us to go together…”
“Huh? Oh please, there’s no need to overthink it. It’s an important time; we can’t create unnecessary gossip! Once there, your Master will be there as well.”
“U-Um, that’s true, but…”
The objective of this pilgrimage was to attend the Papal funeral and strategy meeting.
As a representative, she had a duty to lead the delegation, and it simply wouldn’t do to bring along her so-called ‘lover’ with no title or designation.
No matter how their relationship was perceived, it was still unfavorable in the eyes of society.
It was a different case from when Hesperon was involved with the Hero Party on the way back from the second summit, visiting Rosellia Temple.
‘While I could insist on bringing him along since he’s Isea’s disciple, it wouldn’t be necessary to create a blemish for such a reason.’
Whether he was a disciple of a Grand Sorcerer or a benefactor of a princess, it couldn’t justify his inclusion in a delegation representing a nation.
Gently shrugging, he suggested a suitable compromise to reassure Riley.
“Well, just in case, I’ll see you off on the day you leave. I’ll also be waiting for you when you return, so don’t worry too much. It shouldn’t be a problem for me to accompany you for a short while.”
“…Umm, if that’s the case, then thank you very much.”
She offered a vague smile and nodded slowly.
Although she hadn’t officially been appointed yet, the security around her, with the princess position all but formalized, had become much stricter than before.
Besides Hesperon, a master-level knight and a Grand Sorcerer would accompany the delegation, but he had already saved her from crisis several times, which would help her maintain emotional stability.
And after a brief period.
It was the day Riley was set to depart for Rosellia Temple following the hospital terror and Heinrich’s flashy debut back on Earth.
*
At the Jeron Shrine, located on the outskirts of the imperial capital.
“Then please travel safely, Your Highness. I will be waiting.”
“Mhm.”
Hesperon, who had followed her to the entrance, bowed respectfully as he sent Riley off.
As the representative of the delegation, she nodded heavily once and calmly stepped inside the shrine, leading dozens of companions.
Her unflinching demeanor exuded the charisma befitting the next Emperor; however, to Hesperon, who remembered her sulky expression from just the day before, she looked positively adorable.
With that, the entire imperial delegation disappeared inside.
“Whoaa— it’s been a while since I was alone. Wait, is this the first time?”
Hesperon stretched and turned away from the shrine entrance.
‘From the moment I entered Undying Castle with Riley, I’ve been with her ever since; then with the Hero Party, and afterward, just stuck in the palace with her.’
Though originally dispatched for that purpose, it felt somewhat peculiar now that it had come to this.
After all, lately, all he had done was chat with Riley at the palace or train privately.
‘Of course, reaping karma and improving my skills remain my ultimate goals.’
This was the capital of the Azerion Empire, Jeron.
One of the largest cities representing Auterica, without a doubt.
However, the only things currently stuck in his memory were…
‘Let’s see. Other than being inside the palace, and if we exclude mere transportation…’
The ruthless Undead King invading and wreaking havoc everywhere.
And memories of rolling around trying to protect Riley while returning from the second summit meeting.
‘Wow, that was a tragically dull life.’
He could have at least tried to do some sightseeing.
Of course, he didn’t actually intend to go see the city now.
His experience in this world was only three years, but the intensity of those three years had been of a different level compared to others.
The time to marvel at the unfamiliar prosperity had long passed.
“Hmm, maybe I should head back. I still have things to do.”
Fidgeting with the eye patch that covered his right eye, Hesperon shrugged and boarded the carriage that was waiting to take him.
As he felt the carriage start moving slowly, he quietly mentally organized the tasks ahead of him.
Thanks to consistently taking strides in his growth during training, he had become quite accustomed to the newly acquired abilities.
Now, with the powers centered around the “Right Arm of Desire” combined with other abilities and help from magical tools, he was starting to think he could stand up against top-tier beings.
‘Though, of course, in an actual fight, I might lose.’
Using curses would likely boost his attack power significantly, but he felt his defense was too lacking.
Thus, recently he had been trying to find a summon that could bolster that weak defense, using the help of the royal summoners.
A summon that wouldn’t be bothered by the terrible curse attached to his body, something familiar with that kind of negative aura.
‘Back to summoning again. I do have some additional methods in mind, but… that might require more time.’
As he planned his future and pondered his path, he sighed and reached out towards the closed window of the carriage.
Even though he had no intention to go sightseeing, he still wanted to at least see the view outside…
Clatter—
The window wouldn’t open.
“Huh?”
Clatter— clatter—
Thinking perhaps something had gotten stuck, he tried a few more times but to no avail.
The fact that his tremendous strength, infused with “Great Strength,” was being restrained meant that not just ordinary physical limitations but magic or other mysteries were in play.
As the realization hit him, his thoughts turned cold and his senses became heightened.
Drum, drum, drum—!
At that very moment, the carriage, which had been moving at a decent speed, suddenly started racing madly.
The rocking, which the high-end carriage’s shock absorbers couldn’t quell, violently shook the interior as if an earthquake had struck.
There was no longer any need for thought.
Crash—!
He immediately unsealed the bandages that wrapped around his right arm—
KABOOM—!
And burst out through the side of the carriage.
Using countless black threads that erupted from his hand to minimize the impact, he safely landed on the ground.
It was a spectacle combining terrifying destructive power and artful control, tearing apart the magical circle that trapped him inside in an instant, but the one who performed it couldn’t bring himself to smile.
“…Impressive. So it’s not merely tricks using tools?”
Surrounding him was a group of masked figures clustered around the slums.
However, the only one among them who spoke up without a mask was a face he recognized all too well.
‘Ah, not again… at this rate, I’m going to develop a trauma…’
He was sure he simply didn’t fit in with this city.
Looking at the familiar face, the very figure tied to his loss of sight and the curse that now resided within his arm, the would-be assassin of the princess, Stav, he sighed again.
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