Secret (2)
Kang Tae-san, the rookie agent of the Crime Investigation Division of the Republic of Korea’s Supernatural Management Bureau.
Facing awakened ones using supernatural powers in an ordinary body was certainly no easy task.
Let alone when those targets weren’t just regular awakened ones, but criminals!
“Cough!”
Although most of his duties were focused on assisting in the investigation and apprehension of government-associated supernatural beings, stepping directly into the frontline to handle the work was equally dangerous.
No, since he had to protect himself in emergencies, it could even be considered more perilous.
Villains who had already crossed the line wouldn’t show the slightest mercy!
“Grrk!”
In other words, training for the investigator was not an option but rather a matter of survival.
In that sense, it was only natural that Kang Tae-san had remarkable physical abilities, having never slacked off in his training for even a single day.
‘Truly, both mental and physical capabilities are excellent. Instantaneous battle sense is beyond words. At this level, even if I were to get knocked out, I wouldn’t die unexpectedly.’
Thanks to “Analyze,” he already knew this, but experiencing it first-hand under extreme circumstances confirmed it was indeed more than he expected.
Going beyond mere talent, it must be his ‘unyielding belief’ and ‘tenacious will’ that allowed him to surpass his limits.
“Alright, break time.”
“Cough! Hah, ha—!”
I smiled happily as I looked at Kang Tae-san sprawled on the floor like a rag doll.
Tapping a heavy club, inscribed with various patterns, against my palm.
“This, this ignorant fool… Just be honest. You have some grudge against me, don’t you?”
“Why are you saying that? Didn’t I already explain? This method works best for you!”
“Don’t lie, you bastard! Even if you say that, isn’t it crazy to keep hitting me while I’m rolling on the ground after a blow to my vital points?!”
With a weary movement, he uncapped a potion and chugged it down in one go, his anger flaring up.
Honestly, I could fully understand feeling that way after being beaten for more than a day.
However, I wouldn’t go easy on him.
“But you really aren’t badly injured, right? I told you; this club is magical equipment. You’ll only feel severe pain, but it’s better for reinforcing your muscles! If it’s a big deal, just drink another potion.”
“Damn! Let’s go another round, you bastard!”
“Oh? You’ve recovered already? That’s impressive!”
Even considering the time scale adjustment that gave him some leeway, it was only a few days at most.
And with only a few days, there were limitations on what could be accomplished—
‘Ultimately, I can only focus on what matters most.’
More than anything, the most crucial aspect was survival.
Instinctively engraving movements into his body was the essence of the training he was undergoing now.
Hoo—!
The club, charged with a thick, tangible bloodlust, extended towards him.
Initially, when faced with it, Kang Tae-san’s body had stiffened and allowed the attack. However, due to his training, he was now gritting his teeth and striving to move.
‘In most fantasy worlds, strength is justice.’
A primal world dominated by violence and savagery.
If one froze up due to fear when living there, they could do nothing at all.
Perhaps even in situations that could be easily won, they might unwittingly end up dead.
‘Although he must’ve gotten accustomed to a certain degree of bloodlust from working as an investigator.’
There was always a need to be prepared for anything.
The bloodlust behind this club was no ordinary level.
It was extreme-level… a killer’s intent that reached the limits of human existence.
For the weak-hearted, just encountering it could trigger a heart attack, stirring their survival instincts and swirling chaotically in the air.
‘First off, I understand the ability of “Unyielding.”’
It was thanks to that ability that he was managing to cope with this excessive bloodlust that was cruelly overwhelming for anyone newly awakened.
That unique skill must have been supporting Kang Tae-san’s already exceptional willpower.
Pergh!
But everything has its limits.
“Cough!”
In the end, Kang Tae-san allowed an attack to hit his solar plexus, curling his body up.
However, even in that position, the club did not cease its onslaught.
The intent was rushing forward to split his head in two at any moment.
“Damn it…!”
Just before the attack hit his head.
Kang Tae-san, drooling, instinctively leaned back and stepped away.
Then, with eyes wide open, he focused to catch the next imminent blow based on the engraved responses in his body.
‘Yes, that’s it. It’s all over if you lose your composure in pain or fear, no matter the situation.’
Since Kang Tae-san possessed a “Return Ticket,” as long as he maintained his rationality, he could escape back to Earth anytime.
To do that, keeping calm and maintaining clear-minded thoughts was vital, no matter what happened.
“I think we can wrap up the training here. Good work.”
Acknowledging that all those movements had properly been engraved, I nodded as I put away the club.
Is this what talent feels like?
Even though I had fed him “Growth Potion” before we started, his rapid progress was indeed encouraging.
“…Huh, I really wanted to take you down.”
Hearing that made Kang Tae-san, who had relaxed, let out a long sigh.
At that moment.
Swoooosh—
The sound of slicing through the air accompanied the club slicing into space.
He quickly ducked and leaped back.
“I knew you’d do this, you bastard! It’s only a few times, but this is too much!”
“Oh? Not bad.”
As we wrapped up the sudden ambush training, it was starting to get dark outside.
They moved to their base in the heart of Seoul, where they resided before moving.
As much as I wanted to train until the time limit was up, Kang Tae-san had a family to care about, so that wasn’t possible.
“…I thought it had been a few days, but it’s only been a few hours outside.”
He shook his head as he sighed.
Although I had heard the story, experiencing it directly definitely felt strange.
If even this brief moment felt like this, what would it be like to return after spending years in another world…?
“Still, thanks to you, if something happens, I can always return, so I feel at ease. I can just tell Grandmother that I have a secret mission abroad. If I tell her the truth, she’ll only worry unnecessarily.”
“…If it’s a big deal, you can go and come back right away. There’s no need to risk spending your time there.”
“That can’t be. That would only be more troublesome, wouldn’t it? Since I’ve already reported everything to the higher-ups, I’d be questioned about how I returned so quickly.”
I couldn’t tell anyone about the “Return Ticket.”
If I revealed it, I would only cause trouble for the friend who graciously gave it to me.
And one more reason was that…
“In a way, this is an opportunity. I was just one of those ordinary agents, but now I can become stronger and rise higher. I can’t just let this golden chance slip by, can I?”
Awakened ones lose their growth momentum the moment they return to Earth.
If I used the “Return Ticket” to come back too early, I’d just end up as an ordinary weakling who was merely a returnee.
Kang Tae-san, who was secretly ambitious, would never let this opportunity slip through his fingers.
“Right, if that’s how you feel, I can’t argue with that.”
I already knew he would say that.
That’s why even at this moment, Howard, who was holed up in the “Dragon Lair,” was diligently hammering away at the forge.
“Then let’s head back now and spend time with Grandmother. When she goes to sleep, come straight here. I’ll keep watch until the transmission starts.”
“…Huh?”
“Huh, what are you saying? Were you planning to lazily sleep at home and waste time?”
Even if he was to sleep, it made more sense to do it in a time-scaled space.
That way, he could make additional preparations with the remaining time.
Just like he had done until recently.
“Y-yeah, you’re right. I should do that.”
“When you come back, a gift will be ready, so look forward to it.”
I gave a reassuring smile to Kang Tae-san, who was curving his lips upward.
He seemed a bit more anxious after seeing that.
Well, it’s probably just my imagination.
*
Late past midnight.
I brought Kang Tae-san back to the hideout with heavy steps.
“What’s this?”
And I handed him a backpack filled with a few items.
Freshly made brand-new products.
“What do you mean? I told you before you left? I’d prepare a gift.”
“…That’s true, but I already have equipment.”
“Not that. Use this. It’s even better. It’s a special product from Howard Industries.”
“Uh? Those items are hard to get even if you pay. How did you… Ah! Right! I remember that company was founded by the blood alliance.”
The items given by the Supernatural Management Bureau were not bad either.
They had ordinary designs that blended in easily and a very sturdy protective level without greatly hindering mobility.
However, there was no comparison between those off-the-shelf products and the superb masterpieces crafted by master dwarves.
‘These are also refined using “Technological Revolution,” so they should hold their effectiveness no matter which world they move to.’
Sadly, sending a bunch of high-grade magical items wasn’t feasible.
Typically, such items required energy reserves beyond a certain level.
“Eh? What’s wrong? Why is this backpack’s space so big? Is it all magical equipment? If it isn’t made in that world, it won’t be usable anyway!”
“Did you think I’d give you something useless? They’re all usable, so no worries.”
“…Is that true? I thought it was unusual when magical items were mass-produced globally, but I never imagined it could be like that. Just how many more secrets are you hiding…?”
I handed another item to him, who was fascinated by the technology of Howard Industries.
It was a familiar weapon for Kang Tae-san, trained rigorously as an agent.
A sturdy holster made of monster leather, with a matte black pistol inserted into it.
“You can use guns, right?”
“Is that even a question? It’s the only means of protection for an ordinary investigator. But can firearms be taken into another world… No, forget that.”
Kang Tae-san, who had long since given up on being surprised, quietly accepted the pistol holster.
Of course, this gun was not an ordinary item.
It was a supreme piece crafted with utmost care by Howard in the “Dragon Lair,” utilizing the hundred times more time available there.
“Just to check, do you have a religion you trust in?”
“No? I’ve been interested in the Auterica Church lately, but I’m not at the point of believing in it.”
Centered around a symbolic figure who transcends dimensions, the Auterica Church was rapidly expanding influence on Earth.
Because of this, Heinrich had to work busily for a while.
Since he didn’t have a deity he believed in, all the conditions were met.
I placed a hand on Kang Tae-san’s shoulder, adopting a serious expression.
“…Let’s make a contract.”
“What? A contract?”
A strange aura began to rise from the hand I placed on his shoulder.
The power of the “Chain of Pact” borrowed from Hesperon.
“Yeah. Well… my unique skill is somewhat like that. I can grant special abilities to those who trust me. Similar to holy power.”
“What’s that? A cult leader?”
“Similar… Maybe?”
I couldn’t deny it.
If I had to specify a different part, it would be that I’m not a cult leader but the subject of reverence.
“With the power I’ve given you, you can amplify it with your gun. You won’t even need to create and load energy bullets.”
The pistol was a weapon that Howard, the dwarf blacksmith, had forged with a “Weak Holy” embedded within it, making it closer to a holy relic than merely magical equipment.
Though the power contained in it was significantly weaker than that of Heinrich’s holy sword.
‘But still, that alone is adequate for now.’
Holy power is superior energy that is not bound by the laws of the world.
While it might not reach the elite rank of special-level items like the holy sword, it could certainly surpass ordinary high-grade magical tools.
‘Kang Tae-san’s trust in me is at 94%.’
From what I had learned, any trust above 90% meant that even if he faced life-threatening danger, he wouldn’t betray me.
With that level of trust, I could utilize most of the holy power that grows according to trust without massive loss.
Its compact size meant that as long as desired, it could return to him no matter how far away he was, with excellent portability.
With capabilities for rapid fire while each shot rivaling that of a sniper rifle, it possessed extraordinary destructive power.
Unlike bullets that only relied on physical power, being based on holy power allowed it to address all fronts, whether against beasts bolstered by biology or barriers fortified with mana.
With just this, he could sufficiently ensure his own safety and escape from any situation, unless he faced an opponent beyond reason.
“…Thank you, Seong-hyun. It wouldn’t have been easy to give such valuable items to an outsider like me, especially that return ticket…”
After the contract ended.
Kang Tae-san, holding the pistol and feeling the power within it, quietly spoke.
Even though he was a collaborator, I had handed over items that were akin to secrets of the organization.
As a result, Masquerade’s internal dynamics would have undoubtedly shifted as well.
No matter how dire the situation was, I felt uneasy about putting a friend in such a dilemma.
“This much is fine. We’re not outsiders, after all. And once you return, you’ll help us out.”
“…Yeah, that works. I’ve been supporting Masquerade’s actions since the Hahoe Mask started.”
“Oh, and you get to name the gun. It’s your weapon now, after all.”
“Really? Name it…”
After a moment of looking at the black pistol, Kang Tae-san let out a chuckle.
“How about Black Star? It’s named after you, Seong-hyun.”
Star (성) and Sword (현) combined make for the Black Star.
Though it felt slightly cheesy, there couldn’t be a more fitting name.
“…That’s not how you write my name.”
“Shut up, man. It’s intuitive, and that’s what matters.”
However, just as the teasing between friends was beginning, there was still much left to accomplish.
“Alright, then let’s begin training so you can get used to your equipment before we jump over.”
“…Huh?”
“Oh, you don’t need to worry about it breaking. Black Star isn’t a fragile item, and it even has self-repair functions. Plus, as for the protective gear…”
No sooner had I finished than the club appeared again.
The weapon, now twice as thick compared to the one used in prior training, emanated a chilling energy.
“…Just in case, I brought a spare, so if it breaks, I’ll switch it out immediately.”
The stark contrast between a bright smile and a ghostly pale face.
As the hopes and anxieties of the two intersected, roughly two days had passed in the time-scaled space.
The portal for crossing into another world materialized beneath Kang Tae-san’s feet.
*
Early morning.
“Huh?”
Today, just before heading out to work, a girl with her hands clasped together in prayer tilted her head.
She felt a peculiar energy rising from within herself.
“What’s this?”
A zealous believer with a trust level of 98%.
Diana, the secretary to the head of the Hubert Association, blinked her innocent eyes.
