TL/Editor: looloo
Schedule: 5/Week Mon-Fri
Illustrations: Here
After the attack of the Haesu ended.
Various agencies, including hero associations from different countries and the ISU, were incessantly contacting the Korean Hero Association to acquire information about the sea creature.
The incredible strength of the sea creature and its ability to speak human language prompted these countries to seek information due to the perceived risk.
However, President Kim Jeongyong of the association found it difficult to provide such information.
They didn't fully understand the exact capabilities of the sea creature, and the only information they could provide was the footage of the massacre that occurred during the incident.
Initially, the Korean Association provided information that the sea creature had the ability to control other sea creatures and that its physical abilities surpassed even the highest level of superhumans. However, this was not enough for the associations of other countries, including the ISU.
They requested more than just this information.
It was about the subjugation of the sea creature.
Specifically, detailed information about the creature's abilities witnessed during the subjugation process.
In other words,
"Ugh..."
This was becoming a nuisance for Hajoon.
He scratched his ear with a finger, looking annoyed at President Kim Jeongyong.
Kim Jeongyong had a guilt-ridden face while politely requesting assistance, as it was a matter of great importance.
"I'm sorry. There's no precedent for this sea creature, so various countries are requesting information."
"What do they want exactly?"
"They're asking if you attempted to communicate with the sea creature and, if so, for a detailed account of that conversation and its abilities."
"Really?"
Hajoon's expression became even more displeased.
Frankly, Hajoon thought this:
Even if they knew the creature's abilities, would they be able to respond to it?
The creature, known as a 'king,' was powerful.
It's just that Hajoon's abilities were so superior that it didn't matter what entity he faced.
What if America's top hero or other high-ranking heroes faced them... Well, he had his doubts.
He didn't think they could subjugate those creatures.
And since Hajoon didn't particularly feel the need to hide his thoughts, he honestly expressed them to the president.
"Even if I provide information, I don't think it would be of much help, would it?"
"Honestly, I have the same feeling."
Kim Jeongyong's expression grew somber with those words.
Hajoon looked at him blankly, surprised by his unexpected remark.
Facing Hajoon's gaze, Kim Jeongyong spoke with a defeated look.
"Student Hajoon, you've seen the sea creature's magical power and abilities during your standoff. Honestly, from what I felt, our Korean Hero Association cannot handle such an entity. If there had been a few more creatures like that... And if Student Hajoon had not been there, Korea might have faced a great disaster."
He judged that the creature was beyond what the central Korean heroes and their association could handle.
Understanding the gravity of his statement, Hajoon then said to him,
"Even if hundreds of heroes gather, they won't stand a chance."
"Do you believe that there are more such monsters out there?"
Hajoon quietly nodded in response.
Knowing that Hajoon's words were trustworthy, Kim Jeongyong could only let out a sigh close to lamentation.
"Ah... the existence of more such creatures..."
He seemed lost in thought for a moment before speaking up.
"I apologize, but there is something I need to ask of you."
"A request?"
"In a week, there will be a meeting of the presidents of hero associations from various countries, along with representatives of the top heroes and ISU, to discuss strategies. Could you accompany us and speak about your encounter with the sea creature? Your firsthand account as the one who faced it will certainly carry weight."
At this, Hajoon fell silent, thinking, before responding.
"Can't I just stand beside you and have you relay my opinion?"
Kim Jeongyong's thinking was somewhat understandable.
Probably he thought it best that Hajoon, having directly encountered the creature, make the presentation.
But it was too much of a hassle for Hajoon to agree to present on his behalf.
He lacked the talent for such things, and more importantly, he didn't feel confident about explaining properly in front of so many people. Kim Jeongyong, considering Hajoon's response, nodded understandingly.
"That would be sufficient. Thank you."
One week later.
At the ISU headquarters' strategy meeting room in the United States.
The meeting room was more like a lecture hall due to its large size.
Numerous prominent figures from various countries were gathered in this vast hall.
From representatives of the ISU, heroes to the presidents of hero associations of various countries, and their top-tier heroes.
In this assembly of many people, President Kim Jeongyong, who was arranging the presentation materials at the podium, could only sigh.
He anticipated how the attendees would react to the content he was about to present.
"This is something... the meeting meant for strategizing seems to have turned into something else."
"Well, it can't be helped."
Hajoon, whose face was obscured by a mosaic, stood beside him and responded as if there was no other choice.
As he said, the meeting convened to devise strategies against the sea creature would likely not serve its intended purpose after this presentation.
He let out a sigh almost of resignation and announced the start of the presentation.
"Yes, we will now begin the presentation on the information sharing about the Haesu, specifically the boss monster of the Haesu."
With that, the screen behind the podium lowered, and a video started playing.
The video was the same footage that had already been distributed to various countries, showing the situation as it unfolded.
President Kim Jeongyong, showing this video, then presented information about the next sea creature.
The presentation included information about the sea creature's magical power level, which exceeded the typical dungeon's, suggesting a level of power that could only exist in a myth. It also covered the creature's ability to speak human language, its abilities using magic, similar to spells or superhuman abilities, and the fact that it could control various other sea creatures.
And the possibility that such beings could exist not only in the sea but also on land.
All information gathered during the standoff with the creature was presented and shared.
As the presentation neared its end, the hall became noisy.
It was due to President Kim Jeongyong's final statement.
"The Irregular who subdued the sea creature advises this: If a monster suddenly appears with magical power equal to or greater than that of the sea creature, abandon subjugation and prioritize civilian evacuation. Do not deploy heroes to directly subdue it. He believes it will only increase the damage."
In other words, it was a declaration that humanity couldn't possibly subdue such monsters.
Naturally, this paradoxical answer from the Irregular prompted various questions.
"Does that mean we should request the Irregular to subdue the monster or sea creature if it appears?"
"We would like to hear more about the methods used to subdue the sea creature."
"How exactly did you subdue such a sea creature?"
As expected, various questions disguised as complaints started coming.
A typical example was:
"We'd also like to ask about the sea creature's carcass. We've heard it was significantly damaged during the subjugation process, and we'd like to confirm if that's true."
"As ISU announced, the travel ban on the Irregular is still not lifted."
The last comment was from Halz Matildon, the head of the ISU-affiliated Mage Tower.
The first comment was from Sakamoto Toshi, the president of the World Alchemists Association.
After all, the byproducts of subduing such monsters, their carcasses or monster crystals, are primary materials for magic tools and greatly assist in the production of heroes' suits.
Anyway, it seemed they wanted to subdue such monsters with their national power if they ever appeared, considering the astronomical value of the byproducts from subduing such monsters.
"I have a question for the Irregular. We heard that the sea creature subdued by you spoke human language. Could you tell us about any conversation you had with it?"
"Mr. Irregular. We recognize and acknowledge your power to some extent. However, could you please explain the process of subduing the sea creature in detail? We believe it's premature to conclude that humanity cannot subdue it."
Listening to these presentations quietly, Hajoon's expression gradually turned to one of irritation.
They were still overconfident in their national powers, ignoring his warnings.
"Student Hajoon?"
Suddenly, Hajoon stepped forward and approached Kim Jeongyong.
He grabbed the microphone on the podium and glared at them as he began to speak.
"So, you're saying that you can subdue that sea creature?"
Silence fell following Hajoon's response.
Well, although no verbal response came, their solemn faces silently affirmed their agreement.
In that situation, Hajoon activated Time Stop.
And the moment Time Stop was released.
Hajoon was holding countless items in his hand.
““?!””
Those present were shocked to see the items.
Decorations they had been wearing.
Various things including watches and badges on their chests.
In an instant, all these items were snatched by Hajoon and fell clattering to the stage.
Simultaneously, Hajoon unleashed his magical power.
Brilliant golden magic calmly emanated from his body.
This intimidating power started to press down on them.
Hajoon spoke to them.
"Heroes representing your countries, presidents of associations, and representatives of the ISU."
With his overpowering magic, Hajoon glared at them and continued.
"In just 1 second, I could kill all of you."
““?!””
At his words, they all wore expressions of utter astonishment.
Simultaneously, Hajoon's magic undulated towards the items he had taken from them during the Time Stop.
All the items touched by the magic shattered into pieces in mid-air and disintegrated.
In that situation, Hajoon continued.
"That's the proof."
““…….””
“However.”
Suddenly, Hajoon's aura became even more oppressive.
They began to feel an almost oppressive pressure and their complexions turned pale.
Hajoon continued with a voice filled with intimidation.
"Even I found it difficult to face that creature."
“……”
"Can you handle it?"
Hajoon looked at them with an unmistakable sneer.
Despite his mocking tone, they couldn't utter a word.
Not just because of the intimidation from Hajoon's magic, but also because they had no excuses to make.
"I will say it again."
In that situation, Hajoon withdrew his magic.
Only silence pervaded the now tranquil meeting room.
Confirming the quiet, Hajoon addressed them again.
"If a monster with power similar to that sea creature appears, abandon any attempts of subduing it. I have clearly warned you. I will not take responsibility for the consequences if you ignore this warning."
Hajoon's objective was solely to subdue the kings.
However, there was no reason for him to be responsible for the consequences if they disregarded his warning.
Well, their future actions would depend on how they behaved after this.
With those words, Hajoon left the conference room without another word.
After Hajoon's departure, the conference room remained silent for several minutes.
