Actually, Dad Was a Hero

Chapter 48: Secret Weapon



Chapter 48: Secret Weapon

The curtain of night fell over the vast desert of the Australian continent.

Sydney, a metropolis with a population of 5 million, was now back in human hands, except for the area around the Opera House.

The dark elves and spiders that had suddenly stormed and occupied the heart of Sydney were now lying dead throughout the city, emitting a foul odor.

Countless soldiers, paramedics, and firefighters, with bright lights illuminating the area, rescued survivors and treated the wounded.

Volunteers, who rolled up their sleeves in response to the sudden disaster, cleaned up the scattered corpses and prepared facilities to accommodate the displaced.

Although everyone was tired and exhausted, there was hope in their efforts to recover from the damage.

This was because the situation was quickly brought under control with relatively little damage, unlike France, where the entire city was devastated and more than 20% of the city’s population perished.

It had only been 7 hours since the military forces attempted to enter the city and were repelled.

And it was all accomplished by one man, Jin Beom-Min.

***

“Ugh, I’m tired.”

Jin Beom-Min, fresh out of the shower, buried himself naked in the fluffy bed.

A 5-star hotel located not far from the Sydney Opera House.

The most expensive and luxurious suite among the rooms was where Jin Beom-Min would be staying today.

After he defeated all the monsters that had occupied the city, the Australian government and WECRO set up camp at this hotel for survivor rescue and the elimination of remaining monsters.

The grand ballroom 30 floors below the building where Jin Beom-Min was currently staying became the central control center, and numerous rooms became accommodations for the mobilized troops and volunteers.

“……Still, it’s a bit more manageable this time.”

Looking back, Jin Beom-Min and Ghost Squad’s operations were always lacking.

There were times when they had to launch operations without even a proper communication setup due to lack of support from the local government, and times when they had to take naps inside transport planes without proper accommodation.

However, this time was different. It was surprising that they were provided with fighter jets for the fastest possible transportation to the destination, and the local support was abundant.

Even the accommodation was so luxurious, so Jin Beom-Min could comfortably focus on eliminating monsters.

Just as Jin Beom-Min’s eyelids began to droop with those thoughts, a gentle bell sound rang out.

Ding―

Diriring―

“What’s that……?”

Jin Beom-Min, half asleep, realized only after a few seconds that the sound was the doorbell attached to the hotel room door.

Even the doorbell of a luxury hotel was luxurious.

He rummaged through the closet, found a smooth silk gown, put it on, and went to the door.

To be honest, he had some expectations, recalling the night in France.

However, waiting for him outside the door were not beautiful women with wine bottles, but Ghost Squad members with soju bottles.

“Wow, this room is fancy!”

“Whoa, the hotel room has a separate living room?”

“Hey, is this some kind of expensive whiskey?”

Before Jin Beom-Min could say anything, the Ghost Squad members, who had flung the door open and barged into the room, exclaimed in admiration as they looked around the suite.

“What’s going on all of a sudden?”

“What else? We came to see the room. And have a drink while we’re at it.”

Reaper replied as if it were obvious.

“Didn’t they give you guys suites?”

“No. They just gave us regular hotel rooms.”

“Well, we didn’t do anything today! Just gotta feed us and give us a place to sleep!”

Swift attacks and movements were necessary to deal with the dark elves and spiders that occupied the city center in a short amount of time.

However, unlike Jin Beom-Min, who possessed superhuman strength and stamina, and the ‘Giant’s Footsteps’ for rapid movement, the Ghost Squad members couldn’t keep up with his speed.

Moreover, this time, with the generous support from the Australian government and WECRO, Ghost Squad’s assistance wasn’t essential.

Therefore, while Jin Beom-Min was scouring the streets of Sydney and eliminating monsters, the Ghost Squad members stayed at the base and rested comfortably.

“Well, anyway, since it’s so spacious, we can drink here.”

“Can we drink this whiskey? Do we have to pay extra?”

Jin Beom-Min rubbed his head as if he had a headache. However, having finished his hard work for the day, he also wanted to have a light drink and unwind.

Perhaps he had become accustomed to Ghost Squad’s custom of having a drinking party after every operation.

“Oh dear, honestly……”

“Can we sit here?”

“No, I’m asking if we can drink the whiskey―.”

Jin Beom-Min sighed lightly and pointed to the living room.

“Let’s sit over there then. The sofa is quite spacious.”

“The whiskey……”

“Just drink it, drink it. If we have to pay, we’ll pay.”

Ghost Squad and Jin Beom-Min gathered their drinks and snacks and sat around the grand sofa in the living room.

Perhaps this was typical for suites, but the refrigerator and minibar were well-stocked with food and drinks.

Not only various snacks and chocolates, but also cheese, jerky, sausages, and other snacks suitable for drinking were available.

“Wow, this is nice.”

“Makes me feel a bit guilty to drink without doing any work.”

At Ogre’s words, Jin Beom-Min spoke as if he suddenly remembered something.

“Oh, speaking of which. I’d like you guys to provide on-site support for the Opera House entry tomorrow.”

“Is there something bothering you?”

Sandman, who was pouring soju into a sparkling crystal glass, raised an eyebrow and asked.

“Well, yes. I can’t shake this feeling.”

“You mean that Ranger?”

“Yes. I keep thinking that he wouldn’t counterattack so carelessly.”

Imp, who had been listening silently, interjected.

“But the Australian military and WECRO are providing enough support, aren’t they?”

“Well, objectively, yes. They’re providing guidance on the route and very accurate and detailed reconnaissance.”

“Then there’s no need for us to……”

Jin Beom-Min shook his head firmly.

“No. It’s necessary. I need reliable people who can observe the situation up close and intervene quickly if something unexpected happens.”

“Well, when you put it like that, we can’t just not go.”

Ogre chuckled and replied.

“No matter how much support they provide…… you guys are the only ones with actual combat experience against monsters.”

At Jin Beom-Min’s words, Sandman nodded seriously.

“Understood. We’ll do that.”

“Ha…… I thought I could just relax and get paid this time.”

Reaper muttered in disappointment.

“It’ll probably be fine. It might just be unnecessary worry.”

“Well, there’s no such thing as excessive worry in this line of work. Always best to prepare for the worst.”

While they were talking, Wraith, who had been carefully opening the whiskey bottle and smelling its aroma, raised the bottle.

“Shall we start then? This scent is driving me crazy.”

“Alright, let’s keep it moderate since we have to be on-site tomorrow.”

Sandman said, raising his glass.

“To tomorrow!”

“Cheers!”

***

Jin Beom-Min crossed the empty road with light steps and approached the Opera House Square.

The Australian military had deployed tanks, armored vehicles, and all available troops to create a double, triple blockade around the Opera House.

This was partly out of concern that monsters might escape after fighting Jin Beom-Min, and partly to prevent reporters and cameramen trying to get a scoop, as well as civilians who didn’t want to miss the amazing spectacle.

Amidst the noisy commotion and the flurry of camera shutters, Jin Beom-Min slowly made his way forward.

His condition was top-notch, thanks to sufficient rest, hydration, and light exercise.

As Jin Beom-Min approached, the five dark elf knights who were lingering on the outskirts of the square slowly retreated.

‘What’s this……? Aren’t they going to attack……?’

He had a bad feeling about this.

[Tango three through seven, moving towards the podium.]

Sandman’s voice came through the communicator. Ghost Squad was on standby, observing the situation from the rooftop of a small building that allowed quick access to the Opera House.

“I don’t know what they’re up to. Are they planning to attack all at once?”

That couldn’t be it. While the Ranger was also proficient in close combat, the dark elf Ranger waiting there was much better at archery, as far as Jin Beom-Min could remember.

If they were planning a coordinated attack, it would be more effective to have his subordinates in front while he bombarded from afar with arrows.

The fact that they weren’t taking any action despite this meant they had something else up their sleeve.

But he couldn’t just stand around and wait forever.

Whatever trap they had set, he needed to find out what it was in order to counter it.

Jin Beom-Min drew his sword, ready to counterattack at any moment, and slowly stepped into the square.

But nothing happened.

The dark elves in the Opera House Square were now gathered in front of the podium, standing still.

They looked as if they were waiting for something to happen.

“……This is suspicious. Something’s……”

The hairs on the back of Jin Beom-Min’s neck stood on end. There was something here.

It wasn’t just his imagination this time. He could definitely feel something.

[Something……?]

“Here…… the smell……”

A strange, damp, and slightly pungent smell signaled the presence of something.

The raw, pungent…… smell of a beast.

Whoosh―!

It was almost instinct and a bit of luck that allowed him to avoid the first attack.

The moment Jin Beom-Min sensed the invisible presence, he twisted his waist and retreated five steps back in an instant.

He gritted his teeth, feeling the intense pressure of the attack that had just ripped through the space where he had been standing.

“……You’re a quick one.”

A low, rumbling voice echoed as the space in the center of the square distorted.

The space refracted in all directions as if seen through multiple prisms, and a massive milky-white body emerged.

A body covered in soft, glossy fur. Long, outstretched legs with sharp claws at the ends.

A majestic mane and gracefully spread wings.

And a human face with arrogantly lowered eyes.

The giant beast that revealed itself was both beautiful and terrifying.

“……Sphinx?”

Jin Beom-Min exclaimed in shock as he identified the enemy.


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