NOVEL NEXT Chapter 71
Chapter 71: Omen
“Let’s begin the meeting now.”
In the Hero Department’s third-floor conference room.
At the voice announcing the start, those who had been looking down at their mobile phones lifted their heads to gaze at the white screen in front.
“Has the restoration work for Gye-yang Mountain been completed?”
“The work to fill the Goemi Cave and restore the mountain was about 87% finished as of yesterday.”
“I’m glad the restoration speed is quick.”
“I heard Yoon Do-ha came by in between?”
“Yes. According to the mages who participated in the restoration, thanks to Lord Yoon Do-ha, the speed increased by 20 times.”
The restoration of Gye-yang Mountain, where the Goemi Cave had been, was not far from completion.
Plans were in place to allow citizens, not just heroes, to enter once the restoration was completed.
“That troublemaker helped out quietly, huh.”
“Well, that’s what they say on-site…”
“Isn’t he secretly digging holes somewhere?”
“Just in case, have them check thoroughly.”
Upon mentioning Yoon Do-ha, the executives of the Hero Department displayed unfriendly expressions.
The Guild called Dice was known for frequent attempts to break through existing laws, even planning a magic casino open to locals.
The executives cast unfriendly glances at their leader.
However, the existence of Yoon Do-ha, a Rank 1 Hero, was something that couldn’t be ignored…
They merely mumbled in frustration, reluctant to openly praise the guy whose actions irritated them.
“The Queen Goemi is scheduled to be turned into a taxidermy display at the Seoul Monster Museum.”
“The museum’s opening has hit a snag, right?”
“Yes. I will elaborate further.”
As the presenter clicked the remote, the face of a woman appeared on the screen.
In a photo that looked like a criminal mugshot, she wore a thoroughly disgruntled expression.
“The woman discovered in the Goemi Cave was identified as a member of IUPC, as mentioned in the last meeting. However…”
Next to the woman’s photo, a man’s picture came up.
“Who is that?”
“An employee of the Seoul Monster Museum. He joined the museum two weeks before the incident and is the prime suspect in the delivery of the live Goiram Squirrels. The problem is, he’s also suspected to be a member of IUPC, just like the woman next to him.”
“Are you saying that guy is also with IUPC?”
“Is this information reliable?”
“The police investigation found an IUPC membership card at his house.”
The Hero Department and police had discovered evidence linking the Goiram Squirrel incident to IUPC’s activities.
The executives attending the meeting all frowned.
“I just want to throw them all in prison.”
“Why is the UN helping those guys?”
“It’s a real headache.”
Noticing that their member was captured, IUPC kept sending complaints to the Hero Department.
Moreover, the United Nations also sent a statement demanding the release of IUPC members who had been detained.
At least the man in question regarding the Goiram Squirrel delivery could be held, but the woman found in the Goemi Cave had to be released.
“We’re currently tracking the woman we released, with the cooperation of the large guilds, including Dice.”
IUPC’s growing influence was not taken lightly; the Hero Department was keeping a close eye on all their actions.
“Next, we have news of a new Spirit Master being discovered.”
Ding!
A photo of a lake, seemingly taken from a mobile phone, appeared on the screen.
“This is the lake at the golf course where the MA occurred. According to the only Spirit Master who entered the golf course, they felt the energy of a new spirit coming from this lake.”
“Oh…!”
Including Yoon Do-ha, there were a total of 21 Spirit Masters in Korea.
If this news were true, it meant an additional one would be added to that number.
“Is someone hiding a spirit?”
“The MA at the golf course has been closed for several days now. What’s taking so long to find it?”
“There were too many heroes who visited the site back then, so the investigation isn’t easy.”
“Who’s in charge of this case?”
“That’s me.”
Yang Ji-cheol raised his hand.
The gazes of many high-ranking executives fell upon him.
He shrugged his shoulders and said, “I intend to conduct a thorough investigation, so please forgive the time it takes.”
“Got it.”
“We need to find them before other countries make contact.”
The value of a Spirit Master is highly regarded.
It’s not uncommon for other countries like Japan or China to lure Korean talents, including Spirit Masters, to their side.
They needed to settle these individuals in Korea before anyone else could snatch them away.
‘I have a few suspects in mind…’
Yang Ji-cheol recalled several parties that had been showcasing remarkable achievements recently.
Parties that were special for reasons unlike others.
Among the roughly 14 parties, Yoo Ji-han’s party was included.
‘I’ll have to find them slowly.’
However, unlike the executives of the Hero Department, Yang Ji-cheol had no intention of hurriedly seeking the Spirit Master.
He thought it was likely that the individual was intentionally hiding their information for some reason.
Given their self-effacing nature, the chances were high that was indeed the case.
‘If they leave, there’s nothing we can do.’
If the Spirit Master ended up going to another country, it would be quite unfortunate.
But he wanted to prioritize the individual’s circumstances over that of the Hero Department.
*
The news about the events at the museum being orchestrated by IUPC reached Sweet Fun.
“These guys are totally nuts.”
Kim Si-hu’s response was filled with disbelief.
No matter how much they despised the museum, to even think about delivering a live monster was absurd.
‘Just wait until I meet them again.’
Yoo Ji-han recalled the woman he had encountered at Gye-yang Mountain.
If he were to come across such a crazy person again…
He wouldn’t hesitate to wield his sword against a fellow human.
“Let’s focus on training.”
“Okay.”
This was the Personal Training Room at the Public Training Center.
Yoo Ji-han concentrated his magic on the sword he had drawn.
Swish—
The power known as Aura, referred to by heroes, lingered on his sword for just a moment before dimming.
‘Remarkable progress.’
Even though the duration of a second was short, it represented a tremendous change compared to the past when he couldn’t wield Aura at all.
Of course, it couldn’t be compared to Kim Hyun-tae or other heroes, who could maintain Aura for over an hour.
However…
“Sylph.”
Pwoink!
Upon being summoned, the Sylph appeared in reality, floating in the air before descending onto Yoo Ji-han’s head.
He then focused his magic on the sword once more.
This time, he merged not just his own magic but that of the spirit.
Swish—!
The wind aura blending the Sylph’s magic shimmered not in white but in green.
Though it vanished quickly, the duration was longer than a second, taking two seconds!
That was enough time for Yoo Ji-han to handle one monster and still have some left over.
Quiver—
Overwhelmed with joy, Yoo Ji-han slightly trembled with excitement.
He had to be cautious in using Sylph since it could become exhausted from magic waste, but…
He had gained a unique skill only possible for Spirit Masters.
“What are you doing?”
“Oh, Fran sent me a message.”
Yoo Ji-han looked at Kim Si-hu, who was just standing there.
He had placed his staff down on the chair and was fiddling with his mobile phone.
“What did it say?”
“He mentioned his magic isn’t working well, so I’m explaining it to him.”
“You two are getting close already.”
“His personality is very friendly and approachable.”
Fran Fager from the Sky Shelter had become someone Kim Si-hu frequently communicated with.
Since Kim Si-hu could almost always provide correct answers to questions related to magic, it was as if Fran, a student at Hero Academy, had gained a great connection.
“By the way, I’ve perfectly mastered Levitation now.”
“Really?”
With his staff in hand, Kim Si-hu stepped onto the chair.
[Levitation]
And using all his might, he jumped while employing Levitation on himself.
“See?”
“Oh….”
Like a video being played in slow motion, Kim Si-hu floated down gently from above.
It was a stark contrast to the shaky magic he had displayed when jumping from a tall apartment building before.
Having demonstrated stable magic from start to finish, Kim Si-hu landed softly on the ground.
“What’s the maximum duration?”
“Right now, I think I can easily go for 10 minutes.”
“What about if we use it together?”
“That’s what I based my statement on. I can manage 15 minutes alone.”
“That’s plenty. When on Earth did you practice?”
“I put in effort while sipping on elixirs.”
Kim Si-hu mumbled as if it was no big deal.
However, the embarrassing memory of nearly getting their party into trouble due to his shabby Levitation lingered in his mind.
Not wanting to be a hindrance to his party member Yoo Ji-han again, he had studied gravity magic both outside and even while doing spot jumps at home.
‘This feels good.’
The rate of growth for the two was showing tangible results.
It was not common for a specific party to exhibit such rapid growth in a short period.
Yoo Ji-han felt that he was achieving much more now than when he was with Kim Hyun-tae’s party.
“And hyung, how about we try rearranging our positions like this?”
“What do you mean?”
“Differently from usual, I’ll stand at the front and you move to the back….”
The two continued training, matching their movements with extra vigor.
Their efforts would surely not betray them.
*
“How’s Yeo-eun?”
“Still being tracked.”
In a building of IUPC that wasn’t made public outside.
Within a space where numerous monsters were held, two men were conversing.
“It seems the guilds are closely cooperating with the Hero Department.”
“Which guild?”
“Dice, Red Hole, Snowball, and Warriors.”
“Ugh, I’m so sick of those guys.”
They already knew that IUPC had been keeping tabs on them.
Thanks to agents placed within various guilds and the Hero Department beforehand.
Dealing with information while being aware makes things easy.
Members caught in the Hero Department and guild would be sidelined, and they could just recruit new like-minded individuals.
“Give Yeo-eun some money and tell her to stay indoors for a while.”
“Okay. Here’s the data I received.”
The man handed a USB to the head of IUPC.
The USB contained all the data gathered by her when she entered the Goemi Cave.
With a satisfied expression, the head looked down at the members on the same floor of the building.
“Everyone! Our comrade has brought back valuable data!”
“Woooaah!”
“Despite some obstacles, she survived among the lovely creatures in Gye-yang Mountain. I’m sure you all understand what that means!”
“Boss! Boss! Boss!”
“The time has come! Quickly lift ‘Milk’ up high!”
Snap—
Everyone gathered raised their hands holding syringes up high.
“Inject!”
“Inject!”
The sharp needles pierced the skin and jabbed into their arms.
And as they pressed down the plungers of the syringes, the milky white liquid was injected into their bodies.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Moments later, all the doors of the square iron cages locked tightly within the building swung open.
Various monsters rushed out from inside.
“Ughh!”
“Ahhhhh!”
This was a building with all escape routes sealed shut.
Naturally, the monsters attacked the human prey.
But strangely, out of over 50 humans, nearly more than half were not attacked by the monsters.
“So, it worked…!”
“Please help me! I beg you… ugh!”
“I’ve been chosen!”
“I don’t want to die! Aaaaah!!”
“Hahaha!”
Crunch! Crunch!
As someone was being devoured by a monster, another person was leaping around, bursting with joy to the point of having tears in their eyes or their face turning red.
In this chaotic space, joy and fear coexisted.
Those who had been chosen ahead looked on at the monstrous meals with gleeful satisfaction.