Chapter 8

007 Chapter

At that moment, at the Hero Headquarters of Busan District, Republic of Korea.

"Ms. Baek Seul-hee, is the report normal?"

"Yes."

S-class hero, 'Snow White' Baek Seul-hee faced the people in front of her with a tense expression.

A space devoid of any light.

The only light came from electronic devices and the reflection on the screen hanging on the wall.

This place, which created an atmosphere even more intense than an interrogation room, was where information was extracted from Baek Seul-hee and information was 'implanted.'

"I understand. Then I will clearly state it again."

Beep.

As the man in a suit operated the remote, a video began to play.

- I tried to stop the villain, Goblin. However, he used a time-delay attack to make the head of Jeong Gong-in explode... Sigh. It was my fault for not stopping him. I apologize.

"This is what you are reported to have said."

"......"

Baek Seul-hee had never said such things.

But who was it that said such things with her face?

It was a deepfake.

"You can say it yourself, or we can use this video footage. The rest we will handle, so please rest assured."

"What about Jeong Gong-in's family?"

At Baek Seul-hee's question, the agents exchanged glances.

"Even this morning, there was a one-person protest saying, 'Snow White failed to stop Goblin, it was Snow White who killed my son, not Goblin.'"

"That... we will handle it properly."

"Are you going to kill them?"

"Kill them? What an inappropriate statement. We will show smart and just actions. Persuasion, and more persuasion. Hehe."

At the agent's words, various thoughts flooded Baek Seul-hee's mind, but she only closed her eyes in response.

It was irrational and unreasonable, but as a hero of this country, she had no choice.

Unless she left the country or turned against it.

"Thank you, Ms. Baek Seul-hee. We are truly grateful for your dedication to the country even during your vacation. Not only our director, but many patriots have been moved by your actions."

"Are you telling me to leave?"

"...We have said all we need to say. From here on, it might turn into a 'deeper' conversation, but you can listen if you want. However."

The agent fiddled with his sunglasses and smiled.

"Once you step in, from that moment on, you will have to 'cooperate' more seriously than now, Ms. Baek Seul-hee."

"...I understand."

"I will escort you."

Baek Seul-hee maintained her composure as she walked out.

Following the agent's guidance, she walked for a while and emerged in the lobby of an ordinary hotel in Busan.

"First, I will take you to your room. There are people gathered around your home, and it will take some time to handle them."

"Those people are...."

"Journalists. What, what did you talk about with Goblin? It's just gossip. Disgusting people. Trying to link the top hero of the Republic of Korea with a murderous villain. Tsk."

"......"

Linking.

Is it a structure of good and evil, or a structure of man and woman?

"You don't need to listen to the nonsense of people who care about views. The important thing is that Ms. Baek Seul-hee is a patriot for this country. That's all."

"...I want to rest a bit."

Baek Seul-hee pressed her aching forehead.

"I will take you to your room shortly."

"No, not just a short rest, I want to take a longer break."

"......What do you mean?"

Ding.

The elevator stopped.

Baek Seul-hee stepped out of the elevator with a stern face and took out her smartphone.

"I will consider positively the proposal you made three months ago."

"Three months ago... Could it be?"

"Yes."

Baek Seul-hee, looking tired, pulled out an email.

"Sejong Academy's live combat instructor for special abilities. ...I'm not sure if I should call it a professor, but anyway, that. I will accept it."

"Thank you, Ms. Baek Seul-hee! Your decision will greatly contribute to the peace of this country!"

The agent, extremely pleased, closed the elevator door and went down.

The fact that an S-class special ability user would become a live combat instructor at Sejong Academy.

It means not only that students studying at the academy can be inspired, but also that there will be more S-class ability users to protect the academy.

It is the most important place in the Republic of Korea, and in the world.

It has strategic value greater than nuclear power plants and the president's office.

Why else would it be named after 'Sejong'?

Originally, it was a piece of land that did not exist, but a meteorite fell into the East Sea, creating an island.

The Republic of Korea designated this island as part of its territory and defended it with all its might against any external pressure.

As a strategic location coveted by countless foreign entities, it is a place where the country hopes to have as many special ability users as possible residing on Sejong Island.

"...Sigh."

Baek Seul-hee entered the hotel room and buried her face in the bed.

Although she said she was going to rest, in fact, she was returning to a more intense field.

She won't be dealing with villains on the mainland, but there's no telling when and where a strange villain might appear.

Most importantly, it's a hero training ground for 'students obsessed with special abilities.'

There shouldn't be a big problem as an S-class, but excessive attention towards her could certainly cause disturbances.

Still.

At least, unlike the Red Scarf case, she won't have to witness someone's head being shattered.

"Goblin...."

Baek Seul-hee covered her face with her hand.

Although all the videos were erased or manipulated, except for the top-secret videos stored by the state, the memory remained clear in her mind.

The moment the gunshots rang out.

Goblin immediately turned his body and reached out to the side.

The instinctive action of 'protecting' her, if it was that, was probably a clear delusion on Baek Seul-hee's part.

But.

What if he really tried to protect her?

"...Hmph."

Baek Seul-hee frowned and hugged her pillow tightly.

"I will definitely ask you later. What were you thinking when you did that. ...Ah."

Baek Seul-hee recalled.

"Bike."

I need to ask.

The problem is that Baek Seul-hee is in a situation similar to being grounded.

"...I owe a debt."

* * *

"New bike!"

I sprinkled soju around the newly delivered bike.

"Please let me ride it safely without any accidents this time."

Although performing a ritual is considered superstition, it's better to do it than not.

'I won't lend it to anyone anymore.'

Snow White took my bike and never returned it.

Of course, Snow White must be trying to compensate for the bike.

She's not the kind of person who would just ignore it.

She just can't come to Seoul due to the attention from people around her.

She hasn't even given me her contact information, and to recognize me, she would have to come to Seoul.

However.

If I went to where she is, there's a possibility she would recognize me and compensate me.

'Since she won't come to Seoul, I came to Busan.'

Keeuk, keeuk.

In Busan, Haeundae, white gulls fly in flocks.

The neighborhood, adjacent to the sea, is filled with the smell of the ocean, but the city's atmosphere is as grand and imposing as Seoul.

The real Seoul is in Busan.

The real Busan is in Seoul.

In this world, Seoul's development stagnated after the 2000s, while Busan, becoming the new capital after 2000, saw rapid urban development.

Just look at the 123-story skyscraper right in front of me.

'The Hold Tower is in Busan.'

It's strange to see the famous skyscraper of Seoul standing proudly in Busan's Haeundae.

Even more.

'Even driving isn't bad.'

Riding the bike I received in Busan, the system is much more organized compared to the real Busan.

-Do you know how bad Busan's roads are?! It will take years to redevelop this road!

-It will take years, but we must proceed! How can this city grow to be the best in the world with such roads!

-But!

-If you're upset, go to Gyeongju!!

-Isn't redevelopment prohibited there!

-Even if cultural heritage sites are destroyed, our ancestors will understand if it means Korea surpasses America to become the world's strongest! Choose! Do you want to redevelop Busan, or should I go to Gyeongju!

-I will complete all projects related to urban redevelopment within one month!

To transform into a world-class city, Busan underwent a year-long redevelopment project, and in this world, Busan has grown to the level of a new city in the 2020s of the real world.

Even the prices.

"Excuse me, I'm here to look for a one-room apartment."

"Hello?"

There is no Busan dialect here.

This is the capital, and many people from Seoul have moved down.

"You came from Seoul? Oh, you came from far away. Where are you looking for a room?"

"Somewhere in this area that is the safest. About 10 pyeong one-room apartment? A mini two-room would also be fine."

"Ah, I have a good one for you."

The real estate agent pointed to a poster with a bright smile.

"200 million won deposit, 1.3 million won per month."