Chapter 78

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"Does this mean that our squad is being neglected now?"

An Mintaeh directed his complaint at Lee Hyunwook, who was tying the laces of his combat boots. He seemed displeased with the constant outings.

"No, it's not neglect; it's a generational change."

"Huh, really?"

"An Mintaeh, it's time for you to take responsibility."

As Lee Hyunwook said this, the corners of the boy's mouth began to twitch.

"Hehe—No, not yet."

In reality, An Mintaeh's level was now among the highest in the battalion, and he was expected to play a significant role in the unit in the future.

Moreover, he was unexpectedly showing considerable ability, and if he continued to grow, he could become a valuable ally.

"Well... I might be filling in for you, Captain Lee Hyunwook, but it's still disappointing that you're always out on leave."

Lee Hyunwook patted An Mintaeh's shoulder, where the squad leader's insignia was.

"I'm sorry, but I trust you to handle things."

"Yes! Don't worry about that... Yes, have a safe trip."

Yes, it was time for him to leave the unit completely.

Today, he had a full schedule of external activities.

One of them was a request from Woo Sungmun.

'Anyway, I have to pay back the favor...'

That's right. Today, he was going to help the Special Secret Police.

Lee Hyunwook reported his departure to the administrative team and came out.

At that moment, someone approached, waving from the end of the corridor.

"—Hey, who's this? The savior of Seoul, isn't it!"

It was Choi Youngjun, who was making a fuss as he approached.

He pushed up his glasses and scrutinized Lee Hyunwook from head to toe.

...It was as if he had discovered something amazing.

"Ah, Captain Choi Youngjun, it's been a while."

"That's right, the savior of Seoul is always so busy, huh..."

"Haha..."

At this time, the two of them were not particularly close.

So, if he approached like this, there must be a reason.

"Anyway, Hyunwook, there's something I want to ask you..."

As expected...

"Is the rumor about the 'Sword Saint Beater' true?"

"Ah... That's an exaggerated rumor."

Lee Hyunwook showed an embarrassed expression.

'Damn, why did that spread...'

'Sword Saint Beater'...

But in fact, that was a rumor that shouldn't have spread. The events at Bukaksan Cathedral were classified information.

'Anyway, White Tree Guard...'

Government agents wouldn't talk about classified operations, and it seemed the rumor had leaked from that side.

And for Choi Youngjun, who had a passion for swords, such a rumor must have been particularly annoying.

"Anyway, what's up? Are you on leave again today?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Ah—That's a shame. I was going to ask you to train with me..."

Choi Youngjun wore a genuinely disappointed expression.

He seemed like a somewhat immature boy now, but in the future, he would become a mature hero...

'Have I deprived Choi Youngjun of his growth experience...'

The Fourth Wave was a significant event in Choi Youngjun's growth.

But due to Lee Hyunwook's efforts, it had been completely erased.

'...But it's not the time to worry about such things.'

Lee Hyunwook didn't particularly care that the future had changed and someone's fate had been altered because of him. By monopolizing all the opportunities and experiences, he would eliminate quite a few heroes...

'And none of them could save the world anyway.'

In the end, it was something only Lee Hyunwook could do.

'And Choi Youngjun is a true genius. He will eventually grow into a hero, and that's when I can help him.'

Choi Youngjun said that Lee Hyunwook was a genius surpassing himself.

But Lee Hyunwook disagreed with that.

At least when it came to swords, he couldn't match Choi Youngjun's sense.

'Anyway, the internet must be in an uproar again, right?'

On his way out of the base in the car sent by Woo Sungmun, Lee Hyunwook checked articles related to himself on his smartphone.

- The new title 'Sword Saint Beater' rumor about Lee Hyunwook? The hidden truth? Lee Hyunwook maintains his mysterious stance...

- Revenge for the late Gu Biaocheng? Lee Hyunwook, who allegedly beat up Okita Kai, how much of the rumor is true?

"Hmm..."

This issue was spreading like wildfire worldwide.

'I need to be careful about my back...'

With such a humiliating story spreading, Okita Kato's pride must have been crushed, and he must be seething.

Of course, he had confiscated a few of his teeth...

- The savior of Seoul, Lee Hyunwook, defeated the Sword Saint killer? Domestic swordplay players: "This is absurd!" Unanimously refute...

And as expected, there were people who didn't believe in Lee Hyunwook's prowess, with Han Heeyoon, the disciple of the late Sword Saint Gu Biaocheng, at the center.

She had openly declared that she would avenge her master and criticized the rumors about Lee Hyunwook on social media last night.

- Really, the rumors are getting out of hand kek. While it's a fact that Lee Hyunwook is a hero who saved Seoul, how could he beat Okita Kai? lol. This is just making Lee Hyunwook look bad, guys lol.

Seriously, I can't stand the brainwashed steel fans anymore. Why not just call him a Dragon Slayer?

Anyway, Okita Kai will soon die by my sword ^^

'...Well, honestly, it's understandable to think that way.'

For players with sword-related abilities, it would be unacceptable for a control-type player like Lee Hyunwook to defeat Okita Kai in a direct confrontation, and it would also hurt their pride.

Lee Hyunwook checked the comments on the post.

As expected, it was a mess.

'Hmm, hardcore steel fans... What's this?'

Steel fans... That referred to Lee Hyunwook's hardcore fans.

According to what Lee Jeongjun said yesterday, Lee Hyunwook had a significant fan base online. And where there are fans, there are haters, and the comments section had turned into a battleground.

'Still, there will come a time when such public opinion will be helpful.'

He was now moving from the shadows to the spotlight. And there would come a time when he would have to step forward, announce the existence of the villains, and respond to them.

At that time, these images would be a great help.

***

Lee Hyunwook completed the surveillance of the Taesan Guild facilities using the afterglow. However, there was nothing significant to report.

But it was necessary to monitor them in detail periodically, so he was scheduled to be called in once or twice a week.

'Annoying, but it's something I have to do for a while.'

Afterward, Lee Hyunwook headed to the Hope Guild office in Sin-gil.

But Park Junmo was already there.

"Ah! You're here?"

"...Huh? Park Junmo, why are you here so early?"

"Haha—Well, I had nothing to do, and I came straight here after visiting my grandmother."

Park Junmo had taken a week-long leave, but Lee Hyunwook had asked him to spare some time today, so he came.

"So, is your grandmother doing well?"

"Yes! This time, I replaced the boiler and windows. Hehe—"

This filial son had used all his reward points to cash out and completely renovated his grandmother's old house during his leave.

"By the way, Captain Lee Hyunwook..."

"Hmm?"

"Is there something else you need me for this time?"

Park Junmo's expression was somewhat shadowed as he asked.

"Hmm... Do you not like being called by me?"

"Of course not! You're my benefactor..."

Well, every time he was with Lee Hyunwook, something big happened.

So, it was natural for him to feel anxious reflexively.

"Don't worry, nothing will happen this time. Let's go somewhere first."

"Ah, yes!"

A few days ago, Kang Jeongdoo's workshop had moved to near the Hope Guild office. It was about a 5-minute walk away, and Lee Hyunwook and Park Junmo headed there.

"Ah, you're here! Haha—"

Kang Jeongdoo's expression was unusually bright as he greeted Lee Hyunwook.

"Sir, no, I should call you Director now."

"Hehe, don't be silly! It's all thanks to you, Mr. Lee!"

A sign with the name of the workshop was prominently displayed on the third floor of the building. Originally a logistics warehouse, it was spacious and well-equipped.

And with the expansion, they had hired six more employees, all blacksmiths who had been out of favor with the Blacksmiths' Guild and had been in a cold state.

"Haha, by the way, I brought a lot of work yesterday, didn't I?"

Lee Hyunwook said this and turned his head.

Two trailers were parked, filled with fragments of various mechanical monsters from the Hidden Stage 'Gnome Ruins.'

These were condensed with Gnome technology and would be a great help in developing the 'Magic Engineering Research' skill.

"No, they are precious gems to us!"

"How can these be useful for work?"

"Yes, they are like textbooks! I'm examining them carefully!"

At this time, these were rare and valuable samples that were hard to come by.

"Ah, and try this out."

Lee Hyunwook handed him Hephaestus' Hammer, or rather, the item still known as the 'Mysterious Hammer with Hidden Power.'

"Wow..."

But when Kang Jeongdoo took it, he wasn't particularly surprised. At first glance, it didn't seem to have great performance.

However, after swinging it a few times, he would realize it was a 'latent item.'

'The items this hammer will create are highly anticipated. Perhaps even each iron ball could be imbued with various magic...'

Manufactured items were undervalued compared to regular items because it was difficult to imbue them with 'skills.'

But with Hephaestus' Hammer, there was a certain probability that appropriate skills would be imbued in manufactured items.

'This could cause a seismic shift in the item market.'

At that moment, someone approached from behind Lee Hyunwook.

"Hey, Mr. Lee Hyunwook, it's hard to see you these days?"

The voice belonged to Kim Sehee.

But she was wearing a blazer and, for some reason, had put on makeup.

"Kim, what are you doing here? Are you on your final leave?"

At the question, her face crumpled.

"What, what do you mean? I came to work after being discharged! I'm here to pick up the items I ordered last time."

"Oh... You were discharged? Oh..."

Now that he thought about it, it was Kim Sehee's discharge day two days ago...

"Wow, you tried to lure me into the guild after discharge, but now as a CEO, you don't even care? This guild's first impression is terrible?"

"Ah, well, the CEO is actually Cheolsoo..."

"Mr. Park said he's practically a figurehead. Don't try to avoid responsibility. Who handed me a contract in front of me?"

"Hmm, why is he saying unnecessary things..."

"But anyone would think you were discharged before me. You've already successfully cleared a dungeon and made the news?"

"Haha..."

Last night, after Park Mohan's interview, the rumor about the 'Sword Saint Beater' had spread, and Lee Hyunwook was once again in the spotlight.

"Ah, Kim, not Kim, Kim Team Leader, that's good. Are you free today and tomorrow?"

At Lee Hyunwook's words, Kim Sehee tilted her head.

"...Hmm, why?"

"I need you to come with me. It's part of the job."

At the question, Kim Sehee wore a dubious expression. Like Park Junmo, she seemed to feel an unfamiliar and strange sensation.

"Hmm, where... And just the two of us?"

"No, there's one more person."

Lee Hyunwook pointed to Park Junmo.

Kim Sehee's eyebrows furrowed.

"Ah... This is making me feel uneasy..."

An hour later, Lee Hyunwook took the two to a large sandwich panel warehouse attached to one side of the research facility.

It was originally a place to store trailers and was quite large, but now it was empty.

"...You don't mean we're going to this warehouse, right?"

"Partly, yes. We're going somewhere no one knows through here."

"Huh? What do you mean by that..."

Lee Hyunwook took out 'Fridwen' from his right hand, where it was inscribed.

"...Suddenly, what's with the shield?"

"Wow... It's amazing! Is it a Hero-grade item?"

No, it's actually a Legendary-grade item.

But Lee Hyunwook placed it in the center of the warehouse without answering.

"Everyone, step back."

Lee Hyunwook measured the size of the warehouse again.

'A small hidden facility can be summoned here.'

Lee Hyunwook infused mana into the shield, Fridwen.

Woo—

The surface of the shield began to glow white, as if it were burning, and a thick light spread in all directions.

Rumble—!

In the next moment, the scene was filled with white light.

It was as if the volume of the shield had expanded a thousand times—

Kim Sehee and Park Junmo involuntarily took a step back.

"What, what is this!"

Soon, the light subsided—

"Huh!"

A massive object appeared in the spot.

"—A submarine?"

Yes, at first glance, it looked like one.

A long, oval-shaped white body about 20 meters long and 3 meters high... Eight wings were engraved in relief on its surface, following the smooth, streamlined curves.

And the massive object was floating about 1 meter above the ground, like a maglev train.

- Fridwen has switched to 'Hidden Facility' mode.

"Ah... A hidden facility..."

Kim Sehee muttered, seemingly recognizing its identity.

"Where did you get this from?"

Kim Sehee was once again puzzled by this man, Lee Hyunwook. He kept showing her things that were beyond her comprehension, leaving no time to get used to them.

Lee Hyunwook approached it without answering.

'Fridwen, this is the first time I'm seeing it myself.'

He placed his palm on its surface.

Then, at the front of the hull, a door opened, and a staircase descended.

Click—Whoosh—

"Come on in."

At Lee Hyunwook's words, the two just stood there, dumbfounded.

"Don't be surprised here. The real surprise is coming."

Lee Hyunwook said this and entered Fridwen.

The interior was similar in size to a small submarine.

However, since it was powered by magic, the 'magic circuits' drawn on the surface replaced various equipment, eliminating the need for an engine room or pipes.

In other words, it had a much more efficient space utilization structure.

Lee Hyunwook put off the tour and went to the bridge to take the controls of Fridwen.

Although it was made with Gnome technology, the bridge was surprisingly similar to a regular airplane cockpit.

"...Can you operate this?"

"To be honest... This is my first time riding it."

"But you're not... going to try to operate it, right?"

At this, Lee Hyunwook chuckled.

"Kim Team Leader, you still don't trust magic."

"...What?"

He didn't need to operate it himself.

He brought up the list of Laputa Master permissions in front of him.

1) Emergency Return: Returns to Laputa's 'Order Tower.'

* To use this function, 'Fridwen' is required. (Cooldown: 24 hours)

"Emergency Return—"

As he gave the command—

Woo—

Fridwen shook, and a light enveloped the entire hull. Kim Sehee and Park Junmo clung to anything they could, startled.

"Ah!"

Rumble—

In an instant, the scenery in front of them changed.

Whoosh—

The view of the cramped warehouse turned into a clear blue sky.

The dramatic change was so surreal, it felt like a dream.

"What, what is this! Where are we now?"

"We're in the sky over Seoul."

Kim Sehee and Park Junmo clung to the windows and looked outside.

The clear blue sky—

Their gaze soon shifted downward.

"Laputa—!"

The floating city of Seoul, which they always had to look up at, was now beneath their feet.

In other words, they were now on top of Laputa.

Lee Hyunwook also approached and looked down at Laputa.

"Welcome to our guild's secret base."

The ability to overlook Seoul, given to the savior of Seoul.