章 232: 646
[Chapter 169]
[Small Victory (2)]
Monsters invaded Gangbuk.
The news that Gangbuk, which had been considered the safest land since the <Fin de Siècle Destruction>, was invaded spread throughout the country that very day.
"─The Cocoon collapsed?" "Yes, yes... They say the Cocoon collapsed last night and monsters formed an army to invade Gangbuk." "What about the damage? The scale? So what happened to Gangbuk?"
Near Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City.
Fairy Im Ga-eul, who had infused the Cocoon with <White Silver> mana, hardened her face hearing her aide's words.
Her tone was extremely sharp.
It couldn't be helped.
The aide also perceived her mood and took an extremely humble attitude to avoid being blamed.
"Well... The damage is currently being estimated, and it's said that three monsters estimated to be Level 3 or higher have been identified."
"For this to happen when I'm not there..."
She bit her lip.
The aide watched her reaction and carefully added more words.
"Fortunately, <First Sword> happened to be in Gangbuk, and other Players also joined forces to successfully block the invasion." "That's somewhat fortunate. What happened to the army commanders?"
"They say they haven't been taken down yet. It seems the army retreated as of this morning, and they're predicting another invasion tonight. Ah, they say <First Sword> inflicted a critical hit on one army commander."
"It means the monsters are deliberately using the opportunity of the Cocoon breaking. Hoo, it's good I kept Yong-hyun oppa behind."
"But the problem is..."
"What else is there?"
She asked irritably.
The aide just mumbled.
Then after hesitating for a long time, he closed his eyes tightly and opened his mouth.
"─They say <Iron Fortress> passed away in the process of blocking the army at dawn today." """"...!!""""
A living myth.
And the founder of the Mana Management Organization and Player who made the greatest achievements in establishing the Fairy Government.
<Iron Fortress> Moon Jun.
Shock spread across the faces of those present, including Im Ga-eul.
It was unbelievable.
That the giant who seemed like he would never fall had collapsed so suddenly.
But the story the aide relayed was incredibly bleak.
"...So, <King of Darkness> is now in overall command of the Mana Management Organization in place of <Iron Fortress>." "I see..."
It was fortunate that <King of Darkness> Baek Seo-jin, one of the living myths, was still alive.
Nevertheless, Im Ga-eul's complexion turned pale hearing the news of Moon Jun's death.
"..."
Her limbs trembled.
The person who had protected her until now, who seemed like he would protect her forever, was gone.
The person who made her the Fairy and became her unwavering support base had left the world.
"Fairy." "...I know. I know too."
Perhaps sensing her anxiety.
Bodyguard Park Sang-jin approached.
He supported her as she looked like she might collapse at any moment.
Almost clinging to Park Sang-jin.
Im Ga-eul tried to suppress her trembling.
"Hoo..."
She takes a deep breath and comes to her senses.
Putting on a face reminiscent of an iron lady, she spoke to those present.
"─I'm canceling all schedules. We're returning to Seoul right now."
Due to the army's appearance in Seoul, there will surely be countless anomalies on the way up to Seoul.
So at least 3 days.
Considering not sleeping, it would take at least 2 days.
Unfortunately, choosing Gwangju as the first destination of the tour meant it would take quite a while to return.
"How did I end up choosing Gwangju as the first tour destination... I'll have to think about it later."
Im Ga-eul, having made her decision, told people to pack their bags right away.
Then she turned her head towards where Gwangju City Hall was located.
Now that the Cocoon in Gangbuk has collapsed, we need a Cocoon to replace it.
But it will take a long time to create a new Cocoon.
Seoul is important.
Much infrastructure is concentrated there.
Gangbuk is a symbol.
A symbol that put an end to destruction.
Gangbuk had to be recaptured somehow.
And to recapture Gangbuk, the power of the Cocoon was absolutely necessary.
So, even while anticipating the repercussions she would bring, she had to say it.
"─We're taking the Cocoon installed in Gwangju and going up to Seoul. Everyone understand that." """"...!!""""
"I'll take all responsibility, so hurry and bring Gwangju's Cocoon."
That is the role of the Fairy.
She bears all responsibility.
If she can't choose the best option.
She avoids the worst and chooses the lesser evil.
Because that will be the next best thing.
☆
Baek Seo-jin laughed heartily.
His laughter contained two meanings.
One was that he didn't know Eun-ha, who had suddenly gone to find DM Clan and half-killed the Clan Lord to take the clan's emblem, would be so bold.
The other contained the meaning that the attitude he showed at a gathering of qualified people after coming like a ruffian was truly arrogant.
"─I'll let it slide once. If you do something like this again, you'll pay an appropriate price next time." "Yes, I'm sorry." "Alright, sit down now. Then let's start the meeting."
Yongsan-gu and Jung-gu.
The representative of these two districts kept changing after Changhae Clan disbanded. Unlike other districts, the Clan Lords' abilities were similar, so no force emerged to unite them.
Of course, this was also a conspiracy by the Mana Management Organization and clans from other districts.
From the Mana Management Organization's standpoint, they hoped no more beings would emerge to call themselves 'monarchs' in the Seoul area, and clans from other regions hoped their positions would be guaranteed forever.
Anyway, in such a situation, most of those present didn't find it strange that Noh Eun-ha came as a representative from Yongsan-gu, where the representative often changed.
This guy is looking down on his seniors. A guy who hasn't even earned his stripes is claiming to be the district representative?
He's really an arrogant bastard. To think such a guy is next to Mapo-gu...
I've heard stories but this is severe.
So did the DM Clan Lord get beaten? Surely this guy isn't eyeing my position too?
Of course, there were exceptions.
Dangun Clan Lord Jang Bong-jeon, whose influence had recently decreased and was busy dealing with complaints from regional clans.
KK Clan Lord <Beast Tamer> Hwang San-gun with jurisdiction over Mapo-gu.
Samra Clan Lord <Earth Dragon> Chong Eun-ju, who had only recently completely seized Gwangjin-gu.
Hanseong Clan Lord <Wind Cloud Sword> of Jung-gu, which was once under Changhae Clan's jurisdiction.
They were Clan Lords of clans directly or indirectly affected by Pandora Clan's movements.
"Before we start the meeting, there's something only the people here need to know. Please don't talk about this anywhere, absolutely."
""""...."""
"At dawn today, <Iron Fortress> died. Unfortunately, a Level 3 monster approached very close while he was activating protective magic and affected <Iron Fortress>. It happened while deploying large-scale magic, so he ended up causing mana runaway."
Baek Seo-jin's words fell.
He relayed <Iron Fortress>'s death.
People were silent.
No one showed signs of surprise, most had dark expressions.
They all probably expected it. That some anomaly occurred to <Iron Fortress> as the protective magic suddenly disappeared...
They were experienced people.
They couldn't have failed to anticipate <Iron Fortress>'s death.
Eun-ha, who observed people's reactions, had also expected it to some extent.
Even when summoning the representatives, hadn't Baek Seo-jin declared he would summon on behalf of <Iron Fortress>?
Still, <Iron Fortress>'s death held many implications.
Until now, <Iron Fortress> had been considered by people as someone who would protect them forever.
So if news of his death spread, it would be like pouring oil on the already poor public order and sentiment.
Baek Seo-jin's order to keep silent until the situation calmed was understandable.
Right then─
"─Where is <Iron Fortress> now?"
Unlike Eun-ha's memories.
<First Sword> Ji Yong-hyun, who had remained in Seoul in this life, raised his hand.
He had learned swordsmanship in <Divine Spear> Nam Gung Seong-un's school, and due to that connection, he also had a special relationship with <Iron Fortress>.
Such a person asked where <Iron Fortress>'s remains were.
To this, Baek Seo-jin answered with a sorrowful face.
"He became mana." """"...."""
He became mana.
It also meant a person died and returned to nature, but Baek Seo-jin's words were somewhat different.
It meant his body converted to mana and disappeared like when Mains or monsters die.
How is that possible?
Even if he caused mana runaway, if he didn't transform into a monster, his physical body shouldn't have disappeared?
Eun-ha had doubts.
Some other people were the same.
They tilted their heads.
But Ji Yong-hyun seemed to have some idea.
"Don't tell me... <Iron Fortress>..."
"Yes, he couldn't withstand the mythology and finally perished. Let's end this story here."
Ji Yong-hyun's face contorted.
Baek Seo-jin hurriedly finished speaking.
People couldn't understand the conversation exchanged between the two.
But pressed by the atmosphere between the two, they couldn't speak up.
Couldn't withstand the mythology? What does that mean?
Is it a metaphorical expression...
Eun-ha couldn't resolve his doubts either.
It seemed to be something only Baek Seo-jin and Ji Yong-hyun knew.
Judging by their atmosphere, he continued to have doubts but decided to move on.
The reason Eun-ha and the others attended this meeting wasn't to investigate <Iron Fortress>'s death.
It was to counter the army that would try to invade Gangbuk again.
"─Then Controller Mo Ra-yul. I'd like you to start the briefing." "Yes, yes! Acting Minister!"
""""...."""
Twelve Seats <Big Data> Mo Ra-yul, who had been quietly crumpled in a corner until then, suddenly stood up.
Her face was very haggard.
It was understandable, as Mo Ra-yul was currently integrating information coming in from various places and compiling statistics.
Just as Twelve Seats <Index> Yoon Seong-jin was busy restoring the Player Library, she was being worn out managing the communication networks of all frontlines.
That's the fate of a navigator.
When something happens, the busiest role is...
Eun-ha could imagine Mo Ra-yul's worn out situation.
Their eyes met then.
"Hee, heeek!!"
""""...?""""
When their eyes met.
Mo Ra-yul avoided him in fright.
While people were puzzled, Eun-ha could understand why she was avoiding him.
Ah, she has something she said, so she can't even look at me properly.
What did Mo Ra-yul say last time?
Did she say she would take all responsibility if the Cocoon collapsed?
Eun-ha turned his head and shrugged looking at Mo Ra-yul briefing.
Perhaps because of her own statement, Mo Ra-yul's face looked so pale.
"...So, based on what's been confirmed so far, it's estimated there are a total of 4 army commanders. Among these, one is the Level 4 monster Great Toad Chief..."
"I think the people here already know that kind of information." "Ah..."
"Controller Mo Ra-yul. I'm not asking you to just brief the compiled information, but to brief what we can know from the compiled information. Do you not understand what I'm saying?"
"Th-That... I'm sorry."
""""...."""
Meanwhile, Mo Ra-yul's briefing was irritating Baek Seo-jin.
Understandably so, as she kept making mistakes while being conscious of Eun-ha.
Stuttering was basic.
Confusing pages was standard.
Moreover, the content she was briefing was nothing more than a compilation of information being updated to the library.
Baek Seo-jin had reason to sigh.
"It can't be helped. Controller Mo Ra-yul must have been busy compiling information..."
"...I'm sorry."
"Alright, then let's just grasp the information about those guys. Controller Mo Ra-yul, could you tell us about the whale-type monster presumed to be controlling the entire army?" "Acting Minister, that..." "Is there some problem?"
"There's no organized information about that monster yet. It's also not registered in the library, and to collect information we need to hear testimony from people who faced the monster..."
"So? Can't you just listen?"
"The problem is... Everyone speaks subjectively, so there's a severe lack of information that can be grasped objectively."
Mo Ra-yul getting sharply rebuked by Baek Seo-jin.
People awkwardly flipped through the documents on the table.
Naturally, Mo Ra-yul became dejected and hung her head.
Right then─
"─May I say something?" """"...."""
"...Alright, Pandora Clan Lord. I'll allow you to speak."
Eun-ha had gently raised his hand.
Mo Ra-yul's eyes widened.
People turned their gazes to him wondering what was going on.
Baek Seo-jin nodded.
To this, Eun-ha opened his mouth.
"I fought that monster a few times yesterday."
"...I see. Probably among the people here, Pandora Clan Lord knows the most about that monster."
"Come to think of it, there was such a story. Alright, speak."
Tempest Clan Lord Kang Ye-hee, who happened to be present, supported Eun-ha's words at the appropriate time.
Eun-ha expressed gratitude to her and spoke to those present.
"So... I thought I could help to some extent. About other monsters too. Our navigator is waiting outside the door now, would it be alright to let her in?"
Just before, he had received a message from Jin Seo-na.
Jung Ha-yang had come up from Samgakji and arrived in front of the conference room now.
Eun-ha smoothly asked for permission.
Now everyone's gaze turned to Baek Seo-jin.
"─Alright, tell her to come in."
Baek Seo-jin stared at him intently and soon raised the corners of his mouth.
☆
Pandora Clan navigator Jung Ha-yang was Twelve Seats <Index>'s <The Seed>.
As such, those present seemed to know her.
"You must be nervous, but I'm counting on you." "What is this. I rushed here after hearing to come right away from Samgakji, and now you're telling me to brief in front of these people?"
Jung Ha-yang moved to where Mo Ra-yul had been briefing.
Eun-ha followed her, and she grumbled in a small voice.
But she quickly changed her expression and began briefing.
"I'm Pandora Clan sub-lord Jung Ha-yang. I'll begin the briefing now. I'd like to inform you of corrections to what Controller Mo Ra-yul said just before. As Controller Mo Ra-yul said, the army commander that appeared in the Samgakji direction today is indeed the Level 4 Great Toad Chief. However, based on my on-site assessment, the monster first reported in the Philippines is presumed to be a subspecies adapted to Korea's environment. Actually, after briefly analyzing the poison from the Great Toad Chief..."
""""...."""
Though she had glared at Eun-ha.
Once the briefing started, Jung Ha-yang showed no signs of nervousness even facing people in high positions.
Rather, she explained smoothly, excluding unnecessary information as much as possible while making people focus.
"...So, though we'll need to observe the results more, it seems we should be careful of poison attacks when encountering the Great Toad Chief. Currently, while we can delay the poisoning, no magic has been created that can cure the Great Toad Chief's poison."
She seemed to have prepared a lot on the way.
While providing information, she calmly discussed her own thoughts.
Some people who were impressed by her explanation nodded.
"I see... I've heard your explanation well. Good. Then shall we hear information about that whale creature next?" "...Yes. I was just about to explain that."
Baek Seo-jin spoke then.
Jung Ha-yang paused for a moment.
She slowly nodded and glanced at Eun-ha.
It's okay, you can do well.
Eun-ha had previously passed on the information he knew to Jung Ha-yang.
And she would have analyzed Ye-gyeong based on his information by investigating the library.
Eun-ha trusted her.
Sure enough, she spoke.
"Though the data is still insufficient, this monster is estimated to be commanding the three army commanders. In the case of the Great Toad Chief, given its low intelligence but invasion up to Samgakji, it probably received orders from this monster. Moreover, the timing of the monsters' retreat was after this monster retreated. Currently, after discussing with <Index>, it's estimated to be Level 3 overrank." "<Index>... I suppose you're in contact with Seong-jin?"
"Though the communication conditions aren't good, we're connecting sporadically."
"I see, continue speaking."
"Yes. Based on what's been confirmed so far, the monster is identified as a ghost whale type, and is presumed to be giving orders to monsters through ultrasound. You probably all heard a strange sound from the sky. That would be the sound of it giving orders to monsters."
Jung Ha-yang continued briefing after that.
She explained that the monster can use jamming magic to cause mana runaway in Players.
She also said its jamming has the power to interfere even with telepathy.
She relayed that it's equipped with stealth capabilities, can cause anomalies in areas it passes through, and has magic that can bombard an entire area.
People became serious at this.
"─Therefore, focusing on the fact that it causes anomalies and has magic that disrupts Players' magic, I propose calling this monster Level 3 overrank Ye-gyeong from this time, using the characters for 'murky' (濊) and 'whale' (鯨)."
And so she finished her explanation.
She proposed a name for the new Level 3 overrank monster species, which could be considered an achievement for a navigator.
"Hmm, Ye-gyeong..."
Murky ye, whale gyeong.
Thus, Ye-gyeong.
People's reactions weren't bad.
Baek Seo-jin, who recited the name Ye-gyeong in his mouth, stroked his chin as if satisfied.
"─Alright, let's call it Ye-gyeong."
"Thank you!"
Eventually Baek Seo-jin approved.
Jung Ha-yang, whose true value was recognized, bowed with a happy face.
"Then the briefing is over, shall we talk about how to deal with these guys now."
That day, the names decided for the army commanders in the meeting were as follows:
Level 3 overrank Ye-gyeong.
Level 3 Freak Sphinx.
Level 3 Caesar Hopper.
Level 4 Samgakji Great Toad Chief.
☆
"─We can't issue movement orders to each clan since we don't know where and how the army will appear."
The meeting continued for a long time.
People discussed each other's strategies and finally reached the conclusion that the representative clans of each region should faithfully defend their regions.
It was a fundamental discussion.
Baek Seo-jin clicked his tongue as if displeased.
But it couldn't be helped.
With the Cocoon collapsed, they didn't know where the monsters would invade from.
Each clan could only do their best while closely coordinating with clans in nearby areas.
"But Ye-gyeong, this guy is the most dangerous. Since this guy appeared in various places, a flexible response is needed. So... Zenith Clan Lord." "Yes, Acting Minister."
"Unlike the other Twelve Seats, you focus only on dealing with Ye-gyeong. With Hyeon-cheol and Do-jin gone, you're the only dealer among the Twelve Seats who can face it now." "Yes, I understand. I'll make thorough preparations leading the Players and clan members located in Jongno-gu."
An army disbands if the army commander dies.
As such, it was important to take down Ye-gyeong, who commanded a huge army.
Baek Seo-jin's thinking made sense, and Ji Yong-hyun didn't raise any objections.
─Whiiiiieeeeaaaaaoooo
And so the second night approaches.
週次パワーステータス
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