Chapter 97

Chapter 97

The revelation that Yoo Jungho was a spy for the League left a massive aftermath in its wake.

First, the ruling party's leadership took full responsibility and resigned en masse. Having a League spy within the party was a major incident that threatened the party's very existence.

It was the President's address that put out the fire in timely fashion.

He apologized for failing to prevent a League spy from infiltrating, expressed deep remorse, and solemnly vowed to prevent any recurrence.

The President was a former leader of the ruling party.

He should have taken a major hit from this, but surprisingly, the damage wasn't severe.

Because it was the Blue House that had exposed Yoo Jungho as a League spy.

"It's because people are viewing the Blue House and the ruling party separately."

Lee Sehee attributed this to the friction between the Blue House and the ruling party.

The Blue House, which held the reins of power, and the ruling party, which needed to extend its reach—their positions were similar yet subtly different.

As they clashed several times over conflicting interests, a perspective of viewing the Blue House and the ruling party separately took root.

As a result, the President's approval rating actually rose for having exposed the League spy.

"Bringing you in, Junho, was the Blue House's best move."

On top of that, with the leadership that had been subtly at odds with the Blue House resigning en masse, the Blue House was now able to influence the election of the new leadership.

Approval for restructuring the ruling party around the Blue House reached 65%, and among ruling party supporters, 81% were in favor.

Since things would proceed as the President intended, the National Assembly wouldn't be able to nitpick anymore—which was fine by me.

"If they're not going to be a nuisance anymore, that's good for me."

"That's the result you created, Junho."

"The opposition party is still around, though."

"They're not in their right mind either right now."

Normally, the opposition party would have seized on such good news to drag down the government's approval rating, but they weren't free from responsibility either.

Yoo Jungho, who had made a name for himself as a reformist faction Assemblyman, had actively interacted with opposition party members as well.

With the risk of sparks flying their way, the opposition party's response amounted to nothing more than lukewarm commentary.

Lee Sehee explained the current situation to me.

"There are people saying all of this was Choi Junho's scheme."

"It wasn't intentional. It was just a coincidence that happened to fit perfectly."

"You know that when you say 'coincidence' and 'happened to fit perfectly,' it sounds like it's not true, right?"

"Then there's nothing I can do about that."

I didn't need to beg anyone to believe me.

It really was a coincidence. A coincidence.

It was a coincidence that memories of Yoo Jungho happened to surface, a coincidence that it was resolved at the presidential level without using Brainwashing, and a coincidence that Jin Sejeong posted malicious comments on every article and fanned the flames to raise the firepower.

All of it was a coincidence.

And because of that, one thing ended up fizzling out.

"That's a bit of a shame."

"What is?"

"I was hoping the Assembly members would go out to the field and feel just how much the Awakened struggle."

"......"

Lee Sehee was at a loss for words, staring at me blankly.

"Were you serious about that?"

"Of course I was serious."

"...I think the Assembly members probably thought it was a scheme targeting their lives."

"Everyone values their own life so much. But it's not like everyone who goes out hunting dies. Unfortunate things only happen in a small minority of cases."

Then they should at least acknowledge how much the Awakened struggle on the front lines. Honestly, these people only care about themselves.

Should I just tell the President and have them forcibly summoned?

Though I doubted they'd actually listen even if I did.

"I guess there's no helping it."

I'd have to give up on it.

Putting that aside, as Lee Sehee said, this incident was indeed significant.

With the ruling party leadership resigning en masse, the Blue House's influence had grown stronger, and a political realignment was expected to follow—so the word was that the ultimate winners were the Blue House and me.

But why am I being included in that?

All I wanted was for things to get more convenient.

It's a truly baffling world.

After the conversation, Lee Sehee said it had been a productive time and offered to treat me to a meal. I politely declined.

"At least stay for lunch."

"There's something more interesting happening now."

"What is it?"

"A prank camera."

The target was Yunhee.

*

"Ugh, can I really do well?"

"You'll do fine."

Yunhee and I were on our way to the office.

Today was the day I'd agreed to do a collab broadcast with Yunhee.

The difference was that on my end it was a prank camera, while Yunhee thought it was a drinking mukbang.

"Dahyun made such a huge hit. If I show up and the reaction isn't great, that'd be kind of awkward."

"You've got a fresh appeal, so you'll probably do even better."

"Really? I didn't know you rated me that highly."

"You'll do well. Don't worry."

Because once the prank camera is revealed, it'll show on my face.

I'm looking forward to it too.

Unaware of my inner thoughts, Yunhee's expression brightens.

Hmm, I don't feel a single ounce of guilt.

Normally, when you deceive someone, shouldn't you feel sorry?

But if anything, I feel refreshed about this—I suppose that means there's been a lot building up over the years.

"Oh right, and do you know there's some guy going around posting malicious comments on every article about you?"

"Really?"

I think I know who it is.

"Yeah, he's so vicious that your fans are absolutely disgusted. They screenshot and send them around, but they still haven't caught him."

That's because it's you.

I even saw you writing them myself.

"Anyway, he's got some nerve."

"No kidding. If he gets caught, his head might get smashed in."

"W-what?"

Yunhee is startled.

When I turn my head, she hurriedly looks away.

Why are you avoiding my gaze?

With Intuition, Yunhee's tendencies, and the reaction she just showed, it wasn't hard to figure out.

"Are you posting malicious comments too?"

"N-no? Do you think I'd have time to do something so pointless?"

"Really?"

"Of course! What, you don't trust people now?"

Hmm, I really don't.

My Intuition was pointing straight at what she'd done.

Yunhee avoided my gaze, and a brief silence settled in.

In the meantime, we arrived at the office parking lot.

"Let's go up."

"Yeah, but it really wasn't me."

"Sure, sure."

You posted malicious comments, and I set up a prank camera.

I figure we can call it even.

When we arrived at the filming location, Yunhee looked around at the empty space with a bewildered expression.

"Huh? Why is there nothing here? Oppa, where's the food? I'm hungry."

I told Yunhee to stay on an empty stomach.

Yunhee, thinking it was a drinking mukbang, had faithfully followed that instruction.

The reason I'd ordered her to stay on an empty stomach was simple.

So she wouldn't throw up during the spar.

"Today's content is—"

"Hmm?"

"—a prank camera."

"What?"

And when I told her she'd be sparring with me, Yunhee's face went pale.

*

Jin Sejeong felt euphoria at the explosive reaction in the chat, while at the same time feeling restless at the sight unfolding before her eyes.

Is that really okay?

Today's content was Choi Junho's instructional spar, fronted by real-sibling chemistry.

But there was a slight complication.

As a content-within-content, Choi Junho had set up a prank camera on Choi Yunhee. Choi Yunhee had apparently come thinking today's broadcast was a drinking mukbang.

The hellish training that followed. Under Choi Junho's merciless coaching, Choi Yunhee was in such a mess that she spent more time rolling on the floor than standing.

Good heavens, on an empty stomach—thank goodness she won't throw up.

She was appalled at how completely different their way of thinking was, while at the same time letting out a dry laugh at herself for squeezing content ideas out of it.

Choi Yunhee cursing up a storm and Choi Junho's genuinely delighted expression were the picture of authenticity. The chat's reaction was also exploding with enthusiasm.

Finally, the spar ended.

Choi Yunhee, her energy completely drained, was a wreck, sprawled on the floor. Seeing her like that, no one would say the spar was rigged or that he went easy on her.

Jin Sejeong, seeing Choi Junho approach the camera, cautiously asked.

"T-Transcendent. Is this really okay?"

"Did something go wrong with the footage?"

"N-no. It's not that, but I just thought it might be a bit harsh......"

"I just did it the way I always do."

Choi Junho slightly turns his head. Choi Yunhee, lying spread-eagle on the floor, was gasping for breath and muttering, "Choi Junho, I'll kill you, I'm going to kill you. I'll kill you for sure."

Just hearing it sent chills down her spine.

The target of the curse, meanwhile, looked completely unbothered.

"I'll give her an allowance later."

"What? That'll work?"

"Peace between siblings is maintained through allowances."

"I don't think a normal amount would cut it—could you tell me how much?"

Jin Sejeong leaned in toward Choi Junho, and upon hearing the amount, nodded immediately.

"Could you invest for me too?"

That was how reflexively the words came out.

Even Choi Yunhee, who had been cursing throughout the spar, once she'd recovered some energy, did her cool-down exercises without complaint and returned.

"I mean, what can I do? My one and only brother is like that, so I have to adjust. And I know he's not actually trying to get me hurt."

Nodding at those words, Jin Sejeong thought what an incredible pair of siblings they were.

Overshadowed by Choi Junho's fame, Choi Yunhee was also a promising Hunter belonging to Shinseong Guild. Her skill and results were outstanding for her level, and her reputation was excellent.

She was such a remarkable talent that it was a shame she was hidden behind her brother's presence.

Choi Yunhee's true excellence showed when she stopped Choi Junho, who was about to choose soybean paste hot pot for the after-party menu, and dragged him to a hanwoo restaurant.

Everyone on the team cheered at their first-ever hanwoo company dinner.

Around the time everyone was stuffing themselves with hanwoo, Choi Yunhee approached Jin Sejeong.

"You know I got thoroughly pranked today, right?"

"Yes. I wasn't involved."

"I know. It was obviously an idea that came out of that good-for-nothing's head. So here's the thing—help me out next time."

"How can I help?"

"I got tricked, so now it's my turn to trick him. Please."

The channel owner was Choi Junho, and she wanted to prank Choi Junho himself.

...That's a really good idea.

Suddenly all sorts of ideas came to mind.

Jin Sejeong subtly feigned hesitation.

"...I might get fired, you know?"

"My brother's not that kind of person. Trust me. Got it?"

"Yes."

And so they smiled, hatching their sly plan.

But then she made eye contact with Choi Junho, who had been watching them.

"Ah......"

"Team Leader?"

"Oh, it's nothing."

She couldn't bring herself to admit they were doomed.

And the next day.

Jin Sejeong ended up confessing everything under Choi Junho's persistent interrogation.

"If Yunhee says anything, please let me know then. Understood?"

"...Yes."

Poor Choi Yunhee.

Jin Sejeong apologized a million times in her heart.

*

The President, who held the key to the ruling party's restructuring, looked more energized than ever.

Well, that's politicians for you—they wither away when they can't hold power. Perhaps now, when he could wield power vigorously, was the President's prime.

"It's all thanks to Transcendent Choi Junho."

"I only helped a little."

"Say that and this side is grateful."

I knew the President had a purpose in summoning me, so I quietly waited for him to get to the point.

There was no reason for two people who both knew the game to hide their intentions from each other.

Sure enough, the President cleared his throat and began speaking with some difficulty.

"Actually, I called you because I have a favor to ask. It's a request that came from the Japanese side."

"Please go ahead."

"Japan is currently at war with the League. It had been fairly evenly matched, but this time they apparently managed to land a significant blow."

"Good for them."

"However, the League is preparing a counterattack. Two transcendents are scheduled to provide support, and one of them is reportedly a member of the Twelve Zodiac."

The League's Twelve Zodiac.

The term refers to the twelve transcendents excluding the Three Evils, the founders of the League, and signifies members evaluated as the highest tier among transcendents.

They were known to possess martial might comparable to the strongest transcendent a major power could field, so two transcendents joining meant that even Japan could suffer enormous damage in an all-out war.

"I believe you declined their request for help last time."

"With the Twelve Zodiac involved, the situation has changed. In fact, Japan isn't so much in a crisis as they are thinking of joining forces to strike a blow against the League."

The problem was that Japan, which had to remain wary of monsters, couldn't mobilize its full strength.

"You think we should help, President."

"Correct. Considering our national interest, I believe helping is the right call."

"Sounds like you've been promised a lot."

"Naturally, I intend to share it with Transcendent Choi Junho."

A request for help from Japan.

Argos's words still echo in my mind.

He said I was born to be a villain.

I'm someone who spent my entire past life regretting it bitterly, struggling desperately to escape from being the Blood Lord.

It was unpleasant that all that effort was being dismissed by a few words from that bastard.

Who's the villain here?

I need to straighten him out so he never says that again.

"I'll help."

It's not like I'd be staying long anyway—just a short trip when needed.

"Thank you."

The President smiled broadly as well.

*

A woman with brown hair, appearing to be in her late thirties, radiating a voluptuous allure, entered the room.

Her gaze turned to Argos, seated in a chair.

He looked sculpted as always.

Feeling playful, she wrapped her arms around Argos from behind and spoke.

"It's been a while, Argos. How have you been? You're handsome as ever today."

"Let go of me, Constantine."

"I told you to call me Tina casually. And between us, this much skinship is only natural."

"This is an official setting."

"So uptight."

Clicking her tongue lightly, Constantine released her hold and sat across from Argos.

The furniture arrangement still showed no sense of aesthetic taste.

Clicking her tongue inwardly, she got to the point.

"You said you had something for me?"

"I want you to go to Japan."

Constantine tilted her head.

"Are you thinking of taking it over?"

"No, we're going to set a trap. I need your power."

"Sounds like there's someone you want dead."

"Yes, I need your curse."

Witch Doctor Constantine.

A member of the League's Twelve Zodiac and a transcendent.

Her direct combat ability is weak, but her curses, which activate when conditions are met, make her a transcendent whose power is feared even more than the Three Evils.

She is the transcendent that all other transcendents dread.

Since Argos had never made a request like this before, Constantine was quite surprised.

"Who is it that my darling wants to kill? Just say the word. I'll kill them for you."

"Head Breaker, Choi Junho."

Constantine tilted her head once more.

"Isn't he the one you said you absolutely had to bring over?"

"That was once."

“It sounds like you’re saying not right now.”

“I’ve changed my mind.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s a villain.”

“What?”

Constantine’s expression turned incredulous. If he was a villain, shouldn’t that be even more reason to bring him in?

The League had swelled its ranks by exploiting the resentment villains held toward nations and individuals alike.

“Um, the world calls us the pinnacle of villains, you know? You, who founded the League, and me, who defected to it—we’re both villains. So what do you mean we have to eliminate Choi Junho because he’s a villain?”

“Because he’s a villain we can’t handle.”

It was an unprecedented situation—a villain organization rejecting a villain.

But Argos was resolute.

“Choi Junho is bound to become a villain someday. He has everything a villain needs. I thought that if we could embrace him, we could rule the world, but······.”

“But?”

“If he joins us, the League will be destroyed instead. I have to kill him before that happens.”