Chapter 12


    The mass disappearance of viins that urred in Ansan.


    The news of the disappearance of more than 50 viins was announced when the people who had been kidnapped by the viin organization Big Ten, which had been operating in Ansan, were released.


    As soon as the report was received, government hunters and police, including the viin task force, were dispatched and hunters from Seoul joined the scene.


    The analyst who saw the scene shook his head and eximed, Ive seen many scenes, but Ive never seen a disappearance scene this clean.


    The viins belonging to the Big Ten had beenpeting with several multinational organizations located in Ansan. ording to the analyst, their level of danger was much higher than their level due to their extensivebat experience.


    Each and every one of them was a presence that was close to a disaster for civilians. However, it was clear from the evidence left at the scene that they had been massacred without even putting up proper resistance.


    The names mentioned were also dazzling. Berserker, Executioner, Dollmaker, ck Reaper, and other dangerous viins in South Korea were mentioned.


    However, when you look at their abilities and tendencies, it was clear that they were not the culprits.


    So a new name, Eraser, emerged. It was the emergence of a giant viin that could shake the national power of South Korea.


    Some of the truth behind what happened at the factory was revealed when a support department hunter with the Rey Gift arrived.


    This, this is a one-sided massacre. Ahh!


    As she reyed the scene, she fainted with a scream.


    Two hourster, as the person with the Rey Gift regained herposure, she screamed in a pale voice.


    You, you must never confront them! Never!


    She exined that she had only seen a few moments. This was something that only awakened individuals who had reached Level 8, the area that dominated force, could do.


    Rey added one more piece of information here.


    The culprit was purely evil.


    It was a one-sided act of violencemitted by a being with absolute power. Like a young child, innocently tearing apart the wings of a moth, suddenly tearing off its body.


    The analyst spoke in ce of Rey, who could no longer speak.


    Perhaps this attack on us was a kind of amusement for the culprit and a warning for us. Thats why Rey was allowed to see the situation on-site. They are saying that if we keep chasing after them, we will be their prey.


    Ill make a note of it in the report. Thank you for your hard work, said Jung Da-hyun, who had been watching the scene.


    She nodded her head with a firm expression.


    The number of strong viins was increasing day by day.


    That was why the momentum of the viins was getting stronger.


    She hade out of the Sacred Guild to eliminate the viins.


    However, the viins with powerful strength were ying with this world as if it were their yground, mocking the people who lived correctly and trampling on them.


    ...


    If it was Choi Jun-ho, would he do things differently?


    Unhesitating hands, firm standards. Would he have ignored the warning left by the culprit?


    Perhaps Da-hyun thought that if it were Choi Jun-ho, he could have even caught the culprit.


    She could not know where his unofficial Level 7 limit was.


    Confidence that came from overwhelming power. His own firm standards. Freedom that was not bound by the justice of the world.


    That was the charm that Choi Jun-ho possessed.


    On the other hand, she felt pathetic about herself. The moment she realized the opponent was a Level 8 viin, she gave up the chase.


    She justified it to herself with the excuse that she couldnt push the people gathered here into death.


    Sir.


    Jung Da-hyun woke up from her reverie at the analysts call.


    Finish the investigation and search for the bodies. And start the manhunt for the viin that would be called Eraser. Gather any evidence that can be rted to him.


    Yes.


    And also report on anything rted to the vice-mayor of Ansan. That part is the most important.


    Evidence emerged during the investigation that the vice-mayor of Ansan had stayed at the scene.


    Understood.


    ***


    Recently, I was finally reprimanded. I seeded in arresting Wang Ju-yeol and clearing out the viins involved, but there were ovepping issues such as missing reports, independent actions, and the arrest of a superior officer without proper evidence.


    Originally, I could have received a heavier punishment, but it was only one month of suspension.


    It was a level of punishment that barely had any effect.


    When I arrived early in the morning, Jung Da-hyun, who had worked overnight the previous night, greeted me with a tired face.


    Mr. Jun-ho, did you rest well yesterday?


    Yes, I slept well. How about you, Miss Da-hyun?


    I had an emergency mission yesterday, so I couldnt sleep properly because of the investigation.


    Then how about some soybean paste stew for lunch?


    Soybean paste stew is my love.


    It was a moment when I learned that its good to have someone at work with simr tastes.


    When not working outside the office, I usually handle paperwork rted to other departments, and it was very easy to handle this task.


    In the end, reviewing documents was about determining whether there were any abnormalities. One could distinguish between what was problematic and what was not by using their intuition. Sometimes problematic documents came up, but when they didnt, the work was finished in no time.


    Did you enjoy your vacation yesterday?


    While enjoying lunch, I answered obediently to Jung Da-hyuns question.


    Yes, it wasnt bad because I met some friends. I went to visit a friends younger brother who was very sick.


    Oh...


    Dont look at me like that. Although its a rare disease, it seems to be well under control.


    Thats really fortunate.


    My friend would have beenforted to know that you were concerned, Miss Da-hyun.


    Yes.


    Although I was curious about why Jung Da-hyun asked, I didnt ask her because of her serious expression.


    Humans were animals that continuously think and reflect repeatedly. Thinking was good because it could lead to discovering answers and finding new directions.


    Anyway.


    Something big happened in Ansan.


    Although I sessfully removed the bodies, it was outrageous that the perpetrator was still atrge.


    It was a fairly grandiose name.


    South Korea was in an uproar over the possibility that a Level 8 viin had appeared.


    People around were filled with concerns about what kind of political changes the appearance of the perpetrator might bring.


    At such times, it was tricky to admit that Big Ten had been cleaned up.


    If I could only say that the viin was actually a government hunter or a normal person, thismotion might calm down a bit.


    It would be a great loss if I had to work overtime and prepare for this unnecessarily.


    That being said, I couldnt reveal it now. I had decided to remain silent to protect my freedom to walk around confidently in broad daylight.


    Even though I hade back to my senses now, my family was still a sore point. I wanted tofort them for the pain they had endured because of me and help them to feel better.


    <em>Instead of getting into trouble, why dont you focus on what youre doing and work hard? Then Mom and Dad will be happy, wont they?</em> Yoon-hee said, but I still thought its not enough.


    This was true for both my parents and my younger sister who was pretending to be carefree in front of me.


    Tomorrow, Yoon-hee was going to take the test for the Sacred Guild.


    As thergest guild in Korea, the Sacred Guild required a three-stage offline evaluation to take the test. She had to pass everything and then take the practical test tomorrow.


    I thought that she would pass.


    However, I didnt feel like just waiting for her toe back from the test. I wanted to prepare something to wish her luck.


    Then I remembered something I saw on the inte.


    <em>People also make choctes for Valentines Day.</em>


    What if I made a gift to wish her sess in the test?


    Determined, I stopped by the store to buy the necessary supplies while Yoon-hee went out to do the final check.


    ***


    Tests always came with tension. If the tension was too high, people might not be able to perform at their best and make mistakes.


    However, in the final check-up process today, Choi Yoon-hee didnt feel any tension at all.


    Its not because she felt vague difficulty or bleakness about the test. She felt like she had an easy task to aplish, even though the test was tomorrow.


    <em>Is cency?</em>


    She didnt expect to have this kind of thought about the test for the Sacred Guild.


    She wondered if I was beingcent, but when she thought about it calmly, she realized it wasnt. Underlying it was the memory of relying on her older brother until now.


    <em>Even if he ended up having many enemies, Im confident of his abilities.</em>


    There might be a loose screw in his head, but at least she was certain of his abilities.


    She still wondered why he became a government hunter, but if hes satisfied with it, theres nothing more to say.


    She wished he would take care more of himself. In that regard, she was d that Jung Da-hyun was there to take care of him.


    <em>Since theyre both working together, I wish they both could do well.</em>


    Jung Da-hyun was one of Koreas most talented people.


    Although the controversy surrounding her appearance in the Sacred Guild had decreased somewhat, her beauty, skills, and charm were all top-notch, making her more popr than most girl groups.


    On the other hand, her brother, who seemed to have a loose screw, was...


    She regrettedparing him to Jung Da-hyun.


    <em>His skills are good, so if he just gets his act together, he could have potential.</em>


    Thinking that far, she realized she was looking too far ahead and snickered.


    The next thought was about getting out of being unemployed.


    Choi Yoon-hee, who had stayed upte packing, returned home, where she was greeted by a sweet scent that was different from usual.


    Im back.


    Oh, youre back?


    What are you doing?


    This... smelled like crap.


    As she approached the dining table, she could see what her older brother had prepared.


    A good luck present for you passing.


    On the day before the exam, Yoon-hee received an invitation from her brother for arge-sized piece of Yeot. (<strong>T/N</strong>: traditional Korean taffy).


    The feeling... wasnt particrly good.


    ***


    After giving Yoon-hee a good luck present and dropping her off at the exam site the next day, I headed to the Sacred Group headquarters nearby.


    How may I assist you?


    As I approached the front desk, a well-dressed woman smiled and asked.


    Im here to meet Director Lee Se-hee.


    Do you have an appointment with the director?


    No, I dont.


    Im sorry, but its difficult to contact her if theres no prior appointment.


    Just tell her that Choi Joon-ho is here.


    Im sorry. There are so many people who ask for that, you see.


    I see.


    Yes, Im sorry again.


    I faced an unexpected difficulty. I had thought about asking Jung Da-hyun for Lee Se-hees number, but I hadnt bothered to ask because not all goodbyes in the world were beautiful. Considering how the former left the Sacred Guild.


    Should I go back and find out her contact information today?


    As I pondered, I saw a familiar faceing into the building.


    Hey, there.


    ...!


    The person who saw me seemed surprised and quickly looked around before hurrying over to me. It was the bodyguard that he had seen before at the National Security Agency.


    Why have youe here?


    I came to see the head of operations.


    Why?


    Its personal.


    The bodyguards expression hardened, either because I didnt reveal the reason, or because he was scared.


    Was it because I broke both his armsst time?


    I tried to smile to ease the tension, but his expression only worsened. Disappointed, I waited quietly for his response, and he spoke cautiously.


    Ill report to the head of operations.


    Please do.


    He approached the front desk employee and spoke to her, and I could hear that a meeting had been scheduled for 30 minutester with a much more polite expression.


    We took the exclusive elevator and arrived at the 35th floor in no time. When the door opened and I stepped outside, I saw Lee Se-hee wearing simple makeup and round sses, unlikest time.


    Wee, Mr. Jun-ho.


    Im sorry foring here so suddenly.


    Lee Se-hee sighed deeply at my apology.


    Please let me know in advance next time. You have to give me time to prepare. I cant meet people like this usually.


    I was not sure whats different from usual.


    When my inner thoughts came out, Lee Se-hee smiled and handed me her business card.


    As I put it in my pocket, Lee Se-hee looked at me with bright eyes.


    So, what brings you to see me? Did you suddenly feel sorry for how we left things thest time we met?


    Thats not it.


    Please feel free to speak informally to me. Im the same age as Dahyun.


    I was still talking with Jeong Da-hyun using formal speech, but in this situation where I came to make a request, it was only polite to listen to the other person.


    I want to make a deal.


    What kind of deal?


    A friends younger sibling is sick. I want to admit them to Sacred Hospital.


    ...Sacred Hospital is controlled by my father. It may take some time.


    Im not asking for it to be free. Ive prepared an urgent fee.


    I took out the Shavel Tiger heart that I had prepared in advance.


    Thats...


    Lee Se-hees eyes widened.


    It was the Shavel Tiger heart with a Level 6 danger level. It looked like a blue gem and was a useful energy source in itself. It was not easy to obtain something that had a level 6 Force.


    I began to inject Force into the heart.


    <em>Zap! Crackling!</em>


    The chaotic Force that had been moving inside the heart began to surge. I untangled the threads of Force that were hanging on the tips of my fingers and neatly organized the Force that was standing in the heart, so that it could be fully utilized.


    To give an analogy, it was like reorganizing the twists and turns of a flowing river into a straight line.


    When the intense and boiling force hadpletely stabilized, the heart became a blue gem. It was a processing technique that I had learned in my previous life, when I was a viin worse than a credit defaulter and had to eat and live.


    Ill take a look at that.


    Lee Se-hee looked anxious and reached out her hand, but I pulled back slightly.


    Wait a minute! How did you do that? And whats with that processing method? Why are you pulling back? Please show it me.


    Lee Se-hee grabbed my arm and pleaded like a child who had just had her candy stolen.