She knows (3)

-Eunahs whisper: Zeus is actually Its a mercenary guild made by my parents. Thats why he called me that way.

Kang Shin-hyuk, having heard the story already from Claire, had to work hard to act like he was hearing it for the first time.

-Your parents? Thats shocking.

He had replied with a very common response, but Shin Eunah slightly glared at him as if there was something she didnt like about his message. Then, she gestured for Zeuss submaster, Kang-yul Lee, to step back.

Ive nothing to do with Zeus, so you dont have to come and say hello every time.

The master and the madam are forever waiting for the young lady to return.

Not a chance.

Shin Eunah dismissed his words and climbed into the elevator after grabbing Kang Shin-hyuks hand. Perhaps because of the mood, Kang-yul Lees eyes gleamed as he watched.

You two have a good relationship.

Have you already gone to the meeting?

Oops, it looks like I held you up. Then, we will see you at the meeting in a minute.

The man withdrew, and the two climbed into the elevator. When the door closed, Shin Eunah let out a sigh of relief.

I really hate it.

I roughly guessed.

I dont know what kind of trick theyll pull.

Im fourth in the world ranking. He said so in the hope of relieving her, and Shin Eunah smiled a little. However, she hadnt let go of his hand yet.

Did you hear why I have two traits?

Yes, when we did the dimensional quest together.

Yes inside Zeus, that project is still ongoing.

Why? He had heard that her parents were leading the artificial superhuman project because they wanted their child to be the best superhuman in the world. Did it mean anything to make someone other than their child superhuman?

To those people, I wonder if they cant protect themselves anymore. Im already the strongest, and I dont represent them.

It sounded as if they were trying to cut off their relationship with their child just because they couldnt control her. She smiled bitterly at Kang Shin-hyuk.

Instead, they started obsessing over strengthening themselves. The mercenaries belonging to Zeus those mercenaries with remodeled bodies are just used for their data.

Because they cant trust anyone else, theyll make themselves the strongest.

Yes. It would be impossible as long as I was there.

Kang Shin-hyuk nodded at Shin Eunahs frantic explanation. People still didnt know her true ability; only Kang Shin-hyuk and Claire did. Her remarkable trait, [Master of Mana]. Controlling and realizing the magic of all kinds, she was gradually growing stronger at every moment, breaking through the limits of her potential.

Huh? But why did that person come and say hello then? If you give up on my senior, wouldnt ignoring them make more sense?

Well, isnt it because they noticed Im looking for a chance to catch them?

Kang Shin-hyuk exclaimed, oh. In modern times, human testing was naturally prohibited, and the terrible task of experimenting with things that were dangerous enough to lead to death couldnt be tolerated. Perhaps one of the reasons Shin Eunah joined the association; it suddenly occurred to him, was for the power to manage the superhumans in Korea and imprison them. He couldnt guess at the deep feelings she held towards her parents, but nor could he bear the sight of her suffering, so he impulsively grabbed her hand.

If I can help you, tell me. Ill help you with anything I can.

The elevator reached their floor. However, Shin Eunah pressed the close button to stop the door from opening and looked back at him.

To help me as my grandpa?

It wouldve been comfortable if she could nod, but for her independence, she had to deny it even if Kang Shin-hyuks heart agreed with her.

I told you not to use the word grandpa. I mean, because youre a precious person to me, I will help. Just dont misunderstand that part.

Yeah, I understand.

It mustve not been the expected answer, as Shin Eunah nodded with a bitter expression and looked away. He had certainly chosen the right answer. Kang Shin-hyuk chose to believe in that and held her hand gently.

I said, I know.

Her murmur was too small to be heard by him.

***

Thank you, everyone, for gathering in the midst of this hectic time.

Han Soo-yeon, the head of the Korean Superhuman Association, bowed her head to those gathered around the table. It felt odd for Kang Shin-hyuk to see the face of the woman he had seen on TV occasionally, but it was the same for the other people who were watching him. He had never appeared on official business, and his exposure was extremely limited. Some people, in particular, were thrilled to see him with the Thunder Empress, but it wasnt something he knew about.

I think everyone knows the reason we are gathered here thats right. It is to discuss the expedition project to the African continent.

Im hearing it for the first time. I just heard it for the first time! Africa? Which fell into the monsters grasp in the early days of the gates? Are you crazy?

No matter how much humanity had grown, Africa was a different place altogether. Monsters had been multiplying there, left unattended all this time. They had even devoured other species to grow further. And, after decades of neglect, the gates generated were innumerable. It was a literal hell that had been turned into the ideal environment for the monsters there.

-Youve never been there, but you know a lot, member.

Thats because there was a picture of it from a satellite. It was terrifying. A monster noticed the satellite was pointing at it with a camera and shot it down with a beam.

-There were such monsters on Earth as well. If it can shoot down a satellite at that altitude, it would be SSS+ rank.

Right. I can shoot a beam now too, but maybe thats

It might be possible if Phoibos were refined with the brazier.

Really? Really!

-700,000HP bonus!

He didnt understand the bonus at that timing, but that was fine. The problem right now wasnt a space beam, but these insane humans daring to enter Africa.

Someday, they will cross over to other continents. In fact, the Middle Eastern countries adjacent to Africa are on the verge of collapse. When they fall, Europe is next, then Asia. It wont be too long now.

The massive occurrence of gates that took place half a year ago if it happened on the same scale in Africa, it will be really dangerous.

Kang Shin-hyuk nodded along with the conversation. How many gates had appeared in Korea alone over the last half-year? They were also high-level gates of B-rank or higher. If such a thing had been happening in Africa, it wouldve led to a consolidation of power, which meant the already terrible situation there had somehow only grown worse.

More than anywhere else, they are in Africa.

Baekyangs submaster, Lee Jin-young, spoke up. Vanguards new submaster, Lim Hoon, calmy nodded.

Jormungand.

It might be a bit rough to the Vanguard submaster, but

Not at all.

Someone at the meeting spoke up to jab at Vanguards representative, but Lim Hoon responded firmly.

Vanguard is ready to do anything to kill Jormungand. We cannot be forgiven for the former masters negligence, but at least we will make up for the damage he inflicted on humanity. No, even more than that.

Vanguards ability is always dependable.

Thats right. It has been confirmed that Jormungands main force interacts and even communicates with the monsters in Africa.

The chair proceeded with the meeting.

Now that we have successfully overcome the crisis of the mass outbreak of gates, we can say that we have attained the minimum qualification needed for a successful expedition to Africa. Not only the Korean Superhuman Association, but also the United States, the UK, the European Union, China, and Russia will be alongside us.

Its an absurdly large operation.

The Korean troops will be accompanied by a representative Danish superhuman, Bridget Poulsen.

Doesnt Denmark belong to the European Union?

There are no high-rankers in Denmark other than Miss Poulsen. Therefore, Miss Poulsen has decided to act as an elite with our high-rankers and transfer some of the achievements to the Danish side.

Well.

Its a benefit.

She couldve joined the elite unit of the European Union. Huh.

If they successfully conquered Africa, the rewards would be enormous. The environment that had been eroded and changed to that of a different world would have resources buried within it. Furthermore, by-products and even artifacts could be obtained from the monsters there. Most of those who were participating held that hope, but even so, the most important thing was safety. The sense of security that could be obtained by bringing Bridget Poulsen, the worlds ranked seven, was something they wanted to gain, even if it meant giving up a portion of the profits.

Miss Poulsen must have had many choices other than us, but how did you get her?

Is there any backlash from the European Union?

Denmark is still trying to withdraw from the Union, which is why they have done little to help Denmarks defenses. It seems there was such a conflict again. By the way, Miss Poulsen has a close relationship with the Empress

Huh.

Between the worlds rank 1 and 7?

Even the 4th place, death puppeteer

For this expedition, having three top-rankers grouped together in the same team was reassuring, but for the competitive spirit of the top-rankers in other guilds, it was an unpleasant sight. However, they couldnt show any discomfort here, so everyone just groaned inside and clapped.

Korea will certainly lead.

If we leave a meaningful mark on Africa, we can bring Koreas status back

up.

Our guild, Zeus, wants to walk that glorious path with you.

Baekyang, too, of course.

Then, I would like to move onto a more concrete discussion

The chairman tried to follow up, but suddenly Shin Eunah jabbed Kang Shinhyuks thigh. He hadnt said much yet, but it meant that he should speak up as the others were already confirming his participation. Kang Shin-hyuk knew well that it was pointless. In fact, when she brought him here, she mustve been thinking they couldnt fail if they were together.

Only

I cant back out. From a social standpoint, as well as for my personal beliefs, its not possible.

The African continent, and Jormungand. Kang Shin-hyuk resolved his heart just by repeating those two things in his head. So, instead of opening his mouth and saying something, he quietly held Shin Eunahs hand under the table. She flinched briefly but immediately became calm and leaned toward him very slightly.

-Member, mistake! This is a mistake!

The administrator was noisy, but it couldnt be helped. The first thing he needed to do was calm his granddaughters heart. He knew it wasnt good, but still, it couldnt be helped.

Well, I know its really ridiculous

Meanwhile, Baekyangs submaster, Lee Jin-young, his eyes gleamed as he watched them. Apparently, he had noticed the two holding hands under the table. It was his mistake in overlooking the fact that only excellent superhumans had gathered here.

So, who the hell are you dating, Shin Eun-hyuk?

The conference hall froze.