Episode 130. Heroes Assemble (1)

Si-woo, can you explain? Actually, I think you should.

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If you dont give me the details, Im going back. You and everyone here have dealt with many enemies together. No matter how strong and big the opponent was, we always fought bravely and won by firmly depending on each other. But What was that just now? Im embarrassed to say, but I was scared. I wanted to run away immediately instead of fighting.

As soon as we escaped with Sung Hyun-woos teleportation, Yoo Ji-yeon grabbed my shoulder and demanded an explanation. The others didnt say anything, but it seemed like their thoughts were similar. They were confused and frightened at the appearance of the unknown creature.

You saw the monsters swarming in, right?

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Every single one of them can wipe out a team of hunters. They are real invaders, incomparable to minor monsters, and too powerful for humans to deal with on their own.

I know. And I know there are hordes of them beyond the Land of Death. But thats not what Im asking you to explain. You know what I want you to tell me.

Yoo Ji-yeons tone was serious.

I closed my mouth for a moment, and she continued without pausing.

I dont have many people to take care of. My parents are dead, and I only have my grandmother living back in my hometown. I have no friends, no lovers. The only people Ive known for a long time are the people right here.

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Si-woo, I was falling behind at the Academy. If it werent for you, I might have been an apprentice, going from one magic guild to another, living a life that no one recognized. Im not afraid of losing my position or what Ive built up. I was just afraid Id die in vain. I was afraid I would die without being able to help and without knowing why.

Her fast-paced words were sincere.

Yeah, I knew.

I still remembered how she sacrificed herself to save other people until the very end. There was no way I couldnt know.

Mr. Si-woo.

Han Yeon-soo spoke up next.

While other people might not know, everyone here knows that you have a frightening amount of information about events that havent happened yet and creatures that havent appeared.

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Its probably thanks to some sort of ability you have. Or maybe theres some reason we dont know about. I wont ask you about that. I dont doubt you, either. Just like Yoo Ji-yeon said, theres only one thing we want to know.

The look in her eyes was very sincere as well.

Our enemy. That creature that could bring an end to humankind if things go wrong. The monster we just met that looked like a boy. What the hell is it?

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Dont hide anything, and dont be evasive. Just tell us everything you know. No one here wonders how or why you know. The people here at least trust you more than they trust themselves.

I know.

Han Yeon-soos voice was full of trust in me.

Perhaps an even deeper trust than what she showed me as one of the -Five Heroes- in my past life.

Whew.

I let out a deep sigh.

Yeah, I had to tell them. I could no longer just drop information.

I didnt care how the way they looked at me would change. All I wanted was to eradicate monsters from this world and bring an end to the Disaster.

Hes called the Great Overlord.

I spoke with difficulty.

Hes a monster that killed all of you when you were much stronger than you are right now. And he once destroyed this world when it was much more advanced and had more powerful hunters.

* * *

The Great Overlord.

In the past, his appearance was too sudden for humanity.

It was a time when the Returnee Situation had ended just a few years before, and people were happy. They said that peace was finally coming. And then, he appeared out of nowhere in the red sky.

-You should also feel the pain of losing your family.

-You should also feel the pain of being deprived of your land.

Legions of monsters that could single-handedly destroy cities poured in. The powerful United States collapsed overnight.

It was all because of what hunter Lee Young-ho did impulsively. Lee Young-ho ignored the Great Overlord begging him not to do it, and he trampled and killed a monster that the Great Overlord considered his family while toying with the boy. And, as a result, the boys hidden instinct as an invader was awakened.

-Im going to kill you all.

-And I will fill this world with my family.

-So that no one will get hurt again.

Humanity struggled to deal with monsters that were driven only by instinct. But what would happen if the monsters united and formed a group to invade at that moment?

-The front line has fallen.

It didnt take long for humankind to fall. He was too strong. And by the time I managed to find a way to fight him, I died. And then, I returned to the past.

Based on my analysis, there needs to be a

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formed aberration that didnt exist before. An individual that can put a dagger in his throat. But I also disrupted the flow of things. My plans completely fell apart, and the time sequence is all broken. To be honest, Im confused. Very, very confused.

I confessed that I had come back in time, that they had all died once, and that the world had ended. And yet, they did not shout Liar! and deny it, nor did they show any fear. Rather, they looked more relieved than before.

That isnt so bad.

What?

Well, we actually had a conversation earlier. We wondered whether you were the final enemy. We thought that maybe you were just messing with us all this time. Honestly, youve shown us how evil you could be. And sometimes, you seemed like the mastermind.

Wait, I was never like that.

Hehe. Im kidding.

Han Yeon-soo grinned broadly at my reaction. It was a naughty joke.

Back to the past Honestly, its hard to understand, but I think its the clearest way to explain who you are, Mr. Si-woo.

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So thats the answer. You made it that far in the past without any abilities. So why are you worried? Youve become so strong now. And you know a lot more, and you have all these trustworthy people. Dont make any more plans, and dont be confused. Just by your account, I think itll be okay to fight him. If I were the Great Overlord, I would be so scared after hearing your story that I wouldnt come out of the Land of Death.

What?

I mean, you know him better than he knows himself. And you know all the things he has yet to do. So, youll know how he will act and what strategies hell use. Isnt that terrifying? How could he come out? To make things worse, youre one of the strongest people alive.

What was she talking about?

I think shes right.

Said Sung Hyun-woo, as well.

Remember what the Great Overlord said in your memory? He said that you would have changed history if you had even an E-level or F-level skill.

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Sometimes, you worry too much. Youre much stronger than you think. And even if all of your powers disappear overnight, I think your presence alone will prevent humanity from being defeated. Thats what I think.

Before I knew it, their worried faces had brightened up.

Everyone seemed to be having similar thoughts.

[You only have good people by your side.]

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[I once dreamed of a team like this. I feel so proud. Is this vicarious satisfaction? Hahaha. It looks like Ill enjoy watching you for quite a while even after you save the world.]

The Traveler murmured quietly. He was right.

I only had good people around me.

Jeong Si-woo.

Seol Ah-rin opened her mouth.

Dont stay still and quiet. Do that thing where you go on like youre the best, and like you know everything. That super confident briefing. Do it.

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Youre not just going to sit there, are you? If hes that terrible, we need to attack him first as soon as possible. Lets go mad before he does. Lets wipe him off the face of the earth before people learn about that dangerous creature.

Her straightforward words were rather comforting.

Its very unlike you, but thanks for comforting me.

Yeah, so do it.

Ha, okay. Lets do it.

Tap, tap.

I tapped my knee a couple of times. Okay.

If we make a single mistake and he goes berserk, we die. And if we stay still and he becomes strong beyond control, we die.

Then, the right move was to do something instead of sitting still and feeling frustrated.

Ill start the briefing. I didnt prepare anything, and Im going to ramble based on the information in my head. So, listen with discretion, and interrupt me right away if theres anything wrong.

Taking care of the Great Overlord without making a single mistake?

It was high risk with a high return.

And that was my specialty.

Ill start with how to kill that monster that looks like a cute little boy.

A short conversation. Simple words of comfort.

And with that, the first Great Overlord briefing of my second life began.

* * *

Yes, so well provide you with everything. The Tower just needs one thing. If you could give us one of the magic devices you manufactured in the past.

One of the top three guilds, The Tower.

The big-shot leader of that organization, the -Tower Master-, was bowing down. He looked flustered.

It was a very rare sight. A man who could sweep up astronomical amounts of money in a few seconds was bowing to an old man who looked as shabby as a homeless person.

I dont think so. Why should I give you the magic device that I toiled away to make? And why are you willing to put up with such a loss? Why does the great Tower need this old mans stuff, anyway?

What do you mean old? Arent you one of the Great Sorcerers of the 1st generation? You even received more recognition than the -Flame Queen- in the rear position. I also remember that you were granted the title of Archmage from the Magic Association..

That was a long time ago. Its just an honorific title. And.. dont mention the dead by name. Youll mess with my sleep.

Oh, Im sorry.

The Tower Master scratched his head and smiled bitterly.

What a goddam picky old man.

He swore and cursed to himself. This had been going on for a week. The old man was praised as an Archmage during the first generation, and he was respected as the best wizard. If only his magic device werent the core keyword of the magic the Tower was studying, he wouldnt be here. And he wouldnt be undergoing this humiliation.

Just hang in there; just a little bit longer.

The Tower Master bowed down, forcing a smile.

And, at that moment

A cheerful ringtone rang in his pocket.

Oh, Im Im sorry. I made sure it was on vibrate, but why?

Dont bother. Just take it. Im not giving you my magic device, anyway.

No, Ill hang up. Its.

He couldnt believe he made such a mistake. Biting his lower lip, the Tower Master took out his cell phone.

However.

Oh, Im sorry. I have to take this call. Please excuse me for a moment.

The name on the screen was Prick.

It used to be Damn You Prick, but he simplified it because it was too long.

The Tower Master cleared his throat and then received the call.

Yes, Mr. Jeong Si-woo. This is the Tower Master. What are you calling about?

The Prick was Jeong Si-woo.

-Youre with that old man right now, arent you? The guy who never gives up his stuff even though hes broke.

Wait, Mr. Jeong Si-woo. Please, youre being a bit loud hes right in front of me.

-Whatever. I mean, why doesnt that old man have a cell phone in this time and age? And why doesnt he read his letters? I asked around, and they said you were meeting him. Do as I say. Repeat what Im saying, word for word, to the old man.

What?

-Dont ask and just repeat after me. Then hell give you the device right away.

The Tower Masters eyes shook. There was no way this stubborn old man would give it to him right away.

-And in return, you have to help me. Send all of the best Tower wizards to the place I texted you. Big Rifts are going to appear there soon.

What? If you keep saying things like that My head hurts.

-Whatever. Remember that, and just recite what I say. Here I go.

What? Oh, okay!

The Tower Master fumbled his reply. The old man frowned at the sight. What kind of person was making the publicly respected Tower Master so nervous?

Umm. Archmage, sir?

However.

Your son, who went missing a long time ago, is alive.

What the old man heard the next moment shattered everything he was thinking about.

What? What did you just!

And they say hes in bad condition right now. Hes in a vegetative state, and the hospital is thinking of euthanizing him. If you give me the device, Ill tell you where your son is And if you buy a cell phone, give me the number, and do everything I tell you to, I will give you medicine that will make him much healthier than before.

What are you talking about!

Crash!

The old mans shout turned the office completely upside down. The table broke down into dust, and the mugs rose into the air and were smashed to pieces. Hot coffee spilled down, and the light bulbs and windows were shattered.

The Tower Master trembled for a moment. For a split second, the mana shield he always instinctively cast around him almost broke. He was a legend of the 1st generation. Although old, his power was no less than that of any currently active wizards.

Um You youd better get going.

Explain. Do you think Im going to do as you wish before you give me an explanation? What did you just.

Your sons name is Son Tae-sung, right? Do as I say. It will be good for both of us.

The old mans face turned pale.

The Tower Masters face also hardened. The voice over the phone was giving him goosebumps.

What kind of person knows these things? HowHow

Just by looking at the old mans reaction, he could tell that it was true.

Device, the device. Ill hand it over. Quick.

The old mans desperate voice made the Tower Master feel a little guilty. But before he could do anything, Jeong Si-woo repeated the hospitals location, and the Tower Master repeated it. As soon as he heard the location, the old man practically threw something he took from his inner pocket and disappeared.

-He rushed out, didnt he? The device will probably be what you need. He goes crazy when it comes to things related to his son.

The Tower Master looked dumbfounded. A weeks hard work had just ended in a minute.

-Dont feel too bad about it. His son isnt actually that sick. The hospital just thinks its serious because its an unknown illness. Normally, I wouldnt have gone to such extremes, but. I cant help it right now. I need all the help I can get.

Oh.

-And do as I say. Like you just saw, theres nothing I dont know. Do your best at what I tell you to do before I do anything about it.

Yes, yes! Of course! Have I ever let you down?

The Tower Master exaggeratingly replied. He was now even more afraid of Jeong Si-woo.

-Yeah, keep up the good work.

Beep.

And with that, he hung up. At the same time, the Tower Master slumped to the floor. He was exhausted.

Hugh what just happened?

The Tower Master tried to calm himself.

He had no idea.

That very day, due to several phone calls and letters, not only 1st generation hunters that used to be praised as heroes but also hunters currently considered legends would gather at one spot in the front line.