Chapter 12

EP.12 Trap

Two days later, Friday night, Antarctica Secret Base.

I was watching the second demon that would soon be released, alongside Marcella.

*Screech! Screech!*

A chilling sound that echoed even underwater.

It felt like the sound waves were transmitting through the monitor.

The second demon was a massive aquatic creature resembling an anemone.

A being with thousands of long, sticky tentacles, destined to appear in the waters off Incheon.

In the center, a single ominous eye, as large as a car tire, scanned its surroundings.

This creature’s name was Aktoa, a rather unlucky demon that used its tentacles to snatch living beings and drain their life force.

It was a demon meant to test Leona’s combat skills and judgment, and also one that would significantly boost her fame.

*‘If Leona loses to this thing, will she get violated by these tentacles in every hole?’*

I’ve never lost while playing, so I don’t know, but given the flow of magical girl-themed adult games, it’s probably the case.

Anyway, this guy’s intelligence is on par with Amducias.

Whenever it appears, it wreaks havoc everywhere, searching for living beings.

However, since it’s an aquatic creature, it causes less damage to its surroundings compared to Amducias.

Though its tentacles make it seem difficult to deal with, it’s actually quite easy to defeat if you just poke its central eye.

Crossing my arms, I watched Aktoa and asked, “Did you enhance it through modifications?”

“No. Leona should be able to finish it off quickly.”

“Make some slight improvements. Either put a shield over its eye or make its tentacles tougher.”

“But… wouldn’t that put Leona in danger?”

“Leona needs to overcome dangerous situations because of me and gradually rely on me more. She needs to face a crisis at least once. Besides, Aktoa won’t be able to do anything to Leona. I’ll handle it.”

Marcella understood my words.

She let out an “Ah…” of admiration and said, “So, when Leona is in danger, the Demon King will reveal Aktoa’s weakness and guide her to victory… Is that what you mean?”

“Exactly.”

“Ah… I, Marcella, have understood the profound intentions of the Demon King.”

“If you understand, start immediately. Also, emit enough portal energy for Dr. Cash to detect. But don’t make it too big. Just enough to raise some alarms. The location is Incheon.”

“Yes!”

“Then, I’ll be heading back.”

Returning home via the portal, I thought to myself.

It’s about time to give Sehwa her activity name.

Beast Slayers use activity names.

Leona, Yuria, Rozé, Caroline, and Celine.

These were the names from Chapters 1 to 5.

Except for Yuria, all of them used aliases, and currently, Sehwa didn’t have the name Leona.

Originally, Dr. Cash would give her the name after dealing with Aktoa.

But this time, it’s different.

I’ll take the initiative and give her the name Leona.

I need to guide everything about Sehwa.

Until she becomes utterly obsessed with me.

**

*Vrooom!*

The smooth hum of the engine.

I couldn’t help but exclaim in awe as I boarded Dr. Cash’s transport.

“Wow…”

Dr. Cash scolded me.

“You’ve ridden this before, why are you so amazed?”

“I was injured last time. Today, I’m fine.”

“Right… I suppose. Make sure to properly learn how to use the machines. Especially the ones inside this transport. You need to master them perfectly.”

“Why me?”

“Because I’m hiring you as my assistant.”

Got it. The fact that I tinkered with various parts during my two visits to the lab must have left an impression.

I’m happy, but I need to control my expression.

I put on a bewildered look.

“…. Assistant?”

Sehwa was the same, her eyes wide as she alternated her gaze between me and Dr. Cash.

But there was a faint hint of joy in her expression.

“What? Don’t like it? It’s a chance to play with the futuristic gadgets you love.”

“No… it’s just so sudden… and you’re being so coercive…”

“You’re already deeply involved in this. Why do you think I took you to the lab, not just Sehwa? Why do you think I let you mess with my precious items without a word?”

“I didn’t mess them up. I restored them to normal, didn’t I?”

“Such machine-enthusiast pride. I’ll acknowledge your skills. So, let’s do well from now on, my quirky assistant.”

I acted dumbfounded, stretching my hands out like a soccer player arguing with a referee.

Dr. Cash continued.

“I have another name that carries weight in the world. If I write you a recommendation letter under that name, your future will be set. I guarantee it. I’ll even let you attend school part-time.”

Dr. Cash’s other name? Of course, I knew it.

Isabel Parsons, a renowned futurist scientist known worldwide.

Parsons was Dr. Cash’s former surname.

It was the surname she used before marrying her now-deceased husband.

Isabel is just an alias.

The reason she can secretly run a lab is thanks to the Parsons name.

Even the more prominent doctors request research and analysis help from Parsons, paying her handsomely. Her reputation is beyond words.

“What’s the name?”

“I don’t reveal my face or activities often. But you’ll definitely be surprised when you hear it. I guarantee it.”

“Haah…”

I let out a deep sigh and pretended to reluctantly agree.

“How much will you pay me?”

“You’re already rich. Just work for free.”

“…..”

“As a mere college student, you’ll get to handle materials and energies you’d never see otherwise. That alone should be merit enough, right?”

“That’s true, but…”

“You don’t have a choice. Let’s end the discussion here.”

I could only laugh at her inwardly.

Does she even know who’s the one without a choice here?

Don’t regret it later.

With that thought, I sighed again.

“Sigh… They say a dog’s life is a happy one. My future looks so bleak…”

Hearing that, Sehwa, who had been quietly observing, covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.

When I looked at her with a resigned expression, she shrugged her shoulders once.

With a bright smile, as if saying, “Please take care of me.”

It felt like just yesterday she was holding my hand tightly, sniffling, but now she’s all cheerful.

So fickle, so fickle.

I smiled weakly at her and turned my gaze to the monitor.

“Where are we heading now?”

“Incheon. See the skull stick on the top right of the monitor?”

“Yes.”

“That’s the energy information from when that big-mouthed monster appeared. I named this energy ‘Evil Energy.’”

Naming it the same as in the game… It doesn’t fit at all. Couldn’t you have chosen a different name?

I said, “It’s a fitting name. Did you analyze it?”

“Analysis was impossible. All I could do was read the information. If only I could analyze it, I could prevent such incidents in advance… It’s frustrating.”

Her tone sounded hurt.

Well, she prides herself as one of the top talents on Earth, so failing to analyze it must sting.

Still, being able to read this energy to some extent proves she’s a genius.

“So, this skull stick represents the Evil Energy Gauge? It’s about 10% full…”

“Correct. It occurred this morning in the sea between Ganghwa and Yeongjong Island, and it stopped rising just there. Compared to when the big-mouthed monster appeared… I predict this monster will appear when the gauge reaches over 80%. We’re heading there for investigation and exploration.”

It’s not 80%.

The current Evil Energy Gauge is quite accurate, with a margin of error of exactly –10%.

At 90%, the portal will open.

“I… see… Is there a chance the monster might suddenly pop out?”

“Who knows? It’s best to be prepared. And… Sehwa.”

When Dr. Cash called Sehwa’s name, she flinched.

Sehwa had been scolded by Dr. Cash in the lab before departure.

Why hadn’t she charged her device? What would she do if a monster suddenly appeared?

“Yes…? Yes?”

“13% is absolutely, absolutely impossible. You know what I mean, right?”

“Ah, I know.”

“You said you have a way to handle it, and it doesn’t seem like the monster will appear yet, so I’ll let it slide for now… but you know? We’re in a hurry. Honestly, I’m not pleased with how you’re acting now. If you want to follow your destiny…”

“I get it, I get it, so later… let’s talk later.”

Dr. Cash glanced at the embarrassed Sehwa and shook her head.

I overheard their conversation but pretended not to, maintaining an innocent expression as I examined the transport.

**

We arrived at a hotel south of Ganghwa Island, booked three rooms, and immediately set out for the investigation.

The exploration was straightforward.

Using Dr. Cash’s various devices to pinpoint the exact location of the energy or checking if there was anything suspicious in the sea.

That was all.

I carried Dr. Cash’s devices, panting as I moved.

Sweating profusely.

But I didn’t show any signs of exhaustion.

I acted as a proper assistant should, fulfilling my role.

By the time the sun was setting, the investigation was over.

The result? Of course, nothing.

I was exhausted, sprawled out on the dock, gasping for air.

Dr. Cash approached me and said, “Good job. Let’s have dinner at the hotel and rest.”

“Any company that provides dinner for employees gets criticized. Just send me home.”

“Shut up, get up.”

“Sigh… What a disaster…”

Grumbling, I got up and asked, “But are we going to keep doing this manually? You could send out a few of your inventions to guard the area. Like that reconnaissance drone you gave me before… If we input the Evil Energy information, wouldn’t that be enough?”

“We’re in the dark right now, aren’t we? We need to try various methods until we see and figure something out.”

“We could also inform the World Union or the South Korean government and ask for help. Why are we trying to solve this on our own?”

“I’ve thought about that too. But if we say, ‘We predict this will happen, please help us…’ what kind of reaction do you think they’ll have?”

“Dr. Cash, you said you have another famous name. If we show them the lab’s machines and use that name…”

“That name has nothing to do with supernatural events. Besides, the monster has only appeared once. Do you think they’ll believe us if we come forward? Trust needs to be built first in such matters. And don’t bother your head with this. I’ll handle it. Now, stop complaining and help me pack these things.”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

I shouldered Dr. Cash’s devices and headed toward the hotel.

Then, Sehwa quickly ran over and tried to share the load.

But I refused.

“Don’t strain yourself. Save your strength for when you need to fight.”

“I get super strong when I transform! Just give it to me.”

“Super strong? I’m curious how strong you get. But really, it’s fine. This is my job, so I’ll handle it.”

My firm expression.

Sehwa finally agreed and matched my pace.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been to the sea… It’s a shame I can’t properly enjoy it.”

“Really? When was the last time you came?”

“About a year ago? What about you?”

“It’s been about half a year for me. I went to Jeju’s sea.”

“Who did you go with? A past girlfriend?”

Already trying to probe like this… The urge to pounce on her is overwhelming.

I chuckled inwardly at her cute behavior and shook my head.

“No, I went with my parents’ ashes.”

“Ah… I’m sorry…”

She fumbled, not knowing what to do.

I smiled nonchalantly and said, “It’s fine. But do you really want to do this? Fight monsters and criminals?”

Sehwa thought for a moment before answering seriously.

“When I transform, I feel like this is my destiny. I still can’t shake that thought. The reason might sound silly, but… I want to give it a try.”

“If your resolve is firm, then that’s all that matters.”

“Honestly, I’m glad you became Dr. Cash’s assistant. I don’t know how you feel about it, but… take care of me, Jihyuk.”

Her sincere words and bright smile against the sunset were incredibly beautiful.

I grinned back at her.

“You take care of me too. But…”

“Hmm?”

“If you transform, you might become famous, right? Like, people’s attention will focus on you…”

“I haven’t thought about that… I don’t want to reveal myself. I just want to protect people from behind.”

“Hey, what era do you think this is…? Do you think you can become an anonymous hero just because you want to? You’ll be exposed in no time.”

Sehwa brushed a strand of hair aside and chuckled.

“Is… that so?”

“That’s why you need to use an alias…”

“An alias? Hmm… You look a bit shady?”

“There’s a character I’ve always liked… Her name is Leona. How about Leona? Since you’ll be slaying monsters… Monster Slayer… No, that’s a bit much… Beast Slayer… That’s good. Beast Slayer Leona.”

Sehwa waved her hands in disgust.

“Ugh… That’s so cheesy… I don’t like it.”

“Oh… really?”

Feeling awkward, I looked down at the ground. Sehwa, sensing my mood, said, “But… I’ll think about it. The name Leona sounds nice.”

My face brightened instantly.

“Really?”

“But don’t get your hopes up. I’ll just… think about it.”

Though she said that, Sehwa had clearly made up her mind.

Her inner answer was undoubtedly positive.

Why? Because she doesn’t want to see me disappointed.

“That’s enough.”

Yeah, that’s enough.

After dinner, we returned to our rooms to rest for the next day.

And I focused my hearing to listen to what Sehwa was doing in her room.

She seemed to be unpacking the luggage she hadn’t sorted earlier.

Assuming as much, I was about to go take a shower when I heard rustling sounds followed by a *whirr!* of machinery.

– Manual… manual… I’m really going crazy. Why do I have to do this…?

Sehwa’s muttering.

I widened my eyes in surprise, then buried my face in the bed and burst out laughing.

And then I thought.

*‘Could she be… trying to masturbate?’*

Sehwa, pure and upright, the envy of all male college students, masturbating?

She really wants to live as a hero, huh.

Fate is truly cruel.

But… if she listened to Dr. Cash properly, she’d know that masturbation won’t charge the device…

Well, go ahead and try.

See if the device responds.

Aiter isn’t that kind of energy.

To be continued―――――――――――――――――――――

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