Chapter 21

EP.21 The Spreading Conspiracy

I looked at the three students making crooked faces in front of me.

“You guys are still young and might not understand, but smoking is bad for your health…”

“Ah, damn! It smells like ginseng! Just go your way, old man. You’ve got nothing better to do.”

Look at the nerve of this brat… I’ll make sure my demon eats you alive.

But what’s with the ginseng smell? I’ve heard of dentures, but this?

I can’t keep up with the creativity of kids these days.

“You brats! Do I need to call the police for you to understand?”

“Puhahaha! ‘You brats’? Hey, did you hear that? He called us brats.”

I didn’t know acting would be this hard.

Just hit me already, you brats.

Yuria’s watching from the shadows.

She won’t step in unless I get hit.

“Just get lost, old man. Unless you wanna die.”

You wanna die, huh?

“Fine, I’ll call the police myself…”

Whack!

The phone in my hand fell to the ground.

One of the students had slapped my arm.

I put on the expression of a righteous middle-aged man scolding the students and picked up the phone.

I also made sure to “accidentally” drop the wallet from my chest pocket.

The students’ eyes gleamed with greed when they saw the fallen wallet.

One of them snatched it faster than my slow hand could react.

After exchanging silent nods, one of them stepped forward and threw a punch at me.

Good speed, but the power… not so much. I’ll just pretend it hurt.

Thud!

“Ugh!”

I let out a scream and staggered dramatically.

As I hit the wall, I covered my face with both hands as two students approached to hit me.

Then,

Whoosh! Smack!

A small pebble flew from somewhere and hit one of the students right on the back of the head.

“Ouch! Damn it…!”

The student cursed and looked around, but no one was nearby.

Of course not. You think you can find Yuria?

She’s naturally stealthy, and she’s been hiding for years.

Whoosh! Whack!

The pebbles kept flying, hitting the students.

A true marksman, hitting every target.

Terrified, the students dropped the wallet and ran for their lives after getting hit a few more times.

As I stood there looking bewildered, Yuria appeared from atop the wall and jumped down.

She landed gracefully, picked up the wallet, and approached me.

“Mr. Taegon, are you okay?”

“Y-Yuria? What’s going on…?”

“Get up first. People might think I’m trying to steal your money.”

“Ah, right…”

Still dazed, I stood up and took the wallet she handed me with both hands.

“Thank you.”

“You’ve got dust on your suit.”

I brushed off the dust and said,

“It’s been a while. How have you been?”

“Not bad. You said it, right? If fate allows, we’ll meet again. The world is smaller than you think.”

“Hmm…”

“I guess our fates are connected. The world’s small, huh?”

Yeah, keep thinking that.

Do you know how much effort I put into creating this situation? It’s a bit disappointing no one appreciates it.

This powerless middle-aged man was just acting.

It’s all groundwork for the future sexual relationship with Yuria, to satisfy her desires and manipulate her.

She probably thinks I’m just a weakling with convictions.

And she probably thinks I resemble her father.

“That’s right. Thank you for saving me.”

“Even if it’s the right path, you need to know when to retreat if you lack the strength.”

“They’re young with bright futures… I couldn’t just stand by.”

“That’s so like you.”

“Like me? What do you mean…?”

“Nothing, never mind. By the way, why didn’t you contact me? I gave you my number…”

She looked a bit angry.

Well, of course. She hasn’t seen me, who looks just like her father, for about a week.

She probably couldn’t sleep at night. Her dark circles suggest as much.

“I didn’t think I needed to contact you…”

“Really?”

“Seeing you again today makes me regret the past. Even though we only met twice, it seems like fate.”

Yuria’s face brightened.

“Then make sure to contact me next time.”

“I used the napkin with your number to wipe my mouth… and threw it away…”

Her pretty eyebrows twitched.

Seeing my apologetic expression, she said,

“Give me your number.”

“Huh…?”

“Your number. You said it’s fate, so giving me your number should be fine, right? Put it here.”

Her tone was quite sharp.

It felt like refusing would lead to trouble.

Reluctantly, I entered my number into Yuria’s phone.

A dedicated number I created just for contacting Yuria.

“Wait a sec. Let me check.”

“…Do you think I’d lie?”

“Knowing you, I thought you might.”

“You’re judging me too quickly after just one meeting.”

Yuria didn’t respond.

She just waited to see if my phone would ring.

♬♪♬♪-!

When the default ringtone sounded from the phone in my chest pocket, Yuria finally seemed satisfied and replied to my earlier comment.

“My father was like that too. So I can’t help but know.”

“Don’t tell me you still believe I’m his reincarnation?”

“Yes. I’m not certain, but I think it’s highly possible.”

“Huh…”

“Ridiculous, right? I can’t help but think that way. By the way, where were you going all dressed up so early? It’s Saturday.”

“Business doesn’t have weekends. I’m running late, so I need to hurry… Can we talk later?”

“Sure, I have your number now… I’ll let you go today. Make sure to answer when I call, okay?”

I stayed silent.

Yuria emphasized again.

“Okay?”

“…I’ll do that.”

“We’re fated to meet again, so don’t even think about ignoring me. Take care, Mr. Taegon.”

Having gotten my number and confirmed it, Yuria let me go easily.

With a hint of pettiness, I left the alley and headed back to Seoul as soon as she was out of sight.

This second meeting was a success.

I’ll need to get closer during the third meeting soon.

Then, I’ll subtly touch on the heroism latent within her.

**

“How’s this?”

Sehwa twirled in front of me, her pink tennis skirt fluttering as she stepped out of the fitting room.

Her flawless, smooth legs were exposed up to her thighs, making me sigh in admiration.

With her white shirt tucked in, she looked fresh and lively.

After calming myself, I said,

“Pretty. Let’s buy that and look at some more.”

“Okay.”

She had great fashion sense.

It’s just that she didn’t have much money before, so she had to recycle similar outfits.

Today, I’m really treating my eyes.

Sehwa was unusually lively today, probably because she was with me.

She giggled at everything and clung to my arm, not wanting to let go.

After a long shopping spree, we headed to the parking lot to go watch a movie.

The car was already packed with shopping bags.

The trunk and backseat were completely full.

“Let’s just have it delivered to your place… or stuff a few bags together.”

Dark circles were forming under my eyes.

It’s more fun scheming sinister plans… Wandering around the department store aimlessly is exhausting.

Of course, seeing Sehwa’s various outfits was a treat, but I’ll suggest online shopping next time.

“The clothes will get wrinkled if we do that. Why are you complaining? I even got my nails done.”

Sehwa raised her hands, showing off her light red nails.

She had dashed into a nail art shop when I casually mentioned it might look nice.

“Did I say you should get them done?”

“I thought you meant I should. You said I could do whatever I wanted. It’s my first time getting my nails done… Do you like it?”

“I love it. Let’s hurry. We’ll be late for the movie.”

“Okay.”

Sehwa got into the passenger seat, smiling at me and fidgeting uncomfortably.

She was still wearing the tennis skirt.

She didn’t try to cover up with an outer layer.

I glanced at her and said,

“You’re such a temptress.”

“It’s uncomfortable with the shorts… It’s hot…”

“Ah, that’s your excuse?”

“Ugh… Just drive, will you?”

“Fine.”

I chuckled and started the car.

As we headed to the cinema, Sehwa’s phone rang.

I glanced and saw the name “My Baby” pop up.

“My Baby” was definitely Seunghyun Yoo.

It was the same name last time I saw it.

Sehwa stared at the caller ID for a moment, then set her phone to silent and put it in her bag.

I pretended not to notice and asked,

“Who is it?”

“Seunghyun…”

“Not gonna answer?”

“He’s working right now… Even if I answer, it’ll just be a short call… I’m with you today, so I won’t answer. I’ll just text him later.”

Huh, she must’ve been really upset about yesterday.

Ignoring his call means she’s serious.

Feeling a bit guilty, Sehwa changed the subject.

“By the way, I’m curious. Yunsu’s been spreading rumors at school that you got into big trouble… Did you tell her?”

Yunsu is Sehwa’s close friend.

Her last name is Oh, and she’s quite close to me too.

“Yeah. She called the other day. I told her I’d be taking a week off for personal reasons. You know how she is, she can’t keep her mouth shut. I figured she’d spread the news, and I was right.”

“Do you talk to Yunsu often?”

“Not often, just every few days.”

“I see… How is Yunsu?”

She’s conscious of her. Sehwa’s so easy to read, it’s fun to tease her.

“She’s fine. Pretty, good personality, dresses well.”

“Really…?”

Sehwa looked down at her outfit.

She seemed to be evaluating whether her outfit was good or not.

I should have a meal with Oh Yunsu soon.

It wouldn’t be strange if I got a girlfriend.

After all, you have a boyfriend named Seunghyun Yoo.

I’m not planning to actually date Oh Yunsu.

I just want to use her as a tool to stir up jealousy.

Of course, after Sehwa’s feelings are more stable. It’s too early to start now.

Beep! Beep!

In the midst of the strange atmosphere, as we headed to the cinema, an unusual sound came from the car speakers connected to my phone.

The display showed Dr. Cash’s name.

After exchanging glances with Sehwa, I pressed the call button on the steering wheel.

“Go ahead, Doctor.”

“Are you with Sehwa right now?”

“Yes.”

“Evil Energy has been detected.”

I know. I told Marcella about it today.

“What!? Where, and what percentage?”

“8%, and it’s slowly rising. Near Mount Fuji in Japan. It could spike suddenly like last time with the sea monster, so be ready. Your location is… Yeongdeungpo? I’ll come pick you up. Wait on the rooftop of any building.”

“Got it. Is the equipment modification finished?”

“Everything’s done except for the blades on the shoes. While you’re waiting, explain everything to Sehwa. It’s better than her being confused when she transforms.”

“Are we going straight into battle? How will you equip the gear?”

“I’ll handle it while flying, so don’t worry.”

Dr. Cash hung up.

I immediately looked through the windshield for the tallest building nearby.

Spotting a shopping mall of decent height, I turned the car towards it.

“Guess we’ll watch the movie tomorrow. Suddenly, we’re heading abroad. Do we even need passports…?”

Sehwa giggled at my silly joke.

“Dr. Cash will handle it. This time, we’ll take care of it as soon as it appears.”

Her voice was filled with determination.

She seemed eager to make up for what happened last time.

This third demon is an animal, a saber-toothed tiger the size of a house.

It’s not a demon that should appear in the usual flow.

It’s much weaker than Amducias or Octoa.

It’s not even worthy of being called a boss.

In RPG terms, it’s just a named monster.

There’s a reason I’m sending this one out third.

‘Dealing with the cubs will be a headache.’

It’s a quadrupedal demon with high speed.

No matter how fast Leona is, it’ll take a while to take them all out.

We’ll need fire support from me and the Doctor, and by the time Leona’s Device energy is almost depleted, we’ll wipe them out perfectly.

There are two things I gain from sending out this saber-toothed tiger.

After the battle, the Doctor will want to increase the Device’s capacity, and that’s when I’ll step in. That’s the first.

The second is that Dr. Cash’s negotiations with various governments will progress rapidly.

To be continued―――――――――――――――――――――

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