In an apartment building owned by Yun Seung-Ah's elder brother, the air is thick with tension. Yun Seung-Ah, a woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, sits across from her unexpected visitor. This is no ordinary guest—this is Aileen, better known as the Human Dragon, the record-holder of youngest Master Rank Hero.
Aileen, despite her deceivingly youthful appearance, is no stranger to… being boring. That is what adults generally are. Though deceptively appearing as a middle schooler, Aileen harbors the mind of someone well into her 30s. She is the embodiment of the little girl archetype, but beneath her innocent almost childish-looking face hides a reservoir of power and experience.
As they face each other in the dimly lit apartment, Yun Seung-Ah studies the facial expressions of her guest. Aileen's eyes dart around the apartment. There's a quiet confidence in the way she carries herself, a subtle acknowledgment of the power she holds within her small frame, but there are also these… childish ticks in her that seem to have been etched into her personality.
Yun Seung-Ah, with her arms crossed, leans back in her chair. The silence lingers, broken only by the distant sounds of the city outside. Aileen, seemingly unfazed by the tension, maintains a calm composure. The two just stare at each other.
The apartment is adorned with minimalistic furniture and muted colors.
It is a modest sanctuary reflecting the essence of its alone inhabitant. Yun Seung-Ah has curated this space meticulously since she ascended to the esteemed position of Creator's Sacred Grace Vice-Guild Leader. The room exudes tranquility and purpose, every corner is touched by the grace of a woman dedicated to her Hero work.
Soft hues adorn the walls, casting a soothing aura over the space. The furniture, though simple, bears the mark of careful selection, each piece contributing to the harmony of the room. Books line the shelves, their spines telling the kinds of books that Yun Seung-Ah reads and has accumulated over time.
A small desk sits by the window, bathed in the gentle glow of daylight, adorned with trinkets that hold sentimental value—a token from a fellow guild member, a delicately crafted figurine symbolizing the unity of her guild members. Papers neatly arranged hint at the responsibilities Yun Seung-Ah shoulders, it is hard work, but she manages. Both as a Hero and Vice Guild Leader of the Rank 1 Hero Guild.
A vase of freshly cut flowers graces the center table, infusing the air with a subtle fragrance.
The bedroom, though compact, radiates warmth. The neatly made bed is where Yun Seung-Ah finds solace after long hours devoted to guild affairs.
Finally, Ailleen decides to break the silence between the two of them.
Aileen, with a playful curiosity, peeks beneath the carpet as if on a mission, her demeanor akin to that of a nosy aunt on the prowl. “So clean… That is unexpected. Aren’t there supposed to be lost panties lying randomly around?” Her comment about the immaculate cleanliness of the place sparks a flush of embarrassment across Yun Seung-Ah's cheeks.
Yun Seung-Ah stammers defensively, "I just cleaned yesterday! There won't be anything to find, trust me."
Seemingly satisfied with her inspection, Aileen settles into a chair, her casual posture belying her actual age. "Water," she states simply.
Yun Seung-Ah, flustered by the unexpected demand, tries to regain control of the situation. "Shouldn't you wait for me to offer? Like, wait for me to ask— water or tea?"
Aileen, however, swiftly changes her mind. "Coke. I want a cold can of coke."
Yun Seung-Ah sighs, fetching the requested drink, trying to keep up with Aileen's unpredictable whims. "Here. So, what brings you here? What do you want to talk about?"
Aileen's demeanor shifts slightly, her gaze sharpening as she delves into a topic that catches Yun Seung-Ah off guard. "Kim Suho, your boyfriend," she states matter-of-factly.
Yun Seung-Ah's response is swift and adamant. "I keep telling you, we are not like that." Her tone carries a hint of frustration, a familiar defense against Aileen's persistent teasing.
Aileen, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, dismisses Yun Seung-Ah's protests with a teasing smirk. "Shut up, you lovestruck fool. You're caught in his slimy hands—line, hook, and sinker. Let's just talk about him. Tell me what you think of him."
Yun Seung-Ah, defensive yet fond, counters, "Stop defaming him. He's a good kid."
Aileen raises an eyebrow, halting Yun Seung-Ah with a stern look. "Stop right there. First, he's an adult, so start treating him like one. Though there's almost a decade gap between your age and his, it isn't fair that you treat him like a kid even now. He's not your younger brother."
Yun Seung-Ah, a hint of shyness creeping into her expression, retorts, "Oh, please. I'm telling you, we're not like that."
Aileen remains unfazed. "Don't care. But I want you to take this more seriously because I want to be more objective here."
Yun Seung-Ah, after a moment, concedes with a controlled tone, "I understand." She takes a breath, steadying her emotions. "Since you say it like that, why don't we just dive into the matter at hand? What is it that you want to talk about?"
Aileen grins, her eyes twinkling with a sense of mischief. "Patience, I will come to that... but first, Suho..."
Yun Seung-Ah, her eyes reflecting both pride and concern, begins with Suho's unconventional choices. "Suho is a good kid... er... a good man. He chose to drop out of the Hero Course and applied for a low-management position within the Association as an Agent. Some might call it a stupid act, but I believe he's just acting on his beliefs. For all the world knows, he's the Rank 1 Super Cadet of Cube, and upon graduation, he would surely rise like a star. But he gave it all up, eager to work and make a change."
Aileen, the spark of curiosity evident in her eyes, probes deeper. "Can you tell me about his motivation? The Cube’s curriculum, no matter how demanding, is only for four years, right? Surely, Suho can wait that long. Why would he give up such a bright future? A Hero’s salary is enough to drown him in won, a stark comparison to his pitiful earnings when he started as an Agent."
Yun Seung-Ah sighs, contemplating Suho's motivations. "I don’t know if there's any hidden agenda, but he sincerely believes in what he does. One time, I asked him if being a Hero doesn’t mean anything to him. He told me that getting a degree that tells him he is a hero is not what defines him as a Hero. I believe in him but I believe you just as much, so if there's anything you wish to ask that might implicate him, you are free to ask as much as you like. I will answer truthfully." The trust in her words carries a weight of conviction, her belief in Suho's character seemingly unwavering.
Aileen, her tone laced with a hint of suspicion, delves into the remarkable trajectory of Kim Suho within the Hero Association. "Don’t get me wrong, but Kim Suho’s rise in the ranks within the Hero Association has been nothing but explosive. When he just started, commendations every week just kept flocking to him. It's crazy, and the crucible to this is him being at the wrong places at the right time, always. With his monstrous talent, he, of course, is able to solve problems without a cinch. Doesn’t that sound suspicious to you?"
Yun Seung-Ah, considering Aileen's words, ponders, "You make a point... So you mean it is not just bad luck, or... good luck... Maybe he has a strong information network?"
Aileen shakes her head. "A teenager who has not yet seen much of the world, and someone with a financial status about middle class like him? Unlikely. What I want to ask you is, do you trust Kim Suho enough that you are willing to endanger my life?"
Yun Seung-Ah caught off guard, gasps softly. "Where is this coming from?"
Aileen's gaze is unyielding. "Answer me." The weight of the question hangs in the air, and Yun Seung-Ah grapples with the sudden gravity of the conversation.
Yun Seung-Ah, with unwavering conviction, declares, "No. If it is about endangering your life, I am willing to risk my life for yours!"
Aileen, seemingly amused, chuckles softly. "You jest! Heh~ I am the Human Dragon, so no real danger can pose a threat to me. Just think of it as a theoretical question. You are good with theoretical work, right?"
Yun Seung-Ah, relieved by the clarification, replies, "Then my answer will be yes. I believe he is trustworthy. You know my ability, gift, and training... I am very good at detecting lies, and Suho has been sincere to me for a long time."
Aileen nods in acceptance. "Yes, I trust you." She stands up, a subtle change in her demeanor catching Yun Seung-Ah's attention.
Yun Seung-Ah, sensing an underlying tension, questions, "What is the matter? What is it you are not telling me?"
Aileen hesitates, her expression troubled. "It is better you do not know. Don’t join the Hero Association... They have become rotten to the core, vile flies have been feasting over it for a long time, and it is terrible." The weight of her words hangs in the air, leaving Yun Seung-Ah to grapple with the unsettling revelation.
Yun Seung-Ah has always known there is corruption within the Association, but if Aileen is saying it like this— the corruption might be worse than Seung-Ah initially imagines!
Yun Seung-Ah, a mixture of confusion and concern etching her features, stands up abruptly, demanding answers. "Wait, what is happening? Explain it to me!"
However, Aileen raises a hand, her command cutting through the air like a sharp blade. "Halt. Become immobilized for the next 5 minutes."
As Aileen invokes her power over words, known as Dragonspeak or most commonly known as Spirit Speech, an aura of authority emanates from her, binding Yun Seung-Ah in place. With an enormous magic power akin to that of a dragon, Aileen possesses the ability to manifest effects that bend the world to her will through her words alone. If she says "smash," someone will get smashed; if she says "stop," someone will stop. The cheat-like nature of her Gift, coupled with her natural talent and a menacing amount of magic power, allowed her to reach the Master Rank at such an early age.
Yun Seung-Ah, now immobilized by the power of Dragonspeak, pleads desperately, "Aileen-ssi! Don’t do this!" Her voice, though filled with urgency, falls upon a momentary silence as the effects of Aileen's command take hold.
For the next five minutes, Yun Seung-Ah remains frozen, a captive of Aileen's potent magic power. The world around her seems to slow down. Questions swirl in her mind, unanswered and lingering, as the oppressive silence of immobilization holds her captive.
As the clock ticks away, Yun Seung-Ah can feel the release of the hold that has taken her, the invisible chains loosening their grip. The moment she regains control of her movements, she doesn't hesitate. Without a second thought, she rushes outside her apartment, fueled by a sense of urgency and the need for answers.
To her dismay, the hallway is empty, devoid of any trace of Aileen. The abrupt departure leaves Yun Seung-Ah standing there, a mix of confusion and concern etched on her face. She scans the surroundings— peering through the open terrace of her apartment flat— hoping to catch a glimpse of Aileen's figure or the distinct red blur of the Ferrari from the road below her apartment floor… but nothing.
Aileen has disappeared into thin air.
In an apartment building owned by Yun Seung-Ah's elder brother, the air is thick with tension. Yun Seung-Ah, a woman with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense demeanor, sits across from her unexpected visitor. This is no ordinary guest—this is Aileen, better known as the Human Dragon, the record-holder of youngest Master Rank Hero.
Aileen, despite her deceivingly youthful appearance, is no stranger to… being boring. That is what adults generally are. Though deceptively appearing as a middle schooler, Aileen harbors the mind of someone well into her 30s. She is the embodiment of the little girl archetype, but beneath her innocent almost childish-looking face hides a reservoir of power and experience.
As they face each other in the dimly lit apartment, Yun Seung-Ah studies the facial expressions of her guest. Aileen's eyes dart around the apartment. There's a quiet confidence in the way she carries herself, a subtle acknowledgment of the power she holds within her small frame, but there are also these… childish ticks in her that seem to have been etched into her personality.
Yun Seung-Ah, with her arms crossed, leans back in her chair. The silence lingers, broken only by the distant sounds of the city outside. Aileen, seemingly unfazed by the tension, maintains a calm composure. The two just stare at each other.
The apartment is adorned with minimalistic furniture and muted colors.
It is a modest sanctuary reflecting the essence of its alone inhabitant. Yun Seung-Ah has curated this space meticulously since she ascended to the esteemed position of Creator's Sacred Grace Vice-Guild Leader. The room exudes tranquility and purpose, every corner is touched by the grace of a woman dedicated to her Hero work.
Soft hues adorn the walls, casting a soothing aura over the space. The furniture, though simple, bears the mark of careful selection, each piece contributing to the harmony of the room. Books line the shelves, their spines telling the kinds of books that Yun Seung-Ah reads and has accumulated over time.
A small desk sits by the window, bathed in the gentle glow of daylight, adorned with trinkets that hold sentimental value—a token from a fellow guild member, a delicately crafted figurine symbolizing the unity of her guild members. Papers neatly arranged hint at the responsibilities Yun Seung-Ah shoulders, it is hard work, but she manages. Both as a Hero and Vice Guild Leader of the Rank 1 Hero Guild.
A vase of freshly cut flowers graces the center table, infusing the air with a subtle fragrance.
The bedroom, though compact, radiates warmth. The neatly made bed is where Yun Seung-Ah finds solace after long hours devoted to guild affairs.
Finally, Ailleen decides to break the silence between the two of them.
Aileen, with a playful curiosity, peeks beneath the carpet as if on a mission, her demeanor akin to that of a nosy aunt on the prowl. “So clean… That is unexpected. Aren’t there supposed to be lost panties lying randomly around?” Her comment about the immaculate cleanliness of the place sparks a flush of embarrassment across Yun Seung-Ah's cheeks.
Yun Seung-Ah stammers defensively, "I just cleaned yesterday! There won't be anything to find, trust me."
Seemingly satisfied with her inspection, Aileen settles into a chair, her casual posture belying her actual age. "Water," she states simply.
Yun Seung-Ah, flustered by the unexpected demand, tries to regain control of the situation. "Shouldn't you wait for me to offer? Like, wait for me to ask— water or tea?"
Aileen, however, swiftly changes her mind. "Coke. I want a cold can of coke."
Yun Seung-Ah sighs, fetching the requested drink, trying to keep up with Aileen's unpredictable whims. "Here. So, what brings you here? What do you want to talk about?"
Aileen's demeanor shifts slightly, her gaze sharpening as she delves into a topic that catches Yun Seung-Ah off guard. "Kim Suho, your boyfriend," she states matter-of-factly.
Yun Seung-Ah's response is swift and adamant. "I keep telling you, we are not like that." Her tone carries a hint of frustration, a familiar defense against Aileen's persistent teasing.
Aileen, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, dismisses Yun Seung-Ah's protests with a teasing smirk. "Shut up, you lovestruck fool. You're caught in his slimy hands—line, hook, and sinker. Let's just talk about him. Tell me what you think of him."
Yun Seung-Ah, defensive yet fond, counters, "Stop defaming him. He's a good kid."
Aileen raises an eyebrow, halting Yun Seung-Ah with a stern look. "Stop right there. First, he's an adult, so start treating him like one. Though there's almost a decade gap between your age and his, it isn't fair that you treat him like a kid even now. He's not your younger brother."
Yun Seung-Ah, a hint of shyness creeping into her expression, retorts, "Oh, please. I'm telling you, we're not like that."
Aileen remains unfazed. "Don't care. But I want you to take this more seriously because I want to be more objective here."
Yun Seung-Ah, after a moment, concedes with a controlled tone, "I understand." She takes a breath, steadying her emotions. "Since you say it like that, why don't we just dive into the matter at hand? What is it that you want to talk about?"
Aileen grins, her eyes twinkling with a sense of mischief. "Patience, I will come to that... but first, Suho..."
Yun Seung-Ah, her eyes reflecting both pride and concern, begins with Suho's unconventional choices. "Suho is a good kid... er... a good man. He chose to drop out of the Hero Course and applied for a low-management position within the Association as an Agent. Some might call it a stupid act, but I believe he's just acting on his beliefs. For all the world knows, he's the Rank 1 Super Cadet of Cube, and upon graduation, he would surely rise like a star. But he gave it all up, eager to work and make a change."
Aileen, the spark of curiosity evident in her eyes, probes deeper. "Can you tell me about his motivation? The Cube’s curriculum, no matter how demanding, is only for four years, right? Surely, Suho can wait that long. Why would he give up such a bright future? A Hero’s salary is enough to drown him in won, a stark comparison to his pitiful earnings when he started as an Agent."
Yun Seung-Ah sighs, contemplating Suho's motivations. "I don’t know if there's any hidden agenda, but he sincerely believes in what he does. One time, I asked him if being a Hero doesn’t mean anything to him. He told me that getting a degree that tells him he is a hero is not what defines him as a Hero. I believe in him but I believe you just as much, so if there's anything you wish to ask that might implicate him, you are free to ask as much as you like. I will answer truthfully." The trust in her words carries a weight of conviction, her belief in Suho's character seemingly unwavering.
Aileen, her tone laced with a hint of suspicion, delves into the remarkable trajectory of Kim Suho within the Hero Association. "Don’t get me wrong, but Kim Suho’s rise in the ranks within the Hero Association has been nothing but explosive. When he just started, commendations every week just kept flocking to him. It's crazy, and the crucible to this is him being at the wrong places at the right time, always. With his monstrous talent, he, of course, is able to solve problems without a cinch. Doesn’t that sound suspicious to you?"
Yun Seung-Ah, considering Aileen's words, ponders, "You make a point... So you mean it is not just bad luck, or... good luck... Maybe he has a strong information network?"
Aileen shakes her head. "A teenager who has not yet seen much of the world, and someone with a financial status about middle class like him? Unlikely. What I want to ask you is, do you trust Kim Suho enough that you are willing to endanger my life?"
Yun Seung-Ah caught off guard, gasps softly. "Where is this coming from?"
Aileen's gaze is unyielding. "Answer me." The weight of the question hangs in the air, and Yun Seung-Ah grapples with the sudden gravity of the conversation.
Yun Seung-Ah, with unwavering conviction, declares, "No. If it is about endangering your life, I am willing to risk my life for yours!"
Aileen, seemingly amused, chuckles softly. "You jest! Heh~ I am the Human Dragon, so no real danger can pose a threat to me. Just think of it as a theoretical question. You are good with theoretical work, right?"
Yun Seung-Ah, relieved by the clarification, replies, "Then my answer will be yes. I believe he is trustworthy. You know my ability, gift, and training... I am very good at detecting lies, and Suho has been sincere to me for a long time."
Aileen nods in acceptance. "Yes, I trust you." She stands up, a subtle change in her demeanor catching Yun Seung-Ah's attention.
Yun Seung-Ah, sensing an underlying tension, questions, "What is the matter? What is it you are not telling me?"
Aileen hesitates, her expression troubled. "It is better you do not know. Don’t join the Hero Association... They have become rotten to the core, vile flies have been feasting over it for a long time, and it is terrible." The weight of her words hangs in the air, leaving Yun Seung-Ah to grapple with the unsettling revelation.
Yun Seung-Ah has always known there is corruption within the Association, but if Aileen is saying it like this— the corruption might be worse than Seung-Ah initially imagines!
Yun Seung-Ah, a mixture of confusion and concern etching her features, stands up abruptly, demanding answers. "Wait, what is happening? Explain it to me!"
However, Aileen raises a hand, her command cutting through the air like a sharp blade. "Halt. Become immobilized for the next 5 minutes."
As Aileen invokes her power over words, known as Dragonspeak or most commonly known as Spirit Speech, an aura of authority emanates from her, binding Yun Seung-Ah in place. With an enormous magic power akin to that of a dragon, Aileen possesses the ability to manifest effects that bend the world to her will through her words alone. If she says "smash," someone will get smashed; if she says "stop," someone will stop. The cheat-like nature of her Gift, coupled with her natural talent and a menacing amount of magic power, allowed her to reach the Master Rank at such an early age.
Yun Seung-Ah, now immobilized by the power of Dragonspeak, pleads desperately, "Aileen-ssi! Don’t do this!" Her voice, though filled with urgency, falls upon a momentary silence as the effects of Aileen's command take hold.
For the next five minutes, Yun Seung-Ah remains frozen, a captive of Aileen's potent magic power. The world around her seems to slow down. Questions swirl in her mind, unanswered and lingering, as the oppressive silence of immobilization holds her captive.
As the clock ticks away, Yun Seung-Ah can feel the release of the hold that has taken her, the invisible chains loosening their grip. The moment she regains control of her movements, she doesn't hesitate. Without a second thought, she rushes outside her apartment, fueled by a sense of urgency and the need for answers.
To her dismay, the hallway is empty, devoid of any trace of Aileen. The abrupt departure leaves Yun Seung-Ah standing there, a mix of confusion and concern etched on her face. She scans the surroundings— peering through the open terrace of her apartment flat— hoping to catch a glimpse of Aileen's figure or the distinct red blur of the Ferrari from the road below her apartment floor… but nothing.
Aileen has disappeared into thin air.
