"Ooof… He looks rough," I mutter to myself as I observe Chae Jinyoon from behind the glass, which, through illusions, appears like a solid wall on the other side. The efforts of the Chae Clan are evident as they work to contain a potentially possessed Devil Host. Chae Jinyoon seems frail, too thin, and weak for comfort. "That’s definitely good news. From the novel, when he wakes up, he kind of just sprung up vibrantly like the almost five-year coma did not do anything to him…"
"That’s my big brother we are talking about, so show some sympathy," Chae Nayun chimes in, a plea for understanding.
"Right, Hyon, please show some tact," Rachel adds, emphasizing the need for sensitivity.
Confused, I respond, "Uuummm… Nevermind…" Despite my attempt at reassurance, I can't shake the feeling that my words no matter what comes out of my mouth will inevitably lack the desired tact and sympathy.
Chae Jinyoon lies in the hospital bed, his once vibrant demeanor reduced to a frail figure. Dark blonde hair frames his face, and despite the pallor of illness, his countenance retains a certain charm. A nurse hovers beside him, spoon-feeding him some easily digestible food, a testament to the extent of his weakened state.
The comparison to the Divine Archer Jin Seyeon arises in my memory—two formidable individuals from almost the same generation, each possessing the same weapon preferences. Chae Jinyoon is no exception, a fairly powerful Archer if the records are to be believed. The potential alliance with him holds promise, a prospect that could significantly tip the scales in our favor. As I observe the scene through the illusionary glass, the delicate nature of his current condition contrasts with the potential strength he could bring to our cause.
"How is it, Nayun? Talked to him yet?" I inquire, my curiosity piqued about Chae Jinyoon's condition and any potential information he might provide.
"I already did, and it seemed he doesn’t remember much… You know the story, an accident, a trap, a scheme by Yi Yeonjun… Brother doesn’t remember any of that," Chae Nayun reveals, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Chae Jinyoon's memory loss.
Rachel, ever the pragmatic strategist, offers her insights. "It is possible a countermeasure must have been put in him… We have a pill that can override memories and erase them. Surely, this is not unique to us."
"Yeah, the universe is a very big place… I hate aliens, man…" I interject, injecting a touch of humor amidst the serious discussion.
"Devils, Aliens, Gods, I don’t give a fuck… This is a signal," Chae Nayun declares emphatically. "Hajin is making great progress, and we must pick up the slack." The urgency in her words underscores the seriousness of the situation.
I am fully aware of what Nayun means. Behind the scenes, I am planning something like World Domination… The truth is my ‘secret goal’ is not so far from the organization’s entire goal— World Unification. Yeah, it might be confusing, but domination and unification are two entirely different things.
Rachel, always the strategic mind, contributes her perspective. "You have England’s support. Most surviving nations since Outcall have congregated west, and I am 99% confident that with me at the helm, I should be able to influence it in a way favorable to us."
"Hmmm… So we are good on that front. But the Hero Association will be a problem… Suho is doing good work, but he just has to be ‘vanished’ in that way… How about you, Hyon?" Chae Nayun inquires, acknowledging the potential hurdles on the path to world unification.
"Criminal organizations tend to be scattered and loose, but most of them would come East since those places were the most heavily infested with monsters since Outcall. I have built enough influence there, so we are all good on that front. As you know, as long as it is a fight against humans, we are quite powerful in the sea…" I respond, highlighting the strategic advantage we possess in certain domains. The intricate web of alliances and potential conflicts shapes the multifaceted landscape of our plans for world unification.
"World Unification, huh?" I muse, contemplating the grandiosity of the endeavor. "So, Nayun, when we finally centralize power and make 'us one functioning planet' a reality, what should we call you then? Empress?" I tease, injecting a note of humor into the weighty conversation.
Chae Nayun, unamused, responds with a frown. "Not funny. Of course, we will have to create a government more robust than any solitary nation…"
I can still frankly recall that day. A few days after Hajin has disappeared, Nayun suddenly suggests we create a country of our own where there will be equality, peace, and the regular idealistic stuff. It is a stupid idea, but we played along because it is as good a direction as any. As we make progress on our own, time and time again, our ambitions begin to grow.
At some point, World Unification becomes like a thing… and seeing from where I stand, I can actually see it happening. The problem, however, is ‘time’, and it is honestly just impossible to achieve what we want considering what we are up against. The Devil King Baal is already a nightmare knocking in the back of my head, but then, there is Yi Yeonjun and his posse. Though I am saying this ‘just in case’, I am actually already decided on it. If it comes to the worst, I’ll just have to bulldoze my way through whatever comes.
The weight of the challenges ahead looms large, yet the determination to push forward remains unwavering, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Rachel, her expression serious, initiates the conversation. "So what do we do with the Hero Association? It looks like force will be our only option." She casts a pointed glance in my direction. "What do you think?"
"Hey, why are you looking at me like that?" I retort, a hint of defiance in my tone. "Though terrorism is not beneath me, you can be less judgmental about it."
Chae Nayun, considering the options, joins in. "So, Hyon? Any plans? I don’t really mind it if we have to blast through the Hero Association Tower. From what I heard of Hosup, they just increased their security, and it is impossible now to get to their Physical Archives with subtle means." The discussion revolves around strategic considerations, acknowledging the challenges posed by heightened security measures and the potential need for a more forceful approach… which is normally... I will be too happy to participate.
"Relax, people… For once, I won’t be suggesting blowing something up…" I declare, a mischievous grin playing on my lips. "I have devised a prototype to help me 'theoretically' get in contact with Suho…" The mention of a technological solution sparks a glimmer of curiosity in the group. "Of course, it will need time to build a functioning tech, but I think we can hold back for a lot more than I anticipated."
Chae Nayun responds with joy at the prospect of possibly contacting their friend Kim Suho, who might be trapped in another side of time. "Good," she smiles happily, then playfully punches me on the shoulder. "Bring us back Suho!" I wince at the impact. "Ouch, that hurts…" I rub my shoulder. "It will be three days until I go to the place where Suho vanished…"
"I will come with you," Rachel offers without hesitation.
"Neat," Chae Nayun responds, her expression contemplative. "I will stay here. I will watch a bit more over my brother… Also, I think I might have to talk to Grandpa about some… stuff…"
"Ooof… He looks rough," I mutter to myself as I observe Chae Jinyoon from behind the glass, which, through illusions, appears like a solid wall on the other side. The efforts of the Chae Clan are evident as they work to contain a potentially possessed Devil Host. Chae Jinyoon seems frail, too thin, and weak for comfort. "That’s definitely good news. From the novel, when he wakes up, he kind of just sprung up vibrantly like the almost five-year coma did not do anything to him…"
"That’s my big brother we are talking about, so show some sympathy," Chae Nayun chimes in, a plea for understanding.
"Right, Hyon, please show some tact," Rachel adds, emphasizing the need for sensitivity.
Confused, I respond, "Uuummm… Nevermind…" Despite my attempt at reassurance, I can't shake the feeling that my words no matter what comes out of my mouth will inevitably lack the desired tact and sympathy.
Chae Jinyoon lies in the hospital bed, his once vibrant demeanor reduced to a frail figure. Dark blonde hair frames his face, and despite the pallor of illness, his countenance retains a certain charm. A nurse hovers beside him, spoon-feeding him some easily digestible food, a testament to the extent of his weakened state.
The comparison to the Divine Archer Jin Seyeon arises in my memory—two formidable individuals from almost the same generation, each possessing the same weapon preferences. Chae Jinyoon is no exception, a fairly powerful Archer if the records are to be believed. The potential alliance with him holds promise, a prospect that could significantly tip the scales in our favor. As I observe the scene through the illusionary glass, the delicate nature of his current condition contrasts with the potential strength he could bring to our cause.
"How is it, Nayun? Talked to him yet?" I inquire, my curiosity piqued about Chae Jinyoon's condition and any potential information he might provide.
"I already did, and it seemed he doesn’t remember much… You know the story, an accident, a trap, a scheme by Yi Yeonjun… Brother doesn’t remember any of that," Chae Nayun reveals, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Chae Jinyoon's memory loss.
Rachel, ever the pragmatic strategist, offers her insights. "It is possible a countermeasure must have been put in him… We have a pill that can override memories and erase them. Surely, this is not unique to us."
"Yeah, the universe is a very big place… I hate aliens, man…" I interject, injecting a touch of humor amidst the serious discussion.
"Devils, Aliens, Gods, I don’t give a fuck… This is a signal," Chae Nayun declares emphatically. "Hajin is making great progress, and we must pick up the slack." The urgency in her words underscores the seriousness of the situation.
I am fully aware of what Nayun means. Behind the scenes, I am planning something like World Domination… The truth is my ‘secret goal’ is not so far from the organization’s entire goal— World Unification. Yeah, it might be confusing, but domination and unification are two entirely different things.
Rachel, always the strategic mind, contributes her perspective. "You have England’s support. Most surviving nations since Outcall have congregated west, and I am 99% confident that with me at the helm, I should be able to influence it in a way favorable to us."
"Hmmm… So we are good on that front. But the Hero Association will be a problem… Suho is doing good work, but he just has to be ‘vanished’ in that way… How about you, Hyon?" Chae Nayun inquires, acknowledging the potential hurdles on the path to world unification.
"Criminal organizations tend to be scattered and loose, but most of them would come East since those places were the most heavily infested with monsters since Outcall. I have built enough influence there, so we are all good on that front. As you know, as long as it is a fight against humans, we are quite powerful in the sea…" I respond, highlighting the strategic advantage we possess in certain domains. The intricate web of alliances and potential conflicts shapes the multifaceted landscape of our plans for world unification.
"World Unification, huh?" I muse, contemplating the grandiosity of the endeavor. "So, Nayun, when we finally centralize power and make 'us one functioning planet' a reality, what should we call you then? Empress?" I tease, injecting a note of humor into the weighty conversation.
Chae Nayun, unamused, responds with a frown. "Not funny. Of course, we will have to create a government more robust than any solitary nation…"
I can still frankly recall that day. A few days after Hajin has disappeared, Nayun suddenly suggests we create a country of our own where there will be equality, peace, and the regular idealistic stuff. It is a stupid idea, but we played along because it is as good a direction as any. As we make progress on our own, time and time again, our ambitions begin to grow.
At some point, World Unification becomes like a thing… and seeing from where I stand, I can actually see it happening. The problem, however, is ‘time’, and it is honestly just impossible to achieve what we want considering what we are up against. The Devil King Baal is already a nightmare knocking in the back of my head, but then, there is Yi Yeonjun and his posse. Though I am saying this ‘just in case’, I am actually already decided on it. If it comes to the worst, I’ll just have to bulldoze my way through whatever comes.
The weight of the challenges ahead looms large, yet the determination to push forward remains unwavering, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
Rachel, her expression serious, initiates the conversation. "So what do we do with the Hero Association? It looks like force will be our only option." She casts a pointed glance in my direction. "What do you think?"
"Hey, why are you looking at me like that?" I retort, a hint of defiance in my tone. "Though terrorism is not beneath me, you can be less judgmental about it."
Chae Nayun, considering the options, joins in. "So, Hyon? Any plans? I don’t really mind it if we have to blast through the Hero Association Tower. From what I heard of Hosup, they just increased their security, and it is impossible now to get to their Physical Archives with subtle means." The discussion revolves around strategic considerations, acknowledging the challenges posed by heightened security measures and the potential need for a more forceful approach… which is normally... I will be too happy to participate.
"Relax, people… For once, I won’t be suggesting blowing something up…" I declare, a mischievous grin playing on my lips. "I have devised a prototype to help me 'theoretically' get in contact with Suho…" The mention of a technological solution sparks a glimmer of curiosity in the group. "Of course, it will need time to build a functioning tech, but I think we can hold back for a lot more than I anticipated."
Chae Nayun responds with joy at the prospect of possibly contacting their friend Kim Suho, who might be trapped in another side of time. "Good," she smiles happily, then playfully punches me on the shoulder. "Bring us back Suho!" I wince at the impact. "Ouch, that hurts…" I rub my shoulder. "It will be three days until I go to the place where Suho vanished…"
"I will come with you," Rachel offers without hesitation.
"Neat," Chae Nayun responds, her expression contemplative. "I will stay here. I will watch a bit more over my brother… Also, I think I might have to talk to Grandpa about some… stuff…"
