Chapter 167: Little by Little, Slowly (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 167: Little by Little, Slowly (2)
When you’ve decided to bring something up, the hardest part is always getting that first word out. It would be one thing if everything were already organized and we knew exactly what to discuss, but our situation wasn't neatly settled enough for that, nor was the subject matter something we could talk about freely in a relaxed atmosphere.
In the end, to talk about the future, we had to revisit the Olympic Bridge Terror Incident. Since the memory of that day wasn't particularly pleasant for my girlfriends or for me, everyone’s expression darkened. Seeing this, Yubin clapped her hands loudly.
“If everyone stays quiet, we won't get anywhere. This isn't official business, but let’s treat it like a meeting. Say what needs to be said, and listen to what needs to be heard.”
I had heard about the atmosphere of Team Hunter Killer’s meetings several times, but since I had never been in one, I didn't know the specifics. However, seeing the tension vanish from everyone’s faces at Yubin’s words gave me a glimpse into how they operated.
“First, I’m curious about what’s happening with Spacetro. Can you tell us?”
If there was information I could share without it being a problem, I would, but unfortunately, I currently had nothing.
I had been directly injured in the terror incident and hadn't regained consciousness for two weeks. I knew that around the time I woke up, there was a meeting between the Spacetro 6th Fleet leadership and the Earth Defense Union.
Of course, my girlfriends already knew this, and the fact that the meeting took place had been officially announced to the world.
However, they only announced that a meeting had occurred; since then, Spacetro hadn't mentioned the incident at all. In the process, the brunt of the public's criticism for the lack of results fell on the Earth Defense Union.
In truth, the demand for a report was just an excuse; the people’s long-simmering frustrations were simply boiling over. Those who didn't know the internal workings of the Earth Defense Union lumped all Superhumans together and cursed them. Since I was equally in the dark about the internal situation, I couldn't really comment on that part.
The soldiers of Spacetro were also waiting for orders from above. Perhaps Headquarters had already received new directives, but as I was currently on leave, no information had been passed down to me.
“If I knew, I’d tell you, but unfortunately, I don't know anything right now.”
I spoke truthfully, and my girlfriends seemed to believe me. Beyond the fact that I didn't lie to them anymore, they seemed to have predicted that I wouldn't have any information, considering the time I spent being treated, the time I spent in rehab after waking up, and how much time had passed since the meeting.
“You said Headquarters moved. When are you planning to go there?”
“I was actually planning to go sometime this coming week. Since we’re talking about it, I’m thinking of going as soon as possible.”
I hadn't even checked out the new Headquarters yet, and I might be able to find the information there that I hadn't been told. Above all, I had a lot to discuss with Luche, so a visit to Headquarters was a must.
“I have one question.”
When Hayoung quietly raised her hand, everyone’s eyes turned to her at once.
“If the duels start up again... what are you going to do then?”
It was already quiet enough, but after those words, a silence so heavy it felt like even the sound of breathing had vanished settled over us.
Currently, the weekly duels in Seoul were not taking place.
Spacetro was busy with the Headquarters move and personnel changes, and the Earth Defense Union was likely still dealing with the aftermath of the incident.
It was a major event that couldn't be resolved in a day or two, and the Earth Defense Union, being directly affected by legalities, had a lot of things to handle.
“Right. I’ve been worried about that, too.”
I leaned back in my chair and looked at the ceiling. Back when I was deceiving my girlfriends, the duels weren't an immediate problem.
Since they didn't know my identity, they conducted the duels as usual. And even though I knew the whole situation, I always did my best in the duels because I knew I couldn't land a single proper hit even if I went all out.
But the situation had changed significantly. Now, my girlfriends knew that one of the soldiers in the black suits was me. Considering their personalities, they would definitely be conscious of me during a fight.
I wondered if this was the right time to bring up what Hayoung and Su-ah had mentioned regarding transferring to Spacetro. However, bringing it up before their opinions were unified seemed like it would only cause unnecessary confusion, so I decided to avoid it for now.
I had been thinking about the duels since I got out of my hospital bed and started regaining my senses. Fortunately, since my girlfriends hadn't beaten me to death and had instead accepted me, I felt okay sharing my positive outlook.
“I’ve thought about it.”
I spoke up while everyone was lost in thought about the duels. Sensing that I was about to suggest a solution, they all looked at me.
They might not accept it immediately, but this was the conclusion I had reached after my own deliberations.
“The duels will definitely resume.”
Once new directives came down from Spacetro high command and an official announcement was made, the duels would surely start again. And perhaps the atmosphere would be completely different from before.
The reason I predicted this was because I had looked at the list of new members joining Team 3. I hadn't seen everyone, but I had skimmed it, and there were a few very familiar names.
“I think it’s best if we continue the duels just as we have until now.”
My girlfriends would definitely be conscious of me. This wasn't self-importance; it was a conclusion based on reality. I was their boyfriend, and they possessed physical abilities far superior to mine.
If we met in a duel, we were enemies and had to attack each other. Looking at the track record over the past few years, the probability of Team 3 losing was high. In other words, there were still many days ahead where I would be getting hit by my girlfriends.
“But hitting A is a bit...”
“I don't want to attack Oppa either.”
Yura trailed off reluctantly, and Eunha also voiced her opposition to attacking me in a real fight.
Hayoung shook her head at me as if she didn't even want to think about attacking me. Yubin was the team leader and was in a position where she had to ensure the duels went smoothly, but she didn't argue with Yura and Eunha, seemingly sharing their sentiment against attacking me.
“It might not look like it, but there are a lot of guys on my team with sharp instincts. If you act differently because of me, they’ll definitely realize something is up.”
Luche already knew, but it would be troublesome if the other team members found out about my relationship with my girlfriends. It wasn't that I didn't trust my teammates, but once a story starts being whispered about, it becomes a rumor.
“And after the incident, if the teams involved start dueling again, people’s attention will definitely be focused on us. I think it’s best for Hunter Killer to show the same image as always.”
The more eyes there are, the more things we have to be careful about. Contrary to my prediction, the world might not give a damn about the duels between Team 3 and Hunter Killer. But unlike before, when no one cared, there would now be at least one person watching with interest.
As I spoke calmly and seriously, Su-ah was staring at me particularly intensely, so I met her eyes.
“What is it?”
“No, I mean, being lovers is one thing. But based on our respective affiliations, aren't we in a hostile relationship?”
“That’s true.”
“So I was wondering if it’s okay for you to be giving us advice on how to hide our identities.”
I stared at her for a moment after hearing that, then tilted my head.
“It’s just that nothing is changing from how it was before, right?”
“...Well, that’s true.”
My saying 'Fight me without worrying about me' wasn't inciting my girlfriends' will to fight, nor was it providing a weakness of Team 3. It was simply asking them to do exactly what they had been doing.
If this was a problem, then it was a problem, but if Hunter Killer’s movements changed now that more eyes were on them, it could interfere with my plans.
The duels might still end in defeat, but from a long-term perspective, there were many advantages to not showing any major external changes.
“But is it okay for Oppa to be dating us?”
“It’s not that there are no problems, but there’s a way to make it so there aren't.”
Everyone fell silent, waiting for my next words. They were curious about what this 'way' was, and I continued my explanation without hesitation.
“Ever since I started dating all of you, I’ve been collecting a lot of data on Superhumans.”
“...You’re not dating us just for that, are you?”
When Su-ah asked with a frown, I immediately shook my head in denial.
“It’s true that I started it to investigate Hunter Killer. But as time went on, I became curious about why people have such a negative view of Superhumans.”
I had nothing to hide. It was true that my initial investigation into Superhumans was to find weaknesses in Team Hunter Killer.
However, as I came to truly love them, I became curious about the negative gaze the world held toward them. This investigation gradually evolved into research on Superhumans themselves.
My girlfriends listened to the entire explanation in silence.
“There are plenty of excuses I can use if I get caught. So, I was wondering if you could help me with the investigation a little.”
It took a fair amount of resolve to say this. Between us, it was just a request for a little help with my work as their boyfriend, but in a broader sense, it was Spacetro, who came to invade Earth, asking for help from the Superhumans who protect Earth.
And if this fact were to be leaked, it would surely cause them significant harm.
I thought Hayoung and Su-ah, who had expressed interest in transferring to Spacetro, and Yura, who had given me control over her suit, would be quick to help. But since the members didn't know about each other's actions yet, they just glanced at one another.
I wanted to bring it up right then, but Yura had asked me to keep it a secret, and I was the one who told Hayoung and Su-ah to wait on the transfer talk, so now wasn't the time to mention those things.
As the members' gazes shifted around, most of them landed on Yubin, the leader. Yubin sat with her arms crossed, seemingly deep in thought, before finally opening her mouth to speak.
“Oppa, why are you investigating Superhumans?”
She wasn't asking out of wariness or suspicion. It was natural for Spacetro to investigate Superhumans. But Yubin’s question wasn't directed at A, the soldier of Spacetro.
Yubin likely had some inkling of my intentions. She knew I wasn't investigating with malice or for a bad purpose, and knowing that, she was asking so she could hear it directly from my mouth.
“Because I want everyone to be happy.”
When I answered with a smile and a simple voice, Yubin sighed, then smiled, then sighed again.
“Honestly, I can't give you a definite answer that we can help with everything. We want to help, but given our positions, there are a lot of things we have to be careful about.”
It was a perfectly understandable point. Yubin was a superhuman protecting Earth and the leader of a team, so she carried a heavy burden of responsibility.
However, Yubin herself was dissatisfied with the current welfare and policies regarding Superhumans, so it wasn't that she didn't want to help. It was just that a single mistake in the process could lead to a major problem.
As I mentioned before, from an outside perspective, this looked like Superhumans helping Spacetro investigate Superhumans. If someone found out and started spreading the story, their positions would be in jeopardy.
My goal was for my girlfriends to be happy, and I was investigating Superhumans for that reason. If a situation arose where I needed their help, but that help would cause them harm, I would refuse it without a second thought.
“Yeah. I’m not asking for a lot of help right now. I’m just grateful that you said you’d help.”
Suddenly, I remembered what Su-ah had said. She had asked me why she had to protect the people of Earth. The idea that she had to fight desperately to protect the planet had already vanished. Perhaps all of my girlfriends already felt that way.
If that were the case, it would explain why Eunha claimed she belonged to me, why Yura gave me control over her suit, and why Hayoung, like Su-ah, brought up transferring to Spacetro.
“What’s the atmosphere like at the Earth Defense Union?”
“Honestly, we don't really know. We haven't been to Headquarters in the past month, the Branch Manager is ignoring our calls... we haven't really been told anything.”
I could infer some of this from the conversations we had when they gathered at my place, but it seemed there really was no information about the current situation among my girlfriends either.
“What exactly were you investigating? You have to tell us so we know what to help with when the time comes.”
“The last thing I was looking into was the number of Superhumans. There are plenty of troublemakers like Team Guerrilla, but the fact that there are no replacements means there’s a current manpower shortage. But if you tally up the number of Superhumans who have had personnel changes over the last 20 years, there’s no way the numbers should be this low.”
Perhaps because I was talking about actual data I’d gathered, my girlfriends' focus intensified.
“Even if they retired from active duty, the numbers still don't add up. I’m wondering where all those people went. Do you know anything?”
My girlfriends fell silent again, seemingly lost in thought. To them, the predecessors who had moved on were just people who went elsewhere, people they had no personal connection with.
They focused on the weekly duels, and the claim of a manpower shortage was a constant excuse used by the higher-ups, so they had never really thought about it.
“Now that you mention it, you’re right. Where did they all go?”
“It’s not like we were close enough to keep in touch.”
As my girlfriends questioned where the replaced Superhumans had gone, Hayoung raised her hand.
“I heard this a long time ago, around the time Red and Green joined Team Hunter Killer. I heard that people being replaced go to the Research Institute first.”
“Then the Research Institute must have the records.”
“The problem is, we don't know where that Research Institute is.”
The moment I said tracking the Research Institute would be the answer to Hayoung’s comment, Yubin shook her head.
“Wait, hasn't everyone been to the Research Institute at least once?”
From listening to their stories, I knew that Superhumans spent about a year at the Research Institute undergoing various tests to become Superhumans.
And when I brought up the fact that they had been there, everyone’s faces darkened. They had made the same expressions when they first told me about the place, which made me certain that there was definitely something going on there.
“We’ve been there. We stayed for about a year, and I think it was the same for everyone else... but in that year at the Research Institute, we never once stepped outside.”
Everyone nodded, and I paused.
“I remember even when we moved, we were in a vehicle completely cut off from the outside world. So I have no idea where it is or how far we had to go to get there.”
A Research Institute with a completely hidden location. A controlled environment. About a year of testing.
Whenever my girlfriends talked about their pasts, their explanations of the Research Institute were always brief. Just that they had been there for about a year.
I shook my head to clear the dark thoughts forming in my mind.
“Let me just summarize for a second.”
Spacetro hasn't made any particular announcements, and I have no information about the aftermath of the incident. My girlfriends also haven't received any separate contact from the Earth Defense Union.
Once the duels resume, we’ve decided to proceed as we always have without being conscious of each other, and with everyone’s help, I’m now in a position to put more weight behind the investigation I’ve been doing.
“Ah! What a headache.”
Nothing had really changed except for the fact that I could now get help from my girlfriends. Since it was an investigation I had been conducting independently anyway, I had no choice but to accept that nothing had changed.
“Come to think of it, we ran into Silver when we went to the hospital with Oppa.”
“Oh, right. We did.”
At Yubin’s words, I remembered meeting Silver from Team Special Force at the hospital. Since I had been introduced as their boyfriend, I figured I should be extra careful in case we ran into her again.
“What did you say to her?”
“I told her he was my boyfriend.”
Su-ah clicked her tongue, and Hayoung’s pupils were shaking.
“Honey? What’s wrong?”
“Uh... White knows that you and I are dating, too.”
I had been hoping to take a breather after the long conversation, but my mind went blank at this new piece of information.