Chapter 82
Chapter 82
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Apostles' Debut
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Even with the president's firm affirmation, Go Yohan was not released.
According to the rumors circulating in secret, the only speculation was that the Association's intervention was expected.
And the next day, several guilds stepped forward.
They were groups with decent strength of their own, driven by greed.
Geo Guild and Biren Guild—no matter how things had turned out for them—the wealth and fame they had gained from tackling the Black Gate.
There were no blessing items or spirits, but far more players in number.
However.
Ripple.
The rippling Black Gate proclaimed their total annihilation.
Three guilds formed an alliance.
Their numbers approached a thousand.
The Association provided full support, and the political sphere stepped in to help them as well.
And finally, on the sixth day since the Mapo Black Gate had opened.
Ripple.
Once more, the Black Gate rippled proudly, as if swallowing everything whole.
Checks, politics—none of it mattered.
The rippling Black Gate glowed ever redder, its maw yawning wide.
It was clear without being said.
The Break was drawing near.
“…….”
Kim Dayeon stared blankly.
Every day was an indescribable agony.
“…Why.”
Why did everyone ignore the warnings?
Why did people throw away their lives needlessly and turn against each other?
And with today, that was the end of it.
Whirr.
The door to the situation room slid open.
Those who appeared were the Association's top agents, the White Agents.
“You've worked hard.”
The middle-aged man standing at their forefront.
Kim Dayeon knew him.
A few years ago, he had joined the Association and risen through the ranks at breakneck speed.
His exceptional skills and achievements were beyond question, and he was the man said to be the successor to Gu Seunghun, who had died at Go Yohan's hand.
“…Yes. President.”
He was the newly elected president of the Association.
The former vice president had lost power due to the Go Yohan incident.
And he was the man recommended by the Association's executive staff and elected in his place.
“All of you, leave us.”
“But—”
“Are you planning to disobey the president's first order?”
“…Understood.”
At the man's command, the White Agents filed out of the situation room.
“And me…?”
“You can stay.”
Kim Dayeon was puzzled.
The man's name was Choi Changsu.
Even if not yet, he was a promising talent expected to become president someday, and now the time had come.
Of course, it wasn't official yet.
‘The World Association.’
The presidents of each country's associations went to the World Association after election for training.
Little was known about the training, but it was said to be unimaginably grueling and dangerous.
And upon returning, they became the officially recognized president of their country's Association by the World Association.
Choi Changsu hadn't undergone the training yet, but he had the president's and the Association's full backing.
‘The problem is.’
Whose side this man was truly on.
Since he hadn't revealed his inclinations, he had taken on the role previously—and if he were...
Gulp.
What if he pressed that button?
Go Yohan would vanish into a world of complete isolation, and Korea would plunge into even greater chaos.
‘The Association.’
The place Kim Dayeon belonged to and trusted without doubt.
- Do you really think so?
Was it because of the conversations she'd had with Go Yohan over the past few days? All sorts of doubts refused to fade.
If the Association truly cared for players and citizens, why leave the Black Gate alone? Why not deploy those elite agents directly?
And why keep Go Yohan locked away—someone who could definitely conquer the Black Gate—in this pointless power struggle?
Setting aside the matter of Gu Seunghun, they already knew Go Yohan was innocent in the Geo and Biren incidents...
It was then.
“I'm Choi Changsu, the new president of the Association.”
Choi Changsu spoke without even turning on the mic.
“……?”
And then.
Psssh!
The Black Room spewed thick white smoke and began to collapse.
Despite the incredibly complex procedures that should have been required.
Tap.
Go Yohan, who had appeared out of nowhere, landed in front of Kim Dayeon and Choi Changsu.
“It's been a while.”
“…I should have come sooner.”
Kim Dayeon couldn't comprehend.
“Your face has changed, but you still recognize me?”
“Of course.”
Go Yohan tapped Choi Changsu's shoulder.
With that alone.
Tremble.
Choi Changsu shuddered as if receiving a divine blessing.
Go Yohan touched the handcuffs and shackles that still bound him.
“Ah, let me...”
Kim Dayeon stepped forward to unlock them.
Crackle!
But they crumbled to dust in an instant.
In truth, nothing could ever restrain Go Yohan.
It had merely been voluntary restraint.
“Player Choi Byungsu.”
In the past, the four players who had come to the church on Lee Jae-kyung's recommendation.
The church followers called the first ones to become believers the Firsts and held them in respect.
Pastor Park Do-young, Shin Seul-hye who handled the dirty work under Greed, Kang In of the Black Crown.
And the last, Choi Byungsu.
He had moved to consolidate forces within the country, but he desired to be used in an even more fitting place.
That place being.
“I look forward to working with you, President.”
The Association.
Despite years of effort, recent storm-like events had propelled him to become president.
“I'll follow your words.”
“…….”
Kim Dayeon stared blankly.
Leaving her behind, Go Yohan walked out leisurely.
“The agents will escort you.”
*
*
*
The gate's color had deepened further, its fissures trembling finer and finer.
Thud thud thud.
Just like that day, helicopters and drones thrust their cameras forward.
But this wasn't hostility from enemies—it was merely the terrified masses fixating on the approaching death, broadcasting their concern.
It was already obvious that when the gate erupted, everything would be reduced to scorched earth.
Vroom.
At that moment, vehicles approached one by one and came to a stop.
Black vans bearing the Association's emblem.
The Association players who emerged stood as if providing security—or surveillance.
And when the van in the center opened.
Step.
The great villain whose name echoed far and wide, Go Yohan, revealed himself.
Step.
The false charges regarding Geo Guild and Biren Guild had been cleared.
The Association had discarded the footage, definitively proving that they had colluded with unknown enemies called demons.
The only unresolved issue remained Gu Seunghun.
‘Association President.’
Whether a country's Association president had colluded with demons.
If true, the matter was even more grave, making it hard to even voice the question amid worries and concerns.
However, it was fact that Go Yohan was the criminal who had slain Korea's Association president before the eyes of the entire world.
Step.
The agents stepped back.
“…We leave it to you.”
The new Association president, Choi Changsu, withdrew after those words.
Step.
Go Yohan continued forward.
Finally, as he drew close to the gate, Go Yohan spoke.
“Seung-ah.”
And then.
Ripple.
Black shadows rippled behind Go Yohan.
*
*
*
One by one, figures emerged from the shadows.
Slink.
Yun Seung-ah, masked, stood beside Go Yohan.
“Captain.”
“Captain!”
From behind, Envy, Greed, and Lee Jae-kyung appeared.
All of them wore masks.
“…Captain.”
Rarely, there was an unfamiliar face.
Though the mask hid her features, her jet-black hair cascading down and her slender figure alone revealed her as a beauty who could captivate tens of millions.
“I heard you arrived.”
Go Yohan said, sounding pleased.
“…Let's save the greetings for later.”
Step.
Go Yohan stepped forward again.
“Captain, do we really have to wear these masks?”
Envy complained, sounding uncomfortable.
“Gluttony made them, so they shouldn't be uncomfortable.”
“Still, this is our debut stage.”
Their voices wouldn't carry.
But the scene was being live-broadcast, just like that day.
Already, voices chattering about the revealed apostles seemed to echo.
“I wanted to go all out.”
“You look like some chuunibyou no matter who you resemble, Envy.”
Lee Jae-kyung said.
“All eyes and enmity must focus solely on me.”
Go Yohan's voice cut in, and even Envy fell silent.
“And some will wonder who they are, if they'll appear by my side too. That fear is necessary for certain people.”
“Tch. Fine.”
Envy said, hands behind her head.
Go Yohan stroked Envy's hair.
“And unlike me, if a normal life comes for you all someday, I hope it won't be disturbed.”
“We don't need that...”
“As long as you're here, Captain.”
“No need to worry about such things.”
Voices rose from here and there.
“…Another warning today?”
Yun Seung-ah asked.
Should they view what was about to happen as Go Yohan's warning to the demons and the masses?
“No.”
But Go Yohan shook his head.
“Warnings are enough. Any more would be excessive.”
“Then…?”
“It's a reward.”
Click.
Go Yohan moved his hand to grasp the Mark of Great Sin.
Whumm!
Now as the Knight of Envy, he could wield the Great Sin without turning into a wraith.
In his hand gleamed a dagger of light.
“Those who pledged loyalty to fight demons alongside me.”
In the past, he hadn't cared.
“Those who will muster courage to face them henceforth.”
But things had to change.
“The reward for them. Who stands at the forefront, what price their sacrifice demands.”
Faith had no price.
It shouldn't be demanded of God.
Good deeds given for the sake of heaven could not be called righteous.
But that was his story alone.
Those resolved to fight demons must follow humanity.
And Go Yohan.
“I must give rewards excessive enough.”
Shrieeek!
Wind rose.
Before anyone knew, Go Yohan's arm had shot up.
And.
“……!”
A line of vivid light slashed through the air.
Again.
Shrieeek!
Wind rose, and Go Yohan's arm swept horizontally.
Before it appeared a radiant golden cross.
In the next instant.
Kwaaaaa!
The forged golden cross flew toward the Black Gate and collided.
Boom!
With a deafening roar, light poured forth as if the world flickered.
“I don't get what you're saying, but…”
Envy's voice came from behind.
“Does that mean we can go wild?”
“Yes.”
Rumble rumble rumble.
The ground trembled intensely.
“Go berserk to your hearts' content. All of you.”
Kwaaaaa!
The black maw gaped fully, spewing forth beasts and demons.