Plague's Mushrooms Vanish
As Plague's mushrooms vanished, word came that the symptoms afflicting the infected were gradually subsiding. It seemed the remnants of the Villain Union hiding in C District had all been wiped out as well.
"They won't be making any moves for a while."
Those mushrooms that Plague had deployed weren't something you could whip up easily. Considering their sheer power and versatility, a penalty like this was only natural.
Confirming the commotion had fully died down, I swept back my disheveled hair and slipped into the sedan waiting outside the botanical garden.
"You've worked hard, Young Master."
Parnello closed the back door and settled into the passenger seat.
"Worked hard? There's a mountain of work ahead."
I let out a light sigh as I muttered the words.
Even just the immediate tasks—C District cleanup, future countermeasures, reports on today's events, checking on the injured—were more than enough to keep anyone busy. With my responsibilities in mind, crashing right away wasn't an option.
But.
"Rest as soon as we get back, Young Master."
Parnello turned from the passenger seat. "You've done more than enough already. Leave the rest to us and get some proper sleep."
"But…"
As I started to protest, I caught the worry in Parnello's eyes. Glancing at my reflection in the window, my face was caked in blood, dust, and wounds.
Yeah, definitely not normal.
I tried circulating a bit of aura to check my condition, only to feel a stabbing pain like a knife plunging into my heart.
Looks like the backlash from pushing my body too hard had hit. I definitely needed time to recover.
"…All right, I will."
"Thank you."
I decided to accept his kindness. Parnello flashed a bright smile at my response and turned back around. By then, the mansion had come into view.
Stepping out of the sedan, I scanned the area—it was nearly as chaotic as C District. Organization members, myself included, were banged up to varying degrees. Medical staff darted around, transporting the wounded.
"You're back! This way, quick!"
One rushed over and eased me onto what looked like a medical stretcher.
Was it the relief of being home? The moment I lay down, overwhelming drowsiness crashed over me.
"You've worked hard. Rest well, Young Master."
Parnello's voice faded as I slipped into sleep.
"Ah, you're awake."
Sensing movement, I opened my eyes to see Alesia cleaning the room.
"…Alesia?"
"Good morning, Young Master."
Bandages wrapped her arms and legs—she clearly wasn't fully healed either.
"…You okay?"
"I'm in far better shape than you. You… really pushed yourself."
At her words, I took stock of the bandages and gauze covering my body. I'd toughed it out with natural healing to spare others the worry, but they'd finished treating me while I slept. My condition felt better than usual.
"Feels too good, honestly."
"They used every elixir in the mansion… Shows how much you overdid it."
Her explanation painted the picture. The familiar treatment from heir lessons with Parnello—like superheroes in movies, dunked in capsules filled with special fluid.
"How much did it burn this time?"
"Warehouse keeper said about 500 million."
…Less than during heir training, at least. Bitter way to measure growth. Back then, it was daily elixirs down the hatch and half-baths in low-grade holy water. No wonder.
Still, it fueled my rapid progress.
"And… the Don said to head to the study once you're up."
"You're telling me now?"
"You just woke up?"
"…Fair point."
The clock on the desk read 11 a.m.—way later than my usual wake-up.
"Well, he called for me, so off I go."
Scratching my head, I got out of bed to get ready. Suddenly, Alesia bowed deeply.
"…Thank you so much for yesterday."
"Huh?"
"Twice now, total. You've saved me twice."
She spun around. "You'll be late. Hurry to the Don, Young Master."
And dashed out.
"Ungrateful…"
It was just what anyone would've done, but her reaction was embarrassing. Shaking off the awkwardness, I straightened my clothes and headed to Father's study.
Entering, I saw Father's face, etched with exhaustion. He leaned on a cigar infused with awakening effects while poring over documents.
"Ah, Eugene. Body all right?"
Even so, he checked on me first.
Honestly, not bad—but after the violent aura use, best to avoid intense fights for a bit. Daily life was fine.
"Yes. Good as new."
"…Good, that's a relief. You worked hard yesterday."
"Just did what family does."
Satisfied, he smiled, set down the papers, and met my eyes.
"Urgent matters are handled—Consigliere and I took care of C District cleanup, the captured villains' treatment, and so on."
He slid a document envelope across to me.
"This summarizes it all. Check it later; it'll help."
"Thanks. Then I'll review it and draft the—"
"No."
His voice dropped low. He raised a hand to silence me, eyes serious.
"You have a more important task."
"…More important?"
"Yes. Something only you can do. Even my power won't cut it, so I must ask you."
What could it be—something beyond even Father's reach?
Tension gripped me in the suddenly grave atmosphere.
A beat of silence.
Steeling myself, I focused. Then, utterly unexpected words from Father.
"…Your grandfather misses you and Jiyoon."
"Pardon?"
Totally blindsided.
Vito Calione's father-in-law… Han Jin-wol.
The legendary tycoon who propelled Hanwol Group to the top of Korea's conglomerates amid global chaos.
Boldly investing in mana as the new resource post-dungeons and Awakened. Built a firm with world-leading IT and military tech, laying the market's foundation.
Little else known, but in my game memories: a cold, iron-willed executive.
The real kicker? He's my maternal grandfather—Eugene Han Calione's.
"He couldn't make your promotion party lately, heard you'd visit later, waited… but no word. He was quite disappointed."
"Ah."
Forgotten. I'd promised a visit but never followed up.
Busy as hell, sure—but I threw Hanwol's name around everywhere I needed leverage. Kinda guilty now.
"…Then today, as you said, I'll go see Grandfather."
He nodded.
"Good. Told Jiyoon already—you two can go together. Take care."
"Yes, Father."
Out of the study, I confirmed the hall was clear and clutched my head.
…Knew it'd happen eventually, but not like this.
Relieved it wasn't some crisis, yet the mental weight was real. Complicated mix of deflation and pressure.
Grandfather? In my old life, mine passed early—no clue how to handle one.
Who to ask for advice…
"Ah."
Her. Someone who'd likely met him often, not tied to Calione.
I dialed immediately. The signal barely rang twice before:
"This is Inomiya Haru."
"Got a minute?"
"Yes. And… I think I know why you're calling."
"Huh?"
"About visiting Chairman Han Jin-wol, right? That's what I figured."
How'd she know? Mind reader?
"Yeah, that's it… but how?"
"Ah, I can guess the situation. The Chairman contacted me too."
She'd heard you and Jiyoon were coming today—perfect chance to meet.
"Grandpa called you too?"
"Yes, puzzled me… but it makes sense. We've always gone to company and family events together."
"…Yeah, I get it."
She's a businesswoman linked to Hanwol, after all.
Having her along felt like reinforcements from heaven.
"How're you getting there?"
"Family's sending a car—"
"Then ride with us. More efficient with our security detail."
"That okay?"
"Of course. Prep done?"
"All set and waiting. Didn't want to be rude by arriving early."
"Send your address. We'll swing by in 1-2 hours… Mind one favor meantime?"
"Anything for you, Young Master."
Liked her quick efficiency.
"Visiting Grandpa after so long—need some items. Easy for you, probably."
I listed the things I'd thought of.
"…Really just those?"
"Plenty."
"…Understood. Can get them right away."
"Good. See you soon."
Hanging up, I let out a relieved sigh without realizing.
Sudden appointment left me a bit dazed, but no skimming this.
Grandfather, no less. Might as well build some real goodwill while I'm at it.
