Chapter 115
Chapter 115
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 115
Chapter Title: Happy Bus Day to You (1)
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Recently, the atmosphere in 09 District has been off.
Hearing that, I went to find the elves hiding in the back mountain.
"Something's about to go down. What the hell is happening?"
"...We'll discuss the details inside the tent. Please come in."
The elves led me into the tent.
I entered the cute little tent and faced them.
"So, what happened?"
"You know we've been cleaning up the bugs, right?"
"Of course I do. I told you to do it to protect the kids."
"Well, after we got rid of the bugs, new ones came in and took over the spots."
"And?"
"A new group with outside backing has set up in 09 District. Looks like the same ones who attacked the kindergarten last time."
"Hmm..."
Not good news.
The group that kidnapped the kindergarten kids.
Their tech was top-notch.
On a whole different level from the local thugs in 09 District now.
"By trying to exterminate the bugs, we ended up drawing in a different swarm."
"Yes. And they're gearing up for war to absorb the existing groups. A conflict between the two forces is coming soon."
The male elf speaking to me said it with conviction.
His handsome face full of certainty just pissed me off for no reason.
"Sigh, this is the worst timing."
"Yes?"
"Nothing."
I sighed and stood up.
As I left the tent, I said to the elf still sitting.
"Keep watching their movements. And contact me right away if anything happens. You know how to use the smartphone, right?"
"Yes, I'm quite proficient now. It's a very convenient and fun device."
"Good. I'm heading out."
Bye-bye.
I waved as a farewell and turned to leave.
But the male elf grabbed my arm and shouted.
"Wait!"
"What the hell, man! Why grab someone who's trying to leave?"
The male elf looked at my face, then pleaded desperately.
"Before you go, could you maybe send a photo of the great Dragon Lord...?"
"I'm out."
Sigh.
Trying to score a dragon pic in this critical moment.
I shot the elf a contemptuous look and left.
'How precious are pictures of my daughter? Who does he think he's fooling?'
What a thief.
But I had a clear grasp of the situation now.
'This isn't something we can handle on our own.'
Thinking that, I pulled out my smartphone and messaged one person.
Not someone I wanted to meet, but for the kids' safety, I had to face him and ask for help.
To wipe out bugs, you have to uproot their nests entirely.
***
Heroes Association.
The man at the very top.
The Heroes Association Chairman.
I didn't like having to meet him again, but I steeled myself and entered his office.
"I came as you messaged, Chairman."
As I opened the door and went in, the Chairman greeted me with a flushed, perverted grin.
"Well, if it isn't B-rank Hero Lee Ha-jun! My soulmate, Lee Ha-jun!"
This is why I hate private meetings.
'Fuck.'
Unlike official ones, private meetings always turn him into this.
I shook my head and sat in front of the Chairman.
Not wanting to drag this out, I got straight to the point.
"Chairman, do you know what's been going on in 09 District lately?"
"09 District isn't managed by the Association. No data on it."
"A new crime group showed up there. You remember the kidnapping incident with the kids? Apparently it was them."
"That's something we need to take seriously."
Dragon fanatic mode OFF.
The Chairman hid his perverted expression and turned serious.
He tapped his desk with his fingers, deep in thought.
To persuade him, I kept going.
"A war's about to break out in the area where I and the dragon live. So, how about we use this chance to sweep the whole crime zone clean? Can you help?"
"Basically, 09 District is off-limits for heroes. Waste of manpower. You'd need to be A-rank for us to entertain that request."
"So you're saying I should aim for A-rank hero?"
The war would start before I could promote.
What was the Chairman trying to say?
As the question arose, the Chairman's eyes gleamed.
"That's why—don't ask as B-rank Hero Lee Ha-jun. Ask as human Lee Ha-jun."
"What's the difference..."
"If you offer proper compensation, I can grant your request using my position as Chairman."
Heh.
The Chairman said that, reverting to his initial perverted face.
He licked his lips, looking at me with eager anticipation.
"Show me the dragon you follow. I want to see your dragon. I never dreamed I'd meet another dragon in my lifetime. Even at my old age, if I could meet another dragon before I die, I'd have no regrets."
"..."
Why are all dragon worshippers like this?
Faced with the Chairman's fanatical loyalty, I could only squeeze my eyes shut.
'Ugh, a middle-aged guy getting excited like that is just gross.'
Still, despite his age.
His pure devotion to dragons was impressive.
It hadn't faded even after reaching the Chairman position.
'I hate to admit it, but he's a creepy pervert I have to respect.'
No choice.
I opened my smartphone and decided to show him the 'My Daughter Series' saved in my gallery.
"This is from when we went to the beach with the kids."
"Oh, ooh!! What a cute dragon!!"
"This one's from when we built Legos together."
"I wish I could build Legos with the great Dragon Lord too!!"
The dragon-worshipping Chairman genuinely delighted over my daughter.
But for the kids' safety, no helping it.
I showed him all the photos I'd taken with the kids so far.
The Chairman devoured every last one in the gallery, then said with a satisfied expression.
"We'll drive out the villains in 09 District. They'll be forced to live outside the nationally designated zones from now on. And normal people will move into the areas they used."
"..."
The process is a bit off, but.
At least it's good that civilians benefit.
"But you're the leader of this operation, Lee Ha-jun. As the responsible party, you'll have to work hard."
"Got it, thanks, Chairman."
In the end, I'm the one in charge.
The Chairman promised to launch the operation before the crime groups' war erupted.
To keep civilians and my daughters safe.
'That Gundam the scientist used back then. It was seriously powerful.'
I don't know how strong the crime group's forces are.
But if there are many villains with power like that scientist.
Even I, empowered by the dragon, might struggle in this op.
***
Late evening.
The kids were brushing their sharp dragon teeth, getting ready for dreamland.
"Ha, I finished first!"
"Brushing fast isn't good, Hwaryeon sis. It means you're sloppy and dirty."
"What can I do! I'm clean!"
Bickering away.
As usual, they squabbled while doing their simple bedtime routine.
But I couldn't relax like normal.
'Their birthday's coming up soon. It'll overlap with the bug extermination op.'
The day marking one year since the dragon kids hatched.
Of all times, the op got scheduled then.
Worried I won't be able to celebrate their first birthday properly.
'Their first dragon birthday. I want to make it special...'
Can't cancel the op, though.
Looks like I'll be late to their birthday party.
Maybe sensing my unease.
Choryun, who was playing with Mangmung, sat next to me on the sofa and asked.
"Daddy. What are you worried about? You look like you accidentally stepped on a sprout."
Her green eyes looked up at me with concern.
Not wanting to show it, I forced a smile.
"No, it's nothing. Just some worries."
"Worries? Then tell me! I'll listen to all of Daddy's worries!"
Thump thump.
Choryun confidently pounded her little chest with her fists.
Seeing that gave me a bit of strength.
I chuckled and stroked her head.
"It's okay. Your words just solved all my worries."
"Hmm, I wanted to know what Daddy's worries were! That's not the answer I wanted! Of course, if you don't want to tell me, I can't force it..."
Did she want to hear it directly?
She showed a hint of disappointment.
After a moment.
As if making a vow, she hugged my arm tightly and said.
"Daddy! Cheer up! I don't know if it'll help much...! But I'll share my power with you...!"
Squeeze.
Choryun closed her eyes, hugging my arm to share her power.
Just like she said, I felt something filling inside me.
'T, this is...!'
It felt just like a smartphone battery charging.
I realized what power Choryun had shared with me.
It was pure.
"Love, Choryun."
"Of course! I love Daddy!"
"I didn't know my daughter loved her daddy this much. Thank you."
Pat pat.
Her actions were so admirable, I ruffled her hair wildly.
But Choryun puffed her cheeks, like this wasn't the reaction she wanted.
"Hmm, not this...! Anyway, glad you got your strength back...!"
Yes.
With Choryun's cheer, all my worries cleared up.
Whatever I'm worried about, I just need to handle it.
'Quickly wipe out the bugs. Then come home.'
Finish the bugs' nest before the birthday ends.
Return to our nest where my children are.
See the dragon kids laughing happily in the nest.
With that, I vowed to make this operation a perfect success.
Also to repay Gu Bong-gu's kindness for running the kindergarten by clearing out the surrounding bugs.