Chapter 13: Press Conference.
Chapter 13: Press Conference.
-This morning, there was an incident where a portion of the city district collapsed.
The news anchor’s voice was heavy with gravity.
-Fortunately, thanks to the citizens' quick evacuation efforts, there were no fatalities. However, it was a major disaster that left dozens of people with injuries ranging from minor to severe.
I hadn't sensed any living beings within my range, but I suppose they got caught in the aftermath. I haven't had many chances to use my power lately, so I might have failed to control it properly.
Did I let my emotions get the better of me?
I tried to suppress the guilt I felt toward them. At least no one died, I thought, turning my eyes away.
Since the injuries were sustained during a battle with a Mutant, the Management Bureau would do everything in its power to ensure their recovery.
Un-ho looked at me with a serious expression, but he didn't blame me.
That was enough. Un-ho wouldn't stop me, nor would he egg me on. As long as we maintained this distance, we could get along just fine.
-The Management Bureau has an official statement regarding this incident. Let’s take a look.
The screen changed.
The scene shifted to a press conference room where only the clicking of cameras echoed. A Young Man in a neat suit and glasses walked into the frame and stood before the microphones.
A caption scrolled across the bottom of the screen: ‘Kim Tae-jun, Spokesperson for the Hero Management Bureau.’
He didn't seem flustered by the gazes of the numerous reporters fixed on him. He boldly adjusted the microphones and placed his script on the lectern.
After a short but deep bow, he began to speak.
-At approximately 7:05 AM today, a powerful Otherworldly force was detected.
At first listen, it was a pleasant, ordinary voice. His pronunciation was clear, there was no audible breathing, and not even the sound of a stray pop. However, to my ears, it was anything but ordinary.
Well, look at this.
I felt a faint trace of a mental manipulation ability. It wasn't particularly strong, but it was enough to charm a crowd.
Is the Bureau aware of this?
-The total amount of power observed was A-Rank. After analyzing the secured footage, we have confirmed it to be a Mutant type….
Listening closely to the television, I spoke to my partner.
“Un-ho. Do you feel that?”
“Feel what?”
“There’s mental manipulation leaking out of that voice. Or rather, it’s much weaker than mental manipulation—closer to emotion manipulation?”
Un-ho’s face crumpled as if he didn't understand what I was talking about.
“The Bureau would have no reason to do such a thing….”
Twitch.
Un-ho’s whiskers moved, just as they did when he detected Otherworldly Power.
“…You’re right.”
“So it wasn't just me.”
I had cross-checked with Un-ho just in case, and now it was certain.
-Furthermore, it has been revealed that this Mutant is the culprit behind the recent Hero attacks. Accordingly, the Bureau has decided to….
“I should have watched the news more often. I had no idea the Bureau was up to this kind of nonsense.”
“I watch it all the time, so why didn't I notice until now?”
“Probably because you’re dull.”
“That’s mean.”
I said it like that, but Un-ho was a mascot of thirty years. His ability to sense energy or read emotions was second to none. Even if he spent most of his time lounging around the house, it was a serious problem if even he hadn't noticed.
-Based on the collected data, we have confirmed that in addition to possessing a high amount of Otherworldly Power, the entity possesses the intelligence to formulate plans.
“Have you seen that guy before?”
“Yes. He shows up every time the Bureau makes an announcement on the news.”
“Since when?”
“Five years? I think it’s been about that long.”
Quite a while, then.
A trace of emotion manipulation so faint it was almost imperceptible. It was easy to guess the purpose of putting someone with such an ability forward as a spokesperson. It was likely to foster goodwill toward the Bureau and suppress any public backlash.
Does Hyun-seok know about this?
Or is this the spokesperson’s personal deviation? If it’s not a solo act, how far up does it go?
Either way, the fact remained that I suddenly had something new to investigate.
-Consequently, the Bureau has designated this Mutant as an A-Rank Mutant, and its behavioral patterns will be recorded in our database.
A-Rank, huh.
That didn't really matter, but other thoughts kept bubbling up.
“Un-ho. It looks like I’ll have to dig into the Bureau at some point.”
“I agree. Using a Hero’s power on people like that….”
“Yeah. He’s a Hero without justice.”
I knew corruption had seeped into the Bureau, but to think they were spreading emotion manipulation among ordinary citizens.
I wondered what would be dragged into the light if I dug into this, and how much would need to be cut away. Would it even be possible with my strength?
-The Bureau has finalized the code name for this Mutant as Black Marauder.
As he spoke, he held up the documents he had prepared.
There was a photo of me smiling as I released my power, and next to it, the name ‘Black Marauder’ was written in large letters.
Of all things, the photo made me look like some final boss who enjoyed destruction….
“You look like a straight-up villain.”
“Shut up.”
I smacked the head of the ferret who was chiming in from the side.
“Hehe.”
Un-ho knew I wasn't truly angry, so he just gave an awkward laugh.
Regardless of our cozy atmosphere, the stiff press conference on the screen continued.
-We will now take questions for the remaining time.
As soon as he finished, reporters raised their hands. The spokesperson pointed to someone, and the selected reporter took the microphone.
-I’m Park Han-sik from the Seosang Ilbo. There were rumors that Black Marauder resembles a certain Hero. Has a Hero perhaps fallen?
-That is not the case. The Bureau’s rigorous investigation has proven the Hero in question to be innocent.
So firing a machine once counts as a ‘rigorous investigation’ now? Well, it doesn't matter since the Bureau is making an alibi for me.
-Then why do the Mutant and the Hero look so much alike?
-It is a Clone Mutant that copied the Hero’s appearance, personality, and abilities. Most are weaker than the original, but there are cases where the clone is stronger.
The spokesperson cleared his throat with a dry cough and continued.
-Since this is the first occurrence in Korea, it might seem unfamiliar, but this type of Mutant has appeared frequently in the United States and Europe. It’s nothing special.
The reporter nodded at the smooth answer and returned the microphone to the moderator.
Questions about the time and cost of recovery, the condition of the injured Heroes, and the Mutant’s intellectual capacity—all of which were trivial—passed by, and the Q&A session seemed to be wrapping up successfully.
Then, a reporter with shaggy hair was handed the microphone.
-I’m Kim Hyun-sae from Weekly Hero. Exactly how was the criteria for Black Marauder being A-Rank determined?
-It was based on the magnitude of power and the damage caused to the city. Next ques….
-That’s strange. According to the combat footage we obtained, that damage was the result of Black Marauder swinging his weapon just once. Yes, I didn't misspeak. It wasn't the total damage from the entire battle, but from a single attack.
The room began to buzz. There was a world of difference between total damage during a fight and the result of a single strike.
-What are you trying to say?
-O-Rank. I’m asking why he hasn't been designated as a priority subjugation target.
At those words, the sound from the television seemed to cut out. A word that was practically a taboo had been uttered.
O-Rank. Beings that could destroy humanity.
“That reporter’s got guts, mentioning that on a live broadcast.”
“I’ll say. At his age, he must have experienced what happens when an O-Rank is involved.”
-Because he has not yet been designated as a Public Enemy. Next question.
However, the Bureau spokesperson moved on to the next question in a calm voice, showing no particular reaction.
-Public Enemy Designation? Is that the issue right now? Is the United Nations planning to let an O-Rank roam free in Korea until a Public Enemy Designation is made by some Unknown Entity?
He openly mentioned the United Nations.
What did he say that reporter’s name was?
I should remember it. Someone with that much grit might be useful somewhere.
-Reporter Kim Hyun-sae. If you interfere with the questioning any further, I will have you removed. However, since public anxiety may grow if left unaddressed, I will answer.
A brief moment of silence. The spokesperson seemed to be choosing his words carefully.
-Black Marauder is an Otherworldly Being who has already been set as a subject of a Story. Unless a Public Enemy Designation is made, we cannot know what phenomena might occur if he is eliminated by someone else’s hand.
I don't know either.
Will a hole actually open up?
-Therefore, until a Public Enemy Designation is issued for Black Marauder, the United Nations and the Bureau will provide full support to the Hero who will play out this Story.
The press gallery exploded at that answer.
-I’m Kim Chun-hwan from Seohak Ilbo! Are you saying that monster is the subject of a Story?!
-I’m Lee Hwan from Monthly Hero! Does this mean there is a Hero who has received a Story where an O-Rank Mutant is their first enemy?!
-….
Only the voices of a few loud reporters could be heard; the broadcast had already devolved into a chaotic mess of noise.
“It’s not a press conference, it’s a hearing.”
“It’s a total madhouse.”
Reporters were raising their voices, trying to squeeze out even one more piece of information. The concept of a ‘question and answer session’ had long since vanished.
-According to Bureau regulations, a Hero’s personal information cannot be disclosed unless they wish it….
The Bureau side tried to quiet the reporters, but they weren't having much success.
Anyone~.
As the ringtone sounded, I picked up the phone next to me.
“What is it, Octopus Head?”
“Octopus Head? That’s a bit much. I have a name….”
“Fine, Al’shel. What is it?”
‘…If you were going to use it, you should have called me that from the start.’
“You’ve become quite the celebrity. Congratulations.”
Al’shel’s voice came through. It seemed the Octopus Head had learned a bizarre way to speak simultaneously. It was likely a technique using the mouths on his tentacles.
“Are you mocking me?”
“No. I was watching the news and saw Lee Ha-ram appearing. You’re incredible. An O-Rank Mutant.”
“I’m hanging up.”
Don't these secret society guys have anything better to do? Calling a Hero just for this.
Just as my finger hovered over the red button on the phone, a serious voice came through the speaker.
“Do you remember what you said a few days ago?”
Finally, the main point.
“It wasn't a few days ago, it was yesterday.”
“Right. At any rate, I’ve picked out an organization for you.”
“Which one?”
“The Future Science Life Manufacturing Society. A gathering of scientists who create monsters.”
Does everyone name their groups like that these days?
I don't know if it’s my lack of sense or what. Well, what does it matter what the name is for a bunch of guys who are about to get wrecked?
“Location?”
“It’s a bit long to explain, so I’ll text it to you later.”
“At least tell me the scale. I need to know that before I decide whether to take it on.”
“About fifty B and C-Rank monsters. Around ten wanted scientists. It’s a minor organization.”
He calls it minor. If they just pushed in, they could paralyze a capital city.
“I’m sure it’s minor by your standards. What are they? Some group trying to overthrow a nation on their own? Why are they in Korea?”
“They aren't in Korea.”
It looked like these guys were trying to send me overseas.
“I don't do business trips abroad.”
“It’s not abroad.”
“Then where? If it’s not Korea and it’s not abroad.”
Something clicked in my head.
Wait, don't tell me….
“They are in the former North Korean region. Near the Great Barrier.”
Better than a foreign country, I guess.
“Fine. The deadline?”
“Within a month, please.”
“Got it.”
I didn't have the energy to talk anymore, so I hung up abruptly. I heard the ping of a text message arriving, but I could check that later.
More than that, the situation on the television was more interesting.
“Why are they still broadcasting this?”
The press conference had already vanished into thin air. All that was being shown was a physical struggle between reporters shoving microphones forward and security guards trying to push them back. Even so, the station was stubbornly keeping the feed live.
“There’s time left until the next program.”
Un-ho sounded strangely amused. It was a more logical reason than I expected.
Thinking the ratings must be great, I watched the brawl with interest.
-CRASH.
With the explosive sound of something shattering, a door flew through the air and collided with the reporters.
-I am that Hero! You damn reporters!
-Um, doing this is a bit….
I recognized both of those voices.
-A-bin, you’re too soft! A Hero is supposed to be assertive!
While the reporters were in chaos from the sudden flying door, a Magical Girl leapt onto the lectern.
A navy coat and a white cape.
A smile overflowing with confidence.
Eyes that were purely, blindingly bright.
-Ms. Baek Si-hyun, you can’t do this.
-Stay out of this, Old Man.
Spokesperson Kim Tae-jun, startled by the sudden situation, tried to pull Baek Si-hyun away by her cape, but she made a grand declaration to the reporters.
-I am Baek Si-hyun, the disciple of Crimson★Hammer, and I will be the one to defeat Black Marauder!
“Is she that disciple?”
“Shut up.”
I just wanted to die.