Chapter 27: The Past
Chapter 27: The Past
I watched Baek Si-hyun as she tilted her head, swinging her hammer.
She seemed deeply focused, continuing to swing while muttering something under her breath.
Deciding it was best not to disturb my disciple’s concentration, I turned to Han A-bin to give her the next set of instructions.
“You two head home first.”
“What about you, Senior?”
“I have to handle the handover to the Management Bureau. There are still about nine hours left; do you really want to wait around in this pile of corpses?”
At my words, Han A-bin glanced at the scattered monster carcasses and shook her head.
Right. They fought hard; they should get some rest. Nothing beats resting after work.
“If the walk is too far, you can ask Si-hyun to carry you. Tell her there’s no training tomorrow, too.”
“Are we off on Saturday and Sunday as well?”
Was today Friday?
Then they might as well take a full three-day break.
“Yeah, just tell her to get some proper rest. This was technically Si-hyun’s first real combat experience, after all.”
The time she fought me didn’t exactly count as a 'real' battle, given the circumstances.
“Understood.”
“I might not be back from the Bureau over the weekend, so don’t turn the house into a pigsty just because I’m not there.”
“I may look like this, but I’m an adult too, you know.”
I could hear the dissatisfaction in her voice. It seemed Han A-bin wasn't fond of the youthful appearance she took on when transformed.
Then again, the gap between her transformed state and her original appearance was quite large. Still, hearing her say that to me felt like listening to a child throw a tantrum.
I may look like this, but I’ve lived twice as long as you.
Since it wasn't something worth mentioning out loud, I swallowed the words and turned my gaze back to Baek Si-hyun’s 'dance' in the distance.
It wasn't efficient, nor was it particularly destructive. It was a dance traced by the trajectory of her hammer.
Though it followed raw instinct and lacked refinement, it was more than enough to make me feel my disciple’s growth.
“You’re not leaving right away, are you?”
It felt wrong to stop her when she was in the zone like that.
“I’ll go once Si-hyun is finished.”
“If you leave her be, she’ll keep at it for hours.”
There had been plenty of times during training when she’d gotten so absorbed that she swung her hammer like a possessed woman. It was still hard to understand how her hammer work could be so messy despite that level of focus, though.
“If she keeps going too long, cut her off and go home.”
“Yes, sir.”
Han A-bin answered, but she didn't look like she had any intention of breaking Si-hyun’s concentration.
She, too, began muttering something as she looked down at her bow.
* * *
Thirty minutes earlier than the estimated arrival time.
Several jeeps sped toward the shallow basin formed in the wasteland.
“Over here.”
When I waved my hand to guide them, the jeeps performed a sharp drift and surrounded me.
The Management Bureau staff jumped out, scanning the perimeter with practiced discipline before training their guns on me.
I raised my hands in a gesture of surrender, signaling that I had no hostile intent.
“Area secure!”
“Secure!”
Once the staff shouted the all-clear, the remaining personnel emerged from the jeeps.
If the staff who had jumped out first were soldiers in uniform, I wasn't sure what to call the others.
They wore flashy outfits, each boasting their own signature colors. If they had moved with any sense of order, it might have been a beautiful sight—like a painting where various colors and weapons harmonized.
But they did no such thing.
Despite being on official duty, these Heroes yawned as if bored, dragging their feet.
Was it wrong to expect anything from them?
Even though I’d been disappointed before, their flashiness still drew the eye.
I looked away from them and spoke to the Bureau official approaching me.
“Lee Ha-ram, Registration Number 01-005-M. I discovered a group in violation of the Monster Control Act at this location. Judging it an emergency, I initiated a lockdown.”
“Did you have authorization?”
“I confirmed a pack of monsters consisting of B and C-Ranks. Suspecting the presence of an A-Rank monster, I prioritized the lockdown.”
“Such an action requires a Free Subjugation License. Do you possess one?”
“I do.”
“Is this regarding another Hero’s Story?”
“I have confirmed that this group does not belong to any Story.”
The questions and answers continued endlessly.
There wasn't much meaning to this exchange. It was merely a formality to prevent legal issues later.
Finally, we reached the end of the long interrogation.
“How should the achievements be processed?”
“Registration Number 01-005-M takes one A-Rank monster. The rest are split fifty-fifty between 30-1376-M and 26-1943-M.”
Did I handle the B-Rank wolf too?
Well, it shouldn't matter.
“And the distribution of the subjugation reward?”
“Split it exactly three ways.”
With the reward distribution settled, I led them into the elevator.
“Confirmed. A master-disciple relationship, I see. That’s rare these days.”
“Is there a problem?”
“It’s just that there aren't many Heroes pursuing true strength anymore. I suppose it’s thanks to the world becoming more peaceful.”
That was an unexpected response. He sounded like someone from the old days.
Intrigued, I studied his face. A body armed with firearms, well-trained muscles, and a rugged expression.
He looked strangely familiar.
Where had I seen him?
“Are you an Awakened?”
“An Awakened. That’s a term I haven't heard in a long time. No, I’m just a humble Defense Force member working for the Bureau.”
Even his way of speaking was familiar…?
At that moment, I caught a glimpse of pale blonde hair beneath his helmet.
Blonde hair that didn't quite match his East Asian features.
“Henry?”
“You finally recognized me, Captain.”
“I just didn't expect anyone to still be on active duty at the Bureau after all this time.”
To think he was still with the Bureau after all the hell we went through in the Assassination Team.
“I find the work quite rewarding now. It helps that the workload isn't as grueling as it used to be.”
Rewarding, huh?
I glanced back at the brats chattering noisily behind him.
Idiots who were gossiping among themselves even after entering an enemy base.
“Is looking after those half-wits back there really that rewarding?”
“They’re the type who’ll retire in a year or two anyway. They’re bored because they aren't getting enough attention as Heroes. Doesn't seeing them like that remind you of our rookie days? It’s almost cute.”
“Cute, my ass.”
You’d have to be blind or insane to find that cute.
“You guys were better than that even as rookies. Those kids are just a brood of chicks.”
I was the one who trained them; there was no way I wouldn't know.
“I don’t think there’s much of a difference, personally.”
Henry let out a laugh just as the elevator doors opened. The Bureau staff secured the area and began sorting the corpses.
It was a task everyone participated in, including Henry, the leader. The only exceptions were the Heroes standing in the back.
Even I was helping by dragging and categorizing the bodies, yet they just watched as if it had nothing to do with them.
The Bureau staff didn't even spare them a glance, as if this behavior was expected. I suppose the only silver lining was that they didn't interfere with our work.
Since the staff didn't complain, I didn't feel the need to voice my discomfort. The check of the secret base proceeded without much issue despite the awkward cohabitation.
Then, as we reached the laboratory where the scientists were being held.
“Eek!”
A scream, which sounded intentionally cute, reached my ears.
Was there a monster left? Judging by the voice, it didn't sound like an emergency.
I walked through the door, dragging my hammer listlessly, and saw the scientists with their twisted limbs. Next to them was a woman sitting on the floor with a dazed expression.
No wounds. She was fine. Then what was it? I had to ask.
“What is it? Did a monster show up?”
I hadn't sensed anything within my detection range, but there were monsters like the leopard that could deceive the five senses.
“The people… the people…”
“What about the people?”
Keep the report accurate.
“Their arms and legs…”
Oh, that.
“I did that, so don’t worry about it. Don’t make such a fuss over nothing.”
“What? You did that to their arms and legs…?”
“What’s there to be surprised about? We were short on hands, and the criminals were about to escape. It was the most appropriate measure.”
“But isn't this too much?”
Perhaps my words had snapped her out of it, as her voice returned with a sharp edge.
“The Bureau’s medical treatment will clear up those injuries in no time, so it’s not a problem. None of them are dead, so don’t lose sleep over it.”
They’d all be treated once they were taken to the Bureau. It was a pointless worry.
“As one human to another…”
“They are enemies before they are humans.”
What kind of mercy was she expecting me to show The Enemy? This naive little Hero.
“Even so, this is not the right way for a Hero to act.”
Did she even know who she was talking to about being a Hero?
I leaned in close to the face of the Hero in green tights, who clearly knew nothing of the world.
“If they had escaped and created monsters to attack humanity, would you have taken responsibility?”
“Hic.”
The Female Hero’s face contorted as she felt my hostility.
“Do you have any idea how many civilians could have died because of the monsters they made? Do you realize there was a monster right here that could have torn someone like you to shreds in an instant?”
I pointed to the leopard’s carcass, its belly burst open and intestines spilling out.
The woman scrambled away from me.
Apparently, the 'human to another' sentiment she preached didn't apply to her current situation. She crawled backward, crushing the scientists beneath her and getting leopard guts on her hands as she tried to get away from me.
“Tell me. Can you handle the weight of all those lives?”
“Ugh… aah… aah…”
As I continued to press her.
Someone grabbed my arm.
“Captain. That’s enough.”
“…Does this look excessive to you too?”
I asked Henry, who had tucked his hands under my armpits and lifted me up.
Henry gave a bitter smile as he looked around before offering an answer.
“For us, this is on the milder side. Well, don’t be too hard on the kids.”
“…”
“To them, being a Hero is just a fleeting dream. Not many of them dive as deep as we did.”
His words left a bad taste in my mouth.
“Can I go home now?”
I pushed Henry away and hopped down to the floor.
“According to the rules, you’re supposed to stay until the investigation is complete, but…”
Henry struck an exaggerated pose, covered his mouth, and whispered to me.
“If any problems arise, I’ll handle them. Go home and get some rest.”
“Sorry about this.”
I slowly walked out of the room.
A complex tangle of emotions swirled within me.
“Give us a call! Everyone will be thrilled to know the Captain is back!”
I heard Henry’s farewell from behind.
I gave a half-hearted wave of my hammer in response.
* * *
“…And that’s what happened.”
“I see. That sounds like quite the ordeal, Ha-ram.”
I recounted the day’s events to Octopus Head while gulping down beer.
Al’shel was being unusually supportive today. Encouraged, I let the stories flow.
Perhaps I had just been looking for someone to talk to. The more I talked, the more the alcohol seemed to go to my head.
But since there was no way I could actually get drunk, it was probably just my imagination.
“Oh, right.”
Come to think of it, I didn't come here just to talk.
Clank.
I reached into the top of my hammer, which had clicked open, pulled out the object I had sealed inside, and tossed it to Al’shel. Then, I stated the second reason for my visit.
“Take it.”
“What is this?”
“An A-Rank Monster Seed.”
“This is quite a rare item.”
Al’shel caught it with the tentacles on his head and examined it from all angles.
“The purity is high, the composition is lattice-type, and the extraction method was professional. The structure hasn't collapsed…”
I had no idea what he was talking about.
“That’s not my area of expertise, so there’s no point telling me.”
He seemed excited, as he looked ready to continue while spraying mucus, so I cut him off.
“Ahem. My apologies. It is my specialty, after all… So, how do you intend to use this? Is it a trade? If so, I can pay in cash right now…”
“Give it to Linshua. Tell her I’m sorry for being late with her birthday present.”
“…”
Al’shel’s large eyes blinked slowly, as if he hadn't expected those words to come out of my mouth.
I wasn't well-versed in the emotional expressions of the octopus race, but that was likely a look of either bewilderment or lukewarm surprise.
“Look. I know I messed up.”
“If you feel that way, wouldn't it be better to tell her yourself?”
“With what face?”
I covered my eyes and tilted my head back.
“It’s been years since I’ve seen her. And that was entirely my fault.”
“I don’t believe Linshua feels that way…”
“Only Linshua herself would know that.”
Strangely, the buzz from the alcohol seemed to vanish. My mood had been spoiled.
“More importantly. Is the gene extraction ready?”
“Yes. However, such a large-scale production is a significant expense even for us. There was some debate among the executives, but authorization was granted with a condition.”
“What condition?”
“You must visit the headquarters in person.”
Flash.
A Magic Circle appeared beneath my feet. A black Magic Circle that seemed to absorb light, signaling the use of Otherworldly Power.
I immediately tried to move out of the circle, but I was blocked by a transparent barrier.
“Al’shel!”
“It’s a simple teleportation spell. Have a safe trip.”
“What am I supposed to say to her now?!”
“Can’t you just give her the present and say you’re sorry? It’s what everyone does. Here, take this back.”
I reflexively caught the Black Seed flying through the air, but the seed wasn't the priority right now.
The priority was escaping this Magic Circle. I reached for my hammer to swing it, but…
My body…?
Suddenly, my body wouldn't move as I wanted. A tingling sensation spread to my fingertips.
Because of that, my swing was slightly slower than usual.
“Ugh…”
The Magic Circle cracked, but the spell itself didn't stop.
I was too late.
“Good heavens. How are you still moving after drinking the paralytic poison Linshua brewed? You never cease to amaze me.”
I wondered why he was being so quiet today; he’d spiked my beer.
“Al’shel!”
I shouted the octopus’s name and swung my hammer again.
Just before The Hammer struck the cracked Magic Circle, my vision, the air, and the information from my five senses shifted.
The sensation of being moved somewhere far away.
I arrived in a vast workshop.
Someone’s workshop, filled with countless black statues.
I wanted to go back right this second and turn that Octopus Head into calamari, but there was something more urgent.
What should I say to her?
What could I, who had abandoned everything and run away, possibly say to her?
Squish. Squish.
I turned my head toward the source of a sticky sound.
Numerous Black Seeds were scattered around her.
Art performed according to her instincts.
The seeds she touched became clay, then jewels.
A Young Girl with long black hair.
She was diligently working on a statue of someone.
No. To call it a statue of 'someone' was too vague. The likeness was unmistakable.
It was a statue of me.
A statue of me, being crafted by an O-Rank Monster.
I decided to stop running.
It was time to accept my past.
Thud.
The sound of my boots echoed through the workshop.
Squish.
The girl stopped her sculpting.
The girl, sensing the intruder who had broken the silence of the workshop, turned her head, her long black hair fluttering in the air.
A pale-skinned girl, still possessing a hint of childhood innocence, met my eyes.
“Daddy…?”
The past had caught up to me.