The Leash on the Light Sword
April 12, 2020, 5 AM, Presidential Office at the Government Building.
The door to the office creaked open with a sharp kiiik. It was a room that should have been empty at this hour, yet no alarms blared. The guards stayed silent—because someone was already inside, hard at work.
"You're here."
The man in the office, Seon Ui-cheol, gestured to a seat. The middle-aged man in a suit shuffled awkwardly before plopping down. A thick stench of alcohol clung to him.
"What the hell do you want, calling me out like this?"
His tone was downright surly—hardly the way to address a nation's president. He made no effort to hide his hostility toward Seon Ui-cheol. The president absorbed it wordlessly and offered him a cup of tea.
"Have some. It's mana herb tea from Yuseong. They say it's perfect for recovery."
"I'm not tired. Get to the point."
"You S-rank ability users might bounce around full of energy, but us powerless types need this to function on two hours of sleep. I've ditched coffee since starting this stuff."
"Get. To. The. Point."
Golden light flickered in the man's eyes. Seon Ui-cheol calmly set down his cup as the visitor openly channeled mana in irritation.
"Don't go to Seoul."
"No."
Twitch. Seon Ui-cheol's eyebrow furrowed. It was like a rabid dog, leashed in the yard, now lunging at its master with throat-slashing intent.
"Do you even grasp what you're saying? You're refusing my order?"
"I do. But I have to go anyway."
"...Fine. There must be a reason you're pushing this hard."
Seon Ui-cheol took a sip. The refined mana in the herb tea invigorated his body.
"Explain, then. Why risk the safety of five million New Seoul citizens to head to Seoul?"
"New Seoul won't crumble just because I'm gone."
"Do you know how many Korean citizens are hanging their necks on that one 'just you'?"
The man ground his teeth.
"I'm just a half-crippled hero who can't even fight anymore after getting hurt on the Pyongyang front. Why are you so desperate to keep me chained?"
"Even so, you're this country's top hero. As the kids say, 'form is temporary, but class is eternal'... or something. And besides."
Seon Ui-cheol grinned like he was about to devour him. His sharp features, honed since his Yeouido dragon days, evoked a serpent.
"You're not declining in form—you're hiding it. Mana and power enough to stand tall in the Round Table."
"......That was supposed to stay secret, part of our deal."
Gwanggeom's mana settled coldly. The blade-like pressure made Seon Ui-cheol's hand tremble for a split second.
"Killing me won't help. That secret of yours? It'll spread worldwide the moment I die. You think only you'd pay? Gwanggeom, who really got crippled in Pyongyang... heh."
"You haven't told anyone, have you?"
"Of course not. But if I die, it'll flood the black market. Would I break my promise to you? I put a leash on you, giving up the title of Round Table hero holder."
"...Now that Lee Seung-hyung's around, just let me go. Make him the hero like you've been doing."
Seon Ui-cheol shook his head at Gwanggeom's words.
"Lee Seung-hyung isn't ready. No experience like yours, no achievements. You think he can replace Gwanggeom, Heo Yun-hwan?"
"So that's why you're pulling out the Seoul reclamation op? Not enough with killing the Fire Demon Dragon?"
"Listen, Yun-hwan."
Seon Ui-cheol removed his glasses. The scar under his left eye twitched.
"Catching demons or whatever doesn't hit home with the people. You can't grasp that terror without living it. But Seoul's different. Our citizens' DNA is etched with sorrow and rage over losing the country. This time it's just the capital."
"If that's the goal, send Lee Seung-hyung alone. Why drag Seolhwa Gongju to Seoul too?"
"Kuhahaha!"
Seon Ui-cheol laughed louder than usual, slapping his knee. The guffaw echoed through the office.
"Even the great Gwanggeom's human after all! Yeah, that's what's bugging you? Too worried to send Snow Flower Princess to Seoul!"
"......I won't deny it. You know how a father's heart works for his daughter."
"She's not your daughter. I even ran a secret DNA test because of your overprotectiveness. Cherishing your disciple like a real kid. Must be nice for her, parents or not."
"......."
Gwanggeom drained his tea, perhaps parched. As Seon Ui-cheol said, the core-extracted mana boosted his vitality. The president took a swig too.
"Don't misunderstand—I'm saying this clearly. The government didn't call Seolhwa Gongju."
"......What?"
Gwanggeom's eyebrow twisted sharply.
"What do you mean? If the government didn't summon her, why would she come from Busan?"
"Knew it. You talked to her directly, huh? Strong-willed enough to lie to her master. Heh."
As Gwanggeom's aura turned hostile, Seon Ui-cheol pressed on.
"We spread rumors through channels before officially announcing the Seoul op. Seolhwa wasn't in my plan. This stage is all for Lee Seung-hyung. But..."
Seon Ui-cheol licked his lips, snake-like, eyeing prey.
"She requested it herself. To join the Seoul reclamation. Even asked to keep it secret from you."
"Seok Ha-rang, you...!"
Gwanggeom was annoyed at her deceiving her master, but shocked she'd reached a level near his own—hiding emotions even from him.
"Recent growth spurt or enlightenment to a higher realm, who knows. But she's stepping up to conquer her old trauma. How could I stop her? I just cheered as a citizen. If it goes well, we can even oust that sly snake at City Hall."
"......Understood. Then let's do this."
Gwanggeom finished his tea and slammed the cup down.
"Pull Seolhwa. I'll go instead."
"No. Absolutely not. Didn't you hear? This op is for Lee Seung-hyung—"
"If not, I'll go with him. All three S-ranks."
Seon Ui-cheol's hand froze mid-reach for his cup at the radical demand. He was puzzled by the anxiety from Gwanggeom.
"What scares you so much? Did City Hall's monster hit S-rank or higher? That rumored SS-rank beast?"
"That thing's nothing. Hwagwon and Seolhwa could take it. But..."
Gwanggeom trailed off, as if holding back an explanation. Seon Ui-cheol chuckled at the uncharacteristic unease.
"Haha. Even Gwanggeom worries leaving the kids by the water. Good thing you're not married with kids. Heh."
"......."
Seon Ui-cheol drained the last drop of herb tea.
"Don't worry. Lee Seung-hyung's strong-willed and capable—not just because he's my nephew. Seolhwa, you've seen longer. Those two will lead the new generation as twin pillars."
Hero generational shifts come fast. Few awaken, and most retire injured before reaching heights.
"How long can we leave national affairs to you, Poong Baek, Usa, Unsa? China's shifting with Unjang at the helm. We must match pace. New generation—such a cool phrase, right?"
"...Fine. Send them, then."
"......Since when did Gwanggeom whine and bare teeth at his master like this?"
Seon Ui-cheol's eye twitched faintly.
"A monster needing you and two S-ranks to barely win? Did Pyongyang beasts sneak to Seoul unknown to me? I don't get it. Why dig in? Give me a reason to bend my plan and send you—one five million New Seoulites would buy, excluding me."
"...Can't say."
Seon Ui-cheol waved dismissively, ending the talk.
"Then it's impossible. Stay in New Seoul. What frightens you so?"
Gwanggeom closed his eyes. The faint aura from Seoul—death's familiar presence. Should he spill everything? But he couldn't trust Seon Ui-cheol. Not even told Yoo Yeong-ho yet.
Gwanggeom left quietly, pausing at the door.
"Fine. But promise this."
"What now?"
"If anything happens to Lee Seung-hyung or Seok Ha-rang, send me to Seoul immediately."
Seon Ui-cheol nearly hurled his cup but set it down. Calming his breath, he swallowed rage.
"No."
April 12, 2020, 5 AM, Guro Cheonghwa-dan Hideout.
"Seon Ui-cheol won't let Gwanggeom anywhere near Seoul. Not just New Seoul's safety—moment he learns the Cube's origin, he'll bolt there and lop off the president's head."
I pointed at the Cube on the table, sealed in a mana capsule like a specimen jar—no one could touch it.
"They've got each other's weaknesses, but Seon holds the tighter leash now. So, expect two S-ranks heading to Seoul: Hwagwon and Seolhwa Gongju."
"I get the Cube's dangerous, but why kill Seon? If New Seoul's at risk, I'd send all three S-ranks."
Deok-bae lifted the capsule, puzzled. Just us two in the room.
"Remember the tentacle frog? The assemblyman who carved Seon's face and snatched the Cube fleeing Yeouido?"
"Yeah."
"Gwanggeom's sworn brother. Near blood brothers."
"...Gwanggeom and the tentacle frog?"
I giggled, nodding.
"Same roots, but different paths, different people. You know how environment twists folks. Like Cheon Ga-eul not being a masquerade."
Guro, once hell, now a brief sanctuary for her. Deok-bae set down the capsule.
"So, how'd the bet end? She bolted to her room right after arriving."
"Let her do as she pleased. Impressive, surviving a criminal den despite her fear, delivering her message through that act. And... nostalgic. Grateful for that."
"What're you on about?"
"Just something."
Same mana readings, same Cheon Ga-eul.
"Even if she failed, no real penalty. Three days, then drop her in New Seoul anyway."
"...Danger gone in New Seoul?"
I tapped my veil, grinning.
"Souvenir. Blocks everything under S-rank like a razor."
"Why not stick by her?"
"Eventually?"
"......?"
Deok-bae's confusion was always amusing. I chatted excitedly about post-Seoul plans until Cheon Ga-eul woke.
"Huh? Dad. Yeah. Sorry, late call."
"It's nearly dawn—okay? Mom doesn't have work? What? ...Don't. I'll be back soon. Straight to shooting."
"Yeah. Guy who saved me says out of Seoul in three days. Monsters blocking roads from gates, detour. Hang tight three days."
"Wait just a bit. Don't search for me—cook soybean paste stew when I return. Mom's stew... haven't had it forever, starving already."
"Funeral? Insurance? ...Already declared dead? Why's Lee Seung-hyung chief mourner?"
"What? For real? Wow, didn't peg him—total player. 'Sis sis' fawning, then auditions and he slots my profile? Wild."
"Yeah, got it. I'll be careful. Huh? No, woman's side. Saved me. Ability user... strong... cool... personality's a bit weird."
"...Mom, not that way? What? That stuff's old-school. Dad's fine either way? For your only daughter? ...Ugh, never mind."
"Yeah. Can't talk long. Barely got this. ...Yeah. See you alive."
"Sorry, gotta hang really. Yeah. Take care."
"Love you."
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