Sealing the Seoul Accord
"Haneulseong's probably laying on the threats just right, but in the end, that's what we want. Don't interfere in Seoul's business from Shin Seoul! We'll handle our own survival!"
With 60,000 citizens trembling in terror amid the monsters, what is the government doing? Naturally, they'll face backlash. Even so, Seon Ui-cheol will refuse international aid. He's a pathological nationalist obsessed with Korea's sovereignty.
"So we'll prove that Seoul can survive on its own."
I pulled up a map of Seoul. The boundary between humanity and monsters, marked by the Han River. Cheonghwa-dan would establish goblin territory on Yeouido, right at that line. To the outside world, it would be known as a voluntary Seoul reclamation effort by the residents and the villain alliance.
"Seoul Reclamation Operation. We keep pushing forward."
I pointed to a spot on the map. South of Gwanghwamun, Seoul's administrative heart—and home to the worst S-rank monster in Seoul, the absolute nightmare of Korea: the Snake of Seoul City Hall, slumbering in its lair.
"May 15th. In two weeks, we'll slay the snake at City Hall and reclaim Seoul. Without Shin Seoul's help."
She's sharp, as expected. I lowered the screen. Eun Yu-ha stopped smiling and hardened her expression.
"Then we'd be enemies. My main client would shift from Yuseong to another group."
"Eun Yu-ha. Same for you, right?"
I paused for effect. "Those who bring me profit. Those who bring me loss. Zombies of capital who ally with villains for money and cut ties with heroes if they cost too much. How's that? Compared to Seon Ui-cheol's Shin Seoul, is Cheonghwa-dan's Seoul a profit or a loss for you?"
On the screen, Eun Yu-ha brushed back her hair with her hand. Through the strands, a bright, innocent smile she'd never shown before flashed by.
"That's why I'm dealing with you."
Eun Yu-ha. A peculiar main heroine who shows a villainous side in a different way from Cheon Ga-eul. Mostly in monetary terms.
"Fine. When we take down the snake at City Hall, I'll sell the cores to you as a gift."
...The girl who approached the protagonist to become a companion solely for his financial value. A ironclad heroine who gives love to no one—not even the protagonist—unless it's her personal route.
The ultimate ally at this point—one who'd never betray you if you pour endless profits into her mouth. I replied to Eun Yu-ha with full trust.
"Sold out, I told you."
"...Fine."
Jang Hu-jeong ground his teeth. He tried to play it cool, but his fist clenched under the table trembled against his thigh.
"Good. Well done, Director of Monster Countermeasures."
Haneulseong adjusted his fedora with a deeply satisfied look. The expressions of the two negotiation leads made the winner obvious without asking.
The government's overwhelming defeat. The 60,000 hostages had worked wonders. Even the Hero Association rep who'd come along was subtly siding with the villains in protecting the heroes and people.
Haneulseong paused before addressing the delegation.
"We'll hand over the 10 heroes right away. Escort to Gwanak Mountain too."
"Our thanks for the courtesy."
Jang Hu-jeong bowed. The table held a paper prepared by the delegation, densely filled with agreement terms.
Representatives: Jang Hu-jeong (Minister, Monster Countermeasures Department) and Haneulseong / Ryu Cheon-seong (Villain Alliance)
Handwritten on brought paper, yet the content was impressively detailed. Deungdae recited the summary from his smartwatch.
"First, handover of heroes. On humanitarian grounds, 10 heroes to the delegation, escorted to Gwanak by the Villain Alliance."
The rescued heroes had been cleaned up and placed in hotel rooms. Whether imprisonment or protection, only they knew.
"Next, Seoul citizens issue. On May 8th, one week from now, government dispatches personnel for resident re-registration. Limited to 30: 15 government, 15 Association."
Most Seoul residents were already declared dead. Both government and villains balked at 60,000 unlisted people running wild.
"However, registration at citizens' discretion. Respect personal will, but Villain Alliance notifies legal consequences. Those being..."
"Renouncing Republic of Korea citizenship."
Phantom responded bitterly. Reactions varied, but here, "Republic of Korea" meant only "Shin Seoul."
Deungdae caught his breath and continued.
"However, government obligated to inform survivors' families of refusals on humanitarian grounds."
For those distrusting Seon Ui-cheol's government, the villains pushed registration as optional. Hidden motive: villains skipping it. Jang Hu-jeong missed it, fixated on the final clause. The Executioner knew but stayed silent.
"Finally, government appoints acting Seoul mayor until May 31st..."
Deungdae's gaze shifted to Haneulseong. He removed his fedora and shrugged.
"Haneulseong, Ryu Cheon-seong appointed. Restore Ryu Cheon-seong's residency, expunge all priors. No government interference in his administration."
BAM! Jang Hu-jeong finally snapped, slamming the table.
"Mayor is elected! By vote!"
Deungdae pointed to the agreement. "Director. It's already settled. Backing out now? Restart talks? Meanwhile, Seoul's 60,000 suffer."
Deungdae tilted his head mockingly; Haneulseong raised a hand to stop him.
"Calm down. Huhu. Doesn't matter to me. But Director, forgotten local election rules? Who elects Seoul mayor?"
"Seoul residents."
Phantom added. The Executioner sighed. Haneulseong, famed in Gangnam, stayed in Seoul with villains to the end. Versus some Shin Seoul candidate who fled. Arms bend inward—residents who'd endured reclamation ops would favor Haneulseong. Obvious.
Jang Hu-jeong tearfully yielded acting mayor to Haneulseong. An election would weaken Seon Ui-cheol. Better grant temporary, plot later. His Maginot Line.
"Handing Seoul to villains for a year..."
"Can't protect people, protect the nation? Kkellkkell. One-year temp anyway. Stabilize Seoul, by-election for mayor. And remember: during my term, villains here..."
Haneulseong grinned at both sides.
"I'll zealously arrest and jail them anytime. How watch criminals roam Seoul?"
"If you can catch them."
Jang Hu-jeong clenched fists in rage. Before outburst, Executioner calmly countered.
"Think you can cover the sky with your palm?"
Phantom pointed ceiling. "At least Shin Seoul folk won't know. We got eyes and hands to cover; they got ears and eyes gouged. Won't notice a thing."
"...Watch your words."
Jang Hu-jeong fumed, but Phantom shrugged.
"Got it. Never know when Pine Tree Unit pops up. Weaklings stay quiet, right?"
"......."
Executioner silent, Jang Hu-jeong slammed desk furiously.
"Anyway! Tell us heroes' locations now! Citizens await their return!"
"Huhu. No rush. Deungdae, ready?"
"Yes, Haneulseong."
Deungdae rose and left. One gone, Executioner scanned empty seat, catching breath.
"Yuseong chairwoman still absent."
About an hour passed. He often stepped out, but today unusually long. Jang Hu-jeong glared at Haneulseong.
"You guys..."
He recalled the secretary guiding Eun Jae-min to bathroom. Petite ponytail blue-haired beauty. Rare even in Shin Seoul. And group chair absent nearly an hour from restroom.
Chairwoman, secretary, bathroom. Male chair, female sec. Alone an hour.
"......Hmph."
Haneulseong hummed thoughtfully, then waved frantically.
"No, not what you think! Absolutely not! If so, I'd rip this agreement now and—"
"What... kind... of thing?"
Phantom growled through gritted teeth. Haneulseong sweated, averting eyes. Executioner paled.
".....Honey trap?"
"I'm going."
Phantom donned mask. Floor beneath her sank; she vanished below.
"What?!"
Jang Hu-jeong startled at her ability exit. Hole seamlessly tiled over.
Executioner whispered. "...Ability teleport. No need to panic."
"N-not panicking!"
His twitching nose betrayed him.
"Just... that Phantom seemed really pissed."
"Less pissed, more..."
Executioner eyed spot sharply. From experience with ability users, her final emotion was...
"Jealou—"
"Don't say it. Executioner."
Haneulseong cut in, uneasy himself.
"Sometimes ignorance is bliss."
Three men fell silent.
Knock knock knock.
"Ready."
Deungdae. Haneulseong rose, approached Jang Hu-jeong. He shot up; they shook hands.
Handshake ended the talks. No photos; quietly closed.