Chapter 16. Ghoul Horde
Kang Ji-hyuk's group pressed on for another fortnight before arriving at the small city of Franca. Beautiful fields stretched out across the landscape, but an unsettling air hung over the place. People's faces quivered with hidden anxiety, and the atmosphere felt oppressively subdued. Ji-hyuk sensed something was wrong but had no idea what.
Kayak picked up on it too and murmured quietly to the captain just before they entered the inner keep. “Captain, something seems off.”
“...Looks like it.”
Only then did the rest of the team belatedly read the mood. The unease spread to them as well.
The carriage carrying Ji-hyuk's team rolled into the inner keep. Word of the heroes' arrival had spread, and Baron Franky himself came out to greet them warmly. His face lit up like he'd just met his savior.
“We sincerely welcome you, heroes.”
“Such a warm reception leaves me at a loss.”
Ji-hyuk sent his team to the lodging house first, then met with the baron alone. He opened by noting how strange the city's vibe felt.
“Well, the truth is…”
“It's fine. Go ahead.”
“A horde of ghouls is ravaging the outskirts. It's not just one or two villages they've hit.”
“...A ghoul horde?”
Ji-hyuk kicked himself inwardly. The words triggered memories of that count's dead daughter case from before.
...So it's spread this far after all.
This had to be tied to the incident he'd faced with hero Elraim around the villages near Chronostan city. ...Should've stamped out the spark back then. The lesson hit home again.
He bore some blame for letting it fester. Sure, circumstances had tied his hands somewhat, but he couldn't fully escape responsibility.
“We requested aid from the Empire, but… we can't just sit and wait.”
“I see.”
The baron eyed the hero cautiously. No way he could handle this solo. He'd begged nearby cities for emergency help, but silence all around.
...Makes sense. They're all stretched thin defending their own turf.
“No heroes visited before now?”
“Two did. Both promised to request Empire support and left.”
They'd clearly bailed because they didn't want the hassle. Heroes were all the same. Exactly as expected.
Desperation etched the baron's face. He clearly feared Ji-hyuk would bolt too.
“We can't hold out much longer. They're closing in. If they hit the city, we're done for. …Hero, please, have pity and help us.”
No time for pride now. The baron straight-up begged.
“I'll discuss it with the team. I'm leaning positive, so try not to worry.”
“...Understood. I pray for good news.”
They parted ways. Ji-hyuk headed straight for the lodging.
His team had unpacked and were waiting in the reception room. They jumped up as he entered.
“Captain—!”
Bald-headed Gid rushed over, groveling with a sleazy grin. “How long we resting this time…?”
“Everyone, gather up.”
Ji-hyuk ignored the bald bastard's question and motioned them in. Gid finally clocked the gravity.
The six members minus Ji-hyuk sat around the round table, eyes fixed on their standing captain.
“We've got a problem.”
Their faces hardened. Kayak spoke for the group. “What kind?”
“Ghouls are wiping out nearby villages.”
“Ghouls?”
Gid blurted it out in shock. Not just him—everyone looked blindsided. Ghouls? No one saw that coming.
Ji-hyuk stated it flat-out. “Looks like I need to handle it.”
“...Do we have to?”
Gid ventured, face worried. “Empire'll send heroes eventually. Best to pass by, no? No point picking fights.”
“No. Kicking the can down the road is why it's this bad. Saw something similar nearby before. Over a year later, no change. …Ring any bells?”
Gid clammed up.
Ji-hyuk swept his gaze over them. “If I ignore this as a hero and roll on, am I a continental hero or just an imperial merc chasing perks? …I'm here for the continent's peace. No telling how big this blows up. We can head off worse bloodshed now.”
Kayak nodded, bowing his head slightly. “You're right a hundred times over. I'll follow your lead, Captain.”
The others agreed to back the hero's call. Even Grace and Grendal shelved revenge for now. The immediate threat trumped it.
“Thanks. For getting it.”
“No, Captain. Even if you ordered hell itself, it's our duty.”
Kayak pledged loyalty. Gid recoiled. “H-Hell though? Bit extreme.”
Ji-hyuk chuckled. “Won't drag you there by force.”
Gid sighed in relief, patting his chest—then flashed a sleazy grin. “Heh, truth is I'd follow to hell too—! Trust me, right Captain?”
“Ugh, you spineless shit—! No honor. Shame on you—!”
Mahushu jabbed a finger at him. Gid shot back that honor don't pay the bills. Laughter rippled lightly. Tension eased.
“Got it then. Mission on hold—we focus here. …Won't drag forever though. Promise. Cool?”
He eyed Grace and Grendal. They nodded fine.
The hero sealed it and returned to the baron, who was pacing anxiously. “Decision?”
“We're tackling this first.”
Ah—! The baron's face bloomed like Lazarus revived. He fumbled in gratitude.
“Heroes' job anyway.”
“You're a true hero. This grace—I'll never forget.”
“We'll need supplies though. You can hook us up?”
“Absolutely. Name it—I'll back you to the hilt.”
The baron offered an instant banquet. Ji-hyuk passed. Plenty of time after.
“Just keep us comfy.”
“I'll drill it into the staff.”
Operations kicked off. Ji-hyuk dispatched scout and recon teams far and wide. No time to waste. Swift, precise enemy hunt and exterminate—that was the play.
The baron rustled up knights and porters later. The ten-man knight squad vowed obedience till ghouls were dust.
While awaiting reports, Ji-hyuk roamed the city, hearing out sheltered survivors. Grace tagged along. Figured keeping her busy might ease her anxiety.
...What a guy.
Honestly, Grace figured she'd have played dumb and bounced if she were hero. But this one… way more righteous. She'd seen tons of heroes in her team days, but none like him. Cynicism-drenched, yet that justice burned undimmed. No fake posturing either. He genuinely pushed to fix it. Zero reward chased.
Possible? No payoff at all? Pure justice?
She mused true heroes were folks like this. ...Weird feeling.
“Grace?”
“...Yes?”
“You okay?”
“Yeah. Fine. Just thinking.”
Ji-hyuk called it—back to lodging. Grace walked abreast, footsteps soft on stone. Gorgeous sunset bled the sky.
Ah—. Warm rays hit her skin, stirring her chest.
He side-eyed her face, then veered to the plaza. They sat side-by-side at a small fountain. He bought fruit nearby, handed her one.
She took it, glancing up.
“Eat.”
Ji-hyuk grinned, sunset-gazing. Grace crunched hers.
...Peaceful. That emotion she'd figured gone forever.
Tears suddenly streamed. Panicking, she swiped at them with her sleeve. But they gushed like a busted dam.
“Ah, wh-what, why…”
The captain wordlessly stroked her back gently. The warmth broke her—she clutched her face, sobbing.
“Yeah. Happens. It's okay. It'll pass. All of it…”
She wept till dusk faded. Puffy eyes a mess.
“Sorry. Made a fool of myself…”
“Nah, potty-mouth miss.”
Eek—. Potty-mouth stung.
“...Still hung up on that?”
“Lifetime scar. Shocking stuff.”
“That was… partly your fault too. Think I spew at randos?”
Grace snapped primly. Ji-hyuk just smiled.
Shocked, she grabbed his arm, halting. “You really think that? Seriously?”
“Why? Didn't say shit.”
“No answer's weirder. …Spill. You do?”
“Dunno.”
Arm snagged, Ji-hyuk strode on. Eh—. Dragged a step, she let go.
“Hurry. Team'll get ideas.”
“...Ideas?”
“Guy-girl out till dark? Misunderstandings happen.”
“Who the fuck'd—! You shit, if they, just smash…”
Curse half-out, she coughed, peeking at him.
“Get it. Rough crowd roughens the mouth.”
“No, I said—!”
“Pro skill though. Not amateur hour.”
Words failing, Grace clamped her lips. Ji-hyuk grinned.
Lodging reached. Simple dinner, then rooms.
Soon a knock. Yael.
Nearly a month cock-dry, she was feral. Rejected once, she'd schemed hard to rev him up.
Door shut, she dropped doggy-style, crawled to him ass-up.
...This slut.
Ji-hyuk snorted. Junkie mage leveling up lewd daily. Brains plus desperation equaled results.
Pity to blue-ball such effort—he unlaced pants. Long-overdue feeding time.
Ah—! Her ploy worked; joy surged. Him whipping it out? Gold.
Jackpot. Dog works.
“Ain't washed.”
“Don't care. Captain's? All good…”
Yael slurped it heedless. Salty? Fine. Captain's cock heaven.
The mage blissed out sucking hero dick.