Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Heroes for Hire
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Brigadier General Frankie scowled fiercely.
'These goddamn bastards...!'
Americans had a few derogatory terms for labeling Awakeners.
Fucking Dogs.
This was the slur for HPD heroes.
It meant they were the dumbest guys in the world, and that's how the nickname stuck.
Money Snakes.
The slur for hunters working for private corporations or guilds.
They acted more vicious than vipers when money was involved, hence the name.
And finally, Lazy Pigs.
This referred to the military Awakeners in the Super Force.
Anyone burning with a sense of justice would've joined the HPD, while the money-hungry would've gone private.
In contrast, those who chose the Super Force mostly wanted a comfortable, affluent life.
The pay was relatively lower than private firms, but they prioritized drastically lighter workloads and safety.
They were infamous for never taking on overly demanding or dangerous missions.
Especially S-Ranks—recruiting them into the Super Force was tough, so contracts often included mission refusal rights.
'But there's a limit, even in an emergency like this.'
"The terrorists are heading for the A3 research sector!"
"No!! Stop them at all costs!! Where's the RRT?!"
"They engaged the terrorists and got completely wiped out! Alpha Team is currently in combat!"
Regular soldiers were no match for them.
Even the special forces made up of low-level Awakeners from the Super Force were getting massacred without a chance to fight back.
To stop Lv. 7 S-Ranks, you needed S-Ranks of the same level.
"Five million dollars. If you deploy, I'll pay you a special bonus of five million dollars. You don't have to take them down—just buy time."
The two Super Force S-Ranks looked slightly surprised.
As mentioned earlier, the Super Force offered lighter workloads at the cost of relatively lower pay.
Of course, even that "lower" pay far exceeded what S-Ranks got in other countries.
Still, bonuses like this for a single mission were extremely rare.
But the two S-Ranks looked unimpressed.
"Isn't that too much? Three S-Rank villains for a measly five million? Make it five million per head—fifteen million total."
Brigadier General Frankie bit his lip.
There was no way those two would actually risk their lives.
They'd just put on a show, yet here they were haggling.
'What the hell is happening to our America?'
Truth be told, their reaction wasn't entirely unreasonable.
Neither was even American-born. One was a naturalized citizen from Paraguay in South America, the other from Malaysia.
Why would they care about America?
People with that kind of patriotism would've stayed in their home countries.
This was the ugly underbelly of America, the self-proclaimed superpower of the new era.
"Fine. Fifteen million it is, then..."
That was when it happened.
Woooooong—!!!!
A massive vibration rumbled through.
The sound alone spelled trouble.
"No way—the terrorists' target is...?"
Brigadier General Frankie went pale as he spoke, and the operations officer stammered in reply.
"Th-the Astral Fusion Reactor is activating. Anomalous readings. If this continues, the reactor will go critical and melt down!"
It was a power generation device using astral energy, being researched in utmost secrecy by the US military and NASA.
A breakthrough beyond nuclear fission and fusion—one that could advance human civilization.
Due to the easy supply of top-grade Mana Stones and its ocean-adjacent location, the fusion reactor was housed at this Hawaiian base.
Still in early research stages, but if it melted down... it would be a catastrophe.
"Stop it before the meltdown!! What are you waiting for? Deploy now!!"
But the two S-Ranks balked.
"That's a problem. If it melts down, we'll get caught in the blast too. Not even fifteen million makes that worth it."
"...What?"
That was when it happened.
"Would it be alright if I stepped in?"
"?!"
All eyes turned toward the voice.
It was Do-hyun.
"I'm not yet recognized as an American citizen, but I'd like to help."
Do-hyun spoke with a resolute expression and tone.
'This timing should be perfect.'
Do-hyun had nine prior experiences under his belt.
He knew it well.
When offering help, extending a hand at the most desperate, thirstiest moment had the best effect.
'Thanks to those two, I get to play the hero.'
Do-hyun didn't particularly mind their passive attitudes.
In fact, it was admirable they weren't charging ahead to play villain themselves.
And it benefited him too.
'If some half-baked idiot jumps in to help, it'll just get in the way.'
The spotlight on this stage had to shine solely on Do-hyun.
"Help...? You mean you, Mr. Kim?"
"Yes. As someone who wants to become an American citizen, this isn't someone else's problem. It's only natural."
An answer so admirable he'd want to broadcast it to every naturalized citizen!
Brigadier General Frankie was deeply moved, even feeling guilty for suspecting Do-hyun as Genocider.
'And even if he is Genocider, so what? Right now, we need the devil's help.'
"Thank you. I won't forget your patriotism for America. But alone, you might not be enough..."
Brigadier General Frankie glanced at the other two S-Ranks, and fortunately(?) for Do-hyun, they recoiled in horror and shook their heads.
"I don't feel like committing suicide."
"Cutie boy, think this through. If you die, it's game over. Stay alive, and money and beauties will pour in. Get hurt or die, and you're the only one who loses."
Do-hyun ignored their heartfelt(?) advice and maintained his sense-of-justice(?) filled attitude.
"Time's short, so I'll head out now."
"W-Wait...!!"
Brigadier General Frankie stopped Do-hyun.
He bit his lip for a moment, then did something astonishing.
He saluted Do-hyun!
"On behalf of the US military, I request your aid, hero from Korea."
Do-hyun's face briefly showed surprise.
'A hot-blooded romantic soldier type. They pop up now and then.'
Deciding to play along, he returned the salute.
"Now, I'm America's hero."
Sector A3 was tucked away in the deepest part of the JB PHH base, under utmost secrecy.
'Hawaii's great for sourcing all kinds of Mana Stones. That's why one of the US military's largest arcane science labs for military use is here.'
He recalled it in past tense because it would be wiped out in this incident.
In every single one of Do-hyun's loops, America had failed to stop this terror attack even once.
'The details varied each time, so the military responded properly sometimes, but the outcome never changed.'
Right now, the Americans had no clue how the terrorists were toying with them.
The three S-Rank villains weren't all there was.
There was a 'hidden boss.'
'Three perfect main dishes, plus a secret menu item. This'll be fun.'
Gulp—
The Devourer of Evil Destruction dwelling in Do-hyun's soul licked its chops at the impending 'feast.'
As he approached Sector A3, counter-terrorism operators were waiting for him.
Mostly Awakeners.
Regulars were C- or D-Ranks, team leaders B-Ranks.
"What's the situation inside? Can you confirm?"
"The Psychic Engineer's hacking skill took over the lab's surveillance security system—ISSS entirely. It's under his control now."
Do-hyun nodded.
Actually, a welcome development.
"How can we support you, sir?"
"Stand by for now. When I give the signal, move in and assist."
Considering the secret menu... er, 'hidden boss,' these guys wouldn't help much anyway.
Still, they had their uses.
"Key point: don't enter before my signal. It'll just interfere."
"Roger. Understood."
As he entered, a thick stench of blood assaulted his nose.
No 'appetite' stirred from the smell—it was innocent blood, not villains'.
A bit further, corpses littered the ground densely.
Researchers, operators sacrificed blocking the villains, and so on.
Do-hyun walked through the bodies impassively, then suddenly felt a surge of 'hunger.'
Like his soul had caught the scent of delicious food.
At the same time,
Shwick—
Something sliced through the air.
No sound, no presence.
Silent Blade
Shadow Knight Advanced Skill
Shadow Knight advanced skill. Only A-Rank or higher could use it.
'Plenty of Shadow Knights among villains. Pity—devouring another won't give new skills.'
Do-hyun clicked his tongue and reacted.
He twisted aside to dodge, then reached out.
"!!"
Krunch!
His hand clamped around the attacker's head.
The guy wore a clichéd mask, eyes bulging in disbelief at being caught.
Do-hyun didn't care—he slammed the head into the wall with a splat.
The skull burst like a watermelon with a crunch!
Not limited to skills, Do-hyun chose base stats.
Stamina, agility, and other physical stats rose evenly.
Especially sensory stats, Shadow Knights' forte.
'Not bad efficiency. An A-Rank villain's like prime beef—not top-tier wagyu, but grade-one hanwoo at least.'
Do-hyun was currently S-Rank, Lv. 7.
To benefit, he needed at least B-Rank prey.
Even then, it was a drop in the bucket—devouring ten B-Ranks to meaningfully boost his power.
Do-hyun activated his 'Detection' skill to scan the lab's villains and inwardly cheered.
Beyond the S-Ranks, five more A-Ranks and seven B-Ranks.
'Time for appetizers first.'
Spotting the ceiling camera, Do-hyun smirked and spoke.
"Just chill, bros. I'm coming for you."
Deep underground in the A3 lab.
Where the Astral Fusion Reactor was.
The three S-Rank villains behind this mess stood frozen, mouths shut.
With the Psychic Engineer controlling the lab cameras, they could see every move Do-hyun made.
"...Who the hell is that psycho?"
Do-hyun was hunting villains.
No, not even hunting—hunters tense up and give their all.
What Do-hyun was doing... was slaughter.
He even wore a faint smile.
As if killing villains was a delightful game.
"Genocider..."
One muttered through gritted teeth, the other two nodding in agreement.
Do-hyun was definitely Genocider. The bloodthirsty slaughterer.
And the most horrifying part.
Do-hyun kept talking to the cameras.
As if genuinely worried they'd flee.
Chills ran down the spines of the three S-Rank villains.