Chapter 10: Millionface
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 10: Millionface
I had been feeling relaxed, thinking I could practice shooting with Sung Hee-na whenever I wanted.
But as they say, you can’t see an inch into the future. I never expected things to turn out like this.
I don’t know if Park Sung-jun has some kind of personal grudge against me, but he keeps getting in my way.
The Tactical Support Team’s primary mission is to support the heroes who deal with monsters emerging into the world. And while it’s slightly less of a priority, they also provide support when arresting villains.
But seriously, why is a mid-sized clan like ours sticking its nose into a villain arrest?
Breakline had barely participated in such things until now, yet they suddenly jumped into this case.
A phantom thief? I think there was some kind of nickname attached to the front, but anyway, there’s a famous thief who calls themselves a phantom thief.
Apparently, they’re so full of themselves that they send out advance notices before their heists. Since the target is an important item, requests for help were sent to multiple clans.
Even if you collect the villain’s bounty, the profit is less than what you’d make from the dungeon business; they’re mostly going just to play hero for the public.
Does our clan even have a hero worth raising the public profile of?
Including Park Sung-jun, all the highest-ranked heroes are on the verge of retirement, and the prospect, Yoon A-young, is still a total greenhorn.
If a D-rank hero goes, they’ll be lucky if they just don’t get killed by the villain.
Since Park Sung-jun is someone who loves calculating profits, he wouldn’t have jumped into this villain business without a reason.
Hmm... as I thought, is he trying to build connections with the government?
I can’t think of any other benefit besides networking, as there’s no real profit to be had from this.
Regardless, the entire Tactical Support Team, including Sung Hee-na, was called out to the scene to catch this one phantom thief.
Since they’re even commuting from there, I’ve had the shooting range all to myself, but it’s just disappointing because I was right on the verge of the "main event" with Sung Hee-na.
To be honest, I really summoned my courage to whip my cock out.
For someone like me who still has the common sense of the previous world, that kind of perverted act required immense courage. While I did receive a fitting reward for it, I’d hesitate if asked to do something similar again.
My broadcast schedule was pushed back, and I had nothing to do in the HR department. In the end, I spent my time in the empty shooting range, easily hitting 100% on Level 4 and moving on to Level 5.
"Member Jeong Yeon-woo, please focus. You’ll get hurt."
The trainer caught my body when I got distracted while exercising.
Awakened training is often dangerous, so I need to concentrate.
The trainer, who seemed to be subtly groping me while holding me, met my eyes and then pretended nothing happened, rambling on about muscles.
When I requested to set my own training routine and asked them to just watch from the side, all the trainers at the center started taking turns watching over me.
At first, I thought it was just whoever was free, but seeing how they take turns in a specific order every time I come, it seems they’ve set up a rotation among themselves.
There’s a lot of subtle physical contact, and no matter how I look at it, that rotation seems driven by personal interest.
The original owner of this body must be incredibly handsome.
The skin is fair and smooth, giving off a generally androgynous vibe. To another man, it might look a bit greasy, but with the dark eyebrows and sharp features, he looks handsome no matter how many times you look.
He didn't have good results as a poster boy for nothing.
As I checked my appearance in the mirror on the wall, I could see women behind me staring.
The average level of looks in this world is high, which is nice to look at, but it’s a bit scary when they glare at my ass with eyes like they’re going to devour me.
"Good work today."
As I was about to leave after finishing my workout, Juna greeted me.
She seems to be a trainer too, but I’m disappointed she hasn't overseen my workouts—maybe because she lacks seniority, or maybe she’s a popular trainer who’s too busy.
After a brief greeting, I stepped outside, and the night air welcomed me.
Once before work, once after work.
I’ve been working out hard, but I still haven't been able to raise my stats much.
The materials I ordered from the auction haven't all arrived yet, so I haven't been able to use them or make any boosters.
Since they’re high-priced items, the security is top-notch, but thanks to the delivery guys who don't care about speed, I might end up registering as a hero without even using a booster.
[Stamina: 4, Strength: 5, Agility: 4, Mana: 14]
I’ve been going to the center for about two weeks, and if Agility went up by 1 and the rest by 2, it’s not much different from home training.
Since my Mana has reached double digits, it’s natural for growth to be slow, but why are the other stats still at rock bottom?
Sighing at this frail body that clearly has the constitution of a pure mage, I headed toward the site where the phantom thief had issued the warning.
As someone in charge of recruitment, there’s nothing for me to do there.
I’m just going to show my face because Sung Hee-na might start having other thoughts as time passes.
Feeling the taxi driver’s gaze constantly glancing at me through the rearview mirror, I arrived at the scene.
"Wow—that’s a lot of people."
Whether the phantom thief villain is famous or not, the area around the building was walled off by people.
There were police, heroes dispatched from clans, and tactical support teams, but there were also crowds of people who had gathered to watch, making the surroundings packed.
"You cannot cross the police line."
"I’m Jeong Yeon-woo from the Breakline clan. It’s my first time here; could you tell me where my clan is stationed?"
I handed my employee ID and Awakened ID to the female officer.
The officer, who radioed inside, walked ahead, saying she would guide me after getting permission.
At the same time, two other female officers stood behind me like guards, but this wasn't an escort—it was surveillance.
Since it was said that one of the villains could transform into others, they couldn't be at ease even with an ID.
As I entered the building, I saw male officers sitting in a corner, chatting and drinking coffee.
Near the police line, female officers were standing like a wall to block the crowds, so the men looked quite comfortable.
I accept that the roles of men and women are reversed, but did they have to swap that part too?
As I stared at the pathetic-looking male officers, the female officer walking ahead made an excuse, perhaps feeling embarrassed.
"They are just taking a short break after being on duty for a long time."
She must be annoyed by the sight too, but she’s covering for them since they’re fellow officers.
"It’s getting late; you’re working hard. Thank you."
"Not at all. It’s my job."
She answered flatly, but her eyes softened, seemingly grateful that her hard work was acknowledged.
Once inside the building, she led me to a waiting room set up in a corner, befitting a clan with little power.
"The Breakline clan is waiting here."
"Thank you. Oh, please have this during your break."
When I handed her one of the tart boxes I had bought on the way, the officer hesitated before bowing her head and accepting it.
As I stepped inside, the heroes who were resting after a shift change stared at me.
"Hello, you’re all working so hard."
"Yeon-woo! It’s been a while. Oh my—look how bright your face is."
"What brings you here? Did the Clan Leader call you?"
Perhaps because they were older heroes, they struck up a conversation with that characteristic middle-aged friendliness.
Since I had initially joined as a hero, I knew all their faces.
Even though the original owner of this body had run away pathetically during his first dungeon, I was grateful they still treated me kindly.
However, not everyone welcomed me.
Because of my past actions, the younger heroes who weren't original members glared at me in silence.
In particular, Yoon A-young’s expression was frozen stiff.
Seriously, why did they bring a D-rank hero here?
As I approached with a smile, Yoon A-young stepped forward to stop me and spoke in a sharp voice.
"There is no reason for Manager Jeong Yeon-woo to be here. You could be Millionface."
"Oh, come on—how would Millionface know Yeon-woo?"
"There were instructions to verify even clan members."
Despite being a greenhorn, Yoon A-young clearly conveyed her intent to the original members and glared at me, asking, "Prove your identity."
It was a sharp gaze that seemed to say she’d cut me down if I couldn't.
"My hands are full; can I put down the coffee and snacks before we talk?"
"No. If you can't prove it, you can't do anything."
"Should I say something only I would know? Like how you, Yoon A-young, are smarter than Manderus?"
Oh, my big mouth.
As I snarked out of habit again, Yoon A-young’s eyebrows furrowed.
At this rate, it felt like she’d cut me even if I proved it, so as I was gauging the atmosphere, a hero who was resting on a sofa inside looked at me and smiled.
"Yeon-woo, how was it when you entered your first dungeon with me?"
I thought she looked familiar; it was Han So-ye.
She’s one of the youngest among the original members, so she’s still in her late 30s.
Her long, wavy hair slightly covered one eye, making her look like a sexy MILF, but she has a very strong maternal personality and used to dote on the body's original owner.
And she was the one who witnessed the original owner’s darkest hour right by his side.
"I was so scared I threw up. I clung to you, So-ye Noona, crying and begging."
"Oh my, 'Noona'? You shouldn't call me so familiarly."
But her eyes were smiling, clearly pleased.
Getting up from the sofa, Han So-ye grabbed Yoon A-young’s shoulder to stop her.
"That should be enough, right? A-young, if you keep your nerves on edge like that, fatigue will build up and you won't be able to use your abilities when it really matters. Others are on guard now, so you should rest when you can."
"Yes... thank you for the advice."
At Han So-ye’s gentle voice, Yoon A-young bowed to her and stepped back.
I saw many fledgling heroes who would be responsible for the future, and it seems they were brought here for the experience.
Since Breakline only cares about dungeons, they have to take opportunities like this to gain experience dealing with villains.
That Park Sung-jun, what an extreme profit-seeker.
His wicked plan is to let the large clans handle the villain while his prospects soak up the experience.
Since he brought a bunch of D-rank heroes, the other clans probably won't look at us kindly.
"What brings you here?"
"You’re all working so hard, so I came to deliver some snacks."
"Yeon-woo is the only one who thinks of us. Thank you."
Han So-ye, with her gentle yet subtly sexy voice, smiled as she took the snacks from my hands and laid them out on the table.
"Oh—Wake & Bakery! I saw on the internet that this place is famous. How did you get these?"
"As expected of a man, you really know your dessert shops. Thanks, I’ll enjoy them."
"Thank you for the food, Manager."
Some confusing comments popped up, but the heroes gathered around the table.
Even though their palates are the same as women from my original world and they love desserts, they consider it "unmanly" to visit such shops themselves.
When I went to the shop, the customers were all men.
"Does the Tactical Support Team have a separate waiting room? Or are they on guard?"
I asked while holding the remaining tarts, and the original members started teasing me.
"You’re going to take care of the Tactical Support Team too? You’re so kind-hearted—an angel, a total angel."
"We’re in the same clan, after all."
"Oh my—handsome face, good personality. I’d love to introduce you to my daughter."
"Hey, our Yumi is a better match than your Jeong-hee."
No, stop talking nonsense and just tell me where they are.
"We’re sharing the waiting room. It’s the sorrow of a mid-sized clan. Sung Hee-na is currently on guard on the rooftop."
This is why I dislike quick-witted middle-aged women.
Han So-ye mentioned Sung Hee-na with narrowed, teasing eyes.
At the mention of her name, Yoon A-young also stared at me with narrowed eyes.
Though unlike Han So-ye, her gaze was full of annoyance.
Does she think the reason I go to the shooting range is because of Sung Hee-na?
Well, I mean. That is one of the reasons, but anyway.
"The Tactical Support Team is on guard, so it’s better to leave these here. I’ll head up for a bit."
As I tried to leave the waiting room with a coffee, I heard whispering behind me.
"Are Yeon-woo and Team Leader Sung Hee-na dating?"
"I knew it, seeing how often he goes to the shooting range."
"We’re not dating—"
As I answered the aunties' fuss and closed the door, I heard them cackling with laughter inside.
Man, they really drain my energy.
As I walked leisurely through the building sipping my coffee, I felt the gazes of people from other clans.
I had an access pass for this place around my neck, but perhaps because I was a new face, they stopped and checked me every time I moved.
"I’m sorry."
The hero who had answered the radio several times spoke in a tired voice.
After checking the radio, the hero apologized to me and stepped back.
It was annoying, but it meant the security was that tight.
Dungeons are just mindless attacking for the sake of the orbs, but outside the dungeons, the tactics are solid.
The internal patrol routes and personnel were arranged so that if a problem occurred on one side, they could immediately coordinate, and people were acting strictly according to the manual without letting their guard down.
Far from finding flaws, it was so impressive that even I, who had served in the military for a long time, had things to learn.
Is this kind of development a result of focusing solely on blocking monsters in dungeons and dealing with villains?
Thinking of a somewhat plausible reason, I went up to the rooftop, where there were many snipers guarding the perimeter.
Security on the rooftop was especially strict; after verifying my identity several times, a woman with a gun personally guided me to Sung Hee-na.
"Manager. What brings you here?"
Sung Hee-na, who was giving instructions to her team members, brightened up when she saw me.
"You’re working so hard, so I came to see your face. I left some snacks and coffee downstairs, so please have some when you switch shifts."
Seeing her bright expression, she didn't seem to have any regrets or second thoughts.
Her deep eyes seemed to hold even more affection for me than before.
I was worried she might think of me as a pervert or look down on me, but it was a needless concern.
"Thank you for thinking of us too."
"We’re clan members. I made it clear those snacks are for the Tactical Support Team, so the heroes won't eat them all."
"Haha, that’s a relief."
Sung Hee-na laughed softly at my joke.
I hadn't felt it downstairs, but since it was the rooftop, a cold wind was blowing hard.
I don’t know about heroes, but an ordinary person would get sick staying in a place like this for long.
"It’s cold; have this at least."
I gave her the coffee after reheating it with mana, but Sung Hee-na hesitated, looking flustered.
"Oh, I only took two sips. It’s almost new. If you take the lid off, I haven't touched the rim..."
"No! It’s fine. I don’t mind. I’ll enjoy it."
When I rubbed the part where my mouth had touched with my hand, Sung Hee-na quickly took the coffee.
Then, she looked at the single opening for a moment before putting her lips to it.
She’s so cute, getting nervous over an indirect kiss when she was sucking and licking mine at the shooting range.
As I was laughing inwardly, a siren suddenly blared.
Everyone’s radios went off simultaneously, announcing that the villain had appeared.
Of all times, why now?