Chapter 4. Moonless Night (2)
It was only natural, but there was a vast difference in their public reputations as well.
Seo Yeon-hee, one of the 36 Heroes, a world-renowned water-attribute mage and authority on spatial magic and contract rituals.
Me? A rich layabout... who had recently transitioned into an academy instructor.
The rest of the members' profiles were equally diverse. Respected public figures. Promising young hunters. Heirs to prestigious Awakener families. From what I'd heard in passing from Seo Yeon-hee, there were even some who lived completely under the radar, unnoticed and quiet.
In total, eight of us—slightly fewer than the public's guess of over ten.
More precisely, it was fluid. We sometimes exceeded ten... but that wasn't frequent.
Some died during operations. Some got caught plotting betrayal and died. Others vanished suddenly, only for Seo Yeon-hee or me to track them down and handle them reasonably.
That happened often enough. There were also guest members or aides who joined selectively based on their interests.
Anyone unaware of the inner workings might estimate over ten, but at this moment, Phantom's core members were all here.
The leader, Seo Yeon-hee, and the operations manager, me. Six regular members.
Each one's combat prowess was top-class, no question. Even judging by raw power totals, the weakest was A-rank, and in real combat, they far exceeded that.
Take Yeom Ui-jun's elimination, for example. Even without me, the other three could have pulled it off.
An S-rank hunter and one of the 36 Heroes—a name that frequently came up among the top powerhouses below the absolute strongest—killed by just three in a coordinated assault.
I couldn't guarantee victory if he'd been at his peak, but after twenty years of slacking? Piece of cake.
In conclusion, Phantom was strong. Strong as individuals, and when mobilizing our full core force, we could rival a major guild even without the boss's direct involvement.
So as business partners, I acknowledged they were pretty damn useful...
But there was one issue.
Outside of operations, we weren't exactly chummy.
"Hey, Boss. Doesn't seem like anything urgent. Why drag us all here?"
"Shut it before my ears bleed. Boss, ignore that crap. Let me apologize on his behalf."
The ever-complaining burly giant clashed with the glib-tongued man.
"Those two fight every time they meet."
"Yeah. And this is supposed to be official... Ahem, something I'd never have imagined back in my day."
"Ah... I see."
The boyish youth and the hunched old man managed a somewhat amicable chat, but no real rapport formed.
And the two women. The Rabbit Mask member and the Fox Mask member... I'd never seen them talk.
They just treated each other like air.
I didn't know if it was personality clash or something else.
Seo Yeon-hee always watched from afar like it was someone else's problem, so reining them in fell mostly to me.
Like right now.
Boom!
I stomped once, and the ground shook.
A fairly intense quake, like a proper earthquake, but no one here would lose their footing from that. Still, it drew all eyes to me.
"Enough chit-chat. Let's get to it. Boss, this way."
I gestured politely, and Seo Yeon-hee raised her right hand to her chest. Her gaze, barely visible through the black veil, met mine.
Our eyes conversed.
<What?>
<Escort you, obviously.>
<And if I say no?>
<Really...? Might make me feel a bit down... Could end up stepping in myself instead of leaving it to you.>
I swiftly reached out, cradling her right hand from below like lifting delicate silk.
It wasn't just because of the Kill the Evil quest.
Tonight was moonless, after all.
Hard to refuse when I used that as an excuse.
"Thanks."
"...Shall we?"
At least outwardly, the benevolent boss treating her subordinate kindly, and the loyal underling following faithfully—we headed toward the keep.
I felt eyes on my back.
"I've been wondering... are the Boss and that guy a thing?"
"Cut the bullshit."
The giant's curious question met the tall man's irritated reply.
"......"
"......"
The women showed no interest, staying silent.
"Looks like it, right?"
"Not yet, but it's heading that way. Back when I was young and getting close to my late wife, the distance felt just like that."
"I see..."
The boy muttered as the old man started reminiscing, like he'd regrets stirring the pot.
Setting aside that we weren't actually involved, if they knew the full situation, might their opinions shift?
If they knew Seo Yeon-hee's middle and ring fingers on her right hand—touching mine—were softly tracing my palm.
Intentional caress or accidental brush. The exquisite line she danced on left even me, the recipient, unsure.
<...What are you doing?>
<Hm? What?>
No, the mischief brimming in her eyes confirmed it: pure intent.
Case closed, I rebuked aloud.
"Control that naughty hand."
"What's wrong with my hand? Something happen?"
"......"
About then, the keep gates opened.
Not huge, but entering felt like stepping into a building's grand interior.
Ornate chandeliers, carpeted floors. Antique candelabras and furniture—impeccably luxurious.
A staircase led to the second floor on one side, with six rooms encircling the balcony.
One person probably wouldn't sleep here anyway, so seven people and six rooms... I decided not to ask Seo Yeon-hee why one short.
Would just give me a headache.
Besides, I wasn't sleeping here regardless. Planned to head back to the hotel room we'd used as a staging point.
Ting.
Seo Yeon-hee snapped her fingers.
Unlit candelabras roared to life, chandeliers blazed bright.
Warmth seeped into the chilly keep interior.
With light, the central table's contents sharpened into view.
Steaming, mouthwatering dishes.
Seo Yeon-hee, who gave my palm one last brush as I pulled out her seat at the head, addressed the members.
"Thanks for coming, everyone. Didn't expect a full turnout... Worth the prep. Oh, anyone have issues with the short notice? Sorry if so. Tomorrow's White Day here—day for lovers or whatever."
"Huh? A day like that?"
"Really? Know Valentine's, but this is new. Nah, no biggie."
"My late wife's memorial is soon, but today's fine."
The giant, boy, and old man responded in turn.
The women stayed quiet; only the tall man chattered excitedly.
"When the Boss calls, I make time even if busy. Thrilled to see you today."
"Oh?"
Seo Yeon-hee replied coyly and proposed.
"Let's eat first. Booze is ready if anyone wants."
"Can I drink too?"
"No."
Seo Yeon-hee flatly refused the boy's question.
I nearly chuckled but held it.
The concept-crafter and the one playing along—knowing the truth, it felt like watching a play.
After that, the meal proceeded without fuss.
Masks didn't hinder eating. Seo Yeon-hee waved, and mouths vanished from each mask, replaced by black mist.
Familiar sight, yet fascinating every time.
Though with mixed nationalities, conversing fluently was the real wonder.
We spoke our native tongues, yet understood perfectly. Thanks to Seo Yeon-hee's magic.
Even I, knowing most members' backgrounds, didn't hear their actual languages. Just Korean to me.
As plates emptied halfway, the old man suddenly asked me.
"You killed Yeom Ui-jun, right?"
"Yeah, pretty much."
Among regulars, I was the only one using formal speech.
Even by looks, they were all far my senior.
"The Yeom Ui-jun I knew wasn't pushover..."
His masked eyes seemed to gleam, piercing me with an uncanny gaze.
Then the burly man irritably interjected.
"Hmph, nothing special. I could've done it."
"Doubt it..."
"What?!"
The giant bristled at my sarcastic reply, but no one backed him.
A sly smile tugged my lips as I checked my watch. 8:30 PM.
Tension thickened the air as time passed.
We'd gathered "to see faces," but everyone knew that wasn't it.
Gatherings like this always meant business.
Announcing major ops needing half or more cores. Or blood being spilled on-site.
Seo Yeon-hee turned to me.
Timing seemed right; I stood and approached the head seat.
In a low tone, I began.
"Time for the main topic."
"Knew you had ulterior motives."
I ignored the giant's snark. Not because it didn't grate—soon I'd fix his attitude.
Six regulars. Excluding the old man, boy, and Rabbit Mask woman—left three.
Tall man, foul-tempered giant, Fox Mask woman. I eyed them in turn and stated flatly.
"Those who haven't named their 'wish' yet—decide one before leaving today."
"Hm?"
"A bit... sudden?"
"......"
The exempt three.
"Hah, that's what this is?"
"I don't want one."
"Leave this punk be, and he gets cocky as hell!"
The targets.
Tall man balked. Fox Mask calmly refused. Giant reacted most violently.
He kicked his chair, storming toward me.
"All you're good at is bootlicking the Boss. Lost your mind?"
Sneering threat, but he glanced at Seo Yeon-hee.
Would she intervene? That'd decide his next move.
She just smirked.
Handle it yourselves.
I stated plainly, just facts.
"Don't speak, and you die here today."
"Don't make me laugh!"
He roared, swinging a fist.
Whoosh!
Black wings erupted from my shoulders, enveloping me and blocking his strike.
Boom!
Shockwave scattered tableware.
"This ain't shit!"
Frantic bellow, mighty kiai.
Wings parted slowly.
Seconds later...
Fwoosh!
They burst open fully.
"I'll shut that mouth for good!"
Arrogant now, he seized my shoulders with both hands.
The moment immense power surged from his grip, I summoned black wings again.
They expanded massively, spewing dark haze, engulfing even him.
"What?!"
He thrashed in panic, but inside the wings' space, it was my domain.
Irresistible flow spun his body half-turn.
Crack!
My right hand clamped his thick neck muscles.
Before he turned, I slammed his bulk to the ground.
Bang!
Carpet shredded, marble floor cracked.
"Gahhh!"
Writhing scream, desperate struggle.
No hesitation—I raised my left foot and stomped his neck.
Splat!
"Guhk, hack!"
An attack that'd snap an average A-rank Awakener's neck fatally.
Yet he endured, mindless rage sustaining him.
Knew he would—that's why I stomped hard.
A bit excessive, but... he'd been grating on me for a while.
Crunch! Crackle!
I shattered all four limbs.
Potions would fix it—cheap price for carelessness.
Still pinning his neck with my left foot, I commanded again.
"The three who haven't named their 'wish'—confess your deepest desire to the Boss. She'll help fulfill it, peering into your hearts as payment. Refuse... and you're expelled from Phantom the instant."
Of course, expulsion equaled death.
You had no choices coming here.
Refuse and die. Speak and survive. Speak but get read and die by me.
Pick one—simple.
10 PM. Full night now.
Hours since Oppa left home, and Lee Sea hadn't uttered a sound.
Just clung to faint hope in her heart.
Maybe the promise cancels.
Maybe he comes home.
Maybe I won't wait alone till morning.
But no contact from Lee Dojin. As always, she resigned herself today too.
Knew it was futile hope, yet folded away the scene she craved, shoving it to a heart corner.
Rising from bed, she entered the living room.
Turned on the lights. Kitchen lights. Every light in the spacious house—rooms, bathrooms.
TV on, volume up.
Bright lights, TV noise. They didn't truly calm her, but without them, she couldn't cope.
Her secret habit, unknown to all. The old ritual when Oppa left her alone.