The World Cheers for A
A few weeks later.
Every television channel was broadcasting the Belhart world welcome ceremony.
Four figures representing Belhart stood before the cameras.
Emperor Dimeloff Bellon.
Martial Alliance Leader Namgung Je-u.
Elf Queen Dearopia.
Dwarf King Kael Burn.
All four had crossed over to Earth and formally declared an alliance.
Of course, they had already spoken with Do-ha several times beforehand. He had briefed them thoroughly on what to watch out for and what to be wary of.
"Hmm. They're doing well," Do-ha murmured, smiling as he watched the four on the screen and nodding to himself.
True to their status as leaders, they spoke with composure despite the enormous crowd, never once looking tense.
"Shouldn't you be over there? Is it okay for you to just sit here?" Canteas asked, plopping down beside him with a bag of snacks.
On a day like this, wouldn't it make more sense to be standing with them?
"If I went, I'd only get in the way."
It was their first time on Earth. Better to let each of them find their own way through the conversation. If he were there, they would keep turning to him with questions.
"Besides, there's nothing for me to do even if I went."
Publicly, he operated as the anonymous Hunter known only as A. What would he even accomplish by showing up?
"Where is that, anyway?"
"America."
They had originally considered holding the ceremony in Korea, but given the expected crowds, they had settled on the United States, with its vast open spaces.
Host: "So does that mean ordinary civilians can now travel to the world of Belhart as well?"
Dimeloff: "Yes, it does. Though if anyone causes trouble after crossing over, they will be punished under Belhart law."
Host: "Hahahaha."
"Wow, he's handling the mic like a pro," Do-ha laughed, watching Dimeloff converse smoothly with the host.
It was almost certainly the first microphone he had ever held, yet he handled it as naturally as if he had been using one his whole life.
"Why is Emilton frozen solid like that?" Canteas tilted his head, eyeing Emilton seated stiffly beside Dimeloff.
She had plenty of experience with formal occasions. Why did she look so rigid?
"Probably because she's never faced a crowd like that before."
"How many people are out there?"
"They showed it on screen earlier. You didn't see?"
"Nope. Missed that part."
"Well over five million, at least."
"Hiiiik?!"
"That entire stretch of open land is packed solid."
And even now, the crowd was still swelling in real time. It was nothing but empty plains, yet the people were so dense the ground itself had vanished from view.
Host: "There's something many people are curious about — will it be possible to visit Alfheim, where the elves live?"
Dearopia: "Originally, no one but elves was permitted to enter Alfheim. But we intend to adapt with the times. We plan to select a few visitors at a time through a lottery system for tourism. Restricted zones will remain off-limits, of course."
Host: "Wow — Her Majesty's words are drawing huge cheers from the crowd."
For a moment the microphones nearly shorted out under the roar of the assembled throng. Alfheim had clearly been carrying enormous expectations.
Host: "And what about the martial world? Can people travel there freely?"
Namgung Je-u: "Yes. You may roam freely. However, we will provide separate guidance on the danger zones, and we ask that you avoid those areas."
Host: "Thank you for that answer. And as for Artlein…"
Kael: "Come whenever you like. You're welcome anytime."
Before the host had even finished the question, Kael threw his arms wide and laughed with boisterous good humor. Artlein had been quiet for far too long without visitors. It was high time the place got noisy with guests again.
Host: "One last question for all of you representing Belhart. I never expected that not just one or two of you, but every single one, would declare an intention to exchange with Earth. Might there be a particular reason behind that choice?"
True to his reputation as America's top MC, the question flowed as naturally as water. It was almost certainly the question on everyone's mind. Months had passed since the connection to Belhart was established, yet with no prior signs whatsoever, they had suddenly announced an exchange. After meeting with the various heads of state, everything had gone quiet — until now.
The four of them glanced at one another in turn.
"Hm?" Do-ha tilted his head.
What was this? He had told them exactly how to answer if a question like that came up. They couldn't have forgotten… so why were they exchanging signals?
"Pffft—!"
Do-ha, mid-sip, sprayed his drink across the room.
Had those idiots lost their minds?!
What the hell was that supposed to mean? Why were they spouting nonsense that wasn't in the plan at all?!
Host: "Uh… you mean the A that everyone here already knows?"
Dimeloff: "Yes, that's correct."
Host: "Did he travel to Belhart?"
Dimeloff: "After we met with Earth's various presidents, there was a period where no further news emerged — a stretch of time when everything seemed to hang in the air."
Host: "Yes, that's right."
Dimeloff: "At that time, our world was dealing with a great many troublesome affairs of its own. My wife, Emilton, came to Earth and asked whether someone might help us with those problems. The one who answered that call was A."
Host: "Ah… so you didn't need the help of any other Cheonwaecheon?"
Dimeloff: "Among the Cheonwaecheon we observed, A inspired the most trust — and more than anything, he was the strongest."
"You've got to be kidding me! Hey, Dimeloff! Why are you saying unnecessary crap?!" Do-ha clutched his head and shouted at the screen.
He had worn a mask precisely because he hated the attention — and now this!
Host: "And the rest of you as well…?"
Namgung Je-u: "Yes. He resolved matters on the martial world's side as well."
Dearopia: "The same is true of Alfheim. Thanks to Lord A, we escaped a great crisis."
Kael: "Hahaha! A is a truly fine friend. He's a benefactor to the entire dwarf race."
The four leaders' statements sent the comment sections into meltdown. No one had expected Korea's Cheonwaecheon to come up out of nowhere.
"Eheheheh. Looks like those four have been waiting for this," Canteas cackled at the television.
Watching Do-ha squirm was oddly delightful. How many beings in existence could fluster an unstoppable Absolute like this?
"I should head over there myself and make a little noise."
A cold, killing intent settled over the room like frost.
"…"
Canteas carefully turned his head.
"Sit down before I grind you into powder and scatter you over the ocean."
"Haha… yes, sir."
"But looking at the internet, it's nothing but praise for our Do-ha," Selenia said warmly.
"Augh, so what?! Our Do-ha… bleh." Canteas made a face of pure irritation.
Who was she trying to provoke? What was this "our Do-ha" business?!
"Kids… please, just stop talking. What did I ever do to deserve this from you?!" Do-ha clung to the television, nearly in tears.
Every instinct screamed at him to teleport over there immediately — but doing so would only make the chaos infinitely worse.
"No. I should at least get close enough to send a telepathic message!"
"And say what? Tell them to shut up? They've already said everything."
"No! I'm going to cuss them out!"
In a flash, Do-ha vanished via teleportation.
"Hehe. Do-ha really does have a childish side when you look closely, doesn't he? It's cute."
"…You disappear too. Stop needling me from the side." Canteas chewed his snacks with a thoroughly unimpressed expression.
Something was off, though. Just moments ago the cookies had been sweet and crispy. Now they tasted like he was chewing rocks.
"Hic…"
"Alright, alright. I'll stop teasing." Selenia patted Canteas on the shoulder.
His reactions really were too entertaining. She couldn't help herself.
The front door slid open.
"Grandfather!"
"The whole neighborhood was making such a racket I came to see what was going on — and it was all praise for Do-ha," Baek Chul said, laughing as he stepped inside.
From the streets to every house on the block, the word "A" had been ringing out so constantly he had half wondered if people were chanting some bizarre spell.
"It seems Do-ha helped the people on that broadcast," Selenia said with a smile, pointing at their friends on the screen.
Baek Chul looked at her and let out a hearty laugh.
"What kind of child was Do-ha?"
"Pardon? What do you mean by…"
"Do-ha as he lived in that other world. I'm curious what sort of child he was."
"…"
Caught completely off guard by Baek Chul's question, Canteas and Selenia froze in awkward stillness.
How did he know…?
"Aigoo, looks like I startled you. I'm sorry."
"Ah… no… it's not that, exactly…"
"I heard it from Ariel. She took one look at Do-ha and started going on about some Absolute Being or other."
"Ah…"
Selenia pressed a hand to her forehead. Of course — Do-ha's renown had spread all the way to the Spirit Realm. With no opportunity to meet the Spirit Kings themselves, she had completely overlooked that fact.
"So Do-ha must have crossed over to that other world. Am I right?"
"…Yes."
Realizing there was no longer any point in hiding it, both of them nodded.
"Can you tell me what kind of child he was?"
"He was a hero who saved the world."
Selenia looked at Baek Chul and began to speak of Baek Do-ha as he had been — the emperor, the Absolute Being. How he had lived, the path he had walked, the achievements he had built. And how deeply he had longed for his grandfather.
"Our world survived because of Do-ha's sacrifice."
"That's my grandson for you."
Having heard everything, Baek Chul burst into laughter. At last, something inside him settled.
"I'd roughly figured it out already, but thank you for telling me plainly."
"You already knew?"
"Do-ha himself probably doesn't realize it, but that boy has a tell when he lies."
"Pardon?"
At Baek Chul's words, Selenia and Canteas both looked stunned. They had spent decades at his side and never once noticed such a habit…
"I'm the man who changed that boy's diapers. I raised him in my own arms. Of course I know."
Friends could spend decades together and never catch it. A parent who had raised him could not miss it. From the moment they reunited, Baek Chul had known Do-ha was lying about something. He had simply pretended not to notice, unwilling to put his grandson in an awkward position.
"I'd like to visit Belhart myself someday. I want to see the places where Do-ha lived."
"Then come with me! I've been wanting to show Grandfather Alfheim anyway."
"Would that be all right?"
"Of course!"
"Hey — what about me?!" Canteas pointed at himself indignantly.
Why was no one inviting him along?
"A lich, trying to waltz into Alfheim…? Stay home and watch the house!"
"Wow… that's just cold."
"You only want to go so you can get a piece of the World Tree, don't you?"
"…"
At Selenia's words, Canteas turned his head without a sound. Uncanny little— how had she known?
"The second you try to break off a piece of the World Tree, you'll probably turn to dust."
"Tch… fine, forget it!"
"I'll bring you one."
"Oh? For real?"
"But you'll owe me."
"That sounds… unsettling… but alright."
Eyes narrowed to slits, Canteas finally nodded.