Imperial Decree
=======================================
An unidentified someone has slain the Beyond Elite Black Evil Dragon.
And alongside a spirit beast, no less—the three-headed white tiger.
The Imperial Defense Ministry, under the Emperor's orders, deleted footage of the dragon's death and silenced all witnesses. But secrets have a way of leaking out.
Whispers are circulating among those with access to top-tier intel.
The killer's identity remains unknown, but he's male, and though his age is hard to pin down from the footage alone, he looks young.
The video's too grainy from the dust storm to make out his face or awakener tattoo clearly. He wields a sword and possesses a magic item that renders him invisible. And so on.
There were details on the three-headed white tiger, too.
Not quite Beyond level, but super-elite tier—massive enough to crush the black evil dragon flat.
Powerful enough to pierce the dragon's qi barrier.
Frankly, these tales were about as believable as claims the dragon just keeled over naturally.
Stock market gossip level, you know?
But the dragon's death? Undeniable fact.
Which is why, post-war, the hottest topic became the existence of the world's first Beyond Elite mana crystal.
What weapons or elixirs could be forged from it? Impossible to guess.
Greed was inevitable.
If that crystal truly exists, it belongs to one person.
The man who killed the dragon.
Countless factions mobilized.
Governments and intel agencies worldwide, private corps, shadowy cabals—whether out in the open or lurking in the dark.
Find that man.
And you'll find the Beyond Elite mana crystal, too.
※ ※ ※
The war was over.
But another war was brewing.
Across the entire Empire.
New Seoul, Baekdu Mart Sinyangjae branch.
Not even open yet, and the parking lot was packed.
People lined up at the first-floor main entrance, too.
Open-run crowds at a big-box mart? Rare sight.
It was the debut of Vitality Surge drinks on the civilian market.
Word had spread like wildfire.
Soldiers from the war, their families, friends of friends—chain reaction.
Fresh Flesh Growth was pharmacy-only, but Vitality Surge counted as a health drink, so marts stocked it too.
Sales kicked off.
Doors flew open, crowds surged in.
Mostly civilians dying to try the stuff for real.
Exhausted students, office workers on a rare day off from crushing workloads, scalpers aiming to flip at markup.
Shelves emptied in Baekdu chain marts and convenience stores Empire-wide.
They'd stocked plenty—or so they thought. Sold out in under two hours.
Then SNS lit up with proof pics.
All raving about the drink's effects.
Scalpers ran rampant.
Oi Market—the Empire's top secondhand site—listings flooded with Vitality Surge.
Those who missed out? Chaos.
When's restock?
Reservations, please?
Crack down on scalpers!
Baekdu marts and stores hit daily sales records. Miri Group chains? Sales plummeted.
Taehong Bio HQ and New Seoul branch scrambled nonstop.
Even they chugged Vitality Surge to keep up.
Taeju, though? A bit idle.
Today was interviews—scouting good-hearted talents to raise in martial arts. Baek Hongpyo, CEO Baek Seoyeonn, Changhoon, Suncheol, word-of-mouth from allies.
Phrenology's a science, they say.
Spot a promising sapling at a glance.
First cut: 10 candidates.
All adapters.
Didn't rely on looks alone.
Pulled school records, background-checked reps.
Final picks: six disciples.
Swore secrecy oaths, fed pre-made elixirs—not one failed to awaken.
Taught basics like Five Elements Divine Art, skills, training drills... Need a solid sword style beyond Three Star Swordplay.
That later.
Time flew.
Meanwhile, calls poured in for Taeju.
And more via Baek Seoyeonn—meeting requests galore.
Why so many hunting him down?
Some even showed up in Gurye in person.
A bit awkward to meet.
Why's he back?
Thought about ditching Ilbaek, but the furball wouldn't leave his side. Brought him along.
Taeju scooped up Ilbaek and headed to the Taehong Bio HQ chairman's office.
"Long time no see."
It was Imperial Chief Secretary Geum Suhu.
"Come in. Long trip to Gurye."
"I've swung by Gurye a few times before. Anyway, you seem swamped? Felt like an idiot waiting alone in an empty office..."
"Would've waited if you'd called ahead."
More relaxed than last time.
Didn't even stir as Taeju entered.
"Ahem, you're closer today. Last time at New Seoul Hotel, you kept your distance."
"Honestly, still don't wanna get too close. But looks like no need anymore."
Geum Suhu eyed Ilbaek—no, Sam-baek—in Taeju's arms with keen interest.
"Your cat?"
"Yeah."
"Cute. Mind if I hold him?"
"Nah, fur on your suit."
Taeju set Sam-baek under the office bookshelf.
Dropped some churu and cat jerky from his pocket.
"Guest's here—stay put."
"Nyaang!"
Quick on the uptake.
The faceshift was subtle.
Geum Suhu looked a tad disappointed.
Then,
"By the way, you use swords too? Besides thrown weapons?"
"Sword? Not my style."
"Don't even own one?"
"...Nope."
Suspicious.
What does he know?
"Detoured to Jirisan on the way here."
"I see."
"Climbed Cheonwangbong Peak. Nothing there."
"What?"
"The elite three-headed white tiger. Know where it went?"
"...Beats me."
Geum Suhu glanced under the desk at Sam-baek at Taeju's dodge.
"Humans awaken wrong, become mines. Beasts mutate wrong? We call 'em spirit beasts. Heard of it?"
"Yeah."
"Like America's 'Titan White Eagle.' So maybe Jirisan's elite three-headed white tiger..."
Dangerous line.
Taeju pivoted fast.
"So, what's the visit for...?"
"Ah! Same as before."
"Again? His Majesty sent a letter?"
"No, not informal this time. Official imperial decree."
"...Pardon?"
Official imperial decree!
What's this about?
"Mind borrowing your conference room?"
"Sure."
"Thanks. Official delivery—others need to hear too. Might as well call CEO Baek Seoyeonn."
Medal ceremony?
The company's new meds did save the war, after all.
※ ※ ※
Taehong Bio HQ conference room—crowd assembled.
CEO Baek Seoyeonn too.
Lee Jeonghak, standing committee members, regular councilors.
Geum Suhu must've summoned them. About 26 total.
Geum Suhu stood from his chair.
Pulled a ornate gold-embossed scroll from his robes.
First, gratitude to Chairman Kim Taeju and all Taehong Bio staff for their great service in this war.
Your recovery potions, fatigue-relief drinks, and trauma treatments ensured not a single Imperial soldier fell.
This commendation will come separately as plaques. I'll deliver them later.
Especially Chairman Kim Taeju, developer of these new drugs—your merit is immense.
I wished to summon you to the palace for personal praise, but held back to avoid disrupting your business.
Circumstances have changed. The entire Empire sings your praises. Petitions for awards flood my desk daily.
Not summoning you now burdens me.
Thus, I issue this edict.
Effective immediately, Gurye Free City designation is revoked.
Powers of standing and council committee members over city operations are stripped forthwith.
Instead, Taehong Bio Chairman Kim Taeju is appointed Mayor of Gurye.
The mayoral term is lifelong, with rights to name a successor. This right inherits down the line.
City operations and tax rights match those of Imperial fiefs.
Kim Taeju, enter the palace in New Seoul forthwith to formalize.
Even if you decline the post, come debate the reason with me in person.
"Huh?"
"Gasp!"
"Wh-what?"
"..."
Room buzzed.
...Not a reward—a punishment?
Lifelong mayor. Just a title swap from fief lord.
Geum Suhu's gaze swept the committee members.
"Keep this quiet, just us here. Finalizes after Chairman Kim enters palace. Prepare yourselves."
Who'd defy the Emperor?
All frozen stiff.
Suddenly!
"Whoa!!!"
Clap clap clap!
Baek Seoyeonn jumped up, beaming.
"Chairman—and Mayor—Kim Taeju! Congratulations!!!"
But Taeju? Flustered.
Congrats? He wants me to run the city?
No time for fun then.
And palace trip either way—accept or reject.
What a hassle...
How to play this?
Consult the crew first.
※ ※ ※
Immortal Realm.
Peach Orchard edge, right behind the Heavenly Peach Tree—Peach Blossom Palace.
Seowangmo rose from her bed.
"Hoo,"
Sleep wouldn't come.
Close her eyes, that sky-blue Hermès Birkin floated vivid.
She hefted her usual immortal bamboo basket for errands through Peach Orchard or Celestial Realm.
Holds immortal peaches fine.
Spellkept—weightless, freshness eternal.
But unsatisfying now.
Ah, such a shabby basket.
After seeing that otherworld bag, no will to step out with this.
"Hermès, Hermès..."
Dokseon said.
A bag otherworld women coveted just to glimpse.
Elegance oozed—fitting.
Could mimic it exact.
Why not? Leather, dye, metal fittings, handles—spot-on fake.
But it'd be counterfeit.
Not otherworld origin.
Can't tote a knockoff!
Hermès Birkin's value? Otherworld artifact.
Plus, Judge's scales cleared it—no clash with Immortal order.
Unbearable.
Seowangmo summoned Miho Seonja via intent.
Miho: a fox-spirit turned nine-tailed, having ascended to a Divine Beast.
"You called, Queen Mother?"
"Yes, Miho. Fetch peaches from the tree nearest Heavenly Peach."
"...How many?"
"Fifty. Basketful."
"Understood."
Peach Orchard peaches vary.
Zone 1: low-grade.
Zone 4: top-tier—closest to Heavenly Peach.
Immortals get 1-2 zone dregs. Near-Heavenly? Supreme.
Seowangmo planned to haggle Dokseon with supreme peaches.
Soon, Miho returned basket brimming.
"Fine color."
"Only the best."
"Follow me."
Seowangmo headed to Immortal Realm with Miho.
Site of Dokseon's old tent theater.
But...
Hm?
Odd scene.
Why's everyone outside...?
Immortals not inside the tent—but kneeling, heads bowed.
"Dokseon! Poison Immortal!! Poison Immmmortal! Please let us in!"
"I'm blind! Forgot your grace and..."
"We'll die out here. Count it as saving one immortal—forgive us once!"
"Double monthly fee! Name your price?!"
"That bastard made me lie! I'm innocent!!!"
"Why drag me in? Traitor scum!"
Wails echoed across Immortal Realm.
Tent? Dead silent.
Faint music leaked out.
Seowangmo tilted her head.
...Wrong day?