Chapter 35
Chapter 35
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: A.O.D
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I've explained everything that's happened so far to Han Cheong-ah.
Tales of the 21st Century Secret Society, my affiliation with them, their goal of the humanity reduction plan and my efforts to thwart it—everything.
To a civilian like Han Cheong-ah, these were undoubtedly stories that would be hard to believe. Yet her eyes showed no trace of the turmoil I'd expect from others.
Even after I told her point-blank that I, right in front of her, was a vampire monster, she gazed at me with the same steady look as always.
I found her reaction fascinating.
"Lee Gyeo-ul the hunter... no, Miyuki, I don't know how much she's told you about me, but they're after you."
"Me...?"
Han Cheong-ah brought her hands close to her chin, forming a flower bud pose.
"Is it because I'm too pretty?"
"As if. It's because you're a key piece in their humanity reduction plan."
Han Cheong-ah lowered her hands and nodded.
"I get the gist."
"Really?"
"When Winter unnie first found me, there were these scary guys in black suits yelling about execution and disposal. I figure this is connected to that."
Han Cheong-ah spoke calmly.
Even though it was the kind of event that could traumatize anyone else, her voice was as serene and quiet as if she were recounting something mundane from her daily life.
"Anyway... I called you to school because of that. The Archive had info on you. Let me apologize again properly. Sorry for deceiving you."
I bowed my head politely to Han Cheong-ah once more.
"Got it."
Han Cheong-ah placed her hand gently on my head.
Her soft palm stroked my hair.
"Do-hyun's hair is so fine and soft."
How long had it been since someone treated me like a kid?
My hair got a bit mussed by her touch, but it didn't feel bad at all.
Han Cheong-ah removed her hand from my head and spoke.
"Do-hyun."
"Yeah?"
"Want me to help?"
I lifted my head, looking a bit disheveled.
Han Cheong-ah clenched her fist like a kid who'd spotted a fun new toy.
"Fighting an evil organization as a hero of justice... sounds pretty appealing."
"This isn't some school club activity. Besides, what could you even do...?"
"Heh. You have no idea, Do-hyun. My class is Summoner."
She plans to use Lee Gyeo-ul, huh.
Judging by Lee Gyeo-ul's personality, she'd flip out 100%.
"Even so..."
"I'm not joking. I want to support you however I can in this grand endeavor."
Han Cheong-ah looked at me.
Her eyes held the same resolve and determination I'd seen when I decided to turn the tables.
I let out a sigh and slowly nodded.
There was nothing more reliable than the aid of Han Cheong-ah and Lee Gyeo-ul. I had no reason to refuse her offer.
She stood up from the bench.
Under the darkened night sky, Han Cheong-ah still sparkled.
"Since we're at it, how about we officially name it? Academy City's unofficial humanity protection club opposing the Society... Adversary of Destroyers. Foes of the Destroyers. Abbreviated as A.O.D. You and I founding the club right here, right now."
I gave her a deadpan stare.
"Cringe."
"Blame my anime habit. Still, better than the dated '21st Century Secret Society,' right?"
Forming an organization—something I'd have to do eventually.
With the 21st Century Secret Society operating under Zero One's lead with so many members, individual power had its limits.
Better to gather like-minded people and move together than decide and act alone.
Alright, since we're doing this, let's build a real organization—not some investigative club like Kim Si-hu, Yubyeol-ha, and Han Cheong-ah founded in the original story, but the real deal.
"Not bad. Looking forward to working with you, Vice Leader of AOD."
"Same here, Leader. Now, shall we talk about the poster?"
"Sure."
Han Cheong-ah and I shook hands under the dark night sky.
Thus began the organization that would truly stand against the Society's atrocities.
With me as Leader and Han Cheong-ah as Vice Leader.
That same night, Han Cheong-ah—who'd boldly declared war on the 21st Century Secret Society without consulting anyone—got thoroughly lectured by Lee Gyeo-ul. I only found out about it much later.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ 💬 Secret Society Private Chat 🧛 Dracula — Hello. I was sitting at my computer, sending a message to someone.
The reason I'd logged into the Secret Society after so long was none other than Aria.
She was currently hiding in Academy City's safehouse.
No issues so far, meaning Zero One and the Society hadn't moved yet. But the Society would surely hold Aria accountable for this mess.
I had to extract her from the Society first. During the reckoning, Zero One would use his Truth Eyes to uncover my identity.
To free Aria, I needed to break the 'Binding Spell' Zero One had placed on her.
— MiMiR Hello?... And the key to dispelling that Binding Spell lay with a witch using the nickname MiMiR—Mimir.
Mimir, who had countered many of Zero One's spells in the original story, possessed formidable magic skills, though a step below Zero One.
I planned to ask her to lift Aria's Binding Spell.
Fortunately, Mimir had joined the good side in the original story and was milder and kinder than other Society members.
I knew exactly what she desperately wanted, so convincing her should be easy.
First things first: build some rapport.
🧛 Dracula — You haven't been active on the community lately~ I was really enjoying your magic lecture posts... Busy these days?? — MiMiR lol not really... Lately even when I post diligently, I just get hate comments... So I've been lurking... Oh.
Mimir had made a principled stand in Alchemi's 'Experimental Awake Production' post, calling it too cruel.
She was still dealing with the backlash.
🧛 Dracula — ㅠㅠ... You okay? — MiMiR I'm fine! Wasn't looking for pity... Anyway, magic lectures will come later!... Sorry if you were waiting, and thanks for backing me up before!! 🧛 Dracula — Backing you up...? — MiMiR Yeah... You sided with me before about that gore porn whatever! Mimir must've seen my witty comment.
I could feel her typing with a friendly vibe toward me.
🧛 Dracula — No need to thank me lol. Oh! If it's not rude, mind if I ask something...? — MiMiR Go ahead!... When the iron's hot, strike it.
I seized the moment and cut to the chase.
🧛 Dracula — Do you have Wallachia's Bloodstone? Goat mentioned you did... I need it—possible for a direct trade!! Wallachia's Bloodstone was affordable with my current cash on hand.
I typed that I had about 50 million won ready, and she replied it wasn't that expensive.
But Mimir asked why I suddenly wanted Wallachia's Bloodstone.
🧛 Dracula — Need it for something! After my reply, "MiMiR is typing..." lingered for about a minute.
Why this bad feeling... Should've eased into it more.
As I started typing that it was fine if not possible, Mimir finally responded.
— MiMiR Glad you're safe... Yeah, should be possible!... Where for the trade? Mimir had just been looking for someone to take Wallachia's Bloodstone off her hands.
Phew.
🧛 Dracula — Give me your address and I'll come to you. But I'm in Academy City now, so it might take time... — MiMiR Whoa, Dracula's in Academy City? Zero One asked me to head there in two days—perfect timing!... Meet there? I paused my typing.
Mimir coming to Academy City at this exact time wasn't in the original story.
🧛 Dracula — Coming alone? — MiMiR Yep, just me! Why...? 🧛 Dracula — Sorry for the hassle... Was thinking of a small gift, but if you have companions, I'd get for them too! — MiMiR Aww, no need! Really don't want gifts... We can talk price after seeing the item! And so, I set a specific time and place with Mimir—two days later, in a quiet spot.
Zero One's request... ominous.
What request would bring Mimir to Academy City right now? Maybe the Society had already discussed something.
Things might get complicated.
I opened Notepad and listed info on Mimir.
1. Loves humanity as a species, but prioritizes the world even more.
2. Authority on supernatural phenomena.
3. As a mage (witch), two levels below Zero One.
4. Zero One trusts her abilities but not her soft, weak personality.
5. Total loner, nerd, fan, klutz.
6. Harbors resentment toward the Society <- but doesn't act on it.
Tap tap. As I keyboarded away, I sorted my tangled thoughts.
Zero One never 'asks' personally. He's arrogant, brain filled with chosen-people ideology—a freak.
To Zero One, who calls himself the 'Guide' leading dull freaks to paradise, the concept of asking doesn't exist.
Thus, Mimir coming to Academy City is closer to an 'order,' and at this timing, there's only one reason.
7. Academy City's new overseer, replacing the failed Aria.
After deep contemplation, I reached a conclusion on what to do.
Even if it means using goat-like rough methods, I have to pull Mimir to my side somehow.
"AOD's gained a new member."
Han Cheong-ah would jump for joy, saying our lackey count increased.