Chapter 135
Chapter 135
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 135
Chapter Title: Wembley Stadium Spotlight
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Come to think of it, even if these people don't know, aren't I basically an illegal immigrant here?
Landing so spectacularly was great and all, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I'd caused some kind of incident...
Well, they'd probably let it slide. After all, who else is going to take care of that rift for them?
I could see the audience plunged into collective chaos.
...What kind of reaction am I supposed to give in a situation like this?
Not knowing what to do, I stood there awkwardly.
That's when Han-gyeol grabbed my back and pushed me forward.
Then, she shouted in fluent English.
Her massive voice, needing no microphone, instantly filled Wembley Stadium.
-Hello, everyone! Today, I've brought my best friend! You all know her, right? The number one hero who made Korea the safest country—Seo-hyun!
She called out to the crowd brightly and cheerfully, just like a real 'idol.'
Her sudden shift in demeanor caught me completely off guard.
Oh, right. She did a fair bit of idol work. It must've ingrained that kind of familiarity into her very being.
In that moment, her voice echoed in my head.
-What are you doing? Wave or something.
This was probably just for my ears.
As soon as I heard her, I forced an awkward smile and waved my hand.
And from then on... the cheers that erupted were on an utterly absurd level.
No, seriously, why?
* * *
Even overseas, Seo-hyun's reputation was incredibly positive.
It wasn't just because she'd resolved last year's crisis in America.
First was her looks, second her overwhelming power.
But the fact that she didn't swing that power around recklessly—that was the real reason for the cheers she was getting now.
And above all...
Isn't she just cool? A massive dragon the size of a sports field protecting people, showing up in the media.
Plus, seeing her officially manage mutants through the Mutant Management Bureau, turning them into a hero team of sorts—people overseas couldn't help but feel envious.
Why isn't someone like that one of ours?
Before long, Seo-hyun had become the pinnacle of national pride.
And now, that person was friends with the leader of Ark Angels?
The shock rippling through the crowd was beyond words.
No, how? Through what path?
How do an angel and a dragon even cross paths?
-Hi, everyone...
In their ears rang Seo-hyun's voice, thick with awkwardness.
Even that reaction felt fresh, leaving people murmuring "ooh" over and over.
-Come on, looks like my friend here isn't used to this kind of stage. Not like her usual self.
-You seem way too comfortable, though?
-I tour the world nonstop, so it becomes second nature. Who knows, maybe you'll be doing the same soon.
-I'll pass on that.
The crowd's reaction shifted dramatically at the mention of Seo-hyun possibly touring the world.
It seemed they were convinced she'd circle the globe to handle rifts everywhere.
Waaaaaaah!
And that meant their safety was somewhat assured—a drought-ending rain for people always under rift threats.
It wasn't entirely wrong.
With incarnations of gods potentially causing trouble anywhere, Seo-hyun had been planning to circle the Earth in her spare time.
-I've planned to tackle dangerous rifts worldwide ever since stabilizing Korea. I made a promise with the World Tree and Armenia. Didn't expect to announce it at an idol concert, though.
Ooooooooh!
Han-gyeol placed a hand on Seo-hyun's shoulder, as if to say "well done," and spoke.
-Alright, everyone. We've shared some big news, and my friend here needs to handle immigration first. Hate to say it, but it's time to let her go.
Disappointed voices rose from the crowd at Han-gyeol's words.
-But Ark Angels' Europe tour lasts a week, so she'll pop up now and then. Next time, we'll even get her to sing and dance!
Waaaaaaah!
The audience went absolutely wild.
The world's strongest mutant, performing song and dance in a stadium like this?
Whether good or bad, it'd be a spectacle like no other.
Expectations skyrocketed.
-Huh? Hold on, I didn't hear about that?
-I just decided. Why else would I invite Seo-hyun on tour?
Seo-hyun jumped at the sudden announcement. Sing and dance?
She'd never been anywhere near that in her life—the distance between planets.
The crowd loved her reaction even more.
Seeing Korea's hero so casual here was a rare treat.
Who knew? Mutants had superior physiques overall—maybe she'd surprise everyone.
Amid that buzz, Seo-hyun gave Han-gyeol a troubled look.
"You crazy bastard."
"You've gotta humor me once in a while, right?"
Seeing Han-gyeol grinning like that, Seo-hyun let out a quiet sigh.
With Han-gyeol pulling this stunt, all she could do was accept it.
People were expecting it now—backing out would be impossible.
Especially at a global idol group's event.
"I'll get you back later."
"Let's drag Tae-hoon up here too while we're at it."
"...That actually sounds good?"
"Alright, show's about to start, so head out."
As she sent Seo-hyun down, Han-gyeol added,
"Handle immigration and come back here. Bring the others. You know the spot, right?"
"Got it, don't worry. See you later. Break a leg."
"You got it."
* * *
Seriously, watching Han-gyeol up there, she seemed totally at home as an idol.
She was born for it.
Well, practicing dance moves from her own idols probably awakened some hidden talent.
And meeting people constantly like that must've brought it out even more.
Thinking about it, she was the most sociable one among us, so it made sense.
But that punk—daring to embarrass me like this?
In front of everyone, no less, making it impossible to refuse.
I'd pay her back someday.
That said, dragging Han Tae-hoon into this ant pit with me sounded fun in its own way.
Sing and dance, though...
I'd never tried it once... Would it even work?
What if I humiliate myself on an international scale?
Lost in those thoughts, I headed back to the airport for immigration—and the staff, already in the know, treated me like royalty.
Probably because I was some foreign VIP.
Anyway, after wrapping up the paperwork, I met up with my safely landed friends and Ark Angels' managers.
"You clear the rift?"
"Yeah, handled it in seconds. But there's a problem."
"What?"
"That Yoo Han-gyeol punk wants me to sing and dance."
"...What nonsense is that?"
"Right in front of everyone, she announces I'm performing next show?"
"And you agreed?"
"Couldn't kill the vibe with everyone hyped. Had to say okay..."
"...Good luck surviving on your own."
"Which is why... come with me."
Tae-hoon snapped at my absurd request.
"You nuts?"
"When else would you get on a stage like that? Think of it as a great experience. Dude, plaster your face there—who knows if your next film's a global hit?"
Lately, with lockdowns keeping people home, streaming platforms were booming over theaters...
Tae-hoon might benefit too. They were worldwide.
He looked tempted at my words.
"...Should I?"
"No better promo. Flaunting friendship with Ark Angels? Overseas fans'll bite."
"My new movie's getting a platform premiere anyway..."
After some internal debate, Tae-hoon nodded.
"Guess I'm in."
I clenched my fist slightly at his words.
Perfect. Now the number of people embarrassing themselves worldwide just doubled.
Felt like I'd done Han-gyeol's convincing for her.
Did that punk plan this? Send me first knowing my aversion to water?
...We've known each other long enough that even without mind-reading, she saw right through me.
"So, what about us?"
"You guys just enjoy the show. You were singing to see Ark Angels, right?"
Me and Tae-hoon on stage.
Ji-hoon and Min-hyuk could just spectate.
"Obviously... but should we film them and post online? Start our own stream?"
"Ark Angels live from stadium... Pull some views with that clickbait?"
"Bonus: film the Director too."
They chatted, then high-fived out of nowhere.
What was that about?
"Cool, we're going pro streamer now."
"Sudden streaming?"
"Min-hyuk here's already editing streams for a living. Might as well be the Director's editor. Ark Angels on the side."
Oh yeah, I'd vaguely heard.
Min-hyuk worked as a stream editor.
"Gonna suck up big time?"
"Hey, everyone I edit for raves about the quality. Trust me once. I'll overdeliver. Bureau needs editors anyway."
"Hmm... Yeon-hwa unnie edits broadcasts sometimes, but it's limited. Fine, film this and upload to the channel."
"No need to ask Yeon-hwa?"
"She'll love hearing we got an editor."
"Well then..."
"Min-hyuk makes sense, but Ji-hoon, what's your video gig?"
"I was kidding? I already got a job. This is vacation days."
"Oh right... big corp hire."
Yeah, while I kept taking leaves, he'd graduated and landed a corporate gig.
...A sense of crisis was creeping in.
I swore I'd graduate post-mutation, but now...
Once Olympus is sorted, I need to check with the university admin.