Chapter 23
Chapter 23
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 23
Chapter Title: Encounter with the High Elf
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Choi Sia finally calmed down about thirty minutes later.
"Are you all settled now?"
"Yes, yes."
There was still a tremor in her voice that she couldn't quite shake, but it wasn't as bad as when she first saw me and could barely speak. So, we started with simple introductions.
"Uh, um. Hello. I'm Yoon Seo-hyun, a Dragon-type Mutant. Twenty-four years old... and a college student."
"H-Hello... I'm Choi Sia, a High Elf-type Mutant. Twenty-three, living in California. I don't go to college."
It felt awfully formal. Of course it did—she was still so scared of me. If I suddenly got too friendly, it'd just make her even more uncomfortable.
Regardless of how intimidated she was by me, I felt this strong urge to get close to the High Elf-type Mutant standing in front of me.
It wasn't just because of her appearance. Something about her just seemed like we'd click really well. Was it instinct?
Of course, her looks made me want to get friendly too.
Not in a weird way—she was just incredibly cute, like a High Elf should be.
She looked about fifteen? Like a doll, the kind you just want to pinch the cheeks of.
I knew she was only a year younger than me... but that's just the vibe she gave off.
She must have noticed me staring, because Sia looked terrified. Could she even handle the job like this...?
"You don't have to be so scared. I'm not going to eat you."
"I-I know that... but something about you just feels...!"
"Like a racial instinct or something?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"Uh, um... Still, could you give me your hand? Maybe it'll help."
I had a hunch it might work.
She hesitantly extended her slightly trembling hand, and I took it.
A warm energy flowed from me into her.
What ability was this?
Some kind of calming pill?
"Huh? Whoa... I feel so much better..."
"Really?"
"Oh...! I'm not shaking anymore! Wow, Dragons have all kinds of abilities, huh?"
"Ahaha... It just came to me too. I have no idea how that's even possible."
"It feels just like magic..."
"Well, Dragons are always depicted as magic experts in stories, so maybe this is one of those abilities."
"Wow... Your powers are on a whole different level from other Mutants."
"Haha, but Sia, you're on a different level too, aren't you?"
"R-Really...? Ahaha."
Sia gave an awkward laugh.
Yeah, she was definitely cute.
I wasn't sure if it was a High Elf racial trait, but I really wanted to get closer to her.
I don't usually feel this way about people, but from the moment we met, I was drawn to her.
She just seemed incredibly appealing as a person.
If it was a racial trait, it had to be a powerful one.
The ability to easily win people over—nothing beats a good first impression in modern society.
She probably could communicate with animals too, not just plants.
"Sia? Do you have the ability to communicate with animals too, by any chance?"
"Gasp...! How did you know?"
"Oh, no, I was just thinking about typical elf traits in fantasy..."
"I've never told anyone... Yeah, that's right. I can communicate with animals and hear their stories."
"The agent knew, right?"
"Haha, yes. Actually, we pinpointed the location thanks to Sia's communication ability. She can hear stories from plants and animals alike... So once we had a rough idea, she nailed down the exact spot."
"But do we really move as just the three of us?"
"Of course not. Other agents are securing the perimeter. They're trained to subdue Mutants without your help."
"They look more like a counter-terror unit than National Intelligence Service agents."
"After Mutants appeared, the National Intelligence Service recruited a ton of counter-terror personnel. It's basically a special forces unit now."
"Aren't you guys supposed to operate in secret?"
"Tell me about it. But hunting and handling Mutants can't exactly be public, so they just dumped it on us: 'National Intelligence Service, you handle it!'"
...It sounded like the National Intelligence Service got stuck with everyone else's dirty work.
I got it, but it didn't make it right.
"Anyway, no real operation plan. The moment your name went on the roster, Seo-hyun, our role became assisting you."
"You're putting way too much faith in me."
"You've got the track record. Even if it's just one, you're the only one who could take down a Minotaur-type Mutant that easily. Most agents got medium or light injuries just capturing it the first time."
"Ah."
"So, we're counting on you again. And the reward will be generous, of course."
"Honestly, I'm still not used to it. I couldn't believe the government pays well for this stuff. I thought it was usually just a certificate and pocket change."
"Bitter reality... Yeah, it was. But as long as I'm in charge, that won't happen. I believe everyone deserves compensation for their hard work."
"Ah... But there's one thing that worries me."
"Go ahead."
"When Mutants like us subdue other Mutants, are our families protected? It probably won't happen, but what if there's retaliation?"
"That's standard. We always assign agents to protect the friends and family of cooperating Mutants. In emergencies, they'll safeguard them. So don't worry about that."
"Ah... That's a relief."
"Alright, time to tell you about the target and location."
"Yes."
"The Mutant from China is an Orc-type. Extremely strong physically, but unclear why he fled here. We'll subdue him and get details."
"Got it."
"He's not far. Sia will guide you—just follow her lead."
"Leave it to me!"
Choi Sia beamed brightly.
Even with the serious situation, her innocent smile made me want to hug her, but I held back.
She might faint from shock.
Man, wasn't she just too cute?
She was like a super adorable little animal.
* * *
Following Sia's guidance, we quickly reached the abandoned factory where the Orc-type Mutant was hiding.
"This way."
"...Yeah, he's inside."
Once the guidance ended, I expanded my field of vision.
There he was, sitting quietly inside like some ascetic monk.
They said he was a vicious criminal Mutant? Didn't match at all.
"Guests have arrived."
He spoke. Strangely, I could understand him.
Agent Choi Jeong-ho seemed to understand too.
"Orc-type Mutant, Liang Wei. Why did you flee to Korea?"
"I killed a man, and I didn't want to kill more."
"Why did you kill him?"
"He insulted me. Need another reason?"
...What was this, some wuxia novel?
Orc wuxia—what kind of hybrid was that?
"What insult?"
"Called me a pig and mocked the martial art I devoted my life to."
"What martial art?"
"Boxing."
"...Genre's all wrong."
"They call China's traditional martial arts 'authentic,' but modern styles crush them. Why learn that junk? Implementing practical, powerful techniques with this strong body is superior, but they don't get it. Obsessed with 'tradition,' they ignore other arts—even mocked me for mastering one. And called me a pig. I'm not a pig."
"Ah, I see."
Honestly, it was ridiculous. Just ignore it—kill over that?
His speech was laced with snorts, making it hard to follow... but I got the gist.
Sia couldn't understand, of course.
"What did he say?"
"Uh, killed a guy for calling him a pig and mocking boxing."
"...He's insane."
"Yeah?"
"Better subdue him quick and go."
"Agreed. No point talking more."
Killing over an insult? His morals were shot.
No need to chat with that—just give him a gentle pat.
"I'll handle it. Agent, fall back."
"Understood."
"What? Wench. Those horns mean you're a Mutant... What kind?"
"Dragon."
"...What?"
I answered curtly and stomped the ground.
Kwaaang!
The factory floor shattered, and I closed the distance in an instant.
Then, wordlessly, I smashed my fist into his face.
"Wha...!"
Paaak!
A heavy impact, and his body crumpled limply. No need for lightning or anything.
"Don't worry. I controlled my strength."
"...Good work."