SFRW-Chapter 171

Ch. 171 Sword God From The Ruined World

“It’s a monster wave of the usual scale, but…”  

As he listened to Director Min Hong-gi’s words, Seo Do-jun checked the documents handed to him.  

The number of rift zones that simultaneously triggered monster waves across the African continent totaled 273.  

Though this was a far greater number than the invasions by the primitive tribes, the monster waves emerging from each rift zone were, as Director Min Hong-gi said, nothing more than the usual scale.  

However, the danger levels varied significantly.  

While the number of monsters was overwhelming, they lacked the combat prowess of the primitive tribes. Thus, most countries, even if monster waves erupted in three or four rift zones, would still be able to hold their ground.  

However.  

“Out of the 273 rift zones, 98 are in West Africa, and 94 are in East Africa. Combined, that’s 192.”  

The African continent was vast.  

Yet, upon closer inspection, the monster waves were strangely concentrated only in the western and eastern regions of the continent.  

At Seo Do-jun’s words, Director Min Hong-gi nodded in agreement.  

“You’ve observed correctly. Over 70% of the monster waves in Africa have occurred solely in the west and east. Considering the sheer size of the continent, it’s clear that the monster waves are heavily concentrated in these two areas.”  

As if to make it even clearer, Director Min Hong-gi pulled up a map of Africa on the screen.  

He then began marking the rift zones where monster waves had occurred with red dots.  

The distribution was extreme—the red dots were densely clustered in the western and eastern regions of Africa, confined to specific areas.  

“As you can see, while the monster waves have occurred across the continent, the danger levels are polar opposites. Above all else…”  

Director Min Hong-gi paused briefly before continuing with a sigh.  

“A significant number of the rift zones triggering monster waves are concentrated in countries currently embroiled in severe civil wars.”  

Civil war. And monster waves.  

It might have been dismissed as mere coincidence, but neither Director Min Hong-gi nor Seo Do-jun could shake off the unease that it was anything but random.  

“With civil wars already raging and now monster waves on top of that, the chaos must be at its peak… What’s the current response?”  

There was no hint of optimism in Seo Do-jun’s voice as he asked.  

Director Min Hong-gi’s lips twisted into a bitter smile as he answered.  

“It’s a disaster. Due to this monster wave… we expect several nations to vanish into history.”  

“What are the African Union and the World Hero Association planning to do?”  

At Seo Do-jun’s question—whether they would simply stand by and watch African nations collapse—  

“As of now… the prevailing opinion is to leave them be.”  

To be more precise:  

“Due to the extreme civil unrest, their territories have already been reduced to ruins. Unlike before, despite the monster waves, government forces and rebel groups are refusing to cooperate. In fact…”  

Director Min Hong-gi paused again, sighing before continuing.  

“Rebel groups are taking advantage of the chaos to carry out terrorist attacks on key government figures. Because of this, far from containing the monster waves, the situation is only worsening.”  

Seo Do-jun wondered if he had misheard.  

But he hadn’t.  

“Given the circumstances, even if we stop the monster waves, these nations can no longer function as proper states. That’s the conclusion we’ve reached.”  

“Who made that decision?”  

“The loudest voice was the African Union. The UN and the World Hero Association also agreed. With key government figures killed in terrorist attacks, it’s deemed more reasonable to prioritize helping other African nations rather than those whose governments have effectively collapsed.”  

“The African Union was the loudest voice, huh…”  

Seo Do-jun smirked knowingly.  

In short, they were saying, “Who cares if someone else’s house burns down? Let’s put out the fire in our own first.”  

It was selfish, but the circumstances left no other explanation.  

As Seo Do-jun smirked, Director Min Hong-gi dropped another bombshell.  

“The U.S., China, Russia, and France have even discussed the possibility of using nuclear weapons.”  

“Do modern weapons even work on them?”  

Director Min Hong-gi shook his head.  

The fact that they were debating whether to use nukes—which wouldn’t even be effective—left Seo Do-jun speechless.  

Director Min Hong-gi, as if understanding his reaction, elaborated.  

“The monsters are a problem, but they’re also considering this an opportunity to eliminate rebel forces that have fueled civil wars for decades. However, since there’s no justification for using nukes—given that they won’t work—they’re struggling to make a decision. Besides, the African Union is vehemently opposed to nuclear deployment, so it’s unlikely to happen.”  

Seo Do-jun nodded, relieved.  

“What does the Casserian Guild need to do?”  

The purpose of his visit was finally addressed.  

“First, we’d like your support in handling the monster wave crisis in South Africa.”  

Though not entirely satisfied, Seo Do-jun nodded without hesitation.  

“Thank you.”  

Director Min Hong-gi, who had been anxious about the possibility of refusal, bowed deeply in relief.  

As Seo Do-jun stood to leave the conference room, he turned back and added:  

“And for this operation, I’ll be taking the Black Tigers with me.”  

Over the past few months, the Casserian Guild had trained the Black Tiger Riders intensively.  

Now, they were ready to showcase their progress on the African continent.  

“You’ll need a very large aircraft. Understood. We’ll do our utmost to prepare everything without inconvenience.”  

With a grateful smile, Seo Do-jun left the conference room.  

***

“Africa, huh…”  

Just the thought sent a thrill coursing through Kang Cheon-wuk’s body, and he grinned.  

“Are you that excited?”  

At Shin Min-gi’s question, Kang Cheon-wuk replied as if it were obvious.  

“Dude, imagine riding our Black Mi, swinging our new axes, and crushing hordes of monsters. How badass is that?”  

Unable to contain himself, Kang Cheon-wuk burst out laughing and hugged the neck of the Black Tiger sitting quietly beside him.  

Every member of the Casserian Guild had been assigned a Black Tiger.  

And the first thing they did was, of course, name them.  

The names varied widely.  

Some were color-themed, like Blackie, Black Candy, Black Wind, and Black Money. Others were more whimsical, like Merry, Ganji, Strong Wind, and Lego.  

Kang Cheon-wuk had named his Black Tiger ‘Black Rice’.  

Whether the tiger liked it or not was unclear, but when Kang Cheon-wuk hugged its neck, Black Rice let out a low growl and wagged its tail.  

“Well… it doesn’t sound bad.”  

Shin Min-gi also smiled, thinking of his own massive Black Tiger, ‘Black Wind’, which carried his large frame effortlessly.  

“The image of us racing across the vast African continent, fighting monsters, will be broadcast worldwide. Just thinking about it gets my blood boiling! This is my chance to make the name Kang Cheon-wuk known across the globe!”  

It wasn’t just Kang Cheon-wuk’s ambition.  

Ever since Seo Do-jun announced they’d be showcasing the Black Tigers in Africa, every Casserian Guild member had been buzzing with excitement.  

“By the way, the situation in Africa must be really dire if we’re taking even the riderless Black Tigers.”  

“Why riderless? We have the De instructors, don’t we?”  

“They’re temporary handlers.”  

“Fair point.”  

“Just imagining a frontal charge of our Black Tiger cavalry against a monster horde—medieval knights would pale in comparison!”  

Kang Cheon-wuk’s imagination ran wild.  

Thousands of roaring monsters charging at them!  

Seo Do-jun, at the forefront, raising his sword and shouting:  

—“Form the Crane Wing Formation!”  

In perfect unison, the Casserian Guild members spread out like the wings of a crane, charging head-on into the monster horde.  

“Ugh… so epic!”  

Even the mere thought sent shivers down Kang Cheon-wuk’s spine.  

“But isn’t the Crane Wing Formation a defensive tactic?”  

“…Are you disrespecting Admiral Yi Sun-sin?”  

“…The Crane Wing Formation is unbeatable.”  

At Shin Min-gi’s words, the two burst into laughter.  

They weren’t the only ones.  

Once the African expedition was confirmed, every Casserian Guild member was engrossed in strategizing how to fight alongside their Black Tigers.  

With new weapons in hand, they were eager to make their names known.  

Meanwhile.  

“This feels weird.”  

Cain sipped canned coffee and muttered.  

“Same. It’s like…”  

“Like cheating on someone?”  

At Cain’s words, Capmore let out a soft laugh.  

As Masters of the Magician Guild and Sunrise Guild, they had fought monsters for years.  

During the primitive tribe invasion, Cain led the Magician Guild for the U.S., and Capmore did the same.  

But now, they were mere guild members of the Casserian Guild, fighting under its banner.  

If that didn’t feel strange, nothing would.  

“Anyway, joining here really puts things into perspective…”  

“Pathetic, right?”  

Capmore finished Cain’s sentence.  

Once proud as top-tier Heroes, they now realized how complacent they’d been after joining the Casserian Guild.  

Losing repeatedly in sparring matches to nameless guild members had humbled them.  

Though they still bickered constantly, their shared struggles bonded them.  

“Still, this is my chance to show the world how much I’ve improved.”  

“I’ll wipe away all the humiliation I’ve endured.”  

After a moment of silence, they both coughed awkwardly and looked away.  

‘I’ll show them what a real mage is!’  

‘Money talks… Yeah, I’ll make sure they see its power!’  

They were convinced this expedition would be a turning point in their lives.  

Three days later.  

A massive cargo plane carrying 66 Casserian Guild members and 95 Black Tigers took off for Africa.  

Seo Do-jun’s personal aircraft, the Casserian, flew alongside as an escort, just in case.  

***  

 —“The Casserian Guild has departed for South Africa.”  

Kerzaman smiled at the news from Hector, Chairman of the Mexican Hero Association.  

“I expected as much. But why South Africa?”  

—“It was the World Hero Association’s request. As you know, the rift zones triggering these monster waves are all in countries suffering extreme civil wars or neighboring them. Realistically, even the Casserian Guild can’t salvage their situations. Their governments are beyond repair.”  

Kerzaman chuckled.  

“Strange, isn’t it… Heh. You’re right. And since they’re already broken, might as well discard them.”  

—“The monster waves aren’t exclusive to them.”  

Hector’s tone was cold but sincere.  

“Many African nations will fall because of this. What a tragedy… Heh heh heh!”  

Kerzaman laughed openly, as if it were none of his concern.  

—“I suppose so.”  

Hector’s reply was uneasy.  

Though Africa was far from Mexico, the thought of nations collapsing to monster waves wasn’t something to laugh about.  

“Just keep me updated on the Casserian Guild’s movements.”  

—“Why are you so interested in them?”  

“Hector, don’t ask unnecessary questions. Just relay what I need.”  

Silence.  

—“Hector!”  

Kerzaman barked his name sharply.  

—“Understood.”  

“And remember—you’re being watched more than you think.”  

—“I’ll report everything about the Casserian Guild.”  

Hector hurriedly hung up.  

Kerzaman scoffed at his cowardice.  

Then, his expression shifted, and he dialed another number.  

—“What is it?”  

The voice on the other end made Kerzaman gulp.  

“The Casserian Guild has begun moving toward South Africa.”  

—“Good. Proceed as planned.”  

The call ended abruptly.  

Kerzaman’s heart pounded uncontrollably, his fear of the other party overwhelming.  

“Tch… damn it.”  

He sighed, pulling a syringe and vial from his drawer with trembling hands.  

After injecting himself, he slumped back, satisfied.  

“Now that they’re headed to Africa… next is… heh heh heh…”  

His delirious muttering no longer sounded human.