SFRW-Chapter 310

Ch. 310 Sword God From The Ruined World 

[Epilogue]  

“Grandma! Hurry! Hurry!”  

At Eun-young’s urging, her grandmother clicked her tongue.  

“You’re becoming more of a tomboy as you grow older.”  

Eun-young, who had grown up retaining her cute and pretty face from childhood, was now a slender 175 cm tall girl about to turn 15 in a few days.  

“Wow! Look, it’s Lee Eun-young!”  

“She’s even prettier than on screen, right?”  

“No way! She’s unreal! The camera doesn’t do her justice! She’s gorgeous!”  

“The epitome of a beauty revolution!”  

Having been known to people since childhood, those who recognized her couldn’t take their eyes off her face.  

“Grandma! Your knees are fine now! Walk faster! What if we’re late?”  

Eun-young linked arms with her grandmother and quickened her pace.  

“A grown girl like you shouldn’t raise her voice like that. People will gossip. I won’t always be around to look after you, so you need to carry yourself properly and act with grace…”  

“Grandma, that’s so old-fashioned. Girls like that aren’t attractive these days.”  

When Eun-young giggled and retorted, her grandmother smacked her back.  

“Ow! Why’d you hit me?”  

“Tsk! Even if you don’t listen to me, at least think of your brother’s face and behave!”  

“…Ugh! So unfair! You always bring up Brother when you have nothing else to say.”  

Eun-young pouted, and her grandmother clicked her tongue again.  

“Madam! You’ve arrived! Oh my! Our Eun-young has grown even more beautiful since the last time I saw her! Hahaha!”  

“Grandpa Na Tae-hwang, have you found the fountain of youth? Your face looks even firmer than last time! Did you hide a pretty grandma somewhere…?”  

“Tsk! After all that scolding earlier, is that how you talk to your elders?”  

Her grandmother smacked Eun-young’s back again, cutting her off.  

Apologizing, the grandmother bowed to Na Tae-hwang, who just laughed heartily and took Eun-young’s teasing in stride.  

“Does it show? I’d like to think it’s because I’ve let go of everything and live stress-free.”  

“Well, they say stress is the root of all illnesses.”  

“Exactly! Stress is the root of all illnesses!”  

Na Tae-hwang chatted cheerfully with Eun-young as they escorted the grandmother into the event hall.  

The venue was massive, capable of accommodating over 100,000 people, but it was already packed to the brim.  

Despite the overwhelming crowd, many recognized the trio and rushed to greet them.  

“Madam, how are you?”  

“Eun-young! How did you get so pretty? You’re a proper young lady now!”  

“Chairman Na Tae-hwang, have you been well?”  

From politicians frequently seen on TV to conglomerate heirs, high-ranking officials, celebrities, and famous Heroes—everyone clamored to greet them.  

Na Tae-hwang and the grandmother responded with gentle smiles, while Eun-young cheerfully engaged with the crowd in her lively manner.  

After being stuck for a while due to the endless greetings, event staff quickly approached.  

“Please follow us. Excuse us! Make way!”  

Five staff members cleared a path, allowing the trio to finally move forward.  

Guided by the staff, they were seated in their designated spots.  

While the trio finally got a moment to rest, the staff began bustling about as if the real work was just beginning.  

“There are so many people.”  

Eun-young marveled at the sea of faces no matter where she looked.  

“And this is after cutting down the numbers. Those who couldn’t attend are watching live broadcasts right now.”  

As Na Tae-hwang explained, hundreds of cameras were meticulously placed throughout the venue.  

“This will be a historic day, won’t it?”  

“A historic day… Hahaha! Of course! Today marks the first day of a new history!”  

While Na Tae-hwang laughed heartily at the idea of a historic day, Eun-young’s expression gradually tensed.  

Noticing this, her grandmother warmly held her hand.  

The reassuring warmth eased Eun-young’s nerves.  

After about 20 minutes of frantic activity by hundreds of staff, order was finally restored.  

Just as the noisy venue began to quiet down—  

“Look! It’s Hyun Joo-yeon!”  

“Gloria’s here too!”  

“The universe’s sexiest—Veronica!”  

“It’s Kusak! Kusak! Kyahhh!”  

“The Thunder God, Shinjo!”  

“Earth’s only Holy Knight, Choi Kang-soo!”  

“Woooo! The manliest of men—Rakun!”  

As Earth’s greatest stars appeared one by one, the venue erupted in excitement.  

Amid the cheers, Eun-young waved brightly.  

“Sister Hyun Joo-yeon!”  

Hyun Joo-yeon smiled back at Eun-young and bowed slightly to grandmother.  

“Sister Gloria!”  

Eun-young greeted Gloria next, then Veronica, Shinjo, Choi Kang-soo, and other familiar faces.  

And finally—  

“KYAAAAAAH! It’s Seo Do-jun!”  

“God Seo Do-jun!”  

“WOOOOOAH!”  

The deafening cheers for Seo Do-jun drowned out all previous excitement as he walked in slowly.  

“Brother!”  

Eun-young jumped up excitedly, waving both arms wildly at Seo Do-jun, who was dressed sharply in a suit.  

Seo Do-jun frowned as if telling her to behave, but Eun-young just stuck her tongue out defiantly.  

“Isn’t it great how lively Eun-young is?” Hyun Joo-yeon whispered to Seo Do-jun.  

“…She doesn’t listen to me these days.”  

Sighing as if burdened by the world’s biggest problem, Seo Do-jun’s expression made Hyun Joo-yeon burst into laughter.  

“So even you have things you can’t handle. But Eun-young is such a good kid.”  

“She is, but…”  

Seo Do-jun shook his head slightly, as if missing the days when Eun-young was both good and obedient.  

“Girls her age are all like that. I was called a tomboy so much back then.”  

Hyun Joo-yeon being a tomboy?  

Seo Do-jun looked skeptical, but Hyun Joo-yeon made an incomprehensible remark about school uniforms being stronger than any combat suit for girls.  

“Huh? What are you two talking about so intimately? Hyun Joo-yeon, you haven’t forgotten our promise, have you?”  

Gloria cut in sharply.  

The fierce rivalry between Gloria and Hyun Joo-yeon over Seo Do-jun was still going strong.  

“We weren’t talking about anything important. Just reassuring Seo Do-jun about Eun-young.”  

“Eun-young? What’s wrong with our sweet, pretty Eun-young?”  

Gloria, like Hyun Joo-yeon, stared at Seo Do-jun as if asking what the problem was.  

‘Do they see her differently? Or are their standards different? Or…’  

‘Do they just want to see her in a good light?’  

Realizing that the two women treated Eun-young and her grandmother like angels and saints, Seo Do-jun shut his mouth.  

As the cheers died down—  

“We will now begin the opening and admission ceremony for the world’s first and greatest Hero Specialized Education School.”  

The Hero Specialized Education School.  

An institution dedicated to training those who awaken as Heroes.  

The rift zones and Gates had all disappeared, but due to the changed environment, new Heroes continued to emerge.  

Similarly, mutated or awakened animals and plants had become increasingly common.  

Though not as powerful as the monsters from the rift era, they were still enough to threaten human lives if left unchecked.  

To alleviate public anxiety, the Hero Specialized Education School was established to systematically train awakened Heroes.  

While the Hero Academy of the rift era had provided basic combat training, it lacked comprehensive education.  

This new school aimed to fill those gaps, prioritizing potential and skill over age, gender, or nationality.  

And the first of its kind was established in South Korea.  

The school’s first principal was—  

“But why did you decline the principal position, Grandpa?”  

Eun-young’s question made Na Tae-hwang shake his head as if telling her not to ask.  

“I’ve served as the Chairman of South Korea’s Hero Association and even the World Hero Association. That’s enough. How much more do you want to squeeze out of this old man? Besides, compared to me…”  

Though Na Tae-hwang still looked like he was in his 50s and was active on the frontlines, he no longer wanted the burden of heavy responsibility.  

Above all—  

“Hello. I’m Seo Do-jun.”  

“WOOOAAAH!”  

“GOD Seo Do-jun! GOD Seo Do-jun!”  

As Seo Do-jun took the microphone, thunderous cheers erupted.  

“Rather than an old man like me, a brilliant young man like Seo Do-jun should lead.”  

The first principal of the Hero Specialized Education School was none other than Seo Do-jun.  

After Seo Do-jun’s brief but impactful speech, the ceremony proceeded swiftly.  

Each time a faculty member was introduced, the venue shook with cheers.  

The lineup was nothing short of Earth’s strongest Heroes.  

The school wasn’t just about education—it also guaranteed employment for graduates, backed by the World Hero Association and major guilds like the Casserian Guild.  

Following the opening ceremony, the long-awaited admission of the first class began.  

With the World Hero Association and Casserian Guild’s full support, the selection process had been fiercely competitive.  

Only the elite.  

Graduating from this school would earn them the title of ‘Elite Hero’, drawing even existing Heroes to compete for admission.  

Making it through such competition was an honor in itself.  

“Representing the first class and the school’s top honor student, please come forward.”  

At the host’s words, all eyes turned to one person.  

“Go on.”  

Her grandmother’s gentle touch and voice were filled with pride and emotion.  

“Okay!”  

Eun-young nodded and stood up.  

In a publicly broadcasted admission process, Eun-young had secured first place among 30,000 applicants.  

Her overwhelming lead over the second-place student cemented her status as the world’s top talent.  

As Eun-young approached the stage, she walked confidently toward her brother, Seo Do-jun.  

Though everyone knew they were siblings, at this moment, they stood as the school’s first principal and top student.  

Eun-young bowed deeply at a perfect 90-degree angle.  

“Congratulations, Lee Eun-young.”  

As the principal, Seo Do-jun sincerely congratulated her.  

“Thank you… Principal… Teacher? Pfft!”  

Eun-young burst into laughter as she shook his hand, and the sight of Seo Do-jun’s twitching eyes was broadcasted worldwide.  

***

In Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, South Korea, a massive institution spanning 8 square kilometers stood proudly.  

Twice the size of Seoul’s Yeouido, this was the world’s first and only Hero Specialized Education School.  

With 30,000 first-year students, all living in dormitories, the school required tens of thousands of additional staff to manage daily operations.  

“The second class will be admitted in three years, right?”  

At Hyun Joo-yeon’s question, Seo Do-jun nodded.  

“It’ll take at least three years of strict training to produce graduates worthy of the name.”  

Seo Do-jun believed that even the most talented needed rigorous education to meet the school’s standards.  

In three years, the first graduates would leave, making room for the second class.  

Even if the number of graduates was smaller than expected, the school planned to expand capacity to 50,000, ensuring no one would miss their chance.  

“In a way, graduating is harder and more important than getting in.”  

“Exactly. Admission doesn’t guarantee graduation.”  

While admission wasn’t overly difficult for those with decent skills, graduation was another matter.  

Seo Do-jun’s goal was to ensure students fully absorbed their training and proved their worth before graduating.  

“I didn’t expect you to take the lead so passionately.”  

From the school’s inception, Seo Do-jun had spearheaded everything.  

The unconventional education system surprised many, but it was modeled after the Imperial Academy from the ruined world he’d experienced.  

“I’m looking forward to three years from now.”  

“Looking forward?”  

“To Eun-young.”  

Seo Do-jun nodded, understanding Hyun Joo-yeon’s meaning.  

“Brother, since I’m the top admittee, I’ll definitely graduate at the top too!”  

Eun-young’s confident declaration made Seo Do-jun chuckle.  

Having beaten thousands to secure first place, Eun-young was already a step ahead.  

But—  

“Three years isn’t a short time.”  

“Of course. Three years is enough for a D-rank Hero to become S-rank.”  

Hyun Joo-yeon referenced the Casserian Guild members who’d trained under Seo Do-jun.  

While they’d grown explosively under his guidance, the school’s students would receive the same training.  

Eun-young’s lead came from her early exposure to such teachings.  

But now, 30,000 others would catch up.  

Raw talent would shine, and the real competition would begin.  

“Still, I have no doubt Eun-young will graduate at the top.”  

Hyun Joo-yeon was confident enough to bet everything on it.  

“…Well.”  

Seo Do-jun didn’t argue. He knew better than anyone just how special Eun-young truly was.  

***

“Not all Heroes are the same. Broadly, they’re divided into physical and mental types. Physical types further specialize in weapons or body enhancement, while mental types focus on magic or psychic abilities…”  

As Kusak, Earth’s greatest magic Hero, explained, hundreds of Hero students listened intently.  

Each Hero had unique traits and specialties, and most couldn’t master more than one.  

Of course, exceptions existed.  

“I challenge you to a duel!”  

A burly white man shot his hand up, interrupting Kusak’s lecture.  

Kusak frowned at the sudden demand.  

“A duel? Now?”  

“Yes! I want to experience the difference between physical and mental Heroes firsthand!”  

“Ooooh!”  

“That’s the spirit!”  

“Who’s he fighting?”  

Though the request was absurd, many students eagerly supported it.  

Heroes loved showing off their power, and these rookies were no exception.  

Sensing the mood shifting in his favor, the man pressed on.  

“Lee Eun-young, the top admittee, is a known mental-type Hero. I’ve never lost to one, so I want to test the difference!”  

Karl Bind.  

The top physical-type Hero among the first-year students, representing not just Germany but all of Europe.  

He’d always resented Eun-young’s top placement, convinced it was due to bias rather than skill.  

Now was his chance to prove himself.  

Kusak, seeing through Karl’s intentions, glanced at Eun-young—who was grinning.  

Smirking, Kusak played along.  

“You really want to do this? She is the top student, after all…”  

His tone implied Karl was biting off more than he could chew.  

Infuriated, Karl snapped, “I insist! I want to see for myself how great the top student really is!”  

“Eun-young, if you accept, I’ll allow the duel.”  

Though Kusak was like an uncle to her privately, Eun-young responded formally.  

“Thank you for permitting this, Professor.”  

As she stood, the crowd buzzed.  

“Who do you think will win?”  

“She’s the top student. No way she’ll lose, right?”  

“Of course! This is Lee Eun-young we’re talking about!”  

Raised by Earth’s strongest Heroes, Eun-young had grown up in an unparalleled environment.  

But Karl wasn’t a pushover either.  

“His father, Angelo Bind, is a German A-rank Hero, but their family’s connections are insane.”  

“I heard S-rank Heroes from Europe trained him personally!”  

“That’s why he’s called Europe’s top rookie. Maybe he really can beat her…”  

Word spread quickly, and soon, a crowd gathered to watch.  

“What’s going on?”  

At Veronica’s whisper, Kusak smirked and explained.  

“He’s practically begging to die.”  

Veronica clicked her tongue as Karl puffed up under the attention.  

“If Eun-young goes all out…”  

She shook her head, as if the outcome was obvious.  

Those who knew Eun-young unanimously agreed:  

She was the heir to Seo Do-jun’s legacy.  

And Karl had foolishly challenged her.  

“May we begin?”  

Karl asked Kusak, eager to prove himself now that the crowd had gathered.  

At Kusak’s nod, Karl sneered.  

“Didn’t expect to face the top student so soon.”  

“Your approach is so outdated.”  

“Outdated?”  

Confused, Karl scowled as Eun-young giggled.  

“Look it up later. Anyway, since you’re the challenger, I’ll let you go first.”  

She wiggled her fingers, taunting him.  

Karl’s face hardened.  

A girl three years younger was giving him the first move?  

“You dare mock me, a mental-type?”  

“Mental-type? Who? Me? Hmm… Well, if that’s what you think, I’ll play along.”  

Karl didn’t understand, but one thing was clear:  

Eun-young wasn’t taking this seriously.  

That pissed him off.  

‘The world’s strongest is Seo Do-jun, not you! You arrogant brat! I’ll crush that pride of yours!’  

To Karl, Eun-young was just a princess sheltered under Seo Do-jun’s shadow.  

He’d trained relentlessly since childhood to become the strongest—how could he accept someone who’d achieved nothing on her own?  

He’d shatter the illusion.  

Prove that Seo Do-jun and Eun-young were worlds apart.  

With a roar, Karl stomped the ground and charged.  

BAM!  

His speed was staggering—like a bullet closing the distance in an instant.  

“He’s fast!”  

The students gasped. They’d never imagined Karl could move like that.  

Just as it seemed he’d reach Eun-young and end the fight with a single punch—  

POOF!  

A blue water droplet enveloped Karl.  

“…!”  

Trapped mid-motion, Karl flailed helplessly inside the floating sphere.  

No matter how he struggled, he couldn’t break free.  

It was like being in zero gravity.  

The crowd realized instantly:  

Karl stood no chance against Eun-young.  

With a flick of her wrist, Eun-young popped the droplet.  

SPLAT!  

Karl collapsed unceremoniously.  

Though he scrambled up quickly, his humiliation was plain for all to see.  

“Grrr!”  

Fearful of being trapped again, Karl kicked up marble shards, hurling them as projectiles.  

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!  

His combat instincts were impressive—using the environment to his advantage.  

“Not bad. Adapting to the situation.”  

Kusak nodded approvingly, but Veronica scoffed.  

“So what? He’s missing the most important thing.”  

“What’s that?”  

“The eyes to gauge his opponent. Talent and skill mean nothing if you can’t recognize someone stronger.”  

Meanwhile, Eun-young effortlessly blocked every marble with water droplets, reducing them to dust without collateral damage.  

The spectators finally understood:  

This was why Lee Eun-young was the top student.  

‘This… This can’t be!’  

Karl realized it too—he was outmatched.  

But he refused to give up.  

If he backed down now, he’d look even more pathetic.  

‘If only I had my sword!’  

This duel was unfair from the start.  

Karl’s specialty was swordsmanship, yet he couldn’t use it.  

“This isn’t fair!”  

His sudden shout drew everyone’s attention.  

“Not fair?”  

“You’re using your specialty freely, while I can’t use mine!”  

“Specialty?”  

Eun-young crossed her arms, puzzled.  

She hadn’t used any specialty either.  

“My sword! I need my sword to fight at full strength!”  

Some nodded—it seemed reasonable.  

But those who’d seen the gap between them knew Karl was just making excuses.  

“You think you can beat me with a sword?”  

“Of course!”  

Confident the professors wouldn’t allow a real sword duel—especially against Seo Do-jun’s sister—Karl played his card.  

“That guy talks too much.”  

Veronica, who’d turned to leave, scowled without looking back.  

Then—  

SWOOSH!  

Her sword embedded itself in the ground before Karl.  

“Borrow mine. Show us your ‘full strength’.”  

Karl paled.  

“B-Blood could be shed! And…”  

He didn’t finish, but everyone knew:  

If anything happened to Eun-young, Seo Do-jun wouldn’t stay quiet.  

“So what? The world you’ll live in will always involve bloodshed. A little blood is nothing. I’ll take full responsibility.”  

When Veronica insisted, Karl looked to Kusak for help—but got none.  

“I’m Earth’s greatest mage. I’ll prevent any disasters.”  

‘Damn it!’  

This wasn’t part of the plan!  

But with everyone watching, Karl couldn’t back down.  

He reached for the sword—  

“Grr… Ugh!”  

It wouldn’t budge.  

No matter how hard he pulled, the blade stayed rooted.  

“Need help?”  

Eun-young approached.  

“T-This sword only responds to Professor Veronica!”  

Karl glared, convinced this was a trick.  

But then—  

SLIIIIICK!  

Eun-young drew the sword effortlessly.  

Karl’s jaw dropped.  

“Here. Show me your ‘specialty’.”  

Her smiling offer sent chills down Karl’s spine.  

‘W-Who did I just pick a fight with…?’  

This wasn’t a sheltered princess.  

This was a terrifying flower nurtured by the world’s strongest.  

“Take it.”  

Eun-young pressed, but Karl couldn’t bring himself to accept.  

As he hung his head, Eun-young leaned in and whispered:  

“One more thing. I’m not a mental-type Hero.”  

“W-What…?”  

“Want me to prove it with my fists?”  

Karl had no retort.  

From that day on, Lee Eun-young’s position as the undisputed top student was set in stone.  

***

“All guests, please gather!”  

At the host’s call, the wedding attendees rushed forward.  

“KYAAAAH! I’ve photographed weddings my whole life, but I’ve never seen such glamorous guests! Bride and groom, I beg you—let me display this photo proudly in my studio! Hahaha!”  

As the photographer said, the guests surrounding the couple were extraordinary.  

Especially striking were Hyun Joo-yeon, Seo Do-jun, and Gloria, standing neatly side by side—their beauty almost overshadowing the elaborately dressed bride and groom.  

“Do you really have to stand right behind us?”  

The bride, Jung In-joo, glared at Hyun Joo-yeon through gritted teeth.  

“If we stand in the corner, it’ll look weird! Trust me, you’re the prettiest today! Smile!”  

Though Hyun Joo-yeon and Gloria had minimized their makeup to avoid upstaging the bride, their natural beauty still outshone her.  

“…Fine. Must be nice being young and pretty.”  

Jung In-joo, marrying late, gave up and forced a smile.  

“To my eyes, you’re the prettiest in the world!”  

Her groom’s whisper melted Jung In-joo’s scowl into a radiant smile.  

“Say cheese!”  

CLICK!  

After several more poses, the bouquet toss began.  

“Whoever catches it first gets ten concessions.”  

“Deal!”  

Hyun Joo-yeon and Gloria stood side by side, ready to pounce.  

The tension was palpable.  

Jung In-joo, fearing retaliation no matter who she favored, threw the bouquet carefully.  

CLICK! CLICK! CLICK!  

As the bouquet arced through the air, Hyun Joo-yeon and Gloria lunged simultaneously.  

GRAB! GRAB!  

“Who caught it?”  

The photographer checked the camera and gasped.  

“They caught it at the exact same time!”  

The crowd erupted in disbelief.  

“No way!”  

Some rushed to verify—and confirmed it.  

“They really did!”  

“Kukuku! Told you, Kassal! You should just have a joint wedding with both!”  

Kusak’s teasing made Choi Kang-soo chime in:  

“I’ll strongly petition the National Assembly to pass the Seo Do-jun Special Law—”  

Seo Do-jun’s sharp glare shut him up.  

“But shouldn’t Veronica have caught it?”  

Rakun’s quiet remark redirected all eyes to Veronica’s slightly protruding belly.  

“Veronica, be honest. Who’s the father? You know, right? It’s time to confess.”  

Jung In-joo’s question earned a scoff.  

“I told you—I’m hermaphroditic.”  

Her absurd claim made Seo Do-jun glance at Kusak and Choi Kang-soo.  

“You two really don’t remember?”  

Months ago, at a celebration for Jung In-joo’s wedding date, the Casserian Guild members had drunk endlessly.  

A daring challenge to determine the best drinker—without using magic to sober up—led to a fifth round where most collapsed.  

Only six remained:  

Seo Do-jun, Hyun Joo-yeon, Gloria, Veronica, Choi Kang-soo, and Kusak.  

Hyun Joo-yeon and Gloria, having quit the challenge early, dragged Seo Do-jun away when a drunk Veronica grew too handsy.  

Left behind were the other three—all blackout drunk.  

That night, Veronica…  

“We were too wasted…”  

“It wasn’t me! I’d never… Ugh!”  

Despite their efforts, neither Kusak nor Choi Kang-soo could recall what happened.  

Veronica, unfazed, gently rubbed her belly.  

“We’ll know when the baby’s born! The dad’s gotta be one of these two!”  

Cain’s comment made everyone nod—except Kusak and Choi Kang-soo, who now faced months of anxiety.  

“Damn it! Who was it? Me? Kusak? I’ll take responsibility right now if it’s me!”  

“Making me sound like a deadbeat! Just say it already! Don’t leave us hanging for months!”  

Both men insisted on responsibility, but Veronica refused to reveal the father.  

“You think I don’t know who the father is?”  

Choi Kang-soo’s question earned a deadly glare.  

“Want bloodshed at a wedding? One more word, and I’ll rip your mouth open. This is my child. No one gets to play daddy!”  

She stormed off, leaving the two men frustrated.  

“What’s her problem? The father’s right here!”  

“Maybe… she can’t forget the Guild Master? She got pregnant by accident but doesn’t want to marry anyone else…”  

Some nodded at Choi Do-yeon’s theory, but Choi Kang-soo exploded.  

“What nonsense! Are we sperm banks to her? If it’s mine, I have rights!”  

“Same here! I’ll be a proper father!”  

As the two vowed to claim their rights, Patrick Tyler smirked at Seo Do-jun, Hyun Joo-yeon, and Gloria.  

“While they sort that out… what about you three?”  

Veronica’s pregnancy was one thing, but Seo Do-jun’s love life was the real concern.  

“For world peace, just marry both. The whole world approves.”  

Capmore’s suggestion drew agreement.  

Coming from Saudi royalty (who has four wives), he couldn’t understand Seo Do-jun’s hesitation.  

“Even an old stick-in-the-mud like me supports it. Why go to another country?”  

Na Tae-hwang subtly endorsed the idea.  

Seo Do-jun, trapped under their gazes, avoided answering—until phones started ringing.  

***

In a remote mountain area, a man inhaled deeply.  

“Pervert? Why’re you sniffing the air?”  

“It’s so clean here! The magic flow’s pure! This might be the cleanest place I’ve ever seen!”  

The toad-like man grinned, savoring the untouched environment.  

The sharp-eyed woman beside him nodded.  

“Seems no one’s claimed this place yet.”  

“Exactly! It’s like stepping on fresh snow—I just want to trample it!”  

As the man’s eyes gleamed with madness, a shadow fell over them.  

“…Dragonkin?”  

The woman frowned at the Half-Dragon, Koroka, hovering above.  

“Impossible. The magic here can’t sustain Dragons.”  

Koroka, summoned by a sudden dimensional rift, assessed the intruders—and paled.  

‘Transcendents!’  

Their power far exceeded his.  

“Who sent you?”  

The man’s demand went unanswered.  

Annoyed, he leaped up and grabbed Koroka’s neck.  

“Know your place!”  

CRASH!  

Koroka slammed into the ground, half-buried.  

“Don’t kill him yet. We need info.”  

The woman scanned their surroundings warily.  

“I know.”  

The man planted a foot on Koroka’s neck.  

“I hate lizards. Had too many bad experiences. So talk. Who sent you?”  

Instead of cowering, Koroka laughed.  

“You’re dead.”  

“Laughing?”  

Enraged, the man summoned an axe and hacked off one of Koroka’s wings.  

CRACK!  

“GYAAAAH!”  

“Beg for your life. Maybe I’ll change my mind.”  

The man waved the bloodied axe tauntingly.  

But then—  

BOOM!  

Lightning and radiant wings filled the sky as Shinjo and Choi Kang-soo arrived.  

“Koroka, what’re you doing down there?”  

Choi Kang-soo laughed at the half-dragon’s sorry state.  

“…Transcendents.”  

The intruders tensed.  

Shinjo and Choi Kang-soo were their equals.  

“Who’re you?”  

Choi Kang-soo’s casual question masked his readiness to strike.  

“We serve Lord Fractao. We didn’t know this planet was already claimed.”  

“Fractao?”  

Choi Kang-soo frowned.  

“Some nobody with seven planets?”  

The intruders stiffened.  

Seven planets was no small feat—but truly powerful lords controlled dozens.  

“Koroka, need a hand?”  

At Choi Kang-soo’s offer, healing light enveloped Koroka’s wounds.  

The intruders gaped—such potent holy power was rare even among transcendents.  

As Koroka stood, he punched the man square in the face.  

THUD!  

“You little—!”  

The man raised his axe, but—  

ZAP!  

Lightning struck from Choi Kang-soo.  

“I said, drop it.”  

The man blocked with his axe, snarling.  

“You think you scare us?”  

The woman summoned twin spears.  

Dialogue was pointless—they’d fight or flee.  

“You’re weaker than the trash we usually deal with.”  

Choi Kang-soo’s taunt coincided with a pillar of light—heralding Rakun, Kusak, and Veronica’s arrival.  

“T-That’s impossible…”  

Transcendents were appearing in droves.  

“Kneel.”  

At Seo Do-jun’s command, Shinjo moved first.  

Veronica tried to follow, but Kusak and Choi Kang-soo stopped her.  

“Pregnant women stay put!”  

As chaos ensued, the intruders were swiftly subdued.  

“Who sent you?”  

Seo Do-jun’s quiet question made them tremble.  

Facing him felt like facing a God.  

“…The Planetary Defense Force.”  

Seo Do-jun burst out laughing.  

Soon, the entire group was howling.  

“Planetary Defense Force? What is this, a kids’ show?”  

Choi Kang-soo wheezed.  

Even Shinjo, usually stoic, turned away to hide his laughter.  

The so-called ‘Planetary Defense Force’ was none other than Seo Do-jun’s allies—Grichuk, the dark mage Rahf, and former planetary administrator Joi.  

Backed by Earth’s transcendents, they’d been liberating oppressed planets, much to the lords’ fury.  

“How many planetary lords are there?”  

“Over a hundred,” the man admitted weakly.  

Seo Do-jun fell silent, deep in thought.  

Hyun Joo-yeon and Gloria tensed—they knew that look.  

“Rahf.”  

At Seo Do-jun’s call, a dimensional rift opened, revealing Rahf, Grichuk, and Joi.  

“My lord.”  

They knelt instantly.  

“Planetary Defense Force.”  

Grichuk flinched.  

Joi coughed awkwardly.  

Rahf shuddered.  

“Fractao. Know him?”  

“A minor lord with seven planets,” Rahf sneered.  

“Disposition?”  

“Greedy, cunning, and cowardly.”  

Seo Do-jun nodded.  

“Time for a cleanup.”  

Rahf’s eyes lit up.  

“I’ll bring you his head.”  

“I’ll handle it myself.”  

Hyun Joo-yeon and Gloria sighed—their fears confirmed.  

“Finally!”  

Choi Kang-soo and Shinjo buzzed with excitement.  

“Open a portal.”  

Rahf dragged the intruders forward.  

The man, desperate, asked:  

“Are you… the one who killed Barhaut and Ophel?”  

Rahf grinned.  

“Smart eyes. A storm’s coming for the lords.”  

Terrified, the intruders opened a portal.  

Grichuk and Joi led the way, followed by Shinjo and Choi Kang-soo.  

Lastly, Seo Do-jun extended both hands to Hyun Joo-yeon and Gloria.  

“Let’s go.”  

Stunned, they took his hands—the first time he’d ever reached for them both.  

Hand in hand, the three stepped into the portal like newlyweds off on a honeymoon.  

[The End]