441

 [Chapter 127]

[Your Heart is Heard]

The sky is cloudy, and the fog is thick.

And on days like this, mana imbalances often occurred.

Muoooooooo

Tokyo Bay.

That day, the mana imbalance that occurred without any precursors was not discovered by anyone.

It couldn't be helped.

Because the people who discovered the mana imbalance and rushed to the scene lost their lives.

The black sea that swallowed them just forcibly expelled new life forms.

Kirrrruk

Guruk guruk

Mana imbalance calls for mana imbalance.

A mana imbalance that starts from one soon creates dozens, hundreds of mana imbalances.

Thus numerous monsters were born and formed an army.

Forming an army meant that monsters qualified to command the army were also born.

Muoooooooo

Monsters craving each other's mana according to instinct hesitated hearing the sound coming from under the black sea.

They soon suppressed their instincts at the presence of the army commander rising above the sea.

Muoooooooo

3rd rank monster Gyuki (牛鬼).

A huge ogre with a head reminiscent of a cow revealed itself.

But it was missing an arm.

It wasn't that it didn't have an arm from the start, but that it lost its arm.

Several months ago from now.

When it first appeared in Mie Prefecture, it was attacked by one of the Twelve Heavenly Generals and driven to the brink of losing its existence.

In the end, Gyuki sensed a crisis of life and turned its body back into mana, buying time to restore its existence by avoiding complete subjugation.

However, it couldn't do anything about the lost arm.

It which somehow climbed up to Tokyo Bay from Mie Prefecture in its struggle to survive finally manifested its existence and cried sorrowfully.

Muoooooooo

Monsters submit.

Gyuki raised its remaining arm and pointed to a faintly shining point beyond the fog.

Go, go.

What you desire to crave is right there.

As if saying that, it cried.

Soon monsters submitting to the army headed towards the city beyond the fog.

Gyuki that rose above the surface also moved its steps.

Splash splash

The black sea shook violently.

Monsters born from the black sea crossed the sea to the city humans carved out in the midst of destruction.

Muoooooooo

The city's name was Yokohama.

It was the largest city in Kanagawa Prefecture where civilization developed centered on the coast.

☆

Tokyo Haneda Airport.

It would be the same for any airport.

The status of Haneda Airport, known as Japan's largest airport, is now just a relic of the past.

Because mana unconsciously leaked by people naturally floats in places where people come and go.

Due to the <End of Century Destruction>, almost all airports worldwide collapsed to the brink of annihilation.

So Haneda Airport now only operates a few routes and left some parts as empty fields.

"My daughter. Have you been well?"

"...You came."

On the ground, of course, in the sky, and in the sea.

Monsters exist everywhere.

It's just that we don't perceive them. Disaster is always right nearby.

Nevertheless, Han Do-young, chairman of Sirius Group, personally visited Japan while shouldering risks in this era when trade between countries has decreased.

Han Seo-hyun calmly greeted him coming out of the gate.

Han Do-young who met his youngest daughter after a long time smiled gladly while treating her admirably.

"Seo-hyun, I'm really proud of you. I thought you would do well, but I never imagined you would build a friendship with Kaguya-nim. Well done, my daughter."

"...I was just lucky."

Han Do-young spread his arms wide and embraced Han Seo-hyun.

She quietly answered while being embraced in his arms.

"My choice wasn't wrong. Thank you, Seo-hyun."

"No. I just did what I had to do."

She knew well that her father loved his family.

And that her father loved Sirius Group as much as he loved his family.

A king in the name of Sirius should naturally do so.

Therefore, she who bore the name of Sirius naturally had to do what she had to do.

Because what she shouldered was not just herself but everything of Sirius Group.

"...Father. Can't I hug Seo-hyun just once now too?"

"Haha! Well, Ye-jang you haven't seen Seo-hyun for a long time either. Alright, I'm really sorry for interfering with your time together."

"No, it's not like that, Father."

It wasn't just her father who came.

Choi Ye-jang, direct line of YH Group and her fiancé, also entered the country.

Han Seo-hyun who was released from her father's arms turned her gaze to Choi Ye-jang standing far away after coming out of the gate.

Their eyes met.

Choi Ye-jang's face immediately brightened.

"Have you been well?"

"...Yes."

"I told you to call me comfortably. What if it's the same as last time?"

"...Sorry. I forgot for a moment."

"It's hard to contact in Japan... Do you know how worried I was?"

It's a light red.

Desire swarms in his eyes.

His eyes sweeping over her skin instinctively evokes disgust.

Nevertheless, she quietly nestled in his arms with her emotions killed.

She stood like a statue until he released his embracing arms.

"This isn't the time. You said there's a meeting scheduled with Kaguya-nim this evening, right?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Then we can't waste time here. Seo-hyun, guide us."

"Yes, I will."

A meeting between Sirius Group and Kaguya.

It was the reason Han Do-young visited Japan.

Han Seo-hyun gently nodded and decided to guide the two.

"Then Father. Is it okay if I look around with Seo-hyun until the meeting?"

"Yes, do that. Ye-jang you must want to spend cozy time alone after a long time too. But don't do anything unnecessary and bring Seo-hyun by the appointment time."

"Yes, Father. I'll do that. That's great, right?"

"...I guess."

"Seo-hyun, where did we say we're going? Let's spend time at the department store near there."

"Yokohama. Yes, let's do that."

Kaguya liked Yokohama.

To be precise, Kanagawa Prefecture including Yokohama, which is closest to Tokyo and easy to see the sea.

And Yokohama was the most bustling city in Kanagawa Prefecture.

"Ah, then we'll be staying at a hotel there?"

"...Yes."

"Hmm... I see. You too, Seo-hyun?"

"...That's right."

"I'm really looking forward to the trip. Right?"

"..."

Choi Ye-jang embraced her shoulders, and Han Seo-hyun silently nodded.

☆

A crack appeared on the black thorn.

It was a sword that had been consistently maintained by Byuk Hae-su though it had been used for a long time.

Nevertheless, the fact that a crack appeared means it couldn't withstand the force of massive mana compressed five times.

Well, it's not incomprehensible.

Even I have to concentrate all my nerves when activating magic... How could the black thorn not?

Academy students were only able to enter Yokohama port in the evening.

And they were waiting for immigration procedures while staying up all night at the port.

He who checked the condition of the black thorn placed at his bedside as soon as he woke up in the morning sighed.

It's still a fine crack.

But a sword that cracks once is prone to crack again next time.

I won't be able to properly use the newly made magic...

Byuk Hae-su's repair was urgent.

But because this was Japan, there was no way but to not swing the sword harshly.

By the way, with that power of magic, it can't be used in urban areas.

Or maybe reduce the power of magic and increase versatility a bit...

Meanwhile, the power of Platina Cross was also a problem.

There was a need to reduce power to use in urban areas.

For example, drawing the sword vertically instead of horizontally so the magic's range doesn't spread.

And reducing the magic that needs to be compressed five times to three times.

"Anyway, I'll have to pay attention to managing the black thorn for a while."

Eun-ha who traced the cracked blade put the black thorn in its scabbard.

Probably as long as he doesn't handle it roughly, the sword won't break.

He tapped his beloved sword he had been handling since middle academy and left the cabin.

It was almost time for immigration procedures to end.

Other students would be waiting for the results on deck, wanting to set foot on land as soon as possible.

Sure enough.

He who came out to the deck could meet many students.

""""...""""

Students discovered Eun-ha.

Hundreds of pairs of eyes scan him.

But no one comes to speak to him, and people who meet his eyes quickly turn their heads.

Eun-ha couldn't not know the emotions in their eyes.

Not just them, but some players and instructors were sending similar gazes.

...It's understandable to show this reaction.

They are afraid now.

They are wary of his power and talent that crossed ranks and is still growing at just 17 years old.

It was understandable.

Even Eun-ha was astonished by the divine technique he inadvertently showed yesterday.

It wasn't that he couldn't understand their feelings.

"Eun-ha. Come here."

Separately from that, students who became somewhat close to Eun-ha through this comprehensive evaluation took an attitude of distancing themselves from him again.

Eun-ha turned his head from students who couldn't approach him and were stiff in place.

Just then, Jung Ha-yang called him while they were watching.

"They say immigration procedures will end soon. So everyone gathered here."

Though Jung Ha-yang witnessed yesterday's scene too.

She seemed surprised at first but now was treating him no differently than usual.

Eun-ha was grateful for her consideration.

Of course, other friends were the same.

Though they should be afraid of Eun-ha's divine technique, friends tried their best not to show it.

Rather, Kim Min-ji was even more so.

"I can't live because of you... Do you know how much Ha-yang and I struggled to downplay your power? But this guy is late again?"

"Yeah, you worked hard. I'll buy you coffee when we return to Korea. Okay?"

"Oh? This guy is trying to end it with one coffee? Where did you put your conscience?"

"That's right! I worked so hard spreading telepathy too! How can you try to settle with one coffee?"

Kim Min-ji pushing Eun-ha in front of many students.

Her picking a fight with him was more heated than usual.

Nevertheless, he didn't get annoyed and went along with her.

It was Kim Min-ji's consideration.

Subtly letting people know he is no different from ordinary people by nagging him in front of students.

And that No Eun-ha is not dangerous.

Meanwhile, in Eun-ha's eyes, Ariel seemed to have thoughtlessly jumped in and somehow ended up matching Min-ji's rhythm.

"Are you okay?"

When a friendly atmosphere was flowing.

Yoon I-byeol who slipped out from between friends carefully grabbed Eun-ha's sleeve.

As if worried about his situation.

Her pupils shake anxiously.

"What? I'm not bothered at all."

"Then that's good... I wanted you to know I'm always on your side..."

"Yeah, thanks. I'll remember that."

Yoon I-byeol speaks hesitantly.

Eun-ha thanked her who muttered with a reddened face.

Though she changed her fashion style, Yoon I-byeol's appearance of shrinking her neck like a turtle was still the same.

"Hey! Hey! Is there anyone here who's not on Eun-ha's side? Right, Ha-yang?"

"...Yes, that's right."

"So if anyone tries to bully you Eun-ha, we'll go punish them!"

"That's right, honey. I'll give those kids a good experience."

"But would there really be such a thing? It's not like Eun-ha is someone who would get beaten up somewhere."

"Kik, your words are right too Si-hyeong!"

Cha Eun-woo suddenly hugging Yoon I-byeol from behind and smoothing over the awkward atmosphere.

While Jung Ha-yang quietly smiled, Bong Gu-rae, Kang Si-hyeong, and Kim Min-ji perceptively joined in.

Though Hoshimiya Kaede didn't try to join between friends as if uninterested.

"Ah! Instructor Shin Seo-young is coming there!"

Just then.

Ariel with a loud voice pointed at instructors boarding the ship.

It was instructors who went to process students' immigration procedures.

The fact that they returned meant immigration procedures were finally resolved.

Friends and students who were watching also made happy sounds.

Eun-ha felt relieved too.

Until his eyes met Shin Seo-young among the instructors.

...I won't be able to properly make a peep in front of that noona for a while.

Shin Seo-young's eyes are fierce.

Eun-ha secretly sighed.

She was the one who warned players trying to approach him after witnessing Eun-ha's magic yesterday.

Moreover, she even made people underestimate the magic Eun-ha showed by lying.

If she hadn't helped, he would surely be suffering from players and instructors now.

In the end, he who had committed many sins quietly made a gesture of apologizing to her with both hands.

Of course, Shin Seo-young snorted and didn't even give Eun-ha a glance.

"Everyone attention!!"

And meanwhile.

Instructor Lee Guk-jong representing the instructors told students that immigration procedures were all completed.

Students let out shrill screams.

It was understandable for them to be happy since they couldn't set foot on land until now.

Instructor Lee Guk-jong also flashed a satisfied smile seeing their faces.

But academy instructors weren't such easy people so─.

"─So we will start missions again from now!"

""""...""""

Instructor Lee Guk-jong shouted cheerfully.

Students' faces hardened in an instant. Some students cried out saying it was too much.

Nevertheless, instructors weren't having it.

I knew this would happen.

I didn't have any expectations from the start.

Friends' faces look displeased too.

On the other hand, Eun-ha was just accepting it now.

It was comfortable if you gave up.

While doing so, he naturally took the spot next to Kaede while stepping back.

When Kaede looked at him with a sullen face, Eun-ha matched with a sullen face too.

Soon Kaede who lost the staring contest jerked her head and listened attentively to Lee Guk-jong's explanation.

"The map being handed out to you now is a map of Yokohama Chinatown, and there will be several areas circled in red! That's where you'll eat jjamppong!"

Lee Guk-jong showing the unfolded map.

There were five places circled in red.

"But though not marked on the map, each restaurant has a capacity! They will only accept people reserved in advance! What does this mean. So if you're unlucky, you may have to go around in circles to find an empty restaurant."

""""Wow....""""

Lee Guk-jong laughs heartily.

Students' feelings were the same.

It was truly wickedly unparalleled.

But Lee Guk-jong and other instructors didn't care about their reactions. Rather, they enjoyed their reactions.

"The time limit is 2 hours from now! You must somehow find the designated restaurant within the time limit! At this time, remember that to sit at a table, you must pass the instructor's question waiting in front of the restaurant in advance!"

From now on it's a battle against time.

Students who cultivated their senses through experience so far rushed to get maps.

Soon those who found maps bus

Soon those who found maps moved busily to get off the ship.

"As a bonus! If you happen to defeat monsters while walking and obtain mana stones, I'll give you a chance to eat other food besides jjamppong depending on the number!"

There's additional food too.

Students' eyes rolled back at the mention of sweet and sour pork.

"Let's go! We need to secure seats first!"

"Let's start with the closest place from here!"

"No! It's better to go to the farthest place first!"

Students moving individually.

Students moving in groups.

Eun-ha didn't try to move hastily even while watching them.

Even when friends urged him to run to get a map.

It was natural.

How on earth can you find your way in a country with a different language?

Who are you going to ask, and what?

When Lee Guk-jong first unfolded the map.

Eun-ha had already grasped the important parts.

All the designated restaurants were hidden in complex alleyways.

Moreover, there were even parts with sparse content on the map.

The instructors were deliberately leading students to get lost.

"Why waste time just looking for the way? We need to consider time to solve problems too."

But Eun-ha was confident he wouldn't get lost.

Because he had a secret weapon.

"Kaede."

"What."

Eun-ha stuck right next to Kaede and spoke familiarly.

She naturally frowned as if displeased.

Regardless, Eun-ha opened his mouth nonchalantly.

"I'm really glad you're my friend."

"I have no memory of becoming friends with you..."

"I'll take care of the mana stones."

"What?"

"I'm saying I'll let you eat sweet and sour pork. So you find the restaurant."

"...Can you promise?"

There's a harpoon that can speak Japanese.

Of course we should use that, shouldn't we?

Eun-ha smiled broadly.

Now that we've come this far, let's eat jjamppong comfortably.

I should rest now too.

Once we eat jjamppong, the comprehensive evaluation ends.

Eun-ha was full of thoughts of resting.