645

 [Chapter 169]

[Small Victory]

Morning of the 1st day after the army's invasion.

People who had been hiding somewhere gradually revealed themselves.

""""...."""

The city was in ruins.

There were no intact buildings, and it was hard to find undamaged roads.

Fire hydrants had burst and were continuously spewing water.

But that water was black and murky, seemingly undrinkable.

Last night, no, at midnight today.

The monsters had deliberately destroyed the city's infrastructure.

It was highly intelligent.

Moreover─

"─There's nothing to eat..."

"Water, water..."

Though it had only been a few hours.

Areas where locust-type monsters had passed through had no water or food left.

People who had fled all night now had to wander the streets in disheveled states searching for food.

Of course, fights broke out among people at places like marts and convenience stores.

"Kyaah! What are you doing!?"

"I came in first. Where do you think you're trying to steal my things from?"

"How is this yours? And what's wrong with sharing a little!"

"Look around. What's left? The locusts sprayed poison everywhere, so this is all that's left to eat!"

"But what were the Players doing!? Where were they hiding, and now they just casually appear, what kind of bastards are they?" "Tsk, after all the taxes I've paid them..."

""""...."""

Riots, violence, discord, etc.

Fights broke out all over Gangbuk.

Players who had fled saying it wasn't their business when monsters appeared were especially subject to people's criticism.

Even so, they couldn't raise their voices like before.

"Useless bastards who just eat... Do you think I paid you for this?"

Public sentiment had turned against them.

On this day, people learned which clans would help them and which clans would run away when a crisis actually occurred due to the monster invasion.

Naturally, some clans' reputations rose while others fell.

Among them─

"─They say Yongsan-gu had the least damage? How did that happen? Didn't someone say the most monsters gathered there?"

"Well... Communication isn't working well now so I don't know the exact information... But it seems Players who didn't run away, foreigners, and residents joined forces to fight." "What? Foreigners? Residents?"

"Yeah. There's a foreign Player called <Mercenary King> there... He was quite famous in the past, and they say he united all the locals and commanded the battlefield."

"Huh... Such a thing happened." "But the strange thing is... They say <Mercenary King> said he only moved according to Pandora Clan's instructions." "Pandora Clan? What's that?" "You know, the clan that <Swift Sword> Noh Eun-ha made after graduating from the academy." "Ah, that clan? But wasn't that a clan made up of complete rookies? So you're saying they led the integration of the area and built a frontline to fight those guys?"

Pandora Clan.

That name was mentioned most often on their lips.

It was a name most were hearing for the first time.

People only nodded when they heard it was made by <Swift Sword> Noh Eun-ha.

And they were amazed by the news that this new clan showed completely different behavior from other clans and protected Yongsan-gu.

"Nah, no way. How is that possible? How much could 20-year-old kids fight..."

Most people didn't believe it.

But as time gradually passed and communication began to connect sporadically.

They could quickly grasp information about what happened in each area.

Moreover, people who had evacuated from other areas spread what they had seen and heard.

"Huh, really... No way."

"Is that true?"

After hearing such stories.

They had no choice but to acknowledge it.

"<Snow Spear> led clan members to defend Samgakji against a Level 4 army commander and army?"

"Itaewon is no joke either... A ranger named Hoshimiya Kaede checked high-rank monsters from approaching the frontline, and a telepathist named Ariel acrobatically ran around the frontline delivering telepathy?"

"It wasn't just Ryu Yeon-hwa who was active. I hear Players named Jin Pa-rang and Choi Eun-hyuk broke through the monster ranks. Their switch was amazing."

Stories about Pandora Clan members poured out endlessly.

People couldn't easily believe their achievements were so great.

Nevertheless, there was something they could understand.

"It seems water and food aren't that scarce in Yongsan-gu." "Not just that. They say riots aren't breaking out because foreigners are in charge of public order there?" "Yongsan-gu might be the most stable place in Gangbuk right now in terms of public order."

""""...."""

That Yongsan-gu suffered less damage.

That public order was stable.

That it was completely different from the situation they were in.

"Damn, I'm envious... Why is Pandora Clan in Yongsan-gu?" "While that clan did so well, the clan in our neighborhood... They just ran away when it was important after taking money..."

At this moment, people envied those in Yongsan-gu.

Meanwhile─

"─But then what was Noh Eun-ha doing and where? All the clan members were active, but what about this guy?"

"You idiot, look at the top. There's an article there. Don't you see it?" "Article? Ah, is this it? Oh, hey... Was it Noh Eun-ha who chased away that thing floating in the sky earlier?" "Now I know. Yes, while the clan members were protecting Yongsan-gu, their Clan Lord was going around Yongsan-gu and Jung-gu to catch that whale!"

"It seems Twelve Seats <Silent > was there with him too. And <Great Tree> seems to have struggled to protect the people of Jung-gu..."

"Still, it's fortunate. Yesterday when people said <Yamma >, <Thunder Emperor>, and even <First Sword> weren't here, I felt so dizzy... It's fortunate people appeared to replace them." "I hear <First Sword> wasn't dispatched and was working in Dobong-gu. So he rushed over as soon as the situation occurred and wounded the army commander?"

What happened at the edge of dawn today.

<Swift Sword> Noh Eun-ha, who brightly lit up the faint sky and showed the monster presumed to be an army commander its place.

There was no one who didn't know about him.

Even if they didn't know his name, everyone understood if you said <Swift Sword> or the Player who caught the whale.

Or the platinum flash.

☆

Southern Gangbuk, Itaewon, Yongsan-gu.

Eun-ha, who had used Platinum Cross so much his mana circuits were screaming, barely managed to return to Itaewon.

It was thanks to Seon Gi-jun.

He had exhausted all his internal mana and collapsed, but he regained consciousness after eating the coffee milk Eun-ha gave him, and carried Eun-ha on his back all the way here.

"We've come this far, that's enough. Uncle, thank you."

"What are you thanking me for... Rather, I should be thanking you for chasing that thing away. If it weren't for you, we might have all died then."

"You worked hard too, uncle."

"What are you saying about just blocking one attack. Ah, by the way Eun-ha. Make sure to get me that coffee milk potion you gave me later?"

"Yes, I promise."

The clan members could be seen in the distance.

Eun-ha acknowledged the clan members and then smiled bitterly at Seon Gi-jun.

Just before, Seon Gi-jun had tasted the coffee milk Eun-ha offered and marveled.

A potion that quickly and sufficiently restores health and mana.

It was a potion Jung Seok-hoon had custom-made for Eun-ha.

It was now a potion provided to clan members too.

But Seon Gi-jun tasted the potion and said he wanted to buy a few bottles later.

Eun-ha nodded readily.

"I'll try talking to the chairman of Alice Group. About whether they can sell to Donghae Clan too... It seems making this potion takes a lot of effort. So they're making it as a limited edition..."

"I'm not asking for much. Anyway, I'll look forward to it then. Good work." "You worked hard too, uncle."

Seon Gi-jun held out his hand.

Eun-ha grasped his hand.

Soon after─

"─Eun-ha! What happened to you!?"

"Really... We protected Yongsan-gu, and you went alone to catch a whale-like monster? You're really something. What if you had died?"

"Ah, noona. Min-ji..."

Noh Eun-ah, who came running first.

She hugged Eun-ha tightly.

Kim Min-ji, who approached next, sighed with a disheveled face.

Soon other people crowded around too.

"Let me see. If you're hurt anywhere, tell me quickly... Don't just keep saying you're fine!" "Noona, I'm really fine..." "Hmm... Looking with the mountain god's eyes, you don't seem fine? Wow, how did you come here from there in this state. You're really amazing. Unni, his mana circuits seem to have a problem. Why are his circuits so tangled?"

"Noh Eun-ha's personality is twisted, so his circuits are twisted too."

"...That makes sense."

The clan members spoke rapid-fire.

Kim Min-ji shook her head as if it was obvious, and Kaede chimed in.

Eun-ha could only blink at the words they were all pouring out simultaneously.

He didn't know who to answer.

It was truly a crucible of confusion.

"Hey, guys. Eun-ha seems very flustered right now, shouldn't we speak one at a time?"

"Chang-jin is right. It's important to check Eun-ha's condition first, so everyone be quiet."

"Eun-ah, why are you suddenly..." "Chang-jin, you be quiet too." "Okay... I will, Eun-ah."

"Um... there, hyung. Hang in there."

In that situation, poor Han Chang-jin was scolded by Eun-ah.

Han Chang-jin drooped his shoulders.

Kang Si-hyung, who had been quietly watching until then, patted his back as if it was his own business.

Anyway─

"─Let's take him to the emergency clinic for now! Su-bin, do you have time now?"

"I guess I have no choice. I'll help too."

"Then I'll send rats right away to make a space."

Noh Eun-ah, Bae Su-bin, Kim Min-ji.

The three moved quickly.

Eun-ha burst out laughing in a situation where he was receiving Eun-ah's healing magic as a temporary measure.

"What's this guy laughing about when he did nothing good?"

"Sorry. I just feel good for some reason."

"Pff, look at this guy. Are you saying you can laugh when you're injured?"

Noh Eun-ah glared, but.

Eun-ha still laughed.

Eventually Eun-ah's hardened face softened as if she couldn't help it.

Only then did the clan members' faces relax too.

While people around were moving the dead, not a single person had died in Pandora Clan.

The clan members who confirmed each other's survival couldn't help but feel relieved.

"Seeing you laugh makes me feel good too. Well then Eun-ha, I'll be going back now. I need to return to my clan while the monsters are retreating." "Yes, uncle. Take care." "I will."

A little later.

Seon Gi-jun, who had received treatment from Noh Eun-ah, got up.

Eun-ha and the clan members waved to him as he left.

And not long after, Mok Min-ho and Ariel came down from above leading foreigners.

"Eun-ha Eun-ha! How much I missed you! You're alive, right!? You didn't die, right!?"

"...I feel like I'm going to die because of you."

"How mean! Did you just avoid me!?"

"Yeah, I avoided you."

"Hng..."

"Don't cry."

"Then can I hug you?" "No. Just cry."

"Hiiing..."

With a crash.

Ariel suddenly rushed at Eun-ha.

Fortunately, he had predicted her action and was able to smoothly dodge to the side.

"─You left party command to me and went alone to take down the army commander, are you happy?"

"Didn't you say before that you wanted to lead a party? Why? I heard from the kids that you did really well this time. Good job." "Yes, I did say that. But I never thought I'd have to fight while commanding the frontline. Anyway, you worked hard too."

At that time, Mok Min-ho had a blank face.

Eun-ha chuckled looking at him.

Just from Mok Min-ho's blank face, he could guess how much he had struggled.

"Ah, and I got a message from the clan members in Samgakji earlier that they're all safe." "...That's a relief. Where are they now?"

"We agreed to gather in Itaewon for now. They'll arrive a little later."

Through Mok Min-ho, Eun-ha could hear news of the clan members who had fought a difficult battle in Samgakji.

He could finally feel at ease hearing that they were safe too.

Right then,

""""...."""

Thud.

Suddenly a person appeared in the space where they were.

It happened in an instant.

Eun-ha and the clan members froze seeing the person who suddenly appeared.

Who is it?

They don't seem to be an enemy since no killing intent is felt...

A Player who broke through his and the clan members' detection networks, and even entered inside the formation.

At the appearance of the Player wearing a robe that came down to their ankles,

They automatically tensed up.

Then─

─Is it Ain?

Eun-ha realized the other person was Ain.

He noticed the ears and tail bulging out wrapped in the robe as the Player wore it.

Soon the Player opened their mouth.

No, they transmitted telepathy.

[The Mana Management Organization informs you. The Mana Management Organization has judged that the incident that occurred at dawn today is sufficient to declare a national state of emergency. Therefore, the Mana Management Organization informs you that in accordance with the constitution, as a national emergency has occurred in a situation where the Fairy is absent, it will automatically act on behalf of the Fairy's authority.]

The message relayed by the telepathist.

While people nearby held their breath and listened to the telepathy,

He realized who the telepathist in front of him was.

In this situation, Players who could move quickly and relay the situation were limited to one type.

They're from the dark side.

A Player belonging to the shadows.

People who usually don't reveal themselves in the light have revealed themselves.

And there was only one person who could make them move and act as messengers.

[...From this time, I inform you that Mana Management Organization Surveillance Bureau Director Baek Seo-jin will command the current situation on behalf of Minister Moon Jun. Therefore, we earnestly request that all Players come under the command of the Mana Management Organization from this moment to lend their strength to the national crisis.]

Twelve Seats <King of Darkness> Baek Seo-jin.

He who manages the shadows has stepped to the forefront.

It was exactly the same as the previous life.

Then too, as Moon Jun passed away, Baek Seo-jin came to command the Mana Management Organization.

There's no news about <Iron Fortress>, but seeing that he says he'll act on behalf of <Iron Fortress>, I'm not sure what the situation is.

Is <Iron Fortress> still alive?

Or did the teacher deliberately not say anything, worried that people would fall into confusion at <Iron Fortress>'s passing?

While listening to the telepathy,

Eun-ha fell into thought.

 He tried to read Baek Seo-jin's intentions.

At the same time, he recalled the flow of events that would occur as the Mana Management Organization came to command all Players.

Surely next─

─It seems the clans with jurisdiction over each district took on the role of regional defense, and worked to unite the clans.

Before that, I think the district representatives gathered to discuss strategy.

Sure enough.

Eun-ha's prediction was correct.

[...I propose that each region organize defense units to engage in regional defense. Therefore, I request that the people I name from now come to the Mana Management Organization headquarters by 1 PM.]

This was the reason Baek Seo-jin had sent people from the dark side to various places.

To summon representatives of the regions and hold a meeting.

Soon the telepathist began naming clans that could be called representative clans of each region.

But─

[─Regulus Clan of Gangbuk-gu, Silla Clan of Seongbuk-gu, Myeongwang Clan of Seodaemun-gu, Blaze Clan of Jungnang-gu, Tempest Clan of Seongdong-gu, KK Clan of Mapo-gu, Donghae Clan of Eunpyeong-gu, Dangun Clan of Dongdaemun-gu, Samra Clan of Gwangjin-gu, Hanseong Clan of Jung-gu, DM Clan of Yongsan-gu. The representatives named above, please quickly assemble at the Mana Management Organization headquarters.]

""""...."""

The message relayed by the telepathist made no mention of Pandora Clan.

The representative clan of Yongsan-gu was DM, it said.

The telepathist left those words and then suddenly disappeared.

"Well, really..."

"Baba..."

""""...."""

The clan members looked at Eun-ha's reaction.

Eun-ha snorted in disbelief.

─See this?

☆

Seoul Jongno-gu, Mana Management Organization headquarters.

On this day, Clan Lords representing regions and Twelve Seats members were gathering one after another in the conference room.

"...Zenith Clan Lord? No, how did you come here? As far as I know, you should have gone on a business trip to Gyeonggi-do..."

"My condition wasn't good so I had no choice but to entrust the work to another clan member. But then this incident occurred." "Ah, I see..."

""""...."""

The first person to enter the conference room was Ji Yong-hyun, who was both a Twelve Seats <First Sword> and the Zenith Clan Lord.

Everyone who entered the conference room, including Dangun Clan Lord Jang Bong-jeon, was startled to see Ji Yong-hyun.

They felt uneasy about Ji Yong-hyun being present, but were relieved that a Twelve Seats member was in Seoul.

Meanwhile, those qualified to attend the meeting had to be Twelve Seats members or representatives of clans with jurisdiction over districts.

In that sense, Zenith Clan was allowed up to 3 people to attend the meeting.

"Well, now. Isn't this a bit too much? Some people are Twelve Seats members and have Dobong-gu and Nowon-gu, so they can have three people attend..."

""""...."""

As if meant to be heard.

Dangun Clan Lord Jang Bong-jeon, seated, grumbled.

However, the Clan Lords showed no particular reaction to Jang Bong-jeon's words.

Rather, they snorted.

"Look who's talking when you have a Twelve Seats member too. A clan that's not even A-rank anymore barely maintaining its position has a lot to say."

"Kuk...!"

It was tit for tat.

Regulus Clan Lord Gu Yeon-su spoke as if it was truly ridiculous.

In the end, there was only the incident of Jang Bong-jeon's face turning red.

Silla Clan Lord Kim Yu-jin and some other Clan Lords had to hold back their laughter.

As time passed like that─

"─Is everyone here?"

The appointed time passed.

<King of Darkness> Baek Seo-jin, who appeared precisely at the appointed time, stood at the head seat and looked around those present.

Then he noticed the seat at the very end was empty.

"It seems Yongsan-gu hasn't come... Didn't I say to come by 1 o'clock?"

""""...."""

The seat with the Yongsan-gu nameplate.

He muttered as if displeased.

But the words of a living myth were never light.

The Clan Lords couldn't help but flinch at Baek Seo-jin, who exuded an aura completely different from themselves who had experienced the destroyed world.

Right then─

─Bang

The door suddenly opened.

Baek Seo-jin's gaze narrowed.

The Clan Lords inadvertently turned their heads towards the opened door.

"─I'm sorry. I'm a bit late. I was delayed dealing with something on the way." """"...."""

A man who entered the conference room.

A man wearing a uniform stained with blood here and there bowed his head apologetically.

It was Pandora Clan Lord Noh Eun-ha.

People who couldn't help but know Noh Eun-ha's identity had expressions as if dumbfounded.

"Pandora Clan Lord Noh Eun-ha, attending as the representative clan of Yongsan-gu."

However, Noh Eun-ha very boldly introduced himself to people with much more experience than himself.

The Clan Lords looked at each other.

And Baek Seo-jin─

"─I told the representative of DM Clan, which is the representative clan of Yongsan-gu, to come. As far as I know, the clan with jurisdiction over Yongsan-gu is DM Clan."

In a somewhat displeased tone.

Baek Seo-jin glared at Noh Eun-ha.

He exuded his aura.

It was an aura that even made the Clan Lords flinch.

Nevertheless, Eun-ha showed no signs of being intimidated.

Moreover, he even rummaged in his pocket.

"Yes, that's right. The clan with jurisdiction over Yongsan-gu is currently DM Clan. So I met with the DM Clan Lord on the way here." "What?"

"Well, the DM Clan Lord told me he was sick and couldn't attend the meeting." """"...."""

"So he asked me to attend the meeting on behalf of DM Clan."

Clatter.

Noh Eun-ha placed the object he took out of his pocket on the table.

""""...."""

An emblem with a dragon drawn against a mountain background.

It was DM Clan's badge.

It was stained with blood.

"Is this sufficient qualification?"

""""...."""

"Ahahaha! Yes, good. I'll allow it."

Noh Eun-ha asked calmly.

People were at a loss for words at the ridiculous situation.

Only Baek Seo-jin laughed loudly.