Chapter 433 - Side Story: Lily Of The Valley (7)

# Hero Association Meeting

Everyone associated with the Association, including myself, had gathered here for one reason.

The last remaining stain on the Republic of Korea.

Han-eun Group.

An Association-level meeting was being held to pursue this villain organization that had fled with all their technology and evidence of their wrongdoings.

"Yes, then I'll begin the meeting."

With Stardust's words leading the meeting, the formal discussion commenced.

In the Association's massive chamber surrounded by numerous monitors, Stardust spoke calmly while receiving everyone's attention.

"With Egostic's cooperation last time, we pursued and captured Crocodileman."

With those words, the surrounding monitors displayed Crocodileman's image.

This villain, whose upper body resembled an alligator, was an S-class villain in the original story.

Created when a researcher's failed experiment merged a human with an alligator, perhaps due to his unusual origin, he maintained his powers even after the Sun God's power was taken away.

That's why we tried to track him down as soon as his location was identified... but for some reason, he suddenly fled.

After months of pursuit, Stardust finally succeeded in capturing him hiding in the sewers.

I actually wanted to participate in the process and film it, but unfortunately, it didn't work out.

"Anyway, after his capture, we learned important information during interrogation. Let's take a look."

After those words.

The screens changed to show a small interrogation room.

Crocodileman and Stardust sitting across from each other at a table.

Then the video played.

[So... you weren't running from our Association?]

[That's right! I didn't even know you were chasing me. I was running from the Han-eun Group!]

As soon as the growling voice of Crocodileman finished speaking, the Association immediately erupted in murmurs.

And as if representing their questions, Stardust on the screen also frowned and spoke.

[...Han-eun Group? What do you mean?]

[Exactly what I said! I was continuing experiments in my secret home lab when they suddenly broke in. They said they were from the Han-eun Group and that Dr. Kim Sun-woo wanted to see me, asking if I would cooperate... ridiculous. Why would I?]

Crocodileman, who had been speaking up to that point, trembled with anger as he continued.

[I have no reason to crawl under anyone. Anyway, after I refused, they suddenly mumbled something to someone through their earpieces and then pulled out weapons to kill me. I barely took them down, but from that day on, mysterious attacks kept coming.]

[So I was running for my life thinking I'd finally be killed when caught— Ha! But it turned out to be you people. I'd rather this. Better than dying.]

With those words, the video ended.

"That concludes Crocodileman's interrogation."

"What we can understand from this interrogation is that the Han-eun Group is still active and... they're trying to cooperate with other villains. That's about it."

After Stardust finished speaking.

The Association became noisy again.

"Hmph. So those guys are still plotting something?"

"Sigh. They're as persistent as leeches. No wonder they seemed suspicious when they fled first..."

As numerous comments were exchanged.

While I was quietly organizing my thoughts in silence.

"...Um, Da-in oppa."

I heard a voice addressing me.

When I looked up wondering what was happening, there stood a girl with black hair wearing a white priestess robe.

"Ah, Eun-wol. What is it?"

It was Baek Eunwol, the former Moon Priestess.

The priestess of the Moon Cult and also an apostle of the Moon God.

After the Sun God's power disappeared, I rescued this girl from the Moon Cult leader's attack, which happened earlier than in the original story.

For some reason, the Moon God's power had also weakened significantly, making it much easier to rescue her compared to the original story...

On the other hand, Baek Eunwol's magical powers were also weakened, which was unfortunate.

Still, she remains one of the few ability holders left.

Anyway, I looked at Eun-wol who was staring at me with wide eyes.

For reference, Eun-wol and I get along quite well. After all, I did rescue her.

By the way, I rescued most of those who would face unfortunate fates in the original story within about two years after losing my abilities. Well, I had nothing better to do, so I might as well. Anyway.

Eun-wol approached me and asked.

"Da-in oppa, what do you think about this?"

"You mean the Han-eun Group mentioned in the interrogation? ...Probably."

I gathered my thoughts for a moment.

The Han-eun Group that was pursuing Crocodileman. And Kim Sun-woo.

Cooperate or be killed, they told the villain.

Yes. Simply put...

"They must still be plotting to conquer the Republic of Korea. Gathering other villains who still have powers for another invasion."

"That's what I thought too! Everyone over there was saying the same thing."

"Right. However..."

I fell silent for a moment.

Is that really the only reason?

The Earth experienced an ability loss event. As a result, most of the experimental subjects derived from the Sun God's power, like Behemoth that the Han-eun Group was researching, have likely disappeared.

In other words, the Han-eun Group's power has probably been cut in half compared to the original story...

'But you never know.'

The current world has gone from a modern fantasy where everyone had superpowers to essentially the same as the modern Earth I knew before being possessed.

In this situation, facing the Han-eun Group armed with singularity-level technology could become quite troublesome.

But.

'...Well, it doesn't matter.'

I thought with a slight smile.

With Stardust and myself here, what's there to worry about?

It's like we've become overpowered deus ex machina characters with super abilities in what's now basically a modern slice-of-life setting.

"Oppa, however...?"

"Haha, it's nothing. There won't be much difference."

Anyway, as I continued with these thoughts, I chatted with several other people who came to see me.

Finally, the meeting was drawing to a close.

"Hmm, hmm. Yes. Let me summarize the final points."

The Director, standing in the center with his hands behind his back, began to speak.

He smoothed his bald head once before continuing.

"It's clear that the Han-eun Group is hiding and plotting something. Probably something related to terrorism."

"Therefore, we'll officially designate the Han-eun Group as a villain organization and, considering the danger, classify their leader Kim Sun-woo as an S-class villain. Now that they're confirmed as a national threat, we'll redirect all Association efforts toward pursuing the Han-eun Group."

"So all our heroes in the Association, don't let your guard down. It wouldn't be surprising if something happened anywhere, anytime."

With those words, the meeting ended.

'...Kim Sun-woo.'

After the discussion ended.

I got up from my seat and walked lost in thought.

The technical advisor of the Han-eun Group who conducted horrific biological experiments on Seo-eun... her enemy.

Since he was exceptionally talented in technological inventions even in the original story, I wonder what he might be doing if he's still alive.

He's probably researching something...

'I should discuss this with Seo-eun when I get home.'

Just as I was thinking that.

"Hey! Egostic, Mr. Da-in~!"

I heard someone calling me from one side of the Association.

When I looked, I saw Lee Seol-ah, Stardust, Shadow Walker, and others gathered on one side.

"What is it?"

To my question, Lee Seol-ah grinned and said.

"Since the meeting is over and we're hungry, we thought about getting something to eat together. How about it, want to join us?"

She was inviting me.

Hmm. What should I do?

"..."

As I hesitated for a moment, I felt Stardust's gaze on me.

What would the original me have done?

...I wouldn't have been here in the Association as a villain in the first place, but if I had been.

I probably would have gone without hesitation.

After all, Stardust is my favorite. Just being able to do something with her would have been a must-do for a fan like me.

But.

"Ah, I'm sorry but I'll pass. I have someone waiting for me."

"Is that so? That's too bad~ I wonder when we'll get to eat with you, Mr. Da-in."

I just gave a small smile to Lee Seol-ah who said that to me.

...Yes.

As I said, now I have someone waiting for me.

I always have dinner with Seo-eun.

As I briefly glanced at Stardust turning her eyes away from me, I also started walking.

Yes. What should we have for dinner tonight... I wonder.

And.

Just then.

"WAIT!!!"

Suddenly, a loud voice came from one side of the Association.

Everyone turned their heads in surprise at the almost scream-like sound.

An employee sitting at a computer was shouting with an expression close to shock.

"An unidentified flying object is approaching the Association building right now!!! Collision in three! Two! One...!"

"What? No, what are you talking about..."

And before the bewildered voice could finish.

One side of the Association wall, the glass wall, the sky outside began to turn red.

And with it.

KWAAAAAAANG

There was a massive explosion that blocked everyone's vision.

"..."

And.

My body moved simultaneously.

***

At the same time the meeting was taking place.

Han Seo-eun was looking at her computer, simultaneously watching the meeting in progress.

"...So that's what happened."

The Han-eun Group.

They're alive.

And the hateful... Kim Sun-woo. Him too.

"Now, it begins."

Han Seo-eun quietly murmured while fidgeting with her silver hair.

Yes. I'm prepared.

I need to have a proper conversation with oppa.

Just as she was thinking that.

[Wait!!! An unidentified flying object is approaching the Association building right now!!! Collision in three! Two!...]

"...? Wait, what..."

Suddenly, ominous words flowed from the speaker.

And simultaneously.

[KWAAAAAAANG-]

With the sound of a massive explosion.

Watching the Association CCTV screen turning red and starting to go dark, Han Seo-eun could only freeze with wide eyes.

"O, o.... OPPA!!!!!!!!!"

And.

Finally, she screamed and grabbed the computer.

It was the most shocking moment Han Seo-eun had experienced in the last three years.