◈ Episode 158. Beyond Imagination
Those gathered here were, without exception, sly old foxes.
They knew their positions better than anyone.
They were people who knew how to wield that power with tact.
Even if the AAU had begun as an agreement among the nations of the world, time had passed.
Its founding purpose of protecting the world from the threat of Arcana?
That had long since been superseded by interests.
The AAU branch heads had solidified their positions by walking the line between governments and players. In short, they were masters of tightrope walking.
Thanks to that, they were confident. ‘Don’t lump us in with those worthless reporters.’ ‘Lee Hoyeol is far too arrogant.’ ‘It’s an offer any human being would have no choice but to waver at.’ Player, Lee Hoyeol.
They were confident that even if they faced him, their momentum would not falter.
Of course, that flimsy confidence did not last long.
Snap—the applause cut off.
What did he say?
He would omit the welcome?
When they first heard it, they wondered if they had misheard.
Not decline it, but omit it.
The nuance of the words was subtle.
It absolutely did not mean he was refusing because it was burdensome.
It was as if it were a welcome he naturally deserved to receive.
But, due to unavoidable time constraints, he would omit it.
“……!”
The atmosphere rapidly cooled.
Thanks to that, the branch heads froze in awkward postures.
Soon, a resounding noise made them flinch.
Bang!
The door to the conference room closed.
Judging by the ripple of mana, it was definitely Lee Hoyeol’s magic.
Jim Joshua, the head of the AAU’s Western United States branch, was flustered. ‘Why the hell did he have to go to the restroom?’ The Eastern branch head had been unable to enter before the door closed. ‘……
Damn it, this is burdensome alone.’
Jim Joshua had experience meeting all kinds of figures one-on-one in all kinds of places, including the President of the United States.
However, even to him, Lee Hoyeol was an exceedingly burdensome presence.
If they were just exchanging idle greetings, that would be one thing, but today…… ‘We have a lot to discuss about the future.’ He had a proposal he intended to seriously discuss with Lee Hoyeol.
Because of that, Jim Joshua forced himself to speak.
As carefully as possible.
“It seems there are still branch heads who have yet to enter……. Would it not be better to delay the opening by a few minutes?”
But the answer that came back was firm.
“Furthermore, I have nothing to discuss with those who cannot even be punctual.”
“……!!!”
He would not even wait a few minutes.
It was excessively strict.
But no matter how aggrieved they looked, it was no use.
Click—Hoyeol simply walked toward the podium.
Hoyeol’s gaze swept over the audience. They were AAU branch heads who wielded soaring influence in countries all over the world. One might have expected him to shrink back a little in front of them.
But he did not shrink back in the slightest.
His posture was perfectly upright.
And.
“……!!!”
His gaze was no ordinary gaze.
It was different from the gazes of players that sometimes made one’s blood run cold.
As if boasting that all they possessed was strength.
It was not a gaze that recklessly spewed killing intent.
In a way, it was so calm that it looked almost indifferent.
And yet, why was that?
That gaze felt as though it was seeing right through their innermost thoughts.
Gulp—sounds of people swallowing could be heard here and there.
Because of the tension, not a single person could easily take their seat.
The pressure was so intense that the thoughts they had harbored mere moments before seemed laughable.……
It had been a tremendous misconception.
Lee Hoyeol was no mere player.
The branch heads’ pupils trembled....
Let’s see. First of all, [Natural Enemy Relationship]
had not activated.
However, what I couldn’t overlook was the existence of demon worshippers. I’d had the experience of trusting only [Natural Enemy Relationship]
and getting hit hard from behind once at the Magic Tower, after all. ‘I don’t sense any presence either.’ Should I call that a silver lining?
Except for Baker, the head of the AAU London branch.
There didn’t seem to be anyone possessed by a demon or deeply involved with one.
But why do you all look like that?
Like people who have something to feel guilty about.
Wait, I suppose there really are a few people here who do have something to feel guilty about?
If I exclude demons and acts that violate etiquette.
Unlike Granfell’s infinitely magnanimous heart.
My inner self, Lee Hoyeol’s, is not that broad.
Meaning I still remember it clearly because I hold grudges. [AAU official: “Holy War? There’s no way to know whether it’s truly underway.”]
If there had only been one or two articles like that, I would have understood. ‘Really, articles poured out as if they had all made a promise to one another.’ In particular, the anonymous overseas officials had far too much to say. Just how bad was it that even Granfell’s mouth let slip the words, “know your place”?
I opened my mouth.
“Shadows have fallen over your faces.”……
No, that didn’t mean I wanted you to run your mouth.
It was a statement I had tossed out without any explanation at all.
Yet I saw people flinch here and there.
Looks like they really do have something to feel guilty about, huh?
Anyway, fine.
I decline to create new dark history while trying to settle an old grudge.
Let’s get straight to the point.
“I will ask you.”
Just how much does the AAU know?
Whether demons existed within the AAU.
Along with that, this was something I wanted to confirm.
Even if I set aside the situation on the Arcana Continent, which had changed drastically unlike the scheduled story, as something unavoidable.
I had just confirmed that Arcana settings like [Maze]
and [Dungeon] were still valid.
If we could use that information properly, it would certainly be of great help with future scheduled updates.
“What do you know about the Holy War?”
First, I should ask about the starting point of the incident.
At my words, several people flinched conspicuously.
I can roughly see it now.
Who those talkative anonymous overseas officials are.
You people, in particular, had better answer with all sincerity.
“If you did not know, is there a reason you failed to notice?”
Not only because of my grudge, Lee Hoyeol’s, but also because the Holy War was connected to the annihilation of Akshan. That meant Granfell’s pride, too, could not easily let it pass.
“If there is no justifiable reason, I would consider that a lack of ability.” AAU, live up to your name.
“What do you think?”...
Ever since receiving the call from Nam Taemin, Bak Minjae had not been able to properly sleep for even a moment. Even if it was a meeting led by Lee Hoyeol, he was the one responsible for it.
The responsible person.
Literally.
Bak Minjae intended to take responsibility for everything. ‘It doesn’t matter what result comes at the end of the meeting.’ Had he not already warned them that if they intended to grab Lee Hoyeol by the ankles, they should be prepared to offer up their own?
Had he not resolved that he would gladly be the one to be covered in the filthy wastewater of society? ‘Besides, I’m used to playing the punching bag.’ But the meeting flowed in an unexpected direction.
Because, rather, Hoyeol was interrogating them!
Where had that sky-high momentum gone? Everyone was sitting there with their mouths firmly shut.
If only this scene could be recorded on video.
He would never have needed digestive medicine for the rest of his life.
It was almost a shame that it was being held as a closed-door meeting.
Suddenly, Okazaki, the Tokyo branch head sitting beside him, spoke.
“It seems everyone has nothing to say.”
To summarize Hoyeol’s words, it was simple.
AAU, your lack of ability is absurd.
You have no ability, yet you are unnecessarily noisy.
Truly, there was no sharper criticism.
Of course, he himself would be no exception.
But I figured out my place early on and kept my mouth shut.
Unlike those people who made a fuss without knowing their place.
“If they have a conscience, they should stay silent. Like me.”
Occasionally, there were people who moved their tongues shamelessly.
As if their consciences had grown hair.
“The truth is, interests are extremely complicated.”
“Before sharing information, we need to report to the higher-ups and receive approval…….”
“As you know better than anyone, Rifts always carry danger, don’t they? Before being players, they are citizens, are they not? For their safety, we had no choice but to impose regulations…….”
Everyone sure could talk plausibly.
Well, it must have been because they had such survival skills.
That they had all managed to endure in their positions as branch heads until now.
But you should choose your opponent before wagging your tongue.
“An improper procedure is worse than none at all.”
He had felt it in the few interview videos and press conferences as well.
There was no such thing as speaking indirectly in Hoyeol’s manner of speech.
What pierced straight in was only the core.
Above all, there was nothing wrong with what he said.
In the end, there were no more excuses.
Amid the heavy silence.
Hoyeol’s words continued.
“I will ask you sincerely. Does pride still remain within you?”
“…….”
No one could answer easily.
Bak Minjae wore a bitter smile. ‘Even if I want to answer right away.’ To pursue pride at this point.
He had been drenched in the wastewater of society to the point of being soaked through. ‘What a state I’m in, unable even to prove it.’ Unlike the players, he could not risk his life and participate in the Holy War quest. What meaning would there be in answering with mere words that pride still remained?
The silence continued.
It was so quiet that even Hoyeol, who had asked the question, might feel embarrassed.
Bak Minjae glanced at Hoyeol’s complexion and flinched.
“……!”
His expression and gaze were still unchanged.
And yet, for some reason, Hoyeol’s emotions seemed to be transmitted to him.
It felt as though he was benevolently waiting for an answer. ‘No, that can’t be……?’ This was the one and only Lee Hoyeol.
The Lee Hoyeol who was so firm that, at times, one wondered if emotions even existed within him. He was surely imagining things on his own. Just as Bak Minjae forced himself to look away.
His eyes met Baker’s, seated on the other side of the room. ‘……
What is it? What are you looking at?’
Their gazes suddenly met.
As if eye contact alone was not enough, Baker raised the corners of his mouth.
At that moment, a conversation flashed through Bak Minjae’s mind.
—“I mean I will move according to my pride.”……
No way?
Bak Minjae’s thought of no way became reality.
Baker opened his mouth.
“I would like to believe it remains. But even if pride no longer remains in my heart.”
A solemn resolve settled over his face.
“I will act in order to regain the pride I have lost.”
“……!!!”
A soundless astonishment—who would have thought such words would come from the mouth of the London branch head representing Britain?
Had the London incident’s influence on Britain truly been that great?
Everyone could not help but be surprised.
Except for one person, Lee Hoyeol.
“I see. Then I will ask the question differently.”
“……?”
“Do you have the will to regain your pride?”
“……!!!”
Only then did Bak Minjae realize.
The warmth he had faintly sensed was not an illusion.
He did not pursue money or fame.
Only for the sake of humanity’s peace.
Lee Hoyeol, who had entered and cleared Rifts so unreasonable they were close to bugs.
Only then could Bak Minjae understand the true nature of that warmth.
Yes, that was the “sublimity” that flowed from a hero.
Bak Minjae ended up letting out a small laugh. ‘Do bastards like us have the right to pursue pride?’ Well, that judgment was not something they could make for themselves.
As he had said, the one holding the upper hand would always be Lee Hoyeol.
“Whew—”
Bak Minjae took a deep breath and was just about to open his mouth.
“We, Japan…….”
“In that case……!”
“No, we too……!”
A change occurred. *[A small change occurs through the effect of Sublime.]
It was worth preaching the theory of pride after gathering AAU branch heads from countries all over the world. When that icy silence had flowed, I’d truly thought I was severely screwed……. ‘This is fortunate in many ways.’ As expected, it was the effect of the title.
No wonder its acquisition conditions were difficult.
By the way, I once again came to be grateful for Granfell’s pride.
No matter how fraudulent a title was, activation conditions existed. [Sublime] was the same.
It meant the effect would only activate if I performed an action significant enough to cause a change. ‘This damned pride can actually be useful.’ In that sense, Granfell’s pride could, in a way, be considered sublimity.
Itself.
It wouldn’t be strange for the effect to activate through consistent behavior.
Of course, the gazes right now are extremely burdensome.
Don’t look at my dark history with eyes full of emotion.
The same goes for you, Granfell.
Don’t get needlessly proud and puff your chest out even more. ‘No, fine.’ But what does the process matter?
What’s important is not missing this current flow of change.
Yes, it’s time to drive in the wedge.
No, to be precise, would “drive in the stake” be the right expression? ‘Trust isn’t something that can be built easily, after all.’ I don’t know about Granfell, whose head is a flower garden.
But as someone who had been a working member of society, I knew well what kind of animal humans were.
Even if only to prevent an unfortunate incident like the London incident from happening again.
It was necessary to keep watch over the AAU from an equal position.
“Lastly, I will make a proposal to you.”
Of course, under my “authority.”
“I desire the establishment of an AAU Yusra branch.”
“!!!”