“The bridge should be coming up soon.”

“Should we destroy it?”

At Park Yerim’s words, Eun Sesun quickly shook her head.

“No, please don’t destroy it.”

“Why not? Wouldn’t it be easier if we cut it off?”

“Civilians would be troubled.”

With her back to Eun Sesun, Park Yerim glanced over her shoulder.

“Aren’t we on our way to blow up an airport right now?”

They’d already destroyed one, after all. Asking about the bridge now seemed pointless, but Eun Sesun replied softly.

“More people than expected dislike disruptions to their daily lives over large-scale incidents that don’t concern them personally. So the daily commute must remain untouched.”

“But blocking an airport… isn’t that, uh, a big deal?”

“Operations have already begun at the airport. The military will take the brunt of the blame, so it’s fine.”

It was also planned that rumors would quietly spread that Korea was involved. That the military, after kidnapping a Korean Hunter, intentionally blocked the airport to deter foreign factions seeking to exploit the situation—mixing truth with lies.

Park Yerim reached up and retied her slightly loosened hair.

“Isn’t it annoying fighting with hair this long? I don’t think there was any need to wear a wig.”

“It could be used to exploit a weak point. If it’s real hair, it won’t tear easily, but a fake wig comes off the moment it’s grabbed.”

“Ah, yeah, that’d definitely cause a moment of panic. Human or monster. Still, it is kinda unusual. The Murim Alliance, I mean. I heard they even announce their affiliation and name before fighting—though unni, you only said your name.”

“…For now, I’m Cheongseong.”

Eun Sesun replied a little shyly. Park Yerim, picking up on it, nodded broadly.

“We came with roles too. It’s kinda embarrassing, right?”

“No.”

“Ehh, you say that, but I don’t buy it.”

“As an individual, I am still inexperienced. But conflict between civilian Hunters and the awakened military inevitably causes public anxiety. Acting to reduce that is not something to be ashamed of.”

“Yeah, if Hunters start fighting outside dungeons, people would definitely feel uneasy. But how’d it come to that?”

Eun Sesun was silent for a moment. A large bridge spanning a river came into view ahead. Two helicopters were trailing them at a distance, but no more barricades could be seen. It seemed their enemies realized Pudong Airport was the target and had decided to stop them directly at the front.

“I don’t know the full details, but apparently, the country is split between those who want to allow Awakened individuals to operate personal guilds like in other nations and those who want full governmental control. The military supports the latter.”

“How do they expect to manage all of them? Korea registers Awakened people, sure, but that’s about it.”

“As of now, all Awakened above a certain rank are required to be enlisted in the military. Some have rejected that and even left the military. I understand that Awakened can be dangerous to non-Awakened, but we’re still human beings.”

Being stronger than civilians doesn’t mean they must be under military control. To support that claim, civilian Awakened groups put forward the Murim Alliance—an organization of martial arts masters with immense combat power who lived naturally among the general population.

“We also have things we want to protect. Some fled the military because they were bound while their hometowns were being ravaged by dungeons. They say the military provides structured management, but not right now. They only attack dungeons in major cities or ones with high economic return.”

“They’re not clearing all the dungeon breaches?”

“Until internal disputes are resolved, it will be difficult.”

Eun Sesun let out a heavy sigh. The longer the conflict among Hunters dragged on, the more dungeons went unhandled. Neither the Murim Alliance nor the military could afford to send their Hunters deep into dungeons comfortably. Some even argued it was better to let dungeons burst and handle the fallout than expose weaknesses by keeping high-ranking Hunters inside for days.

“This can’t drag on. That’s why the Murim Alliance sees this incident as an opportunity.”

“We just came to save Mister, though.”

Probably won’t help your cause much, was what Park Yerim’s tone implied. Eun Sesun pressed her lips together tightly. The wide road continued without obstruction, and Pudong Airport was now directly ahead. All surrounding vehicles had vanished. Even the helicopters that had been pursuing them had pulled back. Park Yerim glanced at the receding tail of one.

“Why are they backing off?”

“They intend to trap us here. They’re minimizing observers to keep information on the military’s S‑Rank Hunters from leaking.”

“Oh, so we can go all-out with our skills?”

“Still, be cautious.”

Han Yuhyun responded to Park Yerim’s comment.

“There’ll be cameras in the airport facilities, and at the very least, individual Hunters will have phones.”

“Phones are waterproof by default these days. Kinda nice that the Misters’ side doesn’t need to worry about that stuff.”

There probably weren’t many devices that could survive a high-voltage burst. Up ahead, a group of Hunters appeared. Park Yerim abruptly stood up.

“Are you sure you can manage this without reinforcements?”

“Of course.”

Thunk! Park Yerim kicked off the bike and leapt into the air. At the same time, Eun Sesun jerked the bike sharply to the side and brought it to a stop.

“I am Tang Ye of the Sichuan Tang Clan!”

Despite saying it was embarrassing, Park Yerim shouted boldly. She had a translation item, but this line she had memorized in Chinese. Soaring high into the air, she extended one arm forward. Her sleeve fluttered, and countless ice needles appeared.

“Ten Thousand Falling Ice Needles!”

The ice needles that had formed midair poured down like rain onto the awakened unit. They weren’t especially lethal. But the Hunters flinched and dodged in panic.

“Don’t touch it! Evade!”

“If she’s claiming the Tang Clan, then she probably has poison skills!”

As the Hunters scattered in a frenzy, Park Yerim landed lightly on the ground and muttered under her breath.

“Wow, it really worked.”

The disguised identities for Park Yerim and Han Yuhyun had been prepared by Do Hamin. Originally, Park Yerim was going to go with the North Sea Ice Palace, but since the elemental affinity was too similar, he changed it to the Tang °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° Clan. He had said that even without poison skills, just claiming the Tang Clan would make some people back off—it sounded doubtful, but they really had reacted.

Park Yerim drew her bow and looked back at Han Yuhyun, who had come to a stop beside Eun Sesun.

“You’ve got something prepared too, right? Show it off.”

Han Yuhyun frowned slightly.

“There’s no S‑Rank Hunter here.”

The ones blocking the way were mostly mid-grade. They were bait—meant to lure the group to a desired location. The airport was vast and had many routes. To minimize collateral damage, it was necessary to draw the attackers to a designated area.

Fugitives avoid blockades, but attackers do the opposite. They’d sent out just the right tier of Hunters to make it look like a vulnerable point to invite penetration.

“That’s why you have to do your little self-introduction before passing through. Let them hear it and spread it around.”

Eun Sesun started up her bike again. Han Yuhyun stepped forward first, and Park Yerim lightly hopped onto the back of Eun Sesun’s bike as it followed behind.

“…I am Hwahyeon of Mount Hua.”

Han Yuhyun spoke listlessly and drew his sword long. Toward the soldiers regrouping ahead, he activated a skill.

“Plum Blossoms in Full Bloom.”

As the weighty voice fell, white petals like snow began to scatter in every direction. It was a modified version of the Blue Willow Leaves skill.

Creating something with a defined shape from mana—especially something that wasn’t tied to one’s own elemental affinity—was incredibly difficult. Calling out the skill name during activation helped solidify the intended image. Modifying the original form on top of that required even more finesse. Without exceptional mana control, it was impossible.

But even if it was only a glimpse of the future, Han Yuhyun had successfully made Blue Willow Leaves transparent. If transparency was possible, then altering color and shape was within reach as well. In fact, that part was easier. Though the shape was a bit too elongated to be a true plum blossom, he had managed to produce flawless white petals.

Like being caught in the heart of a snowstorm, the soldiers’ vision was obscured. Before they had time to react, a storm of white petals was cut through by a slash of black blade. The chain-sword spun in a wide arc, and the Hunters blocking the road ahead were blasted away in every direction.

“The white’s prettier. Ever think about changing it?”

Passing through the cleared path, Park Yerim teased.

“Less efficient.”

Unlike transparency, the effect was the same, but it consumed more mana and mental energy for no added benefit.

“Mister would like it if you showed him.”

Han Yuhyun glanced at her. That might be worth considering.

The bikes followed the route the soldiers seemed to be guiding them along. Even if it was a trap, there was no reason to avoid it—since their goal was to wreck everything anyway. Breaking through another wave of Hunters, they arrived at the runway farthest from the sea. The area was completely empty, with no planes in sight—they had likely all been moved elsewhere.

Stationed on that wide tarmac was a military unit. Their numbers weren’t large: three S‑Rank Hunters, and ten A‑Ranks supporting them. In a smaller country, this might have represented a nationwide elite force. But in China, it was merely a local defense unit for a single city.

“At least state your names.”

The S‑Rank Hunter at the front addressed them with an air of calm.

“I am Major Gu Baekyeong of Shanghai’s 1st Special Forces.”

“I am Tang Ye of the Sichuan Tang Clan!”

Park Yerim shouted as she nimbly jumped off the bike. Gu Baekyeong looked at Park Yerim and Han Yuhyun with a faintly amused gaze.

“You must be the Hunters from Korea. Park Yerim from the Haeyeon Guild, right? Then that would make him Guild Leader Han Yuhyun.”

“I am Hwahyeon of Mount Hua.”

Han Yuhyun responded flatly, as if he hadn’t heard Gu Baekyeong at all. There was no evidence anyway. No reason to respond truthfully just because the man made a guess. Nor did he have any intention of dragging the conversation out—so he stepped off the bike and picked up the Sword of the Corrupting Sovereign. Gu Baekyeong clicked his tongue.

“You moved earlier than expected. Even though we sent the video footage of Han Yujin being kidnapped to Korea.”

“Video footage?”

Park Yerim responded reflexively, then glanced at Han Yuhyun for direction. Was that something they weren’t supposed to know about? As she hesitated, Han Yuhyun spoke in her place.

“If you have it, hand it over.”

“Pretending you didn’t know, huh.”

“Just simple curiosity.”

“Not like I can’t show you. Here.”

Gu Baekyeong received a tablet PC from one of the soldiers behind him and powered it on. It had clearly been prepared in advance.

“We sent Korea the footage, along with information that the kidnappers were heading through China toward the Middle East. Very cooperative of us, right? In the international community, we’ve all got to help each other.”

The video began to play.

“Of course, what Korea got was an edited version.”

Gu Baekyeong smiled, saying this one was unedited.

[What a ridiculous outfit.]

“Ah, um, the famous Director Han Yujin!”

Park Yerim shouted, and Han Yuhyun’s gaze locked onto the tablet screen. In the video, Han Yujin was shown seated, only his upper body visible. On either side of him stood men, their faces out of frame, wearing long robes that looked like gowns.

[Filming something like this… You’re really trying, huh. I wonder if the kids will see this. Hi, Yuhyun, Yerim. It’ll probably get cut, but I should say hello. Even called this morning, but still.]

Han Yujin looked unbothered—there was no trace of fear. He didn’t look unwell either. But Han Yuhyun’s expression quickly turned cold. His eyes had locked on none other than Han Yujin’s cheek. There was a faint swelling on one side of his face.

[Of course, I’ll be sent to isolation. Sorry, Chief Song. It’s not my fault, but I can already tell you’ll have a hard time… Mr. Partner, don’t torment Chief Song too much, okay? Ah, wait a sec. I’ve got more people to say hi to. Alright, alright, I’ll read the script.]

One of the men beside him nudged him repeatedly. With each push, the furrow between Han Yuhyun’s brows deepened.

[Anyway, I’m fine. They’re feeding me well, and I’m sleeping okay. I’m not in China. Apparently, the kidnappers used China as a stop to throw people off. The Chinese government even tried to help me, they say. Be grateful. Huh? Read it properly? Hey, this is way more natural than reading a textbook.]

The video, which was more than half filled with grumbling, ended. Gu Baekyeong handed the tablet to another soldier and smiled.

“Isn’t it a relief he’s doing so well? If you cooperate with us, you might find Han Yujin even faster.”

“Mr. Gu, may you rest in peace.”

“What?”

Park Yerim stepped back and continued.

“I’m pissed, but I’ll give you one chance. What’s your stat?”

“Agility.”

Park Yerim activated Shadowless Day. Agility +30%, Fire Element +20%. She then picked up Peace and reached toward Eun Sesun.

“Unni, we have to dodge.”

“Huh?”

Grabbing Eun Sesun by the waist, Park Yerim shot up into the sky. As she donned the attire of the Thunderbird, Han Yuhyun unfolded the final gate of Melting Down the Last Door. Of course, the enemy soldiers didn’t just stand by and watch. The moment Park Yerim used her skill, they layered support skills on top of each other as well.

Gu Baekyeong stepped forward and opened his palm. A translucent circle formed from his hand. It was an S‑Rank shield. A piece of defensive equipment with tremendous protection, further layered with his skill.

“Thanks for staying alone. Makes things easier.”

A transparent shield that didn’t block vision—Fragment of a Winter Lake. No S‑Rank Hunter in China had ever pierced Gu Baekyeong’s shield once his skill was activated. Even if they couldn’t win, they would never lose. Backing him were offensive and support-type S‑Rank Hunters.

“I hear you caused quite a stir in Japan, but this isn’t some tiny island—it’s the continent—”

Han Yuhyun vanished. The agility buff from Shadowless Day, combined with the Thunderbird attire’s momentary speed boost. Already fast, he now moved too quickly for even S‑Rank Hunters to follow. But Gu Baekyeong remained composed.

His unique skill allowed him to absorb attacks on behalf of up to twenty allied Awakened. No matter where the strike came from, his shield would take it.

Crunch!

“Urgh—!”

Han Yuhyun reappeared right in front of Gu Baekyeong. The Sword of the Corrupting Sovereign pierced through the shield—only to stop about halfway. Just as Gu Baekyeong was relieved, thinking no attack could break through—

Han Yuhyun pushed the blade down.

With a grinding sound, the end of the shield that had covered Gu Baekyeong completely was forced into the ground. Seeing the icy gaze beyond the translucent barrier, a chill ran down Gu Baekyeong’s spine as he shouted.

“W‑what kind of strength—! Attack!”

The soldiers who had been relying on Gu Baekyeong’s defense and waiting for orders finally sprang into motion. But faster than any of them, the shield slammed into the ground, and Gu Baekyeong’s head was exposed. As he tried to duck in a panic—

Thwack!

Han Yuhyun’s fist came flying at his face.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep