Chapter 117
Chapter 117. Bullfrog Monster (6)
Yoo Ji-han asked the subdued sniper all the questions he wanted to know.
Unfortunately, only a few of them turned out to be genuinely useful.
What’s certain is that someone from the organization known as the Poison Butterfly was greatly enraged by the rescue of Lixis Oriah.
“Yoon Jin-tae’s party has arrived at the reservoir.”
“We’re going deeper into the main area!”
While asking the sniper questions, support sent from the Hero Department arrived.
They were primarily Rank 3 Parties dispatched to suppress Rank 3 Monsters.
Recognizing the situation, the Hero Department elevated the MA’s threat level by one rank.
Among them, heroes affiliated with the Hero Department moved towards Yoo Ji-han’s location.
“Is this the person you mentioned, the attacker?”
“Yes.”
Clack!
A solid magic handcuff was fastened onto the bowed sniper’s hands.
Since they had already received information during the call with Yoo Ji-han, there was no need for a separate investigation process.
“We’ll also take care of the corpse over here.”
The dead warrior’s body was packed into a zipped bag.
It seemed they planned to extract any possible information from the corpse before incinerating it.
After finishing the surrounding clean-up, one of the heroes from the Hero Department spoke.
“You will be contacted separately by the guild later. We would appreciate a detailed explanation regarding this incident to our representative.”
“Understood.”
Since a person had been killed, further explanations or clarifications were required.
It could be slightly annoying, but there was no need to worry.
They even had the footage captured by a drone hovering above.
As Yoo Ji-han glanced at the retreating sniper, he walked back to his party members.
“I’m glad no one got seriously hurt.”
“But you have a cut on your cheek, brother.”
“This is nothing a little spit can’t fix.”
Yoo Ji-han turned his head to look at Min Yu-ri.
“I’m sorry for getting you involved in this kind of mess.”
“No, it’s okay. I don’t really understand it all, but I’m sure those people did something wrong.”
Min Yu-ri had no knowledge about the events that unfolded with the assassins today.
Yet, she trusted Yoo Ji-han, the party leader, believing that neither he nor Kim Si-hu had made any mistakes in this matter.
“We should have just killed that guy on the spot!”
“No, still…”
“That bastard was the worst of the lot for shooting at you.”
“That’s true.”
“Now that I think about it, it makes me angrier. Should we sneak up and kill him now? I’ve really been getting good at assassination magic lately.”
Kim Si-hu swung his staff around, expressing his anger.
At this, Yoo Ji-han let out a hollow laugh.
*
The Hero Department was troubled by the recent appearance of white-haired humans across various regions in Korea.
From the capital area, including Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Incheon, and Busan, to various local regions where the Hero Department’s influence waned.
These white-haired humans appeared alongside monsters at all times.
It’s estimated there were over 100 victims due to them, who are presumed to be a unified force rather than individuals.
Among the white-haired individuals found on-site, 70% were killed in battles with heroes, and the remaining 30% were detained by the Hero Department.
However, even the ones they managed to capture were not cooperative and in poor condition.
If left alone, they might self-harm and mumble to themselves as if under some drug, or in extreme cases, even commit suicide.
“Do you know anything about this?”
In a small room with only a tiny desk and two chairs.
A single bright light hanging from the ceiling illuminated the desk.
In response to the question from Hero Department staff member Yang Ji-cheol, a man shook his head.
“Well, I don’t know very well.”
“So far, at least one piece of evidence has been found indicating that most of the white-haired individuals captured by the Hero Department belong to the IUPC. That alone is their only commonality that separates them from others. Doesn’t it seem strange to dismiss it as mere coincidence?”
“It’s sad that they were part of the same group as me. However, the IUPC is, after all, an organization pursuing peace. It is absolutely unacceptable for us to attack fellow humans, and it simply should not happen.”
“Are you saying the IUPC incites its members to attack?”
“That’s speculation.”
“I hear a lot of incidents have occurred even during protests.”
“Well, I won’t deny that. But that’s the doing of a very small number of members while all other members abide by the law and conduct protests through proper procedures. In cases where frequently problematic members arise, not only legal punishment but also additional penalties are imposed according to the organization’s internal regulations.”
Yang Ji-cheol, watching the man opposite him, crossed his arms.
The person being interrogated was Im Min-soo, known as a senior member within the IUPC.
‘I feel like he definitely knows something…’
Im Min-soo was one of the most active individuals in external activities within the IUPC.
If there’s someone hiding something within the organization, he would surely be the one who knows.
However, he consistently maintained an attitude of ignorance.
“Let’s be honest. We don’t have a very good relationship with the Hero Department. Our ideologies are bound to clash. Nevertheless, it is truly regrettable to be misunderstood as attacking humans alongside creatures.”
“Once again, all white-haired individuals are affiliated with the IUPC…”
“We do not impose any particular conditions for joining our organization. We accept everyone without restriction, including young children, young adults, and even elderly individuals. And those criminals you mentioned are merely a small fraction of our members.”
“….”
“Why not suspect their religion instead? Who knows? Perhaps there’s a cult of sorts involved.”
Is it possible that the crimes were organized by the IUPC?
No, we have nothing to do with it at all.
The conversation between Yang Ji-cheol and Im Min-soo continued to remain parallel.
“I think it’s about time…”
“Understood. Thank you for your cooperation in today’s investigation.”
“No need to mention it! We’re more than willing to go through this effort to protect our honor.”
With a smile, Im Min-soo left the room with Yang Ji-cheol.
Then, once Im Min-soo completely exited the office,
Strange noises eerily emerged from the office floor that Yang Ji-cheol returned to.
Kugugugugu!
To his astonishment, a man emerged from the ground, bursting through the seemingly intact floor.
It was Yoon Do-ha, the Guild Master of the Dice.
While patting his spirit, Yang Ji-cheol bowed his head slightly.
“Thank you for your hard work, Do-ha.”
“You’ve been working hard as well.”
Yoon Do-ha stretched his arms wide for a good stretch.
He had grown tired from eavesdropping while hidden underground.
“What did you find out?”
“There’s still a foul smell. And it’s a very disgusting one.”
Yoon Do-ha pinched his nose.
He had kept watch on Im Min-soo while hiding underground.
Observing his pulse, movements, and daily habits.
He didn’t miss even the slightest detail, analyzing every small factor.
As a result, he was able to detect the scent of deceit.
“That guy is very skilled at lies. If he were acting, he’d have been a top-tier performer.”
“But there’s no evidence that his words are false.”
“Can’t we summon other relevant parties? Ideally, someone of a higher rank.”
“Most of the executives are said to be overseas and, since this is an inquiry based on a request, it’s difficult to specify a target.”
“Tsk! They used to agree to meet easily, and now they’re avoiding us.”
“For now, I’ll increase surveillance on IUPC personnel and proceed with gathering more information from those who are detained.”
Despite investigating someone who was essentially the action leader of IUPC, there was little yield.
As such, Yang Ji-cheol decided to focus on what could be done immediately.
Yoon Do-ha spoke with an expression of regret.
“By the way, it seems like you’re really busy with a lot of things here and there, Yang Ji-cheol.”
“They just really like me up top, you know.”
“Is the Minister still unwell lately?”
“Yes. I’ve heard he’s been minimizing external activities.”
As expected of a governmental organization, there is a Minister appointed by the President overseeing the Hero Department.
However, due to his deteriorating health recently, he has entered recuperation.
“What’s going on with the barrier? The physical barrier supposed to block human access. It was still under development in the Research Institute, right?”
“Well….”
A physical barrier meant to block human approach.
News had reached Yoon Do-ha that the so-called 2nd generation barrier was leaked externally.
“Oh, so there’s definitely a spy involved?”
“It seems so.”
Yang Ji-cheol nodded heavily.
The Hero Department was somewhat aware of the implanted informants leaking information internally.
The security team was working hard to identify those spies.
“The Hero Department’s image is quite terrible these days.”
“…We have to accept it as our karma.”
Yang Ji-cheol had to acknowledge that they had been too indulged in the prolonged peace.
“Well, let’s stop talking about gloomy things… I have some good news.”
“Yeah?”
“Actually, I found a new Spirit Master in Korea. It’s still a secret, but I’ve been itching to share it.”
Yoon Do-ha wore a mischievous smile, hinting he wouldn’t disclose the information so easily.
At that moment, Yang Ji-cheol recalled some heroes he had thought of as potential Spirit Masters.
“Is it Cheong Sung-wook from the Happy Time Guild?”
“Nope.”
“Kim Ae-na from the Warriors?”
“No, no.”
“If it’s not those, then….”
As Yang Ji-cheol pondered deeply, he finally asked.
“Is it Yoo Ji-han from the Sweet Fun?”
*
“Ah-choo!”
Yoo Ji-han sneezed and rubbed his nose with the back of his hand.
It seemed like dust had gotten in his nose.
“Brother. It’s our turn next.”
During the Hero Academy’s training hours.
They were about to present after the party that hunted the Bullfrog Monster, led by Jin Seok-woo.
“The jumping ability of the Blue Bullfrog was quite impressive. It kept bouncing around, making it difficult to land a hit…”
The party presenting before him had hunted the Blue Bullfrog in the marshes.
Moreover, the presentations from their peers mostly followed a similar theme.
They expressed their experiences in the process of hunting the Bullfrog.
“Next is Yoo Ji-han’s party.”
“Yes.”
Yoo Ji-han stepped forward in the classroom.
The gazes of other heroes were fixed on him.
“I heard that person is the one who spread the method of fishing to hunt Bullfrogs.”
“He’s really not funny at all.”
The fact that Yoo Ji-han had disseminated a new method for hunting Bullfrogs was well-known through internet communities.
The heroes who gained that information showed peculiar interest in Yoo Ji-han.
“Our party hunted the Gold Bullfrog at the ecological park in Gwangmyeong.”
“The ecological park in Gwangmyeong?”
“Is that the place where the Bullfrog Monster appeared?”
“That’s right. Wasn’t there a party that suffered damages there?”
Among the Hero Academy’s peers, there had also been a party attacked by the Bullfrog Monster at the ecological park.
The bandages wrapped around their arms or legs were from wounds inflicted by the creature.
At that moment, Moon Kyung-jin raised his hand and said.
“I heard you were the one who spread the fishing method to hunt?”
“Yes.”
“Have you not thought about how that might harm others?”
Moon Kyung-jin glared at Yoo Ji-han, his tone somewhat confrontational.
Following him, Min Ju-yong raised his hand too.
“Other heroes should also consider this. Many people probably dove into the water all equipped for a hunt.”
“I know of a party that actually suffered losses. They couldn’t catch even half the Bullfrogs they usually did.”
“It looks like Yoo Ji-han is only thinking of himself right now.”
“There were also critiques about fishing spots being turned into hunting grounds.”
“That’s all because of you, Yoo Ji-han.”
The two continued their exchange seamlessly, as if they had practiced together.
At that moment, Yoo Ji-han, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, finally spoke up.
“So, let me summarize: You’re saying my actions are selfish.”
“Exactly.”
The immediate reply made Yoo Ji-han chuckle.
They were genuinely childish.
“Yes. Then I’ll just live selfishly.”
“What did you just say?”
“I can’t afford to consider other heroes’ situations while hunting monsters. That wouldn’t benefit the citizens either. If you don’t like my method, then feel free to use a better one.”
“….”
“But considering how, after I spread the information, other heroes are all showing up with fishing rods… it’s pretty obvious what the more effective and better method is, isn’t it?”
Upon hearing Yoo Ji-han’s response, Moon Kyung-jin and Min Ju-yong fell silent.
