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The Goblin Team, which included the Taoist Girl, stood at a crossroads of decision.

“Should we choose the 50 Heroes from the Association or the Hero Jeong Gyeoul?”

Facing the Association’s Hero Team, composed of five or six A-Class and several B-Class Heroes, or facing just one S-Class Hero, Jeong Gyeoul.

“Facing 50 Heroes means it’s essentially one-on-one for each of us… Wouldn’t it be better to face just one S-Class Hero?”

“I disagree. An S-Class Hero alone could take on 50 A-Class Heroes… Without proper training, we’d be swept away in an instant.”

Participants who knew the level of an S-Class insisted on facing the 50 Heroes, while those unaware of the S-Class’s power argued that facing a single child would be easier than 50 Heroes.

They added that the S-Class portrayed in the media might be exaggerated.

“What nonsense. If anything, the S-Class is downplayed; they’re on the level of natural disasters.”

“Couldn’t the media be exaggerating their exploits to reassure the public? It’s not the first time the media has done this. Remember the war? Even ordinary soldiers were turned into war heroes through propaganda.”

“Sigh… Do you really think comparing then and now makes sense?”

“Why not? The present follows the past. Those who forget history have no future. Don’t you know that?”

“Next, you’ll be suggesting we revive the monarchy!”

“…Are we here to pick fights over trivial matters?”

The debate heated up, and logic was trampled.

Contrary to their initial intentions, they began spouting anything to push their arguments.

“Talk nonsense in moderation. If we fail to clear the scenario because of you, all 50 of us will be eliminated.”

“If it’s the Association’s 50 Heroes, even Goblins could handle them one-on-one. If even one breaks through, it’s over. On the other hand, stopping just Jeong Gyeoul would be easy. One person could just run around with a Goblin. The difficulty levels are different. And… just me? Raise your hand if you agree with me.”

About thirty hands went up, more than half.

Most weren’t even part of the industry and had never witnessed the numerous rumors about Jeong Gyeoul firsthand.

The saying “ignorance is bliss” fit perfectly here.

Even the Taoist Girl supported facing Jeong Gyeoul.

“…Think carefully. Haven’t you heard what Jeong Gyeoul did in the first round? Just by sitting and gathering energy, half the participants fainted.”

“She probably used some secret technique. And… it’s not like we’re facing villains; it’s just regular Awakened Ones being judged. They’ll be too busy scoring to go all out.”

“Sigh… I shouldn’t have chosen this team!”

“Why don’t you leave now? I won’t stop you. Someone who’s already scared and backing out won’t be of much help anyway.”

The atmosphere was so tense it seemed like a fight might break out.

Then, the Taoist Girl stepped in to mediate.

“We just need to protect the Goblin within the time limit. I can use my spells to block movement. If one person protects the Goblin and the rest stand with me, even Jeong Gyeoul won’t be able to break through easily.”

“…Do as you please. I’ll take the blame for the wrong choice. I’ll accept elimination.”

“…Are you giving up already?”

“I’ll do my best in the scenario. But… I’m sure we have no chance.”

The anti-Jeong Gyeoul faction finally raised both hands in surrender.

“So… you’re choosing to face me?”

Jeong Gyeoul, who had been quietly observing, stepped in.

“Yes. We choose to face Hero Jeong Gyeoul.”

“Well… this is troublesome. I thought I’d just sit and write scores on paper.”

“Sorry about this. Please understand if anyone gets hurt.”

“Hurt? Who? Me?”

Pfft.

Jeong Gyeoul, unable to hold back her laughter, covered her mouth belatedly, but the participants’ faces had already hardened.

“Don’t take it too lightly.”

“…Sorry, I have a bit of a temper. I’ll go to my spot now.”

She made a lame excuse and headed to her prepared position.

The movable area ranged from Hyeonnae-myeon, where the Unification Observatory was located, down to Geojeon-eup and Jukwang-myeon Toseong-myeon.

The entire Goseong-gun area, bordering the sea, was the scenario zone.

Citizens had already been informed.

Some citizens refused filming or claimed the broadcasting station was overreaching, but the power of money was great.

“Hero Jeong Gyeoul, your starting point is the Alps Ski Resort. If you kidnap the Goblin there, you win. The Goblin Team can move freely anywhere along the East Sea and must protect the Goblin from Jeong Gyeoul to win. The time limit is two hours. It’s currently 9:32 AM. We’ll start exactly at 11:00 AM. Any questions?”

The Taoist Girl, listening to the explanation from another PD who had stepped in for PD Choi in the situation room, raised her hand.

“Is it okay to go into the sea?”

“It’s allowed, but with many Awakened Ones gathered, the likelihood of sea monsters appearing is high. You’ll have to protect the Goblin from both sea monsters and Jeong Gyeoul, increasing the burden. The choice is yours. Any more questions?”

“Me.”

“Yes, go ahead.”

Jeong Gyeoul, unintentionally participating in the scenario, also raised her hand with a question.

“Are there any restrictions on my abilities?”

“Ah, yes. I’ll explain that separately in a moment.”

“…?”

Jeong Gyeoul tilted her head at the PD’s mention of separate restrictions on her abilities.

If they were going to impose restrictions, wouldn’t it be more fun to let the Goblin Team know so they could try various strategies?

But she didn’t want to interfere further.

Mostly, she was just annoyed.

“Then, after moving to the designated positions, we’ll start the scenario exactly at 11:00.”

***

“Hey, PD.”

“Yes?”

“Can we eat first? I only had breakfast.”

The PD looked at her, puzzled.

What? You’ve never seen someone eat breakfast at 8, brunch at 10, and lunch at 12?

“It’s fine, but… are you sure? It’s currently 9:46, and we start at 11.”

“That’s why I want to eat more. I’ll get hungry if I exert myself.”

We’re doing this to survive.

Feed us while we work, you jerks.

“What would you like?”

“I saw a lot of buckwheat noodle places by the sea on the way here. How about some simple noodles?”

“…We need to get to the ski resort by 11. Are you sure you can make it to the seaside and back?”

Of course. If we get to the restaurant by 10, order, and finish by 10:58, we’ll have 2 minutes to move leisurely.

If I go alone, they might say I didn’t start at the starting point, so if the PD and camera director come along, there won’t be any issues.

Sure, they might get motion sickness, but…

The production team should endure that.

It’s the duty of a true producer.

As we entered the buckwheat noodle restaurant, we ran into the Goblin Team led by the Taoist Girl.

“What are you doing here? The starting point is the Alps Ski Resort…”

“Just getting some buckwheat noodles. Gangwon Province is known for buckwheat noodles.”

“…”

What are you looking at?

If you’re not paying, move along.

“I need a full stomach before a fight. Excuse me.”

No time to waste on pointless arguments.

Every second is precious for enjoying the noodles.

No matter how pretty the Taoist Girl is, if she tries to steal my meal time, I’ll turn into a thug.

Leaving the Taoist Girl behind, I entered the restaurant and ordered buckwheat noodles.

“One bowl for everyone.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Thanks? It’s coming out of the production budget, so I should be thanking you.

The noodles arrived shortly after ordering.

A mesmerizing aroma filled the air.

The scent alone was mouthwatering.

“Sip… great aroma, great color.”

As I picked up my chopsticks to take a bite…

“Wait!”

“…What?”

The PD stopped me.

Naturally, my eyes narrowed.

“Just one insert shot.”

“Ah… fine.”

I endured the long time it took for the camera to film.

It felt like an eternity.

My mouth was already full of saliva.

“Done. Enjoy your meal.”

“Thank you!”

Slurp—

They say you must try the buckwheat noodles at Baekchon-ri when you visit Gangwon Province.

Now I know why.

“One more bowl! No, three more bowls!”

A large portion won’t fill me up.

I ordered three more bowls and continued eating.

While eating, it suddenly occurred to me.

You guys ordered noodles too.

Why did you have to film my noodles?

Are you trying to mess with me on PD Choi’s orders?

“Oh, right. You mentioned restrictions. What are they?”

“…Just a moment.”

The PD, mid-meal, came close to me.

It’s a bit awkward being this close to a guy.

He even whispered in my ear.

I figured it was for the broadcast and reluctantly leaned in.

“I heard you can use all three types. The restriction for Hero Jeong Gyeoul is to use only one.”

“…Did you have to whisper that?”

“PD Choi said it’s a secret… Even the production team doesn’t know.”

How outdated is that embargo?

Even now, if asked, I could answer, but PD Choi must not know that yet.

Anyway, I thought the restrictions would be something like not using an arm or a leg or closing both eyes…

‘Only one type…’

That’s like telling all participants to get eliminated.

Personally, I wanted the Taoist Girl to advance to the next round.

But it seems PD Choi has no intention of showing mercy to the participants.

The long-time pawn of the variety show world, the tyrannical PD Choi’s broadcasting slave.

Poor and pitiful me, I have no choice but to do as PD Choi wants.

 

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