Chapter 247: Bloody War (1)

It’s common for a friend from yesterday to become today’s enemy.

But the reverse? That’s far rarer.

Even the lightest wounds leave scars, and healing takes months. Human relationships are the same, if not worse.

Unless there’s a clear interest involved, an enemy from yesterday rarely becomes a friend today.
But sometimes, it happens.

The President of the Association and I were one of those rare cases.

“Come by anytime. You have no idea how happy I was to finally meet someone I can truly talk to.”

The president smiled as he saw us off. His eyes, once clouded with madness, now shone with clarity. As I watched him wave, I thought:

‘Is saying I get along with this guy a compliment or an insult?’

After the treatment, I had a long talk with him. The president passionately explained his projects to me.

And though I hate to admit it, I was pleasantly surprised—in a good way.

‘I thought he was just a lunatic, but of course… he’s still the President of the Association.’

His vision and vast knowledge impressed me. I started to understand why he was called the brightest mind of humanity.

That said, he used a lot of technical terms, so I only understood about half of it.

Still, I nodded enthusiastically. In my previous life, I worked in customer service. Making conversation with old folks was my specialty.

And it seems he mistook that courtesy for “we’ve got great chemistry.”

As if anyone could have a normal conversation with a madman…

Still, professionalism means not showing what you really think.

“I enjoyed our talk as well.”

When he heard that, his smile widened. Then, as if remembering something, he asked:

“I almost forgot. Did you hear they lifted the member cap on your fan site, Heavenly Sword?”

“Yeah, a friend told me before I came.”

“I’m the one who removed it.”

“……?”

The president showed me the screen of his smartphone. It was my fan site, and at the bottom was his username.

‘Cheonma_toxic?’

What a weird nickname.

“We put that limit in place to reduce the influence of any one hero. In fact, that’s why the Association was created. I don’t know if you knew, but power groups are deeply afraid of one person becoming too powerful.”

“Why?”

The president shrugged.

“Since when do big shots need a good reason? They’re just afraid of losing their authority.”

And I couldn’t help but feel something strange.
Hearing someone above those “big shots” mock them like that.

“But power can’t suppress individuals forever. That kind of thinking is outdated. And besides, the world is in turmoil. Three corps commanders appearing in a single year is absurd. In times like these, humanity needs a representative—a leader.”

“The closest one to that would be you, President.”

The assistant spoke cautiously. The president chuckled and looked at Media.

“Well, daughter, your assistant seems ambitious. He sure knows how to say flattering things.”

“That’s not how I meant it…”

“I was joking. But judging by your reaction, maybe you meant it seriously.”

“……”

“I appreciate that you hold me in such high regard, but I’m not someone chosen by the heavens. Just a few hours ago, I wanted to die. Do you really think someone like that can be humanity’s great savior? Besides, I’m still part of the Association. And a true leader doesn’t draw strength from an organization. He’s born as an individual. He must be chosen by the era.”

As he spoke, the president raised his gaze to the sky. He let out a quiet sigh.

“You’re lucky. Just as you’re about to leave, the heavens give you this gift.”

We all looked up. And in the next second, our eyes widened.

A wavering curtain covered the night sky. Purple and teal streaks intertwined like vines.

It looked like a mantle woven of light.

“An aurora…”

Someone murmured. Judging by the feminine voice, it was either the director or the secretary. Maybe both at once.

Thump, thump.

My heart pounded hard.

And the only thought in my mind at that moment was—

‘Beautiful.’

I have no better word for it.

The aurora. A wonder unlike the veil of alternate space. A fragment of nature. The twilight of this blue planet we live on.

“It can only be seen at the poles. Some call it the ‘heavenly curtain.’ The natives of these regions call it ‘the soul of the gods.’ And as its name suggests, it’s a rare phenomenon. This is only the second time I’ve seen it since I came here.”

As everyone admired the view in awe, the president spoke to me.

“You are the one chosen by this era, Heavenly Sword.”

He patted me on the shoulder.

“Change the course of this age. From behind the scenes, I’ll support you however I can.”

And his words carried no light weight.

***

The first thing that greeted me upon returning from Antarctica was a mountain of accumulated work. I’d only been gone for a single day, yet the documents were piled up like a mountain.

I let my shoulders slump in defeat. But oh well. If I leave today’s work for tomorrow, it’ll double by the time I get back.

Better to clear one more sheet than complain. It’s healthier for my mental well-being.

“Do these documents reproduce or something? No matter how much I get through, they just keep multiplying instead of decreasing.”

…And yet, as soon as I set my mind to something, I start grumbling. But I can’t help it—it’s frustrating.

Everyone else is sleeping while I’m chained to a desk.

“Should I call Speedweapon to hang out?”

And while I’m at it, dump some of the work on him.

The thought had barely crossed my mind when I shook my head. It was 11:30 p.m. Not only would it be rude to call him at this hour, but with how much he talks, I’d never get anything done.

If I call Speedweapon, I have to give up both work and sleep.

‘I’m not sacrificing sleep just because I’m bored.’

Just then, the office door opened quietly.

On reflex, I reached for my sashimi knife, thinking it might be a thief—but then dismissed the idea. There was nothing worth stealing here… unless someone wanted the documents.

In fact, a part of me was hoping it was a thief.

If someone was bold enough to steal them, I might even forgive him. I could just pretend to be asleep.

That’s how generous I am. Even with thieves.

Creak…

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a thief.
It was just Abel, slipping in quietly like a stray cat.

‘What’s she doing here at this hour?’

She peeked her head through the crack in the door and asked,

“Are you busy…?”

“No, don’t worry.”

I was, but I couldn’t say that outright. Imagine how embarrassed she’d be if I rejected her when she came in like that.

Abel shut the door and entered silently.

“I was worried I’d be interrupting, but… I’m glad.”

She coughed a bit, trying to hide her nervousness.

‘This feels familiar.’

Where had I seen a scene like this before?

‘Ah, right—back when I lived in Nibelung’s territory. She came just like this, saying she brought me that rabbit blanket.’

The same blanket I still use today. The material is so soft it makes me sleepy just by putting it on.

“So, what brings you here at this hour?”

I asked. Abel hesitated for a moment, then spoke in a barely audible voice.

“My grandfather said something. That something big will happen soon near the Gehenna portal. But he didn’t tell me any secrets—I swear.”

“It doesn’t matter if you know.”

Hearing my firm tone, she blinked. I leaned on my hand and said,

“The Sword Master is your family, Abel. If your grandfather’s about to face something major, it’s only natural that you, as family, would know. Confidential or not, it’s natural to worry about those you care about. I’ll tell you.”

And I told her everything. What exactly the Sword Master was doing at the portal, why, and what kind of event was expected. I laid out the logical sequence as I understood it.

The truth is, this time, it’s incredibly difficult to predict the outcome.

We don’t even know the true extent of Fermush’s power—the one coming through the Gehenna portal.

We don’t know how strong he is or exactly what type of magic he uses. Everything’s based on speculation and historical records.

That’s why we have to prepare for everything. I hope all the heroes return alive, but I can’t guarantee that.

It’s not about effort. It’s about luck. Still, as commander, I can’t just say optimistic things.

I’m not a soldier. I’m a general. A general has to consider both the best and the worst outcomes.

“Anyway, that’s everything.”

“……”

Abel listened in silence, without much expression. But as her face tensed slightly, I realized she hadn’t known.

“I see.”

Maybe she was numbed by all the training in the Heavenly Class.

“And you’re going too, aren’t you?”

“Yeah, most likely.”

“Aren’t you scared? You said it’s possible someone might die.”

“I am scared.”

I didn’t deny it. Even if it’s more about fearing for others, it’s still fear.

I clenched my fist and gently hit the desk.

“But I have a responsibility. I’m the one who’s supposed to be on the front lines. If I tremble, how are the heroes in the rear supposed to stay motivated? That’s why, even if I’m scared, I have to pretend I’m not—to act like everything’s fine.”

Abel chuckled softly and teased,

“And you’re pretending to be cool too.”

“Hey, I’m being serious.”

“That’s what makes it funnier!”

With a smile, she turned toward the door. She looked relieved, though I wasn’t sure why.

Before leaving, she glanced back halfway.

“Still… Knowing you’ll be with Grandpa eases my mind.”

Between her hair, I could see her ears blushing red like tomatoes.

“So I forgive you for ‘pretending.’”

With that, Abel left the office.

***

Hawaiian Island, right in front of the Gehenna portal.

Director Sung and the Sword Master stood side by side, staring at the portal. The cracks etched into its surface had expanded enough to allow a person to pass through.

Behind them stood Association staff and Japanese heroes. All of them had tense, distorted expressions.

A gloomy silence filled the air. Only a few—like Director Sung himself and a few elite warrior-class heroes—managed to stay composed. But even they wore grim faces.

“The time has finally come.”

Director Sung murmured. The Sword Master nodded.

“Call Changseong.”