Chapter 278: Noisy Emergency Meeting (1)
MVtnrWhat is Korea’s international status in this world?UZq
y4vGDespite having a small territory, it stands shoulder to shoulder with the United States, a country that spans an entire continent. Even geographically, Korea is the center of Asia—a strategic position key for any major power.2S5eeo
njnOThis might be due to its location or the fact that it’s the cradle of heroes thanks to Joaquin Academy, but it’s not limited to that.nuZwmlE
2RtBLU5Even setting Joaquin Academy aside, Korea alone already exhibited impressive national power.dl8
XqQC0KGMany countries with better infrastructure still lagged behind Korea. Thus, its recognition in the international community had a solid foundation.MLxS
dZKTvFor that very reason.5tUgOZ
uaIhi8gThat world leaders would gather at the Seoul branch of the Hero Association, and that an emergency meeting would be held there, was a highly appropriate choice.lvc
8eoR78wThough that didn’t guarantee the participants would be equally appropriate.MAgVKC0
dGxNaIN“An invasion by the Demon Realm out of nowhere!?”oom
TULTBlA man stood up, slapping the round table with his palm. Dressed in an impeccable suit and a well-groomed face radiating wealth, he was Ronald, the President of the United States.NroMGr
mTep2“It’s barely been three months since Fermush, the Fourth Corps Commander, invaded us! And now you say war is starting? This sounds like propaganda from the Association just to alarm us!”HQSam5T
v78YzRonald pointed a finger at Vice President Changseong, seated across from him.SmKQs
BH3tBChangseong clicked his tongue briefly.rZQ1
Wqnnd‘If he weren’t the President of the U.S., he wouldn’t dare speak a word.’ud8u
kosGEven for Changseong, Ronald was a difficult burden to manage. Under different circumstances, he wouldn’t hesitate to shut him up, but—WTbFwF
YJWa“Let’s stay calm. Please, take a seat.”1WkbPc
47Vk20“Was that an order? I remind you that I’m the President of the United States. By rank and role, I’m above the vice president of this Association.”gShM
gXwAnnoying, but not wrong. Within the Association, only Victor Poison, the president, had the authority to stand up to him. But Victor wasn’t present. Nor was the Swordmaster.wdTwJ
dUcABOMThe Swordmaster was still hospitalized, and Victor’s absence remained a mystery.ztwI6Hh
kegWOOnly a madman could understand the mind of another madman. As someone reasonably sane, Changseong had no way of knowing.tt5JcKo
Sm3QIeb‘Damn it.’RMVIXlv
dl1K5bVThis left very few in the room with the authority to contradict Ronald.EOwd
5gRG2e3‘At best, that guy Saki Kojima.’Z86NySk
rrJVFChangseong turned his head. The Absolute Archer sat with his arms crossed, doing nothing. Naturally, he wasn’t the type to raise his voice for others. The best one could hope for was that he wouldn’t start a fight—already too much to ask.ciz3
FM2glThe rest (the background extras) just coughed nervously or glanced around. Old foxes. Their eyes darted like pinwheels.LgvBvvM
HnUIn that moment, Media’s face came to his mind. If only she were here, she could relieve the pressure in his chest. But unfortunately, she couldn’t participate.PyadSV
7ADpThis was a meeting for state leaders only. Media could’ve attended, but that damn Yankee blocked her in advance. Right now, she was waiting outside the room.G50H
nd4pw8f“Vice President! Richard Mura! Say something, come on!”pnYWuc
Qsi8eDespite everything, Ronald kept shouting. The veins in his neck bulged blue. His carotid artery stood out clearly.2AgTt
KCyrFor a moment, Changseong was tempted to slit his throat. Guys like Ronald were the ones he despised most.Hzl6ly
1ymba4‘If it weren’t for him, this meeting would be going smoothly already.’HuHYIh
L3iFvAnd if something happened in the middle of a crisis, it could easily be covered up. After all, a large-scale war was just around the corner. Changseong was key to the conflict—but the Yankee was not.0yl
zPQvI2At least, until the war was over, any punishment toward him would be postponed. And afterward, it would all fade with time.oK4Y1
VBlBCoP“Ha, ha… What’s the matter, Mr. Ronald? Come now, calm yourself.”HTrA8
RYRBetween Ronald and Changseong, President Gaines of Switzerland stepped in to mediate. As the leader of a neutral country, he had experience in situations like this.zhlgTSm
rRLYO“Let’s hear Mr. Changseong out first. There are many journalists outside already. If shouting is heard from this room, what do you think they’ll assume?”FmzUmy
raA“Who said I was shouting!? Hmph… fine. Only because Gaines asked, I’ll listen—for now.”pp1Vv
tXf5Ronald slumped into his chair. Then, with unnecessary elegance, he poured mineral water into a wine glass. Totally unnecessary.OjKeDz
AutXNmU“Phew.”5jOET
yU7One less burden. Gaines, drenched in cold sweat, gave Changseong a wink. Only then did Changseong’s stern expression ease slightly. If not for Gaines, Ronald might’ve died at Changseong’s hands.h8lcb
RZYjt“I’ll start with a detailed report on the situation.”3rP
Ss3z2xChangseong shook the papers in his hand and threw them into the center of the round table as if scattering them.1Z4I
01iJ3z“Seems many here don’t trust words, so being proper scholars, review the data in writing.”HbDYCK
PAICsjEveryone in the room began reading the documents. As they did, Changseong continued.S45uEuQ
lEtydpf“According to the Hero Association’s investigation, the demons are marching under the lead of the Second Corps Commander, Kuarne. We estimate the enemy force totals twenty million. That’s 30% of the entire demon population. If we include demonic beasts, the number is even greater.”y0Ot1
ij7WQTW“Twenty million, you say! And those damn demons, who don’t even cooperate among themselves, are now uniting? Isn’t that likely a research error?”1tA
FDRAsked a middle-aged man with tanned skin. Changseong shook his head.LD2MlIY
vcNy299“I wouldn’t have convened this meeting if we weren’t certain of the information. It’s twenty million. Confirmed.”dNmmIpC
v6iaCFThe man’s skin turned from tan to pale in seconds.ZWs1AW
bNSe“At their current pace, the demons will break through the Gehenna portal and enter…”ytKB
ANmOChangseong checked his watch and nailed the timing.TvVj6
VYKk“…in 168 hours. Though with the hour we just wasted arguing here, we have 167 left.”we6C2PX
GQaWc“One hundred sixty-seven hours!? If that’s true, we don’t even have a week!”uV37d
tbeoS“Are you telling the truth, Changseong?”hvj
UrHpVChangseong slammed the table. He bared his teeth fiercely.dojdjVc
omJJ4U“I’ve repeated it countless times over this past hour. It’s the truth! If you don’t believe me, believe the report in front of you. The demons have declared war and are already invading.”rJ9Q
jdqcdThe room erupted. The total population of human heroes was around fifty million. Numerically twice the size, yes, but that didn’t guarantee anything.5F6Vn
IHITvcrA single demon was strong enough to require five heroes to handle. Moreover, it wasn’t even certain that all heroes would answer the call.6mhvBZ
gbfVThat’s why they were assembled here—to gain international cooperation. But judging by their behavior…pkZ
jskMY‘From their attitude…’Qq5
iDc2crForget cooperation. They were just calculating how much they could gain from it. Changseong felt a tightness in his chest.sIM
LutWQDeep down, he wanted to wipe out everyone present. Just like that day when the Heavenly Sword had annihilated the Joaquin Academy’s Council of Elders.go3j
GmPetBut they were in DEFCON 1—a state of war. If blood was spilled needlessly, humanity would never unite.E2zy
wOa14HThat’s why Changseong was enduring. But his patience was already at its limit. Like a cup filled to the brim, the slightest nudge could unleash a murderous rampage.mbdjUBM
THx“Objection.”0ipiZ
kl7JAnd in the end, someone not only nudged the cup—they knocked it over completely. It was the President of the United States, Ronald.6Vpei
xJNAZHe spoke arrogantly.3wgZ
EBmaa“In my opinion, it’s precisely in times like these that each nation must pursue its own survival. Even if all heroes were gathered, they couldn’t fight off all the demons.”EKe
VcErx48“……”MvBwH
q3uvL“They say less than seven days remain. And you expect fifty million heroes to organize in that time? Unless there’s total war, it’s impossible. It would be better to divide and launch attacks in turns.”n28d
lCNC“……”5npLh5
pwMGgThe atmosphere turned tense. Ronald sarcastically provoked the silent Changseong.ObhkY
tgAMYL“Oh, and by the way—don’t expect cooperation from U.S. hero agencies. We are the cradle of capitalism. If special taxes are imposed, those heroes will simply turn away.”2Fhw
B9GNqPThen he looked at the other leaders with a crooked smile.aiQRdv
5HTz“If you agree with me, raise your hands. We’ve already installed an independent defense system. We can even offer some air raid shelters to those who want them.”gd9p
STs67wJA tempting proposal. Dozens of eyes shifted nervously. If it meant surviving the war, some seemed ready to abandon their countries.4rxaXx
FOcz8pD“Gentlemen, think carefully!”4JMsf
2HeewNJust as they were about to speak, Gaines raised his voice.Z7Tb86
f53“Every man for himself? That’s suicide! Look at the documents! The demons’ destination is Joaquin Academy. If they destroy that place first, humanity will lose its entire future.”2h0XvWA
ypyq“Joaquin Academy is in Korea, not the United States.”TGk0tD
z1vqb6BRonald let out a low chuckle. It had always bothered him that such a prestigious institution was located in such a small country.oD7anY
8F4Z49“Besides, they’re on break now, aren’t they? No students, nothing to lose. Better to hand over the academy and buy some time.”aH6
8Yg“That’s outrageous! Are you saying we should sit back and watch while the legacy of heroes is destroyed?”YZsN
gb0“The history of the United States is barely 300 years, yet we’re the greatest power in the world. Old relics must disappear with time. Who knows—maybe when the war ends, we’ll found an even greater academy in the U.S.”3T1tN
6wdie“That’s—”HXm5s4o
KuhA“And one more thing. Gaines, you’re the leader of a neutral country. Intervening like this puts that neutrality in question. I’ll remember it.”eyNhVSl
aoMtS7Ronald curled his lips and, like a street vendor, opened his arms wide.aTSE1
gnDJDU“Come on! There’s room in our shelters. Whoever agrees with me, raise your hand!”hvy6Nq
dM0iOEGaines ended up covering his eyes. No… this isn’t right. Those not on the front lines lack a sense of reality.prBQIU
llXoFacing the end of humanity, all they could think about was their own escape. Ah, how pitiful.Bts3EJ
XvGS‘…How many times has Heavenly Sword risked his life for trash like this?’yByrIU
nEqTHe felt a heat on his forehead. The jolt of reality hit hard. Glancing to the side, he saw Changseong too looked utterly hopeless.hs6
dOD1waThe enemy of your enemy is your friend. Gaines, who had been scolded countless times by Changseong in the Swiss residence, now pitied him from the bottom of his heart.Qn9DdA
BEYl“Ha, ha, ha…”IRvkY
cPiD4k9At that moment, someone let out a stifled laugh. All eyes turned toward the source of the sound.3Bh2
LUQa9FUPrime Minister Kojima was laughing, even covering his forehead. Changseong’s eyes also widened. Had that bastard finally lost his mind?ItSyWx
VpSwx“…What’s so funny, Prime Minister Kojima?”TBb6
DFlu“Oh, nothing. Please, continue with your air-raid shelter business. I just suddenly remembered something Heavenly Sword once told me.”WRyQQ
zt52tIE“Heavenly Sword? And what did that brat say that’s so funny?”4YLsr
3CKRonald glared at him. Kojima wiped a tear from his eye.c2Zhzq
tph“I once asked him, ‘Do you plan to become Japan’s enemy?’ And you know what he said? ‘Japan? I could also become the enemy of the United States.’ He said it just like that.”pMxK
3V0W“W-what… what did you say? That insolent brat said something that outrageous!?”YcEIK
n1nHaCRonald’s face turned red with fury. At that moment, the smile on Kojima’s lips disappeared completely.6h3
1FUYj“And someone who prides himself on discerning nonsense says something that idiotic?”6biHY
zCRl“……!”8Fkaa
GC6Everyone in the room was stunned. But the most intense reaction came from Changseong. His expression looked as though he was on the verge of shouting.QSS0M
sRnLjtN“Our Japan will respond actively to the mobilization call. I personally commit to contributing all the necessary resources, personnel, and equipment. Furthermore, I will also participate directly on the front lines.”bhk1Z
inR4Ignoring the uproar, Kojima turned to Changseong and spoke firmly and calmly.i29KsW
2fDU1GH“Is this enough, senior?”UK0J
v5gChangseong, stammering, nodded clumsily.phsH
sevPM6X“Y-yes, of course. We gladly welcome Japan’s involvement. Naturally…”G3J2jzF
ADEuQRight after, Kojima closed his eyes as if nothing had happened. Ronald, delayed, exploded in fury.LHE
b3W“Are you defending that brat Heavenly Sword, mocking the United States, mocking me!? Come to think of it, it’s because of that damn kid the demons invaded! If he had just stayed put, the demons wouldn’t have gotten so enraged…!”6CEiBH
Ux2KI0EThe meeting room doors flung wide open. The stagnant air escaped outside, as if fleeing.F6d1A
yHLRonald turned his head in that direction. For a brief moment, the space around the door appeared distorted in his eyes.ctFVycG
czouc■■■■■■■–!53WS26
vX6Before he could react, a dark red bloodlust bit into him viciously. In that instant, he clutched his chest.aPVlspg
6Fjudk“…Kuh!”WYvkE1F
58SFrom the mouth that wouldn’t stop barking came a stifled groan.Nkg
9dBUxThud!r94zpr
CjAmVikAnd just like that, the President of the United States collapsed onto the table, his left cheek striking the surface as his tongue hung out.7Yik
nuxo“From now on, anyone with complaints…”44fBafI
XSKiYM2Heavenly Sword spoke in a low voice while locking eyes with everyone in the room.uwOFJ
x4RK“Raise your hand.”72V
OfRQlThe hands that had been about to rise trembled and slowly lowered.bxTSSfu
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Ananda Salsabila
MortalWow. Korean authors portrayal of countries, especially the US or Japan, is always so bad. I don’t know why but Korea’s very racist country, you can look it up. Who knows, inferiority complex?
Anyways, this chapter doesn’t make sense, the US actually pushed this agenda? Hawaii is their territory. The Gehenna gate is there. One would think they’ll defend their own territory. What a joke. They became the villain just for the sake of it