Chapter 278: Noisy Emergency Meeting (1)

What is Korea’s international status in this world?

Despite 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.

This 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.

Even setting Joaquin Academy aside, Korea alone already exhibited impressive national power.

Many countries with better infrastructure still lagged behind Korea. Thus, its recognition in the international community had a solid foundation.

For that very reason.

That 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.

Though that didn’t guarantee the participants would be equally appropriate.

“An invasion by the Demon Realm out of nowhere!?”

A 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.

“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!”

Ronald pointed a finger at Vice President Changseong, seated across from him.

Changseong clicked his tongue briefly.

‘If he weren’t the President of the U.S., he wouldn’t dare speak a word.’

Even for Changseong, Ronald was a difficult burden to manage. Under different circumstances, he wouldn’t hesitate to shut him up, but—

“Let’s stay calm. Please, take a seat.”

“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.”

Annoying, 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.

The Swordmaster was still hospitalized, and Victor’s absence remained a mystery.

Only a madman could understand the mind of another madman. As someone reasonably sane, Changseong had no way of knowing.

‘Damn it.’

This left very few in the room with the authority to contradict Ronald.

‘At best, that guy Saki Kojima.’

Changseong 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.

The rest (the background extras) just coughed nervously or glanced around. Old foxes. Their eyes darted like pinwheels.

In 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.

This 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.

“Vice President! Richard Mura! Say something, come on!”

Despite everything, Ronald kept shouting. The veins in his neck bulged blue. His carotid artery stood out clearly.

For a moment, Changseong was tempted to slit his throat. Guys like Ronald were the ones he despised most.

‘If it weren’t for him, this meeting would be going smoothly already.’

And 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.

At least, until the war was over, any punishment toward him would be postponed. And afterward, it would all fade with time.

“Ha, ha… What’s the matter, Mr. Ronald? Come now, calm yourself.”

Between 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.

“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?”

“Who said I was shouting!? Hmph… fine. Only because Gaines asked, I’ll listen—for now.”

Ronald slumped into his chair. Then, with unnecessary elegance, he poured mineral water into a wine glass. Totally unnecessary.

“Phew.”

One 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.

“I’ll start with a detailed report on the situation.”

Changseong shook the papers in his hand and threw them into the center of the round table as if scattering them.

“Seems many here don’t trust words, so being proper scholars, review the data in writing.”

Everyone in the room began reading the documents. As they did, Changseong continued.

“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.”

“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?”

Asked a middle-aged man with tanned skin. Changseong shook his head.

“I wouldn’t have convened this meeting if we weren’t certain of the information. It’s twenty million. Confirmed.”

The man’s skin turned from tan to pale in seconds.

“At their current pace, the demons will break through the Gehenna portal and enter…”

Changseong checked his watch and nailed the timing.

“…in 168 hours. Though with the hour we just wasted arguing here, we have 167 left.”

“One hundred sixty-seven hours!? If that’s true, we don’t even have a week!”

“Are you telling the truth, Changseong?”

Changseong slammed the table. He bared his teeth fiercely.

“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.”

The room erupted. The total population of human heroes was around fifty million. Numerically twice the size, yes, but that didn’t guarantee anything.

A single demon was strong enough to require five heroes to handle. Moreover, it wasn’t even certain that all heroes would answer the call.

That’s why they were assembled here—to gain international cooperation. But judging by their behavior…

‘From their attitude…’

Forget cooperation. They were just calculating how much they could gain from it. Changseong felt a tightness in his chest.

Deep 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.

But they were in DEFCON 1—a state of war. If blood was spilled needlessly, humanity would never unite.

That’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.

“Objection.”

And in the end, someone not only nudged the cup—they knocked it over completely. It was the President of the United States, Ronald.

He spoke arrogantly.

“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.”

“……”

“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.”

“……”

The atmosphere turned tense. Ronald sarcastically provoked the silent Changseong.

“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.”

Then he looked at the other leaders with a crooked smile.

“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.”

A tempting proposal. Dozens of eyes shifted nervously. If it meant surviving the war, some seemed ready to abandon their countries.

“Gentlemen, think carefully!”

Just as they were about to speak, Gaines raised his voice.

“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.”

“Joaquin Academy is in Korea, not the United States.”

Ronald let out a low chuckle. It had always bothered him that such a prestigious institution was located in such a small country.

“Besides, they’re on break now, aren’t they? No students, nothing to lose. Better to hand over the academy and buy some time.”

“That’s outrageous! Are you saying we should sit back and watch while the legacy of heroes is destroyed?”

“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.”

“That’s—”

“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.”

Ronald curled his lips and, like a street vendor, opened his arms wide.

“Come on! There’s room in our shelters. Whoever agrees with me, raise your hand!”

Gaines ended up covering his eyes. No… this isn’t right. Those not on the front lines lack a sense of reality.

Facing the end of humanity, all they could think about was their own escape. Ah, how pitiful.

‘…How many times has Heavenly Sword risked his life for trash like this?’

He felt a heat on his forehead. The jolt of reality hit hard. Glancing to the side, he saw Changseong too looked utterly hopeless.

The 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.

“Ha, ha, ha…”

At that moment, someone let out a stifled laugh. All eyes turned toward the source of the sound.

Prime Minister Kojima was laughing, even covering his forehead. Changseong’s eyes also widened. Had that bastard finally lost his mind?

“…What’s so funny, Prime Minister Kojima?”

“Oh, nothing. Please, continue with your air-raid shelter business. I just suddenly remembered something Heavenly Sword once told me.”

“Heavenly Sword? And what did that brat say that’s so funny?”

Ronald glared at him. Kojima wiped a tear from his eye.

“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.”

“W-what… what did you say? That insolent brat said something that outrageous!?”

Ronald’s face turned red with fury. At that moment, the smile on Kojima’s lips disappeared completely.

“And someone who prides himself on discerning nonsense says something that idiotic?”

“……!”

Everyone 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.

“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.”

Ignoring the uproar, Kojima turned to Changseong and spoke firmly and calmly.

“Is this enough, senior?”

Changseong, stammering, nodded clumsily.

“Y-yes, of course. We gladly welcome Japan’s involvement. Naturally…”

Right after, Kojima closed his eyes as if nothing had happened. Ronald, delayed, exploded in fury.

“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…!”

The meeting room doors flung wide open. The stagnant air escaped outside, as if fleeing.

Ronald turned his head in that direction. For a brief moment, the space around the door appeared distorted in his eyes.

■■■■■■■–!

Before he could react, a dark red bloodlust bit into him viciously. In that instant, he clutched his chest.

“…Kuh!”

From the mouth that wouldn’t stop barking came a stifled groan.

Thud!

And just like that, the President of the United States collapsed onto the table, his left cheek striking the surface as his tongue hung out.

“From now on, anyone with complaints…”

Heavenly Sword spoke in a low voice while locking eyes with everyone in the room.

“Raise your hand.”

The hands that had been about to rise trembled and slowly lowered.