After having breakfast, I headed with Yoohyun to one of the intact buildings at the Ministry of Defense. It's unbelievable that over half of the ministry was destroyed in just one night. This is why people should live decently. Look at the combat guards, not bothering us and managing the Alphas well.
As if I didnt'throw any bombs.
Yoohyun's rampage was ultimately the fault of those Akates Ministry guys. They got what they deserved
"Captain Han!"
Moon Hyuna greeted me enthusiastically, shaking my hand. We moved away from the bustling crowd towards the terrace. From there, we could see people clearing the debris in the direction of the central mana hole, emitting a faint light on the lower floor. The sunlight was so strong that it looked more white than blue.
"I roughly explained your relationship with You brother."
Moon Hyuna said, shaking a bottle of alcohol even in broad daylight. Among these alcohols, there are types that even S-rank individuals can get drunk on, as she mentioned. Something about fermentation with the mana hole. Before going back, I should have a drink with Yoohyun.
"Do you know if anyone from the Alpha family is still alive?"
"I have checked the records."
"They said the one who shot Captain Han is still alive."
Yoo Hyun's expression turned icy at that. Even clear resentment appeared.
"Where is he?"
"Yoohyun, wait a moment. It's not right."
"Why? He's not related to me."
"Regardless of the reason, he was someone trying to help you. I don't want to see you harm someone who showed kindness to you because of me. I even contributed to the misunderstanding."
"I'm not the Alpha."
"Well, of course not. But let's just look this one time. Anyway, he's a person who died a long time ago."
And in this real world, the chances of not finding an Alpha were even higher. Here, we succeeded in the rebellion, but... my mouth felt bitter.
"I also need to meet Mr. Noshi, Is he okay?"
"He's in the hospital due to a shortage of healers, but there's no threat to his life. With so many injuries, it's understandable."
That's fortunate. People approached from behind the glass door of the terrace. Moon Hyuna gestured, as if asking if we could go inside. A man who seemed like a representative among them opened his mouth.
"We plan to broadcast a message to reassure the Akates citizens shortly. Could Alpha-nim make an appearance? It would be beneficial for the improvement of the combat guards' treatment. It's advisable for an SS-rank guard to represent, considering the circumstances."
"Well, that's true. Help us out, Captain."
Moon Hyuna now supported the new Akates resistance forces. Yoohyun had a face that seemed annoyed, as if asking why he should do it. Not being the Alpha and not belonging to this real world. He didn't need to help, but...
"Let's help just for a moment. Honestly, you know more about that than those people. Your experience is different."
If it's image management, our world is far ahead of Akathes. This neighborhood is well-organized and structured without the need for management. Yoohyun made a face expressing that he couldn't refuse, putting the burden on my shoulders.
"Moon hyuna stay with my brother."
"Got it. Don't worry."
"How much time exactly until the broadcast? And what about the script?"
"It's scheduled for 30 minutes from now, but adjustments are possible. The script is here. It's not too long."
Yoohyun quickly glanced through the script, his eyebrows furrowing in dissatisfaction.
"What's the exact purpose of the broadcast? Right after the Akates Ministry turmoil, this seems to be at the level of a brief greeting."
"Well? But combat guards rarely appear externally... "
"The more reason why the first impression is crucial. Even if it delays the broadcast time, make some revisions. And what about the outfit?"
"Yes?"
Yoohyun looked at the man standing in front of me with a disdainful expression, as if he fell short of his standards. It must be embarrassing even for them. Their known Alpha are usually obedient and field combat operatives. But our Yoohyun is a guild leader. He has been in the spotlight for more than just a day or two, managing his image through appearances.
Yoohyun and the Akates people went outside. It became quiet again, and Moon Hyuna took out a bottle from her inventory.
"Do you want a drink,too?"
"It's still morning."
"There's no such thing here. Maybe I'll miss this when I go back. Are you coming out later?"
"I will" Moon Hyuna emptied her glass lightly
"Sung Hyunjae said he's watching you right?"
"Yes. He said he might send some strange quests if he gets bored."
"Really?"
Moon Hyuna looked around and suddenly shouted.
"Hey! Sung Hyunjae! Even in your twenties, your skin is firm and cute! The leader of Sesung Guild isn't pretending to be old, he's really old! There's a clear difference!"
... Well, it's not that much. I felt a bit unfair. I'm in my twenties now, but originally, I was in my thirties. The difference was there, thanks to the hardships at that time. ... Maybe I should pay attention to my appearance, as Suk Simyeong suggested.
"Sung Hyunjae can't go outside, right? I want them stand side by side and see. we should take pictures or videos of that big snake Sigma It's definitely different from a young one. Director Sung should have come too!"
"I'm sorry about that."
I wonder what Director Sung would have said if he saw it. I'm curious.
"But what's the relationship between Sigma and Sung Hyunjae? They're s too identical to be just a coincidence."
"They do look exactly the same, right? Maybe he originally lived in this world and crossed over to our world."
"That makes sense. Coming from another world, his past deeds might be mysterious."
"Yes, just as he entered..."
Suddenly, silence fell. Both Moon Hyuna and I and we both closed our mouths. The atmosphere became strange. Don't tell me-
"...Could it be.?"
"...no way"
"They have different personalities to say that they're the same person. It seems like it would take another hundred years to mature like Sung Hyunjae e."
"Maybe there was an error in the virtual reality-like data of this world, causing Sung Hyunjae's information to be mixed up, or something like that. Originally, Sung Hyunjae might have entered Sigma's body, but got ejected, leaving only his appearance and skills."
"Well, I and Alpha also had our appearances mixed, so I guess it's possible and Lambda's hair was originally brown."
... They said it's possible to extract someone from the world that has perished if they are SS-rank, but maybe. Just in case, I opened the quest window, but Sung Hyunjae in the system was quiet.
"Can I have a drink too."
I received a glass and downed it in one go. Wow, it's quite strong. Still, it's sweet and delicious.
"You mentioned that you can guess where Yerim and Noah are, right? Shall we leave tomorrow?"
"We'll provide a helicopter and a guide, so go with the Guild Leader. The communication equipment in Akates is under repair due to damage. It should be operational by tomorrow, so you can check and depart."
"Why does it sound like. Hyuna-ssi won't be going?"
"Akates is in such a state, and leaving my position vacant is not ideal. One person, a Guild Leader, should be sufficient."
It seemed she really wouldn't be going together. Of course, the city situation is chaotic, but still.
"It's a world that has already disappeared. You don't need to care so much. Being too considerate won't do any good."
If you give too much, it'll just become burdensome. In my words, Moon Hyuna smiled.
"I understand, Guild Leader. But you don't need to think and act so carefully about such things."
"Yes?"
"Even if it's a world that has perished and just data, I am here. If I see it, feel it, then it's real."
"Still... Even if you help Akates now, practically, nothing will change."
It's a story that ended a long time ago. Whatever you do here won't change anything.
"Sometimes, Guild Leader is quite rigid."
Moon Hyuna raised her hand and patted my head roughly. It hurts
"Why won't things change? We remember, right? Even if it's for a short time, living in this world affects and changes us. Isn't there something we gain from being here?"
"But, well..."
"Don't be too hard on yourself. Look at it simply. Director Han should feel proud too, right? You smashed it all to pieces and you saved your brother."
"It went wrong at the end tho "
"Everyone makes mistakes in life. Director Han's expression looks good, It has been consistently good lately. It looks much better than when you were stern. More like your age now."
"That's true."
I looked at the mana hall and the busy people around it. When Vitera expressed gratitude, it felt suffocating at the time, but looking back, it wasn't so bad. It was a bright and cheerful face. Other people's expressions were also lighter, with less burden.
"Besides, are we immortal or something? There's an end someday, and we leave an impact on the people behind us, remain in their memories. So, I am sincerely treating this world. At least, for me, it's real. Even if Director Han has a free way of thinking. Oh, and!"
Moon Hyuna suddenly changed her expression, looking at me with a sincere gaze. Why suddenly...
"Can I monopolize the information in this world? I'll talk to Yerim and Noah Hunter as well. Young master will listen to me if I tell you requested it and I could persuade Guild Leader Se-sung too."
"Information?"
"Yes, information! It seems there have been significant developments here in terms of mana, guards, and hunters. It might not be exactly the same as our world, but there's a lot to use. If used well, it might make it easier for the Breaker to become independent. Do me a favor Director Han."
Certainly, there would be much more accumulated research data in this world. Just the years since the Awakened appeared would be ten times more. With that kind of information, it could be useful.
"Anyway, since I originally came with my original body, so I don't know much. I'll support the independence fervently."
"You won't change your mind later?"
"I won't."
I would be glad actually If the Breaker stands alone
I helped Moon Hyuna with the cleanup of Akates. I mostly just watched though. Lanchea's guards followed Moon Hyuna very well. Originally, Lambda seemed to be a person with a huge popularity. When I asked about Lambda's changes, the answer came back that she seemed brighter than before.
---
"Perhaps you've drunk too much ."
"Suddenly stopping your bike and spear. Even kissing--!
"Now!"
"I apologize!"
It seems Lambda's equipment pleased you. Well, it's understandable. It's both SS-rank, and the bike is a specially crafted item.
Around lunchtime, after the broadcast ended, Yoohyun returned. The atmosphere of people following him resembled that of the Haeyeon Guild. When we were leaving, most eyes that looked at Alpha as if to say, 'What does he know?' had changed now.
Even Alpha is an SS-rank Awakened. If the conditions were right, he could be the center of the Ministry of Defense.
"Those people are annoying."
"We won't be here for long. Just bear with it for a bit."
Leaving the rest to Moon Hyuna, I decided to go find Yerim and Noah. But before that, I had to stop by Lanchea to install the disc. I hope I can convince Sigma to join us.
'I can't just abandon Sollemnis. I might have to settle for a day or two of monster hunting.'
Complicated..
After lunch, when it was time for the appointment, I headed to Sigma's room. Yoo Hyun was worried, but I told him I had put a condition on not to harm my body. With an SS-rank guard on my side, I couldn't do anything foolish.
"Sigma."
Entering the room, Sigma, who had a light outfit and a somewhat chubby expression, greeted me. He looked much younger than someone in their late twenties, around thirty. But I had been thinking of him as around thirty in his late thirties. Prejudice is indeed a frightening thing.
"Loosen up a bit. You look too stern; you might seem over thirty."
"C-rank, you must be blind."
"Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry."
My bad for seeing it wrong, he said, and Sigma frowned with displeasure when I sat on the sofa.
Even If I look at you again, he doesn't seem to be over thirty.
"I heard it yesterday. That you're five years older than Alpha? Come on Sigma sit down,."
Still with an unconvinced expression, Sigma sat on the opposite side. First, I took out the contract and spread it out on the table. I'll provide valuable information and answer three questions. Simple.
"Um... so..."
Originally, I thought of saying, 'You're not real, just fake data from a perished world,' but the words wouldn't come out.
In Sung Hyunjae'scase, he might be a fake, but he'd still display interest first. However, what about Sigma? He's in his twenties... maybe in his mid-twenties. Still, he's likely older than Alpha.
When we first met, he seemed genuinely dull, but now there's a significant change in his expression.
"...I'll take questions first. Ask me anything."
His golden eyes looked at me, then he slowly opened his mouth.
"Who is Sung Hyunjae?"
Seems like he got curious. I felt strange..
"You look the same as him, but you are a different person."
Sigma probably demanded a more detailed explanation but he just looked at me with a colder gaze.
---