Chapter 133

Chapter 133

Shizuru went too far targeting Yoon Seah.

Seong Jihan gritted his teeth.

'If it wasn't for Ariel, it would have been a catastrophe.'

If she hadn't stalled in the middle, Yoon Seah might have also followed Shizuru.

'I can't just be a sitting duck.'

Offense is the best defense.

Seong Jihan decided to prepare a counterattack.

What he needed for that was, of course, information.

"Let's take her immediately and interrogate her. She must spill every secret."

Seeing Seong Jihan's stern demeanor, Ariel, who had become a sword, changed her appearance back to a shadow elf.

"Interrogation? That's my specialty. Master, may I participate?"

"You... are quite cooperative, huh?"

"I suffered quite a humiliation from this woman. That red dagger gave me quite a hard time."

"The dagger transmitted through the laptop screen?"

"Yes. At least SS-grade... no, I'm sure it's... an SSS-grade item. That woman, she's smeared with money all over."

Was the mere red-glowing dagger such an extraordinary weapon?

It seemed it wasn't a lie when it was called a national treasure.

"Alright. Let's do this together."

The two began discussing their sinister interrogation plan.

But then...

[Wait, wait! I'll tell you everything!!]

Akari, who was to be the subject of the interrogation, showed no intention of resisting.

"What?"

[Because of Shizuru, I thought I was going to live and die as a marionette after my body was taken. I will cooperate fully!]

Trembling!

Akari shook, clutching her arms.

[And that woman... after she took over my body, to verify she had full control, she used it to kill my parents... and then laughed at me, saying I couldn't resist.]

"...So she says, Master."

Tsk!

The statement involuntarily made him click his tongue.

'She was more vicious than I imagined.'

Thus, Seong Jihan conversed with Akari through Ariel as a translator.

"Place of residence?"

[Mine? I...]

"Not yours, Shizuru's."

[Ah! Yes. She has a house in Tokyo and also in Kyoto. Mostly in Tokyo's...]

Starting with her place of residence, Akari immediately responded to every question.

She did not stop there and even spilled all of Shizuru's weaknesses that she knew of.

[Shizuru is obsessed with Akashic Pages. She even created a comprehensive trading company that only purchases Akashic Pages.]

"She created a company just for Akashic Pages?"

[Yes. It's called SZ Company. It's a global enterprise spread across the world... and also...]

Akari spilled everything she knew about Shizuru.

This even included murder incidents committed by Akari herself under Shizuru's command.

Seong Jihan listened to her story and pondered.

'The Akashic Pages themselves were sustaining Shizuru.'

The Akashic Pages that enhance the performance of Supporting Gifts.

Shizuru was using her abilities beyond their limits by obtaining them at every opportunity.

"The Akashic Pages are the problem. I'd like to completely cut off her supply."

"Once the tutorial ends, Akashic Pages will rarely appear. If we wait a few months, they will disappear."

"Really? But I can't stand to watch her be so triumphant until then..."

He looked at Akari.

"Can you repeat what you've just said during a BattleTube broadcast?"

[...Yes. Of course. If it will harm that woman, I'll do anything.]

"Good. Let's get a spot ready soon. And Seah, you..."

Seong Jihan looked at Yoon Seah, who was standing beside him with her head bowed.

"What's the matter?"

"Ah, Uncle. I'm sorry for today's incident..."

"What do you have to be sorry about? I also didn't expect something like this to happen."

It wasn't something the victim should apologize for.

He should rather be thankful that she was safe.

"However, you'll have to stick with me until the matter with Shizuru is resolved. Who knows what crazy thing she might do next."

"I'll stick to you like a magnet from now on!"

"That's a good idea. But you... Were you okay using the Veil of the Void?"

"Um... I did see a kind of turquoise fog blooming in clusters from afar."

"Is that so?"

He had experienced nothing while he was enveloped in it.

Had he been slightly late, even if Shizuru didn't get to her, she could have been buried in the void.

"And... I didn't notice out of shock until a moment ago, but a class evolution job called Void Archer has been added."

"Void Archer?"

"Yeah. It's sparkling a lot compared to the other classes?"

A sparkling class?

Hearing this, Ariel, who was beside them, asked.

"What color is it sparkling?"

"Gold."

"A Unique... class."

"Oh. Unique, is it? What's that?"

"Yes. It seems like you obtained it by witnessing the void. Void Archer... Although it's generally advised not to get involved with the void."

"Why?"

"If you get involved there, they say you can disappear without a trace anytime."

"Ah."

Yoon Seah, who was initially happy to hear about the Unique class, couldn't hide her disappointment at Ariel's words.

"Then I should give up."

"It'd be a shame to give up the title of 'Unique'. The information about the void is just a rumor after all. If you want power, it might be good to choose it."

"Really? Hmm... I need to think about it."

An unexpected class obtained through the Veil of the Void.

Yoon Seah decided to consider a bit more whether to change her class to this one.

Meanwhile, Seong Jihan spoke to Akari with a gesture.

"Then, shall we go up and broadcast?"

* * * * *

[We were ambushed.]

Seong Jihan's channel, which had gained millions of subscribers in no time.

When the unusual word 'ambush' appeared in the title of the upcoming live broadcast video, waves of anticipation and unease began to build.

- What, Seong Jihan got ambushed?

- Uh, what? ambushed? all of a sudden?

- Wasn't there chaos in the Sword Palace underground mart earlier?

- I heard Seong Jihan fell from the penthouse...

- Eh?? Why did he fall? Is he alive?

- He's alive, that's why the channel is still up, lol. Seems like he tried to go down quickly.

Rumors about the incident were already spreading.

People were just waiting for Seong Jihan to start broadcasting.

And soon, as the broadcast began:

- Huh? Who is that?

- I've never seen that woman before?

The viewers were puzzled.

A woman with a tense face was sitting in the center of the screen.

Seong Jihan was standing at the edge of the screen, arms crossed.

- Could it be his girlfriend?

- Did he reject Sophia and... go with that woman? No way, lol.

- That person! She's a ninja from Japan, isn't she?

- Oh my, is she the one who ambushed Seong Jihan last time?

- Yes, yes, yes, yes. She was quite famous in Japan. After being defeated by Seong Jihan last time, she didn't broadcast anymore.

As the live viewers surpassed hundreds of thousands, many knew about Akari's identity.

- Weren't the two enemies?

- Why is she suddenly on the broadcast?

While people were bewildered:

[I am Kato Akari...]

She opened her mouth.

- Is this the real one? Seems legit.

- I need to turn on the translation feature.

Initially, viewers listened without taking it too seriously.

[Today, I came forward to reveal everything about Ito Shizuru, the vile woman who is ruling from behind in Japan...]

Beginning with that statement,

She exposed everything she knew during the broadcast.

Sometimes rambling, but as she revealed all the information about Ito Shizuru,

The viewers were shocked.

- Woah... Damn, isn't this an exclusive scoop?

- Murdering, brainwashing, and even seizing the player's body? What, is she a god?

- This editing is crazy, lol. Is there anything she can't do? Lol.

- Is this because of Akashic Page's support or something?

- Even so, she's god-tier at this point;

[And then...]

The broadcast time had already passed 30 minutes, but Akari's mouth didn't rest.

That's how overflowing Ito Shizuru's wicked deeds were.

- How can we believe this? Is Akari just blabbering anything because she was threatened? Lol.

- What are you talking about, isn't it weird that she is in Korea in the first place? Lol.

- For real, why is this Japanese girl in the penthouse? Lol.

Although some people spoke of not believing Akari's exposure, claiming that she and Seong Jihan were in cahoots,

Given the circumstances, it was an unbelievable claim, and they were refuted by other viewers.

[There... Ah. Aaah...!]

While talking for a while, Akari

Suddenly grabbed her head.

[How far is this crazy woman going to speak...!]

Then, with a different tone from before, a voice burst out.

Akari's face began to twist grotesquely.

Her face started to morph, turning from her original appearance into Shizuru, who once boasted godly beauty.

But, the mixed appearance of her original face and that face made it seem nothing short of monstrous.

- Ew, what is that?

- Ewwww, what is that?

- Ah, sh*t. I can't watch horror movies, and I regret turning on the broadcast.

[Die!]

Shizuru's fragment, trying to stop Akari's revelation.

She tried to commit suicide by taking over her body.

'She was still there?'

Seong Jihan grabbed Akari's head.

An anomalous energy, which wasn't there when he checked a while ago, had been hiding in her head.

"Here you are."

Shooooo~

When Seong Jihan extracted that energy, smoke rose from Akari's head.

[Aaaargh...!]

Then, with a scream.

Akari's face, which had been distorted, returned to its original state.

Perhaps due to the recent commotion, she was sweating profusely.

"...You all saw it, right?"

She resumed her exposé.

After broadcasting for over 2 hours, she finally said,

"If I remember anything else, I'll let you know."

Akari's exposé had ended.

However, the aftermath of this broadcast was just beginning.

* * * * *

At Shizuru's mansion in Tokyo, people were already gathering to gawk after seeing the address disclosed in the broadcast.

"...Yes. Yes. Prime Minister. No, you trust me, right? It's just Akari's one-sided claims."

"Why would I commit murder? Chairman, did you see me as such a person?"

Overwhelmed by the incoming calls, Shizuru was at her wit's end.

While the previous calls were mainly out of concern, now they were primarily to verify the truth.

Checking the list of callers, she frowned.

'It seems only those less affected by the Enchantment are calling. I need to meet and strengthen the Enchantment...'

For that, she would need the Akashic Page.

Thinking of Akari, who had also exposed the existence of SZ Company., she gritted her teeth.

'Useless avatar. Can't it even commit suicide?'

Instead of ranting, it should've quickly ended its life.

What was the point in letting Akari continue speaking after being subdued by Seong Jihan?

"Shizuru, are you okay?"

"...Yes, Ryuhei."

"Do you need help with anything?"

She looked into the concerned eyes of the Sword King and had a spark in her eyes.

Despite witnessing her and Akari's exposé, the unwavering support from the Sword King was reassuring.

'Right... As long as I have the Sword King under my control.'

In the Japanese national team, the Sword King's position is paramount.

If he continues to support Shizuru unshaken, her current position might waver but won't be overturned.

"Ryuhei, I... I'm struggling..."

With a tearful expression, she nestled herself into the Sword King's embrace.

"I did everything for the country..."

"I'm here for you."

"You'll always be, right?"

Though tears flowed from Shizuru's eyes, they seemed deeper than usual.

* * * * *

Meanwhile, at the BattleNet Center,

Kim Dongwoo, the leader of the national team of Warriors, was deep in thought about how to welcome Seong Jihan.

'He's annoying, but... in this world, power speaks volumes. We need to show our best.'

Having been overwhelmingly defeated by Seong Jihan, he was planning to integrate him smoothly into the national Warrior team without further conflicts.

'After all, what strengthens the bond between men better than booze and women?'

Kim Dongwoo thought this as a matter of fact.

"Coach, is it okay to hold a welcome party for player Seong Jihan?"

"A welcome party? Given the recent chaos, is it a good idea?"

"With the current situation, wouldn't a welcome party be more necessary?"

"Hmm, alright. But you're not inviting outsiders, right?"

Laughing at the coach's worry, Kim Dongwoo waved it off.

"Nah, not outsiders. Just a celebration among ourselves."

"Alright. As long as you assimilate well without any issues."

"Thank you."

With the permission from Coach Noh Youngjun, as soon as Kim Dongwoo stepped out, he immediately called someone.

"Hey, what are you doing tomorrow?"

[Huh? It's a weekday. I have to do the news.]

"We're throwing a celebration for Seong Jihan. Can you bring some friends?"

[Wow! Really?! Is Seong Jihan really coming?]

"Yeah, if you come alone, you won't get in. Bring lots of friends."

[Oh my... Of course! If they know Seong Jihan is coming, everyone will want to see him.]

Seong Jihan's popularity in South Korea was unmatched, second only to the Sword King.

The chance to meet him would even have top celebrities eager to attend.

'Looking forward to seeing new faces.'

Kim Dongwoo thought with a sly smile.

'He doesn't seem to have a girlfriend. I should set him up with someone.'

* * * * *

[Notes:

Sitting duck - someone who is an obvious target, and whom it is very easy to attack or criticize.]