Rusted Rhapsody (2)

They had decided to move in teams. In fact, this proved to be unavoidable because Shin Eunah, who was connected to the source of mana, was a unique entity in this world. Because of that, it was almost impossible for her to move covertly, and Shin Eunah strongly insisted she would go head-on to draw all attention to her.

“Why do you want to charge so much?”

Kang Shin-hyuk was also aware of the need for an assault group to distract one side so that the others could sneak in and try to save the resistance. However, Shin Eunah’s strong attitude was too much.

“I don’t like this place. I want to destroy everything.”

“It’s because Eunah originally hates magi. Then, I’ll stick to Eunah.”

“What?! No!”

Kang Shin-hyuk was frightened when Claire said she would share that dangerous role, but Claire simply pinched his cheek.

“You looked like a kid now. Are you trying to hug me and not let go, huh?”

“That’s not the problem; Claire is weak.”

Few could affirm that a high ranker in the world’s top 500 was weak. However, Kang Shin-hyuk was able to say it without hesitation, as his concept of power had changed through dimensional quests. Only a year ago, his view was the opposite. Claire glared at him.

“You’ll die after this.”

“But Claire…”

“Claire is helpful, and two people will be able to move quickly. I’ll protect her, so don’t worry.”

Shin Eunah was sticking to her calm attitude. Her battle switch had already flipped, and when that happened, there was nothing that could be done. Kang Shin-hyuk was forced to nod.

“I want to help you, but the inside of the building seems to be dangerous, so I can’t stick next to Vita.”

“I thought it through; it might be more dangerous. As my junior is now, I can trust you to go.”

“Right. Because Shin-hyuk’s very strong.”

“It’s unbelievable.”

“The growth is amazing, but now even if I look at it in numbers…”

“Okay, stop complimenting me.”

Kang Shin-hyuk, forced to take a step back under the praise pouring out from the two, tapped his communicator.

“If it’s dangerous, call me right away. I’ll come running.”

“The same goes for you.”

“Yes, then before we set out…”

Kang Shin-hyuk reached out to them, holding each of their hands in turn, and expressed his trait. His eyes sparkled a brilliant gold as his Golden Dragon was absorbed into them. Normally, he maintained his trait for 24 hours at a time, but its strength could be adjusted. He added spiritual power to it now, raising his trait to the highest level. It was a buff that couldn’t have been done before, but it was possible when his spiritual power and Golden Dragon Fighter grew.

“Oh, it seems to be getting stronger and stronger.”

“Look, here.”

The power settled in their bodies, engraving itself on them as a mark.

“If I use a lot of power these days, it becomes like this. Probably nothing bad will happen.”

“It’s a growth-type trait. You’re gradually heading towards completion.”

“That’s interesting… I feel good. It must be because of you.”

Kang Shin-hyuk interrupted Shin Eunah, who was trying to say something while blushing.

“It’s okay because you said that last time. Vita, let’s start now.”

“Yes, I think we should start right away.”

Vita broke down the bartender table, which had probably been used to serve magi resistance cocktails to members of the Resistance, and revealed a secret passage in the wall.

“Let’s go, Shin-hyuk.”

“Can’t we just talk normally?”

“No, but if you let me call you dad, I too…”

“No.”

The two started down the passage while having a pointless conversation. Shin Eunah and Claire, who remained in place, exchanged a glance. The two looked at the golden dragon tattoos on each other’s cheek.

“It’s pretty.”

“Yeah.”

“Then, we too…”

“Yes.”

However, the two sat on a half-broken sofa as if they had made an appointment. This was because they had something to solve before departing.

“Eunah, what do you mean by what you said earlier?”

“Ugh, uh…”

Of course, she understood what Claire meant. The reaction she made after hearing Claire’s request to go on the dimensional quest. There were no misunderstandings, and if the two weren’t close friends, the atmosphere would’ve become irreparable. No, it could be said that their relationship was solid enough to be able to think like that… If it weren’t for the dimensional quest being urgent, she would still be rolling on the floor and yelling.

“I can’t just get over it, yeah?”

“Yes.”

“Are you angry?”

“That’s… Well…”

Claire frowned, then suddenly turned back to Shin Eunah.

“How are you?”

“What, what?”

“Can you be satisfied with that?”

“Satisfied? What does that…”

Shin Eunah blushed and looked away, but Claire ruthlessly pursued her.

“Eunah, are you going to be by his side? You can find someone else.”

“I… I…”

Even with their unique relationship of three people, there was the firm belief that one would not be pushed out. Shin Eunah, who hesitated, pouted her lips and mumbled as she felt disgusted at herself.

“But, I don’t need anyone else… No matter how much I think about it, yes.”

“Well, I think so too.”

“Do you understand my heart?”

Claire had a contemplative expression as she regarded Eunah, who spoke sorrowfully.

“Yes, all our thoughts are similar. Believing that our first love will be our last.”

“Ah.”

Shin Eunah sank at Claire’s relentless words. However, it was the same for Claire that she considered Kang Shin-hyuk her last love, and she knew that especially for Eunah, that this wouldn’t end as such a flimsy first love. Their complicated relationship wouldn’t end neatly as good memories. Claire sighed.

“Eunah, take it seriously.”

“What?”

“The psychological issues you will feel from the fact that you can’t be his first.”

“Huh…?”

Shin Eunah’s eyes went wide, and Claire avoided her gaze.

“I just said it, but I’m confident I won’t be pushed back. Then you will continue to be the second.”

“Yes…?”

“I would think it ridiculous if it weren’t you, Eunah, but… Because you are still precious.”

That was the truth, without a doubt. Their relationship, born through the Hero Universe and their frustrating youth, was so special that it was impossible for anyone to intervene or disrupt. It was changed by one man now, but maybe, rather… Sometimes, Claire wondered if it was fortunate that they had come to love the same person. Little by little, she kept thinking so.

“It’s hard to see it like that.”

“Huh?!”

“So Eunah, think really deeply, and if you think you can handle it, let’s talk again then.”

“Claire…?!”

Eunah’s eyes went wide again at the incredible possibility in Claire’s words, but Claire herself let out another sigh.

“Then let’s start now. We have to run wild to draw their attention.”

“Claire!”

“Don’t hug me!”

“Claire!”

“I haven’t allowed it yet! I haven’t talked to Shin-hyuk yet!”

“I love you!”

-…I knew it would be like this, but it isn’t good. All you need is to show off your ability, but will you keep playing?

As Shin Eunah’s feelings continued to grow, the administrator sent a message expressing his feelings outright. Shin Eunah jumped up from her seat.

Now was the time to fight.

***

Kang Shin-hyuk and Vita were moving through the secret passages used by the resistance.

“All the enemies outside will probably gather around Shin Eunah. We’ll be safe until we infiltrate the building.”

“It’s a little upsetting to think we left after she took an explicit bait role.”

Shin Eunah was the master of infinite mana. In this world, no matter how well she kept it down, her presence was like a white stone on a board full of black stones. Shin Eunah also knew that, so she agreed, but he was worried about how she would fare against the unusual enemies here. Claire being with her especially worried him.

“Your ability will protect them.”

“Ah, can I do it for you too?”

“Can I ask you?”

Vita, having been deeply envious after seeing him use his ability on the others, reacted strongly as soon as he offered.

“Because I was able to be born with your spirit… The effect of the buff will probably be much better.”

“Is that so?”

Kang Shin-hyuk used his trait on Vita while wondering some rude things. Was whether his trait that strengthened her now was an expression of his ability to strengthen people or artifacts…

‘No, do I really need to distinguish?’

Guardian Golden Dragon greatly strengthened whatever it was cast over, regardless of whether it was living or not. Kang Shin-hyuk became a little dazed as he considered it. He realized that his trait evolution would be soon as he had that flash of inspiration.

“Shin-hyuk? Dad?”

“Don’t call me dad.”

“You’re okay now. We’ll arrive soon.”

What? Kang Shin-hyuk raised his head at that. Either this city wasn’t too big, or they were moving at a speed that surpassed common sense for them to reach their destination within minutes. Looking around, he saw the secret passage blocked 200 meters ahead. Even if it was blocked, it seemed easy to break through as only planks, and metal drums were piled up…

“This will take us out to the second basement level of the building. I once secretly tried to enter, but Gaia’s spearmen attacked, and I had to retreat. They stopped following once a crossed a certain area.”

“I guess they are only active at a certain range.”

They had attempted to break in before, which was probably the purpose of this passage. It felt strange and sad that Vita had been working as a member of this unknown group, alone for ten years. Kang Shin-hyuk cleared his head and pushed on.

“Let’s move while the assault team causes a distraction.”

“Yes, but I thought they’d be arriving right away, but it seems that they are moving slower than us.”

It occurred to Kang Shin-hyuk belatedly that if Claire was blaming Shin Eunah for what happened before…

-You can rest assured, member.

‘Did you read my heart?’

-The administrator is deeply desperate as he realizes the mystery of predetermined harmony. Reading your mind is simple to a master administrator.

He had no clue what the administrator was talking about, but it seemed something had happened between the two! Kang Shin-hyuk wanted to run to them and ask what was happening, but before he could even whisper to one of them, there was a loud bang that made the entire passage vibrate.

-Come out!

Shin Eunah’s magic continued to vibrate the passage. It seemed that she was flying straight to the building and using her magic.

“…She seems to be in a good mood. Is her job on Earth a bomber?”

“Yes… Well, it’s similar.”

The building shook. Vita nodded, sensing the mechanical reaction inside the building was moving outside.

“Thanks to that, I think we can enter right now.”

“Oh, yes. Let’s go to save your friends.”

What the hell did they talk about for Eunah to feel so good? No, was she feeling so bad that this was happening? Either way, he was afraid.

Kang Shin-hyuk broke down the barricade in front of him with Vita, and their infiltration began as they entered the basement full of magic.