Chapter 181: Black Flame Dragon Emperor

Black Heaven paused, groaning. Eternal Heaven licked the Black Heavenly Demon Sword, but there was little reaction.

-Wh-what? It feels different from when the master does it. When the master does it, it feels like going to heaven, but now it just feels like a dog licking… it’s unpleasant.

-….

Eternal Heaven glanced at Black Heaven with a bewildered look.

I was dumbfounded. Regardless, Black Heaven clung tightly to my side with a huff.

-So, Black Heaven was modified by Lord Seo-ha?

-What nonsense! The master is just… just… cleaning the Black Heavenly Demon Sword with a heart full of love for his teacher. Though, the master’s hand movements are indeed unusual.

-You pervert, feeling that only with the master.

-Eek!

As I watched the banter, I sensed someone approaching the door.

Knock, knock.

A knocking sound was heard at the door.

“May I come in?”

“Electronic Witch? Come in.”

The door opened, and a woman with blue hair entered.

She was dressed in an office look that reminded one of a secretary, with a white blouse and a tight black skirt.

“What’s the matter?”

“A public notice has been issued by the association. All guilds above a certain level are being asked to gather.”

“Really? For what reason?”

“They say it’s due to the monsters’ rampage.”

No specific story came to mind with the Electronic Witch’s words. Come to think of it, main quests haven’t been appearing lately…

‘Is it an event?’

I remembered the first time I met Seong Han-byul.

When I met her, an event had occurred.

Events usually involved monster invasions.

A massive number of monsters appeared, with a boss-like figure leading them. So, this event would probably be the same.

“Which guilds are being summoned?”

“A lot. Starting with the top three guilds in Korea, even mid-sized guilds of considerable scale.”

“I see…”

While I was thinking deeply, I voiced what had been on my mind since earlier.

“But why are you speaking so formally, unlike usual?”

“Well, because you’re the guild master? To be honest, I’ve been thinking about it since last time, because of social perceptions.”

“Forget it. We’re not strangers.”

As soon as I said this, I got chills.

The president of the small company where I first worked used to say things like this. They really treated us like family, making us do all sorts of tasks. Even though we were in the planning team, we did everything from basic chores to managing computer files…

‘Terrible.’

Come to think of it, my behavior towards the Electronic Witch was similar.

The guild wouldn’t function without the Electronic Witch. I was giving her a clean 100 million won a month, but considering she dominated the electronic world, it might not be enough for her.

“Not strangers…”

The Electronic Witch’s face was slightly flushed. She didn’t seem displeased.

“If there’s ever anything lacking, just let me know.”

“Yes, yes. I will grow the Galaxy Guild as if it’s my own!”

She switched back to casual speech. I gave her a cheer and stepped outside.

‘It really feels like I’ve become a small company president.’

I thought, feeling the chills run down my spine.

On the day the association summoned the guilds.

Even before entering the building, a huge crowd had gathered. To exaggerate a bit, it was so packed that even an ant would have a hard time passing through.

“Wow, even the Hwarang Guild is here?”

“Not just the top three guilds, but even those of similar rank have all gathered.”

“There are over a hundred identified superior beings. Normally, they would be quite arrogant, but here, most of the people are superior beings.”

People were speaking with voices full of admiration.

Superior beings.

Extremely rare individuals from all over the world had gathered here.

Various people came to capture even a glimpse of them. The mainstream broadcasters had deployed helicopters, and from cable TV to YouTubers with over a million subscribers, and even those with none, everyone was here.

They were all busy taking photos and videos of the attendees.

“Isn’t the Thousand Sorcerer coming out?”

“He’s a person from another world. They enjoy tremendous benefits but also bear significant responsibilities. Not coming here means they are guarding their realm.”

“Indeed…”

As the heroes entered with guild-marked banners or armor, a commotion arose from one side.

Even Han Sora, a YouTuber with a million subscribers, sensed it.

‘What’s this? It seems like someone very famous is here.’

Han Sora moved quickly. Though the space was crowded, she had a drone. She zoomed in with the camera on the drone, turning it towards the commotion.

“…What?”

There was an incredibly handsome man. Wearing a black robe with a dragon embroidered on it, he walked with an indifferent expression. His shaggy hair covered his neck, but it didn’t look unkempt. Rather, it added to his charm.

An overwhelming charm that could change one’s preferences.

‘Wow, with that face alone, women would line up to take care of him for life. He looks like he’s in his early twenties.’

However, it was too early to judge. Heroes were beings born with magical powers. Even those in their fifties or sixties could maintain the appearance of someone in their early twenties or even their early teens.

“Hey? Isn’t that Lee Seo-ha?”

“What? You know him?”

Han Sora quickly turned to her assistant.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Yes, my cousin attends Korea Hero School. This year’s freshmen are said to be the best ever, and among them, there’s one who stands out the most. All the guilds have been offering huge rewards, but he ended up creating his own guild.”

“Oh, I remember now. He’s also famous on YouTube because of his looks, and there’s even a fan club with over 300,000 members, right?”

“He’s a student, right?”

“Yes, his looks are outstanding, but they say his skills are exceptional too. He’s broken all the records at Korea Hero School.”

“Hmmm.”

Han Sora thought while taking pictures of Lee Seo-ha.

‘He’s definitely going to be famous.’

There’s no way he wouldn’t. His looks alone would attract all sorts of attention. Considering he’s here today, he must also have the skills.

‘I need to get an interview with him.’

She checked her outfit in the mirror.

Half of her desire was to look good for Lee Seo-ha, and the other half was to not be outshone by the women following him.

But just before Han Sora approached—

“Kyaa! Oppa, you’re so cool!”

She couldn’t get close, pushed back by what seemed to be high school girls.

‘I feel nauseous.’

I forced myself to hold back the queasiness and moved inside.

There were too many people.

Crowds, crowds, crowds.

All sorts of smells and sounds overwhelmed me. My senses were too sharp, and the newly acquired skill, 「Circle of Martial Arts (S)」, kept sensing entities in a circular shape.

“Is there something bothering you?”

“No, there are just too many people…”

“Shall I clear them out?”

“No, it’s fine.”

What’s there to clear out?

They didn’t have bad intentions. Their goodwill towards me was overwhelming, but it’s bearable.

“Are you Lee Seo-ha of the Galaxy Guild? Please follow me inside.”

A slender woman guided us inside the association building.

Looking around, I saw the association staff busily guiding everyone.

“Hey, Seo-ha!”

A familiar voice called out. It was Kim Seo-hyun. She waved cheerfully with a bright smile.

“You don’t look well.”

“Oh, it’s just too many people…”

“……What kind of superhuman gets sick from a crowd?”

Ershil, who had approached unnoticed, laughed.

“What? Is everyone here already?”

“Oh, Woon-hyuk, you’re here too.”

“The rumors were true. I didn’t expect you to join the Galaxy Guild.”

“Well, there’s a lot to learn here. There are more strong people than I thought.”

Park Woon-hyuk glanced at The Elder, Seonghwi, and the Witch Maiden as he spoke.

“It’s strange. Seeing all these faces from school here.”

“Of course. Those of us at the top of the school are also at the top in society.”

“Ershil, you’re a bit annoying.”

“By the way, does anyone know why the association summoned the guilds?”

“I heard it’s an emergency. If the association is this frantic, it must be something serious.”

Park Woon-hyuk said with a serious expression.

The association was corrupt.

That’s how it’s described, but it’s not that corrupt. The heroes wouldn’t stand by while the association, which gathered heroes, engaged in corruption, and the moment the transcendents in each realm intervened, their heads would roll.

‘It’s probably some kind of event.’

To be honest, I was excited.

They had gathered this much power. If it went well, I could take the bus easily. During this opportunity, I can promote the Galaxy Guild and recruit talents.

“Everyone will find out soon anyway, but for now, just know that a dragon (龍) has appeared.”

“……A dragon?”

“Yes, a dragon. Whether it’s the sacred creature from the East or the dragon from the West, they’re declaring a national disaster because of it.”

“If it’s a dragon, most cities would crumble in no time.”

Park Woon-hyuk’s expression grew serious at Ershil’s words. Kim Seo-hyun, who had sneaked up next to me, looked the same.

“Do you really think a dragon will appear?”

“Right? It seems like the association might have gotten it wrong this time.”

Watching their conversation, I thought.

‘A dragon will definitely appear.’

It’s a kind of flag.

Thump.

‘Huh?’

My heart started pounding.

My blood began to circulate rapidly. Slowing down the blood flow with Black God Martial Arts, I identified the cause. The talent lying dormant within me reacted.

‘Why is 「Black Heaven Dragon Blood (S+)」…?’

[「Black Heaven Dragon Blood (S+)」 detects a kin nearby.]

[Special stat Dragon (龍) is reacting.]

…So it really came.