239 – Heroes and Monsters (1)
The inside of the headquarters room was desolate. It was neglected by the highest authority and there was little splendor. It had less furniture than the basement room I was staying in recently.
A monitor so large that it covers the entire back wall, and a desk and chair with their backs to the door so that one can look at the monitor.
These two elements were the decoration of the room and the entire furniture.
I had a strong feeling that it was a room for thorough command, not a room for responding to someone.
“Welcome.”
A voice came from a chair that appeared to have no one sitting on it.
“I guess I’ve finally decided to meet you.”
The chair spun around and looked at Han Jaejoong.
“…What?”
Han Jaejoong frowned.
This is because, as I first thought, no one was sitting on that chair. The only thing I could hear was a speaker installed inside the leather of the chair.
“If this was going to be the case, wouldn’t it have been better to just call?”
Han Jaejoong said with a slight chuckle. A unicorn’s chuckling sound was heard.
“That is correct. Talking face to face is important. It’s unfair that all of your personal information has been exposed, but I’m the only one keeping it secret. But it is impossible for me.”
The monitor turned on and a cute cartoon-style animal appeared on the screen.
Basically, it had the appearance of a white horse, but a rainbow-colored horn stood tall in the middle of its head.
Unicorn. As the name suggests, it looked like a mausoleum with one horn.
“This is the only way to meet you face to face right now.”
“Aha.”
Han Jaejoong realized the intention of those words. He touched the belt he always carried with him.
“There is no body, only the soul.”
“Exactly.”
The unicorn nodded his head inside the monitor.
It is the same structure as the thought of Sky Polaris within the belt. Although there is no body, the soul remains within the mechanical device and can influence reality.
“I exist in the electric world of Magical Girl Headquarters. Headquarters in other countries are the same. “All the spirits in charge of command are in the forebrain world like me.”
The reason why unicorns only appeared as dolls or holograms was simple.
Because it had to be that way.
It was an impossible request for him to appear as he existed only as an idea and had no substance.
The reason for secrecy was simpler than expected.
“This is the first time since Sky Polaris that I have revealed my identity to someone.”
“Why are you hiding it?”
“If I were to say that I was just a ghost whose consciousness had no effect on reality, who would believe me and follow me? But magical girls trust me and follow me. “People can act based on faith alone, without substance.”
The unicorn said.
“Sky Polaris, it’s a custom passed down from her. As my seniors follow me, my juniors also follow me. That’s how my authority was formed. “It’s a phantom-like authority.”
“Is there a reason to be so obsessed with authority?”
“To lead the magical girls.”
“Why do you have to lead the magical girls?”
“Because that’s my duty.”
The unicorn’s eyes beyond the monitor flashed sharply. It had a cute appearance, so it didn’t feel particularly threatening.
“I am different from the spirits of ordinary magical girls. Not a spirit for each of them, but a spirit for all magical girls. “I am a spirit sent from this planet.”
“Oh yes….”
“Although there was a mistake during the descent process and I was descended into Sky Polaris’ cell phone… But now I have become a prosperous building owner.”
This was built with taxes and donations, so it’s not really owned by a unicorn. Han Jaejoong thought something like that, but he didn’t say it out loud.
‘The first advent was Sky Polaris’ smartphone.’
Han Jaejoong understood why she was so detailed about her machine and knew her spirit well. By persecuting the unicorn, he must have acquired the information of the spirit and learned technology to transport him to a wider and freer world.
A unicorn, a spirit that descended from the stars and was created for all magical girls.
“I have the power to transmit my voice through the spirits of all magical girls. “Based on this power, we can deliver instructions to magical girls.”
Han Jae-joong found out the identity of the person who had never been seen in the original work, but he was distraught. Because it wasn’t something I was that curious about.
“Of course, I alone may not be enough. But if we fight together as one, we can defeat any enemy.”
There’s more to say than I thought. Han Jaejoong suppressed the urge to sigh.
“My authority is not to make me stand out, but to unite magical girls…”
“Okay, unicorn, I understand your role.”
It seemed like there would be no end if things continued like this, so Han Jaejoong cut him off.
“So why did you call me?”
“…Your true identity has been revealed. To monsters, magical girls, and all citizens. Unauthorized heroes are bound to be hated. During the few days of the investigation, I realized that you are a good person. So, I would like to make a suggestion.”
The unicorn stretched out its heeled front legs as if extending a hand.
“Would you like to officially become a part of us and work?”
“Hmm….”
Now I know why I called you.
“Okay, let’s consider it.”
“I hope a good answer comes back.”
Han Jaejoong said that and nodded his head.
“So, is it now my turn to ask questions?”
“Yes, the information I have gained while overseeing magical girl affairs so far is unrivaled. Most questions can be answered. “To promote friendship, let me know if you have any questions.”
“How to prevent monster transformation….”
Juseomjuseom. Han Jaejoong searched in his arms, took out a belt, and held it out in front of the unicorn.
“Have you ever seen anything that looks similar to this? You don’t have to be sure. “If you have any clues, please let me know.”
The unicorn opened its eyes wide in surprise.
“Just… That’s all? Aren’t you curious about the identity of the stars, our exact identity, or the history of the creation of monsters? Ah, aren’t you curious?”
“Yes.”
From noble mtl dot com
Han Jaejoong answered immediately.
Even if I knew, there was nothing I could change, and rather than obsessing over that, the immediate crisis took priority.
“Well, I can explain it very well…! “Aren’t you really… curious about that epic story…?”
“Yes.”
I’m starting to get a bit annoyed now. Now that we’ve talked about that, I’d like you to answer the question. As Han Jaejoong’s eyebrows furrowed, the unicorn lowered his shoulders as if he had given up.
“Okay… I’ll tell you… First, let’s start with turning into a monster…”
The tone of speech has changed. Was that solemn tone just now a concept? Before I even felt this question, the unicorn began to answer.
“To conclude, I don’t know.”
“What?”
“Mo, what should I do with something I don’t know? Monster transformation is a phenomenon that occurs when a magical girl’s heart becomes tainted by evil. It’s not something other people can do to stop it, it’s up to you. “The only thing others can do is encourage and comfort you.”
Ha, Han Jaejoong sighed deeply. I would never have thought that even the oldest spirit, the Horned Man, would not know.
‘In the original work, the unicorn was a symbol of incompetence. ‘Did you expect something for nothing?’
All they say is things like ‘Go!’, ‘Help!’, And ‘It’s dangerous!’ I remember being criticized a lot for being an incompetent commander because he had a high rank and did nothing.
Actually, there will be no difference here.
“And about the second question….”
The unicorn opened her mouth again.
“That must be an artificial spirit created by Sky Polaris, right? “I’ve seen it before.”
“Hey, damn it, I believed it!!”
You are capable. Jaejoong Han cheered both externally and internally.
“But I don’t have it now.”
“What?”
“Uh, uh-huh! Disappointment is early! “Before Sky Polaris died, he asked me a favor.”
-If someday, a strange person who protects magical girls appears and asks you about the mechanical device, tell him this location. It will definitely help.
Sky Polaris left this request to the unicorn before leaving on his last mission before his death.
“I didn’t know what they were talking about at the time… But I never thought something like this would happen… I’ll live to see it for a long time. I’m sure you’re the one she was talking about. Han Jae-joong.”
The unicorn floated a map over the monitor.
“This is the location. “I’ll come visit you later.”
This is truly an unexpected harvest. I never expected to be able to get information about the belt from a unicorn.
I’m glad I asked for my money’s worth. After all, sometimes luck comes along.
‘…No, it’s not just luck.’
Sky Polaris was predicted in advance.
There is even a possibility that Han Jae-joong may break the belt, in advance.
It wasn’t unpleasant. What good is it if someone who is already dead predicts something? Does Sky Polaris play out as you think? So what should I do? You can have a little fun sometimes.
‘Originally, when people die, they leave a legacy.’
Who can say anything when Han Jae-joong, the most legitimate heir to Sky Polaris, wants to keep the legacy?
‘I will put to good use the legacy you left behind.’
Han Jaejoong smiled sinisterly. The eyes, curved like a crescent moon, reminded me of Sky Polaris’ dark smile. It was an aftereffect of seeing her face often while receiving memories from all parallel worlds.
The unicorn was startled when she saw that smile.
‘I guess I didn’t make the wrong choice.’
Somewhere in my heart, I felt anxious that he might corrupt the pure magical girls.
**
I wanted to leave there right away, but it was late at night.
Han Jaejoong thought that she was still a child who needed to eat and sleep a lot during the day, so he had no intention of keeping her up until her late hours.
So, for now, I went to sleep. Even though my body was like this, I felt tired properly, so I didn’t feel any discomfort in sleeping.
Sunlight does not reach the basement. What signaled the morning was not a faint light coming through the window or a bird chirping, but an artificial alarm sound.
Beep beep beep! The small, square clock rang loudly when the pre-set time came. Han Jaejoong opened his eyes and moved his hand to press the button to stop the alarm.
However, there was a slight delay as Haru held his body tightly.
“Ugh… Mine….”
“I am mine. “I will not be a slave…”
After repeating that, Han Jaejoong released Haru’s embrace and turned off his alarm.
It was a familiar morning sight by now. Obviously, I sleep separately, but when I come to my senses, there is always a day in my bedding.
Invading secretly at night.
If you ask why?
‘If you want to get along well, you have to put your body in contact! ‘We are both Nakayoshi (good friends)!’
Answer like this. It seems to be her own way of making friends.
Han Jaejoong pressed Haru’s cheek, who was still asleep. What a unique kid.
“Is it a lack of affection?…”
But it is not at a level that you cannot understand at all. From a long time ago, Haru had a strange obsession with words such as colleague, senior-junior relationship, friend, and brother.
‘You may unconsciously be hoping to continue a relationship with someone…’
As I was constantly lonely due to my unusual personality, that desire may become stronger.
Of course, Han Jaejoong is not her. This is just a guess.
“It’s a day. Wake up.”
“Ugh… Get out of here, Shibaal….”
“You look energetic from the morning.”
“I’m going to sleep better, don’t disturb me… Kusotarega (You damn bastard)…”
“hahahaha.”
I ended up spending over ten minutes with her and had to wake her up.
“I slept well!!! Weather!!!”
“Really, you and I should separate quickly.”
“Hey, don’t be shy, don’t say things you don’t mean!”
“I envy you for living a positive life in the world.”
I am very sincere.
When I woke up one day, the rest of the work was resolved smoothly. After quickly completing preparations, the two left the headquarters.
Getting permission to go out was simple. Although I was clearly under arrest, I was able to get a permit and go outside as quickly as the unicorn helped me.
“So where are we going today?! “A date this early in the morning!!!!!!”
“It’s not a date. It’s a walk. And 10 o’clock on a weekday morning is not early morning.”
Han Jaejoong replied and looked at the location information he received yesterday.
“As expected….”
Familiar geography.
I wondered if there was a lot of change between the past and present, but after researching, it was clear.
No matter how much I check, it is the same.
This is White Tiger.
Cafe Baekho. A small building in the alley where Jo Ayun had chosen with confidence and signed a contract. It was pointing exactly to that place.
‘Could it be that this was the reason why Ayun insisted on going to that store…?’
It wasn’t some kind of trick of fate, Han Jaejoong laughed a little.
“Aniki…?”
Haru slightly tilted his head and looked at him. He was looking at his smartphone screen when he made a face at him. In some way, he was trying to figure out if he had done something wrong.
“Oh, it’s nothing. “I just wanted to check the location.”
“Weren’t you going to White Tiger? Brother, have you recovered your memories yet? Oh, you have dementia?! That’s a big deal!!!”
“No, you bastard.”
After throwing a small blow at Haru’s head, Han Jaejoong took his steps.
“Let’s go.”
“Why are you hitting me on the head?”
“You can’t kill a thrush.”
There were no handcuffs on their wrists.
They are already famous people, so they are walking around hiding their identities with masks or hats. How can they wear handcuffs or something like that?
You can’t walk outside wearing something that stands out like that.
So what connected them was not handcuffs but each other’s hands.
They walked together, holding each other’s hands tightly to avoid falling.
“Take your time, Haru.”
“You have poor physical strength!”
One day, I ran forward as if leading Han Jaejoong. Han Jaejoong wanted to go slowly, but she ran so he had no choice but to run with her.
‘It’s not like a real dog walk.’
One day, after running for a long time, he stopped in front of the crosswalk and smiled while waving her tightly held hand.
“When I go to Baekho, please give me an orange smoothie!”
“Okay, please ask Ayun….”
“Brother, please make it!!!!”
“Okay….”
“hehehehe, it’s been a while since I can drink what Aniki gave me.”
He really looks like a dog (in the purest sense).
Han Jaejoong turned on his smartphone again and sent a text message to Jo Ayun.
-I’m on my way now.
Originally, Jo Ayun and Nabi were planning to move him to Baekho immediately, but since he would make a fuss at night if he didn’t exercise his stamina by taking a walk all day like this, we had no choice but decided to join him in Baekho later.
It will be okay since Yun Seol-hwa is also there.
“Shall we go see Jiknyeo later?”
Haru asked. He is asking if he will come and visit Baek A-hee, who was seriously injured in the fight with Libra.
“Okay, I’ll bring some coffee later… No, do you think cocoa would be better for Ahi?”
I asked that question, but there was no answer.
My hands were empty.
“Huh? “Is it a day?”
Han Jaejoong felt uncomfortable and looked to the side. I couldn’t see a day.
“It’s going to turn.”
Han Jaejoong immediately realized what was happening. The day didn’t disappear somewhere. Besides her, everyone on the roadside has disappeared.
It’s not that Haru disappeared, it’s that Han Jaejoong has moved somewhere.
An uninhabited city with no one around. A world that is similar to reality but far away, like a gap. Han Jaejoong knew of a monster who crossed these worlds.
-“The lion is very angry because you kicked him out of here! “I will soon wake up and move to kill you!”
Crrr. The roar of a wild beast shook his ears. Jaejoong Han turned his stiff head and looked next to him. The air is hot even in summer, and the heat stings his face. Sweat pours down like rain and breathing becomes rough.
A beast of overwhelming heat.
A lion was walking between the buildings.
At that time, someone grabbed the arm of Jaejoong Han, who was momentarily dazed, and started running like crazy. The wind blowing through the air pleasantly blew away the sweat generated by the heat.
“Contradiction?”
The one who ran holding his arm was a familiar monster.
“It’s been a while! “It’s really nice to meet you, but I don’t think I have time to leisurely greet you…”
The contradiction in her tattered appearance lowered her head as she looked at Han Jaejoong.
“Let’s run away first.”
Kaaa!! The lion roared and flames surged like a tidal wave. To prevent the flames from reaching his back, Contradiction increased his running speed.
