A large shopping mall connected to Yongsan Station. This place, bustling with people who have come to shop or watch movies, is lively and bustling.
What is a shop like that doing here...?
Despite the overall dimness, the intense image on the T-shirt catches the eye. It looks like something that could summon something.
If it were just that, I would have thought it was a store that deals in unique fashion. But when I saw the large promotional banner hanging, I hesitated.
"Official Sponsor of the Demon King Worship Cult Twilight"
"The best fashion for your proselytizing"
"We also love the Black Dragon on your left arm."
Wait, I feel some strange energy coming from those clothes...
No, I can't. Everything about that clothing store has captivated the heart of a middle school boy. I grabbed Asu, who was approaching as if enchanted, and led him to a casual children's clothing store on the opposite side.
"Asu, if you try these on, I'll make coffee when we get back."
"Really? I've already had my two cups for today, though."
Since Asu is young, I decided to limit his caffeine intake to two cups a day, as too much isn't good for him.
But sometimes, one more cup should be okay. I'm glad I saved the milk for Asu.
"Sure. Try them on quickly."
This is how I managed to get Asu to try on new clothes.
"Customer, they suit you so well!"
The clerk kept bringing new items, recommending them as the latest arrivals. Shirts, cardigans, coats, and more. I tried each item on Asu and paid for them all.
Because they were all so cute.
Asu, wearing clothes that fit him well, looked different from the start.
'This is the taste of spending money...!'
"These clothes fit you well. You look like a children's clothing model!"
Asu was startled by the clerk's exaggerated praise.
"Children's clothing?"
Oops, I almost revealed that this is a children's clothing store.
I quickly finished the payment and left.
I had finished my urgent business. But instead of heading for the subway station, I took the escalator to the upper floor.
"Where are we going?"
"Since we're here, let's watch a movie together."
"Sure, whatever."
I knew he would say that, so I came prepared.
"I have a two-person popcorn coupon. I can't eat two popcorns by myself, so it would be great if Asu could be with me."
"Well, I guess I have no choice."
Really, he's such a cute and aloof kid.
"What movie is it?"
"Ah, it's an occult fantasy movie. The protagonist investigates events around him and discovers they are the work of a demon. It's a bit scary, but the protagonist defeats the demon in the end."
"..."
"Asu? What's wrong?"
"Such a sad story..."
I don't know where the sad part is in what I just said, but his eyes, filled with a hint of tears, are brimming with sorrow.
But he didn't say he wouldn't watch it, so we headed to the cinema on the upper floor.
First, we need to buy popcorn. Where was the snack stand again...
Bang!
"Huh?"
Suddenly, a loud noise came from the lower floor we had just passed.
Followed by screams. People are shouting and running somewhere.
What was that noise? Could it be... a rift?
No, in my previous life, there was no record of a rift occurring in Yongsan.
"Asu, I'll go check what's happening. Wait here."
"Wait! Hold on!"
Asu, startled, tried to grab me. I reassured him and handed over the large shopping bags before heading in the direction of the noise.
Fortunately, the noise wasn't a rift.
But what is that?
A shadow was pushing through the crowd of people screaming and scattering, approaching us.
Human? No, a monster?
What... is that?
* * *
At first, Isaein had no intention of following Secretary Ion's suggestion.
To cause a rift to kill the escaped avatar?
The risk is too high. If it were discovered that she was responsible, she couldn't avoid punishment.
Most importantly, her conscience held her back.
She had committed a few illegal acts to develop <C&L Corporation> and ruthlessly dealt with competitors. However, when it came to civilians, Isaein had an average sense of morality.
If a rift were to open in the city, innocent people would inevitably be caught up in it. She didn't want to go that far.
There's still time. How far could the avatar have run after just breaking free from its seal? She could call in hunters from her subordinate organizations to search thoroughly and find it.
Yes, that's what she would do.
With her mind made up, Isaein buried the golden box deep in her drawer.
From that day on, she suffered from severe nightmares. The nightmares were not only about her past, which she had long tried to forget, but also about mysterious monsters appearing.
When she was alone, an unfamiliar voice would invade her mind.
"Open the box."
"Ah, aah!"
"President? Is something wrong?"
"No, no... nothing."
"Open the box."
Unable to bear the endless voice in her head, Isaein tried to return the golden box to Ion.
"President, you called? You don't look well."
But this time, a strong sense of fear and rejection overwhelmed her.
A premonition that something even more terrifying would happen if she let go of the box, the fear that stemmed from it, and... the desire to gain power!
Yes, power!
Hadn't she always wanted power?
Isaein wasn't particularly skilled as a hunter. Her C-rank was achieved with the help of various items. So she grew the guild by recruiting excellent hunters rather than acting directly.
But with the avatar's magic power, I could...
"!"
Isaein suddenly came to her senses. What was she about to do? It's absurd. But despite the absurdity...
She couldn't bring herself to throw away the box.
And today, a guild leader meeting attended by the leaders of various guilds in Seoul.
The moment Isaein, who arrived a bit early, entered the meeting room, the conversation abruptly stopped. People who had been chatting awkwardly smiled and averted their eyes.
"What was the interesting story? I'm curious."
"Ha ha, a rare item came into our guild. I was about to show it to everyone."
A gauntlet was placed on the table. It did seem to be a rare item, as it was noticeable at first glance.
"Is this it?"
As she reached for the gauntlet, the man opposite her stopped her.
"..."
"Ahem! I'm sorry, but this item is only applicable to B-rank and above, so it might be a bit..."
Silence. Then a faint laugh spread.
Superior gazes crossed in the air.
No one in the room had a higher position than Isaein. Even the man who had been acting superior had once asked Isaein to help him get a foothold in politics. Yet, he felt superior because of this item.
Isaein withdrew her hand and smiled.
"It suits you well. It would be good if you continue to field it."
"Ah, well, President..."
The man's face turned pale as he understood what Isaein meant.
"Wouldn't Korea be safer if someone capable of handling such a rare item is on the field?"
She left the meeting room and was on her way back.
Dizziness from lack of sleep made her body wobble. A person walking from the opposite direction rushed over to support her.
"Are you okay?"
The silver hair that slipped down was familiar.
Kwon Jiwoon.
Unlike her, he had a clear talent.
From the moment he awakened, he drew attention as the first A-rank healer. She remembers the silver-haired boy calmly answering interview questions.
...She had awakened on the same day, but her situation was vastly different.
And now.
Even as <C&L> pressured Kwon Jiwoon's guild, he still had that indifferent face. He was probably mocking her inside, just like those people earlier.
That's why Isaein disliked Kwon Jiwoon. She wanted to get rid of hunters who relied solely on their talent.
Thud!
Isaein pushed away the supporting hand and stood up.
"I'm fine."
After that, she doesn't remember how she got back to her room. She heard the voice again and seems to have lost her mind.
Is this enough?
No matter how high you climb, the inferiority complex won't go away.
You know it. The only way to fundamentally eliminate the annoying inferiority complex is to gain power yourself.
"Open the box."
"!"
Suddenly, she came to her senses, but it was already too late.
With trembling hands, Isaein picked up the golden box that had fallen to the floor.
"No... no..."
It was too late.
The strange, horned model inside was already broken.
'Calm down. It's an item that causes a rift. If it's a rift... I can handle it.'
She is the leader of the largest guild in Korea. She can reduce the damage by mobilizing her hunters.
But what came out of the box was not a rift.
Isaein rushed to the window.
Is that... a door?
A large hole appeared in the sky. From the hole, enveloped in dark fog, irregular black monsters poured out.
A foul smell filled the air, and a notification window appeared.
[Congratulations!
The power of the Faceless □□□□□ has been activated.
It will remain active until the target: Avatar Asmodeus is destroyed.