I Became the Academy’s Kibitz Villain

Chapter 296: Enlightenment From Patriotism (4)

We were in Shinuiju, more precisely, we had arrived at our destination.

The ones who got off the special room were only around ten people, including myself, Yumir, and Taejo.

They were all staff members who came along for the idol group’s unique performance, and of course, they were all ‘ability users’.

[Yumir. This way.]

I used a telepathy-like ability to convey my intentions to Yumir through mana.

[Are all these people Black Agents?]

[Yes. Their ability levels vary widely… but in reality, there are only two A-rank fighters and one S-rank fighter.]

Excluding the two of us, this described the remaining eight.

Except for Taejo, who was S-rank, the only fighters among the rest were just two A-rank individuals.

[The E-rank and D-rank ones are probably all operators or support agents. If they go into combat, they’ll likely use the weapons inside that container.]

One by one, without drawing suspicion, they moved towards the container.

All of them, like seasoned agents, began to gather at the container in positions where they wouldn’t be caught on satellite or CCTV.

[Let’s follow them.]

Yumir and I also moved to the container.

“Um?”

“Those two…?”

As soon as we entered, the others tilted their heads in confusion, and soon their eyes turned to the person responsible for resolving this situation.

“They are special guests I invited.”

Even with Taejo’s words, the others did not hide their suspicious looks.

Since we still appeared as Hyeon Cheolsu and Jeon Yeonghui, they would see us as D-rank and E-rank, not S-rank and EX-rank.

“Chief. Even so, bringing bodyguards….”

“They are not the real ones. They came to replace the real ones. They were personally sent by Gwang Ik Gong.”

“Ah…!”

In an instant, everyone’s gaze changed.

As soon as the name Gwang Ik Gong was mentioned, the suspicious looks disappeared, and they began to look at us with a mix of admiration, trust, and a bit of envy.

[Their expressions changed as soon as Gwang Ik Gong was mentioned. But why are they jealous of us? Because we’re a couple?]

[Because Gwang Ik Gong sent us. Gwang Ik Gong trusted us for this mission.]

[That’s really impressive. The influence of Gwang Ik Gong.]

Even unidentified people could be trusted just with a bit of endorsement from Gwang Ik Gong.

Since it was Black Taejo who said it, these agents had no choice but to trust us immediately.

[But is it okay to reveal that we’re not really Hyeon Cheolsu and Jeon Yeonghui?]

[It’s fine. As long as they don’t find out we’re members of the Secret Society. And in the worst case, even if they find out we’re Goblin and Golden Priestess, it doesn’t matter.]

[Because Gwang Ik Gong sent us? To borrow even a cat’s paw? Shifting the blame to Gwang Ik Gong?]

[Yes.]

I didn’t feel guilty about it.

He told me to use his name if necessary, and the reason I participated in this operation was, of course, because of his request.

[Later, people will accuse us. Especially from China and Russia.]

[How could they ask Goblin for support, leaving aside the Golden Priestess?]

[Yes. But if Gwang Ik Gong is involved, the story changes.]

[Ah. If Gwang Ik Gong requested help from Goblin, then the world will condemn China and Russia, right?]

[Smart.]

How could they ask Goblin for help?

Once the requester became Gwang Ik Gong, the sentence transformed into: How could they mobilize such vicious scum to do evil things that necessitated requesting the Goblin’s help?

The benevolent influence of Gwang Ik Gong was absolute.

“Hmm. Everyone is gathered.”

When all ten people had gathered inside the giant container box set up near Shinuiju Station, Taejo placed his hand on the command table inside the container, which was set up like a situation room, and put on a headset with a microphone.

“Ah. I have control. From now on, I, Armored Taejo, will command the Gold Mine Defense Operation.”

Kim Tae-sik revealed his true identity.

The other ability users were not particularly surprised.

They probably already knew.

Unlike what we learned through intelligence, the seven agents who came here with Taejo were likely all Black Agents like him.

“Before the operation, salute the flag.”

The Taegeukgi fluttered on the monitor.

Everyone placed their hands over their hearts, and no music played.

“For the endless development and glory of the nation and people.”

Instead, Black Taejo solemnly recited a prayer-like statement towards the flag.

“We are the hidden guardians who protect the nation and people. We dedicate our bodies to ensure those living in the light cannot see the darkness in the deep shadows. For the future people of Korea who will live on this land.”

“Honor.”

Black.

They were the ones who did the dirty work of the nation, the work the nation could not do ‘openly’.

Of course, there were two kinds of Black.

One was pure Black, with no impurities.

And the other was the filthy Black, mixed with all sorts of things.

If asked which side Taejo belonged to, he was closer to the pure Black.

If it were the filthy Black, I wouldn’t have brought Yumir along.

When dealing with them, there would be blood and gore everywhere.

“…Then, to your positions. Ah, what will the code names for you two be…?”

“Code names, huh. Hmm.”

I thought for a moment.

Looking over everyone here, there wasn’t anyone particularly suspicious.

The two unidentified A-ranks and the agents were all loyal to the nation.

And sometimes, for the sake of the nation, those who did not hesitate to aim their guns at the nation’s enemies.

In that case, it might be good to throw out some ‘bait’.

“Since I can’t give you specifics, let’s call her ‘Gold’ and me ‘Gray’.”

Yumir gave me a look that said, “Why am I Gold?”

“…Why gold and gray, specifically?”

Taejo also seemed curious.

Unlike Yumir, who innocently seemed to be saying, “I’m platinum,” Taejo and the others appeared to be imagining all sorts of things based on Gold and Gray.

That was likely why they asked.

“You’ll understand why later. When it’s our turn to step in.”

They would eventually see why Yumir was Gold and why I called myself Gray.

It’s not because I stood on the boundary between black and white, but simply because my name was Gray.

“Rest assured. As long as we’re here, no one will die.”

“…I hope it doesn’t come to that. Then, let’s start the operation.”

Taejo grabbed the microphone and pointed at the map.

“We’ll confront the enemy at the gold mine here. The enemy won’t come to the surface.”

Red dots were pointing towards Shinuiju from across the Yalu River.

The arrows crossed the border and penetrated deep into Shinuiju, but the northern part of Shinuiju, visible in the satellite image, was as peaceful as could be.

“Right now, they’re thinking of digging tunnels to get here.”

The distance from the enemy’s presumed base beyond the Yalu River to the target was only 40km.

Someone might say, how could they dig a tunnel for 40km, but with ability users, nothing was impossible.

“We’ll intercept them at the entrance of the gold mine, underground.”

“Are we not intercepting them directly?”

“There aren’t just one or two tunnels.”

When Taejo snapped his fingers, the red arrows instantly multiplied.

“We’ll defend directly from the gold mine, using it as a base. Once we defeat the two traitorous beauties from China and Russia, the rest will flee on their own. Now, let’s begin ‘No Touch Operation’.”

No Touch.

Like how you shouldn’t touch someone else’s woman.

You shouldn’t mess with another country’s resources.

---

At that moment.

Gu-gu-gu.

The sound of a drill echoed continuously.

Dust swirled, but the ability users quickly dispersed it with a wave of their fans.

“Hey, can’t you dig any faster?”

“This is already a pretty fast pace.”

“Hah.”

Cheonma, who had directed a sharp voice at Rasputin, rolled up her sleeves.

“Shovel.”

“Ah, yes!”

The man in a suit next to her handed over a shovel, and Cheonma approached the machine digging ahead with the shovel in hand.

“Hup!”

As soon as mana enveloped the shovel, Cheonma began digging out the dirt by swinging the shovel left and right.

Faster than the excavator, a tunnel wide enough for ten people to easily pass through began to form at a pace that seemed like a blur.

“Wow, impressive. Showing off your mana? You could just leisurely leave it to the machine.”

“No time. Let’s hurry.”

“Still got that Korean rush, huh? Why are you in such a hurry?”

Rasputin climbed onto the excavator.

“Take it easy. Take it easy. We won’t be late if we go once the machine’s done. Got a date in Beijing or something?”

“Need to finish quickly and get to training. Unlike you, I have to win in the national competition.”

“Oh my, win?”

“Unlike you, I only need to beat two people.”

“Those two being Snow White and Gwang Ik Gong?”

“Hmph. I’ll win.”

Cheonma continued to shovel out the dirt.

“Definitely.”

“Huh. So, you’re saying you can beat all the other S-ranks? What if someone like Tosin shows up?”

“If she shows up, she shows up. Do you think those under Tosin can beat me?”

“That’s a few years old story.”

“Hmph. I don’t care what S-rank shows up. I’ll win. I’m Cheonma.”

“Yes, yes. Well, hope they’re men.”

Rasputin, legs spread wide, caressed the large, thick drill of the excavator.

“Ye-rin. If it’s a woman, she’s yours. If it’s a man… I’ll take him?”

“You crazy villain. You’ll get your head smashed by the Goblin.”

“Looking forward to it.”

She smirked.

“If I become the first ability user to seek Goblin’s favor.”