Ep102. Meetings

Gruhhh! Im Reptilian! Stardus, youre nothing to me, grahhhhhhh!

Youre so talkative.

Today, Shin Haru returned home after lightly defeating a villain who was making a fuss in downtown Seoul with her fist.

She decided to meet her friend Lee Seola today, after a long time.

Even though theyre the same age, Seola was usually busy, as she runs the company as a president and stays active as a hero with the name Icicle at the same time.

Therefore, its very rare for her to come to Seoul like today, so shes going to meet her after a long time.

It was a little uncomfortable because of what happened in Busan last time.

Phew

Well. But its my fault after all.

She seemed to misunderstand and intimidate Seola, who was just working hard as a hero.

Of course, that reason is still not enough to make the villain smile Shes not sure if its possible.

If they meet today, she should talk more about Egostic.

And she should apologize first. She hasnt been able to meet the girl since that day, so she hasnt been saying anything.

With that in mind, Shin Haru headed to their meeting location.

With a little awkwardness

***

Oh, Haru! Welcome, its really been a long time!

And unlike her worries, Seola welcomed her with a bright smile that was no different from before.

She was rather guilty of her attitude, and although it was Haru that wanted to say sorry again about what happened in Busan last time.

Huh? Why do you still mind that? Things can happen. Id do the same.

Seola laughed as if she didnt even care in the first place.

She was a little relieved that they solved what happened last time.

She had a conversation with Seola while eating shaved ice comfortably for the first time in a long time.

And the two talked about various topics.

Finally, there was a buzz that led to the subject.

Oh, and about Egoistic.

When the name came out of Seolas lips, Haru was unknowingly nervous.

Regardless of whether she said it or not, Seola continued the topic.

Last time, for the first time, he came down to Busan and fought with me.

Yeah

She thought of Egostic, who directly came down to Busan with a minion from Seoul and seized her cup of tea as she was holding it without realizing it.

Seola continued to open her mouth as if she hadnt noticed anything.

At the time, that thing. I talked to him a few times. At that time, he said that the reason why he invaded Busan was because the airship was already on the Busan side, so he came just to kill time. Isnt that ridiculous? That villain, he must think terrorism is a joke.

Haha Really?

Haru listened to her, she focused on every word Seola said.

So, the attack in Busan was spontaneous just for him to kill time? He didnt plan anything like how he did in Seoul?

When she loosened her grip on the teacup as she thought.

Seola added a word there.

And Haru. Since I already met him, I dont think that we need to worry too much about Egostic, though?

What?

Haru tilted her head at her sudden remark.

What do you mean by Dont worry? Of all the villains who are active in Korea, Egostic is the most influential.

As she looked at Seola with such doubts, the girl answered as if there was a reason.

I mean. When the attack happened in Busan last time, there wasnt much damage to civilians. So why bother with him so much?

But hes a terrorist.

Of course, but we are heroes. What is our reason to be heroes? Isnt it to save people? So I think its better to focus on other villains rather than focusing on Egostic since no one gets hurt in his case.

..

It doesnt seem so though

When Shin Haru was eagerly recalling the rebuttal in her head, Seola scolded her.

I think youre too concerned about Egostic these days. Last time, also. To be honest, Egostic and you are enemies? Or something similar to that kind of relationship, but I dont think itd be good if you care too much.

As Haru felt slightly stabbed by Seolas words, she quietly ate another bite of shaved ice without arguing. Its true that he went all the way down to Busan, so its hard to refute.

And Seola continued to talk, perhaps reading her signs.

Egostic sometimes terrorizes anyway, so maybe she should just care when he does, and not too wary when he doesnt?

Its a waste to put all her energy into catching a villain who makes no civilian casualties.

Her long-spoken conclusion was, Dont focus too much on Egostic. A terrorist cycle is long and theres no civilian casualties.

..

After hearing Seolas words, honestly, Haru couldnt relate. Looking at Egostics actions from the beginning, does it make sense to not care about him?

But apart from that, Haru herself was too deeply worried about Egostic. Although its not like Seola talked her out because she knew that much.

Is it Egostic when theres a breaking news about terrorist attack these days? would be the first thing that comes to her mind.

Yeah. Maybe. Like Seola said, it may be right to care a little less about Egostic than she does now. Honestly, these days, if its about villains, she can only think about Egostic. But there are a lot of other villains.

So Haru replied, Okay.

Yeah, well thought out. You get stressed out if you just cling to one person.

Lee Seola smiled happily while saying that.

And looking at her like that, Haru

She somehow feels uncomfortable.

Yeah

She has felt a gut feeling since she saw Lee Seola laughing and talking with Egostic last time.

And actually. The suspicion got bigger after they met today.

The suspicion that Seola is hiding something from her, and her intuition said that there must be another reason for her to say that.

But Haru denied her speculation, because she just jumped into conclusion without any clue.

Yeah, she just gave some advice as a friend. It doesnt look good on her if she clings onto Egostic too much. And whats in for Seola to separate her and Egostic?

Seola is her friend, so she just gave her some advice. There cannot be any other reason.

Once tentatively concluded like that, Haru then buried her anxiety and doubts in her heart and decided to do what Seola said. Yeah, lets stop overthinking about Egostic.

Looking at Seola, who was still smiling in front of her, Haru just also smiled back.

Still, she is somewhat uncomfortable inside.

***

After Haru left.

Lee Seola was left alone, leaning on a chair and handling Egostic a small apple inside.

Im sorry, Da-in. You only told me to get closer with Stardus, but you didnt tell me how?

She smirked as she tilted the remaining teacup.

To be honest, shes already aware of it. That Egostic cares too much about Stardus. And Shin Haru also, recently, shes starting to care more and more about Egostic.

And then, what if those two become closer? What if Haru learns about Egostics secret and goes beyond the antagonism between Hero and Villain, and becomes like her relationship with him?

That doesnt seem good. Those two better stay on their own.

Lee Seola, she was the kind of person who would never let anyone take away what she had noticed.

Thats why. She repeatedly pointed out that Haru cared too much about Egostic and told her to get rid of her doubts and obsession with Egostic, almost like brainwashing. Haru has always been listening to Seolas words.

Seola was relieved because it somehow seemed to have worked eventually.

It would be bad for Haru to keep waiting for him, as Da-in said he wouldnt be terrorizing this year anyway.

She should remind Haru to stop thinking about Egostic every time she meets her. Its all for Haru.

Having that in mind, Seola recalled that Da-in said he would no longer commit terrorism this year.

Back then, his expression clearly said that he was preparing for something rather than resting until then.

His slightly stiffened face and voice lowering down a tone.

Seola, who grasped his attitude with the eyes of a businesswoman, only guessed.

His face got a little stiffened at the moment he said it. What the hell is he going to do next year?

***

Dear believers, the elders have let out a shrill cry.

In a dark place.

In that place, an old mans voice rang through the auditorium.

Yes Our proud people of Wolgwanggyo. Were still waiting for the eternal moon to come down today.

The day when we finally show the world our shining moon is coming.

The day to purify this world, which is dominated by other angels and little devils, with our moonlight! The day we show our faith! We finally have it, my dears!

Next year, the day when the moon god comes to fill the night sky with a big moon, the day when the yin energy gets to its strongest! The Moon Witch herself punishes those foolish apostates! They will go down!

Moonlight, forever!

Moonlight! Moonlight! Moonlight! Moonlight! Moonlight!

At the end of the old mans words, thousands of shouts filled the space.

Only the purple fire from the candles on the wall fluttered by the wind.

Somewhere in Seoul, somewhere no one knows.

The energy of destruction was approaching by the minute.

***

Theyre starting to bullshit again.

[Hey, Da-in. What are you talking about?]

Well, theres something.

The pseudo-religious guys who want to go beyond Korea and destroy the whole world.

I guess theyre getting ready to come out.

Ha This world is full of exhaustion triggers. Ill have to hurry and clean it up, then retire.

What kind of troop are they? These bastards, who want to destroy the world, keep coming out like seaweeds no matter how hard you try to get rid of them.

This is so exhausting.

In that sense, I went into Stardus fan cafe.

My way of healing This is the only one!!

[Da-in. Why are you always searching about that woman?]

I just silently ignored Desiks words.

I dont want him to tackle my only hobby.