SOFTIE 16

If it weren’t for his symbolism as an S-rank Esper and his immense strength, Yeonwoo would have been dealt with long ago. Because of Yeonwoo’s existence, the country receives a large budget, and his public perception is favorable.

Furthermore, every time Yeonwoo cleared a high-level Gate, he received many privileges, and it was convenient to use him for negotiations with other countries.

It would be a shame to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs with one’s own hands.

Though he was a bomb that could go off at any moment, they postponed “disposal,” telling themselves it was still fine for now, and continued to use him.

However, they must have been anxious even while holding him in their hands, reluctant to discard a time bomb that could explode at any second. And when they thought the end was near and there was no turning back, they pushed Yeonwoo even harder. Amidst that, they likely rejoiced at the fact that an S-rank Gate appeared and he carved a new mark in history.

It was said that the byproducts from an S-rank Gate could feed a country for five years. These were people who had had a small taste of it three years ago. Unlike then, they had resolved it solely through their own nation’s power without help from other countries, so there was no need to share with anyone.

Since the one who made the greatest contribution was presumed dead, there could have been even more scraps left over for them.

“Is there anyone here who does not know that Korea was safe because of Yeonwoo’s existence?”

“That is…”

It was obvious whose reaction they were gauging. Ma Seongtae’s gaze also shifted toward Shin Witaek.

It was a dirty political game. Ma Seongtae hoped Yeonwoo wouldn’t know about this situation, but he likely did. If not, there is no way Yeonwoo would have placed him in the position of Association President.

‘Mister, do you want to hold power too? Want to give it a try?’

The words the still-youthful Yeonwoo had said to him were still vivid. To be honest, why it was me remains a mystery.

“President Ma Seongtae. Have you seen the Guide that is supposedly a magic beast?”

“Yes. I have seen it. The magic beast is a slime species, not the kind of dangerous beast expected to emerge from an S-rank Gate.”

“Can it cause harm to the citizens?”

Shin Witaek asked Ma Seongtae sternly. A magic beast, by nature, harms humans. No matter what kind of beast it is.

“…It is undoubtedly a weak magic beast, but it could be threatening to civilians.”

“As I thought, it cannot be accepted.”

“The Minister is right. We, who must protect the safety of the citizens, cannot recognize a magic beast as a Guide!”

“The fact that it Guided Esper Seo Yeonwoo means it could be a high-rank Guide. By missing such a Guide, we lose the chance for Esper Seo Yeonwoo to clear Gates in his optimal state. Are you not looking forward to what he will show us in the future?”

Bite it, anyone.

There wouldn’t only be people who wanted Yeonwoo dead. Just then, one executive opened his mouth.

“It is certainly a Guide capable of Guiding Esper Seo Yeonwoo. Wouldn’t it be a waste to kill it?”

“The safety of the citizens is important, but there is also the Guide Protection Act.”

“That does not apply to magic beasts!”

“Even so, if that magic beast is a Guide, we have an obligation to protect it under the Guide Protection Act.”

Ma Seongtae let out a sigh of relief inwardly. It was a relief that not everyone in the Department of Supernatural Abilities was on the same side.

Just as there are fractures between Espers and Guides, the same was true for the Department. There were always sides being taken everywhere.

‘Is that the Guide department’s side? I suppose they’d want to get their hands on something that could become Yeonwoo’s leash.’

That was why Yeonwoo had requested the Guide examination and matching rate test so quickly. Either way, whoever holds the leash in Yeonwoo’s hand will hold the power. Just as Shin Witaek does.

The only thing Ma Seongtae was curious about was whether Yeonwoo would just take it while knowing exactly what was happening. And whether Shin Witaek still intended to kill Yeonwoo.

The relationship between Yeonwoo and Shin Witaek could not be called good. Having reached his limit, Yeonwoo had stayed at the Association to find a Guide, but when no Guide appeared, he let go of what he was holding.

He must have been exhausted and weary. But Shin Witaek wanted him to prove the maximum value he could squeeze out until the very, very end.

That was why they clashed several times, and Shin Witaek felt threatened. When the hunting dog that was supposed to be obedient showed its teeth, he probably wished it were dead instead.

But he wouldn’t be able to make a decision to kill him easily right now. No, would he even be able to kill him? Yeonwoo knows his own value better than anyone. He knows there will be more opinions in favor of keeping him alive.

“Enough!”

Shin Witaek raised his hand to cool the heated atmosphere.

“First, let us verify if it is indeed a Guide. And if it is determined to be a Guide, it will be necessary to monitor a magic beast Guide, so the Esper Association shall manage it.”

“As expected, the Minister is wise. It is only right for the Esper Association, which can suppress a magic beast at any time, to manage it.”

“I object! The slime is a weak magic beast; we are worried an Esper might kill a precious Guide, so our side will manage it! In the first place, a Guide needs education!”

“Ha, what nonsense. It’s because it could perform Guiding that he came back alive!”

Now they were fighting over the residence of the magic beast identified as a Guide. There was no telling when this debate would end.

He stood up from his seat, suggesting they go see the magic beast called a Guide first to end the endless bickering.

˖°𓇼🌊⋆🐚🫧

“Softy, is it delicious?”

“Kkyuit!”

“I’m glad it suits your taste.”

Watching Softy devour the food deliciously, Yeonwoo smiled proudly. Then he saw the cookies lying to the side.

Softy ate everything else without picking, but only the cookies were set aside. It was the very first thing he had pointed to with his finger-like tentacle. Does he have the type of taste where he saves the best for last? But just then, Softy held out a cookie to Yeonwoo.

“…For me to eat?”

“Kkyu!”

Softy continued to stare only at Yeonwoo with shining eyes. He didn’t particularly like sweets. Yeonwoo didn’t really feel like eating it, but he couldn’t ignore that sparkling gaze.

The moment he took a small bite, Softy hopped up and down as if delighted. What made him so happy? It was hard to tell.

“Here, you eat too.”

While Softy was munching on the cookie, the sound of a knock on the door was heard. Yeonwoo’s brow furrowed. It was because he heard a voice he didn’t want to hear.

He wasn’t there earlier when I went to get the food, so why did he show up again? Then, hearing what the Association staff member next to him said, he clicked his tongue.

When he opened the door, he saw Lee Taeho laughing triumphantly.

“Hehe, I used my head a bit! Oh! This fellow… urk!”

Yeonwoo kicked Lee Taeho as he rushed toward Softy. The staff member beside them asked while gauging the atmosphere.

“Um, will you be going for the examination?”

“If you want to know the matching rate, follow me obediently! You can leave it all to me!”

Lee Taeho, who stood up proudly after being knocked down, shouted confidently. He didn’t feel at all safe leaving things to that guy, but the test was necessary. And noona would probably block him on her own, right?

“Softy, you haven’t forgotten, right? You have to be careful of that guy.”

Softy gave a loud cry as if telling him not to worry, but Yeonwoo was still concerned. Let’s just go. Yeonwoo looked at the Association staff and told them to lead the way. Heading to the examination room, Kim Yoojung greeted him, saying he’d arrived.

“I’m sorry. I tried to stop him, but he found out from somewhere and went there.”

“It’s okay. Is everything ready?”

“Of course. Ah, Yeonwoo-ya, can you step out for a moment?”

Yeonwoo instinctively hugged Softy tight. At that, she showed him her palms.

“I’m not trying to harm it. You know your wavelength is strong. Being in the same space together can influence the results. I want to examine it after thoroughly excluding other external factors. It’s better for you to have accurate results too, right?”

“I’ll trust you.”

“Right, just trust me. It’s a simple check-up. We’ll verify if it’s a Guide and what kind of slime this child is. For now… since it’s a magic beast, we also need to check if it’s harmful to humans.”

“Alright. That’s all fine, but kick that guy out.”

When he turned his gaze to where Yeonwoo was pointing, Lee Taeho was already visible, excited and holding a syringe. Kim Yoojung put a hand to her forehead and gestured to her subordinates. His extraordinary experimental spirit was famous. The research staff began to push him away by his back.

“Hey, how can you guys betray me! I’m going to research too!”