SOFTIE 46

Han Sunghoon, who had meticulously organized all the data, handed over the documents and asked for Shin Witaek’s opinion. Shin Witaek looked over the materials in silence.

“It is simply that the public learned the true nature of that magic beast a bit sooner than expected.”

“But Seo Yeonwoo took the lead himself to reveal the magic beast’s existence. As for what he might be thinking…”

“What else would he be thinking? He likely wanted to announce to the citizens that the magic beast is his Pair Guide. He even submitted the Pair Guide application.”

In the first place, he was the one who had pulled the strings to let word of Softy’s existence leak out little by little. To reveal a shocking truth, a fitting stage was required.

However, Shin Witaek was also questioning things, just as Han Sunghoon said. He hadn’t expected Yeonwoo to step forward personally. Did it mean he was fine with it being known? It was obvious that it would be disadvantageous to him. He couldn’t understand Yeonwoo’s hidden intention.

Actually, this was better. Once the controversy intensified, he could simply pour oil on the fire.

“Let them talk as much as they want.”

“The favorable responses are more numerous.”

Shin Witaek fell silent. Even if a magic beast became a Guide, a magic beast was still a magic beast. He naturally expected many people to criticize, but for those who had experienced the anxiety of potentially losing Seo Yeonwoo to a rampage, the voices defending him were louder.

“Of course, there are those saying the magic beast must be killed, but the photos that spread are…”

It was a photo of him with his cheeks puffed out, munching on cake. If anything, it looked cute; it wasn’t threatening at all.

“I told you it’s fine. When people are betrayed by something they believed in, the aftermath is bound to be massive.”

The reason there were more favorable reactions was based on the premise that the magic beast was not threatening. And the reason they defended the magic beast was because of the existence named Seo Yeonwoo.

However, things will change once they realize the magic beast is dangerous and that a substitute can be created.

Shin Witaek laughed sinisterly. It only takes a moment for the public to turn.

“What about the request for cooperation from the department? Did you tell them that the success of my research is right before our eyes?”

“I have contacted the Guide department. It varies by individual, but I have succeeded in persuading half of them. They would also like it if the number of Guides increased.”

If the numbers increase, the subsidies from the state for management purposes also increase, and if they lend them out to overseas countries lacking Guides or Espers, they can get their hands on even bigger money; in short, they would gain a profit.

“The decisive factor is likely that the magic beast has been uncooperative. They said there were many cases where it ignored them even when they spoke to it.”

“Those fellows trying to have a conversation with a magic beast are the idiots.”

Tsk, tsk. He clicked his tongue but wore a satisfied expression. Because the stupid magic beast rejected everyone who approached, the Guide department also turned their backs on Seo Yeonwoo. They won’t shout that the magic beast must be saved like they did last time. The advantage in the public opinion war had grown significantly.

Even if the Seoul Association takes Yeonwoo’s side, the other regional associations are different. And he had already made his move.

“However, word of the matching rate has leaked out. It is likely Ma Seongtae’s doing. Some are already publishing articles calling it a ‘fated encounter.’ A few people in the Guide department are starting to feel regretful. If it’s S-rank and the matching rate with Seo Yeonwoo is as high as 93%, its matching rate with other Espers will likely be high as well. After all, it even perfectly Guided that Seo Yeonwoo.”

Han Sunghoon bowed his head toward Shin Witaek, saying it was his fault for not catching it in advance. He had assigned an excessive workload to ensure Yeonwoo had no time to pay attention, yet unlike before, Yeonwoo was handling the schedule with ease.

“It’s not like the matching rate would suddenly jump. Seo Yeonwoo’s pollution level should have remained high all this time, so why did it suddenly enter the stable zone?”

Seo Yeonwoo’s pollution level hadn’t shown much change even after getting a Guide. It dropped to near the normal range, but it wasn’t in the safe zone.

“My apologies. I do not know the exact details either. Perhaps it started performing more effective Guiding while taking the Guide classes.”

“I really should have dealt with it right then and there. If I had, things wouldn’t have circled back like this, but those fools interfered.”

Because his pollution level entered the stable zone, Yeonwoo had been tearing through Gates as if he had wings, and his already fast clear times were shortened even further.

Even those who knew Shin Witaek’s intentions were starting to say it might be a waste to kill Seo Yeonwoo.

Yes. A waste. How could it not be! That’s why he should have done it sooner!

When the first S-rank Esper appeared, he was happy.

The one hailed as the strongest Esper, whom he was certain would bring in gold and treasures, turned out to be just a young brat—a broken thing that Guiding didn’t work on.

What would it have been like if he were perfect from the start? But that is nothing more than a process.

Yeonwoo and Shin Witaek are already as estranged as they can be. A dog that doesn’t listen to its master is unnecessary. He can just make a new one.

Shin Witaek had been steadily preparing to create a new dog. Everyone tried to stop him, calling it dangerous and inhumane, but he did not give up.

The sacrifice of a few for the sake of the many. Isn’t that a situation the state already executes and enforces? Shin Witaek had merely sacrificed a minority for the happiness and safety of the majority.

Then, a few years ago.

‘You seem so afraid of Espers, yet you don’t seem to fear the resentment you’ll receive from them. I hope it’s just my groundless worry, but I’ve heard talk that you’re continuing that research.’

How on earth did he find out? He had kept a tight lid on it, yet Yeonwoo knew. It was a fact he hadn’t even told his family member, Yoosung. It’s not like a close associate would have told him. It leaked from somewhere, but he couldn’t find out where.

That was why he had to kill him all the more. It would be enough to awaken an Esper superior to him through research. Shin Witaek’s eyes burned with resolve. He turned his head sharply and asked Han Sunghoon the question he wanted to ask most.

“The research?”

“It is a success. It is thanks to the magic minerals obtained from this S-rank. It’s unknown how many ability users we can create, but as long as the conditions are met, they can be awakened, so there is no problem. Haven’t you already succeeded?”

Because they had shown a successful case to the Guide department, they were able to pull them to their side. There was no news more joyful than this. Shin Witaek smiled contentedly.

The research that had been stagnating moved closer to completion using the byproducts from the S-rank Gate. It is a stroke of heavenly luck that an S-rank Gate appeared in Korea. Thus, this is a divine revelation to succeed in the research, create numerous ability users in the world, and use them to prosper.

“Any contact from Yoosung?”

“…None.”

“That rotten brat. Driving a nail into his father’s heart? Not even thinking of grabbing this great opportunity to be raised to a place where others look up to him! The more he grows, the bigger his ambition should be! He’s changed from when he was young!”

He was the son he had high expectations for because he was vigorous and excellent from a young age. After a long wait, he awakened as an S-rank Esper.

In a way, Shin Yoosung is also an Esper awakened by Shin Witaek. He saw how the national power of each country in the world was shifting to the power of ability users.

For himself, and for the country, the more ability users there are, the better.

He believed there was a reason why Gates appeared in the world and why a large number of ability users, including Yeonwoo, were caught up in Gates and awakened.

His thinking was correct. The wavelengths of ability users and Gates were similar yet different in texture. Just as Espers and Guides influence each other, Gates also exerted an influence.

And Shin Witaek discovered that if there is even one Esper or Guide in a family, there is a high probability that someone sharing the same blood will awaken. There is an awakening factor in the DNA.

That is why he married a woman who was a Guide, firmly believing his children would manifest as ability users. He absolutely needed children who were ability users. For his own wealth, fame, and power.

“I made it so he could be born as an S-rank Esper, yet he doesn’t even think of showing filial piety.”

Who was it that helped him obtain that power, that glory? Shin Witaek believed Shin Yoosung would fulfill his will. Since it was the point where Yeonwoo had reached his limit, he had no doubt that Yoosung could take that place. But he was miserably defeated and reduced to being Yeonwoo’s subordinate!

“It is a matter that will be resolved once Esper Seo Yeonwoo disappears. Having been defeated by him several times and hearing evaluations that they are the same rank but different, it seems his self-esteem has dropped somewhat, so he might not be able to think of attacking him.”

It was a story that would make Shin Yoosung scoff if he heard it, but Shin Witaek merely clicked his tongue, calling him weak.