This was possible because of the movement within the safe zone designated by [Sanctification]. As mana drained out in large chunks all at once, he felt dizzy as if the sky was spinning.

Mana 369

However, soon the mana stat increased and the consumed mana was recharged along with it. As he buried his forehead against Choi Gang-hu’s broad shoulder, a low sigh brushed his earlobe.

“Always so kind-hearted.”

A quiet reproach was heard. He probably thought it was a measure based on love for humanity. But it wasn’t. What was the reason Choi Gang-hu could be treated as a hero even after burning down a city in Russia?

Because he showed such a powerful appearance that everyone was excited? Because there was a clear justification? Of course, that would be one of the reasons, but that alone wouldn’t have made positive image-making possible.

If there had been any casualties of innocent civilians. Property damage can be repaid with money. But human lives were different. The reason Ryu Seo-ha evacuated people was to protect Choi Gang-hu’s public image.

“Hmm.”

Perhaps realizing belatedly that this was an opponent he could never defeat. The Eighth Apostle quickly sought an escape route. Choi Gang-hu slightly furrowed his brows as if annoyed, walking in the direction of its movement.

With each step he took, the road, buildings, and bridges collapsed one beat ahead. Clumps of whitish lime powder decorated the air like fog. The only moment the continuous collapse stopped was,

“Hold tight. It’s dangerous.”

When Ryu Seo-ha’s arms around Choi Gang-hu’s neck loosened. Gently adjusting the body he was holding as if afraid it might touch building debris, he was like a mother bird caring for a baby bird. It was such a careful touch that it was hard to believe he was the one who had turned this place into a war zone. The Eighth Apostle, desperately fleeing while flailing its black tentacles stretched like spider legs, seemed almost pitiful.

“We can’t let it enter the seawater.”

Ryu Seo-ha, who had been quietly watching Choi Gang-hu leisurely pursue as if cornering prey, suddenly noticed the Eighth Apostle’s movement goal and spoke urgently. It had one overpowered item.

“That one has an item that summons a massive tsunami when it touches water.”

There was no time to think about excuses for the source of information. One of the divine artifacts collected by the Church. If it activates, not only the artificial island for the competition but all of Venice will be submerged.

In fact, he wanted to immediately apply a debuff like ‘structural destruction’ to the Eighth Apostle moving within the range of [Sanctification]. Like when he dealt with the Giant Iron Tree in the popup dungeon.

The problem was that the mana consumption of the characteristic varied greatly depending on the grade and type of the designated target. In other words, it was difficult to use such an ability on a human with a much more complex body structure compared to a plant-type monster.

An apostle would have tremendous self-defense power. Putting aside the fact that he would faint immediately upon casting, the problem was that there was a very high chance the effect would stop midway through activation.

As soon as he heard his advice, Choi Gang-hu put aside the leisurely attitude he had been showing and immediately launched his body. The scenery in view changed in an instant and the salty smell of seawater wafted strongly. Reaching the port before the Eighth Apostle, he,

─!

Turning around as if at a ballroom, he strongly kicked the undulating water surface. From where the smooth toe of his shoe touched, the blue seawater began to freeze with a crackle.

The waves that had been breaking with foam, the endlessly circulating ocean currents deep below the sea surface, a wide area all the way to the distant horizon transformed into an ice plain in an instant.

Salty seawater has a much lower freezing point than freshwater. This is why it doesn’t freeze easily even when cold waves hit. To freeze such a sea so simply. It was a powerful feat that inspired awe anew.

“Urgh!”

The feet of the Eighth Apostle, who had jumped in a beat late, also froze solid. Hundreds of Ruyi Swords swung in horizontal trajectories. So fast they couldn’t be seen, over and over again.

“One mouth is enough to confess.”

Where the Eighth Apostle had disappeared without even leaving a form. Only black powder resembling burnt ashes fluttered lightly. Broken items fell with a clatter onto the frozen sea.

Each one was something that would set new record high auction prices if released to the market. The barely surviving Fourth Apostle suddenly swelled its body and tore a scroll with the speed of a cockroach fleeing from light.

“Tsk.”

It happened in the blink of an eye. Choi Gang-hu, who had lost sight of his target by a hair’s breadth, clicked his tongue softly as if scolding himself.

The black powder fluttering in the air was sucked into a small black hole that had suddenly appeared. It was the procedure of retrieving the remnants of the soul and body of the apostle belonging to a higher being. And then,

“Don’t move!”

Soldiers who had suddenly surrounded the area tightly pointed their guns at them.

❖ ❖ ❖

The two who were obediently captured were immediately escorted to the temporary comprehensive government building set up for hosting the IHL. Kwon Se-jeong, who had been on standby nearby, also followed under the pretext of official duty after contacting the Korean side.

The investigation bureau prepared underground was packed with Italian association officials, hunters, police, and soldiers. It was understandable, given that part of the artificial island, though on the outskirts, had been cleanly blown away.

Promhell Guild Master again? Activating nuclear bomb-level cheat skill…

This time ice instead of fire! Choi Gang-hu level controversy reignited!

Interviews with witnesses at the Veneto artificial island destruction site

Frozen sea, just how deep?

International environmental groups: “Protect the Adriatic Sea’s underwater ecosystem”

Burano Island fishermen: “Hundreds of fish species seem to have evacuated in advance”

It was a situation that occurred just a day before the opening ceremony of an international competition surpassing even the Olympics. Foreign media from various countries were already reporting competitively on scenes that looked as if they had been bombed.

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

However, the attitude of the Italian commanding general who appeared receiving salutes from numerous soldiers was not intimidating at all. He even expressed gratitude for following to the investigation bureau without resistance.

Perhaps it was thanks to the fact that they had personally prevented casualties being taken into account. While Choi Gang-hu, who was perceived as the main culprit, was isolated in a sealed interrogation room, Ryu Seo-ha was guided to an observation room right next to it.

“It seems he intends to exercise his right to remain silent for now, as expected.”

The special duty major general wearing a uniform with four stars engraved on it muttered calmly. He stared intently at Choi Gang-hu, who was sitting comfortably as if at home even under the dim lighting beyond the large glass.

The special duty major general of the Carabinieri, the military police that forms one of Italy’s four major military organizations along with the army, navy, and air force. In some sense, he could be said to hold a higher position than the association president.

“The appointed defense team is currently undergoing simplified entry procedures. We will strive to proceed with the investigation as quickly as possible.”

An employee of the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who had hurriedly flown in from the Consulate General in Milan upon hearing the news, smiled apologetically.

“I fully understand the cautious attitude of being careful not to make careless statements that might exacerbate the problem.”

“Thank you very much for your broad-minded understanding.”

It was a considerably mild atmosphere given the gravity of the situation.

“Then, could I have a word with Hunter Ryu Seo-ha separately for a moment?”

It seemed to be the result of the usefulness of an S-rank healer at work. With association officials not yet arrived, the Foreign Ministry employee looked at Ryu Seo-ha with a pleading expression.

“I’m sorry, but that would be difficult. There was an unfortunate incident recently.”

However, Kwon Se-jeong, who had been busy making contacts on her phone, stepped in to block the awkward situation. It was an appropriate intervention befitting someone overseeing administrative work for the delegation, including medical staff.

“The Prime Minister and President wish to meet. Of course, we are aware of the recent kidnapping incident. You’re welcome to bring as many bodyguards as you like…”

The special duty major general, who was trying to recommend again while acknowledging that it was an issue that had to be handled carefully, paused. This was because he felt he had made eye contact with Choi Gang-hu, who was sitting quietly in the interrogation room chair.

What was blocking between the interrogation room and this room like a wall was special glass set up for one-sided observation from this side. From the interrogation room, it would look like an ordinary mirror. There was no way he could see this side.

As the special duty major general was about to dismiss it as a misconception, Choi Gang-hu pointed at him accurately with his finger and moved his lips. Seeing his superior hesitate, the adjutant perceptively pressed the one-way button on the speaker device.

“Stop the tricks.”

A warning statement that flowed out at an incredible timing. The flustered adjutant tried to turn off the speaker sound, but the special duty major general gestured to stop him.

“…Can he see this side from over there?”

“No, sir. On top of the existing special treatment, several items have been added to make it absolutely impossible to see this side. Even a hunter with an S-rank clairvoyance skill, unless they’re a high-level first generation…”

The voice that had been firmly denying gradually faded. It was because he saw Choi Gang-hu’s gaze shift towards Ryu Seo-ha and noticeably soften at the same time. It was such an obvious change in temperature that anyone could easily notice.

“Do you intend to meet the heads of state of every country in the world?”

The special duty major general’s shoulders flinched at the somewhat brusque-sounding question. After all, he had just mentioned meeting with the President. Feeling the creepiness presented by this abnormal phenomenon, he unconsciously stepped back.