It wouldn’t be too bad if Si-woo turned into Lust, but the timing couldn’t be worse. With the Elven Ruins trip coming up, dealing with Si-woo’s unrestrained desires as Lust could be more than inconvenient. Even if I could fight, battling a Sin is no simple matter. Sierra just needs to keep him in check until we get back from the Elven Ruins.

"If I have enough mana, I can manage it," she said.

"I’ll provide it."

If Sierra could suppress Lust-possessed Si-woo, there was no point in being stingy with mana stones. After all, mana stones are abundant—I keep purifying dark energy.

"I’ll do my best, though I’m not sure I can keep him subdued for long."

"That’s good enough."

It was fortunate that he was taken by Lust and not any other Sin. Not that other Sins would have been likely to take root in him under current circumstances. With Sierra’s debut on BaekhwaTV, I could afford a few days to take Reyna with me to the ruins. Now that we have enough people on board, I can just focus on taking out targets instead of drawing attention.

Back at the penthouse, I summoned Lee Yoo-jung and Reyna. I didn’t bother disturbing Han Su-ji, who had put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the training room door.

"Yoo-jung, how’s the golem project?"

"I’m working on it. You’re amazing for funding this whole thing! You must think it’s worth the investment."

Who knows. She’s oddly supportive of me and acts strange whenever we meet. It’s clear that she’s not just your average person.

"Are we coming to the Elven Ruins, too?" asked Yoo-jung.

I shook my head.

"Honestly, I don’t recommend it. I have a bad feeling about this one, and since it’s mostly about Reyna, you don’t really need to be there."

In the original, only Reyna and Si-woo went. It was meant to build rapport between the heroine and protagonist. Technically, I have no reason to go alone, but maybe I should consult the Akashic Records on this.

[Master, I recommend taking Lee Yoo-jung to the Elven Ruins. Given your knowledge of the original story, you will understand.]

"Ah."

True, there are a variety of events in the Elven Ruins. In the original, Si-woo and Reyna barely escape due to Si-woo’s lack of strength. Could it be suggesting I bolster my team with Yoo-jung? There are also dormant golems in the ruins.

"I don’t mind. I’m not a fan of these boring places anyway. I’m more worried about how close you two will get," she added.

"So, are you coming or not?" 

Yoo-jung shrugged.

I’ll give her a hug when we get back.

"Our ancestors’ ruins are boring to you?" Reyna glared at Yoo-jung, flaring up in her usual haughty way. I can only imagine how insufferable she’ll be once her Elven heritage fully awakens.

"When you went on your school trip, didn’t you find that temple boring?" Yoo-jung asked.

"Boring? Yeah."

Agreed—those field trips were boring.

"Exactly."

Reyna tilted her head, considering, then nodded in reluctant agreement.

"And what about Han Su-ji?" Reyna asked.

"She’s dealing with something called the Shard of the Martial God."

The Martial God? A shard? Could Han Su-ji be involved in the side story of Park Joon-hyuk? Originally, Park Joon-hyuk, despite his limited intelligence, had incredible martial determination. When he died as a villain, the Martial God connected with him through the shard, passing on all of his abilities.

Han Su-ji is bound to gain various skills, not just swordsmanship.

"Let’s go to the Elven Ruins then. There’s no one threatening Songdo right now, so Sierra and the golems can handle it."

"Shouldn’t we at least check on Han Su-ji?" Reyna seemed reluctant to leave her behind.

"It might actually distract her if we show up."

"Understood."

If events at the Elven Ruins and the Martial God shard storyline are happening simultaneously, it just means I’ll be gaining even more allies. It’s bound to create causal distortions, but there are limits to those too.

---

*Tokyo, Japan*

President Ha Jung-seok had traveled to Tokyo via portal to meet with Japan for a Korea-Japan summit proposed by the United States, following recent incidents involving the Sins. His secretary, Choi Ji-soo, looked displeased as she checked her message device and whispered to the president.

"Sir, there’s a message from Chairman Choi Cheol-sik of the Hunter Association."

"Does he want us to send another expedition team?"

"He says it’s due to that BaekhwaTV broadcast."

"So, he’s suggesting we throw hunters at what might just be a villain? Forget it. I’d rather lower myself in this summit with the Japanese than heed that fool’s advice."

Ha Jung-seok knew little of BaekhwaTV’s nun, dismissing it as the antics of a villain broadcasting via a captured drone. Right now, his priority was greeting the Japanese Prime Minister and Shinnohara representatives.

"Welcome to Japan, President Ha," a woman greeted him.

"And who might you be?" he asked, frowning.

"I am Shinnohara Yuzuki, the third head of the Shinnohara family."

So, this young woman was the famed Shinnohara?

"I see. That’s the family said to wield influence over all of Japan."

The Shinnohara family head was young and appeared no older than her early twenties, with a calm, traditional demeanor. Her black kimono, adorned with cherry blossoms, matched her poised greeting of the Korean president. Still, Ha Jung-seok was skeptical about someone so young leading the country.

"There can only be one sun in the sky," Yuzuki said softly, smiling.

Her remark seemed to mock the return of Japan’s feudal age, as if the country was regressing to an era of warlords.

"A regent is allowed to stand in place of a ruler, just as has often been the case in Japan, right?"

"President," said his secretary, hoping to calm him.

With a heavy sigh, Ha Jung-seok held back his words.

"Let’s proceed with the meeting."

Just then, the Japanese Prime Minister addressed him.

"Regarding the Sin incidents, Japan wishes to strengthen cooperation with Korea."

Ha Jung-seok scowled, his temples throbbing. The Sin incidents had already taken a toll, even causing discussions in China about sending hunters to Korea. Now, Japan also wanted a share, perhaps offering Shinnohara samurai hunters?

Yuzuki interrupted politely, sensing the president’s frustration.

"The President and Prime Minister should enjoy a welcome dinner and get some rest. We’ll proceed with the discussions tomorrow."

Just what he expected from Japanese hospitality, thought Ha Jung-seok, his expression souring.

"President, please calm down," Choi Ji-soo urged.

"Tell me, Choi Ji-soo—whose country is Korea?"

"Excuse me?"

"Mine!" Ha Jung-seok roared. "Do China and Japan think we’re back in the late Joseon Dynasty, meddling in our affairs using the Sin incidents as an excuse? It’s absurd!"

For Ha Jung-seok, Korea was not anyone’s country but his. Japan could not simply interfere.

Meanwhile, the Japanese Prime Minister whispered to Yuzuki, disturbed by the Korean president’s arrogance.

"When will we address Korea’s arrogance? We should consider applying economic pressure."

Yuzuki shook her head calmly.

"Minister, Japan and Korea are allies."

"How can you say that after witnessing the president’s attitude?"

But Yuzuki remained unperturbed, realizing that Japan’s own attempts to exploit Korean hunters for its gain were equally flawed.

"Minister," Yuzuki spoke icily, her deadly aura filling the corridor, "Remember, your position exists because of Shinnohara. Don’t forget who holds the true power here."

The Prime Minister shuddered as the floating blades hovered close to his neck, then fell to his knees. As Yuzuki turned and walked away, he seethed quietly.

"Just you wait. I’ll reclaim authority from Shinnohara soon enough."