He Will Leader Everyone

Su Ok-bin.

She thought back to a week ago.

Through Divine Light Garam’s contact, she learned about the <Cult>’s crisis.

It was indeed a favorable situation to see those detestable cult members crumble.

But the gravity of the situation was too immense.

If the cult collapses, it will surely have a significant impact on other forces.

Furthermore, it would naturally lead to a world where evil prevails.

‘I can’t let that happen.’

Although she gathered various pieces of evidence and prepared in her own way, she was still anxious.

‘I need assistance.’

There were several candidates, but in the end, she decided to contact someone she could trust, <Overlord Sword> Peng Jin-ah.

She also reached out to a personal acquaintance, <Plum Blossom Sword Emperor>, but received a reply that it would take time even if she used the warp gate due to the distance.

Still, she expressed her wish for her to come, and met with the <Overlord Sword>.

Su Ok-bin conveyed most of the details.

Various cult conspiracies and the dangers of S-grade monsters, among others.

Surprisingly, the <Overlord Sword> showed no particular reaction upon hearing this.

However, this reaction quickly changed at the mention of one man’s name.

“…Yu Seha? Why is Yu Seha’s name suddenly mentioned?”
“…Apologies. It’s just a ‘possibility.’ Recently, Yu Seha, the cadet, mentioned taking the hunter grade exam. If he becomes B-grade or higher, I must inform—”
“I will accept.”
“Pardon?”
“I’m saying I’ll help. If the time comes to exert strength, I won’t hesitate. But don’t drag our kids… especially Yu Seha, into this.”

I don’t want him to spend his vacation with a troubled mind.

Yes, that was definitely the content.

Peng Jin-ah couldn’t suppress her anger and glared at Su Ok-bin.
What she wanted was not the reward for subjugating an S-grade monster, nor an influential position…

She simply wanted Yu Seha’s safety.

But then…

“How dare you stab me in the back like this? What are you doing?!”
“……”

Su Ok-bin silently looked at Peng Jin-ah.

Reading the ‘worry’ in her eyes, she sighed.

“I can understand why you’d be angry.”
“…Is that what you’re saying now–”
“Please hear me out. I requested help from Yu Seha not as a cadet, but as a proper B-grade hunter.”
“…!”

Peng Jin-ah flinched momentarily at those words.
As an A-grade hunter herself, she knew well.

From B-grade onwards, there was an obligation to explain the authority to participate in raids as requested by the association president, vice president, or guild master.

Peng Jin-ah sighed, feeling both proud and wondering why now of all times.

“…Moon Bora has also risen to the same B-grade. However, I couldn’t reach her for help. And before even considering eligibility, Cadet Yu Seha already knew the real mastermind behind this. He was the first to send detailed information to Mother Superior Divine Light Garam and pay attention.”

“……”

“Do you think he’d just sit by and let things resolve themselves? No way. Even without eligibility, he would have forced his way to the scene.”

“…That was a plea to stop him. Even if by force–”

“<Overlord Sword>. That’s the stubbornness of a child.”

Peng Jin-ah bit her lip.
Releasing Su Ok-bin, she turned around.

“Where are you going?”
“To tell Cadet Yu Seha, to tell my disciple. Do not participate in this matter. Just trust me, your master.”
“…Do you think that’s reasonable? I understand your concern. But he is a child who needs help–”
“A child!”

Su Ok-bin flinched.
And then she saw it.
The anxiety in Peng Jin-ah’s eyes.

“His talent is just beginning to bloom.”

His roots are neither strong nor has he fully blossomed yet.

“Yet he’s about to step into a world full of conspiracies.”

As his teacher, I must protect him!

“…Is that really all there is to it?”
“What?”
“From my perspective, even if Yu Seha were to fully blossom all his talents and possess the strongest wings… you wouldn’t let him leave the nest, would you?”
“……”

Peng Jin-ah averted her gaze slightly, as if struck by the truth.

Su Ok-bin finally understood what issue this woman was dealing with.

‘…She’s confused right now.’

It’s true she cherishes Yu Seha as a precious disciple.

But her approach was far from that of an ordinary master.

Fearful and anxious…

As if…

‘…Afraid of losing a man she loves. A fearful woman.’

Such contradictory emotions were swirling within her.
That’s why she was excessively overprotective of Yu Seha.
Making all sorts of excuses, finding reasons.
She simply didn’t want him to venture out into the world.

Su Ok-bin’s thoughts were surprisingly accurate.

Peng Jin-ah knew it too.
She was aware her actions were extreme.
A teacher doesn’t manage every aspect of a disciple’s life.
But…

‘…I don’t want to.’

She was scared.
She was afraid.
The gradually felt sensations…
Recently, they reached their peak during the attack of Jing Daram.

Yu Seha, who was on the brink of death.
The moment Peng Jin-ah embraced his scorched and injured self.
Peng Jin-ah realized.

How significant he was to her…
How precious he was…
He was no longer just a mere disciple, but the very reason Peng Jin-ah lived and protected.
Of course, she herself didn’t realize it to this extent.

Peng Jin-ah bit her lip.
A sense of resistance surged from having her embarrassing feelings exposed.

“…You weren’t all that pure from the beginning, were you?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb! I know very well that your peculiar approach to Yu Seha and the various help you provide… isn’t just out of pure goodwill. No one else can escape my eyes.”

Reveal your true intentions, Vice President Su Ok-bin!

“What are you trying to do with Yu Seha?”
“……”

A period of silence.

Not very long, but to Peng Jin-ah, it felt like an eternity.

Soon, the words and explanation that followed…

Were something Peng Jin-ah had never considered.

“There isn’t anything I’d call a hidden agenda. What right do I have to manipulate or conspire against Yu Seha? I swear I don’t do such things. Nor do I want to. However…”

“…However?”

“It’s my wish, but I hope Yu Seha can rise as high as possible. In strength, influence, or position. And in the upcoming chaotic times, I hope he becomes a symbol of hope. Just like the <Prophet> Ji Han-seong the Hunter did during the great upheaval of the past.”

“…What?”

Su Ok-bin turned around.

On the conveniently placed whiteboard, four factions were written.
The Order, the Academy, the Association, and the Clan.

“Currently, our country is balanced by these four powerful forces clashing with each other. Although they are not cooperative, they have formed an alliance, at least nominally, against villains and demons.”

“…Why are you suddenly telling me something I already know?”

“In my estimation, the balance of power will soon be shattered.”

“…?!”

Su Ok-bin was the first to draw an X over the Order.

“In reality, the Order, which was once the undisputed number one, has been declining… Whether this ends well or tragically… it will fall further. A lot of effort will be needed to manage the aftermath. Its size will shrink, and it will have to be more cautious of its surroundings.”

This influence will also affect the tyranny of the villains and demons, who were intimidated by the four great powers.

“What I want to say is from now on. Whether intentional or not, society will soon enter a chaotic era. And in such times, heroes are needed.”

“…Are you saying that’s you?”

“No. I’m not qualified for that.”

Su Ok-bin looked Peng Jin-ah straight in the eye and answered with conviction.

“<Overlord Sword> I will become the head of the Association.”

It was a statement close to a declaration.

“And this will be similar in other places. New archbishops and new clan leaders will emerge due to the chaotic times, creating completely different situations.”

“…What on earth are you talking about since earlier–”

“There needs to be an entity that can unify all of this. We must not repeat the past where innocent people are sacrificed due to unchecked desires.”

We must not pass on a world where foolish adults fight only for their own interests to the children.

I have seen too much of that.

“A hero is needed for that.”

A hero who does not rule themselves but can lead everyone with strong power and fame.

“Just like Hunter Ji Han-seong who appeared like a comet in the past.”
“…Is that supposed to be Yu Seha?”
“In fact, his actions are very similar to Hunter Ji Han-seong.”

A sudden appearance.

Genius in handling and combining numerous abilities.

Leadership that captivates and leads everyone.

“Though it sounds old-fashioned, just as the nation-level authority was created for him, I believe this country needs hope.”
“……”
“Of course, I think it’s a very distant future. It might just be senility from being 290 years old. But I am confident that Yu Seha will someday reach that position.”
“…The Yu Seha I know is not a man who seeks power.”
“I know. But when the time comes, he will rise.”
“…What makes you believe that–”
“Because he is kind.”

If by reaching that position, he can take care of and protect those around him, he will gladly do it.

“This S-grade monster raid subjugation will be… the first step towards that. If everything ends well, thanks to Yu Seha’s efforts, as I expect, not only the Order but other forces will not be able to overlook him.”

Just like the saying, ‘a sharp tool cannot be hidden in a pocket.’

Anyway, Yu Seha’s talent is not something that can be hidden.

His fame has already spread to some extent…

And this will only accelerate as time goes on.

Immediately, upon hearing that a B-grade hunter had broken out of the test tube, movements to scout him have already been detected here and there.

“I don’t want to see countless bugs clinging to him.”

That’s why I’m thinking of elevating him entirely.
To a position unreachable by the struggling insects.

Su Ok-bin finished speaking with a small smile.

“…It’s merely my wish. If Yu Seha refuses, I’ll swallow my disappointment and give up. Even just that is enough. He’s a special person who strengthens others just by existing.”

“……”

“This is my plan. Have your questions been answered? <Overlord Sword>.”

Peng Jin-ah looked at Su Ok-bin.
She roughly understood the meaning behind her words.
But her heart couldn’t accept it.

Peng Jin-ah sighed.
She apologized for grabbing her by the collar.

“…I understand what you’re saying. And since Yu Seha has decided to participate in this subjugation… I know well that I can’t stop him.”

I’m his teacher, not his parent.

Regardless of the promise, Peng Jin-ah intends to participate in the subjugation for Yu Seha’s sake.

Su Ok-bin quietly looked at her and made a suggestion.

Hearing it, Peng Jin-ah looked puzzled and tilted her head.

Time passed quickly.

As we prepared and devised countermeasures, two days flew by, and the day of the S-grade monster subjugation arrived.

I glanced at the side mirror while sitting.

Peng Jin-ah was silently staring at her sword without saying a word.

Honestly, even now, thinking about that time surprises me a little.

‘It’s the first time I’ve seen Professor Peng Jin-ah so angry.’

However, upon returning with Su Ok-bin, she simply stated that she would help without further words.

―Instead, Cadet Yu Seha. Don’t overdo it. I’m right here with you.

That’s all she said.

“Everyone, get ready. We’re almost there.”

As Su Ok-bin finished speaking, I looked out the window.

Rumble!

High above the sky.

A massive magical force was swirling and creating a vortex with the clouds.

Instinctively, I realized it was an S-grade <Boss Rush Gate>.

Creak.

As we got off the vehicle, we found ourselves in a ghost town, evacuated by its citizens.

We could see the operation command camp emblazoned with the <Order>’s emblem.

And there were the two twins.

Natsu & Yuri.

My smile at the sight of the Saintesses was brief.

Soon, as if sensing our presence, a woman in her early thirties with teary eyes emerged from the camp, and I barely managed to suppress my grimace.

As our eyes met, the woman gave a playful smile.

Oh, boy.

‘Did she come out right from the start?’

A bishop of the <Order>, and a spy from <Tartarus> who had entered as a traitor from the beginning.

It was the first encounter with Shibasaki Ryuko.