Chapter 056
Become Overpowered CEO of Hero Clan – 056
– Cluck –
The chairman’s door opened right at that moment. The noisy son-in-law fell silent at once.
– Thunk. Thunk.
–
The clear sound of leather shoes.
“Hello, everyone.”
A voice with a sense of age.
A grandfather with a neat suit and a dignified white hair appeared in harmony. He was the chairman of the current Korean Hero Association, the hero ‘God Hand’.
[Information Window]
▶Name: God Hand
▶Level: 95
▶Talent: Restoration Touch
▶Rank: ★★★★★
It was the moment of meeting the unparalleled S-rank hero who could restore everything touched by the hand of God in person.
‘Look at that presence.’
He was slightly larger than the imagined image, a grandpa with a well-maintained physique and a keen sense of fashion. That was none other than God Hand.
It didn’t feel real. The fact that I was in the same place as these people. They probably don’t even dream that I’m a possessed person.
“Grandpa, I still don’t understand. Is it right to call him here?”
“It’s a public occasion! Show some respect.”
“We’re among ourselves, what’s the big deal? Honestly, that’s how it is. You’re the only one here who has seen his power directly. You don’t even know what talent he possesses.”
“To resolve such doubts, we demanded his attendance as a witness. And it’s also recorded in the video…….”
Electric Guy, bluntly expressing his dissatisfaction, and Flame Emperor, who looked disgusted, didn’t hold back.
– Tang-Tang –
“Everyone be quiet! If you want to fight, go out and fight. We are S-rank heroes supporting the nation. How can we coordinate when we growl at each other like this when things get tough?!”
The association chairman, like a scolding tiger teacher, rebuked the two who were quarreling. Meanwhile, Yoho secretly fixed her makeup on one side of the chairman, and the Machine Commander, playing a mobile game, approached Poker Boy, who habitually asked for money, solemnly, and refused.
As I captured the faces of S-rank heroes one by one, I recalled their activities and fates experienced in the Clan of Heroes.
The deaths of NPC companions, with whom I had spent a long time playing, were quite shocking at that time.
‘Get a hold of yourself. I may know them, but they don’t know me.’
I vowed to be careful not to make S-rank heroes feel uncomfortable. If I accidentally reveal information only, I know, I might face questions about my true identity.
Let’s keep this surging inner familiarity as my own lingering feeling.
“And by the way, you guys lately……”
The scolding from the association chairman towards Electric Guy and Flame Emperor didn’t just end with a speech about the strong bond of past heroes and the lofty aspirations for the restoration of the nation. It continued to criticize the loose hero mentality of those who were satisfied and full these days, ending only when it touched on the recent heroes’ lax spirit.
Electric Guy closed his ears as if he were tired.
“Chairman, our time is like a fleeting word. I didn’t have mental education on the schedule.”
“Oh! I didn’t realize it either. Sorry, guys. Let’s get straight to the point.”
With the advice from the Machine Commander, a formal strategy meeting seemed to begin.
Up until now, I was lost in a vague lingering feeling. Little did I know that an unexpected event would occur at this timing, even in my dreams.
– Beep! –
As God Hand sat down in the chairman’s seat and sternly spoke, a line of messages and below it, a familiar system notification appeared.
‘What??’
[Sudden Quest Activation!]
A sudden quest.
As if two sub-quests weren’t enough. And now, another quest is added here?
〈Quest – Sub〉
▷ Content: Obtain the consent of the majority of the board members and get promoted.
▷ Reward: 1,000 points
▷ Penalty: Health decline for 3 months, +50% increase in stress
The quest content and the dreadful penalty were known and unknown. I couldn’t even see rewards like that.
‘There’s a penalty too?’
Why did something that wasn’t there suddenly appear? My head feels like it’s going to explode.
And what’s the majority of the board members’ consent and promotion? You should explain the context so that I can understand whether to clear the quest or not.
– Ping. Ping.
–
At that moment, the association chairman, seemingly unaware of my circumstances, tapped the desk and called my name.
“Director Isaac.”
His dignified voice turned into a dagger piercing my chest. I must have made some mistake.
Struggling to control my emotions, I opened my mouth reluctantly.
“Yes.”
“Actually, this gathering has been arranged to conduct the ‘Special Evaluation’ of the director in accordance with the Disaster Management Special Law due to the national emergency. There are many grumbling people here, that’s why it was revealed belatedly. Please understand generously with broad discretion.”
“….………”
My head was spinning.
So, at this moment, s-rank heroes have gathered to evaluate my rank. Not to prepare for counter-terrorism or inquire about my identity?
The association chairman recited relevant laws in a formal manner, presented the basis for determining a national emergency, and announced the beginning of the ‘special evaluation.’
I had prepared 50 anticipated questions and answers about my identity to endure the expected interrogation, but this was beyond my expectations.
‘This is why the quest was triggered.’
There’s nothing absurd, it’s just a quest.
If I can’t get promoted here, my health will deteriorate for three months, and I’ll receive 50% more stress. On top of already being vulnerable to stress, this is practically telling me to lie down and die if I fail.
‘Anyway, I grasped what they’re talking about, and to clear this……’
There are a total of 6 S-rank heroes in the meeting chaired by the chairman. Not exactly 7, but 6. Since the majority must be obtained, it means I need approval from at least 4 of them.
“Director Isaac?”
I heard someone calling me from the council seat. It was Flame Emperor. Realizing that I hadn’t responded to the chairman’s words, I hastily affirmed without thinking.
“Ah, yes.”
“Ho ho ho! It’s just as I heard from Flame Emperor. Well, what’s important about money and fame? Live as you please. But, Director Isaac, someone with power like yours should receive suitable treatment wherever they go. As long as the director is affiliated with our association, he should be treated accordingly to put our minds at ease. I judge the director’s strength as S-rank, but I don’t know about other members.”
He was trying to persuade me with words, but none of it entered my ears.
The important information here is that the association chairman is at least somewhat on my side. Otherwise, there would be no reason for him to say such things.
It seems he judged that if I were officially promoted to S-rank, it would strengthen South Korea’s deterrent against war.
In reality, my combat power is only equivalent to that of a diligent ordinary person who exercises regularly.
“I’ll say it in advance. I’m strictly against it. No matter how much of an emergency it is, promoting someone with an unknown identity to a high S-rank level will make the public sentiment ominous, and the association’s credibility will decline. It seems like no one cares much, so why should we promote such a person?”
“I agree on that part. We need to make a wise judgment. Witness’ power is strong but reputation is low, and he seems more interested in management and field command than building achievements as a hero. We need to vote reasonably, considering the gains and losses.”
Electric Guy blatantly opposed, the Machine Commander seemed to be pondering between neutrality and opposition.
Flame Emperor and God Hand were in favor, the other two were against. Now, the remaining ones are Yoho and Poker Boy……
“Big Bro, I’ll agree if you lend me money. Will you give me money?”
Poker Boy, obsessed with gambling, consistently demanded money. What should I do if I confront him about it? Lending money to him like this is an overt expression of intent. Would other council members view it favorably?
It’s about time to subtly express my intentions.
“Whether I pass the special evaluation or not, I will stick to management and field command.”
“Director Isaac!”
Flame Emperor called my name loudly. Rather than doing that, he should give me a supportive look, asking me to be on our side.
‘It’s embarrassing.’
We were supposed to be close. Also, please listen to the Korean until the end.
“However, in the absence of a hero capable of handling the disaster level, I will personally intervene.”
I’ve been doing that before, and I’ll continue to do so in the future. This is my principle. After all, it seems like it’s the association trying to promote me through the special evaluation.
Even if the majority support for promotion doesn’t come out, it’s not a concern for the committee.
‘It seems like they’ve already decided on the outcome. Just stick to the usual image.’
Public perception of Isaac is that of a stern authority figure. Let’s respond to it in an Isaac-like manner rather than trying to appeal unnecessarily. It’s better not to talk too much, it might be detrimental only to me.
Just as Flame Emperor, whose eyes were sparkling, nodded vigorously as if to say, ‘That’s good enough!’
“Director Isaac subdued a DRR executive three months ago and recently achieved purifying the Lord of the Other World! He has accomplished more than all of us, who are only S-rank! Why criticize him as ‘uncertain identity’ or ‘inappropriate attitude’! I cannot understand that.”
No. Why go to such lengths? I didn’t ask for such passionate defense. If he goes so strongly, will there be no resentment created out of nowhere?
‘React and respond.’
I focused on the gestures and expressions of the council members.
The association chairman was smiling happily, and Yoho was playfully licking her lips. It seems awkward, but let’s assume it’s a friendly gesture.
On the other hand, Poker Boy was grinning with his mouth wide open, and the Machine Commander had a clenched fist, revealing no expression, making it unclear what he was thinking.
‘It seems like a minimum level of agreement is reached.’
The association chairman, Flame Emperor, and Yoho are in favor. If either Poker Boy or the Machine Commander raises their hand…..
“There’s nothing more to hear. Someone with an unstable hero mentality should not become S-rank. This is a different issue from achievements. I hope each of you judges wisely according to your own will.”
While I was pondering, the Machine Commander firmly declared his opposition. If it turns out like this, my fate is entrusted to a little gambling addict.
“Heh, I’ll repay you when I win. This is too much. I’ll also oppose.”
…… Even that last glimmer of hope has been extinguished.
‘It’s frustrating.’
I would have lent it a hundred times more if he had come secretly. I want to send a message asking for the account number after finding it out.
“Hmm~ What should I do? I miss New Face though.”
Even Yoho, who seemed friendly towards me, started playing hard to get. Why is she doing that? It makes people uneasy.
‘Don’t waver.’
It’s better to go out more coolly. It would be better to go out with a statement like ‘If you order me, I’ll work hard!’ It seems like it would only be a loss if I talk too much.
“Then let’s do this. Before the vote, let’s confirm Director Isaac’s strength.”
The association chairman, who was observing the council members’ reactions, raised the stakes at that moment.
“Strong power is the foundation of a hero! As the representative of the Hero Association, I want to take advantage of the reality. In terms of national defense, the value of an S-rank hero cannot be measured by money alone. I understand the meaning of the Machine Commander, but unfortunately, the peace of this world is maintained by ‘strength’. That’s the condition the country must fulfill before ‘justice’.”
“From a relativistic perspective, no one’s words can be considered wrong. The chairman seems proud to accept Director Isaac, even if he is an alien from the Other World. However, I also agree with the opinion that we need to confirm the witness’s strength.”
I never thought of doing that, but the situation is unfolding on its own. The rational and logical Machine Commander agreed, and the other council members nodded in agreement.
“Well, it’s settled. Try to block my attack. Let’s see how much you can take.”
– Zap! –
Electric Guy suddenly stood up and triggered a lightning attack. But I am still…
[Combat Gauge: 99%]
‘Why did it come to this.’
I’m not ready.