Become Overpowered CEO of Hero Clan

Become Overpowered CEO of Hero Clan – 062

This was actually my first real public appearance as an executive of a clan. I had filmed entertainment programs and gone to disaster sites, but I never went to discuss business with political figures even when I had the chance.

I was vaguely asked to have a meal three or four times a day, and it must have been a request to take on a difficult task. I kept refusing, so they tried to approach me in various directions.

However, when I finally met them in person…

“Greetings! It’s an honor to meet you!”

“When a rift opened up in the middle of Seoul, thanks to you, my family survived. Thank you. I should have come to express my gratitude in person, but it seemed like you were very busy…”

“Ah, Director Isaac. I’m finally meeting you in person. Thanks to a hero like you…”

No one brought up awkward topics during our first meeting, and I felt embarrassed because they treated me with such respect.

After the memorial service, the hotel dinner reception was attended by approximately a hundred people, with a minimum status equivalent to members of the National Assembly or CEOs of major corporations.

Among them, the S-rank trio of heroes received special attention, surrounded by people. It was a hierarchical structure in a worldview where powerful force was the key.

‘No wonder people gather around.’

Even A-rank heroes from the six major clans were leisurely enjoying their time, each seated at a table. Some association executives were also present.

Whenever association members and heroes talked, politicians and business figures approached them, expressing their favor.

Despite the extremely low survival rate of professional heroes, the reason why tens of thousands of hero aspirants were nurtured every year seemed to resonate. Contrary to expectations, those who listened to the chairman’s words did not treat heroes as mere shields or cannon fodder; instead, they were considered valuable assets.

“Chairman Yang, I’ve been feeling uneasy lately. Are we like outsiders? Why is it only them getting the attention? We’ve been working together for years.”

“Hahaha, why do you make it sound so distressing? We’re expecting a big deal from the Saudi side…”

Look at him acting arrogantly without the cameras around. Well, that’s probably a calculated negotiation and strategic bargaining. It’s not the time to complain about bullying, a single word here could lead to hundreds or thousands of billions of earnings. With capabilities, capitalists seek you out.

‘Let’s raise our kids quickly.’

Once we form a squad consisting of all A-rank heroes, the amount of money received for mission cycles will change. You can think of it as adding two more zeros to the end.

By then, we’ll be able to take on substantial international projects and build a global reputation. Although we are currently nothing more than fledglings.

The difference between A-rank and B-rank is like the difference between heaven and earth. When they meet, the juniors bow 90 degrees and greet the seniors like they are gods, according to industry customs.

“Ah, the food is delicious.”

Our once stiff rookie tanker spoke casually. Despite his nonchalant attitude and shaky eyes, he was pretending well. Still, becoming a 2-star rank didn’t make him humble.

Compared to Jin-soo, who bowed deeply and carefully observed the seniors, our fledgling is doing remarkably well.

“He…!”

I accidentally locked eyes with the A-rank senior from the opposite side. Jin-soo, who had barely raised his head, froze in his seat. Hwang Man-deuk gently patted his back.

“Jin-soo, the Leader is here. You shouldn’t show yourself like this.”

“Oh, yes!”

He bit his lip, and his eyes tightened. While doing so, his eyebrows trembled, giving off an impression of a loyal dog pretending to be strong.

On the other hand, our fledgling AD Carry…

“Oh my, oh my! Did you see that just now? Senior Ellie smiled at me. Did you see? Did you see?!”

Man-deuk was making a fuss, hitting his shoulders while bragging. When he asked earlier, “Is it okay to greet the seniors?!,” my head was spinning.

If they were left to wander without manners, even A-rank heroes would find it awkward. How can an S-class hero carelessly scold a hero who is famous for being his junior?

There are those discontent with the parachute promotions, but it would be neater for us to just briefly show our faces. Even now, I guess I can’t bring up the topic of ‘S-rank Hero Isaac’ out of fear that it will be heard in my ears.

‘It seems like you have a good relationship with the president of the association.’

By the way, seo Eun-ha was currently paying respects to her grandfather. While recognizing Eun-ha and saying things like ‘It’s been a while’ or ‘You’ve become more beautiful,’ Electric Guy was probably muttering something like, ‘If you’re not happy with your clan, feel free to come over.’

‘I should have attacked then.’

The moment I activated the Final Finish from the committee and tried to draw my sword. Electric Guy got scared and retracted his electric charge, and the other S-rank heroes generated formidable wave of magic power in the blink of an eye.

I was quite bewildered at that time. It seemed like I was controlling my magic with extreme survival instincts, but I don’t know how I did it, just like last time. I probably kept imagining swinging the sword for a whole minute.

However, due to the urgent situation, I couldn’t divert my attention with the thought, ‘Let’s remember this sensation!’

“It’s about time to get up.”

Tonight, the Ancient Rift Dive begins. Before going, let’s rest well and adjust our condition. Showing my face here as an S-rank hero should fulfill my duty. If I read a book in the hotel room, time will pass quickly… Hmm? Just a moment before going.

– Tick, tock. Tick, tock.

–

At that moment, someone with impressive brown hair and long fangs, seeming like a woman but exuding a strange androgyny, appeared at the dinner party.

“It’s been a while.”

She walked confidently towards the Association President and spoke fluent Japanese. A hint of caution appeared on the faces of the heroes around the president.

‘It’s a bit unexpected, but nice to see her.’

She was Japan’s S-rank hero ‘Fear’. Although her hero name seemed somewhat inappropriate, she was indeed an eccentric character. This hero had the talent of ‘sucking blood’ in the dark hero category, handling energy. She was one of the few popular heroes in the Dark Hero category.

Well, it seemed like she came for diplomatic activities as Japan’s representative hero…

Heh…

‘What’s this?’

She smiled at me and was approaching. She spoke Korean fluently.

“Could you please make some room? I have something to discuss with the director.”

When an S-rank hero from an allied country comes out, what can the members do? I thought

“Let’s quickly get up and move to another table.”

“Yes, yes!”

“Fe-Fe-Fear…!”

Man-deuk perfectly marked Gil-seong, who was about to activate her fangirl mode.

Smirking, Fear flicked her fingers, creating a thin magic barrier around us. She blocked the sound.

“I’ve been trying to contact you, but we need a chance to meet. Nice to meet you, I’m Fear.”

She laid out a handshake with an iron mask on her face. If I shook hands with this eccentric hero, she might inject magic into me to measure my strength, and then my body would explode.

“Enough greetings, tell me what you’re here for.”

“Sure. That’s what I wanted to do. I have a favor to ask of you, Director Isaac.”

She was straightforward in her speech. Whatever the request is, I’m planning to reject it unless it’s something significant, but let’s hear her out. If she came this far to find me, there must be a desperate situation.

“A few months ago, a large ancient ruin was discovered under the ice of the Sea of Okhotsk. There are stories that the myths and legends of ancient religions might actually exist. Have you heard?”

I nodded knowingly.

‘This time, we’re going to the tomb of the ancient kingdom that perished in the underground Rift.’

The developers of Clan of Heroes adopted a story that there was an ancient civilization on Earth where magic engineering was highly developed, and the myths, legends, and religious worldview of that time actually existed, but disappeared suddenly. As the seasons progressed, they unfolded the story, revealing breadcrumbs.

By Season 4, there were occasional stories about how inflation was severe, and the simplicity of Season 1 was missed.

“There must be a considerable number of treasures inside. We might find ancient weapons too. The problem is that the exploration team failed to enter the ruins. Why do you think?”

She was explaining well and then suddenly asked a question. Does she want to reevaluate my experience points? It’s a bit awkward, but considering the effort she put into visiting, let’s answer.

“They couldn’t find the entrance, or a powerful sealing spell. Perhaps, it’s because of the guardian.”

“Exactly. We couldn’t confirm the sealed spell because of the guardian. Even when subjected to torpedo bombings or attacks by A-rank heroes, the powerful guardian didn’t take any damage. There was even an S-rank hero on our side in the exploration team, but even he failed to purify the guardian. So, the conclusion was this, ‘It must be defeated in one fatal blow!’ Now you understand, right? That’s why I came to find you, Director.”

She’s honestly talking about everything, even classified information. What if I leak it to other countries or clans?

As if reading the emotions in my eyes, Fear chuckled and said in a half-threatening tone.

“I’ve come this far and even put up a magical barrier. You’re not thinking anything strange, are you? This is all, of course, classified information. I hope the director, being a hero with a heavy tongue, will make wise judgments.”

“Of course. However, I will decline this request.”

“Why? You could get astronomical rewards. I haven’t even mentioned the distribution ratio yet.”

“I don’t engage in hero activities. That’s it.”

“But you did it before. You said it yourself, we don’t know what kind of monsters lurk in the underwater ruins. They could grow in power and invade human territory. Is this also a plea for help, representing Japan? We are allies, after all.”

“It’s not an emergency, is it? Invading the ruins and awakening unknown ancient monsters could potentially cause a disaster.”

Do they think I’m crazy for suggesting an underwater ancient ruin? Even if we solve the oxygen and water pressure issues with magic engineering equipment, who knows what’s waiting inside, and there might be a fear of the deep sea developing that wasn’t there before.

“Well, it’s a shame. There’s no room for persuasion, right?”

“Regrettably.”

“Ha~ Okay, don’t regret it later.”

Fear left the banquet hall just like that. It seemed like she came to see me alone. I hope this won’t strain diplomatic relations or anything.

====

***

====

On a night with a bright crescent moon, an eerie wind swept through the forest, making the oak tree shadows shake anxiously. The night sky was deep and tinted with a rich blue color, and the stars quietly illuminated the mysteries of the universe.

– Whooong.

–

Passing through the secret passage embraced by the rough wind, we followed the association chairman into a massive underground bunker.

Representatives from the other six clans were also present. Most were highly recognized A-rank heroes, and a few promising B-rank heroes were also spotted.

“Identification tags. You should have these in case you get stranded so that we can track your location. Please be sure not to lose them.”

The chairman distributed something resembling a yellow card to everyone. I also received one and put it in my inventory.

The Ancient Rift consisted of a total of four underground floors. The first and second floors were giant crystal caverns, and until then, there were no communication errors. The problem was the third floor, known as the Crimson Mountain Range, emitting a unique sound energy wave. The red light it produced illuminated the entire area, causing errors in magic formations and preventing communication applications, including the Akashic Record, from functioning.

Because of this, heroes from the six clans were wary of each other. Especially after receiving messages exchanged between us through a messenger from them, it seemed they were just as uneasy as we were.

For example, those around the Dawn Clan complained like this.

一Are you crazy? Did you hear? They say Isaac is going to the Ancient Rift this time.

一(WTF!!!)

一Nonsense, right?

一It’s true. Right after getting promoted, he’s breaking the taboo just like that.

一It can’t be true. Did the Association approve it? What if they beat us all up and robbed us?…

Other squad group chats had a similar atmosphere. Everyone seemed uncomfortable or fearful of Isaac’s presence. In the Twilight Dawn group chat, there were even discussions about running away with all their might as soon as he’s deployed, saying they might face death the moment he enters.

They expressed concerns about the potential consequences, mentioning that if their leader and Isaac had a bad relationship, they didn’t know what might happen.

‘We can’t afford to make reckless decisions.’

Originally, they heard that the search zones were allocated through their own discussions. We were assigned to explore the ecosystem around the royal tomb on the 4th floor, so there shouldn’t be any conflicts with other squads over treasures.

Even if there’s a moment of hesitation, with an official S-rank hero present, they should be able to handle any disputes and help with anger management.