Chapter : 97
Humanity, as if provoked, launched their counterattack. The operation didn’t consist solely of psychics. Firepower capable of leveling the surrounding area had also been deployed to the scene. As the psychics forced the dragon to lower its altitude, the bombardment began.
It was modern weaponry, but far from ordinary. Many of the psychics were enhanced types—the firepower itself was coated with psychic energy.
“…!”
But the dragon blocked everything. It seemed to have a transparent sphere surrounding it. All explosions, flames, and psychic attacks dissipated around it.
The dragon’s gaze fixed on a single point.
‘So the Chinese side invested as well.’
While Lee Wonjae seemed oblivious, Suhyun immediately recognized what the Chinese forces had brought. For the dragon to react so sensitively, there could be only one thing:
A psychic nullification device. They had probably thought that countering the dragon’s psychic power would require massive capacity, so they operated an entire dedicated unit independently.
-!!!!!!!!!!
The dragon roared. This wasn’t a simple threat—it wasn’t mere intimidation. Humans nearby collapsed, blood spraying from their ears and noses. With a single roar, the dragon felled humans around it; with a flap of its wings, it gained altitude and began creating a rain of fire in the air.
And its first target was the Chinese psychic suppression unit.
“Block it!!”
Chinese psychics surged forward to defend. The sheer number of them meant a dazzling array of defensive powers appeared: telekinesis, rocks, ice…
But the rain of fire did not stop. Fireballs kept forming relentlessly, hammering away at defenses, slowly breaking them down. Other units tried to assist, but even that was difficult. The dragon could concentrate on one point while simultaneously attacking elsewhere.
Once the defenses broke, the dragon tilted its head back. Suhyun already guessed what would come next.
‘Dragon Breath!’
The dragon’s ultimate spear.
The scorching white flames melted everything they touched. Those struck likely died instantly, unable even to feel pain. The dragon seemed dissatisfied with merely obliterating the suppression unit—it maintained the breath, shaking its head. The moment the flames touched, the psychics’ defenses became meaningless. They melted as if they had never defended at all.
With another flap of its wings, the dragon slammed into the ground with tremendous force. Those beneath it were crushed. Jagged rock spikes erupted from the impact zone.
‘It’s over.’
If anyone still failed to realize the situation, they didn’t deserve to live. Humanity’s attacks could not harm the dragon, and the dragon’s attacks were beyond any defense humanity could muster.
The escape began—chaotic screams, desperate struggles to survive. The dragon, with its signature arrogant gaze, hunted the fleeing humans.
“This is worse than expected.”
Lee Wonjae nodded silently. His face looked a little pale, as if recalling the footage had brought back the memory.
“Even if it failed, looking at who participated, it seems a lot of private mercenary companies were involved…”
Military units weren’t effective simply because of numbers—the high proportion of psychics made mass deployment meaningless. Instead, mercenary companies were recruited with the promise of future new-city development rights.
“Will management be okay going forward?”
Except for the west blocked by the sea, the north and east of the gate were under Chinese and Russian influence, while the south and east fell to the U.S. and Korea. Unlike China and Russia, which ran systems under direct state control, Korea’s territory was mostly managed by private companies.
Naturally, those companies had been eager to participate in this large-scale project. But now, with those teams gone…
“Do not inform outsiders.”
“Of course. That goes without saying.”
“Honestly, it’s a tough situation. We’re sending official letters requesting cooperation from each company, but we may have to retreat in some areas.”
“The companies must be equally stunned. Paying high fees for safety only to have their teams vanish mid-operation must be frustrating.”
Though Lee Wonjae looked near panic, Suhyun already knew what would happen next:
‘The government will train special forces and seek new external teams. The gaps left by direct mercenary companies will be filled by outsourcing.’
Mercenaries eager to strike it rich on Cameron were abundant. Competition had been fierce, making new opportunities scarce, but once orbital deployment was achieved, money flowed automatically.
Now, gaps had appeared, and many would lobby the Korean government to enter.
“Many will try to come from other nations, then.”
“…!”
Lee Wonjae looked up at Suhyun, surprised she had anticipated the confidential internal situation.
“Is that surprising?”
“Oh, no.”
“If there’s no choice, we’ll make do, but you should still conduct thorough background checks.”
“Of course.”
‘She won’t.’
Lee Wonjae seemed to take her advice as mere courtesy. No matter—Suhyun wasn’t the one who would bleed later.
“Anyway, I understand the situation. Thank you for your hard work, Director. With things like this, there’s little point in being angry.”
“Team Leader Kim Suhyun…!”
“Being the only remaining team is a heavy responsibility, but I’ll do my best. Let’s work well together from now on.”
“I won’t disappoint you in the future!”
“Of course.”
It was a serious statement. Without realizing what Suhyun had done behind the scenes, Lee Wonjae shook her hand, letting out a sigh of relief. The worst-case scenario had been avoided. The team from Uncle Joe Company had returned, their strength intact, leaving a reliable backup for emergencies.
‘Besides, mercenary companies won’t even listen to us now…’
Having bungled a government-led operation, mercenary companies would naturally be skeptical of further requests.
Suhyun clicked her shoulder, stepping outside the building.
‘Seems about done.’
She had cleverly avoided stepping into the trap, and those who might have blamed her would be grateful instead.
“Has everyone been well?”
“Team Leader…!”
The moment news of Suhyun’s return spread, the members rushed out. Suhyun pushed aside Kim Chang-sik, who wanted to hug him, and asked:
“More importantly, where’s Kang In-gyu? Where is he?”
“Ah, him…”
The team exchanged nervous glances. Suhyun’s unease grew. Kang In-gyu was a powerful psychic but mentally fragile—a perfect target for scams.
“He’s probably at the training center.”
“What?”
“The psychic training center. Don’t you know?”
Suhyun knew it well. Many assumed awakening as a psychic guaranteed success, but that was mostly prejudice. Unless the ability was directly monetizable, like healing, that wasn’t necessarily true.
It was important both to have the ability and to convert it into a source of income. Cameron was no easy place—weak psychic powers could be less effective than cutting-edge weapons.
Some trained psychics and sold their skills to mercenary companies, charging fees. Suhyun was skeptical. Curriculum-wise, psychic abilities varied too much individually. Kang In-gyu had a rare curse-type power, and she doubted anyone could teach it.
Moreover, Kang In-gyu already worked for Uncle Joe Company—a place only those recruited would enter.
“No one stopped him?”
Suhyun’s tone became sharp; Kim Dong-wook hurriedly answered:
“Oh, no. Senior Suyong tried, but he wanted to get stronger, so he paid to enroll. He had nothing to do anyway until you returned…”
“That’s not what the money was for.”
Suhyun shook her head. She knew Kang In-gyu wanted to help, but…
‘And he goes to a place like that?’
Since it was his money, she could hardly scold him.
“Fine. Bring him here immediately. Any other issues?”
Gorgan raised his hand.
“What is it, Gorgan?”
“Three months ago, I received a message from Mogok. Since you weren’t available, I passed it on. They want to work as mercenaries with the tribe’s warriors.”
“That’s great news.”
Suhyun clapped lightly.
“I’m back, so have them contact us again. Let them come for a test. They should pass easily.”
“Is that okay?”
“What’s wrong? You don’t trust orcs? This is blatant discrimination!”
Kim Chang-sik, startled, unconsciously looked at Gorgan.
“Uh, no! But they don’t have psychic abilities!”
“Oh, that’s what you meant. Don’t worry—they can do tasks that don’t require powers.”
Suhyun was thinking about the Outerf region. With the mercenary company collapse, Uncle Joe Company, friendly with the Development Planning Bureau, could take over the remaining positions.
‘Let’s finish preparations before the Chinese team arrives.’
After giving brief instructions, Suhyun whispered to Lee So-hee:
“Is Jindo okay?”
“Ah, thank you for asking. Jindo didn’t participate.”
“Not at all?”
“Yes.”
Suhyun was a bit surprised—she expected at least a lower-level team to be sent. Meanwhile, Kang In-gyu returned.
“Team, Team Leader…! Hah… hah… congratulations on coming back!”
“Yes. Did you learn much at the center?”
Suhyun looked at Kang In-gyu in disbelief.
‘Still, it’s good he tried…’
Some subordinates required tough love; others, gentle guidance. Kang In-gyu belonged to the latter. Being timid, he would bury himself at the slightest reprimand.
“Not much improvement.”
“Expected. Your ability is rare; it can’t be learned. If you want practice, go test it on people in the back alleys.”
“Th-that’s a bit…”
“Think of it as experience and leave. Consider the remaining tuition spent on snacks.”
Kang In-gyu hesitated, unusually so for someone who normally followed orders immediately.
“Still more to report?”
“They said… they’ll bring psychic enhancers. Selling them to me at a discount…”
Veins popped on Suhyun’s forehead. This had moved from training into outright scam territory.
“You’ve been scammed, you idiot!”
“Eh?!”
“If there were enhancers, why would he still be there? Go work under the government for money!”
Suhyun smacked Kang In-gyu on the back of his head. She had almost let it slide, but this blatant stupidity was infuriating. A measly training fee wasn’t enough; now he wanted to get scammed further.
“Let’s go. I want to see the owner.”
Suhyun paused briefly, wary of the suspicious training center. To verify the psychic enhancers…
“You’re coming too.”
“Why?!”
Ruilir, enjoying her return to the city, had her scruff grabbed by Suhyun.
“Your major might be needed.”
“What’s Ruilir’s major?”
“Nothing for you to know. Let’s go.”
Suhyun clicked her tongue and moved on. There was much to do: monitor Chinese movements, recruit new talent, explore uncharted areas. Yet here they were, dealing with this.
As she walked, Ruilir glared at Kang In-gyu with obvious disdain.
“Huh? It’s not that bad.”
Indeed, the training center building was large and clean. Nothing about it suggested scams. Suhyun remained unimpressed.
“Do you think scammers would announce it on their foreheads? Let’s go in.”
