* * *
In mythology, Hydra was a multi-headed serpent that regenerated its heads no matter how many times they were cut off, an immortal being.
The Ability Integrated Information System had been the subject of controversy ever since its inception.
As it contained highly classified national defense information, it adhered strictly to the principle of non-disclosure.
However, once the media began to question this, it quickly became a target of criticism.
The name “Hydra” was chosen as a symbol of defiance against external pressure. But considering that Hydra was eventually slain by the hero Hercules, it didn’t seem like the most brilliant naming choice.
[Please state what you would like to search for.]
A gender-neutral voice came from the computer.
While the AI’s tone and inflection mimicked a human’s, the voice was unmistakably artificial.
“Esper Seo Munhyuk.”
[Displaying search results for Esper Seo Munhyuk.]
Soon, a vast amount of data began to appear.
The dozens, even hundreds, of pages of documents that had initially flooded the screen were quickly organized according to specific criteria.
Even just the table of contents for the materials related to Esper Seo Munhyuk exceeded twenty sections.
Since he had no interest in the military’s promotional materials or news articles about him slaying monsters, Haegum issued a new command to Hydra.
“Open Seo Munhyuk’s detailed profile.”
A brief warning beep followed his command, and then the mechanical voice curtly replied.
[Sorry. You do not have permission.]
As the only S-class Guide in the country and someone who had been affiliated with the military since he was estimated to be twelve years old, Haegum had a fairly high security clearance.
‘What the… What kind of top-secret information are they hiding?’
Ridiculous. Haegum pursed his lips in annoyance.
Everything about Seo Munhyuk irritated him.
“Open Seo Munhyuk’s general profile.”
Refusing to give up, Haegum lowered the security level and opened the general profile.
[Displaying Seo Munhyuk’s general profile.
- Name: Seo Munhyuk
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Classification: Physical Esper
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Height: 192 cm
.
.
.
- Source: National Security Department, Combat Unit Promotional Materials.
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Source: Research on Physical Esper Ability Enhancement Using Nano Robot Systems.]
As Haegum skimmed through Seo Munhyuk’s extensive profile, he clicked on a link.
It led to a social media channel managed by the combat unit for promotional purposes.
Videos showcasing the exploits of Espers and Guides were heavily featured, with Seo Munhyuk’s videos standing out due to their high view counts.
“Seo Munhyuk, the S-class Esper who stunned the world!”
“Monster annihilation in under 10 minutes—Is this for real!?”
“A national treasure, both in skill and looks—Exclusive interview with Seo Munhyuk, the S-class Esper.”
The video thumbnails blatantly emphasized Seo Munhyuk’s face and his half-naked body.
In one video, his clothes were partially melted by an acid-spewing plant monster, revealing his thigh and chest, leading to comments like, “Good monster, agreed?”
Among the many videos, Haegum selected an interview filmed in a studio.
“Hello! Today, we’re joined by someone our subscribers have been eagerly waiting for—Esper Seo Munhyuk!”
“Hello.”
Following the host’s bright voice, Seo Munhyuk appeared.
He was dressed in the full military uniform of the combat unit, adorned with numerous decorations.
His hair, neatly styled, made him look strikingly similar to Seo Munhyun.
Unconsciously, Haegum found herself focused on the screen.
“When did you first realize that you were different from others, that you had abilities?”
“My twin brother and I both manifested as Espers when we were fifteen. Uh, I don’t really remember why we were fighting… but when I came to my senses, we were throwing bookshelves and beds into the air.”
Even seated comfortably on a sofa, Seo Munhyuk sat with perfect posture, his back straight.
Since Seo Munhyun hardly ever talked about their childhood, Haegum had no idea about this part of their past.
“…Wow, that’s quite the story. So, what happened to the furniture?”
“Both of our parents were Espers, so they immediately subdued us.”
The host burst out laughing. After that, the interview continued normally.
“Of all the battles you’ve participated in, is there one that stands out to you the most?”
“I’d say it’s the battle at Hwanggeum Cave five years ago. The sinkhole there was different from any others I’d seen, and the number of monsters pouring out was truly overwhelming.”
Before he knew it, Haegum had watched the entire 20-minute video.
The Seo Munhyuk in the video seemed unfamiliar. Instead of cracking jokes, he spoke with clarity and conviction throughout the interview.
As the video ended and the screen went dark, Haegum’s expression also darkened.
Staring at a face identical to his crush left his with mixed feelings.
Biting his lower lip lightly, Haegum pressed the cushion on his lap down onto his thighs.
“Seo Munhyuk general profile, academic records.”
[Sorry. Cannot be found.]
Did he search wrong?
Frowning, Haegum issued the command again.
“…Seo Munhyuk academic records.”
[Sorry. Cannot be found.]
Haegum’s mind was filled with confusion at Hydra’s polite message. It was supposed to be on the profile…
“Search: Basic Competency Evaluation Test Results for Special Ability Users.”
[Sorry. Cannot be found.]
Haegum continued searching several times after that.
However, it was impossible to find anyone’s test scores in the system.
Out of frustration, they started opening other people’s profiles and high-security documents.
All the documents accessible only to A-class guides and espers opened without any issue.
With a deep breath, Haegum finally realized.
Test scores weren’t recorded in the profiles of ability users.
“They totally lied to me…”
A sense of injustice clenched their fists.
If the goal was to boost their combat power, this was definitely the right way to do it.
Could I ever have keep a secret from Hyung?
“Your right shoulder seems a bit stiff.”
As Haegum looked at Seo Munhyun, who was pressing down on their right shoulder, the answer to the question they had just asked themselves became clear.
Creating a secret that Seo Munhyun didn’t know about was probably impossible.
“I practiced shooting this morning.”
“By yourself?”
“…Yeah.”
“You must’ve pushed yourself too hard. That’s why it’s red here too.”
Haegum’s palm had turned only slightly red, barely noticeable unless examined closely.
Seo Munhyun’s hand, which gently stroked Haegum’s palm, was covered in deep scars.
Seeing his frown, it was clear Seo Munhyun wasn’t happy with the honest confession about practicing shooting.
“…Yeah.”
Seo Munhyun’s hand moved from Haegum’s shoulder, down their arm, and to the tips of their fingers, checking to see if anything else was stiff apart from the shoulder.
Haegum lowered their gaze to Seo Munhyun’s face.
His expressionless face looked the same as always, but Haegum could sense his mood even within those similar expressions.
“I want to pass the test this time.”
At Haegum’s words, Seo Munhyun raised his head.
His sharp eyes blinked as his long lashes moved slightly.
“Why? Did someone say something to my little one? Should I deal with them?”
“No, it’s not like that.”
“Was it the director?”
“I’m telling you, no one said anything.”
Haegum emphasized again, but Seo Munhyun didn’t seem entirely convinced.
He just quietly looked at Haegum with his calm, dark eyes.
“Really, it’s nothing, hyung…”
Haegum averted their gaze and trailed off.
“Then why?”
‘I just don’t get it. ‘
Seo Munhyun sighed briefly as he added.
His cool response bothered Haegum, but at the same time, there was an odd sense of satisfaction from having all of Seo Munhyun’s worry to themselves.
“I’m just… embarrassed that I keep failing the shooting test.”
For both guides and espers, passing the shooting test was mandatory for participating in combat.
For guides, it was the minimum means of defense, and for espers, it was to prepare for situations where their abilities couldn’t be used.
Haegum had failed the shooting test for a long time.
* * *
Gracias por la historia