Chapter 67: A Demon King Joins the Stage

The New World pro team was ablaze with activity as they prepared for the exhibition league.

In the midst of this, the invasion incident involving the Bear Kingdom was nothing less than pouring oil onto the fire.

Though there hadn’t been an official announcement from either side yet, most already regarded Alicia’s recruitment as a settled fact.

So every broadcaster and New World media outlet had approached MK.

They all wanted to confirm whether it was truly Alicia who had attacked the Bear Kingdom.

The photos and videos taken by people on the scene did indeed resemble Alicia.

Except, of course, for those peculiar ears and the large nose.

The most reasonable guess was that a disguise had been used, but ultimately, nothing was certain.

“Yeah, that was me.”

“R-really?”

Jaeho, who had come to headquarters for team promotional material production and the official recruitment announcement, admitted it without hesitation as he sat across from the recruitment team leader, Dupyouno, whom he had already met once before.

“W-wasn’t that just a disguise to hide your identity?”

“If I was really trying to hide, I’d have worn a mask. Actually, on my way here today, a few people asked, so I answered.”

Now, every so often, people on the street would gather the courage to greet him.

“…………… I honestly thought you were just hiding to avoid making a scene.”

Jaeho didn’t pay any attention to that sort of thing.

From the start, when heading to the Bear Kingdom, Jaeho hadn’t intended to disguise himself—he’d meant for Tina to wear the disguise.

As it turned out, Jaeho being the one in disguise had been the right choice.

After all, in the Bear Kingdom, his face was so infamous that the very sight of it was enough to stir up hatred.

“So then… why did you go to the Bear Kingdom?”

“They kidnapped the Flower Shop Staff over there.”

“…..!!”

A bead of sweat trickled down Dupyouno’s jaw.

“And that’s why you smashed the city to pieces…?!”

The Bear Kingdom had been utterly devastated.

The Capital Castle looked like it could collapse at any moment, huge holes yawning in its sides, and everything in the direct path—up to the Castle Wall—had been destroyed.

Experts estimated that it would cost at least two billion won just to repair all the damage.

Of course, as the world’s largest Guild, they could cover the costs, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t a burden.

And so, this unprecedented disaster had been caused simply because they messed with the Flower Shop Staff…

Drip—

A cold droplet ran down Dupyouno’s chin.

“Terrifying.”

Yet at the same time, his heart raced with excitement.

Just how many people in New World had ever put on such an overwhelming, destructive performance?

There were plenty of skilled Players in Korea, but these days, none had left such a strong impact as in the past.

High levels of balance had raised the overall standard, so everyone seemed relatively ordinary.

Players focused only on their own quests and growth, and few tried to get involved in matters that didn’t concern them.

After all, poking your nose where it didn’t belong could only get your wallet, time, and experience wiped out in a single misstep.

Amidst all this, Jaeho’s series of spectacular displays were truly on another level.

How could a low-level Player in the early 100s pull off all this?

And then…

“To think someone like that is one of MK’s players…!!”

Dupyouno trembled with joy.

He knew that many pro teams had their eye on Jaeho.

Plenty of them had even tracked down where Jaeho actually lived.

But it was he, Dupyouno, who’d had the courage to step up first.

While everyone else hesitated before Jaeho’s aura, only he had moved forward.

And this was the result.

Meeting Jaeho in person, he wasn’t as violent as his image suggested. In fact, he was polite and friendly.

Ah, but terrifying, that was undeniable.

“Ahem, well, regarding that, would you have some time to discuss with the Marketing Department after today’s schedule?”

“As long as it’s not too late.”

“Of course. And anyway, Mr. Hwang Jaeho, you don’t have to do any group shoots today. We’ll do solo photos and composite them later.”

When the contract was made, it had been agreed that the Flower Shop would always take first priority, so 14’s team had no choice but to accommodate him.

After the discussion, Jaeho received his uniform.

It was a pixelated T-shirt, typical of pro teams, but the moment Jaeho put it on, the mood changed.

He looked just like a fighter before weigh-in.

“Hmhm… Oh, is this shirt a bit small?”

“That’s an XXL.”

Hearing this, Dupyouno clicked his tongue.

“Then why does it look so tight?”

“Well… it’s because he’s built like that… I thought it was just in-game, but I didn’t expect him to be that huge in real life.”

“Definitely not your average pro gamer’s physique…”

As the staff whispered among themselves, Jaeho finished his makeup.

His hair was styled back neatly.

Already fierce in appearance, his features were now made even sharper for marketing purposes, the pressure radiating off him almost explosive.

“Isn’t that a bit too much?”

Regardless, Jaeho began his profile shoot.

***

“Dupyouno hyung, we’re here!”

In the middle of the shoot, a man appeared at the studio.

“Huh? Why are you here so early?”

Recognizing him, Dupyouno greeted him—it was none other than Sumin Lee, the captain of MK’s Main Team, T1.

Sumin Lee (Shake)

He was MK’s star Player, renowned domestically and abroad.

He signed the contract claiming even tournaments were just content for him, a happy-go-lucky Player, yet also fiercely competitive.

“I heard the famous Alicia was coming today, so I got curious.”

With a grin, Dupyouno realized what was going on.

“So this guy really wants a power struggle.”

During the recruitment process, it was impossible that none of the existing players would feel dissatisfied.

After all, Jaeho wasn’t even a main player, yet he was being used as the face of the team—enough to annoy the regulars.

Sumin was especially sensitive about this.

Someone other than himself had become the new team representative…

For that reason, Sumin had been showing signs of refusing to acknowledge Jaeho from the start.

“Come on, Sumin, don’t start…”

“Thank you for your hard work!”

Just then, the system announced the end of the shoot.

“Huh? It’s over already?!”

Dupyouno asked the shoot director in surprise.

“Well… it just worked out that way.”

“Don’t tell me you ended it early out of fear…”

“Uh? That’s not it!”

The shoot director waved his hands in surprise.

“Well, the mask doesn’t look bad, the proportions and physique are great… but above all, his aura as a model is top notch. You know how some people just look good in photos? That’s the case here.”

“Oh… is that so?”

Sneaking a look at the result, Dupyouno’s knees trembled.

“T-terrifying…”

It had come out perfectly.

It was exactly the “Demon King Alicia” that Dupyouno and everyone at /\ had hoped for!

“Dupyouno hyung.”

“Hm? Ah, right. You said you came to see Mr. Hwang Jaeho?”

Snapping out of it, Dupyouno looked at Jaeho, who was surrounded by people.

Apparently, now that everyone realized Jaeho was much friendlier than he looked, the staff were bravely asking for autographs and commemorative photos.

“Truly… he has a star aura. When we brought in Sumin, the staff weren’t nearly this excited.”

It was an ironic situation—someone too scary to approach easily getting the most fan service requests.

“Hm… it might be best to wait a bit. People might resent us if we interrupt now.”

“………Fine. I’ve got nothing else to do anyway.”

With a relaxed air, Sumin took a seat at the empty chairs in the back.

Watching him, Dupyouno felt a twinge of concern.

“He looks a bit upset…”

Would this proud top Player… really be able to maintain his pride before Jaeho?

***

Jaeho was half out of it from all the attention—something he’d never experienced before.

Even though people’s faces clearly showed fear… for some reason, they were gathering the courage to approach.

“Hey, now that you’re contracted with MK, at least make a signature! Don’t get flustered later!”

Wan-sik had thankfully advised him in advance.

Thanks to that, he managed to get through the impromptu autograph session smoothly.

“Mr. Hwang Jaeho, over here!”

Once things settled down, Dupyouno waved to Jaeho from across the room.

“This is Sumin Lee. Our MK T1’s…”

He was about to introduce Sumin to Jaeho.

But Sumin remained seated, not even looking at Jaeho.

“Sumin? What are you doing?”

Dupyouno called to him, bewildered.

He knew Sumin was fiercely competitive, but this sort of childish psychological warfare wasn’t his style.

Shiver shiver shiver—

“?”

But then, the reason became clear.

Sumin’s entire body was trembling ever so slightly.

From afar, Jaeho’s aura hadn’t been as palpable, but now, facing it up close, he was feeling the full weight.

“Well… seeing him fully made up like this for the first time would be hard for anyone to handle.”

Understanding dawned, though Dupyouno’s insides twisted.

He’d called Sumin over to introduce them, only for him to freeze up…

“Ah, Mr. Shake.”

“?!!”

“Gasp?”

But Jaeho recognized him first and spoke up.

“You know, since I’m with MK now, I should at least know the other players’ names and faces. Gotta memorize them.”

This too was thanks to Wan-sik’s constant nagging.

However…

“Ahem… It’s S-Shake.”

Dupyouno quietly corrected him.

“Ah. Ahem…”

Jaeho coughed in embarrassment, but Sumin’s thoughts were elsewhere.

“He’s trying to help me relax…”

He realized just how tense he was, and figured Jaeho was trying to loosen him up.

Given how fierce his appearance was, this level of service seemed only natural.

His brain, paralyzed by fear, malfunctioned.

Finally pulling himself together, Sumin wobbled to his feet.

“N-nice to meet… you. I’m Sumin Lee. Captain of Team 11.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you—you’re very famous. I’m Hwang Jaeho.”

After their introductions ended smoothly, Dupyouno quickly stepped in.

“Haha, he actually came early just to see you, Mr. Hwang Jaeho.”

“Oh, really? Thank you.”

Jaeho smiled and bowed.

“I-I should be the one…”

“?”

Thankful for what, exactly?

Jaeho wondered, but let it go.

“We’re shooting the other players today too, right?”

“Yes. The rest of the team should be here in about an hour…”

“Hm… If the timing’s right, maybe I’ll see them too. Are we meeting with the Marketing Department right now?”

“Ah, yes, I think we can go now. They’re waiting for you. Sumin?”

“Me? Ah… you guys go ahead. I’ll just do some quests in the Capcell Room.”

Sumin hurriedly said his goodbyes and disappeared.

“He’s a lot more polite than I expected.”

“Hm?”

Dupyouno tilted his head at Jaeho’s comment.

“There are some bad rumors about him online, so I was a bit nervous, but I’m glad it went smoothly.”

Dupyouno wondered if he really meant it.

It was a strange thing for someone with Jaeho’s face and physique to say.

***

The meeting with the Marketing Department wasn’t difficult either.

Jaeho explained the details of the Bear Kingdom incident, and the department prepared press materials.

At last, the pro team officially announced Jaeho’s recruitment.

At the same time, the true story behind the Bear Kingdom incident was revealed, and the public reaction was unanimous.

Just deserts.

How many vile things had Bulgeom Guild done to Players all this time?

Again, the Bulgeom Guild had used lowly tricks—this time, kidnapping and confinement. But Alicia, a Player, singlehandedly smashed the heart of the world’s largest Guild.

ㅡ With this, isn’t Alicia going to dominate the pro league?

ㄴ But there’s no guarantee that Golem was really Alicia’s summon.

ㄴ There’s no way any Player could own something like that. Even if you hate Bulgeom Guild, you can’t ignore the rankers they have.

ㄴ Yeah. Someone I know in Bulgeom Guild said all their rankers went at the Golem together and got wrecked.

What’s your problem? Are you racist or something?

Don’t you read the articles? Alicia already said that Golem wasn’t his.

ㅡ Hey, then was that scary-looking Elf really Hwang Jaeho?

ㄴ Yeah, official statement says so.

ㄴ Creepy… Where do you even get the guts to charge into enemy territory alone?

ㄴ He wasn’t alone. An Elf went with him.

ㄴ Same difference.

ㄴ Anyway, this incident proves Elves are overpowered.

ㅡ Didn’t Taylor escape from Elysia? Wasn’t he in the Bear Kingdom?

ㄴ Nope. Alicia caught and killed him, lol

ㄴ Lol, maybe the whole point was to kill Taylor?

The internet was on fire.

Debate raged over the powerful Elven army and the massive Golem, but when Jaeho himself said the Golem wasn’t his summon, things calmed down a bit…

ㅡ Hey! I just saw Alicia heading back to Elysia! And she’s got the Golem!

ㄴ You’re kidding?

ㄴ – I saw it too! But it looked smaller in person than in the photos and videos?

ㄴ – But it looked exactly the same.

When people caught sight of Jaeho with the Golem, things flared up again.

But MK’s statement was not a lie.

The Golem that rampaged through the Bear Kingdom was no longer “his.”

He’d never see that thing again anyway…