Chapter 168: Let’s Take a Plane ♬

Kim Yujeong and Kwak Deokbae.

In the underworld, their code names were ‘Big Data & Deep Learning’.

In this world, there exist combinations that create explosive synergy the more they work together.

Bread and milk, ramen and kimchi, Spam and white rice, hamburgers and cola, pajeon and makgeolli, and so on……

Big Data & Deep Learning were exactly that kind of pair.

Big Data, with the ‘Scanning’ ability that let him instantly analyze detailed information about any object or person that entered his field of vision.

Deep Learning, with the ‘Perfect Recall’ ability that allowed him to perfectly memorize everything he saw and heard.

When Big Data gathered and collected information, Deep Learning stored and analyzed it all.

Clean execution.  

Perfect role division.  

Professional work ethic.

The Big Data & Deep Learning combo formed the core pillars and backbone of the information network in Korea’s underworld.

At first, they had started as simple business partners.

But as they overcame hardships and trials together, a new chapter opened in their relationship…….

“Hey.”

Big Data snapped to attention.

“Yes, Big Brother!”

“Keep it to around 100 characters. Core points only. Fast and concise.”

“Understood, Big Brother!”

He took a deep breath and rattled off like a machine gun.

“Deokbae and I are key information agents for the Villain Union! Deokbae has the ability to perfectly memorize documents and information in an instant, while I can identify important data with my own two eyes!”

“Two.”

You should’ve just done it like that from the beginning.

In short, they were awakeners specialized in information collection and analysis.

Standing next to Big Data was a hulking, muscular giant of a man.

Buzz-cut hair, thick caterpillar-like eyebrows, overly plump lips, and a perfectly square jawline as if measured with a ruler.

He wore a black tank top and shorts that looked one size too small, threatening to burst at any moment.

This was Big Data’s other half(?), ‘Deep Learning’, Kwak Deokbae.

“Thank you for saving our lives, Big Brother—!”

His booming voice echoed through the abandoned hospital ward.

Deep Learning had been dying from a viral disease that had crossed over from the Lokpia Continent.

According to Paracelsus, if they had been even a day or two later, not even the cure could have saved him.

‘Well, anyway. They got lucky.’

Big Data and Deep Learning, who had barely survived the crisis.

“I repay favors twofold and grudges a hundredfold! That’s my iron rule, Big Brother! From now on, I will serve you with utmost sincerity and respect!”

“Since we only live once! If you’re born a man, you should live boldly, stylishly, and without shame, right? Since you saved my life, Big Brother, I’ll live it for you!”

The two declared they would follow me as their Big Brother to repay the favor.

Then they gazed at each other with loving eyes.

“Right, jagiya~?”

“Yeah, darling~?”

They even interlocked fingers, making a whole scene.

I looked at Big Data and Deep Learning and said,

“From now on, calling each other ‘jagiya’, ‘darling’, or anything like that in front of me is forbidden.”

“Eeeek!?”

“What the—!?”

Big Data and Deep Learning looked shocked.

But I wasn’t finished.

“No hugging in front of me. No holding hands. No stroking thighs. No suddenly shaking your hips. No weird winking…… Oh, and no deep kissing either.”

“Th-that’s too much……”

“Then what exactly can we even do?”

Big Data & Deep Learning blinked as if they had been devastated.

“D-don’t tell me…… Big Brother is an outdated homophobe?! No way, right? Please say it’s not true!”

“Darling, maybe Big Brother is more into women? Besides, non-homosexual people tend to have closed-minded and conservative ways of thinking.”

At that moment.

Grab— Grab—

Jeanne seized both of them by the scruffs of their necks.

“Master is saying you lovebug bastards shouldn’t engage in PDA no matter the location and ruin other people’s moods. It doesn’t matter whether it’s same-sex or opposite-sex love.”

Crack— Creeeeak—

A grotesque sound came from the two men’s neck bones.

“Y-yes! We’re sorry! We’ll…… Grk! We’ll do as you say……”

“S-such fair and just feedback regardless of gender! As expected of Big Brother…… Hack! Y-you truly are Big Brother……”

They say respect is born from fear.

In reality, the word “respect” was just an elegant way of saying “If you mess with me, I’ll fuck you up.”

I spoke to the ‘Big Data & Deep Learning combo’—shortened to the Big & Deep combo.

“So, what are you two planning to do from now on?”

Big Data answered in a resolute voice.

“We will withdraw from the Villain Union!”

“And join Big Brother’s organization!”

Deep Learning chimed in from the side.

However.

“I don’t have an organization.”

“Whaaaaat!?”

“Amazing—!”

Their reactions had been overly dramatic since earlier.

Big Data continued with a dazed expression.

“Then why did you kidnap me, Big Brother? I naturally assumed it was to recruit me as your information agent.”

I briefly explained the situation regarding Professor Park Ahjeong.

Excluding anything potentially dangerous or too private, of course.

“So the USB from Professor Park Ahjeong is the key.”

Big Data nodded with a serious expression.

The ‘artificial dungeon’ project being secretly carried out by A+ rank 2nd, Mrs. Luddite.

Death Stalker, the shadowy figure behind the Villain Union, was collecting information related to it.

Professor Park Ahjeong was also partially involved in the project.

Big Data muttered,

“Death Stalker has probably already received word that I stole the USB from Professor Park Ahjeong. If I don’t submit it, he’ll come after us. However……”

He continued speaking.

“The important thing is making sure no harm comes to Professor Park Ahjeong, who is connected to you, Big Brother. Well, that’s as easy as lying down and eating honey for me!”

“Let’s hear it.”

“First, I’ll analyze the information on the USB using my scanning ability. Then I’ll skillfully remove any data that could be fatal to Professor Park Ahjeong!”

In other words, he would cleverly trim out the crucial parts like scooping the red bean paste from a fish-shaped pastry.

Big Data thumped his chest confidently.

“Just leave it to me, Big Brother! I’ll organize the USB data and report it to you first!”

“Of course! Let’s show Big Brother the power of the Big Data & Deep Learning combo!”

They were the reliable type once they became allies.

I looked at the two and said,

“Don’t do anything that stands out too much. Stay in the Villain Union for now. Their information might become useful later. And……”

“And……?”

“What else should we do, Big Brother!”

I looked at Big Data.

“Repair everything you destroyed around Korea University and Daehak-ro. Cover all the medical expenses for the injured as well.”

“Um…… We are still wanted criminals, so……”

“Even if we want to help, showing our faces would get us caught immediately……”

Big Data & Deep Learning glanced at each other nervously.

Jeanne then spoke with an expressionless face.

“It’s your problem to figure out. Does Master really have to explain every single way for you two to clean up your own mess? If the stuff inside your skulls isn’t being used for thinking, there’s no need for them to stay attached.”

“N-no no no no! You are absolutely right!”

“We’ll handle it neatly, cleanly, and with perfect sense!”

The Big & Deep combo saluted in perfect posture.

‘This should wrap things up nicely…….’

There was one last thing.

I lightly snapped my fingers.

Snap—

Two figures rose from the shadows beneath my feet.

[You called, Warehouse Keeper.]

[Hmm, quite a gloomy place.]

Sogi Pa and Lee Ui-min.

The moment the two Shadow Knights appeared, Big Data and Deep Learning gaped.

“Big Brother, were you…… a black magician? My god……”

“As expected! Only great men handle great matters……!”

I gave the Shadow Knights brief instructions.

[……Understood.]

[I shall do so.]

Sogi Pa and Lee Ui-min then melted into the shadows of Big Data and Deep Learning respectively.

“W-woah? Something just went inside me!”

“My shadow isn’t a public space though……”

I looked at the Big & Deep combo and said,

“If you ever find yourselves in a dangerous situation within the Villain Union, they will buy you time. I’ve also ordered them to kill you if you try any funny business.”

“Aigoo, funny business?! Never! I will prove my loyalty very soon!”

“Once I call someone Big Brother, they stay my Big Brother until I die! We’ll see you next time!”

Big Data and Deep Learning bowed and disappeared.

At that moment.

Vrrr—

My smartwatch began vibrating.

“This is……”

[Sender: Professor Park Ahjeong]

It was a message from Professor Park Ahjeong.

One week later.

***

Early in the morning, I was already standing in the lobby of Incheon International Airport.

Travelers busily pulled their suitcases back and forth.

Loud chatter filled every corner of the lobby.

There was only one reason I was here.

It was because of the ‘China Archaeology Tour’ that Professor Park Ahjeong had suggested one week ago.

Despite being the direct victim of the Big Data incident, Professor Park Ahjeong had stubbornly insisted on going through with this archaeology tour.

‘……Should I call this incredible mental fortitude?’

Anyway.

I had originally planned to travel across East Asia during the break to collect materials for the Shadow Knights.

‘Though I wonder how many relics are still left in China.’

Most of them were destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.

Still, the country was so vast that there should still be plenty of hidden relics.

Meanwhile, a large screen near the boarding gate was broadcasting TV news.

[……An anonymous donation group has fully covered the damages from the recent terror incident at Korea University. The group left only the message ‘It was simply the right thing to do’ and has also covered all medical expenses for the terror victims.]

This was the work of Big Data & Deep Learning.

‘Well, at least they’re working hard in their own way.’

Soon, another news segment came on.

[Next up. A+ rank 10th hunter of the Hunter Association, Death Stalker, has suddenly announced his withdrawal from the Association. Death Stalker is a figure whose identity remains unknown and is known as an awakener specialized in assassination and terror. This has heightened public anxiety……]

Two days ago.

Death Stalker had suddenly withdrawn from the Association and gone into hiding without any warning.

Because of this, news related to Death Stalker had been heating up the internet for days.

‘……Villain Union.’

Even knowing the inside story, this was quite concerning news.

The news anchor then moved on to the next story.

[Next up. A massive flock of migratory birds has appeared in the skies over the West Sea, and the Hunter Association is preparing countermeasures……]

Migratory birds already?

It was still too early for mid-winter.

Perhaps due to global warming.

‘But why would the Hunter Association get involved over a flock of migratory birds?’

I knew that collisions between aircraft and flocks of birds often caused major accidents.

While I was thinking about various things.

[Passengers boarding TLT Airlines Flight 557 departing at 12:30 today for Beijing Capital International Airport, please proceed to Gate 1 for boarding.]

The boarding announcement came through the airport speakers.

At the same time.

Roll roll—

Professor Park Ahjeong appeared, pulling a suitcase.

“Sorry I’m late~! Did you wait long?”

Behind her, Kim Yerim came running, panting.

“Ah, hello sunbae……. Sorry, I left a few things behind so I had to turn the car around.”

“That can happen! Alright, let’s head off with happy hearts! Hasang student, double-check you didn’t forget anything!”

Professor Park Ahjeong took the lead energetically.

‘I wonder what kind of relics we’ll discover.’

A strange sense of anticipation began to well up.

At that moment.

“Hasang student, hurry up! If you don’t come within 100 seconds, we’re leaving without you!”

Professor Park Ahjeong and Kim Yerim had already reached the boarding gate.

Professor Park Ahjeong waved her hand excitedly.

It felt like watching a child who had just arrived at an amusement park parking lot.

Sometimes she was a reliable life senior who was serious and mature, other times she seemed like an innocent child.

She really was an unpredictable person.

I stepped toward the boarding gate.

“I’m coming now!”

Operation name: ‘Reverse Northeast Project’.

The journey to scout (tamper with?) the heroes of the continent had begun.