Become Overpowered CEO of Hero Clan

Become Overpowered CEO of Hero Clan – 156

Vwoooom—
The Heavenly Martial King’s senses scanned Isaac.
‘How is he hiding his power?’
Even after infusing his own magic to verify, he could only sense the aura of a 5-star level.
Had he not heard the information that the man before him had utterly defeated Vanguard, America’s second-ranked hero, he would have scoffed.
Vwoooom!
Just then, the Heavenly Martial King’s senses were forcibly repelled by Isaac’s aura.
The mere 5-star level magic had pushed back his senses. The energy was so pure that, for a moment, Isaac felt like an awakened being.
“Your curiosity is excessive.”
“…Haha.”
The Heavenly Martial King awkwardly laughed off the situation.
To be honest, he never believed that Hero Isaac could be stronger than himself.
He assumed that the Sword Emperor had deliberately lost to Isaac or that their abilities were mismatched, and that Vanguard was simply inexperienced in wielding the power of an awakened being.
“It is an honor to meet you. I am Woo Hwa-jin, the leader of the Martial Arts Alliance.”
“Nice to meet you.”
The Martial Arts Alliance leader treated Isaac as a state guest.
During the journey from the airport to the government office, he made various efforts to win Isaac’s favor.
True to his hero name, Woo Hwa-jin was a person of gentle nature. The Sword Emperor and God Hand also communicated with him openly, considering him an old friend.
In contrast, the warlike Heavenly Martial King often cast burning glances at Isaac, particularly at Isaac, but each time, the Martial Arts Alliance leader intervened and cautioned him.
Even the Heavenly Martial King, the king of heroes, would nod and withdraw his intensity in front of the Martial Arts Alliance leader.
Entering the luxurious government office, Isaac, unlike the others, was escorted to the top floor along with the Sword Emperor and God Hand.
After a brief exchange of light conversation, beautiful women boasting elegant beauty brought in a neatly arranged tea set.
This is Golden Orchid tea, which is said to be rare even in the Other World. It clears the mind and detoxifies the body. Please enjoy it before it cools.”
“Hmm, the aroma is wonderful. Thank you.”
As everyone enjoyed their tea, Isaac blew on the hot liquid and took a sip.
‘Tasty.’
The rich aroma stimulated his senses, and as soon as he drank it, he felt a surge of energy. Honestly, he wanted to ask if he could have the remaining tea leaves.
“Hahaha.”
In a warm and friendly atmosphere, they exchanged pleasantries. At some point, the Martial Arts Alliance leader, Woo Hwa-jin, who had an impressive, full beard, lowered his voice seriously.
Noticing the change in his demeanor, the Sword Emperor and God Hand stopped smiling and listened attentively.
“The reason I have gathered you here is to prevent the true nature of the rebels from being revealed.”
“The true nature of the rebels? Are you saying they have a different identity? You mentioned that the leader of the rebels is a parasitic species, but honestly, that was hard to believe.”
“I will explain everything in detail. Our Martial Arts Alliance has analyzed the Akashic live records of heroes and discovered some shocking truths. Let’s start with the first video.”
Beep—
A holographic screen installed in the air by the Martial Arts Alliance leader began to play a video.
Shockingly, from the perspective of a hiding hero, the footage showed humans cannibalizing each other. The blood-soaked cannibals devoured not only a screaming woman but also decomposing corpses without hesitation.
―Screeeech!
―Aaaah!
The video ended with the hero recording the Akashic record being eaten by the cannibals.
Amazingly, the cannibal’s chest opened like an octopus’s mouth, revealing sharp teeth inside.
It was not human but a monster.
“Upon investigation, it was revealed that the monster you just saw was none other than a 3-star martial artist from the Dragon Tiger Gate, a major sect in China.”
“What? Are you saying that was a human who turned into a monster? The appearance didn’t change much. It was hard to distinguish from a human, except for the blood. If cleaned up, it would be difficult to tell apart from a human.”
“Yes, that’s correct. The transformation is subtle, making it almost indistinguishable from a human unless you look closely. This is why the situation is so dire and why we need your help.
“High-ranking monsters can transform into humans and alter only parts of their bodies. However, even if a 3-star martial artist becomes a monster, they wouldn’t immediately gain intelligence or transform into their human form.”
Transformation referred to high-tier monsters acquiring intelligence and transforming into human form.
If what the Martial Arts Alliance leader said was true, a 3-star martial artist had become a mutant monster that maintained a human appearance while hiding a monstrous mouth in their chest.
Rare mutants inherently represented a higher tier, but for a common species to become a mutant, it had to undergo mutations to acquire special traits.
Monsters, driven by an endless desire to increase their tier through mutations, could develop entirely different physiological characteristics even within the same species if there was a significant tier difference.
God Hand, who had been listening intently to the Martial Arts Alliance leader’s explanation, expressed his doubts.
“Exactly. The monster in the video looked too similar to a human despite not being a transformed human species. Ah! So, you suspect the presence of parasitic species.”
“Correct. It’s easier to understand with the help of videos rather than just my words. Let’s move on to the next footage.”
―Aaaah! Ugh.
On the screen, a man was shown kneeling, bound. The people surrounding him drew a magic circle on the ground as if performing a religious ritual, then brought a small, translucent octopus-like creature and placed it on the man’s crown.
―Aaaah!
The translucent octopus seemed to be absorbed into the man’s crown. The man, who had gone limp, regained consciousness shortly after.
Freed from his restraints and helped to his feet, the man walked away from the screen as if nothing had happened.
“Sigh.”
The Martial Arts Alliance leader sighed briefly as he turned off the screen. He placed a report, jointly analyzed by the Martial Arts Alliance and the Chinese government, on the table.
“Now you understand that the true nature of the rebels is an invasion by parasitic monsters. They are exponentially increasing their numbers, using martial artists and military officers as their primary hosts.”
“This is… unbelievable. They can read the host’s memories and utilize that knowledge. So, Master Cheongun and Divine Spear Yeongwol, who led the rebellion, must also be infected by the parasitic species.”
The Sword Emperor let out a dry laugh as he read through the report. Until now, most monsters that had invaded humanity lacked advanced intelligence.
However, these parasitic species seemed to be strategically invading China, making it almost no different from facing a tactically savvy human enemy.
“I’m certain of it. At the last moment, Master Cheongun deployed an area brimming with negative energy. There’s no doubt that the leader of the parasitic species is residing in his head. Otherwise, how could a 5-star martial artist match an awakened being like me?”
The Heavenly Martial King’s skin seemed to emit prickly waves of magical energy, like a proud beast growling.
The Sword Emperor and God Hand, having confirmed the contents of the report, also expressed their outrage.
“They massacred civilians and transported their bodies to their base! No wonder the casualties were so high.”
“We must end this war swiftly. Even now, innocent civilians are likely becoming their prey.”
“Exactly. That’s why we’re gathering our main forces in Beijing while simultaneously launching a rear disruption operation to create chaos among the enemies and dismantle their ‘human slaughterhouses’ on a city-wide scale…”
The five heroes representing Korea and China spent over three hours devising and refining their tactical strategies.
The finalized plan for the extermination of the parasitic species was disseminated to subordinate units, where outstanding talents collaborated to establish detailed strategies.
As the hot southwestern winds began to blow in late June, the decisive battle for China’s fate against the unknown parasitic species was about to commence.
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***
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It was somewhat puzzling.
After spending a delightful evening with a Michelin-certified course meal and occupying the largest room in an ultra-luxurious hotel exceeding 100 pyeong, I recalled the strategy meeting from a few hours ago.
[Rear Disruption Team]
This was the mission we were assigned.
Meanwhile, the Sword Emperor, along with Flame Emperor, Yoho, and the Machine Commander, who had set foot on Chinese soil, were to take the front lines.
―The enemies are indiscriminately massacring people. To the parasitic species, prisoners seem to be nothing more than food. Isaac, please infiltrate the rear and create chaos.
The parasitic species were concentrating their forces on the front lines and indiscriminately slaughtering humans in the occupied areas to harvest their spiritual energy.
Thus, if I infiltrated the rear, disrupted their supply lines, and drew their attention, it would naturally make the frontal assault more advantageous.
In terms of an AOS game, it was a backdoor position.
‘Is this the right approach?’
It was my first time participating in a full-scale war involving tens of thousands of heroes and millions of ground, naval, and air forces. Perhaps that’s why my usually sharp mind felt like it was grinding to a halt.
Fwoosh!
“That system seems to be a shackle for its master. Wasting time in a small world, the master’s growth slows to a crawl like a turtle.”
Ifrit, who was basking on the induction stove, pointed out the facts quite well.
He wasn’t wrong.
With my specs, it would be possible to venture into the vast Terraria to farm Tier 2 weapons, elixirs, and pills.
In essence, it was a matter of farming efficiency.
“But when did you realize this?”
“Since the Ark of Trials. I inferred it from the master’s abnormal behavior patterns.”
“I see.”
After visiting China following the U.S., Ifrit had made a comment. He suggested that instead of wandering around aimlessly, I should focus on accumulating spiritual power.
Since he was my summon, there was no need to worry about confidentiality, so I revealed half the truth, hoping for some psychological relief.
Surprisingly, it did make me feel a lot better.
“As I said, I need to meet the system’s demands to maintain my power. It’s unavoidable.”
“Does the master have to act personally? Didn’t you mention it was clan-based? And there are many nations in Terraria as well.”
I hadn’t thought of that.
In Season 2, players naturally managed clans and received various quests from the vast factions of Terraria.
It was worth experimenting to see if missions outside the Celestial Canopy would be recognized as quests.
“That’s a good idea.”
“Roar!”
Gunggi, who had been rolling around in the soft blankets, suddenly jumped at me. Was he trying to assert that he was also a summon? It seemed he was upset that I was only talking to Ifrit.
But your intelligence is at the level of a beast.
‘If Gunggi suddenly started talking like a human, I might feel a bit awkward.’
Almost all monsters or ethereals gain high intelligence upon reaching a certain level and can freely transform into human form. I wasn’t sure if the same applied to spirits.
Knock, knock, knock.
I was about to play with Gunggi when Man-deuk knocked on the door. With my 5-star senses, I immediately knew it was him.
“Come in.”
“Yes, sir!”
The guy, who had been in a happy mood earlier, seemed slightly subdued. Did something happen? Maybe he was nervous about the upcoming war.
“Uh, Leader.”
“Yes?”
“The Heavenly Martial King is here to see you.”
I didn’t think I misheard. The pronunciation of “Heavenly Martial King” was too clear.
“For what reason?”
“He said he wants to spar with you…”
That guy. It seemed he couldn’t suppress his instincts after a heavy drink. His competitive spirit was truly uncontainable.