After Ten Millennia in Hell

'He seems worthy of his fame.'

Even though he was just standing still, he was exuding dignity and his mana was perfectly controlled. Of course, Kang-Woo didn't know if that was everything or if Alec was hiding a greater strength.

However, there was something Kang-Woo was sure about…

'He's stronger than Fujimoto.'

Alec was on another level compared to Fujimoto Ryoma, who had become a World Ranker by relying purely on the overpowered Eye of Susanoo.

Just at first glance, the sword he had at his waist didn't seem that good, so there was no doubt he had become a World Ranker thanks to his own strength.

Alec looked at Kang-Woo.

"You are…?"

It was Kim Si-Hun who answered, "He's someone I consider my brother."

"Oh, is it like a brotherhood between knights?"

"Hmm. It might be a bit different, but he's someone I respect and follow."

"Haha. I never thought the Sword Dragon would have such a senior. Nice to meet you, I'm Alec."

"I'm Oh Kang-Woo." Kang-Woo grabbed Alec's hand.

Alec's expression hardened after he grabbed Kang-Woo's hand, but that only lasted for a few seconds. He quickly smiled and nodded.

"I can understand why the Sword Dragon follows you."

"I'm doing my best not to become a hyung that shames his little brother."

"Hahaha! I like those words." Alec looked around. "They seem to be your party members. If I may ask, could you introduce them to me?"

Si-Hun nodded.

"Ah, yes, of c—"

Kang-Woo raised his hand and stopped Si-Hun when Si-Hun was about to introduce everyone.

"Let's first hear about why you've come all this way to meet Si-Hun."

He didn't want to drag things out with chitchat. He also wasn't planning to try to become friends with him.

Kang-Woo sat down and looked at Alec.

While smiling awkwardly, Alec sat down in a chair.

"What a shame. I wanted to get to know the Sword Dragon's allies better, but you have a point. It's understandable for you to be cautious when you don't know my objective," he said with a calm voice. "A month ago, I had battled the forces of the Demon Cult that had been making a move in Europe."

It was content Kang-Woo had seen on the internet.

"They were strong. I was almost ashamed of being called a World Ranker. While we were fighting, they realized they wouldn't be able to win against me and escaped."

Kang-Woo said, "On the internet, it was said that you had stopped their attack ahead of time."

"It's true that I managed to stop their evil plans, but all I did was delay them. I wasn't able to solve the fundamental issue." Alec smiled bitterly. "Rather, assassins from the Demon Cult are targeting me now."

"Hmm."

Kang-Woo fell into thought. He understood the situation, but that wasn't a good enough reason for Alec to come and look for the Sword Dragon.

"Don't tell me you came here to ask Si-Hun to protect you?"

Realistically speaking, Si-Hun was still weak. He was receiving attention from people around the world because of how heroic he looked while fighting during the Isu Station incident; it was not because of his power.

Cha Yeon-Joo could easily beat Si-Hun.

"Haha, of course not. I'm still not done with my story." Alec continued from where he had left off, "While the assassins were targeting me, I received help from a group called Guardians."

"Guardians…?"

Kang-Woo had never heard that name.

"They're not famous yet, but I do know one thing for sure. Guardians is the hope of humanity," he said with intense eyes.

Kang-Woo's eyes narrowed.

Guardians…

That name swirled within his mind.

Alec looked at Si-Hun.

"There is something that I would like to ask you, Si-Hun."

"Oh, sure…"

"Have you heard of the beings known as Protectors?"

"…?!"

Si-Hun's eyes widened, and one could tell he was becoming restless.

Kang-Woo frowned.

A Protector was someone who had been chosen by the system to save the world.

"D-Don't tell me, are you also…?" Si-Hun asked.

Alec nodded.

"Yes. I am also one of the Protectors."

"…"

There was a heavy silence.

Kang-Woo put his hand on top of his head to organize the situation.

'So there is more than one Protector.'

It wasn't that he hadn't thought of that possibility. Based on the information he had, the Gaia System was similar to the Earth's atmosphere, which stopped extraterrestrial objects such as meteors from entering the Earth.

After it had been impaired because of him, it'd created vaccines to stop otherworldly interferences in its place.

'If Protectors really are similar to a vaccine…'

It was understandable that there was more than one. It didn't make sense for the Gaia System to leave the safety of Earth only to Si-Hun.

"When did you become a Protector, Alec?" Si-Hun asked.

"Hmm. It's been about a year, right after I became a World Ranker."

"…"

Kang-Woo fell into thought.

If it was a year ago, it was before he'd returned to Earth.

'Meaning there were already Protectors before I returned to Earth.'

Then he had to modify a few of his hypotheses.

'Could the system have already known that it would be damaged, or could it have just been a precautionary measure?'

He still didn't know.

Kang-Woo took a sip of coffee; a sweet taste spread through his mouth.

"How did you know that Si-Hun was a Protector?"

"Haha. I had nothing to do with that. One of the Guardians has the ability to find Protectors. It was that person who had found me as well."

"… I see."

Alec's objective had been made clear.

Guardians… Kang-Woo was sure Alec hadn't mentioned that by pure coincidence.

"I would like you to join Guardians, Si-Hun."

'I knew it.'

Kang-Woo narrowed his eyes, numerous thoughts crossing his mind.

"You want me to join Guardians…?"

"Yes. I saw the video of the Isu Station incident. You have the talent to become a Protector," Alec said in a heated voice. "If you become a member of Guardians, we will teach you how to strengthen your power as a Guardian. Once you do… you won't ever have to feel the despair that you had felt in the past again."

"Despair?"

"Yes."

Alec nodded. His eyes seemed to be saying that he knew everything.

"I saw your expression in the video while you were fighting against the demonic beasts. It exuded pain and sorrow. I understand. After all, those demonic beasts were once innocent civilians."

"Ah…"

A short exclamation left Kim Si-Hun's mouth. His expression darkened, and he recalled what had happened—how he had to swing his sword despite knowing what the demonic beasts used to be.

Alec grabbed Si-Hun's hand.

"If you become stronger, you will be able to save everyone."

"Save everyone? How…?"

"We can suppress them. We still don't know how to return them to normal, but we will find a way one day. We will be able to save everyone. We need your help, Si-Hun."

Alec's eyes were blazing with justice. His words that they could save everyone touched Si-Hun's heart.

"We need a Protector who can protect everyone who has fallen into despair."

"…"

Si-Hun remained silent—hesitation could be seen in his eyes. His chest felt hot. He had thought that saving everyone was complete nonsense, but in front of him, Alec, the Sword of Justice, was trying to make that nonsense a reality.

Si-Hun clenched his fists.

Alec's words that burned with justice touched his heart.

'This is…'

It was an opportunity to stand alongside the Sword of Justice he admired.

It was a chance to learn from his conviction for justice—to gain the power to protect the weak!

'I feel bad for the Sword Emperor, but…'

Si-Hun was in the middle of being trained by Tian Wuchen. His Heavenly Martial Physique talent had shone brightly during his training with the Sword Emperor.

He was taking in martial arts knowledge like a sponge absorbing water. Not just that, he was improving them.

'But…'

Si-Hun looked at Alec. He could feel his heart beating faster. His eyes trembled at the thrill he felt.

He could learn martial arts through Sword Emperor Tian Wuchen, but he couldn't learn ideals and convictions from him.

"I…"

There was no reason to hesitate. For a moment, Si-Hun wondered if it was okay if he didn't listen to Kang-Woo's opinion, thinking he was making the right choice.

"… Will joi—"

At that moment, his words cut off.

Si-Hun's eyes widened, and he trembled.

An irresistible energy was restraining him.

'What's happening?'

He couldn't think anymore. His conscience became blurry, and he could hear someone's voice. He wasn't sure whose voice it was, but there was something he was sure about…

He couldn't go against that voice.

"I'm sorry, but I can't join Guardians."

"Oh…" Alec seemed disappointed. "May I ask why?"

"… I'm sorry."

Si-Hun couldn't answer. No, to be more precise, he didn't have an answer. He also wasn't sure why he'd refused Alec's offer. He just had a strong feeling that he had to refuse it.

Alec sighed.

"That's too bad, but I didn't think you would accept the offer right away. I'm going to be staying in Korea for a while, so if you change your mind, feel free to contact me."

He gave Si-Hun his business card and stood up.

Si-Hun looked blankly at him walking away.

"…"

Tap.

Kang-Woo put down the cup of coffee on the table. System messages only he could see appeared in front of him.

[Authority of Subordination has been activated.]

[You have successfully controlled your Familiar's actions.]

'Thank God.'

The insurance he'd taken a long time ago had finally paid off.

Kang-Woo looked at Alec's back with deep, sunken eyes. He'd realized what had been bothering him the moment he listened in on their conversation.

'Sword of Justice.'

Alec was an honest and upright person. He wasn't sure who had given him that title, but it suited him very well.

Knowing Si-Hun's personality, it was understandable for him to admire him.

'I can't let that happen.'

What had been bothering Kang-Woo was Si-Hun's current state.

There was nothing wrong with admiring and respecting Alec, but it would be a problem if Si-Hun wanted to become exactly like him.

'Alec is too honest.'

He was like a pure-white sword; one that was reluctant to get dirty and wanted to save everyone. He couldn't let Si-Hun's sword become that white.

'Si-Hun.'

Kang-Woo looked at Si-Hun.

'Your swords need to become a bit dirtier.'

If it didn't, he wouldn't be able to survive.

'Don't worry.'

Kang-Woo stood up. He patted Si-Hun's shoulder and followed Alec, who was getting far away.

A sword that didn't get a single drop of blood on it was nothing more than a hunk of metal.

'I'll make sure it gets dirty.'