Chapter 144:

Chapter 144:

Chapter 144

Part 15. Protagonist

"The Seocheon Flower Garden has been destroyed," came the cold voice from Seomun Yongneo's lips.

Her one statement caused an eerie silence to descend upon the meeting room. The team leaders who were seated momentarily wore stunned expressions before belatedly grasping the situation.

"Th-the Seocheon Flower Garden, you say? Considering its defense system, it shouldn't be easily destroyed...!"

A team leader stuttered, asking with confusion. Others seemed equally shocked by the news of the destruction of the Seocheon Flower Garden.

It was understandable since that place was a sacred ground. A place managed by gods was destroyed, an unthinkable event.

Seomun Yongneo, with a stern expression, provided an answer.

"The Clown Troupe manipulated the demons to apply continuous pressure."

Upon mentioning the Clown Troupe, people seemed even more puzzled. They were still reeling from the clown's intrusion into the Zodiac Race not long ago.

"How did the Clown Troupe access the sacred ground? It's a place inaccessible by ordinary means...!"

"I don't know. The attackers who targeted Seocheon Flower Garden weren’t captured alive."

The news of the Clown Troupe's invasion further sank the atmosphere. Seomun Yongneo continued without a hint of anger.

"The Seed Bank is destroyed, and the Gwangcheon Pond has dried up. Rebuilding in a short period of time is impossible."

Although Seomun Yongneo spoke calmly without visible anger, her eyes hinted at a storm brewing within. Understandably, the interruption in item supply was a significant blow even to the Destiny Protection Bureau.

Another team leader, after glancing around, cautiously asked, "So, what about recovery items from now on...?"

"We can't continue the offensive. The recovery items currently secured by the Destiny Protection Bureau are all we have."

In response to this statement, some team leaders sighed quietly. When they joined the Destiny Protection Bureau, one of the most significant welfare benefits was the ability to use items from the Seocheon Flower Garden.

Seomun Yongneo continued calmly, "The Director takes this situation seriously. The Destiny Protection Bureau plans to focus on tracking down the Clown Troupe for the time being."

"..."

"We're planning to create a special team. If you have any thoughts, apply for it. Let's end the meeting here for today."

As the meeting concluded, the team leaders began to rise, leaving the conference room one by one. Their expressions were far from pleasant.

While Kang Dohyeon was also leaving with the others, Seomun Yongneo's voice reached him.

"Team Leader Kang Dohyeon, stay for a moment."

Upon hearing this, Kang Dohyeon came to a sudden halt. Everyone else exited the conference room, leaving only Seomun Yongneo and Kang Dohyeon.

In the silence that followed, an unusual tension hung in the air.

"Do you have something to say?"

"Team Leader Kang Dohyeon, have you heard from Seo Gangrim?"

In response to Seomun Yongneo's question, Kang Dohyeon remained silent for a moment, then answered as if he didn't know what she meant.

"What do you mean?"

"Did Seo Gangrim visit the Seocheon Flower Garden?"

"I've heard stories that he went to the sacred grounds, but..."

His face revealed an uncertainty about whether it was the truth or a lie.

Seomun Yongneo, sitting in an elegant office chair, stared at Kang Dohyeon. After a moment of silence, she spoke.

"Really? Let me enlighten you, then. Seo Gangrim visited the Seocheon Flower Garden and defeated the Clown Troupe. Not all of them, but some."

"..."

"Interesting things happen wherever Seo Gangrim goes."

Kang Dohyeon seemed slightly surprised.

Seomun Yongneo observed the surprised Kang Dohyeon silently. Her gaze was as sharp as a needle.

"I plan to send an official letter to Seo Gangrim soon. We might need to listen to his circumstances. We should hear the details."

"Ahem, hello."

Dark circles under his eyes indicated that he had stayed up, perhaps even throughout the night. Looking around, he asked, "Where is everyone?"

"They've all gone to receive their rewards."

Other members had left to handle their respective tasks.

Yu Harang looked at Yoon Geoul and said, "Geoul, didn't you say you were going to receive your reward too? I thought you left because I didn't see you."

"Oh, I was planning to go yesterday, but I didn't realize time passing while reading a novel..."

Even amid his explanation, Yoon Geoul was looking at his phone. Seo Gangrim appeared somewhat puzzled at the mention of a novel.

'Does Yoon Geoul usually read novels?'

It's a bit unexpected; he usually preferred games, and the idea of him staying up late reading a novel was quite surprising.

Hearing that, Yu Harang gave Yoon Geoul a playful scolding.

Seo Gangrim asked, wondering if she was reading some weird novel.

"What kind of novel is it?"

"Huh? Ah... Well, just a fantasy novel."

Seeing Yoon Geoul flustered like that made Seo Gangrim even more curious.

It seemed to embarrass Yoon Geoul even more, making Seo Gangrim more curious about the peculiar novel. Yu Harang seemed to share similar thoughts, her eyes sparkling like a mischievous child.

"Show me."

"No, it's not that interesting."

"You're lying. Telling lies in front of my Insight... And besides, you."

Yu Harang's gaze became sharp.

"You're hiding something from Seo Gangrim."

Feeling cornered, Yoon Geoul hesitated to say more. Observing his reaction, Yu Harang activated her ability.

[Ability 'Divine Puppeteer' is activated!]

As the command was given, something started to materialize in the air. Small puppet figurines poured out, each having a cubic and angular body.

"Ot, ottt?"

The figurines stood in formation as if demanding an order. Although they appeared cute at first glance, each one possessed considerable attack power.

Observing the puppet figurines, Yu Harang spoke.

"Children."

"Ot?"

"Go and snatch the phone."

"Ottt!"

As the command was given, the puppets rushed toward Yoon Geoul relentlessly. Yoon Geoul tried to escape, but there were too many of them. Suddenly, one puppet, holding a smartphone confidently, let out a triumphant roar.

"Ottttt!"

Then, it quickly ran towards Yu Harang and handed over the smartphone as if presenting a valuable item.

"You, what on earth are you hiding from Seo Gangrim? I'll check it for you."

"No!"

After giving Yoon Geoul a menacing look, Yu Harang shifted her gaze to the smartphone screen. She began reading the text one character at a time.

『...Shin Sooah pushed Seo Gangrim forcefully through the gap. He resisted. "Shin Sooah-ssi, please stop." Shin Sooah said. I don't want to. I will never let you go."』

"...."

"...."

Yu Harang, who was reading the novel, suddenly stopped in her tracks. Then, she looked at Yoon Geoul with a bewildered expression.

"What is this?"