Chapter 358 – Japan Sinking? (7)

‘Well, they brought it upon themselves.’

"Half managed to escape to the northern and eastern regions, but unfortunately, the rest were killed by the monsters."

“That’s terrible...”

“Yes, it truly is.”

Nagoya had a population of around two million two hundred thousand people, meaning that over a million people had perished at the hands of the monsters.

The death toll of one hundred thousand from monster attacks would typically make international headlines for a week, so the magnitude of one million was staggering by comparison. Japan would undoubtedly undergo significant changes if it could free itself from Craspio's threat.

Han-Yeol did his best to push aside what he had just heard.

“So, our primary mission is to reclaim Nagoya, summon the civilians back, and evacuate them to our country using the prepared ships,” he said.

Commodore Lee Chung-Hee nodded in agreement. “Yes, and we're also planning to execute the same operation in Shizuoka, Yokohama, and Tokyo.”

Craspio still lurked in Kyoto. However, according to the intelligence report from Japan, it was capable of long-range attacks. It was these attacks that destroyed the hunting grounds near the major cities, releasing the monsters upon civilians and trapping them in the central region.

“Hmm... So that means I'll have to act as the shield if Craspio starts moving again?” Han-Yeol inquired.

𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

“Ah... Y-Yes, that's correct...” Commodore Lee Chung-Hee stuttered nervously in response.

He worried that Han-Yeol might take offense at being treated as a mere shield and abandon the operation.

Heh.

Han-Yeol smirked knowingly. He had been delving into Commodore Lee Chung-Hee’s thoughts the whole time, extracting vital details from the commodore’s mind.

The government and the association had faced considerable challenges while devising plans for Nagoya. Initially, there had been objections against including it in the operation due to its proximity to Kyoto. Drawing Craspio’s attention during the rescue would spell disaster. Once Craspio set its sights on the city, evacuating civilians would be too late, and even the deployed Hunters would undoubtedly face demise.

Nevertheless, Nagoya's strategic significance made abandoning it difficult. The sudden appearance of monsters in the northern central region had cut off escape routes to the north, compelling civilians to seek refuge in the mountains or rural villages on Nagoya's outskirts.

In essence, Nagoya housed a higher concentration of survivors compared to other major cities. Evacuating hundreds of thousands of people under these circumstances posed a significant challenge. Yet, Nagoya's status as a port city with one of Japan's major ports offered hope. Its port could simultaneously accommodate more than a hundred thousand evacuees, marking a potential triumph for the rescue operation.

Upon learning of Han-Yeol's involvement, the government and association swiftly adjusted their plans to include Nagoya.

“What time are we commencing the operation?” Han-Yeol inquired.

“We can start whenever you're ready, Han-Yeol-nim. We'll be following your lead for this operation,” Commodore Lee Chung-Hee replied.

“Alright, I understand.”

“Then, I'll notify you once we're entering Nagoya’s waters.”

“Thank you.”

Han-Yeol exited the bridge after the meeting, heading down to the prepared room, patiently awaiting the ship's arrival at Nagoya.

***

The ship approached Nagoya, joined by numerous others—all potential vessels to ferry survivors, a critical success for the rescue operation.

Unfortunately, the situation on the ground was dire. Despite the passage of time since Nagoya's attack, the city remained shrouded in thick black smoke and flames. The prevalence of wooden structures in Japan made the spread of fire inevitable.

[The stench of blood fills the air...] Kandir remarked, standing beside Han-Yeol as they observed the city.

"Ah, I agree." Han-Yeol nodded in response.

Though still at a distance from the city, both Kandir and Han-Yeol detected the lingering scent of blood in the air.

Activating his Demon Eyes, Han-Yeol witnessed monsters toying with numerous bodies and a group of survivors trapped in a certain area, guarded by monsters seemingly saving them as food for later.

‘That’s horrible...’

Han-Yeol was repulsed by the monsters' actions, though not overtly upset or enraged.

“Kiek! Kieeek!”

Various monsters occupied Nagoya, their numbers significant—a mix of ground creatures and a swarm of flying beasts.

“

Haa...

That’s a lot...”

[Ha! They are still small fry at the end of the day.]

[Yes yes~ All of them are small~ fry~]

“Haha! I guess you guys are right.”

Facing this multitude of monsters alone would overwhelm Han-Yeol. Though a Transcendent Master Rank Hunter, exterminating the vast number of creatures in a city of over two million inhabitants would be tedious.

Yet, he wasn't alone; an army accompanied him.

“Han-Yeol.”

“Oh~ Are you going to do that, Tara?”

“Yes,” Tayarana replied nonchalantly, lowering her helmet visor—a prelude to combat.

“Alright. Mavros!”

“Kyu?”

“Prepare for combat!”

“Kyu!”

Mavros cried out, evidently eager.

He emitted a brilliant light before growing larger in size.

‘Seeing him transform is always so cool, no matter how many times I see it.’

Seuk... Seuk...

Han-Yeol patted Mavros’ head before mounting.

“H-Han-Yeol-nim...?”

Commodore Lee Chung-Hee rushed out from the bridge upon witnessing the scene on deck. Concerned that Han-Yeol and Princess Tayarana might attempt to flee due to the overwhelming situation, he hurried to intercept them.

The devastation before their eyes could easily overwhelm most people.

Heh.

The commodore's misunderstanding might have offended Han-Yeol, but he wasn't someone who'd easily take offense at such things. He didn't mind others' thoughts as long as they didn't directly affect him. It was a free country, where people could freely express opinions without repercussions.

“I'll accompany Tayarana to scout the city, commodore. Please prepare for landing, or our team might get hungry.”

Grrr...!

Kandir growled menacingly as Han-Yeol finished speaking.

‘Hiiik!’

The duo's act was remarkably effective, as the sailors' faces turned pale with horror, hastening them to prepare for landing.

Commodore Lee Chung-Hee promptly ordered all nearby ships via radio to prepare for landing, asserting his authority as the highest-ranking officer.

“Let’s go, Tara.”

“Okay.”

Chwak!

Tayarana spread her golden wings, taking flight followed by Mavros and Han-Yeol.

Chwak! Chwak!

While airborne, Tayarana suddenly addressed Han-Yeol, “Han-Yeol.”

“Yes?”

“Wanna bet on who kills more monsters?”

“Oh? A bet?”

“Yes.”

Han-Yeol was taken aback when Tayarana proposed the wager first.

“Sure, but what are we betting?” Han-Yeol accepted the tempting offer.

“Hmm... How about a wish?”

“A wish?”

“Yeah.”

“I suppose that’s more intriguing than money or real estate,” Han-Yeol agreed.

Both were affluent and owned numerous properties, so betting such things held little interest for them. But having the other grant a wish piqued their curiosity.

“Alright, let’s double the stakes. How about two wishes?” Han-Yeol proposed.

“Two?”

Though not visible behind her visor, Tayarana was flustered, not expecting Han-Yeol’s counteroffer.

“Yep, two wishes. You can back out if you're scared. Keke!” Han-Yeol taunted her with a smirk.

Kwachik!

Tayarana clenched her fist, a reaction rare for her. Spending time with Han-Yeol had gradually opened her up, making her more expressive.

“Sure, two wishes it is!”

“Oh? Feeling brave, Tara?”

“Hmph!”

Vshwooom!

“Huh?”

Tayarana activated her boosters and suddenly flew toward Nagoya, catching Han-Yeol off guard.

One... two... three... It took three seconds for Han-Yeol to register what had happened.

“HEY! Tara, you cheater!” he screamed, realizing her move.

Then, he turned to Mavros and said, “Let’s go, Mavros!”

“Kieeek!”

Chwak!

Though he'd yelled at her, Han-Yeol was smiling. When was the last time he'd had this much fun? It was these little moments that brought him joy.

“I’m not losing, Tara!”

“In your dreams!”

Boom! Boom!

Han-Yeol and Tayarana unleashed sonic booms as they sped toward Nagoya. The mana shockwaves they released caught the attention of all the flying monsters in the vicinity.

“Kyaaaahk!”

“Kieeeeek!”

The creatures shrieked and converged toward Han-Yeol and Tayarana. Among them were some resembling large stone bats—perhaps the infamous Gargoyle, a monster found in Japan but not in Korea.

‘Oh? Is that the infamous Gargoyle?’

Han-Yeol marveled, preparing to test his new weapons.

Ziiing!

First were his upgraded shoulder cannons.

Shiing...!

Next was the Hell Bastard Sword of the Demon King Jabberwock, purchased from Dellchant, also known as the Jabberwock Bastard Sword.

Chwak!

Last but not least, the Chain of Abyss of the Demon King Jabberwock, another purchase from Dellchant, shortened to Jabberwock Chain.

‘As expected, wielding my trio of weapons feels different.’

[I agree, Han-Yeol-nim.]

Karvis reappeared after a long absence.

‘Oh! You’re finally back, Karvis?’

[I hope you did not forget about me...]

‘C’mon, no way! How could I forget about you after spending so much time together? Keke!’

[I will... try to believe you...]

‘Haha!’

Han-Yeol chuckled as Mavros accelerated.

“Kwaaaah!”

“Kieeeek!”

Flying monsters emerged from behind the buildings, appearing one by one. They formed a flock of hundreds that swiftly multiplied into swarms of thousands, blanketing the sky.

The darkened sky filled with swarms of flying monsters charged toward Han-Yeol and Tayarana.