Chapter 12: Blood and Shadow(2)

Comet leaned against the committee wall, waiting for someone. Before long, Dan Ga-yeon approached, holding a notepad and a file.

“Good morning, Officer Dan.”

Dan Ga-yeon hesitated.

“…Yes, Mr. Comet.”

Comet clasped his hands behind his back and tilted his head.

“Weren’t you going to speak casually with me?”

“Well…”

Dan Ga-yeon seemed unsure about setting the right distance.

“Haha, it’s okay. After all, it’s a bit odd to speak informally in official matters, right? Just speak however you’re comfortable.”

“Thank you. Then, let’s sit over there and talk.”

Even so, her tone remained somewhat formal. Comet scratched his cheek.

“Did you quarrel with that commoner?”

“I don’t think so, but Officer Dan might feel that way.”

Comet whispered so only the jellyfish princess could hear.

Sitting in a corner of the committee room, Dan Ga-yeon separated the files and handed one to Comet.

“Our task is to recapture the power plant.”

“I see.”

Dan Ga-yeon explained the name of the power plant and its location in the heart of Seoul.

“Since Seoul mainly imports its electricity from outside, even if we don’t recapture this plant, the city’s power supply won’t be in trouble.”

“So right now, even though the National Assembly’s electricity is being supplied by generators, given enough time, we could use power from other plants?”

“Yes. However, the reason this natural gas plant is important is because it can use anthracite. With international trade nearly impossible due to the communication shutdown, anthracite is a chemical fuel easily obtainable in the Korean Peninsula.”

“So this mission is for the future.”

Dan Ga-yeon nodded.

“Currently, the military is stationed at a distance, but due to the sensitive nature of the facility, they haven’t attempted any high-powered operations.”

A photo was handed over. In the background of a burning power plant, a flaming golem could be seen. Whether to call it a monster was unclear.

“It would be neat if you could take care of it, Mr. Comet.”

Comet rested his chin on his hand and looked at Dan Ga-yeon.

“What about you, Officer Dan?”

“I’ll assist you, of course.”

“That sounds good.”

Dan Ga-yeon averted her gaze and started organizing the documents.

“In addition, the chairman has asked for something to be verified.”

“Does it require a necromancer’s expertise?”

Dan Ga-yeon looked around the committee and quietly spoke.

“He asked if you could confirm whether the golem has a soul.”

“Is he curious whether it’s an artificial lifeform?”

Comet also lowered his voice.

“Yes.”

“But golems are the responsibility of magic scholars, aren’t they?”

“Yes, and the scholars have already analyzed the video footage and concluded that it is an artificial lifeform.”

“So then?”

“Since you’re a civilian, I can’t go into too much detail, but the committee is very sensitive about this matter.”

Dan Ga-yeon looked around the committee again.

“Some members, including the chairman, have considered the cracks in the multiverse and the communication blackout to be artificial phenomena and have begun research. So far, there hasn’t been much progress, but then this golem appeared.”

“Artificial phenomena…”

Comet twisted a strand of his hair.

“Yes. So this time, we need you to go and confirm whether the golem is truly an artificial lifeform.”

“Determining whether it’s an artificial lifeform falls under necromancy. It won’t be difficult.”

After discussing a few more issues, Comet and Dan Ga-yeon left the committee. They traveled through roads controlled by the police, though they had to take detours in some areas due to traffic congestion.

“Officer Dan.”

“Yes?”

“We’re alone, so you can speak informally.”

“Alone?”

Comet playfully tapped the soul orb containing the princess and then put it back.

Dan Ga-yeon gripped the steering wheel and hesitated.

“Go ahead.”

“….”

“How does it feel? Don’t you think we’re getting closer?”

Comet smiled brightly.

Dan Ga-yeon remained silent, hesitating before slowly speaking.

“So, how old are you?”

“Is that what was bothering you? I thought it was because you felt awkward. I wasn’t planning to tell you, but if you’re curious, of course.”

Comet paused for a moment.

“I’m older than you.”

Dan Ga-yeon glanced at him, and Comet smiled, his red eyes narrowing warmly. Dan Ga-yeon opened her mouth slightly but then closed it again.

“Does it seem like I’m lying? How do you feel?”

“…No.”

“Want to see my ID?”

“No.”

“There you go again. Don’t worry about it. There’s no need for barriers between friends.”

By the time they stopped by the nearby military unit and arrived at the power plant’s main gate, Dan Ga-yeon had somewhat gotten used to speaking informally.

It wasn’t that it felt comfortable, more that she was forcing herself to do it, but Comet didn’t mind. It was all fine.

The burning power plant came into view. As they had been briefed, while the plant was equipped to handle fires, a prolonged blaze like this was dangerous.

Following the planned route, they spotted a flaming golem wandering around, spitting fire. The creature was roughly the size of a three-story building. Every step it took left a scorched footprint on the ground.

“How is it?”

“It’s an artificial lifeform. It has no soul. It’s kind of unsettling.”

“Great. Mr. Comet!”

Dan Ga-yeon, clearly tense, reverted to formal speech. Comet stared at the golem, deep in thought.

“Wait a second.”

“Yes?”

“Isn’t it possible for Officer Dan to catch that?”

“What?!”

Dan Ga-yeon reacted vehemently.

“I think so.”

“That’s not true.”

“But the vanguard has already analyzed its attack patterns, and you have a lot of hunting experience.”

“Does that really matter?”

“If capturing it is impossible, just stall for time. It’s not like the golem is destroying the power plant. Just keep it from doing anything unnecessary. In the meantime, I’ll search the plant for survivors.”

Dan Ga-yeon hesitated.

“I’m faster than you, Officer Dan. Catching the golem isn’t urgent, but finding survivors is. If things get dire, just shout. I’ll come to help.”

Dan Ga-yeon swallowed hard as she looked at the flaming golem. Fear flickered in her eyes. However, she seemed unable to express her desire to focus on the safer task of searching for survivors.

Dan Ga-yeon gripped the hilt of her sword.

“Okay. Let’s stall for time.”

“If you have the opportunity, try to catch it.”

“Haha… I hope the golem doesn’t do anything.”

Comet navigated around to avoid the golem, making a detour back to where Dan Ga-yeon was positioned. The golem was still moving, and Dan Ga-yeon remained hidden, watching it closely.

“What are you doing?”

“Martial artists increase their assimilation rates when they experience real danger. Officer Dan, your stats aren’t maxed out, so it’s reasonable to expect both your assimilation and original stats to increase.”

Comet unleashed his energy from a position where Dan Ga-yeon couldn’t see him. The sound of shattering glass echoed. The golem, which had been walking peacefully, stopped and rushed toward the source of the sound. It was headed in the direction of the building.

“W-Wait!”

Dan Ga-yeon dashed out to draw the golem’s attention. The golem changed direction and charged at her. Its massive three-story frame swung a fist, causing flames to erupt. The ground shook.

Comet scrambled up to a vantage point on a nearby building.

“What are you doing, leaving the survivors behind?”

The princess asked again.

“If there had been survivors, they would have run out when the military unit slipped in. How could they not hear the gunfire?”

“Are you really sure there’s no one?”

“I can’t be certain. But wouldn’t it be disappointing if you went looking for a possible survivor and ended up meeting a meaningless death?”

“So, it was a lie when you said that commoner could catch the golem.”

“It’s not a lie, but…”

After going through a few real battles, his assimilation rate would have risen, so I thought there was a slight possibility if she attacked recklessly.

“Then what are you going to do if you don’t believe it?”

Comet scratched his cheek.

“You leave me speechless. Fine, let’s do something good.”

He descended from the building and began searching the power plant grounds. There were many power facilities and auxiliary buildings. Unsurprisingly, there were no results. In the absence of people, only feral beasts were seen occupying the area.

The situation changed around the time Dan Ga-yeon was returning to the battlefield.

Comet accidentally spotted a hidden power plant employee.

The employee was watching the battle from the third-floor window of an auxiliary building, far from where Dan Ga-yeon was fighting, holding their breath.

“See, there is someone.”

“There was a monster on the first floor, right? It seems they couldn’t come out when the army arrived because of that.”

Comet climbed the building’s walls to reach the window next to the third floor. When he knocked on the window, the

worker opened it, eyes wide.

“Are you a soldier?”

“No, I’m a civilian.”

“Then what are you doing here?”

“I’m here to rescue you. Please follow me carefully.”

The employee was still frozen. Comet sighed.

“Are you waiting for help? I promise I’ll take you to safety. I need you to trust me.”

“Um… But my colleague…”

“Your colleague is fighting a golem outside. If you stay here, you won’t survive. So let’s go!”

With some reluctance, the worker followed Comet. They climbed down the building together.

The employee looked around as they reached the ground.

“What if the golem comes?”

“Don’t worry. We’ll sneak around and get to safety.”

The employee hesitated but slowly nodded. As they moved toward the safe route, Comet spotted Dan Ga-yeon dodging the golem’s fist. The golem roared, engulfing the area in flames.

“Comet!”

Dan Ga-yeon shouted as she avoided the flames.

“Get away from there!”

She was clearly overwhelmed, and her breathing was ragged. Comet felt a rush of concern. He led the employee toward the back gate of the power plant.

“Keep your head down, and don’t make a sound.”

As they approached the gate, the sound of the golem grew distant. Comet turned his head slightly, noticing Dan Ga-yeon had been knocked down. The golem lifted its foot.

“Shit…”

Comet turned back to the employee.

“Listen carefully. I need you to run as fast as you can and hide behind that wall.”

“Are you going to fight?”

“Yes.”

“That’s crazy!”

“Stop whining! Just run!”

With a shove, Comet pushed the employee toward the wall. Then he sprinted back toward the golem.

“Damn it!”

He launched his energy and jumped into the air. With a swing of his fist, he struck the golem’s foot. The creature stumbled backward, and flames erupted. Comet cursed.

“Come on!”

The golem began to charge again. Comet quickly glanced at Dan Ga-yeon, who was pulling herself up. She was bleeding from her forehead and seemed to have trouble standing.

“Officer Dan, move!”

“You’re going to get hurt!”

Comet shouted, and Dan Ga-yeon focused on the golem. Gathering her energy, she pushed herself back onto her feet.

“Why did you help me?”

“Are you really asking that?”

The two looked at each other briefly before the golem came crashing down again. Comet swiftly moved behind Dan Ga-yeon and urged her to dodge to the side.

“Now!”

The two worked together, launching an attack against the golem. They struck the creature as it faltered. Despite their efforts, the golem was relentless.

“How many times do we have to do this?”

“We just need to figure out its weakness!”

Dan Ga-yeon grimaced, visibly exhausted but determined.

“You’re right! Let’s keep going!”

The battle raged on, and just when it seemed they might finally overcome the golem, it roared, summoning flames.

“Not again!”

They both leaped aside, barely avoiding the blaze.

“Enough! Let’s finish this!” Comet shouted.

Fueled by determination, they combined their powers for one last push, striking at the heart of the golem. The creature staggered, flames flickering before it finally collapsed.

The area fell silent.

“Did we… win?” Dan Ga-yeon asked, breathless.

Comet nodded, panting heavily.

“Yes, but we should be careful.”

Suddenly, a low rumble echoed. The ground shook, and debris began to fall.

“What’s happening?!”

The golem’s remnants were emitting a strange energy, causing the surroundings to tremble. Comet’s eyes widened.

“We need to get out of here now!”

Grabbing Dan Ga-yeon’s hand, he pulled her along as they sprinted toward safety. As they reached the edge of the power plant, a massive explosion erupted behind them.

They collapsed to the ground, catching their breath.

“That was too close,” Dan Ga-yeon gasped.

Comet nodded, relief flooding through him. They had survived the encounter, but the battle was only just beginning.