It did not take long to return from the pyramid to Egypt, thanks to the teleportation circle nearby, allowing for a quick return. However, what unexpectedly delayed them was the aftermath they faced upon their return.
Kang Sihyun and his companions were immediately besieged by journalists upon their return and barely managed to enter the Egyptian Awakeners' Accident Response Headquarters under the protection of the association.
While Shin Ijae did explain the situation from beginning to end, it was not enough to satisfy the curiosity of those asking what had happened.
The need to explain the existence of Decumanus and what happened to him was complicated by the fact that it was Kang Sihyun who had conversed with and ultimately defeated the creature, making it difficult for others to speak on his behalf.
When asked by an executive about the identity of the Irregular inside the pyramid, the group instinctively turned to look at Kang Sihyun.
Sheri and Emma sent worried glances as if to say, if it's too difficult, don't answer, while Shin Ijae appeared to feel a sense of guilt. James and Tom expressed their willingness to speak up if he didn't want to, even offering to extract him from the situation.
Kang Sihyun reassured the girl holding onto his arm with a gentle grasp before confidently facing the executives observing him.
The executives were puzzled as to why such experienced individuals were clinging to and worrying about a single boy.
"We are aware he's a Quadruple, but wasn't the American team superior in skills? Why is everyone so cautious around this boy?" they wondered.
Kang Sihyun, showing no intention to hide his thoughts, took a seat. It was now his turn to take over the explanation, as Shin Ijae had done the hard part until now.
"Do you remember the moment the catastrophe struck?" he began, his voice low and calm, almost like narrating a fairy tale. Despite the gentle undertone, those who heard his words remembered the day a Gulra appeared in the sky and shivered.
It had been half a year since the appearance of Gulra, yet the fear and horror of that day remained an unforgettable terror for the Awakeners.
"The World Awakeners Association has stated, and the Egyptian Association is likely aware, that he is the origin of all Irregulars. The primal Irregular, and immensely powerful."
"We are aware of that. But what does that have to do with the pyramid incident?" asked an executive, the interpreter relaying his question.
"There is a connection. He was a child of Gulra. It seems there are about a dozen Irregulars of a different class currently roaming the world."
"Excuse me?"
"The one that appeared from the pyramid was the strongest Irregular I've ever faced. Far more formidable than Caris, stronger than Titan. He introduced himself as the twelfth child of Gulra. From the context, it seemed he was indicating he was the youngest among Gulra's children."
"...What does that mean?"
People were visibly perplexed by Kang Sihyun's statements, struggling to absorb and understand his words. He patiently waited for them to process his explanation before leaning forward slightly.
"As the first born and recognized as a child of Gulra, there are about a dozen Irregulars with catastrophe-level or greater powers. One of them was Decumanus, whom we have defeated. Now, eleven more battles remain."
He assured with a firmer voice, imbuing his speech with solemnity to ensure the association members did not take the situation lightly.
"We must be prepared for sacrifices to defeat those stronger than Decumanus. It's time for the world's S-Class Awakeners to stop acting individually and come together."
His blue eyes remained steady and clear as he spoke, conveying not only the truth but also a sincere warning, causing a stir among the association members.
Some exchanged fearful glances, others looked at him skeptically, and some whispered among themselves in an incomprehensible language.
The atmosphere calmed down only after about ten minutes.
"So, you're saying there will be more pyramids appearing?"
"Not necessarily pyramids. But, based on my prediction, after one of Gulra's children has appeared in Egypt, it's unlikely another will appear here. Probably in other countries."
"Strange buildings are cropping up all over the world," he added quietly, prompting the executive to fall into thought. After a moment of contemplation and a weary sweep of his hand across his face, the executive spoke again.
"Then, what happened to those who entered the pyramid before? I know they must be dead. If you folks struggled against the Irregular, those who entered before couldn't have survived. But is there anything... for the families?"
Kang Sihyun and his team exchanged uneasy glances.
They had been too focused on surviving to conduct a proper investigation. In their rush to escape, there was no chance to check the ground, and the interior of the pyramid was too dark to see anything clearly
.
None of them had seen any bodies.
Just when everyone's expressions darkened, a voice offered a solution. "Their souls have been consumed, likely turned into mummies by his minions."
Turning towards the Egyptian officials waiting for his response, Kang Sihyun nodded, confirming the truth of the statement. "As mentioned, those who entered first are likely dead. Decumanus was collecting sacrifices for Gulra. They are probably mummified now. A thorough investigation should reveal more."
"Mummified?"
"Yes. It might be best to inform the families of this. If they wish to receive the bodies, even in mummified form, a significant effort in the investigation will be required due to the size of the collapsed structure."
That was the best they could offer. There was no more time or means to exert further effort. While resolving the situation in Egypt was urgent, reviving Haewoon was equally critical.
Eager to return to Korea without further delay, Shin Ijae initiated negotiations with Egypt.
Kang Sihyun shrugged off the accumulated fatigue and approached Jihye, receiving comforting pats for his efforts. Sheri rose to sit next to Shin Ijae.
Representatives from the three countries gathered for what seemed to be a lengthy discussion. After about thirty minutes, people began to rise from the negotiation table.
"Are you really leaving just like that?"
"Yes, it seems best to send the younger members back as soon as possible."
"If that's the case, there's nothing we can do. We hope to meet under better circumstances next time."
The Egyptian side repeatedly requested them to stay at least a day longer and offered treatment for Haewoon in Egypt. However, knowing Haewoon's heart had stopped and fearing the situation might become more chaotic, Shin Ijae politely declined.
After being repeatedly refused, the executive sighed deeply and extended his hand. Kang Sihyun shook hands with them and, following Shin Ijae's announcement that they would depart in an hour, nodded in agreement.
It was best for both him and Haewoon to return immediately, given the urgency of the situation.
"See you again, Kang Sihyun!"
Sheri waved goodbye, trying to hold back Shin Ijae. Jihye also waved, smiling at a woman blowing kisses her way.
Despite the many incidents, being able to smile like this was a relief.
After hugging members of the American team and exchanging words of appreciation, they prepared to leave. As they boarded the vehicle to return to their lodging, the American team could be seen waving goodbye through the window.
"See you!"
Kang Sihyun and his companions unintentionally smiled as they echoed the Americans' farewell. Kang Sihyun leaned back in his seat, fully reclining the chair next to him to lay Haewoon down, quietly observing the boy before slowly closing his eyes.
It had been a journey that felt both short and long, but finally, it was time to return.
***
"Will you and Jihye be heading straight to the Redem Guild?"
"Yes. Could you please ask the association to keep it quiet?"
"Of course. Don't worry about silencing the journalists or blocking information."
Upon landing and boarding the vehicle, Kang Sihyun expressed his gratitude to Shin Ijae for the reliable arrangements.
Shin Ijae's vehicle headed towards the Redem Guild instead of the association, considering Haewoon's condition and Kang Sihyun and Jihye's situation.
Even after returning to Korea, the absence of familiar faces made the return feel unreal.
Not that he particularly wanted to see anyone.
It wasn't because he didn't miss the Class A students.
It was because the news he had to deliver was too heavy.
Kang Sihyun glanced at Haewoon and then tightly closed his eyes. The vehicle, moving swiftly, arrived at the Redem Guild before he felt ready.
Thanks to a prior call to Hahyuk, there were no journalists or other Awakeners around the Redem Guild building. Only Hahyuk stood there alone, as if he were a solemn statue, in the still-cold early summer dawn.
Wearing a black suit and flicking a lighter, the man looked down at several spent cigarette butts at his feet. After lighting a new cigarette and spotting the vehicle stopping in front of the guild building, he immediately snuffed it out.
The spark was crushed underfoot, and Hahyuk's gaze shifted from Shin Ijae to Haewoon and then to Kang Sihyun.
"You're here."
"Yes."
The conversation was short and dry. There were no expressions of joy at their reunion or blessings for a safe return, just an awkward silence. Hahyuk briefly ran his fingers through his hair before looking at Haewoon.
"...There's a way to save him, right?"
His question sounded more like a statement, demanding a predetermined answer. After a pause, Kang Sihyun nodded, and Hahy
uk stuffed his Zippo lighter back into his pocket.
"Let's go then."
Nodding towards Shin Ijae in gratitude for his efforts, Hahyuk moved towards his own vehicle.
"Where are we going?"
Kang Sihyun asked upon entering Hahyuk's car.
"Home. Taking Haewoon to the guild could spread strange rumors."
Hahyuk murmured, his voice low and slightly hoarse.
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