Chapter 80

The filming was interrupted as police entered the Dreamworld and took control of the set. The neatly arranged corpses killed by Bram were moved outside while numerous mages and aura ability users restored the devastated filming location.

“Are you okay?” A police officer sitting next to the priest of the God of Truth asked softly. Her neatly pressed uniform with sergeant insignia proved she was indeed a public servant.

However, I couldn’t think of her that way.

‘She is an old woman.’

An old woman. In Ardenia, they were ignored. Children in medieval times were considered less than human, while elderly people were just burdens on food supplies. However, it was different in District 34. Even heavily intoxicated drinkers straightened up when faced with wrinkled faces. It wasn’t uncommon for someone to face severe consequences if they angered an elder in this district.

‘She can’t be a police officer at this age?’

However, knowing that no one greeted her on the way to the break room, I maintained a composed attitude.

“Yes, well. There aren’t any major problems.”

“I see. It must have been tough after such a big incident. Can you tell me about the situation from the moment the filming location was attacked?”

In response to her words, I started by recounting how I was resting at the accommodation when those gigas pointed their guns at me.

“My goodness! They must be insane.”

“Really?”

“Oh my God. That’s incredible.”

She reacted quite boldly to my story, almost like a grandmother listening to a child’s heroic tale.

Her conversational skills were so excellent that I wondered if she had been trained to not offend others while drawing out their stories. As a result, the priest of the God of Truth sitting next to her quietly listened without saying much.

‘Almost perfect interrogation technique.’

Mages could read residual thoughts at the crime scene, and the priest of the God of Truth organized witness statements. There was no such thing as a perfect crime. The investigation methods of District 34 were simple but flawless. No matter how clever the criminal, they would be arrested immediately if there was even a speck of evidence left behind.

“It’s all true,” confirmed the priest of the God of Truth, leaving the grandmother amazed.

“Oh my goodness! Fighting and defeating 11 gigas, including the swamp master, with your bare hands is truly astonishing. Isn’t that almost equivalent to the strength of an Elder?”

Finally, this question came up. It was inevitable. The performance I showed couldn’t be achieved by an ordinary person.

”…I think it might be so.”

“Can you tell me what type of ability it is? It seems to show fragments of ‘authority’, different from simple abilities.”

It was a sharp question. My incredible strength defied belief. Even in a space where mana couldn’t be used, my unique characteristic allowed me to utilize Inner Force. Additionally, there were my mysterious healing capabilities that instantly recovered fatal wounds. Despite numerous high-level ability users present in District 34, my abilities stood out as extremely distinct. Anyone could discern these weren’t skills acquired through training alone. Moreover, I wasn’t someone with any extraordinary background, right?

Thus, there was only one answer I could give.

“You won’t force me to answer?”

“Ah! Of course not. You aren’t a suspect but someone receiving awards, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to interrogate you. I am a bit curious though… And finally, hmm, this might also make you uncomfortable.”

She asked with a hint of apology in her voice.

“I saw Jae-yeon’s abilities on video. It seemed like she could’ve subdued the terrorists before any casualties occurred among the cultivators. Do you know why she waited until later?”

As uncomfortable as her question made me feel, it was inevitable and warranted a calm response.

“I didn’t want to act prematurely and suffer the punishment from the God of Justice. I knew for certain that I should intervene only after he had committed his massacre.” I answered honestly, which was expected in front of the priest of the God of Truth.

The old man dressed as a police officer nodded understandingly. Even the Apostle of the God of Truth acted similarly. However, there was one being who was disappointed:

[The eyes of the God of Justice have been withdrawn.]

‘He is gone.’

If it wasn’t for these words, the God of Justice would’ve watched me for longer. If he became convinced that I was righteous, he might’ve bestowed Justice Weapon upon me and made me his priest.

‘It’s too dangerous though.’

Obtaining Justice Weapon would significantly enhance my power, but carrying around the gaze of a god was too risky. What if those eyes followed me to Ardenia? It would literally be the end. Almost everything I did in Ardenia could potentially raise issues under such scrutiny.

“Hmm. Alright then. Let us conclude with this.”

She rose from her seat and bowed politely. It felt uncomfortable seeing such a polite bow from a white-haired grandmother.

“Then.”

The priest of the God of Truth left the room first. The elderly man got up behind him but instead of following, he closed the door. Then he turned to me.

“Oh! By the way, I suppose you have heard about Kim Hye-young?”

I realized it from his calm voice:

‘This is what this person really wants.’

Yes, regardless of anything else, it didn’t make sense for an old man to be a policeman. I straightened my posture and replied, “Yes, she is the niece of the Game Master…”

“Forget everything you’ve heard about her background.”

Wooong!

This wasn’t a warning or threat. The two shining eyes told me that some great ‘power’ was at work.

‘Uh, what should I do?’

Of course, this ignorant ghost couldn’t recognize the talisman today either.

“What is your answer?”

“Ah, yes. Understood.”

”…Why such a reaction? Are you resisting? It seems like you possess some extraordinary ability.” She looked curiously into my eyes.

I desperately acted out a blank expression. After observing me quietly for a moment, she nodded.

“Well, it seems to have worked. You probably won’t remember anything I said just now.”

Before leaving the room, she bowed again with a completely different tone than before.

“Thank you for protecting Miss Kim.”

Click.

After the old man left, I remained quietly for a moment. Fortunately, no more people came to find me.

‘I see. That person is ‘Kim Hee-jung’.’

In the past, Scarlet introduced herself as Kim Hee-jung’s great-granddaughter. Naturally, it was a lie. If she really was the nephew of the Game Master, her great-grandmother wouldn’t be alive. Moreover, if there was an elder in that household, it would be the Game Master himself. In other words, Kim Hee-jung…

‘She said she was a lady. She must be either from the maid or butler family lines. From now on, I need to be careful.’

I had become stronger. Even though my opponent made the mistake of using psychic magic, capturing an eighth-class mage showed that my combat power could hold up even in the macrocosm!

However, I still needed to be careful in District 34. This was a Magic World where even transcendent beings could be arrested by police if they committed crimes.

“Ah! Miss Jae-yeon!”

As soon as I left the room, Alan approached me from nearby. My expression involuntarily hardened.

“No.”

“What? Why do you sound so upset? More importantly, I haven’t said anything yet!”

“Don’t use any footage of my fight against those terrorists.”

My firm and precise words made Alan’s eyes tremble momentarily, but he quickly recovered and flashed a cheeky smile.

“Now now, don’t be like that. At least hear me out. You know what? I have this amazing elixir called ‘Eternal Youth Potion’?”

Alan followed me closely and whispered with such passion that it made my ears burn.

“I can make you a star! You won’t be just an extra or supporting actor but one of the main leads! I’m putting my entire film career on this project, and it will definitely be a blockbuster!”

“No thanks.”

“It might become the masterpiece of my life! Your name could spread throughout the universe.”

“I’m not interested.”

Despite my clear rejection, the middle-aged man grabbed my arm and whined, “Ah, please don’t dismiss it so easily. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any actor…”

“I’m not an actor. I participated because Scarlet asked me to do it as a favor.”

“Ahh. That explains why you did a stunt with your extraordinary ability. Miss Hye-young is truly lucky!”

I stole a glance at Alan. He was one of the people who heard about Scarlet’s true identity from Bram. However, he acted like he knew nothing about it.

‘His memory has been erased. Even though he is a high level mage ranked 7th amongst his peers…’

It was creepy, but I shook my head. This had something to do with the game master, who could be considered a modern sage. It couldn’t be helped.

“W-well, we’ll pay you handsomely for this. How about 200 million won? It isn’t much compared to the honor of becoming a superstar, but…”

“…”

I stopped talking, and Alan noticed it. He was very perceptive like a ghost.

“What? What-what? Did you just hesitate?”

“…it isn’t possible. My personal information will be spread throughout the world.”

“250 million won.”

“It’ll become inconvenient for me if people recognize me…”

“300 million won!”

“The immigrants might hold grudges against me.”

“Uhh.. I don’t have any more budget… Ah! Yes, If you allow us to use that footage for our documentary, I can push it up to 400 million won. You don’t need to worry about your safety either! The police department and the temple of the God of Justice is already making moves on this matter.”

“Hmm…”

“I-I’ll add my own money too. It’s 500 million won now! This is really tough…”

His eyes were pleading. I made up my mind.

“I won’t do it.”

“Ack! Why not really?! Do you want to see me die? Ah! Please! Please let me use it! Let me use it!!” Alan collapsed on the floor and started throwing a tantrum.

I watched with disbelief. Was this truly a high-class mage of rank 7? “Well then…”

As I tried to leave without paying attention to him, Alan sprang back up as if nothing had happened and continued his persuasion.

“I’ll add a running guarantee to the contract! The terms are higher than those for world-class actors right now! This project is guaranteed to be a huge success! You can earn at least one billion won!”

”…”

One billion won…

It was enough money to buy 100,000 class cards. I could arm myself with legendary equipment or learn numerous legendary skills. Even if I ate the flower points, it would be possible to build a Mythical castle.

‘A-Ah, this isn’t right…’

Seeing my hesitation, Alan spoke up, “Now now. Just listen to me. The female protagonist of this movie, Miss Hye-young, has a fixed appearance fee of 100 million won plus an additional 100 won per person once the break-even point is exceeded. Sungjae-ssi, a top star, also has a fixed appearance fee of 200 million won and receives an additional 200 won per person after reaching the break-even point. But what about you? You will receive a fixed appearance fee of 500 million won and an additional 100 won per person beyond the break-even point! It’s truly insane! If the investors find out, they’ll have my neck!”

In response to his desperate words, I couldn’t help but ask, ”…But why are you willing to offer such terms?”

“It is because your battle scenes have that much value!” The eyes of Alan were shining brightly as he looked at me. There was even madness within his gaze.

‘He really is crazy about movies…’

He was a class 7 mage. He could be treated well in any civilization throughout the macrocosm. In fact, if he lived in another civilization, he might’ve led a more prosperous and recognized life compared to Earth-34. At least, there wouldn’t be a need for him to grumble over one scene with someone younger than himself.

“Sigh…” I raised my hand and grasped Alan’s hand firmly. A sigh escaped involuntarily from my lips.

“I wonder if this is the right thing to do…”

“You won’t regret it!”

As cheers erupted around us, I had a foreboding feeling—my life was about to undergo significant upheaval—in multiple ways.