The Foreigner on the Periphery - Chapter 127

He contacted Dragon Lord after obtaining an Orihalcon frying pan from Dell. It indicated the intention to sell. From there, Rod replied that if he had a chance to meet him next time, he had to bring him along. Now that he thought about it, it seemed that from then on, he had already planned to invite him to the meeting of the Balaur. Eventually, the two met again today, but there was one problem. 

Compared to the time he sent the letter, Minjun’s thinking had changed. ‘Hey, it looks like you raised your expectations a lot.’ 

At this, Rod’s eyes twinkled. He was very interested in the property proposed by Minjun. “It’s a frying pan made with Orihalcon! As soon as I heard the story, I felt a shock as if I had been hit in the back of the head. Who was the artist who put these bold ideas into practice? I don’t know what kind of work it is, but I decided to check it out with my own two eyes.” 

Heat began to rise in his voice. Seeing that reaction, Minjun thought it was a disappointment.

“This is a fundamental provocation against the concept and nature of the tool. I can feel it just by hearing the story. Pleasant intentions and a sense of criticism that pinches the situation! I am looking forward to a work that harmonizes the technology of molding magic metal into the desired shape and the artistic imagination that does not allow limits. Well, have you brought it? Come on, take it out.” 

There was even excitement that could not be hidden in the tone of voice. Dragon Lord, this art lover was misunderstood. He didn’t believe that Orihalcon cookware was really made for cooking purposes. What was more, the fact that it was actually a blunt weapon and shield wasn’t predictable even if one were to die and wake up. Rod had no doubts that Minjun’s sale was a work of fine art. 

‘I didn’t make it to watch and appreciate it, I made it for bad guys to slap their heads,’ said Minjun, muttering to himself. 

“···Sorry. It looks like the deal is going to be tough.” 

“What?! Why not?” 

He may have changed his mind, but he couldn’t help it. By the time he contacted Rod, Minjun had not fully grasped the true function of this object. Minjun had no intention of selling this. Because of this, he had to come up with reasonable excuses.

“After a closer look, we decided that it was not enough to hand over to Lord.” 

If it was another dragon, he might have been angry with the inmate who made the offer first and then broke the deal. However, Minjun thought that the other party would be able to understand if he said only this much. That expectation was correct. 

“Okay? Hmm. I’m sorry, but I can’t help it.” 

A cool answer that contrasted with the expectations one showed. Come to think of it, the old dragon showed a strangely strong favor to him from the very first meeting. Then he remembered what he said with a bright smile. ‘I think we can be good friends.’ 

From the dragon’s mouth… He could remember being surprised because that wasn’t something an old dragon would say. If he had to classify him, he was of the Jenkinson family. No one could be rude to him because of his age, but even if he was about the same age as Jenkinson, he would have been treated as an oddball, a geek, and a lesser dragon among his people. 

Anyway, after that, Rod had wanted to help him, but he never did anything that would harm him. Minjun occasionally worked across borders to handle committee duties, and he was forced to make a fuss at other dragon estates. It was Rod who mediated the protests of the ancient dragons that poured in each time. 

He knew that well, so he apologized and set an example. He focused on the latter, the ego that saw the other as a livestock and the ego that saw the other as representatives of the intelligent body. “I’m sorry if you came all the way here because of that.” 

“No, not really.”

Rod shook his head. “There is no other reason I asked to meet you.” 

The story of the deal was no longer biting and drooping. The topic suddenly changed. Rod asked Minjun about the four cases he solved. He would testify at this meeting, but he wanted to hear it 1:1 in advance. That was the real reason he came to Minjun today. 

As Minjun recalled his memories, he answered what he saw and felt as honestly as possible. He proceeded to bring up the case of Jang Tae-jun, Princess Dermi, Changcheon, and the dragon spider in turn. The lord, who had listened to the explanation calmly, said with his eyes even more bitter than before. “There are testimonies involving Carbite in three out of four cases.” 

There was no evidence yet. If it had been, it would have been a public discussion with the committee earlier. “They are making up dirty numbers. let’s think. If not for that purpose, why would you be interested in a virus that only infects dragons?” 

“That’s a reasonable doubt.” 

“Dragons need to be vigilant about this situation. And yet, everyone is turning their backs on the grounds that there is no solid evidence. If there are no signs that their power and property are being eroded right away, then they don’t feel the need to move. It’s terribly frustrating.” Rod asserted.

“It can’t be. If the evidence comes out and you move, it’s too late. Preemptive measures must be taken. And if necessary, we must not only unite with our dimensional dragons but also form solidarity with alien dragons.” 

He looked into Minjun’s eyes and spoke. “Your testimony is very important to move them. Because I witnessed all the incidents on the spot and solved them. Please, I want you to testify at the meeting exactly as you told me today. I know it’s a risky act from the inmate’s point of view. Of course, I promise I will keep you safe.” 

Minjun came to Hong Kong with a decision on this already. The Carbites were a race that has produced a large number of delegates and executives to the committee. Therefore, this time may not be limited to the issue of one race called Carbite, but may even be involved in the committee. If the conflict between the dragon and them deepened, it would be beneficial to Minjun as well. It was also common for prisoners to cooperate with the dispatch-level residents in a give-and-take manner. There were enough reasons to look around. 

He then left with one natural question. ‘If it’s such an important meeting, why have you been procrastinating until now? No matter how important spawning is for the dragon clan…’ 

After a long time, private conversations began to take place between the two people who met after a long time. The glass spun a few times, and Rod burst out laughing out loud several times as if he was in a very good mood. Minjun also heard interesting stories about dragon tribes around the world. From a slightly different perspective than a few months ago. It was a strange experience to hear that the ruler of the dragon tribe, which was once heard as ‘love and war,’ was now called ‘the animal kingdom’. 

Rod was Minjun’s good drinking friend. The conversation between the two continued until the lounge business ended. 

*** 

Pal was very confused these days. Rep. Choi Pan-seok did not urge him again after meeting with him. This was because he had a deadline set by the Marge route. Until then, Jeongpal thought that he had to give an answer in any direction. However, he hadn’t made a decision yet. 

‘I’m running for parliamentary elections.’ 

His mother threw a feast when he got a police job. Since then and now, police from Orc were rare. Jeongpal could recall that day. However, if he added one more drink and wore a gold badge, his mother may faint. 

‘But, can I do it?’ Choi Pan-seok’s words, who persuaded him, left a resounding echo. A job that could have a much bigger and better influence than just waiting for a few more years in the police force. Perhaps a way had been opened that will help you solve your problems more clearly and effectively. Of course, that was assuming you win the election.

By doing so, one could make a difference in the lives of the residents of this neighborhood, who always experienced less than the worst possible. On this street where the smell of urine, which was not known whether it was an animal or a human being, was permeated, garbage was scattered, and public objects were difficult to find in good condition, and on this street where drunken young people had been fighting since broad daylight. 

Jeongpal, who had been thinking about that, began to ask the vigilante who was sitting in the driver’s seat. passing by. “Hey.” 

“Yes?” ”

“Are you native here?” 

“Yes.” 

“If one were to work for a country, what would one like to do for this town?” 

“You are working for the country, now. Isn’t it the country’s job to go undercover to catch that kinky vampire rapist?” 

“When you get to a higher position.” 

“Why? Am I getting promoted? Are you going to transfer them to another town, finally?” 

“Don’t be silly and let your imagination run wild.” 

Then, the vigilante rolled his eyes for a moment and said: “Ah, Mr. If I make a career out like that, I think I’ll open up this town and completely forget about it. Then I won’t even pee here.” 

Jeongpal gave up listening to a plausible answer and sighed. However, the vigilantes remained silent for a moment and seemed to keep rolling their heads. Then he spoke.

“Hey, shit. I don’t know about anything else, but I’ll put some streetlights here first.” 

The alley where they hid was terribly dark. There were few lights that were originally placed, and some of them didn’t work properly. It had been broken for a long time, but it didn’t fix it. It was blatant discrimination against neighborhoods with poor tax revenue. “The reason I was hiding here in the first place is because that bastard worked hard around this area. The alleys here are lit up at night like a normal neighborhood. I must have been afraid of being seen by anyone.” 

There were many research results that showed that even a slight increase in the illuminance of alley lighting significantly changed the crime rate. Knowing this, the administrative power dared not extend to this point. “Please install some CCTVs here and there. Even if a few of them went back properly, I’d have caught that bastard already. And whether it’s the police or vigilantes, we need to increase the number of heads. Does it make sense to hit this large area with a group of people now?” 

The two were undercover investigation to catch a vampire rape suspect who had been reported several times in this area. Nowadays, public perception had changed so much that even the heirs of the chaebols came out as vampires and confidently appeared in the media, but many people still regarded them as potential rapists. Criminals who contributed to such stereotypes gather in these neighborhoods. 

“I think so too.” 

Nodding, the Orc shrugged. After many years of service in the Orc community as a police officer, he would be able to deliver a vivid voice.

When I asked Minjun for counseling a while ago, his reaction also made me lean. Even after hearing that Rep. Choi Pan-seok had offered him an offer, Minjun responded calmly. There weren’t too many signs of surprise, to the extent that Jeongpal was even more surprised. 

And the answer was positive. Jeongpal remembered the conversation between the two of them. ‘How many times have I tried to entice you to work together, and you’ve turned down all of them, are you going to be promoted to a member of the National Assembly badge? I’m sorry.’

‘Sorry.’ 

‘This is a joke. Anyway, do whatever you want. If it’s Choi Pan-seok, I’ll never betray you or devour you. I will support you properly.’ 

‘Is that so? In fact, the eyes I see once in a while were a bit pricey.’ 

‘When was the last time I saw you?’ 

‘Two days ago.’ 

‘Oh, then it’s okay.’ 

‘···········? Don’t worry, I’ll be fine now.’ 

While Jeongpal was deep in thought, the vigilante was looking at his phone to see if he got bored. The moment he was about to tell you not to do that while undercover. “Uh?” 

The vigilante spoke while looking at the screen. “Did the chat room go crazy?” 

“Is everyone awake at this hour?”

“There are a lot of white people who change day and night. Anyway, it must have been a major accident.” 

“What? Where?!” 

Jeongpal’s eyes became bitter. However, he heard the next words and he relaxed quickly. “I’m from abroad. Hong Kong. Isn’t that a joke? It’s almost like a war, isn’t it?” 

It was a foreign event that took several hours by plane, literally across the water. Just as he was about to change his mind… 

Jeongpal thought to himself. The business trip to which Minjun, who was now away from Korea, went… was Hong Kong. ‘Maybe?’ 

At this, the Orc’s expression slowly hardened. 

*** 

Minjun didn’t know why he opened his eyes. The time was past three in the morning. The moment he got up from his bed, the sensations that had been pushed away flooded him like a flood and his mind cleared. perfect awakening. Immediately after that, Minjun realized why he woke up.

“··········!” 

He memorized the order right away. 

Pot! The next moment, Minjun was standing on the roof of the hotel. 

Whew! A strong wind blew. His hair fluttered mercilessly. The splendid night view of Hong Kong was half-withered. However, it was enough to tell the skyline apart. Minjun stared at the west side of the Goryeong Peninsula. There was the tallest building in Hong Kong. It is

It was a 118-story International Commerce Center (ICC). 

= Did you notice too? = 

A mental wave echoed from the sky. Minjun didn’t raise his head. Even if he didn’t see it with the naked eye, his senses told him. A large, heavy object suddenly appeared above his head. A living fortress that gently reflects the moonlight. The difference in chroma between the deep darkness and the relatively light darkness was outlined. It was a very large outline. 

Three pairs of wings, as if slicing through the black air, spread wide. Above her long, graceful neck, was a rocky head. The twelve eyes hanging there stared at the place Minjun was looking at. He might not have expected that he would return to the main body before the meeting even started. How much less, in such a public place. However, it was unusual enough that it had to be.

Elder Dragon Jenkinson spoke to Minjun. =That’s the hotel where Dragon Road is staying.= 

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel used the entire top floor of the ICC Building, from the 102nd to 118th floors. The source of the anomaly that woke them up is in the vicinity of the highest building. sting! Minjun felt the nerves all over his body convulse. the wind got stronger. 

Like a storm that was not predicted by the weather forecast, Minjun knew that this was no ordinary wind. Whew! Whew! The wind had a strange power. It was tremendous power. At this moment, Hong Kong as well as all the talented people in neighboring cities must have woken up in horror. 

It was an overwhelming energy that no one who woke up to this ability could turn away from. In the center was the ICC building. The eye of a typhoon that power created a vortex. It was the hotel where the Dragon Lord stayed was located. “What the hell is going on?” 

= I’ve been trying to contact Rod for a while now. But it doesn’t respond.= 

Pot! Papa! In the night sky, shapes that were very similar to or slightly different from Jenkinson appeared one after another. The number of gigantic aircraft increased. It was the dragons who stayed overnight in Hong Kong to attend the dragon meeting. 

All of them sensed an unusual situation. Instead of maintaining the polymorph, it appeared as if promised. As a result, a scene that overwhelmed the night view of Hong Kong was spread out in the air. Hundreds of dragons decorated the sky. It was a rare time for passersby, but screams and loud noises could be heard from the ground. 

Citizens stared at the sky in astonishment. Some had their legs loosened and fell down. A swarm of dragons filled the sky. In the eyes of ordinary people, it was a sight that was transcendent horror itself. At the same time, he was also the minister Minjun had dreamed of, but he was not at all excited. The spirit wave of the dragons was busy going back and forth. 

=Someone teleport in! What is the old man doing at this hour? Are you planning to smash even one meteorite in the city?= 

= Impossible! The space around the hotel is distorted.= 

= Barrier?= 

= This is not an intentional space occlusion. It seems that it happened naturally as a result of preparing some huge spell…= 

= What? That’s more dangerous than doing it on purpose! =

“··········!” Minjun sensed something. The moment he was about to scream… 

Whoops!

Hundreds of dragons watched as the top of the ICC building exploded.