Given the circumstances, he utilized all available resources. Summoning Harris, the High Elf from the Elven Kingdom, and Hesperon, the guest of the Imperial Palace, was part of his plan.
'Even with prior notice, they can't stay away too long. They should return as soon as possible.'
And of course, they weren't the only ones involved.
"All personnel deployed, Lord. We've warned the lower ranks, so they won't dare to step out of line. Even the Heaven's Turn Society won't be able to exploit the chaos."
"Good. Tell them there will be no mercy for those who interfere. I'm in a very bad mood."
"…Yes, I'll reiterate the warning."
An eerie silence filled the alley, contrasting sharply with the chaos engulfing Seoul.
Heinz II, receiving Jin Soran's report, tilted his head, examining a small, cracked crystal orb in his hand.
'I had a hunch. They're not just using conventional explosives.'
Thanks to his sharp senses and 「Insight」, he had retrieved this disposable magical explosive just before it detonated. They had attempted to conceal it, but it couldn't escape his detection.
'This is excessive. Why are they doing this? What's their goal?'
This was more serious than he had anticipated. Even if they were provoked by Korea and Howard Industry, such a large-scale operation would be costly for the Heaven's Turn Society.
'This is the capital of a developed nation. The resources and time required to prepare for this must have been astronomical. To waste it all on a single attack…'
This would also alert the world to the threat of an unknown enemy, a disadvantage for the Heaven's Turn Society. Tensions were already high after the attack on a Pantheon executive in the US. If news of this spread…
'…I should focus on what I can do now. My main body should stay out of sight. Even with Hans's power through 「Avatar Projection」, facing the Master of Heaven's Turn Society directly would be risky.'
His decision to prioritize investigation over direct confrontation was wise. He could summon Hans and his other avatars if necessary, but that was a last resort.
'To divert attention from my main body, the others need to be more active. This is an opportunity to expose the Heaven's Turn Society's presence in Korea.'
As Heinz steeled his resolve, Jin Soran, communicating telepathically with her subordinates, approached him with a frown.
"Lord, we've detected suspicious activity in Gangseo District. A Level 6 executive is on the scene…"
"I'll handle it."
He was about to move anyway. Dealing with these incidents along the way would attract attention, and his speed allowed him to reach his destination quickly.
"Yes, then…"
"I'll hear the details on the way."
Heinz ignored her reply, launching himself westward. A streak of red, blurring across Seoul. Wherever he passed, flames subsided, debris vanished, and bombs were deactivated before they could explode.
This alone would attract attention, but he intended to make a grand spectacle.
In the midst of the devastated area, a brilliant light erupted.
Flash
A warm, comforting radiance, not blinding, but gentle. As all eyes turned towards the light, a figure emerged.
Clank Clank
Clad in gleaming white armor, his movements accompanied by the heavy clang of metal. A gentle aura emanated from him, soothing those exhausted by the disaster.
"Wait! Is that…!"
"N-No way!"
Civilians, injured and scattered, recognized him and struggled to their feet. Even those carrying critically injured loved ones looked up with hope.
"Saint!"
"P-Please, help my mother…!"
"Ah—!"
Heinrich, bathed in their hopeful gazes, responded immediately.
Swish
The blade of the Holy Sword, drawn smoothly from his palm, radiated a brilliant light. Held firmly in his calloused hands, it plunged into the shattered asphalt.
"Oh Lord, extend your merciful hand to these poor lambs…"
He prayed, activating 「Grand Blessing: Wings of Radiance」.
And then, proof of God's existence manifested.
Holy power surged from the Holy Sword, forming wings of light that spread outwards, engulfing the area in a wave of platinum light.
Exhaustion vanished, wounds healed, and ragged breaths steadied.
"Ah! Thank you! Thank you!"
"Saint! Thank you!"
Hope bloomed in the faces of those who had been consumed by despair. A hand of salvation had reached them in their darkest hour.
But not everyone could be saved.
"…Saint! Please, my mother…!"
"Uwaaa— Tae-hyun—!"
Even Heinrich couldn't resurrect the dead. He shook his head sadly, closing his eyes to pray for the victims.
But he couldn't linger. Hospitals, temporary medical facilities, and disaster sites… too many needed his help.
He moved on to the next location, guided by Hesperon's 「Callicas's Mechanical Eye」, sensing it would be a busy day.
***
It wasn't just the superpowered individuals who responded to the crisis.
The Association and Guardians tirelessly rescued civilians and contained the damage. Awakened individuals, regardless of affiliation, used their abilities to help. Priests from the Pantheon provided medical aid. And even ordinary citizens, firefighters, police officers, and other public servants risked their lives without any superpowers.
Many stepped up, and thanks to their efforts, order was quickly restored. The initial chaos, caused by the widespread, simultaneous attacks, subsided as the problems were addressed.
***
And there were those who observed and documented everything—
"The Lightning Empress is stronger than we anticipated. She wasn't this powerful during her fight against Alpha…"
"Is it because she acquired 'Mjolnir'? This is problematic. We'll have to discard all our previous data."
"Black Smoke of the Supernatural Management Bureau didn't appear… The Association President's power remains consistent with our previous data. Should we consider this fortunate?"
A spacious basement, illuminated by countless monitors.
A man with nondescript features sat at the head of the table, stroking his chin, as others exchanged information.
Various data, gathered from multiple sources, were displayed on the monitors before him.
'Hahoe Mask and Phantom. They control Korea's underworld, so their involvement was expected. And… was the Saint's appearance a coincidence? If not, it means they have a way to monitor Korea's situation in real-time, even from another world…'
Lost in thought, he turned his head, looking at another monitor displaying information and photos of the newly emerged individuals. Two stood out.
"A helmet-wearing individual suspected to be an elemental spirit summoner, and a hero wannabe in a power suit."
The power suit was interesting due to its unique technology, but the spirit summoner was almost certainly a Transcendent. He wasn't sure if these were all the hidden talents in Korea, but discovering another Transcendent was a significant gain.
'Hah… Just how many Transcendents are hiding in this small country?'
He clicked his tongue, shaking his head. This operation had multiple objectives. Among them, the most important was assessing Korea's potential, the enemy's main base.
The Heaven's Turn Society's previous failures were primarily due to a lack of information about their enemy. His mission was to gather intelligence: their numbers, their response to crises, the limits and weaknesses of their abilities.
The higher-ups would handle any repercussions. They had anticipated them.
'It's a shame it ended so quickly. I could have gathered more data.'
With so many Transcendents, the situation was resolved swiftly. The fires, poisonous gases, and chain explosions that should have caused further damage were quickly contained.
'A nuclear bomb would have been more effective…'
The organization could have acquired one, but it was too soon for such drastic measures. He didn't have the authority to launch such an operation.
'Oh well. I'll conclude this operation.'
He stood up, clapping his hands lightly.
***
Clap
"Attention."
All eyes turned towards him.
"We'll conclude the operation here. Good work, everyone."
Those present were the elite of the Korean branch, survivors of the relentless purges. While many were absent due to other assignments, these individuals comprised over half of the remaining members.
"Verify the data backups. Erase all traces and then disband…"
This was the nest of the Heaven's Turn Society's remnants in Korea.
[Says who?]
A chilling voice echoed, as if from the depths of hell. An immense pressure descended, crushing them. Those who reacted quickly tried to act, but the invisible force immobilized them.
Crack Crackle
The temperature plummeted below freezing. Thin ice formed on the convulsing bodies, a dark magic that suppressed life functions without causing death.
[Kuh— A blind spot. I didn't expect them to be based in the demilitarized zone.]
As everyone was subdued, a figure emerged from the abyssal darkness covering the floor. A being cloaked in shadows, ghost fire flickering in his eyes. He surveyed the surroundings.
The bare concrete walls were covered in complex concealment spells, and even the electronic equipment radiated an unusual energy.
'Technology from a machine civilization. Practically magical tools. And a self-sustaining power source?'
He wondered how they had acquired and transported these resources undetected, especially to a location closer to North Korea than South Korea…
'No, they've already infiltrated China. North Korea wouldn't be much different.'
Security at the demilitarized zone had been tightened after the emergence of Awakened individuals. Even a rumored Transcendent from the Supernatural Management Bureau was permanently stationed there.
'Well, I'll find out now.'
Hahoe Mask turned to the nondescript man who had been giving the briefing, presumably the leader. He was struggling against the invisible restraints, his eyes wide with disbelief. A futile effort against such overwhelming power.
'A brainwasher. If Andrew had been any later, they would have escaped.'
Did he realize his actions had exposed their location? He sneered inwardly, reaching for the man's head.
'I should reward Andrew… A language translation magical tool would be nice. I can craft one now, thanks to 「Forbidden Truth」. It will enhance his abilities.'
A reward that would horrify Andrew, who only desired a vacation. But gifts were about the giver's intentions, not the receiver's.