Chapter 56: A Warm Reception

"I'm sorry, it seems I'm a bit late," said Hannah.

"Don't worry, not much has happened since we left the Neutral Zone," I replied, but she noticed the Cartel members unconscious and strewn near our table.

"You say not much has happened, but it seems there was enough time to clean up the trash," she said with sarcasm in her voice.

"Mr. Jihu, who is the beautiful lady in the office suit? Is she another one of your girlfriends?" Odelette asked with quite a bit of curiosity and mischief.

"Sorry, I forgot the introductions. Allow me to introduce you all. She is Kim Hannah, my partner in crime with whom even death cannot separate us. Hannah, these are my companions from the Neutral Zone and my friends; Yi Sungjin and his older sister Yi Seol-Ah, Shin Sang-Ah, Hyun Sangmin, and Yun Seora, whom you must know since she is the daughter of the founder of your company and the younger sister of your current president. And finally, my girlfriend Odelette Delphine, don't be fooled by her appearance, this girl is full of mischief and wickedness," I said, introducing everyone. Hannah blushed slightly when I introduced her, but she quickly composed herself, and almost no one noticed.

Then Hannah and the guys exchanged greetings, and she introduced us to her companion, who apparently is just a bodyguard sent by Sinyoung to ensure there are no problems.

After the introductions and exchanging greetings, we finally sat down and began discussing business.

"Well, I assume that everyone, except for Miss Seora, agreed to sign a contract with Mr. Jihu and join his group, right? I have already taken care of contacting the people who recruited them and resolved their situation; you can say they have no further commitments to those people," said Hannah, and everyone nodded.

"Good, if that's the case, then there's not much to say. Here are the contracts that were made with the terms Mr. Jihu requested. Read them carefully, and if you have any questions or requests, we can discuss them," said Hannah quite professionally, but everyone took the contracts and signed them without reading.

"No matter how much trust you have in someone, you should always read a contract before signing it," I scolded them.

"It doesn't matter, if Orabeo-nim set the terms, then I'm sure there will be nothing bad for us in there," said Seol-Ah, looking at me with adoring eyes as if I were a saint.

"That's why you're still my favorite, Seol-Ah, but again, you should not sign a contract without reading it, no matter what. Imagine if someone changed that contract without us realizing it; you could have ended up in a difficult situation," I said in a more serious reprimand, and they finally realized their mistake.

"And this is Miss Seora's contract. This contract was drafted based on the terms of the first lady of Sinyoung," said Hannah, giving Seora a different contract. She took her time reading it, and when she finished, she finally nodded and signed it.

"Well, with that settled, you formally belong to Mr. Jihu's group, and Miss Seora belongs to Sinyoung. I have prepared some carriages to transport you all to Scheherazade, the nearest kingdom, where you can use the portals that will transport you to Earth. I assume that after spending three months here, you wish to return and see your families and sort out your affairs before coming back, or am I mistaken?" said Hannah.

"Yes, we all agreed to return to Earth for a while. Well, I will only be there for one day; I still have some immediate matters to resolve here before returning to Earth for a longer period," I said, and the others agreed to return.

Some said they would take one or two weeks before returning to Paradise, which is understandable. I would like the same, but I must first verify if the expedition to the Forest of Denial will happen soon, as it did in the novel, and I also have to wait a few more days because, in the novel, Haramark was attacked shortly after the Neutral Zone ended. Both events are very important, and I cannot miss them, although I really don't know if the things I've done have changed those events.

But what I am sure of is that now that I am officially in Paradise, the Parasite Queen has surely noticed, and I have to see what her first move is in order to respond accordingly.

Only when I finally verify and take care of all those things will I be able to stabilize my situation and spend enough time both on Earth and in Paradise so that it does not affect my daily life.

"Alright, then let's get going," said Hannah, and we were about to follow her to the carriages when Hao Win and Tong Chai came and gave me a crystal sphere each. It seems they are communication devices that work in pairs; the spheres they gave me connect directly with their counterparts in their possession.

Another issue that needs improvement in Paradise is that if someone wants to have ten contacts, they would need to carry ten spheres with them. I'll see if I can come up with something to solve this.

We said goodbye to Hao Win and Tong Chai and were about to board the carriage when Hannah received a call on a sphere, and it seemed to be Seohui who called her.

"Damn! This is serious; we have to return to Scheherazade immediately. It seems the parasites are launching an invasion on Haramark. According to the first lady, they have just made a request for help, but from the description, it's a very large army heading through the Arden mountain range, and with that size, there might be Nests or even a Parasite Commander. If so, Haramark is doomed. It's better to return to Scheherazade and plan a defense if possible or a retreat to Earth," said an alarmed Hannah.

"Hannah! Control yourself; it's not like you to lose your composure. Take a deep breath and calm down. When you do, I need you to give me a map of Paradise if you have one; if not, we'll have to find one immediately," I said calmly, and at the same time, I took the communication spheres that Hao Win and Tong Chai had just given me and activated them.

"Boss, I didn't expect you to call me so soon, but it's not a good time. If it's not important, I'll have to ask you to postpone it for later," said Hao Win. In contrast, Tong Chai remained silent, waiting for me to speak. He realized the abnormality of the situation when he saw that I was also contacting Hao Win and that Hao Win was not as calm as a few minutes ago when we parted ways.

"Haramark is being invaded. I know that the triads and the Sicilian mafia are located there, which is why I'm contacting you. Currently, the greatest combat power of Haramark, Taciana and Claire, are not there to protect the place, and from what I hear, the invasion is huge. That's why I'm asking you to meet with me where we said goodbye. Bring any subordinates you have here with you; we're going to plan how to solve this situation. Trust me," I said seriously. Over these months, I have earned their trust and respect, so they did not hesitate and said they would be there soon.

Hannah finally calmed down and apologized for getting nervous. She took out a folded map and handed it to me. This whole situation is definitely not a coincidence. The Parasite Queen most definitely found out about my entry into Paradise, and just as it was written in the messages from my future selves, she attacked immediately.

But as the third message mentioned, this is the best moment for me. There won't be many Commanders in this invasion, if any at all. That's why I opened the map and activated the [Nine Eyes]. I've learned that it's a broken ability, and using it creatively is essential. What I saw on the map was the territory called Haramark, highlighted in intense Red.

Then I looked at the other territories on the map, and to my surprise, they were all in Green. This indicates that they are also under threat of attack; otherwise, they would not have any Color. However, one of them stood out in Orange: the Kingdom of Eva. It seems that Eva will face a strong attack similar to Haramark. Perhaps it's due to weaker defenders or, as in the novel, Eva is a realm plagued by crime and lacks proper defenses against any form of assault.

As I studied the map, we were on our way to the tables where we had recently eaten and bid farewell. Hao Win and Tong Chai had just arrived, accompanied by several subordinates. I noticed that some of them were at level 4, which is promising.

"The situation is as follows: It's not only Haramark that will be attacked; all the kingdoms are at risk. However, attacking most of the kingdoms simultaneously is impossible without passing through Haramark or the Federation. Therefore, the attacks on the other kingdoms will be weaker, to the point where they don't face significant danger. But Eva and Haramark are exceptions.

Haramark will experience a strong attack because it lies on the frontline, the only land route the parasites can use. Consequently, the main force of the assault is directed there. As for Eva, I believe its internal situation and weak defenses put it at risk. Still, I don't think the attack there will be stronger than in the other kingdoms, excluding Haramark," I explained, and everyone paid close attention. They all know that I have an ability to assess situations and evaluate the level of danger, so no one doubted my words.

"So, what do we do? I was about to order my men in Haramark to retreat; I won't send them to die in vain," Hao Win said.

"Give me a moment," I replied, focusing on simulations to determine the best strategies for protecting both places. However, what I observed was that if I join the defense, the security of either location is guaranteed. When I simulated joining Haramark, it turned green on the map. Similarly, when I considered joining Eva, it also turned green. The problem is that I'm just one person, and there are two places.

When I thought about deploying all available forces to the less problematic location, Eva, the Color shifted from Orange to Yellow. Unfortunately, that's not good enough for me to send them there.

Just as I was about to run more simulations, both territories on the map turned Blue, indicating a Choice of Destiny. Two screens appeared; one for Haramark and one for Eva.

The first screen depicted the fortress of Arden, Haramark's first line of defense, being destroyed. Then it shifted to another scene where the parasite army was massacring the kingdom's inhabitants. Many well-organized guards fought desperately, led by a knight-armored woman with pink hair. I assume she's Princess Teresa Hussey of Haramark.

Unfortunately, there were hardly any Earthlings in the scene, and despite the desperate efforts of the guards and Princess Teresa, they did not seem capable of holding their ground against the parasites. Everything pointed toward the annihilation of the place.

Then the other Haramark screen showed Fort Arden under attack, similar to the first scene from the previous screen. However, this time, I could see myself walking through the sky, raining down a barrage of mana arrows on the parasites. I quickly massacred them, and the screen shifted to a celebration in the kingdom.

Next, I viewed the Eva screens. The first resembled Haramark's scene, showing some resistance from guards and Earthlings. However, unlike Haramark, these defenders were clearly less trained and disciplined. To be honest, they were a complete disaster—easily defeated. The most crucial observation was that they were only attacked by flying cockroach-type parasite forces; there were no ground troops. The parasite army did not appear particularly strong; they had numbers, but that was about it. Eva's mediocre defenses likely meant victory for the parasites.

The second screen did not feature my participation; instead, it showed the kids being led and protected by Seohui. They fought from a distance, using magic attacks. Clearly, with Seohui leading the charge, the situation was well under control. The scene shifted to a lively celebration among them.

Seeing this, I knew immediately what I had to do. When I considered requesting Seohui's assistance to support the kids in Eva, the Color of Eva changed from Orange to Yellow and then to Green.

"Very well, I can see it, the best solution. But it depends on all of you, whether you're willing to step up to the front lines and fight in this war. If you choose not to, I'll understand; I won't force you into battle," I said, and everyone grew serious. The Yi siblings and Sang-Ah looked nervous but regained their composure.

Hyun Sangmin was the first to respond. "Boss, ever since we entered the Neutral Zone, Lady Cinzia made it clear that this is a war zone. To earn our daily bread, we have to fight. Besides, I'm no patriot, and honor doesn't concern me much. But I trust your judgment. If you say we can go and that victory and safety are guaranteed, then I'm not afraid to step forward."

"Yeah, it's a bit scary to enter a battlefield, but we've already fought plenty of missions in the Neutral Zone. If Orabeo-nim says we'll be fine, there's no reason to doubt it," Seol-Ah said resolutely.

Sungjin and Sang-Ah nodded in agreement with Seol-Ah and Hyun Sangmin's words.

"For the very reason I came here seeking adventure, and what better adventure than kicking some alien butt?" Odelette laughed, lightening the mood and relieving tension among the group.

"Oppa, what's the plan?" Seora asked.

"You'll take the carriages and travel as quickly as possible to Eva. You'll fight there. It'll take you a few hours to reach from our position. Don't worry; the enemy force in Eva isn't very powerful, but they have significant numbers. You'll need to engage in long-range magic combat to deal more damage to the enemy. Seohui, your older sister, will lead you," I explained their mission.

I then asked Hannah to lend me a sphere that would allow me to communicate with Seohui. Hannah was very puzzled because she didn't know that Seohui and I were acquainted.

"Seohui, it's Jihu—" I began, but was immediately interrupted by her response.

"Oppa, are you and Seora okay? Are you on your way to Scheherazade? You should come as soon as possible. I heard the South is under attack, and it's safer here in the North," Seohui said, dropping her business facade. For a moment, I saw Hannah and Seora quite astonished; they had never seen her like this, which made me wonder how Seohui had approached Seora without showing her true personality. But that's a matter for later.

"Seohui, Seora and I are fine, but we're not heading to Scheherazade. I'm sending Seora and a combat group to Eva. Haramark won't be the only place under attack; all kingdoms, including Scheherazade, will be targeted. However, the real danger lies in Haramark, being on the front line, and Eva, which lacks proper defenses. That's why I need your help. I need you to head to Eva with Seora and our group to lead and protect them during the attack. With you there, victory in Eva is assured without any risk," I explained, and Seohui listened attentively.

"Alright, but you have to promise me you'll cook something delicious as a reward. It's been several months since I've had any of your food," Seohui said, ending the communication before I could respond.

I heard Odelette whispering with a chuckle, "Miss Maria is right, Oppa must put some drug in his food; no one can resist it."

"Okay, now we're ready. Hannah, go with them to Eva as well. Make sure to coordinate their meeting with Seohui along the way, while I head to Haramark," I said, but Hannah just looked at me with a face full of questions. I know this only makes her more bewildered than she already was, especially since the last time we met, I promised her answers, and now instead of providing them, I'm only creating more doubts.

"Hannah, I'll explain everything once this is over, remember I promised you," I said, and Hannah sighed wearily, replying, "That's not something you should say before going into battle; it sounds like a death flag, idiot."

"I'll set aside my questions, but back to the matter at hand, we could reach Eva in a few hours; we're close. But aside from the fact that I don't believe your participation in battle will make much difference against an army, even if you could really turn the tide, you won't be able to reach Haramark in time. We're almost two days away by carriage, and that's if there are no issues along the way," she said quite seriously.

"Don't worry about Haramark; leave that to me. Take care of the kids and Eva. We'll see each other after all this is over, for a big celebration," I said, rising into the air, walking on my mana constructions, and headed towards Haramark, using the map and the position of the sun for guidance.

It's time to repay the 'warm reception' the parasites are giving me.

**

** Kim Hannah (POV) **

"Seriously, he just raised another death flag before leaving in such a scandalous manner. When he said he did not need the Pneuma's Sky Boots, I thought it was because he didn't have enough mana to use them, not because he could fly on his own," I said, more tired and exasperated than I thought, due to the outrageous things my partner does.

"Haha, yes, Mr. Jihu certainly likes to exaggerate. He'll probably master teleportation next, just to surprise us," said Jihu's new little bride.

"Maybe, but I didn't think he really liked little girls. I guess a womanizer really doesn't discriminate," I said, trying to annoy this little miss, who for some reason bothers me.

"It's always better to be young, tender, and unripe than to be old, ripe, and about to rot," said the little one, who definitely has a sharp tongue and is fiercer than her size suggests.

"Well, at least you have character. I like you, little miss," I said with some sincerity. I prefer people with strong wills.

"You also have your qualities, and if you're my boyfriend's partner, I can say you must be capable, which is why I like you too. Let me introduce myself again, I am Odelette Delphine, the girlfriend of Mr. Seol Jihu," she said with quite a bit of presumption, especially the last part.

"A pleasure, miss. Then let me also reintroduce myself. I am Kim Hannah, the partner of your boyfriend, and as he said, not even death can separate us," I boasted and extended my hand. She took it, and we shook hands firmly while looking into each other's eyes and laughing insincerely.

"Noona, is it just me or are those two scary?" I heard the younger of the two siblings say.

"Quiet, Sungjin, don't let them hear you. They definitely are scary; it's better they don't see us," said the older sibling in a low voice, but being a level 5, I could hear them loud and clear.

"Alright, enough wasting time. We need to hurry, get on the carriages, we're going to Eva," I said seriously. Even though we're close to Eva, it will still take more than 5 hours to get there.