Saving My Favorite in a Doomed World Chapter 107

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- It’s today. 

ㄴ It’s the day. 

ㄴ I’m recording it. I’ll share the link. 

ㄴ Is it true that we’re seeing the SH Unit for… a whole 30 minutes on a regular broadcast, not just the news? 

ㄴ Cha Jaeha… is… actually speaking for 30 minutes… Is this for real… The handsome man is speaking. 

ㄴ Our Mueum is appearing ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ My baby ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ Shouldn’t he be sleeping at this hour?

 

– No, but seriously, what kind of life has Yoo Hwashin lived? Jumping from F-rank to S-rank, dying once in a Gate and then resurrecting, and even attending a summit as the representative of Korean Heroes? He even pulled off the first group interview for S-ranks? Excuse me? Even if a fantasy novel protagonist had this setting, people would flame the author for the broken balance ㅋㅋㅋㅋ 

ㄴ Fr ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ 1-star rating for being a game-breaking overpowered story. 

ㄴ What’s there to be proud of, coming on a broadcast while neglecting his duties? ㅋ

ㄴ He said he’d leave in the middle of the live broadcast if a Gate pops up ~~ Get a more original way to troll.

 

– Isn’t the fact that he died actually a lie? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ If it’s the ‘Korean Hero Association,’ I can totally see that happening. 

ㄴ Don’t feed the trolls. 

ㄴ Yeah, looks like I hit a nerve, huh? Salty much? 

ㄴ Sure, kid~ I understand completely~

 

– Hey guys, is it 9 PM tonight? Should I be on standby then? 

ㄴ Yea yea yea, they’re appearing during a short break at 9 PM because Gate occurrences are low then bb

 

– Jian Unnie… her outfit is going to be insane (Airport photo) (Photo taken while waiting) (Article photo) 

ㄴ Waiting on standby to copy her style ㅎㅎㅎㅎ 

ㄴ Me too, as long as my wallet holds up…. ㅎㅎ I’m gonna buy the same clothes as Unnie.

 

– Tsk tsk, look at him acting like a celebrity just because he’s a Hero ㅋㅋㅋㅋ 

ㄴ And you, who specifically came to a hero anonymous community to write a post like this? What are you? What are you then? 

 

– I’m on shift, so I’ll be working at 9 PM… Such an irrational and cruel act can never be forgiven. I’m suing.

 

***

 

After the SH Unit’s interview was confirmed, various anonymous communities had been in an uproar for a while. Since S-rank Heroes had never gathered together for an interview before, he thought it was only natural. However, the commotion exceeded Hwashin’s expectations.

 

[ Reporter Kang San: Hyungnim, thank you. ] 

[ Reporter Kang San: I’ll treat you to a meal soon. ]

 

Messages were already exploding from Kang San, and Lee Suho, who had been kept tightly hidden away, was trembling all over, saying it was his first interview. Beside him, Yoo Jian and Jeong Mueum marked him with full coverage. Cha Jaeha, whom he had expected to be stubborn, had given in easily. 

 

‘I’ve read the book so many times; there’s no way I couldn’t coax one Cha Jaeha.’

 

[ Jaeha-ya, this isn’t for private gain; it’s for the citizens. If a Hero steps forward and talks about the dangers and scale of Gates and the monsters, won’t fewer people get hurt? ] 

[ It’s for the greater good. You know, right? ] 

[ Let’s do it, the interview. ]

 

About an hour after he sent that message, a positive reply of [ Crazy bastard ] came back from Cha Jaeha. Consequently, all members of the SH Unit ended up attending the ‘Wise Hero Life’ interview

 

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. 

 

. 

 

8 PM on the day of the interview. Kang San, who had finished a simple meal at the company cafeteria, headed straight to the set where his senior was. When he arrived, all members of the SH Unit were already waiting on the set.

 

“Hyungnim!”

 

When Kang San waved from a distance, Hwashin waved back happily. They were all dressed in clean formal uniforms. Matte black jackets, red epaulettes on the shoulders. The clean and dignified uniforms boasted their majesty, as if symbolizing the status of a Hero.

 

‘Whoa, Hyungnim looks incredible.’

 

Kang San, who had even brought his camera along, began taking photos of the set and the SH Unit on standby. Filming the interior was prohibited even for staff, but it was possible because Kang San had received special permission in advance.

 

“Hello. I’m the PD who planned this program—.”

 

After the light greetings between the PD and the Heroes concluded, they briefly checked the prepared script, and filming began immediately.

 

A live broadcast taking place at 9 PM. This live broadcast was also scheduled to be streamed simultaneously on eTube, and the number of people waiting on eTube already exceeded 30,000.

 

“Alright, starting the live broadcast!”

 

Clack—. 

 

With the sound of the slate clacking, the live broadcast began. 

 

***

 

“Greetings to you all. I am Kim Daesan, the host for this episode of ‘Wise Hero Life.’ Hello~.”

 

The host greeted the comments on the screen. He planned to ask questions through the prepared script and real-time comments.

 

“Now, now, you know we only have 30 minutes, right? What? You’re not curious about my face? Understood! Then shall we meet the SH1 Unit right away?”

 

The red light of the camera moved to the SH1 Unit. Kang San, observing their faces reflected through the camera lens, couldn’t decide where to look. He knew Hyungnim’s looks were great, but Yoo Jian was truly beautiful. She was tall, and her proportions were great, too.

 

‘They look so pretty even through the camera. …But why isn’t Hyungnim visible on the screen? H-Hyungnim is filming too, isn’t he?’

 

Kang San hurriedly turned his gaze to the scene. Yoo Hwashin, sitting in line, was capturing the monumental sight of the SH1 Unit with his phone.

 

‘Camera footage is good, but capturing it vividly with a phone camera has its own charm, so I can’t miss it.’

 

What Hwashin had learned since coming to this world was that phone cameras had their own appeal. He had even suggested wearing the uniforms, so it would be a waste to miss this scene. He had seen on the community earlier that you can make something called ‘GIFs’ with a phone. Was it a similar concept to a magic frame?

 

The veteran host, not flustered at all by Hwashin’s behavior, skillfully continued the proceedings.

 

“It seems Hwashin-nim finds it fascinating since it’s his first time on a broadcast! Everyone, isn’t it so cute how he’s taking pictures like that? Then, shall we start with a simple self-introduction?”

 

The interview proceeded according to the host’s guidance. It began with self-introductions and basic explanations of Gates.

 

“There are various Gates, from S-rank to F-rank. F-rank Gates usually don’t even have monsters appearing and disappear naturally, so no separate alarm is sent to the Association. Heroes are assigned starting from E-rank, but even in the case of E-rank Gates, C-rank Heroes are dispatched.” 

 

“Oh, why would that be?” 

 

“Because simply closing the Gate is not the objective; the safety of the citizens is the highest priority. In order to construct the most efficient team to resolve the Gate, heroes of a higher rank than the Gate are sent. However, starting from B-rank, there are limitations regarding the number of people or distance, so one A-rank, and a mix of additional B-ranks and C-ranks are sent on the mission. Originally, it can be resolved by two B-ranks alone, but four to five C-ranks are additionally injected to create a stable team.” 

 

“What a clean explanation. As expected, S-rank Heroes are different!”

 

Cha Jaeha was like the model of an S-rank Hero. The host was even impressed by the clean and calm explanation. Yoo Jian, Jeong Mueum, and Lee Suho, who were beside him, also uttered exclamations of admiration.

 

“Red Gates are Gates where the SH1 Unit must be dispatched. They are dungeon-type Gates that didn’t exist among the previous Gates, and because there is a high possibility of unexpected situations occurring, the SH1 Unit enters and responds personally.” 

 

“Are other units never dispatched?” 

 

“Yes, as of now.”

 

After the straightforward interview ended, an event-style interview for the citizens who came to dig into the Heroes began. The host asked the Heroes a mix of ordinary and provocative questions.

 

He asked about their first impressions of each other and also threw out questions about the relationship between Lee Suho and Jeong Mueum. Most of it was content from the script, so it went smoothly.

 

Just as the broadcast was starting to get tedious.

 

‘No matter how much this is an informational broadcast, the atmosphere is way too much like a current affairs documentary.’

 

With the stagnant atmosphere, the host worried about how to spend the remaining five minutes.

 

‘Cha Jaeha-ssi is too serious, and there’s nothing provocative in Yoo Jian-ssi’s backstory. Then, should I pick a question that came in for Yoo Hwashin-ssi?’

 

The host, scrolling through the real-time comment window, found a question and opened his mouth.

 

“There hasn’t been much revealed about Hero Yoo Hwashin’s family relations in particular; a question came in asking if he is an only child. Hwashin-nim, do you happen to have any siblings?”

 

It was a question that wasn’t too provocative but was enough to satisfy people’s curiosity. Not bad. The host, who had raised his eyes with a satisfied smile, flinched and cast his gaze down again. It was a literal broadcast accident.

 

“…..”

 

The host’s throat gulped at Yoo Hwashin’s face, which he was seeing for the first time.

 

‘…W-was this that much of an offensive question?’ 

 

– Hey, Elric. What’s wrong?

 

Riel also seemed surprised by the description in the book and hurriedly called out. Even back when Elric was a mage, he had never explained his past in detail. He would often tell stories about being imprisoned in the spire’s jail or about the academy located in the capital, Tyranis, as if they were pleasant, but his stories were like old Hart cloth clumsily patched together.

 

After a short while, Hwashin replied.

 

‘No, I’m fine now. Riel.’

 

Smile. I have to smile. Hwashin put a bright smile back on his face. Everything returned to normal. He replied as the Yoo Hwashin everyone knew.

 

“I have one younger sibling. That person hates that I’m their older brother, so I won’t mention it any further. Is that okay?” 

 

“A-Aha. I see! Your sibling is quite unique. If it were me, I’d definitely want to brag about an older brother like Hwashin-ssi! No-Now then~ shall we move on to another question? There are only five minutes left, so everyone, keep the questions coming~!”

 

Even though there were requests to dig deeper, the host was busy changing the subject.

 

‘You guys try sitting in this seat. I’m the one who’s going to get flamed later for harassing a Hero.’

 

***

 

With five minutes left, the host scrolled through the comment window even more urgently.

 

‘But why is the state of the comment window suddenly like this?’

 

Since it was a special broadcast only for the SH1 Unit, there were a few comments ruining the mood by saying they wanted to see the GH Unit too. The problem was that their number was increasing exponentially.

 

– I want to see the GH Unit too.

 

– They’re both Heroes, why isn’t there a GH Unit episode?

 

– Isn’t saving people all the same? It’s funny how they’re dividing ranks and broadcasting like this.

 

– Originally, the GH Unit was treated like dirt even by the Association ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Even before the SH Unit was formed, they only gave special treatment to S-ranks and A-ranks ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

 

– K-Heroes really are something else, even here it’s by rank and by grades ~~

 

– Everyone, please don’t fight. They’re all working hard for our sake ㅠㅠ

 

‘What on earth is this?’

 

Kang San had already reported several excessively disruptive posts, but he was appalled by the content that had suddenly conquered the comment window.

 

‘Did someone stir up an instigation?’ 

 

The spiciness of K-Mara dominated the comment window. It wasn’t a celebrity broadcast but a special Hero broadcast, yet it was the first time he had seen such severe divisiveness. There were actually quite a few people who were dissatisfied with the division into the SH Unit and the GH Unit. Rank discrimination was already severe among Heroes, and the formation of such a special unit was criticized for encouraging discrimination.

 

But this was too much—saying the very creation of the SH Unit was irrational—.

 

“You’re right. Having only us here was a bit much.”

 

?

 

Who just said that? Kang San turned his head. Who on earth would agree with such words? I don’t know who it is, but I’ll destroy them instead of Hyungnim….

 

“….Hyungnim?”

 

Hwashin, who had returned to his original tension before anyone realized, was sitting with his legs crossed, looking at the TV screen showing real-time comments.

 

“Everyone, do you want to see the GH Unit?”

 

The comment window exploded at Hwashin’s gentle tone, which was full of a kind smile.

 

The long-awaited moment had arrived. Hwashin had practically conducted the interview for this very moment. I have to stay sharp. To achieve the original goal.

 

Hwashin spoke kindly with his hand on his chin.

 

“But you can’t. They’re A-rank and B-rank.” 

 

“Yoo Hwashin?” 

 

“Hyung?”

 

Yoo Jian and Jeong Mueum looked with horrified faces at Yoo Hwashin, who was spouting sweet nonsense. Of course, their stinging glares could not stop Yoo Hwashin’s runaway mouth.

 

“Everyone, I’m not discriminating based on rank; I’m telling you the reality. The ones appearing here are the SH1 Unit. You only invited Heroes who have the ability to handle Red Gates. Up to the 3rd Unit of the GH Unit are Combat-type…. but among them, there probably isn’t a single Hero who can beat us.” 

 

“Excuse me, Hwashin-nim, if you speak any further than this—.” 

 

The situation was already over. A bombshell statement from an S-rank Hero during a live broadcast.

 

– Isn’t Yoo Hwashin seriously crazy? ;;;

 

– Please block that person’s mouth, this is live, right? 

ㄴ Yeah, yeah, it’s live ㅋㅋㅋㅋ What a lunatic ㅋㅋㅋ He’s the greatest crazy Hero of all time.

 

– No, but did he say anything wrong?? It’s all true though ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ Yeah, the waste of taxes was legendary ㅠ 

ㄴ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ I bet he’s done more than you wasting air after eating meals~ 

ㄴ Do you even pay taxes? ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

 

– No, but it’s not a lie, just like Hero Hwashin said—

 

“Members of the GH Unit, you’re watching too, right? Everyone—”

 

Before Hwashin could say any more, Cha Jaeha’s palm covered his mouth. In the filming studio where only sounds of “Mmph, mmph” echoed, the end of the live broadcast was soon announced along with the start of a commercial. Of course, the exploding comments did not stop until the very moment the channel closed.

 

The real-time viewership ratings that exploded along with the comments, and the controversy that would erupt with them, left the director with an expression that looked like he was both crying and laughing, and Kang San still looked at Hwashin with a dazed face.

 

‘Hyungnim… just… what kind of person is he?’

 

On that day, no one at the filming studio realized Hwashin’s intentions.

 

Now, then.

 

It’s time to move on to the next step.