Description The Returner

      This story is centered around the man named Yi Ji-Hyuk, who has spent 1000 years in a Medieval Western fantasy-like world before returning back to the modern-day Earth. When he returns, he finds that his home is facing monster threats, and that humans with superpowers have appeared to protect the innocent people of Earth.

     The thing is, Yi Ji-Hyuk himself lived like a true, bona fide Demon King in...

     You are reading

     The Returner

      ebook which is a free download at

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     Chapter 101: Why are YOU here? 1

      Chapter 101: Why are YOU here? (1)

     Learn More about CrN 3.0: Legacy!

     Big Changes are happening! Benefits Readers and Creators alike!

     Inside the NDF offices….

     “Why am I feeling this chilly all of a sudden?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk shivered as a sudden biting chill crept up on him like an ill omen.

     “You’re feeling cold?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     At Jeong Hae-Min’s question, Yi Ji-Hyuk nodded his head.

     “Yeah. Got this weird chill crawling down my back.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Well, it’s getting a bit colder nowadays, but still, it’s not that bad, you know. You probably caught a flu or something.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Eh?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

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     Flu?

     Was she trying to say he caught an illness?

     But, there was no way that Yi Ji-Hyuk would….

     Ah, wait a sec. I can now, huh.

     My body’s no longer in the ‘fixed’ state, after all.

     Hah, this sucks….

     I guess the fixed state had its plus points, too. I never caught flu, didn’t get old, etc…. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “But, still! I’m supposed to be an ability user, aren’t I?! What the heck is up with catching flu?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Well, it’s difficult for us to contract an illness like that, normally speaking. But, if your body’s not 100%, then it’s possible. Haven’t you gone overboard and strained yourself a little bit lately?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     I strained myself?

     Huh. Hmm. Straining, eh…. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     He still had some semblance of conscience left, albeit it being smaller than a rat’s tail, so he just couldn’t force himself to come out and say that he had strained himself.

     Because, he didn’t do much anyways, to begin with!

     Just what have I done to strain myself? Maybe this girl’s not right in the head, too? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “….I should just go home early today.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Hearing this, Choi Jung-Hoon shot up from his seat.

     “It’s not even lunchtime yet!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “But, I’m not feeling too good, though.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Why don’t you just announce to the world that an elephant is a weakling, instead?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     ….? An elephant? But…. I thought it is weak?

     If I were to hit it lightly once, surely it’d vomit blood and keel over? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Okay, fine! Besides all that, do something about our lunch menu, will ya?! Why are we having the exact same thing over and over again?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     But, that’s the same story for every other salaryman out there!!

     And there aren’t any restaurants near our office, so what do you want me to do? You want me to hire a caterer and do a buffet for you?! (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     However, Choi Jung-Hoon conceded that the youth had a point there. Even he was getting somewhat sick and tired of eating the same thing for a while now.

     Seriously, how many days did they eat nothing but ‘jjajangmyeon‘?

     “Cool! Let’s go out and eat something nice for a change today!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “What the heck? Is the ghost of a starving pauper possessing you or something today? Why do you keep talking about food and nothing else?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “What’s wrong with thatttt? Don’t you know how enjoyable it is to eat good food?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “….Huh, I guess you do have a point there.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Well, even Yi Ji-Hyuk did stuff his face like a loon as soon as he returned to this world, after all. No, hang on a minute – he was still doing that, even now!

     He just didn’t gain any weight though, even if he constantly ate, and ate some more, like a farmyard cow or something. That was all.

     “What the? What is this….?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk hugged himself and shuddered again.

     What was this, this creeping anxiety?

     Just what is going on here? I can’t seem to settle down at all, can I? Did… something bad happen?

     I haven’t felt like this before in my whole life, even…. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     This anxiety was different from the one born from fear or terror. No, rather than that, this was a feeling of unease, dread, one might experience when a disgusting insect crawled all over one’s toes or some such. And such a feeling continued to dig into Yi Ji-Hyuk’s heart.

     So, where did this feeling come from?

     Yi Ji-Hyuk’s pupils shook from worry.

     His sixth sense, thoroughly honed from encountering countless dangerous situations in the past, was throwing up warning signals.

     It was telling him that something rather troublesome had occurred somewhere.

     “Hmmm….”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk continued to fidget around for a while, before abruptly getting up from his seat.

     “Ha-ah. I can’t stand this anymore. I’m going home.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “No, waiiiiiiit a minute! You can’t just decide for yourself when to leave work for the day, you know!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Wouldn’t the nine million-plus salarymen of Korea vomit blood when they hear this preposterous c**p?

     “I told you, I’m not feeling too good right now!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Then, please go get a medical certificate! Otherwise, what will I tell my superiors when submitting the monthly duty roster?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Well, why don’t you fire me, then?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     You think that’s as easy as you make it out to be?

     If I could get rid of you at any time I wanted, then you’d be fired a long time ago already!!

     I don’t particularly want to see your face if I can help it, you know?! (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner cries)

     “Ha-ah….”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk simply shook his head and headed for the outside.

     “Where are you going now?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Going to lunch, where else?! Look at the time first before shouting at me, okay?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Oh. Is it already lunch break?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon stood up from his seat while looking a bit embarrassed.

     “Okay, let’s take a break for lunch.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Those who’d order a takeaway would do so. Not minding them, Choi Jung-Hoon simply shifted his gaze over to Seo Ah-Young, and she vacated her seat right away.

     And so, four people left the NDF building: Yi Ji-Hyuk, Jeong Hae-Min, accompanied by Seo Ah-Young and Choi Jung-Hoon.

     “So, what should we go for?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I want a burger.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     When Seo Ah-Young declared so, Yi Ji-Hyuk began frowning slightly.

     “What do you mean, a burger? And, in the middle of the day, to boot?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….Since when was there a rule saying that you can only eat burgers in the evening?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     Who in their right minds would come up with such a dumb rule?

     “Hey! Who’d eat burgers in the middle of the day? Am I right?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I don’t mind.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Yeah, I want a burger, too.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “………………”

     What the heck? Could they have conspired against me before coming out here? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Hey.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     When Yi Ji-Hyuk lightly tapped on the ground, Doh Gah-Yun’s head peeked out from his shadow.

     “You also want a burger?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Nod.

     Hah, this bunch of idiots!

     Words aren’t getting through to them! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Okay! Let’s go and have ourselves some burgers, then.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “But, from where?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “At the ‘Shake Burgers’.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “….And just which country did those burgers come from now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “The US.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Uh? It’s really from another country?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     That’s not what I meant when asking that question, though…. I only asked cuz I’ve never heard of a burger like that…. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Wait a minute. Don’t tell me, you can only find that burger in the US, too…?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, that’s how it is, though?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “………..”

     For some reason, they didn’t seem to be on the same page as far as this conversation was concerned.

     Just before Yi Ji-Hyuk could say something, Jeong Hae-Min landed her counter attack first.

     “Doesn’t matter if it’s the US or not! We can just go there if we want, right?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Huh?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Wait, she got a point there, doesn’t she? I mean, she’s a teleporter, after all.

     Hang on, as long as she’s around, can I go to Turkey, China, or even Paris for my lunch?

     Hey, isn’t this unexpectedly cool?

     “As long as you’re here, doesn’t that mean I can go to China and eat jjajangmyeon there?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You dummy, there aren’t any jjajangmyeon in China.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     What rubbish is she spewing now?

     You can buy a bowl of jjajangmyeon in a Chinese restaurant, so why wouldn’t I be able to find one in China?

     In any case, why is she this stupid? (TL note at the end)

     “Whatever. Let’s just go.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Ng! Take my hand.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk first grabbed Jeong Hae-Min’s hand, and then, with a somewhat troubled expression, grasped Choi Jung-Hoon’s.

     “….What is up with that expression?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “I’d rather not hold another guy’s hand, you know?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I’d also rather not do that!! Me too!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “In that case, don’t come to this side, then. Argh, really. How dirty.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Oh my dear lord.

     Please, allow me this one chance to hit him in the face with everything I’ve got. I’ll do anything for that. I’ll even sell my soul to you. (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     Too bad for Choi Jung-Hoon, the dear lord in heaven wasn’t someone who’d answer his wishes just because he offered a prayer.

     “Come on now, why are you wasting time like that?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Groan….” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     It was just then.

     Grab.

     “What the?! Hell, let go, right now!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     A hand appeared out from nowhere and grabbed Yi Ji-Hyuk’s shoulder.

     “What the hell!! It’s you?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk freaked out and shouted at the top of his voice.

     Kim Dah-Som had appeared out of literally nowhere and had grabbed his shoulder, with an innocent smile etched on her lips.

     “What are you doing here?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I came to give my oppa his lunch box.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “Your oppa?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Yes.”

     ….Did Kim Dah-Hyun ever eat home-made lunch at work?

     In any case, let’s say he does. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Okay, fine. So, what do you want now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I’m also peckish.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “What, you too?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Yes.”

     Sure. Well, if you’re ‘peckish’, then fine, go and have something to eat. But still, why are you intruding on our group? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Don’t you have your own lunch?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Nope.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     Then, what is that thing dangling in your hands?

     Yi Ji-Hyuk lowered his head and stared at the lunch box in her hand, before raising his gaze back up. He then spotted Kim Dah-Som already looking away, pretending to not notice.

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     What a thick-skinned girl.

     “….And what the heck do you want now?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Suddenly, a chill descended in the air.

     Yi Ji-Hyuk shifted his gaze to his side and found Jeong Hae-Min glaring at Kim Dah-Som with a pair of narrowed eyes, which was something one would not see from her that often.

     “Who do you think you are to butt in?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Wowsers, look at her aura, man!

     Is this the rumoured tone of voice an entertainer would use when putting unruly juniors in their places?

     Yeah, I’ve only heard the rumours, but it’s no joke, eh.

     This girl must’ve made a few of her juniors wet themselves, no? And they say a woman acts differently to another woman compared to when she’s with a man…. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “I thought that me accompanying you would be better for you all.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “And why is that?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “How were you planning on placing your orders?” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “Ng?”

     “Do you speak English?” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “………”

     Jeong Hae-Min’s expression became unreadable.

     Up until now, it was her manager who did all the ordering, so just when would she get the chance to do that?

     “I thought none of you knows how to speak English, so….” (Kim Dah-Som)

     Jeong Hae-Min became rather deeply irritated by Kim Dah-Som’s words trailing off like that, so she spun around and glared at Seo Ah-Young.

     Too bad, Seo Ah-Young did her very best to avoid meeting Jeong Hae-Min’s expectant gaze and only showed to everyone what the back of her head looked like.

     Swish.

     Jeong Hae-Min lowered her gaze to the ground, which then led to Doh Gah-Yun’s peeking head submerging back in the shadows.

     “What a bunch of dumb idiots.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     You don’t have the right to say that, you know! (The author)

     “We still have Mister Choi Jung-Hoon, right?! Yeah, Mister Choi Jung-Hoon?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     When Jeong Hae-Min pointed at Choi Jung-Hoon, a subtle grin formed on his lips.

     That’s right, you uneducated peasants.

     You bunch of useless fools who can’t even speak a lick of English even though it’s 21st century!

     Acknowledge this great one’s abilities, and praise me. (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     “He said his TOEIC score is 990! Obviously, he knows how to converse in English!” (Jeong Hae-Min) (TL: TOEIC = The Test of English for International Communication)

     “Hahaha. Yes, indeed I ca….” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Kim Dah-Som’s gaze slowly shifted in Choi Jung-Hoon’s direction. Then, a weird, stifling silence seemed to brush by the group, before Choi Jung-Hoon struggled to open his mouth.

     “….Tests and having an actual conversation are two different things. I’m not very good with English.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “You liar!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Liar, smair!!

     I want to live too, you know! Didn’t you see those eyes just now?!

     Wowsers! Holy cow!!

     Staring at Yi Ji-Hyuk would be far more preferable than being looked at with those eyes!!

     Just how can a pair of human eyes shoot out deadly lasers like that?! (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     “So, that’s how it is. Let’s just take her along.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “You…….” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Just as Jeong Hae-Min began gritting her teeth, Yi Ji-Hyuk finally opened his mouth.

     “….I don’t care either way, so let’s just go and find something to eat, okay? I might die of starvation at this rate.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Ng.”

     Jeong Hae-Min smiled brightly and grabbed Yi Ji-Hyuk’s hand again, before making the final confirmation.

     “Is everyone holding on?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Jeong Hae-Min even confirmed that the hand coming out from the shadows was holding on to Yi Ji-Hyuk’s leg, and then, activated her ability.

     *

     “So, this here is America, eh?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk surveyed his new surroundings. Even he could tell there was something different about the hustle and bustle of the new city.

     Seeing those buildings that looked a bit different from those found in Korea, he could really appreciate the fact that he was in foreign soil now.

     “I’m sure it’s over that way.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     When Jeong Hae-Min took charge and began walking in a direction, smiles formed on the others’ faces as they followed behind her.

     To come to America so easily for a burger like this!

     Could anyone even hope to do that for their own lunch breaks? Of course not!

     Yes! The teleporters should be praised! Indeed, teleporters, hooray!

     *

     “….I’m gonna kill you.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Anger boiled over in Yi Ji-Hyuk’s eyes.

     “No, wait, uh, but, it was this direction before! I’m sure of it!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Meanwhile, Kim Dah-Som was twirling her hair while going, “Tehee.” on the side.

     “Arghhh! I should just, like, really! Arrrgh!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     When Yi Ji-Hyuk raised his fist in a threatening manner, Choi Jung-Hoon hurriedly clung on to that arm while cold sweat drops fell in bucket loads.

     If you try to hit her, even a slight tickle will kill her!!

     “Ehheiii!!! Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk! Things like this can happen, you know!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “It ‘can’ happen? It can? Ah?! What the hell? Can’t you see the sun setting over there?! You blind?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Of course not, you dang fool!

     Still, how can you even think about killing someone over this?! (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     “Seriously! You wanted us to eat burgers, but aren’t we busy eating nothing but air right now?! How is this a lunch break? We’ll end up having supper instead, at this rate!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk) (TL note at the end)

     “But, that’s so strange. I swear the burger joint was in this direction when I came here before…..” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk’s glares then shifted over to Choi Jung-Hoon.

     “And you! Why can’t you find us the way, Mister Ahjussi?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….Why are you blaming me for this?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “I mean, I thought you can do pretty much anything, right? Aren’t you the famous Choi-raemon? Where is your navigation skills, man?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….Sure, I can find where our destination is by checking the navigation.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “So? What’s the problem?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I don’t know where we’re at the moment.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “….Oh.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk) (Another TL note at the end)

     Choi Jung-Hoon began shedding the sweatdrops of the heart, AKA tears, inwardly.

     To think, I’ve got such a bad sense of direction!!

     How unthinkable it is for me to have such a weakness!! (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     Just as Choi Jung-Hoon began despairing inwardly, Kim Dah-Som spoke in a disinterested tone of voice.

     “Unexpectedly useless, isn’t he?” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “Did you just say something?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Oh, my apologies. I was only talking to myself…. I guess you overheard me there.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “Hah?! What the hell?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     It was then, the fed-up Yi Ji-Hyuk angrily shouted out.

     “Is this the right time for you to start fighting?! Dang it! Let’s just go back home! Might as well just have a bowl of jjajangmyeon, instead!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, but, I think I can find the place if we just….” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “You’ve been saying that for the past three hours already! Where is a needle when you need one?! I really wanna stitch this little girl’s mouth shut!! Dang it!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     It was then.

     Out of the blue, a huge group of people began surrounding these starving and tired people.

     Every single one of them was decked out in matching black suits and equally black sunglasses. They collectively emitted a dangerous aura.

     “What now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk tilted his head.

     Meanwhile, Choi Jung-Hoon spat out a lengthy groan.

     “What’s going on here? Did we commit a crime or something?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Well, you could say that.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “What? Getting lost and wasting time also count as a crime nowadays?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “We entered their country illegally, after all.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Eh?”

     “Do you have a visa to enter this country? I sure don’t.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “What the hell? So, like, the last time we went around the globe, that was also a criminal act? What the! This woman, she’s gonna cause a big trouble, isn’t she?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “It’s you who wanted to go around in the first place!!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “You’re being noisy!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk decisively ignored Jeong Hae-Min’s protests and stared at the cordon of black suits surrounding them. He was in a dilemma of sorts at that moment.

     Should I just blow them away and go back to Korea?

     But, they haven’t done anything remotely threatening yet, so, like… huh.

     Should I just wait and hear what they have to say?

     Well, if things go sideways, I can just get the eff outta here, no? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Ah. Ohh…. Mm. If it’s an international diplomatic issue, then….” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     This dude will sort out everything, anyways. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     One of the black suits stepped forward and walked towards Yi Ji-Hyuk.

     “Are you Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk?”

     “Uh, oh, h, hello? Pine, dank you? When you?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk) (TL note at the end)

     “……………..” (Everyone)

     Choi Jung-Hoon slowly facepalmed.

     Annnnd, he even gets that wrong. (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     “It’s fine if you speak Korean.”

     “Ahh, okey? Wha, what?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     STAHP IT!!

     Please, stop!! (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner cries)

     The black suited man stared at Yi Ji-Hyuk with an unreadable expression for a second or two, before lightly shaking his head. Then, he continued in Korean.

     “There is someone who’d like to have an audience with you, sir.”

     Mm?

     With me?

     “What the?”

     You are reading

     The Returner

      ebook which is a free download at

     wWw.EbookUpdates.Net

     .

     Download more ebooks for free at

     EbookUpdates(dot)Net

     .

     Chapter 102: Why are YOU here? 2

      Chapter 102: Why are YOU here? (2)

     Learn More about CrN 3.0: Legacy!

     Big Changes are happening! Benefits Readers and Creators alike!

     “Will you come with us, please?” (the agent)

     “I don’t wanna.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

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     “….Excuse me?” (the agent)

     “I said, I don’t wanna.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     The black-suited American agent couldn’t help but sweep his gaze from Yi Ji-Hyuk’s head to toe after hearing that matter-of-factly reply.

     There weren’t any muscles to be found on that slightly skinny frame of his. Seeing his body that looked like it hadn’t spent a minute inside a gym, the agent’s brows furrowed instinctively.

     More importantly, though – it was written all over the youth’s face.

     Didn’t the East Asians say that one’s face revealed a lot about one’s character?

     If such a thing was true, then the agent could easily tell what Yi Ji-Hyuk’s personality might be like, without experiencing it first hand.

     However, such a kid was….

     The agent hurriedly pulled his phone out from his pocket and opened a certain app. And almost right away, he saw Yi Ji-Hyuk’s name in red appearing at the top of the list of information.

     When the agent lightly tapped on the screen to access the file, he got to read about Yi Ji-Hyuk’s personal details and specific orders on how to deal with the youth.

     Name – Yi Ji-Hyuk.

     ‘Hmm, so, he is…. one of the most dangerous individuals out there, currently ranked S-class.’ (the agent)

     The agent couldn’t really pay attention to the wall of texts appearing on his phone’s screen. No, what his eyes focused on were the words at the very bottom of that said wall of text – ‘Exercise Extreme Caution’, and some more words below them.

     [Anyone responsible for causing undue friction/hostility with this individual will be eating a burger through their nostrils.]

     The agent silently put away his phone and raised his head. And then, spoke in a confident voice.

     “Ehehe…. Please, sir, don’t be like that~.” (the agent)

     “What the heck? Why do you sound so unmanly all of a sudden?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     ‘Why don’t you try eating a burger through your nose instead, then?!’ (the agent)

     You wouldn’t be able to complain like that, if only you knew that my boss likes his burgers extra large!! (the agent’s inner monologue)

     “Please, you have to come with us. Otherwise, I will really get killed.” (the agent)

     “Not my problem, though?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Argh, I’m begging you here! Please!” (the agent)

     “What the hell. Why is your Korean patch this advanced? What version is this?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Oh, that. Hehe, well, I…..” (the agent)

     Those Japanese people should learn Korean from this version, too!

     As expected of a first world country and their technological prowess! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “So, if you’d just come with us for a little while…” (the agent)

     “I still don’t wanna.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     ….Annnnd, he still doesn’t want to give me a break. (the agent’s inner monologue)

     The agent stood there studying Yi Ji-Hyuk’s mood for a bit longer, before shifting his gaze loaded with meaning over to Choi Jung-Hoon’s direction.

     ‘It’d be better for you to do something about this situation.’ (the agent)

     “Mm…..” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     After receiving that poignant stare, Choi Jung-Hoon gravely nodded his head.

     Now logically speaking, it was his group that illegally entered a foreign country. Just as important, he was an NDF agent, to boot. If the shoe was on the other foot, then when a foreign ability user illegally entered Korea and got busted, Choi Jung-Hoon wouldn’t have let that go quietly. Not at all.

     Most likely….

     He’d completely annihilate the said foreign ability user first and turn him or her into a nervous wreck, and then hold that hapless sucker as a hostage of sorts as he inundated the fool’s country of origin with piles upon piles of official diplomatic documents.

     So, how would he feel if it was Korea on the receiving end of that treatment?

     Even if he somehow managed to get out of here with his life intact, the higher-ups back home would want to play football with his freshly-severed head, instead.

     Shudder.

     Choi Jung-Hoon definitely did not want to see that happen.

     “Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Ahh, what now?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “How about going with them for a little while….?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “This guy, you trying to sell me down the river again?! You really on my side?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     But, I never was?

     Why am I on your side out of the blue? I’ve never been on your side to begin with, you know?

     Don’t arbitrarily make people your pals! (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     “And you, why are you threatening this guy instead of me? Ah?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “M, my apologies.” (the agent)

     Even though the American agent was apologising, his stare never quite left Choi Jung-Hoon.

     “Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Hey!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “*SFX for the American agent sharply drawing his breath*”

     With a slightly confused face, Jeong Hae-Min alternated her gaze between these three men.

     What are these three doing? Is this the so-called triangular formation?

     “Ahh, sh*t! This is annoying!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk got way too annoyed with this situation which was definitely going around in circles now, and found the only satisfying method of breaking the chain for good.

     “Hey, you!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     When Yi Ji-Hyuk glared at the American agent, he flinched and reflexively nodded his head.

     “Tell that person to come over here. Why the heck does he want me to go there, when he can just come here?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     ‘….Wait, that… kinda makes sense, doesn’t it?’ (the agent)

     Indeed, the agent had no reason to actually drag Yi Ji-Hyuk away at all. The order simply said to secure the youth. That was all.

     “In, in the case, will you be waiting for us here?” (the agent)

     “No, obviously not. You, hold up….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Yes?” (the agent)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk suddenly exchanged hushed whispers with Jeong Hae-Min before looking back at the agent.

     “You know where this ‘Shake Burgers’ joint is around here?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….Eh?”

     *

     Tears were welling up in Yi Ji-Hyuk’s eyes.

     Just what the hell is up with this dang burger?!

     Is this thing worth almost five hours of getting lost in a foreign city for? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk wiped the corners of his ears as he stared at the meal set of the burger in question.

     “Imma kill you real slow if this thing tastes bad. Seriously now.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….It’s going to taste good. I think.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Perhaps realising her guilt, the depressed-looking Jeong Hae-Min began distancing herself from Yi Ji-Hyuk even while mumbling some words as her defense.

     “Come over here right now!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Why should I?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk reached out to catch the escaping Jeong Hae-Min, only to have Kim Dah-Som sneak her way in and sit on the empty seat next to him.

     She placed the burger box in front of Yi Ji-Hyuk, opened it, and then, even proceeded to present a large cup of Cola to him as well.

     “Oh?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Which was good, since Yi Ji-Hyuk was feeling a bit troubled because the accompanying drink just so happened to be a milkshake. With a huge grin on his face, he picked the Cola up and gulped it down.

     Meanwhile, Kim Dah-Som smiled contently as she pulled Yi Ji-Hyuk’s milkshake towards herself. Seeing this act, Jeong Hae-Min’s eyes narrowed to a slit.

     “You really know how to act like a sly little fox, don’t you?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “I’m not sure what you mean by that?” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “Oh, my gosh. Look at her pretending to not know what’s what.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     And as the two females began a subtle war of nerves, Doh Gah-Yun silently rose up from shadows and settled down on the unoccupied seat right next to Yi Ji-Hyuk.

     “G, Gah-Yun-ah!!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Even though Jeong Hae-Min cried out in a sharp voice, Doh Gah-Yun remained impassive and chose to silently pull closer her own share of fast food in front of her.

     Jeong Hae-Min breathed heavily in unhappiness, but she had no choice but to settle down on the opposite side of Yi Ji-Hyuk.

     “You two, you gonna keep going like this?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     When Jeong Hae-Min growled menacingly at the two girls, they both simultaneously avoided meeting her gaze and concentrated on finishing their meals, instead.

     “You think I’ll take this ly….” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Argh, you’re being noisy! Let’s just have a meal in peace! Please!!!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Hul. Telling a noona that she’s being noisy!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Will you act your age, then? Miss Ahjumma.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “A, ahjumma?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Teardrops began forming in Jeong Hae-Min’s eyes, and in response, the corners of Kim Dah-Som’s lips curled upwards ever so slightly.

     “You’re smiling?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Seo Ah-Young, watching this scene unfold from another table, suddenly spat out a long sigh.

     Surrounding the table where the four of them were having a… “good” time, a cordon of black-suited agents were standing stiffly like some kind of a hefty, immovable human wall.

     The nerves of those girls must be made out of pure, grade-A hardened steel if they didn’t care about all those people staring at them as they went about their business.

     However…

     ‘Isn’t that…. Isn’t that like, a battlefield over there?’ (Seo Ah-Young)

     Seo Ah-Young could definitely see those three females surrounding Yi Ji-Hyuk locked in a heated war of nerves.

     “What on earth….?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     And all three of them were quite pretty, too….

     One of them was a famous idol, another one was so pretty that she’d completely trounce any ol’ celebrity into oblivion, and even Gah-Yun wouldn’t lose out to anyone in the looks department, no matter what the occasion was.

     But, why did it have to be Yi Ji-Hyuk?

     He didn’t have a nice-looking face.

     Hell, he didn’t even have a nice personality, either.

     He had taken his manners out back and shot it all to hell a long time ago, he was beyond lazy, and his mouth was so filthy, no soap could ever cleanse it, yet….

     Wasn’t he, like, the worst possible boyfriend material?!

     However, seeing three such pretty girls surrounding such a rotten as*hole, Seo Ah-Young couldn’t help but to release yet another long, long sigh.

     ‘Well, compared to a b*stard like him….’ (Seo Ah-Young)

     Seo Ah-Young shifted her gaze towards Choi Jung-Hoon sitting in front of her, and saw how full his mouth was with the American burger as he oh-so industriously chewed on it.

     “Yep?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “…It’s nothing.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     This guy wasn’t like this in the beginning, yet as time wore on, he was clearly becoming worse and worse, too.

     Did it start after Yi Ji-Hyuk entered their lives?

     “This is good, actually. Have some.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “….Yes, I will.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     Seo Ah-Young picked up the burger and bit into it.

     It was actually, surprisingly good!

     It must’ve tasted good, since she and the group had to go through so much c**p just to get here. However, she found it hard to enjoy the meal, what with all those eyes constantly staring at her and all.

     “How can you eat in peace with all these people staring at you?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “Mm? Should I make it bit more peaceful, then?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Eh? How?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     Choi Jung-Hoon got up from his seat, went over to Yi Ji-Hyuk, and whispered something to him.

     Suddenly, Yi Ji-Hyuk raised his head and angrily glared at the American agents.

     Only allowed on Creativenovels.com

     “What the hell? How dare you lot spy on my mealtime?! Turn around right now!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     As soon as those words came out of his mouth, every single one of the black-suited agents spun around on their heels and looked in the other direction.

     “Che, can’t even have a meal in peace, I tell ya.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk complained before settling back down on his seat to munch on the burger. In the meantime, Choi Jung-Hoon returned to his seat.

     “So, is it better now?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     What a scary person he was.

     To be able to utilise the weapon called Yi Ji-Hyuk like that, that had to be some kind of an ability as well.

     It seemed that Yi Ji-Hyuk, who normally didn’t listen to anyone else, would more than likely listen to what Choi Jung-Hoon had to say.

     What a strange and indescribable relationship that was.

     In any case, it was definitely better than before.

     Now that no one was staring at her, she could finally relax and savour the taste of the succulent burger.

     Unfortunately for her, though, she wasn’t given a lot of time to enjoy the junk food’s rich, aromatic taste.

     A part of the black-suited cordon parted to make way for a middle-aged man with a dignified expression.

     This man didn’t even bother to look at Seo Ah-Young and walked over to Yi Ji-Hyuk’s table, where the youth was in the middle of trying to shove the burger down Jeong Hae-Min’s throat. The man offered his hand and began speaking in English.

     And the agent standing next to him offered up the translation in real time.

     “Hello there. My name is Christopher McLaren, the current director of the CPO.”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk glanced at the man for half a second, before returning to his task of shoving the rest of the burger down Jeong Hae-Min’s struggling mouth.

     “So? Is this tasty to you? Ah? I’m asking you, you think this is good?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Euph, euphhh?!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “It’s just too dang oily, man! Son of a…. Can’t I just go and have bulgogi or something instead?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Jeong Hae-Min managed to spit out the burger and angrily shouted at him.

     “What am I supposed to do when your palate’s so unsophisticated?!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Should I demonstrate to you what real ‘unsophisticated’ tastes like?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “…..My bad.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk was finally done with tormenting Jeong Hae-Min, and turned his head around to stare at Christopher McLaren.

     “Chris… what’s his name again?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You can just call me Chris.” (Christopher McLaren)

     “Okay, so. What now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk. If you were planning on visiting us here in the States, you should’ve given us a call beforehand. We might have been able to provide you with far better services than this.” (Christopher McLaren)

     “We just came here for a meal, you know? No need to call you and all that, right? Besides, isn’t there any other place other than this one? This burger is just too oily for me.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Christopher McLaren pulled out his own phone and accessed the file on Yi Ji-Hyuk.

     [Operates on his pace. Does not listen to anyone else regardless of what. Impossible to hold a normal conversation with.]

     That description was utterly on the money.

     Christopher did not know who investigated and compiled this dossier, but he thought that the unknown agent deserved a suitable reward, maybe even a paid vacation, for this very excellent work. He then smiled and looked at Yi Ji-Hyuk.

     “If that’s what you want, we will make sure that you get to enjoy the finest cuisine this world has to offer. After all, you will be able to find every delicacy from all over the globe in this country.” (Christopher McLaren)

     “In that case, take me to a Korean restaurant that serves doenjang stew.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “…………”

     Hey, you dumb f*ck?! You’re a Korean, aren’t you?! Why did you come all the way to the States just to eat Korean food?!

     Go and stuff your face back in your own house, will ya? (Christopher McLaren’s inner monologue)

     “Well, uh, maybe you can eat that back in your own country….?” (Christopher McLaren)

     “Well, I like Korean food, okay?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “That’s why, I’m telling you to eat that c**p in your own godd*mn house!” (Christopher McLaren)

     The agent in charge of translating stared at Christopher McLaren with a dumbfounded face.

     How could he translate this? Could he be…?

     “D, director? Sir?” (the agent)

     Christopher quickly regained his composure and coughed to clear his throat.

     “Tell him, if he likes Korean food, then we shall provide it.” (Christopher McLaren)

     “Y, yes sir.” (the agent)

     When the translator relayed the message, Yi Ji-Hyuk made his reply in Korean while looking supremely unconvinced.

     “What did he say?” (Christopher McLaren)

     “…..Uhm, he says, he can’t be bothered and is going home now.” (the agent)

     “What the hell, you dumba*s?!” (Christopher McLaren)

     “What the, sir?! I didn’t say those words, though?!” (the agent)

     “Oh, that’s right.” (Christopher McLaren)

     Seeing Yi Ji-Hyuk yawn like a full-bellied puppy dog, Christopher took a several deep breaths to calm himself down.

     Indeed, it proved to be impossible to hold a proper conversation with this individual. There was no need to get p*ssed off here.

     Then, Yi Ji-Hyuk said something else, again in Korean.

     “Okay, so, what did he say this time?” (Christopher McLaren)

     “….He’s asking us if we can get him plane tickets.” (the agent)

     “Why does he want plane tickets, when he has a teleporter in his party?” (Christopher McLaren)

     “That is…. He says that he’s never been on a plane before, and he wants to ride in one. He even asked me if he’d get to eat a free meal in the first class, sir.” (the agent)

     “Who’s the guy in charge of these people….?” (Christopher McLaren)

     I ain’t gonna let that guy live!

     Choi Jung-Hoon, who was listening on the conversation unfolding in English, sneakily hid himself behind Seo Ah-Young.

     “Ng?”

     Tilting her head in confusion, she stared at him.

     “Ehehe.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Using his jovial grin to disarm her in the blink of an eye, Choi Jung-Hoon then began studying the current development a bit more seriously.

     Let’s see.

     Is that Christopher the one I know of?

     Is he THE Christopher McLaren, the head of the America’s ability user department?

     He’s the biggest of all bigshots, isn’t he? (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     Choi Jung-Hoon’s eyes narrowed to a slit.

     Out of all the powerful ability users and people related to the field, this man was among the top three as far as his political influences went.

     So, how should Choi Jung-Hoon go about interpreting this situation, where such a powerful man personally came down to speak to Yi Ji-Hyuk?

     Meanwhile, Yi Ji-Hyuk was ignoring Christopher while picking up the burger to bite into it one more time.

     Argh, it is really oily and all that, but…. This taste, it’s surprisingly addictive, isn’t it? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Munch, munch.

     “You like it?” (?)

     “More or less?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, you never really liked such food, though?” (?)

     “Well, I don’t mind it, since I’m in another country and all.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     …..Eh?

     Who did I speak to just now?

     Her voice…. It’s really familiar, isn’t it? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk sneakily turned his head to the side and found the woman who spoke to him just now.

     “….Eh?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Right away, the burger in Yi Ji-Hyuk’s hands fell and rolled on the floor.

     Naturally, everyone’s gaze was directed towards Yi Ji-Hyuk, and the woman standing in front of him with a bright smile while looking back at the youth.

     Yi Ji-Hyuk’s hands began trembling, nay, quaking violently, before he pointed at her.

     “You, you, you….?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Her hair seemed to shine in the brilliant golden colour of the sun’s rays.

     “It’s been a while, hasn’t it been?” (?)

     “You!! Why are YOU here?! Why?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “That’s because….” (?)

     The woman smiled softly and gazed at Yi Ji-Hyuk with warm eyes before opening her mouth.

     “I came to find you, of course.” (?)

     Seeing that indescribably beautiful and gentle smile of hers, Yi Ji-Hyuk’s entire body quaked hard, before he cried out loudly.

     “NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     His loud voice reverberated to high heavens.

     You are reading

     The Returner

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     Chapter 103: Why are YOU here? 3

      Chapter 103: Why are YOU here? (3)

     Learn More about CrN 3.0: Legacy!

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     Yi Ji-Hyuk suddenly went poof! from the spot, and then reappeared behind Jeong Hae-Min.

     “Ng?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Grab!

     Yi Ji-Hyuk then grasped her neck gently from behind.

     “Whhhaaa?! Hey, what are you doi….?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Nobody move!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk’s eyes began gleaming in a dangerous light.

     “You do, and she dies!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “What the heck?! Are you stupid?!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Jeong Hae-Min shouted, completely flabbergasted.

     Yi Ji-Hyuk hurriedly leaned in closer and whispered to her ear.

     “Teleport us back to Korea! Right now!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Ng? But, what about the others?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Not my problem! Hurry the hell up, will ya?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     ‘Why is he acting like this?’ (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Since he did lots of stupid, insane things day in and day out, there was nothing strange about the he was acting right now. Really, not one person here would be surprised if Yi Ji-Hyuk decided to freeze the Han River in the middle of June and skate on it.

     No, what Jeong Hae-Min found strange in this instance was the emotions of anxiety and impatience writ large on Yi Ji-Hyuk’s face.

     No, hang a minute. Was it dread, instead? Could it even be fear?

     Whatever the case may have been, she’d never ever seen such a facial expression from the youth before.

     Didn’t he remain totally disinterested even when monsters poured out like an army of killer ants from the Gate not too long ago?

     Such a guy was shaking in his boots and busy telling Jeong Hae-Min to abandon their comrades and escape back to Korea.

     So, why?

     Jeong Hae-Min took another glance behind her, at Yi Ji-Hyuk’s face.

     His eyes were fixed in one direction, and one direction only.

     When she followed that line of sight, she spotted a Western woman who wasn’t there a minute ago.

     Her hair was so radiantly golden, Jeong Hae-Min had to wonder if such a radiance was even physically possible. And her golden eyes seemed to emit rays of warm but mysterious divinity.

     ‘Ah…….’

     Jeong Hae-Min’s body trembled subconsciously.

     This woman was… beautiful.

     That was all she could think of at that moment.

     Jeong Hae-Min met more than her fair share of beautiful people as an idol herself, but this woman standing in front of her possessed an otherworldly beauty that simply transcended everyone else.

     Would an angel descending from heaven look as pretty as that woman?

     “You…..” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk’s low, guttural growling snapped Jeong Hae-Min back to her senses.

     “There’s nothing for you here, so why the hell did you chase me all the way to this place?! You d*mn stalker!! Aren’t you sick and tired of this c**p already?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     The blonde woman smiled radiantly.

     “Aren’t you glad to see me?” (?)

     “Glad? GLAD?!?! Wowsers, do I really wanna kick your head in or what!! Seriously now!! Don’t you have any conscience or something?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Hearing this exchange, Choi Jung-Hoon tilted his head in confusion.

     What the hell?

     What language is that? (Choi Jung-Hoon’ inner monologue)

     He couldn’t figure out heads or tails on what language those two were conversing in.

     Of course, Choi Jung-Hoon didn’t know every single language existing on this planet. However, wouldn’t it be odd for Yi Ji-Hyuk to speak a language that Choi Jung-Hoon hadn’t heard of before?

     Besides all that…. That language sounded just a little bit ‘different’ to his ears, too. It was as if he was listening to a language that used a completely different speech system, so to speak.

     “I’m really glad to see you again, but I see that you feel differently. Really now, not even offering a single warm-hearted word to a friend who sought you out with so much difficulty like this. I’m a little bit disappointed, you know?” (?)

     “Kind?! Did you just say what I think you said?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     I should just rip that stupid lizard into pieces!!

     Oh. I’ll get ripped into pieces, instead.

     Hah…..

     Why is she here, of all places? Just why!!

     We’ve seen each other for over a thousand years already!! Isn’t that enough?! D*mn it!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Warm-hearted, my a*s! Did you forget all you did to me already?! Where’s your conscience, ah? Is it because you’re a lizard that you don’t have one? Ah? Ahhhh?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You’re still so immature.” (?)

     “Ha-ah……..” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     That’s!! Why!! I hate!! That lizard woman!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     With a pair of intensely burning eyes, Yi Ji-Hyuk continued to glare at her, only to suddenly realise something rather important.

     No, wait a dang second here.

     If I keep provoking her like this, I’ll be killed in less than a blink, no?

     I mean, I’m no longer Berafe’s Bringer of Apocalypse and all. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     He had lost the power to rip that woman in half with just a single hand quite a while ago. So, if he were to remain logical and compare his and her current combat prowess, then….

     What would be the results?

     Can I last at least three seconds against her?

     No, wait, I don’t think I can last even that long.

     This is insane!

     One dragon crossing over would nearly destroy this entire world, yet…. Where is her dang morals, man!! She’s the lord of all bloody dragons, so why!!

     Just why on freaking hell did the dang lord of the dragons cross over to this side?! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “….Affeldrichae.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk) (TL: I made a mistake and TLed her name as Affeldrich back in the chapter 3.)

     “Please call me as you did in the past – Richae, Mister Ji-Hyuk~.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Hah…………..” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     This world is finished.

     Just as despair settled in Yi Ji-Hyuk’s eyes, he began tearing out his hair.

     *

     “What are they talking about?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “Who knows.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Seo Ah-Young and Choi Jung-Hoon were staring at the two people sitting at the other table, as every square inch surrounding them were cordoned off by black-suited men.

     What with the American agents from the CPO maintaining a tight barrier, there was no way to butt in there, either.

     “Aren’t we getting a really cold shoulder here?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     Rather than ‘we’, it’s just you, ma’am.

     An ability user like you, the Flame Witch, would receive a national welcome fitting for an important guest of the state, but too bad, your timing is way off. You showed up with Yi Ji-Hyuk, after all. (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     “Who is that woman, I wonder?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Jeong Hae-Min puffed up her cheeks.

     She could accept that woman being so incredibly pretty. Sure.

     No, hang on a minute – that woman’s beauty was already well beyond whether Jeong Hae-Min accepted it or whatnot. That level of beauty was on a ridiculous level, after all.

     But what got on her nerves the most was the fact that the blonde woman seemed to know Yi Ji-Hyuk quite intimately.

     Jeong Hae-Min couldn’t understand a word of what they were saying to each other, but still, they were conversing quite intimately for a while now.

     She could see Yi Ji-Hyuk, with his legs crossed and his body tilted at an awkward angle while emitting a dense aura of pure discomfort, and sitting across from him, the blonde woman staring at him while resting her chin on her hand and a warm smile etched across her lips.

     What a strange scenery this was, yet….

     It sure looked rather picturesque as well.

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     It was kinda like, unfamiliar yet familiar at the same time?

     ‘I don’t like this at all….’ (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Jeong Hae-Min couldn’t tell why, though.

     *SFX for a cold wind blowing across*

     “Euhk…” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Jeong Hae-Min shuddered slightly from the sudden bout of cold wind coming from her side.

     ‘What was that, all of a sudden?’ (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Sure enough, when she turned her head to the side to see what was going on, she spotted Kim Dah-Som and her hardened face that was frozen stiff like the statue of Venus de Milo.

     Ah, this wonderful feeling!

     Yes, so sweet and refreshing like a cold cider!

     Yep, you got your just desserts after wagging your tail so much while only relying on your looks. (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Indeed, no matter how pretty Kim Dah-Som was, there was no way she’d measure up to that mysterious woman at all.

     ‘Still, what are they talking about?’ (Jeong Hae-Min)

     *

     *SFX for sucking the Cola through the straw*

     Affeldrichae took a sip of the Cola out of the cup in front of her before frowning ever so slightly.

     “So, this is that Cola thing you’ve been singing praises of.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Yeah.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, it’s odd. It’s just sweet. And all these bubbles, what do you call them? Anyway, you missed such a taste?” (Affeldrichae)

     “It’s a whole lot better than that stupid bland-as-hell juice you like to drink so much.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Your tastes remain as eclectic as usual, I see.” (Affeldrichae)

     “It’s not me who’s weird here, it’s you lot, you dang lizard!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You’re still hung up on external appearances even now, I see. Just how many more times do I need to tell you before you finally understand that we the dragons are divine beings and therefore have no relations to lizard species? I think I’ve already said this 3,123 times prior to this day already?” (Affeldrichae)

     “Listen here….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Yes, Mister Ji-Hyuk~?” (Affeldrichae)

     “I really, really don’t like you.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I think you’ve told me that about 3,000 times already, as well.” (Affeldrichae)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk fished out a cigarette and stuck it between his lips before lighting it up.

     Hah….

     Please, save my soul, someone….

     Why am I having this dumb conversation with her even on this planet? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     It felt like all his brain cells were going on strike after having this conversation with her in what sure felt like an eternity.

     I gotta go through that scary, horrible experience again?

     Where are the gods, Buddhas, etc, of this world….?

     No, never mind the gods and whatnots of this world, what the hell is Latrel thinking of, by sending this woman over here? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “By the way, why are you here?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Didn’t I tell you already? You and your old habit of not listening to anyone else. I told you, I’m here to see you.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Didn’t our relationship end already?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You thought it was over?” (Affeldrichae)

     “But, it is over, isn’t it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Well, I have to disagree with you there.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Holy f*cking cow.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Let’s just end that c**p already!!

     Really, let’s just call it a day, you stinking stupid lizard woman!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “We saw each other’s faces for one thousand years already! Isn’t that enough for you?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Actually, it’s 1,632 years.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Hul, seriously?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Yep.”

     ….It was that long?! Wait, in that case, just how old am I?! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Besides, if you count the years you had spent in ‘that place’, then the total should be double that number. Shall I calculate it for you?” (Affeldrichae)

     “Nope, no need.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     I don’t wanna hear about that no more. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Okay, fine. 1,600… No, let’s just say it’s over one thousand years. In any case, isn’t that enough for you?! Did you chase me all the way out here thinking there’s something you can still get from me?! Why can’t you people leave me alone, ah? I’ve already proved that I’m not the one to bring forth the Apocalypse of Berafe, haven’t I?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Maybe I should’ve just blown them up to smithereens back then!!

     Don’t you know how ‘final’ the Apocalypse actually is? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Indeed, even if every living human being in Berafe was killed off, that still didn’t mean the Apocalypse for Berafe. Even if all life perished from a world, if new lives were born to replace the old, then that would not count as an Apocalypse, anyhow.

     That’s why!!

     I’ve never wanted to destroy your world to begin with, nor did I possess the enough power to do that in the first place!!

     So, just leave me alone, already!!!

     Did you only eat leeches when growing up or something? Why don’t you wanna let go of a poor guy like me? Ah? Why?!

     You’ve all been tormenting me for over a thousand years alre….. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     It was at this point when Yi Ji-Hyuk’s expression began hardening gradually.

     He felt like his innards were boiling over.

     ‘Maybe, I should’ve killed them all back then?’ (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     He couldn’t do it in his current state, but back then, it’d not have been an impossible task, albeit a difficult one.

     “You think you’ve proven that?” (Affeldrichae)

     “I didn’t?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Nothing has been proven, Mister Ji-Hyuk.” (Affeldrichae)

     A breeze seemingly blew in from nowhere and her hair danced ever so lazily in the air.

     Those abundant locks of blonde hair waving in the air…

     He found it so familiar. He also found that he did miss that sight just a little….

     Yi Ji-Hyuk spat out a long sigh.

     “It’s not over yet. Not even close.” (Affeldrichae)

     “And just what is not over yet now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “They are already crossing over to this world as we speak. I found their traces, and came here to find you.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Who are ‘they’?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “They are the very same ones you know so well.” (Affeldrichae)

     The very same ones that I know so well, huh….

     “You know, I’ve met a lot of people over the years, so I need more than that to guess who they might be.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “…Well, they are from the place you’ve been a part of.” (Affeldrichae)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk’s eyes opened just a bit wider.

     “The Gates from the demon world are opening.” (Affeldrichae)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk shut his mouth.

     *

     Meanwhile, somewhere in America….

     “How absurd.” (Alpha)

     Alpha chuckled wryly as he stared at a small Gate in front of him.

     “So, you could make something like this.” (Alpha)

     “The Gate spell is universally available and it is a very convenient magic. Its only job is to take you from one space to another. In other words, it’s simpler than it looks.” (?)

     “Is that how it is?” (Alpha)

     The small devil, ‘Argolas’ still stuck in the form of a little child, nodded his head.

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     “Of course, there’s a slight issue, and that is to do with where you want to connect the Gate to. If you want to open a Gate not too far from you, you’ll only need to use a small amount of Mana. But, if you want to open one up on the other side of the world, that’s gonna take some doing. And just like now, if I want to open a Gate to another world that transcends dimensions, then I’d have expend an unimaginable amount of Mana in one go.” (Argolas)

     “Hhmm. In that case, isn’t this a little useless? Didn’t you say you had to expend almost all of your Mana previously? You also said this isn’t your real body, either.” (Alpha)

     “Correct. For the current me, opening a small Gate such as this one is my limit.” (Argolas)

     A subtle smile crept up on Argolas’s face.

     “Then, why did you waste time performing a worthless task like this?” (Alpha)

     A wider grin revealing a pair of sharp incisors formed on Argolas’s face.

     “It would’ve been a meaningless action, for sure – but the situation is a little bit different now. All I have to do is to open a small Gate such as this one, and the other side will supply enough Mana to enlarge the portal themselves.” (Argolas)

     “Mm?”

     “There’s a noticeable difference between a Gate that’s been opened from one side, and the one that’s being maintained from both sides. I alone can only create low-level Gates such as the ones you saw last time. But, the story will change if both sides are on the same page.” (Argolas)

     The low-level Gates I saw the last time?

     Does he mean those Gates that appeared in Seoul when I was conversing with Yi Ji-Hyuk?

     Calling those Gates, rated at 4, ‘low-level’? (Alpha’s inner monologue)

     “Of course, I wasn’t opening Gates connected directly to the demon world so I only had to expend a small amount of Mana that time.” (Argolas)

     “You’re not making much sense.” (Alpha)

     “Well, if those Gates connected one dimension to another, then by opening a Gate that connects directly to the demon world, it’d be akin to me connecting this world to a fantastic reality that exists between different dimensions.” (Argolas)

     “How complicated.” (Alpha)

     “Just take it as being extremely difficult, okay? Even though I’m a demon, it’s very difficult to make it happen.” (Argolas)

     Of course, there was a ‘human’ living in this world who used to do that without batting an eyelid, though. However, Argolas thought that there was no need to inform Alpha of that tidbit at the moment.

     “So, is this Gate connected to the demon world?” (Alpha)

     “Yes. However, it’s not sufficient. There is not enough Mana. Also, it’d be nice if we can get some energy from the negative dimension, too.” (Argolas)

     “I can’t understand what you’re talking about, but I don’t want to understand it, either. So, at the end of the day, what do you need from me?” (Alpha)

     “Oh, that’s rather simple, actually.” (Argolas)

     Argolas revealed his fangs in a grin once more.

     “Kill.” (Argolas)

     “Quite explicit, aren’t you.” (Alpha)

     Alpha turned around to leave. But before he disappeared…

     “By the way, demon.” (Alpha)

     “Mm?”

     “I don’t care that you’re using me. However, you should know to do that in moderation. Know what I mean?” (Alpha)

     “I’ll keep that in mind.” (Argolas)

     After Alpha had left the area, Argolas stared intensely at the black Gate without moving from the spot.

     “I’m not using you, you dumb little human.” (Argolas)

     Argolas was desperate enough to borrow the strength of a cat if that helped.

     Why?

     Because, Yi Ji-Hyuk was in this world, that was why.

     You are reading

     The Returner

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     Chapter 104: Why are YOU here? 4

      Chapter 104: Why are YOU here? (4)

     Learn More about CrN 3.0: Legacy!

     Big Changes are happening! Benefits Readers and Creators alike!

     Inside a plane flying in the night sky over the Pacific….

     “The food of this world is strange.” (Affeldrichae)

     “How so?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Why do you put so many strange things in your food? And what are these strange oils and minerals? It’s so primitive, you know.” (Affeldrichae)

     “It’s your mouth that’s primitive.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “To think, you had to eat such woeful food. I feel sorry for you.” (Affeldrichae)

     It’s you lot who’s primitive, you dang lizard woman!!

     How dare she badmouth the food of Earth? How dare you lot, who can only bake breads that are so hard and tough that you need a bloody hammer to crack open one before you can eat it?! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk spat out a groan of suffering while looking at Affeldrichae, who was carefully picking up a shrimp with her fork before placing it in her mouth.

     “And also, to eat in such a confined space, it is so odd.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Oh, so you want to eat the in-flight meal like you’d in a fancy restaurant? Candles and all?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “And besides, why are we flying in this metal carriage? We can just fly to our destination, no?” (Affeldrichae)

     “You said you wanted to ride in one, you stupid woman!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Mm, this sauce has quite unique taste.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Hey! Listen to people when they are talking to you!! Listen here!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     The stewardess in charge paled visibly and hurriedly ran to Yi Ji-Hyuk’s side in order to stop him from going crazy.

     “Dear passenger, could you please behave yourself during the flight.”

     “Mister Ji-Hyuk~, you need to maintain a certain level of etiquette when there are a lot of people around you. I think I’ve told you this important fact about 345 times already, yet I see you haven’t fixed that bad habit of yours.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Wah?! What the!! You, really, you…! Argh, let me go!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Dear passenger! Please!”

     Meanwhile, Seo Ah-Young was watching this scene unfold from another seat before quietly whispering to Choi Jung-Hoon.

     “Please do something.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “Please, just pretend you haven’t seen anything.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “………….”

     Choi Jung-Hoon avoided looking in the direction of Yi Ji-Hyuk and the blonde lady and let out a soft but lengthy sigh.

     He wasn’t sure exactly what happened, but the situation got resolved more or less in a satisfying manner, and they were allowed to leave American soil.

     But, for some reason, that woman calling herself Richae had inserted herself into the group as if it was the most obvious thing to do. Then, she began arguing with Yi Ji-Hyuk (of course, it was only him losing his mind over and over again) and out of the blue, it was decided that they would use a plane to travel back to Korea.

     Christopher McLaren then pulled some strings and et voila, a private plane was suddenly waiting for them at a local airport.

     And well, Choi Jung-Hoon couldn’t forget that look of relief on the CPO director’s face when the American agents proceeded to cram everyone inside the plane without so much a consideration shown towards that pesky little thing called “procedure”.

     ‘You American b*stards…. Imma gonna kill you all!’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Handling one Yi Ji-Hyuk alone was enough to give him nightmares, yet to throw another bomb into the mix!

     Just what colour was the blood coursing through the hearts of these b*stards?

     Choi Jung-Hoon glanced at the woman sitting next to the bitterly complaining Yi Ji-Hyuk and spat out yet another lengthy groan, seeing how composed and unflustered she was regardless of what the youth did or said.

     ‘She can even reduce Yi Ji-Hyuk to that state, too….’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon didn’t know what her real identity was, but well, he was still scared of her. Not only him, though – everyone else on the plane was staring at the duo with their eyes wide open.

     “Can the Lord of the dragons leave her post like this? I guess everything’s oh-so peaceful back in Berafe, huh.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “It’s always been that way, you know. You and your exaggerations.” (Affeldrichae)

     “It’s only you who can say that!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Your kind can live for over ten thousands years, so to you everything is peaceful! Nothing’s too urgent for you, is it not?!

     This is why it’s impossible to talk to a dang lizard! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’ inner monologue)

     “And why are you following me back now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Oh, my? Were you planning to abandon a poor girl with no place to call home and unable to talk to anyone behind, in a strange land? I mean, didn’t I take you in when you were going through so much hardship and provided you with a shelter from the storm?” (Affeldrichae)

     “You imprisoned me for over a hundred years!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “A hundred years is a short amount of time, you know.” (Affeldrichae)

     “A human would die in less than a hundred years, you dumb lizard woman!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, Mister Ji-Hyuk~, you are unable to die, though?” (Affeldrichae)

     “Ha……….”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk was trembling from rage and frustration. He just might keel over at this rate from how p*ssed off he was!!

     Laaaatrel!!! Why did you send her over here?! You keep doing this, and I’m gonna retaliate, you know?! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner cry)

     “Just why did you come here? Tell me the truth!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I told you, I came to see you, Mister Ji-Hyuk~.” (Affeldrichae)

     “And I told you, our relationship ended a long time ago! You think I’ll let you get all chummy with me just because you came over to see me, all clingy and the like? Stop dreaming!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Choi Jung-Hoon’s jaw hit the floor as he listened to this riveting conversation unfold.

     Just what on earth was this youth saying?

     Didn’t he sound like a guy rejecting a beautiful woman that was clinging onto him for some unfathomable reason? A guy like Yi Ji-Hyuk dares to?!

     You have a divine goddess of beauty sitting next to you, and you can still run your mouth off like that?! Are you freaking blind? Can’t you see her beauty that even transcends personal preferences?!

     Nonono, I must’ve heard wrong. That must be it. (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     “No, it’s not over yet. And yes, it will not come to an end in the future, either.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Why are you this clingy?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Choi Jung-Hoon’s entire body began trembling from pure shock and rage.

     What the f*ck is up with this situation?!

     Go to hell!!

     You, youuuu, just go to hell!!

     I’m already this old, and yet I haven’t even found a gal I’d like to marry!! So, how come, in the holy hell, is he so dang popular?! (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner cry)

     “As I told you, I’ll never let you go for the rest of our lives.” (Affeldrichae)

     “NOOOOO!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk cried out in despair and hugged his head.

     “Hul. I think he’s lost his mind.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     Seo Ah-Young’s jaw also hit the floor.

     Indeed, this sight wouldn’t make a lick of sense unless that guy had completely lost his marbles.

     Buzzz….

     “Huh? What was that? Was that my phone?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     But, that can’t be it…. I switched it off, though?

     Then, where did that vibration come from? (Seo Ah-Young’s inner monologue)

     “….Hul.”

     It was actually Jeong Hae-Min sitting next to Seo Ah-Young that caused the vibration with nothing but her trembling body.

     “What’s the matter with you now?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “Go to hell.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “…Eh?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     Did I hear her wrong?

     Did she cuss out just now?

     Why is she cussing out of the blue? What is going on with her?

     Wait, why am I feeling cold? ….And, what is wrong with this girl now? (Seo Ah-Young)

     In the isle of seats next to Seo Ah-Young’s, Kim Dah-Som was glaring at Richae with an expression of a demoness ready to summon forth an army of undeads.

     ‘….Please, you two, just wake up already. Please’ (Seo Ah-Young)

     That guy over there was definitely not worth them going insane for….

     This unni is really worried since I can now tell you are not joking around anymore…. (Seo Ah-Young)

     “Should I just turn you into bloody snake wine, you rotten lizard woman?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I nearly forgot, but I heard that there is indeed a wine made with snakes as ingredients in this world. You know, I’d like to taste that at least once.” (Affeldrichae) (TL note at the end)

     “Will you listen to what others say at least once……” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     ….Nope, never mind. I give up. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner resignation)

     There was no chance that she’d suddenly change her old habits today, when she didn’t do that for the past thousand years or so he’d known her for. From the onset, the existences called dragons could be thought of as ‘perfect’. They could do anything they set their minds to, and since they didn’t need anyone else’s help, there was no way they’d listen to what other people told them.

     An existence of a dragon could be summed up as…. A being that simply reflected whatever external stimulus was thrown their way, without really digesting what that stimulus was in the first place.

     Heck, this Affeldrichae had gone through the experience of living and arguing (?) with Yi Ji-Hyuk for a thousand years plus, which had softened her up a bit compared to other dragons. Yet she was still like this.

     So, quite obviously, one shouldn’t even think about holding a proper conversation with a dragon.

     Nope, one had to promptly beat the living daylights out of the dragon if one wanted to preserve their sanity!

     “Come on now. Seriously, why are you here?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk asked her with a serious expression. Affeldrichae smiled gently as her response.

     Choi Jung-Hoon’s heart nearly fell to the pit of his stomach just then.

     How should he go about describing… that expression of hers?

     Her expression, which was a perfect combination of a woman gazing at her lover, and a mother gazing at her precious child?

     ‘Maybe, there’s more to their relationship than meets the eye?’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Although Choi Jung-Hoon wanted to believe that wasn’t true, he had to concede that their relationship couldn’t be simple at all.

     Not only did Yi Ji-Hyuk one-sidedly complain and throw tantrums non-stop, there was that Affeldrichae woman too, who didn’t seem the least perturbed by the youth at all and simply smiled at him.

     Choi Jung-Hoon felt that this relationship contained the kind of bond and animosity that could only be forged through countless years spent together.

     ‘….Family?’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Indeed, couldn’t such a relationship form between family members?

     Really now, unless one was family, would anyone be able to gaze at another person with such an expression?

     KWAHNG!

     It was then, everyone’s attention was forced towards one particular spot of the plane. The left wing, visible through the small windows, was now engulfed in flames.

     “Did that just explode on us?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Countless thoughts raced through Choi Jung-Hoon’s head right at that moment.

     Could the Americans have deliberately….?

     No, Christopher McLaren isn’t that stupid. (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

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     Only a real, bona fide dummy would think of assassinating them via this way. In that case, could this be an accident?

     However, to call that an accident, it was just too coincidental….

     It was then, Choi Jung-Hoon’s eyes caught sight of something weird outside the plane.

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     “What the hell are those?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Small dots of things were getting larger and larger in his view as they closed in on the plane.

     ‘Are they birds? ….No, they are not!’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     No, rather than birds, creatures with demonic countenance, the kind one might read about in a fairy tale, were flying around the plane while flapping their bat-like wings.

     “Gargoyles?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk lightly bit on his lower lip.

     “Did Gargoyles originally fly this high up in the sky?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “It’s my first time seeing this, too.” (Affeldrichae)

     “So, it’s not a ‘common’ thing, this. Am I right?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Probably.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Hmm….”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk simply shrugged his shoulders.

     “Oh, well. Who cares. They are just trashy mob monsters, anyway. Affeldrichae, shoot them down with your ‘Fear’.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I can’t.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Eh?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     What was she even talking about? A dragon that couldn’t use ‘Fear’?

     Why dontcha declare that birds can’t fly and horses can’t run, cuz that sounds more plausible! How can a dragon be unable to use Fear?

     “And why can’t you?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I must revert to my original form, but if I do that in here, I’m sure it’s going to be quite a sight, don’t you think so?” (Affeldrichae)

     “You can just do a short teleport outside, change back, and use the Fear, though?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “That’s not a bad idea, but there’s a slight problem.” (Affeldrichae)

     “What now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I can’t change back to my original form.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Mm?”

     What nonsense was she spewing now?

     “I spent way too much Mana while crossing over to this side, you see. And there isn’t a way to recharge my Mana here. Therefore, I don’t have enough Mana to revert to my original form.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Ohh, really?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk’s eyes began gleaming dangerously.

     “So, basically, you’re really weak now, is that right?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Even still, I can subdue the current you in around five minutes, I think?” (Affeldrichae)

     *SFX for Yi Ji-Hyuk’s shoulders slumping pretty hard*

     Yi Ji-Hyuk became really depressed and began staring at the night sky outside the plane’s windows with a pair of sorrowful eyes.

     Ahh, what a nice pitch black sky you are. Exactly like how I feel….

     I could beat her up silly in three seconds back in Berafe, yet she’ll beat me up in five minutes in this place…. Ha-ah….

     It’s not like I want to get stronger or anything, but this is…. Mm….

     I had it once, but not anymore?

     Is this that kinda emotion? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     As Yi Ji-Hyuk in his depressed state stared at the night sky, Affeldrichae lightly patted him on his shoulder.

     “I told you, you should’ve stayed in Berafe.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Stop it!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Choi Jung-Hoon stared at Yi Ji-Hyuk and spat out a long groan.

     “You two having a chat is nice and all that, but shouldn’t you resolve this situation first?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Eh?”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk tilted his head.

     “What do you want from me now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “To take care of….” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Hul.”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk shook his hands around dismissively.

     “What can I do against those flying monsters?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, you can do something about them, can’t you?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “What the, this guy! You think I’m Dorae…..” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Ehhei!! Copyright!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Argh, you think I’m some kind of Miracle Pocket or something? What do you expect me to do in the middle of the sky?! Should I blow a hole in the plane?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You can ask Miss Hae-Min to teleport outside with you, can’t you? I know you can fly, too. I saw you the last time.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “What the heck? This guy, you might cause a serious incident at this rate! Fine, let’s say I go out and take care of this situation. How am I supposed to return to the plane?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Let Miss Hae-Min leave a marker here before leaving.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “You telling us to teleport into an object that’s moving at 1000 kilometres an hour?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “…….Ah?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “You want to personally witness a person disintegrating before your eyes? It’d be exactly the same as me running into the plane at 1000 kilometres a hour when I teleport here, so how am I supposed to deal with the impact force? Sure, I might somehow make it out fine, but she’s going to get disintegrated right down to the molecular level, no?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Jeong Hae-Min glared angrily at Choi Jung-Hoon’s direction.

     “I, I haven’t thought about that.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “That’s why a Liberal Arts major is no good!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     What the heck does that got to do with anything?! (the author)

     “But, there is no other way, isn’t it?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Of course there is another way.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Pardon?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “It’s fine if we don’t do anything about them. Let’s just leave them be and get out of here.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Hul? What the hell? Can’t you see that we’re under attack right now?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Ha, this guy…. Just when did you forget how to use your brain? We get out of here while leaving the plane behind.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “…..Uh?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     That…. strangely makes sense, no?

     “But, what about the flight crew?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “We take them with us, obviously.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….But, then, uh, the plane will crash….” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “We’re flying over the ocean, so it’s fine.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, but, this thing is expensive….” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “It’s not ours, so who cares?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Why does he keep saying all these sensible things?

     Now that I think about it, it doesn’t really matter to me if this plane crashes or not, no? I mean, it’s not even from the Korean Air and all. (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     “In that case?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk grinned refreshingly and spoke up.

     “Tell the pilots to come here.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “……….”

     This man…. Isn’t he a bit too quick-witted when cooking up these weird plans?

     Isn’t he unparalleled at escaping from bothersome things?

     “No, no, no, wait a minute. What about those Gargoyles flying around in this flight route, then?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Still not my problem, though.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, but…” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Just tell the Korean airlines to avoid this route or something. And send the info to other countries. I’m sure the ones with the most to lose will do something about them.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     And without a doubt, that would be the US of A, what with the huge number of civilian flights trying to enter that country everyday.

     “Can we really do that?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “You can stay if you want.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….Let me go with you.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk called for Jeong Hae-Min and grabbed her hand. The flight crew had come closer too, and it seemed that they too had figured out what was going on, since they began holding onto her tightly as well.

     “We’re leaving.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Poof.

     *

     The human-less plane crashed grandly into the ocean as one would expect. When informed of the news, Christopher McLaren began throwing a massive tantrum, even going so far as to throw his prized cigar box against a wall. But too bad, the multi-million dollar plane was gone for good, never to return.

     “Why do you screw with us like this till the end!! That son of a b*tch!!!” (Christopher McLaren)

     Christopher McLaren swore that he’d never ever associate himself with Yi Ji-Hyuk as long as he lived, but there was no way such a promise would be kept in his lifetime.

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     Chapter 105: Why are YOU here? 5

      Chapter 105: Why are YOU here? (5)

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     “So, what you’re saying is….” (mom)

     Madam Park Seon-Duk’s jaw nearly hit the floor as her eyes took in the breathtaking beauty standing right in front of her.

     She’d been thinking that lazy bum of her son was managing to reel in some really amazing catches lately. But, it seemed that he had caught a nonsensically massive fish now.

     No, hang on a minute, was it correct to call this beauty a nonsensically massive fish in the first place?

     Wasn’t this more like her idiot son going fishing with nothing more than a flimsy wooden fishing rod and ending up bringing home a freaking whale?

     “….You wish to stay in our home for a while?” (mom)

     When Park Seon-Duk asked in a shocked and disbelieving tone of voice, Yi Ji-Hyuk sneaked an eye signal to her.

     ‘Mom, tell her it’s not going to happen!’

     Park Seon-Duk quickly caught onto her son’s signal and acted accordingly.

     After all, he was her only son, so this much was nothing!

     “You can stay as long as you want! We have plenty of rooms left, anyway.” (mom)

     “MOM?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Don’t you worry about a thing, my boy! Let mom take care of everything! (mom’s inner monologue)

     The boundless love a mother had for her child was being sent down the wrong path.

     However, from Park Seon-Duk’s perspective, her son wasn’t foolish enough to reject a beauty that even a fellow woman like her found simply too bewitching to behold.

     ‘It’s too much to ask for marriage, but if he could stay with her for a little while, I’m sure it’d do a world of good for him.’ (mom)

     It should be enough to leave him with lasting memories.

     Those memories would be more like nightmares to Yi Ji-Hyuk, though.

     “I shall inconvenience you until I find a permanent residence of my own.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Oh, no. Please, do stay as long as you like. I don’t mind if you decide to live here for good, you know.” (mom)

     “M, mom, but, but, but, that….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You, be quiet. Let mom do all the planning.” (mom)

     “….Ng.”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk became instantly depressed, shuffled towards a dim corner and squatted there, before mournfully scratching the floor.

     Witnessing this spectacle unfold, Affeldrichae was overcome with shock.

     A completely rude and inconsiderate man – Yi Ji-Hyuk was a man who flipped birds in the gods’ faces with total impunity.

     So, the fact that there was yet another lifeform existing above such a being in terms of power dynamics was utterly unthinkable to her.

     Hell, he was an existence that didn’t even bat an eyelid when calling her, the Lord of Dragons, with mean names like ‘fatty lizard’ or ‘that dang lizard woman’.

     So, she couldn’t help but be shocked after seeing such a man crumple in defeat from just a few words and slink off to a dinky little corner to sulk.

     ‘Is this the fearsome existence called one’s mother?’ (Affeldrichae)

     An existence capable of subjugating a being that nearly drove an entire world to the brink of destruction with a few simple words…. One’s mother.

     For a dragon who had no such concepts as mother/child relationship, she simply couldn’t understand it. However, although she may have failed to understand the emotional aspect of this situation, that didn’t mean she couldn’t figure out what was going on here using her power of deduction.

     Affeldrichae instantly figured out who was in charge of this family.

     “Thank you, mother. I’ll be in your care.” (Affeldrichae)

     Meanwhile, Yi Ji-Hyuk was gnashing his teeth.

     The translation magic patch must’ve been working wonders; she was so eloquent in speech that others would mistakenly think this blondie’s name was Kim Deok-Soon, instead of something exotic like Richae.

     “Why! Why?! Why did you come here and make a guy’s life a living hell?! Don’t you have a lot of money already?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I do, but the problem is, I don’t have any identity documents.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Just find a hotel room or something and stay there, will ya?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….But, it’s dangerous for a lone woman, though?” (Affeldrichae)

     HUL?!

     What did I hear just now?! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk hurriedly began digging out his ear canals.

     He dug hard and fast enough to nearly draw blood, and then asked again.

     “Mind repeating that again? Maybe I’m having trouble with fatigue lately, ‘cuz I keep hearing nonsense.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Nonsense…..” (Affeldrichae)

     She lightly bit her lower lip and turned her head away.

     That sight of her looked so sad and downtrodden, witnesses to this scene were almost compelled to hug her tightly and tell that everything would be alright.

     “How dare an ungrateful punk like you mutter such things to a woman?!” (mom)

     “Wah?! What!! I, I can’t even tell anyone what’s really happening here, too! Imma go crazy at this rate!! Dang it, yeah, the king has donkey ears!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Be quiet!” (mom)

     Mom, you must not be deceived by her!

     That woman only looks beautiful because of the polymorph spell! Her actual appearance is a lizard that looks so strange, you might faint from the shock!

     Is this what they mean by ‘charmed by the nine-tailed fox’?! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk instantly grew curious as to how Madam Park Seon-Duk would react if she were to witness Affeldrichae’s actual appearance.

     Oh my goodness me~. Your fangs are so pointy and pretty.

     Your scales are so wonderfully smooth and well polished, too.

     Can I take one with me?

     ….Yeah, that beauty is nothing but a fake image created by magic!

     So, you must not be fooled, mom! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Hul.”

     Yi Ye-Won exited from her room after hearing all that fuss outside, only for her jaw to hit the ground after laying her eyes on Affeldrichae.

     Plop.

     She then collapsed to the floor and began shedding tears of bitter resentment.

     “I was already having a hard time with Dah-Som and Hae-Min unni, yet why did the last boss have to appear now?!” (Ye-Won)

     Indeed, she hadn’t even cleared the mid-level boss yet!

     “Mom!! Why did you give birth to me with this face?!” (Ye-Won)

     “But, isn’t your face perfectly fine?” (mom)

     “How can you still say that with her standing next to you?!” (Ye-Won)

     “….Cough.” (mom)

     Who knew that her own daughter would end up looking like a squid in her own eyes?

     Even though she was the very precious apple of her eye….

     I’m so sorry, my child. Even I have to concede that this woman is simply too much. (Mom’s inner monologue)

     “Your oppa brought her home. She’s going to be staying with us for a while.” (mom)

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     “In the same room?” (Ye-Won)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk hurriedly cried out in denial.

     “NOOOO WAAAAYYYYSSS!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     I am a human being!! How can I a share a room with a dang lizard?!

     Richae tilted her head slightly. It seemed that there was a bit of a loading time for the translation of the words ‘living in the same room’ to be transmitted.

     “Ah…..”

     She suddenly smiled brightly and spoke up.

     “Please, don’t worry about us. We’ve already lived together before, after all.” (Affeldrichae)

     “…….!!!!!”

     “…….!!!!!”

     …..

     …..

     ….Oh, so my mom’s eyes were originally that big, huh.

     …Mom? Please stop glaring at me like that. Please.

     And you, why are you looking at me like that, Ye-Won? Is your dear brother that untrustworthy in your eyes?

     This is just impossible….

     I’m still your brother, though….

     If you continue to stare at me like that, looking so shocked and all, I’m gonna feel really awkward, right? Don’t you agree? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “….So, like, look somewhere else before I pluck your eyes out.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Oh, you mean me, son?” (mom)

     “No way that’s true, mother.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Park Seon-Duk nodded her head in acceptance and gently held Affeldrichae’s hands.

     “So, then….” (mom)

     “Yes?” (Affeldrichae)

     “When are you planning to tie the knot?” (mom)

     “I told you, that’s wrrrrrrrrooooooong!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk’s frustrated and tearful cry resounded throughout the house.

     *

     “You aren’t going home?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “…….”

     “You, you don’t like me, do you?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Yes. So far.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     Meanwhile, outside Yi Ji-Hyuk’s house….

     Unable to accept defeat and leave for their respective homes, Jeong Hae-Min and Kim Dah-Som loitered around the vicinity of the house before finally making small talk after one solid hour of staring at each other.

     “I also don’t like you, you know?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “I’m sure you don’t.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     Would you hear this wet-behind-the-ears youngling babble like that?

     Jeong Hae-Min’s personality dictated that she should yank that insolent girl’s hair down and have a proper go, but then again, what was there for her to gain by doing that? Now was the time to be open-minded and all.

     “You…. You pretend to be so well behaved and demure in front of Ji-Hyuk, but when he’s not around… You really have a particular mouth on you, don’t you?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     The open-mindedness could jump in a lake for all she cared!

     “I’m learning a lot from your example.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     Jeong Hae-Min began trembling from rage.

     However, she was a pro idol through and through.

     Wasn’t being calm and composed a necessary virtue for all idols out there?

     “I really don’t like you.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “I know.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “Even then, this isn’t the time for us to be at odds with one another. Don’t you agree?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Kim Dah-Som silently nodded her head.

     She was full of confidence when it came to her outer appearance. But when that woman whose name was Affeldrichae or some such entered the fray, her confidence shattered into little bits and pieces.

     “They look like they know each other. You saw that too, right?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Yes.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “Not only that, he took her home, too.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Kim Dah-Som’s eyebrows began quivering in rage all of a sudden.

     Well, she still hadn’t been allowed to set foot inside his house yet!

     But that d*mn fox got a free pass? How much unfair could this situation get?

     “That is why we shouldn’t be fighting among ourselves. We need to unite and present a common front.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Yes, I agree.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “You too, Gah-Yun-ah!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Doh Gah-Yun slowly emerged from Jeong Hae-Min’s shadow and stared at Yi Ji-Hyuk’s house with an unreadable expression on her face.

     Her job was to follow him no matter where he went, but she too wasn’t allowed to enter that house.

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     But that woman…..

     Grit.

     “Gah-Yun-ah. Calm down.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Nod.

     Jeong Hae-Min calmed Gah-Yun down and continued to speak.

     “Well, it’s not like I’m planning to do something with Ji-Hyuk, but to acknowledge a woman who just showed up out of the blue from nowhere, no. My pride won’t let me.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “I was planning on doing something, though.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “….I think you should learn to control yourself a bit before we start.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “But, if I end up as an old spinster, who’ll take the responsibility?” (Kim Dah-Som)

     Hah, this girl dares to?

     She’s probably talking about me, right? (Jeong Hae-Min’s inner monologue)

     Jeong Hae-Min was about to start an almighty stare-down, but stopped and groaned out grandly.

     She must maintain this common front for the time being!

     “First of all, we gotta find out who that woman is. Gah-Yun-ah? You know what to do.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Nod.

     “That’s right.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     It was a bit weird to see the smallest person here, Jeong Hae-Min, order others around, but she’d been duking it out in the competitive world of entertainers for a long time. Which meant that she looked rather natural doing it.

     “Let’s uncover that snake-like woman’s real identity first!!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Well, she was already halfway there. (TL: Still remember what the Korean word for a lizard is?)

     *

     “Whew…..”

     It was the early hours of the morning. Yi Ji-Hyuk lay in his bed in his darkened room and stared at the ceiling, his mind full of complicated thoughts.

     “I’m going insane here.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Why did she really come?

     Dragons never lied. More so, to a dragon, lying to a lower species like human beings was completely unthinkable.

     Specifically, it wasn’t that dragons chose not to lie, they couldn’t lie in the first place. So, there was no reason for Yi Ji-Hyuk to suspect what she was saying.

     She came to see him.

     What a terrifyingly frightening prospect that was.

     Hadn’t she had enough of arguing with him for the past thousand plus years?

     But, more importantly….

     Gates from the demon world are opening up?

     And it’s connecting to here? To planet Earth?

     What a terrible situation this is. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     If the denizens of the demon world were to invade this planet, then truly unimaginable things would unfold in this world without a doubt.

     Many meanings behind that word ‘things’, obviously.

     First of all, demons incomparably stronger than monsters from the Gates that had been opening up, will flood this place, and….

     Right, more importantly…. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk slowly shook his head.

     No, wait, There’s no reason to worry about that right now.

     Even Yi Ji-Hyuk couldn’t open such a powerful gate without the aid of the Eye of Latrel. Even if a portal connecting this planet and the demon world opened up, since it needed to cross the incredibly vast distance existing between dimensions, it’d be very difficult for a true demon king-level character to get here unscathed.

     If he were to face small fries, then sure, he was confident of doing something about them.

     But, what was this?

     What was this anxiety?

     The combination of anxiety and disharmony bubbling from deep inside the pits of his stomach was tormenting Yi Ji-Hyuk’s thought process.

     “Looks like you can’t fall asleep.” (Affeldrichae)

     Hearing that voice, Yi Ji-Hyuk growled menacingly.

     “Didn’t I tell you to never intrude on my bedroom?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Affeldrichae replied while looking rather troubled.

     “You sounded like how you were back then just now.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Stop provoking me.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk’s cold and distant eyes landed on Affeldrichae.

     “I’m not sure what your end game is, but I promise you, you better do it in moderation. I may have ended up in this state, but if I really set my mind to it, I can still rip you apart limb from limb. Especially when you can’t revert back to your original form.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Even though Yi Ji-Hyuk’s voice dripped with malice and killing intent, Affeldrichae simply smiled back at him.

     And that smile only served to push Yi Ji-Hyuk further into the zone of discomfort.

     “How do you feel, now that you’re back home?” (Affeldrichae)

     “How do I look to you?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You look…. relaxed.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Bingo. I’ve been really enjoying myself.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Affeldrichae quietly studied him for a while, before opening her mouth to speak.

     “When was the last time you slept?” (Affeldrichae)

     “…………..”

     “You know what’s happening to you right now, don’t you?” (Affeldrichae)

     “I know better than anyone.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “The power of dark magic gradually eats away at a person. You were able to maintain your sanity back in Berafe even though you wielded unimaginable power. Because, both your body and mind continuously regenerated. However, even with the blessing of immortality, you came close to losing your mind several times.” (Affeldrichae)

     “So what?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You’re no longer that immortal being. You know this too, don’t you? If you continue to rely on the power of dark magic, then that inevitable moment will come. And that’s when this world will meet its true Apocalypse.” (Affeldrichae)

     “So? Are you going to stop that from happening? By killing me?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Wouldn’t this be the perfect time for that?

     What should I do, then? Give up and let her? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     It was then, Affeldrichae walked over to Yi Ji-Hyuk’s lying body, and gently embraced his head.

     “What are you doing now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “With my current power, I can’t purify you. No, even if I was back in my true form, that would still be impossible. But, I can give you a little bit of respite, for now.” (Affeldrichae)

     Affeldrichae’s warmth began flowing into Yi Ji-Hyuk’s head and to the rest of his body.

     “….I’m getting sleepy.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I’m sure you haven’t been able to sleep for the last few months. So, sleep. Rest.” (Affeldrichae)

     “This… Isn’t… this… too… embarras…” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk couldn’t finish his sentence and fell into a deep slumber.

     While listening to his soft, rhythmic breathing, Affeldrichae slowly stroked his hair.

     ‘What a truly unfortunate person you are.’

     She wished for him to take a long, refreshing rest.

     After all, there weren’t a lot of days remaining for him to relax like this.

     She gently smiled and continued to stroke his hair until the morning sun rose up over the horizon.

     You are reading

     The Returner

      ebook which is a free download at

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     Chapter 106: W, why are you coming out from there? 1

      Chapter 106: W, why are you coming out from there? (1)

     Learn More about CrN 3.0: Legacy!

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     “Kyyyaaahhhkk!!” (Ye-Won)

     Yi Ye-Won screamed at the top of her voice as the cup in her hand fell to the floor.

     Shatter!

     “What happened?!” (mom)

     Park Seon-Duk was taken by surprise from her daughter’s cry and hurriedly ran out of the kitchen. Now normally, her child would never exhibit such a behaviour.

     She was a child that flattened a cockroach with her bare hand and then proceeded to rub clean the resulting matter off her palm on a wall, after all!

     So, for a girl like that to scream her head off?!

     Park Seon-Duk wielded the kitchen knife she’d been using to slice carrots and arrived at where her daughter was. And then…. her eyes became super duper extra large.

     “W, why are you coming out from there?” (Ye-Won)

     “Pardon?” (Affeldrichae)

     Yi Ye-Won was trembling like a leaf as she pointed at Affeldrichae, caught redhanded as she walked out of Yi Ji-Hyuk’s room.

     Just why was this woman coming out of her oppa’s room, of all places?! Not only that, in the early morning, too!

     Could this be…. that? THAT?!

     Oh my gosh!! Oh my gooooosssshhh!! (Ye-Won’s inner monologue)

     “H, how can you…. On the first day, no less!” (Ye-Won)

     “Pardon?” (Affeldrichae)

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     Affeldrichae tilted her head in confusion. Meanwhile, Yi Ji-Hyuk also exited from his room while yawning out loudly.

     “What now? What is it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You’re so dirty!” (Ye-Won)

     “Why am I dirty now?! Have you finally lost your mind? Your hair is more dirty.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “How can you do that when there are other people in the house?!” (Ye-Won)

     “What are you even talking about? Were you daydreaming again?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I’m gonna tell Dah-Som about this.” (Ye-Won)

     ….Did you forget that you bullied her not too long ago? So why are you acting like that now? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Women were such indecipherable creatures, indeed.

     “What are you talking about, anyway? Explain so I can understand what’s going on here.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “How can I say that out aloud with my own mouth?!” (Ye-Won)

     Yi Ye-Won’s face reddened up considerably as she angrily pointed at her brother, hot steam escaping from her nostrils.

     “Besides, your sole remaining plus point was you being an innocent guy, but now……..” (Ye-Won)

     “What do you mean, my sole remaining plus point?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Do you have any idea how many plus points I have?

     So, they are….

     They…. are….

     ….

     Time to move on! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Stop talking rubbish and get out of the way. I want to go to the bathroom!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Hul, you wanna wash up? I’ve never seen you wash up in the morning before! But today, the first thing you do after waking up is that! I knew it!” (Ye-Won)

     “I want to pee, you dumb little girl!! Pee! You want me to pee all over you, instead?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You’re so dirty!!” (Ye-Won)

     ….This girl, she really knows how to get on someone’s nerves, no?

     Should I show her what being dirty really means? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     It was then.

     Ding dong, ding, dong!!

     The front bell began ringing non-stop out of the blue.

     “Mm?” (mom)

     Park Seon-Duk was standing there, totally stupefied and speechless, but the ringing bells brought her back to her senses.

     Who could it be, in such an early morning? Park Seon-Duk walked over to the intercom and picked the receiver up.

     “Hello? Who is it?” (mom)

     – “Mother, it’s me, Hae-Min! Please, open the door! Hurry!”

     “Mm??” (mom)

     Why was she here so early in the morning?

     As soon as Park Seon-Duk opened the door, two females rushed past her and entered the house.

     “Yi Jiiiii-Hyuuuuk!!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Hul….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk began tilting his head after seeing Jeong Hae-Min and Kim Dah-Som enter the house in hurry.

     Wait, were they originally that friendly to begin with?

     Enough to walk around together?

     Sure, he heard from somewhere that women could easily make friends, and just as easily become enemies; but, from the beginning, didn’t those two have a relationship similar to that of a cat and a dog?

     “D, Dah-Som-ah!!” (Ye-Won)

     Ye-Won ran over to Kim Dah-Som and grabbed the latter girl’s shoulders.

     “T, that woman, she, she came out of oppa’s room! Just now!” (Ye-Won)

     “……What?” (Kim Dah-Som)

     Kim Dah-Som began glaring at Affeldrichae without a shred of emotion visible in her dead-still eyes.

     Where did she come out from? From that room? This morning?

     Only after a single day? (Kim Dah-Som’s inner monologue)

     Suddenly, Kim Dah-Som’s expression became abruptly cold.

     “So, that’s how it was……” (Kim Dah-Som)

     Seeing that kind of an expression on her face, Yi Ye-Won felt a nasty case of goosebumps break out all over her body.

     Hul, this isn’t what I wanted?

     What is this feeling, like I’ve just set off a serious incident in motion just now?

     This girl…. Why…. Why is she so terrifying? (Ye-Won’s inner monologue)

     “Where did she come out from?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Meanwhile, Jeong Hae-Min asked as her entire body trembled.

     Seriously now, that blondie was such an outstanding beauty, yet how could she be so impatient like this?!

     Could this be how things worked in the West?

     Even then, wasn’t this waaaay too outgoing?

     Even then!

     Even then….!

     Even…. then…..

     *SFX for tears forming in Jeong Hae-Min’s eyes*

     As soon as certain liquid began forming on the edges of Jeong Hae-Min’s eyes, Yi Ji-Hyuk’s complexion quickly paled.

     “Hey, you, don’t you dare cr….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “WAAAAAAAIIIIIIILLLLLL!!”

     It was six o’clock in the morning.

     Everyone living in Seoul’s special ability-user residential area was forced to wake up against their will.

     *

     The visibly-tattered Yi Ji-Hyuk slowly collapsed to the floor and planted his head there.

     ‘I might really die at this rate…..’

     What is this nonsense, so early in the morning?

     I finally got to sleep for the first time in ages, too! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     All the fatigue that got washed away with the sweet slumber was rushing back in at the moment.

     “Why…. Why are you all acting like this…. Why…. Why me?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Sniff.

     Seeing Jeong Hae-Min still sniffing her nose, a powerful migraine began its assault on Yi Ji-Hyuk’s head. He threatened her with another spell inside the black gate, but for some reason that didn’t work this time. And when he did try to shove her inside as promised, the group of females, with Yi Ye-Won as the lead, pounced on him like a bunch of cats with their tails on fire, so he had no choice but to stop.

     They did everything to pacify Jeong Hae-Min for the next ten minutes and only then did her crying stop. It wasn’t just Yi Ji-Hyuk; even she was too exhausted to continue.

     “Here, drink this.” (mom)

     “Sniff, thank you….” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Jeong Hae-Min received the juice that Park Seon-Duk handed over and sipped quietly on that.

     “So…..” (Kim Dah-Som)

     Kim Dah-Som, who had been wordlessly observing the situation from the side, finally opened her mouth.

     “Can anyone….” (Kim Dah-Som)

     ….Did someone switch on the aircon?

     Why is it suddenly so cold in here? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “….Explain to me what happened?” (Kim Dah-Som)

     ….She’s not saying anything important, yet why am I getting so much goosebumps?

     Did this girl come from the Mother Russia or something? Her passive skill is emitting cold atmosphere, isn’t it? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “What do you mean, you want an explanation? Nothing important happened here!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Important?” (Kim Dah-Som)

     Did she suddenly develop a selective hearing?

     Should I just rip open a new earhole for her, instead?! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Until then, Affeldrichae couldn’t figure out what was going on here and continued to tilt her head this way and that, but out of the blue, she clapped her hands.

     “Ah!” (Affeldrichae)

     “Eh?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Why was she behaving like that way now?

     “I think I understand why everyone is so perturbed this morning.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Uhm, okay?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “There is no need for anyone to worry. The act of reproduction all of you have been fearing did not take place.” (Affeldrichae)

     “T, the act of reproduction?!” (Ye-Won)

     What was this? What were these words that were at once way too suggestive, and not suggestive at the same time?!

     Even Kim Dah-Som’s jaw dropped to the floor.

     “Of course, there was an act similar to that one, however….” (Affeldrichae)

     An act similar to that one?

     Similar?!

     Jeong Hae-Min’s eyes began emitting a dangerous light as her entire body trembled once more.

     She said ‘similar’.

     What could be so similar to that, then? (Jeong Hae-Min’s inner monologue)

     “What bullsh*t are you talking about now?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk hurriedly shouted out, but Affeldrichae could only tilt her head in confusion again.

     “Well, even if we weren’t actively trying to copulate, isn’t embracing someone one of the steps that leads to the act of reproduction in the social etiquette pattern set by humans?” (Affeldrichae)

     “Embrace?” (everyone)

     What was she even talking about?

     “And, even though it was a simple act of embrace, as we performed this act for the entire length of the night, when viewed from humans’ emotional perspective we have shared our feelings quite intimately……..” (Affeldrichae)

     “WAAAAAIIIIILLLLL!!”

     “Oh, come on!!! Godd*mn it….!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     I just calmed her down, yet you go and make her cry again in less than three minutes?!

     Besides all that! Just what kinda mouth does this girl have on her that she manages to be this f*cking loud?! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     By this point, he should’ve gotten more or less used to her loud crying, but he found himself unable to adapt even now!!

     “Argh, just shut up already!! Shut up!! Why are you throwing a d*mn tantrum in someone else’s house this early in the morning?! Why!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Indeed, this is too much.” (Affeldrichae)

     Wuoong.

     When Affeldrichae lightly waved her hand around, the reverberating wails of Jeong Hae-Min suddenly became silent as if someone pressed the mute button.

     Jeong Hae-Min had no idea that her voice had vanished and continued to wail in complete silence, her mouth so wide open that her uvula was in full display to the onlookers.

     “I’ve learned today that a human’s voice could be used as a strategic weapon. How surprising. Looks like I should start researching on magic spells that can create noise.” (Affeldrichae)

     “….Do what you want…” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     ….Argh, why don’t you all just disappear, why don’t you. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk slowly crumbled to the floor in utter defeat.

     Just when would this hellish life of his change for the better?

     ‘Hah….. this d*mn life….’

     *

     Woof!

     As soon as Oh-Sik heard the front door of the house open up, his body shivered reflexively and he hurriedly ran forward to stand on its hind legs.

     Ggeng!

     It wasn’t as if this house was some sort of a lair of devils or something, yet….

     It was already difficult with the Bringer of Apocalypse here, yet what was up with this woman who smelled just like a dragon? And not just any dragon, either.

     At the bare minimum, she smelled like an Ancient class.

     It was the scent of a truly powerful being that could easily crush Oh-Sik with nothing but a simple glare. So, it was understandable that Oh-Sik would be acting totally disciplined right now.

     He had somehow gotten friendly with Yi Ji-Hyuk, but then, another one had appeared to act as his master.

     Richae took a look at Oh-Sik standing straight in a saluting position while looking very nervous, and formed a soft grin.

     “By the way…. Are you looking after this child?” (Affeldrichae)

     “Yeah.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Indeed, there are many who keep Ogres as guardians, but could this child protect your dwelling sufficiently if you weaken him by this much?” (Affeldrichae)

     “I supply him with Mana when necessary.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Mm, I see.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Another thing. Oh-Sik ain’t a guardian of the house. He’s a pet.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “A pet?” (Affeldrichae)

     “You know. I’m keeping him as a pet, like you’d do with dogs.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     With an Ogre?

     Richae continued to stare at Oh-Sik for a bit longer, before tilting her head.

     Sure enough, it did kinda look cute.

     “But, surely there are much cuter creatures out there?” (Affeldrichae)

     “Once you become family, it’s a bit harder to change your mind along the way.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Only allowed on Creativenovels.com

     Affeldrichae continued to tilt her head as if she wasn’t really convinced at all.

     “However, if an enemy intrudes on your family while you’re not here, can a weakened Ogre protect them from harm? Even if it was at its full strength, it might not be enough…. Yet, with such a small body?” (Affeldrichae)

     “Hmm…..” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     She had a point there.

     Whenever something happened, Yi Ji-Hyuk would immediately return here, but no one knew what might happen in the future. And besides, many unsavoury things were beginning to happen around the world, too.

     “You’ve got a way?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “If you’re interested.” (Affeldrichae)

     If she could do it, then all she had to do was to do it. Yet, she always made it like so that others were owing her a favour.

     “…Do it.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Understood.” (Affeldrichae)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk found her bright smile rather unlikeable.

     Indeed, he didn’t like that smile, yet…

     What an odd feeling this was.

     He was getting all nostalgic about it.

     ….Of course, he’d seen that face for over a thousand years, so that might be it.

     Hell, there was a time when he had to see that face every single day for around a century straight.

     When looking back objectively, could he have returned to Earth if it weren’t for the help of this dang lizard woman?

     Yi Ji-Hyuk quickly shook his head.

     “Am I getting close to my own death or something?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     He heard that when a person was about to die, he or she would become quite sentimental and all that….

     Wait, I missed this dang lizard woman?!

     Eheii!! Stop screwing around.

     If I start recounting all the crappy sh*t I had to go through because of her, then I’d jump up in anger in the middle of my sleep!

     And no, it’s not “that” jumping up!

     I’ll really jump up! Really! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Affeldrichae gently waved her hands about. A pure-white hole formed in the air, then transparent beings came out from there and melded in with the house.

     “Spirits?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Although not foolproof, I believe this much will be of some help. Most importantly, I’d be informed of any change taking place right away.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Hmm. Sure, that’s true.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     ….But, was it possible to summon Spirits in this world, too? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “They are crossing over from the Spirit dimension, so it won’t matter which world you’re in when summoning them.” (Affeldrichae)

     “I told you to stop reading people’s minds!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, you know such a thing is impossible, even with magic.” (Affeldrichae)

     That’s why I dislike you even more!

     Stop reading what others are thinking by taking a look at people’s faces!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “You, you really do have a knack for getting on other people’s nerves, don’t you?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You said those exact wor….” (Affeldrichae)

     “Shut up!! I don’t wanna know how many times I’ve said that! I’ve probably said it hundreds of times by now, right?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, it wasn’t all that much, though?” (Affeldrichae)

     “….Oh, really?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     In that case, you should’ve said something.

     No, hang on. I told her to shut up, didn’t I? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk shook his head and started walking towards the office. However, there was someone here that grabbed and pulled at his clothes.

     “Mm?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     A tearful Jeong Hae-Min was clinging onto his clothing.

     “What now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Jeong Hae-Min opened and closed her mouth several times, before pointing at her tongue.

     “You haven’t undid the spell yet?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Should I?” (Affeldrichae)

     “What, so you don’t want this girl to speak for the rest of her life?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Maybe. When looking at it objectively, it seems to me that it’d be the best for everyone to block the mouth capable of firing sonic attacks.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Stop talking nonsense and undo the spell.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Without a doubt, humans are an illogical species.” (Affeldrichae)

     “I don’t want to hear that kinda evaluation from a lizard, so stop wasting time and undo the spell.”(Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Alright.” (Affeldrichae)

     Affeldrichae waved her hand in the air once, and right away, a deep gasp escaped out from Jeong Hae-Min’s mouth.

     “W, what the hell was that?! What was that!!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk slowly shook his head again.

     “How about keeping quiet if you don’t want your mouth to be sealed again?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Hiccup.”

     Seeing Jeong Hae-Min hurriedly squeeze her mouth shut, all Yi Ji-Hyuk could do was spit out a long sigh.

     ….Please….

     At least in the mornings…..

     Leave me in peace!!

     You rotten bunch of….!

     Realising that his life from here onwards would never be peaceful again, Yi Ji-Hyuk sorrowfully facepalmed.

     You are reading

     The Returner

      ebook which is a free download at

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     Chapter 107: W, why are you coming out from there? 2

      Chapter 107: W, why are you coming out from there? (2)

     Learn More about CrN 3.0: Legacy!

     Big Changes are happening! Benefits Readers and Creators alike!

     [After failing to resolve the serial murder case and allowing the suspect to escape overseas, the KSF has been strongly criticised for their handling of this matter. However, both the National Police and the KSF have blamed each other, and in the meantime, angry mobs of citizens have gathered in front of the KSF’s headquarters to stage a protest….]

     “Well, I guess the Director would be feeling really terrible right about now.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     Seo Ah-Young grinned refreshingly while watching the news.

     When she imagined that half-baldie staring outside his office windows with a mother of all frowns perma-stuck on his face, she felt as if all of her pent-up frustration was being cleared up in an instant.

     “But that’s not something to rejoice over, ma’am.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Well, I’m just saying…… I do understand that.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     She wasn’t happy about the public turning their backs on the ability users like this, of course.

     “But, it’s not our fault to begin with, anyway.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “It’d be wonderful if everyone thought as magnanimously as you, but you know that humans are not like that.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     And besides, these protests weren’t about them letting the serial killer slip through their fingers. No, the things that had been bubbling under the surface over a lengthy period of time finally exploded out into the open, that was all.

     Animosity.

     Anxiety.

     And finally, hostility.

     They might have started off from the same point, but the two ‘races’ and their paths had gone on to their separate directions; some people had noticed this estrangement and now they were making their presence known.

     “This… How should we fix this?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     Choi Jung-Hoon smiled brightly.

     “There’s nothing we can do.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “That’s so irresponsible, though.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “But, it’s not my responsibility, is it, ma’am?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     There were no one to blame for the current situation, of course. And, a human being could only do things that were within their capabilities.

     “Okay, that’s that. By the way, what happened to that woman?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “Didn’t I give you a report about it yesterday?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “….I can’t remember what was on it.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     Ha…..

     Is there a meaning in me giving you reports if you’re like this? Don’t just receive it and not bother to read it through! (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     “….She went to live at Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk’s house, ma’am.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “This is not a joke, right? How could she march straight into his house only after one day?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     ….That’s not it, ma’am.

     It’s more important that Yi Ji-Hyuk didn’t try to stop a woman from entering his place.

     After all, if it was any other female, he’d kick them right out even before they got to step past his front door.

     Yup, this is really strange. (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     Choi Jung-Hoon felt that there was this indescribable something between Yi Ji-Hyuk and the woman, ‘Richae’. What he couldn’t understand the most was that he could definitely feel those two sharing a strong bond.

     The problem was, such a bond wasn’t something as weak-sauce as a close friendship. No, a bond like that could only form if the two of them had went through many, many things together.

     ‘However, in only five years?’

     Yi Ji-Hyuk went missing for five years before returning home.

     In order to form a bond that thick during such a short period of time, just what kind of crazy things did they do together….?

     “No, hang on a sec.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Yes?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “Ma’am, when you were there! You said that time was slower here!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Pardon?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “When you were thrust into that black portal thing, ma’am. You said that Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk sent you to a strange place.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “That’s right. We spent around half a year there, but when we returned, only….” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “Ah!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Couldn’t this situation also apply to Yi Ji-Hyuk’s case, too?

     If so, those five years may not have been only five years after all.

     With this theory, that “youth” and his philosophical view on life, or his completely random bouts of violent tendencies, could be explained quite easily.

     “So, is that what it was?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     If that was the case, then those things Yi Ji-Hyuk did when the two men met for the first time made perfect sense now.

     Indeed. Sure thing. But…..

     However, what did it matter now?

     Yi Ji-Hyuk was still Yi Ji-Hyuk at the end of the day.

     Even if Choi Jung-Hoon knew the truth, that fact wouldn’t change. If he knew the truth prior, then it could’ve helped him to come up with a suitable response, but now…..

     ‘Even if I know, what does that change?’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon decisively stopped thinking about this matter. Time spent worrying about Yi Ji-Hyuk was equivalent to time utterly, completely wasted.

     However, that didn’t mean he could escape from the person in question, though.

     *SFX for the door suddenly opening*

     The office door was flung open and Yi Ji-Hyuk entered with a face full of barely held-back irritation.

     And why was he acting like this so early in the morning?

     “Mm?”

     The expressions of Jeong Hae-Min and Doh Gah-Yun entering the office behind him also didn’t seem quite right, either. But then, when Choi Jung-Hoon saw Affeldrichae entering the office behind those two girls, he couldn’t help but inwardly sigh.

     Wouldn’t one get used to a person’s face after seeing it over and over again?

     Choi Jung-Hoon had seen that woman’s face for almost a day, so he thought that he had gotten used to it, but then, just one look and he became dazed again. There was nothing he could do about this.

     “Hello, everyone.” (Affeldrichae)

     But, what was this?

     Did she learn how to speak Korean in a single day?!

     “I’ll be in your care from today onwards.” (Affeldrichae)

     No, this wasn’t the level of fluency one would get from a single day of practice!

     “Who’s in care of who?! You saw what you wanted to see, so go home already!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I don’t have enough Mana to open another Gate.” (Affeldrichae)

     “What? Does that mean…. You’re not going home?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Yes.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Then, just what were you thinking when coming to this planet in the first place?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I was hoping that Mister Ji-Hyuk could do something about it.” (Affeldrichae)

     “You are really hopeless, you know that?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Affeldrichae tilted her head slightly.

     “Well, it’s not like there’s no hope. Actually, I thought that you’d have conquered this world by the time I got here.” (Affeldrichae)

     That, that doesn’t sound like she’s joking, now is it?!

     Cold sweat trickled down Choi Jung-Hoon’s backside.

     No, not a joke but maybe that could have happened for real. If Yi Ji-Hyuk really decided he’d do that, then could anyone really stop him?

     “How would I do that when there’s no Mana in this world?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I thought you’d have found ways to resolve that by now.” (Affeldrichae)

     “I wanted to come home, not because I wanted to do something to this world, you know. Have you any idea how surprised I was to find all this monster-related shenanigans once I returned home? Wait, do you know something about this?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “The gap between the dimensions has been split open.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Mm?”

     “The gap has been split open, and that’s why these Gates can be opened up. I can’t be sure of whether this was done deliberately or not, though.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Is there a way to fix this?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You just have to close the tear, but you know that’s not an easy thing to do. It’d be a hard task even for my original body, so the current me has no chance.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Hmm…..”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk tilted his head to the side.

     The gap between the dimensions had been split open?

     Could something like that happen often?

     “Although there is a very low probability, it could happen.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Did something like that ever happen back in Berafe?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Berafe is a world ruled by the gods. Even if there was a tear, they would mend it immediately.” (Affeldrichae)

     “That’s how it was.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     ….Uh? Wait, isn’t that strange?

     “You saying that there’s no god in this world? What about God-nim, Buddha-nim, Allah-nim…..” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     ….Wait, is it correct to refer Allah as Allah-nim? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “I couldn’t locate any divinity here. Well, it’s true that I can sense a very faint presence of something, but even I can’t tell whether this is divinity or not. Even if there was a divine figure presiding in this world, it could have disappeared a long time ago. Or, it’s such a mighty being that I’m not strong enough to sense its will.”

     “So, it’s neither here nor there, eh….”

     In that case, it was the same thing as no god existing in this world. Or, not that different from humans not caring about cellular-level organisms living in their bodies.

     “Well, it doesn’t really matter. Whether there is one or not, it wouldn’t be of much help, anyways.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Meanwhile, Choi Jung-Hoon was smiling brightly to the side.

     ‘I’ve no idea what they are talking about, so I should just keep my mouth shut.’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     With this, Yi Ji-Hyuk’s morning started anew.

     *

     With her eyes sparkling like a pair of jewels, Affeldrichae studied her surroundings with great interest.

     She took a look at the different architecture of buildings and all sorts of items made out of metal. Without a doubt, this place was so much different to her own world.

     When she first arrived, she did think that she had indeed arrived in a totally new world, but now, she could definitely feel this fact.

     Most of all, she found the sight of Yi Ji-Hyuk sitting in a chair doing something definitely mystifying. The Yi Ji-Hyuk from her memories would do nothing but loaf about sitting on his throne, or do his best to endure the endless boredom.

     But now, such a person was…..

     “Argh, c**p!! I Blink’ed, so how come?! Why didn’t it work? You’re driving me crazy here!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk) (TL note at the end)

     “What the hell?! You thought you could use Blink in that situation and still survive?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “What? That, were you trying to say something to me here?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I wouldn’t have said anything if you didn’t suck this bad!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “You saying I suck?! Hah! So what’s your tier, Mister Oh So High and Mighty?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “It’s gold.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “How dare a gold tier trying to nitpick with me?! A measly little gold tier? A pathetic gold tier who can’t even openly reveal his tier in a forum?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You!! You’re a dang bronze!! A bronze! Right at the bottom!! Not only that, you’re the worst player in the bronze tier, too!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Hah, it’s just that my hands haven’t loosened up sufficiently enough….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

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     “You’ve been loosening your hands for the last three months, so how much loosening do they need? You have Parkinson’s or something?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Ha-ah?!”

     The glares of Yi Ji-Hyuk and Choi Jung-Hoon violently clashed in midair as sparks began flying off to everywhere.

     “What is that you’re doing right now?” (Affeldrichae)

     “It’s a computer game.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “A computer game?” (Affeldrichae)

     All the ‘games’ she knew of, one couldn’t play by oneself like how Yi Ji-Hyuk had been.

     “Is it like chess?” (Affeldrichae)

     “You could almost say that, but, mm……” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Hah, how should I explain this to her?

     As a matter of fact, once upon a time Yi Ji-Hyuk played chess with Affeldrichae and lost 1000 times in a row. He got p*ssed off so hard that the steam of anger vented out from his sweat pores, even. So, as a way of getting back at her, he taught her the game of go.

     And then, once she figured out the basic rules, she slapped him in the face with yet another 1000 straight defeats.

     ‘Hmm, isn’t this going to be interesting?’

     “Why don’t you take a seat over here?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Pardon?” (Affeldrichae)

     “Sit down over here.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk got up and pointed at the chair he’d been sitting in.

     “Alright.” (Affeldrichae)

     Affeldrichae didn’t say much and did as Yi Ji-Hyuk told her.

     A grin formed on Yi Ji-Hyuk’s lips.

     “Allow me to teach you all about the zenith of the human civilisation.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Pardon??” (Affeldrichae)

     She could only tilt her head in confusion as she had no idea what was going on here.

     ***

     “Heu-euh….”

     The man shivered after sensing that cold aura coming from behind him.

     In order to survive, he joined hands with this group of people. No, he thought he had. But, it didn’t take too long a time for him to realise that he was nothing more than a little dog with a leash around his neck.

     ‘Was this the right decision?’

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     Of course, if he didn’t follow these people, he wouldn’t have any future at all.

     Still….

     Even though he was aware of this fact, these people were scary enough for him to continuously regret making that decision.

     In these people’s eyes, his ability to teleport as well as to conceal himself would amount to nothing more than some throwaway skills to use and discard later on.

     So, they would definitely try to use him as much as possible.

     ‘I will let you use me for a while, but I’ll just escape from here later.’

     He was an ability user that no one could come after if he decided to earnestly make his getaway.

     For now, the surveillance on him was a bit too tight, but if he continued to display a subservient attitude for a while longer, surely their vigilance would weaken….

     “Looks like you’re thinking of a lot of useless matters.” (Alpha)

     The serial killer’s body shuddered.

     That voice had a certain quality that automatically made people anxious for some reason.

     “It’s not always good to dwell on unrelated matters too much. Your determination will suffer when you do. So, please. Concentrate on your job first, and think about everything else later on.” (Alpha)

     “Y, yes.”

     The serial killer.

     The one who was referred to as the worst murderer in the history of the Republic of Korea, Nah Jang-Ho, couldn’t help but fall into a slight dilemma.

     Should he ask, or should he not?

     However, he didn’t hesitate for long.

     “Alpha.” (Nah Jang-Ho)

     “Please speak.” (Alpha)

     “Why did you bring me here?” (Nah Jang-Ho)

     He expected to hear a rather obvious answer, but he just had to ask the question. Because…. he could sense a certain level of contempt in the way Alpha looked at him, that was why.

     If he was to become an object of ridicule, then what would be the point of bringing him here?

     “The reason for bringing you here…. Well, I wonder. How should I go about explaining it?” (Alpha)

     That was surprising.

     Nah Jang-Ho thought the answer would be a simple “Because we need you” but he was surprised to see Alpha wanting to explain in depth.

     “Mm… Truthfully, I am not much of a fan of you.” (Alpha)

     “Is it because I’m a murderer?” (Nah Jang-Ho)

     “No, no. Not that. It’s not because you’re a murderer, but because you’re still a murderer.” (Alpha)

     “Eh?”

     What was he even talking about? Nah Jang-Ho couldn’t understand it.

     “I’m not a fan not because you killed a few people, but because you’re still being called a murderer.” (Alpha)

     “What do you mean by that?” (Nah Jang-Ho)

     “Hmm…..”

     Alpha sheepishly scratched his cheek.

     “It seems that talking to someone with a lower level of intelligence than myself is a tough and inefficient task. If I were to simplify further…. Mm, that’s right. Do you consider Hitler a murderer?” (Alpha)

     A murderer?

     Hitler?

     Nah Jang-Ho frowned deeply.

     He had never thought about such matters before, but now that he did, there was little doubt that Hitler was a murderer. Not only that, a pretty serious one, too.

     “When a murderer crosses a certain threshold, he or she shouldn’t be considered a murderer anymore. From that moment onwards, that person would no longer be ‘bound’ to such a trivial matter as a murder. Well, you wouldn’t really become cognisant of the obvious things you do everyday, would you?” (Alpha)

     So, what Alpha meant was….

     The only reason why Alpha wasn’t Nah Jang-Ho’s fan could be boiled down to the fact that he was just a trivial little serial killer?

     But, he had already killed close to 100 people?

     Alpha smiled brightly.

     “So, allow me to remove the fetters still tying you down with these.” (Alpha)

     Alpha extended his hand out.

     With a slightly dumbfounded face, Nah Jang-Ho received the objects Alpha handed over.

     “These are?” (Nah Jang-Ho)

     On top of Nah Jang-Ho’s upturned palm, there were five blue-coloured gemstones.

     “They are my gifts to you, so you may leave your mark in the annals of human history.” (Alpha)

     Alpha began smiling ominously.

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     “Okay, here you use the skill found in….. Right. Well done.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “No, wait. You should back off ther…. Right, you did really well defeating that guy….” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     The number of words leaving Yi Ji-Hyuk’s and Choi Jung-Hoon’s mouths gradually lessened.

     Just what was up with this woman?

     What was she? A freaking machine born only to play games?

     At first, she couldn’t get used to the keyboard and mouse and ended up making an utter fool of herself, but only after two rounds, her hands were now moving so fast that humans eyes had trouble following her.

     Could this be yet another one of her inborn talents?

     Did this mean that Berafe’s Lord of all dragons was also the top dog in the online gaming scene, too?!

     “I, I……..” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk, who was the top dog of Berafe once upon a time, could only shed sticky sweat in his mind.

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     “Hmm…..”

     Affeldrichae shrugged her shoulders after achieving one of the most outstandingly smooth triple kills ever in the history of online gaming.

     “Although the game looks complicated, it’s actually not that difficult. Constantly moving around, timely placed assaults, and evasion. All I have to do is to perform these three actions.” (Affeldrichae)

     ….It’s those three actions that are hard to perform properly!!

     This ain’t even like a guy who got accepted into the Seoul University telling others that the secret of his passing lay with preparing thoroughly and studying the textbooks!!

     No, someone like that would still go and get extra tuition behind everyone’s back, anyways!

     But this woman here, she’s speaking her opinions honestly, isn’t she?!

     Screeeeeeeeew this sh*t!!!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Having been unable to break out of the bottom 3% of the rankings for the last three months, anger and anguish began reddening Yi Ji-Hyuk’s face once he saw how good she was.

     “Are you feeling unwell somewhere?” (Affeldrichae)

     “…..No.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Your temperature’s rising up, though…. Mm, perhaps the flu?” (Affeldrichae)

     “I’ll start to feel better once you get out of my sight.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You still like to make those strange jokes, don’t you.” (Affeldrichae)

     It’s not a joke!! I’m being honest here!!

     When it’s completely useless, you go around driving me insane with your antics, yet why can’t you read my mind all of a sudden?

     Hah, I really want you to disappear from my sight! For real!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Even as Affeldrichae engaged in small talk with Yi Ji-Hyuk, there was a peerless dance of a goddess unfolding inside the computer monitor. The blood squirting out from the characters in the screen looked real to his eyes now.

     This, this is no longer an MMORPG but an AOS, no?

     Why do the enemy players look like a trashy mob now? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue) (TL note at the end)

     In the meantime, the chat window was going into overdrive.

     – What the hell?! Could that be a helper? Can’t you just give us a break? How do you expect us to dodge all these?!

     – This must be a smurf. But what is a smurf doing here?

     – I still can’t figure out how I died just now.

     – I can’t even get angry anymore.

     – Can’t even follow with my eyes.

     Wasn’t this reaction quite different from when Yi Ji-Hyuk was playing? Wouldn’t people normally start swearing at a time like this?

     Well, whenever an enemy went on a rampage like how this woman’s doing, I’d start spamming the chat with every insult that I can think of….

     So, how come their reactions are like this? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Mm…”

     Affeldrichae tilted her head to the side.

     “No, wait. It is a little more difficult that I thought.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Eh?”

     “I expected others to take the most logical option available, but they do not. They would’ve survived if they went to the right, but they didn’t. Small errors keep cropping up on my initial calculations. I’ve been making tactical decisions accordingly but I still have to modify them on the fly and that results in slight losses. Humans are indeed unpredictable creatures.” (Affeldrichae)

     “…..It’s just you who’s gone insane.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Pardon?” (Affeldrichae)

     You’d not be a human anymore if you can figure that out in such a short period of time, and move in the most optimal way!

     Even the top pro gamers wouldn’t be able to do that, you dang lizard woman!!

     Hah!

     Even if our species are different, shouldn’t there be some kind of a balance here?

     A monkey might be behind a human in terms of intellect, but at least it’s better at climbing trees, you know!!

     What can a human do better than a dragon?!

     She’s better at games than man, even!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Mm. It’s getting harder as I play.” (Affeldrichae)

     Stop saying such things while getting an easy double kill like that!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “….And what is harder?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “The more I play, the harder I find to understand what the motivation of my comrades and the enemy combatants are. Why are they there, what are they aiming for now…. There is a lot of confusion. Once more, I realise that humans are difficult creatures for me to figure out what they are thinking about at any given moment.” (Affeldrichae)

     ….They aren’t thinking about anything, probably.

     Why would they need to have a reason?

     What meaning is there when your puppy starts running at you all crazy and like, and then it suddenly starts rolling on the floor?

     It might be trying to do something, sure, but when a human sees it, it’s nothing but a waste of time.

     Surely, this woman is thinking along the same line while playing the game with other human players, no? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk offered a silent prayer for the human players busy moving around the map as reflected on the mini-map.

     If he were to be subjected to such a treatment, he’d probably destroy his monitor out of sheer humiliation.

     “Certainly, their movements lack consistency. Why would they react and behave differently to the exact same situation? Is this the true form of Chaos?” (Affeldrichae)

     Why are you talking about Chaos and stuff while playing a game?!

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     This woman also lost a few screws in her head, too. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “How long are you planning to play?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I’m actually researching at the moment.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Okay, fine. How long are you planning on researching, then?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “It is wrong to disturb those burning with scholarly ambitions.” (Affeldrichae)

     “….But, that’s my seat.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I know.” (Affeldrichae)

     It’s not ‘I know’, you know!!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Get out of my seat!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I’m… I’m almost finished.” (Affeldrichae)

     “I get it, so get out of there!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I said, I’m almost finished!! I only need a little more time!! I’m so close to an overall victory!!” (Affeldrichae)

     Huh? What is this?

     Is this a case of deja vu?

     Where have I seen a situation like this one before?

     Could I have made a…. mistake? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Stop it, before I pull the power cord out………..” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Uh? What the hell? Again?

     I’m getting a really weird vibe here. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Argh! I said, I’m almost there!!” (Affeldrichae)

     ….Don’t do that.

     I’m feeling really sad and depressed right now for some reason.

     Ha-ah, so this is how my mom feels, huh. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     With a sorrowful expression, Yi Ji-Hyuk crumpled into a seat next to Affeldrichae. Not even caring whether he did or not, Affeldrichae’s eyes never left the computer monitor as her hands continued to move around faster than a streak of lightning.

     “That woman, what is she doing?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     At Jeong Hae-Min’s question, all Seo Ah-Young could do was to simply shake her head.

     She was feeling rather dizzy after seeing Yi Ji-Hyuk half-slumped over the chair having had his mind broken, as well as Affeldrichae’s calm, calculating eyes and her amazingly speedy hands.

     ‘There are two idiots in here now.’ (Seo Ah-Young)

     Not just one, but two…..

     Uh-whew.

     *

     Inside another office, around the same time….

     “A Gate is opening up, sir?” (Ito Sana)

     Ito Sana’s head tilted slightly.

     Wasn’t Gates popping up a pretty common thing by now? So, what could be the reason for her superior officer to call her into the office and tell her that?

     Was he telling her to stop the Gate? But, that couldn’t be.

     She was an ability user, alright. But her combat potential was close to nil. Even if she went to help out on a Gate subjugation mission, all she could do was to stay far away and fire a few rounds with a gun. That was all.

     Something like that could be performed by a random ahjumma passing by, so there was no reason to call Ito Sana in today.

     However, her question didn’t go unanswered for long.

     “For now, watch this footage.”

     Ito Sana shifted her glance over to the monitor, and saw a footage recorded from a CCTV somewhere. There was a small Gate about the size of a person.

     “That is the problematic Gate?” (Ito Sana)

     But, how come? A reply didn’t come, but she got to see the footage roll forward at a much quicker rate.

     “Mm?!” (Ito Sana)

     And sure enough, her eyes opened up extra wide in shock.

     “B, but how?!” (Ito Sana)

     The Gate in the footage was getting progressively larger as time passed by. She couldn’t believe her own eyes.

     “Is it still growing as we speak, sir?” (Ito Sana)

     “That’s right.”

     Ito Sana’s jaw dropped to the floor.

     A Gate was growing bigger? If that was the case, then how could anyone estimate what level this Gate was?

     “H, how big has it become?” (Ito Sana)

     Her superior wordlessly pressed a button on the remote.

     The footage in the monitor switched to the one being transmitted in real time, and Ito Sana got to see a massive Gate big enough to fill up the entire screen.

     “….This…. What level….” (Ito Sana)

     “It’s still at the upper limits of what we can label as a Level 5, but at the rate it’s growing, it should become a Level 6 by this evening.”

     “A Level 6….” (Ito Sana)

     There was no strength left in her voice.

     That was a Level 6!

     Japan hadn’t even experienced a Level 5 yet! But now, they had to fight against a Level 6?

     Her country somehow managed to escape being one of the targeted nations when the Level 5 Gates appeared all over the world. Back then, the country rejoiced at their lucky escape, but now, they had to do something about a Level 6?!

     “What will happen now, sir?” (Ito Sana)

     “The fate of Japan lies with how we deal with this Gate that no one knows how big it’ll become.”

     “Of course, sir.” (Ito Sana)

     Even a three year old could see that. However, what she wanted to hear was a concrete plan on how to defend against such a Gate!

     She was not interested in something anyone could’ve come up with!

     “What about assistance from other nations?” (Ito Sana)

     “For now, we have a verbal assurance.”

     “For now, sir?” (Ito Sana)

     The superior’s low sigh helped her to figure out the hidden meaning behind the words ‘for now’.

     “….They are not coming.” (Ito Sana)

     “On the surface, they also don’t know when a Level 6 Gate might appear in their territory, so it’d be hard for them to send assistance.”

     “But, under the surface?” (Ito Sana)

     “They probably would prefer to see us ruined. Even I’d feel the same.”

     For the so-called allied nations, the best outcome for them would be Japan’s government collapsing after a suitably large chaos unfolded here. They would then swoop in, claiming to help the stricken citizens while turning Japan into a vassal state or some such.

     If the infrastructure of the country was destroyed and the manufacturing slowed down as a result, such an event would negatively affect the intrinsically-linked global economy, but then, the benefits from having a vassal state would easily outweigh the negatives.

     “So, what is the conclusion, sir? We need to handle this matter with our own power, is that it? Did you call me here to tell me this?” (Ito Sana)

     “Of course not. But, there is indeed something you can do for us.”

     “What is that, sir?” (Ito Sana)

     The superior smiled.

     “Go to Korea for us.”

     “….Could it be?” (Ito Sana)

     “That’s correct.”

     “….I hope you aren’t telling me to bring Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk over here.” (Ito Sana)

     “Why wouldn’t I? That’s precisely what needs to be done.”

     What the hell? Didn’t this guy read the reports?

     Don’t you receive real-time reports on what that man is up to? Yet, you still want someone like that here? (Ito Sana’s inner monologue)

     “Looks like you really wish for Japan to sink beneath the ocean, sir.” (Ito Sana)

     “If you fail to bring Yi Ji-Hyuk over here, then you will get to find out what Japan sinking beneath the ocean looks like.”

     “But…..” (Ito Sana)

     “Agent Ito Sana.”

     “Ha!”

     Ito Sana corrected her posture and stood upright.

     “What I am saying right now isn’t me trying to persuade you, nor is it up for discussion. No, I’m giving you a direct order that could very well be the only way for us to survive this calamity. Do you understand the meaning behind my words?”

     “Yes, sir!” (Ito Sana)

     “Then, go and bring Yi Ji-Hyuk to me. If you fail to do so, don’t bother to return. I’m sure it’ll be rather amusing to see Japan get destroyed from across the ocean.”

     “There will not be such an event, sir.” (Ito Sana)

     The superior spoke in a low, grave tone of voice.

     “There is hope. According to Kitamura Ren’s reports, he himself has become an integral part of the NDF. On top of that, it seems he has maintained a cordial relationship with Yi Ji-Hyuk. I want you to use that relationship to your advantage.”

     “Ha!”

     She performed a sharp military salute and turned around to leave. There was a resolute determination on her face.

     However…..

     ‘Did he just say that Kitamura Ren was over there?’ (Ito Sana)

     *

     “….Oh, you came, Oh-Sik?” (Kitamura Ren)

     Kitamura Ren spat out a groan as Oh-Sik trudged in closer to his position.

     He pulled out one of the pet food bags piled up on high to the side of the NDF building, and opened it. Next, he poured the contents of the bag into a huge plastic wash basin on the floor. Oh-Sik wordlessly began munching on the pet food as if it was the most obvious thing to do in the world.

     “Enjoy yourself.” (Kitamura Ren)

     He was Kitamura Ren.

     He was one of the most respected healers hailing from the nation of Japan. He was dispatched to Korea as his country’s proud representative. He was an elite among elites.

     And currently, he was in charge of feeding the pet dog.

     “…..Yeah, enjoy yourself, okay.” (Kitamura Ren)

     Kitamura Ren sighed again.

     At first, he was not subjected to such cold shoulders from everyone.

     Without him, no matter how good the NDF agents were, they wouldn’t have survived inside that black warp gate. However, the real problem came after that.

     Having survived the ordeal inside that black gate, the agents had become way more stronger than before, and as a result, they could take care of Gates appearing here and there without so much as a scratch on them.

     Them not getting hurt was a good thing, of course.

     Initially, Kitamura Ren was rejoicing in his heart. Well, things he had to do decreased considerably, after all.

     But the happy feelings only lasted for a few days.

     As it turned out, he really had nothing to do.

     As soon as people realised that they weren’t getting hurt, he began receiving the cold shoulder treatment, and suddenly, he was being looked at as if he was an eyesore.

     Since he was here on an assignment, he could’ve just taken it easy and not do anything, but the strong bond formed between them while surviving together in that hellish place had somehow morphed into jealousy after others saw him do nothing but play around.

     ‘A bunch of rotten b*stards.’

     And with that, all sorts of mundane tasks began falling on his lap. Sometimes, documents of nature so sensitive that he had to wonder whether it was okay for him to have access to, would be thrown in his direction simply because Seo Ah-Young found the whole thing just a big bother.

     “Ha-ah. Just what has happened to me…..” (Kitamura Ren)

     “What a pathetic sight this is.” (Ito Sana)

     “Mm?”

     When Kitamura Ren turned around to look, he found Ito Sana standing there.

     < 108. W, why are you coming out from there? (3) > Fin.

     You are reading

     The Returner

      ebook which is a free download at

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     .

     Chapter 109: W, why are you coming out from there? 4

      Chapter 109: W, why are you coming out from there? (4)

     Learn More about CrN 3.0: Legacy!

     Big Changes are happening! Benefits Readers and Creators alike!

     “What brings you here? If it’s new orders, you could’ve called me on the phone.” (Kitamura Ren)

     “You, just what do you think you’re doing?!” (Ito Sana)

     “It’s just as you can see.” (Kitamura Ren)

     Kitamura Ren shrugged his shoulders.

     “You’re the sole healer of the great Nippon Empire. Yet, such a high value individual is forced to………” (Ito Sana)

     “And just who was it that abandoned such a high value individual in here?!” (Kitamura Ren)

     ….We had no idea you’d be treated like this.

     We all thought you were having the time of your life this side. (Ito Sana’ inner monologue)

     “Never mind.” (Kitamura Ren)

     Kitamura Ren was about to get angry, but decided to let it go. Strictly speaking, he shouldn’t get angry at Ito Sana, after all.

     His country didn’t do anything wrong to him, either. Didn’t he also agree to do this mission because it was the correct tactical decision to make at the time?

     The real problem was with the ‘Irregular’ living in this place being so far removed from the realm of being an Irregular, he had become a Rule Breaker, instead!

     If it weren’t for Yi Ji-Hyuk, none of this would’ve happened, so if he were to blame someone, he must blame that youth!

     “Did you come to take me back home?” (Kitamura Ren)

     “No, it’s not an order for you to return. However, there is something I’d like ask you about, first….” (Ito Sana)

     “Speak, then.” (Kitamura Ren)

     “The person named Yi Ji-Hyuk…. Just what kind of a person is he?” (Ito Sana)

     Kitamura Ren spat out a long groan after hearing that name.

     “Can’t you figure that out by reading the reports?” (Kitamura Ren)

     “I’d like to hear your opinion now that you’ve experienced him personally. I believe your perspective will be better than reading some sanitised texts.” (Ito Sana)

     “Mm….”

     So, how should he go about explaining to her?

     If there were people in this world that couldn’t be explained so easily in a few words, then on the flip side, there would also be those types of people who made one fall into a dilemma as to just where one might even begin his explanations, since there would have so, so many things to say.

     What could be the most apt term that best explained what Yi Ji-Hyuk was like?

     “….A magnet?” (Kitamura Ren)

     “I beg your pardon?” (Ito Sana)

     “He’s like a magnet, that attracts all sorts of trouble to his side.” (Kitamura Ren)

     “Hmm…..”

     She thought she could more or less get ‘it’.

     “Okay, so, is there a possibility of Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk lending us his assistance?” (Ito Sana)

     “What do you mean by that? Did something happen back home?” (Kitamura Ren)

     “The thing is……” (Ito Sana)

     Once Kitamura Ren heard Ito Sana’s briefing on the current state of affairs, he let out a sigh, his expression becoming worried.

     “…Will it be difficult?” (Ito Sana)

     “….It’s impossible.” (Kitamura Ren)

     “Pardon?” (Ito Sana)

     “It is impossible to conquer the man named Yi Ji-Hyuk regardless of the methods you use. He doesn’t care about money nor does he care about honour or fame. Even if you used diplomatic channel and pressured his so-called superiors, the moment those people try to pressure him into doing anything, you’ll see him explode in a fit of fury. Because, he’s like a bomb that’d go off if someone needlessly poked him. Also, he’s not someone to take it lying down when he finds out that the Japanese government was behind it.” (Kitamura Ren)

     “T, then, you’re saying there’s nothing we can do?” (Ito Sana)

     Ito Sana’s face became utterly pale.

     “No, there’s always a way!” (Kitamura Ren)

     “Eh?”

     “You ask the bomb squad to deal with a bomb!” (Kitamura Ren)

     “….What are you talking about?” (Ito Sana)

     Kitamura Ren grinned slyly.

     “There is only one person in the entire world who can induce Yi Ji-Hyuk to take action. What’s more surprising is the fact that he’s not an ability user, but a powerless normal person!” (Kitamura Ren)

     “Ahh!”

     “Thus, we must conquer Choi Jung-Hoon, instead!” (Kitamura Ren)

     After a lengthy period of doing nothing important, the time to put to use Ren’s talents had finally arrived.

     *

     Los Angeles, USA.

     “No matter how much I take a look….” (Christopher McLaren)

     “Yes, sir.”

     “….That godd*mn Gate is growing larger and larger, isn’t it?! Or am I seeing things now?” (Christopher McLaren)

     “No, you’re correct, sir. Of course your eyes are working fine, sir. I’m sure your suspicions will be put to rest if you accompany me to an eye doctor….”

     Christopher McLaren tightly grasped his pounding head.

     “Rather than an ophthalmologist, maybe I should go and see a d*mn shrink first. One of these days, I might hang myself with my tie or something.” (Christopher McLaren)

     And no, he wasn’t joking around with that statement.

     Once the patterns of these Gates’ appearances had become more or less stabilised, and the manuals on how to subjugate them had been established, things became a lot more tolerable for him. But, for the last couple of months, the world was once more going through rapid changes.

     First, there was the Gate that opened as soon as it appeared, and the monsters poured out in droves before anyone could do something about it. And then, a whole bunch of Level 5 Gates appeared throughout the world almost simultaneously, too!

     And now, he had to contend with a Gate that was getting larger and larger as time passed?

     “What an assortment of godd*mn headaches this is. There are so many ways to torment a man, aren’t there?” (Christopher McLaren)

     “So, sir…. How should we deal with this situation?”

     “Isn’t it obvious? Call the military, and focus all available firepower on this location. And summon every available ability user to this place, too.” (Christopher McLaren)

     “Just like the last time?”

     “Right, just like the last time.” (Christopher McLaren)

     Last time, a person emerged from that massive Gate so some sort of a civilised conversation could take place. So, should that count as…. a relief?

     ‘What a crazy event that was.’

     Now they knew that on the other side of the Gates, there were lifeforms with high intelligence. For now, the US government was doing its best to gag everyone into silence, but there were too many eyewitnesses that day.

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     He knew that the word of intelligent creatures living on the other side of Gates would spread around the world before long.

     ‘And while the current climate is really volatile, too!’

     Throughout the world, the conflicts between the ability users and regular people were occuring with an alarming regularity.

     The countries within the Northern Hemisphere, that could still exercise some amount of government control over their citizens, the conflicts remained on the levels of simple clashes, but in the regions with weak rule of law, the concept of a functioning government had declined significantly in the last few years.

     Initially, not many had the leeway to fight among themselves because of the marauding monsters emerging from the Gates, but now that the situation had stabilised to a degree, they began baring their fangs against each other.

     And as humanity found itself in such a precarious position, the Gates were once more displaying erratic behaviours.

     So, what would happen under such circumstances?

     Would everyone come together once more?

     Or would the rate of disintegration of the society speed up, instead?

     Christopher McLaren knew that, whichever direction humans decided to take, neither of them were the right answer to fix the main cause of the problem.

     ‘I know I need to do something, but there’s not much I can do for the time being. If I intervene at the wrong time, I might end up being labeled as the biggest villain in history.’ (Christopher McLaren)

     That was, if anyone would still be alive to remember the history, of course.

     “Find out the current situation in other countries. Japan’s also dealing with a similar situation as us, so there’s a good chance that others are also experiencing this problem.” (Christopher McLaren)

     Something stank.

     He could strongly feel that this was a handiwork of someone else, someone hiding in the shadows.

     “And, find every single CCTV footage you can from this area.” (Christopher McLaren)

     *

     “Excuse me?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon tilted his head in confusion as he stared at the huge gift box sitting pretty on the top of the table.

     “Miss Ito Sana?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Yes, Mister Choi Jung-Hoon?” (Ito Sana)

     “I can’t seem to fully grasp what you’re trying to say here. So, can you tell me why you’re giving me this gift?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Ito Sana turned her head slightly and stared at Kitamura Ren next to her.

     ‘….You two are close, so say something.’ (Ito Sana)

     ‘But, I’m not that close to this dude, though?’ (Kitamura Ren)

     After they exchanged silent but meaningful gazes with each other, Ito Sana spoke in a soft voice.

     “Mister Choi Jung-Hoon.” (Ito Sana)

     “Yes?”

     “If we’re to be brutally honest with you, then well, it’s a commonly held belief within the ranks of Japanese government that you are the true ‘hidden’ force to be reckoned with in South Korea.” (Ito Sana)

     “I must admit that you have caught me off-guard with those words.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Don’t the most powerful ability users that form the backbone of this country’s defense, as well as the core of the NDF, place their trust in you unconditionally?” (Ito Sana)

     “Hmm……”

     Choi Jung-Hoon leaned back against the couch as a deep smile began forming on his face.

     What a sorrowful life he was forced to endure for the past few years.

     He used to carry this lofty ambition of becoming an influential politician that held the fate of this nation in his hands as he passed the Civil Service examination with flying colours!

     There was also a period of time when he was dispatched to the Ministry of Strategy and Finance, where he thought his talents would finally be acknowledged and that he’d get to enjoy a smooth ride to the top!

     But then, quite absurdly if he thought about it, he was dispatched to the KSF for some reason, and ended up going through so much dogsh*t hell while working under a much younger superior officer. Just as he got used to this lifestyle, and just as he was beginning to think that his life had become a bit easier, a brand new calamity literally fell from the heavens.

     ‘If only I didn’t run late that morning……….” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     ….Then, he’d not have met Yi Ji-Hyuk on that fateful day.

     Choi Jung-Hoon hurriedly wiped the moistening edges of his eyes and coughed to clear his choked-up throat.

     “Hmph, hmph.”

     “There may be new people trying to butt in later down the line, but even they wouldn’t be able to escape from your influence. So, in essence, you, Mister Choi Jung-Hoon, are the centre of Korea’s power base.” (Ito Sana)

     “Ahahaha. You’re saying some outrageous things here. I’m certainly not that kind of a person.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon’s lips arched up so much that they threatened to rip apart if he smiled any wider.

     Now originally, he wasn’t someone this weak against praises, but after being tenderised by lots of verbal abuses for the past few months….

     “That is why we’re here to ask you…..” (Ito Sana)

     Choi Jung-Hoon’s smile disappeared in an instant and he quietly studied Ito Sana.

     Them kissing his butt was one thing, but now that a foreign diplomat was behaving in this fashion, he couldn’t continue maintaining a jokey attitude anymore.

     “….We’d very much appreciate it if you could do one favour for us.” (Ito Sana)

     “A favour, you say…..” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon fished out a cigarette and placed it between his lips. He lit it up, sucked the unhealthy smoke in quite slowly, before opening his mouth to speak.

     “I wonder. I’m not sure if I’m capable enough to do such a thing for you.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     But, your posture’s exactly like that of a black market merchant, though?! (Ito Sana)

     His whole demeanor was like, he would even get her a freaking F-15 if she asked him nicely enough!

     “Please, help us.” (Ito Sana)

     “Well, let me decide after hearing what that favour is, first.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon slowly pulled the gift box in closer and carefully opened the lid.

     What could be inside? His heart was beating faster in anticipation.

     Could it be a ginseng?

     Or….

     Maybe, an expensive wine or a rare liquor……

     However, after taking a peek inside the box with the slightly-open lid, Choi Jung-Hoon’s eyes shook as if there was an earthquake happening right now.

     “What is the meaning of this?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     He frowned deeply and closed the lid shut after confirming that the box was filled to the brim with dollar bills. This wasn’t a gift, but a dang bribe!

     Which also meant that their ‘favour’ couldn’t have been something simple as well.

     Kitamura Ren quietly stared at Choi Jung-Hoon for a bit, before finally opening his mouth.

     “Aren’t you going to get angry?” (Kitamura Ren)

     “Excuse me? Angry? Why?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Normally, wouldn’t this be the right time to go on about ‘Who do you think I am to bribe me like this’ or some such? After all, isn’t that the customary reaction?” (Kitamura Ren)

     “I don’t like to waste my time on doing needless things. It’s not a bad idea to be compensated for the work I put in, I believe. And if I can’t do the work, then all I have to do is not accept this, that is all. So, there’s no point in needlessly wasting your time and mine by me pretending to be an upright civil servant, wouldn’t you agree? However…..” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon crossed his legs and leaned against the couch once more.

     “Why don’t you get to the point first? You see, I’m not someone with a lot of time to idly chat with you.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Ito Sana began looking at Choi Jung-Hoon with a surprised expression on her face. The moment he took a look inside the gift box, his demeanor changed completely.

     Until then, she thought that a guy like him couldn’t have been that capable, but now, just by being stared at by his eyes, she felt pressured into silence.

     And he wasn’t even trying to silence her or anything; he seemed to possess a certain something that caused others to instinctively shrink away.

     ‘So, this is the real Choi Jung-Hoon…..’ (Ito Sana)

     She had heard of that name every now and then, but she had never imagined in her wildest dreams that he’d be someone this intimidating.

     This was precisely the reason why one needed an actual witness rather than some reports written on pieces of paper. In other words, her decision to meet up with Kitamura Ren first and listen to his advice was right on the money.

     Ito Sana corrected her posture and stared at Choi Jung-Hoon seriously.

     His hair was gently swept up in the unmistakable ‘Regent’ style, while the lines of his face were striking and distinctive.

     He was a handsome man, with a good fashion sense, too.

     When such a man began emitting the aura of the true ‘hidden’ force to be reckoned with, she couldn’t help but feel her heart skip a beat for a second there.

     ‘He’s indeed an important individual.’ (Ito Sana)

     He was someone that Japan needed to keep an eye out for. So, without a doubt, this man would be able to help her today!

     “Without beating the bush, here is the reason!” (Ito Sana)

     “Okay.”

     “In order to subjugate the Gate appearing right now in Japan, we need the help of Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk!!” (Ito Sana)

     “Get this sh*t outta here!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon didn’t even waste one second before picking up the box and throwing it back at Kitamura Ren.

     “Hul………”

     “Have you lost your d*mn minds?! I’ve been feeling really p*ssed off for a while now, yet you wanna do what?! If only you weren’t a d*mn diplomat, I’d already…. Argh!!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “C, calm down, please!” (Kitamura Ren)

     “Calm down? Calm down?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon’s eyes exuded a dangerous light as he grabbed Kitamura Ren’s collar.

     “And here I am, thinking that we were friends!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “….I, uh, me too….” (Kitamura Ren)

     “So, how can a friend ask for a favour like that?! It’d been more preferable if you had asked me to become your guarantor, cuz I would’ve done that!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     ….Sob. He said he’d willingly become my guarantor…. What a good-hearted man he is…..

     Ah, that’s not important, is it? (Kitamura Ren’s inner monologue)

     “You know the kind of c**p I have endured, yet how can you even ask me for such a thing?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     That’s why I didn’t ask you.

     I made her ask you, instead. (Kitamura Ren’s inner monologue)

     “We know that we’re asking for a difficult favour here.” (Ito Sana)

     “Argh, I don’t care! Get out! I have nothing more to say to you!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “At this rate, the nation of Japan will be destroyed. And I’m sure you can already tell where the monsters would head to next once they are done with destroying Japan.” (Ito Sana)

     “Mmm……”

     Choi Jung-Hoon released Kitamura Ren’s collars and sat back down on the couch, before mouthing another cigarette.

     “Groan…..”

     “We beg of you.” (Ito Sana)

     “There’s something I want to ask you first…..” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Yes?”

     “This… Is this the official stance your government has taken? Are you asking me on behalf of your nation?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “It’s not like that, but…. If that’s what you want, we can arrange that. No, we can certainly do more than that if it needs be. That’s how desperate we are.” (Ito Sana)

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     “Oh, well. That man’s not someone who’d care even if it was an official request from another government, so that’s not that important, anyways…..” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon tilted his head this way and that.

     He’d like to ignore this whole thing and not get involved if he could help it, but unfortunately, Korea and Japan were far too closely linked in economy. If Japan collapsed, then without a doubt, Korea wouldn’t be okay, either.

     So, if he had to something about it, then….

     “….I shall take this box for now. But….” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Thank you!!” (Ito Sana)

     “But this pittance, well, it’s not even enough to pay for me running an errand.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “….Pardon?” (Ito Sana)

     “For now, draw up an official document.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Pardon??” (Ito Sana)

     Choi Jung-Hoon’s eyes began gleaming once more.

     Allow me to completely clean you people out, right down to your souls.

     You lot, you picked the wrong person today.

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     The Returner

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     Chapter 110: W, why are you coming out from there? 5

      Chapter 110: W, why are you coming out from there? (5)

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     “Are you finished yet?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Unlike his usual self, Yi Ji-Hyuk’s voice was trembling ever so softly.

     “After this round.” (Affeldrichae)

     “….You said that six times already, you know?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, it was you, Mister Ji-Hyuk, who said that you’d let me experience the zenith of human civilisation, was it not?” (Affeldrichae)

     Sure, I did.

     However, isn’t this way~~~ too much experiencing?

     Do you actually understand what that word ‘experience’ even means?

     Is there a problem with your translation magic or something?

     Don’t you think you’ve gone way past ‘experiencing’ by now?

     How could you be ‘experiencing’ for the whole day, ah?!

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     You go to a farm to experience a rural lifestyle by pulling out a few weeds here and there, or you harvest a little bit of rice. But when you start driving a d*mn tractor into a just-plowed field, that no longer counts as you experiencing a farm life anymore, you dumb little lizard woman!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Do you even know how many rounds you’ve played so far?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “It’s 27.” (Affeldrichae)

     “…….Don’t you think you’ve had enough by now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I haven’t finished my analysis yet.” (Affeldrichae)

     “The thing is, don’t you think that by the time you’re done with your analysis or whatever, this wouldn’t be an experience anymore?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Let me just finish this round first.” (Affeldrichae)

     Mm. Okay. That makes it seventh, then. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     After a lengthy tussle, he was able to convince Affeldrichae to vacate the NDF offices so they could come home for the day. But when she expertly switched the computer on and booted the game without his help as soon as they arrived, Yi Ji-Hyuk realised that he’d never get to enjoy his blissful gaming life from today onwards.

     “….Why don’t you continue playing after eating something first?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “After this round.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Is that the only thing you know how to say?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I’m almost finished.” (Affeldrichae)

     Mom…..

     Mom, I’m sorry.

     I have been a terrible son to you. I now understand that you’ve been letting me live even though I’ve been a disappointment.

     Is this the famed love a mother has for her child?

     As strong killing intent oozed out from him, Yi Ji-Hyuk reached towards the computer mouse moving around at a crazy speed. He had to finish this nonsense once and for all, or else he’d not find peace tonight.

     CLANG!!!

     It was then, Yi Ji-Hyuk’s right hand was violently deflected away as a sound of metal clanking reverberated throughout his room.

     “OUCH!!”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk cried out in pain, and as soon as he saw his rapidly-reddening hand, he began roaring out in anger.

     “Hey, you insane lizard woman!! What the hell did you just do?! Wha?! This dang lizard!! Just to block my hand, you cast the Absolute Barrier on yourself?! Are you fighting a dang demon king or something?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     She really cast an Absolute Barrier!!

     You had that much Mana to spare, huh?!

     Wait, this isn’t a problem about her Mana, now is it?!

     You think I was going to spew out a Breath attack on you or something?!

     You cast the Absolute Barrier just to block a hand! You’ve completely lost your marbles! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “But, you are a demon king, aren’t you?” (Affeldrichae)

     Ahh?

     Oh, that’s true, isn’t it.

     Wait, I am a bit worse than a demon king, aren’t I…. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     Even then, it would still be pretty insane to cast the Absolute Barrier on herself, that was for sure.

     “You better stop playing before I decide to cut off both your wrists.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I said, I’m almost finished!!” (Affeldrichae)

     “How dare you raise your voice at me?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I’m really almost there!!” (Affeldrichae)

     “Ha-ah……”

     The guilt he felt for treating his mother wrongly, and the powerful irritation he felt when looking at Affeldrichae, combined to form a strange mixture of emotions and it proceeded to travel up on the back of his throat.

     “Why is she keep playing the exact same game? Not only that, in Ji-Hyuk’s room, too?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “I know, right?” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “She hasn’t even washed herself yet, too…. How unsanitary.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “I know, right?” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “Don’t you know how to say anything else besides ‘I know, right’ over and over again?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I guess so.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     “You wanna die, too?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk turned around and roared out again at the two unwelcome females in his room.

     “And why are two camping out in someone else’s house?! Go home already!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Why can she stay here, while we can’t?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “I know right? It’s illogical.” (Kim Dah-Som)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk double facepalmed while watching this comedic duo do their schtick. Since when did these two females become the double threat to torment him in stereo?

     They didn’t even overreact like this in the beginning, too….

     So, where did it all go wrong, then?

     Yi Ji-Hyuk accepted his part of the blame.

     For sure, he’d been too soft lately. He should immediately start ruling with iron fist once more!

     “Just let me take a break after leaving work, okay?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, you don’t do anything even at the office, though?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “You!”

     Another lion’s roar exploded out from Yi Ji-Hyuk’s mouth.

     “What about you?! Don’t you have something to do?! You’re supposed to be an idol, so don’t you have concerts and events to go to? Go and do your job!! Your d*mn job!! You should go mental and throw yourself into work since you don’t have many days left as an idol, yet why are you wasting your precious time squatting here?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Jeong Hae-Min became depressed and lowered her head.

     “…..I don’t have a concert to perform.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Your career’s finished, then.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “That’s not it! It’s because the public is still angry with the ability users, you know! As soon as things die down, I’m sure that everything will be back to how it was!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “And other idols would show up to replace you in the meantime.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “There are a lot of people who prefer ability user idols, you know!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “In that case, younger ability user idols would show up, then.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “M, maybe…..” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Mm?”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk tilted his head.

     “How come you’re agreeing with me already? Wait, are you tacitly acknowledging the fact that you’re too old?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I have a baby face, don’t you see that?!” (Jeong-Hae-Min)

     “There’s a wrinkle on your chin.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “NOOOO!!”

     Jeong Hae-Min cried out in alarm and hurriedly pulled out a mirror to confirm. Seeing her like this, Yi Ji-Hyuk suddenly felt rather depressed.

     ‘And here I am, fooling around with these kids.’ (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Just what the hell was this place?

     The Bringer of Apocalypse was having a petty argument with an old idol and in the meantime, the Lord of the Dragons was busy playing a video game on his computer. So, indeed, what on earth was this place?

     Was this the fabled land of ‘Chaos’?

     Sorrow rushed in hard, causing Yi Ji-Hyuk to wipe the edges of his eyes dry.

     No, wait. Fine, let’s say I am stuck in one.

     However, just what is wrong with that lizard woman to manhandle… uh, I mean, “dragonhandle” a computer for the whole day?

     If I knew this would happen, I’d have never taught her about games in the first place…. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Mom!! Please do something!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     In the end, Yi Ji-Hyuk had no choice but to ask mom for her help.

     “Mm. Yes, it is a bit too much.” (mom)

     As expected!

     There was no one to believe except mom!

     Park Seon-Duk headed off to kitchen, and proceeded to cut fruits into bite-sized pieces.

     “Hul?!”

     She then ignored her son and approached Affeldrichae before placing the plate of fruit in the corner of the desk where it wouldn’t interfere with the gaming.

     “Please, enjoy some fruit while playing.” (mom)

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     “Thank you.” (Affeldrichae)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk crumpled to the ground as the feeling of cruel betrayal washed over him.

     “Mom? Mom?!! How can you do this to me?! You said that you’ll cut my hands off if I keep playing that game! You even threatened to destroy my monitor!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Park Seon-Duk replied back with an unimpressed expression on her face.

     “That’s because, it was you playing the game.” (mom)

     “What’s the difference between me and her?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “…..Your faces?” (mom)

     Ahh…..

     Sure, they are a lot different, true…..

     Ng, sure, well…. They are a bit different. Right, we’re different, but still…. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Since when did only the pretty people get to play games?! Ng? Does a handsome guy playing get a skill boost or something out of the blue? How does that even make sense, mom?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Park Seon-Duk shook her head with no visible emotion on her face.

     “My son.” (mom)

     “Ng?”

     “Take a good look, my boy.” (mom)

     Park Seon-Duk pointed to Affeldrichae. And Yi Ji-Hyuk followed her finger to where Affeldrichae was sitting.

     “What now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “What do you see?” (mom)

     “What do you mean, what I see? Mom, what are you talking about?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Isn’t she beautiful?” (mom)

     Indeed, she was very beautiful, but….

     But, what did that have to do with anything?

     “Listen well, my boy. This world is not a fair place.” (mom)

     “Ng?”

     “She can play games as long as she wants. No, more than that, she can live freely while doing whatever she likes. Even if she ends up on the street destitute, her begging bowl will soon be filled up with so much money that her bowl would end up shattering under the weight. And if she can’t be bothered to get a job, all she have to do is step outside and smile once. She will be able to secure three years’ worth of meal tickets that way.” (mom)

     “………….”

     “However, you are not like that.” (mom)

     “M, mom?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “You gotta work hard! If you wish to put food on the table, you gotta work hard everyday!” (mom)

     What she said wasn’t wrong.

     Sure, he could accept it.

     Yet, why were all these teardrops falling from his eyes?

     “Mom, why did you give birth to a squid like me?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Son, I gave birth to a healthy mammal boy. You changing your species into a mollusc isn’t my responsibility, however. Well, life is a mysterious thing, don’t you think so?” (mom)

     “Wait, mom…. You’re supposed to say, ‘Son, you’re not a squid’ in cases like this.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I’m sorry, my boy. You know that your mother isn’t very good with lying.” (mom)

     Dribble…

     From the eyes of Yi Ji-Hyuk, sweatdrops of the heart dripped out.

     “But, it’s fine, my boy. There are people who would still care for you even though you’re a squid.” (mom)

     “You mean, you? Mom?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Mm? No, excluding me.” (mom)

     ….There was no reason for her to sound that decisive, though.

     Seeing Park Seon-Duk’s facial expression that said “I can’t be bothered”, uncontrollable sorrow rushed into Yi Ji-Hyuk’s heart.

     Mom, I’m still your child….

     “In any case, you should give up on playing games and concentrate on working harder.” (mom)

     “….Sure thing….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk crashed and crumpled to the dark, dank corner of the room.

     Not caring whether he did or not, the four females, consisting of Jeong Hae-Min, Kim Dah-Som, Park Seon-Duk, and Yi Ye-Won began chatting among themselves.

     “But, this is my house, too…..” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Others were having fun, while Yi Ji-Hyuk was being abused. And his room was taken over. And his computer was taken from him, too.

     Yup, the Bringer of Apocalypse from Berafe was well and truly dead now.

     “Ha-ah………”

     So, Yi Ji-Hyuk dragged himself outside the house and into the front yard.

     Woof.

     Oh-Sik discovered Yi Ji-Hyuk’s presence and ran up to him while wagging his tail enthusiastically.

     “That’s right. I’ve got you, don’t I….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     He had gone through so much hell just to return to Earth, yet the creature welcoming him the most now that he was here, happened to be a monster. How ironic that was.

     “Ha, this life of mine…..” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Life was indeed far too unfathomable.

     Yi Ji-Hyuk retrieved a bag of pet food and brought it in front of Oh-Sik. The mini Ogre’s ears twitched slightly as he tore the bag up and began hoovering up the grub.

     “And the wise old they said that, when a man grows older, he only has to worry about his dog….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     ….At this rate, I should hold onto Oh-Sik when we have to move house again, no? It’s like, I might get left behind by my family, you know? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “Don’t you think so?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk threw out this question at the empty air.

     Rustle.

     The empty air wavered slightly, before Doh Gah-Yun revealed her figure.

     “And why aren’t you inside the house?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “……….”

     “Because I told you to not come inside?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Nod.

     Yi Ji-Hyuk clicked his tongue. How come this little girl lacked flexibility to such a degree?

     “If you think it’s fine to step inside, then step inside and join in the fun, okay? Stop loitering around outside with all this evening dew settling down and all. Also, how come your superiors are so thick-headed? What meaning is there to keep the surveillance on me and make you go through this unnecessary hardship?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Not hardship.” (Doh Gah-Yun)

     “Fine, fine. You’re working diligently. What a good girl.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     He had already known that it was impossible to hold a normal conversation with this girl so he wasn’t even going to try.

     “You shouldn’t hang around those dumb girls. Their stupidity is contagious.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Of course, Seo Ah-Young was plenty moronic herself, too.

     Doh Gah-Yun seemed to have something to say as her lips twitched slightly, but she closed them once more. Yi Ji-Hyuk tilted his head to the side, seeing her like this.

     “If you wanna say something, then say it, and if you don’t….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Suddenly, he frowned slightly.

     “Hey, come over here for a sec.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “…….?”

     “Come. Over. Here.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     When he beckoned her, she took cautious steps and slowly approached him.

     Yi Ji-Hyuk then grabbed her arm and pushed the sleeve up high.

     And on her pale-smooth skin, a long and unsightly scar could be found.

     “Hah….”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk spat out a long sigh.

     “Didn’t I tell you to get this thing healed by that healer guy before?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….He said, impossible.” (Gah-Yun)

     “What a useless human being.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk threw down her arm as if he was discarding it, shook his head, and headed back inside the house. A short while later, he re-emerged from the house while dangling Affeldrichae by the back of her neck.

     “But, I still have to do the Ban!” (Affeldrichae)

     “I also wanna ban you, but I’m holding it back real hard right now. So, it’d be better for your overall health to hold that in. Okay?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “That side of you hasn’t changed one bit, has it? I’ve already told you for the last 3552 times that you need to listen to other’s opinions if you wish to live in harmony.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Have you been counting how many times I told you to shut up?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I’m sure the count will be exceedingly high.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Heal her.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “But, she’s not wounded, though?” (Affeldrichae)

     “Her scar.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Affeldrichae began tilting her head in confusion.

     Was he asking her to remove this girl’s scar? Was the Bringer of Apocalypse from her memories cared about something this minor?

     If the story of the feared Bringer of Apocalypse ordering her to get rid of a young human female’s scar happen to spread around in the cities of Berafe, then there should be quite a lot of people rolling on the floor laughing their heads off thinking that was one hell of a joke.

     ‘Has he changed?’ (Affeldrichae)

     Did he change, or was he originally a person like this, but chose to act differently in Berafe?

     However, Affeldrichae didn’t find him acting like this odd at all, which probably meant that she had already been subconsciously aware of this hidden side.

     Affeldrichae raised her right hand and brought it closer to Gah-Yun’s exposed arm.

     Wuuoonng…

     Bright white light exploded forth, and Affeldrichae withdrew her hand afterwards.

     “It’s finished. Can I return to my game now?” (Affeldrichae)

     “….Do it in moderation, okay? Or Imma break the computer. For real!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Got it.” (Affeldrichae)

     Affeldrichae ran back inside the house while not even listening to him. Seeing her ignore him like that, Yi Ji-Hyuk’s entire body began trembling.

     He promised to himself that he’d do whatever it takes to open up a Gate to throw that rotten lizard woman in there.

     “Okay, in any case. Come inside or don’t, do what you want.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Uhm…..”

     “Yeah?”

     When Yi Ji-Hyuk looked at her, Doh Gah-Yun quietly returned his gaze, before lightly shaking her head.

     “No, nothing.” (Gah-Yun)

     “Silly kid.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk turned around and entered the house; Doh Gah-Yun stood there and stared at the front entrance he disappeared into, before slowly rubbing her now-scarless arm.

     Woof.

     Oh-Sik began rubbing against her leg before long, and she slowly patted his head. But her eyes remained fixed to the front entrance.

     You are reading

     The Returner

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     Chapter 111: I would never grease my palms only, you know 1

      Chapter 111: I would never grease my palms only, you know (1)

     Learn More about CrN 3.0: Legacy!

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     Inside the NDF offices…

     “Japan?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk placed his feet on the desk and turned his head slightly to stared at Choi Jung-Hoon standing behind him.

     ‘What could this be?’ (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     How could he go about describing that mysterious aura coming from that guy’s facial expression?

     Self-assuredness? Pride? Confidence?

     It was hard to tell what it was exactly, but one thing was for sure – Choi Jung-Hoon, who had been acting like a loser for a while, had fully regained his former glory.

     “Ho-oh?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk lowered his feet off the desk and spun around along with the chair.

     And he saw Choi Jung-Hoon and his confidently straight back.

     It was as if he was declaring that he was unequivocally THE MAN.

     That man’s long, smooth legs, slightly hourglass-like waistline, and his wide-open, square shoulders….

     And his sharp, manly face, located above those manly features.

     Yi Ji-Hyuk began feeling this sensation of his entire being slowly boiling over from the inside.

     He was already feeling pretty rotten after being treated as a squid the night before. Why did this guy have to be such a handsome b*stard, too?

     The aura Choi Jung-Hoon exuded after the powerful self belief returned to his facial expression, was nothing to scoff at.

     However….

     That face, there’s something else there, isn’t it?

     How can I put it in words…. Ah, that’s right!

     Back when I was working in a kingdom called Randel, I had this one subordinate who showed up with a face similar to Choi Jung-Hoon’s, the day after he fooled around with a married woman.

     That’s the face a guy makes when he’s covering up his guilty conscience with confidence, isn’t it?

     However, Choi Jung-Hoon isn’t a guy who’d go around having an affair with married women, so….. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

     “So, did you receive a bribe, then?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….Maybe you’re secretly a mind reader?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “What was that?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “N, no. It’s nothing.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon waved his hands around in denial, coughed to clear his throat, fanned some air to his face, and loosened his tie.

     ‘Yup, he definitely got bribed.’ (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     How could he be so transparent like that?

     “How much was it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I, I said, it’s not like that!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Miss Seo Ah-Young!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Seo Ah-Young tore her attention from her work and raised her head.

     “Yes?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “Call the audit department! We got ourselves a Lupin here!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Okay, we’ll arrest him immediately.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “Eheeiii!!!!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon waved his hands once more. And then, with an unreadable expression on his face, he leaned in very close to Yi Ji-Hyuk’s ear and whispered.

     “I would never grease my palms only, you know.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “For now, hold it with the audit department.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk smiled brightly and extended his hand out to Choi Jung-Hoon.

     Choi Jung-Hoon also smiled, albeit with a crafty expression, and grasped Yi Ji-Hyuk’s hand.

     GRAB!!

     However, his hand was squeezed by the pressure far greater than what Choi Jung-Hoon had been expecting.

     “……….?”

     “Hey, so, like….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk’s smile deepened.

     “How about telling me how much they gave you?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….You devil.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Despair began dyeing Choi Jung-Hoon’s complexion.

     *

     Rustle.

     Yi Ji-Hyuk wetted his fingertips with his saliva and turned the pages of the document Choi Jung-Hoon gave to him.

     “Ha, they really gave you lots, didn’t they?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “……”

     “Holy cow. How can a lone guy rip off this much from a government? Yeah, I gotta admit, this is really impressive, you know? And seriously now, dude, you don’t have any conscience whatsoever.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     You are unqualified to talk about conscience here.

     Even if I get scolded and pointed at by every single person on this planet, you are still not eligible to do that!

     Where do you think I learned this from?

     Just who was it that looked like he’d go for the kill and even demand one’s underwear during the negotiations?!

     I used to be a really honest and upright guy, don’t you know that?! (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     “Hah? What’s this? Free shopping privilege at the Akihabara shopping district?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “………….”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk narrowed his eyes and stared at Choi Jung-Hoon.

     “So, you have the tendencies of an…..” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Nooo, that’s not it! I only have the hobby of assembling Gunplas, that’s all!! I’m not an otaku!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon) (TL: Gunplas = Mobile Suit Gundam mech figurines)

     “Looks like there’s a slight gap between the world’s definition of an otaku and yours, but the thing is, you’d definitely qualify as an otaku….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I said, I’m not one!!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Mm….”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk nodded his head.

     Sometimes, not asking too many questions and glossing over the matter at hand was quite helpful in maintaining a healthy and friendly relationship.

     “Okay, so, Mister Choi Deok-Hoo-nim.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk) (TL note at the end)

     “It’s not like thaaaaaat!!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Time to change the subject, then!

     “Okay, so just what did you promise them in order to get all these, uh, benefits?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “It’s pretty simple, actually.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Simple, is it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Choi Jung-Hoon narrowed his eyes and spoke.

     “Yes, it is an…. exceedingly simple matter. By performing this exceedingly simple work, we can earn enormous amounts of benefits for our nation, for ourselves, and for our organisation. I am quite confident that you, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk, will also greatly benefit from this matter. So, what do you say? Doesn’t the prospect intrigue you?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Ng, no, not really. Don’t wanna hear it so, men, take him away!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “No, wait a minute!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon cried out as he got dragged out of the office by two stern-looking audit department agents.

     “I’m serious!! It’s a really, re~~lly simple work!! Please, think about it for a second! I, Choi Jung-Hoon, have brought in this work so it can’t be bad! Aren’t you at least a tiny bit curious just what kind of benefits you’d earn from this exceedingly simple and easy work?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Not curious and don’t care.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “WAIT a minute!!!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon yanked his arms loose from the grips of the agents, and straightened his business suit.

     “You might grow to regret this decision, you know?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Mmm…. Regretting, eh. Regret….

     Yi Ji-Hyuk nodded his head sagely and shouted out.

     “Throw that criminal inside a cell, right away!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Hiiiick?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Choi Jung-Hoon’s face paled in an instant.

     “How dare a guy who received bribes openly show his face around here?! Have you no shame? Maybe eating bean rice will sober you up real good!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk) (TL: bean rice = a Korean slang for prison food)

     “Prisons don’t serve bean rice anymore, you know?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “I’ll send some in from the outside, so don’t you worry and enjoy your time inside.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “N, no! Wait a minute! Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk!! Give me one more chance!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     When Choi Jung-Hoon began wailing uncontrollably while shouting out, Seo Ah-Young clicked her tongue and spoke.

     “Why don’t we listen to him first, at least?” (Seo Ah-Young)

     “Hah…..”

     What a bother this was.

     One would only need to throw the criminal into a dark, dank jail cell or turn him into monster food and that’d be the end of that.

     “Okay, fine. Speak up, please.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Choi Jung-Hoon hurriedly cried out.

     “You are going to help them out in the end anyways, aren’t you?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Eh?”

     “You’ll push and pull for a little while before you decide to help them out anyways! If that’s going to happen, then wouldn’t it make more sense to get what we can get from them?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “And why would I help them out in the end?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Lots of people are going to die, and a nation is about to be destroyed, so how can you turn a blind eye to that? I know full well that you’ll help them out while pretending to be reluctant and stuff.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “But, I’m not gonna do that, though?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk replied with a pouting expression.

     “I’m not gonna help them.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “E, eh?!”

     Choi Jung-Hoon’s eyes widened.

     “Why should I help them out?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “No, wait, but still….. Do you perhaps hold some kind of a negative sentiment towards the Japanese people?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Nope, not at all. It’s not like they bothered me or anything.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “If that’s the case, then why?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk tilted his head.

     “What a strange question to ask. Is there a reason for me to help them out in the first place?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “People will die, no?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “From what I hear, people in Africa are getting killed by the monsters as we speak, and similar things are happening all around the world right now, so…. Do you think those things my responsibilities, too?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Choi Jung-Hoon firmly shook his head.

     “No, they are not.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “So, why should I help them, then?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Because, until now, you always helped out while pretending to be reluctant, that’s why!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “But, that’s because Korea was involved, you know? It’s because this is my home base. Meaning, I’m not going to cross the ocean to help another country out.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Could Yi Ji-Hyuk have been a territorial animal?

     “Mmm……”

     Choi Jung-Hoon wiped dry the edges of his eyes.

     “I guess I should return all these benefits back, then.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Uh? Why?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Because, you decided to not to help them out.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “And what does that got to do with the gifts?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I got them under the pretext that you’ll help them out.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk clicked his tongue.

     “They’ve already greased you, so you can just keep them.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Wouldn’t they ask me to return the gifts?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Who’s going to?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Pardon?”

     “The way I hear it, half of Japan is about to disappear soon, so who’s going to ask you to return the gifts? Surely, they’d be too occupied to care, right?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Ah….

     That’s true, isn’t it?

     What is up with this guy? How could he think of such things in moments like these? (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

     “It’ll be nicer still if those who knows about this deal disappear during the chaos, but even if they don’t, do you really think they would ask you to return these things?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Indeed, they wouldn’t.

     If another Gate similar to the one opening right now appeared in the near future, the country would definitely be destroyed, after all. In order to prepare for such an eventuality, they wouldn’t do anything to worsen their relationship with Yi Ji-Hyuk, no matter what.

     ‘Could he have thought that far ahead before making his mind up?’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Sure, it wasn’t a difficult thing to predict, but….

     Technically speaking, what the youth did here was to hold 100 million lives as hostages. Him being able to speak so nonchalantly regarding this matter gave Choi Jung-Hoon a nasty bout of goosebumps.

     “Did something terrible happen in Japan?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     When Jeong Hae-Min asked, Choi Jung-Hoon nodded his head. Although the information was top-secret, everyone present here was seen as the most important individuals in the country, so it was fine.

     “A Gate opened there.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “But, that happens all the time, though?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “This Gate is quite different, apparently.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Please explain in a way that I can understand.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Hmm. So, a new type of a Gate has appeared. And it’s getting bigger as time passes by.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “Something like that can happen?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “According to the information we have, it’s happening in not just Japan, but the similar type of Gates have appeared in the States and in France as well. We can’t be sure of how many such Gates have appeared around the world since no confirmation has been made yet. For now, everyone’s doing their best to figure out whether this change is only a one-time event, or if Gates themselves are going to behave permanently in this manner moving on.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Jeong Hae-Min tilted her head this way and that before asking Yi Ji-Hyuk.

     “Is this a serious problem?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “Why are you asking me about that? You worked as a teleporter for five years already, so how come you can’t figure that out by just listening to him?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Well, I was always busy with the broadcast schedule, so….” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “What would an extra like you possibly be busy with?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I’m gonna hit you!!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     “You wanna die?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Eeeekkk!!!”

     Yi Ji-Hyuk easily grasped the head of rushing Jeong Hae-Min and shoved her away.

     “Why don’t you explain more clearly? A Gate is getting bigger?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Yes. At first, it was around the size of a person, but now, it has ballooned up to Level 6. Worse still, it’s apparently still getting larger as we speak.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk turned around and stared at Affeldrichae.

     “……….”

     However, she was too engrossed in the computer game and she didn’t even seem to have heard the conversation taking place.

     “Start your briefing, lizard woman!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

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     “Can’t I do it later? I’m in the middle of a really important melee.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Which is more important, your melee or the power cable?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “….The power cable.” (Affeldrichae)

     Affeldrichae lightly tsked and began her explanation.

     “Gates are spells that connect one space coordinate to another. You decide the size to match your needs when casting the spell. But, in most cases, you wouldn’t change the Gate’s size after you finish casting the spell. So, the current situation could only come from someone using some sort of an artifact or a Mana crystal to supplement the lacking Mana to slowly increase the size of the Gate to the one you wanted in the first place.” (Affeldrichae)

     Choi Jung-Hoon was tilting his head constantly.

     Mana Crystals?

     Artifacts?

     What was she even talking about?

     Meanwhile, Yi Ji-Hyuk spat out a lengthy groan.

     “In other words, someone’s behind these Gates, huh. An existence that can bring the necessary artifacts and Mana crystals into this world.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Most likely. Probably.” (Affeldrichae)

     “Yeah, it’s the demon world, isn’t it.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk began frowning.

     The demon world.

     The place that was instantly familiar and intimate to him. A place he’d not mind visiting, too. But, at the same time, a place that was just as horrendous in many ways.

     Besides their powers, the rulers of that place emitted such a nonsensical amount of evil intent that even Yi Ji-Hyuk’s teeth would clatter.

     “Gates connected to the demon world, is it….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     Hah…..

     What a bother. Seriously, man.

     “Does that mean Tokyo will be destroyed?! But, it can’t!! I’ve got lots of fans there!!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     ‘….If I ask Affeldrichae, would she be able to open up this dumb girl’s head without killing her?’ (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “And also, there’s this ramen shop I like so much, too!!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Suddenly, Yi Ji-Hyuk’s eyes took on the dangerous glint.

     “Is, is it tasty?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Yeah.”

     “In that case!! We’re having lunch there today!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “…..Eh?”

     People began looking at Yi Ji-Hyuk with dumbfounded expressions.

     “But, a Gate is opening up there, you know?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “If it opens up, we can just run away!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “Well, that’s true, isn’t it.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

     “If the shop disappears, then we will never get the chance to eat there again, so why don’t we pay a visit before that happens?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     “I agree.” (Seo Ah-Young)

     Seo Ah-Young nodded her head quickly. Indeed, those words made total logical sense.

     While ignoring Seo Ah-Young creepily whispering to herself as she searched for the Japanese ramen menus online, Yi Ji-Hyuk settled down deeply in his chair.

     ‘The demon world, is it….’ (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     If they did their homework, then they should’ve realised that he was here. Yet, they were still going ahead with their schemes?

     ‘I guess my reputation has softened a lot, huh.’ (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

     He couldn’t tell which fool was thinking of crossing over, but….

     If they had problems remembering, then he’d rebrand new memories in their brains.

     ….The memories of the 99th demon king, that was.

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     The Returner

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     Chapter 112: I would never grease my palms only, you know 2

      Chapter 112: I would never grease my palms only, you know (2)

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     Tokyo.

     Woooung…

     The empty air twisted around a little, and the figures of several people slowly emerged from the ripples.

     It was Yi Ji-Hyuk and the NDF folks arriving in the city of Tokyo.

     “…Too d*mn many!!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Jeong Hae-Min suddenly shouted out.

     “Don’t you know how hard it is to do one teleportation? I’m feeling really tired from ferrying around way too many people nowadays, you know!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

     Yi Ji-Hyuk took a sweeping look around him.