The Returner

Chapter 113: I would never grease my palms only, you know (3)

Pow! Slam! Bam!

Before anyone could react, the bodies of the Japanese ‘agents’ were being flung away like bullets fired from a gun.

‘Dead. They are all dead.’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

If they were simply flung away, then they might have a high chance of surviving this ordeal, but judging from the fountain of blood rising up from their mouths, they should die from excessive blood loss, anyways.

‘However, this guy, something’s not right here....’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Sure, Yi Ji-Hyuk was violent, he lacked common sense, was way too rude, didn’t like to think, and no one had any answers to....

Yi Ji-Hyuk spun his head around and glared at Choi Jung-Hoon, all of a sudden.

‘Ouch, how the hell?!’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Choi Jung-Hoon flinched and hurriedly avoided meeting that gaze.

“You there, I thought I heard some strange words coming from you....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

What a scary ability to read minds, that.

Did he install some kind of device to detect other people thinking bad things about him or something?

“Hmm. Was I mistaken just now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk tilted his head slightly as he walked forward.

In any case, it was obvious that Yi J-Hyuk lacked quite a few things, but if one took a long, hard look at his past behaviour, one wouldn’t have seen him initiate hostilities first.

Indeed, he was exactly like the boss mob that appeared on a map, but he was definitely what you’d call a ‘safe’ mob that wouldn’t attack you as long as you didn’t disturb it first.

So, it was strange to see him get proactive over matters that would be considered minor at worst.

“Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“What now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Please, calm down! What’s gotten into you?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“What do you mean, what?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“I mean, they haven’t done anything wrong yet, so why are you going overboard like this?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Yi Ji-Hyuk spat out a “Hah!” and cocked his head in an arrogant fashion before speaking his mind.

“Because, I don’t like these b*stards.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“......................”

Wowsers. Just how am I supposed to reply to that?

It was one of the most absurd, and at the same time, one of the most straight-forward answers out there. Choi Jung-Hoon didn’t know where to even begin his retort.

“W, why... Why don’t you like these people, then?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Yi Ji-Hyuk’s eyes began gleaming dangerously.

“Does a Korean need a reason to not like the Japanese in the first place?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

....No, there isn’t a reason.

Sure, you don’t need one. (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

Choi Jung-Hoon quickly chided himself for almost nodding his head just now. What would happen if he fell for that nonsense logic of Yi Ji-Hyuk?!

However, why did that logic make sense to him?!

“No! No, wait a minute!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“And why should I?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“In any case!! You mustn’t! This will end up being a huge diplomatic incident!!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“So what?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Pardon?!”

Yi Ji-Hyuk dug his ear canal with his pinkie while talking in a nonchalant voice.

“It’s not my problem, right?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“.................”

Indeed, that is also true. After all, someone else will clean up after your mess.

But, still. Aren’t you being way too irresponsible... Ahh, he has been like this since the beginning, hasn’t he? (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Choi Jung-Hoon recalled just what kind of a person Yi Ji-Hyuk was, and spat out a lengthy groan. Now, he really had no answer.

“....Do what you want.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Roger that~.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

By this time, the Japanese riot police had finished figuring out what was going on here, and was busy rushing towards Yi Ji-Hyuk en masse.

“Oh?”

Seeing this spectacle, Yi Ji-Hyuk simply shrugged his shoulders.

“Originally, I try not to go against the officers of the law, but....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

But, now is an exception to that rule!

Why, you ask?

You honestly think that the rule of law will still exist after that huge Gate over there opens up?

I’m actually a bit suspicious, you know?

You don’t have any answers when a monster on the same level as Oh-Sik emerges from a Gate. But, you see, the weakest monster coming out from that one will be around Oh-Sik’s level. So, how will you even survive today’s events? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“So, there’s no reason for me to hold back, you see.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Slam!

When he kicked the body bunker in front of him, a loud impact noise resounded out as several people flew away.

“Ahaaaaaachk!!”

And their screams sounded oh-so pure, too.

Yi Ji-Hyuk grinned refreshingly while loosening his neck.

“Ahh. I forgot that you are all just regular people.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

I should be thinking about treating them differently from ability users, right?

But, what should I do? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“....Because, I’m all for equal rights, you know!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

He’d not discriminate your gender nor age!

The black tentacles rapidly shooting out from Yi Ji-Hyuk’s hand easily pierced past the body bunkers.

“Euh....”

The riot police members witnessed the black tentacles penetrate through their body bunkers and stop right in front of their faces while wiggling like snake tongues. Droplets of cold sweat streamed down their faces.

If those tentacles stabbed just a little bit further, they would’ve gained new breathing holes in their heads.

“Hmm....”

The tentacles were pulled back and with them, dozens of body bunkers were deposited in front of Yi Ji-Hyuk.

“How much will I get if sell these to a scrapyard?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Choi Jung-Hoon replied with a defeated tone of voice.

“Why would you sell them to a scrapyard? Why don’t you sell them to the police or to Defcom? You might make more money that way.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“That’s not a bad idea, but....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk shook his head.

“You know me. I’ve got my morals, so I’d never steal things from others.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

....Just how far apart is the distance between the definition of ‘morals’ that you know and I know? (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

“....So, I should return these back, no?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Pow!!

Yi Ji-Hyuk kicked the body bunkers neatly piled up in front of him and they shot forward like arrows flying out from the bows.

Screams and loud cries resounded out next.

The members of the riot police collapsed and began rolling on the ground after getting struck by the flying body bunkers.

“That’s why, you shouldn’t have attacked me in the first place.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

....No matter who sees it, it’s you who started this thing, but since you’re on our side, let me not say anything.

However, are you really on “our” side?

Wait. If I get technical here, then it’s them who tried to strong-arm us first. But, aren’t we way past the level of self defense at this point? (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

It was then, the remaining riot police parted in the middle, and people kitted out in all sorts of clothing rushed out.

“Ho-oh?”

Yi Ji-Hyuk grinned.

“So, the real things finally appeared, eh.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Ha-ah...........”

Choi Jung-Hoon slowly lowered his face into his quivering hands.

‘Now I really don’t know what to do anymore.’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

The Japanese ability users, who were getting ready to deal with the Gate, heard the disturbance unfolding this side and came to do something about this situation. Choi Jung-Hoon would not be able to reverse any damage caused the moment Yi Ji-Hyuk clashed with them.

“Stop!!” (Ito Sana)

Was that Korean?

Choi Jung-Hoon raised his head back up. And he spotted Ito Sana running out from the crowd of Japanese ability users with a deathly-pale face.

She ran all the way in front of Yi Ji-Hyuk and while panting non-stop, she bowed her waist.

“I’m sorry!” (Ito Sana)

“Mm?”

“There must’ve been some kind of a misunderstanding! You’ve come to help us, after all!” (Ito Sana)

“Mmmm?”

“I’d like to thank you for coming all the way out here. The nation of Japan will not forget all the help that you’ll provide today.” (Ito Sana)

“Mmmmmmm?!”

Yi Ji-Hyuk tilted his head in slight confusion.

“No, hang on a minute. I just fought them cuz they were getting on my nerves....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“In that case, I shall punish those who irritated you. Who were they?” (Ito Sana)

Would you look at this woman now?

“....But, it was me who started this whole thing?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“But, there’s just no way that’s true! There’s no way someone who came all the way out here to help us would start trouble, you see!” (Ito Sana)

“Mmm?!”

Yi Ji-Hyuk stared at Choi Jung-Hoon with an unreadable expression on his face.

‘Is this woman a moron, or is she really, really smart?’ (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Choi Jung-Hoon slowly shook his head.

‘Who knows.’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Okay, maybe he should push a little bit more?

“I hit them cuz I wasn’t feeling so nice, you know?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“It’s the fault of those that made you feel not nice. Who were they?!” (Ito Sana)

“....Why are you behaving like this?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk has come to lend! An! Aid! To us, so who would dare to?!” (Ito Sana)

“Hah?”

Yi Ji-Hyuk chuckled wryly.

Would you look at how this little girl was reacting now?

What an adorable little kid she was.

“I still won’t help you, though.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“I beg of you!” (Ito Sana)

“I’ve rampaged around this much, can’t you see? Don’t you have any pride?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Ito Sana bit her lower lip.

Of course she had her pride. Lots of it, as a matter of fact. But, she also knew that there were times where she had to put aside her pride, that was all.

“If it means I get to save one more citizen, then I will discard my pride without hesitation.” (Ito Sana)

“...Wow. This here.... Cuz you sound so serious, I’m kinda scared by you, you know?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk retorted and turned around.

“Let’s go. I don’t want to stay here anymore.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“But, what about our ramen?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Yi Ji-Hyuk grabbed Jeong Hae-Min’s head and shook her around like a rattle.

“Hey, you. How could you still be thinking of eating ramen in this kind of a situation?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Stop it! What can I do, when I’m feeling really hungry?!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“And why would you even feel hunger?! You’re too tiny for that!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“I’m older than youuuu!!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Ha-ah, if only you weren’t a dang teleporter, I’d have abandoned you somewhere already....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Affeldrichae tilted her head in confusion and raised her voice.

“Can’t you just open up a Gate and leave her there?” (Affeldrichae)

“....Hey, you. If you say that with a straight face, what am I supposed to retort to you with?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“I don’t understand.” (Affeldrichae)

“....You’ll never understand.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Just as the complaining Yi Ji-Hyuk showed signs of leaving, Ito Sana grew very anxious and hurriedly jumped in front of him.

“Are you really not going to help us?” (Ito Sana)

“Why should I?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“But, we’ve already handed over what should be more than enough compensation.” (Ito Sana)

“Yeah, you did. See, the thing is, I haven’t received a dime, though.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Ito Sana shifted her confused glance over at Choi Jung-Hoon, but he quickly averted his gaze away.

‘Sorry.’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

....He did his best already.

“What do you want from us?” (Ito Sana)

“I don’t have any particular wants or needs, so....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Well, all I need is my computer, but that d*mn lizard woman stole it from me.

Wait, should I ask for a new computer, then? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“Please, we beg of you! Help us!” (Ito Sana)

“Excuse me. I beg of you, so stop behaving like this. Please, I beg of you.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“N, no! You can’t!” (Ito Sana)

“You see now? I beg of you but you’re not willing to listen, yet you expect me to listen to you begging me? Do I look like a push-over to you?! Ah?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk grumpily shouted out, and walked towards Jeong Hae-Min.

“Let’s go home.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“But, my ramen....” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Imma hit you!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Ehehe.”

Yi Ji-Hyuk pointed at the distant Gate.

“Look at that thing! There’s no ramen, okay!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“.....Uhm, the Gate is opening up.” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Ito Sana flinched grandly and turned her head to look.

“Heok!!”

Indeed, the massive Gate was opening up.

With a face full of curiosity, Yi Ji-Hyuk stared in the direction of the Gate. Just what kind of a monster would emerge from something that big?

*SFX for massive vibrations*

The Gate rippled like the surface of a lake, before it opened and a fairly huge shadow slowly emerged from it.

“Hoh?”

That, haven’t I seen that thing lots of time before? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

Those giant, bat-like wings!

The body of a reptile!

Sharp talons and sharp fangs!

The overall shape that looks like a flying lizard!

“....Dragons?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“They are Drakes!!” (Affeldrichae)

Affeldrichae shouted out loudly as if her pride had been wounded just now.

“Same difference, innit?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“No, it’s not! How would you feel if I said that humans and monkeys are the same?” (Affeldrichae)

....Well, that does make me feel a bit unhappy, true.

I don’t like this subtle difference thing at all.

Anyways. One, two.... (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

From the Gate, many Drakes began flying out.

In his eyes, other than their ability to fly, Drakes weren’t much, so killing them shouldn’t be too big of a problem.

However....

There was no way that those things would be the only monsters coming out from such a huge Gate, now was there?

And sure enough....

The Gate began trembling like crazy.

“What’s the matter with that thing?!” (Seo Ah-Young)

Seo Ah-Young cried out in alarm. She had been fighting against the Gates for the past five years, but this was her first time seeing one behave like that.

*SFX for a really loud roar*

From the inside of the Gate, a loud and turbid roar exploded out. Many people who heard that covered their ears and began collapsing to the ground.

“Was that ‘Fear’?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

‘Fear’ – a form of sonic attack, created from the purest form of an intangible aura called ‘battle spirit’, something that only those who had reached the apex of power could emit.

Even Oh-Sik could barely imitate it.

However, what Yi Ji-Hyuk heard just now was true, bona-fide ‘Fear.’

“Eii~, there’s no way.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk shook his head slowly.

Even though there was a precedence, it still wouldn’t make much sense. After all, Affeldrichae had to give up on her real appearance in order to cross over, didn’t she?

Yi Ji-Hyuk’s thoughts proved to be only half-right.

The monster that revealed itself was definitely not a dragon.

However, it was also a Dragon at the same time.

....Well, it was a dead one.

A dragon with half of its bones showing in between the rotting flesh slowly walked out from the Gate with heavy, thunderous footsteps.

*SFX for rough, sharp scratching noises*

The undead Dragon’s huge body grazed against the edges of the Gate and issued screeching noises.

“Uhm, well, I’m really sorry, but....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk muttered out.

“Something like that coming out now is the same thing as destroying the game’s balance, you see.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Even if it was an undead, a Dragon was still a Dragon.

Just its body alone, it would be able to destroy a kingdom as if it was taking candy from a baby... No, lots of babies in one go.

Yi Ji-Hyuk’s entire body shuddered, before he promptly turned around.

“Time to bounce, pronto.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Pardon?” (Ito Sana)

“I ain’t gonna get involved here.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

You want me to fight that thing?

Nope, don’t wanna. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

As soon as Yi Ji-Hyuk turned around to leave, Ito Sana visibly paled and clung onto him desperately.

She knew it from taking one look. No one could stop that thing.

In other words, Yi Ji-Hyuk was her only hope.

“P, please!! Do something!” (Ito Sana)

“Dear customer, my apologies but that thing’s beyond my abilities. Please call again next time.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“What next time?! We’re all about to be die!” (Ito Sana)

“That’s not my business, you know!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Flap!!

As they wasted time arguing back and forth, the undead Dragon spread open its massive wings and slowly rose up to the sky, accompanied by the ‘flock’ of Drakes.

“Wow, it even remembers how to fly.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

And it was a mere zombie, too!

With things devolving to this point, there was no more reason to surround the Gate now, was there?

ROAR!!

The undead dragon rose up along with the powerful gust of wind and then, while flapping its huge wings, began flying in a certain direction.

“Well, it’s flying so nicely, isn’t it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Still flying in a direction, without altering its course....

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

“Yeah?”

Choi Jung-Hoon awkwardly scratched his head as he spoke.

“My apologies for saying this right now, but....” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“I told you, I’m not helping them.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“No, that’s not what I’m trying to say here....” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Choi Jung-Hoon showed his smartphone to Yi Ji-Hyuk. And then, he drew a straight line on the map appearing within the phone’s screen.

“Those things, most likely....” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Mmmm?!”

Sooo, if they continue flying in that direction, then....

Mm, right. If they go there, then.... Mm.... (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“Stop going to my house as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world!!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Screeeeeew this sh*t!!

Seoul’s over in that direction!!

Why is it Seoul again?!

You d*mn b*stards, did you lather Seoul in gold and honey or something?! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s angry inner monologue)

Yi Ji-Hyuk spun around to look at the distancing zombie-fied Dragon and roared out at the top of his lungs.

“Hey, you dumb sh*t!! Stop right there!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Huh?

Didn’t I say something similar not too long ago?

Am I mistaken?

< 113. I would never grease my palms only, you know -3 > Fin.