The Returner
chapter-323

Chapter 323

Let’s do that . Shall we have a good meal, then?” (Park Yong-Hui)

Park Yong-Hui decided to halfway give up just then . All because he figured out that this matter wouldn’t change no matter how deeply he agonised or worried about it .

‘And, he’s scary, too . ’ (Park Yong-Hui)

Park Yong-Hui was genuinely scared of Yi Ji-Hyuk .

It wasn’t because the latter was a powerful being, or that he could easily erase the former off the face of this Earth without even breaking a sweat . He had already seen plenty enough folks with power to do that already .

Living in the People’s Democratic Republic was like that, anyway .

However, Yi Ji-Hyuk was fundamentally different from them somehow .

‘Is he even human?’ (Park Yong-Hui)

It wasn’t like his humanity had been lost or he was a psychopath – not some lukewarm sensation of him being a human that didn’t feel like one, no, but more like his foundation was made out of something else definitely not human .

It’d be similar to how a non-human creature was desperately pretending to be a human .

“… . Comrade Chief of Staff . ” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

The army’s top commander, Kim Ryong-Seong made his way over to Park Yong-Hui and engaged him in a conversation .

“What is it?” (Park Yong-Hui)

“What has happened here? Is this the end?” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

“… . Why are you asking me that now? Isn’t that a problem a commander needs to sort out for himself?” (Park Yong-Hui)

“I can’t seem to figure out just what’s going on here anymore . There was all this rumble, rumble, boom, bang, crash, then those monsters, they all just vanished, didn’t they?” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

“Stop asking me and ask the South Joseon comrades . What do I know, anyway??” (Park Yong-Hui)

Park Yong-Hui ended the chat right there with a burst of irritation .

He felt powerless, and also a bit cantankerous, too . Did he really need to say it out loud when one’s eyes saw everything that happened here and still failed to comprehend it?

Kim Ryong-Seong felt at a loss and stared at Choi Jeong-Hoon .

“Eh… . ” (Jeong In-Su)

Colonel Jeong In-Su confirmed the situation with Yi Ji-Hyuk first .

“Is the situation all sorted out now?” (Jeong In-Su)

“Hul?! You were here too??” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“… . Yes, I was . ” (Jeong In-Su)

“But, where were you? I couldn’t even see your hair nor hide anywhere!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“I wouldn’t be of any help even if I hung around here, anyway . So I was on standby in the bus . ” (Jeong In-Su)

“That… was a wise choice, I guess?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Of course . ” (Jeong In-Su)

Jeong In-Su smiled awkwardly, and after seeing that, Yi Ji-Hyuk smiled as well .

“Yeah, it was the right call . Anyways, the situation’s been sorted out . If there’s something else I need to do, just holler at me . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“What the… . . ” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Choi Jeong-Hoon grew angry after seeing how friendly Yi Ji-Hyuk was acting towards Jeong In-Su .

“Why can’t you be nice to me, too?!” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“You gotta reflect on how you behave normally before that can happen . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“What did I ever do, though??” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“You think I should compare a man worrying about how to make my life easier to another dude scheming lots of ways to work me to death?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Choi Jeong-Hoon’s mouth was clamped shut right away .

“Even dogs know which human likes them more! And I’m a human, too!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Are you really, though?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Are you picking a fight??” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Well, sometimes I do wonder, you see . ” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

When Yi Ji-Hyuk and Choi Jeong-Hoon began bickering, Jeong In-Su shook his head helplessly and walked over to Kim Ryong-Seong .

“Commander-nim . ” (Jeong In-Su)

“Oh, Comrade Jeong In-Su . ” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

“I’ve confirmed it with Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk, and he says the situation has been normalised . ” (Jeong In-Su)

“In that case, where did all those monsters go?” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

“Unfortunately, even I do not know the details regarding that . It is our unwritten rule not to pry too closely on what the powers of individual ability users are like . ” (Jeong In-Su)

“Is that so?” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

Kim Ryong-Seong nodded his head .

In that case, there was nothing more he could ask now . But, still… .

“But, it’s really over like this? Don’t misunderstand my intentions here, because if something else happens after this, my head won’t be in the same place anymore so I have to clarify it with you . ” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

“We won’t return right away, so if something does happen, we shall mobilise immediately . ” (Jeong In-Su)

“If you’re willing to do that, well, that’ll take some weight off my shoulders . ” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

Kim Ryong-Seong smiled good-naturedly and shook hands with Jeong In-Su .

“I hear that you’ll soon reach the position of top representative in South Joseon military, Colonel Jeong . Is that true?” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

“When considering my age or my rank, such a position doesn’t suit me at all . It’s all just baseless rumours . ” (Jeong In-Su)

“That can’t be, though . As long as you have the ability, anyone can do that role, don’t you agree? Our Comrade Supreme Leader didn’t reach his position because of his age, you see?” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

“Now that I hear you, I guess you have a point . ” (Jeong In-Su)

If Jeong In-Su continued to deny it, then it’d be akin to insulting North Korea, so he changed his tact and agreed with Kim Ryong-Seong .

“Indeed . In that case, we might see each other pretty often from now on . Take a good care of me, then . Help us out whenever you can . ” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

“As long as I’m needed, I shall run over here right away . ” (Jeong In-Su)

Jeong In-Su spoke some polite-sounding perfunctory words and tried to end their conversation there .

However, from the perspective of Kim Ryong-Seong, it was unknown when Yi Ji-Hyuk’s powers would be needed again so it was incredibly important to make a solid connection with the core representative of the South’s military right now . Which meant that he was rather unwilling to end the chat in this manner .

“I’m sure you’re all worn out by now, so why don’t we discuss the rest later while having a good meal?” (Park Yong-Hui)

Park Yong-Hui quickly dissuaded Kim Ryong-Seong, prompting the latter to nod his head .

“Ah, I didn’t think that far ahead . I shall get it ready right away . ” (Kim Ryong-Seong)

“Please do so . ” (Park Yong-Hui)

Jeong In-Su looked around, his eyes catching sight of the ground bathed in torn flesh and blood .

Even though such a devastated spectacle had occurred, quite miraculously the civilian or military casualty was almost at zero; excluding those who died from misfiring or friendly fire of rockets and cannons, it wasn’t an exaggeration to say none had died here today .

‘What a scary prospect that is . ’ (Jeong In-Su)

In the end, neither the NDF nor the People’s Ability User Brigade did a thing here . Yi Ji-Hyuk had basically resolved this situation by himself .

‘Our reliance on Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk is increasing day by day… . ’ (Jeong In-Su)

Things weren’t like this back when Yi Ji-Hyuk first made his appearance . Jeong In-Su felt somewhat conflicted because of that .

The emergence of a powerful ability user was something to feel happy about, sure, but the emergence of a powerful individual was nothing to celebrate in the context of modern society .

“Aren’t we going somewhere to eat now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Of course we will . ” (Jeong In-Su)

Jeong In-Su grinned brightly .

‘Still, what a relief that he’s so human . ’ (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

The good Colonel genuinely thought like that .

*

Vrrooom… .

The bus was currently on its way back to Pyongyang .

A much calmer atmosphere compared to when they were heading to the battlefield or crossing over to North Korea permeated within the vehicle’s cabin .

However, there was this one thing that hadn’t changed at all .

Snore……

Yi Ji-Hyuk was snoring away without a care in the world .

“How could he be so adorable when snoring like this?” (Erukana)

“Are you serious?! That’s adorable to you??” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Oh, and you don’t find him adorable?” (Erukana)

Jeong Hae-Min seemed to ponder that quandary for a bit, before eventually nodding her head .

“I, I agree…” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Erukana grinned as if she already knew it, and then began poking Yi Ji-Hyuk’s cheek .

“Ah-wung!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

He waved his hand about, as if to chase away an annoying fly, causing Erukana to burst into a joyous peel of laughter .

“Stop tormenting him, will you??” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“But, how can I stop myself after looking at his sleeping face?” (Erukana)

“Do you torment him everyday like this?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Nope . ” (Erukana)

Erukana shrugged her shoulders .

“There is this roughneck lizard who claims possession of my darling when he sleeps so I can’t really touch him during then . ” (Erukana)

“What… . . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Such a thing would sour her moods in the past, but why did she feel relieved to hear that in this situation?

“I guess Affeldriache-nim is doing an important work, then . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“I guess so?” (Erukana)

Erukana puffed up her cheeks .

Seeing how that appearance looked sexy even to a fellow female, Jeong Hae-Min began thinking that there had been a good reason indeed why all the men lost their minds around Erukana’s presence .

‘I mean, I’m a girl and even I find her beautiful, so… . ’ (Jeong Hae-Min)

Surely, Yi Ji-Hyuk should find Erukana beautiful as well .

As a former idol, Jeong Hae-Min had believed that her looks didn’t lose out to anyone, yet sitting next to Erukana placed a good deal of burden on her . If someone took a photo of this moment, it’d be probably get labelled ‘The Beauty and the Squid’ .

“By the way… . he just sleeps a lot, doesn’t he?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“He’s tired, obviously . ” (Erukana)

“… . But, was that such a tiring thing earlier?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Erukana tutted in disappointment .

“This is why humans are so… . ” (Erukana)

“What is it now??” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Listen well, you ugly human . ” (Erukana)

“Omit the ugly part first, please . Among humans, I’m considered somewhat pretty, I’ll have you know . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Whatever . Listen well, you considered-somewhat-pretty-among-humans ugly human . ” (Erukana)

“……… . Why don’t you just say I’m ugly and be done with it… . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“You are already aware of how much of a burden using dark Mana places on a human body, right?” (Erukana)

“Of course . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Jeong Hae-Min had witnessed plenty enough times the other ability users from the NDF half-dying every time dark Mana was injected into their bodies . So, she of course knew that much .

“The case with my darling is especially severe . Well, the amount of dark Mana he uses, and how deeply it has tainted his body, are on another scale, after all . Meaning, he must deal with the type of pain dozens of times harsher than what others experience . If any one of you experienced that much pain, you will probably die from pure shock alone . ” (Erukana)

“It was that bad?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“You didn’t know?” (Erukana)

“B-but, he’s always cackling when using his powers, so… . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Well, that’s because… . ” (Erukana)

Erukana reached out and stroked Yi Ji-Hyuk’s cheek .

“As you know, my darling isn’t just any regular human, that’s why . ” (Erukana)

“H-mm… . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“If you were to compare him to a regular human, then you could argue that his physical or magical side aren’t all that different from other people . The real difference is to do with the mental power . My charming technique doesn’t even work on my darling, you see . ” (Erukana)

“I can’t tell what’s so amazing about that . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Talking to a blob of amoeba might be less frustrating than this, really . ” (Erukana)

“What was that?!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Jeong Hae-Min shuddered from anger, but she knew that nothing good would come out from getting into an argument with Erukana while Yi Ji-Hyuk was asleep – he wouldn’t be able to come to her rescue if something were to happen .

“But, you’re adorable than a blob of amoeba, so I’ll give you that . ” (Erukana)

“Can’t tell whether you’re praising or insulting me… . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Jeong Hae-Min spat out a groan .

“In any case, you’re saying Ji-Hyuk is really tired right now, right?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Obviously . ” (Erukana)

“Mmm… . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“You humans have not been any help whatsoever . My darling took care of everything all by himself . ” (Erukana)

“By the same logic, Miss Erukana, you haven’t done anything much to help, either . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“But, that can’t be helped . You see, for the sake of meeting up with my darling, I had to leave behind my Mana back in the demon world . Mana, which is like life itself to me . ” (Erukana)

“…… . ”

“Everything is meaningless in front of love, you know? My darling knows that, and that’s why he dotes on me so much . ” (Erukana)

Jeong Hae-Min’s face reddened up instantly .

“A-aren’t you embarrassed?? Saying something like that with your own mouth and all??” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Why should I be? You humans are so strange, really . Why should anyone be embarrassed about speaking out their emotions?” (Erukana)

“N-never mind . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Jeong Hae-Min thought that it was impossible to get through to Erukana .

‘And I’m supposed spent who knows how long next to this kind of person?’ (Jeong Hae-Min)

Just thinking about it caused her head to ache profusely .

“It must be tough . ” (Erukana)

Erukana gently stroked Yi Ji-Hyuk’s cheek .

“He was born as a human and ended up experiencing so much . That’s why, even though I feel my darling is cool, I sometimes pity him, too . ” (Erukana)

“That’s not very demon-like . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Even a dragon thinks that, so it’s fine . ” (Erukana)

Affeldrichae received Erukana’s gaze and nodded her head silently .

“What’s puzzling to me is that… . this man, he was really hated by the rest of humans over there, yet in this world, he seems to be rather popular . Is it because of his looks?” (Erukana)

“But, he’s not that good-looking, though?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“That’s better than nothing . He was treated like a beast on the other side . ” (Erukana)

“But, how come?” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“There aren’t any Asians in Berafe . ” (Erukana)

“Ah… . . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Remembering how Caucasians were treated like a bunch of dokkaebis when they showed up in Joseon dynasty, she could more or less imagine the suffering Yi Ji-Hyuk must’ve gone through .

“Even after experiencing so many things like that, my darling amazingly still hasn’t given up on humanity . Well, he is a man who doesn’t know when to give up, so there’s that . ” (Erukana)

“H-mm… . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Jeong Hae-Min quietly stared at Yi Ji-Hyuk before shifting her gaze away to the outside of the window .

‘Now that I think about it, what would’ve happened to the world if he didn’t show up?’ (Jeong Hae-Min)

Since he was right next to her, she might not have been able to see it until now, but perhaps the truth was, he had been busy saving this world .

Snooooore… . .

Even if his snoring face didn’t seem that way .

< 323 . To be called a madman, I should at least do this much -3 > Fin .