The Returner

“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?!

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 a.n.a.lysis yet . ” (Affeldrichae)

“The thing is, don’t you think that by the time you’re done with your a.n.a.lysis 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 h.e.l.l 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)

“Hah……”

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 h.e.l.l 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’?

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Sorrow rushed in hard, causing Yi Ji-Hyuk to wipe the edges of his eyes dry .

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)

“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 dest.i.tute, 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)

“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 .

“Hah………”

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 h.e.l.l 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 .

“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 h.e.l.l 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 .