The Returner

Chapter 421: I shall go and speak to Yi Ji-Hyuk (1)

– “What kind of a freshly baked dogsh*t is this?” (defense minister)

“It’s as I said, Minister. We need to confirm the potential impact Korea will suffer if a large cache of nuclear bombs go off in Sichuan.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

– “Which insane idiots would try to detonate nuclear bombs in China?! Unless they want to commit mutual suicide, that is.” (defense minister)

“The Chinese government, sir.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

– “Son of a b*tch.” (defense minister)

No other explanation was necessary. But then again, someone with a brain that needed explanations on every little thing wouldn’t have managed to climb up to the position of the Minister of Defense in the first place.

– “Okay, hold on. Hold on for a d*mn minute. So what you’re saying is... They are going to shower the demon king army with nuclear missiles?” (defense minister)

“Very likely, sir.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

– “How logical of them.” (defense minister)

Choi Jeong-Hoon half-expected a barrage of profanities to fly out from the phone’s speaker, but the response turned out to be rather moderate in nature. The Defense Minister remained quiet for a long while before finally saying something.

– “We were aware of them planning a military strategy of some kind, but never imagined that they would choose to go down that route... No, we should’ve thought about this possibility from the get-go so why didn’t we do that? D*mmit.” (defense minister)

“Please calm down, sir.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

– “For the time being, I shall make the necessary report and get the relevant info at the same time. As for the data you wanted, I’ll make sure that it gets to your hands ASAP. But I think we don’t need to worry too much about the fallout part. If and when we do encounter a big problem, Beijing would have turned into the land of death by then.” (defense minister)

“...Yes sir.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Choi Jeong-Hoon sighed softly.

The Defense Minister was right. The impact of a nuclear arsenal normally spread out in a circular pattern, whether that was the deadly radiation or whatever.

When looking at the straight-line distance, the nuclear explosions going off in Sichuan would turn the rest of China into the land of death well before affecting the Korean peninsula. Even if China was known for going overboard often, they wouldn’t dare to commit mutual suicide here, so there didn’t seem to be a reason to worry too much about this.

– “I shall get in touch later.” (defense minister)

“Yes, sir.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

The call came to an end, and Yi Ji-Hyuk asked with a pouting expression.

“What did he say?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“The Chinese side will suffer an even greater damage than us, so he thinks they won’t go too much overboard this time.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Well, yeah. That’s obvious.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“...But, uh, will they really resort to raining down nuclear bombs?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“There’s no reason not to, right? The demons can’t be stopped anyway, so might as well try every method available at your disposal. I see it as a logical step.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“But will it even work?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Hmm...” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk scratched his cheek.

“You know, people have this tendency of mixing up the concept of being strong.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Eh?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“For sure, a demon king is stronger than a nuclear missile. However, that doesn’t mean it can withstand the impact of being hit by one.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“I don’t quite follow?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Let’s say there are two people with guns. If they start shooting at each other, the one who can shoot better will win. However, that doesn’t mean the victor won’t die after getting hit by a bullet.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Aha...” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“A demon king possesses an overwhelming level of offensive and defensive powers. But their physical bodies aren’t quite sturdy enough to withstand the nuclear bomb’s explosion. The crux of the matter, though, is whether or not you can break through their magical defence and hit their physical bodies in the first place...” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk frowned deeply.

“The more I think about it, chucking a bunch of nukes at one wouldn’t be enough to do the job. Sure, all the demonic beasts will get exterminated, but as for the demon king? I don’t think so.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Mm...” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Even then, well, I’m sure all these global powerhouse nations have already done their due diligence on researching the demon kings and the monsters. So who knows, they might have an unknown ace up their sleeves or something.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Sounds like you’re overestimating humanity a bit?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“...In that case, we’re all screwed, then.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk’s gaze shifted over to the west.

‘They are late.’ (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

The march of the demonic beings was slower than he expected. He figured they would take their sweet time since their concept of time flow was different, but even then, he didn’t expect them to be this tardy, either.

“I guess you’ll get busy yourself, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Once the atmosphere became a bit too heavy, Choi Jeong-Hoon tried to change the subject.

“Why would I get busy?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Aren’t you going to teach magic soon? To Alpha and his gang of miscreants.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“...You know, I was thinking about that and...” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Yes?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Since I’m going to teach anyway, how about you guys also participate, too?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“You mean, the NDF?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Right. I also taught you a bit about magic a while ago, Mister Choi Jeong-Hoon. Although the learning process was brief, there’s plenty of Mana now so don’t you think you can use it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Eh?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Choi Jeong-Hoon’s expression became dazed. Now that he thought about it, he did learn a little about magic in the past.

‘Right, he said that I can use magic after teaching me this and that. But he also said since there’s no Mana I can’t use magic on Earth, too. Wow, I almost literally bit his head off back then, didn’t I?’ (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Surely, Yi Ji-Hyuk did... not teach him those things in preparation for this moment, but whatever the case might have been, Choi Jeong-Hoon should be able to use some magic now, somehow.

“But, uh, I’ve forgotten about them.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Don’t worry. Getting beaten up for three days straight will refresh your memory.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“I shall try my absolute best to recall them all by myself.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Good to hear.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Choi Jeong-Hoon nodded his head, his expression barely hiding his misgivings.

He didn’t start this conversation for it to end here, though. This certainly went down the path he didn’t anticipate.

“Anyways. If we start learning magic along with Alpha and his gang, wouldn’t that cause some kind of trouble?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“Is this the right time to worry about that?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“No, not really.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“So, we’ll just have to do it, then.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Mm...” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Choi Jeong-Hoon nodded in agreement.

Yi Ji-Hyuk was right. Right now they needed to grasp at straws if that helped. At least this time, they needed to put aside their grudge or resentment or whatever and act together for the future of mankind.

‘The problem is, people on our side aren’t that generous to begin with...’ (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

It’d be even more strange for some kind of trouble to not develop.

He could unhesitatingly say that Seo Ah-Young would start chucking mansion-sized fireballs around in less than ten seconds after running into either Alpha, Jeong Min-Seong or even Park Seong-Chan.

The most important battle that could determine the fate of mankind wouldn’t be the one taking place between humans and demons, but between humans themselves. What an irony that was.

Rrrr...

It was then, Yi Ji-Hyuk’s phone began vibrating.

“Hmm.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

He sneaked a glance at the phone’s screen, then muted it before shoving it deep inside his pocket.

“In any case, please get ready. I mean, teaching only those guys will leave a sour taste in my mouth, after all. Oh, and call Christopher McLaren and tell him to pick a few promising Americans worthy of some education and send them over, too.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

But, that Christopher McLaren is trying to procure you as a lab rat, you know?!

I want to say that out aloud so badly but who knew that not being able to say anything would be this painful? (Choi Jeong-Hoon’s inner monologue)

“Got it.” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

For now, I should just say I understand... (Choi Jeong-Hoon’s inner monologue)

It was then, Kim Dah-Hyun hurriedly ran towards Yi Ji-Hyuk from a distance.

“Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk!” (Kim Dah-Hyun)

Seeing that man’s urgent expression, Choi Jeong-Hoon’s own face hardened in an instant.

‘What happened?’ (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

Kim Dah-Hyun had a pretty mellow personality overall so for him to act like that, things must’ve been rather serious.

“What’s wrong?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Dah-Som says you should answer your phone!” (Kim Dah-Hyun)

“.....................”

Right there and then, Choi Jeong-Hoon swore inwardly that he’d leave that siscon behind when the time for the magic training came around later.

Was the NDF filled with strange people to begin with, or did its agents all become like that due to Yi Ji-Hyuk’s influence?

What an unsolvable mystery that was.

“Eiii.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk, looking clearly irritated, pulled out the phone from his pocket, its touchscreen still lit up brightly. It seemed that she had been calling him constantly until now.

“What now?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk answered the call with an annoyed voice.

“What the...?! You want to go on a date?! Did you forget that I’m at work right now?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk abruptly dropped the call and continued from where he left off.

“In any case, that’s how it is, so please schedule it accordingly. Then give Alpha a call to let him know.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

When that happened, though, Kim Dah-Hyun making an unreadable expression sneaked closer to Choi Jeong-Hoon and whispered quietly.

“Uhm... Mister Choi Jeong-Hoon?” (Kim Dah-Hyun)

“Yes?” (Choi Jeong-Hoon)

“I’ll, uh, do Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk’s share of work, so is it possible for you to let him off early today?” (Kim Dah-Hyun)

“.................”

This guy, just how did he end up like this?

***

“Nukes?!” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Yun Yeong-Min’s eyes shook violently.

“Yes, sir. It seems that they are going to do it. I’ve called the Americans and they knew about it already.” (defense minister)

“Deploying nukes on their own territory? How can they even think about using nukes without warning their neighbours?!” (Yun Yeong-Min)

“It seems that they already have, sir. Russia also knew about it as well.” (defense minister)

After hearing that, Song Jeong-Su tutted loudly.

“So, they think we’re not good enough to share information with.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“Mm...” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Yun Yeong-Min let out a pained groan.

With this, he felt once more just how low Korea’s international acclaim had fallen after Yi Ji-Hyuk lost his powers. Or to put it in another way, Korea’s international standing hadn’t fallen but simply returned to its original position.

Indeed, Korea was rapidly reverting back to the past when it had to play tug-of-war diplomacy while stuck in between China and America.

“...It seems that the good times are over for us, then.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Yun Yeong-Min also came to realise once more how wonderfully cosseting his term in the office had been all thanks to Yi Ji-Hyuk. Taking one look at China’s, and Christopher McLaren’s, attitude doing a sudden 180 was enough of a proof of that.

To paraphrase what they were saying all along, Korea had simply reverted back to being Asia’s minor nation.

“Even then, how can they not inform us of their intentions to use nukes? Just how much are they planning to ignore us?!” (Song Jeong-Su)

Song Jeong-Su gritted his teeth.

The Korean side basically got sucker-punched diplomatically, but too bad, they had no way of retaliating at the moment.

‘The demon kings showing up turned out to be a blessing in disguise...’ (Yun Yeong-Min)

Korea was being treated so poorly already, so it didn’t take a genius to figure out what would’ve happened if Yi Ji-Hyuk lost his powers without any demon kings rampaging around.

What if Japan, currently keeping quiet, decided to suddenly throw a tantrum as well? Then the whole of South Korea would’ve ended up in an utter mess before long.

‘We need power.’ (Yun Yeong-Min)

Yun Yeong-Min couldn’t help but contemplate. He acutely felt the lack of his own abilities, but even then, he was still the president of this nation. He was the helmsman tasked with steering the country called the Republic of Korea.

If the lack of power resulted in his nation falling into the pit of sorrow, then he simply had to become more powerful. If there was no method to become powerful right now, then one shouldn’t hesitate to borrow the powers of someone else.

“Mister Prime Minister.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

“Yes, Mister President.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“That offer Christopher McLaren made earlier...” (Yun Yeong-Min)

“Yes?” (Song Jeong-Su)

“How about we accept it?” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Song Jeong-Su didn’t immediately reply but chose to mouth a cigarette first. Yun Yeong-Min opened the lid of the ashtray in the middle of the conference table.

“Sir, we mustn’t.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“But...” (Yun Yeong-Min)

“You need to be cold-hearted about this, sir.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Yun Yeong-Min stared in dissatisfaction at Song Jeong-Su.

“It’s true that our nation owes Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk a great debt. However, we’re politicians at the end of the day. The fate of this nation depends on every decision we make. But isn’t your judgement being clouded by the personal feelings?” (Yun Yeong-Min)

“Sir, it’s not me but you who has failed to come to a proper decision, Mister President.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“Pardon?” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Yun Yeong-Min’s eyes grew wider from that.

“What kind of guarantees do we have that they will help us after handing Yi Ji-Hyuk over? No, it’s more natural for them to wash their hands clean off of a minor nation across the Pacific like us. Especially when that nation has nothing more to offer. Just like how we can become some shameless b*stards all for the sake of national interest, they too can claim their own national interest and rip to tiny pieces our so-called agreement like toilet paper, sir.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“Ah...” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Song Jeong-Su was right.

It seemed that Yun Yeong-Min had become too hasty and failed to even consider something so basic.

“Let us not forget, we have a spot in Pyongyang right now. The Americans can’t even handle the one inside their borders so it’s simply not feasible for them to divide their forces to deal with Pyongyang’s spot. So, we should just forget about the Americans’ supposed help, as that wouldn’t be coming anyway. I assure you, even if our limbs get torn off, they wouldn’t care any less even if they tried.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“...Then, what should we do?” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Song Jeong-Su’s eyes were lowered, withdrawn.

“Since we placed our faith in him from the get-go, we should go all the way till the end, sir. I shall go and speak to Yi Ji-Hyuk.” (Song Jeong-Su)

< 421. I shall go and speak to Yi Ji-Hyuk -1 > Fin.

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