The Returner

Chapter 58

Yi Ji-Hyuk lit his cigarette and deeply sucked in the resulting blue smoke, before slowly letting it out . Now that he was at work, a certain sense of sleepiness was trying to swallow him whole .

What a strange feeling this was – when he roused himself up from the embrace of slumber just so he could play the computer game, his mind was crystal clear and razor focused . But the moment he arrived at his new workplace, he felt sleepy right away .

“Did I make the wrong decision, I wonder?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Just thinking about repeating this pattern of life that would continue on for the rest of his life, possibly, he couldn’t help but be horrified by the prospect .

“HEY!!” (?)

“Hah………” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

He wasn’t feeling so good at the moment, yet this kid was trying to… .

“What the eff! What kind of a b*stard are you?! How can you throw people around like that?! I might have been killed, if I wasn’t an ability user, you know!!” (?)

“If you’re going to get killed, then you’re going to get killed . Not that I care . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Ah? Wow!! You’re making me totally speechless! Seriously!! Hey you! Don’t you really know who I am?” (?)

“Nope . Don’t know . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“… . When people say something like that, you are supposed to get curious and ask who the other person might be!” (?)

“Nope . Don’t know, don’t care . Now, get lost . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“You, you really don’t recognise who I am?” (?)

“Hey, you . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“What?”

Yi Ji-Hyuk’s expression crumpled in anger .

“I said, I’m not curious about you . And I am not going to get ‘curious’ about you in the near future, too . Possibly, never . And finally, I’m not interested in getting mixed up in your business, so why don’t you go over theeeeere~ and bother that high-strungahjummainstead?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Seriously, this annoying kid keeps bothering me when I’m already this unhappy . What’s up with that?(Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner grumbling)

Even after he finished clarifying his position, the little kid didn’t go away . Instead, she stood still and glared at Yi Ji-Hyuk .

“You still here?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“… . You, you really don’t know who I am?” (?)

Uh-whew… . I’m not humouring you anymore . (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Still sucking on his cigarette, Yi Ji-Hyuk promptly walked away from the location .

It’ll be no fuss if I just walk away from it, that’s all .

I’ll be wasting time by talking back to her . Human beings should know how to optimise their precious time, yup . (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

There was a problem, though . The little kid proved to be quite persistent .

“What the hell? Did I paint myself with honey and gold or something? Why are you following me?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“…I told you, I’m older than you! Use proper honorifics already!” (?)

“Did this tiny-a*s kid lose her dang mind?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Seriously speaking, I’m at least over a thousand years older than you, you dumba*s!

Older than me? My a*s!

Hell, I was feeling really lost nowadays because even my own mom sometimes comes across like a child to me . But really, how did an annoying fly like her get stuck to me?(Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“You really don’t recognise me?” (?)

“I said, I don’t . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“But, but, I appeared on TV lots of times… . ” (?)

“I don’t watch TV . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“I, I shot lots of commercials, too! You saw me on billboards and… . ” (?)

“I don’t go outside my house . Like, at all . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“…………… . ”

The little kid began trembling as she faced the imminent wall of sorrow . She then spun her body around and ran inside the office .

Yi Ji-Hyuk saw her departing back, and let off a long groan .

“Not even one of them are sane around here . Not even one… . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Just why are all the women I encounter like that?

It really, really makes me wanna cry…(Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

*

After a while, Yi Ji-Hyuk returned to the office, only to find that chaos had descended . That little kid from before was crying her eyes out by the corner, and beside her, Seo Ah-Young was sweating buckets as she tried to calm the crying girl .

As soon as Seo Ah-Young spotted him, she glared in anger and shouted at him .

“Why did you make this kid cry, you idiot?!” (Seo Ah-Young)

“I’m older than you!” (?)

Even though she was crying, the little kid still found the time to assert her correct age .

Yi Ji-Hyuk wordlessly alternated his gaze between Seo Ah-Young and the crying girl, before losing his interest completely and he settled down in front of his computer .

Time to play some games, then .

Suddenly, Choi Jung-Hoon sneaked in closer and whispered to him .

“You really don’t recognise her?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Who’s she?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“She… She’s really famous, you know? She’s from the girl group, the S Girls…” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“The S Girls? Really? What kind of name is that uncool?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

It was right then – the sound of crying grew twice as loud .

Choi Jung-Hoon hurriedly pulled Yi Ji-Hyuk’s arm .

“Come with me for a sec . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“What now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk got dragged back out to the corridor . As soon as they arrived there, Choi Jung-Hoon sighed out and opened his mouth .

“Her name is Miss Jeong Hae-Min . You still don’t recognise anything about her? Nothing at all?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“What are you talking about?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“She’s an idol and she’s really famous right now . Her group S Girls, too . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Yi Ji-Hyuk tilted his head slightly .

She was a so-called idol?

Now that he thought about it for a sec, he did remember seeing a bunch of ability users prancing around on TV some time ago . Could she have been one of them?

“Okay, fine . An idol is an idol, I get that . But what’s the matter with her?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Well, the thing is… . even before she unlocked her powers, she was an idol hopeful . She even made her pro debut several times before, but for the last ten years or so, she couldn’t quite break into the mainstream . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“So?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“And then, she gained fame out of the blue after she awakened her powers . So, she’s got this mental trauma about people not recognising her . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“… . What BS are you trying to tell me right now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk’s frown showed how unsatisfied he felt by this explanation .

He had seen enough people, who had the misfortune of losing their limbs in a battle, live fulfilling lives even with their injuries . But now, seeing a crazy little girl suffering the so-called ‘trauma’ over crap like that and crying her eyes out? Really? What was he supposed to feel for her?

As if he had understood Yi Ji-Hyuk’s mindset, Choi Jung-Hoon formed a bitter smile . It was only par for the course that Yi Ji-Hyuk couldn’t understand such a situation . Well, he was the type who didn’t give a rat’s a*s about anyone else’s troubles, after all .

“That is why, all I’m asking you is for you to pretend to recognise her…” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“C’mon, really?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Please, I beg of you . She is an incredibly important person, even for us…” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“… . Hmm . ”

What a pain .

It was really a pain in the neck .

But, leaving that girl in that state was going to be even bigger pain in the long run . In the end, Yi Ji-Hyuk let off a lengthy, pained groan and returned to the office .

Jeong Hae-Min raised her head and glared at him as soon as he entered . Her eyes were gleaming with the lights of expectations .

“Ahh, mm, uh… . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

What should he say here?

“I heard that you’re a celebrity?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Yeah . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“I also heard that you’re pretty famous now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Yeah . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

… . Aaaand that was it . He ran out of things to say .

For some reason, Yi Ji-Hyuk’s back became slightly damper with cold perspiration forming there, as Jeong Hae-Min continued to stare at him . He searched desperately, until he finally found something else to say .

“Y, you are famous because you’re an ability user, so I hear . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Jeong Hae-Min nodded her head . Only then, she stopped her crying .

“So, uh, what’s your power?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Teleportation . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“…Teleportation?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Yeah . ”

Yi Ji-Hyuk ended up spitting the following words out with a dumbfounded face .

“What the hell . Others raise all sorts of spectacle by shooting out flames and icicles and sh*t, but you became a celeb with nothing but measly teleportation? Where’s the fun in that?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Jeong Hae-Min’s facial muscles began twitching ominously once more .

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

The panicking Choi Jung-Hoon hurriedly grabbed Yi Ji-Hyuk’s arm .

Realising his slip-up, Yi Ji-Hyuk quickly came up with words that were a bit more accommodating than before .

“Ahh!! You’re right! That power is indeed great for going to different concert venues, isn’t it? I mean, you don’t need cars anymore . You just insert a user with teleportation ability in a group and that would be really handy for everyone . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Unsurprisingly, a sharp and sorrowful wail loud enough to shatter glass shook the entire building .

*

Yi Ji-Hyuk was busy evacuating outside the building soon afterwards .

“What the hell is up with that girl?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Was she trying to hit him with a sonic attack or something?

Ever since he came back home, this had to be the first time he received proper ‘damage’ – besides mom’s venomous back smashing, of course . Seriously now, her vocal chops weren’t something to laugh about . With such a pipe, she just proved that she was an idol, that’s for sure .

No, hang on . Are all idols supposed to have loud voices like that?(Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“Really, man! Not one person is normal in this place!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk shook his head side to side .

Meanwhile, Choi Jung-Hoon urgently ran out of the building too, and after spotting the youth, he began clinging onto him .

“Mister Ji-Hyuuuuuuukkkkk!!! Didn’t I implore you sonicelyjust now?! Didn’t I?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

This was something new; Choi Jung-Hoon wasn’t this sort of character to begin with, so…

“What the? I did my best just now, you know?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“You just had to say you recognised her, that’s all!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“But, that’s what I did… . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Well, in that case, you shouldn’t have ‘recognised’ her like that!!!

How can you ‘twisting a knife in her trauma’ qualify as you recognising her?!(Choi Jung-Hoon’s exasperated inner monologue)

Choi Jung-Hoon spat out multiple groans .

“But, how can you not recognise her at all? She’s one of the most famous celebs out there . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“She is? Really?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Yes, really . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Is this the end of the world or something?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Sure, that girl was cute and small and all that, but Yi Ji-Hyuk didn’t find her all that pretty . And no, it wasn’t because of his high standards, either .

No, actually, it was pretty high, truth be told . But even then, judged objectively, her facial features weren’t good enough for others to call her an absolute beauty . Up close, Kim Dah-Som was certainly a lot more prettier, in terms of overall prettiness .

Maybe the tastes of the public had become a bit more “unique” in the last few years or something…

“Okay, whatever . I did what I could already, so you take care of the aftermaths . It wasn’t my business to begin with, anyway . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“S, sure . I get you, but… . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

These people were going to rely on each other moving forward, never mind working together, so such a bad first impression certainly would do no one any good whatsoever .

Nominally, the centre of decision making for the NDF was Seo Ah-Young and Choi Jung-Hoon . But the true core of the NDF was actually the combination of Yi Ji-Hyuk and Jeong Hae-Min .

Her presence would enable the quick response throughout the entire country, and his presence would enable them to form the appropriate response to whatever situation they ended up facing .

That was why, the chemistry between these two people was an absolute must… .

‘…But, what chemistry? What a big fat joke…’ (Choi Jung-Hoon)

It’d be nice if they didn’t end up being mortal enemies for the rest of their lives .

That was why Choi Jung-Hoon personally went and drove Yi Ji-Hyuk to work – to prevent mishaps from happening . But to think, an accident would happen when the youth ostensibly went for a toilet break . Choi Jung-Hoon ended up painfully realising his shortcomings once more…

“If she’s an idol, what is she doing here, instead of going to concerts to sing and stuff?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“She’s a teleporter, that’s why . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Because of that?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Teleporters are really a rare commodity, so to speak . Finding one per nation would incredibly be hard . That’s why she’s being treated as one of the most significant high-value individuals even in our country . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“A teleporter? Really now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk snorted derisively .

Back in Berafe, with the aid of warp gates, common livestock like cows and even dogs were transported en masse . But now, a measly teleporter was being treated as really important…

Should he chalk that one up as the fault of the weak-sauce magic in this world?

‘No, wait . I don’t know what she’s capable of, actually . ’ (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Making a hasty judgement was, of course, forbidden .

If she could teleport a huge number of combatants in one go, then she’d prove to be a real nightmare in the battlefield . Well, she’d be able to freely choose the location of the said battlefield, after all .

“But, now that I think about it…” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Yes?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Why am I… . ?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Please, stop . You’re forbidden from speaking it out . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“… . I think I understand . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Thank you very much . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Choi Jung-Hoon sighed out over and over again .

Finding a sane person among the many ability users was already an exercise in futility . But even then, those joining the NDF were the folks who had, generally speaking, misplaced a few more screws in their heads than most others .

Just thinking about what the future had in store for him, Choi Jung-Hoon came down with a bad case of ulcer out of the blue .

“Vice Captain!” (Kim Jae-Beom)

It was then, Kim Jae-Beom ran towards them in a hurry .

“What’s the matter?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“We just received a request for assistance . ” (Kim Jae-Beom)

“Is that so? Is it urgent?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“You need to come in, sir . The location is, well…” (Kim Jae-Beom)

The location?

Choi Jung-Hoon tilted his head slightly .

Since it seemed urgent, he decided to get back inside the office first .

“Let’s go back inside . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“What, me too?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Obviously! Did you honestly think I’d go back in alone?(Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

Even under the assault of Choi Jung-Hoon’s poignant glare, Yi Ji-Hyuk remained rather relaxed as he sucked on his cigarette .

“Will you hurry up?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Argh, fine . Fine . I got it . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Stop yapping off, and kill that cigarette already!!(Choi Jung-Hoon)

… . Soon afterwards, Yi Ji-Hyuk followed after Choi Jung-Hoon to enter the office, all the while grumbling out over and over again . However, he stopped the moment he sensed a weird atmosphere within the office .

“Hmph…” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Jeong Hae-Min seemed to have calmed down now, judged by how she was glaring daggers at Yi Ji-Hyuk . He then tried to express how sorry he felt with his eloquent words .

“You better stop glaring at me, you hear? Or else, I’ll pull out your eyes!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Hul . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Jeong Hae-Min began to show signs of crying again .

Eh?

I thought the old cliché of ‘I’ve never met a guy who treated me like you until now’ would work for sure, though?! I heard from somewhere it works wonders with celebrities… .

Maybe, I didn’t come across manly and tough enough?

How about I slap the girl silly, then… . ?(Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“… . Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk . What were you thinking about just now?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“I was wondering whether I should become a bit morehandson or not . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but whatever it is, please stop it . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Sure thing . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

What a perceptive guy . (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s regretful inner monologue)

Yi Ji-Hyuk licked his lips in regret .

“So, where is the location?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Seo Ah-Young replied with a lengthy sigh .

“It’s Busan . ” (Seo Ah-Young)

“Wow, so far . ” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk scratched the back of his head .

It was at the other end of the country so, of course, it was too dang far . He wanted to leave work on time today, too… .

“Well, can’t you tell the folks there to sort it out by themselves?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Although it’s in Busan…” (Seo Ah-Young)

“Yes?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“It’s actually in the district of Gijang . ” (Seo Ah-Young)

In Gijang? What’s in Gijang, anyways?

Well, there’s anchovies and…(Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

Suddenly, Choi Jung-Hoon’s eyes shot open real wide and he quickly accessed the map of the country .

Because, in Gijang, there was… .

“No, it can’t be . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“It actually is . ” (Seo Ah-Young)

“… . The nuclear power station?!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Choi Jung-Hoon’s shrill voice broke out from his mouth .

“It’s a real emergency down there . Apparently, a Gate appeared within 100 metres of the power plant . ” (Seo Ah-Young)

“Son of a b*tch . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

In other words, there was a real danger of Busan and her surrounding areas becoming the proverbial land of death . Out of all the places, why did it have to be there?!

Choi Jung-Hoon spat out another long sigh . It was then, Yi Ji-Hyuk opened his mouth after observing the conversation for a little while .

“By the way…” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Yes?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“If we go there now, then, will I be able to go home on time?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“………”

“The future of the country is at stake here, yet you’re talking about that now?!” (Seo Ah-Young)

“I am at stake here, so who cares about the country?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

As if to show how moved she was by his seemingly unchanging set of values, Seo Ah-Young helplessly nodded her head .

“We’ll only know after we get there . ” (Seo Ah-Young)

“Then, I’m not going!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Hae-Min-ah?Make sure you hold on to that guy real tight as we go to Busan . ” (Seo Ah-Young)

“Do I have to? With him? And besides, I told you I’m older than you!!” (Jeong Hae-Min)

“Yes . I got it, so grab him . ” (Seo Ah-Young)

“I said, I’m not going!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Seeing the three of them argue back and forth, Choi Jung-Hoon wordlessly fished out an aspirin and began chewing it without water . Realising that the future survival of his beloved country depended on people like these, the bitterness spreading within his stomach was so much stronger than the one in his mouth .

“This country is finished . ” (Kim Jae-Beom)

Kim Jae-Beom’s lamentation coming from the side didn’t sound like an exaggeration to Choi Jung-Hoon’s ears at all .

“Okay, let’s stop bickering and get going . ” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Yes, let’s . ” (Seo Ah-Young)

“Got it . ” (Jeong Hae-Min)

Meanwhile, Yi Ji-Hyuk spoke up in a matter of factly manner .

“Well, in that case, will you gimme enough free time so I can sightsee?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Please stop, you demon!!

Please, please! Act like a normal person at least once in your life!!(Choi Jung-Hoon’s exasperated inner monologue)

Choi Jung-Hoon fished out another aspirin pill and chucked into his mouth .