The Returner Chapter 80

Back on the nameless island, somewhere in the tropics.

"We need to find a way." (Seo Ah-Young)

Keureuk.

"We can't keep enduring this sort of abuse any longer." (Seo Ah-Young)

Keureureuk.

"Can you even understand what I'm saying?" (Seo Ah-Young)

Oh-Sik slowly nodded his head, causing Seo Ah-Young to narrow her eyes and stare at the Ogre suspiciously.

Could this monster really understand her words? Seriously? From the outside, he looked dumber than a bear, though.

Could he really understand human language?

"Really?" (Seo Ah-Young)

Keureuk.

Seeing how immediate the response was, Oh-Sik seemed to understand her, that's for sure. Perhaps, this monsterish cre…. No, the monster might possess intelligence nearing that of a normal human being, despite it looking like a creature from one's worst nightmare.

"Fine. Then, let's do it this way. If you agree, raise your right hand. If you don't, raise the left hand. Okay?" (Seo Ah-Young)

*SFX for Oh-Sik raising his right hand. It's only one syllable, but it's implied.*

Seo Ah-Young's jaw hung loose slightly after she clearly saw Oh-Sik raising his right hand.

It… It really understands me!

Hul. Feels like the dignity of humans just crumbled into dust, doesn't it? (Seo Ah-Young's inner monologue)

"I thought you'd only be as smart as a dog… Wait a minute, were you deliberately….?" (Seo Ah-Young)

Oh-Sik sneakily raised his right hand again.

What a crafty guy!

It was at this point that Seo Ah-Young came to a realisation. She had finally found a comrade in arms that she could rely on. This creature deliberately played dumb until now because, if it was too smart, Yi Ji-Hyuk would've overworked it to death.

If the Ogre was this smart and determined to survive, then without a doubt, she might be able to trust and work alongside the monster.

"Wait, but…" (Choi Jung-Hoon)

At the same, though, Choi Jung-Hoon was focusing on something else altogether.

"You behaving like a dog was because…." (Choi Jung-Hoon)

….Because, you were acting?!

Choi Jung-Hoon couldn't get to finish his sentence and simply stared at the Ogre's face somewhat dazed and lost.

What…. what are those?

What are those wet spots forming around its eyes?

Huh. Huhuhuh….

I've lived long enough to see an Ogre cry. I guess even monsters know how to shed tears, huh.

However, why is my own vision blurring from moisture right now? (Choi Jung-Hoon's inner monologue)

Choi Jung-Hoon hurriedly wiped away the waterworks blocking his view.

F*ck me. Did I just cry because I empathised with an Ogre? (Choi Jung-Hoon's inner monologue)

Although his life couldn't have been called easy before Yi Ji-Hyuk entered the picture, now that the youth was actively playing a part, Choi Jung-Hoon was swimming in a hellish maze of various ulcer-inducing complications. Technically speaking, him being here on this island was all wrong to begin with, since he wasn't even an ability user!

"You've been suffering a lot, Oh-Sik seongsaeng." (Choi Jung-Hoon) (TL: "seongsaeng" = sensei)

Subconsciously, Choi Jung-Hoon extended his hand out, and Oh-Sik's as-large-as-house hand was placed on top. The warmth transmitting from between the rough, bristle fur caused Choi Jung-Hoon to wipe the brimming tears off his eyes once more.

"….And that's enough from both of you." (Seo Ah-Young)

Seo Ah-Young clicked her tongue in annoyance as she glared at the two people - no, one person and a monster feigning being in misery. There was a right time and place for such things, after all.

And now wasn't that, since they had no idea when the dreaded Demon King would make his return. So, they couldn't afford to waste time.

"We need to decide what we should do, right now." (Seo Ah-Young)

Keureuk?

"For now, Oh-Sik…. Mm, right. If you prefer Mister Oh-Sik, raise your right hand, and if you prefer Oh seongsaeng-nim, raise your left hand…."

While saying that, Seo Ah-Young thought there was only a minute difference between the two honorifics, even from her point of view. To ask a monster to differentiate them might be a little….

Too bad for her, Seo Ah-Young's needless worries crumbled to fine grains of dust the moment Oh-Sik slowly raised his right hand.

'What the hell?! This b*stard, could he be smarter than me?!' (Seo Ah-Young)

She felt a seed of distrust bloom in her heart. However, she also realised that there was no reason for her to mention this fact which might cause a instability to form within this hard-earned truce they shared.

"You should decide on whether you'll cooperate with us and make things a little bit easier for everyone…." (Seo Ah-Young)

Keureuk.

"Or!!" (Seo Ah-Young)

A dangerous fire burned in Seo Ah-Young's eyes.

"We start a revolution!!" (Seo Ah-Young)

Keureureureuk?!

Oh-Sik flinched visibly and leaned his body back, distancing himself from Seo Ah-Young just a tad. Seeing this reaction, her eyes narrowed to a slit.

Is Yi Ji-Hyuk that scary?

No, wait. He is scary. Very, very scary.

I accept that. (Seo Ah-Young's inner monologue)

Even Seo Ah-Young felt an inexplicable chill run down her spine at least once everytime she saw that youth. However, she was a delicate flower of a woman, so that was understandable. But this guy here….

What a waste of such a big physique! What a waste!!

Seo Ah-Young glared at the Ogre with an unimpressed facial expression, causing Oh-Sik to clear his throat, just like a human might, and sat upright once more. Watching him acting like this, one got the feeling that this Ogre had already stepped outside the boundaries of what made a monster, a monster.

"Mister Oh-Sik, can you communicate with your fellow monsters?" (Seo Ah-Young)

Oh-Sik took a glance to his rear and nodded his head. He could share a mental link with others since they all had the slave seal branded into their souls. That was the only nice thing about the d*mnable seal, actually.

"Then, in that case, what are their opinions regarding this matter?" (Seo Ah-Young)

Keureuk?

"Are you going to keep living this way?" (Seo Ah-Young)

Oh-Sik shuddered from dread.

Doesn't this female know what a terrifying existence Yi Ji-Hyuk is? (Oh-Sik's inner monologue)

….Actually, the 'Yi Ji-Hyuk' Oh-Sik met in this world wasn't as terrifying as the one from the past - the man who was called the Bringer of Apocalypse. Heck, the Ogre sometimes had to question whether they were the same guy or not.

But, even then. Even if there was only one ten thousandth of the original Bringer of Apocalypse remaining in that guy, he was not someone you could rebel against. No, it was actually better to just accept your death, instead.

The number of creatures that lost favour with Yi Ji-Hyuk and ended up going through a cycle of a perpetual hell in a state neither dead nor alive, was high enough to fill up a small continent.

However….!

However, Oh-Sik couldn't continue living this way! He was an Ogre! A dang Ogre, for crying out loud! Not only that, he was the Ogre with the red fur, signifying his position as the king of all Ogres!

One roar of his, and the mountains and forests would tremble in fear; back in the demon world, no existence alive even dared to slight or ignore his presence!

But now, he was pathetically grovelling like an obedient pet dog!

No matter who the owner was, that was just….

Suddenly recalling Yi Ji-Hyuk's countenance, moisture rapidly filled up Oh-Sik's eyes.

Would there be a demon king out of several existing in the demon world capable of treating an Ogre like a pet dog?

Seriously now, at least one should guarantee the basic dignity of a life, regardless of whether one was strong or not. Didn't matter how scary Yi Ji-Hyuk was, considering the awfulness of treatment received so far, it would be only logical for the workers to go on strike a hundred times over.

Too bad, the real problem here was the lack of methods available.

This little human female simply had no idea how terrifying the slave seal could be. A being branded with the slave seal could never go against the one who….

Keureuk?

Oh-Sik tilted his head slightly.

Wait a minute. This is strange. (Oh-Sik's inner monologue)

If the slave seal was branded properly, then Oh-Sik shouldn't even be capable of holding such thoughts. However, just because the owner wasn't here, he was dreaming of rebelling?

Perhaps, the seal wasn't completed?

A ray of hope shone brightly from Oh-Sik's eyes.

Keureureureu!

Through his Growling, Oh-Sik communicated with other monsters. Even they too were displaying some hints of rebellion, as well. At this rate, although injuring him wouldn't be possible, couldn't they be able to physically restrain Yi Ji-Hyuk somehow?

Oh-Sik's larger-than-average brain hurriedly kicked into gear and spun real fast.

He desperately crawled out of the demon world. Yet, to live just like before - no, worse than before, with no freedom whatsoever? No ways.

Oh-Sik made up his mind and communicated with other monsters.

Soon, there was a big commotion.

When the monsters began raising a visible commotion, the ability users began inching away to safety and widened the distance.

The commotion died down eventually, and the monsters lowered their bodies in a tense atmosphere.

Keureuk.

Oh-Sik turned his head around and looked at Seo Ah-Young.

She could spy the unwavering determination taking root within those eyes.

"However, you mustn't hurt other humans when you escape Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk's control, okay?" (Seo Ah-Young)

Oh-Sik nodded his head.

As long as he could escape from being a dog/slave, that much was nothing.

Meanwhile, Choi Jung-Hoon approached Seo Ah-Young and whispered urgently to her ear.

"What are you doing? They are monsters, you know!" (Choi Jung-Hoon)

"The enemy of my enemy is a friend, don't you know that?" (Seo Ah-Young)

"Even still!" (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Raging hot flames bellowed from her eyes.

"You are only acting like this, because you haven't been on the receiving end until now! Do you have any idea how insanely tough it was for us, Mister Choi Jung-Hoon?!" (Seo Ah-Young)

I haven't?!

Did you just say I have no idea?!

I'm the worst affected among you, yet you say I haven't been on the receiving end?!?!

Hang on a minute, Miss Director!! Watch what you say!! (Choi Jung-Hoon's bitter inner monologue)

Choi Jung-Hoon barely managed to suppress the tide of sorrowful tears and spat out a long groan.

"Besides, this here is an uninhabited island. We can just get their cooperation and abandon him here." (Seo Ah-Young)

….Or, if that doesn't work, make him 'cooperate' willingly. (Seo Ah-Young's cunning inner monologue)

Didn't matter who the opponent was - whether it be a monster or a devil, as long as words could get through, she could… use him!

Because, by her side, she had a man who just so happened to be the greatest expert of persuasion in the world.

Receiving Seo Ah-Young's expectant and rather friendly stare, Choi Jung-Hoon's entire body began squirming from fear and anxiety.

"What now? Why are you looking at me with a face of Scrooge looking at a lot of money?" (Choi Jung-Hoon)

"That is an apt description." (Seo Ah-Young)

Seo Ah-Young smiled refreshingly, and shifted her gaze back to Oh-Sik.

"So, how about it? Will you help us out?" (Seo Ah-Young)

Oh-Sik resolutely nodded his head.

"There is one thing I'm curious about, though…." (Seo Ah-Young)

Keureuk?

"I'm asking because I genuinely can't tell, but, if we cooperate together and start fighting him, will we be able to win?" (Seo Ah-Young)

Suddenly, Oh-Sik's entire body shuddered.

Fighting him?!

Fighting the Bringer of Apocalypse?!

He, the nightmare of Berafe, and the 99th Demon King, Yi Ji-Hyuk?! (Oh-Sik's inner monologue)

Oh-Sik recalled Yi Ji-Hyuk's appearance at the height of his power.

The appearance of a devil, rising up to the heavens with the wings of flames powerfully spreading out, while commanding an army of hundreds of thousands of demonic creatures….

The walking, talking despair of a man, pouring out endless stream of spells as he emitted the dense Mana that even monsters found freakishly scary….

The overwhelming presence that couldn't be bested even after 12 main gods temporarily stopped their quarrel and combined their powers….

A human who was no longer a human; a devil who wasn't a devil.

The result should be simple: utter annihilation.

In the blink of an eye, he would shred them into tiny little pieces, not even their souls escaping his rage.

However….

What about now?

The Yi Ji-Hyuk of now was laughably weak when compared to his old self as the Bringer of Apocalypse. Heck, the dirt trapped under the toenail of the old Yi Ji-Hyuk would be stronger than the current version.

In that case, wasn't this proposed rebellion totally doable?

When Oh-Sik thought about it some more, he remembered back to the time Yi Ji-Hyuk was beating him up in front of the power station. It hurt, but overall, the beating he received was tolerable.

If it was Yi Ji-Hyuk of old, then he'd utterly roast Oh-Sik with flames straight out of hell's depth by using… nothing more than a tiny sliver of Mana. That amount would be from Oh-Sik's perspective, of course.

However, now?

Keureuk~.

Oh-Sik formed a toothy grin.

The one he served as his master back then, was an absolute sovereign. A completely peerless being, feared by everyone and everything.

However, the Yi Ji-Hyuk of now was no such creature. Which meant that Yi Ji-Hyuk was now….

ROAR!!!

Oh-Sik raised his body up and roared out in anger.

….Yi Ji-Hyuk was a human! A measly little human!

A weak human, whose flesh he could rip apart so, so easily and a head that would simply pop like a balloon if Oh-Sik pinched it slightly!

Seo Ah-Young nodded her head in satisfaction after seeing this reaction.

"So, you will be helping us, yes? Then, I will guarantee places to live for all of you, as well as your food supply." (Seo Ah-Young)

Keureuk!!

Oh-Sik extended his hand out. Seo Ah-Young placed her hand on it and she shook it.

Yes!! For the first time since the birth of the planet Earth, humanity and monsters decided to work together as one. What a historical day it was.

Seo Ah-Young turned around and shouted at the other ability users.

"We've come to an understanding! Hence, I shall declare that on today, a new age has dawned for humanity!!" (Seo Ah-Young)

"Hear, hear!"

"It's not like we are holding hostile intentions. However, it is impossible for us to continue living like this! The revolution always starts from the grassroots level, does it not?!" (Seo Ah-Young)

"Before you succeed, it'll be just a noisy rebellion, though." (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

"Well, that is true, too." (Seo Ah-Young)

Seo Ah-Young replied offhandedly, before freezing on the spot.

That voice…. Haven't I heard that many times before? (Seo Ah-Young's inner monologue)

While shaking like a leaf, she slowly turned her head around and spotted Yi Ji-Hyuk, busy patting the head of Oh-Sik the Ogre.

Yi, Yi Ji-Hyuk….?

Wait, wait! Why is he patting the head of the Ogre? (Seo Ah-Young's inner confused inner monologue)

She then realised that Oh-Sik's eyes were deeply bloodshot.

Woof!!

Yes, that must've been it! Seo Ah-Young bit her lower lip and tensed up. As soon the Ogre initiate the first strike, she and her cohorts must lend their support right away!

Suddenly, Oh-Sik threw his body down to the ground. And then, exposed his belly. Both of his hands were gathered so obediently in front of his face as he began panting like a good dog.

"Good boy." (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk lightly rubbed the exposed tummy.

"Ah….." (Seo Ah-Young)

Stop acting like that! With that big physique of yours!!

Not only does it look utterly disgusting, it's actually terrifying, you know!

You even agreed to work with me just now, so stop wriggling in happiness like that!! Stop wagging your tail!!!!!!!!! (Seo Ah-Young's inner screaming)

While rubbing Oh-Sik's belly, Yi Ji-Hyuk raised his head and spoke, a brilliant smile still etched on his face.

"So, what were you guys talking about just now? What's this about revolution?" (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

"Oh, that…." (Seo Ah-Young)

Seo Ah-Young desperately wracked her brain. Too bad, there was no way she could've come up with a suitable excuse in such a short amount of time.

Choi Jung-Hoon studied the situation carefully, before stepping forward with a smooth, affable smile on his face. She was his superior office, after all - didn't matter whether he hated her guts or not.

"Ahahaha. You see, a revolution is actually a good thing. Haven't humanity advance forward all thanks to timely revolutions? According to history books, at any rate. We were talking about that." (Choi Jung-Hoon)

"Oh, you're right. Revolutions are good, sure." (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk nodded his head in agreement.

Of course, it was a nice little diversion, this thing called 'revolution'.

"By the way, did you also know?" (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

"Y, yes?" (Choi Jung-Hoon)

"That…. There is nothing more horrifying than the aftermath of a failed revolution?!" (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Waves upon waves of terrifying aura gushed out from Yi Ji-Hyuk. Choi Jung-Hoon even thought that real, actual flames were bellowing out from the youth's mouth.

"History? Yes, history is fun! Now, let me teach you how wonderfully fun the terror of a despot can be!!!" (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Watching Yi Ji-Hyuk roar out after he blew his top, all Choi Jung-Hoon could do was to bitterly chuckle.

We are finished.

Huh.

Huhuhuhuh…..

< 80. Anyone unwilling to train? (5) > Fin.

(TL: Remaining amount till the next sponsored chapter: $25)

Chapter end