<The Demon Lord of the Swordsmanship Family Chapter 50>
The nationwide shock of the mass abduction has finally come to an end.
However, it was too monumental an event simply to say that it has “ended.”
178 injured, 8 dead. The unprecedented incident has left a staggering 186 casualties.
The mournful cries of the bereaved families, the increasing annual trend of abduction cases—was everything truly okay?
Currently, the weather in Korea is “gloomy.” Though the case has ended, the sorrow remains.
What makes it worse is that all the victims were children.
They were the children we would see everywhere, the future we needed to nurture.
As such, condolences poured in from all levels of society.
Korean pop star Cha Gi-woo: “I won’t forget.”
Through SNS, a wave of “I won’t forget.” spread.
Optimum representative Kim Yeon-hee: “I feel a heavy responsibility regarding villainy.” Full medical expenses covered.
Korean Superhuman Association: “This is a crime that must never happen again; it is highly regrettable.”
And as the sorrow deepened, there were bound to be questions about accountability.
<Exclusive> Were there “signs” of the worst abduction case? Interview with an Incheon official.
<Scoop> The first abduction victim was reportedly reported 11 days ago. Was there a delayed initial response?
“I don’t know.” The Mayor of Incheon hurriedly left the scene.
Police spokesperson: “The police have not concealed any information.” Regarding the initial response: “We are investigating the truth.”
Meanwhile, a shocking report emerged.
<Breaking News> The gang that carried out the mass abduction has been revealed to be the Evolutionary Group!
“…This is shocking news. The recent incident that sent shockwaves through the nation has turned out to be the work of the Evolutionary Group…”
Evolution (進化:Evolution).
A group that believes only evolution can lead to salvation—a member of the world’s three largest villainous groups.
Were they active in Korea?!
It’s no longer about kidnappings.
The fear that members of the Evolutionary Group could be living next door has caused nationwide panic.
Why was no one aware that the Evolutionary Group was in Korea? What exactly was the government doing all this time as they operated with such freedom?
South Korea, named the safest country this year — is this reality?
Is Korea truly okay as it is?
As the case spiraled out of control, every related department bowed deeply in submission.
The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Land and Transportation: “Abandoned schools could be fertile ground for crime.” Announced redevelopment plans.
Airports immediately increased manpower: “We must prepare thoroughly for immigration checks.” Enhanced management and supervision are ongoing.
“…Authorities are investigating how the notorious Evolutionary Group infiltrated Korea and whether there are additional accomplices…”
The Police Chief, who visited the grieving families, remained “silent” amidst protests from the representative delegation.
Amidst all this discomfort surrounding the case, two entities were instead gaining attention.
Optimum and the Jin-ryong family.
The parties responsible for resolving this case.
A soldier of the Brave Soldier Corps remarked, “This is not something to celebrate,” and disappeared.
Jin-ryong family mistress Yoo Hae-ryan: “The Jin-ryong family is a guardian lineage. It was merely our duty to do what was necessary.”
White Tiger Corps deputy commander Eun Bit Na: “We just cleaned up the aftermath.” A deeply meaningful statement.
In particular, the White Tiger Corps of Optimum, who were the first to raid the crime scene, received heightened attention for their feat of eradicating the Korea branch of the Evolutionary Group after an intense battle.
In this way, Optimum once again impressed the entire nation, reminding everyone of why they are one of the world’s top five agents.
But, at this very moment, the head of Optimum, who should have been celebrating the most, instead carried a troubled expression.
“Hmph…”
Kim Yeon-hee gazes with a complex look at her son.
Park Ki-hyuk, holding Park Bom, beams with a smile that doesn’t seem to end.
“My bl**d is practically boiling…”
Over the past few days, Kim Yeon-hee hadn’t slept properly due to anxiety.
Her son had single-handedly stormed an Evolutionary Group branch. How could any mother stay calm?
At least it was comforting to know that the Evolution Group was the weakest among the top three villains in terms of power, and that they were not very active in Asia.
Fortunately, the case ended as expected, and her son returned safely.
And in his arms was that child, Spring.
And then he made a shocking statement.
“Mom, I’ve decided to take responsibility for Spring.”
Responsibility?
Up until now, she didn’t think much of it. She understood it as supporting the child as a legal guardian. That seemed fine.
However, she was mistaken.
It was a total misunderstanding.
Her son was seriously investigating adoption procedures. It was only then that Kim Yeon-hee realized what her son meant by “responsibility.”
And in response, Kim Yeon-hee, naturally, opposed it.
“No! You’re only 18 years old. How can you adopt a child!”
“Well, I learned that having a superhuman certificate is all that’s needed…”
“Sure, I know that, but that’s not what I mean!”
Parties, teams, groups, clans, raid squads — there is a culture that has emerged from superhumans gathering in groups.
Even if I d*e here, I believe my companion will take care of those I leave behind. This belief allows us to trust each other and sacrifice with a smile.
On a side note, one of the reasons Optimum generously supports the Happy Orphanage is also because of this.
Last year alone, there were 487 superhuman accidents, and more than 3,000 deaths. Naturally, some of them were from Optimum, and the Happy Orphanage was the solution for raising their children.
Thanks to this culture of looking after each other, adopting a child among superhumans is no longer considered unusual, and the related laws have been greatly relaxed.
But in Spring’s case, things had become a little twisted.
Still, why?
Why must my son!
At only 18, my son who has only just started to bloom after enduring so much suffering!
That he becomes involved in this adoption matter is a completely different story.
As a mother, Kim Yeon-hee hoped her son would grow up normally at the appropriate age — gain diverse experiences, meet many people, marry, and have children.
She hasn’t even thought about a daughter-in-law yet, but as a mother, she wished for her son to meet a fine woman from a good family.
But now, he suddenly says he’ll take responsibility for a child?
Is there a parent anywhere in this world who would allow this?
“Can’t you reconsider? Why would you want to adopt a child?”
“I’ve promised to become her dad.”
“But still…”
“Actually, I can’t abandon her because I’ve already shared part of my ‘existence’ with her.”
“What are you talking about? Existence? Slow down!”
“That is…”
To prevent immediate collapse in a precarious situation, Park Ki-hyuk used ‘Alive.’
Still, there was something left behind — the remnants of Spring’s bloodline inside her.
For now, they might be quiet, watching Park Ki-hyuk carefully, but the moment they act up, Spring could crumble at any time.
“I understand. Alright. I see. But you should reconsider the adoption. How about becoming the legal guardian instead? If you must stay together, you can.”
“But I’ve promised, Mom.”
“Then let me adopt her. As your sister. What do you think?”
“Mom… I’ve promised.”
“d*mn! Promises! Promises! You’re just like your dad!”
d*mn Sword Master!
It’s in his nature.
A word spoken is a word to be held even if heaven should split!
But humans, right? A bit of lying should be okay. Yet, not in this family. Flexibility is nowhere to be found, even if you cleanse your eyes to search.
“True, Dad is like that, so I met you.”
Park Geon and Kim Yeon-hee — the two first met at the Academy.
One was the child of a Sword Master family, the other a regular student.
Frankly, there was no comparison between their backgrounds, positions, or abilities.
Perhaps the only commonality they shared was that neither had parents.
I don’t know if this can be considered a common bond, but it certainly became the reason they began to seriously talk to each other.
As they grew closer, they started dating sincerely, and Park Geon made a promise.
“I’ll marry you after graduation.”
“Are you asking because you have to? Do you remember we’re dating today?”
“Does that matter?”
“…Amazing.”
At the time, I just let it go.
Why not? Teenage boys at 20 are known for their hyperbole. A simple handhold and they talk about kids; a kiss and they’re already talking about grandchildren.
Honestly, I thought it was just a fleeting connection. How could two people with such a great gap possibly even consider dating?
But Park Geon kept his promise.
True to his word, he married her the very day of graduation.
“…Park Su-hyeok felt the same way back then.”
In short, this family will not break a promise they’ve made. Therefore, if the word “responsibility” came out of her son’s mouth, then heaven itself could crumble, but he would still take responsibility.
That’s the Sword Master way. And that’s this cursed family.
“At least, we need to consult with other family members…”
Park Min-ji has already fallen for it. ‘Auntie~’ melted under his charm and even brought Spring’s favorite ice cream just moments ago.
My daughter thinks she doesn’t know her own mother’s feelings, sigh…
And the men overseas in the U.S. don’t even need mentioning.
They’ll only add to it.
Park Geon, that fool of justice, would likely praise rather than oppose, and Park Su-hyeok, who’s exactly like him, would probably make my jaw hurt if I even try to talk.
“Oof…”
Kim Yeon-hee sighs inwardly as she looks at Park Bom.
‘Charrr,’ Spring’s laughter shines brightly, illuminating the surroundings just by being there.
“She is cute…”
A smile unconsciously spreads across her face.
A parent can never win against their child, it seems.
It looks like Kim Yeon-hee would likely lose again in this situation.
At Incheon International Airport.
Not the regular gates but the one designated for private jets.
My whole family was there.
While sitting beside me, the little girl, Spring, who was staring at the closed gate, got bored and extended her hand to me.
I smiled as I took her into my arms.
“Daddy, who are we waiting for?”
“We’re waiting for Uncle and Grandpa.”
“Uncle? Grandpa? What’s that?”
“Hmm, an uncle is Daddy’s older brother, and grandpa is Daddy’s father.”
“…”
At that moment, Spring became extremely surprised.
I looked around confusedly, and it seemed the child had turned pale.
“Daddy, Daddy? Did you say something wrong?”
“…!!”
My goodness. Isn’t she way too cute?
My daughter, but her cuteness surpasses the world.
Even my sister couldn’t help but laugh and soon her eyes were full of hearts.
Our President, Ms. Kim Yeon-hee, who’s currently in cold war over the Spring issue, didn’t remove her eyes from the documents…
Dear Ma’am, it’s all already known. What will you do with those trembling lips?
“Cough. If they arrive at 5:30, we can have dinner right after they land. Min-ji, what do you want to eat?”
“Anything.”
“Great, Park Min-ji, you’re eating gravel. How about you, Ki-hyuk?”
“I want Chinese.”
“Chinese food is fine. The place from last time right? Empire Hotel?”
“Yes.”
“Then…”
Mother glances at Spring.
A brief awkward silence filled the air.
“Hmm. Aga, what do you want to eat?”
“I’m not ‘aga,’ I’m Spring…”
“Ah…right. Park Bom. What would you like to eat?”
Spring doesn’t even hesitate.
“Chajangmyeon…”
“Chajangmyeon? Have you ever eaten it before?”
“No.”
“…Then why Chajangmyeon?”
“Why?”
Spring stared at me for a moment, then smiled sweetly.
“Because Daddy likes it!”
“Whoa!”
Is this a heart throb?
It feels like a high-class 9th level magic spell struck my heart!
Excuse me, daughter, your damage meter has exploded!
What’s worse, this magic is an area spell.
The sister sitting next to me also clutched her heart.
“Gah!”
Mother couldn’t find words either.
“Me, me, wow….”
The joy a child gives is this great.
Smiling, glowing Spring.
Her presence alone transforms the atmosphere. She truly shines like spring, just as her name suggests.
While we were all carried away by Spring’s antics,
It was already 5:30. An announcement came that the plane had arrived.
The gate door opened.
And finally, for the first time since being reborn into this world, I could see my entire family.
Hmm, my first impression of Father Park Geon:
“Haha! Puha! Here comes manly Park Geon! Puha ha ha ha!”
…As you can see, he’s quite unique.
A towering frame like mine, manly looks, an imposing figure when silent, but…
“Puha ha ha ha! Wife, I’m here!”
This laugh completely altered his image.
“Tell him how many times you’ve been told not to laugh boisterously outside!”
“Laugh when you’re happy, cry when you’re sad. That’s what it means to be a man!”
“Please just shush!”
“Come on now, let me hug my wife.”
Despite everything, his laugh somehow became strangely charming. Maybe it was similar to the way a boy brightens up the surroundings?
Opposite to Father, Brother Park Su-hyeok was slightly different.
“I’m back. Min-ji, you’re here too? Long time.”
“Good job.”
Mother always said Brother and Father are alike, but at least in appearance, they aren’t.
He’s not like Father or me, big-built, in fact, rather on the scrawny side.
Funny to say after mentioning it, but how can someone so tall, over 180 cm, with a well-built body be called scrawny?
But this is the reality.
His looks are too. More like Mother, with delicate features, the typical handsome face that, if you ask a random person on the street which one of us is better-looking, he would be picked 100 out of 100 times — a universally recognized handsome person.
But, leaving those aside, there was something that caught my attention.
‘This man…’
He is strong.
Stronger than you could imagine.
“Daddy? Are you hurt?”
“No.”
“Then why are you trembling?”
“This is…”
Because I want to fight.
Trembling beyond control. Excited beyond control.
My dormant ‘instinct’ is waking up. Brother Park Su-hyeok — is powerful.
This form of mine made Father laugh.
“Puha ha ha! Our youngest has truly grown into a man.”
Mother grabs her hair.
“In any case, this family… never unsheathe a sword. It’s absolutely forbidden.”
Sister says,
“I’ll wait my turn…”
You see, it’s like this.
In the meantime, Brother came to stand before me.
“I heard you lost your memory, but you seem fine.”
“It’s like I’ve been reborn.”
The conversation paused, but it was not uncomfortable.
Is this what family is like?
As if we were having silent conversations, we simply gazed at each other without words.
Then,
“You’ve returned, haven’t you?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. It wasn’t your fault. Anyway…”
We clasped hands.
“Congratulations on your return, little brother.”
Our lips curved upward.
Startlingly similar smiles.
And so, time passed.
*
An abandoned school in Daegu.
Amidst the bustling activity of police forces, there was a man watching.
“What a pity. If only you had held on a little longer…”
The white-robed priest made the Sign of the Cross, then turned away.
As he disappeared into the forest, a necklace with an inverted cross in his pocket gleams momentarily.
