<The Demon Lord of the Swordsmanship Family Chapter 70>
Meanwhile, while Park Ki-hyuk was enjoying some leisure time with Park Bom, the Investigation Team’s mission was nearing its end.
“Let’s just endure a little more.”
“Ugh! If I can just endure for a few more days, I can finally get some proper sleep.”
“A bed, I need a bed.”
“I’m sick of seeing insects.”
The Investigation Team established a counterforce to the Mantis by setting up a Giant Ant colony.
Therefore, the Investigation Team, including Park Ki-hyuk, dealt with the Killer Bee Queen and Elder Sandworms, helping the Giant Ant colony grow.
However, is this where it ends? Far from it.
Even after absorbing the Killer Bees and Sandworms to grow, the Giant Ants were still a newborn force compared to the Mantis, the existing ruler.
Thus, time was needed.
Time for the Giant Ants to safely build up their strength.
The final mission of the Investigation Team was to buy that time.
“If the Mantis hadn’t caused such chaos at the end, it could’ve been over sooner.”
“We need to file a report to the Guild. We had no idea that recognition-deterrence magic could develop immunity.”
“Ugh, I almost fainted when I locked eyes with that thing after breaking through the veil.”
“Hey, let’s not talk about the past. I’m not letting myself be startled by random noises anymore.”
“Still, we did drink plenty of that rare endurance potion.”
It was hell.
They had to stand guard 24/7 to prevent Mantis creatures from approaching the Giant Ant territory, and the Investigation Team had to live atop some unidentifiable plants—flowers or trees, who knew?
They couldn’t even tell if they were eating through their mouths or noses.
Day and night were a blur, and the memory of proper sleep was fading.
By the end, awakenings didn’t even help, and they had to keep themselves going by consuming endurance potions as if they were water.
But finally, all their hard work was coming to an end.
The operation was over, and the long-awaited day of return had arrived.
“Everyone, you’ve worked hard.”
“Wooohoo!!”
“Finally, I can sleep!”
“I’m going to take a shower!”
After finishing their handovers with the Administration Bureau, Park Jin-yong and the Investigation Team stepped lightly toward the Gate.
And there, they were met with a massive crowd.
Zzzt! Flash! Flash!!!
“They’re here!! We’ve arrived! Take the picture. Camera! Camera!!”
“Hey, don’t push! Get outta the way!”
Click Click!
Fzzz Fzzz Fzzz—!
“Did the Kingmaker Operation succeed?”
“How does it feel to return?”
“Were there any casualties?”
“I’m Josefin from BBCC. How did the Kingmaker Operation proceed? Is it concluded or still ongoing? If ongoing, how far along is it?”
“I’m with the New York Today Times. You’ve controlled what was once called the collapse phenomenon, an almost natural occurrence. What does it feel like to be the first in the world to control such a phenomenon?”
The flashbulbs lit up so brightly that the team could barely see. The barrage of questions rang in their ears.
‘What’s going on here? Do you know anything about this?’
‘How do we handle this? Why are so many foreigners here? Isn’t this Korea?’
The Investigation Team was completely overwhelmed.
Even Park Jin-yong at the front was speechless, gulping down saliva.
‘I expected something, but not to this extent.’
They knew there would be a welcoming ceremony. There had been talks of it during information exchanges with the outside parties.
“You guys are about to achieve an accomplishment of historic proportions.”
“You’ve become the hope of humanity.”
Pieces of paper were filled with praises like these.
They expected some gilding, maybe a welcoming party with high-ranking officials from the Association or the Hunter Alliance, a handshake from a lawmaker saying, “Ah, good work, the future of Korea.”
A somewhat ceremonial welcome ceremony.
But nothing could prepare them for this.
“What happened out there?”
Happened because of one person.
“Look good.”
Kim Yeon-hee stood off to the side, smiling warmly at the scene.
A world where everyone gets what they deserve. How beautiful.
The achievement of being the first to control the collapse of an ecosystem was enough to earn their right to celebration.
In fact, though the Investigation Team atop the podium were unaware, Kim Yeon-hee played a significant role in making this overwhelming reception possible.
After all, the Kingmaker Operation wasn’t well-known until recently.
The collapse phenomenon was still in the research phase—cause and timing unknown. Could it really be controlled?
And by academy students?
Ha… Are you kidding me?
That was the general reaction. It was seen as a fun experiment in Korea.
Yet, this Kingmaker Operation, seen as fantastical, succeeded. And it was broadcast through Optimum’s regular programming.
Wasn’t a massive reception natural?
Look at the people gathered here now. Black, blonde, brown-haired individuals among the crowd. Over half the journalists present were international media.
Magicians, the press, and representatives from all fields around the world are paying attention to this operation.
All thanks to Optimum’s global influence, not just Korea’s.
Now, the operation has risen from a superhuman accomplishment to a global phenomenon.
A proud moment for Korea. A suitable achievement for a nation known as a superhuman powerhouse. Social media was buzzing with patriotism for once.
But not everyone was happy.
The Association, the Hunter Alliance, and various interest groups were not pleased.
“Things got out of hand. Who expected this much attention?”
“d*mn it, the witch of Optimum. If she can’t eat, she won’t let anyone else.”
“So this is what happens when you don’t share with Optimum, as I warned.”
That applause, that cheer, those cameras flashing so brightly that they can’t open their eyes. That overwhelming attention and celebration.
This brilliant achievement could’ve been theirs.
Industry insiders looked at the podium with regret, wishing they had seized the opportunity.
From an outside perspective, it’s amusing.
Something that never belonged to them yet they mourned as though it had been taken from them.
What’s the point of arguing now? The stage has already been set, and they’re just extras.
“Ho ho ho, you’ve arrived. Thank you all for your hard work. You’ve done something remarkable.”
“I’d like to thank you on behalf of the Hunter Alliance. You’re the pride of Korea.”
Now in suits, they had to snap photos quickly to compensate for their early climb up the mountain.
– Hello. The ‘Love & Welfare’ Foundation. How may I assist you?
– …The despair of the world.
– Pardon? Could you please repeat that?
– Hope of tomorrow.
– Is this a prank call?
– We will enact ‘Salvation.’
– …Hello, Brother.
– Hello, Sister. We have information on ‘The King.’
– The High Priest awaits you. I’ll transfer the call to him shortly.
Bzzz-
– Ah, there you are, Brother.
– Greetings, Priest Emil.
– The operation was a success, I hear. We’ve been waiting for news. Thank you for your efforts.
– Not at all. It’s simply the duty of one of His servants. However…
– Speak. I’m listening.
– First, I seek forgiveness. I, in my ignorance, have agreed that the ‘recreation’ phenomenon is a natural principle. As one who should enlighten these foolish ones to His will, I have done nothing. Rebuke me, please.
– My, how difficult that must have been for you.
– Just looking at it felt like corruption to the eyes. The foolish words sickened my ears, and being in the same space was dreadful.
– Brother Emil, remember the words I once told you. Do they come to mind?
– Of course, I remember. They are animals, they are shameless…
– Correct. Those who do not know His will are ‘animals.’ Do not be hurt or troubled by their words. Smile instead. It’s your duty to domesticate them properly into ‘livestock’ for Him.
– …I shall remember.
– Hehe, I believe in you, Brother Emil. You’ll turn them into exemplary livestock.
– I will try. As for the operation data…
– It’s been gathered. The quality was good, greatly aiding our approach to ‘Salvation.’
– Thank you.
– By the way, there’s one question I have. The personal request I made earlier, about reaching Park Ki-hyuk.
– I apologize. I tried, but couldn’t engage in any substantial conversation due to their vigilance.
– Oh… What a pity.
– I apologize.
– No, no, it was an unreasonable request from the start. You’ve done what was needed, Brother Emil.
– I’ll keep trying.
– You don’t have to… But if it helps, the Academy might get chaotic soon. Try approaching then.
– What do you mean by chaotic?
– Hmm. Interesting news coming from America. You’ll understand in time.
– Understood. I’ll act accordingly.
– I trust you.
– In His will.
– In His will.
…
…
“Hmm, this is nice.”
I’m finally enjoying some rare leisure.
Bom is busy playing with Berrie, and Mary and Joon-woo are caught up in their romance. With everyone busy, my phone is unusually quiet for the day.
Perfect!
I’ve taken the wheel for the first time in a while.
Though I’m just human, I sometimes need my alone time. There’s a café I like to visit, known for its sunny terraces and panoramic views.
Not often frequented due to its distance from Seoul, it left a strong impression on me. Apparently, the manager remembered me and greeted with a smile.
“Long time no see.”
“Indeed, it has been.”
“Your favorite seat, the 3rd floor window table? It’s available. Hurry up.”
“Thank you.”
On the third floor, I settle into the sunny seat, sip a sweet Americano laced with two spoons of sugar, and enjoy a newspaper. Could it get any better?
Right up until this devil arrived.
“…Oh gosh, so cute. Ultra cute. Super mega cute.”
The woman ogling at Berrie’s photos in wide-eyed wonder. Guess who that is?
Our blond one, Jin Yu-ri, of course.
“I thought you weren’t showing up today.”
“I waited for you… Huh?! My goodness, how adorable are they?! This is Berrie, right? Who named it? Fitting, so fitting.”
“How did you find me?”
“SNS. Oh my! I can’t take it! Look at that smile. Super duper lovable. Do you have more? Any more photos?”
“…Who are you even talking to?”
“Hurry! Photos! I’m getting dizzy!”
“CoffeeTalk.”
“Thank you!”
And off she went, snatching my phone as naturally as if it were hers.
It’s exhausting. I feel drained just watching her.
Could I be cursed? It’s an almost rational suspicion. Her ability to tire someone out with just a few words is, perhaps, a talent in itself.
“Say, doesn’t it talk? What does it say?”
“How do you know that?”
“Our cute Bom told me.”
“Directly?”
“Absolutely.”
I frowned.
Bom had wanted to keep Berrie’s telepathic abilities a secret. Bom herself had repeatedly stressed that no one outside the family should know.
Could it be…
“…You’re not family, are you?”
On second thought, all the others are “Aunties,” but Jin Yu-ri is “Daughter Berry Sister.”
“Say what? What did I hear wrong?”
“Nope, nothing.”
No way. Our sweet Bom wouldn’t do that. Definitely not.
“Whatcha doin’? Quit turning away.”
“No one’s interested anyway. What did you want to know about Berrie?”
I told her the details about Berrie.
The only real secret here was that Berrie communicated via telepathy.
It’s a fairly common phenomenon, like a flame flaring before it dies. Life often shows its brightest in the final moments before d*ath.
The phenomenon occurring at the borders of life and d*ath is aptly described as “existing between.”
As a side note, the theory that you return stronger after d*ath originates from this fact. Existence at a higher form tends to be stronger.
Jin Yu-ri seemed to have heard of this before—likely from her illustrious Jin-Ryong mage family.
“Telepathy, telepathy, telepathy… How does it work? Images? Words?”
“Sound form.”
“What’s the intelligence level? Not that high, right?”
“Basics of animal instincts. Nothing special.”
Occasionally encountered, this phenomenon.
By the way…
Something doesn’t feel right. Since meeting Jin Yu-ri, I’ve had this prickling feeling like I’ve forgotten something important. Something definitely related to her…
What was it? What am I missing?
After pondering for a while,
“Ah!”
It finally hits me.
Why haven’t I wondered why she’s here in the first place?
Every action has a reason. If she’s here, there’s a reason. Why didn’t I ask?
A chill runs down my spine. Could I have just accepted her presence as normal?
“No!!”
“You startled me. What’s not okay?”
“Er, never mind. Why are you here?”
“Hmpf, you ask quickly.”
“Exclusive news, I tell you,” she said, pulling out her phone from her handbag.
“Check it out. Here. Fresh intel from our TMI.”
“Kim Hani?”
I look at the phone.
A lengthy note boiled down to this: There was to be a successful exchange between academies. The participants?
“Gear School and High Castle…”
“Gear School” is an academy from the eastern U.S.
Teaching cutting-edge technology blending magic and engineering like golems and war armor.
In contrast, “High Castle” is from the western U.S.
Firms in the traditional mage caste, focusing solely on ‘magic’ through potions, poisons, various rituals, and body augmentations.
The academies of the East and West are coming.
America is coming…
To Korea.
