The Returner

Chapter 95: What is the grim reaper doing? Isn’t this dereliction of duty? (5)

“You alright?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

At Yi Ji-Hyuk’s query, Kim Dah-Som nodded her head in affirmation.

For some reason, she felt oddly calm, considering the fact that she had gone through quite an ordeal just now. Even she found it strange.

Indeed, she was scared out of her wits. Yet, when Yi Ji-Hyuk hugged her and patted her head, her mind calmed down in an instant and she now felt relaxed.

‘Was it because it’s him?’ (Kim Dah-Som)

Since she didn’t know the real reason, it was inevitable she would think like this.

“I’m fine now, oppa.” (Kim Dah-Som)

“This is why you shouldn’t roam around alone in the evenings! Stop loitering in front of my house from now on, okay!!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

But, you chased after me because you were worried, though? (Kim Dah-Som’s inner monologue)

She thought that him complaining like this was funny, interesting, and most important of all, she really liked it.

“You’re laughing?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk could only click his tongue after seeing Kim Dah-Som and her soft, gentle laughter.

This girl is definitely crazy.

You almost died just now.

If I was late by a hair’s breadth, you’d be so dead.

Ha....

Just how insane must you be to laugh like that after going through a near-death experience?

....What a terrifying female.... (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“Anyways, go home.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“....But, I can’t.” (Kim Dah-Som)

“Why not?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“I’m scared.” (Kim Dah-Som)

....Stop saying that you’re scared with that refreshing smile on your face!

Hell, I’m the one who’s really scared! Yeah, it’s me!

You, you! The Korean dictionary in your house, is it ‘Made in China’ or something?!

Is your definition of ‘scared’ the same as mine?! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

Yi Ji-Hyuk’s body began shuddering once more.

“So, what do you want from me, then?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“....Please take me home.” (Kim Dah-Som)

“That shouldn’t be difficult.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk turned his head around and called out.

“Hey, come out for a sec.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

*SFX for fabrics rustling*

At the same time, a figure of a girl suddenly appeared from his shadow cast on the ground.

It was of course, Doh Gah-Yun. Once in the open, she silently stared at Kim Dah-Som.

“....W, who?” (Kim Dah-Som)

Kim Dah-Som was taken by surprise. After quickly recovering, she narrowed her eyes to glare back at Doh Gah-Yun.

Who could she be?

No, more than that, why is coming out from ‘there’?

Yes, I can see that she’s an ability user. Well, I’ve heard a lot about stealth ability users, after all.

Still.....

Why. Did. She. Come. Out. Of. There?

Not just any place, but from Yi Ji-Hyuk’s shadow!

Does that mean that she’s around him 24/7?

Does that also mean that she was also present when I was having a rendezvous with Oppa?!

Does that also, ALSO, mean that she went inside Oppa’s home, too? (Kim Dah-Som’s inner monologue)

Grit.

Kim Dah-Som glared at Doh Gah-Yun with a pair of burning eyes that were hot enough to bore a hole.

Too bad for her, Doh Gah-Yun ably countered with a nonchalant expression that was still laced with a certain unreadable emotion as well.

“...And what are you two doing now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

When Yi Ji-Hyuk so thoughtlessly destroyed all that pent-up tension with a simple question, Doh Gah-Yun broke the eye contact first and shifted her gaze over to him.

“Your business?” (Doh Gah-Yun)

“Take that girl home, will ya?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Not possible.” (Gah-Yun)

“What? Why not?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Not my target for protection. Not my mission. Hence, refusal.” (Gah-Yun)

Yi Ji-Hyuk spat out a lengthy groan.

A human being should have some flexibility! Flexibility, I say!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“Okay, fine. Then, wait here with her until cops shows up. Tell them to escort her home or something.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Again, not my mission.” (Gah-Yun)

“....And just what is your mission supposed to be?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Protection and surveillance of Yi Ji-Hyuk.” (Gah-Yun)

“I get the surveillance bit, but listen here, you. Just how will you protect me?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“An unseen blade is more destructive than a visible gun.” (Gah-Yun)

“What horsesh*t are you even talking about? A gun’s hundreds times more scarier.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“............”

Doh Gah-Yun’s subtle facial expression seemed to imply that she could not find value in retorting to his retort. Meanwhile, Yi Ji-Hyuk began complaining to her again.

“So, what you’re saying is, you won’t help me out?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Correct.” (Gah-Yun)

“Whatever. Just stay here. I’m going alone.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Not possible. I must remain in proximity.” (Gah-Yun)

“Argh! Should I just...?! Dang it! You little...!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk desperately suppressed the urge to grab the taciturn girl’s hair and kick some sense into her, and then spat out another groan.

He realised that there was no point reasoning with her. So, he pulled out his phone and called someone who could.

“Hey. It’s me.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

– “Yes, please speak.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“I found him.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

– “Pardon?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“I’ve found our little murdering friend. Oh-Sik’s in the middle of pursuit, so please find Jeong Hae-Min and send her over here.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

– “Yes, I shall get on it immediately.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Oh, and by the way....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

– “Yes!” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Well, would you please order Gah-Yun to escort Kim Dah-Som back to her home?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

– “................”

“You were thinking, ‘What is this crazy as*hole even talking about’ just now, weren’t you?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

– “N, no ways. I did not.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Then, why did you stutter just now?!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

– “P, please. Let me speak to her.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Hah. Still teaching the class on how to change the subject, eh?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Even though he complained, Yi Ji-Hyuk still didn’t forget to swiftly hand over his phone to Doh Gah-Yun.

Her expression seemed to twitch ever so slightly, but she nevertheless grabbed the offered phone. However, even before she answered the call....

*SFX for the call ending abruptly*

“.........”

“.........”

Yi Ji-Hyuk dumbfoundedly stared at his phone and its screen showing the call had been terminated, before raising his eyes to look at Gah-Yun.

Too bad, she was doing her very best to not meet his gaze.

“Was that a mistake?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Affirmative.” (Gah-Yun)

Indeed, it’s possible to make mistakes. Sure.

I mean, anyone can make the mistake of touching the phone’s screen the wrong way and end the call. Right.

However, that thing you’re doing now, you holding onto my phone real tightly so the vibrations from the incoming call won’t show, that ain’t a dang mistake, is it?!

Hey, you’re gonna break my phone at this rate!! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“Why don’t you just answer it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Do not understand.” (Gah-Yun)

“....Why don’t you answer it, when I’m still being civil?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Hmph....” (Gah-Yun)

Doh Gah-Yun finally relented and answered the call with a subtle expression of regret etched on her face.

She nodded her head once at the inaudible words coming from the phone’s speaker, before ending the call and handed the phone over to Yi Ji-Hyuk.

“So? What did he say?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“No change to mission parameters.” (Gah-Yun)

“.....Hey, you.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Doh Gah-Yun began avoiding his gaze again.

You really don’t wanna do this?

You hate it that much?

Isn’t this already beyond the level of disobeying a direct order?

You really, really hate it, don’t you?

What is there to hate about, when all you have to do is to escort a girl back to her home?! (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“Why don’t you just do it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“....Don’t want to.” (Gah-Yun)

Hah?! You don’t wanna?!

I’ve never imagined such words coming out from this girl’s mouth. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“And why don’t you wanna do it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Just because.” (Gah-Yun)

“Argh!! Fine!! Fine! Whatever. I’ll escort her home! Holy moly. My stress level just went through the roof! Really now!” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

It was then – Doh Gah-Yun suddenly grasped the ends of his clothing.

“What now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Will carry out the new order. I shall escort the girl home. Jeong Hae-Min, scheduled to appear on the marker placed by your house. Go and rendezvous, please.” (Gah-Yun)

“Uh?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Eh? What’s the matter with her now?

Has she finally lost her marbles, too? Why did she change her mind so quickly? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

“Mm, okay....” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Well, in any case, this would certainly make Yi Ji-Hyuk’s life more convenient, so....

“Okay, I’m counting on you. You be careful too, got it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk left behind those words, and began dashing away rapidly, finally disappearing from the two females’ view.

Doh Gah-Yun shifted her emotionless gaze over to Kim Dah-Som. And the latter girl glared back with a pair of chilly, hostile eyes.

“I escort you home.” (Gah-Yun)

“No thank you.” (Kim Dah-Som)

“My orders. I carry it out. Regretfully so.” (Gah-Yun)

“I also do not wish to be escorted by you, though?” (Kim Dah-Som)

“Agreed.” (Gah-Yun)

The two girls continued to glare at each other for a long time while not budging an inch from the spot.

*

*SFX for a man’s pained whimper*

A man with a gaping hole in his side was vomiting out a mouthful of blood as he tried to dress up his injury.

“Euh....”

The injury was severe enough to kill a normal person in the blink of an eye. So, should he feel grateful about being able to continue drawing breath?

“I’ll kill him. I’ll kill him! I’ll definitely kill him!!”

However, the man’s expression said that his mind held no such concepts as ‘gratitude’.

“That son of a b*tch, I’ll definitely kill him!!”

The killer was able to somehow soldier on, all thanks to the much sturdier physique of an ability user, as well as the natural recovery rate that exceeded what was possible for a human being, but even he realised that this injury would need a long time to heal completely.

If he went to a hospital, it’d be a different story, but that was the same thing as placing his head inside the mouth of a tiger, telling the cops to slap the cuffs on his wrists.

“Keuh-euhk....”

Suddenly, the man recalled the ill-tempered, arched-eyebrows face of a certain youth, now forever burnt into his brain.

‘His name’s Ji-Hyuk, was it?’

That blonde girl said that, for sure.

‘He’s seen my face.’

Not only him, but that girl, too.

The killer knew that he had to kill both of them as soon as possible to prevent them helping the police to draw up a sketch of what he looked like. No matter what.

If he didn’t, then the cops would begin narrowing down their dragnet, and even though escaping from it wouldn’t be hard, he’d never be able to enjoy the same sort of freedom as of now.

And that would also put an end to his wonderful current lifestyle, too.

“I must kill them.”

He had to kill them, at any cost!

No matter the cost!!

Woof.

“Huh?”

The killer hurriedly turned his head in the direction where the low barking of an animal came from.

‘What’s this?’

Even before he had noticed it, a small puppy had invaded his hideout.

However.... Was that thing really a dog?

A small critter with red and black fur, seemingly looking like a cross between a dog and a bear, was staring at him with a pair of wide open eyes.

“What the....”

Now normally, he’d not care much about animals, but it sure as heck felt like bad luck to be spotted by one right now.

The man picked up one of the knives resting on top of the table near him and threw it at the small animal.

Clang!

“Huh?”

Was that sound.... “clang”?

What the f*ck was that all about?

Wasn’t that the sound you hear when metal hits another metal?

Why did that knife go “clang”?

The man rubbed his eyes and stared at the small animal again.

And sure enough, that little critter was staring at him in the exact same manner as before.

Perhaps understandably, the man felt a strange sense of unease, maybe even fear, from this event. So, he quickly grabbed the remaining knife off the table.

“W, what the hell?!”

There was just no way.

There was at least over 100 kilometres from here to that dark alleyway.

His injury prevented him from teleporting further away, but still, covering the distance of over 100 kilos in ten minutes was simply an absurd notion.

And so, this weird creature could not be related to that b*stard, Ji-Hyuk....

Suddenly, the collar attached to the “dog” began emitting bright light.

“Hut?!”

The killer was shocked out of his skull and he rapidly retreated away.

Poof.

And almost at the same time, five people appeared in front of the killer. And of course, they were Yi Ji-Hyuk, Jeong Hae-Min, Choi Jung-Hoon, Seo Ah-Young, and one very p*ssed-off Kim Dah-Hyun.

“So, it’s this son of a b*tch, is it....?” (Kim Dah-Hyun)

Kim Dah-Hyun, whose rage-filled distorted face resembled a demon, began flexing his muscles as if he’d pounce on the flustered killer at any moment.

“Whoa, whoa, there. Easy.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

Choi Jung-Hoon quickly stepped forward to hold the angry guy back, before sweeping his gaze all over the killer.

“He’s not a registered user.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Really?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Yes. I remember the faces of most registered users.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Hah. How wonderfully amazing you are, being able to remember such things.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“....My apologies.” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

There’s no need to retort so sarcastically here, you know?!

Oh well, what can I do? That’s how he is, after all. (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

Choi Jung-Hoon swallowed back the voice of discontent and stared at the killer once more.

“Are you sure it’s him?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Can’t you see his side? I’ve ventilated him real nice, see?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“Could you have made a mistake and ‘ventilated’ the wrong person, instead?” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

“Should I personally demonstrate to you what a mistaken ‘ventilation’ looks like?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“My apologies....” (Choi Jung-Hoon)

....I apologised, so please stop looking at my side like that. Pretty please! (Choi Jung-Hoon’s inner monologue)

A strand of cold sweat trickled down the face of Choi Jung-Hoon. As he opened his mouth to say something, Kim Dah-Hyun finally exploded and shouted out loudly.

“This isn’t the time to throw jokes around, is it?!” (Kim Dah-Hyun)

Ha-ah.... This siscon...

Hearing how close to death his sister was, he’s lost all his self-control, hasn’t he?

I mean, how dare he shout in front of me? (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

However, Yi Ji-Hyuk could completely understand where this guy’s passion was coming from, so he didn’t raise a fuss about it and simply nodded his head.

“Anyways. Let’s apprehend him first.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

I’ll start my thing afterwards. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s ominous inner declaration)

“Keuk!”

The killer realised that the situation had turned for the worse and tried to initiate his teleport again. But then, a black tentacle shooting out from Yi Ji-Hyuk’s right hand flew at the speed of light and came to a stop mere inches away from the killer’s face.

“I suggest you stop doing that. Unless you want a hole in your head, instead.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“.........”

“Yeah, teleporting around sure is convenient. You can pretty much go anywhere you want. However, if I kill you before you teleport, that’s the end of that, right?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

“...........”

“That’s why you should’ve done it in moderation. How dare you show up in front of my house and cause a ruckus? Hah.... Only targeting blondes, even. Why didn’t ya go overseas and do your sh*t over there, instead?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Yi Ji-Hyuk’s taunts made the killer to grit his teeth. But he knew that there was nothing he could do in this situation.

“Well, why don’t you quietly come with us? We might need a bit of time to figure out how to formally arrest you and all.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

Although it wouldn’t be easy, they would eventually find a way. Well, all the matters involving the usage of one’s brain would be handled by Choi Jung-Hoon, in any case.

“....Godd*mn it....”

“Don’t you worry. We’ll take very good care of you.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

....Sure, I’ll make you regret the fact that you didn’t die, though. (Yi Ji-Hyuk’s inner monologue)

The killer couldn’t get away from Yi Ji-Hyuk’s tentacle. He slowly began inching towards the waiting and seething Kim Dah-Hyun.

But, it was then.

“That’s going to be a bit troublesome for me.” (?)

A strange intonation, delivered by a low pitched voice – a leisurely and relaxed voice oh-so vividly dug into Yi Ji-Hyuk’s ear canals.

However, the destructive impact from that voice was unimaginably huge.

Yi Ji-Hyuk showed off a frozen-stiff expression that he’d never ever displayed in this world before, as he slowly turned his head around in the direction of the voice.

It was the doorway. And in front of it...

An unknown man was standing there.

< 95. What is the grim reaper doing? Isn’t this dereliction of duty? -5 > Fin.

(TL: For the foreseeable future, I’m not accepting donations for extra chapters. I’m working on something at the moment, and don’t have to enough time to release any sponsored chapters, unfortunately. But, I’d still appreciate it if you throw something at my way every now and then.) ??