Chapter 404

Chapter 404

Chapter 73 Reward Leave (1)

Despite it being over a year, my return continued to capture the interest of many. It made sense, of course, considering I possessed the power to split a continent into islands.

However, not everyone looked at me with caution and awe. Some sought to hold me accountable for all the disasters and damage that Earth had endured.

The moment I packed my belongings and stepped out of the bedroom, their voices echoed in my ears.

『Regardless of his intentions, he is a criminal who has caused global harm.』

『The number of deaths due to the clash of the two lights is beyond calculation.』

『He must take responsibility for his actions.』

I chuckled bitterly as I watched those chatter away on a debate program. The twins, who were watching TV in the living room, glared at the screen for me with eyes full of anger.

I wondered why they even bothered listening to such nonsense. Shaking my head, I took the remote from Yeonwoo, who was holding it. I switched the channel as I sat next to Yeonwoo, turning to a channel broadcasting a simple entertainment show without any nonsense.

“Why listen to bad words on a good day? We’re about to go out, so watch this in the meantime.”

“We didn’t search for it. It just came on when we turned on the TV! What rotten luck,”

Yeonwoo grumbled, resting her head on my thigh while pushing Jinwoo away with her feet to make room for herself.

Jinwoo, who was pushed away without protest, kept watching the entertainment show. Then, Rice Cake, who had followed me from the room, sat quietly at my feet. Although his body was gone and he lost his mana, as an apostle, Rice Cake was already sustaining himself on my divinity. Thanks to that, there were no major issues with him during my absence. I picked up Rice Cake, who always clung to me, and let him share my remaining thigh.

As I stroked the sleek, white fur, my thoughts momentarily returned to those who had spouted nonsense earlier. They might have seen the damage I caused as massive, but the truth was different.

‘Thanks to me, the damage was minimal.’

Humanity should be grateful that the damage stopped at the loss of billions of lives and trillions in losses. If I hadn’t grown into a titan and hunted those beyond the norm, the damage would have been incalculable.

‘If everything had been annihilated, what damage would they be whining about?’

It would not be an exaggeration to say that their freedom to chatter away so recklessly was thanks to me. Yet those simple truths were unknown to them, and I had no intention of explaining it to them. The time and effort to do so would have been wasted, and I did not expect others to necessarily support me.

‘In all honesty, it’s not entirely wrong to call me a criminal.’

To create today, I had killed thousands of players and civilians merely because they interfered with my desired future. I had not used only righteous and morally sound means to achieve today. Thus, regardless of the criticisms directed towards me, I was not too bothered. Of course, those who yammered about responsibilities while living thanks to me did not appear agreeable, but I had no desire to personally involve myself with this issue.

‘What they see is all they’ll ever know.’

Someone who had lived underground their entire life could not even imagine the sky above ground. It was only natural that, in their world, they could not grasp the value of the things I accomplished.

‘I didn’t put myself through all this for praise from them.’

All I wished for was that the people from my world would be free from the terror of war and live in peaceful daily routines. I had run tirelessly for years to achieve it, and now that I finally had, it was enough.

It did not matter what those outside my world said. ‘No matter what nonsense they spout, they cannot reach my world.’

The Player’s Association and the governments around the world had already clarified the responsibility for the damages caused by the war. A player’s combat was a rightful act of defense for Earth.

‘The legal compensation procedures by the Association and the Guild have concluded.’

While the economic damage caused by me might justify some resentment, it did not affect me. Anyone with a sensible mind wouldn’t even attempt to hold me accountable. ‘Nobody knows what I’m capable of when I can split a continent into islands.’

Those in power or with wealth, capable of affecting my world, were already bowing low. The atmosphere was one of caution, to avoid meddling with me, who fought evenly against and ultimately defeated the black light that had disrupted the world.

‘It almost feels like being treated as a ticking nuclear bomb.’

While I did receive a note of gratitude through the Korean government, there was no other contact, making me think it was likely so. It was fortunate for me. If anyone had stepped forward saying that they aimed to restrain me, it would have been quite bothersome.

Thinking ahead, I checked Jinwoo’s smartphone. My own phone was deactivated, and since I planned to leave Korea soon, I hadn’t bothered getting a new one. I decided to manage necessary communications through Jinwoo’s smartphone while briefly staying in Korea.

‘I thought it was about time I would receive the call.’

And just as expected, a call came through. “Yes, Squad Leader Yang.”

I confirmed the familiar number as I answered, hearing the voice on the other end.

『Mr. Hyunwoo, I have arrived in front of your residence.』

“Did you come personally?”

『I insisted. I wanted to meet you in person.』

“Hmm… Understood. I’ll be down shortly.”

In truth, I hadn’t fully returned to Korea. I had only dropped by to fetch the twins. Thanks to well-picked guild operatives, there was no work that required my attention.

‘There’s no reason for me to unnecessarily remain in Korea under these circumstances.’

Preparation to leave was already concluded. “Let’s head down, grab your things.”

“Alright!”

Yeonwoo sprang up and darted out like a bullet. Jinwoo, in turn, hurried to gather his belongings. We each carried our luggage and took the elevator down. Upon reaching the first floor of the apartment that had remained intact through the war, two black sedans were parked conspicuously.

“Mr. Hyunwoo.”

“Captain.”

I exchanged a handshake with Squad Leader Yang Jochul, who had come personally. Bringing a vehicle seemed to imply he intended to take us to the airport himself.

‘Though I did ask him to handle the passport and visa problems…’

I hadn’t expected him to come in person. I was a bit flustered, but quickly measured my surprise. Meanwhile, the twins held a conversation with Squad Leader Yang Jochul. Having relied quite a bit on him for their safety during the war, they all knew a fair amount about one another.

“Uncle, have you been well?”

“Thank you for the gift you sent during the CSAT!”

“You two have been well?”

“Absolutely! We did well with our exams.”

“That’s good to hear.”

“If you need any tutoring for Sehyung later, call us!”

I hadn’t thought they’d grown close enough to comfortably exchange words with such familiarity. I was slightly taken aback but didn’t intend to intervene. While for Yeonwoo, who aspired to become a doctor, it probably wouldn’t make much difference. Jinwoo, though, had aspirations to become a judge, and nurturing connections would undoubtedly offer benefits someday.

Even discounting Yang Jochul’s rank and position, there was no reason to hinder it since he was a person of commendable integrity. Through him, they could learn things that I couldn’t personally teach.

That far in thought made me feel a peculiar sensation.

The children who once couldn’t even sustain themselves without me were growing up, preparing to become contributing members of society. It felt complicated and yet proud at the same time.

‘I originally wanted to become a prosecutor first and teach them various things.’

Life’s upheavals made that an impossible dream. ‘I didn’t expect to become a god instead, though.’

Owing to such unforeseen developments, many of the things I had intended to teach them remained unfulfilled. Yet, I wasn’t disappointed. Becoming a god had enabled me to offer them something else instead.

Those two would live peaceful lives for the rest of their days. As long as I continued safeguarding this Earth, their lives would remain undisturbed.

I tousled the twins’ hair, interrupting their conversation.

“Let’s get going.”

As we prepared to board the vehicles, Squad Leader Yang guided the twins to the car parked at the back. Subsequently, he and I climbed into the back seat of the first vehicle. It seemed there was something he wished to discuss privately, so I compliantly followed.

Once Rice Cake jumped onto my lap, one of the National Intelligence Service personnel accompanying us took the wheel, and the vehicle set off. Yang Jochul handed over the passport and plane tickets he had prepared beforehand. After advising me of a few precautions and matters to address, I inquired for verification.

“So, there’s no need to worry about the visa then?”

“Yes, the Biharin government welcomes your visit, so everything has been settled smoothly.”

Within the Association, I was included in the list for the magic circle installation delegation, removing any limitations on my stay. Unlike me, the twins were on tourist visas, meaning they would have to return at an appropriate time.

‘They need to file university applications, so they can’t be gone too long.’

They could always travel more during their school breaks later on.

“Thank you, I’m grateful for the support right after my return.”

“I feel unworthy hearing such words from you, Mr. Hyunwoo. I’m grateful every morning when I open my eyes.”

He was referring to ending the war, I assumed. With so many airing out my faults rather than acknowledging my contributions, such gratitude brought about a curious feeling.

“I practically destroyed the world, though?”

Yang Jochul responded with a wry smile.

“More parts remain intact than not. Those in the know understand humanity’s preservation owes to your efforts.”

Indeed, those who needed to know were already aware. Therefore, there was no need to desperately try to make others understand.

I chuckled lightly as I slipped the passport given by Squad Leader Yang Taeho into my coat pocket.

“May I ask about your plans?”

Eventually, Squad Leader Yang hesitantly asked.

“Considering your mindful concern about your length of stay, it seems you plan to reside for an extended period…am I correct?”

“Yes, I plan to stay quite some time.”

I responded effortlessly, but I looked back at Squad Leader Yang. I wondered why he had seated me separately from the twins if he had anything to discuss.

“… Are you perhaps considering naturalization?”

It seemed to relate to my place of residence. At the onset of the war, I had no intentions of relocating to another country. However, situations had since changed considerably.

“That’s within my consideration.”

Upon my forthright reply, Squad Leader Yang’s expression dimmed. But I had no intention of lying.

Living an ordinary life was already out of the question. Even if I sought to get a job, it was unlikely anyone would hire me. Having saved a sufficient sum during my years as a player, I decided that living as a leisurely affluent person was my only remaining choice now.

There was no inherent reason to remain in Korea for that. ‘There’s much more to do in Bihar than in Korea.’

Once the magic circle installation was complete, the game program would shut down. Most players, except a handful, would return to ordinary human status.

With the conclusion agreed upon with the Damned System, I shall oversee Biharin until the last mana user disappears there. Naturally, I would spend more time in Bihar than in Korea. Therefore, if need be, I am contemplating acquiring Biharin nationality.

However, from the perspective of the Korean government, my departure to another country wouldn’t be welcomed news. The nervousness evident on Squad Leader Yang’s face clearly showed that.

“… Would you be willing to reconsider?”

“Consider it, ah…”

Mid-reply, a sudden thought struck me.

Damned System.

### New Elements and Characters

– 백설기 = Rice Cake (he)

– 양조철 = Yang Jochul (he)

– 양단장님 = Squad Leader Yang (na)

– 빌어먹을 시스템 = Damned System (it)