Chaos in the Tyrant's Wake
Following Wang Feng's death, China had plunged into utter chaos.
The Chinese authorities had initially tried to cover up the news of his demise.
But those who had been cowering under the absolute ruler's shadow began rising one by one, making it impossible to keep his death hidden any longer.
Chongqing, in particular, was in the worst state.
Once practically Wang Feng's personal domain, the city had descended into unprecedented turmoil upon his passing.
Without a great labyrinth of its own, it might not compare in raw power, but in terms of sheer productivity, it was China's top city—and that drew countless factions eager to seize control.
Wang Feng's sworn brothers, in particular, went berserk like untethered colts now that their oppressor was gone.
They had never gotten along even when he was alive; without him as a restraint, their infighting was inevitable.
Chongqing had become a lawless wasteland of factional brawls before it could even recover from the initial damage.
Other regions weren't much better, just varying degrees of the same mess.
With one absolute ruler gone, China had reverted to its old state: a chaotic land teeming with high-rank hunters vying for dominance.
The authorities were trying to clamp down, but having relied so heavily on Wang Feng for hunter management, quelling the uproar wasn't easy.
It was obvious that stabilizing China would take considerable time.
In the midst of this turmoil, Snow and I quietly set off for home.
I'd expected the journey back to be tricky due to Wang Feng's death, but the disorganized atmosphere actually made it smoother.
It wouldn't have been possible if we'd waited even a little longer, though.
The one who facilitated our return was 'Yi Chan-geol,' a subordinate of Zhang Wei.
While we were locked in battle with Wang Feng, Yi Chan-geol had raided the tyrant's private vault.
He'd made off with several priceless items like elixirs, each one a rare treasure—yet Wang Feng's vault apparently held even more of equal value.
Yi Chan-geol quietly reported plans to sweep it clean in one go later.
An S-rank, he was practically Zhang Wei's right-hand man—quite capable.
He even held out decently against my mind control skill, now evolved to SS-rank, thanks to his strong will and solid abilities.
He'd be useful to keep around long-term.
Having handled various tasks under Zhang Wei, he'd excel at underworld work alongside Jeong Soo-ah.
Snagging such a valuable asset felt like a win.
I wonder if there are other useful talents out there somewhere?
And so, we finally arrived in Korea.
I wanted to rush straight home to see Suli and the kids, but there was business first.
I headed directly to the Black Market with Na Yeon-seong, who had come to greet us.
"...Welcome back."
Jeong Soo-ah was unusually subdued, without her typical fawning.
Her hands neatly clasped, the look in her eyes as she stared at me was anything but ordinary.
She's figured it out, huh.
I'd moved blatantly enough to be recognized on purpose; given her usual sharpness, it would have been weirder if she hadn't noticed.
"......"
She fell silent for a moment as I sat across from her without a word.
No outward signs, but I could practically hear the gears turning in her head.
Finally unable to hold back, I let out a small chuckle, and only then did she speak.
"...You're not human."
"Correct."
"...Is that your true form?"
I nodded lightly instead of answering, and her lips twitched once.
"...You and your sister both. I'd wondered how such high-rank hunters could just pop up out of nowhere... Turns out you're not human after all."
Snow showed no reaction to Jeong Soo-ah's sidelong glance; she was too engrossed in the exquisite jewelry Yi Chan-geol had brought from Wang Feng's vault.
She'd ignored everything else since receiving the accessories.
I nodded along to Jeong Soo-ah's words in Snow's stead, ignoring her absorption as best I could.
A sigh escaped Jeong Soo-ah's lips.
"...So everything I saw wasn't a lie after all."
"What did you see?"
"People dying."
"Hunters?"
"Not just them."
She shook her head slowly, took a breath, and continued.
"Truth is, whether you're human or monster doesn't matter much to me. It's a shock, sure. And a bit—no, pretty damn scary. But that doesn't mean you're a threat to me or the Black Market."
"......"
"Honestly, a few hunters dying? Innocent civilians? Doesn't move the needle. We're not connected, so no pity from me."
"Then what's the problem?"
Meeting my steady gaze, she spoke cautiously.
"I'm just afraid."
Once she started, her words flowed without restraint.
"What do you want? What are your plans going forward? Why reveal your true nature to me now?"
I rested my chin on my hand, watching her vent what she'd been mulling over alone.
This agitated side of her, so different from her usual sarcasm, was refreshingly new.
Like discovering another facet of Jeong Soo-ah I hadn't known.
Then, under my leisurely gaze, she suddenly scowled.
"Are you even listening?"
Her demure demeanor vanished like a lie, reverting to her normal tone. I nodded lightly.
Pity I wouldn't see more of the meek Jeong Soo-ah, but this was the one I knew best—no complaints.
As she glared daggers, I spoke calmly.
"First things first: I got involved purely because of you. Who begged for help first?"
"That was..."
"You said you had no connection? Wrong. I went after Wang Feng—all of it—because of your request."
Smart as she was, she'd known this before I said it.
Her reaction now stemmed from guilt over the incident.
All those deaths because of me? Because I dragged in a monster like him?
Jeong Soo-ah said nothing—no excuses, no defenses, no pitiful denials.
She simply closed her eyes and accepted the truth calmly.
Perhaps sorting her feelings in that moment?
She opened her eyes slightly, speaking in a relatively even tone.
"So, will you answer my other questions now? Why reveal yourself now? You could've kept hiding like always."
"Simple. You must have guessed already."
"...That."
"You love deducing things. Why not take a shot?"
Instead of answering, she chose silence.
I chuckled softly at her troubled expression, words caught in her throat.
Smart girl—she knew exactly why I'd revealed myself.
"Because I know you'll never betray me."
Of course, this wasn't mere trust.
There was a literal reason she couldn't betray me.
My Magic Eye ability, grown to SS-rank alongside my evolution.
Its mind control now gave me unshakable confidence.
Jeong Soo-ah—and everyone else under my control—could never betray me, no matter what.
With a mere gesture, I could make her end her life smiling, without hesitation.
Not even Jeong Soo-ah, with her similar skills, could resist.
Of course, revealing myself involved more factors, but the biggest was my Magic Eye's growth.
As always, with this power, she could never defy me.
Knowing that well, perhaps?
Jeong Soo-ah showed no reaction.
She continued matter-of-factly, as if nothing had happened.
"So, what now? War on humanity? Kill all humans? World conquest?"
Her voice was calm, but tension laced her words.
Rightly so—my answer would dictate her future, and the Black Market's.
I pondered briefly before replying.
"No grand schemes. This was just fulfilling your request."
"...I see."
"Keep running the Black Market as before. Unless I say otherwise, do whatever you want."
"Got it."
She nodded steadily.
"Any issues while we were gone?"
"...The Association stirred. Seems the president and your sister caught their eye."
"Song Jae-ha reported it."
"We cut it off low-level, but they won't drop it easily. High-rank hunters appearing suddenly? They'll dig hard."
I nodded, organizing my thoughts.
As I'd said, no grand plans.
I'd risen to rule Korea's underworld, but only for convenience outside and my sister's safety.
No intention of stepping out personally.
I'm a monster, after all.
Why bother with the outside world?
It's fun enough, but nothing beats the labyrinth's comfort.
No desire to wear some troublesome hat, abandoning my cozy home.
If I ever changed my mind, it'd be after conquering the great labyrinth.
Not yet—not interested.
Still, can't just sit idle.
No pointless scheming or dragging things out.
The fight with Wang Feng had worn me out; what I needed now was rest.
How to handle this was already half-decided.
"I'll deal with the Association. You just keep info from leaking."
"...Yes, sir."
Normally she'd gripe, but she nodded obediently now.
I watched her a moment, then stood.
Business done—time to go.
Couldn't wait to see Suli and the kids.
"Safe travels... and thank you."
She quietly expressed her gratitude as I left—thanks for honoring her request, regardless of the process.
I nodded lightly and slipped out of the Black Market.
Now, I really just wanted to rest.
[You're quite the tease.]
On the way home from the Black Market.
Snow, who'd been fixated on her jewelry the whole time, suddenly spoke up.
[What about?]
[Jeong Soo-ah, that girl. You pushed her awfully hard, didn't you?]
I averted my gaze from her steady blue eyes.
My nonexistent conscience pricked at times like this.
I'd pinned it all on her request, but I had no defense for the civilian deaths.
I'd minimized damage my way, but plenty of innocents still died—fact.
Her request sparked it, but I was the main cause.
No denying or ignoring that.
Like her, I just accepted it calmly.
I'm a monster, after all.
Does it weigh on you that much?]
[Nah, not really.]
[Of course. Human deaths wouldn't faze you. What concerns you is Hwa-yeong, that child.]
Instead of denying it, I let out a quiet sigh.
She was right: my biggest worry was my sister's reaction.
How would she take all this?
I could guess, yet not at all.
This unease had made me harsher with Jeong Soo-ah than usual.
Misplaced venting, perhaps?
I felt a bit sorry for Jeong Soo-ah.
No plans to apologize, though.
Anyway, having safely ended the fight with Wang Feng, my immediate concern was my sister's response.
No lingering human family ties, but she was special.
If her reaction soured, even I'd feel a pang of sadness.
Don't worry too much. Even if Hwa-yeong reacts poorly, this lady will always stand by your side, come what may.]
[...Thanks.]
[Oh, right—Suli and the children too. Hehe. They'll side with you no matter what. So relax. You'll never be alone again.]
Her gentle smile eased my mind a little.
And the moment we arrived home, what greeted me was...
"Kyaaang—!!!"
Suli charging fiercely toward me—and my sister, gaunt and utterly exhausted after just a few days.
...You've been through hell.
No words needed; the situation was clear.
Whatever her reaction, I was grateful for her hard work these past days.
And sorry.