Chapter 10
Chapter 10
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: 5. In the Midst of Everyday Life (2)
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Right? You bastard.
'Correct. My lord. The information matches the profile confirmed at the station.'
The clone was certain.
He recalled the memories. The investigation deadline was fast approaching. Once the human traffickers' identities were exposed, Jo Ho-sik had vanished from the Lair.
Truly elusive.
Surprisingly, he turned out to be a big fish, so the pressure from Hate Ling Island and inside the Lair had eased. But separately, the atmosphere had been one of how difficult he was to catch.
'I was planning to step in and apprehend him soon myself, but to think he'd get caught like this.'
What a bizarre coincidence.
Then again, thinking about it, it made sense. A human trafficking ring targeting superhumans. And South Korea's largest identity laundering operation. It was only natural that Jo Ho-sik would be somewhere in between.
Anyway. All's well that ends well.
The regressor let out a deep breath and squatted down in front of him. Then he met his eyes.
"P-Please... spare me... P-Please..."
"You want to live?"
The trembling man widened his eyes at the first words from Yoo Ji-tae's mouth and slammed his head to the ground. He'd glimpsed something like hope.
"Please, please spare me... I-I have family waiting at home..."
"Family?"
"Y-Yes... I got married three months ago. My widowed mother is old, my wife is there, and there's a baby in her belly..."
"So?"
"They all depend on me... Without me, they'll struggle... P-Please, just let me live..."
He trembled and wept.
Yoo Ji-tae had no interest in verifying the truth of his words. He didn't ask things like, how could you traffic people if you have a family? Such words held no meaning.
He simply closed his mouth and waited.
Earlier, when he'd crushed one man's skull, he'd seen Jo Ho-sik place his hand on his watch. Probably sent a distress signal.
By now, something was heading this way.
"Please, please..."
...And this bastard was putting on a desperate act to buy time.
Perfect.
Sure enough, presences began approaching from the dark alley ahead. Like Jo Ho-sik, who was considerable by human standards, they were the same. No footsteps even while walking, silence even drawing swords.
"..."
Clang.
Without a word.
They drew their cold steel weapons.
Compared to what he'd faced before, this was minor. No injured dragons, no apocalyptic threat.
It could be resolved with words. If he wished, he could let it pass without a single utterance. He had that option.
Yet he deliberately led to this situation. And stood here.
The regressor smiled faintly.
Human hearts are fickle. He'd desperately wanted to escape the repeated hells drenched in blood, but now strolling leisurely through flower fields felt empty.
Now he wanted to crush even the bugs on the flowers.
Killing intent gathered in the regressor's hand, forming shape.
Flash-.
They moved almost simultaneously. Their attacks divided by the length of each blade. Perfectly covering Yoo Ji-tae's front, back, left, right. Mana sharply infused—enough to kill any decent fighter in one strike.
But the next moment, they all froze.
The man swung his arm. It blurred for an instant, then swords were slashed, spear tips severed, and a charging neck decapitated.
In a single stroke.
"...!"
Some panicked, but those slow to grasp rushed again with swords raised.
Again, heads flew skyward. Yoo Ji-tae walked casually, slaying all who approached.
The regressor's killing intent was razor-sharp. Enough to tear dragon hide and shatter a demon archduke's skull.
Formless, unbound. No distance limit, impossible to dodge.
Those unaware turned to flee.
But Yoo Ji-tae had no intention of letting them go.
"Gurk...!"
The leader-like one gesturing wildly collapsed mid-escape.
His body soon split left and right, crumbling.
Yoo Ji-tae turned his gaze. Between buildings. On a villa rooftop. Or through nearby park trees—runners visible. He whipped his sword like a lash; killing intent stretched, pursuing them.
It could extend thousands of meters if desired. The flying formless sword caught the fleeing, piercing spines and hearts.
Total annihilation.
Where life reactions vanished, Yoo Ji-tae felt his senses sharpen faintly. He closed his eyes, head raised. A shallow, light pleasure coursed through his body repeatedly, tingling fingertips and toes.
The stifling mood eased a bit.
A pleasurable sensation he mustn't indulge.
Exhaling deeply to dispel it, he snapped his fingers.
The skill he'd gained after slaying some nameless black dragon.
Among powerful S-rank skills, one of the most destructive 'Extinction' series—ignoring physical laws to completely incinerate targets.
The corpses ignited in black flames. Then left no trace.
With the situation ended, Yoo Ji-tae turned back to Jo Ho-sik.
The bastard was broken. Eyes glazed, pants soaked.
He grimaced at the stench, then sank into his inner sub-space.
From there, Yoo Ji-tae directed his hands to retrieve a potion. A glass vial was handed to him from the darkness.
Returning to reality, only an instant had passed. Yoo Ji-tae grabbed the trembling Jo Ho-sik's face. Then gripped both jaws firmly.
"Urk, ugh..."
Mouth forced open.
Yoo Ji-tae wedged the uncapped vial between his teeth and poured the potion in. Made him swallow.
A potion to erase the last day's memories. After a night's sleep, he'd forget everything.
'How should I handle the cleanup?'
Handle it yourself.
That day passed like that.
The dragons, unaware of anything, greeted him as usual, and he spent the day at home normally.
As the weather cooled, Yoo Ji-tae bought winter clothes for the kids in advance. Gaeul, who loved clothes, was especially thrilled. She'd bought dozens during shopping, claiming they were trendy.
The incident amid everyday life flowed quietly like that.
Lair enrollment was proceeding smoothly.
Submitting applications required many certifications. Unable to obtain them one by one, Yoo Ji-tae resorted to a shortcut.
The next day, Bom, Yeoreum, and Gaeul's identities became affiliates of the renowned overseas academy 'Pantheon School.' A ghost academy with no real existence, but no risk of backlash. The Syrian prime minister's daughter, the youngest grandson of China's artifact giant 'Triton,' and other global heavyweights were alumni.
Everything progressed steadily. Then one incident occurred.
"Award ceremony?"
"Yes, my lord."
The station was awarding commendations to outstanding officers this quarter.
"Because of Jo Ho-sik?"
"No. I passed Jo Ho-sik's details to the team leader anonymously. Intended to credit the team, but since he's a big shot, the chief wants to praise the team and members directly."
Meaning Yoo Ji-tae was recommended as top contributor.
"Unanimous decision."
He'd thought he did well, but this much?
He was dumbfounded.
"But as you know, my lord, my schedule is packed today."
True. Clone had much to do for enrollment. Tedious, annoying tasks.
"If you command, I'll make another clone."
Yoo Ji-tae shook his head. Archduke's Shadow (SS) cost much to create new clones. No need for such waste.
So that day, he donned the uniform.
On the way to work. Leaving the officetel.
Bom was out on the balcony, watching him. Eyes met; she waved.
"See you later, ajusshi—."
He slowly raised his hand, waving awkwardly.
At work, familiar faces greeted him.
Team members from the station, met in the clone's memories. They were discussing the ceremony; as Yoo Ji-tae entered, they all stood to congratulate.
"Wow! Ji-tae sunbae. Congratulations!"
"Knew it'd be you from our team."
"Me too!"
He bowed awkwardly. Mumbled awkwardly, 'Thank you.'
One grinned and shouted.
"Guys. Ji-tae says he's treating beef this weekend!"
"Oh really?"
"Hey, I heard too! Not just any beef—Hanwoo flower sirloin!"
"Ah... Yeah, I heard!"
When did I say that?
Team members laughed heartily.
They'd all worked hard together, yet he alone shone. No jealousy in their eyes.
End of shift, just before clock-out. The ceremony began.
Not a grand event. Just a small commendation in the station's front parking lot.
The chief spoke.
"Q4 Outstanding Officer, Yoo. Ji. Tae. Please come to the podium."
Salute, receive certificate.
No thrill in the award itself, but seeing team members smile brightly at him stirred something.
Celebrating someone's success, sharing joy.
He etched the scene in his mind.
After the ceremony, as Yoo Ji-tae headed home.
At the entrance, a group of officers chattered. Unrelated team. As he sidestepped, a voice said, 'Huh?'
A woman stepped out, blocking him.
"Hey, our Ji-tae?"
Yoo Ji-tae recalled her face. From memories.
Lee Bo-seok.
The chief's daughter, lately pestering him.
No uniform; floral dress instead.
"On a great day like today, heading home already?"
"...Yes."
"Aigoo. Our Ji-tae doesn't know fun!"
Wahaha! Laughter from the group. Her HQ team.
"That's why I like you. No! How do your team members let you off on a day like this?"
They'd suggested drinks for the occasion, but he'd postponed.
"...I'll be going."
"Ah, hey... Don't make your sunbae sad?"
"...Pardon?"
"How many years you been here? On a day like this, unni's treating. One drink."
The regressor was troubled. Annoyed.
"Busy today... Next time, you treat."
"Hey, that 'next time' again! So many promises without a girlfriend!"
"......"
"You. Open your eyes before the bus leaves. Someone like me's not bad, right?"
'Eh, no way!' someone yelled. Wahahat laughter. She glared; it quieted. Female officers chimed, 'Pretty, team leader!'
Confident in her looks. Blinking, leaning in.
"No girlfriend, right?"
No reply; she narrowed eyes.
"Or what. Got one secretly?"
"......"
"See. None?"
No response; she whispered close.
"...Huh? Cheer up, junior. Who do you think recommended you to the chief? Know whose daughter I am?"
Daddy pulled strings.
Whatever. Regressor suppressed urge to snap her neck.
Behind, team yelled 'Accept team leader!' Front, her odd gaze. Stuck.
"Date with unni once... Why dodge...?"
A sly hand reached for his butt.
He reflexively grabbed the wrist. 'Ack!' She winced, stepped back.
Simultaneously, 'Huh...' 'Eh?' from group.
"What the hell was that?"
Regaining confidence, Lee Bo-seok glared hawk-like, voice emotional.
"Whoa..."
"Wow..."
Admiration continued; she frowned. Team reactions weird. Looked; gazes fixed afar.
What? Something there?
Annoyed, she followed. Station entrance. Green-haired girl stood there.
And her own jaw dropped.
Beautiful beyond thought, head emptying.
"Huh? Ajusshi—."
Yoo Ji-tae looked.
Sensed energy nearby.
Bom.
"What brings you here."
"Ceremony over? Came to surprise you."
Natural chat between mystery girl and man. Group hushed.
What relation?
Lee Bo-seok's eyes twitched.
"Over."
"Then let's go. Special dinner to celebrate."
Cooking for him? Team faces twisted odder. Curiosity ignited; words poured oil.
Then.
"Oh, here? Ajusshi!"
Brighter voice. Beside green hair, yellow-haired girl popped out. Unlike Bom at gate, she grinned, dashed inside.
"What. Ajusshi why not out? Waited ages!"
"Yeah... Let's go."
"Huh?"
By then, Lee Bo-seok's face rotted.
She'd worn trendy dress—easy back-zip, fun for night.
But new yellow-haired girl wore identical.
"Wow. Auntie same dress as me!"
"......"
Same clothes, different vibe.
Lee Bo-seok eyed man and kids alternately. 'Auntie' stung briefly. Now understood his disinterest.
"That's Team Leader Lee Bo-seok. Greet her."
"Yes? Ah... Hello!"
At Yoo Ji-tae's words, Gaeul bowed politely at navel.
Onlookers grinned stupidly, hearts struck. No age/gender limit.
"Auntie, name Bo-seok?"
"Uh, yeah..."
Gaeul tilted head at her blankly. Then innocent smile.
"Pretty name!"
Goddess smile.
"But, but. Bo-seok doesn't suit that auntie."
On way home. Gaeul, pondering, suddenly said.
Bom asked.
"Then what suits her?"
"Hmm..."
After thought, Gaeul giggled, 'Potato?'
Bom placed hand on Gaeul's head. No malice, but rude.
"Gaeul. Don't say that to people."
"Ah, yes, unni."
Pondering again, she blurted.
"Then sweet potato?"