Chapter 179
Chapter 179
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 179
Chapter Title: 40. Master of the Myth (5)
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“What did you say…?”
I heard it. I definitely heard it.
But I couldn’t believe it.
“One parent… what?”
Dependent deduction, one-parent household special deduction.
Did the cosmic tax code really have something like that?
‘Well, they even have a single-person household deduction.’
Whether one parent or two, what wouldn’t they do to avoid tax-induced death?
“So what do I need to do? I’m already taking care of Dad, so doesn’t that automatically qualify me for both?”
Dependent deduction.
In simple terms, it applied if you were supporting parents, grandparents, or a spouse.
Under Korean law, it even covered spouses, siblings, adoptees, and foster children if certain conditions were met.
Of course, the scope of “dependents” under cosmic law was unknown, but a biological father should surely qualify.
‘And we’re already a one-parent household right now. What’s there to recommend or not?’
As Youngwoo stared at Kubu expectantly, the new tax accountant replied while still fixing her gaze on Jeong-gu.
―For the “one-parent household deduction” to apply under tax law, Jeong Youngwoo07 and Kim Jeonggu11 must be recognized as father and son under cosmic law.
“…What does that mean?”
“Uh…? So we’re not officially father and son yet?”
Jeong-gu’s expression grew complicated.
He was still fleeing from Youngwoo’s blade, but he had started to wonder if this orphan might really be his son.
As the two men faltered, Kubu elaborated.
―To put it in Earth terms, you need official paperwork to prove the father-son relationship under cosmic law. You two are not currently in an official father-son relationship.
“Ah.”
Youngwoo, who had gone through more cosmic procedures, understood first.
“It’s like getting it notarized. We’ve never officially acknowledged our father-son relationship before.”
To be precise, Jeong-gu, Youngwoo’s biological father, had been denying his son’s existence.
―Correct. If you wish to formalize the relationship, please read this “document” I’m showing you carefully and sign your agreement.
Flash!
As soon as Kubu finished speaking, a holographic document appeared before the two men.
And the content written on it was none other than a “Lineal Ascendant Certification.”
《Universal Lineal Ascendant Certificate》
- “Jeong Youngwoo07” is the biological and de facto son of “Kim Jeonggu11,” certifying their father-son relationship under cosmic law.
- “Kim Jeonggu11” is the biological and de facto father of “Jeong Youngwoo07,” certifying their father-son relationship under cosmic law.
Beneath each statement was a blank circle, apparently for signatures.
“…My God.”
Jeong-gu, who had read the statements carefully, covered his mouth.
A cosmic family relationship certificate.
He had never imagined seeing something like this in his lifetime.
But that made it all the more reason.
“…What happens if we sign this but the content doesn’t match reality?”
Jeong-gu couldn’t help being cautious.
“It says ‘biological father’ here, but what if that’s not actually true?”
In fact, before the reset, they had no connection at all, so even “de facto father” wasn’t entirely accurate.
Still, at this point, Jeong-gu was the only man Youngwoo called his father, so if he acknowledged it, they could be seen as de facto father and son.
But biological father-son was a yes-or-no matter that couldn’t be glossed over.
―You are correct.
Kubu’s response began.
―If the signed certificate’s content does not match reality, you could face arrest and indictment for forgery of official documents.
“…Arrest and indictment?”
This time, Youngwoo showed curiosity.
Did the cosmos have concepts like arrest and indictment too?
By whom, and where, would they be arrested and indicted?
―In this case, intent might not be proven in court. However, most die from “accidents” during detention, so please sign carefully.
“Accidents during detention…? You mean dying in prison?”
At Youngwoo’s question, Kubu delivered terrifying news.
―Yes. About 84% of trial detainees die in holding cells.
Meaning, if indicted and detained, you’d die with high probability—even if innocent.
‘84% fatality rate for detention? What kind of messed-up world is this?’
What on earth was the cosmos like…?
“Th-then we shouldn’t sign this!”
As expected, Jeong-gu recoiled from the certificate in fear, and Youngwoo immediately drew Bastard.
Shing!
“Cut the crap, Dad. If I don’t pay this tax, I die.”
“Indictment means death too, you lunatic!”
“That’s only if we’re not actually father and son! There’s a 16% survival chance even if detained.”
Youngwoo said this, then unhesitatingly placed his hand on the signature line.
Tap!
“But failing to pay taxes means 100% death. Got it? Sign now if you don’t want to die right here.”
Slashes.
Having signed first, Youngwoo drew a diagonal line from near Jeong-gu’s throat to his signature spot with the blade tip.
Sign or die.
Truly outrageous filial impiety.
“…….”
Yet no one there could reproach Youngwoo.
Everyone knew he was a bastard son, and this was a special circumstance.
Base tax alone: 3.4 million karma.
Plus acquisition tax on mythic gear.
Some in the room thought it was a miracle Youngwoo hadn’t snapped sooner.
“Sign it. It’s the way for both of us to live. And this way, we’ll know for sure. Whether we’re really father and son.”
“Mm…….”
Jeong-gu groaned.
Youngwoo was right.
Signing this cosmic document would confirm it.
If Jeong Youngwoo and Kim Jeong-gu were blood-related, the deduction would apply. If not…
‘Detention in a cosmic holding cell with 84% fatality.’
Of course, being locked up with that crazy orphan might lower the pre-trial “accident” risk a bit.
“You’re a real son of a bitch.”
In the end, Jeong-gu spat curses and placed his hand on the signature line.
Tap.
Youngwoo, looking satisfied, turned to Kubu.
“Now it’s done, right? With both deductions, how much does the tax drop?”
A question full of anticipation.
But Kubu’s response was devastating.
―Even with father-son certification, the dependent deduction won’t activate. Only the one-parent household special deduction applies now.
―The one-parent household special deduction rate is 30%.
“No… why not the dependent one? No matter how hard Dad tries to earn, he can’t match my base tax.”
Youngwoo disparaged his father’s life again before everyone.
Yet Kubu’s answer remained the same.
―Kim Jeonggu11’s income over the past two days is 6.84 million karma, exceeding the dependent requirement of 100,000 karma daily income.
“Damn… you made a killing, Dad.”
“I’m the Dobong First Sword, you punk.”
“This is getting a headache.”
Youngwoo rubbed his forehead, then asked Kubu again.
“But why suggest the dependent deduction then?”
In response, Kubu rolled her eyes toward the living room beyond—toward Seok and her children.
―…….
“Uh, no way, right?”
Youngwoo, intuiting much, dry-washed his face with both hands.
Under Korean law, dependents included lineal ascendants, spouses, siblings, adoptees, and foster children.
In other words, if cosmic law followed suit, Tae-jun and CEO Seok’s kids were prime foster child candidates.
‘Or maybe they want me to adopt them.’
As Youngwoo gazed at the children with a troubled expression, Kubu spoke ruthlessly.
―With foster children or adoptees, you qualify for the dependent deduction. The rate is 15%, and it compounds with others.
Compounds with others.
For example, with the 30% one-parent deduction already applied, adding dependent would make it 45%.
“45%… not even half off, and we still have acquisition tax. Will that be enough?”
Youngwoo stared at Bastard in his hand.
Since the tax wasn’t paid yet, it wasn’t fully his.
‘And thanks to this weapon, I’m about to lose my life.’
As Youngwoo’s expression darkened further, Jeong-gu tried to console him.
“Why so uncharacteristic? I even signed with a heavy heart. Acquisition tax can’t be that insane, right? Right, tax accountant?”
He was the Joseon First Sword, after all.
Dying for unpaid taxes? Ridiculous.
Jeong-gu genuinely believed the tax wouldn’t be that high.
But cosmic taxes were never lenient.
―The acquisition tax on “Bastard” that Jeong Youngwoo07 must pay is… 30.8 million karma.
“Yes?”
“What?”
“How much…?”
Before Youngwoo could react, the onlookers gasped and covered their mouths.
“Th-thirty million? You’re kidding!”
Jeong-gu asked again in disbelief, but Youngwoo alone wasn’t surprised.
It was his tax, coming soon—no room for shock.
“Acquisition tax due by tonight too?”
―Acquisition tax deadline is tomorrow at 10 p.m.
Day 5 dawn now—effectively two days.
‘And hilariously, it overlaps with the Dogo quest deadline.’
[Dogo] “Confirm Biological Father”
<Mission> Spend 3 days with “Kim Jeonggu11.”
<Reward> 20 million karma.
<Special> Kim Jeonggu11 must survive the mission.
Youngwoo realized Dogo had known about this tax issue and solution from the start.
‘I can cover today’s tax fine. But Bastard’s acquisition tax and the unidentified weapon catalog tax are the problem.’
Money. A ton of money.
How much did he need to earn to pay taxes and have some left?
“…From now on, I’ll scrape together money by any means. Gotta get more ads from the chairman.”
As Youngwoo stared into space with half-mad eyes, Kubu cautiously fluttered her eyelids.
―C-can I… go home now…?