Chapter 141
Chapter 141
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 141
Chapter Title: 26. Hero of Kitakyushu (1)
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A single nation.
Japan hadn't given up prematurely on designating Kitakyushu as a forbidden zone.
They dispatched subjugation teams multiple times, even including destructive powerhouses like S-Rank hunters, but faced repeated failures. The national leadership had no choice but to make a decision. Time had already dragged on, leaving uncertainty about survivors' fates. Rather than forcing a resolution recklessly, they chose to cover it up for now and address it gradually later.
At the time, it seemed like the right call.
If it had been a monster with a clear identity, they would have staked their lives on it. But the S-Rank evil spirit felt like it had plunged into an endless abyss—no solution in sight. Its nature, its intentions, everything was uncertain. The only truth Japan uncovered was its bizarre ability that could drive even S-Ranks mad, and its overwhelming presence was beyond any individual's power to resolve.
But now...
"...You killed the evil spirit? You, a B-Rank hunter?"
Shimizu Hiroshi stared in disbelief.
It defied all reason.
Even Saito Shusuke, dubbed the Sword Ghost, had fallen to the evil spirit. Shimizu couldn't accept that Kang San, assessed as B-Rank, had taken it down.
Kang San replied.
"I understand it's hard to believe. It was a monster no ordinary hunter could face, but I possess abilities that are its natural counter, so it wasn't all that difficult. The evil spirit's power targeted the mind, and I'm particularly specialized in that area."
That was the full explanation.
And it was true.
If Kang San hadn't strengthened his mental fortitude through his past life, he would have succumbed to the evil spirit's power outright.
In the end...
Shimizu's only basis was Kang San's word.
Kang San's track record so far, Saito Shusuke's testimony, and his proven ability to navigate the fog-shrouded space correctly. There was ample evidence if one chose to believe, but Shimizu rejected the truth.
It couldn't be real.
His past actions, ignoring public opinion, would be viewed negatively now that Kang San had returned.
Amid the crowd...
Ito Kentaro was visible.
He who had prayed alongside them through days of storms would reap enormous privileges from this turn of events.
Shimizu Hiroshi said.
"...I'm not saying I don't believe you, but it's hard to accept that a single individual solved a problem even the nation couldn't. So, you'll have to take responsibility for that claim. If we've confirmed the evil spirit's existence but the issue persists, we'll have no choice but to question your intentions."
He turned on his heel.
Even if it was a self-inflicted wound.
Shimizu Hiroshi had no other options.
Shimizu Hiroshi's statement.
No special verification process was needed.
While the Japanese government assembled a new subjugation team, massive changes unfolded in Kitakyushu.
Whoosh...
"Huh?"
"Look over there."
In the distance.
The fog blanketing the Red Zone—where visibility was zero—began to dissipate.
With the communication interference resolved, contacts poured in from self-proclaimed survivors. It was chaos. Vast southern regions beyond Kitakyushu still harbored many clinging to life, breaking through the Red Zone or calling for rescue, their will to survive burning bright.
This was the moment Kang San's words were proven.
If the S-Rank evil spirit caused the fog, the changes made perfect sense.
In light of these events...
The Japanese National Diet convened immediately.
As grim-faced lawmakers took their seats, Shimizu Hiroshi seized the initiative, voicing his thoughts first.
"The barrier to rescue has finally lifted. Whether Kitakyushu's hero slaying the evil spirit caused this can be verified later. For now, shouldn't we swiftly form rescue teams? Even without the fog and evil spirit, dimensional gates and monsters remain beyond the Red Zone. We must resolve those quickly for Kitakyushu to reclaim true peace."
He switched stances.
As if he'd never doubted Kang San, he adapted seamlessly to reality.
"Representative Shimizu Hiroshi. Just moments ago, you were insisting we confirm if the evil spirit was truly defeated. No mention of that now?"
"Ahem... Well..."
"I understand. You've taken a negative stance on Kitakyushu all along, so an outsider resolving it must irk you. But flipping your position so casually looks bad. When advocating subjugation teams, or urging support for Kang San—you were always on the opposing side. At least the public, having watched this unfold, won't trust your words anymore."
It was Ito Kentaro.
His words left other lawmakers unable to defend Shimizu.
The tide had turned.
Ito Kentaro had prayed publicly in the plaza—a show, perhaps, but the people acknowledged his effort, raising voices for him as next prime minister. The atmosphere shifted. The Diet, once Shimizu Hiroshi's domain, now tread carefully around Ito Kentaro's feelings.
Ito Kentaro said.
"What our Diet must do now..."
He took control of the meeting.
Transcending parties, lawmakers aligned with him, showing active support.
In that moment...
Shimizu Hiroshi realized.
In this fierce race for next prime minister, one wrong choice had cost him everything.
All because of a foreigner named 'Kang San.'
That afternoon.
Japan's prime minister and Ito Kentaro stepped before the cameras.
The prime minister spoke first, then yielded to Ito Kentaro—a clear message.
Power in the Diet had shifted to Ito Kentaro.
He looked into the camera and said.
"The nightmare of Kitakyushu that plagued us so long is finally nearing its end. The fog and evil spirit hindering rescue are resolved. The Japanese government will dispatch subjugation and rescue teams aggressively to clear monsters from the so-called Red Zone and save survivors. Frankly, our response to this crisis wasn't adequate. Rescue efforts stalled for three years, and without 'Kitakyushu's hero,' these results would be impossible."
Within the Diet...
Opinions on mentioning Kang San varied.
Highlight him or downplay to inflate government achievements?
Ito Kentaro chose the former.
With countless directly saved, minimizing him would breed backlash.
"He was a complete outsider to Kitakyushu—no reason or duty to help. Yet he didn't turn away from its plight. Answering desperate pleas, he plunged into danger alone, rescuing countless survivors. And he resolved the root cause by slaying the evil spirit. On behalf of the Japanese government, I say: thank you sincerely. I want these words to reach Japan's benefactor."
Hero of Kitakyushu.
Japan's benefactor.
With the government's direct titles, Kang San's name etched into the nation's memory.
Kang San stayed in Japan for the time being.
He needed recovery time, but having started, he wanted to join the Kitakyushu subjugation team.
His first day in Kitakyushu...
Everything felt alien.
Not just being in a foreign land—the monster wave hitting right upon arrival forced frantic combat. Nakamura Genji shifting from bureaucrat to Sword Ghost, Jessica abruptly stealing kills mid-hunt. Experiences impossible in Korea. People saw Kang San as an outsider, offering no special warmth.
But now...
The situation had flipped entirely.
Kang San secured temporary lodging, but the manager rushed over.
"For Kitakyushu's hero to grace our hotel is our family's honor. You booked a standard room, but we've upgraded you to a suite free of charge—no extra fees during your stay. Breakfast and room service included."
"...Really? That must cost a fortune."
"My cousin survived thanks to you. This repays that grace—please, no burden."
That was just the start.
At dinner that evening, the restaurant owner bowed with all staff.
"Ah, Kitakyushu's hero! A special course shortly—all on the house."
"Kitakyushu's hero in my taxi! Where to? Hundreds of kilometers? Gladly, free of charge. Why? My son returned alive thanks to you. How could I not treat you well?"
"Everything free for Kitakyushu's hero. Name it—we'll procure anything, even if not in stock."
It was pandemonium.
Wherever he went...
Whoever he met...
Japanese people welcomed him joyfully.
Most Kitakyushu residents had reclaimed family thanks to him, but even TV viewers showed immense goodwill. It was only natural. Kitakyushu's crisis festered unsolved for three years—a stagnant rot. As emotions soured, Kang San crossed into the Red Zone, sacrificing himself to save people.
The whole nation watched.
Beyond on-site folks, whenever Kitakyushu news broke, hands clasped in prayer.
And finally, the evil spirit fell.
Incomprehensible how, yet survivor returns flooded in daily—Japan erupted in joy. His foreign status irrelevant. As 'Hero of Kitakyushu, Japan's benefactor,' they expressed heartfelt thanks.
In this context...
Jo Han-byeol and the group traveling with Kang San felt dazed.
"...We paying friend fees now? We're getting the hero treatment too."
"Yeah. He's basically a Hallyu star."
"Heh."
Kang San rubbed his face.
Grinned sheepishly.
Truth be told, it didn't feel bad.
He once thought coerced good deeds weren't true ones, but accepted the results as real. This trial was a massive crisis. Never losing sight of saving people at life's risk, he washed away lingering guilt.
No more...
Kim Chun-sik's thanks wouldn't burden him.
Like accepting Japanese kindness, Kang San saw his deeds as genuine sincerity.
A turning point in many ways.
Not just physical growth—he gained unshakeable resolve, unmoved by past life's truths. Separating past and present, he existed as Kang San even amid the Blood Demon's nightmares.
Days later...
A familiar face visited Kang San.
"...Thank you. Thanks to you, I finally found my family."
The man bowed deeply.
It was none other than...
Nakamura Genji.