Chapter 2
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: Even a Slayer Can't Resist Warm Food
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The taste of Korean food after so long was the absolute best.
His body no longer needed meals after all this time, but that didn't mean he wasn't craving warm food.
'Dousing my throat with blood and tearing into flesh—that was my daily routine.'
All "warm" ever meant was demonic beast meat haphazardly grilled over hellfire.
Proper food like this was something he'd missed terribly.
Clink. Clink.
Only after scraping every last bit from the bowl did he finish his meal.
The harmony of rice and soft tofu stew after so long was beyond words—pure perfection.
"Phew. Now, shall we continue our talk?"
"......"
The Association staffer was giving him that look—like he was some weirdo—but he ignored it.
After countless years without warm food, it was a perfectly natural reaction.
"So, you want me to deal with returnees from other countries?"
"...Yes. Of course, we're not asking you to do it for nothing. Whenever we need you to clear a gate, we'll offer ample compensation—"
"I refuse."
Silberion was utterly sick of swinging a sword.
Unless demons reappeared, he'd never touch one again.
"Is there a reason for your refusal?"
"I've swung a sword more than enough to last a lifetime. Now I just want to rest."
Far too much had happened.
He didn't want to keep fighting and killing now that he was back on Earth.
"...Then what do you plan to do?"
"Guess I'll figure that out from here on."
He didn't have anything specific in mind.
'Couldn't bring my full power anyway.'
Even if he did wield a blade, now wasn't the time.
He hadn't lost everything crossing the gate—just brought about twenty percent of his strength.
Make that ten percent, really, since he'd slain the Demon Lord while depleted.
Still, even that fraction opened plenty of possibilities.
He had no idea how many powerhouses had emerged since the Great Cataclysm, but for a quiet life, this would suffice.
"...Then let me arrange housing and other conveniences first."
"You're offering favors even though I'm not joining your cause. Orders from above?"
"...We've learned from experience that without a returnee's consent, it's pointless. Even advanced nations don't control all their returnees."
"......"
He'd been ready to cut them all down and bolt if needed, but things weren't that rigid here.
They didn't seem so bad, really.
Struggling to survive among the surrounding superpowers—it was almost pitiful.
"...I'll think about it."
"Take your time, and contact me when you've decided. I'll be waiting. Oh, my name is Choi Yunha."
"Choi Yunha... Got it."
And with that, their conversation was wrapping up.
"Finally, a quick measurement, then I'll guide you to your residence."
They both rose to leave the meeting room.
'...Something's incoming.'
Silberion's senses sharpened first.
He grabbed Choi Yunha's nape and yanked her back.
"Wha—?!"
Choi Yunha, mid-conversation moments ago, panicked—but soon clamped her mouth shut at what followed.
BOOM!!!
The meeting room wall exploded inward.
"Kyahaha! Heard a new returnee showed up—where are ya?!"
A shrill, hyena-like cackle echoed as she stepped through the rubble.
'...A primitive?'
Her outfit was barely there—fur scraps over chest and thighs.
The fang necklace screamed she wasn't the gentle type.
Golden hair flying, the woman charged straight at Silberion.
"It's you! The new returnee!!!"
"...What is this?"
"What else?! New returnees are powerhouses by default. Beating one is natural in a world of the strong devouring the weak!!!"
"......"
She seemed right at home in some primal jungle.
"Calm down first—let's talk this out—"
"No talk!"
Silberion tried to speak, but she lunged, claws extended.
Clang!!!
Claws raked his silver armor, sparks flying.
"Looks like words won't cut it."
"Wh-what about me...?"
Silberion tossed the stammering Choi Yunha behind him and dove into the fray.
Get pushed back here, and he'd lose ground.
Priority one: get out of this building.
Thud!
He kicked off the floor, blasting past her to the outside.
"Where ya running!!!"
She chased after him in a flash.
'Gotta fight without collateral damage.'
Wrecking the place would just earn curses and hate.
So he smashed straight through an inner wall, deeper in.
The Association building centered on a wide open plaza.
He lured her there, then started warming up for real.
Crack. Crunch!
"Finally ready for a real fight!!!"
"Yeah. Beasts that won't listen need the stick."
"I'm no beast! I am Kartimela, Queen of the Mighty Predators!!!"
BOOM!!!
Her spot cratered as she rocketed toward him.
"Gotta end this quick."
Silberion muttered, settling into his fist stance.
Know what he heard most after falling into that other world?
[Why'd you pick up a sword?]
[Even without one, you've got other talents.]
He took the sword because he was best with it.
But without it, another moniker stuck:
Fist Star Silberion.
His fists like stars stitching the heavens—that earned it.
His form was flawless.
Power faded, but technique never would.
'Controlled, efficient.'
Not full force—calibrated to the stance.
He instinctively knew the perfect power for maximum effect.
"...!!!"
His fist sank perfectly into her gut.
BOOM!!!
Like a bomb blast, she hurtled far away.
Kaboom...!
Through walls, one after another.
"Phew..."
Silberion watched her fly, then eyed his fist.
'Definitely weaker.'
Form pristine, but nothing like when he carved demons.
'Now, wait for them to sort it out.'
He sensed a crowd heading this way.
Kartimela wouldn't bounce back soon.
The hit landed clean—no presence left.
One punch knockout, probably.
Association staff arrived soon after, assessing and cleaning up. It didn't take long.
"Phew... That was close. I almost died."
"...Does this happen often?"
"No, not really. Kart just happened to hear the commotion. Most returnees aren't like her."
"......"
Not all, but "most" meant some still caused trouble.
"Anyway, impressive. Kart's known as S-Rank Hunter level. I'm not her handler, so I don't know more."
"Guess that makes you mine, then."
"Yep. Somehow it worked out that way."
They chatted as they walked the hall.
No damage from the fight, so no issue.
Good chance to gauge his remaining power after dusting off his fists.
Silberion followed Choi Yunha to the testing room.
She'd insisted on measuring his strength before basic support.
No witnesses to Kart flying off—just results—so testing made sense.
"Just place your hand here."
"...That's it?"
Measure with a hand on this crystal orb?
Ten years on Earth, but not ordinary ones, he realized.
No such artifacts pre-Cataclysm. They'd adapted fast.
Silberion placed his hand on the orb.
Vmmm...
It glowed bright, then flooded with intense gold.
"...As expected. Figured it'd be this."
"Good, I take it?"
No clue on colors.
"Gold means S-Rank. This bright hasn't happened in ages... You'll be instated as an S-Rank Hunter returnee."
"...Anything else?"
"Move when you're interested or want to, like you said. Just note your rank and status."
"......"
Silberion felt it—all done.
New identity, soon a home.
No more street naps or blood for sustenance. That alone was joy.
"Looking forward to working with you, Silberion."
"Yeah. Same here."
They shook hands.
His first bond since escaping that hellish world.