The Modern Founding Chronicles of the Returned Demon King

The Modern Founding Chronicles of the Returned Demon King

Episode 18: Twilight (4)

[The Hunter Lee Seo-jun of Twilight Guild defeats the S-rank boss with a single strike]

[Hunter Association President considering Lee Seo-jun as Korea’s first ‘SS-rank Hunter’]

[Twilight Guild promoted from A-rank to S-rank, an unprecedented feat worldwide]

[Unique assistant who focused on saving survivors? Is it Lee Seo-jun’s ability?]

[A word left by Lee Seo-jun, is it a tribute to Hwang Ki-bum?]

[The late Hwang Ki-bum’s parents, ‘Just Grateful’]

The next day, articles were full of stories related to the gate collapse.

Matters about the ‘SS-rank Hunter’ and the ‘unique assistant’ would be discussed in a future press conference.

‘What’s left now is…’

I held the invitation that was the quest reward.

[‘Someone’s’ Invitation]

Description: ‘Someone’ whose name cannot be revealed yet invites you. If you accept this invitation, some of your questions will be resolved.

‘Accept’ to use the invitation.

I had many questions.

Why was I summoned to the Solomon Demon Realm, who gives these quests, etc.

So, if I accept this invitation, will those questions be answered?

“Accept.”

The pondering was not long.

***

Swish—

I closed my eyes briefly against the distant light and, when I opened them, a different scenery unfolded.

Numerous ancient trees formed a forest, and the sparkling plants and fresh air combined to create an breathtaking atmosphere.

A mysterious ambiance, as if fairies or elves could pop out at any moment.

Shortly after, a woman walked out from behind a large tree.

“Hello, Mr. Lee Seo-jun.”

I looked at the woman who greeted me so calmly.

I wondered what she saw with those closed eyes, and she had an aura like a forest sprite in her naturally woven green dress.

I leaned against a nearby tree and asked,

“Are you the one who invited me?”

“Yes, I am the ‘Will of Earth,’ known as Irina.”

The Will of Earth…

I remember seeing ‘Will of Solomon’ written when I was summoned to the demon realm.

I started with a question about that.

“… What does ‘Will’ mean?”

“It is an existence formed by the will of intelligent life forms that inhabit a planet. In my case, I am formed from the will of humans. Of course, I have my own free will too.”

So that’s why she has a human form.

I understood that.

“I have questions.”

“Feel free to ask. That’s one of the reasons why I invited you.”

The most crucial question.

The only reason I could remain so calm.

“Did you send me to the demon realm?”

The sound of the wind replaced the silence. Her bangs slightly fluttered.

Irina’s mouth opened slightly.

“No.”

It felt like a lie.

“A denial… but I was definitely sent to the demon realm with a ‘blue window’ accepting ‘the Will of Solomon’. You also use the same ‘blue window’. So, you still deny it?”

I couldn’t forget that time. It was definitely the same blue window.

I tried to read her intentions with [Lezie’s Insight], but for some reason, it didn’t work on her.

“Indeed, the ‘status window’ is something I created to quantify and typify information for you. Even the quests are missions I’ve asked of you. However, that ‘color’ is precisely the trap. It’s a trap set by ‘Adoniya’s Will’ to kill me and Solomon’s Will.”

So, it was a trap…

I took a moment to organize my thoughts.

“So, you’re saying that this ‘Adoniya’s Will’ deliberately used the ‘blue window’ to send me to the Solomon Demon Realm and make me hate you and Solomon’s Will, intending to get us killed?”

“Exactly. You are quite smart.”

Irina lightly agreed.

But it just sounded like an excuse, so my doubts continued.

“But why would he do that? The demons of Adoniya can easily destroy Earth. There’s no need to create a variable like ‘me’ to influence the outcome. If you say this, I’d actually become his enemy, wouldn’t I?”

Not long after actually returning to Earth, Adoniya’s grand plan seemed on the verge of collapsing.

Well, as long as I don’t trust what this guy says, that plan will continue forever.

“The reason is simple. Even if Earth is invaded, as long as I’m alive, humanity will see hope again. Adoniya’s will can’t kill me directly.”

“So, you took such risks to eradicate the root of Earth itself?”

“Yes, for complete conquest.”

Irina concluded her explanation.

“But Adoniya’s will never thought you’d become so powerful. What he wanted was for me to desire you and for you to be able to kill me. I only have special abilities, my physical abilities are no different from an ordinary human.”

I scanned Irina for a moment.

Indeed, her physical body appeared frail.

“Is that Adoniya’s will guy the same?”

“No, he’ll probably be stronger than me, since he’s rooted in Adoniya’s demon race.”

Physical capabilities also form according to the intellectual life forms that live on the planet.

“Hmm…”

I took a deep breath and lifted my head.

…Frankly, my doubts weren’t completely erased even after hearing Irina’s explanation. Naturally, anything can sound plausible if you only hear one side of the story.

However, I decided to ‘move on’ for now.

If this guy really was the culprit, he wouldn’t have sent an invitation; he’d just hide.

“So why was it me? You could have chosen someone else, right?”

“Ah, you were chosen because you have zero magical power. It’s difficult for people with magical power to adapt to magic.”

I held my breath for a moment.

“So that’s why I was able to survive in Solomon’s demon realm full of monsters?”

“Yes, exactly.”

I understood. But…

Grrr-

Anger surged to my peripheral nerves.

I just set a new goal.

I will definitely kill that ‘Adoniya’s will’ guy with my own hands. Rip him apart and scatter him in all directions.

From the start, he was a threat to my goals.

Of course, I’ll have to verify the truth first.

“Where is this Adoniya’s will guy? I’ll go kill him right now.”

“I… I don’t know. I’m sorry…”

…Well, I didn’t think it would be that easy.

If it were that simple, he wouldn’t have complicated things this much.

That’s enough for now. Most of my crucial questions have been more or less answered.

I suppressed the leaking magic and asked,

“So why did you invite me? You didn’t just summon me to satisfy my curiosity.”

“Yes, that’s correct. You must have realized that Adoniya’s side is up to something serious. They’re mobilizing in various ways.”

I had a certain guess about what that could be.

The content of the quest also seemed to hint at it.

“The Seven Deadly Sins?”

“Yes.”

So, it was the ‘Seven Deadly Sins’…

Each of them holds the title of ‘Demon King.’

The ‘Asmodeus’ who invaded when I was in Solomon’s demon Realm also had the title of ‘Demon King of Lust.’

Well, his end was far from that of a Demon King.

“Until now, regular demons have been invading, but now the Seven Deadly Sins are going to flood in here. They aim to seize this desirable Earth.”

“So, you want me to get rid of them?”

“Yes, not just the Seven Deadly Sins, but I’d like you to protect Earth from various threats as well. Of course, I will also assist you firmly.”

So, this is why she gave me the quest. Earth seemed doomed to destruction if things continued this way.

But that’s fine by me. It’s easier to trust when motives are clear.

After a moment of contemplation, I answered,

“Alright.”

“Really?!”

Irina looked surprised at my quick consent.

“Yes.”

I needed Irina’s help to achieve my original goal anyway.

To become a king, I needed a country, and for a country, I needed citizens.

But if there is no causality in the world view, I can’t gain citizens. The foundation itself is not refined.

Like it or not, even if I doubt it, there is a need to maintain this ambiguous relationship.

“However, protecting Earth is not my ultimate goal. It’s merely a process for my true objective.”

“Yes! I’m content with just that! I’ll work hard to assist you!”

Irina spoke with a bright disposition.

I let out a deep sigh and said,

“But will I be able to see you again later? I don’t have any specific questions right now.”

“Yes, whenever you have a question, just use that invitation to call me.”

So, it wasn’t a consumable item.

“I’ll go back now. I have a lot to do.”

“Okay!”

Irina stretched out both hands, and a bright light enveloped me.

As my consciousness began to fade, Irina showed a smile.

“See you again.”

I just lightly nodded in response.

***

In a building in Korea,

The cult leader, Heo Ki-Chan, was sitting at his desk when Priest Lee Han-Gil approached him.

“Leader, I’ve gathered all the information on Lee Seo-Jun, including his date of birth, place of birth, and his connections.”

“Ah, finally done.”

As Heo Ki-Chan received the materials, Lee Han-Gil cautiously asked,

“Did you watch the recent live broadcast?”

“Yes, I saw it too. That power. Lee Seo-Jun is definitely a ‘Magi user.’ Now I somewhat understand what happened to Priest Yoo Chang-su.”

“How could he use that level of magi? Could he also be the leader of some cult?”

“According to my information, that’s not the case. But I am curious, so we’ll have to capture him and ask him ourselves.”

“But…he single-handedly prevented the collapse of an S-rank gate. Do you think he’ll come willingly?”

At that question, Heo Ki-Chan smirked.

“What’s there to worry about when I’m here? It’s better to deal with him now before he gains more power. He’ll become an obstacle for us eventually.”

“I see…”

“Strength isn’t everything in this world. There are various ways to capture someone.”

Heo Ki-Chan glanced at the papers and tapped on the typed lines.

“The best method is to use the people around him.”

“True, no matter how strong he is, he can’t always protect those around him.”

“Yes, even if he’s an ‘SS-rank Hunter.’ Let’s see, his close family includes his sister, Lee Seo-Yeon, and then there’s Jeong Ye-Rin.”

Heo Ki-Chan looked up at Lee Han-Gil.

“You know what to do without me having to say, right?”

“Yes, when Lee Seo-Jun is absent, I’ll capture him as quickly as possible.”

“Then go. Capturing even one is a win for us.”

Lee Han-Gil bowed deeply and exited the building.

Heo Ki-Chan rose from his seat and headed towards the window.

The soft moonlight brightening the night sky.

As he looked at the scenery, which felt like a blessing from the heavens, he smiled.

“Luck seems to be on our side.”

***

Three days after the S-rank Gate incident, Kim Eun-Ha contacted me.

[(Dawn Guild) Team Leader Kim Eun-Ha: Mr. Seo-Jun, we’ve collected all the materials and even the blood![

[Me: Alright, I’m on my way.]

Of course, I showed Lee Seo-Yeon’s abilities to the Dawn Guild siblings first, promising to create a weapon for them.

Soon, I’ll acquire Kim Jin-Woo’s abilities too.

I looked at Jeong Ye-Rin, who was lounging on the first-floor sofa.

“Jeong Ye-Rin, let’s go to the Dawn Guild for a bit.”

“…Huh?”

Jeong Ye-Rin, who had been zoned out, jolted up in surprise.

“Be my secretary for a day. We’ll also check out some loot that can be used for crafting.”

There was also another reason.

If I leave, Hyude alone would have to protect both Lee Seo-Yeon and Jeong Ye-Rin.

It’s more convenient to keep both of them in the same place, but I feel more at ease taking her with me. I just have to wait until I can summon the legion commander anyway.

The Worldview causality point remaining needed is only 20. Just one demon would suffice to get rid of it immediately.

“Okay.”

Jeong Ye-Rin got up from the sofa.

I then turned my gaze to Hyude beside me.

“In my absence, Hyude, guard my treasures. If someone tries to covet them, make sure to show them exactly whose belongings they dared to touch.”

Hyude bowed deeply in acknowledgment.

“Yes, My Lord. I will dedicate my life to fulfilling that command.”

“Alright.”

With that, I headed to the Dawn Guild with Jeong Ye-Rin.

(To be continued in the next episode)