The Modern Founding Chronicles of the Returned Demon King

The Modern Founding Chronicles of the Returned Demon King

Episode 7: Compensation (1)

Great Centipede, a boss ranked at the top of Class A due to its thick armor. Its powerful charge could easily knock back even an A-class hunter, and its razor-sharp teeth could shred through anything. But is this the end? With just a single strike from the owner of that voice, the Great Centipede derailed from the path of life.

“That Great Centipede was defeated in one hit…”

“What on Earth was that…”

At the overwhelming sight, not just the team leaders but even the association president couldn’t hold back their astonishment.

“I knew he’d defeat it, but to do so that easily… Is this even possible?”

“Is this even possible?”

Jo Geun-woo, who was standing next to him, swallowed hard.

In the silence, Park Sang-cheol spoke quietly,

“…Well then, I see no objections to categorizing him as an S-class hunter.”

It was an unprecedented moment when an S-class hunter was born in a hunter exam that only measured up to A-class.

[Qualification] (Completed)

Description: Show what abilities you have. This is just a small beginning, but it will gradually cause big ripples. Before the catastrophe strikes, you must become a Hunter.

Reward: Gain 10 points in the Worldview Causality Points.

A notification appeared as he returned to the entrance of the exam site.

It was something that had to be done anyway, but it felt especially satisfying to receive a bonus reward. I didn’t know exactly how much Worldview Causality Points were needed to summon Solomon’s demonic race, but he would find out in two days. He figured he could probably summon at least one.

“Um… I’ll remove the blood and foreign materials from your body…”

A female employee timidly approached.

She flicked her hand once, and the blood and foreign substances that had been on him disappeared cleanly.

I was rarely impressed.

“Wow, it’s an excellent ability to remove dirt all at once.”

“Excellent? My ability?”

“Yes. With this, you can always maintain cleanliness.”

“You’re the first person to say my ability is excellent! Usually, people just ignore it…”

While listening to the employee, he used [Lezie’s Insight]. Her ability was [Clean], manifesting magic to remove blood and foreign substances.

It’s tempting, but how can I acquire this ability? I can’t talk about [Predation].

‘…Huh?’

Then, I noticed a trickle of blood on her index finger. It wasn’t from external contact, it was from a wound.

As her talk ended, I asked,

“Did you hurt your hand?”

“Huh? Oh, this… I was trying to use my ability on someone else, and he brushed my hand away, so…”

At the end of her gaze was Shin Chang-min, who was sitting sulking.

He still hasn’t come to his senses.

I looked back at the employee.

“Let me take a look. I’ll heal it for you.”

“You have healing abilities too?”

“No, minor scratches like this heal if someone infuses them with magic.”

Technically it’s Magi, but this is true.

It’s not without reason that hunters with magic have better regenerative abilities than ordinary people. However, since high-level magic manipulation is needed, there are few who can do this.

I’m confident, but I have to try it out for myself.

The employee hesitated briefly before extending her index finger.

“Then, please go ahead.”

I took her hand and immediately brought it to my mouth.

Treatment was possible just by touch, but my purpose was to acquire the ability.

“What?!”

The female employee in front of me was shocked, but there was nothing to be done.

I sucked her blood without leaving a drop and looked at her flushed face.

“Check it out.”

“…I really have been healed. Th-thank you.”

I nodded my head in lieu of a reply.

But with this, I’ve filled the empty slot of [Predation], so I’m the one who should be thankful.

“Wow, you’ve even managed to win over the Dawn Guild, Moonlight Guild, and even the Association President…”

“If you’ve seen that, not doing so would be the strange thing.”

Following the murmurings, I saw two sturdy men and one woman approaching.

The man who looked middle-aged among them extended his hand first.

“Hello, Mr. Lee Seo-jun. I’m Park Sang-cheol, the President of the Hunter Association.”

“…The President? I didn’t know this process was part of it. What’s the matter?”

“Ah, it’s to inform you that you’ve been measured as an S-Class Hunter.”

As expected, my prediction was accurate.

“So, the additional test was for that reason.”

“Yes, precisely. If Lee Seo-jun isn’t an S-Class Hunter, then who would be?”

Park Sang-cheol laughed heartily.

“However, this is an extraordinary event, so it might get noisy. If you don’t want that, we can delay the announcement a bit. Of course, while maintaining your S-Class Hunter rights.”

“No, announce it tomorrow. It’s easier to deal with bothersome things quickly.”

“Then we’ll proceed that way.”

Park Sang-cheol, who nodded, carefully asked afterward.

“If you haven’t decided on an affiliation yet, would you consider joining our Hunter Association? We promise you significant privileges.”

So, this was the real reason for coming all this way.

Surely, joining the Hunter Association would provide me with enormous privileges.

However, I don’t want such privileges.

“I decline.”

“…Are you planning to join a guild?”

I slowly shook my head.

“I have no intention of serving under anyone. I will establish my own kingdom.”

That has always been, and will continue to be, my unchanging goal.

I looked past Park Sang-cheol to the pair of man and woman standing dumbfounded.

“You guys are the same. I have no plans to join any guild, so please leave.”

“…Understood.”

They had no choice but to agree with my firm resolve.

“Then it seems our conversation is over. I’ll take my leave.”

“Yes, thank you for your time.”

Park Sang-cheol made way, and I walked on.

At that moment, I saw Shin Chang-min glaring at me.

Smack!

I paused in front of him and hit his forehead with my palm.

“Agh! Why did you hit me?”

“I didn’t like the way you were glaring.”

“Ha! Are you acting all high and mighty because you’ve become an S-Class Hunter?”

“The one acting high and mighty is probably you. Should one scorn and hurt the goodwill of those who try to help?”

“……”

“I warn you. If you continue to live like this—”

I bent down to look into his eyes.

“I will come for you.”

Feeling the cold atmosphere, Shin Chang-min’s shoulders twitched. I tapped his shoulder and walked away.

“So, behave.”

***

After that, I left the test site. While walking down the street, I suddenly stopped and looked behind me.

“… I clearly said I’m not joining any guilds, didn’t I?”

A woman with a sleek jawline, prominent nose, and a ponytail that further accentuated her features, shrugged her shoulders.

“Uh, sorry for following you. It’s not for scouting… don’t you remember me? From the Behemoth incident?”

“Behemoth incident?”

“Yes…”

The woman nodded, pointing to her own face. Hmm, there were a few people who were already fighting. Is she one of them?

“Ah, you’re that woman? What’s your name?”

“My name is Kim Eun-ha! I knew it was you! Why did you leave back then?”

“… I had some matters to attend to.”

“Ah, of course! There must have been something big that I can’t even imagine, right?”

Something unimaginable, indeed. It’s better not to think about it.

When I nodded in agreement, Kim Eun-ha sighed in relief.

“I wanted to thank you, so it’s fortunate to meet you like this.”

“…If you came to confirm that, you can go now.”

“Wait! Could we talk for a bit? I really want to give you some kind of reward.”

Looking at Kim Eun-ha’s restless expression, I considered for a moment. Should I hear her out?

But my hesitation didn’t last long.

“Sure.”

There’s no reason to refuse if she’s offering reward.

***

Dawn. A faint light signaling the daybreak.

Such a light seemed to emanate from Kim Eun-ha. Not from her appearance, but from a strange aura that flowed from her very character.

Every time her braided hair swayed before me, it seemed to whisper that she would help me. A feeling somewhat akin to an instinct that I had unknowingly built up over a long period.

Feeling this sensation, I entered a café with Kim Eun-ha.

Different from typical cafes, this one was designed with private rooms, probably because it was near the Hunter test site where a lot of scouting offers are made.

We sat across from each other in a room decorated to feel close to nature.

As the drinks arrived, Kim Eun-ha activated a device as thin as a finger.

“Ah, this device has built-in soundwave blocking magic. Just in case anyone could eavesdrop.”

Nodding at Kim Eun-ha’s explanation, I went straight to the point.

“So, what exactly is this ‘reward’ you’re talking about?”

“Ah, first of all, it’s the spoils from Behemoth that should have originally gone to you, Mr. Seo-jun.”

“Go on.”

“Yes.”

Kim Eun-ha sipped her yuzu tea as she continued.

“The most basic thing is the magic stone. An A-rank boss’s magic stone generally sells for around 50 million won on average. Behemoth’s mana stone goes for around 100 million won.”

Magic stones were a key ingredient used in crafting magical items or potions.

“But giving it at cost would mean we have no conscience. So, we’ll add an additional 50 million won, making it a total of 150 million won. This is just considering the price of the magic stone.”

Magic stones are just one of the ways hunters make money. Adding the other resources, especially those obtained from within the Gates, can be more profitable.

But since this was a monster killed outside a Gate, Kim Eun-ha must have considered that along with my actions and decided to add more money.

“We’d like to give you more, but we could be suspected of tax evasion, so we hope you understand that this is our limit.”

“Sure.”

If those were the circumstances, I could fully understand. Tax evasion is a sensitive issue in any country.

“If we add various other things, it looks like it’ll amount to around 300 million won in cash. And the most important thing is Behemoth’s horn.”

“Horn?”

“Yes, Behemoth’s horn holds magical power well and is used as a top-grade material when crafting weapons.”

Kim Eun-ha showed me a smartphone with pictures of Behemoth’s horn.

“Capturing it is difficult enough, and even if an A-rank boss appears, there’s no guarantee it will be a Behemoth. And due to high demand, the price is high. Of course, we plan to give both of these horns to you, Seo-jun.”

Certainly, it was a material that held energy exceptionally well and had multiple uses.

This is good news.

I currently don’t have any special weapons. However, if I entrust this material to Lee Seo-yeon, I can expect a good weapon to be made.

Of course, my physical abilities are a weapon in themselves.

But having it would ‘definitely’ be better.

Now that I can handle Magi, its efficiency should improve as well.

‘…Hmm.’

But here, I started to have doubts.

It’s true that I defeated the Behemoth and rightfully deserve its spoils.

But I was curious about her intent.

Kim Eun-ha could have easily feigned ignorance and moved on.

In fact, I hadn’t even considered that aspect myself.

The Earth I knew was not like this.

Although I couldn’t swear that I was different, humans deceive each other, are indifferent to the losses of others, and prioritize their own gains above all else.

This place isn’t the Solomon Demon Realm that was solely loyal to me.

This is the Earth I used to live on. A place that, beneath its beautiful surface, has a rotten underbelly.

I locked eyes with Kim Eun-ha.

Name: Kim Eun-ha

Ability: [Acceleration]

Likes: [Yujacha], [Kindness], [Justice], [Persistence]

Dislikes: [Laziness], [Distrust], [Decline]

Current Thoughts: What’s going on? Why isn’t he saying anything? Did I do something wrong? Or is the reward insufficient? I want to look good, but what should I do? Please say something, Mr. Seo-jun!

…It seemed like her intentions were genuinely good, without any malice. Although I had verified that her internal and external attitudes were consistent, I decided to ask directly.

“Why are you showing favor towards me? I have no intention of joining your guild, regardless of what you do.”

“That’s because, Mr. Seo-jun, you treat defeating Behemoth as if it’s nothing when it’s actually an incredible feat!”

Kim Eun-ha passionately banged the table.

“Furthermore, thanks to you, the damage is zero! No casualties and only minor building damage! I’d like to offer you a building if I could!”

…I see.

What was difficult for them was easy for me, leading to a difference in our perceptions of the reward. To them, a calamity was averted, to me, I just delivered a single blow.

“I apologize for doubting your goodwill.”

“No, you did nothing wrong, Mr. Seo-jun! The world that makes you doubt is the one that’s wrong! It’s filled with people trying to exploit others for nothing!”

That was true, and that’s why I had been skeptical.

I casually threw in a question.

“So, you’re serious about offering a building?”

“A-ah, I…I apologize. I don’t own a building yet.”

So, she’s not offering it.

I chuckled.

“Kidding. So, are we done talking? Can I go?”

“Ah, just a moment. Is there anything else you need?”

“Anything else?”

“Yes, we’ve overcome a major crisis in our guild, all thanks to you…”

To be honest, given this level of generosity, what I had received was more than enough.

But I was not so stubborn as to refuse a rolling goodwill that was so genuine. Moreover, rejecting such an offer wouldn’t make the other party feel comfortable either.

“Then transfer a few Gate permissions that your guild holds over to me.”

Guilds and magic towers, responsible for the defense of their respective regions, hold the rights to the Gates that manifest there.

For this reason, to acquire a Gate as an individual, you’d have to purchase the rights from an organization that already has those permissions. Most aren’t willing to sell, so it’s not easy.

But now, perhaps, this concern might easily be resolved.

“Sure, just say the word. Whether it’s B-rank or A-rank Gates, we’ll transfer them to you.”

Kim Eun-ha accepted my proposal more easily than expected.

It seems the Gate issue has been resolved.

“Thank you.”

“It’s really nothing. Is that really all you need? It seems inadequate…”

Her fox-like eyes quivered slightly.

…Inadequate? I think it’s sufficient.

Well, preventing a Gate collapse is indeed a big deal.

I pondered for a moment and then spoke.

“Then give me some of your blood. Just about 5ml.”

Actually, I was briefly curious about her [Family] ability and took a look.

As a result, it proved to be an excellent ability.

“Bl-blood?!”

Kim Eun-ha covered her pale neck with both hands and backed away until her chair touched the wall.

…Well, that’s understandable.

Suddenly asking for her blood, it’s only natural to be wary.

If she were a scoundrel like Shin Chang-min, I might forcibly take it, but I had no intention of forcing Kim Eun-ha.

Anyway, if I use Lee Seo-yeon’s [Thicker than Blood] ability properly when making weapons, which requires extracting blood from others, I could formally get it later.

Kim Eun-ha, who had been glued to the wall, stuttered terribly.

“B-b-b-b…”

“No.”

“…Oh, it wasn’t.”

“Let’s just keep the rest as a debt. I can’t think of anything else right now.”

“Phew, then I can relax.”

Kim Eun-ha took a deep breath and sat back down.

She then pulled her chair up to the table.

“Could you write down your number? We need some way to contact you.”

“Sure.”

I took the proffered pen and notepad.

Swiftly, I grabbed the notepad and held the pen with a strong yet dignified grip.

“…”

And then, my hand, which had seemed poised to write fluidly, suddenly froze in the margin.

Kim Eun-ha looked puzzled.

“…What’s the matter?”

“…I can’t remember.”

What was my number?

(To be continued in the next episode)