The Returner - Chapter 350

Yi Ji-Hyuk turned his head towards the opening door. It was moving slowly, as if there was no reason for it to hurry up. And beyond it stood a man with a face that seemed almost too familiar.

 

“Nice to see you again.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

A dude kitted out in the Mao uniform politely bowed his waist to Yi Ji-Hyuk. Here was a situation where the latter had broken into the former’s prison that housed a ‘serious’ criminal, but the man didn’t seem perturbed in the slightest.

 

“Do you know me?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk also asked back relaxedly.

 

“How can I not know who you are, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk? You’re the shining beacon of all the ability users, as well as Joseon’s brightest star, so how could I not?” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Hmm, sounds like you’re from Seoul?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk intently studied Jeong Min-Seong. This man’s voice completely lacked that unique intonations of the North Koreans.

 

“With my job being what it is, I always pay careful attention to my accent.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“I’m guessing it’s not an ‘upfront’ type of a job?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Absolutely correct.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

That slimy, know-it-all smile on Jeong Min-Seong’s face suddenly reminded Yi Ji-Hyuk of a certain someone.

 

“Didn’t we, like, meet each other before?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“We did meet back in the banquet.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“I don’t think that’s the one?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk tilted his head, prompting a mysterious smile to float up on Jeong Min-Seong’s lips.

 

“If that’s not it, then maybe you’ve sneaked into North Korea before.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Hmm….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk was certain that he had already met, or at least seen, Jeong Min-Seong from somewhere, but if the dude didn’t want to talk, he didn’t have the necessary gift to pry open the unwilling man’s mouth open.

 

“Well, fine. Sure. Let’s say that’s it.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk shoved Park Yong-Hui inside the Gate.

 

“Tell them to treat his injuries.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Doh Gah-Yun nodded her head and stepped inside the Gate, too. Jeong Min-Seong witnessing all of this didn’t show any signs of trying to stop them, however.

 

“Aren’t you going to do something about this?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Do what, exactly?” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“I thought I wasn’t allowed to take that guy away from here?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Of course you aren’t, but I’m not brave enough to stop what you wish to do, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“What a strange guy you’re.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Well, everyone only has one life, you see.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Eii~, would I really go as far as to kill you, though?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“I’m sure you won’t, since you’ve proven yourself to be a generous individual. However, I still have no desire to withstand pain severe enough to make me long for death. No human has stood in opposition to you yet, so others just aren’t aware of that side of you, that’s all.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“You really do sound like you know me pretty well….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

The corners of Yi Ji-Hyuk’s lips began distorting.

 

This sort of one-sided exchange of information was definitely not he wanted. His opponent seemed well versed in everything about him, yet he didn’t know anything about this dude at all. No one in this world would enjoy such a feeling.

 

“Hmm, well, fine. Whatever.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

He didn’t exactly feel happy about this situation, but it also wasn’t urgent enough for him to get too riled over.

 

Because, this was still North Korea, after all.

 

“Well, then. I’ll be on my way now. I can go, right?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Of course. But before that….” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“If you’re letting me go, you shoulda just let me go, no strings attached. Always saying stuff like that and annoying the heck out of a poor guy.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“I absolutely have no intentions to annoy you. It’s just that…” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Okay, what?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Jeong Min-Seong smiled suavely and opened his mouth.

 

“May I buy you a cup of coffee? A good blend has come in recently.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“….Ehng?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

*

 

The view from here was quite exceptional.

 

“….You know, I heard about this place being pretty much abandoned? That it’s a bit of an eyesore?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“It’s all true.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

The lounge located on the top floor of the Ryugyong Hotel was decorated rather well. As a matter of fact, you’d have mistaken it for a South Korean hotel’s lounge from its modern furnishings, as long as you let go of any preconceived notions you might have of the Ryugyong Hotel first.

 

“It’s just that, the highest floors have been maintained well in case a need to serve governmental-level guests rears its head, you see. Although it sounds like a superficial scheme, that’s the best this country can do, unfortunately.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“I guess so.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk looked outside the window.

 

The cityscape of Pyongyang could be seen in one panoramic view.

 

“Okay, so. What are you planning here?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Now normally, Yi Ji-Hyuk wouldn’t even have paid a second glance and head straight back to South Korea, but this Jeong Min-Seong dude somehow managed to get his attention.

 

This man was ballsy enough to carefreely suggest having a cup of coffee together in that situation.

 

“I don’t have anything in mind, actually. I merely wished to share a conversation with you, that’s all.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Conversation, is it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Yes. No hidden agendas, just honest conversations. To me, being able to chat to the one and only Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk is a great honour already.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“That sounded like sarcasm, you know?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Do I look like I am mocking you?” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk met Jeong Min-Seong’s gaze. He soon realised that the latter was being genuine here and could only sigh grandly.

 

“I really don’t get what you want from me.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“You don’t need to sweat over it, that much I can assure you. As I said before, I just wish to share some good coffee with you.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“But, I’m a guy.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“….I don’t lean that way, either.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Jeong Min-Seong grinned and continued on.

 

“Actually, from the perspectives of us ability users, there is no one more deserving of our admiration and respect than you, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk. There hadn’t been any notable reaction from us so far because your existence hasn’t been fully revealed to the world, but if you were to earnestly step into the limelight, then…. well, a revolution will occur in this world.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Hearing about stuff like revolution in North Korea is kinda making me feel weird.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Jeong Min-Seong didn’t reply to that and sipped on his coffee.

 

“Please, have some.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Pass over some sugar, please. I don’t like bitter things, you see.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Only after dropping a few sugar cubes into the coffee did Yi Ji-Hyuk began drinking it.

 

“Do you find it to your liking?” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“My mouth’s rubbish so I don’t really have the palate to tell apart what’s expensive and what’s not. Anything that’s sweet all taste good to me.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Ah, that’s unfortunate. This coffee is truly excellent, after all.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Why don’t we get to main topic now?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Main topic, you say?” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“You didn’t really bring me up here to shoot the breeze and treat me to a cup of coffee before sending me on my way, did you?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“If I say that’s exactly the case, will you get angry at me?” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“I won’t get angry, but since I don’t wanna waste my time here, I was planning to go back home, take a shower and hit the sack.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Another mysterious smile crept up on Jeong Min-Seong’s face.

 

“You’re indeed a difficult person to deal with.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“In what way? I thought that I’ve been really well-behaved so far.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Certainly….” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Jeong Min-Seong took the spectacles off his face. He folded his eyewear neatly, placed it on the table’s surface, and gazed intently at Yi Ji-Hyuk.

 

“Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Yes?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“What do you think about the state of this world?” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“What are you talking about?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Do you find this world to be logical and fair?” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk replied disinterestedly.

 

“Unfortunately for you, this concept of logical, fair world that you dream of has never once come to reality since the dawn of mankind.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“……..”

 

“There have been countless folks throughout history wanting to create a utopia or whatever in this world. Not just this world, but also in the other one, too. But, can you guess what the end results were like?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Are you implying that they were all failures?” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Nope. They all resulted in a simple reversal of the ruling class and the ruled class, that’s about it. When a new ideology begins to lord over the world, side effects unique to it will soon spring up. Of course, I ain’t gonna sit here and pretend that there wouldn’t be any progress made during the process, but still.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk dug deeper into his rather cynical worldview.

 

“You see, the immediate and noticeable change you’re dreaming of? That doesn’t happen all that often. Believing that if you change this one thing, the whole world will surely change along, now that’s just some pipe dream you tell yourself when you can’t drag your butt out of your own delusions.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“I see.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Jeong Min-Seong nodded his head greatly.

 

“Indeed, everything you said is correct. As expected of you, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Jeong Min-Seong sounded genuinely impressed just then. However, Yi Ji-Hyuk still found his tone of voice strangely sarcastic.

 

“Okay, if you’re done talking, I guess I can be on my way now.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Except that, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk….” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk wordlessly stared at Jeong Min-Seong.

 

“Those that did change the world always have been such idiots. It’s all thanks to the idiots throwing themselves away like eggs trying to break rocks that this world managed to come this far.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Oh, so you wanna break the rock with eggs, is that it?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“It does sound like an inadvisable thing to do, but….” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Jeong Min-Seong grinned refreshingly.

 

“Nowadays, the rock isn’t what it used to be. And we’re no ordinary eggs, either.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk nodded his head.

 

“Sure thing. Sounds nice and all that. By the way….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk observed Jeong Min-Seong for a second or two, before continuing on.

 

“How’s Alpha doing these days?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“………”

 

Jeong Min-Seong flinched a little as if his weak point had been accurately seen through.

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk continued on, sounding as if he already knew this would happen.

 

“I was wondering why you felt so familiar, but sure enough. I thought I heard what you’re saying from someone else before. The saying of, ‘but of course’, fits pretty nicely here, don’t you agree?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“He’s doing well.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“He still hasn’t changed his mind, I’m assuming?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“I’m sure he’ll change once every human in this world has disappeared.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Well, it’s nigh-on impossible to stop the notion of ‘chosen people’ from propagating. And normally, people who dream of stuff like that are all nutcases to begin with, anyway. It’s too bad, though. I ain’t no shrink so I don’t know how to mend the brains of mental patients, except this one way.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

When Yi Ji-Hyuk’s expression became gloomy and serious, Jeong Min-Seong cautiously threw out his question.

 

“May I ask what that is?” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Oh, it’s really simple. If you’re dead, it no longer matters whether you were a nutcase or a normal person.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“….That is a rather scary option, isn’t it? Especially when it’s coming directly from you.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk didn’t soften his hardened expression.

 

“I don’t know what exactly you want to achieve here, but well, I hope you’ve realised how insane this whole thing is by now.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“It may seem that way on the outside, I admit.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Honestly, I’m not the type to step forward and do something heroic. But, I’m more or less satisfied by the state of this world. If I think you lot have intruded upon my life, even by just a tiny bit, I will use all of my power to utterly crush you, so keep that in mind.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“I shall remember that.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Destroying everything here right now might make me feel better, but….” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk scanned the surrounding view with a conflicted expression, before sighing out grandly again.

 

“I ain’t no nanny, so I can’t just keep doing everything on my own forever. Besides, you all are acting like this because you’re confident of hindering me somehow if push comes to shove, aren’t you?” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“That’s a misunderstanding. We truly have no desire to antagonise you, Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“You know, I seriously wanna tell you how deep your misunderstanding really goes, but for today, I’m just gonna quietly go home. If I go on a rampage all by myself here, it’d only result in my own position getting worse, after all. However, a word of advice, if you will. If you don’t stop, I’m coming back. So, tell him that I won’t be so reasonable next time and try to talk it out with you lot.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“Tell him…?” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Alpha, obviously.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“….Understood.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

With those parting words, Yi Ji-Hyuk waved his hand. A Gate was generated immediately right next to him and he got up from his chair.

 

“Thanks for the coffee. It’d be nice if we can share another one in the future.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

“It’s been an honour.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk stared straight at Jeong Min-Seong’s eyes.

 

“Don’t forget my warning.” (Yi Ji-Hyuk)

 

He stepped into the Gate after leaving those words behind. And Jeong Min-Seong could relax his tense body from nervousness only after Yi Ji-Hyuk had completely disappeared into the portal.

 

“Bring me a glass of water.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

Jeong Min-Seong ordered the waiter on standby to fetch him some water and shifted his gaze outside the window.

 

All the empty buildings of North Korea could be seen in one glance.

 

“A warning, is it….” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

Yi Ji-Hyuk’s ‘serious’ interference was that one variable that could completely wreck their plan. However, this event simply had to go ahead, regardless of what.

 

“Send the word out to all those on standby to undo the state of emergency. The target has returned home.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

“Understood, sir.”

 

“But, he’ll soon come back. And it’ll become an unavoidable fight then.” (Jeong Min-Seong)

 

A fight where not just them, but the whole world was at stake.

 

Jeong Min-Seong stared outside the window, a soft chuckle escaping from his mouth.

 

< 350. Feels like I’ve seen him before -5 > Fin.