Chapter 113

113.

Returning to Earth, Ko Byeong-gap immediately looked at his surroundings to check for any unknown presences. However, it wasn’t easy to identify monsters in the crowd. He groaned for a few seconds before deciding to go home. In fact, from the moment the Monster Wave happened, he couldn’t shake his worries for his mother.

But first, he carried the fainted civilian and went out into the street. He purposely found a soldier and handed the civilian to them. Due to the incident not long ago, he confirmed that the hunters from Illumination couldn’t be trusted. To be honest, Ko Byeong-gap was curious about another thing.

“Is this the only place where the Monster Wave happened?”

Ko Byeong-gap handed over the civilian and asked. The soldier didn’t even seem to know what he heard.

“Oh, that… we’re… we’re trying to figure it out.”

“That’s enough. Thank you.”

Ko Byeong-gap quickly turned away.

‘Please don’t do anything.’

He tried to suppress his anxiety and soon stretched his legs. He ran home by jumping over buildings and pathways. Fortunately, he found no sign of the chaos near his home. He entered the door lock password and opened the front door. His mother, Park Young-ok, was wandering around the living room with a nervous face.

“Son? Oh, son!”

Park Young-ok’s face turned pale due to the bloodstains on Ko Byeong-gap’s clothes. He explained quickly before his mother could faint.

“Mom, it’s okay! This isn’t my blood!”

“No?”

“Oh, I’m fine. I’m not hurt at all.”

“Oh, dear…”

Park Young-ok sat down as if her legs had lost all their strength. Ko Byeong-gap ran to help her.

“Son, why weren’t you answering your phone? I was so worried when I got the disaster text message….”

“Phone call?”

Ko Byeong-gap checked his cell phone. There were more than 10 missed calls. He couldn’t think of his phone since he was so busy.

“Sorry, I didn’t notice it because it was on silent mode.”

“Anyway, I’m glad you’re okay. Oh, God, thank you, Buddha.”

Ko Byeong-gap moved his mother to the sofa and washed. He was lost in his thoughts while the water streamed down his skin.

‘Like what we discussed on Jirisan Mountain last time… monster Waves will happen more frequently in the future. I’ll be away more and more, and I can’t take care of my mom.’

The monsters weren’t the only ones to watch out for, either. Currently, it was hard for people to trust each other. Ko Byeong-gap soon made up his mind.

‘I have to confess everything to my mom, and I have to bring her to Ashvilam until the threat is gone.’

He left the bathroom after taking a shower. Park Young-ok was still soothing her surprising heart. Ko Byeong-gap sat next to his mother. Park Young-ok opened her mouth as if she had been waiting.

“Byeong-gap, I don’t know what you’re doing, but stay at home for the time being. The situation isn’t too bad, is it?”

“Mom, I have something to say about that.”

“Yes?”

“Hmm.”

He cleared his throat.

“What are you waiting for? I’m about to get a little nervous.”

“Mom, I’m a hunter.”

“…What?”

He began the story four years ago on how he became a hunter and lived as a hunter. Not to mention what happened to him last summer, how his life changed, and how he currently lived. Ko Byeong-gap revealed every single detail.

Park Young-ok stared blankly. It wasn’t too much. She knew better than anyone that her husband, Ko Byeong-gap’s father, lived as a porter and passed away in vain. However, her expression softened the more she listened to Ko Byeong-gap’s story. When he reached the end, she had a subtle, sad expression on her face.

“…So where do your Goblin friends live? You want me to go to their world?”

“Yeah, they’re reliable. They may look a little rough on the outside, but once you get to know them, everyone is genuine.”

platform.

“A little… hard to believe, but my son wouldn’t lie to his mother.”

Ko Byeong-gap clasped his mother’s hand.

“Mom, I can’t tell you everything, but something dangerous is about to happen. I want you to go to Ashvilam so that I can fight comfortably… no, I’ll be able to work.”

Park Young-ok remained silent for a bit longer. Ko Byeong-gap waited patiently, and soon she spoke.

“Yeah, let’s do that.”

“Yes, let’s pack up right away.”

Ko Byeong-gap simply packed his luggage with clothes his mother would wear. After finishing the preparation, he used his ability in front of his mother for the first time. Park Young-ok couldn’t hide her reaction when he opened the door to Ashvilam.

“That’s… that’s fascinating. Your dad couldn’t do this.”

‘Because he was just an ordinary F-class Awakener.’

It wasn’t that surprising.

“Let’s go.”

He held his mother’s hand and slowly crossed the door.

***

All Goblins in Valtadren, except for the guards, gathered in the central square. They looked at the podium with slightly startled eyes.

“You idiot, you’re late.”

“I’m sorry, I’ve got a little more to clean up, so I’ve just finished. By the way, why are all the Goblins gathered here?”

Ea tilted her head as she looked at the podium.

“Doran? Oh, the Lord’s here too. By the way, who is the woman next to him? I’ve never seen her before.”

“The Lord’s mother.”

“Mother? Oh… come to think of it, I think they look alike. I’m pretty good at recognizing stuff like that.”

“Come here and just stand. Just stand there.”

Doran sighed and pulled on Ea. At that time, Ko Byeong-gap spoke up.

“Have you all eaten?”

“Yes! We already ate!”

The Goblins answered in unison. When the loud voices rang out, Park Young-ok flinched.

“Can everyone see us?”

“Yes!”

“My mom, Mrs. Park Young-ok, will be staying here from now on.”

Ko Byeong-gap thought about it for a while and said briefly.

“Be nice to her. Okay?”

“Yes!”

“We will do our best to take care of you!”

“Okay, let’s go to work now.”

The Goblins that gathered quickly dissolved. The only ones left in the square were the officers, and the rest went up to the podium and greeted each other.

“My queen, I’ve heard a lot about you from the Lord. My name is Dorma.”

“I’m Kiriyan. It’s an honor to meet you like this.”

“Hello, I’m Doran!”

“I’m Turka. I’m glad you’re well.”

platform.

Feel free to let me know if you have any inconveniences in the future.”

The officers bowed their heads and greeted her. Park Young-ok couldn’t understand, so her mouth could only stutter.

“Oh, son, what are they saying?”

“They’re just introducing themselves and saying hello. They wish you well.”

“Oh, hello. I’m Byeong-gap’s mom. I am indebted to my son in many ways. Anyway, nice to meet you.”

“Mom, even if you speak in Korean, they won’t understand you anyway.”

As Ko Byeong-gap said, the Goblins looked puzzled.

“Oh my God, what do we do? Translate quickly.”

“Aha! Your mother can’t speak this way?”

Ea popped out from behind Turka. Park Young-ok was surprised to see her. It was a matter of course, as she appeared to be a living mannequin.

“Oh, you’re here too, Ea. Yes, as you said. My mother can’t speak this way.”

“Can I help you? You know, I have quite a knack for this.”

Ko Byeong-gap swallowed his words while trying to respond reflexively. He shook his head.

“No, you’ve been using too much power lately. You were sick for half a day when you erased the Harpy’s memory.”

“No, it’s okay. It’s not anyone else; it’s your mother. What’s more, we’re going to live together from now on, but if we can’t communicate, it’s going to be uncomfortable.”

“That’s true, but… I’m just wondering if you’re overdoing it.”

“Thank you for your concern, but it’s still bearable. I’m stronger than I look, and I’ve been so happy that you’ve brought in my kind. Don’t you understand how much I want to repay you in this way? I know grace and shame.”

“Well, then I’ll ask you a favor.”

“Yes!”

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Ea approached and held Park Young-ok’s hand.

“Oh, son, who is this lady? Is this the girl you’re seeing?”

“What are you talking about? She’s just a grateful friend.”

“This will take just a moment.”

Ea exercised her power. It was the same procedure she did for Ko Byeong-gap last time. A gentle light rose from her hands and was soon absorbed by Park Young-ok. When the ceremony was over, Ea stumbled like she was dizzy. Doran helped her quickly.

“Hehe… it’s done. As expected, I’m a little tired.”

“Oh, my?! What’s going on here?”

Park Young-ok was surprised. Ko Byeong-gap explained the whole story to his mother. They exchanged greetings and self-introductions again. The Goblins begged Park Young-ok to speak comfortably, but she refused. Ko Byeong-gap guided his mother to the house. It was originally used exclusively by him, but it had been renovated a little.

It was a nice two-story house made of logs. The yard had a large garden and a dog. It felt like a villa built in the countryside. Fortunately, Park Young-ok was also satisfied.

“Son, this is so cool! I feel like I’m dreaming.”

“I’m glad. However, as you go along, there will be some inconveniences. It’s probably because we’re a little behind the times compared to Earth.”

“You know I longed for rural life.”

“It’s good to hear that you like it, mom. If you have any questions or need anything, you can ask anyone. I’m sure they’ll be kind enough to help you.”

“Hahaha! Okay.”

Park Young-ok hummed as if she felt good. Ko Byeong-gap grinned at his innocent mother like a child.

“By the way, aren’t you a little scared to see the Goblins personally?”

“Well, at first, it was a little off, but they are all good-looking, polite, and nice. I don’t know how they became big fans of yours, but everyone seems to like you.”

“I can’t live if you say it like that.”

“By the way, the cute little girl I saw earlier… was her name Doran?”

“Oh, Doran is right. What about Doran?”

“Ah, she’s just cute.”

She smiled meaningfully. Ko Byeong-gap sighed deeply.

“…Mom, don’t think weird things.”

“What did I say?”

“Anyway, take a rest. I’ll go back to work.”

“Yes, son, but take care of yourself.”

“Don’t worry.”

Ko Byeong-gap turned and headed toward the wall. His face that had been smeared with a subtle smile until a while ago stiffened. What he was going to do was something he would never show his mother. He entered a space set up inside the wall. A man wrapped in chains with his limbs broken, sobbing and weeping, waited inside.

Orca was guarding him.

“Welcome, Lord.”

“You’re here. Where’s Turka?”

“Yes, we took turns earlier.”

“Oh?”

Ko Byeong-gap stared at the man with a fierce gaze.

“Everything’s alright?”

“Everything was fine after I took over. But Turka said he had been squawking a few times, so he dealt with it.”

He looked at the man again. Now, he saw traces of dried blood on his face.

“It’s nice to keep him quiet. When you see Turka later, tell him that I praised him.”

“I see.”

Ko Byeong-gap pulled a chair nearby and sat down. The man was out of his mind. It was only after Ko Byeong-gap called out to him a dozen or so times that he barely responded.

“Uh… uh…?”

“Now you’re responding.”

“Sa… save me! Save me! Brother, save me. I’m sorry, I’m sorry!”

“Let’s think about whether I can save you or not. Let me ask you a few questions first.”

“Yes! Yes! Feel free to ask!”

The man was very cooperative. Ko Byeong-gap put a cigarette in his mouth and asked.

“Illumination. Tell me what you guys are planning. If you roll your eyes or if I see a smirk, you’ll have to take care of yourself.”

“…”

The man pouted, and at the same time, Ko Byeong-gap’s eyebrows twitched. He started to rise.

“Even though I’ve warned you….”

“B-Brother, no! Listen to me! Well, I don’t know anything because I’m at the bottom! It’s just…”

“Just what?”

The man’s face was distorted with anguish and pain. He bit his lips and spoke as if he had made up his mind.

“I… I heard that Korea would soon be eaten by monsters, like Argentina. Then I was ordered to join the Monsters and punish the unbelievers.”

“Unbelievers?”

“I’m talking about people who don’t belong to the… the Six-rays Bridge.”

“Damn it, kill all the civilians?”

“Yes, there should be no unbelievers on the Korean Peninsula… well, this is all I know! I’m telling you!”

“This is a total nut job.”

Ko Byeong-gap thought hard. He then suddenly remembered something.

“Come to think of it; the Squid didn’t touch you. How did you do that? I’ve never heard of monsters sparing people.”

“That’s thanks to the new symbol we’ve received.”

The man lifted his broken hand. Ko Byeong-gap’s eyes turned to the man’s left ring finger. A hexagonal ring made of amethyst.

‘It’s the pendant carried by the followers of the Six-rays Bridge.’

It looked like a piece of ordinary jewelry. Ko Byeong-gap approached and pulled off the ring to take a closer look.

‘Just a regular ring… wait!”

“Oh my God!”

Ko Byeong-gap threw away the ring in panic. A cold sweat ran down his forehead.

‘It’s… it’s Madmut’s energy.’

He had never even met Madmut. However, deep in his mind, Landriol’s memory showed traces of him. In other words, he rejected it instinctively. Ko Byeong-gap picked the ring back up, holding back his irritation.

“Does this mean the monster won’t attack you?”

“Yes, yes! I heard the monsters would avoid us if we didn’t attack first.”

“That’s the end of it. I can’t believe you can have monsters ignore you like that.”

“Ah, that’s right! I’ll give it to you! Keep it! We can’t have people in the guild anymore because we don’t have enough of them.”

“How do you have that precious thing? You said you’re at the bottom.”

“Oh… I’m in the supply cluster, so I sneaked a peek. Hehe.”

The man laughed awkwardly. It was strange to see his smile with a face full of tears and a runny nose.

“Well, thank you for giving it to me.”

Ko Byeong-gap put the ring in his pocket. The man’s face glowed.

“So, you’re saving my life?”

“Uh, I’m not gonna kill you.”

“Woooh, thank you… wait, what? What did you just say?”

“Orca, put some more chains around him and throw him in the woods.”

“Yes!”

“What? What did you say? What? What? Don’t come near me! Argh!”

“You should’ve thought about it when you threw that civilian to the monster.”

“Hey, you son of a bitch! I told you everything! Spare me, spare me!”

“If you’re alive until dawn tomorrow, I’ll reconsider.”

Ko Byeong-gap turned around, cold-hearted.

The next morning, there was no sign of him. Even his bones couldn’t be found.