On Hiatus: God's Personal Reasons

Chapter 65: The Brutal God Demands Tributes

[Yu Il-Shin]

Age: 23

Awakening Rank: E

Ability-type: Creation

Job: Webnovel author

...

“Is this the child Choi Kang-San had his eyes on?”

The head secretary, Choi Woo-Shin, nudged his glasses and replied, “Yes. He even requested a B-rank Hunter license to hire him as a teacher at the academy.”

“Hoho. He sure is fond of him. What exactly stands out about him?”

Choi Woo-Shin nodded. “Let’s see. Despite his low rank, he could defeat Mr. Lee Geun-Wook, a B-rank Hunter. The creature he summoned was also unusual. Based on the lab results, it’s a creature that has never been summoned before. We’re still verifying it, but he also has healing abilities on par with a high-ranking healer.”

“If everything you just said was true, it’ll be amazing. Other countries would be vying for him! Still, I don’t understand... If he has such outstanding skills, why is his rank so low?”

“The core of the rank measuring instrument was purchased from the Hunter’s Shop. There may be variables we’ve yet to uncover. Besides, while this is extremely rare, such a case isn’t unheard of. We’ll have to monitor the situation and consider adjusting his rank later.”

Lee Ji-Tae tapped his forehead with his index finger. “Okay, then. Obtaining a B-rank license won’t draw too much attention. But...” then, he pointed at Sword Demon’s document. “Isn’t he a heinous criminal? Shouldn’t we arrest him right away? He’s even related to China’s Triad! How can he be allowed to mingle with the students of the academy?”

“Other than Yu Il-Shin, Choi Kang-San also vouched for this man’s identity. After some investigations, we discovered that he hasn’t committed any significant crimes in our country. While he did attack Thunder Emperor, from what I understood, the matter was settled amicably amongst themselves.”

A wicked glint flashed across Choi Woo-Shin’s eyes. “Despite the slight risk, it’s worth bringing him onto our side. He’s a top-tier A-rank Hunter, whose combat power is on par with a sub-level S-rank Hunter. If we play our cards right, disposing of the hidden remnants of the Black Market will be much easier. We can also keep track of any members of Triad who might enter our country.”

“Hmm, letting foreigners fight it out themselves... Certainly, there were those recent mysterious cracks and Miracle’s prophecy to think about. The more cards we have, the better. But how is Miracle? Is he still unconscious?”

“Yes. His health has been declining recently.”

“How devastating. For the association’s best foreseer to collapse at this time...”

Clunk!

Just then, the door to his office burst open, and a member of the disaster response team rushed in.

“We’ve got a problem, Mr. President!”

“What is it?”

“It’s...!”

The staff, catching his breath, handed over a piece of photograph. Depicted in the photo was a hotel room that looked more like a slaughterhouse. Flesh and guts scattered everywhere. A bizarre sentence could be seen on the wall, written in blood.

Kujitolea kwa Mungu.

“What the hell is this?” Lee Ji-Tae’s expression twisted.

“After testing the fingerprints and remains left at the scene, the victim has been identified as Sergey Brin, the missing S-rank Hunter.”

“Sergey?” Lee Ji-Tae’s face stiffened.

Sergey was a Russian S-rank Hunter who naturalized in South Korea. They’d invested a huge amount of time and money into recruiting him. So how come only his mutilated remains were left?

“Did the Russian government take him out?”

“No! We found what appeared to be Dragon-type scales on the scene! The forensics team concluded that he was eaten by the monster!”

“Darn it! Where was he found?!”

“At a casino hotel in Gangwon Province.”

“Oh, lord...” Lee Ji-Tae clutched his head.

A Dragon-type monster capable of eating an S-rank Hunter appeared in South Korea? How much easier would it be to handle if it were the work of the Russian government!

“Dispatch all available Hunters to Gangwon Province immediately!”

“They’re on the way. We’ve also asked for cooperation from neighboring military units.”

“Please, let this end smoothly and without any damage.”

Lee Ji-Tae scrutinized the photo, trying to spot any important clues. Then, he pointed to the bloody writing on the wall.

“What does this say? Was this Sergey’s last words?”

“No, this isn’t his handwriting. We’re analyzing it now and waiting for the results...”

Just then, Choi Woo-Shin, who had been quiet, spoke up. “It’s in Swahili, a native language in Africa.”

“What does it mean?”

“Kujitolea kwa Mungu.” Choi Woo-Shin’s voice dropped to a whisper, “Sacrifice to the gods.”

***

Ko Myeong-Ji, a student of class 3-A from the Hunter Academy’s high school division, was concerned. The reason was the substitute teacher who replaced Mr. Lee Geun-Wook, who was on sick leave.

“By the way, I’m also in charge of his P.E. lessons. Hence, to commemorate our first lesson together...” Yu Il-Shin continued, dead serious, “It’s self-study time.”

Then, he proceeded to plop down on the teacher’s desk.

“Ugh, I’m sleep deprived. The room is cramped. Baek Yoo-Hyun also insisted on sleeping together. I’m so exhausted...”

The sharp-looking black-haired man, the proclaimed assistant teacher, solemnly bowed his head. “Please rest well, Mr. Sword God. I will be on guard.”

Snore—

It didn’t take long for Yu Il-Shin to fall asleep. Then, Sword Demon turned to the students. He glared at them and raised his iron club.

“Everyone, breathe quietly from now on. Disturb the slumbering Mr. Sword God, and my Dragon Tooth will make you pay!”

Rooooar!

Although Sword Demon’s mental state was questionable, his aura was the real deal. Even higher-level B-rank Hunters broke in cold sweat before him. In short, none of them had the guts to rebel against him.

“Oh god! I-I can’t move!”

“I-is he an A-rank Hunter?”

Such was Yu Il-Shin’s turbulent first day as a teacher. The next day...

“Hoahm~ I heard your exam period is coming up soon? Why don’t we continue the self-study session?”

Snore—

The following day...

“Haa, it’s raining today. It can’t be helped, time for self-study.”

Snore—

Again...

“What a beautiful day, perfect for self-study.”

Snore—

Yu Il-Shin had been sleeping for four days in a row during his entire lessons. Was that how a substitute teacher was supposed to act? Even when he was awake, all he did was... play games on his phone.

“Look! Il-Ho finally reached the 20th floor! What an amazing kid! Huh?! He even received a sword as a reward?! So awesome! Mr. Sword Demon, look at our Il-Ho!”

“Ooh. Indeed, such a tremendous and beautiful sword it was. Marvelous. He is worthy of being your follower.”

“No way! Anty has become a queen too! Hic... Why am I tearing up at such a joyous occasion? Is this how a father feels when his daughter turns independent?”

“Mr. Sword God! Congratulations! Anty will definitely make a great queen!”

Two adult men happily discussed the characters they raised in the game. One got a sword, and another became a queen. So lame! Her hatred toward them peaked during lunchtime.

“Oh, if it isn’t the new teacher. You look handsome as always,” the canteen lady said.

“Hehe, you look beautiful today too, Noonim. If I’m ten years older, I’d have swept you off your feet. What a shame!”

“Haha! What a charmer, this young teacher!”

“Oh! There\'s pork cutlet today! Won’t you give me some extra?”

“Sure, I\'m feeling generous today! Enjoy your meal!”

After buttering up the canteen lady with all sorts of flattery, Yu Il-Shin succeeded in obtaining a mountain of pork cutlets on his plate. He began wolfing them down.

“Nom nom! Yes! Even our meals are free. I made the right call accepting this offer! Hm? You guys want some?” Yu Il-Shin talked to himself, then tossed over some pork cutlets onto his phone.

Poof poof!

Before they could hit the screen, the pieces of meat disappeared.

-Look, everyone! Our great and merciful God Yu Il-Shin has sent some pork cutlets to us!

-Such a divine flavor! Ooh! I feel alive again!

-Wahhhh! Praise the God Yu Il-Shin!

-God Yu Il-Shin! God Yu Il-Shin!

A petite girl with a crown happily ate the pork cutlets while being surrounded by insects.

“Huh

?” Ko Myeong-Ji rubbed her eyes in surprise. What did she just see?

What’s this? Have I been too stressed out lately?

What did she just see?! Just as Ko Myeong-Ji was panicking, she heard the sound of a shirt popping.

“Wow, Mister. Look at you eating so well.”

The owner of that voice was none other than her best friend, Sung Mi-Ri.

Munch munch! Chew chew!

Sung Mi-Ri blushed as she watched Yu Il-Shin scarfing down his food. Since she skipped school often lately, it was nice to see her getting her act together and having a meal. But Ko Myeong-Ji was worried. The cause of that... couldn’t be Yu Il-Shin, right?

Huh? Just what did you see in him?!

Sung Mi-Ri, the A-rank Hunter and student council president of the high school division. What the heck happened to her standards?!

After class, Ko Myeong-Ji went to see Sung Mi-Ri. With a worried look on her face, Ko Myeong-Ji asked why she liked that lazy and tacky substitute teacher. After all, not only did he skip teaching, but he also always wore the same training suit!

“Fine with me. This way, only I understand his charms. Hehe. Ah, I’m keeping the teacher and Unni waiting! Myeong-Ji, I’m going first!” Sung Mi-Ri replied with a sparkling smile reminiscent of a maiden in love.

“Hey! You’re still meeting that man after school?! Hey! Wait for me!”

Watching Sung Mi-Ri running away gave birth to a sense of duty in Ko Myeong-Ji. She’d never let her best friend wreck herself! That’s it. She’d take matters into her own hands. She’d crush those pesky rose-tinted lenses!

Just then, an opportunity arose. After a week or so of self-study, Yu Il-Shin seemed to have gained some tact, as he took the class to the sparring room. Honestly, the principal probably scolded him.

“Today, we’re going to do some sparring to get a feel of actual combat. You often did this when Mr. Lee was around, right? Feel free to pair up and fight in moderation.”

Although it ended up being another self-study.

After explaining that, Yu Il-Shin curled up in the corner, about to take a nap.

“Wait, Mister!” Ko Myeong-Ji raised her hand.

“Yeah, what is it?” Yu Il-Shin turned his attention to her.

“I don’t have a partner!”

The class was odd-numbered, so she wasn’t lying.

“Ah, we have no choice, then. Why don’t you partner up with Mr. Sword Demon? Again, fight in moderation.”

“No!”

Myeong-Ji glared at Yu Il-Shin with fiery eyes, not wanting to let go of this golden opportunity!

“I would like Mr. Yu Il-Shin to be my opponent!”

“How dare a pup like you challenge Mr. Sword God!” Sword Demon exuded his aura, pointing his Dragon Tooth at Ko Myeong-Ji.

“Why! Is it too much to ask for a spar?”

Despite being afraid, she mustered up her courage. For the sake of her best friend’s future!

“You still...!”

Yu Il-Shin interrupted Sword Demon.

“Haa... You’re Ko Myeong-Ji, right? Okay, I’ll spar with you.” Yu Il-Shin scratched his head and continued begrudgingly, “She threatened to cut my salary if I keep messing around. Fine. I’ll pretend to work.”

Myeong-Ji gritted her teeth. She heard everything. This asshole.

According to rumors, Yu Il-Shin had defeated Mr. Lee Geun-Wook, a B-rank Hunter. But Myeong-Ji didn’t believe it. Well, even if it were true, she still had a trump card.

Myeong-Ji clenched the skull necklace hanging around her neck tightly.

Watch me, Mi-Ri! I’ll show you the true nature of this asshole! Then, you’ll finally see him for what he’s worth!