Descent of the Demon Master-Chapter 1305. Devoting (5)

“...”

Kang Jin-Ho alternated his gaze between Lee Hyeon-Su and a group of people standing before his eyes.

“Okay, so...”

“Yes, sir,” said Lee Hyeon-Su while grinning brightly. “You can be sure of their skills.”

“Huh...”

Sure of their skills? That didn’t sound so reassuring, though?

Kang Jin-Ho scanned each and everyone before his eyes. After checking out their countenances and overall vibe, he arrived at the inevitable conclusion.

“Lee Hyeon-Su, did you deliberately pick only gangsters?”

“I admit that our people can have a bit of a rough exterior thing going on, but saying that so openly can hurt their feelings, sir.”

“...My bad, then.”

“Besides, sir. These guys aren’t amateurs like some random gangsters. I’ll have you know that they are formerly affiliated with the Triads.”

“...”

What a relief it was to hear that. Kang Jin-Ho could rescind his apology, then!

Lee Hyeon-Su stood tall and proud while explaining himself. “It was surprisingly difficult to choose the right people for this job, sir. Trust me on this, these guys know their stuff. For instance, these three used to work for the Triads, like I said.”

When Lee Hyeon-Su pointed at them, the trio began loudly shouting.

“...Sir! It’s true that we worked as members of the underground society!”

“We’ll do our best, Assembly Master!”

“You can trust us, da ge!”[1]

Lee Hyeon-Su shot a murderous glare at the one who called Kang Jin-Ho “da ge”.

The martial artist sheepishly lowered his head. “My apologies.”

“...Watch yourself or else,” Lee Hyeon-Su growled in disapproval at the man before pointing to people in the middle. “These guys used to serve in the French Foreign Legion, sir.”

“...?”

When Kang Jin-Ho looked at them weirdly, the former Legionnaires loudly proclaimed, “Sir! We will definitely fulfill our mission!”

“Uh... Sure thing.”

“And this group here...” Lee Hyeon-Su grabbed the shoulders of the last two people. “Please don’t be surprised, sir. These two are actual escapees from North Korea!”

“...”

What a big surprise that was.

A vein bulged on Kang Jin-Ho’s forehead.

“So? You want me to take these guys with me?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Why?”

Kang Jin-Ho expertly used one word to convey his question of, Why should I take a whole bunch of people who, quite frankly, don’t look all that useful to me on my trip to China?

“Fufufu~! I’m sure you’re having a hard time understanding it, but there’s a reason behind my choices, sir.”

“...?”

Lee Hyeon-Su began wagging his finger. “By analyzing your combat style and how you’ve lived your life so far, I was able to discover something monumental and definitive about you.”

Kang Jin-Ho frowned slightly. “Something... monumental? Definitive?”

“Yes, sir!”

“And what would that be?”

“You have the tendency to go all guns blazing in the beginning, only for things to go the other way toward the end.”

“...?”

Kang Jin-Ho blinked his eyes in confusion.

“I’m sure it’s difficult to understand, sir. However, think about it for a minute. Whenever you start something, you do it fast and with a lot of momentum. But closer toward the end? More often than not, the situation will spiral toward something much worse.”

Kang Jin-Ho’s eyes opened slightly wider.

“That’s what happened during your confrontation with the Crimson King, sir. And also during the war against the Japanese.”

That... sounded about right? So right that it even kind of hurt?

No, hang on a minute. Things will inevitably veer that way in a war, you know?

That was one of the dangers of war, so saying things would spiral was like...

“...Eh?”

Kang Jin-Ho tilted his head.

Hang on. Now that I think about it...

Didn’t his previous life end in that manner?

Even though Kang Jin-Ho seemed to have achieved everything as the cult leader and ruler of all things heaven and earth, didn’t he get hit by the combined assault of the orthodox and unorthodox sects and die unceremoniously?

It kinda fits, doesn’t it?

When he thought about this topic some more, things became a little clearer than before. Never once did Kang Jin-Ho foresee that most of his battles and wars would end up such a struggle toward the climax. In fact, he always blamed the enemies being either stronger or craftier than he had anticipated for what happened until recently...!

“Looks like you finally understand, sir.”

“...!”

Kang Jin-Ho stared at Lee Hyeon-Su unhappily. But Lee Hyeon-Su remained unfazed, nay, triumphant even!

“According to my analysis, sir? What we need to assist you as perfectly as possible isn’t a foolproof plan or watertight support system. Nope. You have the strength to handle all those things by yourself, after all.”

Kang Jin-Ho narrowed his eyes while thinking that he was being subtly dissed here.

“So! What I should focus on isn’t helping you, but figuring out the best escape route for you.”

“...”

“And yes, I have done that, sir. The former Triads members who know the layout of Beijing like the back of their hand, former Legionnaires who specialize in infiltration, and the duo who know better than anyone about the ins and outs of North Korea.”

“Uh, mm...?”

“And finally, the man who will command them from the front. Namely, me. Fufufu! Isn’t this a perfect combination?”

“Wait,” Kang Jin-Ho frowned deeply. “You’re coming, too?”

“Of course.”

“But, why?”

“Assembly Master...”

“Yeah?”

“Do you admit that you were in a perilous situation during the China incident and the war against the Japanese?”

Kang Jin-Ho nodded. Although it didn’t feel good to do so, a man should always acknowledge the truth.

“Yeah, I do.”

Lee Hyeon-Su gravely asked, “Do you know what the commonality in both cases is?”

“Not sure?”

“The answer is extremely simple, sir! It’s... I was not with you!”

“...?”

Kang Jin-Ho’s jaw fell in flabbergast, but his expression soon morphed into one of pure dismay.

“Eh?”

“It’s because I was not with you.”

“...”

Kang Jin-Ho’s lips quivered slightly.

Do I really have to force Lee Hyeon-Su into getting a psych evaluation or something?

Of course, loving oneself was a good thing. In fact, being overconfident could be helpful up to a degree. For instance, someone who loved themselves lived a healthier, happier life than someone who distrusted themselves.

However, self-confidence crossing a certain line would turn into narcissism instead. And going even further than that would mean you were a certifiable nutcase!

Lee Hyeon-Su seemed to be at the precipice of entering the realm of nutcases, so...

“Sir, I know what you’re thinking, but I assure you, I’m perfectly sane.”

Was Lee Hyeon-Su actually a psychic? A mind reader? Actually, it felt more like a lot of people had learned how to read Kang Jin-Ho’s mind lately.

“Please don’t misunderstand me, sir. I’m not trying to say I can resolve any and all situations.”

Kang Jin-Ho cocked an eyebrow. “Then, what are you saying?”

“When I’m around, you will instinctively become more cautious.”

“...?” Kang Jin-Ho tilted his head. “What are you talking about?”

Lee Hyeon-Su confidently explained. “Let’s say there’s an extremely dangerous situation. But the reward for getting through it will be enormous.”

“Mm...?”

“If you were alone, you wouldn’t have given this matter a second thought before jumping headlong into it. Because you’re confident of handling the aftermath somehow.”

“Uh...?”

That oddly sounded correct? Actually, no. Kang Jin-Ho realized he couldn’t even deny it!

“However, when someone like me is accompanying you, you will naturally give such a matter another thought. Why? Because you want to keep me alive, and in order to do that, you don’t have a choice but to wrap up the situation before you get injured too badly.”

Kang Jin-Ho grew dazed as he listened. What on earth was he even saying here...?

“Fufufufu~! This is what people call... Thinking outside the box! I’ll be honest with you, sir. All this time, I thought I’d be a burden to you when in combat situations. However, when I took my time and pondered some more, it became clear to me. It’s the opposite in reality! When I’m next to you, the odds of you getting injured goes down like crazy. In other words, I am!”

“...?”

“Your!”

“...”

“Suppressor!”

“...”

Kang Jin-Ho couldn’t think of anything to say. Initially, he wondered if he was being pranked here. However, the uber-proud expression on Lee Hyeon-Su’s face confirmed that this was no prank.

Lee Hyeon-Su spoke proudly. “That is why I’m going with you, sir.”

“N-no, hold on...”

Calm the hell down, will you? You madman!

“Don’t worry, sir. I’ve already taken care of all the preparations.”

Kang Jin-Ho frowned deeply. “Chief Lee?”

“Yes, sir?”

“Is there a need to do all this?”

“Yes, sir. After all, your body isn’t just yours anymore, you know what I mean?”

Kang Jin-Ho grimaced. “I’d rather prefer you don’t say it like that, though.”

After all, that didn’t sound quite right, now did it?!

“Indeed, your body is one of the Martial Assembly’s assets now. As such, it’s my duty to ensure that you don’t get into dangerous situations. Sir, I won’t back down on this one. No ifs and buts! I have set up the best escape routes, so I must come with you. I give you my word that I will not get in your way.”

“...”

Kang Jin-Ho massaged his forehead. To think he’d have a migraine!

He had reached the True Demon Realm, which allowed him the perfect control of his physical body. How long had it been since he felt pain outside of a combat situation?

For sure, Lee Hyeon-Su is not normal.

Kang Jin-Ho had forgotten about Lee Hyeon-Su’s crazy side since the latter had gotten a lot mellower these days, but moments like this served as a good reminder.

Humans usually tried to avoid danger. After all, that was a part of everyone’s instincts. Anything that seemed remotely dangerous would rouse this deep-seated desire to run the other way in ordinary people.

Obviously, Lee Hyeon-Su knew all about the risks of the upcoming adventure in China as much as Kang Jin-Ho did. Even then, he wasn’t whining about wanting to stay home. No, he was actually whining about wanting to tag along!

Some people might applaud him for his passion and dedication, but...

“Chief Lee?”

“Yes, sir?”

Kang Jin-Ho calmly spoke. “I hope you don’t misunderstand what I’m about to say.”

Lee Hyeon-Su confidently nodded. “Don’t worry, sir. That won’t happen.”

“How about booking an appointment with a psychiatrist soon?”

“...”

Kang Jin-Ho even added a totally unnecessary follow-up.

“No, I mean... People used to think that’s shameful in the past, but the times have changed, right? People speak to shrinks for various things like trauma counseling, and... Lots of other reasons. What I’m trying to say is that we should overcome the mindset of viewing such things as unmanly or embarrassing, so that we...”

“Assembly Master?” Lee Hyeon-Su interrupted Kang Jin-Ho with a bright grin. “I’m completely sane, sir.”

...And that made Lee Hyeon-Su even more terrifying! At least a mental disorder had a hope of being cured, now didn’t it!

Kang Jin-Ho narrowed his eyes. “I’m asking this, just in case, but...”

“Yes, sir?”

“You aren’t doing all this because I said your help isn’t needed this time, right?”

“...No, sir. Definitely not.”

Nope, that would be a yes, then.

Lee Hyeon-Su was definitely doing this for that very reason!

Kang Jin-Ho groaned deeply. Someone once said you couldn’t even drink water in front of a kid. But to think that a small-minded man could be even scarier than a kid!

“I get what you’re trying to say, Chief Lee. However...”

“Again, no ifs or buts, sir. My plan is perfect.”

“...But I’ve already thought of how I’ll escape.”

“Sorry?”

Kang Jin-Ho casually shrugged. “Since I’ll be going alone, Wiggins can just teleport there and take me home, no? Since that option is available, why take the land or sea route?”

“Ahaha, you meant that, sir? Of course I’ve already investigated the viability of that option. The truth about my master’s teleportation is that the distance he can travel with another person is surprisingly short.”

“...”

“I’m sure teleporting to the nearest coastline to Beijing won’t be an issue. However, I’m sure you can imagine how strictly monitored that area is. So! Your ship must be on standby on international waters, but teleporting that extra distance over the waters isn’t possible for my master.”

“Mm...”

Rather unsurprisingly, Lee Hyeon-Su proved himself meticulous in his investigations. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

“So, the correct way to do this is to travel on land until you reach the coast, and then teleport from there.”

Kang Jin-Ho furrowed his brow. He did expect Lee Hyeon-Su to come prepared, but to think he’d be this thorough in his preparations!

“Sir? It seems you’re still not convinced.”

“Mm.”

“But, sir. There’s no need to ponder.”

“Mm? Why not?”

“Sir, do you acknowledge that your problem isn’t just your problem anymore?”

Kang Jin-Ho weightily nodded. As the leader of an organization, he must hold himself accountable not just for his actions, but for his subordinates as well. Doing whatever he pleased—like his past self as the demon cult’s leader—had the potential to harm everyone under him.

“In that case, why don’t we put it to a vote in a meeting?”

“...In a meeting, you say?”

“Yes, sir. Let’s ask the other directors and hear what they think. And come to a middle ground.”

“...”

The corners of Lee Hyeon-Su’s lips curled up.

“I’m curious about who the directors will side with, sir.”

Kang Jin-Ho’s eyes powerfully quaked just then. He also realized something.

Azure Demon...!

Azure Demon was a subordinate who, despite his vociferous opposition, would obediently throw away his opinions and prostrate on the ground whenever Kang Jin-Ho loudly cleared his throat. And he was also someone Kang Jin-Ho could call his only friend in Zhongyuan, too...

I’m sorry, Azure Demon.

If Azure Demon were watching this spectacle from the netherworld, what would he have said?

Kang Jin-Ho couldn’t help but shudder from all the guilt he felt.

“Shall we go, sir?”

“...”

That was when Kang Jin-Ho began thinking that maybe, just maybe... Dictatorship might not be such a bad idea, after all!

1. ”Da ge” means big brother in Chinese. Usually used by gangsters in China. ☜