The Returner

– “Isn’t it plainly obvious what we need to do? It’s to ensure that the situation becomes static.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Static?” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “The moment power tilts to one side, our world will crumble down like a series of dominoes. When forces from two spots join up, Middle East, Europe where they are barely maintaining some sort of a balance, East Asia and then the United States will crumble down in that order.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Mm...” (Song Jeong-Su)

There was no room to argue.

One of the biggest reasons why Korea still managed to hold on until now was because of its absurdly powerful ground forces that some people even referred to as ‘Pobangbu’. However, imagine what would happen if the demonic creatures in China decided to join the battlefront. [1]

Never mind humans having enough time to retreat and redraw the defensive line, the enemy would penetrate straight through to the city of Busan in one go.

– “After going through various simulations, we concluded that the first place we must defend is South Korea.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Are you implying that our situation is that precarious?” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “If we’re talking about levels of danger, then there are other places facing even worse threat levels. However, the potential damage once Korea is overrun is the worst. Korea is already at the end of the map. Unless the demonic b*stards suddenly decide to cross the vast ocean and attack the States, they should go back the other way. Which means they will join up with China’s spot to finish off China and India, then join up with the demon king army heading to Middle East before rushing towards Europe.” (Christopher McLaren)

“...End of the world, then.” (Song Jeong-Su)

Surely, it must feel like playing a game of ‘ttang-ttameok-gi’. [2]

It’d also be the same while performing combat simulations.

If the two sides were similar in strengths, or a stable defensive line had been drawn up already, then what you’d get was a situation where one side or the other would gain some and give up some. But the moment one location sees a breakthrough and that leads to tilting of the balance, then it’d be the start of an unstoppable snowball rolling downhill.

If you couldn’t deal with the enemy forces coming together to form a bigger army, then the only thing remaining would be to run away.

What an unfortunate thing this was, though, that humans couldn’t leave Earth behind.

“Do we need to escape to Mars or something?” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “What are you talking about?” (Christopher McLaren)

“No, it’s nothing.” (Song Jeong-Su)

Song Jeong-Su stared at Christopher McLaren with gloomy eyes.

He could see dark circles below the American’s eyes. That probably indicated the level of torment and stress he was in – or just a pair of small hints of it. Unlike Song Jeong-Su who only had to worry about Korea, Christopher McLaren had to sweat over the whole world, after all.

“...If it was any other time, I’d shout at you, demanding to know what you’re planning here, but...” (Song Jeong-Su)

More than likely, the American was in no position to even think about benefits for his own country right now. If he tried to extract just a little bit of benefits, it’d directly destroy the world. Christopher McLaren knew that and he certainly wasn’t a dummy, either.

Although you couldn’t call this ‘for the greater good’, for the sake of the common goal, now was the time to combine everyone’s forces.

“Whatever your end goal is, now is the time we plant our heads on the ground and say our thanks even if it turns out that all you’re lending us was a cat’s paw.” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “I’m not doing this to be thanked, honestly speaking.” (Christopher McLaren)

“So, what’s the plan?” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “We will be dispatching major fleets and ground forces. Fighter jets will also be loaded onto the aircraft carriers.” (Christopher McLaren)

“That’s more than I expected.” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “Also, the Japanese Self Defense Force will join us as well.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Self Defense Force?” (Song Jeong-Su)

Song Jeong-Su’s expression distorted.

“Even though we requested for their assistance so many times by now, they still turned a blind eye, so why now?” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “Everyone wishes for the safety and security of their own nation first. But it seems that they also now understand Japan will be finished once Korea is overrun.” (Christopher McLaren)

“And you certainly didn’t threaten to wipe Japan off the map if this crisis is averted somehow?” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “No comment.” (Christopher McLaren)

Christopher McLaren smirked.

‘Dam*it.’ (Song Jeong-Su)

Song Jeong-Su couldn’t do much about this bitter feeling.

America that started pressuring Korea ever since Yi Ji-Hyuk lost his powers suddenly was extending its hands, saying they wanted to help. The situation seemed to be changing with every passing minute.

‘That’s how politics work, but still.’ (Song Jeong-Su)

Whatever the case might be, it was still fine.

As long as it could benefit his nation, Song Jeong-Su was prepared to not just drink someone’s spit but even their p*ss, too. Now was the time to get rid of all qualms and brightly smile away.

“In that case...” (Song Jeong-Su)

Song Jeong-Su turned to look at Yun Yeong-Min. The final decision rested with him, after all.

“Mm...” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Yun Yeong-Min swallowed back his groan and opened his mouth.

“As the representative of the Republic of Korea, I must thank the United States of America, no matter what her reason is for doing this.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

– “You’re being too kind, Mister President.” (Christopher McLaren)

“And if it’s at all possible...” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Yun Yeong-Min continued on with a slightly mischievous expression.

“Rather than some useless ground forces portion of the JSDF, how about getting the assistance of the Japanese navy, instead?” (Yun Yeong-Min)

– “The Japanese navy, you say?” (Christopher McLaren)

“Depending on the ships, they can go inland through the Han river and use their artillery, and if that’s not possible, it will still be better to attack from the coastlines.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

– “That’s a good option, since gates almost don’t open up inside the oceans. In that case, I’ll reroute all available resources in that direction.” (Christopher McLaren)

“But, will Japan obediently follow our suggestion?” (Yun Yeong-Min)

– “Mister President.” (Christopher McLaren)

Christopher McLaren smirked while rubbing his unshaven jaw.

– “Have you forgotten that that is my country’s specialty?” (Christopher McLaren)

“Thank you for a wonderful response.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

– “Well, then. We’ll do our best to respond to your demands as soon as possible.” (Christopher McLaren)

It was at this point that Song Jeong-Su butted in.

“But if the troops take the ocean route, wouldn’t it take a long time to get here?” (Song Jeong-Su)

– For the time being, the seventh and eighth fleets will situate themselves on both the East Sea and the Yellow Sea. The air force already onboard should provide some help. As for the ground forces and other artilleries, I’ll make sure they arrive as soon as possible.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Understood.” (Song Jeong-Su)

Song Jeong-Su seemed to accept it, and it was at that moment that Christopher McLaren spoke up with a hardened face.

– “I’d like to ask you for a favour as well.” (Christopher McLaren)

“A favour?” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “Mister Choi Jeong-Hoon gave me a list of names. Most of the people on it are Koreans. I request that you quickly locate their whereabouts.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Locate them? What do you mean?” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “They are the driving force for humanity’s last bastion, if you will.” (Christopher McLaren)

Humanity’s last bastion?

Song Jeong-Su understood what those words meant and nodded his head.

“For sure, it’ll be safer to have America guard them instead of us.” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “Thank you for your understanding.” (Christopher McLaren)

“I’m guessing most of them are in bunkers somewhere, so it shouldn’t take long. I’ll have the remaining people found as soon as possible and transferred via air transport.” (Song Jeong-Su)

Christopher McLaren nodded and shifted his gaze over to the list of names resting on his desk.

‘I didn’t even think about this.’ (Christopher McLaren)

Without a doubt, this was an important problem. This wasn’t one-dimensionally wanting to protect the acquaintances of an important individual, either.

No matter what anyone said, the people Yi Ji-Hyuk took along in his version of Noah’s ark would see him as their core. And judging from his nature, just like how he had done with the NDF, there was a good chance that those ability users would have become his loyal underlings by the time they return to Earth.

‘So, it simply will not do for Yi Ji-Hyuk’s drive to hit the rock bottom.’ (Christopher McLaren)

If most of Yi Ji-Hyuk’s acquaintances had been killed by the time of his return, then the odds of his desire to protect Earth dropping off a cliff was too d*mn high as per his character as observed so far.

This was something Christopher McLaren or the leaders of the nations involved should’ve thought about first, but the one thing they missed was ably caught by Choi Jeong-Hoon.

‘This is why you shouldn’t ignore that man, Choi Jeong-Hoon.’ (Christopher McLaren)

Christopher McLaren lightly tapped on his desk and smiled brightly.

Watching some punk who used to be a wet-behind-the-ears hatchling maturing so quickly like this was a rather enjoyable experience that went beyond the matter of their different nationalities. f𝘳ℯℯ𝙬𝒆𝚋𝐧oν𝑒Ɩ.c𝑜𝙢

– “Although saying this after we reached this point in time is a little strange...” (Christopher McLaren)

An awkward expression floated up on his face next.

– “It is kind of embarrassing to say this, but it’s no exaggeration to say that the world’s fate is now in your hands.” (Christopher McLaren)

“...”

– “Our connection began with Mister Yi Ji-Hyuk, but well, I have shared many conversations with all of you. Even if we can’t see each other again after today, I hope you don’t forget that the United States of America will always be grateful.” (Christopher McLaren)

“Stop jinxing us, Mister McLaren.” (Song Jeong-Su)

Song Jeong-Su smirked.

“Because, we are not going to die.” (Song Jeong-Su)

– “I pray that is so.” (Christopher McLaren)

Christopher McLaren chuckled lightly.

That gentle smile was something Song Jeong-Su had never seen before from the American.

– “I truly pray that those words do come true. Well, then.” (Christopher McLaren)

The monitor switched off and Song Jeong-Su groaned loudly.

‘That’s as long as we somehow manage to survive.’ (Song Jeong-Su)

Once upon a time, he spent all of his energy trying to reach the summit of this country’s political sphere. When he looked back on his life, the first thing to pop up in his mind was why he had to waste his time on something that trivial.

Even if he held all the political power, it’d be meaningless, anyway.

What use was there in trying to take over the ruling authority just to satisfy his selfish desire that was so insignificant to begin with?

“I’m suddenly getting an urge to go on a trip somewhere.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“Can I go with you?” (Yun Yeong-Min)

“Fufufu.” (Song Jeong-Su)

Song Jeong-Su smiled brightly.

“Now that I think about it, it’s been a long time since we shared a drink, Mister President. Once our current crisis is over, we should enjoy some good liquor, just the two of us.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“However, our previous occasion wasn’t what you’d call friendly, was it.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Song Jeong-Su nodded slightly.

He was thoroughly fed-up now with all those political get-togethers where the participants were always on guard against each other and worried about how to manipulate everyone else.

“It’d be truly wonderful if a day comes where we can just drop everything and be ourselves.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“I second that.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

The two leaders of South Korea stared at each other with wry expressions.

“Well, we enjoyed our positions as much as we could, so it’s time to get back to work, it seems.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“Indeed. Our salaries are fairly large, after all.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Song Jeong-Su pulled out a cigarette and mouthed it.

He was longing for a bowl of raw rice wine on a rainy day, but this would be the last time he’d be swimming in the reminiscence of his past. Their current situation was too urgent for him to do that.

“Now the issue remains with the frontline.” (Song Jeong-Su)

Song Jeong-Su spoke up with a hardened expression.

“Our original plan was to draw the line south of Han river and gradually retreat from there, but with the American and Japanese navies providing support, plus additional supplies and ground troops scheduled to arrive soon, we can potentially aim towards holding the line by the river itself even if we have to take on some casualties.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“Looks like we must discuss this with the defense minister.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

“I’m sure he’ll agree with us.” (Song Jeong-Su)

That’s how an all-out warfare was fought, after all.

One had to utilise everything at their disposal to manufacture and fight back. In order to hold on, fighting desperately at the frontlines was crucial, but to support that, the ‘manufacturing’ had to be functioning properly as well.

If they get pushed back, then there was no way that Korea’s internal manufacturing capacity would operate properly. The current situation was different from the Korean War of the fifties when a large amount of ammunition and provisions could be imported from other countries.

If everyone got forced back all the way to Nakdong river, then no doubt they would end up dying because of insufficient supplies and falling manufacturing capacity.

“We must defend as long as we can.” (Song Jeong-Su)

Yun Yeong-Min nodded with a hardened face.

Song Jeong-Su slowly let out the cigarette smoke.

‘This really is our last stand.’ (Song Jeong-Su)

Only one thing remained – either they keep holding on until Yi Ji-Hyuk comes back, or fail to hold on.

Even though there was no absolute guarantee of defeating the demons after Yi Ji-Hyuk and his group came back home... That was their sole remaining ray of hope.

“Fufufu.” (Song Jeong-Su)

A bitter chuckle left his lips.

Who’d have imagined that in the age they were living in, they had to wage a battle that determined the fate of all humans?

“You know, I imagined that humanity would be destroyed by aliens or some such.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“Or maybe even nuclear warfare.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

“Whichever it is, as long as we manage to survive through this war, it will be recorded in history books. As a politician, there can’t be a greater honour than that.” (Song Jeong-Su)

“Unfortunately, I have no need for such an honour.” (Yun Yeong-Min)

Song Jeong-Su picked up the phone and called for the defense minister.

While doing so, he sighed softly.

The period until the defense minister reached the conference room would be the last time they could take a break.

Song Jeong-Su cooled his complicated mind and closed his eyes.

‘Whatever the case may be...’ (Song Jeong-Su)

No one would hear him, but he still couldn’t help but whisper out.

‘...Please, do your best to return as soon as possible, even if it’s only by a little.’ (Song Jeong-Su)

< 457. So, you want to use us as meat shields? -2 > Fin.

(TL: “Pobangbu” in [1] is a portmanteau of two different Korean words “cannons” and “Ministry of National Defense”. It’s a somewhat derogatory term that points out the Korean government’s obsession bordering on religious fanaticism regarding maintaining one of the largest, best equipped ground forces in the world, basically.)

(TL: “ttang-ttameok-gi” in [2] is a traditional Korean children’s game where you draw some lines on the ground and try to take away another’s territory by flicking your ‘pawn’ into their territory.)