WeTried Translations

Translator: Yasi

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◈ The Precious Demon King

Chapter 69: Came to End the War

Dungeon time-shortening phenomenon. After several consecutive incidents of this strange occurrence, humanity finally mounted a proper response.

Worldwide tally. Only seven dungeon breaks occurred. With eighty-nine casualties, the prevailing view was that the disaster had been successfully contained.

Dungeons were no longer centers of the dimensional industry. They had become like bombs that had to be cleared away as quickly as possible.

Even dungeon conquests once spearheaded by private corporations were now gradually beginning to be avoided.

To explore dungeons and harvest resources, they needed them to remain intact for as long as possible. However, since no one knew when time-shortening might strike again, there was constant unease.

Furthermore, purchasing exclusive rights didn't just grant those rights–it also carried the obligation to clear the dungeon. Consequently, bidders became even more cautious.

"Of the thirteen new dungeons, seven are D-rank or higher. Only two are currently under bid."

"Hahh, that's a problem. It's not like the Hunter Management Bureau has a wide talent pool."

The vast majority of hunters belonged to private-sector guilds. Since they were reluctant to step forward, the state had to handle the dungeons on its own. However, the Hunter Management Bureau had far too few hunters.

At this rate, they might have to introduce a compulsory allocation system.

"Luckily, there are no A-rank dungeons."

"Well, even if one did appear..."

"Right...We have the Special Advisor."

South Korea was no longer afraid of A-rank dungeons. What was truly daunting was the flood of trivial dungeons.

"Ah, Director. An A-rank dungeon just spawned in Japan."

"Ha, that's serious."

"Indeed."

"They'll be sending us a support request, won't they?"

"Most likely. We're the only ones who can reliably conquer an A-rank dungeon."

The world was in upheaval.

Logan Hayes and Ryu Jai had become ordinary rankers. Arjun Mehra and Jose Ramirez were missing.

Only four individuals remained capable of responding to A-rank dungeons. And only four countries possessed them.

United States. France. South Africa. South Korea.

No other country could handle A-rank dungeons. So, naturally, when one appeared, requests went to these countries. In Japan's case, that meant asking its allies, the United States and South Korea.

Among the two, it was highly likely to be South Korea.

"Today's the South Korea–Japan summit."

"That's where it'll come up."

"Of course."

Not long ago, Japan had been in turmoil.

A large-scale stabbing broke out suddenly in Tokyo's office district, but it was said to be the commotion caused by the police arresting the yakuza.

Soon after, Masanobu Mishima delivered an emergency address, declaring nothing less than a "War on Crime."

He proclaimed the eradication of all criminal organizations in Japan. Any rogue organizations that didn't voluntarily disband would end up like the Orochi-gumi.

Immediately afterward, yakuza across the country surrendered en masse. The Japanese public dubbed this phenomenon "Mishima's magic."

In the underworld, where rumors spread quickly, the yakuza scrambled to turn themselves in to avoid the same fate as the Orochi-gumi. With so many surrendering just to survive, facilities for holding criminals reached their limit in no time.

Subsequently, Masanobu Mishima expressed deep gratitude to the South Korean government for assisting in the yakuza crackdown. To strengthen relations with South Korea as quickly as possible, he pushed for a summit and decided to visit Seoul in person.

With Ryu Jai's fall and Kim Junyong's meteoric rise in South Korea, it was evident whose hand Japan needed to grasp to address future A-rank dungeons. The Japanese people were ecstatic about their prime minister's course of action.

"Finally, a politician who gets things done."

"All the thugs in my neighborhood are gone."

"I can't believe it. This is the first time a politician's policy has made my heart race."

"It's good to grow closer. There's something a bit humiliating about it, but South Korea is the dominant power right now."

"Exactly. Considering Taiwan's role in East Asia over the past ten years, the prime minister's swift action deserves praise. They should at least establish an agreement on A-rank dungeon aid in advance."

For the first time in a while, the Japanese people unanimously praised having a "government that works."

And today, the very situation they dreaded erupted.

"Commissioner! An A-rank dungeon has appeared!"

"Damn it! Where?"

"West of Kobe!"

"Yoshi!"

"Eh?"

The reporting staff member was startled. Yunosuke Kuroda asked calmly.

"What's the matter?"

"W-Why are you pleased?"

"Kobe beef is world-famous."

"...?"

"This is the perfect setting to invite South Korea's Special Advisor."

"Ah!"

"Go fetch Yoichi."

"Yes!"

Yunosuke Kuroda allowed himself a sly smile. Masanobu Mishima should have arrived in Seoul by now. He would be speaking closely with South Korea's president.

"Is it in 30 minutes?"

The public South Korea–Japan summit was about to begin. Yunosuke Kuroda had given earnest reminders.

They were desperate to secure the conditions for dispatching the Special Advisor when an A-rank dungeon appeared. As long as they had that, Japan would be safe.

"Commissioner! Colonel Yoichi Sasaki reporting!"

"Oh! You're here already, Yoichi Sasaki. Our future prime minister!"

"Y-Yes!"

Yoichi Sasaki's face flushed a deep red.

"Hahaha, no need to be nervous! You may be my boss one day."

"Hahh!"

Though startled, he did not deny it. Having flattered Yoichi Sasaki plenty, Yunosuke Kuroda leaned in close and lowered his voice.

"Yoichi Sasaki. Another special mission for you."

"Yoichi Sasaki! Ready to give my life for my country!"

"Good! Your loyalty is beyond question. Do you know what this is?"

It was information about the A-rank dungeon that had spawned in Kobe.

"Ah! Should I enter the dungeon immediately?"

"No, no. Another team will handle the investigation. Your task is more important."

"What is it?"

"To bring the hyungnim who will conquer this dungeon."

"My hyungnim? You mean Kim-hyungnim?"

"Exactly! Him!"

"Yes. He is my hyungnim!"

Yunosuke Kuroda spoke as if he were a chef revealing a secret recipe.

"According to intelligence, your hyungnim just expanded his home. His sister moved in next door."

"If she is his sister, then she is my sister!"

"Precisely! Our agent is on a flight to Kobe right now, gift-wrapping the finest Kobe beef set."

"Ah! What must I do?"

"Our future prime minister–you will carry it and present it to your hyungnim!"

"And then?"

"Showing brotherly affection is more than enough!"

"Yes! Yoichi Sasaki! Operation Finest Kobe Beef Transport, commencing now!"

"Japan's future rests in your hands!"

"Yes!"

Yoichi Sasaki immediately departed for Kobe. From there, he could teleport straight to Kim Junyong's house.

He could go at any time, but he couldn't just show up thoughtlessly. So, whenever there was a good pretext, such as a move-in, he had to go and make a good impression.

It was no exaggeration that Japan's future rested in Yoichi Sasaki's hands.

Even if the prime minister and president of South Korea reach an agreement, we'll be in trouble if South Korea's Special Advisor refuses deployment.

Nevertheless, strong ties between the two countries were vital. The South Korea–Japan summit was just beginning to be broadcast live, reaching not only both countries but also media outlets around the world.

* * *

Blue House, Seoul. Kim Seungtae glanced over the finalized joint communiqué from the just-concluded discussions and let out a hollow laugh.

"Ha, well now."

The public summit would begin shortly.

"Chief Manager Kim, this isn't a dream, is it?"

"No, President. You've accomplished something tremendous."

"Ha, well now."

A hollow laugh slipped out. Japan had accepted all of South Korea's demands.

Even the most excessive-seeming points had been agreed to without objection. All they wanted in return was one thing.

More closely "coordinated dimensional gate management" and "hunter exchange" between the two countries. In other words, dispatching hunters in the event of a dungeon emergency.

Though framed as a bilateral exchange, the core request was to ensure that Kim Junyong could be deployed in a crisis.

"We too aren't in a position to tell the Special Advisor what to do."

They thought the negotiations might collapse because of Kim Seungtae's words, but the Japanese side responded as though it were only natural.

"We understand. As long as communication channels remain open, that's enough."

With Japan's submissive attitude, the final agreement went through without a hitch. Once made public, however, it would set off a storm in South Korea.

"President. It's time for the meeting."

"Hehe, yes. Let's go."

Kim Seungtae stepped forward toward his crowning achievement.

* * *

South Korea–Japan summit. Some even regarded the sudden meeting, with Masanobu Mishima coming all the way to the Blue House in Seoul, as Japan's humiliation. But experts did not view it in a negative light.

Consider Taiwan, which had enjoyed prestige for ten years thanks to its G-rank hunter.

Now they had lost their weapon, and South Korea had gained one. It was inevitable that East Asia's hunter power dynamics would revolve around South Korea.

Though the move seemed somewhat hasty and disadvantageous, many praised Masanobu Mishima for acting quickly.

The scene was filled with more than a hundred reporters.

Click, click!

Between the South Korean and Japanese flags hanging on either side of the platform, the two leaders came together and shook hands.

They stood silently with their hands clasped together for a long moment while camera flashes rained down. Then, they took their seats.

Masanobu Mishima immediately rose again to stand alone before the press.

"Before the summit, as the prime minister of Japan, I convey to the world–and to the people of South Korea–my deepest apologies."

With those words, he bowed at a ninety-degree angle.

Click, click!

"South Korea and Japan share a painful history. I know well that the emotional rift has not yet been resolved."

The press buzzed. The reporters had never expected such an attitude from Masanobu Mishima.

"As Japan's representative, I repent for the past, and I seek apology and forgiveness for the sins of our ancestors."

He bowed again.

Click, click!

His gleaming bald head appeared like a halo to the South Korean reporters.

"We will not evade responsibility for the atrocities Japan committed in the past. To the victims of forced labor and comfort women, I pledge a formal apology and a clear acceptance of legal responsibility."

The reporters were aghast.

"Furthermore, Japan renounces all claims to Dokdo and acknowledges that, both historically and under international law, Dokdo is the territory of South Korea."

Mishima Masanobu went beyond bowing. He placed his hands on the floor and prostrated himself toward the cameras broadcasting worldwide.

Truly, with all sincerity.

O Mad Monarch, please do not harm us.

It was a great gamble for him, risking both his political career and his life.

Click, click!

The reporters went into a frenzy. Their hands flew as they sent off reports.

Their hearts pounded so hard that they could barely speak. One South Korean reporter even shed tears.

It wasn't just the reporters, either.

Countless people watching the summit on TV news flashes and YouTube were stunned. For both South Korea and Japan, it was, in another sense, the day a bomb went off.

The deep anti-South Korea and anti-Japan war–it had come to an end.

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