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SSS-Class Suicide Hunter (Web Novel) - Chapter 267: Family Interview (4)
Chapter 267: Family Interview (4)
This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml
Translator/Editor: Ryuu
-Mother?
A member of the Gill Fish Race addressed the Paladin.
The Paladin was gazing somewhere. The Gill Fishes too, with their webbed feet on the rock, flicking their tails and splashing water, looked in the same direction.
-Mother, why are you interested in the place where the Fairy Tribe is...?
“No. It’s just unbelievable. After talking about parents and children for so long, that person is really hopeless.”
-.......
A bitter smile hung on the Paladin's lips. It seemed to have stirred unease among the Gill Fishes.
-We know a lot about you, Mother, but not much about that person. Is she a good person?
“She’s a sad person.”
The Paladin simply defined the Countess that way.
“And a clear one.”
The Paladin then fell into thought, seemingly recalling her own past.
It wasn't for long.
"Hmm."
The Paladin picked up her helmet that was left beside the rock. Clank. Silently, she put the helmet back on.
Inside the helmet, the chattering of the world was filtered out. The distracting colors from the world narrowed down. The filtered and narrowed view was just enough to remind her of her duties.
“Gill Fishes.”
The Paladin stood up and looked around.
In the river where the islet had sunk, all the Gill Fishes were swimming or floating motionlessly, gazing up at the mermaid. In an instant, the number of Gill Fishes looking up at her amounted to tens of thousands.
“Thank you for comforting me in my foolishness, for praising my mistakes as lovely. I will keep the stories you told tonight, the scenes of you crossing the dark water, in my heart for a lifetime.”
-Are you leaving, Mother?
“I'll visit sometimes.”
The Paladin nodded.
“I have a lot to do. It can't be helped."
-.......
Silence followed.
The river and sea water where the Gill Fishes lived always rippled irregularly. The Gill Fishes had developed a habit of whispering softly, gripping each other’s shoulders. This time, too, they gently grabbed the shoulder of a fellow tribe member, one whispering to another, then one to ten, the whisper spreading like contagion. Gill Fish
-Mother.
After the whispers ended.
A mermaid representing the Gill Fishes spoke.
-Won’t you take us with you?
"......."
-You mentioned a place called the tower. You said it would soon be visible to us. If that place is your homeland, Mother, wouldn’t it be okay for us to follow you there?
-We love the water. But we love the land we can't swim in even more. If that place is where Mother lives, we will come to love it even more.
-Please take us with you.
The Paladin remained silent.
She simply fiddled with her sword hilt.
“There are many vile people in the tower. I don’t want you to be hurt by such people.”
-What kind of vile people?
“They will call you fish just because you have tails. Not because they think it's a funny joke, but simply because they want to upset you.”
-.......
“There are many, many people who live with the mentality that as long as they can spoil someone else's mood, nothing else matters. So…”
-Mother.
The Gill Fishes looked at each other, then back at the Paladin.
-There are many ordinary people like that here too.
The Paladin closed her mouth.
-Among us as well.
-Weak people.
-Sick people.
-Those who torment others because they themselves are tormented. Such people are everywhere in the world.
-Such people will always exist, anywhere and in the future.
-Not beyond them.
-But among us.
The Gill Fishes spoke in unison.
-So that can't be a reason why we shouldn't see your world, Mother.
“I am……"
As the Paladin hesitated.
“Wait a moment.”
Someone grasped the Paladin's shoulder.
It was a gentle yet considerate hand, laden with firm determination.
The Paladin knew only one person who would grab her shoulder this way.
[The King of Death descends.]
“There’s no need to be so scared, senior.”
“……King of Death.”
The Paladin turned her head to look at me.
“What do you mean, I’m scared?”
I didn’t respond.
I didn’t say anything like she was afraid that the Gill Fishes would one day realize she's just another ‘ordinary’ person.
I simply spoke cheerfully.
“How about this?”
“What’s that?”
“Instead of inviting the Gill Fishes children directly to our tower, let's send them for study abroad to the Aegim Empire starting from the 11th floor. There are mermaids living there too.”
“Ah."
The Paladin's eyes widened.
I nodded.
‘She wouldn't have thought of it. The Paladin didn't participate in the conquest at that time.’
There was such an incident.
At that time, as a hero, I collected Preta. However, the Aegim Empire was still unaware of this. They came after me, forming a multi-racial alliance to capture the witch, among whom was this character.
『In my view, the current issue boils down to something simple. Whether this…』
『Young man is truly the Emissary of the Founder. Whether that woman is really a witch. Just confirming these matters would resolve everything.』
『This is the Soul Orb bestowed by the current king of the mermaids.』
『If you drop a drop of blood on it, it reveals whether the owner of the blood possesses a [good soul] or an [evil soul]!』
As everyone knows, I coolly splashed my blood on the orb.
『Ah? Uh, what…?』
『How... how can a soul be so... how many lives must have been saved for it to be this white, this is... this is truly...!』『This person is… the Light…!』
Radiant Sir.
That was the moment I ascended to that title.
“There are mermaids living on the 15th floor who are extremely friendly to me. They think I'm a real apostle of the god. Well, the god there is the [Goddess of Protection], and this Goddess of Protection is Shiny, hanging at my waist, so it’s not entirely a wrong analysis...”
The sheath at my waist rustled. It seemed like a protest, asking for more attention.
I have so much to do, meeting with the tower owner, raising children, mediating among comrades, joking around with the Guardian Spirit. Hang in there, Shiny. Just a bit longer. Maybe one day there will be a spin-off like 'Shiny, the Goddess of the Tower's 1st Floor Dining Diary' starring you on a gourmet journey.
Anyway.
“The point is, there are mermaids in another world who are very friendly towards me.”
"......."
“A kind of tutorial. Wouldn’t it be a suitable place for study abroad for the Gill Fishes?”
The Paladin looked into my eyes.
“Can you build a bridge?”
“Of course. What's the point of having connections if not for times like this?”
-Kim Gong-Ja?
The Paladin’s expression changed.
Given her usual stoicism, even I could only read her expressions as either [she’s in a good mood] or [she’s feeling stiff]. But this time, her expression was too transparently readable.
“Let me express my thanks.”
“No, no. There's no need to thank me. I'm just doing what's natural.”
“Kim Gong-Ja. No, Radiant Sir Gong-Ja. You truly are a kind soul.”
“Ahaha... Well, I am a bit kind. Um, anyway---”
“Kind and handsome too. They say life reflects in one’s face, maybe that’s true.”
“No... I mean, I happen to be a bit handsome, but there’s no need to—”
“And even your voice is beautiful. You could be a singer right now. Is this what they call a natural-born singer? Singing Sir Gong-Ja.”
“Singing Sir Gong-Ja? Um… uh… Senior? Excuse me?”
“Kind, handsome, and a good singer – you'd probably be great at dodging military service too. There’s mandatory military service in Korea, right? Are you a veteran? Military Sir Gong-Ja.”
“No, it changed to a volunteer system when I was young!? The thing about celebrities avoiding military service is a really old story. More importantly, I'm a tower ranker, so even if there was military service, I probably would have been exempt for some national merit reason…”
“Indeed, that makes sense. A national hero.”
“Yes, a national hero... No, wait, Senior! You're teasing me, right!? Just like when we first created the Blood Flower Drama!?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
The Paladin feigned ignorance.
I sighed. The Paladin then smiled slightly at me and grabbed my shoulder.
She pulled.
"Uh!"
Instinctively, I bent over.
Wrapping her arm around my neck, the Paladin showed my face to the Gill Fishes.
“This is the King of Death. The god of the Earth Spirit Tribe, a ranker of our tower. As you can see, he's my junior and also a friend."
The Gill Fishes murmured.
-The King of Death!
-The god of the Earth Spirit Tribe!
-The mother’s junior!
-The mother’s friend!
-A national hero!
Damn, I feel like my face is on fire......
“So, King of Death.”
The Paladin released her arm from my neck. A soft smile lingered on her lips.
“Thank you for the wonderful suggestion. Hmm. Let's plan it according to the King of Death's idea.”
Then the Paladin quickly formulated a plan.
Selecting some students for exchange to the [Mermaid Falls of the Aegim Empire].
After observing the problems and conflicts that arise there, they would develop solutions and gradually increase the number of exchange students.
Eventually expanding the exchange destinations and finally inviting the Gill Fishes to the 1st floor city of our tower, [Babylon].
“Hehe.”
The Paladin chuckled lightly. The Gill Fishes, convinced by this proposal, unanimously agreed to follow her words. They excitedly discussed, “What do mermaids from another world look like?” “They live not in the sea, but in a huge lake!” “Is there really such a big lake?”
Like children who had just been promised a school trip.
“Life really is unpredictable.”
“Hmm?”
“Although it's just a metaphor, I’ve become a parent raising children, reconciled with the Black Dragon Witch to become friends again. Even my relationships with other guild leaders…”
The Paladin looked at me with a smile, but her gaze was directed elsewhere.
“Really. Such things have happened.”
Her voice suddenly sounded distant.
Was she reminiscing about the past?
"......."
I remained silent again.
Before reaching the 15th floor of the tower with the mermaids' lake. When I first ascended to the 13th floor of the tower, we faced an internal betrayer and were divided.
We had been divided.
"......."
I had a suspicion about who the betrayer was. But instead of revealing their identity, I deeply buried it by changing the stage itself so that such an incident would not occur.
I often questioned whether not pursuing the identity of the betrayer was the right decision. But at this moment, looking at the side profile of the Paladin, I could think without any hesitation.
‘Yes.’
It was the right decision.
‘That's enough.’
Dawn mist was slowly rising in the jungle. Under the palm trees, the Heretic Inquisitor was still talking with the Mountain Calamity Tribe. The Heretic Inquisitor's expression was serious, but occasionally he laughed like he used to, "Ahaha."
Elsewhere, the Countess was patting the heads of the Fairy Tribe. Was it some kind of oath of allegiance? Or the first expression of affection from a parent to a child? Probably both, but the Countess was smiling, and the fairies seemed happy.
“Thank you.”
The Paladin spoke.
Then she looked at me.
“You're a good friend, Kim Gong-Ja.”
"......."
“Patricia.”
Silence fell.
“That's my real name. Patricia. You can call me Patricia when no one else is around. If the Vigilante Corps members hear, it might cause favoritism controversies.”
"......."
“You’ve raised children who will surely understand you, mi amigo.”
The Paladin walked to the creek where the Gill Fishes were splashing. She then discarded her heavy armor, helmet, and gloves, and dived into the water among the mermaids. [Quest Progress.]
[Gill Fishes voting begins.]
Splash!
[Vote counting complete.]
[Option 2 votes: 01.32%]
[Option 1 votes: 98.68%]
[Majority for Option 1 confirmed.]
From a distance, I could hear the Gill Fishes laughing.
There were stories of gods who walked with them, gods who carried them on their backs, even gods who danced with them...
But a god who swam with them was a happiness granted only to the Gill Fishes.
[Stage Clear.]
[The 42nd floor has been cleared!]
From the jungle's palm-laden river, I watched for a long time the scene of gods and tribes, parents and children swimming together.
And then.
“Ugor.”
A familiar voice of a familiar child called from behind me.
“Daddy.”
It was Uburka.
I nodded.
‘Yes.’
Now that the Heretic Inquisitor, the Countess, and the Paladin had cleared their stages in turn, it was time for the Black Dragon Witch and me.
The Black Dragon Witch had made me promise not to peek when she came out of the waiting room, just like when we first created the Blood Flower Drama.
"I won’t watch, Anastasia!"
But unlike Anastasia, I wasn't embarrassed at all. How close am I with my children? I wish everyone could see how amicably I converse with my children, how strong our parent-child relationship is. I would appreciate their envy.
“Okay, Uburka---"
Slowly, I turned around and spread my arms to embrace Uburka.
The Heretic Inquisitor showed spiritual growth by expressing regret to his children, the Countess flaunted her capitalistic virtue by personally offering employment to her children, and the Paladin always showcased a heart that prioritized her children's feelings.
And I, Kim Gong-Ja, was literally the sky.
Speaking metaphorically, the sky.
Confident in showing spiritual growth, capitalistic virtue, and even heart.
Naturally.
Unlike other parents, I was always aware that my true nature would eventually be exposed to my children.
Knowing yourself and your enemy ensures victory in every battle.
In a way, your greatest enemy in life is your own children. In that sense, the Earth Spirit Tribe children were never a match for me, already having insight into everything.
‘Ugor! Even when comrades ridiculed us for choosing goblins, did father steadfastly choose us, the Earth Spirit Tribe……!’
Or…
‘I knew from legends that daddy taught us all about letters and tattoos, but seeing it in my mind's eye, I'm deeply moved! Ugor! How did daddy manage to take care of everything for us from one to ten!’
Or…
‘Daddy's kindness is like the sky, impossible to repay... If it weren’t for daddy, we would have been far more miserable and vicious. Daddy is a true friend.’
In my ears, I could already hear hundreds of thousands of Earth Spirit Tribe members singing praises of ‘Daddy! Daddy!’
Of course, in response to such praise, I was prepared to humbly respond,
‘Oh, come on. It's all because of your greatness.’
‘Seeing you grow up well is enough for this daddy…’
‘I love you, my children…!’
Perfect.
Now, I am not just the light. I am the sky that holds the light.
Not Radiant, but Sky.
I am about to be reborn as the dignified Sky Sir Gong-Ja.
With a business smile honed by the Black Dragon Witch, I turned around, expecting my child’s warm embrace.
“Come, embrace me---."
"Daddy."
There was indeed something enthusiastic.
“A completely exposed back.”
A massive axe eagerly aimed at my chest flew towards me.
“---Damn it!?”
Whish!
I narrowly dodged the attack, purely thanks to my elevated skills. Perhaps it was also thanks to the Guardian Spirit, who had been watching me with an exasperated expression, but even so, without my extraordinary stepping techniques, I would not have been able to evade.
“Ugor.”
Uburka grimaced as he swung the axe.
Then spat on the ground.
“Daddy's movements are like a squirrel frolicking in the forest. I thought the attack would land perfectly.”
“What, what is this! Uburka!”
I panicked and glanced over Uburka's shoulder. Following him, other children, the Earth Spirit Tribe, flushed with anger, were gathered.
If my eyes weren’t severely damaged, they too were holding weapons.
Highly inappropriate items for a heartwarming reunion.
“Where’s the touching reunion!? Didn’t you watch the video of me caring for you for thousands of years!?”
“We did.”
“Then why swing an axe at me!”
“I don't understand.”
Uburka bared his fangs.
“I’ve known for a long time that daddy cares for us, so watching the video now doesn’t move me.”
“Wh–What?”
“Think about it, Ugor. We go to the theatre when bored. The Blood Flower Drama always focuses on daddy’s love, trials, and friendship stories. I can recite every play where daddy is the protagonist, even with my eyes closed.”
"......."
“Seems you forgot that people have a threshold for tolerance, daddy.”
How can this be?
Is this what happens when you shower too much love, making them take the parent's affection for granted?
“That’s absurd!”
“It's not.”
Vroooom!
Uburka swung his axe again, this time meticulously wrapping it in aura. Absorbing the energy of the Ki Dragon had advanced his aura skills, and the already formidable attack was further enhanced.
“Eeek!? Save me!”
“Ah, the day has come when I’ve been longing to show daddy!”
Uburka's biceps throbbed.
“I was embarrassingly defeated by daddy the first time we met! Even after ascending to the Constellation, I was thrashed by daddy! But today! Finally, on this day, I will show daddy!”
“You crazy! If you lost twice, let it go! Why hold such petty grudges!?”
“Ugor. What do you take me for, daddy?”
[The Muscle Pig Dreaming of Parricide roars.]
“Here stands the Chairman of the Fire River Council, the Chief Warrior of the King of Death Family, your child, Uburka!”
What’s with this guy's nicknames?
