Descent of the Demon Master-Chapter 1019. Being Friendly (4)

“We’re going home already?!”

Bang Jin-Hun gasped loudly and stared in flabbergast at Wiggins as if he heard the most absurd story in the history of mankind.

Wiggins nodded. “Yes, apparently. Why are you reacting this way, though?”

“No, wait a minute here, Mister Wiggins!” Bang Jin-Hun shot up to his feet and began crying out loudly. “He dragged us all the way out to Britain, made us work like dogs, and after everything was said and done, dumped us inside this dingy underground space and told us to behave ourselves! But now, we're going home?! Just like that?!”

Wiggins frowned slightly. “...Is there a problem, Mister Bang?”

“Shouldn’t we get rewarded for working our butts off? Where is our reward, I say! This is my first time in another country, you know! My first overseas vacation! How can I go home without doing anything in that case?”

Wiggins nearly stumbled just then. Although Bang Jin-Hun’s utterance sounded deeply illogical, his logic was far too sound! He seemed to be talking nonsense, but his words made sense!

Objectively speaking, this was no overseas vacation but more like a business trip. So, not giving the... “employees” a bit of downtime shouldn’t qualify as workplace abuse. However...

“Mister Bang... Is this your first trip overseas? Really?”

“Yes! Why would a martial artist go to another country? People might criticize you for wasting time not cultivating, you know?”

“Mm...!”

Wiggins had to concede that dumping a man who had never been overseas deep underground and telling him to stay put didn’t seem fair.

“I see. Mister Bang... What do you have in mind for your...”

“Football! I want to go to a football match!” Lee Hyeon-Su suddenly raised his hand.

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Wiggins narrowed his eyes and glared at Lee Hyeon-Su. That prompted the latter to sneakily turn his head away and avoid facing that sharp glare.

Wiggins seemed to be saying, ‘Other people can whine like kids, but not you! I won’t allow it!’ with that glare.

However, Lee Hyeon-Su simply had to voice his opinion this time.

Of course, he knew the situation was quite tricky right now.

Things were always hectic for Lee Hyeon-Su, but this time? The alliance with the Round Table had heaped a mountain of issues on Lee Hyeon-Su’s desk. Worse still, those issues didn’t just contain the stuff the Martial Assembly did in Britain.

As the reward for vacating his office back in Korea for a few days, the documents requiring his attention must've become several tall towers by now!

Even though Lee Hyeon-Ju was dealing with some of the workload, there were matters only Lee Hyeon-Su could take care of. And those documents alone should fill up a 1.5-ton truck’s load bay and then some!

However! Even though he knew all this!

‘If I miss this chance, I will never, ever! Get another chance to enjoy some downtime!’

Lee Hyeon-Su instinctively sensed the impending crisis.

His life was utterly buried under his work. Even before he came of age, Lee Hyeon-Su forewent sleep to finish his work. Of course, it wasn't as if he was particularly dissatisfied with how his life had turned out.

However, getting entangled in Kang Jin-Ho’s escapades lately had led to alarm bells ringing loudly in his head.

‘It’s been ten bloody years since I last went on a vacation!’

If this kept up, he’d never enjoy another till his dying day!

Lee Hyeon-Su had finally realized the truth. He would never have another day off for the rest of eternity!

Two crucial factors must come together before a vacation could materialize in a salaryman’s life. One was that the worker must finish all of his assignments ahead of time. And two, even if said worker couldn’t finish everything, he must have an able sub to take over for a little while!

Lee Hyeon-Su worked like a dog for over a decade, but neither condition had been fulfilled so far. One assignment led to another, even larger, assignment. And most of his work was not something others could take over on short notice.

That meant Lee Hyeon-Su only had one of two ways to enjoy a vacation. Either he retired as a white-haired old man and enjoyed what little time he had left or died from overwork and enjoyed his downtime in the netherworld!

Obviously, he was not pleased with either of the options!

The heavens were kind enough to grant him this opportunity, so Lee Hyeon-Su was prepared to enjoy this vacation no matter what! Even if doing so inconvenienced other people!

Bang Jin-Hun hurriedly chimed in. “That’s right, football! That... uh, what was it called again? APL?”

“It’s EPL, sir.”[1]

“Yeah, that one! That's what I'm talking about! By the way, I think I heard a Korean dude is playing in the EPL? Is it true?”

Lee Hyeon-Su promptly gave up talking to Bang Jin-Hun about this. Buying expensive EPL match tickets for a dude like him would be a waste of national money.

Bang Jin-Hun turned his attention back to Wiggins. “In any case! I can’t go back without doing anything for fun first!”

Lee Hyeon-Su cried out, “Yes! Me too!”

Although having a conversation might not be viable, at least cheering was still an option! Lee Hyeon-Su earnestly cheered on Bang Jin-Hun’s efforts this time.

What a historical moment this was, the second-in-command of the former Yeongnam Group and the former second-in-command of the Martial Assembly earnestly working together for the common good!

“M-mm...!” Wiggins reflexively stepped back as two pairs of burning, sizzling eyes glared sharply at him.

‘Well, it’s true that we’ve been demanding a lot from these two...’

The Martial Assembly's workload was extreme, to say the least. Especially for Lee Hyeon-Su and Bang Jin-Hun; these two men had to handle murderous amounts of work by themselves.

Wiggins hardly had enough time for himself while serving as Britain's representative Knight, yet his workload back then looked like child's play in comparison!

Wiggins’ workload actually decreased after moving to the Martial Assembly. However, Lee Hyeon-Su and Bang Jin-Hun had to work even harder because they were... Koreans!

No wonder Wiggins was left speechless right now!

Vator tutted loudly after having enough of this unsightly spectacle. “Hah! Martial artists want to act like a bunch of tourists?”

The heads of Bang Jin-Hun and Lee Hyeon-Su urgently snapped toward Vator. However, the combined glare failed to make the big man flinch or back down.

Instead, Vator went on the offensive.

“Have you not felt anything from this experience? My master is getting stronger as we speak. The strong is getting stronger! Yet, a bunch of weaklings like you lot want to go sightseeing? When you should be thinking about training like hell to catch up?”

“Urgh...!”

“Kuh-hmm.”

Bang Jin-Hun and Lee Hyeon-Su hurriedly clamped their mouths shut as if they had no excuses to offer.

Bang Jin-Hun’s embarrassment was especially more pronounced. After all, he could still vividly recall what Kang Jin-Ho did during the last battle.

“You all must've acquired so much from witnessing my master's battle. Being able to witness a battle involving such high-level experts is a blessing in itself, after all!”

“Yes, that is true.”

“Enlightenment can come to you fleetingly. But it can go away just as quickly. You all earned the opportunity for enlightenment, something that you may never earn again in your lives, yet you dare delay your training because of some lowly desire to... waste your time idling about?!”

Vator snarkily rebuked Bang Jin-Hun and Lee Hyeon-Su.

“Then, you better forget about your dream of getting stronger!”

“...!”

Vator had gone for the jugular this time. Bang Jin-Hun couldn’t think of any response and faltered ungainly.

Clap, clap, clap...

That was when Wiggins began slow-clapping. “Sir Vator, your stance and passion toward the path of martial arts will serve as a role model to everyone.”

“I don’t want your flattery, Wiggins,” Vator frowned deeply. “This isn’t just me. I’m sure you all saw it, too. I’m talking about how strong that old fart really is!”

“...Oh.”

The “old fart” Vator referred to could only mean one person: Chang Min!

Kang Jin-Ho wasn’t the only one who shocked his acquaintances during the last battle. His strength obviously shocked and freaked everyone, but... Objectively speaking, that was well within the expectations of people who knew him.

No one here had an adequate idea of how strong Kang Jin-Ho really was. He shocked everyone by demonstrating a level of strength that surpassed their vague estimations. Even so, it was not that difficult to acknowledge Kang Jin-Ho's absurd strength.

However, that story didn’t apply to Chang Min.

‘Right. That old man, he...’

This battle taught an unforgettable lesson to Bang Jin-Hun and Lee Hyeon-Su on why Chang Min was the top elder in the demon cult.

Chang Min's viciousness, his strength, his charisma! The way he led the demon cult believers from the front even reminded everyone of Kang Jin-Ho.

With how memorable he was, the onlookers briefly wondered if the rampaging beast-like behavior during battles wasn't Kang Jin-Ho's unique “thing” but more like a special trait of all demon cult believers!

Vator gruffly asked, “Tell me, what do you think that old fart is doing right now?”

“He’s probably...”

“That's right! He must be pushing himself to the breaking point to get stronger!” Vator grunted and scowled deeply. “An old fart at least twice our age still hasn't given up becoming stronger! That's what it means to be a martial artist. If you stop even for a second, it's no longer a stop but more like you falling behind everyone else!”

The atmosphere in the room grew somber. No one here could confidently say they could win against Chang Min. Even Vator had to admit that the old fart hadn’t gone all out when they had that fight to establish the hierarchy back then.

‘If we fight seriously now... I can’t guarantee I’ll win!’

Vator had started cultivating in demonic arts, which doubled his destructive power. Even then, he couldn’t tell who would win the fight between him and Chang Min.

First of all, an expert on Chang Min’s caliber could expose some unknown flaws in the demonic cultivation Vator was mastering during their battle. Secondly...

‘...There is no guarantee that the old fart has shown all his cards yet!’

How cunning that was. So, so very sly and deceitful!

Vator gritted his teeth. Despite his opinion of the man, Vator had to admit that Chang Min's existence was a blessing of sorts for him.

Someone like Kang Jin-Ho showing the way from the front was absolutely necessary for a martial artist to grow. However, another individual to incite and motivate you from the sidelines was also a crucial element.

To Vator, Kang Jin-Ho was a goal, while Chang Min was a stimulant, a motivation.

Vator sharply glared at Bang Jin-Hun and Lee Hyeon-Su. “But now, you want to do what? Cosplay as tourists?”

“...My apologies.”

“I wasn’t thinking straight. I’m sorry.”

Bang Jin-Hun and Lee Hyeon-Su slightly lowered their heads in shame.

Their ranks weren’t low enough for them to sit through a one-sided lecture from Vator. However, Vator wasn’t admonishing them as their superior here.

No, the big man was giving them valuable advice as a senior in life and a martial artist who was ahead of them in the martial journey. Vator wouldn’t have said anything if he didn’t care about any of them. That was why both men obediently bowed in shame.

“So, you all better stop with this nonsense and go home right away! You want to take a break? You can do that... when you're inside a coffin! A martial artist is supposed to train, and train some more, until his death. Even as we sit here idly chatting away, our enemies are busy improving their strength. You all better learn from Chang Min's example and...”

Creak!

That was when the door to the room suddenly was shoved open. As if to prove the old adage of “Speak of the devil” right, Chang Min stepped into the room in cheery steps.

“You came at the perfect... time... Huh?!” Vator’s eyes powerfully quaked by what he saw.

Obviously, Chang Min joining the crew for a chat was not strange. However, Vator still couldn’t help but forget what he wanted to say. That was because Chang Min’s attire had far exceeded his expectations!

While wearing a pair of white shorts, a distinctive Hawaiian shirt, and a wide-brimmed fedora-style hat, Chang Min entered the room with his arms wide open.

Vator hurriedly regained composure and pointed at Chang Min. “...What, what is the meaning of this appearance, you old fart?”

“Hmm? I thought we’ve finished with our job here?”

“Yes, we have, but...!”

“Then it’s time for a vacation! Let’s have some fun!”

Indeed, Chang Min's attire was a perfect template for a foreign tourist! Not just any tourist, but a stereotypical Chinese tourist, no less! It might come across as bizarre for a man Chang Min's age to dress this way, but...

But, for some inexplicable reason, his gray hair worked rather well with his fashion sense to make others stand in awe.

Of course, awe wasn’t the only emotion Chang Min’s audience felt at that moment.

“...”

Lee Hyeon-Su and Bang Jin-Hun’s cold gazes slowly shifted toward Vator. The big man felt cold sweat forming on his back as their strangely painful gazes burrowed into his face!

Vator urgently cried out, “W-what nonsense are you talking about! Weren’t you training just now?!”

“Gimme a break, you immature brat,” Chang Min tutted dismissively. “A man should know when to kick back and enjoy himself. I've never seen any of the idiots training their asses off the whole day actually getting stronger. The thing is, a martial artist must know when to train and when to rest. That's how you up your achievement level. You're supposed to be younger than me, so why are you such a stuck-up boomer?”

“W-wait a minute here...!”

Vator almost blurted out, “Old fart! If you do this, everyone will look at me funny now!”

The big man hurriedly turned his head away and resolutely refused to meet the probing gazes of Bang Jin-Hun, Lee Hyeon-Su, and Wiggins. Then, he tried his best to change the subject. “W-Wiggins! Where is my master right now?”

“Oh...” Wiggins cocked an eyebrow. “That reminds me. I was supposed to inform you of my lord’s activities.”

“Mm?”

“My lord left the Round Table’s grounds a little while ago.”

“Huh? Why?” Vator frowned and tilted his head.

“Well, that's because...” Wiggins sheepishly scratched his head. “He said he wanted to buy souvenirs. But it's more likely he's gone to famous tourist attractions around the city...”

“...”

Chang Min threw his hands in the air. “What?! You should've told me earlier than my liege had gone outside! It's my job to assist him, after all! Blooming hell... Whatever! I'll take my people out and have some fun, too! You people do whatever you want.”

Wiggins frowned. “...You’re not going alone?”

“Don’t you know that ‘youke’ is the only way to sightsee places? I mean, the cult believers are finally getting paid monthly wages like proper human beings, so I better let them cut loose and have some fun whenever opportunities come around, am I right! Don't worry, we'll be back by tomorrow!”[2]

“...Please refrain from causing a scene somewhere.”

“I’ll try, but no promises!” Chang Min laughed heroically while spinning around on his heels to slip out of the room.

That was when everyone resumed staring coldly at Vator.

The big man faltered and fidgeted a bit before fake-coughing to clear his throat. “Kuh-hum! T-then, shall we go sightseeing, too?”

“...Tsk.”

“Eii...”

Lee Hyeon-Su and Bang Jin-Hun also exited the room while shaking their heads.

Vator could only groan weakly at that. “Those damn old farts...!”

What a humiliation this was!

‘Blast it!'

1. “EPL” is the English Premier League, the top-flight football league in England. ☜

2. “Youke(游客)” is a Chinese term referring to tourists; more specifically, a large group of tourists consisting of dozens, sometimes hundreds of people. ☜