SSS-Class Sui**de Hunter - Chapter 119

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 119. Hero (1)
1
Two weeks had passed since the formal meeting. In that time, much had transpired. We had been received by the Emperor of The Empire. Multiple secret pacts had been forged between The Empire and the Tower. Yet I set aside those historic upheavals—
and attended first to what I alone had to do.
Because my own epilogue still remained unfinished.
“Sparkle.”
[Yes, Hero, Sparkle replies.]
In Raphiel’s and my bedroom.
A single blade rested upon the massive bed.
“Consume it.”
The sword that once tore out my lover’s heart.
The blade that had imprisoned this world in an endless ten-day cycle.
The Wish Sword.
Against that demon blade, my Holy Sword spilled forth white light.
[The Goddess of Protection absorbs her fragment.]
White light touched the Wish Sword. It convulsed. At that instant, a crimson aura flared from the blade. As if defying the light that sought to swallow it, a dense scarlet mist erupted along the steel.
[The Wish Sword recoils in shock.]
[The Compassion Sword persuades her sister.]
White light and red mist clashed back and forth. Yet the mist grew denser. Just as crimson began to overwhelm white, a third color flowed from my Holy Sword.
[The Compassion Sword also persuades her sister.]
Black filth. The fragment of the second Holy Sword I had claimed joined the fray.
The tide reversed. Pure white light devoured the mist, and pitch-black water gnawed at it. The red-hued fog shriveled away in an instant.
[The Wish Sword recoils at her sisters’ betrayal.]
[The Wish Sword declares: she cannot serve a master who is not Repanta Aigim.]
I opened my mouth.
“I have some idea of why Repanta Aigim slew the Constellations.”
The crimson mist faltered.
The mist had no eyes, yet I fixed it with a gaze that felt like meeting its stare. A calm tension settled between us.
“At first, I couldn’t fathom it at all. But living through this world, I came to understand—Constellations are beings who invade other worlds on a whim, seeking to dominate them to suit their tastes, heedless of the natives’ wishes.”
Though their method differs, the Bookworm Librarian is no different.
The Librarian’s interest lies not in ruling the world, but in observing people.
They mark humans going about their lives as “characters.” They voyeuristically consume their “stories.” In reducing the world to suit their aesthetic, the Librarian is identical to any other Constellation.
It is, plainly put—
“A nuisance.”
Violence.
“Repanta Aigim rose to Emperor himself. His thoughts must run deep. ‘Rather than exploit Constellations to seize power, I will kill them all.’ Some calculation like that, I’d wager. There were probably Constellations in this world too, but Repanta Aigim would have slain them.”
[…….]
“But your original master made a grave mistake.”
I lowered my blade.
“In a world where Constellations have perished, new Constellations are born. Look—in the continent where the Goddess of Protection was sealed, the Autumn Rain Demon King emerged. In this world, the Golden-Hearted One appeared. Plain and simple: your master doesn’t solve the problem. He creates bigger ones!”
[Repanta Aigim…….]
“Then say so. Deny it if you can.”
The Crimson Sword, shrouded in red mist, fell silent.
“Perhaps my years of life are shallower than your master’s. Yes, maybe he endured immense trials, knows far more than I do, and bore the burden of Slayer of Constellations after long deliberation. But I can say this with certainty.”
I spoke with sincerity.
“If you commit an act, bear its weight to the end.”
[…….]
“Because your master carelessly killed Constellations, eternal winter descended upon one world. The warriors living there became shambling corpses, subjected to indignity. …Even if Repanta Aigim harbored a noble ideal, it is not forgivable. Bear responsibility.”
Then—
the red mist slowly gathered in one place. Soon it took human form.
A child stained entirely in blood-red.
[My name is Giwon.]
The blade, now wearing the aspect of a crimson child, parted its lips.
[My true role is to grant people’s wishes.]
[Repanta Aigim prayed: “I will kill every Constellation, so that people will never again be toyed with by them.” His prayer was noble. Weighty. Magnificent. Therefore I entrusted my existence to him.]
[What prayer do you harbor, human?]
I looked down at the child.
“To never flee from anything.”
And I spoke.
“I won’t turn away from what unfolds before my eyes. I won’t make excuses. I’ll answer for my words and bear the weight of my deeds. I won’t dismiss things I think are wrong by saying ‘that’s just how the world is.’ So long as my blade can reach and my life continues on.”
Ah…….
The red child gazed up into empty air.
“The road to hell is always paved with good intentions.”
“All I can do is bless your goodness. Simply walk alongside you into your hell.”
It was a prolonged lament.
“My ability is the Trial.”
“Those whose hearts are pierced by me must face judgment of the wishes they hold. Were they truly genuine? Would they have been worth achieving even at the cost of everything?”
“To force one to abandon their own wishes—that is my cursed gift.”
The child dissolved into crimson mist.
“Our new master.”
“May you prosper long in this hell.”
Whoosh.
The mist was drawn into my Holy Sword.
“The presence of the Goddess of Protection grows ever clearer.”
At last I released a clean breath.
“Phew.”
With that, I had largely finished everything I needed to before moving to the next Stage. The Empire and the Tower still had much to discuss, but that was a matter of politics—better left to my wife than to me.
“Is it done?”
As I emerged from the Bedroom, Raphiel, who had been waiting by the door, asked. An attendant stood beside her.
“Yes, Raphiel. It’s all finished now. There are no more Constellations or Constellation fragments that could disturb this world. At least not for a while.”
“Three Apostles formed a coalition and attacked, only to fail miserably. Rest assured. No fool would dare attempt an invasion after witnessing your prowess.”
……
The attendant standing beside Raphiel wore an uncomfortable expression. With good reason—this attendant serving Raphiel was none other than the very architect of this world’s invasion: the Geumsamae Young Lady.
“…Do I understand correctly that you’re directing those words at me, Your Grace? Or is it just my imagination?”
The Geumsamae Young Lady murmured. Officially, she had been recast as “the Young Lady whose body was stolen by a cunning demon, causing her to wield a hammer.” Victim, not perpetrator.
But possession by a demon was itself a stain upon her honor, so for now she would serve Raphiel to wash away the disgrace. For someone who had once desired marriage to the Crown Prince, this was a bitter pill.
Though these days, she did seem to be thinking seriously about marriage itself.
“Your ears are sharp. Yes, I meant for you to hear it. Reflect endlessly on how foolish you were, Young Lady. Once I judge your repentance sufficient, I’ll use my connections at the temple to restore your honor. Until then, keep silent and work for us both.”
Ugh……
The Geumsamae Young Lady, dressed as a maidservant, bit her lip. Forgive me, but she has no power to defy us. The moment I withdraw the Hundred Ghosts Rebirth, she’ll crumble to dust.
……
This was the ending I had reached.
Gazing upon that scene, I spoke slowly.
“I’m heading to the next Stage now, Raphiel.”
“Yes, you should.”
Raphiel met my eyes.
“I too wish to tour this otherworld alongside you, yet the Empire has need of me. As I have my own work, so too do you have yours. Run wild as you please, and return to me. Should you grow weary and seek solace, come back anytime. I shall be here.”
“Yes, but……”
I hesitated a moment before speaking.
“The twentieth floor of the Tower belongs to me. I’d like to build a home there—one just for the two of us. If you’re willing, that is.”
“Oh? Indeed. So that place shall become our family home henceforth. In that new house, I need not be the Duke of Ibantia, but merely your companion.”
Raphiel smiled.
She read my heart as though it were the most natural thing.
“I look forward to it.”
Raphiel withdrew a handkerchief from her breast. It was white, embroidered with silver thread. She opened my hand and placed the handkerchief gently upon it.
This was……
“A handkerchief I carry with me always. I’ve used magic to fix a fragrance within it—it will last indefinitely.”
“A fragrance?”
“The very scent you bore,”
Raphiel rose on her toes and whispered softly to my ear,
“that white lily fragrance I first knew when I fell for you.”
……
“Whenever you feel the need to calm your spirit, you fidget with the hilt of your Short Dagger. It’s an ugly habit. Stop it. When your heart stirs, instead of touching the blade, breathe in the scent woven into my handkerchief.”
Ah.
“My lord, let it not be your misfortune that you remain as you are. Let it not be your pain. I pray it is not so. I hope that your memory of me, your love for me, your happiness with me—these are what keep you as you are. Will you accept my wish?”
……Yes.
I swallowed the surge of emotion rising in my chest.
“Yes. I promise you that, Raphiel.”
“I love you.”
“I love you too.”
I pressed my lips against Raphiel’s, wishing this moment would last forever. But our shadows parted soon after, and I spoke.
“…Transmit.”
Light engulfed my vision.
2
The instant I blinked open my eyes, I was already in the Grand Library.
I could see Hunters who had returned to the library beforehand, waiting for me.
“Welcome back, Death King.”
The Black Dragon Lord spoke on their behalf. The moment I saw her, I realized her mood was not good. Despite her greeting, her brow was deeply furrowed.
“Uh, is something wrong?”
“I wish I could tell you there’s nothing to worry about.”
The Black Dragon Lord sighed heavily.
“Yes. Something has come up. And it’s quite serious.”
…….
Now that I thought about it, something felt off. Only top-ranked Hunters were present, including the Black Dragon Lord. Normally, even lower-tier Hunters like alchemists should have been visible.
“Wait. Where did the other Hunters go?”
“We sent them away. We have things to discuss among ourselves. What we’re about to talk about borders on classified information. Though, I suppose this conversation is being broadcast live in the Tower as well…….”
The Black Dragon Lord’s voice grew steadily lower. Ominously so.
“What in the world is this about?”
“Ahahaha.”
It was not the Black Dragon Lord who answered, but the Heresy Inquisitor. He had changed out of the dress he wore in the last Stage and was back in his usual priestly robes.
“If I may summarize the current situation in a word, it is this: Death King! You have succeeded far too well!”
“What?”
“Consider this. In the Cheonjma Records, the Death King displayed absolute devotion to his master! The scenes of revering martial prowess and consoling his followers set the hearts of countless Hunters racing. After the Cheonjma Records were cleared, martial artists from the outside world entered the Tower by the thousands each day!”
The Holy Paladin picked up from there.
“Someone is recording the images being broadcast live in the Tower and distributing them to the outside world. Or rather—we allowed the distribution. Your success itself generates tremendous advertising value. There was no reason to refuse.”
“But here’s the thing.”
The Count opened his fan.
“It seems we underestimated things. Somewhat.”
“Underestimated?”
“You. Or rather, the influence wielded by you as an [Icon].”
What was he saying? Unable to grasp his meaning, I looked to my companions. They all wore grave expressions. Only the Heresy Inquisitor, who seemed to smile regardless of circumstances, responded.
“One hundred thirteen thousand, six hundred fifty-four people.”
“Pardon?”
“The number of people who entered our Tower in just yesterday!”
…….
I did not understand what the Heresy Inquisitor had said.
A moment later, I grasped what he meant by “just yesterday.”
“In a single day?”
“Yes! This kind of population influx typically occurs when wars break out or nations fall in the outside world. But recently, aside from small-scale localized conflicts, there have been no battles! Ahahaha. No nations have fallen either! And yet, despite being in a [time of peace], Tower entry has reached these levels!”
“These are pamphlets obtained from the outside world.”
The Count handed me a flyer.
My face was drawn on it, much like a presidential campaign poster.
Beneath it was written this:
+
Make the Death King our king!
Head toward Utopia!
+
My mouth fell open slowly.
“You don’t mean… the Death King…?”
“Of course it refers to your Distinctive Name, Death King. Pamphlets of this sort are being distributed countless times in numerous regions. Let me be clear—we had nothing to do with this. The people of the outside world are creating them of their own accord.”
…….
I didn’t know how to respond.
“You may have sensed it from the word ‘pamphlets.'”
The Holy Paladin smiled wryly.
“It’s rare these days for pamphlets to be used as a promotional medium. Do you understand what I’m saying? Death King. We resort to pamphlets only when we want to reach ‘people who don’t use the Internet.'”
“…What do you mean?”
“People in regions where the Internet is unreliable. The poor in impoverished nations. Conflict zones. Regions overrun by warlords. Countless paupers and refugees are entering the Tower. They are abandoning their [nations] and [nationalities], leaving behind the [lives] they lived in the outside world, and coming to the Tower of Babel.”
Just as we once did, the Holy Paladin said.
“Hmm.”
Viper stood with arms crossed.
“Those people. When they entered the Tower, they wore black hats or black robes. They were declaring entry into the Demonic Sect… or to put it more bluntly, they entered the Tower simply because they saw you.”
“It wasn’t just the poor and refugees who came.”
The Black Dragon Lord spoke.
“A considerable number of wealthy people entered as well. Scientists, sociologists, professors who came with their colleagues. All volunteering to ‘contribute to building a new society within the Tower.'”
“…….”
“Kim Gongja.”
The great guild masters looked at me.
“You didn’t merely conquer Floors. In the outside world—indeed, everywhere—people hunger for heroes. Courage in the face of adversity. Respect for humanity. Devotion to love. Yet nothing excites people more than a hero who walks through life with righteous intent.”
The Black Dragon Lord drew up a smartphone screen and showed it to me.
“You’ve become our banner.”
A hologram that always floats in the center of Babylon Plaza was captured on the screen.
+
1st. Sword Saint
2nd. Four Kings
3rd. Black Dragon Lord
4th. Heresy Inquisitor
5th. Count
6th. Viper
7th. Tower’s Philologist
8th. Broadcast Network
9th. Holy Paladin
+
Hunter Ranking: 2nd.
That was the position the Tower had newly granted me.
My heart hammered wildly in my chest.
“Four Kings.”
The Black Dragon Lord lowered her smartphone and looked directly into my eyes. She was serious—more serious than I had ever seen her.
“Are you prepared to become our king?”
SSS-Rank Hunter: A Living Death (Serial Publication)
Author │ Shin Noah
Publisher │ Kim Ju-hyung
Published by │ J Plus Media Co., Ltd.
Marketing │ Han Jae-hyuk
Address │ 204, 288 Digital-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul (Guro-dong, Daelung Post Tower 1st)
Email │ [email protected]
Website │ www.jayplemedia.com
ⓒ Shin Noah 2019
※This work is published by J Plus Media Co., Ltd. in accordance with a contract with the copyright holder. The contents may not be used in any form or by any means without the permission of the publisher and author.
Violation of this may result in criminal and civil legal liability.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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