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For Those Returning Bastards a Beating Is the Best Remedy – Chapter 3

.。.:✧ Enforcer Kwon Tae-ho ✧:.。.

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Translated By Arcane Translations

Translator: Silverriver

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A little past 5 PM. The still-short days of early spring meant the sun was already beginning its descent behind the mountains.

-Level 1 Danger Alert! Repeating! Level 1 Danger Alert!
All residents are advised to evacuate immediately!

A blaring alarm shattered the quiet peace of the residential area. The rarely heard “Level 1 Danger Alert” sent residents scrambling for safety, leaving their belongings behind.

And then.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa?!”

Against the flow of the evacuating crowd, two figures darted across rooftops: Kwon Tae-ho and Lee Ha-yeon.

More accurately, Tae-ho was running with Ha-yeon tucked under his arm.

“S-sir! I can! I can walk myself! Please put me down!”

“We’ll be late if I go at your pace!”

“Then you don’t have to bring me…Ugh!”

Dangling like a sack of potatoes as Tae-ho leaped from rooftop to rooftop, Ha-yeon felt nauseous. Finally, he landed on a nearby building and set her down.

“Gasp! Thank…thank you…”

“We should be near the scene…”

Tae-ho hadn’t stopped out of consideration for Ha-yeon. He frowned, checking his map and looking in a specific direction.

“There.”

“Um, Enforcer Kwon? You suddenly brought me out here for field training, but what exactly am I supposed to do…?”

“Nothing. Your only job today is to observe.”

Experience the scene firsthand. Tae-ho reached for Ha-yeon again.

“C-couldn’t you at least carry me on your back? Being held like this makes me sick…”

“I can’t use both hands if I’m carrying you. Come on.”

“O-okay…”

Faced with his unwavering resolve, Ha-yeon couldn’t even complain as she let him scoop her up.

‘I’d heard the rumors, but he’s even more unreasonable than I imagined…’

Did it make sense to casually manhandle a grown woman like this?

Apparently, common sense didn’t apply to Kwon Tae-ho.

-Whoosh!!

Leaping across rooftops again, Tae-ho addressed Ha-yeon.

“Rookie, I’ll explain the situation. Listen carefully.”

“It’s hard to listen carefully like this!”

“We received an emergency call from the management official in charge of this district. A Returnee who just returned attacked the official. Apparently, he couldn’t accept his situation and lashed out during the initial interview.”

“He…he just attacked him?”

A Level 1 Danger Alert for a single assault? That seemed excessive.

Tae-ho easily answered her unspoken question.

“That single attack left Management Official Seo In-taek, a B-rank ability user, unconscious. Estimated threat level: A-rank or higher. If his claim of being the Heavenly Demon is true, it could be even higher.”

“Even higher…?”

Higher than A-rank meant S-rank.

While it sounded absurd, Ha-yeon didn’t dismiss it.

In a world where knowledge of other dimensions was commonplace, she understood the weight the title “Heavenly Demon” carried.

“Get the picture? He was strutting around as the Heavenly Demon in his world, got yanked back here, and now he’s throwing a tantrum. Still thinks he’s all-powerful. If he knew there are over ten ‘Heavenly Demon’ Returnees in Korea, he’d probably faint.”

“S-shouldn’t we call for backup? He’s the Heavenly Demon…! That means he was one of the strongest in his world…”

“Every world is different.”

Ha-yeon tilted her head in confusion. Tae-ho elaborated briefly.

“You’ll understand what I mean eventually.”

With that, he leaped high into the air, Ha-yeon still tucked under his arm.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

 

Meanwhile.

Level 1 Danger Alert! Repeating! Level 1 Danger Alert!
All residents are advised to evacuate immediately!

“It’s noisy out there.”

Jin-hong scowled at Ye-rim, irritated by the incessant alarm. Ye-rim flinched.

“That alarm. You said you were contacting your supervisor, but it seems you were up to something else.”

“N-no! Of course not! I only told him what you said! The alarm is probably…because people saw the hole in the wall and called the authorities…”

“…”

An obvious lie.

A master like Jin-hong could easily discern truth from falsehood just by observing someone’s expression and demeanor.

But he didn’t care. Whatever their schemes, the people of this world would ultimately have to obey his commands.

‘If they have a special agency for Returnees like me, it means they have a way to control us by force.’

So, a force must be on its way to subdue him.

That was easy to predict. His confidence stemmed from his absolute faith in his own strength.

‘I started as a lowly disciple in the Heavenly Demon Cult and rose to become the Heavenly Demon himself. Even the most renowned martial arts experts were no match for me. I am the pinnacle of power. Even if this world has changed, no one can defeat me!’

The word “defeat” had long been erased from his vocabulary.

Jin-hong waited calmly, ready to face whatever came his way.

And then.

“Oh?”

A flicker of interest crossed his confident expression.

“They’re here.”

“Huh?”

Ignoring the bewildered Ye-rim, Jin-hong strode confidently outside. The residential streets, now empty after the evacuation, were deserted.

But Jin-hong sensed them clearly.

Two presences approaching from afar.

One was insignificant, but the other…that one was quite powerful.

‘Not even trying to conceal their energy. Judging by their aura, they’ve just barely reached the initial stage of Transcendent Mastery.’

If the minimum level to be considered a master was First-Rate, and the limit achievable through sheer effort and talent was Peak Mastery, then Transcendent Mastery was the realm of absolute experts.

At that level, it wasn’t an exaggeration to say history revolved around them.

In Jin-hong’s world, there were fewer than seven Transcendent Masters, including some sect leaders, the Martial Alliance Chief, and a few secluded experts.

‘How ridiculous.’

To Jin-hong, they were nothing more than puppies barking at a tiger.

He had surpassed Peak and Transcendent Mastery, reaching the realm of Creation.

Having mastered the principles of energy and nature, he was practically a demigod. No matter how many lesser masters challenged him, they wouldn’t even reach his feet.

‘Well, they should provide some amusement. Hopefully, they’ll last longer than that old Martial Alliance Chief.’

-Tap.

Jin-hong landed softly in the alley. Moments later, a dark figure dropped onto a nearby rooftop.

“You’ve arrived.”

“Oh?”

Kwon Tae-ho seemed surprised to see Jin-hong waiting.

“You knew I was coming? As expected of the Heavenly Demon.”

“Indeed! I am Seong Jin-hong, the 17th leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult, the Black Blood Demon Lord, the Heavenly Demon! And who are you? State your name!”

“Enforcer Kwon Tae-ho.”

“Enforcer…? Are you another government official like those…management officials from earlier?”

Jin-hong scrutinized Tae-ho from head to toe.

Shabby clothes, messy hair.

One shouldn’t judge strength by appearance, but Tae-ho’s appearance was utterly disappointing.

A healthy mind resided in a healthy body, or so they said.

Cultivating martial arts also meant cultivating the mind. Those who neglected their appearance were rarely truly strong. Of course, that was Jin-hong’s personal bias.

“Something like that.”

Tae-ho’s answer puzzled Jin-hong.

In his original world, martial arts and internal energy were mere fantasy.

But now, both the management officials and this man before him, who had reached Transcendent Mastery, claimed to be government employees.

Had something changed while he was gone? Had another Returnee from a martial arts world returned before him and spread their knowledge?

‘Hmph, it doesn’t matter. Just a few more insignificant ants beneath my feet. No one can defeat me.’

Then, his gaze focused on something—Tae-ho’s side.

“…Who’s the woman you’re carrying like a sack of rice?”

“Oh, right.”

Tae-ho looked down. Ha-yeon, after being carried for so long, was pale and on the verge of vomiting.

“…Someone aspiring to be an Enforcer shouldn’t be this physically weak.”

“Ugh, I’m more of a finesse fighter…”

“Sure you are.”

Tae-ho gently set Ha-yeon down on the rooftop.

“So, this is your first field experience. Look at that maladjusted Returnee. What do you see?”

“What do you mean?”

“Your honest impression. Tell me what you see.”

Ha-yeon stared intently at Jin-hong.

“…He looks strong. His stance is flawless, and he’s exuding a lot of energy. But…not as much as I expected from the Heavenly Demon.”

“You can sense the external energy, but not the energy he’s concealing. Well, it’s a start. You’ll develop your senses in the field.”

“What? He’s hiding his energy? That’s impossible. He’s practically radiating it-”

“Rookie, I take it you’ve never actually seen a Heavenly Demon before.”

Tae-ho patted Ha-yeon’s head.

“Watch closely. It’ll be a good learning experience.”

-Tap.

Tae-ho jumped down from the rooftop. Jin-hong, who had overheard their conversation, scowled.

“…What are you playing at?”

“My apologies. She’s a new trainee, her first day at the office. Thought I’d give her some field training.”

“Field training? You dare treat me so casually? It’s infuriating.”

-Goooooooo!

An overwhelming aura erupted from Jin-hong.

The intangible energy pressed down on the surrounding space, transforming into immense pressure.

“Ugh…!”

Ha-yeon, watching from above, felt a wave of nausea and dropped to her knees.

It was different.

Far greater, more menacing than the energy she’d sensed before.

“So, what do you think? Still feel like chatting about training?”

Ha-yeon’s face paled as Jin-hong spoke with a casual smirk.

She was a Returnee herself. Not from a martial arts world, but she’d studied them extensively while preparing for the Enforcer exam. She’d even trained in martial arts after returning to improve her combat skills.

But even that wasn’t enough to withstand the Heavenly Demon’s aura.

Nausea, cold sweat, trembling limbs, goosebumps…

And the killing intent wasn’t even directed at her. Yet the sheer presence of death radiating from him made her skin crawl.

‘This pressure…even though he’s not even focusing on me… And Enforcer Kwon is facing that killing intent head-on…’

We should have called for backup. Even Enforcer Kwon can’t handle the Heavenly Demon alone.

She looked at Tae-ho.

“Hmm.”

Contrary to her expectations, Tae-ho’s expression was calm.

He stood with his arms crossed, seemingly savoring the pressure.

Then, he spoke.

“Third time.”

“…What?”

“The third time I’ve faced a Heavenly Demon Returnee. There are a lot of people like you in this country, people who were ‘Heavenly Demons’ in their worlds. Fifteen or sixteen, I think. And I’ve faced three of them, including you.”

Jin-hong was momentarily confused.

The Heavenly Demon was the leader of the Heavenly Demon Cult, the one who stood above all.

A title granted to only one person. How could there be sixteen of them?

But his confusion vanished when Tae-ho continued.

“And you know what? You’re the weakest one I’ve met.”

“…What?”

“I’m sure you’re not using your full power, but even this casual display…it’s pathetic. I can’t believe you call yourself a Heavenly Demon with that level of skill. Are you sure you’re not just a…Heavenly Demon-in-training?”

A blatant provocation.

But against someone as proud as Jin-hong, it was incredibly effective.

-KABOOM!!!

An even more potent surge of energy exploded from Jin-hong. He lunged at Tae-ho.

-Whoosh!

He struck with his left palm. But it was no ordinary blow.

The Heavenly Demon’s Sky-Splitting Palm.

A technique that lived up to its name, capable of rupturing organs and causing instant death.

There was no way this…Enforcer, who was clearly several levels below him, could withstand it.

…Or so Jin-hong believed.

-Thwack!!

“?!”

A hand clamped down on his wrist, stopping the Sky-Splitting Palm inches from Tae-ho’s chest.

-BOOM!!

The captured strike released a delayed shockwave.

Tae-ho brushed a stray strand of hair from his eyes and frowned.

“Tsk, using such a dangerous technique in a residential area.”

His tone was almost chiding.

-Crack!

Jin-hong wrenched his hand free and stumbled back. He was shocked to realize he’d retreated.

It had been years since he’d taken a step back from an opponent.

‘Wait, what just happened? He caught my Sky-Splitting Palm? That…thug?!’

He could have understood dodging.

Blocking would have been commendable.

But Tae-ho had caught the attack before it could fully form. That meant Tae-ho was significantly faster.

‘Luck…no, impossible! The Sky-Splitting Palm is a secret technique of the Heavenly Demon Cult! It can’t be countered by mere luck!’

But reality didn’t care about Jin-hong’s disbelief.

Confusion twisted his features. He couldn’t comprehend how someone weaker than him could so easily neutralize a secret technique of the Heavenly Demon Cult.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

 
Meanwhile.

“So, rookie, did you see what I just did?”

Ha-yeon, watching from above, nodded slowly.

‘Magic…it was definitely magic.’

She hadn’t seen Jin-hong’s attack. But she’d seen what Tae-ho did just before the attack landed, in the split second before the blow connected.

Four.

He’d cast at least four spells simultaneously:

Strength Enhancement.

Haste.

Enhanced Perception.

Reflex Boost.

All common spells taught in basic Enforcer training.

But she’d never seen anyone, not even her academy instructors, cast them all at once with such speed and precision.

“An Enforcer’s job is to beat unruly Returnees into submission. Not an easy task. Many Returnees are…gifted, so to speak. The stronger their powers, the more likely they are to lose control.”

Heavenly Demons from martial arts worlds, Demon Kings from fantasy realms, living weapons from worlds with superpowers, demigods from divine paradises…

Returnees wielding incredible, heaven-sent powers. Enforcers had to be able to subdue even them. That required one of two things:

Either the Enforcer possessed similar, god-given talent, specializing in one area to the extreme.

Or they were a relentless generalist, honing their skills in all areas, capable of clinging to the heels of even the most naturally gifted individuals.

“Master every power and tool available to you, and focus all your effort on subduing your target. That’s the first step to becoming a true Enforcer. Remember that.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Good, then…”

Tae-ho turned back to his opponent. Jin-hong, still reeling from the previous exchange, wore a wary expression.

“…Judging by your expression, you’re starting to understand. You might have been the Heavenly Demon in your world, but there are plenty of people stronger than you here.”

“…How…how dare you speak to me with such insolence…!”

“Face reality. You’re not the strongest anymore. And those stronger than you are living peacefully as members of society, abiding by the law. So, stop this tantrum and calm down.”

“Shut up!! You just got lucky once!”

-KABOOM!!!

Jin-hong unleashed another surge of energy. Cracks appeared on the asphalt beneath his feet, and the ground trembled.

“I am Seong Jin-hong, the Heavenly Demon!!”

The energy converged into his right fist.

The Heavenly Demon’s Thunder Tiger Fist. A secret technique of the Heavenly Demon Cult.

He’d only used it once before, in his final battle against the Martial Alliance Chief.

“Haa!”

He held his breath, channeling power into his legs. In a moment, he would become a bolt of lightning, striking his opponent with blinding speed.

“…Well, if talking could solve this, he wouldn’t be rampaging in the first place.”

Tae-ho shook his head and addressed Ha-yeon.

“See? This is what most Returnees are like.”

Then.

“…This is why I say force is the only thing they understand.”

-Whoosh!

Tae-ho moved first, a fraction of a second before Jin-hong could unleash his attack.

-Whir!

Multiple spells, abilities, powers, and techniques converged within Tae-ho’s body.

Jin-hong was weak, for a Heavenly Demon.

But even a weakened Heavenly Demon was still a Heavenly Demon. His talent was undeniable.

Tae-ho, a skilled but not inherently gifted individual, could never surpass Jin-hong’s natural aptitude.

But.

If he poured every ounce of his honed skills and accumulated power into the fight…

Even without heaven-sent talent, he could shatter the heavens themselves.

“You bastard!!”

As Tae-ho charged, Jin-hong unleashed his Thunder Tiger Fist. His trump card, his secret technique, his ultimate attack, unfolded like a painting.

But a split second before Jin-hong’s technique reached its peak, Tae-ho was already inside his guard, striking from within the eye of the storm.

-Thud!

A heavy blow landed in Jin-hong’s lower abdomen, followed by a surge of force that pierced his dantian, his core.

“Gah?!”

His body contorted. Their energies clashed within him.

Jin-hong was a Creation realm master. He could regain control of his disrupted energy flow in an instant. The opening would be fleeting.

But Tae-ho didn’t miss it.

-Wham!

A fist connected with Jin-hong’s jaw. The unguarded weakness exposed for a fraction of a second. His jaw dislocated, his head snapping back.

‘Huh?’

His vision spun, his body weakening.

He’d lost control. The realization hit him with the force of a physical blow.

The first strike to his dantian, disrupting his energy flow. The second, precisely targeting his jaw to disable him.

Both perfectly calculated to subdue, not kill.

-Wham!

And then, just as the third blow, meant to knock him unconscious, was about to land…

A wry, almost resigned smile touched Jin-hong’s lips.

‘Well, I guess the puppy that didn’t know how scary a tiger was would be me-’

-CRASH!!!

The final blow obliterated his thoughts. Three perfectly executed strikes completely neutralized the Heavenly Demon Seong Jin-hong.

-KABOOM!!!

The energy of the unreleased Thunder Tiger Fist exploded outwards. The uncontrolled release of energy, the remnants of the Heavenly Demon’s technique, shattered windows and triggered car alarms.

-Thump.

Tae-ho caught the falling Jin-hong. Not out of any sense of camaraderie, of course.

He carefully laid Jin-hong on the ground like a drunken reveler and sighed.

“Whew.”

One problem solved.

He gave Ha-yeon, still perched on the rooftop, a thumbs-up.

“Enforcer Kwon…”

Trainee Enforcer Lee Ha-yeon was about to express her admiration for his impressive display…

-Beep! Beep! Beep!

-Honk! Honk! Honk!

-Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!

…but the sheer scale of destruction surrounding them made it impossible.

“Hmm.”

Tae-ho finally took in the scene.

Cracked asphalt, a collapsed wall, shattered windows everywhere, and blaring car alarms.

The image of the flyers plastered on his office door flashed through his mind.

[ Kwon Tae-ho, compensate residents for damages immediately! ]

[ An Enforcer who treats citizens like dirt is no Enforcer! ]

[ Stop excessive force! Returnees are people too! ]

[ Kwon Tae-ho, leave! ]

“…Sigh.”

The alarms, still blaring, faded into the background as Tae-ho let out a weary sigh.

“I’m screwed.”

Amidst the irreversible devastation, he thought to himself:

My nagging assistant is going to kill me tomorrow.

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For Those Returning Bastards a Beating Is the Best Remedy

For Those Returning Bastards a Beating Is the Best Remedy

Score 9.4
Status: Ongoing Type: Author: Artist: Released: 2024 Native Language: Korean
"Those returnee bastards need a good beating. The higher-ups just don't get it." The absolute supreme ruler who commanded the world, the hero who saved it, the witch who schemed in the city's shadows. All those returnee bastards are ticking time bombs, but there's one key difference. Unlike bombs, they quiet down in the face of violence.

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