Blood Demon of the Past Life – Chapter 195

Chapter 195: A New Phase （3）

The past fifteen days.

It was a grueling time.

With rescue requests pouring in from all over the country, Kang San had been on a forced march, traveling across the nation without a moment’s rest. His mouth was parched, and at times, he felt dizzy. Despite his S-rank abilities, as a human, he was bound to face his limits in such an environment.

Yet, he pushed on.

It wasn’t because he had some grand sense of purpose, but rather because it was the only way he could escape the complex thoughts swirling in his mind.

The secrets of his past life.

Azmoon’s intentions.

Luca Bellino’s true identity.

He set aside the tangled questions and focused on a single goal: saving people.

And he had achieved it.

By pushing himself to the brink and with the government’s full support, Kang San had succeeded in what even the world’s strongest nation, the United States, couldn’t. Of course, the mysterious buff played a significant role behind the scenes. Ordinary people were awakening, and existing Hunters were gaining even greater strength. As a result, areas that should have fallen held on, and some regions even resolved Links without external assistance.

Haenam was the last one.

When he returned to Seoul with the news that it was finally over, crowds of people welcoming him flocked to the streets.

“Waaa━!”

“Kang San-nim! Thank you!”

“We’re alive thanks to you!”

“Kang San! Kang San!”

“Kang San! Kang San!”

It was truly a triumphant return.

Many people contributed to this achievement.

Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo, who made the decisive call as a military commander, Colonel Kim Chun-sik, who fought fiercely on the front lines, and organizations like Cheonsang, Daeyang, and Flare. But people knew that Kang San was the starting point. It wouldn’t have started without him, and more importantly, this incident sparked a surge of faith, with the majority believing in the Kang San Religion.

He walked that path.

As he moved along, receiving the warm welcome, a child held in their parents’ arms caught his eye.

“Look over there. It’s Kang San-nim.”

“Kyahahaha.”

The child laughed brightly.

He himself.

And Yeon Woo-bin, too.

Had lost their parents and had to live in an era of loss.

These people were different.

The parents were whole, and the child’s laughter hadn’t been stolen.

He found himself smiling.

“……Thank you.”

Whether it was because of the warm welcome or because he could give the child a complete life.

Regardless of the reason.

Kang San felt the exhaustion of the past few days melt away at once.

✦✦✦✦✦✦

He moved to a different location.

He was about to meet Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo, who personally poured him a cup of coffee and placed it in front of him.

Thud.

“This will help relieve your fatigue.”

“Thank you.”

He took a sip.

It was just ordinary instant coffee, but the sweet taste seemed to lift his spirits.

Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo spoke.

“Thanks to Kang San-nim, South Korea has escaped a desperate crisis. According to the government’s data room, no new Link phenomenon has occurred for over 12 hours since Haenam. It might be premature to feel relieved, considering other countries are still suffering from Links, but given that the Links appeared in proportion to the population, the prevailing prediction is that the disaster that struck South Korea is over. In fact, even powerful countries haven’t been able to resolve more than fifty Links in most cases. South Korea’s achievement of handling 89 Links in such a short period is nothing short of a miracle.”

“It was possible because you, Lieutenant General, made the decision. If President Jang Beom-seok were still in control of the command structure, the situation might have worsened.”

“……I agree with that. That man should never have become president.”

The collapse of the government.

Many people expressed anxiety about it.

Although the problem was solved, a new leader was needed for the future.

“Actually, the reason I arranged this meeting was not only to express my gratitude but also because I want Kang San-nim to succeed the presidency.”

“Me?”

“Yes. Currently, the person who receives the most support in South Korea is Kang San-nim. Not only have you made many sacrifices for the people, but with the emergence of the Kang San Religion due to the mysterious buff, the people who have taken to the streets are all looking to you. This is a chaotic world. The moment someone with even a little greed seizes power, we might have another Jang Beom-seok. I earnestly request you. Please accept me, accept South Korea.”

He bowed his head.

His voice was polite and powerful.

He was truly a remarkable person.

Those who had even dipped their toes into the swamp of power quickly lost themselves, struggling and unable to regain their senses.

Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo was different.

He used power only where it was needed.

He led the people to resolve the disaster and immediately announced his intention to step down.

Thanks to him, the dilemma was resolved.

Kang San knew that this issue would be discussed with him, and he could give his answer based on the other party’s reaction.

Kang San spoke.

“No. I cannot accept.”

“Kang San-nim!”

“I am just an individual. I was reckless because I was alone, and there were many things I could do because I was alone. If the same problem arises in the future, I will be at the forefront, but the presidency is not a position that such a reckless person should hold. Some people consider the president’s spirit of sacrifice to be paramount, but considering the ripple effect caused by the death of one person, it can actually be poisonous. Instead of me, please continue in that position, Lieutenant General.”

“……!”

Continue in the position.

It was an unexpected situation.

As Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo’s eyes were filled with surprise, Kang San added,

“The decision you made is not something anyone can make. The first person to disobey an order has to risk their life, but you risked your life to achieve what you believed was right. And you used your power solely for the safety of South Korea. Now is the time for leadership that considers everyone, rather than individual strength. And I am certain that no one would object if it were Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo.”

“……This is a situation I haven’t considered, so I’m quite flustered.”

“I watched the broadcast footage later. You said you considered the safety of the people when you assumed the role of commander. It’s no different. Please maintain that same heart as president.”

Silence fell.

Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo crossed his arms and fell into deep contemplation.

As Kang San said.

Even though people praised Kang San, would it be the right decision for him to be at the forefront as president?

No.

The president’s death.

Meant a collapse of control.

For Kang San, it would be like shackling his own ankles.

He understood it fully.

Kang San convincingly explained why their roles should be separate.

After much deliberation, Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo emptied his coffee cup in one gulp and said,

Clink━

“Alright. If the people agree, I will continue in my current role.”

✦✦✦✦✦✦

A few days later.

A nationwide vote was held.

It was about Lieutenant General Lee Cheol-woo’s continuation in office, and with a majority vote in favor, his continuation was decided.

In front of the camera.

Now President Lee Cheol-woo said,

『I will make one firm promise in this position. I will not neglect my duties and responsibilities as president. If this country is in danger, I will use the authority and responsibility of the president to rescue you from danger by any means necessary. From now on, the government will dedicate all its efforts solely to the safety of this nation.』

Everyone cheered.

It was the right direction for the government that the people desired.

Some people mentioned Kang San’s name, but the actions President Lee Cheol-woo had taken proved that he was fully qualified as a successor.

As South Korea embraced this change.

Kang San met with former President Jang Beom-seok.

Now imprisoned behind bars, he was staring blankly at the floor, his face aged considerably.

“I’ll ask you just one thing. Chief Secretary Kim Mu-hyeok. Do you know anything about the forces supporting him?”

“…….”

He slowly lifted his head.

His unfocused eyes gradually sharpened.

Jang Beom-seok knew his future.

If he went to trial like this, he would receive severe punishment and never be able to return to society.

“I know. Of course, I know.”

He laughed.

Facing Kang San now.

Jang Beom-seok’s face regained its vitality.

“At first, I couldn’t even guess what kind of crazy bastards were sponsoring me. But as time passed, and I succeeded in getting elected three times, I traced the connections back and found one entity. You know what? Even though I knew I was a puppet, I was truly happy all those years. And now, with nothing but despair left, the reason I’ve held on and haven’t died yet is because I’ve been waiting for you.”

A final burst of energy.

Facing death, he bloomed one last time.

“You fools. You should have stayed under me to secure your future. Whatever you think, whoever you suspect is behind it all. The coming tide cannot be stopped. The future I was promised is a realm you can’t even fathom.”

Crunch.

He bit into something.

His face turned blue.

It was poison.

His body trembled, and he stared at Kang San with eyes filled with madness.

“You will soon face destruction.”

✦✦✦✦✦✦

Jang Beom-seok was dead.

The cause of death was poisoning.

It was ruled a suicide.

Watching the government officials handle Jang Beom-seok’s body, Kang San fell into deep thought.

‘What in the world is happening in this world?’

If Jang Beom-seok’s words were true.

The entity behind him was clearly planning something.

What was their intention?

What was their motive for making Jang Beom-seok president to control a nation and searching for people from past lives?

He didn’t know.

He truly couldn’t understand.

There was no clear connection between the scattered events.

“The future where we face destruction. What does that even mean?”

That wasn’t the only thing that frustrated him.

South Korea had regained stability.

But the twenty-ninth trial was still unresolved.

‘Is the disaster not over yet, or does it mean I have to resolve the dangers of the entire world, not just South Korea?’

From one to ten.

Nothing was clear.

Frustration welled up inside him.

Even though he had created the most ideal situation, he had ended up back where he started, knowing nothing.

That’s when it happened.

Buzz━

His phone rang.

Looking at the screen, he saw the international call sign.

He instinctively felt something.

Thinking that he should answer the call, he connected the call, and a voice with the distinct awkwardness of a translator came through.

『Is this Kang San-nim?』

“Yes, it is. Who is this?”

『It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Roman Bednar.』

Roman Bednar.

A name both unfamiliar and familiar.

It couldn’t be helped.

The world-renowned scroll crafter.

That was Roman Bednar.

✦✦✦✦✦✦

On the other side of the phone.

Roman Bednar spoke.

『I’ve heard the news. That Korea has overcome the crisis thanks to Kang San-nim. To be honest, I had my suspicions before, but the series of events in Korea has given me certainty. That Kang San-nim, like a few other individuals, is a chosen one.』

“……What do you mean?”

『It means that Kang San-nim remembers your past life.』

For a moment.

His blood ran cold.

People who remember their past lives.

The Sun Priest, the leader of the Revolution, the mysterious figure, and himself.

He had thought there were four of them.

Did that mean the last mysterious figure was Roman Bednar, the person he was currently speaking with?

『Before we delve into this conversation, I must tell you something. I don’t remember my past life. However, my past self was a very virtuous person and guided me on the path I should take in this life. Do you happen to know about the god that the Sun God Church worships?』

“Not exactly. All I know is that the Sun God Church calls that entity the System.”

『No. That’s just the external name they use for the public. God exists. They have clearly descended upon this world, and the Sun God Church’s secret documents say that the god’s name is…….』

His heart pounded in his chest.

And the moment he heard the name.

『Azmoon.』

Kang San felt as if his heart had stopped.