SSS-Ranked Demon Hunter: The Prodigy
Chapter 80: Hell

Chapter 80: Hell

I don’t want to let her go.

Everything I had left—was taken.

And only Hizumi lit a fire inside me. I wanted to see her, to feel her warmth. I wanted... to forget I was alone.

My thoughts descended into darkness. A fable, known only to me. A place I returned to every time I felt alone. Since childhood.

Suddenly, I was struck by a scent, a warmth...

Could it be? Was I feeling Hizumi?

Opening my eyes, I realized I was lying on her lap. She gently stroked my hair, her gaze calm as ever.

Why are you smiling..?

"At it again, my love."

I heard her soft voice. Gentle like an angel’s, yet firm like a woman who needs no one.

"You defeated our enemy. I’m proud of you."

Hizumi... those words. You lied to me. You said you’d never leave me alone.

"My love, don’t say that. I didn’t lie. I’ll always be with you, always protect you, even if I’m gone."

I pressed my face against her legs. My eyes trembled, and my heart became unbearably tender.

I don’t want to lose you... Hizumi, you were the last thing I cherished. They stole you from me... I couldn’t protect anything I held dear.

"You haven’t lost everything," her soft voice came again, and I felt her delicate fingers on my lips. "You still have yourself—the most precious thing you protect."

No, I no longer had that spark. My entire life... a lie. Every memory of a once-happy family—a lie.

"My dear, you’re too hard on yourself. Be gentle. True happiness lies in a clear mind. You think you’ve lost everything? But with every loss, something new awakens in you."

Easy for you to say... I became a hunter to learn the truth about my parents. But seeing my comrades die, I started to understand the pain of loss. I hate myself... for failing to protect all of you!

My hands clutched her clothes without thinking. Tears streamed down my cheeks like a child who had held it all in for far too long.

Then Hizumi embraced me.

"Still, you’re so beautiful to me. You care for everyone, value them above yourself. But sometimes, that’s not right. You must understand, there are boundaries. Your life—is the most valuable thing you have. Because if you die... what was the point of it all?"

If I die... what was the point?

The thought cooled my head. Even if I couldn’t think clearly, I knew somewhere deep inside—I agreed.

Hizumi, I don’t want to let you go. Not you.

"Oh, how happy that makes me," she said, smiling warmly. "Then don’t let go. Don’t let go of anyone. Remember everyone who gave you their kindness. Sweetheart, I wouldn’t be myself if I wished for your death. And I know—none of your comrades ever wanted that either."

My beloved Hizumi. We never got the chance to say a proper goodbye. This world... it’s hell, and I’m sorry we had to meet during such a time.

"Then bring peace to this world," she whispered, brushing a lock of hair from my face. "Change it. If that’s what my beloved desires, then I know—my beloved will do anything for it."

...You never cease to amaze me. Where does all that devotion come from?

"Who knows," she giggled, placing a finger to her lips. "Maybe... because I want you to be happy? Kihyun, your happiness lies within your heart. But to be truly happy... you’ll have to live without me. My love..."

...

"Keep walking forward. No matter what the past holds—your future lies in your hands alone."

...Those were the last words I heard from her.

And in the depths of that darkness, I came to a painful yet essential realization: my life still mattered.

Throughout this path, I had met so many good people. And their memories lived within me, etched into every scar, every breath. Their stories were the fuel that had carried us forward. That was our purpose. That was the meaning of this path.

And I amnot ready to say goodbye to life until I finish what I started.

—

Green Zone. Negotiation chamber, Hunter Association headquarters.

Sashi’s report had just come to a halt on the words: "The Taurus Demon has a twin."

She hesitated. Was it really time to reveal this? It was a sensitive topic—especially for Jisun, who had his own ghosts to confront.

But the weight of truth pressed heavier than hesitation. She took a breath and continued:

"And this twin is known as the Demon of Hatred. His true name... lost and buried beneath the very history of demonkind. Not even Arinel could remember what it was. Long ago, he was the Fifth Duke—but as time passed, he grew to loathe his own nature. The smell, the blood, the emotions of demons—they all revolted him. He turned against the Dukes themselves."

This story had been passed down to my mother by the Taurus Demon himself. But even he had never spoken the full truth he carried in his heart. Because demons... they feel. And the Taurus Duke realized this the moment he saw his twin brother, shackled in agony.

"The Demon despised everything. Even his own brother."

Mujin had told me this much—and it clearly rattled Seojun. Of course it did.

The realization that you might be related to your own mortal enemy... it tears at your very soul.

How could fate be so cruel? And now—what am I supposed to believe?

These questions dragged Seojun deeper into a spiral of denial, trying to reject the reality that threatened to consume him.

"But few know," Mujin added, "that the Taurus Demon’s betrayal was never about ideology. It was about salvation. He wanted to save his brother. And when the Dukes learned that the Demon of Hatred had escaped to Earth, this land could no longer be spared."

An endless, blood-soaked war. Higher races waged relentless campaigns against the demon realm, slaughtering them like parasites. Truly, demons were seen as evil—not only by humans.

Losing ground, the Dukes retreated—invading other dimensions to restore their once-mighty bloodline.

"And Earth," Sashi concluded, "ended up in the crossfire. After that, well... it’s hard to believe, I know. You might call it a fairytale—but how else can we explain why demons suddenly came into our world?"

The hunters seated around the table sat in stunned silence. A demon realm? Higher races? Alternate dimensions? It all sounded like the fever dream of a madman—something from a realm far beyond the bounds of reason.

But their disbelief was understandable. For humanity, the world has always been Earth—nothing more. And even that... we can barely protect.

...Isn’t that right, Taurus Demon? You think I don’t see you, standing in the shadows by the wall? Aren’t you the most curious to see what I’ll do next?

Mujin broke the silence, standing from his chair:

"That is why the voice of Astaroth called to me—gave me purpose. Since childhood, I’ve sought power. Power to protect this land. And that power... lies within us. Through the strength of demons, we can reach the peak of evolution. I know you understand, Kihyun."

I do.

"You seek peace as well!"

I do.

"This world is dying—because of humanity. We must eliminate the parasites. Only demons can gift the world new life."

And that’s why I won’t let you. Humans are pests, you say? Your arrogance proves you’re the true blight! You want to wipe out humanity for some glorious new demon age? Huh, you fancy yourself a hero.

That’s where we differ. What sets us apart is that I will destroy every demon—for the sake of humanity!

"You’re right, Mujin. Our powers did come from the demons. Without them, I never would’ve made it this far, right?"

I smiled, catching the Umbra leader off guard. Even Altair, standing nearby, was visibly shaken by my words.

"Mujin, I’ve thought about this for a long time. If not for the demons’ power... humanity would have perished ages ago."

"Yes, exactly! You finally understand. Your mother, a direct heir to a Duke, was slain by your father—who selfishly sought to prolong mankind’s survival. Everyone knows humans stand no chance. Demons are everywhere now, and their conquest of this world... is only a matter of time."

"I hated humanity for ignoring the truth behind my family’s death. No one cared. Not the Association, not the government. They never planned to end the war. Humanity’s fate was sealed long ago. There’s no point dragging it out."

My words pierced Mujin’s soul. His emerald eyes glowed with awe.

I smiled again—but behind that grin, something far more dangerous simmered.

You damned demons... You really think I’d ever trust you?

The next day, Sashi made a public declaration to the entire world: the truth about demons and hunters was no longer hidden. Everything that had taken place in the shadows—was finally brought to light, as it should have been.

News of the revelation spread like wildfire. The world’s new reality came knocking on every door.

At first, people didn’t welcome it with open arms. To many, it sounded like a tragic fantasy—but still, no one dared to deny its truth.

Conspiracy theorists, who had spent decades posting about the origins of demonic blood, finally sighed in relief, whispering to themselves, "I knew it. I was right all along."

Eventually, the rest of the government began to confirm Sashi’s statement. This was the beginning of a new world. A world people may not have wanted—but one they desperately needed.

Access to the Green Zone was shut down to anyone who hadn’t undergone contamination screening. Residents of the Orange Zone were granted new work opportunities, as businesses opened their doors to their territory.

Slowly, the hunters regained their strength. And in their pursuit of peace, they found something greater than war. Their contributions to the future were recognized—not only with medals, but with monuments. A tribute to ensure that even time itself would not forget their names.

Hunter Association Director Kang Suwon was arrested and sentenced to prison. But in light of his loyalty to the nation, he was given a lenient sentence—a quiet life behind bars.

"Korea has chosen a new direction," the officials declared. "And right now, that’s all that matters."

Yeonghee, sitting alone at home, penned the story into her journal—a journal she had only recently begun to fill. To herself, she finally admitted that even after learning the painful truth about her father, she wouldn’t let go of his memory. She would carry it with her, just as it was.

"This journal helps me focus on how I really feel," she whispered, hugging her knees. "I don’t need to hide anymore. I don’t want to be the Ice Queen—that doesn’t suit me. Otherwise, I’ll become a burden again. Isn’t that what you always warned me against, Kihyun?"

Raising her pen to her lips, she unintentionally pictured my face.

"I wonder... where are you now?"

Days passed like birds in flight—too swift to grasp.

After sunset came the pitch-dark night, and beyond it... a full moon. Across the city, in the Red Zone, the skies finally cleared. The moon hung heavy, casting silver light across ruined streets.

Drones hovered, still in the air, broadcasting the region in case demons once again brought chaos.

And among the rubble of shattered buildings, a figure emerged from the gates of the White Temple.

A man—disheveled and worn—stepped into the world. His appearance whispered of the torment he had endured. He limped with each step, yet never stopped, heading toward the unknown.

Demons watched him from the shadows. They sensed danger. None dared to strike. They waited for the right moment.

A white, soiled shirt. Black, thick hair. Sheaths hung from his belt—and within them, twin katanas.

He had no destination, no certainty in his gait. But his dark eyes trudged down the road with weary focus.

And the demons... they were certain of one thing.

This man could not be mistaken for anyone else.

Lee Yeonho had returned to hell.