SSS-Ranked Demon Hunter: The Prodigy
Chapter 97: Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door

Chapter 97: Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door

The contribution of the young hunter Kang Yeonghee did not go unnoticed. Her approach to mastering demonic blood—based on accepting oneself—opened new horizons. The Association began to encourage such methods as a legitimate part of training.

Among those inspired was Choi Reina.

Reina had never met Yeonghee in person. But as soon as she heard of the other girl’s success, she felt a deep respect for her—and a strange, faint sense of kinship. Perhaps because she saw in Yeonghee a reflection of herself: fragile on the outside, but strong within.

Reina herself had gained control over her demonic aura, forming something like a shield around herself, but... she didn’t fully understand how it worked.

She only knew that something new had awakened within her. And to understand it, she decided to teach others.

The Association allocated a training gym. Thirty hunters attended the first session—some voluntarily, others at the urging of their commanders.

They expected the usual drills: sparring, Kenketsu practice, combat simulations. Instead...

"Deep breath... and exhale," Reina said gently.

Men and women in uniform, used to blood-soaked battles, sat on their knees and practiced breathing exercises. A few were already stifling laughter.

"Excuse me, but..." one hunter said, scratching his head. "Will this really help us gain strength?"

Reina opened her eyes. She wore a light T-shirt and leggings, her hair tied up in a high ponytail.

"This is how Mr. Park and Ms. Kang awakened their demonic power," she replied calmly.

"Maybe so... but I’ve been an A-rank all my life," said another. "And I never imagined summoning a weapon from thoughts. It sounded like nonsense. Our limit is mutated arms."

"Not at all," Reina remained composed. "That’s why we’re here."

"You’re comparing us to prodigies! Park Jisun—sure, he’s a legend... And Yeonghee probably grafted even more demon organs into herself!" someone else shouted, and laughter spread through the group.

Reina didn’t respond right away. She simply looked at the floor.

"I understand your doubts. But this isn’t about talent. It’s about the internal boundaries you impose on yourselves. If you want to, you can break them."

"Maybe you’re right... but I’m over thirty. I’m a seasoned veteran. I’d rather spend my free time with family than doing yoga. All this... feels too mystical."

With that, he stood up. Others followed.

"So, you have no intention to grow? A shame. Each of you has the potential to summon a full Kenketsu form. You could save more lives, better protect your loved ones."

Her words struck a chord with a few. Those who remembered why they became hunters began to waver.

But the rest had made up their minds.

"Ms. Choi, forgive us, but we didn’t come here to meditate. We have a job to do. Basic Kenketsu is enough to kill demons. Spiritual development is fine, but... times have changed."

"Basic Kenketsu" meant the mutated arms.

They bowed and left.

Reina didn’t stop them. She didn’t raise her voice. Didn’t shout. She simply closed her eyes.

Trying to convince them was pointless.

"That’s your choice," she whispered.

When their footsteps faded, only ten people remained. Reina opened her eyes.

"And you? Why didn’t you leave? Some of you laughed too."

Silence. Then a soft voice broke through.

"In my squad, they always teased me..." said a young woman with long hair. "For being shy. For not standing up for myself. Everyone wonders how I became S-rank without even being able to summon Kenketsu..."

Reina recognized her. This girl served in the same unit as Yeonghee.

"They took me for other achievements, but I still want... to prove I’m worthy. Worthy of the medals, the respect. I need this job... Please... teach me!"

She knelt. One by one, others followed.

Reina was captivated by the girl’s gentle expression. She was too delicate for a hunter.

"I... want to be stronger too!" a trembling boy said. "For my family!"

"So no one else dies because of me," whispered a cloaked woman, bowing her head.

"Teach me too..!"

Reina felt warmth ignite within her. Fear, anxiety, pride—it all melted away in that single moment.

She smiled.

And in that moment, Reina understood. Those who truly need it will seize the opportunity and never let go.

Their journey was just beginning.

The next day, Reina made an important decision: to invite Kang Yeonghee as a guest and mentor.

She called Sashi and explained the situation. The response was instant:

"What? You want me to connect you with Yeonghee? Reina, you’re a grown woman. You can go talk to her yourself."

Reina didn’t know what to say.

She wasn’t good at interacting with strangers. Forming new connections was hard. That’s why she often seemed distant.

"I... don’t know her well," she mumbled.

"Perfect reason to change that," Sashi replied sharply. "You work together. You should be like family. Don’t worry, just ask her yourself. Or do you think she’ll bite?"

Reina hung up and stared at the wall.

"Ask... her myself?"

Introducing herself to a stranger... and initiating the conversation? That was too much for her.

But inside, resolve was growing. If she didn’t take this step, she would miss her chance.

To her surprise, Yeonghee agreed right away. Without hesitation.

At the second session, Yeonghee stood before the students. She recognized familiar faces and smiled warmly. Reina, watching from the side, felt... pride. And mild amazement.

She did it.

She overcame herself.

And now she could help others do the same.

The second session: methods of self-discovery.

...

Even a year later, Reina couldn’t forget that conversation.

Her parents. Their words. The truth she wanted to run from, yet it was etched into her skull.

"Mom, Dad... Why? Why did you do this to me?"

Her voice had trembled then, as it did now in memory. Before her sat the two people who gave her life. And took it away.

"Why did you decide I had to become a hunter? Why interfere in my fate without telling me anything?"

They said nothing. Their eyes were dull, as if pleading for mercy. But Reina felt no sympathy.

"You had everything: money, status, influence. What were you trying to prove? Why couldn’t you just let me be happy?"

Silence.

Only after a painful pause did her mother mutter:

"We’re sorry, dear. We committed a sin that can’t be forgiven."

But it was a lie. Because then they smiled. Smugly.

"But look at you now. Independent. Strong."

That smile. That falsehood. Even now, it haunted her. And brought a chill to her very bones.

"Still... my parents never truly regretted it. They believed they did the right thing."

That’s how Reina ended her annual report for the Association, when hunters were asked to describe their relationships with their families—for data collection. For analysis. For statistics.

From childhood, she was drilled with patriotism. Duty. Honor. Demon hunting as sacred calling.

"Promise me you’ll become a hunter. I know you have the strength. Just believe in yourself."

She promised.

But there was no strength back then. Only a life designed for her.

Reina endured. Not as a victim, no. She survived. Accepted it. Moved on. Unlike those who fell apart or walked away.

Now she lived alone. A luxurious apartment, large windows, smart tech, personal heating system. Everything she needed—but not why she remained a hunter.

As the cold season set in, her body resisted. Emptiness grew inside her. And that day, she decided to go for a walk—just to feel warm again.

She put on a warm coat. Wrapped a thick scarf. And stepping outside, she watched her breath mist in the air.

"The last stubborn leaves are falling. Soon, it’ll all be covered in white. Lucky we reclaimed the Orange Zone before winter..."

The city felt unusually calm—no sirens, no voices, as if peace had finally settled in. A gentle wind whispered through the streets.

Reina lifted her hand, and the first snowflake landed on her palm. Cold kissed her skin; her fingers stiffened, her nose turned red.

The silence was alive—like the breath the world takes before winter begins.

She stood still, eyes closed for a moment, letting the quiet seep into her bones completely.

And deep inside, a face came to mind.

Lee Kihyun.

"...I wonder where he is now."

She didn’t know why she remembered him. But it made her feel something. Sadness. Maybe longing.

The next day, something strange happened.

Emergency reports overtook all media. Every screen. Every channel. From the city to the whole country—one broadcast hijacked the airwaves.

A live signal.

On a black screen—a man. In a black kimono. A strange mask hid his face, but something about it was... hauntingly captivating. The backdrop—a cluttered room.

He spoke calmly, without tension, like it was his show.

"Greetings to all citizens of Seoul. And perhaps... the world."

"My name is Mordred."

"Today, I will tell you a story. The story of how a demon came into your world. And why he is here."

"I came... to save you."

"Yes. This demon... is me."

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.