The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 16

“Don’t stop! Keep driving!”

Josuke’s voice echoed through the vehicle. His shout carried the weight of memories inherited from another world, along with the calm authority of rational judgment.

The driver, who had instinctively moved to hit the brakes, snapped back to reality and slammed on the gas. The tires screeched, and the van surged forward. Seeing this, the pursuing car hastily followed.

“Everyone, tighten your seatbelts!”

One of the bodyguards shouted. Everyone tensed, pulling their seatbelts tight and bracing themselves for the impact they sensed might come.

Hayato turned to look behind them. The car that had rammed them was a black sedan with tinted windows. Peering closely, he could make out shadows moving inside. Between flashes of sunlight, he caught glimpses of men with feral expressions.

From their appearance, it was clear they were locals. Not mere thieves or robbers—these were members of an organized violent group. And it wasn’t just one car; multiple vehicles seemed to be working in tandem.

Hayato quickly analyzed the situation. Their movements indicated they weren’t aiming to kill. If they intended murder, they’d be using more direct methods. No, this was likely a kidnapping attempt—perhaps to demand ransom or something else of value.

While he ran these thoughts through his mind, he noticed the window of the pursuing car rolling down. Men inside began to take out something, aiming it forward. The metallic glint left no doubt—they were armed.

Hayato’s expression changed in an instant. Cold determination flickered in his eyes.

—If that’s how far you’re willing to go, then I won’t hold back either.

He glared at the attackers with a fierce gaze. It was the same intimidating aura he had wielded in life-or-death battles in another world. The murderous intent and resolve honed through a decade of combat radiated from him—this was the same look he had during the final battle with the Demon King.

The men in the car recoiled in fear. Their instincts screamed danger—like being stared down by a wild beast, or sensing the cold blade of a reaper. One of the men in the back dropped his weapon, shrinking back in terror.

“Sh1t…”

The man in the passenger seat muttered. His face had gone pale, and he clumsily gripped his weapon again. Sweat poured down his forehead, and his pupils dilated in fear.

“That guy… he’s no ordinary man!”

“No one told us about this!”

The driver barked back, but his own voice was shaking. His hands trembled on the steering wheel.

“He’s not just a bodyguard!?”

Another voice called out from the back seat, filled with confusion and panic. The men looked at each other, realizing the person they thought was just security radiated an overwhelming, inhuman presence.

“Don’t falter! Complete the mission!”

The man who seemed to be the commander yelled, trying to rally them. But even his voice quivered, and sweat drenched his body.

“No… we can’t…”

Another man, hand shaking, pulled out his phone.

“If we mess with that guy, we’ll regret it. These are people we should never get involved with…”

The pursuing car began to slow down. The engine’s growl softened, and the gap between it and the van widened. A short exchange took place inside the car, and the driver, almost automatically, turned the steering wheel. The car took a corner at the next intersection and disappeared down another road. One of the men in the back seat curled up as if fleeing from the devil himself.

Inside the van, the bodyguards remained tense, checking behind them and communicating over their radios. Their breathing was heavy, and their voices tight with tension. But they maintained professional composure, working to grasp the full situation.

“The pursuing vehicle has disengaged.”

One of them reported, relief and residual tension mixed in his voice.

“No other enemy vehicles spotted.”

Another bodyguard said while scanning the surroundings carefully through the window.

“What should we do now?”

The driver asked, hands still tightly gripping the wheel, sweat on his brow. The leader thought for a moment, then gave a command.

“Head straight to the hotel.”

“I’ll contact headquarters.”

He was already dialing the emergency number on his phone.

Even though the pursuers had vanished, the bodyguards didn’t let down their guard. They kept watch over their surroundings, maintaining constant radio contact. The tension that someone might strike from the roadside lingered in the air.

Meanwhile, Hayato, Josuke, and Go sensed the danger had passed. Their instincts—refined through countless brushes with death in another world—told them they were safe. With just subtle glances, they communicated wordlessly.

For them, who had survived far deadlier situations during their adventures, this ambush wasn’t particularly threatening.

When they reached the hotel, they were immediately ushered into their rooms. The suite, located on the upper floors of a luxury hotel, was spacious and secure.

“Find out who those attackers were!”

“There might still be others lying in wait! Stay sharp!”

The team leader barked orders to his men.

“Mr. Go, this way, please.”

One of the bodyguards led them to the central lounge area in the suite.

Everyone gathered inside the room. The bodyguards moved swiftly, confirming details of the situation and contacting external teams. They coordinated with hotel security and double-checked the safety of the room. Their movements were sharp and efficient—clear signs of their professionalism.

Hayato and the others sat quietly on the sofa, observing. Go appeared calm on the outside, but his eyes were sharp, occasionally gazing out the window with a furrowed brow.

After a while, Josuke stood up quietly. His expression had regained the keen sharpness he once had as an informant.

“There’s something that’s bothering me. I’m going to look into it.”

Speaking in a low voice, he made a subtle gesture toward the exit, communicating his intent to Hayato and Go.

“Got it.”

Go nodded, offering a small wave as a sign of trust.

“Leave this to us.”

Hayato added.

They watched Josuke slip out of the room, moving like a shadow—silent and precise.

None of the bodyguards seemed to notice or care about Josuke’s departure. They were too busy confirming details and checking the schedule. In one corner, the team leader spoke intensely on the phone with headquarters, his expression stern.

After hanging up, the leader began barking further orders.

“Post men at both the elevator hall and the emergency stairs.”

“Coordinate closely with hotel security.”

“Everyone will need to submit a report on this incident. Make sure everything is recorded properly.”

Behind the urgency in his voice was the lingering anxiety from his earlier failure in judgment. He and his team were clearly feeling the weight of their responsibility.

Once things began to settle, the leader approached Go.

His expression was pained, sweat beading on his brow—his usual composure shaken.

“I deeply apologize.”

He bowed deeply and held the posture. It was clear he was offering a sincere apology.

“Even though you warned us at the airport, this still happened…”

He appeared genuinely remorseful, blaming himself for letting things reach this point.

Go remained seated, asking calmly, without any anger in his voice.

“Were there any injuries?”

“Fortunately, no injuries were reported.”

The leader replied immediately. There was a note of relief in his voice, as if that alone was a silver lining.

“That’s good, then.”

Go smiled softly.

“Just be more careful next time.”

“Yes, understood. I’m very sorry.”

The leader bowed again. This time, he seemed genuinely determined to learn from the incident. Any previous doubts he’d had about Go were gone, replaced by respect for his character and leadership.

“I’ll confirm the situation right away.”

He said with a resolute expression. His eyes showed a determination to restore the trust that had been lost.

“I’ll have answers before tomorrow’s schedule.”

“Good. I’m counting on you.”

Go replied gently. While he truly hoped for better performance from the bodyguards, his real expectations were pinned on the information Josuke would return with—though he didn’t let that show.

As time passed, the room gradually regained its calm. The bodyguards took shifts resting while maintaining security. Hayato sipped a light drink while staring out the window.

Then, the door quietly opened. Josuke returned, moving just as silently and invisibly as when he’d left.

“I found something.”

Not much time had passed, but it seemed he had already uncovered useful intel.

“Tell us.”

Gou and Hayato leaned forward, ready to hear what he had to say.