Level 4 Human in a Ruined World - Chapter 179

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Chapter 179: Master of Myths (5)

“What…?”

He heard it.

Clearly heard it.

But he couldn’t believe it.

“A single parent… what?”

Dependent Family Deduction, Single Parent Household Special Deduction.

Is it really true that such things exist in universal law?

‘Considering there’s also a deduction for single-person households.’

Whether it’s a single parent or two parents, what wouldn’t one do to avoid death by taxes?

“So, what do I need to do? Since I already have my father with me, doesn’t that automatically fulfill both conditions?”

Dependent Family Deduction.

Simply put, it’s a deduction applied when supporting parents, grandparents, or spouses.

In addition to direct descendants under South Korean law, deductions are also given for spouses, siblings, adopted children, and foster children under certain conditions.

Of course, the scope of ‘dependent family’ under universal law may be unknown, but in any case, wouldn’t a biological father be sufficiently included?

‘And now we are already a single-parent family. Is there anything else he can do other than recommend tax-saving strategies?

As if waiting for Yeongwoo’s answer, Kubu looked at Jeonggu, while the tax accountant continued to gaze at Jeonggu.

―For the ‘Single Parent Household Deduction’ to apply, both Mr. Jeong Yeongwoo07 and Mr. Kim Jeonggu11 must be recognized as family under universal law.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Uh…? Then, aren’t we not recognized as family under universal law yet?”

Jeonggu’s expression became complicated.

He had been avoiding Yeongwoo’s blade, but subconsciously began to wonder if that orphan could really be his son.

As the two men couldn’t continue the conversation, Kubu elaborated.

―To put it in Earth terms, you need to go through formal documentation to prove your relationship under universal law. Currently, the two of you are not officially recognized as family.

“Ah.”

Yeongwoo, who had experienced quite a few cosmic procedures, understood first.

“It’s like needing some sort of notarization. Since we’ve never formally acknowledged our status as family until now.”

More precisely, the situation was that Yeongwoo’s father, Jeonggu, was denying the existence of his son.

―That’s correct. If you wish to formalize your relationship, please carefully read and sign this ‘document’ I’m presenting to you.

Snap!

As Kubu finished speaking, a holographic document appeared in front of the two men.

And the content of that document was none other than a ‘Direct Descendants Certificate.’

《Universal Descendants General Certificate》

– 「Jeong Yeongwoo07」 is recognized as the biological and legal son of 「Kim Jeonggu 11」 and thus proves the family relationship under universal law.

– 「Kim Jeonggu 11」 is recognized as the biological and legal father of 「Jeong Yeongwoo07」 and thus proves the family relationship under universal law.

Under each statement, there was a blank space bordered by an original design, which seemed to be a place for signatures.

“Good heavens.”

After carefully reading the statements, Jeonggu was left speechless.

A universal family relationship certificate.

He had never imagined he would be faced with something like this in his lifetime.

But that’s exactly why.

“…But if we sign here and the contents don’t match the truth, what happens?”

Jeonggu had to be cautious.

“There’s a statement here claiming to prove biological fatherhood, but it might not be true.”

In fact, before the reset, they had never even touched each other, so the statement of being a biological father wasn’t quite appropriate.

Still, at this point, if Jeonggu acknowledged it, there was room to consider them as actual father and son.

However, the issue of biological fatherhood was a problem that couldn’t simply be brushed aside.

The answer to this problem was either true or false, nothing in between.

―That’s correct.

Finally, Kubu began to answer.

―If the content of the certificate you sign does not match the truth, you may be arrested and prosecuted for forgery of an official document.

“…Prosecuted?”

This time, Yeongwoo showed curiosity.

There’s a concept of prosecution in the universe too?

Then who and where do you get arrested and prosecuted?

―In this case, there’s a possibility that intentionality may not be proven during the trial. However, since most are unexpectedly killed during the detention period, please sign carefully.

“Killed during detention…? Are you saying they die in prison?”

To Yeongwoo’s question, Kubu gave a chilling response.

―That’s correct. Approximately 84% of those awaiting trial die in custody.

That means, even if you’re innocent, there’s a high chance you’ll end up dead.

‘An 84% fatality rate for pre-trial detainees? What kind of world is this?’

What kind of universe is it, indeed…?

“Th-then, shouldn’t we avoid signing this?”

With a frightened expression, Jeonggu moved away from the direct descendants certificate, prompting Yeongwoo to immediately pick it up.

Snap!

“Stop talking nonsense, Father. If we can’t pay the taxes this time, I’ll die.”

“You’ll die even if you’re prosecuted, you lunatic!”

“That’s only if we’re not recognized as actual wealthy individuals! Even if you get detained, there’s a 16% chance of survival.”

After saying this, Yeongwoo raised his hand to the signature space on the certificate without hesitation.

Tap!

“But if you can’t pay the taxes, you’ll die with a 100% chance. Do you understand? So sign quickly if you don’t want to die right now.”

Swish.

Having finished signing first, Yeongwoo drew a diagonal line between his and Jeonggu’s signature spaces with the tip of his knife.

If you don’t want to die, then sign.

An incredibly ruthless move indeed.

“….”

However, no one could reprimand Yeongwoo in this situation.

Everyone present knew he was ruthless, and this was a special circumstance.

Basic tax alone amounted to 3.4 million karma.

Plus, there was the acquisition tax for myth-grade equipment.

Some in the audience thought it was surprising that Jeong Yeongwoo hadn’t lost his temper earlier.

“Sign it. It’s the only way for both of us to survive. And let’s find out for sure whether we’re wealthy or not.”

“Uh….”

Jeonggu hesitated.

Yeongwoo’s words were true.

If they signed this universal document, they would definitely find out.

If Jeong Yeongwoo and Kim Jeonggu were indeed related by blood, tax deductions would proceed.

And if not…

‘Imprisoned in a universal prison with an 84% mortality rate.’

Of course, if imprisoned with that crazy orphan, there might be a slightly lower chance of dying from an ‘accident’ before the trial.

“You’re a real bastard.”

In the end, Jeonggu cursed as he raised his hand to the signature space.

Tap.

With a satisfied expression, Yeongwoo then turned his gaze to Kubu.

“Is it done now? How much will the tax decrease with two deductions?”

An eagerly awaited question.

However, the response from Kubu was dismal.

―Even if the family relationship is proven, the Dependent Family Deduction will not be activated. Currently, only the Single Parent Household Special Deduction can be applied.

―The Single Parent Household Special Deduction rate is 30%.

“No… Why won’t they recognize us as dependent family? Even if Father tries his hardest and earns money, he won’t even make enough to cover my basic tax?”

Once again, Yeongwoo criticized his father’s life in front of everyone.

Yet, Kubu’s response remained the same.

―Mr. Kim Jeonggu11’s income for the past two days amounts to 6.84 million karma, exceeding the daily income requirement of 100,000 karma for the dependent family criteria.

“Oh… You’ve earned quite a lot, Father.”

“You little…”

“This is giving me a headache.”

Yeongwoo rubbed his temples and asked Kubu again.

“No, why did you recommend the Dependent Family Deduction then?”

In response, instead of answering, Kubu rolled his eyes and looked beyond the living room.

―……

Toward the direction where Seok and her children were, behind Yeongwoo and Jeonggu.

“Oh, really… No way.”

Yeongwoo, sensing a lot, rubs his face with both hands.

Under South Korean law, the scope of dependent family includes direct descendants, spouses, siblings, adopted children, and foster children.

In other words, if the same criteria apply under universal law, there was a considerable chance that Taejoon and Seok’s children would be considered as candidates for foster children.

‘Or maybe they could be adopted by me.’

As Yeongwoo looked at the children with a perplexed expression, Kubu spat out a ruthless remark.

―If there are foster children or adopted children, they can receive the benefits of the Dependent Family Deduction. The deduction rate is 15% and is calculated in combination with other deduction rates.

Combined with other deduction rates.

This means that if the Single Parent Household Special Deduction rate of 30% is already applied, and the Dependent Family Deduction is added, the deduction rate becomes 45%.

“45%… That’s not even half. Is that enough? And we still have to pay the acquisition tax.”

Yeongwoo looks silently at the ‘Bastard’ in his hand.

Since it’s still an unpaid weapon, it’s hard to consider it as fully owned.

‘And because of this weapon, lives have been taken.’

As Yeongwoo’s expression darkens, Jeonggu tries to console him.

“Why are you acting like this? I even signed it with great determination. Even if it’s bad, the acquisition tax won’t be ridiculously high, right? Mr. Tax Accountant.”

Named the Strongest Sword of Joseon.

Does it make sense to die because of unpaid taxes?

Jeonggu asked, thinking that the acquisition tax wouldn’t be that much.

However, taxes in the universe were never trivial.

―The acquisition tax for the ‘Bastard’ that Jeong Yeongwoo07 must pay is… 30.8 million karma.

“What?”

“What did you say?”

“How much…?”

Even before Yeongwoo’s reaction, the audience in the cabin was more shocked, covering their mouths.

“T… Thirty million? Is it not a lie?”

Jeonggu also asked in disbelief, and here, only Yeongwoo was not surprised.

Because he knew that the tax would actually come to him soon.

“Do we have to pay the acquisition tax by tonight?”

―The deadline for the acquisition tax payment is tomorrow at 10 p.m.

Since it’s the early morning of the 5th day, it’s practically about two days’ time.

‘And amazingly, it coincides with the deadline for the Dogo Quest.’

[Dogo] “Paternal Confirmation”

[Mission] Spend 3 days with ‘Kim Jeonggu11.’

[Reward] 20 million karma.

[Special] Kim Jeonggu11 must remain alive during the mission.

Yeongwoo realized that the chairman of Dogo knew about this tax issue and its solution from early on.

‘For now, I can cover the tax due today. But the problem is the acquisition tax for the ‘bastard’ and the acquisition tax for the weapon encyclopaedia that I haven’t even seen yet.’

Money.

A lot of money is needed.

How much do you need to earn to pay all the taxes and still have money left?

“…I’ll start gathering money by any means necessary from now on. I’ll have to ask the chairman for more advertisements.”

As Yeongwoo stares into space with a half-turned gaze, Kubu cautiously asks again, his eyelids trembling.

―C-can I, can I go off duty now…?

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