Let’s Not Write A Novel Recklessly

CHAPTER 12 – THE DEMON CASTLE

After a long journey, Tae-ram’s party finally reached their destination.

A massive, majestic black behemoth towered over them, piercing the sky. Its sturdy exterior walls exuded majesty and restraint, and its pillars exuded grace amidst their sharpness.

The tower in the center of the castle was lavishly ornamented. The castle was a work of art in its own right.

“It’s beautiful. I wonder how much it cost to build? It must have been expensive.”

An exclamation slipped out of Tae-ram’s mouth. 

“This is not the time for such idle talk, Tae-ram.”

“Our Tae-ram might be curious too. Don’t judge too quickly.”

“Since when did you start including me in your ‘our’? It’s unpleasant.”

“You’re making a big deal out of nothing. I think you have a very narrow mind.” 

“What? Say that again.”

Tae-ram moved forward, leaving behind Se-ho and Fran, who had begun to bicker as usual even with the demon castle in front of them. Kairan and Amil were engrossed in their conversation.

“I’m thinking of calling some dwarves to build such a huge castle. They love creating impressive works, so there won’t be any problem.”

“Shouldn’t we hear what they have to say about it first?”

“Why? Is there a need for that? If I tell them to do it, they’ll do it. They should be proud to work for a dragon.”

Amil’s brow furrowed at the naturally virtuous Kairan’s words. 

“Mr. Kairan. I’m disappointed. I didn’t see it that way, but you’re a bad employer.”

Tae-ram, who had been watching the two from the sidelines, agreed with Amil because he thought Kairan sounded pretty much like a black business owner.

“Am I bad?”

“We’ll just have to find out. First, we need to find out if you’ve been paying you well….”

As Amil began explaining what a true employer should be like, Tae-ram grew tired of the conversation and moved forward once again.

Would this party be okay as it was?

Eventually, he settled down next to the quiet Lucias.

“Looks like everyone has a lot to talk about, Lucias. Why don’t we just go ahead and leave?” 

“That sounds good.”

Tae-ram walked with Lucias toward the entrance of the Demon Castle. 

“It’s really big.”

The massive archway, flanked on either side by stone statues of demons, reminded him of an ancient temple.

“We’ll have to walk for a while before we can get inside.”

Once through the entrance, a wide path led to the main castle.

“There used to be a fairly large village around here.” 

“I see.”

Nostalgic Lucias stopped mentioning the past, and Tae-ram tried his best to ignore it. Anyway, up close, the castle was larger than it looked from afar. His mouth dropped open, and the rest of the group chimed in.

“It’s really big! There must be a lot of rooms inside, so Tae-ram can hold at least a thousand people.” 

“Tae-ram is small, so it can hold about five hundred more.”

“Tae-ram is even smaller than I thought. Maybe two thousand people can fit.” 

“Tae-ram and two thousand people? That’s a fresh and delightful idea.”

Tae-ram wondered. Why were those four people sizing him up? He couldn’t figure it out.

“I’m not going to live here! And why am I the standard?” 

“Because it’s cute?”

“Because it looks good.”

“Because I don’t want to think about anything but you.”

“The Demon Castle has three thousand seven hundred rooms, so we’ll need at least three thousand people to fill it.”

When Lucias, who had remained still, joined in, Tae-ram let the matter drop.

Lucias. Stop the demonization. There’s no way a normal person would know the number of rooms in a demon castle in such detail. 

Still unable to make up his mind about the ending, Tae-ram simply sulked.

* * *

Last night, Tae-ram called Yellow for the first time in a long time. 

“Yellow, do you want to come out?”

Despite Tae-ram’s gentle voice, Yellow didn’t show any signs of coming out.

“What are you doing? Are you sleeping? Can’t you hear me? Hey! Can’t you hear me? No, I’m sorry I yelled at you. I’m sorry. Do you want to come out?”

After that, Tae-ram tried calling out to him a few more times, but he didn’t respond. 

Apparently, Yellow was very upset.

No wonder. He’s been so forgetful of him, but he’s been so busy. Tae-ram let out a long sigh. There was no time.

“Hey, Mr. Yellow. Could you please show up? I’ve been so hard on you, haven’t I? I’ll do anything for you if you’ll just come out.”

After Tae-ram cajoled and pleaded for a long time, Yellow appeared with a fat face. His chubby cheeks were still cute.

[…What? I thought you didn’t need me anymore…] 

“There were so many battles, I’m sorry.”

[You didn’t even participate in the battles…. so what’s going on?]

Tae-ram had a lot of questions, but he decided to ask about the force first. In a way, Tae-ram and Se-ho had been swayed by the force all along.

“Why does the force want to reproduce my novel? If you can’t say because of the prohibition…” 

[I thought so too, but the prohibition was lifted.]

The lifting of the prohibition was quite good news in Tae-ram’s opinion, but Yellow’s expression was more serious than before.

“What’s with the look on your face? Isn’t it a good thing that the prohibition is lifted?”

[No, it’s not a good thing because it’s a sign that you’ve started to derail the original work.]

“Derailed? Is that a bad thing?”

[This world is also unstable and you’re in danger.] 

“Even if it’s this world, why am I in danger?”

[Now you can barely remember anything about your original world.] 

“Yeah. Because it is….”

Tae-ram heard the things he had lost through Se-ho. The parents who gave birth to him, the people he’s lived with all his life, the friends who have helped him through thick and thin. Everything he’s learned and built up, he’s forgotten.

The most serious loss, he realized, was that he felt no emotions despite everything.

“All I can remember now is that I was the writer. My memories of the original and Se-ho are all I have.”

[Memories mean a lot in this world.] 

“What kind of power does memory have?”

[Memories contain existential power.] 

“Existential power… Kairan said something similar.”

The yellow’s next words surprised Tae-ram.

This world was newly born and unstable, and it needed a massive amount of existence to maintain stability. So, the force brought in Tae-ram, the author who laid the foundation for this world, as the medium of the novel.

[When all the pages are filled, this world is finally complete.] 

“What if I fail?”

[This world will collapse.]

“I’ve been wondering about the force. Does it have a form?” 

[To make it easier to understand, it’s like an administrator of this world.]

“Anyway, the Force will do anything to keep this world intact, right?”

[That’s true, but….]

Gaining hints from Yellow, Tae-ram thought of one method. Whether he would put it into practice or not was still uncertain.

* * *

The party finally reached the castle’s courtyard after a long walk past the entrance. The main castle was still quite a ways away.

“I wish we had come on horseback….”

“Amil. We agreed not to say that, but the main castle is just past here.”

Unintentionally, Amil’s comment slipped out, and Fran quickly cautioned him. Worried that Tae-ram might feel sorry, Fran cautiously observed Tae-ram’s reaction. However, Tae-ram was walking mechanically in a daze, unaware of their concern.

“Oh, Tae-ram, watch your step.”

Fran caught him as he nearly tripped and fell, and when he regained his footing, he thanked him.

“…Thank you, Fran. I was thinking about something else for a second.” 

“I’m glad you didn’t fall.”

“Stay by my side, you never know when a battle might break out.” 

“Yes. Okay, Prince.”

As Tae-ram turned to go toward Se-ho, Fran grabbed his arm.

“Why don’t you stay by my side so it’s easier for me to cast a defensive spell?” 

“If that’s the case, I’m the strongest, so stay by me.”

When Kairan joined in, it looked like a fight was about to break out. The thought of being tossed around like a ball already made Tae-ram tired.

“Wouldn’t it be better to arrange the formation based on our combat styles?”

“The most important thing is Tae-ram’s safety.”

Amil and Lucias’ reasonable suggestion saved Tae-ram.

Se-ho and Lucias, strong in close combat, were in the front line, while Fran and Kairan, skilled in long-range attacks and supportive magic, stood in the back. Amil, who was less experienced in combat, and Tae-ram, who was a non-combatant, were placed in the safest middle position.

Things were going surprisingly well, and just as everyone was relaxing, something happened.

Just before leaving the courtyard, the ground suddenly shook as if there had been an earthquake, and an ominous sound accompanied it. The next moment, a large warp zone appeared, and hundreds of monsters poured out of it. The number of monsters rushing toward the group seemed to number in the thousands. It was a monster army.

Se-ho immediately drew his sword and shouted.

“We’ll take the front. Fran, cast a defensive spell on Tae-ram!”

At Se-ho’s shout, Lucias beside him silently drew his sword as well.

“May Lian’s favor be upon you!”

Fran quickly chanted, and a protective shield appeared around Tae-ram. 

“I’ll stay as far back as I can!”

As usual, Tae-ram tried to get as far back as possible.

“Be careful, Tae-ram.” 

“Let me clear the area first!”

Kairan’s flames shot up in all directions, creating a hiding place for Tae-ram. He hid among the rocks as the real battle began.

Trying to stay calm, Tae-ram watched his companions fight. They were outnumbered, but they were no different than the monsters they had defeated before.

As if to answer his expectations, the battle followed the same pattern as usual. But after a while, one by one, the men began to get agitated. Kairan was the first to realize what was happening.

“It’s weird, the monsters keep coming back to life, too fast for the undead!” 

Fran agreed with Kairan, his expression grim.

“These monsters aren’t normal undead, my purification isn’t working at all, there’s no such thing as undead that can’t be purified….”

Se-ho and Amil commented as they slashed at the monsters.

“The sword works, but they come back to life quickly. No, they don’t come back to life. They come back as if they’ve turned back time. It’s not like regeneration.”

“You’re right, Prince! Those monsters, when you defeat them, they reappear in the same place after a certain amount of time, looking the same as before!”

“I’ve never seen anything like this before. There have never been monsters of this type in the Demon World.”

Even Lucias, who had been silent, spoke up. Tae-ram, who had been watching the battle from afar, also became uneasy. It was the first time he had ever seen everyone this panicked.

The monsters continued to regenerate, endlessly charging at the group. No matter how many times they attacked, the number of monsters did not decrease. It was an endless cycle, and they were exhausted.

Kairan’s powerful elemental magic, Se-ho’s sword, Fran’s special divine magic, and Lucias’ magic were of no use. Tae-ram’s party was facing a crisis like no other.

Tae-ram, who was watching the battle from afar, felt his heart sink.

They were doing okay for now, but the battle was slipping away. If they continued to fight a war of attrition, the outcome was obvious. He knew he should run, but he couldn’t make up his mind. He had to get inside the Demon Castle, after all.

A familiar yellow blob appeared in front of Tae-ram’s anxious eyes. 

[Tae-ram! We’re in trouble!]

Yellow had an equally urgent expression on his face. Tae-ram clenched his fists in anticipation.

“What’s going on?”

[Run away quickly. Irregular!] 

“Irregular?”

[I can feel the remnants of the existence of those monsters.]

“I don’t understand what you mean. Say it more easily.”

[Someone is controlling the monsters. Those monsters are illusions that cannot be erased, but they do damage.]

Tae-ram suddenly remembered the conversation he’d had with Se-ho the other day.

-Was it possible that someone else was involved?

At the time, he had dismissed it as nonsense, but now that he thought about it, it was strange. The road to the Demon Castle shouldn’t have been so difficult.

[Do you have any idea?]

“Maybe it’s a new character I didn’t set up.”

[That makes sense. ‘Irregular’ means someone who breaks free from constraints. If it’s a character not in the original story, they might resist force to some extent.”

“If we find that person and subdue them, will these monsters disappear?” 

[There’s a good chance they will.]

“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll have to tell everyone.”

Tae-ram walked over to the group in the middle of the battle to tell them what Yellow had told him.

Just then, someone stepped out from among the monsters. He was within earshot of the group, and with a wave of his hand, the monsters crumbled to ash and scattered.

“What a useless rampage.”

The man looked human, except for his overly pale face. But the horns and black wings that stretched from his head insisted that he was something other than human.

Tae-ram was surprised to learn that this new character was a demon, but it made sense. The setup for demons was particularly weak.

-A clan abandoned by the king. On the brink of extinction.

Where they live, how they live, and how many of them are left, there were huge information gaps. Is it his fault they’re like this again? Tae-ram bit his lip guiltily.

“You bastards. You shouldn’t have set foot in this place.”

The man’s words were immediately retorted by Kairan. He had a rare look of displeasure on his face. 

“I’m not human, and your soul is offensive. It’s black and cracked.”

The rest of the group was pretty sour, too.

“I don’t know who you are, but you’re offensive.”

“It’s an asshole to agree with the prince, but I agree.” 

“I don’t think he has any friends.”

The demon was unperturbed by the reactions of his companions, only looking at Lucias. He approached him cautiously and knelt.

“For the life of me, I can’t figure it out. Why are you traveling with these people?” 

“They are valuable companions.”

“That is incomprehensible. You are a king. For the past five hundred years, we have waited for you, counting on your return to revive the demons.”

“I have already given up being king. I don’t deserve to be called that.”

 Amil was surprised to hear Lucias agree with the demon.

“Mr. Lu-Lucias, you’re a demon? There were two of you! That’s not the point….” 

Kairan and Se-ho calmed Amil’s confusion.

“Lucias just has a crush on Tae-ram, he said he doesn’t have any bad intentions.” 

“I can vouch for that, he’s a trustworthy man.”

“You all knew about this but me? What the hell is this.… Mr. Fran, you were surprised, too, weren’t you?” 

Fran silenced Amil’s mouth as he responded.

“Amil, calm down and listen.”

“Okay… Okay, but please tell me later.”

Despite the noisy outfield, the demon spoke steadfastly. His desperate, pleading eyes were like those of a man making a desperate love confession.

“You are still our king. There must be another reason why you’re with them….” 

“Enough. You already know that, don’t you? I don’t want anything. I only came back to die.”

Lucias’ cold words cut through the demon’s words. Tae-ram was stunned by Lucias’ use of the word death. The demon was also shocked and sobbed, threatening to burst into tears at any moment.

“Why… Serving you was my only wish, you were my last hope!”

“I’m sorry, nameless child. My fate is in his hands.” 

Lucias’ gaze lingered on Tae-ram for a moment.

“No! That can’t be true! What were you that I knew? Yeah. Maybe when all the humans are dead, you’ll wake up.”

“Well, no. I’m not human!”

Dismissing Kairan’s protests, the demon summoned a bunch of monsters and disappeared. Countless monsters swarmed in, unlike before. It felt like a natural disaster.

“It’s dangerous out in the open, everyone, get inside the castle! Try to avoid confronting the monsters as much as possible. We need to capture that demon so the monsters will disappear! Don’t get hurt trying!”

With Tae-ram’s desperate shout, the group scattered.

* * *

“Looks like we’re safe here.”

Lucias, who had been scooping him up and running, set him down in a safe spot, keeping a wary eye on his surroundings.

“Thank you, Lucias.”

With a sigh, Tae-ram looked around.

The marble floors were polished, and the pillars were immaculate. Even the statues were dust-free. The interior of the castle was better organized than he had imagined. It looked like the demon from earlier had kept it in good order for a long time.

Tae-ram felt a twinge of bitterness at the thought of the demon waiting for Lucias alone in this spacious place. The demon’s eyes still glowed with a mixture of despair and disappointment. He felt compassion for the man he had created, who had become irregular because he hadn’t been given any settings.

Lucias looked worriedly at Tae-ram, who seemed to have lost his usual vigor. What on earth could be wrong? It didn’t help that he was getting darker and thinner by the day, and he had a peculiarly sad look on his face, especially when he looked at himself.

“Are you hurt?”

Lucias wanted to ask if something was wrong with Tae-ram, but he thought better of it. He was worried that he wasn’t hurt.

“Nope. Thanks, but I’m completely separated from the others.”

Tae-ram smiled awkwardly, avoiding Lucias’ gaze. The unnaturalness of it bothered him, but he tried his best to act normal. It was probably what he wanted him to do.

“Don’t worry. Everyone’s fine.” 

“Really?”

“Yep. I feel a stirring upstairs. This way.”

Lucias headed toward the stairs with familiarity, and Tae-ram followed. They climbed the stairs, which seemed to go on forever.

In the silent silence of the passageway, Tae-ram tried to shake the thoughts away, but he couldn’t. He almost wished that Se-ho and Fran would fight, or that Kairan would lunge at him with force.

Why was he alone with Lucias in the Demon Castle? Lucias, one of the sources of his guilt, and the place where he might die. It was a black comedy. Isn’t this also a bad play of force? Tae-ram resented the force for nothing. He closed and opened his eyes, but nothing changed.

Tae-ram climbed the stairs with mixed feelings, and after a few steps, he finally grabbed Lucias’ sleeve. It was now or never.

“What’s going on?”

“What did you mean earlier when you said you came back to die?” 

“I meant it literally.”

“Why….”

Tae-ram could no longer speak. He was trembling slightly, and his eyes were filled with sorrow. Lucias stroked his hair gently as if to comfort him. His touch was ticklishly delicate and careful, and it brought tears to his eyes.

“Don’t be sad. I just want to end it all here, where I met him, in your hands and no one else’s.”

“…Why me?”

“Because it’s my destiny, and I’d give everything for you.”

The sight of Lucias smiling faintly reminded Tae-ram of his nightmares. His blind heart felt heavy. His head was dizzy.

He couldn’t make sense of it all. He couldn’t understand himself. How could he choose to sacrifice himself so freely when he hadn’t done anything for Lucias? He seemed to have a certain conviction about him, unlike himself, who still hadn’t made a choice.

“Lucias. What if… what if your feelings for me were made up? What if they were all fake… Would you still choose the sacrifice?”

“You ask a strange question. I never thought of it as a sacrifice. It’s about closure, being here with the memories of someone I care about.”

“What if there was a coercive force behind your loved one’s departure?” 

“It doesn’t matter.”

As Lucias said this, his eyes were focused solely on Tae-ram. His unwavering gaze reminded him of Fran, and his casual demeanor reminded him of Kairan.

“Why do you guys care so much about me?” 

“…Tae-ram, are you okay? You don’t look well.”

“I knew that from the beginning.”

The words burst out of his throbbing heart. That one word broke the line that Tae-ram had been desperately defending. Steeply, like a dike breaking. He couldn’t bear to speak. He couldn’t stop himself.

“I approached you because I knew you were a demon.”

He had taken Lucias’ sacrifice, Fran’s devotion, and Kairan’s favor lightly. But he realized now that he hadn’t really.

They’re all fictional characters, after all, operating under emotions he’d created. He used to think none of them were real.

But the more he got to know them, the more they were like him. They had the same warmth as him. They cried, they laughed, they worried, they loved. They were no different from him.

This place was already another world. A world that had already been created and was living and breathing, whether the novel was finished or not.

“I used Lucias, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” 

“It’s okay.”

Lucias’ words said so much. Lucias’ eyes were unwaveringly compassionate, and for once, Tae-ram burst into tears. Lucias stood by his side, wordlessly.

* * *

Meanwhile, after seeing Tae-ram rescued by Lucias, Fran, and Se-ho ran toward the castle themselves. The battle continued even after they entered the castle, with monsters relentlessly pursuing them, and after a long struggle, they finally found a safe place to rest.

“Use detection magic, Fran.”

Se-ho, who had a hard time being with the annoying Fran, gave him a cold look. It was an action he wouldn’t have done under normal circumstances.

“I was going to.”

Fran, who was just as uncomfortable with this situation as Se-ho, perhaps even more so, nervously replied, then quickly recited a spell. He wanted to see Tae-ram as soon as possible.

“Oh, sacred Lian. Be our guiding beacon!”

A long path of light led upstairs. Se-ho and Fran quickened their pace, both wary of their surroundings as they followed the light path. The mere fact that they were walking side by side was enough to annoy them to death, but other than that, things were going well.

Then the cluster of lights split into two. Fran didn’t want to, but he spoke up. 

“I think it’s the one on the right.”

“The left one looks better.”

Se-ho immediately disagreed. Fran felt his nerves getting the better of him, especially with the unsightly Se-ho blocking his path.

“I’m the one who used the detection magic.”

“I’m better at detecting energy. The left path leads to Tae-ram.”

“Wouldn’t I, the one who uses magic, be able to sense the natural mana better? It’s common sense.” 

“No, this is the demon world. It’s more favorable to me as a swordsman.”

“I’m not just a mage, I’m a battle cleric who uses divine magic.” 

“My side is stronger.”

Fran felt like unleashing a barrage of offensive magic on Se-ho right now. It was clear that if this situation continued, he would certainly do so.

Would it be better if they went their separate ways? But if they did, Tae-ram might be disappointed when he found out. He wants the prince and him to get along. After a moment’s hesitation, Fran thought of Tae-ram and decided to give in for once.

“Alright, let’s go left.”

Inwardly, Se-ho was glad that Fran’s concession had gotten them to the left without too much friction. A moment longer and he might have been drawing his sword. He wasn’t usually this emotional, but for some reason, dealing with Fran made him cringe. It was different from the light-hearted grunts he’d had with Tae-ram.

Se-ho hated Fran. It was different from simple jealousy. There was Kairan, there was Lucias, but only Fran was particularly annoying. Unlike other people who valued Tae-ram, Fran sometimes took care of his own needs without considering them. Seeing such selfishness in him made him more and more wary.

To be honest, he’s not that attached to this world either. But he love this world, even Se-ho knew that Tae-ram’s feelings for him were a different kind of love. But even though he knew it in his head, his heart didn’t follow.

Tae-ram cares about Fran, though, and he’s not comfortable with him and Fran fighting. Se-ho let out a short sigh and confirmed Fran’s words.

“Understood.”

With those words, the two of them walked in silence for a long time, but the castle was so large that it seemed like they were walking in circles. Fran’s expression grew increasingly grim. Se-ho’s expression wasn’t much better. His frustration eventually turned to irritation.

“I can’t even see a shadow of a person, let alone Tae-ram. We should have gone to the right.” 

“You’re too loud. Walk instead of talking.”

“Maybe being with the prince was the problem. It would have been nice to be with Tae-ram….”

“I’ll throw those words right back at you. If your detection magic had been more accurate from the start, this wouldn’t have happened.” 

“Are you blaming me now?”

Se-ho and Fran were arguing back and forth. Suddenly, a boom rang out and the castle shook violently.

“It’s up there!”

“I know without you telling me!”

The two ran toward the sound.

* * *

The atmosphere between Se-ho and Fran was better than with Kairan and Amil, but there was still tension and bickering going on.

“I don’t like the idea of hiding against such lowly monsters.”

Kairan grumbled to Amil as they hurriedly entered a room to escape the oncoming monsters.

“It can’t be helped, they’re special monsters.”

“Oh no, it’s so frustrating! How long are we going to have to sneak around like this?”

“Well, we’ve come a long way, and it’s not like we’re hiding, just think of it as a strategy for later.”

Amil tried his best to soothe the sulking Kairan. It was hard enough fighting the occasional monster but having to deal with Kairan’s complaints was a bit much. It was a moment that reminded him of Tae-ram’s ability to perfectly coordinate the party.

“We’ll be able to join you in just a little while, Mr. Tae-ram, so let’s keep going.”

“If we’re crawling like turtles, at what age are we? Is there any other way to get around like this?”

Kairan crossed his arms and pondered.

“Maybe we can’t get rid of them, but we can keep them locked up somewhere….” 

“Ah, Mr. Kairan, I have an idea.”

“What is it?”

“Well, if it’s possible, why don’t we just blow up the entire floor?” 

“You mean to blow up the entire floor?”

“Yeah! The room we’re in is pretty big, so we could drive the monster into it and knock it out from underneath!”

“Is that okay?”

The plan seemed reckless at first glance, but the two of them, who usually fought in pairs, were excited.

“Mr. Kairan, I’ll keep an eye out for any danger!”

“Yeah, I’ll do it in a second. I’ll mix the explosion magic with the amplification magic!”

Kairan sat down on the ground and began to draw a large magic circle. It was a very complicated-looking spell, but Kairan’s hand was quick and skillful. Amil, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t help but be impressed.

“Wow. I don’t think you’re human, Mr. Kairan!” 

“I’m not human. I’m a dragon.”

“Ahaha… Yes, I know, I know, but our party is quite extravagant: Prince Kirik, the next king, Mr. Fran, the youngest High Priest, and you, Mr. Kairan, a dragon and a wizard of the Killain Mountains!”

“Where’s Lucias? He’s a demon.”

“Well, yes, it hasn’t sunk in yet that the calm and caring Lucias is a demon….”

“Humans don’t have a good image of demons.”

“I can’t deny it. I grew up being told that demons were a bloodthirsty race of destruction and pleasure, and I thought the king of those demons would be even more terrifying.”

“Interesting. It’s the other way around. Demons are a rational race. Humans, on the other hand, are greedy and insatiable.”

“I see.”

For some reason, Amil couldn’t make eye contact with Kairan.

“Still, I like humans better. They’re fun, they’re short-lived, but they always create something great, and their souls are beautiful in all their different colors.”

“So who’s your favorite among humans?”

Amil, rejuvenated, turned to Kairan.

“Huh? Of course… Ah! You’re done. I’ll tell you later, but I need to go.” 

“Okay. I’ll drive the monster then.”

Amil got up to leave the room with a sigh.

“Wait. I’ll put up a shield for you. And take this. It’s a fire scroll. I’ll give you plenty, so you can just use it.”

Kairan handed Amil the scroll and flicked it lightly. A golden curtain formed around him.

“Yes! Thank you!”

Heading downstairs, Amil scattered the flame scrolls around. This allowed him to drag all the monsters upstairs, even the ones in the corners. The ones that weren’t guided, he attacked directly, punching them in and out of the way to get them where he wanted them.

Amil, who had led the army of monsters to Kairan’s room, called out. 

“Mr. Kairan, now!”

“Yes! Leave it to me!”

Kairan placed his hand on the circle and energized it. A moment later, the circle glowed and a massive explosion erupted, the force of the blast rippling through the center of the room. With a hissing sound, the entire room collapsed and began to crumble downward.

“M-Mr. Kairan! We’re falling too!”

Kairan and Amil were falling towards the ground below, along with the monsters who were falling like leaves.

“Oh no. I was only trying to punch a hole, but the whole thing blew away. Was it a little strong?” 

“Not a little, a lot! Uh, what do we do?”

“Gravity!”

Kairan used a spell that slowed the speed at which objects fell. It slowed the fall, but it didn’t change the situation.

“D-Do you have any other magic? Floatation magic or something?” 

“Sorry. The floating system takes quite a bit of mana.” 

“Such….”

“Maybe I should have gotten some potions from the prince. I’ve been a little overextended lately. I’ve been using too much mana lately. I think I need some time to recover.”

“What? You don’t think we’re going to be flattened before then?” 

“Well, it’s going to hurt to be this high, but I think we’ll be fine.”

“Mr. Kairan, you might be feeling a bit under the weather, but I feel even worse! What’s wrong with you lately, anyway? I thought you were fine because no monsters came out?”

“About two days ago, I went for a midnight snack with Tae-ram. To Conn.” 

“Conn? Dragons must be amazing to be able to travel that far.”

“It’s near my rares, and I’ve been there a lot, so it’s easy to calculate the travel formula.”

“By the way, I wish I could have seen you and Mr. Tae-ram’s date. Was he cute?”

“Yes. I put a ribbon on him and he was adorable!”

“Ribbons! Oh my gosh, Mr. Tae-ram with ribbons, I hope I get to see that in my next life….” 

Amil squeezed his eyes shut as the floor got closer and closer.

“Lian’s favor upon thee!”

It was Fran who saved them from the fall. Amil and Kairan’s bodies were enveloped in light and slowly floated upward.

* * *

“What the hell is going on, you two were so close to being killed.”

Fran asked, dusting off Kairan and Amil’s bodies. Even Kairan laughed awkwardly, embarrassed that he thought this was as bad as it got.

“Sheep hunting? I sent the monsters down.”

At Kairan’s words, Fran and Se-ho peered down into the hole Kairan had created with his magic circle. Monsters caught in the blast were lying in a heap in the rubble.

“That’s quite a few of them down, that should make things easier from here on out.” 

“I give you credit, but you almost hurt Amil. He’s not like you.”

“I’ll reflect on that.”

Amil defended Kairan against Se-ho’s stinging reprimand.

“In the end, we’re safe. By the way, I didn’t realize the Prince and Fran were together.”

At Amil’s cheerful words, Se-ho and Fran shuddered, then let out a long sigh. 

“Let’s just go find Tae-ram.”

“That would be nice.”

* * *

There was an end to the seemingly endless staircase, and Tae-ram and Lucias were able to join the group on the top floor of the castle.

“Tae-ram, you’re safe! We were so worried!”

When Fran spotted Tae-ram, he came running to him from a distance. He was like a puppy, running to him without looking back and forth. The thought of Kairan in charge of the puppy made Tae-ram breathe harder. His shaky legs had long since lost the strength to stand.

“Tae-ram, why are you in such a cold sweat? Are you injured?” 

Fran asked. Moving closer to him, Fran looked at the struggling man sympathetically. 

“I’m just a little tired.”

It was self-inflicted. Embarrassed after his sobbing, Tae-ram refused Lucias’ help and rushed ahead of him.

“I’ll heal you!”

“Perhaps we should rest somewhere suitable.”

At Se-ho’s suggestion, the group decided to take a moment to regroup and entered a suitable room.

“Were all four of you together?”

Tae-ram asked, looking around at everyone after being healed by Fran, while Kairan gulped down the potion he’d dug through Se-ho’s bag.

“No. I was with Amil, and we met the prince and Fran later on.” 

“You didn’t do anything dangerous, did you?”

Kairan flinched at the prodding and looked away from Tae-ram’s gaze as he stammered. Amil, who was behind him organizing artifacts and potions, saw Kairan’s flinching and made an excuse for him.

“It was a little dangerous, but Mr. Kairan used some great magic and took care of all the monsters!” 

“Took care of the monsters? How?”

Kairan, who quickly regained his composure as Tae-ram showed signs of admiration, bragged. 

“I herded them together and dropped them down to the bottom. I don’t know when they’ll crawl out, but I bought us some time. I did good, didn’t I?”

With a twinkle in his eye, Kairan leaned forward and stuck his head into Tae-ram’s as if seeking praise. Tae-ram stroked his hair as gently as he could, just as he had hoped. As he stroked the soft hair, he suddenly had a question.

“Wait a minute. If Kairan went with Amil….”

Automatically, Se-ho said that he had gone out with Fran. Tae-ram’s expression turned puzzled. No matter how he slices it, it’s a disaster. Shouldn’t they have gotten together? Tae-ram glanced up and down at Se-ho, who was resting on the railing, seemingly unharmed.

“What is it?”

Feeling Tae-ram’s gaze, Se-ho turned his head toward Tae-ram. As far as he could see, he was his usual self. He doesn’t think Fran would have said it was a one-sided fight, but he’ll have to check. He pushed aside Kairan, who was leaning against him and approached Fran.

“What’s the matter? Is something bothering you, Tae-ram?” 

Fran, who had just finished healing Lucias, greeted him. 

“No… I was just wondering if you were hurt.”

It wasn’t a complete lie, as Tae-ram had come to make sure that Se-ho and Fran hadn’t fought, but he was also worried that he might have gotten hurt.

“I’m fine, I got a little lost along the way because of the self-righteous prince, but I managed to get here.”

“I’m glad to hear that, but….” 

“Thank you for your concern.”

At the bright smile on Fran’s face, one that showed he was genuinely pleased, Tae-ram smiled back. Yeah. He guess he was overreacting since neither Se-ho nor Fran is a child. 

They still bicker. But he thinks they’re getting along now.

Tae-ram relaxed, thinking of things that would have horrified Se-ho and Fran if they knew.

* * *

“I haven’t told you this before, but I have a spirit-like being helping me. It’s a little yellow bird, and I think it’s only visible to me, and I’m grateful for the information it’s been giving me about this world, but anyway, according to the spirit, the demon we have to deal with has special abilities. I think we’d better be more careful than in a normal battle, and I don’t want you all to get hurt. Ever.”

Once he was satisfied that everyone had recovered somewhat, he gathered them all together and told them about the demon. At first, he was calm, but his last words were tinged with sobs. Amil and Kairan shook their heads in disbelief, while Se-ho and Lucias, who were somewhat aware of Tae-ram’s troubles, looked confused. 

Finally, Fran had a strange smile on his face.

“You must be very worried about us. Don’t worry, Tae-ram. It’ll be over soon.”

Fran’s words seemed comforting at first glance, but something was chilling about them. Unfortunately, no one else felt it.

“That’s right. When it’s all over, let’s go get something to eat.” 

“Go back to the palace and I’ll prepare a feast!”

The clueless Kairan and Amil chimed in. 

“Tae-ram. I will protect you.”

Se-ho, playing the prince for what might be the last time. Tae-ram stared at Se-ho for a long moment.

“What’s wrong, senior?”

Se-ho whispered as he approached Tae-ram, who hadn’t moved. 

“Nothing, it’s just that the end is near, and I’m freaking out.”

“It’ll be okay, Lucias said he’s on board.”

“Lucias told you that.”

“There’s something I want to tell you. Please listen to me when it’s all over.” 

“Okay. When it’s all over.”

Tae-ram forced a smile. When this battle was over, he would have to make the choice he’d been putting off. No matter how much he thought about it, there were only two options. Lucias’ sacrifice, or….

“Thank you. Thank you all. Shall we go?”

The group opened the door to a large, demonic chamber.

* * *

Upon entering the room, they were greeted by a demon seated on a throne adorned with gold and jewels. It was cleaner than any other room in the demon castle they had visited so far, and at least several dozen times as large.

Tae-ram surmised that this was probably where Lucias had originally been staying. He glanced at Lucias and saw the longing in his eyes.

“After all, you’ve come all the way here. I’ll let you think you were happy to die at the hands of a monster.” 

The demon stepped down from his throne and swung his sword a few times as if testing something. His gesture was light. A long, deep crack appeared on the floor.

“He’s suddenly incredibly strong. Is that the power Tae-ram was talking about?”

“From the aura, I think it’s stronger than a Green Dragon, or maybe even….” 

Agreeing with Kairan’s words, Fran didn’t finish his sentence.

“Amil. You stay out of the way and protect Tae-ram.” 

“Understood.”

Amil took Tae-ram and ducked into the back, and the battle began.

Se-ho and Lucias slashed with their sheathed swords. The demon simply parried their swords, then suddenly disappeared before everyone’s eyes.

“Where is it?”

“To the right!”

Lucias blocked the demon’s sword for a flustered Se-ho. 

“I’m sorry.”

Recovering his senses, Se-ho tightened his grip on his sword. 

“Human subject!”

The demon swung again at Se-ho and Lucias. The powerful blades clashed with a deafening roar. It was a two-on-one battle, but the demon didn’t back down.

“Fran! What are you doing!”

Se-ho shouted at the top of his lungs. 

“I’m doing it too!”

“Hang in there, both of you, I’m going to give you a big one!”

Kairan gripped his staff, chanting a long incantation, and Fran stood beside him, assisting him in his control.

“Prince, Lucias, get out of the way!”

Kairan shouted as soon as the powerful spell was ready. Se-ho and Lucias quickly stepped aside. The next moment, a huge fireball shot toward the demons as fast as a breath.

“Boom, you remnant!”

The demon barely managed to shrug off the magic and quickly counterattacked. The demon fired a radial blast of sword energy at the four of them, but Fran’s shield was up just in time.

“We can’t hold out much longer, the shield is about to break, you’re on your own!”

The shield broke almost as soon as Fran finished speaking. The four went their separate ways to attack the demons.

“Prince, where’s the potion?”

“Amil has it!”

Kairan’s magic was so powerful that he was able to dodge the demons’ attacks, and he came to Amil and Tae-ram’s side to replenish his mana with the potion. Amil and Tae-ram eagerly uncapped the potion and handed it to Kairan.

“Be careful.”

“Don’t worry. We still have some time! I’ll take yours too, Fran.”

After reassuring a nervous Tae-ram with a cute smile, Kairan grabbed Fran’s share of the potion and returned to the battle.

“Fran, take it!”

“Thank you!” 

“Alright!”

Fran, who had been casting support magic on Se-ho and Lucias, switched places with Kairan and began drinking the potion in a hurry. Despite Fran’s diligence in casting supportive spells, the two of them were still suffering from minor wounds here and there. Swords of vicious energy tore and sliced through the air. It was clear that a single blow would be fatal.

“Oh, no.”

“We’ll be fine, Mr. Tae-ram. I think we have more soldiers on our side.”

“Yeah.”

Watching the four of them battle, Tae-ram wanted to close his eyes for the moment, but Amil’s presence at his side kept him steady.

“Hellfire!”

Kairan’s shout was answered by the sight of a volcanic plume of magma, blackened where his magic had passed. The explosion, much larger than the one earlier, seemed to have hit the demon pretty hard. Seeing that the attack had reached the demon, Kairan shouted.

“Now!”

The demon hesitated for a moment, and then as if in a flash of light, Se-ho sliced through his arms and into his chest. Blood dripped out with a gurgling sound.

“Ugh!”

Lucias then swung his sword at the tormented demon. His sword drew a beautiful curve, though it was filled with flesh and contained a dangerous aura. The next moment, there was a terrible sound of a body part falling off with a snap. The demon let out one of its most pitiful screams ever and stepped back, clutching its severed arm.

“How dare you abandon us!”

The demon’s eyes flashed with deep anger. He lunged at Lucias, sword in hand, with his remaining arm, and the two of them engaged in a fierce battle. It was so fast that Se-ho could only watch, unable to rush forward.

For a demon in a frenzy, Lucias was calmly parrying his attacks. And finally, the balance was broken. Lucias dodged the demon’s blow with all his might, and as it staggered for a moment from the deflection, Lucias plunged his sword into it.

“I’ll keep pushing.”

Watching from the sidelines, Se-ho struck the final blow, and the demon’s body collapsed in a heap. On the ground, it coughed up blood and howled.

“Demon… Demon King. If you were me, you would name me….”

The demon never got to finish its last words, and was reduced to ashes in an instant. The gray, ashy remains of the demon scattered helplessly in the slightest breeze. There was no trace left of his presence.

The four who had been engaged in combat, as well as Tae-ram and Amil, who had been watching anxiously from behind, could only stand there dumbfounded for a moment.

As far as they were concerned, the demons had left quickly, and the group was safe. But Tae-ram wasn’t happy at all; he was haunted by the demon’s unfinished business. His last words were incomplete, but his meaning was clear.

The demon had only wanted his name, a simple, small wish. He blamed Lucias, but in truth, Tae-ram thought, he was the one at fault. No one else in this place thought so, but at least Tae-ram did. It was a name he hadn’t given himself, not Lucias.

Slowly, as they recovered their strength, their comrades flocked to him one by one, like bees to the scent of flowers. For them, the most comfortable place to be was by his side. Even though he was a non-combatant, he was the party’s spiritual leader, its moral compass.

As a member of the party, he was still frozen. Or, more accurately, he was overloaded with too many thoughts. Having gotten over his feelings about the demons, he was faced with a crucial choice.

What to do now? He can’t let Lucias die, but if he does nothing, he won’t be able to fill the pages, and this world will fall apart, and Fran and Kairan will be very sad when he dies, but if he goes that route, he’ll have to worry about Se-ho this time.…

Before Tae-ram had time to organize his thoughts, Lucias collapsed with a dull thud in front of him. 

“Lucias!”

Tae-ram rushed to Lucias on the floor and examined his condition, a deep sword wound carved into his chest. He was going to bleed to death at this rate.

“What the hell is going on!” 

“The wound is too deep. There’s no time.”

Lucias said in a faint voice that sounded as if it might break at any moment. Blood trickled from the corner of his contorted mouth.

“Don’t, don’t speak!”

“I may be cruel to you, but….”

Lucias placed a small dagger in Tae-ram’s hand. The cold touch of the sword. Tae-ram felt it in his gut. Lucias had done this for him. Part of him had allowed the demon to attack. It looked like a wound from their last confrontation.

“You did it on purpose, didn’t you, because I-I don’t get to choose….” 

“I was going to end it anyway.”

“That doesn’t mean you should do something stupid like this….”

“Don’t be sad, Tae-ram. I’ll do something about it. Lian’s grace to you!”

But Lucias’ condition didn’t change a bit. Fran repeatedly used his healing abilities but to no avail.

“I was wrong. The healing is not working at all.”

As Fran shook his head, Tae-ram felt his heart sink.

Could it be that the wounds from the irregulars were too deep to heal? Was Lucias going to die at this rate? The tears he thought he’d held back earlier threatened to come again.

“I’ll try. Heal, heal, heal!” 

“I’ll pour the potion!”

Kairan and Amil tried, but nothing worked. Se-ho stood beside him, patting him on the back as if to comfort him.

The meaningless healing continued, and the mood of the group grew heavier and heavier until Fran approached the bowed head.

“Tae-ram, isn’t there any way to save Lucias? What if we try summoning a spirit?”

“Spirit?”

“Earlier, you mentioned something about ‘irregulars,’ right? You also have extraordinary abilities, Tae-ram.”

“I…”

“If you stay here, Tae-ram, everything will be resolved. Is there a need to return to the original world with no memories?”

Tae-ram couldn’t figure out how the hell Fran knew about memories, but his words shook him. There was a second way, a way that didn’t require Lucias to sacrifice himself.

“There is a way, though I’m not sure.”

Tae-ram had a feeling that even if he went back to his world, he would regret it. The look on Lucias’ face, which grew paler and paler with each passing moment, strengthened his resolve.

He kept thinking. If he uses all of his memories, all of his powers, if he uses all of them, he can maintain this world, and even if he becomes something he’s not in the process, it might not be such a losing proposition if everyone is safe.

Tae-ram finally made up his mind and spoke quietly. With all his worries resolved, his face looked very relaxed.

“Yellow, come out.”

[You only call me when you need me, it’s so frustrating.]

A fat-looking Yellow appeared in front of Tae-ram’s eyes. For some reason, it reminded him of when he first came to this world, and he was very surprised to see it, but now he just thought it was cute.

“It’s the last time, so please look at it.” 

[What does that mean?]

Tae-ram’s uncharacteristically calm expression puzzled Yellow. 

“Force. Call the administrator of this world.”

[I don’t think that’s a good idea.]

“I’ve already made up my mind. I will save Lucias and this world.” 

[It’s not possible. Everything is almost over, why are you doing this?]

“I know. I know, but I don’t want to do it this way.”

[Tae-ram… No!]

“I’ve already decided, I’ll give you what’s left of my memories, my existence, everything!”

As Tae-ram finished speaking, Yellow’s aura changed, his body began to glow, and the books of Tae-ram and Se-ho were summoned to the sky. The two books unfolded of their own accord and faced each other.

It radiated an intense light. A holy glow enveloped him. He felt his body float away. When he awoke, he was floating in midair.

[I know your origins, I know them well.]

The yellow creature spoke in a tasteless tone and wore a cold expression. It certainly didn’t look like the creature that had been wailing and flapping a moment ago. Tae-ram felt compelled to use respect.

“Are you a being?”

[Yes. I and this world are the product of wishful thinking. The tiny belief that there was a place, somewhere, brought us to life. You, the child with the shard of possibility. Do you wish to bring this world back to life?]

“Please save Lucias and this world. Ah! And also, please return Se-ho to the original world.” 

[Alright. If I combine the memories you have left and the new memories you’ve made in this world, I can create a new world. I will send the child you care about to the original world. In exchange, you will become a doll bound to this world, losing your sense of self forever. Are you still okay with that?]

“It’s okay. I’m still fine with it. There will indeed be regrets, but the journey with everyone was enjoyable, and this world has become precious to me too.”

Tae-ram replied without hesitation.

“I’m giving up my memories, right? It won’t be painful, will it?”

[Do not worry. You will simply return to the light.]

It’s a doll… He wondered if he was becoming a robot Tae-ram, like the one in Kairan’s vision, and what did Se-ho mean when he said when the battle was over? Tae-ram felt his consciousness slipping away, and he slowly faded into the light.

* * *

While Tae-ram was surrounded by light and bargaining with the Force, below, Se-ho was desperately trying to save him.

“Senior Tae-ram! No!”

The prince’s mask had completely fallen off, but that was probably for the best now. Se-ho called out for Tae-ram, sending sword energy into the air. He knew it wouldn’t do any good, but he couldn’t stop.

Lucias’ sacrifice didn’t make him feel better, but he still wanted to return to the original world with Tae-ram, and he felt that all he could do was watch Lucias’ last breath with Tae-ram. That’s how it was going to end.

Fran’s urging made him change his mind. 

“Shit!”

Se-ho was preparing for a stronger attack when he called out, 

“Lord Lian. Give us light to bind our enemies!” 

Fran said, binding Se-ho with magic.

“Let go! Do you realize what you’ve done?”

“Do not disturb me. Tae-ram has always been sorry for us in his dreams, and this is for him….”

Se-ho couldn’t hear the rest of Fran’s words. It was all bullshit anyway. If it was a dream, did that mean Fran was the cause of the nightmares he was having?

Se-ho shouted, struggling to break free of Fran’s spell.

“Do you have any idea how much pain you’ve caused him?” 

“He wanted to stay here on his own.”

Even as he said that, Fran muttered in a small voice, as if to himself. ‘If he’s a senior who doesn’t remember you, are you okay with that?’

He couldn’t say anything.

“Tell me, Tae-ram. It’s the choice you made. We don’t know what will happen after this, but you will certainly lose all your memories. Then, you won’t be a senior anymore!”

“To be honest, I’m not sure anymore. Even though Tae-ram will stay here forever when he opens his eyes, I strangely don’t feel happy about it.”

Suddenly, Fran’s spell was broken. Without hesitation, Se-ho lunged at Fran and punched him in the face.

“I thought I was going to get stabbed, but it’s a fist, so back off.” 

Se-ho was about to give Fran another punch when he withdrew his hand.

“If it weren’t for you, maybe he would have made that choice.”

In truth, Se-ho knew. He loved this world he’d created.

“Would I have done anything differently if I were in your shoes?”

Most of all, Se-ho thought, he would have been just as obsessed as Fran. He had no confidence that he wouldn’t do something like this. In any case, there was nothing he could do now. Dejected, Se-ho sank to the floor in a heap.

“Tae-ram… Tae-ram… What can I do?”

* * *

The prince is in despair. The look of despair on his face made Fran realize that it was the end.

“The Tae-ram I knew is disappearing.”

Tae-ram was an emotional person who was never tiring to watch. He was someone who could rejoice in the smallest things. He had a beautiful smile. He was a kind person who noticed small changes in himself and asked if he was okay.

He was a courageous person who could make sacrifices that not everyone could. He was a very loving person, and he liked him for that.

Fran’s heart was pounding so much that it hurt, and he held his chest tightly. Looking up, Tae-ram was still enveloped in light. Seeing him like that made Fran feel like he had made a big mistake. Everything felt frustrating. This wasn’t what he truly wished for.

“Why did I realize it at this moment?”

Fran’s head was down, but he could see the determination in his eyes. If it wasn’t too late, he wanted to take it all back.

“Lord Lian. Or anyone, for that matter, please tell me how to save Tae-ram!

It was then. A yellow bird appeared before Fran’s eyes. Fran thought it must be the spirit of which Tae-ram had spoken.

[I know your origins well.]

“Are you the spirit Tae-ram spoke of?”

[I am the force that maintains this world. I am not the spirit he spoke of.]

“That’s good. You know how to save Tae-ram, don’t you? I’d do anything for that.”

[An interesting child, you are a part of the fabric of the world, but you are also deeply connected to a child who carries a shard of possibility.]

Fran wasn’t sure, but he could tell that the child with the shard of possibility was Tae-ram. He’s glad to be connected to him in the midst of all this.

“I feel truly helpless. But if I can be of any help to Tae-ram, even in this state, can I do it?” 

[If you give up all your memories, it is possible. To put it simply, it means the annihilation of your existence.] 

“Please do it.”

There was no fear in Fran’s voice. He was happy that there was something he could do for Tae-ram.

[Good. As you wish.]

Fran closed his eyes in silence. If he had one regret, it was that he wanted to see him one more time.

“No! I’ll split the price with him! If Fran disappears, there won’t be anyone to play with. Above all, Tae-ram will be sad.”

Kairan stepped in front of Fran.

“Even though Tae-ram wanted it, I didn’t try to know anything. So, I regret it a lot. If there’s a chance to undo that mistake, I want to do it.”

“Kairan…”

Fran’s eyes were moist with water. But while he was touched, an unexpected person stepped forward. It was Se-ho.

“I’ll join you, too, because I can’t get my revenge if you’re gone.”

Fran felt tears welling up in his eyes, and yet his heart filled with a fullness he’d never felt before. Kairan and Se-ho each had their reasons, the biggest one being Tae-ram, but they saved him anyway. He remembered the words Tae-ram had said to him.

Is this what friends are for? For some reason, Fran felt so embarrassed by what he had just thought, that he snapped at Se-ho unnecessarily.

“I don’t like this guy to the end.”

“It’s not for you, it’s for him. I don’t want to see him sad anymore either.”

“I’ve been meaning to tell you this for a while, but I’m older than you.” 

“If you want to be treated like an adult, you can take your morning poison….” 

“You’re not going to die anyway.”

“If it weren’t for your seniority, you would have died at my hands a long time ago.” 

“Who do you think would die so easily?”

“I don’t know, but you two have gotten incredibly close, and I’m sure Tae-ram will be happy to have you back.”

After a moment of thought as the three of them bickered, including Kairan, the force finally spoke up.

[The result of combining your existences has been determined. Are you willing to listen?] 

The three of them nodded silently.

“Se-ho, you will lose the memories of this place. All the relationships you formed here will disappear.”

“Including my relationship with Senior?”

[Yes. You will return to the beginning. Will you be okay with that?]

Se-ho’s eyes darkened. The thought of losing his memories of this place was like going back to the old days when they had been at odds, and if that happened, even his heart would be useless.

Still, he’s always liked him, and he’s sure they can be as close as they are now again, even if it takes time.

“It doesn’t matter.”

Se-ho replied to Force, suppressing his anxiety.

[Kairan. You will lose ten thousand years’ worth of memory, and no one you know will remember you.]

“My family won’t remember me either, but that’s okay, it’s worth it.”

Looking at the determined Kairan, Se-ho, and Fran felt like he was an adult for the first time.

[Fran, you will lose your childhood, your divine powers, and your memories of your priest, but will you be okay with that?]

Fran suddenly remembered the gentle smile of the priest who had taken care of him.

Tae-ram. There was also someone who was like family to him. If he had known a little earlier, it would have been better. Then, he wouldn’t have felt such a heavy burden of guilt towards him…

“It’s okay.”

Fran hid his regret and replied to Force.

[It’s good. I have no problem with you reshaping the world with the power of your shared existence. But the memories of the child who held the shards of possibility have already been divided.]

The Force flapped its wings, creating a gate that led to an unknown destination. 

[It will be up to you to reclaim it.]

The three entered without hesitation.

* * *

Lucias opened his eyes and immediately felt a strong sense of disorientation. All of his wounds had healed. Looking around, he couldn’t see where everyone had gone. The only one left was Amil, sleeping on the floor with a happy expression on his face.

“What the hell….”

A yellow bird flew over to the confused Lucias. Lucias tensed at the unusual energy he felt coming from its tiny body. It was a feeling of power he hadn’t felt since he was a full-fledged demon.

“Who are you?”

[I am the power that maintains this world. The child with the shard of possibility calls me the administrator of this world.]

“Administrator? Where are the others?”

[They left to find the memories of the child you call Tae-ram, who chose to sacrifice himself for you and this world.]

“I see. A very Tae-ram-like choice. Is there anything I can do about it?”

[That is your choice. Tell me of your strong origin, for I, too, have been drawn to it….]

“The journey was enjoyable. It was the second happiness I felt in my long and dull life. So, I hope they will be happy too.”

Lucias smiled his brightest smile yet.