Chapter Text
There’s a beat of silence before Basen speaks.
"Hyung-nim, there's no reason why I can't go," Basen says.
Cale almost lets out a scoff in response.
'No reason my ass.'
There are plenty of reasons why Basen absolutely can’t go. Or more specifically, one reason and three people.
The reason is simple; there will be a bombing. And, naturally, with the destruction that stems from bombs, death will follow like a leech.
He couldn't let Basen witness something like that. He should, no, all of them should remain innocent and unharmed.
This time, he'll protect those he should've protected all along.
And to do that, he needs to make a deal with Alberu, Choi Han and Ron. Sooner than later, of course, because Ron will disappear after recognizing Arm, and Cale needs every bit of time to gain their trust to stop Arm.
To stop or negate the bombing. To keep Ron from leaving, and to stop Arm…
It's critical that he goes and makes connections with them.
That's why.
"Father. We're already in severe debt." Deruth flinches, but Cale pays it no attention.
"We can't wait even longer. Our debt will get worse, and who knows if the marriage will happen if we postpone it."
Deruth's grip on his hands tightens. His expression is complicated, but Cale sees the defeat in his eyes.
He turns his gaze to Violan. Her face is as stoic as ever, but it only takes one look into her eyes for Cale to assess her thoughts.
Although her face may be stoic, her eyes expressed everything else.
"...You may go, but only if you have servants and a comfortable carriage," Violan sternly tells Cale.
Cale almost wants to laugh. She tells him that, but there are few servants remaining. Only the most loyal have stayed, and even then most work somewhere else to make a living.
However, he does not voice his thoughts.
Cale nods, "Of course. Only the best."
Despite their lack of funds, they still had carriages befitting a noble family.
Violan's face stays stoic, but he sees the small quirk of her lips.
Although it took a little bit, it looked like Cale would be going after all.
“Cale, focus on recovering. Your father will take care of the rest.” Deruth pats Cale’s hands and stands up.
He ignores the small warmth squeezing at his heart.
"Okay."
He might not plan on resting as long as they’d like, though.
Unaware of such thoughts, they all leave with a sense of satisfaction in their hearts.
However.
The moment they leave, Cale changes. Whatever energy he had mustered up now seeps out of his body, leaving nothing exhaustion.
He's thought about it many times, but it truly was tiring to be in a different body. He expects to see muscle and scars, but instead sees slim and unblemished skin.
Cale had liked his scars. They were a mark of survival, a sign that he suffered and lived to tell the tale.
Although now that he had been betrayed by the White Star, Cale couldn't bring himself to miss the ones he got from working for him. All those scars just meant that he was too naive, too easily tricked.
Although he missed his previous muscles. This body was fit, but there was no way in hell that it would keep up in war or in the fight against Arm.
Right now, his strength is average at best. Like this, forget going against the White Star, he'd struggle fighting against Arm's grunts.
Cale needs to get stronger. It isn't enough to ride on other people's strength and hope for the best.
'...After the bombing.'
After the bombing, he'll have to focus on gathering his strength and forces.
It's annoying to have to build back his strength, but it'll all be worth it when he sees the White Star crumble in despair.
Just thinking about it brings a smile to his face. Everything will be worth it when he can see that bastard die.
For a moment, Cale wonders if anyone was able to see that sight after he died, or if the White Star won after all.
Although the latter was the greatest possibility, he truly wished that the White Star suffered a death befitting for the betraying, manipulative bastard he is.
Cale unconsciously clenches his fist, energy sparkling within his eyes. If the people in his previous life failed, then he would have to pay that bastard back for everything ten-fold.
There could not be any failures in doing so, because going against the White Star is a huge gamble; play your cards right, you'll win. But if you do anything wrong, or if you can't predict the enemy's next move, it's a one-way ticket to losing everything.
That's why, only today, he would let himself rest. He couldn't do anything with this sick body, after all. But tomorrow…
Tomorrow is the day that he'll finally act.
—-----------
There are dead bodies everywhere. Perhaps it's to be expected of a battlefield, but there are none who wear a star on their uniform.
Only those who wear a plain soldier's uniform, the crest of the kingdoms that united together, and a broken crown lie on the ground; dead.
No, it wouldn't be accurate to call this a battlefield.
This was a massacre.
Choi Han grits his teeth, ignoring the broken bodies of his comrades. There was no time to grieve right now.
The White Star blocks another of his attacks with that damn shield of his. Choi Han increases his aura, slashing at it with every ounce of strength he has, but the shield does not break.
No matter what, the shield will not break.
The shield comes at him again, and he tries to gather up his aura again, to muster up the energy to fight…
But nothing comes.
'Failure, how can you save people if you aren't strong enough to fight through the exhaustion?'
Choi Han rolls out of the shield's way just as it slams against the ground.
As soon as he dodges, a lightning bolt comes dangerously close to striking him. Then hundreds more, striking through the sky in rapid succession at him, as if the gods themselves were angry.
Although he dodges a few, Choi Han is only human. He doesn't have the speed to avoid all of it, so it goes like this; he dodges one, but another hits him right after. He does not stop to worry about the way his body burns, or the pain blossoming against his skin, no, not until his body finally fails.
It's ironic that he collapses in front of the White Star, his sword shakily reaching up to stab him in the neck. So close, yet never able to reach.
"What an amazing scene," the White Star comments, "the hero of the Raon kingdom, now lying at my feet."
He kicks the sword from Choi Han's grasp easily, and crouches down. A wide, sickening smile appears on his face.
"Did you know? A measly sword like that couldn't have killed me," the White Star grasps Choi Han's chin, "no matter how many times you try to kill me… I always come back. You've been fighting for nothing."
Choi Han did not know what expression he has right now. He didn't even know what he was feeling. But his expression is one that makes the White Star laugh, so he immediately tries to make his face blank.
"All of these people, dying for nothing. All because you wanted to play the hero."
The White Star releases his chin and Choi Han falls, his body no longer able to support itself. He can't even move his fist, can't do anything but watch that bastard walk away to kill precious, innocent people.
And it hits him, and he can't help the nausea that builds up within his throat.
'You failed.'
Choi Han had… failed.
'You'll always be a monster who can only kill.'
He couldn't save the people he loves, or innocent civilians. Even if he saved some, there were always casualties.
No matter how hard he tried, people always died, and their haunted eyes would forever be engraved on his mind.
Maybe Choi Han was never meant to save. Maybe he'd forever be the monster in the Forest of Darkness, doing anything just to survive for another day.
He wants to let out a bitter smile, because a few years ago a thought like that would have him reeling, but now…
He feels nothing.
Choi Han can't help but wonder when this emptiness started. He remembers that, at first, he had a burning rage and a taste for vengeance towards Arm, but…
When did that feeling disappear? When did he start feeling so empty, like all of his emotions have disappeared?
Was it when Pendrick died? Or when he saw the dead bodies of his loved ones in the midst of ally soldiers, bodies crooked and eyes lifeless-
"Ugh!"
Something, no, a weapon… he's been stabbed in the chest, Choi Han faintly thinks.
His body feels as if someone has shoved hot coals into his chest, no, it feels as if someone had lit his chest on fire, forever burning without an end-
Choi Han lets out a gasp, ugly and pain-filled. He'd been stabbed before, but it had never felt so painful-!
"Hmm? Did you put poison on your sword?" The White Star mumbles.
Choi Han flinches as Ron's voice fills his head.
'Listen up, you punk. This poison is enough to kill 5 humans, so don't you dare waste it.'
He can't help but scoff at the irony. Ron, who at first wanted to kill him for having the scent of Arm…
Even if it were merely his poison that kills him, it looks like his earlier wish is coming true.
Choi Han, whose blood is pouring out of his mouth and body is shutting down, is finally dying.
'...Do you want to destroy everything? Arm, the White Star, those who made you suffer so much?'
What an odd question. But, even so, he knows what his answer is. What it has been since that day he lost his family and home too many times to count, since meeting so many amazing and terrible people…
He wants to destroy the White Star and Arm forever.
Chills go down Choi Han's spine. It feels as if something is slivering through his body, something dark and slimy, slowly going towards his heart-
'I'll grant your wish.'
And everything goes dark.
Everything is dark, but his skin doesn't burn and he can breathe, and his body feels lighter than it has in decades.
Choi Han can't help but think that he wants to stay here forever. The war had taken a toll on him, much more than he would've admitted to his friends.
It was… tiring. To be the commander and bear the responsibility of ensuring people's lives and their victory.
Even so, he could not voice such thoughts. Not in front of his friends or the soldiers who were working so hard without a single complaint.
So, Choi Han carried on with this heaviness in his chest.
Throughout the years, his desire to save people kept him going, and the simple fact that Choi Han is strong, while they are not. Who would step up if not him? An innocent noble who is in it for glory, only to see the horrors of war and to run away?
It was simply something that could not happen. So Choi Han had to fight, winning to lose, killing to save, living a life so full of contradictions that he no longer knew where to stand.
He didn't know who he was anymore. A commander? A monster? A killer?
…Could he even be considered human anymore?
He closed his eyes. Choi Han would wander later, but right now, exhaustion is pulling at his body, and he can't bother to resist.
A hand grabs his chin. Wearily, Choi Han opens his eyes, but can't see anything but a hazy figure. Somehow, they felt… familiar.
He didn't have time to think further, because the other hand grabs his head. He thinks he should resist, but for some reason, Choi Han cannot move.
"This is going to hurt," The voice warns. That's all the warning he gets before it feels as if a million wasps are buzzing in his brain, stinging with any chance they could get.
'Han-ah, you're really amazing!'
Ah… what is this?
'You'd be an amazing teacher.'
Memories… memories of his family are replaying. They're clear. Clearer than anything his imagination of them could ever do.
'Aigoo, this is 'a.' Say it like 'ah.' Got it?"
Something is squeezing painfully at Choi Han's chest. Seeing Harris Village alive and well, and the faces of his second family…
It hurt. He wants to reach out and say so many things, but his body can't move and no words escape, and Choi Han is forced to watch memories flash by.
'Hyung, Noona, Pendrick, Ron, Beacrox and so many different people are my family.'
Lock, still an innocent child. A child who he should've protected instead of forcing him onto the battlefield, instead of letting his happiness wither away and die-
'What is it, you punk?'
Although it was a nickname Ron made to poke at him, Choi Han, who would use to grumble and glare at him, now can only watch with a bitter heart.
Reminiscing was too painful.
'It is interesting to spar with you.'
'Isn't it peaceful?'
'It's better to live freely.'
Beacrox, his highness, Rosalyn…
He resists the urge to close his eyes. Although reminiscing was painful, these sights were too precious to pass up, especially since…
This sudden sensation of blankness overtakes his mind. Since… Choi Han can't remember why.
He wonders why he was trying to burn this sight so diligently in his mind when they'll be there when he opens his eyes?
That's right. There's no need for the pain in his heart. His family will be waiting for him, so…
Why does it feel like his heart will be torn apart by grief?
He clenches at his heart, gasping as the sensation of something leaving his body overtakes any other senses.
However, instead of it being painful, it felt as if his shoulders were lighter, and the despair in his heart had disappeared.
Choi Han finally opens his eyes. The sunlight temporarily blinds him, but his senses are enough to tell him that he is finally home.
His parents and siblings, Rosalyn, Lock, Alberu, so many people. He felt oddly happy to see them.
Somehow, it felt like his nightmarish hell had finally ended.
—-----------
Meanwhile, for Cale, it felt as if a nightmarish hell had just started.
He felt as if he had just drank a hundred, no, a thousand lemonades, and didn't drink water for weeks.
"Have you been well?"
And the source of this feeling is in front of him, expression relaxed but posture uptight.
Although it was through a communication device… Cale could not stop the shivers that ran through his body.
The body and mind will never forget.
'Damn it.'
He wouldn't be like this if he had time to prepare himself for the sudden call. It was a surprise for the device to start ringing so late at night, and he was too tired to prepare himself.
He couldn't even think as the mage working for the White Star burst into his room to connect him, and it wasn't until the White Star was in front of him that he realized what was happening.
"I have," Cale said.
Was that too little information? It felt too off to talk to the White Star when all he wants to do now is rip his head off.
Cale quickly rid himself of such thoughts.
It would be troublesome if he accidently let his thoughts and distaste show on his face, so Cale hurriedly speaks again.
"My preparations are going well. I still have the devices you gave me and-"
A hand stops him from speaking further.
"Enough. I trust you. You've never failed me after all these years," The White Star said.
Even though he said that with warmth in his eyes, Cale heard an unspoken warning.
'Do not betray or fail me.'
He almost wanted to scoff. He wondered how, as he grew from a naive child to a full-grown adult, he never caught on to…
Cale forces his face to brighten.
"I'll still work hard," He spoke energetically.
No, it isn't like Cale is blind as to why.
The White Star's lips twitch, as if watching an amusing bug.
A child who latched onto the one person offering comfort and support in a time of need would always want to believe in them and their words.
"Yes, yes," The White Star pauses, but then speaks again, "But make sure you don't get sick so soon again," the White Star says.
'Hmm?'
To where they would ignore the signs and continue to look at them with rose-colored glasses.
Those words that he just spoke. Cale had no memory of telling him that he's sick.
'This bastard really…'
Unintentionally, Cale's eyes sharpen. They are not eyes that fit the sheepish smile on his face.
"Do I look that sick?"
Cale makes sure to soften his eyes and scratch his forehead as the White Star takes a moment to consider him.
He couldn't help but wonder if that bastard noticed anything. The thought makes him tense, but Cale is quick to squish it down.
"Yes. Your complexion is terrible," He says.
'Utter bullshit.' The tenseness he worked so hard to get rid of is coming back full force.
There are no lights, and Cale's sure that his figure is shrouded by the night. It would be like finding a needle in a haystack to notice his complexion.
"Ah, I see. I'll make sure my sickness doesn't get in the way of the King's birthday."
"Make sure that it doesn't." The White Star then adds on, "there's nothing else to discuss. Get better before the king's birthday."
Cale can only nod before the communication device shuts off, and he's plunged into complete darkness.
"...Fuck."
He was so preoccupied with being sick and thinking about his family and future events that the possibility of more spies completely slipped his mind.
"What a stupid mistake."
Of course there would be spies. A bastard as meticulous as the White Star wouldn't give up the chance to plant spies and spread his influence.
Cale was naive. Now that he's thinking about it, it's glaringly obvious that aside from Beacrox and Ron, the rest aren't staying out of loyalty towards them, but towards the White Star.
The attendants who are at his family's side nearly everyday.
The servants who come only to clean.
…All jobs where it would be easy to snoop and get information. All positions that none have left, although have stepped back from.
'...Ron and Beacrox.'
He's sure they're spying on them as well. Spying on the Molan family, while at the same time gathering information on him and on the noble world.
Cale exhales sharply. He wants to go to his father and demand they be fired right away, but-
"Count-nim, it is our duty to serve you. You all saved us from terrible things, so please let us repay you."
But he could never do so without a reason. They work without pay, and do their jobs flawlessly. Like this, Cale has no reason to get rid of them.
A thought crossed his mind at that moment.
"...Accidents happen," He mumbles.
Cale might not be able to get rid of them, but the world and coincidences certainly could.
Cale's head spins with possibilities.
Yes, they died after accompanying him to the capital. Bandits ambushed them and they lost a few people. The bombing killed the rest, despite their best efforts to stop it. Some died from injuries while others on impact.
Tragically, all the servants except for Ron and Beacrox were killed.
Doesn't it seem like the perfect story? Of course, it would seem slightly suspicious, but with so many deaths and the reveal of Arm, it would be quickly overshadowed.
Cale's lips raise. Even though he despises the White Star, he had learned quite a bit from him.
There was no such thing as mercy towards your enemies.
Cale thought back to the hidden magic bombs and communication devices, and a smile that anyone would call villainous appears.
"Heh."
The White Star had already provided him with ammunition to do just that.
All he needs is a mage to do it. Specifically, a royal mage who gave up on the throne to become a mage and eventually the Magic tower's leader.
'It's ironic.' Even though Rosalyn gave everything up for her dream and even made a deal with Choi Han to help her…
Rosalyn never did achieve it. Instead of becoming the liege of the magic tower, she became the vice commander of the Raon kingdom.
It couldn't be helped. The war took priority, and with the magic towers being taken control by the White Star, she didn't stand a chance to become one.
Too much power truly is a terrible thing when it's in the wrong hands, Cale absentmindedly thinks.
He really wants to hurry up and take it all away from him. However, to do that, Cale needs to start small.
Too big of steps, and he'll be noticed. Small, baby steps that lay the foundation for the future are better for this type of situation.
That's why, the next day, Cale heads towards the tea shop run by Billos, the bastard of the Flynn family.
Of course, it took quite a lot of convincing and negotiating to go. His family…
'Cale. You're still sick. Are you sure you're going to be okay?"
"If you need anything, just ask. We can get it for you right away."
Cale feels like sighing at the memory. Despite insisting that he was fine and that he's recovered enough…
'All I got was sympathetic faces and misunderstandings.' Even when he was trying to clear it up, it only got worse.
"Hyung-nim, please rest-!"
Basen, that troublesome little brother of his, now thinks that he's a workaholic who doesn't know how to rest. No, Cale has the unfortunate feeling that they all think that.
'Ah… how troublesome.' His hard-working persona backfired on him.
He didn't understand what was going on in their heads. Even so…
"What matters most is your health. Don't force yourself if you don't have to."
This type of concern isn't bad.
Meanwhile, Ron, who was assigned to come with Cale, looks carefully at his face. It looks like that puppy young master isn't even aware of the soft look in his eyes.
He almost wants to click his tongue at this oblivious young master of his, but today, Ron refrains.
Something has changed about Cale. It wasn't like he got smarter or changed drastically, but…
The way he gazed and interacted with the Henituse family has changed. Instead of a chilly, indifferent gaze, it was warm yet awkward.
It wasn't just his gaze towards his family that changed. No, it was the look in his eyes, too. His eyes are full of determination and an untameable fire, whereas before they were a sharpened knife.
It was like Cale suddenly changed overnight. However, people never changed that fast.
Had this puppy master been hiding his true self all along? Ron's gaze subconsciously sharpens at the thought.
It looks like he'll have to keep a closer look on this troublesome young master after all.
Meanwhile, Cale felt chills go down his neck. He could feel Ron's stare on his back, and he couldn't help but feel like a bunny trying to not be killed by a predator.
The gaze of an assassin really was terrifying. However, no matter how much he wanted to not be on the receiving end of such a gaze, it was crucial he was on Ron's radar.
Curiosity is a strong emotion. It keeps people interested and engaged until they're satisfied, even when their curiosity is dangerous.
Right now, Ron must be curious about his sudden change. If he could just keep that curiosity, fuel it by dropping hints and change his curiosity onto how he knows things about Arm, then he could keep Ron from disappearing right after the king's birthday.
'And with Ron, Beacrox will naturally follow.'
It would be shooting 2 birds with one stone.
That son and father duo who played a big role behind the scenes… he needed them to go into the underworld in the Eastern continent, as that's where the White Star's influence is biggest.
If it was them going, then there wouldn't be any delays. They already knew how the underworld worked, so they could immediately focus on ridding the underworld of the White Star's influence.
They're a perfect fit for that part of his plan.
"Ah, we've arrived, Young Master-nim."
Cale only nods in response, taking a moment to look at the unassuming tea shop run by the bastard of the Flynn family.
Billos, who
would turn into quite the merchant later on… it was time to make a deal with him.
Unconsciously, Cale's lips curl into a bright smile. Despite the brightness, it looked to be quite a devious smile.
It was time to get another ball rolling.