Chapter Text
Jo Euishin stared at the hand that firmly clasped his palm. The part of the body, with its distinct bones and pulsating blue veins, was filled with life. Without even raising his head, the long cyan hair was already in his field of vision.
Slowly, his gaze trailed up the hair to find the familiar back of Yong Jegeon who was simply standing there.
Several days had passed since the Tiger tribe's sudden visit.
Jo Euishin didn't know why they had come. Their subtle hint of a request for him to leave felt like a strong rebuke to his heart. The strangely painful sensation filled him with a sense of exile. Though their amnesia wasn't their fault, he felt a pang of resentment towards them, and Jo Euishin loathed himself for it. The strange distance between him and Yong Jegeon was a concern, and just as the quick-witted Yeom Junyeol seemed to notice it and was about to intervene, Yong Jegeon spoke to Jo Euishin.
“Let’s go on a date, Euishin.”
At the teasing tone, Jo Euishin was about to scold Yong Jegeon and refuse, but after a brief moment of deliberation, he simply nodded. Jo Euishin knew that even if he had refused, once Yong Jegeon had made up his mind, things would inevitably go his way, and Jo Euishin was not the kind of person to coldly reject everything that he offered.
Even if Jo Euishin disappeared from Yong Jegeon’s memories and life, Yong Jegeon would forever remain a precious being to Jo Euishin. So Jo Euishin accepted his offer and, with a sullen expression (though it wasn't very noticeable, anyone who knew him well could immediately recognize it), he asked for Hwangryong’s understanding.
Usually, Hwangryong would lower his eyebrows and smile, nagging Yong Jegeon and wishing Jo Euishin a safe trip, but he reacted unexpectedly. He simply nodded as if he had made a strong resolution to something. And in the end, he greeted him as usual.
“Have a nice trip.”
There was something unsettling about Hwangryong's pat on the shoulder as he saw him off. Jo Euishin followed Yong Jegeon and then turned around. Hwangryong was still smiling gently and waving.
*
Although he had used the ridiculous word "date," Jo Euishin thought that Yong Jegeon had a specific destination in mind. His steps were unhesitating, not a simple stroll or a movement where his feet wandered. Jo Euishin followed Yong Jegeon, who was unusually reserved, obediently. To compensate for the difference in stride length due to their height difference, Jo Euishin had to diligently keep up with him. Yong Jegeon noticed this, paused, considered, and then took his hand.
“What do you think? Does this sound like a date?”
No. Not at all. Somehow, he felt as if he was being dragged by his parents to the dentist, so Jo Euishin internally repeated a few negative answers, but didn't actually speak.
Yong Jegeon seemed to sense his true feelings and chuckled.
It was Baekho who had bestowed the blessing, but it felt as if this Cintamani had read his mind. It was so frustrating and annoying.
As they resumed walking at the same pace, Jo Euishin was able to look around more leisurely. Until then, the area had been an unfamiliar place, but as he walked, familiar places began to appear. It wasn't part of Eungwang District, but it was nearby. This was where they had been on his last outing with Yong Jegeon.
Jo Euishin slowed his pace, carefully assessing where Eungwang District began. However, the person holding his hand seemed unmoved. In fact, each step that Yong Jegeon took felt more confident and purposeful than before. Jo Euishin followed his lead, but if he continued like this, he felt like he would really enter Eungwang District. Jo Euishin braced himself and pulled on Yong Jegeon's hand. Yong Jegeon stopped but didn't turn around.
“Euishin, you know that there’s no barrier surrounding the Eungwang District, right?”
Jo Euishin blinked at Yong Jegeon's words. Instead of answering, he waited for him to continue.
"I don't know about Eungwang High School, but there's no barrier that can control access to Eungwang District. If that were possible, those who were under the dark mastermind's control would have been stopped long ago."
It was a random topic, but it was as he said. Unless it was Eungwang High School, which included the territory of a Tiger tribe, there was no barrier for the entire area of Eungwang District. The barriers established when the 12 Zodiac Alliance was formed were for each tribe's territory, so it would be odd to establish one for such a vast area as the Eungwang District.
Jo Euishin nodded in agreement.
“You said that it was Heavenly God’s will that entry into the Eungwang District was prohibited.”
Yong Jegeon's voice had dropped to a low whisper. He had already turned around and was now opening his eyes. His eyes sparkled. Jo Euishin swallowed a breath without realizing it.
“But that’s wrong. It was also your will to not enter Eungwang District.”
His grip hurt. He hadn't applied any force, yet it still hurt. He felt his heart, which had been beating slowly, begin to beat faster. Jo Euishin unconsciously averted his eyes, and then, realizing that he had made a mistake, looked back at Yong Jegeon.
“Yong Jegeon-nim, I—”
“That’s not it.”
Yong Jegeon’s head lowered, making his face difficult to see. His long hair fell like a curtain.
Jo Euishin couldn't move. Not to shake off his hand, not to step back, not to open his mouth, nothing at all.
“That's not the right title."
The resentment in his voice made Jo Euishin’s head throb.
Was he angry? It was difficult to discern Yong Jegeon's intentions from his words. Even in high school, Jo Euishin had often said things that displeased Yong Jegeon. But was Yong Jegeon in a position to be angry?
Jo Euishin felt a sudden surge of overwhelming emotion. He knew that it wasn't his fault, but he couldn't help it. He was the one who forgot! A harsh reprimand almost escaped his lips.
Yong Jegeon seemed to sense even that and smiled bitterly.
“I know. I don’t deserve this.”
Yong Jegeon pulled Jo Euishin's arm once more. Following the pull, he took a step forward, but no further.
"So, please help me," a familiar voice, close and low, said from above.
Yong Jegeon waited for a response.
He had never seen such a desperate expression before. Those close to him might have seen it before, but Jo Euishin had not.
In the end, he nodded unconsciously. Yong Jegeon's plea for help spurred Jo Euishin on as always. He felt pity for the man before him, just as he felt sorrow for a character who kept dying in a game. Jo Euishin was always like that. He couldn't resist them.
At that moment, Yong Jegeon pulled his arm hard.
“Then let’s go!”
Although he'd adjusted his strength, the intense power characteristic of the Dragon tribe pulled him along without giving him a chance to resist. Even as he started to run at a rapid pace, Jo Euishin had difficulty grasping the situation.
“Wait a minute!” He shouted before he could even think properly, but Yong Jegeon didn't stop.
And Jo Euishin instinctively sensed that he had crossed the line.
This was inside the Eungwang District.
A chilling sensation ran down his neck. The firmness of the hand that held him, refusing to let go no matter how hard he pulled, was frightening, terrifying, and yet exhilarating.
He realized only now that he had longed for this strong force holding him. Jo Euishin was now simply surrendering to this pull.
The destination was Eungwang District. There was no doubt about it, even without being told. Because all the paths that they had taken were familiar.
Before he knew it, the school gate was drawing near. The speed of a player and a Jin tribe member was much faster than that of ordinary people, so it felt like they had arrived in an unusually short time.
The outline of a familiar building came into view.
Jo Euishin felt a poignant, intense sense of nostalgia.
Even though the school grounds and the buildings were silent, as if no one was there, he felt as if he could hear the laughter of children. His vision blurred for a moment. Jo Euishin couldn't help but recall the happiness that he had felt inside.
The brief greetings with those passing by as he walked down the hallways, the feeling of the snack bag in his left hand brushing against the air, the class held in a small space where everyone was present — all those memories.
Yong Jegeon and Jo Euishin stood before the school gate. Jo Euishin couldn't enter. He was an outsider, and at the same time, a human forbidden by the Heavenly God.
What had Yong Jegeon brought him here for?
Jo Euishin looked at him. Their eyes met.
Yong Jegeon held his hand tightly and continued forward.
Jo Euishin crossed the barrier.
“How....”
His wavering black eyes turned to Yong Jegeon.
For the first time in a long time, Yong Jegeon smiled in a way typical of a playful dragon.
Could it be that he had asked the Tiger tribe to register him in the barrier?
It might not have been the case for other humans, but for the Tiger tribe to allow entry to a human whom they had been directly commanded by Heavenly God to forbid was tantamount to the Tiger tribe defying their god's will. While they might overlook it once in a while, higher beings were extremely capricious and beyond comprehension. If the Tiger tribe suffered a great loss because of this, if they had made enemies with Heavenly God because of him, if someone was punished because of him, if that happened...
“Don’t worry, Euishin. The Tiger tribe didn’t interfere with the barrier.”
Yong Jegeon spoke in a soft voice, as if trying to soothe Jo Euishin. Jo Euishin, having recovered from his brief panic, slowly took a deep breath and listened to Yong Jegeon's voice. It seemed like an attempt to make him feel even a little more at ease.
“If the Tiger tribe acts against the will of Heavenly God, many problems will arise, so we did not use such methods.”
“…Then what method did you use?”
Yong Jegeon blinked slowly. Then, taking Jo Euishin's hand again, he began walking. Jo Euishin hesitated but ultimately had no choice but to follow. The sensation of stepping on this land, which he had so often visited just last year, felt alien. It felt like a dream.
Yong Jegeon spoke again.
“Do you remember the entrance exam three years ago?”
“Yes, of course.”
"Were you involved in that as well? I don't know, but you do know that the barrier was breached at that time, right?"
Jo Euishin nodded. Yong Jegeon turned his head slightly to check his reaction and continued speaking.
“I used the same method as before.”
“……Yes?”
“It means that we, the Dragon tribe, have broken the 12 Zodiac Alliance and invaded the territory of the Tiger tribe.”
Jo Euishin's mind went blank at the absurd remark.
Yong Jegeon, enjoying the reaction, had an ecstatic expression on his face.
In fact, registering Jo Euishin in the Eungwang High School barrier was the first thing that came to mind. However, such a move would inevitably cause problems in the relationship between the Heavenly God and the Tiger tribe. Since the Heavenly God's intentions were clear, it was not a good idea for the Tiger tribe to directly intervene in this matter.
However, the Dragon tribe had no concern for what the Heavenly God did.
While it wasn't pleasant to consider what had happened to his close friend, Jeho, Yong Jegeon decided to use the actions of the head of the Cow tribe, who was under the influence of the dark mastermind, to his advantage. By breaking the 12 Zodiac Alliance, he would neutralize the Eungwang High School barrier. With that, he planned to bring Jo Euishin inside, and it was a resounding success. This success was also due to the Tiger tribe's prior arrangements, preventing them from actively interfering with the Dragon tribe's actions.
"Doing something like that would cause problems for the 12 Zodiac Alliance. If this is all just to bring me to Eungwang High School, then it would be reckless."
"You don't have to worry about the 12 Zodiac Alliance. It'll all be resolved once they remember you anyway."
His lips curved into a gentle smile, but his cyan eyes held no trace of amusement. A strong resolve was reflected in his deep-set eyes.
Jo Euishin swallowed softly.
"Where are we going?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
Yong Jegeon didn't answer. Jo Euishin still couldn't figure out what he was planning, but he could sense that he was about to commit an outrageous act.
Jo Euishin stopped. Yong Jegeon followed suit.
Jo Euishin wanted to say, "Let's go back," but he couldn't.
Because Yong Jegeon spoke first.
"Euishin, please. Just follow me. That's all."
Before he knew it, he wasn't smiling anymore. The voice that had pleaded, "Please help me," echoed in his mind again.
Jo Euishin was always like this.
There were so many things he couldn't shake off, and his earnest wishes were the same, so in the end, he had no choice but to follow his lead. Just like he always had. Jo Euishin relaxed his body.
Yong Jegeon took that as a silent affirmation. He walked, and walked, and walked.
The silver building that he remembered drew closer and closer. When they reached the entrance, he saw someone waiting to greet him.
“Jeho, we’re here.”
“Hello, Jo Euishin-gun.”
Jo Euishin quickly bowed and greeted Jeho, who simply ignored Yong Jegeon's greeting.
"Come this way," he said, motioning to Yong Jegeon and ushering them inside.
The high ceiling and echoing acoustics, like the interior of a church, made the presence of the three people quite noticeable. They walked towards an area that students rarely used. Jo Euishin had been there before, so he had a rough idea where they were headed. At the end of the long hallway was an elevator. Jeho pressed the button, and the door opened as if it had been waiting. The three entered. The door closed.
*
There were no buttons in the elevator, just as Jo Euishin had known. A sudden flash of light illuminated the slightly dim interior. A familiar golden superpower wave swept through the elevator.
As it briefly brushed Jo Euishin's skin, he felt a nostalgic warmth. He knew that it was Hwangho's power, even without speaking. And the elevator began to move downward.
The sound of machinery began to be heard. Something clanked and whirred. Beyond that, there was no other sound.
So, Jeho spoke up.
“Jo Euishin-gun.”
“...Yes.”
“What did I call you before I lost my memory?”
Jo Euishin blinked in bewilderment at the unexpected question. However, he opened his mouth to earnestly answer the other person's question.
“You used the same title as now.”
Jo Euishin, having answered, closed his mouth. Then he looked at Jeho. Since his left eye wasn't covered, he had no choice but to meet both eyes. Jeho's appearance reminded him of Ungnyeo and Jeokho. Perhaps that's why he added something unnecessary. He couldn’t help it.
“......Later, he started calling me ‘Euishin-ah’.”
Jeho's eyes widened at the answer.
Yong Jegeon, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, interrupted, saying, "Wow, really?"
Jeho started to say something but stopped. A small signal indicated the arrival of the elevator. The door slowly opened.
A basement, darker than the elevator itself, stretched out before him.
It was where Eunho's body had once slept, a place where Power of Earth could be felt strongly.
There were already people in that space.
Jo Euishin fumbled in the darkness, trying to discern them. Cheongryong, Yeom Junyeol, Yun Yeorang... His gaze shifted to Hwangho, Jeokho, Cheongho, Eunho, and Baekho... Hwangryong's behavior had been strange, as if they all knew about this plan.
Jo Euishin thought of the Dragon tribe, who had always treated him like family, even though they had no memory of him. Cheongryong, who had asked if life in the Dragon Palace was difficult; Yeom Junyeol, who had casually chatted with him to lighten the mood; Yun Yeorang, who'd always cheerfully talked about school life. And he thought of the Tiger tribe, who inevitably filled him with a sense of sadness whenever they met.
They had claimed that they hadn't actively participated in the plan, but their presence here was a clear confirmation of the Tiger tribe’s intentions. What were they thinking, waiting for him here, tacitly approving of the Dragon tribe's outrageous actions?
“I will use the Power of Earth here to restore our memories of you.”
Yong Jegeon stepped out of the elevator and began to explain, walking slowly.
“Do you know about Heukho? Heavenly Wings Mountain remembered him, even though he was forgotten because of the Weight of Life and Fortune. I want to utilize that mechanism.”
Yong Jegeon considered the Heukho incident as a means to recall Jo Euishin.
If they used the Power of Earth of the place where Jo Euishin had lived, they might remember him. Just as the otherworld simulator, influenced by the Power of Earth, had recreated the history of the mythical era, using the Power of Earth along with the power of the Cintamani might allow him to regain his lost memories.
After coming up with that method, the only problem was figuring out where a place containing memories of Jo Euishin might be located.
Trying to investigate his past proved difficult.
He was so forgotten by the world that nothing had remained. Where he had lived, what his family was like, what he had done — nothing.
Then Yong Jegeon remembered the first day that they had gone out together. The way he had gazed longingly at the outline of Eungwang High School, which wasn't clearly visible due to the distance, as if caressing it. So, Yong Jegeon needed the cooperation of the Tiger tribe. And the Tiger tribe had been waiting for that cooperation.
“Everyone has been waiting here for you.”
Yong Jegeon, who had gone to the very center of the room where the Power of Earth was strongest, whispered.
Jo Euishin stared blankly at him.
The strong Power of Earth caused the air to tremble slightly. Jo Euishin's hair was ruffled by the wind.
Jeho patted Jo Euishin on the back. "Go, Jo Euishin-gun."
Clear eyes urged him on.
Would there ever be a moment when he would be called "Euishin-ah" again? Jo Euishin didn't know. But he wanted to hear it again.
So he slowly approached Yong Jegeon.
Yong Jegeon smiled at Jo Euishin. Then he unleashed his power. The jade-green supernatural wave spread far and wide, as if dominating the room. It seemed as if everything would be dyed in that color if he wasn't careful. It rippled gently, like an aurora spilled onto the floor. Jo Euishin continued forward, as if mesmerized by it.
And when the distance between him and Yong Jegeon was only about a step, he stopped.
"Now, Euishin-ah."
Yong Jegeon called his name. In his hands, a beautiful sphere imbued with a powerful superpower wave, awaited Jo Euishin. The surrounding scenery and his own reflection were mirrored in it.
Jo Euishin stared at it, trying, trying, and trying again to open his mouth to speak, but failed. Ah, he couldn't. Jo Euishin knew. He couldn't. He grasped Yong Jegeon's wrists. He shook his head.
As Yong Jegeon’s expression darkened, and he was about to try to persuade Jo Euishin, Jo Euishin spoke first.
“I can’t do it.”
Jo Euishin couldn’t make a wish for himself. If everyone's memories returned with this wish, of course he would be overjoyed. He would be so happy that he might even want to cry. But thinking about what would happen next scared him. What if the return of memories revived the dark mastermind behind everything? What if there was a price to pay for eliminating the price? Jo Euishin couldn't completely rule out that possibility. Knowing that, Jo Euishin couldn't make a wish for himself. That's why he couldn't open his mouth.
“But if it’s what Teacher Yong Jegeon wishes, then it’s different.”
Jo Euishin activated Gwangrim. Among the countless cards, Yong Jegeon's card glowed and appeared before his eyes. As if saying, "I've been waiting," the nonexistent Yong Jegeon flickered like a star.
Jo Euishin grasped it and activated its power. A familiar cyan sphere appeared. A jade-colored light filled the area with Jo Euishin's black superpower wave. Jo Euishin extended both his hands, containing the Cintamani, towards Yong Jegeon.
Yong Jegeon stared blankly. It was the moment when the wish-granting orb became the subject of the wish. His startled eyes were clearly reflected on the orb’s round surface.
Jo Euishin couldn't make a wish for himself. But he wanted to grant anyone else's wish, no matter what it was. He had come this far because he had embraced the earnest hopes, prayers, and love of someone in the game. That's why he existed.
“So, make a wish”, Jo Euishin's trembling voice pleaded.
As always, Jo Euishin wouldn't be able to refuse Yong Jegeon's request. His dark eyes were filled with stars. Jo Euishin decided to rekindle the love that he had always had given. Yong Jegeon looked up at that small night sky. Then, with a slightly troubled smile, he spoke.
“Let us remember you.”
As soon as Yong Jegeon's wish was uttered, it took a definite form in this world. Jo Euishin wanted to grant that wish. The power of the Cintamani fully unleashed, pouring everything into making the miracle happen.
And within that, Jo Euishin and Yong Jegeon sensed another power.
Responding to Jo Euishin's will, the Power of Fate manifested to fulfill his wish. Power of Earth, supernatural powers, and the Power of Fate mobilized to transform the world. Like crashing waves, multiple forces collided simultaneously, drawing a beautiful trajectory.
Jo Euishin gazed upon it, quietly shedding tears. Yong Jegeon silently observed the scene. His two hands reached out to Jo Euishin.
The world was bathed in light.
*
“So how long do you plan to make Jo Euishin act as a shaman?”
The other Tiger tribe members nodded in agreement at Jeokho's dissatisfied voice. Cheongho's firm fingers repeatedly tapped the table in frustration. Even without such action, their displeasure was obvious to anyone.
“But it’s not like the Tiger tribe can take them away, right?”
As Yong Jegeon's irritating voice grew louder, their moods plummeted even further.
A month had passed since they had regained their memories of Jo Euishin. However, since the Heavenly God's decree had not yet been revoked, it would be difficult for Jo Euishin to enter the Eungwang District.
Despite being spared from his prisoner status, Baekho, seemingly intent on becoming a prisoner of the divine realm again, made the dangerous remark, "You can ignore the Heavenly God's will," and attempted to take Jo Euishin to the Tiger Mansion.
However, Jo Euishin's strong opposition prevented him from doing so.
Although everyone had regained their memories, Jo Euishin, lacking a place to stay, decided to continue living in the Dragon Palace as the Dragon King God’s shaman as he had done before.
Consequently, the Tiger tribe members would often visit the Dragon Palace whenever they had the chance, venting their grievances to the Dragon tribe and leaving only after being provoked repeatedly by Yong Jegeon. (Unfortunately, since Jo Euishin was there, not visiting wasn't an option.)
“Let’s wait a little longer since Hwangho and Eunho are trying to persuade him.”
Cheongho said with a sigh, sipping her hot chocolate latte to quench her burning stomach. Hwangho, too, seemed to be feeling equally frustrated, and he pressed his temples. Eunho was smiling, but it was obvious that it was a fake expression. Jo Euishin, who was caught between them, simply pushed a bowl of snacks toward the Tiger tribe members. The Tiger tribe were all delighted by this small gesture.
“You don’t have to do that.”
The Tiger tribe members, who had been happily devouring the snacks that Jo Euishin had offered, stopped moving at those words. Seeing Eunho's expression turn even colder, Jo Euishin realized that he'd made a slip of the tongue.
“I’m sorry, you’re having a hard time because of me.”
When Jo Euishin offered this misplaced apology, Hwangho sighed deeply. Cheongho downed her chocolate latte in one gulp. However, seeing Jo Euishin carefully watching the Tiger tribe’s reaction, he couldn't bring himself to get angry. He had always been weak to Jo Euishin, but after losing his memory, that feeling had become even worse. It wasn't intentional, but he felt guilty for forgetting him. So Hwangho swallowed the many words that threatened to burst out at any moment and spoke calmly.
"Jo Euishin. As I have said before, you don't have to try to solve everything yourself. We'll all work together to help, whether it's with the Heavenly God or the Nightmare."
Listening to the words that he had heard countless times, Jo Euishin nodded obediently. He had learned through experience that in situations like this, it was better to simply agree than to say anything unnecessary.
But the crazy Jin, who seemed determined to add fuel to the fire, once again opened his mouth to speak disastrous words.
“Even if the problem with the Heavenly God is resolved, since Euishin is a shaman of the Dragon tribe, he won’t have any reason to go to Hwangho’s mansion, right?”
“You haven’t forgotten that before becoming a shaman of the Dragon tribe, he was a benefactor of the Tiger tribe, have you?”
As the two Jin people began to bicker, Jo Euishin turned away from them and found peace of mind in drinking the tea that Eunho had prepared. Jeho, who was beside him, looked at Jo Euishin with pity and offered comfort.
"Euishin-ah. If that dragon keeps bothering you, contact me anytime."
Jo Euishin looked at Jeho. The way he called him ‘Euishin-ah’ made his heart flutter for no reason.
“Yes,” Jo Euishin replied softly.
Jeho, witnessing the hint of emotion hidden within his response, smiled even more gently.
“As for Nightmare, if you receive my blessing, it will be resolved.”
“That’s enough.”
Jo Euishin firmly expressed his refusal to Baekho, who was pestering him to accept his blessing again. Baekho, accustomed to it, calmly took a sip of tea and accepted the rejection without a second thought. Since he was going to keep pestering him until he accepted anyways, there was no need to be discouraged already.
Baekho smiled, recalling the countless chess matches that he had played with Jo Euishin in his dreams. Next time, it wouldn't be a bad idea to bring Snare to overwhelm Jo Euishin before offering his blessing. Baekho looked at Jo Euishin, contemplating his next plan.
Yong Jegeon, who was watching, had a sullen expression on his face, despite having been cheerfully teasing the Tiger tribe until just now. As if something bothered him, he interrupted and blurted out a word.
“No matter what anyone says, don’t forget that it was me who made the wish that brought back the memories of Euishin-i.”
Yong Jegeon said those words and looked at Jo Euishin.
Jo Euishin, in turn, looked at him.
The moment his wish came true, he remembered Yong Jegeon's touch. The warm pulse of life on his cheeks, the hand that gently wiped away the fear and sadness that flowed through him. There were still times when he was afraid. No trouble had yet occurred, but he never knew when the consequences might come. The Nightmare still existed within him, and on some nights, as if he was being consumed by the Nightmare, he would feel as if the darkness was choking him.
Every time that happened, Yong Jegeon was by his side.
The hand that said ‘It's okay’ reassured Jo Euishin.
And so, it was okay.
“I won’t forget.”
Jo Euishin smiled.