Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

'Where the hell am I?'

That is the first question that popped into that red-head's mind as he float around in this empty space where all he could see is grey.

"Oh, you're here already. Welcome, welcome"

Cale Henituse, the man with a lot of aliases:
-The young master silver shield
-The hero that will never be seen again
-The unluckiest bastard
-The Human with Dragon-nim's protection
-The first son of the Henituse family
-etc etc.

Yes, that very man who always cough out blood the color of his hair for the sake of... *ahem* world peace-

Turned his head around as he finally able to see another person other than himself after who knows how long he's been here.

Reddish-brown pairs sharpened into calculating gaze as the figure approached.

A white haired boy, whose eyes were that of blazing amber before turning into pair of calm azure, is smiling at him as if he didn't just eyed him the way he did to the younger.

"Nice to meet you, the name is Schnier. A white rabbit, in a sense of that children book- Alice in the Wonderland"

The boy extended his hand, to which not wanting to be rude, Cale accepted and shakes it once.

"Cale Henituse"

The introduction is short, after all, judging from his wordings earlier, in a way, it seems like Schnier was expectant of his presence.

It wouldn't be so shocking if the albino actually knows a thing or two about him already.

Though, the first thing that Cale noticed immediately is that this boy is not a God... but somehow felt a tad like them.

'Who sent you?'

He wanted to ask, But Schnier was faster.

"Kim Rok S- no, Cale Henituse, you're currently in a Coma."

That red-head could feel his heart beating wildly. However, his facial expression remained calm.

"I see"

-was all he said.

After all, is there any good on panicking?

He couldn't talk with any of his ancient powers, but at the same time he sensed no hostility from this newcomer. Therefore he assured himself that it'll be alright... at least for now.

"Just as my superior said, you're a taciturn."

The boy smiled as his words clarified Cale's suspicion.

"What God are you serving?"

He bluntly asked since he doesn't feel like that Crazy bastard White Star, Saint Jack, Ex-communicated Priestess Cage, nor that Deputy Chief Priest Cotton.

"Well, not exactly God, since they don't have followers like that and it is not religion- Normally I'd say 'Higher-ups'. [Savage Hemophilic Scribe] is their modifier. But anyway, that's not the reason why we met."

The boy smiled some more, "I am here because they wanted to make a deal with you"

Cale frowned at this.

"Rejected"

He flat out refused it. Making a deal with a god, or what Schnier dubbed as Higher-ups- more than not, would resulted in disaster. And with that name he just mentioned? Like hell it's not suspicious.

Dealing with Redika and Hannah is enough to made him extremely wary.

"Even if you quite possibly would waste several years stuck in here?"

Schnier tilted his head innocently as if what he just said didn't just make the latter flinch.

"The time flows differently here. You should have known from The God of Despair's tests. It's been two weeks ever since you fell into Coma. Are you sure you don't want to even listen to what I have to say?"

Cale found himself clicking his tongue as he felt cornered already.

He is extremely annoyed at the fact that his choices is limited to either accept the deal or not.

'Why is this always happening to me?'

He's starting to question the existence of Lady luck for it's been so long since he the grace of her divine light...

"Fine. What do they want?"

"They're currently bored. So all you have to do is entertain them"

"Excuse me?"

"of course you'll be rewarded accordingly"

That did not appease Cale at all. On the contrary, His annoyance grows on healthy pace as the corner of his lips tugged upwards despite the fact that his eyes didn't follow-up.

"Do I look like peop- God pleaser or something?"

"...You really want a honest review?"

At that reply, both of them has blank look on their faces.

"Yeah, anyway. It wouldn't be as bad as that crazy bast- I mean, the sealed God's test. The tasks that you'll need to finish would be clear and all you need to do is do your part. If you have questions, I'd be around as well, though of course I won't always answer you every time. Only when it is something that you're genuinely at lost."

With a flick of finger A small window emerged in front of Cale's blank eyes.

[Personal Scenario #X - -]

+

Difficulty: F - SSS

Clear Conditions: -

Time Limit: -

Compensation: -

Failure: -

+

While those pair of reddish-brown observed the half transparent bluish screen before him, Schnier then explained some more.

"Don't worry, every time you finished a scenario, your stamina and fatigue should replenish to certain level as part of the compensation"

"Schnier" For the first time, Cale actually called for him as he pointed at the random screen that keeps on popping up around him, "What are these?"

[Very few constellations are delighted to see you!]

[Some constellations are anticipating your choice!]

"Ah them?" the albino smiled.

"These are Indirect messages. I've heard from my supervisor that you've met some of the Constellations before, but they put heavy burden on your body and soul, don't they?"

Cale did not reply. There's no need to answer to that question.

[Constellation "Black Rabbit of Inle" is waving at you]

[Constellation "Hallowed Maiden of the East" is smiling warmly at you]

[Constellation "Aztec solar diety" is cheering you on!]

That red-head felt iffy seeing these names.

"Are they...?"

"Yep."

It was a feat that he manage not to sigh after that confirmation.

Although he's not a Historian nerd, Kim Rok Soo has been spending a lot of his time at the library throughout his High school days. Though he doesn't read much about Historical figures, he could somehow deduced the identity of these three.

The God of Death, Sun God, and God of War- in that order.

"Is there a way to turn it off?"

Cale asked in deadpan while Schnier burst out laughing.

[Constellation "Black Rabbit of Inle" is warning you!]

"Unfortunately no. Though, there's no need to worry, I have told them not to chime in as much as they would normally."

In contrast of the albino's amused reaction, Cale is not pleased at all. But above anything else, he needs to confirm two last things before he got fling away from this empty space.

"Where are you going to take me to finish these scenarios? Will it affect my world?"

Schnier that has calmed down at that point flutter his white wings as he smiled.

"I'll take you there- you'll either take over your parallel selves' body for a bit or arriving into that world with your own body. I promise no pain shall be inflicted to you throughout the process of going to one place to another."

The albino raised his hand as if swearing to his name on this.

"-Also, any direct changes that you might cause within the scenario will be within your consent"

At his words, Cale shot a glare at him, "Leave them the fuck alone. Aren't I enough?"

"Wait, wait, you got it wrong! Please calm down and let me explain." Schnier flails at the hostility this crimson hero aimed at him, "You'll be the only one involved in this. I swear on my status as white rabbit that no one from your planetary would be included."

Cale hummed at that reply.

"Then?" the older still stared down at him suspiciously.

"Well, if you got some material goods from the scenarios, won't it be more convenient if I send it right to your place? Or do you wish to carry those baggage all the way?"

Schnier replied with a mischievous smile of his own as he then reached out his hand before Cale can contemplate his choices further.

"So? Are you going to take this offer?"

"..."

It took a while for Cale to take the smaller hand and shook it, but really, it's not like he's given a lot of options here. He can't stay in Coma for so long for obvious reasons.

'Like hell I would waste my time here when my slacker life is right before my eyes!'

-Well, he thought it was a handshake, which is why he did not anticipation on being pulled down to match the younger's height as petals of white roses began to envelop the two.

"No worries... As someone who's been on your spot before, I had made sure that you won't be in disadvantages from this"

Schnier's smile is genuine, but Cale could not trust him easily. After all, he had grown up with some sort of trust issue.

Wordlessly he closes his eyes...

.

.

.

When he reopened his eyes, he's no longer in a body that he has grown accustomed these past two years.

'What the actual fuck...!?'

Chapter Text

Cale's mind went momentarily blank as he realized that something has changed with him...

—He's currently a girl.

'I feel like I shouldn't be this shocked.'

Gods really like doing stuff as they pleased, don't they?

She shook her head after done seeing her reflection in the dirty window next to her.

"What are you doing staring off like that Kyla?"

Cale could feel the corner of her lips nearly twitched as he watched who's coming. It's someone that he definitely know.

"Tasha?"

"yeah?"

The red head then shook her head since she only called to the other just make sure.

"Nothing"

That is when the half translucent screen appeared in front of him...

[Personal Scenario #1 - Bed Time Story]

+

Difficulty: F 

Clear Conditions: You are the unofficial care taker of these orphans. Made sure that each of them fell asleep before finishing your night routine.

Time Limit: -

Compensation: +50 Stamina 

Failure: -

+

"Ah"

"Hmm? what's wrong?"

Cale turned to Tasha who only looked back at her after that short gasp.

'oh? she can't see the panel?'

That is when a voice chimed in his mind.

[No. You're the only one who can see these screens. Oh! by the way, in each scenario, your stamina would match the owner of your parallel selves and not your own.]

'I see'

Cale was about to ask, 'Where are the children?' When she noticed that there's a bruise on the dark skinned human's shoulder blade. 

"did you fall or something?"

The bruise was quite hidden and the color of her skin almost made it unnoticed, however, Cale recalled that the other has been slightly limping on her way to her as well.

"Yeah, kinda. It was a nasty fall" Tasha said with a light grin as she fixed her clothes and hide her injury.

But it's too late.

Cale already realized that something is amiss as he listened to the sheepish tone mixed within her jovial voice.

"What happened?" Cale's voice remained indifferent but Tasha actually flinched.

"A-Ahaha, what do you mean?"

"Are you not going to tell me?" She pressed once more before then humming as the other looked away.

"I see" Cale calmly reached for the other's hand before then carefully dragged her to their shared room.

How did she know of the location? Well...

[Your memory won't get all mixed up with your parallel selves', but shall you need it, you'll recall important bits needed]

—And that's how it is.

"Take off the Jacket" She ordered.

"Hmm? What are you—"

"I can't put on the ointment and bandage you with the jacket still on, now can I?"

Tasha blinked dumbfoundedly.

"Wait, since when you know how to do that?"

Cale merely smiled at her as a certain memory of his parallel self's entered her mind, "You have always been the one to take care of the other's injuries. I have never had the chance to thank you"

"Ho..." Tasha was dazed as she never really see the other smiled all these years they shared a room.

Meanwhile, Kyla Henitus, or rather Cale Henituse actually knows how to neatly bandage injuries such as this with no problem is because he had pretty much done this to himself and some others in the past.

'How nostalgic'

"Done. Now, get some rest." She said as she lightly pushed her roommate to lay down.

"Eh? wait, I still have to—" 

Cale cut her off, "I'll tuck the children to sleep." 

She then said again after covering Tasha with her own blanket and stand up by the door.

"Ah, Also, you don't have to worry about that punk for a bit of a while. I'll make sure to give him a great smack on the back"

The black orbs of hers clouded at the red-head's claim, "Wait! what are you planning to d—"

However, instead of answering her, all Cale did is smiling that specific smile before walking out and closes the door. Once she did, a solemn look rested on her face as she quickly formed a plan on her head.

"It seems like I can't just punch him, tch"

She was utterly disappointed at that fact. After all, from the memory that Kyla has, it seems like Dubori— just like in his world, is the cousin of Valentino, which apparently the owner of this orphanage.

"Well, there's always some other ways."

With a hum, she remembered that there are some precious items that the bastard actually kept in his room. Cale couldn't help her smile as she found out what she needs to do.

'When hit a wall, it's better to return to the basic'

It's time to loot some stuff!

But first. She needs to check on the children...

Her gaze turned cold as she watched on their conditions.

'They're so skinny...'

Did they even feed these children!?

Cale was furious. 

"Unnie?" One of the younger girl called her, snapping her out of her stupor.

"Hmm?"

"Why are you here? where is Tasha Unnie? Is she okay...? D-Did she get hurt because of me?" The little girl's voice only goes lower and lower as she sniffles.

Cale has recognized this little girl from the first time she lays her eyes on her. Therefore she crouched then gently called her name.

"Mary, look at Unnie" she gently ordered as she lifted the little girl's head so she won't look down so much.

Instead of black veins, under the thick robe that she's wearing, her face and body is littered with scars from abuse. Thankfully none of them seems to be new, which means, Tasha took the hit for herself.

'If I'm still here by the time she woke up. I'll make sure to sco— Advices her on not doing it again'

Although it is a good deed, Tasha should think about herself too. She's just as skinny as these poor children after all.

Her reddish-brown orbs clouded over as she looked at the younglings before her.

All of them are hurt, sickly, and just... pitiful.

Once she's done eyeing all of them one by one, her gaze locked with the shaking eyes of little Mary.

"It is not your fault," She said firmly, "None of this is your fault."

"B-But unnie... If only I didn't sneak to the kitchen, then she wouldn—"

It was then when she heard their stomach growls. Hearing this pained her heart greatly... as someone who used to get all starved herself, seeing these pitiful kids holding onto their stomach is too much.

"Stay here. I'll grab you some food, okay?" Cale reached forward to caress her hollow cheek gently.

"Y-You will? But Noona! Won't you get punished if you do so...?" One of the children, one that she recognized as Ben, squeaked in worry.

Even though they're hurt, they don't want their caretakers to suffer all the same.

Cale clicked her tongue before ruffling his dark locks carelessly, "There's no need to have such unnecessary thoughts. Your noona is stronger than you think"

It would have been convincing had it not for the fact that she is just as sickly as they are, or even more, since as an adult she should've had more mass than she has now. 

But right now, Cale is having none of it.

"Hide in your room and here" she handed a key to oldest of the group, Shawn. "Lock the door and don't let anyone else enter until I said so."

She looked at them before continuing, "I'll be back soon"

Well, Cale did not bother to get to the kitchen as she knows for a fact that even as she searched for a grain of rice, there won't be anything left. 

This orphanage is pretty much abandoned, while its only income that came from Carro family is maintained by Dubori... 

Her eyes gleamed as she reached to the bobby pin on her hair as she then made her way to sneaks into the that bastard's room.

Cale has never really pick locks any door in his whole life. There has never been any reason for him to do so despite already watched someone else did it, that being said, apparently Kyla seemed to have a talent on it.

'Well, that was quick'

She was quite surprised herself despite her calm demeanor.

Anyhow, based on the schedule that Kyla has been memorized, Dubori should be still outside at this hour, going to the bar until midnight.

'After stealing some of his stuff, I better do what I'm tasked to do' she thought to herself as she glanced to the screen above.

Like a fox, Swiftly she collected the jewelries and other precious items before stuffing them all into a bag that only gets heavier as time goes.

"Goodness. He has this much and the children still looked like a living skull?"

Cale's frown only gets deeper and deeper for every findings she gets.

"This corrupt bastard is trashier than me"

It was especially true as she found a document that could really made the said trash lost his head the moment it came to light. Shaking her head after some times later, she only stopped once she looked at the clock. 

'I must hurry'

Dubori might not return soon anytime soon, but the later she would get, the lesser places to buy the food. The worse case scenario she might need to get into the only pub in the village and bought some side snacks or something. And if that were to happen then Dubori would likely noticed her some way somehow.

Cale did not want to risk it.

Which is why, she then quickly grabbed a robe to hide her bright crimson hair before using sound of the wind to quicken her steps to the nearest Village.

But of course, with his luck, the only bakery that's still open at this hour just have to be right across of the pub that Dubori is drinking at.

'This must be intentional' she half glared at the night sky while thinking of those constellations that's still giving her indirect messages once in a while.

Ignoring her own annoyance, Cale then staresld in complete disgust at how Dubori and his gang harassed the waitresses while getting drunk.

Honestly, had it been her— well, his usual self, as Cale Henituse, and not Kyla— she would have thrown empty bottles at those gangsters.

However, at the moment, she has no name, no power and no wealth to justify her action whatsoever. Doing anything as reckless as storming into that pub is equivalent to digging his own grave.

Knowing that there's nothing she could do on her own, she looked away.

'I've gotten his weaknesses. There's no need to rush and ruin everything'

So, after gotten enough bread to make the children full and some extras for Tasha, Cale carefully sneaks out from the neighborhood and return to the orphanage.

"..."

Cale let out a sigh as she found out that they have disobeyed her.

"Umm... we don't want you to get in trouble all alone?" 

That was Tasha, and not any of the children.

'I guess even in my world she'd do something like this'

"Well, do I look like I'm in trouble or something?"

The other unofficial caretaker chuckled at how calm her roommate is as Cale then shared the food she bought to the children and Tasha.

"Hmm? Where's yours, Unnie?" Little Mary asked confusedly.

"Mine?" Cale lied by rubbing her stomach as if telling them indirectly that she has already eaten when in reality these are all the bakery have left. The number is lesser than she has anticipated, which is why she decided that they should eat her share too. As the eldest orphan and the unofficial care taker of these children, that's the very least she could do.

'It's not like I'd faint from this'

Vitality of the heart might need to work a bit harder than it already does, but it really should be fine.

She smiled.

Chapter Text

"Are you done?" 

Cale asked once they seemed to finish their breads.

"Yes"

"Thank you noona!"

"Thank you so much, unnie!"

The children hugged her with gratitude to which she nonchalantly returned the gesture before turning to Tasha who has blank stares on her face.

"What? You want hugs too?"

The latter blushed as she was about to say 'no' when the shorter female went closer and hugged her indiscriminately.

"Kyla... unnie, where did you get these bread from? Where did you get the money to buy them?" Tasha asked quietly after getting over her shock.

"Don't worry, It's not stealing if the money was in fact ours from the beginning right?"

"What?"

Cale did not explain further and just broke the hug before then turning to the children, "Now now, since you guys are full, brush your teeth and get to bed with Tasha, okay? Tonight, I'll read you a bed time story"

The kids eyes sparkles at her claim.

"Bed time story, unnie?"

"Yes! Noona is going to read us bed time story!"

"What's this? You guys are never this excited when I read you guys bed time stories" Tasha playfully frowned at them.

"Tasha-noona. You can't read" Shawn deadpans.

"And your stories just... didn't make sense. Sorry, unnie..." Even Kora says so.

The second oldest in the group were flustered by their blunt words before then starting to chase after them to the bathroom, leaving Cale who unknowingly smiling at the sight.

'That's right. This is how children should act'

She did not complain in the slightest as she picked up the trashes left behind and sweep the bread crumbs peacefully.

—Or well, until that peace is broken by back door that's slammed open.

"You"

a gruff voice was heard as bloodshot eyes are glaring at Cale who's just as calm as ever.

"Yes, me?"

"Why were you at the Village?" Dubori growled menacingly while the red-head internally snickers.

She has indeed revealed her identity on her way back. After all, there's no saying that Cale would still be here once she finished her task. Which is why, she used herself as bait so that this corrupted trash return much earlier than he normally would.

"Oh that? Well, I just so happen to find some hidden treasures. So I bought myself some tasty bread to celebrate that."

She replied curtly before putting the sweeper aside as she reached for the small bag of riches that she's still carrying around, and pulled out a necklace made of pure gold. One that Dubori recognized as his.

"I found a LOT of these when I did some extra clean up, earlier. Too bad, they smells rotten, so I burn them"

That claim was a lie. But would this trash know of that? Of course not.

Dubori would only believes what he sees with his own eyes. And currently, he's witnessing the firely thunderbolt on Cale's hand eating up the gold necklace until all that's left from it is nothing but a rose gold colored smoke.

"Y-You crazy witch!!! Put the fire away from the bag, or else!!!"

However, Cale was not affected with that threat as shrugged her shoulders and glared at the lord in a profane way.

"We really have nothing to lose, so why should I stop?" As she said so, she controlled the fiery thunderbolt to eat up the rest of the bag which  easily burn and evaporates right before those bloodshot eyes.

It's an ineffective way to fortified her weakened ancient power, but regardless, that fact kept her grounded as she is not just wasting these riches up to smoke for nothing.

'Plus, it annoys the hell out of this trash'

Cale found himself smirking as the other charged forward to her, recklessly and drunk.

All the while, That red head has personal experience on fighting with feeble and and weak body. Which is why, she has no problem grabbing the sweeper once again and used it as weapon to fend off against Dubori's madness.

CRASH!!

The dining table split into two as the drunkard punched it after missing the agile red-head.

"Yikes"

'This punk has gone completely crazy' Cale felt like laughing at this.

"Well, this should be easy then"

Facing off crazy brawn such as this madman is easier to deal with rather than those of meticulous bastards.

Some loud crashes could be heard as Dubori began to throw stuffs at her while huffing and puffing in anger.

Flying plates, glasses, and the other utensils including knives could be seen.

This time, instead of evading them like before, she has used her shield as she is not the only one she needed to protect.

"Didn't I tell you to brush your teeth then go to bed? Are you going to disobey me now too?"

The shocked children glanced at her after gulping thickly on the beautiful shield that she just casted.

"N-Noona! Are you okay?"

"Sorry! We heard loud noises, so..."

"Unnie, what's this?"

Cale sighed as she turned at them while still blocking the mad bufallo with her sturdy shield.

"As you can see, everything is under control here. I couldn’t protect all of you at once while dealing this trash. So just head back to your bedroom and wait there like good children you are"

"But Kyla!"

"No buts, Tasha" Cale's gaze is firm despite her calm tone.

"I won't get hurt because of him. You can check it yourself later when I visit for the promised bedtime story"

Tasha was not the only one gaping at that response, but at the moment, Cale hardly paid attention to that.

"Run along now. And don't forget to lock the door this time."

The children was about to protests but Mary saw something in Cale's eyes that she pulled Tasha's sleeves as if urging her to go as well pushing the other children.

"Unnie is stronger than we thought" but above all, she knows that Kyla never speaks the words she didn't mean.

Which is why, "We need to trust unnie."

Soon, The group then reluctantly leave.

It was that moment...

Cough.

A trail of red escaped Cale's pale lips as she took down her shield and swicthed to use sound of the wind to quickly evaded the rushing Dubori while at the same time stepping onto the trash's head.

The man crashed onto the cupboard because of that.

"You! How dare such a bitch— I'll kill you!"

'Damn... what a cliché line'

Cale was perplexed. Though she did snapped back to her senses enough to toy the raging buffalo some more.

Her goal is to made him waste his energy trying to catch her before smacking the back of his head real hard.

Literally.

With a chair.

SMACK!!!

—and apparently that's enough to made the other passed out.

"Good grief. What a work out."

Cale grumbled as she leaned onto the wall before sliding down carefully while trying to catch her own breath before then laughing softly.

"My message should be arriving Carro Family by tomorrow right?"

That is the other reason for her to show her identity at the village earlier.

The letter that she has sent to the heir of the Carro Family mentioned about Dubori's misdeed, including selling these children one by one as slaves.

Of course the real document is with her, but the copy would look legit that there would be no way the just and noble family such they are would let this be and risked on tainting their name.

'I don't know if Valentino here would be the same as Crown Prince Valentino. But if he has at least half of his mindset, then Dubori would at the very least get a hard time untangling himself from this mess'

Cale chuckled to herself as she wiped the blood off her lips.

"Good."

This punk really deserves it.

Cale gave the unconscious body a kick since it's on her way to grab the napkins that she then used to bind, blindfolded, and gagged the beefy man.

'Right. Now. How should I drag him to the basement?'

With much difficulty— that is.

"Haaaaa..."

Cale let out a deep sigh as she met with stairs that would lead her to the basement.

An imaginary light bulb popped up above her head at that moment.

"What if I just—"

She pushed the body and let it roll all the way down uncaringly.

"That works."

She then clapped her hands and dusted the dusts on her shoulder before then locking the basement door the way that cruel bastard always did to them as punishment.

'Now then. To finish my task'

Cale then wordlessly headed to the children's bedroom and knock on the wood plank.

"It's me"

She said as the door soon got unlocked and opened in recognition.

"Kyla-noona!"

"Unnie!"

The children and Tasha rushed to check on her. Cale did not react much as she holds back her sigh.

"I said that I won't get hurt, didn't I?"

'Well, I'm a bit hungry. But that's beside the point'

Little Mary smiled at her, "Kyla unnie always keeps her words."

Cale nodded, "I keep my words"

They soon calmed down after hearing the two's interaction.

"Now then, which book should I read for you? Have you decided on one?"

The children shakes their head but gathers around her as they all seated in the middle of the room anyway.

"Tell us one of your stories instead, unnie!"

"Yes, yes! Your stories are always interesting."

"Fufu, I've never really heard of this. Now I'm curious"

Their sparkling gazes instantly reminded Cale of the children back at home.

She unknowingly smiled fondly at them.

"Very well then. Tonight I shall tell you the story of brave Heroes that shall never been seen again..."

Intrigued by the title already, they all bundled up together, sharing body heat as the blankets aren't enough to cover them all as Cale started her story.

"Once upon a time, there is young man who lives in a remote village namely Choi Han—"

With sprinkle of fantasy magic to this already fantasy based story, that red head then introduced On and Hong, the stealthy cats who manage to win themselves the freedom they deserved.

"—they are siblings who always have each other's back. That is why they are extremely strong even with just the two of them"

Following the story, she also introduced them to Raon Miru.

"—such a great and mighty dragon that's kind and always helpful"

Cutting off some dark aspects of the story and only sharing them the good parts of it, Cale ended up telling them the magical journey these characters have until they won against the Evil White Star.

Of course, the name Cale Henituse was never brought up.

'It's supposed to be this way'

That red head found herself nodding to her own statement.

'Besides, how much of a narcissistic should I be to mentioned a name that sounded close to Kyla's name in this story?'

Well, either way, it seems like she has finished her task quite well.

By the time she finishes, everyone but herself and Tasha is asleep.

"Since my shoulder is still throbbing, I guess we don't have other choice but to sleep here on the floor then." The dark skinned care taker whispered jovially, knowing well that Cale wouldn't have enough strength to carried them all to their beds.

Tasha was on point with that.

Still, Cale stands up and grabbed all the bed covers and pillows before making sure that even as they're sleeping on the floor, they won't catch a cold and be as comfortable as they could get.

"You too, bundle up" she handed the other her jacket.

"If you ended up catching a cold, I swear."

"What? Are you going to punish me?" Tasha joked.

"If you consider being locked in your room to recover as a punishment, perhaps I need to scold you harder than I already planned"

Tasha was having a hard time holding back her laugher as she watched Cale’s scowl.

"Well then, goodnight Kayla-unnie. Have a nice dream"

At last the second oldest lay down as well.

"Sleep well..."

As everyone finally fast asleep, the screen that hovers above her flashed green.

[Personal Scenario #1 - Bed Time Story]

+

Status: Completed 

Reward: +50 Stamina 

+

[Congratulations! You just finished the first level! Although... I reckon that you run extra miles for it]

A soft giggle resounded in his mind while he grumbles.

'Well, since I've finished this place, does that mean I get to go to the next one then?'

She ignored the indirect messages that's pouring in to congratulates him as well.

[Impatient aren't you? Don't worry. I've heard your plea and generous as I am, I shall grant you your wish~]

'Wait, my wish? What wish??'
.

.

.

However, instead of hearing any reply, Cale Henituse has already sent to the other place where the next scenario shall begin.

Chapter Text

Cale blinked his eyes, as he was transported else where.

A kitchen this time. A huge kitchen in a lodging.

"Ho..."

He could already guessed what he must do now.

[Personal Scenario #2 - Cook a Feast]

+

Difficulty: F 

Clear Conditions: The main cooks couldn't make it back in time to circumstances and it seems like the staff didn't call a substitute due to the sudden news. As you are responsible for these young scouts, Make sure that none of them ended up starving.

Time Limit: 4 hours to dinner time!

Compensation: +50 Stamina 

Failure: -25 Hunger

+

As expected.

"Cooking, hmm? Man, It's been so long"

He mumbled to himself as he stretched.

'And how many mouths do I need to feed?'

He asked Schnier who then answered to him.

[Approximately 100 kids and 6 adults]

Cale did not reacted oddly. Though the number is higher than he expected, it's not like he hasn't fed that much of mouths before.

'I'm glad that I don't have to hunt too'

On the contrary, he was quite happy that the ingredients are surprisingly fresh.

"More less 106 people" he mumbled to himself.

'I guess, something simple but flavorful would be better then'

Cale thought to himself as he folded his sleeves and wore his apron.

"Eh? Headmaster Cale-nim?"

A voice could be heard. A familiar one. Therefore, Cale hummed as he glanced past his shoulder.

It was the Dragon half-blood who called out to him.

"You're going to cook?"

"Hm? Yeah." Cale easily replied to him.

"Neither of Ron and Beacrox is here, the other scoutmasters seemed to be busy as well."

"Ah. That is indeed the case" the latter nodded as he walked closer, attempting to help when the former stopped him from grabbing the knife.

"Scout master, is there anything you wanted in this kitchen?"

"Uh... well, I was thinking on helping you? Since I don't have anything else to do anyway"

"No"

"No? I mean. I couldn't cook complicated meals. But if it's like craft dinner then even I—"

"No, means no, scout master" Cale's gaze was as sharp as his words, "you can't cook. Remember the last time you almost burn the whole kitchen?"

The sunset haired male flushed.

"Umm... t-that's true. But uh... are you really going to cook dinner for all of us alone? Want me to call the other scout masters?"

Cale stared at him some more, but he did not ponder much as he sees the other flinches once in a while.

"No. Thank you for the offer but I'm alone is enough. So just sit in the corner now. I don't want you to mess up my food."

Though his words are sharp, thr Dragon half-blood sees concern in the latter's eyes after looking him up and down earlier.

'Ah. Did he pity me because I'm in pain?'

His illness has been deteriorating his health greatly. But since he has nothing else in his person after being abandoned, he couldn't even afford medical help.

The Scout Headmaster was the only person that would take him in. Even though the brighter red-haired male insisted that he took him in to work, just like how it is now, he never let the Dragon half-blood do any hard task.

"You're too kind, Cale-nim"

Meanwhile, Cale was busy cutting some vegetables that he couldn't heard of what the latter just said, therefore he did not refute anything and just think in his own head—

'If I let that guy enter this kitchen and make chaos like he did before...'

He held back the shudder at the remembrance of how furious Beacrox at that time.

'Yep. I did not need that to get repeated.'

He secretly glanced at the Dragon half-blood who seemed to obeys his words and got himself seated in a chair instead before nodding to himself.

'Right, okay. So there's a lot of vegetables and various kinds of meats.' He hummed as he returned his focus back to his own task.

He had thought that some easy craft meals should be enough, however, since there are a lot of ingredients, his mindset changed.

'It wouldn't be as good as when Beacrox or the chefs made them but—'

Kim Rok Soo is actually quite good at cooking. More than just treating it as survival skill. He had always been quite interested on culinary from when he was but a kid.

Warm place, Nice meal, and Decent environment.

he honestly think that those are the basic three in life, which is why he felt blessed to be able to live the life he has now where he has others providing everything and that he doesn't have to work hard on his own.

'Foil packet philly cheesesteaks, mac and cheese, skillet chicken pot pies, cheeseburgers and fries...'

With all the ingredients he has and the number of people, Cale thought that these amount of menus should be decent enough.

"Should I make Samgyetang too?" He hummed to himself as he glanced at the spices on the counter.

[Constellation "Hallowed Maiden of the East" is curious at these cuisines you mentioned]

An indirect message appeared next to him, but Cale simply ignored it.

He doesn't know if the children would like it, but the adults should appreciate the hot meal since, to his knowledge, it's going to be a chilly night.

He glanced at the timer above him. Less than 4 hours. Can he do it on time?

'I just have to make it through'

He put aside his needless worrying before then quicken his pace instead as he then skillfully cut all the things he needed while boiling the waters and heating the microwave— all at the same time.

'Right. Now, for the spices'

He turned around just to have his eyes rounded in alert before then—

"YAH!"

He yelled out as he stomped closer to the startled half-blood dragon.

"What do you think you're doing?"

The other was cutting the ginseng...

'Ah! He already cut so many of them!'

There's only few of them that he could use now.

"Ah... well... umm... Didn't you say you wanted to make Samgyetang? I remember that it used ginseng. So I... uh... I thought I should help you out with little things I could do"

Wasting food is a sin. That is what Cale Henituse believes in, furthermore since he is someone who lived in survival mode for so long. 

Which is why, the chopped spice won't go to waste as he could always use it for something else. However—

"You... look at your hands"

The latter's hands are littered in small cuts.

'Aigoo, this punk'

Though they don't seem to bleed much and the man was thankfully cautious on not contaminating the food, those cuts should still be hurting.

"There's a reason why you're banned from the kitchen."

Cale said sternly as he grabbed the other's hands. The half-blood dragon flinches under the former's hard gaze.

"I'm sorry..."

As he apologized, he looked down, scared to see Cale's reaction.

It was that moment...

The sunset-haired man heard a deep sigh.

"Just. Sit still"

A grumble was heard before then his hands finally released.

Confused but not daring to look up, he just stayed very still as instructed, or that is until the warmth of the other's hands soon returned  followed with a wet cloth and box of first aid kit.

The smell of antiseptic soon filled his nose.

"Eh? Headmaster-nim, what are you—"

"Your shaking is getting worse."

Cale frowned as he ignored the other's words since it should be clear on what is he doing.

'This crazy punk really pick up a knife when he can't even control his trembling'

He clicked his tongue.

'What's next? He'd accidentally stumble and ended up burning down this wooden lodging?'

If he doesn't end up dying from the fire, he'd for sure going to be killed by the Molans— or rather, by the chef Beacrox, for destroying his kitchen

At the thought, Cale suddenly turned pale, fearing for his life.

"Just... please get back to your room and rest."

He sounded desperate and the half-blood dragon who couldn't tell what's inside the younger's head could only see the former's gaze sunken while his own eyes shakes.

"But Cale-nim..."

"No buts. I'll deliver your dinner later. So, please, just stay in your room"

'I won't let myself or my parallel selves getting killed from a stupid scenario!'

However, he couldn't help a light frown from forming as watched the other getting teary-eyed.

'What the hell? Why is this punk acting like this?'

Did he misspoke? Did he offend him or somethin— no, that doesn't to be the case.

Then, the only reason that he could think up now...

"Is it too painful?"

The Dragon half-blood flinches again at how foreignly soft Cale tone was as he asked that.

"It's bearable"

But Cale could see the latter's chaotic gaze. He holds back another sigh.

"Well? Could you head back or do you want me to carry you?"

The Dragon half-blood stands up in response though he couldn't help his smile as he watched how Cale still has his guard up and looked like he's ready to catch him if he falls.

"Don't worry, I can get there on by myself"

The Dragon half-blood said to ease Cale's worry, to which the former nodded though he did added a comment in his head.

'You, walking natural disaster, you better not trip and die on your way'

Cale was uneasy to leave the other male by his own accord. But taking the Dragon half-blood back to his room before going back here would take some times and he's in a hurry— the water is boiling already.

"Okay. Be careful"

That's all he could say before watching the other's figure disappeared by the corner.

Only once the Dragon half-blood left that he let out a sigh.

"Right. I need to focus too"

Soon enough, Cale was too engrossed in his cooking that he did not realize how he's humming softly as his body keeps on moving all around and waste not even a second to do other things.

—dropping the chopped ingredients into the pot, putting the mac and cheese in the microwave, grilling the patties for the hamburgers, and frying the fries.

He did all sorts of things.

'I guess I could make some warm drink from this'

He hummed as he grabbed the chopped ginseng that the Dragon half-blood made earlier and boils it to make honey lemon ginseng tea.

As he is on his own, he began to hum some more, a song that Choi Jung Soo used to sang at night to creep him up just to get himself all scared like a silly billy he was.

At the thought of his late comrade, the corners of his lips twitched upward.

'Right. This too'

Honey Lemon Ginseng tea, Lee Soo Hyuk used to made it for them on stormy nights when it is possible.

While Samgyetang, it is something from his childhood. A taste that's long forgotten.

"I hope they'd like it"

'No, actually. They better be. I put a lot of effort on this'

[Many Constellations are salivating at your meals!]

[Some Constellations of the gourmet association is enjoying the view]

[Some Constellations who enjoyed cooking wanted to share some recipes with you]

'My goodness, why are these gods suddenly so active?'

Thankfully, once the dinner time finally arrived and both the scout masters and the scouts returned from their activities, they ate the food he made ravenously.

"Whoa! The head master is cooking for us? Is this edible?"

One of the Scoutmasters, that Cale recognized as one of his past team members as Kim Rok Soo, joked. To which he dismissed easily.

"If you don't want to eat, then it's just more food for me"

"Heh, you said so, but you're not even sitting, Headmaster-nim. Just where are you going?"

The other asked while Cale just hummed as he put the food on a tray before heading out.

"You can tell that someone is missing from his seat— I'm heading there"

"Oh... I see, okay"

An awkward reply could be heard but Cale ignored it completely. It's really none of his business that these people still couldn't get along well with the Dragon half-blood.

'Frankly speaking, it is understandable that it'd be hard for them to get along after knowing his criminal record.'

Apparently, the Dragon half-blood was a killer despite living in this peaceful era.

Though he was used, but a murderer nevertheless.

'Again, not my problem'

[Constellation "Black Rabbit of Inle" raised a brow at you]

If his parallel self has decided to take this man under his wings then at the very least he'd do his job right and fed him well in his place.

Cale knocked on the door, "it's me"

"Come in, it's not locked"

With that permission, he entered the room before then helping the Dragon half-blood get seated so he can eat.

"Thank you, Headmaster-nim."

The sunset-haired was about to accept the bowl when Cale pulled it away from his reach.

"Eh?"

"I'm going to feed you. Isn't it obvious?"

Cale's indifferent voice was greeted with a blank look on the other's face as he could not believe what he just heard.

"Excuse me? You're going to what?"

Cale clicked his tongue as he looked over at him.

"I put a lot of effort on this meal. I am not going to let you just waste it by dropping the bowl or something. Now peep down and eat"

Dumbfounded still, however, the Dragon half-blood obeys as Cale then feed him the Samgyetang he made as well helping him drink the ginseng tea that he's actually contributed in the making.

"The Scoutmasters said that the tea was great"

Cale mentioned as the older male stared at the beverage on his hand.

It was obvious why he had said that. Which is why the Dragon half-blood is smiling.

"That's a relief"

"Hmm"

They fell into another peaceful silence as Cale finished the meal that's still left on the bowl.

It was quite a hassle to brought two servings after all, which is why he purposely put a lot more on the bowl so he can eat as well.

It's not like he's not used to share his meals.

'This turned out quite good after all. Hmm, The others should really have a taste of it as well, Choi Han especially,' he hummed at the thought of a certain black haired man that might appreciate this korean food the way he did, 'the kids might be curious as well actually'

Cale was enjoying his food that he did not pay much attention to the Dragon half-blood's stares until later.

"What?"

"Headmaster-nim, you..."

"Hmm?"

The Dragon half-blood was rendered speechless and ended up shaking his head as he could not find any words to be uttered other than—

"Thank you. Just... thank you for everything"

Cale felt weird that the other just thanked him all of the sudden. But he reckon that it's likely something to do with what his parallel self do—

Which is not entirely wrong, though what he didn't know is that the true soul of this body would never go extra miles as he did today.

Clueless about that, Cale just nodded, "if you're truly grateful, then take care of yourself. Get better so you can pay for your meal"

"I'll do my best"

Cale was quite pleased with that reply and the fact that the screen that hovers above him flashed green.

[Personal Scenario #2 - Cook a Feast]

+

Status: Completed

Reward: +50 Stamina 

+

[Congratulations! You just finished Level 2!]

For some reason, Cale could imagine Schnier snickering as he announced so.

[Did you enjoy the meal? Hopefully you're full now.]

'I do actually'

Cale replied, though he couldn't help the iffiness he's feeling.

Why does it sounded like he's going to work him to the bone?

Cale felt the sudden need to run...

[Great then! That means we can proceed to the next level, no problem, right?]

However, before Cale could even give any sort of response, his soul has been wrapped around once again as he was being dragged to already the next place.

Chapter Text

'Hmm? Where am I now-?'

A stage.

"..."

That red-head froze on his feet.

He is now standing on a stage, in front of a waiting crowd that's staring intensely at his way.

Cale couldn't help but gulping lightly as he looked around for a bit to avoid those eyes that's gazing at him expectantly.

It was then, he found out that behind him, a pianist is waiting for his lead to start.

'...don't tell me'

[Personal Scenario #3 - Live Performance]

+

Difficulty: D

Clear Conditions: You are an idol that's requested to perform brilliantly. Make sure you're audiences are entertained.

Time Limit: -

Compensation: +100 Stamina

Failure: -100 Fame

+

'Damn it!'

Cale gripped onto the microphone after reading the assignment. Getting nervous as he sweats, he then thought to himself...

'My voice is no good. Why is this kind of scenario even exists? I am no performer!'

[Well, Cale Henituse a.k.a Kyle is actually a quite known singer in these parallel worlds imma take you around]

'Wait. Plural? This isn't it???'

[Nope. This is like the an audition before the main scenario.]

'what kind of audition has this many people attending???'

At the moment he's the center of attention in this theater-like stage. And as someone who wished and has always been living quietly and as far away from this kind of life, of course he'd bound to get nervous.

'what if my voice cracks? what if I'm so bad at it and they throw rotten fruits at me or something?'

Though, more than anything, he's worried that he'd fail the scenario.

[Just believe in yourself and go!]

[Many Constellations are getting impatient!]

'Aaaahhh... I don't know anymore'

In the end, Cale decided to resign to his fate this once and opened his mouth to get the show started.

Stella Jang(스텔라장) - Villain(빌런) | Cover by YAHONG

He doesn't know what kind of faces he's making. But as he is a performer, he felt like it is only right to live up the song more than just through his voice.

And it seems like the audiences love his effort.

[Fufu~ what do you know? You're a natural! That was great, Cale! Bravo!]

Along with the claps and cheers of the audiences he could hear Schnier's giddy reaction in his head.

'Ho...'

A slim smile appeared on his face as he was satisfied that he did not just humiliate himself in front of these strangers.

Perhaps this scenario wouldn't be as bad as he had feared after all.

[Well, Glad that you think so then~ Shall we move on to the next performance then? This time you won't be on the spot light on your own!]

'Huh? Wait, what??'

However, Schnier did not gives him time to even question on things as he already being dragged around once again...

As soon as he arrived on this second stage, The first thing that entered his hearing is cheering. And not just any cheering, it was that of children's.

He stand still as he realized what's going on despite his view is blocked due to the giant curtain that divided them with their young audiences.

'w-why am I... in front of a crowds- kids nevertheless?'

[Well, in the script it did clearly say that you're an idol. Don't you know what the idols do? Are you sure you are Korean??]

'No, that's not the problem here.'

As he fell quiet Cale felt like having an even worse stage fright than before. After all, more than how self conscious he is about his singing voice...

'I don't know how to freaking danc-'

[You can. That body you're residing now is that of a true idol! Muscle memory would lead you to do what you need to do.]

"Are you okay Cale?"

That red-head turned to his side upon the call, just to find himself staring dumbfoundedly at the approaching people.

"This..."

He felt the sudden need to pluck out his eye balls and probably wash them with bleach as he remembered what Schnier just said about not performing alone.

'This image is so cursed...'

Witira, Paseton, Valentino, John, Toonka, and lastly, Litana. All of them are standing there with uniformed outfits that did not fit their image at all.

For all these important figures to be his group members.

'How should I face them with this scene forever plastered in my memory???'

"aigoo my head..." he muttered to himself in distress.

"Hmm? What's wrong my friend? Headache from Stage fright?" Toonka, who's now less muscly than the other version of him that Cale know of, teased the red-head idol.

Honestly.

'This is so brain damaging, I swear...'

Cale then answered to the other idol, "Nothing. Just... stress"

he let out a silent sigh, before then thinking aloud, "I guess, it's a good thing that His high- Hyung-nim isn't part of this" he shook his head.

"Hm? You're talking about Alberu?"

Cale blinked as he heard John chiming in, "Uh... yeah?"

"I guess you're still worried about him" the other stared at him with sympathy.

'Huh? did something happen? what's with this reaction?'

a light frown appeared on his head.

"Don't worry, we'll visit him at the hospital after this"

Those reddish-brown pair rounded, 'Wait, hospital?'

"What-"

"Oh, right, you only heard about the car crash, right? Thankfully it's not as bad as it sounded" Litana said as she put a hand onto the Maknae of their group's shoulder.

"The doctor said that he'll be fine after resting for a week. But don't worry, your hyung is strong" Valentino added as if he's talking about an old friend or something.

"Alberu-nim actually asked me personally to take his place. I'm sorry Cale, we didn't tell you that he is hospitalized because you'll likely to worry about this" Paseton looked at him with concern.

Seeing all of them like this, Cale honestly just wanted to groan and grumble.

'This is driving me nuts'

[Constellation "Aztec solar diety" feels sorry for you]

[Constellation "Hallowed Maiden of the East" is patting your shoulder and said 'Hwaiting!']

"It's fine... let's just do this, we can't let the children wait any longer"

'That's right. There's no point on over thinking about this scenario. I just need to keep on going,'

"Ah, okay..."

And with that the group then take on their positions before then the music started.

ENHYPEN (엔하이픈) X TAYO - 'HEY TAYO' Official MV

(Super Genius) Okay

Hey Tayo, Hey Tayo, he's a friendly little bus
Speeding up, slowing down, Tayo always loves to run

Hey Tayo, Hey Tayo, he's a friendly little bus
Speeding up, slowing down, Tayo's always having fun

Bumpy or smooth, windy or straight
He's not scared of anything ahead
Even when it's dark and scary, he's not alone
With his friends, there is nothing here to dread

Cale wanted to scream. So. Freaking. Badly.

What's with this childish song?

Why is he dancing?

And why did he have to had the most screen time!?

Hey Tayo, Hey Tayo, he's a friendly little bus
Speeding up, slowing down, Tayo always loves to run

Hey Tayo, Hey Tayo, he's a friendly little bus
Speeding up, slowing down, Tayo's always having fun

Let's dance under the shining disco ball
Put your hands up!
Get party on a happy day like today!

Shout out if you're ready!

'Ruined. It's absolutely ruined'

Their majestic image of these future rulers in his head is crumbling completely. Even his image of the barbaric Toonka.

Suddenly he questioned how difficult the other scenarios would be if this kind of thing only ranked D while there's still so many level above it.

Bumpy or smooth, windy or straight
He's not scared of anything ahead
Even when it's dark and scary, he's not alone
With his friends, there is nothing here to dread

Hey Tayo, Hey Tayo, he's a friendly little bus
Speeding up, slowing down, Tayo always loves to run
Hey Tayo, Hey Tayo, he's a friendly little bus
Speeding up, slowing down, Tayo's always having fun

It's a brand new day today, let's have some fun!

'Smile Cale. Smile brightly. You're in front of children! Control yourself!'

he keeps on telling himself this line as they finished the first song and soon moved on to the second one that's still on the same theme.

ENHYPEN (엔하이픈) X TAYO - 'BILLY POCO' Official MV

Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, yeah
Billy, Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, Max, Chris
Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, yeah
Billy, Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, Max, Chris

Heavy, heavy one!
My name is Billy (Billy)
Just talk to me, I'll push everything
Whether it's muddy sturdy wheels
Billy, Billy, strong friend Billy

Heavy, heavy two!
My name is Poco (Poco)
Just tell me, I'll fix everything
I'm not afraid of any obstacles
Poco, Poco, cool friend Poco

Cale feels like he's going to cry the louder the children cheered for them.

'This is so mortifying...'

Why did he agree to this again?

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh,
only trust us
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh,
go ahead!
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh,
stronger strength oh
Soaring high (Hey!)

'Salute to all the performers out there for enduring this... this kind of light...'

Cale thought to himself, forgetting the fact that he's not a stranger with being in the middle of people's attention for becoming a leader of so many factions through out his lives.

Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, yeah
Billy, Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, Max, Chris
Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, yeah
Billy, Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, Max, Chris

The worst part of this, is the fact that he won't be able to forget any of this...

In addition to how catchy these songs are. Cale was sure that he'd have them played in his head like broken records every time he'd day dreams now.

This is extremely threatening to his peaceful slacker life!

Heavy, heavy three!
My name is Max (Max)
Just talk to me, I'll listen
Nothing in the world is heavy
Max, Max, reliable car Max

Heavy, heavy four
My name is Chris (Chris)
Just talk to me, I'll protect you
Can overcome any difficulty
Chris, Chris, great friend Chris

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh,
only trust us
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh,
go ahead!
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh,
stronger strength oh
Soaring high (Hey!)

'Thankfully no one would be able to witness any of this... If they do then I might just have to convict myself to live in seclusion'

[...]

[Constellation "Black Rabbit of Inle" is snickering]

I'm heavy
We heavy, heavy
I'm heavy!
We heavy, heavy!

Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, yeah
Billy, Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, Max, Chris
Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, yeah
Billy, Billy, Poco, Billy, Poco, Max, Chris

"Kyaaaaaa!!!"

The cheering of the children was the loudest at this point as they waved their balloons and plushies.

"Thank you for coming here, everyone~!"

"We will see you again on the next tour!"

"Bye bye now! Take care~!"

And with that the curtain is finally drawn.

"..."

As they finished their performance, the time stopped again for Cale as many indirect messages flowed into his view.

[Many of Constellations are clapping their hands!]

[Some of Constellations are pointing fingers]

[Constellation "Aztec solar diety" wished that there'll be recording of this]

[Constellation "Black Rabbit of Inle" said that he'll remember this forever]

'No! Forget about it! Why would anyone remember let alone record this... this...'

Cale felt like short-circuiting as he closes his face with his hands while Schnier's laughter rings freely in his head.

[Ahahahaha!!! That was amazing! How Spectacular! Forget about being a Hero, Cale! you are gifted to be an idol!!]

Suddenly he felt like eating some rabbit meats. Maybe once this is over, he'd ask for Ron or Choi Han to hunt him some.

'Whatever... I've done my part. Why does the screen not turning green?'

The albino, who's finally done with his laughter, is grinning at the question.

Granted, Cale could not see the other at the moment, however he could tell that Schnier is snickering as he answered to him.

[Why, of course! Like I said, this is but an audition. At least now you're no longer shivering from stage fright, right? Now then! Shall we get to the real deal~?]

'So this is not it???'

"Motherfucke-!!!"

Cale's coarse words were cut off as his soul transported to a new body...

He was truly unprepared to see the people performing in front of him.

Chapter Text

"What the hell...?"

Those reddish-brown gaze sunken as he was standing at the back stage as he watched the band that's currently performing.

His eyes especially couldn't leave the bright haired vocalist who's singing his heart out at the moment.

'That is...'

"Cale Henituse"

That red-headed male that he's staring at is undoubtedly Cale Henituse.

'What's going on here?'

As he looked behind Cale as he recognized the guitarist and drummer as well.

"Lee Soo Hyuk and Choi Jung Soo"

Their faces, those expressions. It's unmistakably the two.

'Then... who am I?' 

His back felt cold as he glanced to the side where a mirror is placed for the performers that needed to fix their appearance on last seconds.

Black hair, reddish-brown eyes, and that face...

"Ha!"

He let out a laugh-like gasp.

'I'm Kim Rok Soo again'

Well, it seems like things just take another weird turn. What else he could do, right?

Knowing that there's no point on fussing about this, Rok Soo calmed his heartbeat as he decided to listen closely to what Cale is singing so heartily like that.

Marshmello ft. Khalid - "Silence" (Cover by Our Last Night)

'This song fits him a lot'

So much that even he, who was said to lack of empathy, felt a pang on his heart.

Rok Soo couldn't help but shaking his head as he saw how Cale's expression is in contrast of Soo Hyuk and Jung Soo's satisfied smiles.

'Aigoo this dongsaeng of mine... just how much he blamed himself that he felt this way?' 

He hardly noticed the familiar faces mixed in the loud crowds. If he had paid any closer attention to them and not the band, he would be able to see that not only many important figures of Roan Kingdom are present— Literally all of the characters slash people he has met as 'Cale Henituse' could be find holding light stick and cheering for them.

It should feel basically the same as the whole Western and Eastern continents attending this concert.

However, as mentioned before, he paid so little heed on them to notice that. His focus is more to the band...

Once Cale and his friends finished, they headed to the back stage where he's waiting for his turn as the light dimmed for the transition.

"What is it, hyung?"

Cale arched a brow at Kim Rok Soo who's still staring at him before then he raised a thumbs up as their twin pairs of reddish-brown orbs meet each other.

"Great song"

Cale snorts, that compliment sounds like him alright.

"Of course it'll be good, I'm the one composing it" The red-head rolled his eyes before then patting Rok Soo's shoulder as he passed by.

"You too. Give it your best out there... Hwaiting!"

Rok Soo has a slim smile at that encouragement.

"You should really hear it closely too, Cale."

"Eh?"

Rok Soo never really explained what he mean by that as he just get on the stage with his crew a.k.a. the personified-chibi form of his ancient power— 

Honestly, at this point, everything goes.

'Oh well, we still have one more song to be performed together after this. I better save some stamina'

He said so, yet still adamant on showing the best as Cale would listen to his song as well.

Soon, the preparation is finished and the music started as the children's voice could be heard.

Abstract - Not Alone (feat. Roze)

(You're not alone)
When your house is not a home
And you feel like you don't belong
'Cause all of the love is gone

His eyes did not land on anyone in particular, but he is telling a story of certain someone.

Rok Soo is telling the story of a certain survivor...

(You're not alone) Yeah
When your house is not a home
And you feel like you don't belong
'Cause all of the love is gone

Just know that you're not alone...

When you feel like you can't be strong
And you wanna give in but you don't
Just listen to this song
And know that you're not alone

He throwed a side glance to the trio who obviously listening before then eyeing that similar reddish-brown pairs as if telling with his gaze:

'Pay attention'

Lead the team, keep the world on my back
I been lifting just to make sure that I never collapse
Keep my spirits high 'cause I know I inspire like that
But I'd be lying if I told you that it's easy as that

I came home to a house that wasn't home no more
I got memories, there's places I don't go no more
I looked around and felt like I ain't got the glow no more
Hundred thousand fans but some don't show no love no more

Like what do you want from me?
I give it all that I have
I'm out here breaking my back
I make the money but I put it back in the music
This ain't your typical rap
I see 'em buying a Benz, sorry I pay up my team
You think I'm livin' it up, keep it a buck
Yet to be living my dream

This Kim Rok Soo, the body that he's currently residing never fight with his fists, never swing a sword, nor does he have ancient power just like he does. Nevertheless he is a fighter.

(You're not alone) Yeah
When your house is not a home
And you feel like you don't belong
'Cause all of the love is gone

Just know that you're not alone...

When you feel like you can't be strong
And you wanna give in but you don't
Just listen to this song
And know that you're not alone

He fight his way against the unfairness of the world. He fight with everything he has and everything he could.
And through it all, Kim Rok Soo realized he couldn't survive all alone. Which is why here he stands— telling his story to his fellow survivors out there.

Rok Soo shared the sentiment. Which is why, his voice flows out naturally...

Hello, this is your conscience speaking
I'm here to give you the guidance you've been desperately seeking
Before I jump off the deep end this evening and start preaching
I want you to know everything happens for a reason

Believe in yourself, even when they doubt you (yeah)
Even when you're at your lowest and you don't know how to
There gon' come a time when they hate and talk about you
But when they do, smile, never let them arouse you

To the point where you get afraid, disarrayed, and question your existence
Listen, this the day you can wake up and make a difference
No more feeling distant, no more feeling useless, you can do this
No ignoring me, and most importantly, no more excuses

I'm tired of seeing you using your sight but not vision
And being the guy with the winning dice, that's not risking it all
I mean, as humans, we're all given flaws
But what's the point of life if you ain't living at all
I'm saying...

Not a goner. Just not there yet.

Even when people laughed at his dream, even if people pointed fingers at his methods, and even when they look down on him—

'None of that matters'

Just don't give up on yourself. No matter the circumstances. Strive, not just survive. After all...

'Being alive is the best'

(You're not alone) Yeah
When your house is not a home
And you feel like you don't belong
'Cause all of the love is gone

Just know that you're not alone...

When you feel like you can't be strong
And you wanna give in but you don't
Just listen to this song
And know that you're not alone

Rok Soo's memory now roamed to all the experiences mixed as he was the team leader and Cale Henituse...

Sometimes I forget that I was living in my parents' house
Working out my bedroom, couple dollars in my bank account
I was dreaming 'bout the life that currently I'm living now
So why's it feel like I'm still seventeen and tryna find a route

I done toured the world by twenty five, got half a billion views
This is not a flex, it took nine years to walk this in my shoes
Conquered demons daily, fixed the heart that someone broke in two
I been to rock bottom, got back up, and rocked it past the roof

Underdog story, I do best when all the odds are stacked
Tire out opponents, last man standing, that's when I attack
Do this for the ones who never quit, no you are not alone
Do this for the ones who once were lost and turned it to a home

His smirk broke the resting face he has on daily as emotions felt natural than it ever had before. And the more he realized that he's not that far on making his dream of having a slacker life come true make him smile the brightest after a long while.

'That's right. Me too... Things would get better now that that bastard White Star is no longer here'

(You're not alone)
When your house is not a home
And you feel like you don't belong
'Cause all of the love is gone

Just know that you're not alone...

When you feel like you can't be strong
And you wanna give in but you don't
Just listen to this song
And know that you're not alone

When your house is not a home
And you feel like you don't belong
'Cause all of the love is gone
Just know that you're not alone

As the song finished, Rok Soo felt like laughing at the expression that Cale is making while staring at his direction.

'That's right. Stop blaming yourself and move on, you punk. Get your own happiness'

Cale looked like he's annoyed but at the same time enlightened.

"I suddenly have the urge to smack you, hyung. I wonder why"

The red-head grumbled quietly as their two groups prepared for their last performance.

In the meantime, Rok Soo merely smiled that specific smile that he rarely shows to his underlings as he ruffled the bright colored locks like his team leader would do it to him in the past.

"Your emo state is getting stale, As your hyung how can I stay still?"

He stifled a laughter as the younger swats his hand away with a sharp glare.

"Whatever. Let's just finish this so you can get back to your precious nap time"

"Sure sure"

Soon enough the preparation finished as the two of them get ready for their featuring song.

Kelly Clarkson - People Like Us (Official Video)

'Ahh... this is bad'

Rok Soo is uncharacteristically grinning, overjoyed and obviously swept away with the music.

He was dancing, jumping, even duetting with Cale who looked just as energetic as himself.

It's definitely weird.

But surprisingly enough, his racing heart beat did not felt uncomfortable.

Normally he wouldn't like standing in a spotlight such as this. However, this time, their cheering, their excitement... It's resonating with him in the best way.

'is this the feelings of this body owner?'

That's the only thing that crossed his mind.

'Oh well'

The afterglow did feel nice. So he'll allow himself to enjoy the moment for this one time.

"oof!"

Rok Soo blinked as the 'ancient powers' hugged him.

"We did it Oppa!"

"It's a success!"

"It really is"

The last one was Cale who's just as sweaty as he is. 

The red-head's face is slightly flushed but he was smiling. He's actually grinning back at him although only for a bit, before he went on to share his happiness to his band mate.

Their first concert ever is a success.

'Heh, so this punk actually knows how to smile'

Good.

Now he can leave them with easy heart as well...

It was that moment that the screen above him turned green.

[Personal Scenario #3 - Live Performances]

+

Status: Completed

Reward: +100 Stamina

+

[Congratulations~! You just finished a D-Level scenario!]

Schnier chimed to which Rok Soo calmly replied in his head.

'Yes. Yes, I did'

[Fufu~ Feeling refreshed with all of these emotions huh? That's good. You should really express yourself more, Cale. Perhaps play some music once you're done with these scenarios?]

'...no, I'm good. These emotions is too explosives'

The albino chuckled at the expected reply.

[Oh well, Ready for the next scenario? Don't worry, it'll be a chill one this time]

Rok Soo looked at everyone for one last time before discreetly nodded.

'Yeah, let's go'

Chapter Text

"..."

Cale is speechless.

He knows that he shouldn't be this shocked after knowing that the Constellations are capable of turning him into a girl.

Yet still...

He felt like he has lost all of his words.

'I'm a kid'

Cale Henituse realized that he's residing his body of 7 to 9 years old .

"But why am I-?"

The screen appeared in front of him at that moment.

[Personal Scenario #3 - Little Boy]

+

Difficulty: B

Clear Conditions: Survive without your Ancient Power.

Time Limit: -

Compensation: +50 Stamina

Failure: -

+

The level jumped again, and now, from D it's now B.

Cale paid upmost attention on the word 'Survive' as the condition of this level.

'Too bad'

He hummed, as he realized that he doesn't have any of his ancient powers.

However, he did not panic as it is mentioned on the screen as well.

"I guess, that made sense."

'My plate might break if I were to have those ancient powers with this tiny body.'

So that only means that he needs to survive with just his body alone.

'Just what kind of accident would happen around this time?'

He wondered if this is a repeat of the past.

"What is it that 'made sense', young master-nim?"

Cale flinched violently as he timidly turning around to see Ron asking from right behind him.

Smiling benignly as usual.

'Oh no, don't tell me that it wanted me to survive Ron?'

He tried not to be looking as nervous despite his hammering heart.

He might looked like 'Cale Henituse' Ron knows.

But he is not him.

He doesn't know how to act as Cale Henituse of the old.

'Should I act childish? Smart? Ignorant?'

Cale doesn't want to die by the hand of this old man.

He doesn't want to get caught as an impostor.

"Nothing, Ron. Where's Mother?"

Cale had asked randomly, out of nervousness, before freezing on the spot as he remembered something crucial.

Jour Thames died when Cale was 8, and he was not close with Countess Violan at the time.

Asking for his mother this time around is the most awkward thing and very likely the wrong answer.

'Shit, I should have asked for Fathe-'

"The Countess is at the garden, young master-nim"

In the midst of his panic, Ron's calm voice could be heard.

He sounded normal, as if it is not weird at all for him to ask that.

'Ho...'

He was saved.

And it seems like he managed to get himself a valuable info of the situation.

Ron had been so casual in his reply.

That means, nothing has happened just yet.

'I see'

So, that means I'm currently 7 years old or so'

Nodding to himself, he then turned to Ron again.

"Which garden is it?"

"The Rose Garden where she always write her diary, young master-nim"

"Okay, Ron, thank you."

He said before dashing away out of the room to get away from the vicious assassin in disguise as he knows where that garden is.

The Rose Garden has been replaced by other kinds of colorful flower after a few years of Cale's mother's death.

So the fact that it is still exist means that his theory was right.

Jour Thames hasn't died yet.

It took him five minutes to get to where the garden was located.

In the middle of it, there's a Gazebo and a red haired lady sitting under its shades.

'She's alive'

Cale stared at her from the distance.

Long crimson hair that's a copy of his own could be seen fluttering from the breeze as she could be seen writing on a familiar brown book.

Cale did not know how to react to this.

So he just stand there, unmoving.

'She is beautiful...'

Seeing it on person is different than just seeing some pictures.

'I should probably not bothering her'

Which is why, he then turned around, and was about to leave when a chirp could be heard.

"Oh, Cale! Did you finish your study?"

The caller was Jour.

It was her voice.

One that he's unfamiliar with.

"Ah, yes, mother?"

Cale was nervous as he turned around again and walk to her.

'...this is going to be tiring'

Cale remembered how Jour had been, both her adult self and younger self.

Though he is more familiar with the younger self as he did not have any memory of this lady as his own mother.

"'Mother'?"

Jour arched a brow.

"Oh my, it seems like my Cale is trying to be mature today~ Where is the boy who always cheerfully call 'Mom! Mom!' Every time he finishes his classes"

She teased him as she ruffled his hair gently.

Cale tried to smile the best he can muster while thinking in his head.

'That boy is not here, ma'am'

He felt complicated to be here as he has lost his own mother for years.

Cale tried to change the topic as he glanced at the book.

"What are you writing there, mother? You always write on that book"

He repeated what Ron had told him before.

"Oh, this? It is a diary"

She smiled at him.

But Cale felt iffy about that smile.

There's complicated emotions in her eyes. One that he would certainly miss had he been her true son.

"Diary?"

"Yes. I taught you how to write one few weeks ago, right?"

Cale just nodded though he has no memory of it.

She smiled at him, and he smiled back.

It is really awkward, and his palm is starting to sweat from the nervousness.

It was that moment.

"I will visit the Harris Village tomorrow."

Cale stared at her, startled.

'Harris Village?'

Harris Village might just be one of the many villages in the Henituse territory. A village that was separated by a single wall from the Forest of Darkness.

It is now filled with Tiger Tribe people, the wolf children, and his friends.

But, Cale knew better than anyone else about what happened long before it was rebuilt that way.

Harris Village was a place where Choi Han received the warmth of love for the first time after getting lost in the Forest of Darkness.

It was also a village that will be annihilated by Arm in the future.

"Is there a reason to go to Harris Village?"

He also knows some bitter facts about Harris Village.

And the fact that he is probably 8 years old now... and this sudden trip to the said Village.

"There was something important I need to do there."

Cale's eyes turned sharp as he felt like his question just got answered.

'Survive'

Perhaps, it is referring to the incident that would befallen Jour Thames.

"Then, can I go with you?"

If she had said no, he'll sneak inside her carriage somehow.

'If this is a parallel world, and not just illusion or something... then perhaps...'

Perhaps he could change this world's future.

'There's also one other thing...'

Cale wanted to know whether Choi Han was already living peacefully in the Harris Village or he was still in the Forest of Darkness.

Jour's lips twisted into a warm smile.

"Sure, my child."

It has been nearly three days since Cale and Jour has arrived in the Harris Village. The citizens there immediately greeted them respectfully and escorted them to the wealthiest inn for the noble.

'Nothing is weird.'

Jour didn't act weirdly as he had initially suspected, and there's really no sign of Choi Han in this village.

Acting like a child is tiring.

Absolutely tiring.

They were too energetic to his liking.

Cale just wished to go back home as soon as possible.

It did not help with the fact that he needs to act like a children his age and play around since Jour seems to be happy whenever the Village children dragged him around and play together.

Of course, their parents had nagged them for being rude to a noble.

"No, it's okay! I want to play too!"

He had chirped uncharacteristically since he needs to play his role flawlessly.

...he had truly forgotten that the children he knew of back in his own world already knows about his disliking to move.

Over here.

In Harris Village.

Cale was practically dragged around here and there.

Up on the tree branches, then down with the mud.

And he laughed with each and every one of those games and adventures- as they called it.

Cale was sure that he would die of exhaustion at this point...

He collapsed on the ground right after they finished playing.

"Did you enjoy yourself today, Cale?"

"Yes, mother"

Cale had calmly answered her during dinner, when deep inside he just wanted to lay down on the floor or something.

Jour just smiled mysteriously before then nodding.

Cale was scared to think that he's been found out, but since she did not brought up anything, she just nodded.

It is now the fourth day.

Cale is currently staring at the 10-meter-tall wall made of stone.

That single wall was the one that separated the Harris Village and one of the Forbidden Regions, the Forest of Darkness.

Cale rested his palm on the smooth stone.

'Behind this wall, Choi Han is fighting for his life.'

Against numerous dangerous mutant monsters and poisonous plants, Choi Han is suffering and growing despair.

'I don't have my ancient power.'

Cale stared at his tiny hand.

'And I am but 8 years old'

His heart sank, but there's nothing he could do with what he is right now.

'I'm sorry, Choi Han...'

If he insisted to it, he'd only be those monsters' food or rotting in vain.

All he could do now is trust the black haired male as he is and the future he knew of.

"Cale, what are you doing here?"

He turned his head to see his mother was approaching him.

"I was praying, mother."

He did not lie to his mother.

"Praying?"

Cale nodded before then continuing his words.

"For the future"

Cale did not miss the way Jour flinched at that.

"...Cale, you know about future?"

And that, answered his doubt.

"Mother, you know what will happen in the future?"

He then quickly added.

"My future?"

Jour's face stiffened before then slowly calming down.

"It seems like my guess is right then"

Cale smiled sadly.

"I guess this has answered each of our suspicions?"

Jour's smile resembled her son's.

"How about we talk about this over dinner?"

Cale did not say no to that.

"My son"

Cale turned to her, after they finished their meals.

"Are you a regressor?"

Jour has suspected that to be the case since Cale has been hesitating to meet her the day he suddenly called her 'mother' instead of 'mom'

That being said, he reacted normally while being called by his name.

Cale smiled.

"That is indeed the case, mother. But I will not stay, so, you should really finish what you came here for..."

With heavy heart he said that.

Cale found out that it's too late to stop Jour from committing to her act as it is already been done.

What's left to it is to bury the said item to where its destined to.

"Ah, I see"

Now it was Jour who's looking nervous and at the same time guilty at her son.

Cale did not like it.

He doesn't want to see her mother looking this sad. So he then blurted out.

"Things happen, but I am happy now, mother. You did not need to worry"

He was being genuine despite his flat tone.

And that seemed to be enough since Jour's face relaxed once more.

"I see. That's great. I'm glad that you found your happiness"

She did not ask much about the future.

How far to the future Cale come from?

Or, how is it around that timeline?

She asked nothing about those.

The only question she had asked was...

"How was your life?"

Cale did not have a hard time to answer that question for her.

"...Annoyingly good"

"Hoo?"

Jour looked bemused already.

"Somehow people around me were either extremely strong or highly influential."

Cale shakes his head as he truly does not understand how he ended up being with the group that now he can proudly call as his family

"I don't know how things ended up that way when I-"

He halted.

Cale couldn't tell her that at some point in his life he was a trash.

Jour might get disappointed on him.

"When you?"

But she was already curious.

Cale decided to skip that part and talk about the other reason that sounds plausible.

"Remember our family motto, mother?"

"Ah..."

Cale shakes his head once more.

"I think I accidentally did something and uh... I'm quite famous now"

'As Trash and... the other names'

He did not proceed with that as he holds back his shivers.

Jour giggled softly.

"I am sure you were and will be doing great things, my son"

She gently caress his locks, one that's similar to her own.

"I'm so proud of you..."

Cale, who has not felt this kind of motherly love for years, has lost his smile...

On their departing day, the sky were dark and it was raining heavily.

'What a stormy night'

Normally people won't travel at this kind of weather. However, Cale and Jour were not given any other option as they both know for a fact that Jour's day was numbered.

It is something to be done.

As he is right now, Cale already found out the reason... and he tried to understand.

"Aren't you going to sleep, Cale?"

It was late, and at this time around, Cale who was 8 years old should be already in bed.

But Cale shakes his head and spare her a smile.

"I want to spend as long as I could with you"

Putting aside the fact that he wants to prevent what would happen soon, that was his honest opinion.

'I've only known her for five days... yet I'm already this attached'

a bitter smile formed on her face.

He did not realize that she's actually subconsciously mimicking his expression at the moment.

"I'm so-"

"Don't"

He cuts her off.

"You have nothing to apologize for"

At first he had thought that it was cruel of her to do this to her own son and husband, but Cale is now an adult, he tried to rationalize her reasoning.

"What you did saved my life and many others. You did the right thing, mother."

Cale said, spoiling a bit about the future that he has achieved.

It was her power that has helped him kill that bastard White Star.

So, her choice was... correct.

"I am proud of you"

Jour let out a teary-chuckle since she could tell that her son was telling the truth even without seeing his firm expression.

"I see. I am glad. And... thank you for your understanding"

Cale stands up and was about to erase the tears on his mother's eyes when, all of the sudden, a strong wind in addition to the already bumpy and slippery road, tipped the carriage over.

Jour's eyes widened open as she turned to her only son.

However, Cale who's been highly alert from the start and aware of this possibility reached out toward her first.

'SHIELD!!!'

His soul was screaming as he wrapped himself around her front, protecting her with his own small body.

It was at that moment.

A pale silver shield were created around the two of them as if responding to his cry for help.

It was thin and easily broken.

But it was enough.

His ancient power that has been forcefully sealed for this scenario has rebelled and saved their lives.

"Cale!!!"

Jour's sorrowful cry could be heard as her only son coughs out blood as soon the shield breaks.

Cough! Cough!

Cale's complexion contrasted the color of fresh blood that he let out.

Fresh blood.

Because he doesn't have the Vitality of the heart on his side this time.

"Cale, oh Cale! Please hold on... Y-Your mother will-"

"Mother"

a small shaky hand reached onto her cold one's

"Calm down- cough"

Cale wiped down the blood and act tough despite the pain he's feeling.

"This is just a bit of recoil. I actually have a regeneration ability that should heal me whenever I'm hurt."

There's no need to tell her the part that the said ancient power is currently being sealed.

Cale smiled brightly to reassure her, yet Jour heart only sunk further at that sight.

"Oh, Cale... My dear child..."

She then hugged him and began to sobs.

Cale let her be as he asked her back instead.

"...You are okay, right, mother?"

"No, of course not! What kind of mother would be okay let alone alright seeing their child like this?"

Her voice was filled with sorrow and frustration as she holds him dearly.

"Mother, please trust me. I am okay. How would I ever dare to lie to you, Mother?"

But Jour just keeps on shaking her head as she weeps.

Her face that's filled with desperation, pain, worry and despair...

He hates that the most.

He has always hated to see people looking at him like this.

Blood was still dripping out of his mouth as he felt that his body became tired and heavy.

"...Please don't cry, mother."

"I should've be the one who protect you..."

Jour, who's days numbered, coughed up blood as she continued her words.

"My child, you know I don't have much time..."

So, why did you do that?

He can hear the unsaid question. The reason why he's forcing another bright smile despite the pain.

"The same reason you did what you've done, mother."

Jour's death was her choice to protect her son.

And it was Cale's choice to get this hurt to protect that remaining time.

Cough! Cough!

This time it was Jour who keeps on coughing.

And Cale...?

He can only keep a straight face as he tried to sooth her pain by caressing her arm while letting her hugs him some more.

"...Mother, let's go home?"

It was the first time in forever that Cale wished that they would never reach home...

A funeral was held not long after that...

Cale had lied about his own health and stay by his mother's side until she finally breathed her last as if that's what fated to happen.

A cruel fate that such a frail boy like him could not bend on his own.

'haa...'

It was nostalgic for Cale.

To stand in front of a coffin, again.

He was surrounded by weeping collateral families and vassals that came from other territories.

But among all of those people, Cale did not cry.

'Back then too'

He has attended another funeral and there's no tears could be seen on his stoic face.

Cale spent this time without any emotion, surviving through without crumbling down.

He had thought that something like that was the only way to persist at that time.

'I could not admit it'

In front of him was a painted portrait of a beautiful red-haired woman with delicate features.

It was a picture of his mother.

Cale was just staring at the portrait of a person he cherished wholeheartedly with a pair of hollow eyes.

The atmosphere during the funeral was heavy, tense and doleful. There were sounds of cries, sobbing and murmuring from the relatives and vassals that Cale did not even bother himself to care.

People then talks.

It was not the first time.

'This is tiring'

This is much more tiring than fighting a monster or two.

His mother had died, and yet he still couldn't shred a tear.

It was painful for him to reliving this kind of situation again, but at the moment, someone else is at his lowest.

Cale glanced at his father.

No matter how much time passed, Deruth was still there-rooted in spot as he stared at the fresh dirt covering the coffin of his wife's grave. He was shedding tears, grieving and mourning for the loss of his wife.

And during all those time, Cale did not leave him.

Cale knew that he should say something to comfort the younger version of his father.

But just like before, his voice won't come out as his throat was throbbing, the same way his heart was aching.

Even after they went back to the estate. Cale had not leave his father alone.

Finally, once he felt like he find his voice at last, Cale took a step forward.

He reached out his hand toward the man who's breaking down and kneeling in front of him.

"Father."

The trembling shoulders of the man stopped as he flinched at that voice.

Cale did not say much as he hugged the older male the way his mother had taught him to just the day before.

"Father, I am here."

Cale lifted his hands, patting Deruth, whose mental state was still unstable, on the back, gently.

He could not bear to watch his father lamenting to express his deep grief- it looked like his father was almost breaking apart to his eyes.

'...shit'

Only then he realized that there's someone that would be hurting the most with him being here and take his place.

'How messed up it is that I am here instead of the real Cale Henituse!?'

Suddenly he felt rage.

[No need to worry. Your actions could not go against the body's owner. And, though at the moment the child is unconscious, we'll make it as if he was there instead of you. After all, as you said, it'd be so messed up if we take these precious days off the body owner's memory]

Cale felt slightly relieved though at the same time, sorry for the younger Cale Henituse about that.

It was that moment...

[Personal Scenario #3 - Little Boy]

+

Status: Completed

Compensation: +50 Stamina

+

He ended up sighing as he let his soul being dragged around once again.

Chapter Text

"Where am I?"

For the first time, Cale was unsure where he landed.

Since he ended up in an empty space filled with nothing but a fluff ball that has eyes.

"Welcome to Wonderland Aisle."

The ball of fluff greeted him.

"Hmm?"

"My name is Natsu, And I'll be your guide through this scenario"

Cale was expecting for something that's tiny and fluffy like this creature, to be saying things in cheerful manner. But instead, it was calm and composed like himself.

Cale liked his new tour guide already.

That being said, he was about to ask what happened to Schnier since that punk said at the start of these series that he'll be the only one to guide him.

It was that moment.

[Personal Scenario #5 - Shopping Mania!]

+

Difficulty: B

Clear Conditions: Many constellation gifted you coins! Spend as much as you can within the time limit!

Time Limit: 3 Hours.

Compensation: The total of coins you've used would be converted then gifted fairly to the people of Earth 3

Failure: -

+

Cale loves to spends money.

Especially one that he earned through hard work.

His favorite one, of course, purchasing things with Golden Plaque that his hyung-nim granted him.

However, Cale was not happy.

It was because the compensation a.k.a. reward for finishing this scenario sounded fishy to him.

"Hold on, these 'coins' would be distributed 'Fairly' you said... how so?"

[It'll be sent based on their status]

"...you mean rich would be richer and the poor would get less?"

His frown got deeper.

[No. It was the opposite]

Still, Cale's expression showed his disdain clearly.

'What would people think if bags of cash just randomly fall from the sky??'

He was also worried for the chaos that might ensued if the strong ended up stealing from the weak and poor. Rather that a blessing, those coins would be new source of despair instead.

Not to mention...

'The streets would be a dangerous place to be.'

It'll be annoying if many incidents occurred just as he got home.

'The festival would be delayed. And the children would be sad.'

With his brain moving the fastest it ever was, he asked for another possibilities.

"As it is already gifted to me, may I asked for it to be converted to something else instead?

[Oh? And what it would be?]

"Food"

Cale curtly replied.

Eruhaben, the ancient dragon had warned him about how this winter would be especially cold. So...

He might need to inform his hyung-nim to tell the royalties about this later, so that there wouldn't be fights for the said goods. But it is much better than riches that would attract too many problems.

"Change it into goods and winter supplies."

That would be the best for everyone.

He internally nods to himself.

[That is possible, and actually easier to do! I will tell master Schnier about it]

Cale realized that this white ball of fluff actually like a ward for the white rabbit that was supposed to guide him.

"That is great. Now. What's with this circle mark?"

Cale gestured at the red circle mark on the floor which is only 25 cm or around 10 inches, in diameters

[It is not mentioned before but, that is why I am here to tell you]

The fluff ball, that's now more resembling like an extremely fluffy lion cub, Natsu, then said.

[Anything you can fit in the circle will be paid for. So basically, do not cross the line, or else]

Cale stared at the young cub as he take a guess.

"I'd fail the level?"

[Nope. Do you want to try tho?]

That red-haired male sense ominosity from its smile, hence why he shakes his head once.

There's no need for him to accidentally get hurt over something stupid.

"As long it did not touch the line— Can the item hovers above it?"

[That is correct.]

Cale hummed again as he keep that in mind.

[Well then~ shall we go shopping?]

With some claps of those fluffy paws, some aisles appeared, and forming endless halls starting from the circle as its point.

[This place has Everything you can ever think of! Existed and nonexistent items from past, future, and of course, present.]

Natsu explained.

[It also have stuffs that Your place doesn't have. Otherworldly stuff. Demonic items, divine items, even omnipotent weapons like Taerang could be found here!]

Cale arched a brow, intrigued.

"So, Everything?"

[Everything]

After Natsu's assurance. Cale thought of a specific item.

'If the items would end up being mine, then the stuffs that I must grab should definitely be—'

"Jewelries"

Of course, he did not mean any normal luxuries. Thankfully, the white lion cub understood what he wanted and lead Cale the way.

[Let's go to aisle #2772]

Cale needs to squint his eyes for a bit the moment he entered the sparkling hall.

He got goosebumps all over at these sparkling stones.

[So, what kind of shape do you want?]

"Minimalist"

Ignoring just how bright that place was, Cale answered to Natsu.

[How about these?]

Cale grabbed one of the necklace and flipped it over before smiling slimly as he spotted that weird squiggles that no longer exist in his world.

"Is there limit on how many items I can take?"

[No]

Therefore, Cale began to count.

11 wolf children.

20 Tigers.

2 cats.

And 2 for his little siblings.

"I'm taking 35 of these."

Cale also mentioned how many for each color so that they can match with the owner later.

[It'll be send next to the circle for you to stack it up later. Anything else?]

That red headed male looked around some more as he then contemplating about two items before finally deciding to one.

"This. Can you pack this one especially neat?"

[Sure!]

It was a pair of peacock earrings

He was debating whether Violan would like this one or the deep Maroon pair that he liked better.

In midst of choosing, Cale later realized that despite he liked the model better, the maroon earing might be seen as an insult as it is more like Jour's color.

Cale did not want to cause any misunderstanding, and choose the purple one instead.

'It matched her name as well. Violan and Violet'

That special earrings are elegant to be worn at parties as well.

'I hope she'd like it'

Once those 36 items were packed, Cale then went to get some lucky charms.

The golden turtle one is obviously for Deruth while the elephant...

'Will Ron throw it away if I gave him this?'

Cale was wondering.

Elephant is the symbol of good luck, prosperity, destroyer of evil, remover of obstacles, as well as strength, power, wisdom, memory, and vitality.

But he pick it because an Elephant would never forgets its revenge. Just like Ron.

'...well, if he doesn't want it, I guess he can always sell it for extra cash'

Cale then went to a different aisle.

This time He's looking something for Alberu and Choi Han.

Cale's expression is serious as he picks his choices

Cale's expression is serious as he picks his choices. But inside, he's trying to hold back his laugh from the cute designs.

He had thought of buying them something typical like magic sword or something, but decided not to do that.

'They both works too hard already. Need more sleep. So these would be great for them'

He's planning to trick those two so that they can see the beauty of slacker life.

Hence why he also grabbed pillows that matched these adorable sleep masks.

"Alright, next"

He then asked Natsu to lead him to get a journal.

"These are the items you asked. There's only this color, unfortunately"

Beautiful shades of blue.

"These are the ones I specifically asked you, right?"

[That's right. The paper can't be burn unless the owner wishes to it, and it has unlimited pages]

Cale nodded.

"Perfect"

Cale wanted to give these two to Mary so that she can endlessly write her journey and Rosalyn who might find this useful to take a lot of notes.

Now. On to the next items.

Cale wanted to give these Norigae for each of the dragons he knew.

Including Sheritt and Half Dragon Blood. That makes it 7.

The most colorful one would be for Raon.

'I think it would be better and more cheerful than plain black'

It suits the meaning of Raon's name.

Liking his choices, Cale then travels some more to grab some items.

To which, while at it, he found some stuffs that reminded him of several people.

Like unique shot glass that Bud might like.

Finest knives set for Beacrox.

Club with spikes for Toonka.

A neat collar for Ten.

Matching Sun Pendants for the twins.

Spectacles Repair Kit for Eric

And many MANY others.

By the time, Cale was finished, there's quite a pile that, from the looks of it, won't fit the circle.

Natsu stared at Cale confusedly.

[You're not grabbing something for yourself?]

After all, each of the items Cale had brought over already have an owner in his mind. And none of them belongs to Cale himself.

"Ah. I almost forgot. Thank you for reminding me"

Natsu nodded before then tailing Cale back to the bedroom section so that the red head can get a kotatsu.

[...that's all?]

Natsu asked as Cale made his way back after getting that portable kotatsu.

"Yes. I'm sure the children would love it as well"

Cale can already imagine them curling under this warm table during winter.

Just simply enjoying themselves despite the threatening cold outside.

The cozy image made him smile.

It was then...

[You have the chance to get the most expensive and valuable luxuries for yourself, yet that's all you get? And it's a shared item as well?]

Cale's smile turned into another blank stare that near of a light frown as if he was offended.

"Why? I always wanted to have this. Doing it with magic is just not the same."

Natsu shakes its little head as his fluffy mane flutter.

[If you say so. Anyway, if you're done you can start stacking those stuffs now. It needs to stay still for at least 10 seconds.]

Natsu warned and Cale nodded.

However, instead of stacking those items carefully, Cale planted one of the item: magic bean which, as how it is in the legend, immediately grows exponentially to the sky.

He then used Glutton's power to pick each and every items and lifted them off the ground before smiling cheekily to Natsu who's laughing on the floor.

Since the roots grows under the circles while none of the items and the veins touched the circle on the ground.

"This should be allowed, right?"

Natsu was enjoying this as well as he has never seen someone used such trick to their disposal.

[How smart!]

He approved.

[No wonder the Constellations loves you, human. You seems to always have new innovations.]

Cale nearly scoffed to hear that.

'So, basically I'm their favorite toy because I'm smart?'

He ignored the claim afterwards and just wait until the 10 seconds of count down passed.

[Ne, human]

Natsu called out to Cale after the count down finished and the purchases are being processed.

"Hmm?"

[If you have that method in mind, why didn't you just grab more luxuries for yourself? Don't you feel wasteful? I thought you'd love free stuffs such as these?]

This should be a golden opportunity for Cale to have everything he ever wished for. Including a yacht or even a plane.

But Cale did not get any of those.

The reason is simple.

"Too troublesome"

He doesn't want to get things that he doesn't really know well what's the use or what changes it might brought to his world.

The Jewelries he bought for his families are actually protective items with Ruin Magic.

Something that has gone extinct in Cale's world but was one of the strongest magic ever really existed.

He has particularly asked each items he had bought to have some sort of protective function included. Even the dragons' Norigae and the sleep masks.

Cale had checked them himself and was able to feel the foreign magic when he touched them earlier.

He's not fully knowledgeable about Rune Magic, but he did read about the missing link on a book at his study.

He suspected that it used to be Jour's.

Either way, Cale was happy with his purchases.

[Right. So, about the food. Do you want us to in form the people in charge that the goods were sent by you?]

Cale stared at Natsu as if the cub just grown two heads.

"No. If you can do something like that. Just make it sounded like a winter fairy came and help them or something."

[Pffft. Winter fairy?]

Cale shrugs.

"Any other mythical creatures would do. Just, DO NOT say my name"

He added sharply as he pressed the words 'DO NOT'.

Cale doesn't wish to be seen as a God or God Messenger because of this arrangement.

That one time with the White Star orchestrated the misunderstanding already got him in enough trouble.

He does not want to be mistaken as god of prosperity or something.

'It is better if they think that it was some sort of miracle by the real gods.'

There's no need of explanation, if so.

Gods do whatever they wanted after all.

[Okay then, I won't mention your name. Oh, and, your things will be delivered to your place so you can send them yourself, or do you want me to send them to their representatives owner?]

"No thanks. I'll do it myself"

It would be such a trip here and there since he purchased quite a fortune for a lot of people he knew. But he was sure the children were bored of waiting for him to get conscious. The least he can do is to appeal them with this around the continents trip.

Cale nodded to himself.

'And then, I can rest'

He was about to daydream about his peaceful future when the bluish half-transparent screen appeared in front of him again.

[Personal Scenario #5 - Shopping Mania!]

+

Status: Completed.

Rewards: The total of coins you've used would be converted then gifted fairly to the people of Earth 3

+

[Fufufu, you look refreshed, Cale. Did you enjoy your break time?]

Schnier's voice reached him at that time.

Cale did not reply verbally but nodded as he does feel a bit better after that tear-jerking scenario that he previously passed.

[Well, then~ glad you get along with Natsu. Though you won't be seeing him anymore. Onto the next level?]

Again, Cale did not waste much time and nodded.

That is when Natsu morphed back to his human form and waved at him.

[Good luck for the next scenarios, human! I'll be cheering for you!]

And the next thing that red-headed knows, he is standing on a unique looking podium.

Chapter Text

By the way, Are You a Sociopath?

The first thing that Cale realized after his soul finally aligned with this new body, was the fact that he's standing on a podium of sort.

He's not all alone anymore.

There are some other people in the room.

'ho...'

Cale nearly arched a brow as he watched three of his friends dressed up differently before taking note that, he too, is wearing a modern Black T-Shirt and dark jeans that contrast with his bright red-hair.

'...what am I performing this time?'

As it is a podium, he had dared to pray that he'll simply gives a speech or something.

But the cheerful atmosphere isn't fitting of a serious topic.

It was that moment...

"So, Today, we're gonna be playing 'ARE YOU A SOCIOPATH'?"

The casually dressed Choi Han announced in a host tone.

All the while, Cale blanked out slightly as he looked around.

'What the actual fuck'

He was flabbergasted that, not only him and Choi Han, but also Alberu and Mary is here.

[Are you a sociopath]

That was the title of the game.

Alberu as one of the contestant.

Honestly, Cale doesn't really think much of it as he knows how wicked the crown prince could be when the time called for it.

Cale was not surprised that Choi Han becomes the host either and perhaps the one who came up with the questions since the swordsmaster has similar experiences as well.

However, Mary.

Sweet innocent Mary.

'Why is she here as contestant too??'

Cale remained calm as he thoughts of the possibility that this version of Mary might be... more vicious than the one he knows.

There's no good in underestimating people.

So Cale paid more attention to Choi Han who's going to lead this Game Show when Alberu chimed instead.

"Wait, we did this one before."

To which Choi Han calmly replied.

"That was Psychopath"

'Ho. They've done this before?'

Cale hummed.

"What's the difference, again?"

He knows about the difference, of course. But he's not sure if these punks would know.

'No, actually. Does the words Sociopath and Psychopath have ever been used in the kingdom or even the continents?'

He doubts that.

With how war just keeps on going, people even paid attention about those.

Choi Han looked away sheepishly.

"I-I don't know"

'I knew it'

Cale wanted to shakes his head but remained still.

"Look, Listen, none of this— None of what we do is scientific. This is just for fun"

Alberu chuckled at that response while Mary giggled quietly.

'Aigoo. Of course, they'd see this as having fun'

That being said, Cale couldn't help but feel amused with these version of his friends.

Choi Han then shrugged.

"Honestly, you could call this Psychopath Part 2. We're just calling it a sociopath cuz everybody likes talking about sociopath nowadays"

'Hoo?'

Cale arched a brow.

'I guess this world is twisted like that, then'.

"It's just for fun!"

At this point Cale just agreed to whatever.

Choi Han then talked again.

"Today, we have a special guest our OG of OG in  [Legend of Heroes]—"

Cale nearly chocked.

'What's with the name!?'

"—Cale-kun. Say, hi, Cale-kun!"

'...kun? ...Are we Japanese, now??'

Still full of questions, but knowing that he's on the spotlight, Cale raised his hand nonchalantly.

"Hello"

"It's been a while, Cale-san"

Mary smiled from under her hoodie.

The only thing that could be seen was a bit lower half of her face and her hair that's sticking out.

Cale hummed as he surfed a bit of the memories of this body's owner.

"Ah, yes. It actually has been a very long time"

He spared a smile for the innocent girl.

"How are you?"

'How am I?'

Cale thought about his piling misfortunes that brought him here and slipped a bitter expression.

"Well, I can't really answer that question in a happy tone."

Choi Han and Alberu sweatdropped.

"My goodness"

"Mood"

Cale rolls his eyes.

"Right, right, okay, so... I was thinking to myself—"

Choi Han was great at shifting the atmosphere back.

"Who could contest in a sociopathic test with Alberu. And I can only come up with one person"

Choi Han hit his palm softly with his fist as the dark brunet himself answered to that.

"A second me~"

He has a prince-ly smile that slowly turned into a smirk.

"Pfft."

Cale's lips twitched upward as he found this version of Alberu much more hilarious.

Then again, back in his world, the Alberu he knows, his appearance is limited due to his status as a crown prince who must remain flawless in whatever the situations.

But, since Alberu himself wished for it, Cale did not pity his circumstances at all.

Well, anyway, Choi Han's voice could be heard at that moment.

"And that's Cale-kun"

"Oh, okay"

That is when the bluish screen Cale has been waiting about appeared in fronts of him.

[Personal Scenario #5- Game Show]

+

Difficulty: D

Clear Conditions: Win the game!

Time Limit: -

Compensation: +50 Fear 

Failure: -100 Charisma

+

'Why would I need for fear?'

Cale feels that it's quite unfair since both winning or losing would pretty much put him in disadvantages.

'Oh well'

He'll just think of it as a chance for people to fear him more or to strengthen his Dominating Aura.

"—Whoever wins gets bragging rights and a mental disorder"

Choi Han said with a smile while Cale felt like scowling, not because he's offended. Rather, the host's words almost as if implying that by winning, that makes him not a normal person when he needs to win to get to the next level.

'Then again, game shows like this would definitely use logics.'

And he's good with logic.

That's why he's not worried.

He doesn't care much either.

It's not like he would traumatized anyone with honest answers.

So, he lightly opened his mouth for a reply.

"Alright. Pfft."

"Okay"

"Wow..."

He was the first one to reply, followed by Alberu and Mary.

"Question #1:

A serial killer was chasing you down, but suddenly stops and make a phone call to you.

Why did he made a phone call?"

"Stop running"

Mary immediately answered as the four of them shares a chuckle afterwards.

"No, actually. That would work."

Surprisingly Cale was the one who firstly commented.

"Stahp eet~" 

Choi Han added with a joking tone that fueled their laughter further.

"Normally people would get distracted and slow down either way"

Cale agrees with Mary who then proceed with an explanation.

"Cuz you're hiding. And they wanted to find you"

That's when Alberu added his input with a stutter.

"I-I have no clue why they would call someone. I just thought—"

"What's with the monotone, Seito-kun?"

Cale deadpans at what Choi Han just called the other with. But then he was back to be amused at how Alberu simply continued with that as if nothing is wrong.

Then again, perhaps even in this world, Choi Han is somehow his sensei.

"I do not know why the sociopath decided to do this and I do not want to comment further"

'Heh'

Alberu sounded like he's being held at gun point.

Cale could not help himself but mischievously asked.

"Are you feeling okay, hyu— senpai?"

Cale feels weird to call Alberu that, but it was worth it with Alberu's reaction.

"I. Am. Feeling. Great! There's. No. One. Behind. Me"

There was no one indeed. So Cale had thought that Alberu might be hearing the invisible elementals, or, since it is a Japanese setting, the yokais.

Either way, that stiff reaction is hilarious.

'He's just like Choi Han when he's acting.'

Cale shakes his head before then turning back to Choi Han's initial question for the game.

'Right'

"Okay, if someone's running away and that person is hiding, they were bound to slow down or the serial killer can essentially just pin point their location."

So, basically, he agrees completely with Mary.

They all then turned to Choi Han who smiles as he read the paper to check on the cheat sheet.

"So, the answer is: to listen to the sound of bell ringing so he can locate the victim— Congratulations, Cale-kun and Mary! You guys get one point!"

"Yay!"

Mary quietly cheered while Cale nodded before a mischievous smile appeared on his face as he turned to the other contestant who had said.

"Good job, you two"

Alberu is lightly sweating for some reason. But Cale sees this as a theatrical act than something serious.

So, he just needs to match his demeanor and play his part.

"I'm actually worried about Alberu-senpai."

Alberu scoffed, while Choi Han waved his hands in dismissal.

"It's alright, he'll die probably"

Cale could not stop a chuckle from escaping his lips as he shakes his head in disbelief of what he just heard.

'Wow! This Choi Han is bold bold.'

It was that moment.

"Question #2:"

Choi Han did not waste any time and just continue.

"A man wants to kill his own boss. He rushes into the store and there he sees a 5.000 yen knife and a 50.000 yen knife. He buys the 5.000 yen knife and rushes out."

Choi Han looked up with another smile.

"Why did he pick the 5.000 yen knife?"

Everyone then turned to Mary who's supposedly goes first.

"Okay, I have an answer"

She said.

"Because, with the 5.000 yen knife..."

"Yes?"

"50.000 yen, right?"

"Yes??"

They all can see her shrugging.

"Do you have 50.000 yen in your wallet right now?"

Cale reached out to his wallet and opened it just to shakes his head seeing that there's barely anything inside but receipts.

'Ha!'

Cale deadpans as he turned to Mary.

"As you can see, I don't have any cash"

Mary nodded since she's pretty much the same.

"That man would need to use a debit card or a credit card. For you to not have an alibi, you need to buy a cheap knife that you can pay with cash"

"Yes, I can agree with Mary. Everything she said is right"

Alberu nodded with arms crossed, while Cale hummed as he thought differently.

Regardless, Alberu continued, as he's not finished with his own answer.

"—but I actually think it's because he wants to make some food afterwards with the same knife. Get rid the evidence"

Cale shuddered at that as he instantly reminded of Beacrox.

He only calmed down once he realized that the said clean and neat chef won't listen to whatever he's about to say.

"No, if you want to make food, then wouldn't you just buy the 50.000 one?"

After all, Alberu's logic is not all wrong.

"D-Do you guys really want to cook with the knife that you used to kill people?"

The sworn brothers turned to her almost comically as if they didn't just discussed something so gruesome casually.

"I mean, he's a sociopath, so..."

Cale can only prayed that Beacrox did not use any of his torturing devices to cook his meal.

Meanwhile, Alberu decided to be a smartass and added.

"Hydrogen peroxide takes of blood, Mary. I don't know how you don't know this"

"...right..."

She looked as disturbed as she feels.

Cale decided that it is the perfect time to gives his own answer.

"Well, if I want to kill someone, for the reason being, I hate that person. My number one instinct is to make it as miserable as possible."

Cale smiled as he got reminded of that bastard Venion Stan and his father who had done something so unforgivable. 

They don't deserve any mercy. 

Which is why he's not disappointed that Taylor decided to spare his 'blood relative's lives.

'There are many other ways to deliver the judgement they deserved than physical damages'

Different than the just and noble appearance that he's supporting as he scam people into liking him, Cale is actually quite a vengeful individual.

He's not someone who talks more than necessary.

[[Compromise moderately with power, Accept in absurdity, and to a certain extent, live at his disposal.]]

That's the trick of his life that he was able to act the way he does.

'Also...'

[[Always returns the favor]]

No matter how long it took, if someone looks down on him or does something to him. Cale will always take his revenge.

That being said, it was not his place to get angry.

Which is why Cale tried to calm down and focused back to the present situation as he heard some gasps of disbelief followed by light chuckles.

"oh my god..."

Cale continued either way.

"If I'm going to actually murder someone out of pure hatred, I might as well make it living hell for the other person, right?"

"uh..."

Cale blinked as he looked around at the blank stares three of them gave him.

"What? am I really the only one thinking that way?"

he asked innocently while the rest of them just simply said-

"Yes"

"Oh well"

Cale shrugs before then turning to Choi Han.

"Okay, so the answer is: To kill the boss more painfully with the dull knife"

"See? I told you, you want to make it miserable"

Cale nodded, already knowing that he'll be right.

"...I don't know if I want to give him the point"

Choi Han commented while Alberu chuckled in understanding.

"A man who owns a business goes bankrupt, so he started to work somewhere else. The man hides this fact from his wife. One day, she finds out but she acts as if she doesn't know for his own sake. Soon the husband finds out, and once he does, he locks he in the house and burns the house down. Why?"

'Why?'

Cale stared.

'Did he really just ask why when it is something so obvious?'

"Typical reaction"

Alberu immediately answered, to which Cale nodded as he internally screamed, 'Exactly!'

He then explained it.

"Okay, so he doesn't have that money anymore, and so he was working really, REALLY hard. And she pretended to not know. And when the husband found out..."

Cale put his hand on his chin in a thinking pose.

"Well, she essentially didn't help in the financial difficulty, out of pure spite, I would burn someone"

He ended with a smile.

"Ho... wait, why did it turn from 'Husband' to 'I' would?" 

Choi Han asked whilst holding back an awkward laughter.

"uh..."

'oops?'

"Let me fix that, So... the husband would have the incentive to burn the wife"

However, it seems like The way Cale corrected himself with a deadpan was too funny for the three of them not to laugh about.

Cale was not offended, and in fact find it amusing that he too began to chuckle.

'Damn, how does this kind of topic make me feel refreshed instead?'

Perhaps it was the pent up frustration.

yes.

Cale decided that it was the case.

"Then, what about you, Seito-kun?"

Alberu mirrored Cale's smile before then answering shortly.

"Why not? It's fun"

Smirk.

Cale began to smirk sinisterly.

"I can agree with that. It is!"

Cale could tell a certain individual who would also agree with the two of them. A certain cheapskate, to be precise.

"It's just delightful knowing that you have some power over someone in your life."

"That's..."

Choi Han gulped.

"That's... quite a smile you two have there"

Choi Han commented dryly before turning to Mary for her answer.

"I was thinking maybe for insurance or maybe, like, the new job was an illegal job?"

Choi Han went to her, takes her hand then starts a hand shake.

"Thank you for the normal answer. I appreciate it"

Meanwhile the sadistic duo simply laughed at that.

"The answer is basically: a woman who's okay with not being a CEO's wife is not worth keeping."

"ho...?"

"That was the answer?"

"What?"

Cale and Alberu sounded disappointed, while Mary only stared in disbelief.

"Yeah. Both of you have proven that maybe it's not the worst answer. So no one gets a point"

"Ha. That answer does not even sounds logical"

Cale shrugs at Alberu's comment.

"I guess that man has quite a particular preferences on choosing his significant other"

 "Both of you need help" 

Choi Han pointed at them while Cale blinked as he pointed at his own nose dumbfoundedly.

'Wait, me?'

"Mary, get over here. Get away from those people"

'Aigoo...'

Cale shakes his head.

Not so long later, Choi Han continues with the game's questions.

"Alright, this one is a bit gross, but hear me out"

'that makes me not want to hear about it!'

But Cale did not say a thing and just hummed.

"a paralyzed woman was found dead, in pieces. The killer was suspected to be her little sister who nursed the woman. When they pieced the woman's body together, 20% of it was missing. It turns out that the little sister ate the woman little bit everyday."

Cale heard a groan and had thought that he slipped one when it's not. That was Mary.

Meanwhile, glancing at Alberu, that guy does not look good either.

"Why did she eat her?"

The question is 'why'

Cale looked bored as he answered to that.

"Okay, my initial gut instinct is just telling me straight up, she just wanted the older sister to be part of her"

"...That's so morphed"

Mary's voice is so low, but enough for the other three to hear.

"Okay, why would you ever eat someone else other than being delicious?"

Cale emphasized, making them all staring at him.

"...Am I the weird one here? Why am I getting so many blanks stares?"

"Cale-kun, you're too good at this"

Choi Han commented.

"Hey, you're the one that asked the not safe for work question"

Alberu defended his dongsa— kouhai, by pointing that fact to his sensei.

Choi Han ignored that as he turned to the silent contestant instead.

"Hmm, Mary, what's your answer?"

The necr— well, the hooded girl opened her mouth.

"So she ate her, and we know this for sure"

She still looked grim.

"Why would anyone eat someone? What???"

"Vitamin deficiency?"

Cale lightly scoffed at Alberu's spontaneous reply.

"As long that lady still have significant amount of fat. If not, it won't work"

"Eh? Why?"

Mary would soon regret to ever ask.

"Well, in order for human body to properly digest food, it needs fat as it both transports nutrients throughout the body and also facilitates absorption. Although those skinny muscles might gave the little sister 3.000 calories once all eaten, if that lady is pretty much a living skeleton, then it'll be impossible for the nutrients to be effectively absorbed."

Colors were drained from her face once Cale finishes.

"Um... Cale-kun, you sounded... quite specific over there"

Cale hummed, not even refusing that.

"I guess that is true as I speak from experience."

"WHAT!?"

Their eyes bulged as their jaws dropped.

"Not mine, of course. It was written on a book I read about someone who confesses cannibalism."

Cale added nonchalantly as if he didn't just casually caused a mass heart attack.

Stare.

Each one of them take a step back away from him.

"What?"

Chapter Text

"what?"

"Cale... why do you even know about something like that? Were you interested in Cannibalism...?"

Alberu tried to hide his shock while Cale remained calm as he answers him.

"I just randomly found out one day. Then again, it's quite a useful fact to know, which is why I shared it."

"Useful, how???"

Choi Han was just as baffled.

"Well, after knowing that it'll be pretty much useless to commit on such act, I know that even if I were ended up stranded somewhere and starved, I'd rather die than even trying to do such gross did."

"My goodness."

"Cale. You... you really need help."

Alberu sounded oddly amused as he put a hand on Cale's shoulder.

Choi Han put his hand on his face, groaning softly.

As for Mary...?

She looked like her soul has left her from some moments ago.

"Hey, I just said that it would be impossible for me to become a cannibal, isn't that a good thing?"

Cale did not understand what were they accusing him for and crossed his arms instead, slightly annoyed.

"Whatever. So, what's the right answer?"

"O-Okay... so the answer is: To keep a little bit with her every day"

"Oh, so it was the Yandere route."

Cale felt a bit smug knowing that he's right.

"Okay, Cale-kun, you did get it right. I just didn't like the fact that you got it right in two seconds... But now I regretted it more that I did not stop you fast enough"

"Hmm hmm"

Mary, who's still pale nodded.

Cale just shrugs.

He did that quite a lot in this particular scenario.

"Cale-kun, listen... uhh... Thanks for coming on board, I think this is where we have to say goodbye"

The corner of Cale's lips twitched as he sees how scared Choi Han is and decided to teases him instead.

"I don't know about that, sensei. I like to have my Kohai here, he kinda thinks like me"

"Kinda, Alberu?? Kinda!?"

"Pffft"

Cale and Alberu burst out laughing seeing the panic in the host's face.

Choi Han decided to just ignore the crazy duo and continue with the show.

"A family- mom, dad, and son- were extremely close. The neighborhood knew them as a close-knit family who loved each other"

'I swear this would take another dark turn as well'

At this point, Cale was ready to hear about even the most absurd question Choi Han can came up.

"As the son grew, he started to go to elementary school. But he god bullied because his parents still brought him to school every day"

'Let me guess, those bullies died?'

"Soon. his parents started killing children from the school every couple of months."

"Good!"

"ha."

Cale couldn't help his amusement with this feral version of Alberu.

'This punk did not filter his crazy thoughts at all. Aigoo...'

That red-haired male shakes his head.

"Why?"

"What do you mean 'why'? Bullying children get killed and I agree with that justice"

Cale thought about the mistreatment that his world's Alberu received as his parallel self said that.

'In a way, You can say that it was a case of bullying'

Then he also thoughts of many other individuals and groups that has fought along side him.

Many of them has experiences 'bullying' all their lives.

The amusement instantly disappeared from his face in that instant.

Of all people's life stories he could think of that would line perfectly with this story. He got reminded of Raon's eyes on that first night he found the young dragon.

he closes his eyes for a bit as a record played in his head.

Raon's shining eyes that were staring back at him. They were filled with anger and resentment towards humans in general.

Unlike his past where he had given in to all the abusement he received.

None of his family gave up on their circumstances.

Raon, On, Hong, Lock, the wolf children, Choi Han, Mary, Alberu- All of them.

"..."

'No. Actually'

Rather than calming down, Cale suddenly got pissed.

'why the heck I'm surrounded with so many people with pitiful background???'

The previous owners of his ancient powers, these children, The heroes, that certain ancient dragon, even some royalties he knew!

'Aigoo... Those unlucky punks'

Cale, who just realized how extremely lucky he is with the life he has despite all that has happened, vowed to himself something that exact moment.

'I don't know how to do it yet, but...'

He'll make sure that they're getting their happiness they deserved.

Cale promised that to himself.

He has decided to take them in, so might as well do it right.

After nodding to himself, finally Cale relaxed once more as he returned his focus to the Mary and Alberu who's just finished their banter.

Apparently Mary thought that the parents came to the school to identify the bullies while Alberu was assured that it was actually the child who murdered the other children.

"Ooh... Interesting."

Choi Han hummed.

"What do you think, Cale-kun?"

Cale who already thought of his answer, easily replied as if it was scripted.

"If I want to think about the long term process here, rather than the short term just killing off competition- if I had a kid who was getting bullied and the bullying reason was because: 'Oh, look, you're here with your mom and dad'. Imagine you are a parent of a child and there's a serial killer going around. Would you or would you not just let your kid go off on their own?"

"...I see,"

"Oh my god,"

But Cale wasn't finished.

"So, if everybody is now having their parents drop off, why would he be get bullied anymore?"

"...Cale-san?"

Mary called out once he's done.

"Yes?"

"You'll be quite a terrifying... but good parent?"

She sounded unsure.

"I doubt that's something a good parent... no. A good Person would say, Mary"

Cale arched a brow at Alberu's claim.

"When did I ever say that I'm a good person?"

Well, killing people off would be quite a hassle, but it's not like he couldn't came up with anything else that's equivalent.

'No one touches my family and get away with it'

Even the White Star got what he deserved.

a ferocious bitch-slap for kidnapping Deruth.

It might be something simple, but the humiliation he brought at that moment, Cale knew how much that had damaged the bastard's pride.

"...d-ding ding ding!"

Choi Han chimed in with an awkward tone while Cale remained composed with only a slim smile on his face.

"...So, Cale-san is right?"

"That's the answer."

"...Oh my goodness"

"To make it so that taking kids to school becomes the norm"

Cale was once again amused to find out that he was spot on.

"Great, so I got it right"

He slow claps as if proud of himself.

'Winning this is much easier than I thought'

Cale was quite happy.

"Umm... Cale-kun?"

"Yes, Choi Han... -san?"

"So uh..."

The black haired male is sweating while Cale has a mischievous smile on his lips as he commented mindlessly.

"I know where you live"

They all laughed nervously.

"Mind if I visit?"

"He doesn't mind, dear Kohai. Go"

Alberu gave him a thumbs up while Choi Han flails.

"Don't! I do. I do mind!"

"Pffft."

Cale enjoyed this particular scenario quite more than the other ones.

This scenario did not require him to get hurt, No one else get hurts as well, he can just talk whatever he wanted without fearing any backlash or such and even freaks out his friends a bit.

"Basically, what Cale-kun just said was that the parents killed a couple kids so that no parent would let their children walk alone to school. So taking people to school becomes the norm and, therefore, their kid won't be bullied anymore"

"That was... such a creepy answer and... I..."

"I mean, it's a twisted parenting ways but I approve"

Alberu nodded as he has a bitter experience himself.

Cale only looked at him quietly, not even commenting on that.

"Well, congratulations, Cale-kun! You get another point! G-Great job!"

The three contestants and host shared another chuckle afterwards.

"Last Question!"

They waited in slight anticipation.

"You, a serial killer, was released from prison"

"Ho, interesting"

"Thank god"

The chaotic duo looked at each other at that moment as their shoulders shook in laughter once again.

"You get yourself a job, a house, and- you know what? You get a stable life now. You then paint the floor of your house black. Why?"

Cale actually planned on not answering the last question correctly if not at all. But the question is TOO tempting. It is basically something he has threa- warned, the nobles with when they dared to call for Choi Han and Mary.

He can't not get excited.

But before he can answer, someone else was faster.

"Well, because it gets cold in the winter and black absorbs light better"

Choi Han chuckled at Alberu's answer.

"That's such a scientific answer, senpai"

Cale commented with a snicker.

"Clearly"

Choi Han shakes his head.

"Clearly that's the answer"

"That's it."

Alberu nodded as if proud that the two of them were agreeing with him.

All the while, Mary took notes of the new scientific info she gets.

"Remember the game we were playing? [Are You a Sociopath?]"

"No. Well, I..."

"I guess we should change it to be [Are you a scientist] instead, Choi Han-san"

Cale teased his hyung-nim's parallel self.

It hasn't been long since he's in this place, but his fast adaptation skill made it possible for him to talk and act more casually than he would normally do.

"Yeah, yeah, change it. [Are you a scientist], I like that one better"

The four of them chuckled again.

"Well, anyway, Mary?"

The girl hummed.

"My initial thought was maybe... he missed prison? I really don't know."

Cale was trying so hard not to be rude and laugh as loud as the other two.

"Oh, Mary"

"She's so cute isn't she?"

Though she's not the youngest in the group, at the moment the three of them felt like she is the little sister they need to protect at all cost.

Cale was not an exception, seeing that Mary doesn't even get offended, and remained clueless instead.

He then saw Alberu moving.

"Okay, Mary?"

His face hasn't fully calmed down yet as Alberu called to the only girl in the group.

"Yes?"

"I want you to keep your innocence"

"Thanks?"

The hooded girl smiled.

"Like the level of innocence that you have..."

Cale shakes his head.

'I guess, in this aspect, I'm glad there's not much differences between the Mary he knows and this Mary.'

Cale felt like he might get a heart attack if she would suddenly talk... like some sort of gangster, or worse, like him.

It was that moment.

"Well, what about you, Cale-san? What do you think the answer is?"

Mary turned to him.

"That's right, Kouhai, give us the answers!"

Alberu also uncharacteristically hyped him aloud.

Cale let out a quite hum as he thinks about it in a sociopath perspective.

"Okay, so, if I'm a serial killer."

"...okay"

Mary waited in anticipation while Choi Han shakes his head.

"Here he goes again."

Cale ignored that and just continue.

"Once you're a serial killer, how- what do you think the percentage of serial killers actually reform and not be a serial killer?"

"all of them"

Alberu jokingly cuts in.

"Let all the serial killers out of jail, they don't deserve it"

"Pffft. Right?"

Cale knows that Alberu gets what he meant, which is why he agreed to it.

"I can't think of a pure reason why you would paint the floor black other than that it's used to prep the room for more killing"

"Oh, I see"

Mary looked back at him.

"Okay, since this game is [Are you a Sociopath?], like, there should be a more complicated reason behind it?"

Choi Han's innocent smile twitched when Cale tugged on his T-shirt and just snickering lightly as if taunting him.

Meanwhile, Alberu came up with another answer.

"I think it's because black is the new color of the season. So, by painting the floor black will invite more guests into the house. More guests, means more bodies to stab"

'Ho... I mean, that's quite true as well. I think Black is the color of the season in the Roan Kingdom too. Must be the influence of Choi Han and Mary'

Cale was content as he thought how good his two friends reputation must be since their color becomes the seasonal color.

"I think my logic is infallible, sensei."

"Clearly it is"

Choi Han then read the correct answer.

"So, the answer is: Because dried up blood is less visible in black"

Smirk.

They can see Cale smirking.

"Such a scientific answer, isn't it?"

"Y-Yeah, it is"

Cale was having too much fun doing this to Choi Han.

For once he was not the one who gets frequently frightened due to how vicious his friends could be.

He had suspected that Ron sometimes do this on purpose, and now he understands why.

'My reaction must be just as amusing as Choi Han's too me right now'

That being said, he also knows that Choi Han was not genuinely frightened. He just played his part.

Which is quite impressive since the Choi Han he knew couldn't lie let alone act like this.

Cale shakes his head internally before fixing his expression once again.

"Well... Cale-kun, I guess you win! Congratulations, I hope you're happy"

"I am happy. I am very happy"

But his flat tone is so on brand.

"Alright, Seito-kun, give me the throne"

"Oh, okay"

Alberu went to the back and brought a 'throne' which is essentially just a single sofa and a plastic black crown.

"I shall pass it to you, but I shall remain behind it"

Cale chuckled a bit as Alberu put the crown on his head like a mock up coronation event.

"Don't worry, I'll gladly take on the challenge, Alberu-senpai."

The older male shakes his head in amusement while Choi Han approached Mary at the moment.

"Mary?"

"Yes?"

The girl turned around to their host.

"Come on, d-do you want to get some food and l-let those two just chill for a second?"

Mary wordlessly turned to the other duo.

"Um, I'm not sure."

She admitted.

"I'm kind of afraid on what would happen if we leave those two alone"

"Ho? Nothing. There'll only be good things. Why are you doubting us?"

Alberu snickered with Cale coincidentally matched the older's scamming smile at the moment.

"I don't know, you guys might plot something. I have no clue"

Choi Han chuckled at that claim.

Even Mary can see it plainly now.

"We wouldn't do anything, right, senpai?"

Alberu played around as he leaned to the 'throne' and posed as well.

"Of course, you have our words~"

-The world stopped afterwards, indicating that the scenario has finished as the clear screen appeared in front of Cale.

[Personal Scenario #6 - Game Show]

+

Status: Completed

Reward: +50 Fear

+

[Congratulations! You just finished Level 6!]

For some reason, Cale could imagine Schnier snickering as he announced so.

[It was a nice break to just use your brain and not move a lot right? I bet you feel quite refreshed right now]

He did.

But now that the other mentioned it, that sense of relief went off the window and replaced with iffiness.

His gut instincts sense a different kind of danger.

Nothing that would threaten his life, but would definitely left a damage.

Cale felt the sudden need to run...

[Your answers are quite satisfying! Someone is eager to meet you after reading your answers on the letter I sent]

"You wha-?"

A letter?

What letter?

To whom?

And his vicious answers earlier?? Someone was interested with that?

Who could possibly do that?

However, before Cale could even finish his first question, let alone asking any of the rest, his soul has been wrapped around once again as he was being dragged to already the next place.

.

.

.

His jaw dropped at the familiar sight of white mask...

Chapter Text

'You must be kidding me'

Cale could not believe on what is he witnessing right now.

He's in a bar.

Quite an empty bar, with only two other people than himself.

The old man is a random barista he doesn't recognize.

While the other person is...

"White Star"

To which the latter replied with...

"Cale Henituse."

The masked man smiled warmly as if greeting him.

"How wonderful it is that you fulfill my abrupt call. Was your trip difficult? Was it hard to shakes the tail?"

Cale has never been this thankful for his permanent blank expression to be his default setting at this very moment.

"It is not difficult. Nobody would care where will I be going anyway"

Cale shrugged as he started his act while casually ordering a drink for himself.

He felt like getting drunk would be a great idea to deal with whatever would happen in this scenario.

The white star hummed.

"A little birdie told me about you and thus I deducted that you'd be quite intrigued to have a chat over some drinks?"

That being said, Cale did not say another word as this despicable man take a seat on the stool next to him.

He simply drank straight from the bottle handed to him as he glanced up at the task screen.

His face flushed red instantly and with a glance, he looked drunk.

But as always, Cale keep his head straight. It's not his fault that people keep mistaken his easily flushed cheeks as him getting drunk.

He has always been able to use that to his advantages before.

But it seems like, the White Star wasn't fooled like others would.

[Personal Scenario #7- Comrades!]

+

Difficulty: A

Clear Conditions: "Yesterday's Enemy is Today's Friend"

Time Limit: -

Compensation: +200 Stamina 

Failure: possible death

+

Not surprised.

Cale did not like how things turned out, But he was not all that surprised.

'So I'm going to be a villain after all, huh'

Cale Henituse was fated to be a Villain.

A minor one indeed, but enough to get beaten up by the future Hero. His facade as a Trash truly take parts as no one was taking this Cale Henituse's side as he lay down injured for the next 2-3 days...

Cale Henituse was the stepping stone for the 'story'. For the Hero to gain the favor of other important characters and to have a good image in the eyes of the citizens.

Cale had evaded such fate on his own way.

That being said, it was not the case for this world's Cale Henituse.

Their mindset is more less the same.

They shared the same moral and sense of responsibility.

But now that he has missed the timing, this Cale Henituse, who is much more unfortunate than he is, would need to take the harder path than himself.

Cale was about to do something against it— Against the body owner's will and possibly flee when he witnessed this... this... bizarre scene that made Cale almost literally jaw dropped.

“The other side” lyrics - Hugh Jackman, Zack Efron; The greatest Showman

"Right here, right now
I put the offer out
I don't wanna chase you down
I know you see it

You run with me
And I can cut you free
Out of the drudgery and walls you keep in
So trade that typical for something colorful
And if it's crazy, live a little crazy

You can play it sensible, a king of conventional
Or you can risk it all and see"

'What the hell is this!? Did I just got trapped in Disney Movie or some shit?'

Cale could not say a word.

He couldn't lash out or just kill this bastard even if he wanted to.

His mission is clear despite how much he disliked it.

However, the fact that he can only reply to this crazy bastard by singing a-and  d a n c i n g  is even more ridiculous...

"Don't you wanna get away from the same old part you gotta play?
'Cause I got what you need
So come with me and take the ride
It'll take you to the other side

'Cause you can do like you do
Or you can do like me
Stay in the cage, or you finally take the key

Oh, damn! Suddenly you're free to fly
It'll take you to the other side"

Cale wanted to sigh so badly.

He is tired already from all of those dance moves he must do at the previous scenarios.

His brain— that has short-circuited when he saw THE White Star, His Sworn Enemy, dance and sings as he tried to persuade him to join his force— is now working faster than ever as he realized that he must give his answer now... by singing and dancing back at him.

Despite his annoyance, Cale is smiling.

"Okay, my friend, you wanna cut me in
Well, I hate to tell you, but it just won't happen

So thanks, but no
I think I'm good to go
'Cause I quite enjoy the life you say I'm trapped in"

'I quite enjoyed my slacker life with everyone, right now. So if you just kindly fuck off—'

Just how badly he wanted to spit that out.

It was a miracle that he's able to properly hold himself back as he let his mouth runs a mile for some more sneers instead.

"Now I admire you, and that whole show you do
You're on to something, really it's something
But I live among the swells, and we don't pick up peanut shells
I'll have to leave that up to you"

His smirk is filled with satisfaction as he watched the other's face twisted upon his answer.

Knowing White Star, he won't give up so easily, so he decided to mock him some more while he can.

"Don't you know that I'm OK with this uptown part I get to play?
'Cause I got what I need and I don't wanna take the ride
I don't need to see the other side

So go and do like you do
I'm good to do like me
Ain't in a cage, so I don't need to take the key
Oh, damn! Can't you see I'm doing fine?
I don't need to see the other side"

'Yes. Now go. Just leave me the fuck alone, crazy bastard!'

Yet to the contrary of his wish, White Star actually replied with a snicker.

"Now is this really how you'd like to spend your days?
Whiskey and misery, and parties and plays?"

'What's wrong with how I spend my days?'

Cale frowned.

Though the parties could be annoying some times, he's not living in misery. He is enjoying his life with his family. So he snarled back.

"If I were mixed up with you, I'd be the talk of the town
Disgraced and disowned, another one of the clowns"

'Yah! Who wanted to live a life like this bastard? He can't even enjoy food and sleep!'

"But you would finally live a little, finally laugh a little
Just let me give you the freedom to dream and it'll wake you up and cure your aching
Take your walls and start 'em breaking

Now that's a deal that seems worth taking
But I guess I'll leave that up to you.."

'Goddammit... he's so persistent'

And only just as he wanted to leave the bar that he noticed that the mission task bar that's hovering above him is flickering red as if warning him that he's about to fail.

Cale hold back his sigh as he set up his scheming smirk before turning around.

"Well, it's intriguing, but to go would cost me greatly
So what percentage of the show would I be taking?"

'Might as well have some fun, I guess'

White Star could be seen laughing at how straightforward his fellow red-head is.

"Fair enough, you'd want a piece of all the action
I'd give you seven, we could shake and make it happen"

Now it's Cale's time to laugh.

Even though he knows that this is but a scenario, 7% is too small of gain for him.

"I wasn't born this morning, eighteen would be just fine"

White Star smirked and Cale could almost swear he saw the other rolling his eyes under that white mask of his.

"Why not just go ahead and ask for nickels on the dime?"

He's tempted to do so, actually. But he decided not to be too greedy.

"Fifteen"

"—I'd do eight"

"Twelve"

"—Maybe nine"

"Ten!"

They shared a smile that would make people faint and Raon yaps around.

"We're going to have some great time to get along, Mr. Cale Henituse"

"Oh, please, this trash is nothing to be compared to you, my liege. But I do agree that we'll have a lot of fun~"

White Star and Cale shared a hand shake.

"I heard you've been treated unfairly by the Roan Kingdom? Shall we start from that place then?"

Cale's smirked widely.

"I'm thinking to shot down some annoying Heroes in the making, my liege. You see, a certain bastard from Harris Village actually left some deep grudge within me. I need to smack him on the back at least once."

"Ah..."

White Stars matched Cale's smirk at this point.

"I think I know which punk were you referring to"

"His name is Choi Han, my liege"

"He is potential 'Hero' alright. Heh, why did that punk land a hit at you anyway? Did he not notice that you're a noble and there's consequences for hitting a noble?"

Cale shrugs as he then imposed as a snobby noble.

"Nobody cares for a trash like me. Besides, I can always afford the best healing potions since I'm rich."

White Star hummed then inspecting the other's body before commenting further.

"Heh, so he's not weak to the weak, like typical Heroes?"

Well, Cale admits that he is weak in physical department, so he's not all that offended.

In fact, he can easily answer to that question.

"That bastard came to me when I drunk and asked for burial for some damned villagers. One that had killed my mother at that."

Cale knew that it was not the case, but Cale of this body still hasn't figured out that far and still has deep resentment towards the said Village where Jour's carriage tipped over.

That being said, Cale just casually added after chugging down the last drop in the bottle.

"I got pissed, he got pissed, and we fought."

"More like, you got beaten up"

"Well..."

Cale trailed with his scamming smile own.

He did not proceed but Cale knew for a fact that the owner of this body would definitely hit Choi Han as a pay back for the scar on his side.

'Will it be a full-scaled fight?'

That's none of his business, honestly.

Instead, Cale then thought of certain people that might help him.

"Speaking of, my liege. May I have the liberty to create my own squad? I do have several names in mind"

The white star looked interested immediately.

"Ho? And may I know who are these people?"

"Certainly."

There's no need for him to hide the identity of these people.

"Hong and On, two tribe cats, assassin Ron and Beacrox, a black dragon that'd be useless in Venion Stan's hand, princess on the run, Rosalyn, a lonely wolf, Lock, a Necromancer in hiding, and lastly Alberu Crossman"

White Star arched a brow at the mentioned names and begin to have suspicion.

To which, that suspicion is correct if only White Star decided to go with his gut instincts.

Cale was not genuine with this agreement at all.

That being said, he is a top notch actor.

'Choi Han would be lonely since I'm not going to take him for my plan, but he's already being suspected by this bastard... And, that punk did have a beef with this version of me.'

It was a disappointing fact, but Cale really couldn't take him.

'Choi Han wouldn't be able to bear the guilt of... killing some innocents along the way, since he is a very just and good man'

Killing innocents...

Cale hates the thought of it. And certainly would do everything in his disposal to suppress the number.

However.

As he would be siding with White Star, that would be the only way not to get on that bastard's radar.

It would be the most efficient way to betray White Star faster... by proving his loyalty.

'Actually, speaking of loyalty.'

Cale opened his mouth again, adding to his already sweet words. All he need is one last push to convince White Star.

"If you want, I can vow my loyalty through the vow of death, my liege, the brightest star in the whole land, sky and sea."

While his Glib tongue went on full force, Cale actually knows that this bastard won't take it.

White Star seems to see the seriousness in his eyes that he shakes his head, dismissing his doubt, although obviously still keeping some suspicion towards the fallen noble.

"I guess, it is the correct choice to recruit you. To think that you'll even take the Crown Prince of the Roan Kingdom."

"Ha! He'll be my slave. You just wait and see"

Their twinning smirks would chase any living being away...

And just then, as if they're but ventriloquist dolls, Cale felt his mouth began to move as well as his body as the scenario changed into Arm's second base.

"Don't you wanna get away to a whole new part you're gonna play
'Cause I got what you need, so come with me and take the ride
To the other side"

"So if you do like I do"

"So if you do like me"

"Forget the cage, 'cause we know how to make the key
Oh, damn! Suddenly we're free to fly
We're going to the other side"

"So if you do like I do
(To the other side)"

"So if you do like me
(We're going to the other side)"

" 'Cause if we do we're going to the other side
We're going to the other side"

By the time they finished, Cale was sure that he is going to faint from the exhaustion.

He was sure that his blacked view was his vision slowly failing him...

However to his dismay, it's not.

It's just a more opaque screen appeared in front of him, blocking everything else.

[Personal Scenario #7- Comrades!]

+

Status: Completed

Compensation: +200 Stamina 

+

[Congrats Cale! You can now advancing to Level 8.]

Cale was not happy at all as he heard the white rabbit's voice in his mind. But as he could not complain much, he could do is sigh for the nth time already...

'I swear if there's another performing scenario, I would throw a literal fit'

[Constellation "Black Rabbit of Inle" scoffed at your claim]

[Constellation "Hallowed Maiden of the East" chuckled awkwardly]

[Constellation "Aztec solar diety" is laughing but cheering you on]

The messages that Cale hadn't been seeing since a few scenarios ago began to appear left and right, filling his ear with a annoying sound of notifications beeping.

[So... no more performing scenario, Cale?]

'Is it possible?'

Cale pick up the tone that it is possible.

[I mean, yeah, but then you're going to skip level difficulties, will that be okay?]

'Sure'

Cale agreed without giving it much thoughts since all of the levels he has until now, even this so called level-A difficulties are not that hard.

[I see. I'll take that as you consenting to skipping levels then. There will be no more singing or dancing or any type of performing in the next scenarios.]

However, Cale was not even granted a moment to be relieved at it as Schnier's voice echoed in his head at that moment.

[Advancing to SSS-Level. Cale Henituse code C20E1 will be transported to Earth 11...]

Cale's eyes rounded as he heard that.

'Wait, did he just say Earth 11?'

He did not get to ponder for long as he got what he wished for...

.

.

.

Well, more less.

Chapter Text

Cale was not granted a time to even think.

He just returned from a ridiculous SSS-Level Scenario and now standing in a place where the view he's seeing now is not that much different from the world he was in before.

'I'm still in Korea??'

But as mentioned before, he was not graced even a moment to think.

Gasp!

He made a leap to the side where a huge feet was about to crush him.

"What the hell!?"

There's a shout. And honestly Cale had thought that it came from him since it was a familiar voice.

That being said, he did not open his mouth ever since his arrival.

Flinch.

The awful pain is still there.

As it is something that's damaging his soul, the pain also came with him despite supposedly changing a body.

However, it was that moment.

His reddish-brown eyes caught so many view that turned into information.

The monster— No.

The Alien in front of him.

It has two legs, eight wings, Dragon scales, a Lion's head, and an Eagle's claws.

'An unranked monster'

It is something that he had fought with his friends not so long ago.

The Lion Dragon.

'That bastard is here too!?'

Naturally he meant the Sealed God.

Though it's not far a miss if someone had mistaken him as referring it to this giant in front of him.

That being said.

That was not the main problem.

'...Fuck!'

He couldn't move properly after dodging earlier.

All that he could do is lay flat down on the ground with this unbearable pain all over him.

'Is this really going to be my end? Like this? Really?'

The monster is coming at him once again.

A huge shield would crush him soon.

This time, however, all he could do is resign to his fate.

Smile.

'Yeah no'

Even if it would causes him greatly, he did not plan on dying in pain.

If he was going to die, it'll be a peaceful death.

That's his plan.

Which is why, he's gathering the sound of the wind around one side of his body to move although it's hard.

It was that moment.

Cale blinked as he felt gust of wind.

It was not his.

He didn't cause that gust of wind.

And...

Drip drip.

Along with fresh metallic smell from the droplets that fell on his contrasting pale face...

Cale's eyes shakes as he was met with twinning pair of familiar reddish-brown orbs.

"How...?"

"I should be the one asking..."

The older man who was groaning had used instant.

Instant is an ability that allows his brain to push his body pass normal human limits.

It makes him move at a speed that humans aren't able to move in, allowing him to make movements that humans wouldn't normally be able to make.

During that time, he is the only one able to move around the world, appearing as if he is jumping through time and space—though, as its name implies, he can only use it for about 5 seconds due to the strain it puts upon his body.

Cale was Kim Rok Soo.

And other than his first ability, Record, which is basically an ability to memorized everything he sees— Kim Rok Soo's second ability was this.

Instant.

And the person in front of him is...

"Kim Rok Soo?"

It is the 40 years old Kim Rok Soo that he had met before.

"Let's talk later."

This older version of Kim Rok Soo said as he put Cale down after making sure that it was at a safe distance.

Cale instantly snapped out of his daze and said something urgent to him.

"Pull every strong people— No. Everyone. Take everyone back and do not attack."

His voice was calm despite his own pain, but the way Cale's clutching onto Kim Rok Soo is the reason why the other nodded almost instantly.

Kim Rok Soo knows better about Cale than anybody else here.

It was that moment.

"Min Suhyun."

Rok Soo called out a familiar name to Cale's ear.

"Tell Kim Min Ah and Jung Soo Hoon to retreat with everyone. As we already rescued Lee Jun Won and his squad, we're not continuing the attack."

"Yes, sir."

The person, Min Suhyun, former non-ability user, nodded as he instantly informed the said two through his Mind-Link ability.

Soon enough, Cale, through his hazy eyes could see people retreating from the monster's range.

Only then he turned his gaze back to the team leader.

Smile.

He spared a smile as if saying 'good job' with his eyes, before everything turned completely dark.

A bright light swept over Cale and he clenched his eyes shut.
 
He then slowly opened his eyes.
 
"...Cale Henituse." 

That familiar voice calling his name got his immediate attention.

"...Kim Rok Soo."

His voice is extremely weak, but oddly sounded amused.

"Why are you here?"

The older version of Kim Rok Soo asked him.

That is when the bluish half-transparent screen made its appearance in front of Cale.

[Personal Scenario #9 - Pay Respect to the Dead]

+

Difficulty: SS

Clear Conditions: Lee Soo Hyuk and Choi Jung Soo's death anniversary would be coming. Pay your respect to them with Kim Rok Soo.

Time Limit: 1 week

Compensation: +150 Stamina 

Failure: death

+

"What the fuck is this?"

Cale was surprised at that reaction.

"Oh? You can see them?"

"Wait, am I not supposed to?"

Kim Rok Soo asked back with confusion. But later hummed as he said something else.

"It seems like you always get entangled in all sorts of problems."

Cale did not respond although he did feel quite annoyed at the truth spoken.

"Who is it? God of death? Sun God? God of War? White Star?"

Kim Rok Soo who is covered in bandages on some places that's not fully healed, asked the red haired noble.

"Gods. All of them. Or, well, Constellations, as they called themselves."

"Well damn"

The two of them lightly talks as if what they're discussing is nothing that strange.

Then again, they're pretty much used to these gods doing shits as they please.

"Yeah, anyway. As you know, I can't leave everyone with that bastard around, you know that, right?"

Cale nodded as he slowly get seated up with Kim Rok Soo's help.

It was that moment... a record played in his head.

[ He recalled the moment he met with Lee Soo Hyuk and got the 'Embrace' ability.
 
Lee Soo Hyuk had handed Cale the ability and told him about the real Cale Henituse as he disappeared.
 
'Oh, by the way, the original owner of your body is living well too. He's happy. That is why Jung Soo, I, and everybody is happy.' ]

"Huh? What is... what did I just see?"

Cale's eyes clouded over in shock as he turned to Kim Rok Soo.

"What did you just see?"

A record played in Cale's head, and Kim Rok Soo had reacted to something.

It would be funny if the said two did not link to each other.

"A Narrative text just appeared in my head. Something about... me, I suppose?"

Indeed.

The words 'the original owner of your body' was referring to Kim Rok Soo.

Or rather, Cale Henituse who was in this 40 years old Kim Rok Soo's body.

"I see... I don't know how you were able to see that, but— ugh!"

Cale clutched onto his heart as another crack caused some more records to slip out.

[Kim Rok Soo who was in Cale Henituse's body...

And Cale Henituse who was in Kim Rok Soo's body...

The two of them could not take their eyes off of each other for a while.

"Cale Henituse."

The first to speak was Kim Rok Soo, who was currently using Cale Henituse's body.

"How am I able to meet with you?"

"I'm not sure. I was working the night shift and fell asleep for a moment to see that you were in this bed. But you see..."]

"Hmm? But isn't this..."

Cale's head was hang low as he tried to take some deep breath before then answering to him.

"...D-Due to some circumstances, my soul is breaking"

Kim Rok Soo's eyes shook, not expecting that response before forcing himself to calm down as he continued on supporting the younger male.

"My records are slipping away... huuu... But I don't know why you were able to see them as well"

Cale was sweating as he talks.

Kim Rok Soo gave him a simple nod before then speaking.

"Perhaps it is due to our connection."

Cale can only silently agreed to that before then groaning some more.

[The real Cale Henituse, who was making a kind of smile the original Kim Rok Soo would never make, mischievously asked.

"Aren't you planning on living in that body?"

The sudden question that was asked mischievously felt quite heavy. The real Cale Henituse shrugged his shoulders and added on.

"I plan on living the rest of my life in this body. That's why I plan on throwing away the name of Cale Henituse and living as Kim Rok Soo."

The real Cale Henituse's eyes were calm. They weren't shaking at all.

The real Kim Rok Soo quietly looked at the person who was in his real body before opening his mouth.

"...So you want me to call you Kim Rok Soo?"

"That's right. Why? You don't want to? Don't you plan on finishing your life as Cale Henituse as well? Then you should throw away the name of Kim Rok Soo now."]

Along with the records he sees. Kim Rok Soo began to shift due to some pain that he did not expect to came to him.

"What the hell...? Why does it—"

But then Kim Rok Soo realized that the body he was holding, one that has been shaking vigorously a moment ago starting to calm down for a bit around the same time when he felt the pain.

'Did his pain got transferred to me?'

It's not much, and still on the level that's bearable.

'I...'

Kim Rok Soo remembered something about this 'Cale Henituse' in front of him.

The soul inside that body was just a random soul that got entangled with all of these mess, including his deal with the Death of God.

'if it was just this much of pain, I can take it'

Kim Rok Soo decided to just let the pain somehow got transferred to him. After everything that had happened, he wanted to help this tortured soul however he's able to.

["Pffft."

Kim Rok Soo inside Cale Henituse's body... No, the person who had made up his mind to become Cale Henituse nodded his head and continued speaking.

"Sure. We'll do as you said, Kim Rok Soo."

"Good, Cale Henituse. Now our outer appearances match our names."

Cale looked at Kim Rok Soo, who was laughing and making gestures that he would never have made, and nonchalantly added on.

"I guess you've really been happy."]

"Huff, huff, huff"

Cale was still breathing hard. But as the record continues, somehow the pain gradually lessen from its unbearable level.

["Cale Henituse, my mother reincarnated in the world you used to live in, the world I live in now."

"...She reincarnated on Earth?"

"Yeah. Earth 1. That's the world Team Leader Kim Rok Soo in his thirties is in."]

Kim Rok Soo moved so that he's now sitting on the bed as well as he embraced the feeble body that of Cale Henituse's.

Cale did not protest as the position, though it is embarrassing to be hugged like this, it is quite comfortable.

["My reincarnated mother lost her parents when she was very young because of an unranked monster's attack and was left all alone. I'm trying hard to become her family."

A bitter yet proud smile was on Kim Rok Soo's face. Cale thought for a moment before asking.

"If she reincarnated, she should be younger than you, no?"

"Ha. She currently calls me uncle."]

Kim Rok Soo smiles.

"She actually wanted to meet you, but I stop her since I don't even know what's going on just yet. But if you have time, would like to meet her?"

Cale did not reply immediately.

But he gave a simple nod after giving it a thought.

The record haven't stopped just yet.

["...The family is all well?"

"Of course."

Kim Rok Soo smiled differently after hearing Cale's nonchalant but firm response. His sorrowful smile made Cale a bit emotional.

That was why he added on.

"Everybody is doing well. Father and mother are healthy. Lily is learning to use the sword. I want to make Basen be the territory Lord. But for now, he is just helping out with the administration of the territory."]

"T-They're doing fine right now too, huu..."

Cale added before then letting out a deep breath.

"That is good"

Rok Soo's smile gets even more lighter after Cale reported so.

[Kim Rok Soo scratched his forehead with his index finger.

"Cale, don't you think that Basen should be the next territory lord?"

"I'm not going to do it. Lily or Basen can do it if they want. Basen seemed almost willing to do it when I saw him last time."

Cale looked disgusted at the thought of becoming the territory lord, and Kim Rok Soo looked at Cale Henituse's expression that he would have never made if he was still in his body and started to speak again.

"His personality is a perfect fit for the territory lord. I guess he still doesn't think that the position should be his though."]

"That... part."

Cale mumbled as Kim Rok Soo looked down on him.

"Did you fail?"

"Not really"

Kim Rok Soo waited for Cale to continue. But another record has interrupted them.

["When I first spoke to Basen..."

It had been less than one month since Basen came to the Henituse County with Countess Violan.

"I said these things to that kid at that time."

Kim Rok Soo recalled that moment and repeated the words he said to Basen to Cale.

"Basen. You are part of the Henituse household. Remember that. No matter where you go, your family name is Henituse. Got it? Don't you remember what father said? Listen to me unless you are an idiot. Tell people that the Henituse blood flows through you. Tell them that no matter what."

Basen had responded back saying he couldn't do that, and the young Cale had responded like this.

"Shut the hell up. Do as I said. Otherwise, you won't be able to live in this house. Do you think that the cousins and the collateral family will leave you alone? Are you going to be dumb?"

"Hmm."

Cale made a noise as he quietly listened.

"Cale."

Kim Rok Soo gently grabbed Cale's shoulder.

"I don't know whose blood flows through Basen Henituse's body, but that kid is my younger brother, Lily's older brother, Count Deruth's son, and Countess Violan's son. He's definitely someone with the mindset of Count Henituse's family."

Cale looked at the emotions flowing through Kim Rok Soo's eyes before closing his eyes for a moment and then opening them back.

He recalled Basen's face in his mind when he closed his eyes. Even if their hair color was different... He could see the weak yet stubborn face that resembled the pale Cale's face than Deruth's or Violan's.

"Basen is my dongsaeng as well."

"...He is. What else do you need other than that?"]

"Somehow the talk came up..."

Cale take some deep breaths.

"Internal for him, External for me, Lily with the knights"

"Hoo..."

Kim Rok Soo arched a brow, he's quite impressed.

"Didn't you say you want to just live quietly in a remote place or something?"

Cale looked annoyed at the teasing tone but answered to it anyway.

"I can't let things burden him too much. It is now Henituse Duchy afterall."

"Ah, yes. I forgot about that."

Kim Rok Soo had forgotten this fact that Cale had previously mentioned.

"But anyway, You still need to chat with Counte— Well, Duchess Violan about the details. If you want Basen to be the territory lord."

"Yeah, I planned to do that after I finished this."

"I'm cheering for you"

"Hmm"

[Kim Rok Soo shook his head with nostalgic eyes, as if he was thinking about the past.

"...Haaaa. No matter how much I acted as trash and the cousins wanted to kick me out, the Countess and Basen wouldn't budge. You'll need to convince Countess Violan if you don't want to be the territory lord."]

"I wish things would be as easy as then..."

"What is it?"

Kim Rok Soo looked at Cale's face who has a deep frown on it.

"I... Somehow they ended up calling me a Hero"

"A what now?"

Kim Rok Soo looked amused as he knows about this Cale Henituse and shares some of his thoughts.

"How did a trash ended up being a hero?"

"Beats me"

Cale groaned from other cause than the pain he's still enduring.

["...Are you doing your job properly?"

"Of course. I'm going to make sure to save this world I'm living in right now. I'll make it so that the people around me can live in peace."

Cale closed his mouth after hearing Kim Rok Soo's response. He had the same desires as the real Cale Henituse.

This world where he was living as Cale right now... He wanted to protect this place. He would definitely protect this place.]

"Don't worry, I'm doing my job properly as well."

Cale only stared at him before then opening his mouth to comment.

"Good. But could you please not to smile like that?"

Kim Rok Soo chuckled lowly.

"Right. You think my smile is weird"

"It is weird."

["I think it gives off a mature feel and makes me look charming."

Cale almost scoffed in disbelief.

"Ho. You're talking about a mature feel with my face-"

He felt as if he would get a headache for a different reason. He had never imagined meeting the real Cale Henituse, but he definitely did not expect to hear such bullshit now that he somehow did meet him.]

"You thought I'm spewing bullshit?"

"What is it if it's not that?"

Kim Rok Soo shakes his head at this person's bluntness.

[Kim Rok Soo responded as if there was no problem.

"Of course. I'm over forty years old after all."

'What?'

Cale's gaze turned sharp as he looked toward Kim Rok Soo.

"...Why are you forty?"]

"I'm still forty."

"It's not like it has been long since we last met."

"That is true."

Kim Rok Soo hummed in agreement.

"Well, you were 36 when you became Cale Henituse, right?"

Cale nodded at that.

"Then I am your hyung"

Cale's eyebrow twitched.

'Why does everyone wanting to be my Hyung or Noona??'

Jung Soo, Soo Hyuk, Eric, Taylor, Cage, Alberu, Albert, The Hawk, and now this punk.

"No"

"Oh come on."

["The moment Choi Jung Soo died, the God of Death offered him a deal."

He was asked whether he wanted to stay alive and be transported to a different world or to save Kim Rok Soo.

The God of Death told Choi Jung Soo to make the decision, and Choi Jung Soo chose his death.

"The God of Death offers you a deal at the moment of your death or if you are in extreme danger that could potentially lead to your death. When I was forty... Umm, basically, the God of Death offered me a deal when I was about to die and I accepted it."

Kim Rok Soo. The real Cale Henituse had accepted the deal with the God of Death.

"The conditions the God of Death offered me were simple."]

"It was not that simple"

"I guess it is not. Swapping identities, swapping lives."

Kim Rok Soo hummed in understanding.

"But is it hard?"

"It is not that hard"

The two of them has similar smiles at the moment.

["Do you know why I accepted that deal?"

Kim Rok Soo put his hand against his forehead as if he had a headache. He closed his eyes.

The eyes that were full of remorse could no longer be seen.

"Where should I start... Hmm..."

He was silent for a bit before finally starting to speak again.

"I hate Harris Village."

"Harris Village?"]

Cale debated for a bit, but it's not like telling the other would change anything. So...

"I rebuilt Harris Village"

"You did?"

Cale nodded.

"the Tigers, Wolves, and some more people resided over there right now."

"I see"

"You're okay with that?"

Kim Rok Soo hummed before giving the younger his thoughts.

"It's childish now that I think about it. It's not like mother's death were caused by the villagers. Stuff happens and one lead to another."

Cale understands. Then again, the other was 8 when that tragedy happened.

For the young Cale Henituse to face such mental pain, not to mention all the abusement he received from his environment as well...

Through the previous scenario, Cale could sympathized with Ca— Kim Rok Soo more as he has been an abused orphan himself in the past.

They're not all that different to him.

Perhaps that's the reason why the formerly known as Kim Rok Soo can adapt as Cale Henituse in no time.

[Kim Rok Soo's eyes were still closed as he continued to speak.

"My mother said that she was going to visit Harris Village. There was something she needed to bury there. I found it odd that my mother needed to go to a village she had no connections with, a village that was just one of many in our territory."

His voice was calm, but the things he was saying were quite shocking.

"My mother left for Harris Village even though it was pouring rain and the wind was strong. I was quite worried because her body had always been weak. And then..."

Kim Rok Soo stopped for a moment as if it was difficult to say before continuing with a stoic expression on his face.

"She ended up seriously injured because the carriage tipped over on her way back due to the storm. She received treatment back home after that but unfortunately, she passed away."

Cale felt as if he could hear the roaring wind from that day despite never having heard it.

Kim Rok Soo was calm.

"But the carriage accident was not the reason my mother passed away. It wasn't that bad of an accident. Nobody other than my mother got hurt either. But everybody thinks that my mother passed away because of the injuries from the accident."]

"Right... about mother's grave..."

Mother, because Cale Henituse has accepted his name.

"What's wrong?"

"There's a huge tree growing on top of it."

"...huh?"

[He sighed while keeping his eyes closed.

"I only learned about the real reason for her death after meeting the God of Death. My mother..."

He stopped for a moment and opened his eyes to look at Cale.

"I think that my mother expected things would end up like this."

As if he was opening a chest that had sunk deep down inside a lake... Kim Rok Soo started to share these old stories with the person who was living as Cale Henituse in his place.

"Cale."

Kim Rok Soo spoke with sorrow visible on his face.

"My mother possessed an ancient power."]

"That was the cause."

"Hoo..."

And it seems like the recording paused for a bit afterwards.

Chapter Text

Cale let out a shaky breath as he leaned a bit further onto Kim Rok Soo's chest.

"How do you feel?"

Kim Rok Soo asked as he turned to sweat drenched Cale.

"It's bett-"

It was at that moment that Cale finally noticed that he's not the only one who was sweating and shaking.

"Hey, you..."

"This is not much."

Kim Rok Soo stopped him from saying anything as he took some breath himself to control his shakiness.

"I think this body is responding to your breaking soul."

Kim Rok Soo opens and closes his fists for a bit, observing them curiously as it felt slightly different than pain he knew of.

"It feels weird and you must be feeling a lot worse. So don't mind it."

Cale disliked how Kim Rok Soo just dismissed that.

"It is not fair that you-"

"Just think of it as my way to repay you for the selfish decision I've made"

"...fine"

It doesn't seem like it was too hard on Kim Rok Soo. So Cale let it be and accept the help.

["When I was forty..."

Kim Rok Soo continued to speak.

"The Roan Kingdom was razed to the ground. The Henituse County was ruined as well. I was the only one left alive in our family."]

"Don't worry. I would not let that future happen"

Kim Rok Soo smiled at that reply.

"From the sounds of it, you have changed a lot of things as well. How can I not trust you?"

Cale nodded.

["After taking over the Eastern continent, the White Star's first target on the Western continent was the Roan Kingdom. More specifically, it was Puzzle City. He started from Puzzle City, then went to the northeast region, and then the southeast region. I don't know why he started with Puzzle City as his first target."

Kim Rok Soo didn't know, but Cale knew.

'It was probably so that he could do the summoning ritual for the sealed god in Puzzle City.'

He could predict what the White Star would have been thinking about.

"King Zed Crossman died in the battle against the White Star, while crown prince Alberu Crossman fought many battles against the White Star to recover the Roan Kingdom's eastern areas. Choi Han, Rosalyn, and Lock helped Alberu with that."

Cale started to speak.

"That war took close to twenty years?"

"Yes. It continued until I turned forty. The Roan Kingdom protected the palace and its western territories and continued to fight against the White Star while he invaded and conquered the Whipper Kingdom, Breck Kingdom, and other areas. We were extremely persistent. We truly looked like a kingdom that had survived through many things for a very long time."]

A war that would continue for about twenty years...

The smile was gone from Kim Rok Soo's face and was replaced by fatigue from the long period of war as he reminiscing that memory.

["The Roan Kingdom continued to recruit people as we needed soldiers to fight against the White Star and his subordinates. I signed up for it."

Kim Rok Soo looked down at his arm.

He had been happy to see all the scars on this body when he first woke up in it.]

"You like to get hurt?"

Cale looked at him oddly as a narrative that was not part of his records appeared in his mind.

"I like the scars. It's a sign that this body has survived a lot. But I don't like getting hurt. Who would like that?"

Kim Rok Soo scowled as if he was offended.

["I needed to get revenge. I needed to get revenge on the White Star who destroyed our territory and my family. I knew that I wouldn't be able to kill that bastard, but I thought I could only die in peace if I could even leave a damn scratch on him."

Kim Rok Soo was looking up into the air.

"And I finally got the chance."

The corners of his lips slightly went up.]

"That chance is the deal with the God of Death if it was not obvious enough"

Cale nonchalantly replied.

"I am aware."

At this point, Cale knows more about a lot of things than anyone else.

["It was because my condition was to learn the truth about my mother's death as well as saving my territory and family."

Kim Rok Soo recalled his conversation with the God of Death.

'If you go into the body of the person you are about to possess, that will be enough to change the fate of this world. That is all I can tell you.'

He did not share this part with Cale Henituse.]

Cale blankly stared at the other.

"He did not explain what would happen and just tell you to trust him?"

What if the God had lied to him?

That was careless.

But Kim Rok Soo just simply told him the reason why.

"I was that desperate."

'I guess that's valid.'

Cale could not fully blame him.

[The man who decided to live as Cale and not Kim Rok Soo from now on answered the man who would continue living as Kim Rok Soo from here on.

"Live peacefully."

Kim Rok Soo smiled and responded.

"It looks like you will need to struggle a little longer, but anyway, live well. Please take care of my family."

"Please take care of my team members."

Both men let go of each other's hand with a small amount of sorrow visible in their eyes.]

"The war is over. White Star is dead."

Once the record stopped playing, Cale's eyes got a bit clearer that he was able to see Kim Rok Soo's shocked face turned into a satisfied expression.

"It seems like you did your part well"

Cale did not respond to that. There's no need of one.

"Then I must do my part as well"

Kim Rok Soo was even more determined as his eyes is full of Vitality despite the lingering pain on his body.

"Right, about that unranked monster"

Kim Rok Soo looked at the red-haired male who's now sitting up straight and scooting away from him.

Of course, respecting his personal space, Kim Rok Soo was the one who get back to where he was seated before since it's better if Cale's still leaning on the head rest.

"I've taken everyone out of the way and we're currently keeping an eye on the monster or distracted it from getting closer."

Cale nodded.

"It would not attack unless there is certain amount of power detected around it"

Kim Rok Soo agreed after witnessing himself on what had happened a moment after Cale fainted.

"That seemed to be the case. It did not attack as fiercely as when you and I were around. In fact. It seems to be wary of you the most."

Cale understand what he's implying. He then checked something first before turning his head at Kim Rok Soo again.

"I can be as strong as Choi Han"

Kim Rok Soo arched a brow at that claim.

"Did you learn Sword art or?"

"Temporarily exchange, 'Record' with 'Recreation'. I can imitate things I know about the 'how to'"

Kim Rok Soo let out a silent gasp.

"That's powerful"

He thought that Cale who had won over White Star. He must have seen a lot of strong people, including White Star himself.

"Does your Soul Breaks as its recoil?"

A nod comes as his reply.

"It is not omnipotent"

Cale added after answering him.

"And this is the '9th Scenario'. You must have gone through a lot lately"

Kim Rok Soo thought how unlucky this person is to somehow ended up with whatever is happening to him.

He had thought that Cale must have been fighting various battles from the 1st scenario until this far.

Cale who did not know of what Rok Soo is thinking just nodded as he truly thought that all the scenarios were just as bad.

Both physically and mentally draining.

But that's not important right now.

He doesn't know how long has he passed out. And time would still running without waiting any of them.

That is why he opened his mouth to speak.

"A temple would appear after the monster."

Kim Rok Soo instantly pay a close attention as his suspicion got confirmed with this.

Cale had fought with this unranked monster.

"A temple?"

Temple, Churches, and many other religious places has been destroyed although there are still some believers among the people.

So it seems like this Temple would be something different.

"There are steps to take care of that temple. But before that, The Lion Dragon, that bastard only reacted to strong individuals for a week after it appeared, but it went into destruction mode after that."

Kim Rok Soo takes in the info and record it in his mind before speaking.

"It is just arrived not so long before you. We were here to collect our rescue team"

Cale hummed as he glanced at the time limit given to him.

"Then, if we quickly wraps this up, I'll personally guide you about the temple. Of course, I don't plan to enter it at all"

Kim Rok Soo was grateful enough that Cale has info. More info can help them reduce casualties.

"That would be awesome."

Cale then continued with what he knew.

"As we continue to fight the Lion Dragon, the monster's attack becomes more powerful. The Lion Dragon's attack has five different stages and they changed depending on how the monster is attacking."

"Defending is the first stage?"

Cale nodded at Kim Rok Soo's question.

"The first stage was using just its shield and claws."

Kim Rok Soo nodded as he let the other continued.

"The second stage involved unleashing a dragon breathe-like power toward its enemies. This power fires constantly, sometimes shooting into the air, and other times shooting down to the ground, where no one was present. The Lion Dragon only defended against attacks and showed simple movements during the first two stages"

A record played in Cale's mind but it is something that he recalled this time.

"The third stage went for everybody who got in its way."

This is when things are starting to get dangerous.

"The Lion Dragon will use its physical strength, shield, and two special abilities, one of which is the Dragon Breath-like power it used previously, and the other of which is the power that began with the Lion Dragon's two eyes. It was more quick and powerful than it had been in stages one and two. Once it reaches the third stage, the Lion Dragon only attacks strong people it considers a threat, and it attempts to kill anything alive."

"I see. That's why you told me to pull everyone away."

Kim Rok Soo's gaze sharpened as he thought of the strong people that would likely to be the first targets of the monster.

"Fourth stage, The Lion Dragon will move in a very smooth and natural manner. What it expresses the most was its immense attacking strength. The monster can only maintain in this state for around thirty minutes."

'Thirty minutes'

Kim Rok Soo keep that note in mind.

"The fifth stage only has physical strength left since the monster used all up its abilities."

Cale finished his words as he closed his eyes as he recalled something else.

"It took seven nights and eight days on Earth 3 to eventually defeat the Lion Dragon. Thousands of people perished as a result of the defeat, and an area ten times the size of Seoul became so desolate that it could never be recovered. For the first time, the monster ranking had halted at SSS-Grade and had been updated to include the EX-Grade level."

"...what a destructive power"

Kim Rok Soo was shocked, but at the same time, it was expected to hear as it is called 'unranked monster' at this timeline.

"That info came from someone else. No one had died when we were facing that monster at Puzzle City"

Cale's words are light as it is something that has passed, but Kim Rok Soo felt the weight of that words and once again feel grateful to Cale for keeping his words about keeping everyone safe.

It was that moment.

"What is it?"

Kim Rok Soo saw something in those deep eyes when Cale reopened them.

"Back then we have something- a weapon, Taerang. It was said to be the only weapon that can pierce through the Lion Dragon's bone despite unable to break the shield"

Cale turned to Kim Rok Soo.

"A weapon that made of that bastard's bone. An Artificial Intelligence that's blessed by God's power."

"That sounds... complicated"

Kim Rok Soo started to frown hearing what seemed to be three genre in a novel to clash and formed that Taerang-weapon.

"It does. And I'm not sure if I could recreate that without breaking my soul altogether."

Cale stared at his hands that were still slightly shaking while Kim Rok Soo flinched.

"Then let's not do that"

"I don't plan to do that"

'Good'

Kim Rok Soo also doesn't want Cale to do such thing.

Nobody said a word for a while.

They both were trying to think of a way.

Cale then thought of something.

"Embrace"

"Hmm?"

Kim Rok Soo turned his head as he heard the younger mumble.

"Lee Soo Hyuk's ability. Embrace. Will it be possible if I use it on that monster?"

"...are you crazy?"

Cale thought of it for a moment.

"I already use it on an Ancient Power, 'Blood-Drenched Rock' in its monster form before. And I was able to seal both White Star and The Sealed God."

"...!"

Kim Rok Soo jawdropped at the claim.

It's one thing to seal White Star.

In a way that bastard is still a human.

But to seal a God too?

Is that something a human can do?

The previous owner of that red-haired body dumbfoundedly stared at the twinning reddish-brown orbs as he muttered in shock.

"...Cale, just... what are you?"

Cale Henituse's face scrunched up with a deep scowl.

Chapter Text

"It is not omnipotent"

Cale immediately said after seeing the look on the other's face.

"Of course it's not. The recoil must be harsh as well"

Rok Soo calmed himself down immediately as he gets reminded of that.

"Yeah, I fell in coma"

"...!"

Well, there's also that matter about him stabbing his heart with a dagger.

Perhaps it was because of those two occasions happened one after another that he fell into a comatose.

"But isn't it better than my soul dispersing?"

"How is it better???"

"Well, one would cause instant death and the other is something I can recover from?"

Cale stated as if it was obvious.

"You. You...! Haaaa..."

Kim Rok Soo brushed his face with both hands after letting out a deep sigh.

He then glared at Cale.

"How does that body remain flawless with all of those shits you've put it through?"

Kim Rok Soo who has spent forty years living in Earth 3 knows what the highest healing potions can do. And even then he doubted its capabilities on keeping such a feat.

Cale looked at himself and suddenly wondering the same thing.

"Your body is awesome, hyung"

"This piece of shit."

Suddenly Kim Rok Soo recalled his days as a trash and think that this punk is worse than him.

No. Definitely worse.

"I take it back. Don't call me hyung. I don't want reckless bastards as my Dongsaeng"

Cale was happy to receive that order.

"Anyway. No. That strategy is rejected. Are you even sure that your body can take that much of recoil with your already messed up soul?"

That instantly shut Cale up.

"Another way. We'll find another way"

Kim Rok Soo pulled his hands away from his face after saying that.

[Then, I'll provide you that other way]

Someone else chimed at that moment.

The two of them turned to the side and sees a winged being with white hair making his appearance.

"A divine being...?"

Kim Rok Soo had his eyes wide open as the boy smiled at the two.

"Schnier"

Cale called out his name as it seems like Rok Soo were able to see the albino as well.

[I am here for another proposal. But, it would be a permanent one rather than temporary]

The two of them inwardly frowned, already not liking how things would go.

However, both Cale and Kim Rok Soo were calm on the outside.

"Let us hear this proposal of yours first"

Kim Rok Soo said instead of Cale.

[I'm going to permanently take one of your Abilities or Ancient Powers of your choice in return of borrowing Alberu Crossman's Taerang]

"you said you would 'borrow' it?"

Cale did not trust his words, hence why he's glaring at the other.

[Well, okay. 'Stealing' it, might be the correct term as I would be taking it by force, but it will return to Alberu Crossman once you're done with the scenario]

"And yet you will take one of our Abilities or Ancient Power by force?"

Kim Rok Soo's gaze hardens.

[That is the case.]

Schnier nodded as his wings got folded.

[There will be no other options for this one. Either take it or not. What will it be?]

Cale and Rok Soo turned to each other.

"Either of our powers will do?"

[Yes.]

There's no need of long response.

Kim Rok Soo stared at Cale with complicated gaze as he only have two abilities and both of them are needed.

Cale, of course, know about this as well.

The younger male nodded to the the black haired Korean before then turning to Schnier.

"My 'Instant' ability. You can take it"

Rok Soo saw certainty in the others eyes and decided that it'd better to question it latter.

It was that moment.

A white light surrounded Cale Henituse's body as he felt like something just being taken away from him.

"Umph-!"

The process stung and it made him stumble while experiencing intense nausea that he clasped his hands onto his mouth while Rok Soo supported him.

"Hey, are you okay?!"

Cale gagged as his face turned extremely pale.

Seeing this, Rok Soo instantly grabbed the trash bin in the room and handed it to Cale who then threw up the non-existent food in his stomach.

[It is done]

Around five minutes later and Schnier finally announced so as he then handed Rok Soo the promised weapon in its gun shape, Taerang.

[Well then, since I'm done here, I'll be going now. Take care, you two!]

And just like that, Schnier left the still hurling Cale Henituse and startled Kim Rok Soo.

"Ugh... as always..."

Cale grumbled as he gripped onto the bin tightly.

"They really do things as they please."

Rok Soo shakes his head.

"But anyway, there's barely anything but acid"

He was talking about the contents of the bin Cale is clutching on.

"Do you think you can eat? I'll get you some water. Were you still in pain?"

Kim Rok Soo sounded like a worried mother.

Then again, he's truly worried for this unlucky bast- unfortunate person.

"Huuu..."

Cale took in a deep breath before leaning to the headrest and closes his eyes.

"Water and light meal please."

He had then said whilst peeking to the older male.

"Got it."

Without wasting a second, Rok Soo heads out to grab the said things.

Meanwhile, Cale used the time to plan out what they needs to do next.

'I don't know if it would be wise to hand Taerang to Kim Min Ah'

She uses spear and do knows how to handle sword. However, Taerang is more than just that.

'I guess, I need to fight as the vanguard this time as well'

Taerang is here, but Alberu was the only one who has been trained by Ahn Roh Man.

But Cale can imitate him now.

He has enough information about his strength, ability, and all.

"It is possible"

"What is possible?"

Cale blinked as he heard of a young girl's voice from the opened door.

A face that Cale only remembered from seeing it through pictures at the Henituse library. And a voice that's similar to that certain Ancient Power that he has sealed in a diary...

'So, she is the one...'

Cale's face unknowingly soften as the person that Kim Rok Soo was talking about entering the room.

"Ah, mister. Uncle said to bring you water as he went to get you some food."

The polite girl handed him a glass of water with a smile but Cale did not take it.

He tried to.

But then retreated his hands.

"Oh no. Do you have no strength? Don't worry, mister. I'll help you"

Cale can only smile as he nodded and let the young girl help him to drink.

"There you go"

"Thank you"

"Hmm?"

The little girl tilted her head confusedly since Cale just used formal words to her.

"Kim Rok Soo is your Uncle, yes?"

"Do you know uncle, mister?"

Cale chuckled.

"yes, I know him."

He looked at her for a bit and saw how neat she looked unlike how normally people would even though things has been getting better in this world.

"It seems like your uncle cherished you a lot"

She smiled shyly then nodded.

"Yes. Uncle is a nice person"

"I am glad"

Kim Rok Soo and this girl, that is reincarnation of Jour Thames looked happy.

Soon enough, Rok Soo himself returned with mashed potatoes.

"Hoo... I'm surprised that you didn't bring ramen cup when you said light meal"

"I'm not you"

Cale and Rok Soo lightly chatted while the little girl, whose name is still unknown as Cale did not asked for her name, watched back and forth.

'Uncle and this mister looked close'

She stared at the red-head with even more fascination.

"Hmm? You go and get some lunch too. Oh, and tell Kim Min Ah that to prepare a meeting after lunch time"

Rok Soo told the girl who gives him a salute and receives a head pats in return.

She then left the two with a giggle.

"So you're basically a single parent now."

Cale commented before Rok Soo then feeds him, knowing that the other is likely too weak to even lift the spoon.

"A single parent for my own mother"

The two exchanged glances before sharing a laugh.

"That's not weird"

"Not weird at all"

The atmosphere between them is light. It is actually quite refreshing for the two souls whose in need of peace.

They then chats about some light topics such as White Star's downfall, how these people of Earth 1 survived the last swarm of monsters, and some stuff that might happen at the sealed god temple.

"I see, so the temple would have some stages as well: Sadness, Sloth, Failure, Indignity, and Wrath?"

"In that order, yes"

Cale confirmed after telling him the representative colors as well.

A record played in his head at that moment.

Sadness when it is blue.

He was attending Lee Soo Hyuk and Choi Jung Soo's funeral...

Sloth when it is yellow.

He was sent back to his school days as Kim Rok Soo and learn some important info about Thames, Choi Family, and the Hunters...

Failure when it is green.

The system has failed as each and every failure he has were treated equally...

Indignity when it is purple.

-in return, The difficulty level of the indignity test has been modified to two times the normal level...

And then, lastly.

Wrath when it is black.

Back then, his test was-

"Cale Henituse"

The Red-Haired noble snapped back as he then heard a sigh.

"Get some rest. We'll hold it back and discussed with the info you gave us. You need to at least get better enough so that those recordings won't interfere with your fight later"

Kim Rok Soo knows Cale.

They both actually pretty similar.

Which is why he could not tell him not to fight alongside him.

That's why, as long it is still possible to stall some time, Cale should get as much rest as he could.

"Okay"

Thankfully the younger man isn't being difficult as Rok Soo then helped him lay down.

"Don't worry, shall anything urgent came up, I'll inform you immediately"

Cale felt like he can trust Rok Soo with his words, which is why he easily closes his eyes then fall asleep to recover.

By the time Cale reopened his eyes, he's feeling much better if he were to put aside his hunger.

'Hmm? How long did I sleep for?'

He woke up on his own, not due to someone waking him up...

"Ah, mister. You're finally conscious!"

A bright cheerful voice could be heard as Cale glanced to the side to see the little girl from before, who was reading a picture book that's not in its best condition at the sofa, coming to him.

'Finally conscious' she said.

That made him wary.

"How long I've been out?"

His voice is raw...

Which is not a good indication either.

"Four days, sir. You've been sleeping for four days straight!"

'Damn it!'

Cale instantly got seated.

"Where is Rok Soo?"

The little girl then answered to him.

"Uncle is fighting with the monster, sir. He told me to give you this"

A letter that's neatly folded.

Cale immediately read it.

[While you were unconscious, some records started to play and I was able to read it as narrative. It's quite plenty on creating a strategy play against this monster.

Of course you're very likely needed near the end. But until then, I planned on letting you sleep until the fifth day at least.

I need you to recover as much as possible since I know you'll likely to go all out]

Cale clicked his tongue but can't help his smirk.

'This punk knows me too well'

He had been had.

"Oh, and-"

The little girl's voice made him looked at her again.

"Uncle told me to tell you, just in case you wake up before he wakes you up himself: 'we are currently at third stage'."

'That son of a bitch!'

Cale froze just as soon he thought of that impulsively before then guiltily turned to the angel-like young girl.

'...I mean... this bastard'

He suddenly felt awkward.

"Tch..."

Whatever.

That's not important now.

"Little girl, can you take me to your Uncle?"

The little girl nodded.

"Sure, mister! But first. Uncle told you to eat"

Soon enough, some crackers and ramen cup were presented in front of him.

Cale can only staring blankly at it.

Chapter Text

[...They need to be scared of your existence... They need to be truly shocked at your existence... The released enemy will be waiting for you]

Cale who's still considering on using Embrace on Lion Dragon, recalled what he needed to do and be aware off if he were to seal a human.

But this monster is no human.

It shouldn't be as complicated as White Star let alone the Sealed God, as it acts more like a robot with organic exterior than real monster.

'Still, it won't be bad to be cautious.'

He keeps that option open as he let the little girl dragged him to the battlefield.

Only once Cale manage to see Kim Rok Soo that he sent the little girl back.

"It's okay, I can make it on my own. Thank you for your guide"

Cale spared her a smile and a head pat before hearing her cheerful reply.

"Yes, sir! Be careful!"

Cale felt some unexplainable feelings hearing that as he knows who is this little girl actually.

He dismissed his feelings once again as he needs to focus on what he's doing.

Riding the sound of the wind, Cale went to Kim Rok Soo's side and smacked his back in that instant.

"Oh? Good morning young master"

Cale snorted at the greeting.

"Bastard, you're too reckless!"

"Ha! Me? I recall I have a huge mirror in my room, don't you ever use it, you punk?"

The two were chatting while charging into the monster with strong physical attacks.

The rare sight of their leader chatting so lightly with this stranger despite the situation startled the team.

"What the- who is this guy?"

Jung Soo Hon, who's in charge of the team's support squad looked just as baffled as the married couple Kim Min Ah and Bae Puh Rum.

That being said, neither of the two experts paid attention to their shock other than ordering around on what they should do.

"Kim Min Ah! Hit on its legs and wings!"

"Bae Puh Rum, add speed to the support team!"

"Lee Jae Yoon! Distract it!"

"Min Jun Soo-!"

"Dokgo Chul-!"

It was one thing if it was their team leader Kim Rok Soo who had called those names.

However, this nameless red-haired stranger were the ones who called the shots the most.

And the fact that their team leader followed up to that means that he has acknowledged this guy to be in charge.

"-Cale Henituse!"

At last Kim Rok Soo revealed the person's name as the said red-head let out an extremely strong attack that hit on the monster's face directly as everyone else has effectively distracted its shield.

Rok Soo had his eyes wide open as he remembered this attack.

It was one that has destroyed a lot of things.

It was the exact one who had killed his family.

It was the White Star's power.

"This fucking idiot- Duck!"

Kim Rok Soo yelled out as his order echoed by the Squad leaders.

"Everybody duck!"

The explosion in the middle of the night accurately struck the Lion Dragon. However, the aftershock from it was affecting the surrounding area as well.

Flap. Flap.

The gust of wind that came with the explosion made people's clothes flutter. The soldiers had to flatten themselves and hug the ground.

Meanwhile in that split of moment, Rok Soo had dashed forward to caught on the falling body once again as he wrapped the younger male securely before both of them were thrown away by the aftershock.

"Ugh!"

"...kh!"

The two had then groaned as they rolled around the ruins.

Cale had called shield to surround them two at that last moment.

Had it not because of the sturdy shield, they might have been punctured on their abdomen by the exposed steel rods.

They almost become a human skewer or something.

"Haa... you"

Cale was coughing out blood again. But he doesn't look like he's about to stop with this kind of actions anytime soon.

"At least tell me if you're planning to pull such ridiculous stunt, will you? You're not the only one here"

His people.

Rok Soo knows that Cale wouldn't care much about his own body once he's too engrossed in a fight.

Cale's limit is 'on brink of death'.

And Rok Soo disapprove of that.

So he used people to stop this feral brat from charging forward recklessly like that.

He knows Cale's weakness which is also his source of strength.

The people.

His people.

'And these team members are his people too'

His theory was proven right when he saw the other's frown after he finished coughing significant amount of blood.

"Sorry"

It is really not something that he needs to be sorry for since the attack was indeed effective as Cale intended.

But Rok Soo simply nodded.

"As long as you know."

He will not praise Cale for something that's endangering himself like that.

Once they settled that, They're now watching on whether that strong attack triggers the monster the way they wanted it.

Boom.

The fire was now gone. The monster that was still completely white to the point it looked holy, took a step forward.

"Hmm, it seems like, it's not enough."

"We need to slow that bastard down."

Cale hummed some more.

"Rok Soo, I'm going to poison it."

"Wait, Poison it? Then Im Dae Myung can-"

"No, he can't"

Cale knows how strong the Squad Leader Im's ability is.

"His poison could not affect a dragon"

"...So you have something that's stronger than that?"

The red-head nodded before then asking for someone else.

"Bae Puh Rum, please call him over."

"Alright"

In a minute, the flying man descended and hearing what Cale is planning through Rok Soo.

"Understand, Team Leader-nim"

The two of them, Puh Rum and Cale nodded at each other before then they both reached their hands out while Rok Soo informed the rest of them, through Min Suhyun, to evade the red poisoned fog.

Bae Puh Rum had beads of sweat on his forehead like Cale.

1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds... Time slowly ticked past before Bae Puh Rum began to smile.

"It reached."

"It works."

Cale heard Rok Soo and Puh Rum mumbled so before smiling himself.

'Success'

Cough.

His body curled forward and starts to stumble.

That being said, despite coughing black blood, Cale is smiling.

It was a resolute smile, one that made it seem as if he would never fall down.

'How could he have such a flawless smile like this despite going through such a difficult time?'

Bae Puh Rum was wide eyed as he witnesses this.

However, contrast to the smile he has, Cale's vision blurred and he began to stagger, only to get caught by the two's strong grip.

'This bastard, I swear!'

Kim Rok Soo forced Cale to sit before dismissing Bae Puh Rum who gulped at the vicious gaze their team leader is having.

"Hey, you."

"Hmm?"

Kim Rok Soo stared at him with a serious face despite the urgent situation they're facing.

"Don't you think that your life is precious? Didn't you tell me that you're heading back?"

"What are you spewing about now?"

Cale nonchalantly replied back, but seeing the sharp gaze aimed at him, he soon realizes that Rok Soo won't stop until he gets the actual answer.

"I've said it before. I wish to live on that world for a long time and I wish to finish my life there. There are too many things I would be disappointed to leave behind."

Hearing this, Rok Soo instantly cuts in.

"Then stop acting like a sacrificial bastard, you unlucky punk."

He did not leave a chance for Cale to interrupt as he then added on.

"If you rush things and ended up in disaster. Think about your friends over there. Their feelings if they were to witness these shits you're doing to yourself."

There's anger his tone as he keeps scolding the younger.

"Stop being so fucking selfish and realize that already, you damn brat!"

Cale stared at him blankly.

To others the term 'selfish' is wrongly used over there. But Kim Rok Soo knows that Cale understand what he meant.

Cale himself never expect to hear something like this, more less from the person who literally made a deal with a God to save everyone he knew.

'Isn't he more selfish than I am?'

The Forty years old Cale Henituse at that time was ready to even sacrifice his whole being. Yet, the same person is scolding him from being too selfish?

Does that make any sense?

Of course, it does.

After all, Cale also realized something else.

'The fact that he managed to change his mindset...'

It means that he's getting better.

Kim Rok Soo is finally having peace with himself.

'Me as well...'

Cale smiled.

"I'll keep that in mind"

"Good"

Rok Soo turned to the monster again as he nonchalantly added on.

"We both know the pain of being left behind."

"..."

Cale thought Rok Soo looked extremely tired as he said that.

But Kim Rok Soo quickly pushed that fatigue out of his eyes. A firm yet stoic gaze was directed at Cale once again.

Cale felt this Kim Rok Soo's true age for the first time.

'He's an adult. He's actually older than I am.'

The other's voice turned solemn as he finished his words.

"Even a trash like me wouldn't be so cruel to let my loved ones going through the same pain"

Cale did not respond. He just quietly pay attention Kim Rok Soo's words as he observed the monster that's entering the fourth stage.

"Thirty minutes. This stage would lasted for Thirty minutes"

Rok Soo nodded before then nonchalantly added on.

"Cale, stay here."

"hmm?"

Kim Rok Soo shoved Taerang that's still in its gun-shape unused, before then drawing his sword again as he delivers his order.

"30 minutes of defending. After that, the last stage, right? We can handle that much without you. So sit back, and watch my back properly, you punk."

"Yes, sir"

Cale answered shortly as he saw the other's back when he left.

Team Leader.

Kim Rok Soo is the team leader now.

That title that carries such a heavy weight.

'It's been so long since I last saw this...'

Cale had not seen this view ever since Lee Soo Hyuk's death.

A thought suddenly crossed his mind as he blinked.

"Is this..."

Is this how the others viewed him?

Is that why they keep calling him Commander despite how that title has been officially stripped off him?

Is this why they call him a hero...?

Lee Soo Hyuk is his mentor, his family... and at the same time, his Hero.

To see someone with his former body being this reliable actually helped him seeing things from different point of view.

Kim Rok Soo is far from being 'a Trash' he is now a leader that everyone relies on.

And if he's now viewing Rok Soo like how others might be looking at him...

"Hoo..."

An odd smile bloomed on his face before he let out a light chuckle.

"Goddamnit, I guess there is a reason"

Slowly, those sparkling gazes they have for him were starting to make sense.

Then, does that mean he really can't have his slacker life after all?

"...I'm crazy."

He feels like he has gone mad.

'How can I have such a thought?! Let's not think about that.'

Cale shakes his head.

He will only have good positive thoughts.

'Fuck being Hero'

Peaceful Life.

Being a Slacker.

He'll make sure he'll achieve it even if he must live in total seclusion.

Talk to the Duchess, Made Basen the Lord, Stop Choi Han and Raon from making a fuss, then Flee to the Villa and... and... he'll ignore everything else.

"Yes. That sounds like a plan"

That white thing bastard is gone. Sealed God and hunters won't be a concern anymore as well.

Basen and Alberu, his two brothers should somehow be able to control everything else.

They had promised him too.

'Ah, the mind really can only be at peace when you think good thoughts.'

Cale smiled brightly after feeling much better.

Before he knew it, time flew by and half an hour of his break has over.

Realizing this, Cale stands up again as he watched the monster entering the last stage.

He channeled his Recreation ability again as his appearance changed.

Gone his crimson hair that resembles blood as it is now pitch black.

All the while, his natural pale skin is now dark brown, resembling a certain quarter dark elf he knows.

Only his eyes which is the medium of his ability that did not change.

'I should be safe from the dead mana now, right?'

He hummed in satisfaction as he take a close look at his skin bellow the black gloves he wears.

Cale looked forward with Taerang in hands.

"Time to finish this off"

Chapter Text

[Hello, sir. Please state your name.]

Taerang, the divine item of Sun God, speaks to him.

"Cale Henituse"

As he could not lie by saying that he is Alberu Crossman, he mentioned his own name. Supposedly Schnier has done something that it can be used after all.

That was part of the deal.

However, Cale did not expect what Taerang would say next.

['Cale Henituse' has been registered as the second user of the Unbreakable Spear. Welcome back, Sir. Cale. Would you like me to change into default setting or your personal setting?]

'...what?'

He was slightly taken a back.

Did it just say that he has been registered as the second user?

"...default setting"

Cale still have slight frown as Taerang changed into its Spear form, though it looked slightly different than the one that his hyung has.

There's ribbon tassel with the color of his natural hair and the staff is now maroon.

It looked as if Taerang has been customized to have his palette color despite how he asked it to get back to default setting.

Did Alberu really registered him to his personal weapon?

'That's not it.'

At the moment, he can only think of it as Schnier's doing, though he's not even half convinced to it.

Something is fishy.

However, it is really not the time to ponder about that.

Baaaaang—!

{You don't need to worry about the shield, we'll take care of it}

A voice entered his head.

Cale did not panic as he knew that it was Min Suhyun. Which means, that was what Rok Soo wanted to tell him.

"Understood"

Baaaaang—!

Another loud explosion echoed through the sky as it had been all night.

Cale, recalled what he had told Rok Soo about what they'll do on this last stage as he began to make his run.

'Tie that bastard down'

There are chains, webs, and various type of abilities tying the monster down. 

'Stop the Shield'

Kim Min Ah, and several others were distracting the shield who just keep on moving despite their effort.

'And, I'll use Taerang to make the monster's heart stop.'

Crack!

The spear pierced through the monster's back scales and into its skin.

Cale grabbed the spear to stop himself from falling down.

Similarly, Kim Min Ah's spear stabbed into an injury on the monster's back before she too landed on it.

"Grrrrrr-!"

The Lion Dragon showed an intense reaction after feeling the pain.

This shouldn't have been that painful compared to the other injuries it received until now— however, its reaction was much more exaggerated.

It could not be helped.

'Once I'm done with my strike. Your role from then on would be...'

"Open the path!"

Rok Soo's voice could be heard competing with the monster's roar.

Cale pulled out his spear that was stabbed into the monster as he watched Kim Rok Soo from the corner of his eyes.

The Team Leader's body and sword that's enveloped with real Red Aura then charged toward the hole Cale's spear had made as soon as the shining red aura wildly opening the path along with the others' various attacks.

"Rooooooooooooar—!"

The vicious aura charged through the air and roared. The moment it touched the injury that Cale had created...

The monster moved its body intensely to dodge it.

"Grab it!"

The monster's shield and right side were being held down by many chains and web.

Strength against strength.

Everyone is giving their all.

That was why Rok Soo red aura was able to run amok into the injury and stabs deeply inside.

Baaaaaang-!

The injury caused by Cale opened some more.
The Fiery Red Aura that's forming a vicious wildfire ruthlessly charged forward in a straight line and swallowed the monster's insides.

Kim Rok Soo who had lived many years as Cale Henituse... Someone who had felt despair and seeking for revenge, his roaring aura reflected his complicated emotions and resolves. 

The raging aura was moving in the direction Rok Soo had decided.

And of course, the regressor himself followed not so far behind it.

His hand holding the sword, his arm, upper body, then his entire body started shaking even more as he gave every last bits of his stamina left.

The Lion Dragon's insides were weaker than its scales, but still strong.

'Bones.'

This was especially true of the Lion Dragon's bones that were blocking his path to its heart. His aura alone could not break them.

However, that was okay.

Tang-! Tang, tang!

Bang! 

Boom!

Gunshots and many explosions rang through the air as the bullets Cale had shot with Taerang pierced into the Lion Dragon's bones and cracked them.

The vicious red aura was able to continue on its path thanks to those small openings.

Rok Soo's lips twisted into a smile as he finally release his grip on the hand holding the sword and step back.

This large monster's body was so strong. He had seen the recordings that slip away from Cale that on the other world, it took two Dragons to hold it down.

Which is why he was relieved that he manages to convince many strong people with this plan despite how far they need to travel, hence they need at least 3 days to arrive and join them right now.

The fierce aura that had moved in a straight line from the monster's back finally reached its target.

The monster's white heart that had been hidden at the center of its body revealed itself.

It was at hat moment.

Kim Rok Soo opened his mouth to call for the person who would end it all.

"Cale Henituse!"

{... 87% ... 92% ... 98%... Synchronization complete.}

Taerang and this body of his is finally in sync.
Black mana with the mixed image of Alberu and Raon's mana with Becrock's combining mana ability...

Once the black lightning is fully loaded at the tip of the spear, one last command then escaped his bloodied lips.

"Fire"

Puuk.

"Roooooooooooooooar—!"

The monster released a different kind of roar than before.

Cale could see his combining mana slowly turning the monster's white heart black.

Crack. Crack.

Cracks were starting to appear on the heart, though he knows that it was not the only ones cracking as his appearance turned back to normal as they all watched the ending happening.

A black light burst out of the breaking heart at that moment.

The light was pitch dark so that nothing could be seen, however...

{Destruction of target completed.}

{You have taken down the monster, the Lion Dragon.}

'We did it.'

A relieved smile formed on his lips as he let himself being consumed by the darkness.

...His body shuts down.

"Cale... hey, Cale Henituse, wake up"

Someone is shaking him.

Those pair of reddish brown pairs slowly open and met with their twins.

"Ah, finally"

A soft grunt escaped Cale's lips though his eyes soon fixed after a lot of effort.

"Hm...? Rok Soo?"

He called out dizzily.

"You still have two more hours. But anyway, we're here"

"Hmm?" 

Cale then realized that while being carried on the back, the older male had brought him to a cemetery.

"Ah..."

a soft gasp escaped his lips.

"...Are we attending someone's..."

He trailed, but then stopped when he heard the other's reply.

"No. No one died thanks to you"

With a smile, Kim Rok Soo informed, to which the Korean then feel the feeble body on his back slumped as if expressing the owner's relief.

"Then, is it for the task?"

"it is for the task"

Smile.

Cale smiled for many reasons.

He closes his eyes as he felt a breeze passing by.

A record had played in his head at that moment...

['Kim Rok Soo!'

He could hear Choi Jung Soo's voice. 

Choi Jung Soo was standing in front of him with his sword raised.

Cale could also see a large monster coming out of the ground, making it seem as if the world was covered in darkness and fire. 

Numerous other monsters that seemed to be the large monster's subordinates were next to it.

He watched as his work buddies charged toward those monsters.

Fellow team members, his sunbaes, and his friends.

People who he had been working together were all charging toward this deathtrap.

'Kim Rok Soo! Hurry up and contact the government and central HQ! Send an emergency signal to all guilds!'

Cale could hear his team leader, Lee Soo Hyuk's voice.

This is what Cale, Kim Rok Soo, had said at that time.

'...This is difficult. Team leader, this is too difficult.'

Kim Rok Soo who oversaw the strategical planning in the rear support calculated the numerous records in his mind ever since the monsters had appeared in the world and concluded.

'We are all going to die if we try to fight that monster right now.'

This was how Lee Soo Hyuk had responded to him.

'But what else can we do?'

Kim Rok Soo could not forget team leader Lee Soo Hyuk's face as he asked that, as well as Choi Jung Soo's face as he held the sword in his hand again.

He had not been able to respond to Lee Soo Hyuk's question.

The large guild in charge of this area had run away.

Because of that, there were no ability users nearby who could block the monsters that suddenly appeared.

However, there was someone who had anticipated this sudden monster's appearance.

'Kim Rok Soo, it's not your fault.']

The voices of his only friend who had said that to him in a mischievous way hit Kim Rok Soo, Cale, like a tsunami.

['Hey, it would have been really bad if it wasn't for you.'

The Kim Rok Soo at the time had so many records and data that he could use his ability to foresee the appearance of the second strongest monster ever seen in the history of the Earth.

One hour.

It wasn't much time, but it had been enough for them to contact the guild responsible for that area to prepare and evacuate the citizens.

However, while Kim Rok Soo could foresee the location the monster would arrive but not its strength.

That was why his teammates who had already come here knowing that they might die had to face an existence beyond their expectations.]

Cale could smell, see, hear, and feel the conversations from that day, the heat and burning smell in the air, as well as the black and red surroundings of that day.

['Kim Rok Soo, wipe your nosebleed. You should get some rest if you have overloaded.'

Kim Rok Soo used his sleeve to wipe his nose. He had continued to pay attention to Lee Soo Hyuk as he did that.

'Ah still, thanks to you and our efforts, most people evacuated on time. Well, although the guild in charge ran away as well. We just need to hold that monster back until reinforcements arrive.'

The team leader Lee Soo Hyuk had said after that.

'This isn't that hard. Actually, no.'

Team leader Lee Soo Hyuk had seemed calm even while looking at that scary monster.

'Hey, have you ever seen our team do easy work? We always have had to do everything in our powers to survive.']

Not even once.

[Kim Rok Soo had never fought a battle with an overwhelming advantage ever since joining the company and working under team leader Lee Soo Hyuk.

They really never had it easy.

'This is just the same as usual. That is why we need to do what we need to do. Isn't that right?'

Kim Rok Soo had laughed at that comment back then. 

It was because Lee Soo Hyuk was right.

'Huh? You're laughing now, you little punk?'

Team leader Lee Soo Hyuk and Choi Jung Soo had left the laughing Kim Rok Soo behind as they joined the other team members to fight.]

The strength of the destructive monster.

His teammates fighting against it.

All of them being put in danger.

They started to run toward him.

All of these images mixed together in Cale's mind.

[He saw someone down there in the darkness.

He sat down to see everything being destroyed by that large monster.

He could also hear the siren behind him signaling the fact that reinforcements had arrived.

'...You, you-']

And then...

['You-'

Kim Rok Soo was standing there unable to speak properly while Choi Jung Soo was kneeling in front of him with his sword stabbed into the ground.

'What is it, you punk.'

Choi Jung Soo who had no blood left to cough up was jokingly responding as he died.

'I leave it to you.'

He could also see team leader Lee Soo Hyuk close his eyes while leaving the rest to him.]

All of them.

All of his teammates had died just like that.

['Mr. Kim Rok Soo! Mr. Rok Soo!'

Once Kim Rok Soo was the only one remaining, he had snapped out of it after someone from the reinforcements team grabbed his shoulder.

'And then, and then I-'

Cale recalled how Kim Rok Soo had acted back then on the battlefield where all of his team members were dying.

He looked once toward team leader Lee Soo Hyuk who had closed his eyes, and then once at Choi Jung Soo who had his head down.] 

After that...

['Here is the status report.'

He looked toward the government officials, guild members, and ability users who had come to fight against this monster and calmly started to speak.

His team leader and his friends had left the rest to him.

'I will explain the fighting patterns of that monster.'

He first explained about the battle. Then he asked the person next to him for something once he stepped back and the reinforcements moved in to fight against the monster because he had no fighting power.

'Please collect their bodies.'

It was because Kim Rok Soo could not move at that time.

He had explained about the monster's abilities with his remaining strength even as his nose continued to bleed. The reinforcements all focused on his explanation, but nobody said anything about wiping his bloody nose.

Kim Rok Soo had felt as if the world was crashing down at that moment.

'...It's too late.'

The reinforcements had been too late.]

Cale is standing on his own by then.

A hand rested on his shoulder.

"You've gone through a lot"

Kim Rok Soo who's able to read that record as narrative offered his condolences, not expecting Cale smiling back at him with something... that's not sadness.

"You too."

Kim Rok Soo blinked.

"You have suffered a lot too, hyung"

Smile.

His smile is similar to the other...

"I have my happiness by my side now. Things would be just fine over here"

Cale, who did not turn to him just yet nodded.

"No regrets. My family is waiting back at home as well"

His next words were addressed to the owner of tombs before him.

"I am happy. Thank you for the chance you gave me. May you rest in peace"

The screen turned green...

[Personal Scenario #9 - Pay Respect to the Dead]

+

Status: Completed

Compensation: +150 Stamina 

+

Kim Rok Soo and Cale exchanged glances as they looked at each other.

"I guess you're leaving now"

"Yeah"

White light began to envelops Cale's body as he reached out for a hand shake.

Which Rok Soo dismissed as he knows what Cale needed right now.

"Take care, my dongsaeng, Cale Henituse"

The older male hugged him.

That is when, Cale somehow could feel two hands on his shoulders along with another breeze passing by.

"...You too, Be happy, Kim Rok Soo hyung"

Cale could not dismissed the feeling that Rok Soo was not the only one here.

And as if taking the Korean male as representatives, Cale actually hugged him back.

He did not close his eyes as he left this time...

That is why, in that split of moments, he can see three different smiles aimed at him.

...Kim Rok Soo.

...Choi Jung Soo.

...Lee Soo Hyuk.

His hyungs.

"Thank you for everything... Goodbye."

Chapter Text

A garden.

This time Cale has landed in a garden of red roses.

'Why am I he—?'

"...!"

Dizziness overtook him just as soon he could see where he is.

His knees buckle and he was sure that he would have fallen had it not for a strong pair of arms securing his body at that moment.

"Are you okay?"

Cale turned to his side and was met with concerned cerulean.

Alberu Crossman.

The man who, in this Cale memory, has become the Emperor of Roan Empire, was the person who had caught him.

"Ah, yes. Thank you"

He has nonchalantly replied as he put some strength on his two legs.

It was that moment, he realized that there's something on his inner pocket.

"Hmm?"

It is Taerang, back in its gun-form.

'Why is it here?'

His question was not a mystery for long.

[Well, since you're going to meet the owner anyway, Please return it properly yourself]

Cale hold back a sigh, but accepted the side task as it is not something difficult.

"Your majesty. Thank you for lending me this"

"Huh? when did you..."

Alberu blinked as he accepted the weapon.

"Cale, where were you?"

Those blue eyes clouded over in deep worry before the owner looked at the red head from the top of his hair to his feet.

There's no blood anywhere.

His face's paleness is quite normal too.

"Nowhere, your majesty. I just borrowed it"

There's distrust in Alberu's eyes, however, he did not pry as Cale were staring back at him indifferently.

Meanwhile, in Cale's mind, he was thinking.

'This Alberu registered my name to Taerang'

Why?

He wanted to ask.

It was that moment...

[Personal Scenario #10 - It's a date!]

+

Difficulty: SS

Clear Conditions: Spend some quality time with your lover.

Time Limit: -

Compensation: Waking up from comatose

Failure: -

+

'My what now?'

Cale was flabbergasted at the notification. Even more as he realized who is this 'lover' in this scenario

"You looked so tired, are you truly alright?"

Low concerned voice entered his hearing as a rough palm gently caressed his cheek, yet he did nothing to push away that warm hand despite his vocal rejection.

"No." Cale sounded so done.

This new fact is giving Cale a headache that he pressed his temples with his fingers.

'This is fan service. Obviously this is a fan service. Why would anyone pair me with THE Crown Prince!? He is my hyung-nim? My goodness...'

And so, to the question, his voice that came out flat almost sounded like a whine.

"I am exhausted. Extremely tired. I just... want to go home"

Why is he here??

Why, of all places, he ended up in the Palace??

And just...

'What is wrong with this scenario?'

This is truly deserving to be an SS level.

The mental damage he's taking from this might be something he won't ever be able to recover from.

However, Alberu, who did not know what he's thinking merely chuckled at the expected reply, "Well? Do you want me to carry you around like last time then? You don't have to walk, just sit still look pretty"

Cale felt the chills and literally covered in goosebumps at this version of Alberu teasing him with such a gentle tone.

He wanted to just faint right there and then.

And it has nothing to do with how bad the condition of his soul at the moment.

"Just... what did I do to deserve this?" Cale grumbled under his breath before glancing at the monarch before him.

'I know that I'm a trash but do I deserve this kind of torture?! Hell no!!'

But Alberu heard it differently, "what did you do? So many good things. You've saved the whole world, you cared for the children back at the village, and you are the best partner one could ever have. Do you still doubt that you're a good person, my love?"

That red-head has so many questions about what he just heard. But as he scowled, he only refuted one misfit which is the most ridiculous to his hearing.

"I am not a good person. Your majesty, you of all people should know this"

After hearing the first two statements, Cale realized that this world is not as different as his own. So, supposedly, of all people, Alberu knows of all the schemes and bad deeds he did behind the scenes. Which is why he's now staring at the exasperated goldilocks strangely.

"You are hopeless. How did I fall in love with you?"

"I question the very same thing, your majesty"

Alberu groaned, "Stop it."

"Stop what?"

"Calling me that. Stop it."

The red-head merely blinked before realization hits.

"Right, Hyung-nim."

Yet on the contrary of his belief, that was not the right answer either.

"Hyung-nim???" The quarter dark elf in disguise looked at him with chaotic gaze, "Are you mad at me? Why did you call me with that?"

Cale didn't react much despite being shocked.

"...then, what should I call you?"

"Oh, I don't know, the usual?"

He dreaded to ask, but it would be inconvenient if he doesn't know what to call the other through out his mission. Therefore he braced himself.

"...which is?"

A confused look briefly passed the goldilocks face before mischievous smile soon bloomed on the monarch's lips as his eyes twinkle.

"Well, you rarely call me this. But if you don't mind calling me whatever I wanted for our anniversary, then 'My Darling Husband'?"

"..."

The impact was bigger than anything that has ever happened to him. The great shock made him blacked out momentarily that his body sways once again.

He felt like he has lost his strength and quite possibly his will to live.

"Holy sh— Cale!"

Thankfully, Alberu managed to caught him before the fall.

"I... did I... really?"

His mind is so chaotic that he couldn't even utter a coherent sentence.

'I called him my husband? We are married??'

He did notice the beautiful pair of rings on his hand, one that matched Alberu's. But he had never thought that they'd actually married to each other.

"Hey? Are you okay??"

The newly crowned Emperor looked down on him with deep concern as he supported the other male.

"... Am I the Empress then...?"

He felt like his soul just completely left his body for too many reasons.

"Well, not really?"

"...Huh???"

Cale slowly reopened his eyes.

"I did promise you that I'll give you what you wanted, a peaceful life. Away from fame and power struggle. So, despite being my one and only, you're not the Empress. There will be no Empress of Roan Empire within my reigns"

To others, that might sounded sweet and made this version of Alberu looked like a very dedicated and loving Partner. But Cale doesn't care about any of that. This isn't something that would personally affected him.

"...how silly of me"

He sighed softly as he finally remembered the fact that this is just a scenario in a parallel world. Whatever happened to him here won't effect the life he has on his own world.

"Hmm? What is it?"

"No, I just, feel silly that I doubted you for a second"

There's a light frown on Alberu face as he stared at Cale sharply.

"I don't know what brought this on, but I assured you that You're the only one for me. I would never betray you"

'That's right, Hyung wouldn't betray me like that. He promised on making my dream come true, and this guy would betray my parallel self either. Moreover if they ended up dating. Neither of us have to say goodbye to our slacker lives'

Cale has a relieved smile on his face as he slowly put some strength on his own feet and soon standing straight once again.

"Yeah, I'm sorry."

Alberu was surprised that his lover actually apologized about this, "no no! There's no need to apologize, okay? I know sometimes you're still worried about it... Though it's frustrating sometimes that you don't see your own worth, but it's okay. I'll remind you everyday like I've always been. And our family too. Raon, On, Hong, Choi Han, Lock, Rosalyn, Lily, Basen— ALL of us would remind you even if you forget. So it's okay to take it easy"

The taller male consoled while hugging him tight, all the while the red-head on his embrace could no longer hide his shock.

'Now, what the hell is this crazy bastard spewing about??'

He could not understand this version of Alberu at all.

'Aaahhh... whatever. I just have to clear this final level right?'

So, although he's unwilling to, Cale leaned forward as he hugged his supposed husband back.

"Right. So, our anniversary" he let out a fake cough as Alberu then let go of him.

"I did not prepare anything, sorry"

His voice remained indifferent, but the goldilocks could see fatigue clouding those deep reddish-brown pairs that he loved so much.

"It's alright. Actually, you looked as tired as you claimed to be. Should we cancel this date?"

Cale shakes his head vigorously at that. "No! The date, let's continue with that"

He couldn't have this date to get canceled, what would happen if he failed a level? It hasn't happened to him before, but he surely doesn't want to find out. Especially not since this is the last level.

'Worst case scenario, I might even get trapped here forever!'

That thought made his face turned even paler and made Alberu who witnesses it looked grim.

"We're canceling it. You need some res—"

"No, please!"

Cale looked desperate.

He is certainly desperate.

"You must have planned it out for days right? I know you. So don't mind me and let us just go"

Speechless, the Emperor stared at his lover for a bit before letting out an exasperated sigh.

"You. Really... just what should I do with you"

Cale ignored the statement altogether. Whatever he's spewing right now doesn't matter. He just need the date to continue.

"Fine. We'll continue the date."

The red-head was relieved to hear that.

"—but there will be major changes of plan"

"Pardon?"

Cale snapped his head to the other before holding back a shriek as he was easily picked up in a princess cary.

"Uh... your majesty?"

"Not 'your majesty'. Just call me by my name as usual if 'my darling husband' is too embarrassing" Alberu playfully scolded.

Cale was out of words for a bit of a while though he did nodded at the request before making himself comfortable on the other's embrace.

'Ho, this is actually not that bad'

He's getting sleepy from how comfortable it actually is in addition to his mental exhaustion.

Cale only snapped back to his senses when he heard the other's chuckle.

"How stubborn. I told you to just get some rest"

Yet the goldilocks saw his lover shaking his head once again.

"The date..."

"Yes yes. We're heading there. It'll take some time, so go ahead and take a nap for a bit. I'll wake you up once we're there, okay?"

Alberu mentioned as he planted a gentle kiss to the other's forehead.

Cale just nodded to that as he get to rest his body some more, complying to Alberu's words. He was truly exhausted both physically and mentally.

"...le... Ca... Cale Henituse"

That noble man slowly peeled his eyes open.

The first thing he saw next was the pair of light blue eyes that he know of.

"...Hyu— Alberu?"

He remembered that he was to call this version of the Emperor his name and not 'Hyung-nim'

Cale wanted to just speedrun this level somehow, but he felt incredibly tired that all he could do is leaning towards the broad chest while he tried to ignore the dull ache inside his own.

"You have slight fever, a rising one. I really think we should head back"

Well, that answers his question... kinda.

For some odd reasons, Cale was sure that it isn't the case.

Alberu was not all that surprised to see his beloved shakes his head, "I am fine. Are we there yet?"

Cale paid no attention at how horrible he felt as he peeled his eyes open much further to see the scene before him.

He was shocked to witness that they're not alone.

"Dad!!! Are you okay? No, you don't look okay!"

"Dad...?" The confused red-head stared at the flustered dragon.

"Ah, I mean 'huma—"

"'Dad' is okay" Cale cuts in as his weak hand reached out to caress the younger's head.

The black dragon, Raon, stared at him with chaotic gaze while Cale chuckled lightly.

"What? I did plan to adopt you, as well as On and Hong once you're okay with it. And 'Father' is too formal, don't you think?"

The two cats froze on their steps as they did not expect this coming.

"You... Are you really, nya?" Hong asked tearfully.

"Yes."

At the moment none of them are registered as citizens although everyone should have known them to be part of Henituse.

'Adoption is certainly the best and easiest way for me to fulfill whatever they wanted legally once they settled with their human form'

But of course they did not need to hear his full reasoning.

"But... isn't that complicated? We're beastmen and a dragon" Even On couldn't believe her hearing.

As she got older and smarter, she realized that adopting different race has an extremely long process to be done. It is annoying and certainly does not fit Cale's character at all.

But the red-head doesn't seem to care about any of that.

He really doesn't.

Even though this is a parallel world, adopting the three is something that he wished to do as well.

"Does it matter? I'm already your guardians. A Label would only made it official." Cale shrugged as Alberu finally put him down upon his request though still supporting him.

"Besides. We have him." He put on his scheming smile as he pats on highest monarch in Roan Empire's chest.

'Since I'm married to this guy, might as well put use to his status'

"—Who would dare to touch the children of the Hero and Emperor of the strongest empire?"

The three children's eyes gleamed before they then jumped onto Cale, wanting to be held.

Unprepared, that red-head stumbled, but he made sure not to drop any of them even if his knees buckling from the lack of strength.

"Oof, be careful there" Alberu said, his expression was just as bright as the children.

"I brought the three of them here so you can relax, but to think that you'd drop such a bomb" the goldilocks shakes his head while Cale hummed.

"Do you not approve of it?"

He looked as if he's going to divorce the other right there and then.

"How could I? The wish of my lover is aligned with mine, there's no reason for me to say otherwise"

Cale nodded as if satisfied. But there's something else that worries him.

His arms began to shake as his eyes clouding.

Despite this hearty moment, the main character of this scenario is internally panicking as he lost his strength rapidly and the pain on his chest amplified greatly more than it already was.

'Wait, this feeling is...'

Familiar. He knows what's going on. And he did not like the fact that this is happening in front of these four regardless the fact that they're technically not his family.

"...Cale?"

The mentioned could feel his body getting heavier as his eyes drooping without his consent.

'Damn it!'

He couldn't say much as the last thing he saw before everything turned black was the faces of his supposed lover and children.

"D-Dad!!!"

"Cale!"

Their exclaims were drowned out from Cale's hearing. All he can feel is excruciating pain, one that he had felt once. It was when his soul was being ripped out of Kim Rok Soo's body when he and Choi Han was going back to their world after the sealed God's test. He felt like fainting, but the process won't let him do so as it directly affects the soul.

The three children were the loudest to call out to Cale. He can hear their fear-stricken voices his eyes trembled as he tried to open them. 
 
And once his eyes opened, which took a lot of effort to do so, he could see how despair painted the faces of his family. Cale really wants to smack some constellations or gods, or whatever the hell they claimed to be. 

He doesn't like seeing these kinds of emotions on his family's faces because he was for sure won't be able to forget it, disregarding the fact that this is a parallel world.

But merciless as they are, he couldn't do anything to refute. Couldn't even utter another word over the pain. Until lastly, after what seemed to be forever, he once again fell into deep slumber...

.

.

.

He missed the notification that came after he blacked out.

[Personal Scenario #10 - It's a date]

+

Status: Completed

Reward: Waking up from comatose

Chapter Text

[Before we sent you back, there are two options that you need to know]

Schnier's voice is the first thing he heard as soon he was conscious in this new place.

'Options?'

Cale scowled.

"What are these options for?"

He did not like the sounds of it at all.

Cale felt that it's unfair how he still needs to choose something when he already finished all of those levels.

'Could I not even trust this guy?'

He had thought that at least Schnier won't be like the Constellations.

Then again, he's still pretty much the gods' dog.

[How rude. I am not their dog]

Schnier pouted with crossed arms.

Cale looked slightly amused as he realized something that soon the boy himself said aloud.

[This purgatory is my domain, it's not weird if I'm able to hear your inner monologs, now is it?]

"I guess that is true"

Cale easily accepted it.

Schnier uncrossed his arms as he looked back at the red-head.

[Anyhow, what I need to inform you— it seems like your soul would not be able to travel back to your home planet safely after everything you've done to it.]

Schnier looked exhausted as he said so.

As someone who has been moreless in Cale's position before, the young albino did not want to burden the other since he felt a kinship with him.

However, the power bestowed upon him is not omnipotent.

[I did give it a try. But remember the pain you felt that last time? Yeah. I ended up bringing you here instead since continuing the process that way would definitely destroyed the remaining soul you have left]

Cale holds back his own sigh.

To be honest, it's not like he's not fully expecting something not to go wrong.

It somehow felt natural to happen.

"Fine. What are the options?"

The boy's wings flutter.

[As The Super Rock has mentioned, it seems like you'll ended up forgetting all the events you did before coma... and who knows if it'll goes further than that.

You might even forget that you are Cale Henituse.]

Cale forced himself to stay calm and did not react at all despite how his eyes were slightly shaking.

[...However, since the Constellations doesn't like that, so they offers their hands so that, instead of you forgetting your experiences here, the whole continents would know about your fight with those unranked monsters.]

Schnier's amber orbs who were a pair of azure a moment ago sparkled at the second option as if he wanted Cale to choose the latter.

That actually made Cale feels iffy.

But even after thinking about it, the option he'd choose is obvious.

"First one"

There's no hesitation in his voice.

"...are you sure?"

It's quite disappointing that he might not remember about meeting people like Jour, Kim Rok Soo, and the others he had met here.

But his choice stays firm.

'Besides. I wanted to forget some of them. Especially those performing ones'

If he was being honest, he's a bit scared.

But there's no reason for the whole continents to witness his battle and get unnecessary trauma from them.

[...I'll keep your choice in mind]

'What?'

I'll keep your choice in mind...

Why did this white rabbit said that?

Was it not his choice that'd matter?

However, before Cale could even reach his hand out or call for the other's name, a blinding light envelopes him once more.

[Oh, right. Before you return, there are several people asking to meet you]

.

.

.

"Eh?"

During these scenarios, Cale has experienced to be a girl, a kid, an idol, and a game show winner.

He had also met Jour, his 'old friends', and even fought along side Kim Rok Soo.

But this...

This has topped them all.

In front of him there are Kim Rok Soos and Cales...

All version of him.

Abused kid.

Lonely boy.

Lost teen.

Desperate rookie.

Sorrowful young adult.

Numb Team Leader.

Misunderstood noble.

Fake Hero.

They came from parallel worlds... but one.

'Schnier said, they want to meet me?'

However, realized that he was not the center of the attention... rather, it was the youngest of them all.

The youngest.

The most innocent.

The most vulnerable...

Cale was bewildered as he realized something that very moment.

That young child is the only other 'person' that doesn't come from other worlds, as he felt different than these other Kim Rok Soo's and Cale's.

Matthew West - Truth Be Told (Official Music Video)

And at the moment, there's only one reason why they're surrounding that child.

They, those ignorant bastards was about to taints the original...

The first...

The core...

The beginning...

The first one to speak was Sorrowful.

"Lie number one: You're supposed to have it all together"

"And when they ask how you're doin', just smile and tell them, 'Never better',"

'Aigoo...'

Cale already knows about what these punks were about to tell the kid.

He realized this too. He's not dumb.

But that lie has made him strong enough to survive. So it is not bad.

Not at all.

Still! A kid should stay as pure as they can be.

Even those children at home— had it not for their abilities, would he ever push them to a war?

Absolutely not.

He disliked the idea of letting the wolf children having their way to be a knight brigade— hence why he has assigned them to a kitchen duty instead.

He'd felt bad that one time he had forced Lock to face his loneliness.

He's still quite in disdain that one time Raon dashed forward near White Star to create shield at Mogoru.

He had also frowned deeply as On and Hong exhausted themselves to slow down that stupidly holy looking alien.

Kim Min Ah and Bae Puh Rum too.

Cale only let them fight due to the circumstances' call.

He doesn't like children as they always exhaust them to keep up with their pace. Yet at the same time, he's quite fond of them as well.

Cale began to run.

"Lie number two: Everybody's life is perfect except yours"

"So keep your messes and your wounds and your secrets safe with you behind closed doors"

Again, though he disagrees with the first statement, the second part ended up to be just another principle that he has.

He doesn't want to listen to other people's problem... because those would definitely weighed his heart if not shoulders.

Which is why he's setting an example by NOT doing it first.

"But truth be told
The truth is rarely told, no..."

'It's just a hassle'

Cale frowned as he can't seem to get close to the boy, no matter how long he's been running.

'Truth can be a hassle.'

Cale knew something that's certain about himself.

Most of the truths aren't good news.

Which is why, there's a saying of pretty little lies.

They'd pile up and soon it becomes the new 'truth'

Either way, he doesn't get it.

If they were pretty much their other selves, shouldn't they be thinking the same way as him? 

Then why are they complaining?

"I say, 'I'm fine',"

"yeah, I'm fine"

"oh, I'm fine"

"hey, I'm fine"

That was the abused kid, lonely teen, the lost one, and 'old Cale'.

"But I'm not, I'm broken"

That was the kid himself...

Cale halted on his spot as he watched the pitiful boy smiling as his body visually cracked.

"And when it's out of control I say it's under control... But it's not.

and You know it"

His team leader's self has a wistful smile on his face.

However it did not last long.

It's never lasted long.

"I don't know why it's so hard to admit it
When bein' honest is the only way to fix it

There's no failure, no fall
There's no sin You don't already know
So let the truth be told"

Cale scoffed.

'I know'

He knows all of his sin.

He is someone who cannot forget, afterall.

His ability is both blessing and a curse.

'But if I ever let the truth be told— No. Actually, who would ever listen? It's not like my problems would ever affected anyone here.'

He had showed enough.

There's no need for more unnecessary 'truth'.

"There's a sign on the door, says, 'Come as you are' but I doubt it.

'Cause if we lived like that was true, every Sunday mornin' pew would be crowded"

'Exactly my point!'

It doesn't help that the gods have always seen him as mere toy as well.

"But didn't You say church should look more like a hospital?

A safe place for the sick, the sinner and the scarred, and the prodigals, like me"

Someone.

A total copy of his current self is pointing at himself...

It brought chills to Cale who had thought for a moment there that a mirror just appeared out of no where.

Well, it's not a mirror.

"But truth be told, the truth is rarely told
Oh, am I the only one who says..."

'How can they say 'am I the only one' when there are like dozens of them already.'

He scoffed.

"I'm fine"

"yeah, I'm fine"

"oh, I'm fine"

"hey, I'm fine"

"But I'm not, I'm broken"

The last one speaking was a young adult wearing all black and expressionless, more than normally.

Cale realized that this 'Kim Rok Soo' came from the timeline where he just got promoted to his "Team Leader" title.

"And when it's out of control I say it's under control"

"But it's not and You know it"

'So what? It's not like weeping can fix a war or kill a monster, now could it?'

Cale's starting to get annoyed.

"I don't know why it's so hard to admit it
When bein' honest is the only way to fix it"

"There's no failure, no fall"

"There's no sin You don't already know"

"So let the truth be told..."

Cale wanted to protests some more when his eyes widened lightly as each one of those versions have someone by their sides.

Kim Rok Soo's good relatives.

Lee Soo Hyuk

Grandma Kim

Choi Jung Soo

Kim Min Ah

And many others...

Even the Henituse family and his friends.

...okay, not his friends. But their other selves, if he must guess it.

"Can I really stand here unashamed
Knowin' that Your love for me won't change?"

That's... also true. These people won't left him alone, unless the God of Death had called them to his realm.

If it was under normal circumstances.

They won't ever leave him all alone.

"Oh God, if that's really true
Then let the truth be told"

Cale clicked his tongue as he looked away.

He can't save the boy no more.

Not when he's pretty much a representation of himself.

Cale disliked this so much. 

It almost as if they were all saying and pointing a fact that he's someone damned that could no longer be saved when it was not even near the truth. 

He can't fix the past, but he can move on for the better.

'I don't get why they're doing this.'

He doesn't understand in the slightest what's the purpose of these punks showing him this.

"I say, 'I'm fine, yeah, I'm fine, oh, I'm fine, hey, I'm fine'

But I'm not, I'm broken"

The the red ex-commander, not himself, but his looks alike, said with a bitter smile.

"And when it's out of control, I say it's under control, But it's not. And You know it.

I don't know why it's so hard to admit it
When bein' honest is the only way to fix it"

The fake priest looked so holy as he clasped his hands.

But Cale could tell that he's truly praying... though, he's not sure to whom.

"There's no failure, no fall
There's no sin You don't already know—"

Cale cuts the Team Leader's line with a curt reply.

"Yeah, I know"

His arms are crossed, but the moment one by one they reached for his back and shoulders...

The weight on him felt oddly lighter.

As if they did it to take those heavy things away from him to themselves.

It was that moment, the broken boy walked to him at last as he slipped a cintamani to Cale's hand...

However, to be compared to the ones he had seen before, this one looked as if it actually came from heaven.

Cale stared at the boy who opened his lips with a smile.

"There's no failure, no fall
There's no sin You don't already know

So..."

"—let the truth be told?"

They all actually smiled as Cale finished it all himself.

That young 'boy', who's actually personification of his broken soul then returned to his body as his little hands wrapped around him. 

It was that moment.

"Hey"

A voice called out...

It was 'Kim Rok Soo' who had switched places with him at that SSS-Level.

Cale has a great hunch that it was the case, so he hummed in reply.

"Thank you, first Ki— well, I guess, you're Cale Henituse, now."

First?

'I guess that made sense since it was said that my old world was Earth 1'

All the while, Kim Rok Soo still did not smile, but he bowed politely.

"Thanks to what you did, I don't ended up with such regret as you do"

Cale was genuinely relieved as he nodded, still with his blank expression.

"Me too"

A young 'Cale' has stepped forward next.

"It was thanks to the records that you shared that I'm able to smack that white thing on the back, and finished war in one year"

"Hoo..."

Cale was impressed.

"That is good"

Less people dying.

That gave him some peace as he thought of it.

"Soo Hyuk-hyung did not die. And so does Jung Soo"

One of them said.

That had shocked him, actually.

"Then, about the deal—?"

The God of Death made a deal with Choi Jung soo.

And that has leads to series of events on Kim Rok Soo of Earth one turning into Cale Henituse who, apparently, had made a deal with the same god as well.

'What would happen if they're not dead?'

His question soon got answered.

"We made a new deal"

"A new deal?"

That Kim Rok Soo nodded.

"I'll be going there as myself to finish that bastard. It would be hard since I intent on leaving the heroes alone, and not get too close to them as you did. But I'm sure I'll make it out somehow."

Cale nodded.

"You can do it"

He was certain.

There are many others who was just as grateful. However, they also know Cale did not wish to stay here any longer with these 'strangers'

"That cintamani would be able to connect you to any of us."

Cals suddenly felt iffy.

"And that's vice versa?"

Did the gods really just throw him another curve ball?

Cale sighed deeply as he put his hands on his face.

'Fuck, will I ever get some peac—'

His thoughts stopped as he heard some chuckles.

"Don't worry. By accepting this, you're actually securing more of your chances."

"We would be alerted right away if anyone were to bend your fate again."

"And you know very well of our philosophy"

'Give one when you received one'

Bad things or Good things.

He, unlike Litana who'd revenge ten times while gives thousands more on that scenario, has always been poor.

So, one for one, is the very least thing he has always keep in mind.

These people are essentially his other selves.

If they said that it'll be okay.

Then that would be the case.

Cale is someone who'd never say anything he could not deliver and he's someone who has certainty.

'And these punks are the same'

He could only seal the Sealed God because that bastard has been pretty much weakened. But with this many of him. The God of Death wouldn't dare to pull shits like this any more.

Which is why he was quite relieved and, to be honest?

Happy.

He is happy that he'll get his happiness some more soon.

His eyes are getting heavy.

The last thing he saw and remembered was those hands supporting him as another force entered his body and soul.

It was not a painful process, thankfully.

Per se, Cale was quite ecstatic for the moment when he would finally return home...

Chapter Text

"Human!"

A loud voice of that black dragon rings in Cale's
Ear as soon he felt himself regaining his consciousness.

"..."

Cale is frowning due to how bright the lightning is for someone who just woke up like him.

But it seems like the others interpret his expression differently.

"Cale-nim, Are you okay? Is your body hurting a lot?"

Choi Han's worried voice came in next.

That red-headed male slowly opened his eyes slowly before glancing at him with an answer as he thought that they were worrying due to him literally waking up after such a dangerous stunt.

"No... just a nightmare"

His nonchalant reply seemed to startle the others while Cale stared dumbfoundedly over something else.

'Oh?'

He then blinked.

'I still remember who they are and what I did before Coma'

Smile.

Cale actually smiled for a bit before then he frowned as he realized that he could also still remember about all of the things he did in the scenarios.

'What the heck? Did that punk lied to me?'

He has a bad feeling about this as Schnier's voice echoed in his mind.

{...I'll keep your choice in mind}

'Oh no...'

It seems like he was given any option afterall.

His gaze turned sharp, especially when he heard a familiar name being called by someone who's not supposed to know.

"Kim Rok Soo"

The caller was Deruth, who, along with the rest of Henituse family, had teleported to the Sun Palace to meet Cale who finally wake up.

Cale did not react much as he just did his best attempt to get seated, but only able to do so once Choi Han helped him.

'I guess I can't call him Father right now'

It was not the right time.

Deruth must have felt betrayed and furious.

However, just as Cale opened his mouth to answer to the call, the Duke continued with his words.

"—Kim Rok Soo... that kid seems to be happy on the other side. How about you, son? Are you content?"

Cale was speechless.

He doesn't want to show how nervous he actually is, but his eyes shook and he just can't fake that. Especially not with how exhausted he's still.

"Content...? I am happy...—"

He hesitated for a bit, but decided to address the older male with what he is to him now

"...Father"

The duke smiled tearfully while Violan already on her son's side before hugging him.

"You did an amazing job persisting until the end... thank you for returning to us, son"

'Hmm?'

Son.

Again.

"Cale hyung"

This time, it was Basen.

"Kim Rok Soo hyung and I has no blood relation, however, as long as he sees me as his Dongsaeng then he is my hyung despite everything."

Basen was talking about the original Cale. But he's calling the other as Kim Rok Soo as well. Which means, he too, has accepted what happened.

"I can't see why we can't be your family. You've always been my hyung the moment you arrived here. I simply have two hyungs now"

With a light chuckle Basen added.

He wanted to make this heavy atmosphere a bit lighter.

But Cale still did not react.

His throat is getting dry.

He felt extremely tired with all of these Rollercoaster.

Ca— well, the Kim Rok Soo soul who's residing in this red-haired body, did not ask for any of these unnecessary confirmations that requires him to be emotional.

It would have been enough that he doesn't end up getting killed for imposing as Cale Henituse.

It would be sucks if they hated him after knowing the truth. But honestly speaking, it's not like he can resent the Henituse family and those who has been affiliated by them long before his arrival.

'I would understand that and know how to face it better... but this?'

Cale's still blurry sightings were met with Violan's unexplainable expression before he saw how the others were eyeing him similarly.

'Aigoo... just why are they like this. Am I really that pitiful as Rok Soo?'

Either way, Cale closes his eyes to calm his heart as he understand that they would want a reaction.

He knows that he needs to answer them.

But it's hard to came up with a response when his body and soul is reacting weirdly and differently than he wished to.

'Something... something is not right'

But he can't pinpoint what just yet.

All the while, his mind is currently flipped over, thinking how he should really react in this kind of situation.

However, it seems like Basen's words were not the end of it.

"Dad"

Cale's breath hitched slightly as he heard On said that word while patting his hand.

Cale slowly opens his eyes and met with the calm golden pairs and one pair of blue.

"—I like that more than 'father' as well"

"We can call you 'Dad', right, nya?"

The cat tribe siblings said one after another.

"I... umm... D-Da... uh... human, can I still call you Human?"

Raon's demeanor is similar to when the young dragon first met his mother.

'Do as you wish'

Normally he'd say that to the children average nine years old, but at the moment, his jaw just doesn't seem to work as it freeze on its spot, unmoving.

"Young master-nim"

The next one was Ron.

"We really need to have serious talk about your tendency of always leaping in front of danger. This old Ron might get heart attack one of these days"

Ron?

Having a heart attack?

'Bullshit'

Cale wanted to say that as well.

But he remained silent for two of the obvious reasons.

"Dongsaeng"

Alberu stepped forward.

Cale, despite feeling awkward after that last scenario, he did not look away.

Alberu did not wait for any sort of response before answering to him.

"This hyung will definitely make sure you'd get that slacker life you always talked about. So accept the body mirror that I'd sent you later"

"I'll make sure that the frame would made of gold, so you won't ever throw it away"

Eruhaben, who knew Cale well enough that he adores luxuries, added.

By now Cale wondered just what kind of trouble that mirror would brought him.

Obviously that mirror won't be something normal... right?

But he could careless about details for now.

"Cale-nim."

The last one was Choi Han.

"Thank you for being born. Thank you for finding us. And..."

Choi Han's eyes glossed up slightly as a bright smile decorated his face.

"Thank you for staying alive."

Cale's mind went completely blank after that.

'Being alive is the best'

An old record of his mentor saying that replayed in his head.

'Being alive is obviously the best!'

He also remembered how his sworn brother, who had died for him, said that as well.

'Being alive is absolutely the best'

Kim Rok Soo... the previous owner of this body he has decided to live in, had also said while Cale was in his delirious state.

It was that moment.

Cale was starting to realize why being alive is truly the best thing ever.

Had he not alive, he wouldn't ever be able to experience this... this... kind of thing.

"..."

No.

'Actually.'

Cale lifted his head with much difficulty as his hazy eyes locked at someone while his scrambled brain halted at one last possible conclusion before the obvious one.

And he wanted to test it out.

"Choi Han"

"Yes, Cale-ni—?"

"Slap me"

Cale did not even let the other even finish his sentences as he asked him to do so.

"Huh?"

"What?"

The others confusion varies. But Choi Han remained calm as he felt sorry and slightly saddened for the transmigrator instead.

"Cale-nim."

Choi Han smiled as he kneeled down so that Cale only needs to tilt his head a bit and not fully looking up as before.

"This is not a dream nor is it any of the Gods' schemes"

That was the case.

The conclusion that Cale had previously accepted was how it is not possible for this to be real.

"Hmm"

Cale responded with a hum before calling someone else.

"Beacrox Molan"

He called the chef with his full name.

He actually wanted to call for Ron.

But he's not brave enough to face the old patriarch just yet.

Cale did not wait too long before he ask his next question for the chef.

"What's my name?"

It is not just 'who am I?' Cale just asked something more specific.

His identity.

Who is he in their eyes right now.

Beacrox knows that simply blurting out either of the two names would be the wrong answer. So he opened his mouth to reply him the best way he can phrase it.

"You were Kim Rok Soo. A team leader in Earth 1. But now, you are Cale Henituse. The eldest son of the Duke Deruth and Duchess Violan, the older brother of Basen and Lily Henituse, the firstborn of The Henituse household, the sworn brother of his Highness, Alberu Crossman, a citizen of Roan Kingdom, and the person whom I served."

"Cale Henituse..."

The neat and clean chef nodded at the muttering of the other.

"That is your name, young master-nim"

"Hmm"

The red head put a bit more strength in his body and sit up a bit more straight before calling the last name.

"Raon... how long has it been?"

How much time has past since he passed out?

Cale had asked that question while glancing at the average children of nine years old.

The young dragon immediately answers to him despite not fully understanding why the human is asking these weird questions.

"It's been 15 days, 22 minutes, and 43 seconds since you sleep for a long time, human! Didn't you promise me not to get hurt again?"

Cale actually felt guilty since he did broke that promise.

But at the moment, his attention is focused at something else.

"Why are you guys so skinny...?"

15 days.

'Did they not eat properly during those times?'

He let out a tired sigh.

"Oraboni?"

Lily carefully called out to him, but Cale still subconsciously avoiding on looking at any of those who knew the real 'Cale Henituse'.

He had stiffened once again when Lily called him the way she always did.

Thankfully, no one rushes him as he closed his eyes again and let his mind getting itself fixed once more.

It was at that moment.

{We'll always be with you, Cale}

The glutton initiated as the other ancient power began to put their own input as well.

{He's right. No matter what you choose, you'll still have us!}

The thief added.

{We can starts an arson if you're mad!}

Cale was quite annoyed indeed. Dealing with feelings are annoying.

But he doesn't answer to The Cheapskate's idea.

{OR! We can send a huge HUGE Flood. What do you say? Wouldn't you feel refreshed after that?}

After the Crazy kid's comment, Cale was convinced that those two just wanted some chaos.

That might be true.

But they were actually trying to responded the best they could according what Cale is feeling.

{Cale, your heart beat is going haywire again...}

The crybaby warned warily.

But that was indeed the case.

Cale was getting even more nervous for some odd reasons and it's getting suffocating.

He doesn't feel comfortable at all, and the source of his uneasiness is actually the round stone in his clenched fist.

'these punks... why are they pushing their will at me like this?'

However, as weird as it might sounded, from the way they chaotically reacted, these Ancient powers don't seem to know that the warm Cintamani in his palm is the reason for his inner turmoil.

{Everyone. Hush.}

Supper Rock takes over the situation.

{Cale, breathe. Calm down. They don't rush you, right? If you don't want to answer them right now, you can just say s—}

'No'

It's not like this would stop anytime soon anyway, and he literally can't do that to these people.

He doesn't want to stall and quite possibly waste their time as well.

'I will give them an answer as they wished'

Cale doesn't want his life to be orchestrated by gods or anyone in that matter.

So, if his secrets has been forcefully told like this, then might as well doing it himself.

'Let's see how they'd react if I spill some truth'

Chapter Text

Cale would give them a proper answer.

'But first...'

Once he's done gathering his thoughts, Cale slowly opens his eyes and mouth after being silent for way too long to everyone's, including himself, liking.

"Your Highness..."

"Hyung-nim"

"Yes, Hyung-nim"

Cale corrected.

"Am I a good person?"

First of all, he needs to make sure that this is truly Alberu, his hyung-nim, who is he speaking with.

So, easy question first.

Cale ignored any of their shocked gazes as he simply locked eyes with the monarch who soon calmed himself down before answering.

"Yes."

'What...?'

Now, it was Cale's turn who got shocked.

"It has nothing to do with you being people's Hero. Cale Henituse, you are a good person."

Cale lightly frowned and silently wonders if he's still trapped in a scenario as he has predicted earlier. However, he dismissed that idea since the words these people were saying did not went a miss than the facts he knew.

'Hmm, perhaps he's being considered of... them'

The Henituse family who doesn't know him as well as his friends.

Well, anyway, Cale couldn't have that.

Or rather, he couldn't keep these people out in the dark.

Not with the Cintamani in his palm urged him to talk some more truth about himself.

'Tch, this is annoying'

Cale never planned to ever outed himself like this.

But he couldn't go against their will.

Not with his recovery heavily depending on them...

Hence why, he opened his mouth again.

"Hyung-nim. How can I be a good person if I have killed people?"

Alberu did not need to think much as he answered.

"Those 'people' were your enemies. Our enemies. Even Mary and these children had done it."

Cale's scowl deepened.

"I tortured people"

"To get info from them. Or delivered justice as they have harmed your people"

But the red-head is still adamant.

He really doesn't want to talk too much of it and spoil his already ruined image as someone who is not Cale.

But since even the Crown Prince, his hyung-nim, someone who knew just what kind of schemes he had been doing in the past, sentenced him as 'a good person', Cale feels the need to clarify that misunderstanding first.

"I have stolen valuable things and scammed so many people, including innocent ones and I frankly enjoyed it"

And that is the truth. Cale has stolen a lot of things, Including the ancient powers that were supposedly not his.

"Those stolen things has never been used personally by you. And you stole them from bad people, especially those who has affiliation with Arm.

While for the scamming part, you lied to those innocent people but ended up doing something that benefits them or make up to that later on"

There's odd expression on Cale's face, but he's not going to back down now.

"I have done so many illegal things, and you know it"

"Indeed"

Alberu did not refute to that. And Cale had thought that at last the crown prince finally agreed with him.

He nearly smiles.

But then Alberu continued.

"However, Those illegal things are needed for your plan, and I have approved them. Hence why, I will take full responsibly for ALL of them."

The crown prince shakes his head before saying again to Cale who was about to go against that.

"You speak as if those 'illegal things' did not save so many lives."

Cale shuts his mouth because that was indeed the case.

He shot a look at Alberu that blatantly asking, 'Why did you do this to me?'

All the while the crown prince discreetly raised a brow as if answering with 'you did this to yourself'

"Ah, this is bad..."

Alberu's words made sense if he thinks about it. 

He was the one who throw the first question which backfires greatly. 

Alberu, despite knowing all the misdeed Cale had done, it would be impossible for him to expose Cale in front of these people.

That was his mistake.

It doesn't matter if Alberu is being genuine or not about viewing him as a good man. This future king has reputation to uphold.

However, Cale genuinely doesn't see himself as a good and just person.

If he was to say that he is one with every trickery and shits he has done, he felt like he just casually dismissing the real just and good people out there.

That red-head covered his face with his free hand as he sighs.

"How the hell, such a trash like me—"

"Cale, you are not a trash."

Eruhaben cuts in sternly.

"No, I am a trash, Eruhaben-nim. And Kim Rok Soo has nothing to do with it."

That ex-commander was sure of his words. He was even bold enough to bring Kim Rok Soo over this.

"Well, you can't be a trash forever, right? Wasn't that what you had said to Billos two years ago, Young Master-nim?"

Ron calmly said with his benign smile.

Cale's gaze sharpened as if he was scandalized.

"I don't plan to change, Ron"

He was still significantly scared with the assassin. But he said what he believed clearly.

It was too troublesome. And he also doesn't want to live in a lie like the real Cale Henituse did... 

Though, well, instead of faking trash, he'll be faking being a hero.

Cale did not wish to change who he is.

"Hmm? But, how can you change if you had never been one, human?"

Raon who had been saved by Cale also chimed in.

That dragon's guardian was about to say something, or at least shakes his head to reply that young dragon, however, someone else was faster.

"Cale-nim, The only trash you have been to, is yourself"

"Young master-nim often jumped in front of dangerous situation disregarding his own limit, always gets injured and coughing up blood. Even if you have regeneration ancient power, that is not okay, young master-nim. You are a trash for not listening to us about your own health. If that's what you mean, We all agree with you"

"Even Kim Rok Soo hyung who had acted like a trash for my sake thought so, Hyung"

Basen casually added after Choi Han and Beacrox.

"..."

Cale was speechless.

He was too mind-boggled that their words sounded like alien language or something.

'Are we talking about the same thing over here? Did they misunderstand me or what the heck is going on??'

These people still couldn't see what he meant and insisted that he is not a bad person.

Cale felt like he can't change that fact anytime soon, and decided to ignore it until later as it is not a pressing matter.

It also seemed like that's enough 'Truth' to be told for now.

The Cintamani calmed down and so does his rapid heartbeat.

Still, it took him longer time to respond than before...

"I'm sorry"

"What are you sorry for, Oraboni? You've done noth—"

Lily, who doesn't want to hear his brother blaming himself over something that he has no control over— her words were cut off by Cale himself.

"This is complicated, so I don't know how to react"

That is what he's sorry for.

Despite how his condition is slowly getting better, the whole thing is still a bit too much even for him as there are too many new data crashing upon him and he doesn't know how to reacted to it.

The new info about himself also caught him off guard that his brain just seems to stop functioning. To him, The three of them were speaking nonsense and he cannot decipher their sentences clearly.

That being said Cale doesn't want to be misunderstood from keeping a straight face and was seen as rude, or worse, make them sad from his lack of response.

His body is still lightly shaking from the exhaustion that only amplified the moment the name Kim Rok Soo was mentioned.

Cale's voice was low as he muttered under his breath.

"Ha...! so, I guess... things just happened and my choices has nothing to do with it?"

Despite the short gasp like laugh he let out, Cale was cursing like a sailor in his mind.

'Then why did that punk even tell me that there are two options!? Those motherfucking gods must be laughing right now, I bet!!!'

Putting him in this kind of situation.

It is one thing if it's an illusion. But now everyone knows that he's not the real Cale Henituse—

'How the heck I should survive this family?? Will I get killed? They looked like they were angry... also! how the fuck should I deal with those nobles!? Those bastards already hard to handle as it is despite knowing everything I've done. Aigoo... why am I so unlucky? Fuck. Eruhaben-nim is right!'

He's genuinely stressed out.

Meanwhile, with the others in the room.

They went dead silent, which Cale only realizes after some times later.

As Cale raised his head once he took notice of the quietness, He then saw Eruhaben opening his mouth to answer his rhetorical question.

"I admit that you, unlucky bastard, is the unluckiest human— No. Being. You're the unluckiest being this dragon, who had lived for 1000 years, ever met. But you are not a bad guy."

Cale blankly stared at the ancient dragon.

"Meticulous, brave, and clever enough about most of the things though also idiotic about many others. It doesn't matter if you don't see yourself as a good person, just know that you're not evil enough enough for even someone as selfish as dragons to call you someone bad."

It was then...

The cintamani that's still in his palm warmed up again as if trying to reach out to Cale at that very moment.

[We'll help you out...]

'...what is it now?'

After hearing a soft voice of the one of the younger Kim Rok Soo that he met before he went conscious, Cale felt as if his whole body was being swept away by a tsunami.

"Gasp!"

"Gasp!"

"M-My goodness!"

He then could hear the children averaging nine-years-old gasping.

"Cale? Are you okay? Does your body hurt?"

"...no. Why?"

Cale then realized why his mother had asked that when he felt a droplet fall to his shaking hand.

"Eh?"

Drip drip

As he blinked dumbfoundedly, some more droplets fall off his cheeks.

"...Huh, why?"

Cale was unsure what's happening.

He is annoyed, mad beyond belief, a bit scared, but at the same time relieved. However, he was not sad.

There are so many things swirling inside of him, but Cale, who's familiar with sadness despite unable to show it and would rather keep it down to himself— he could tell immediately that there's no sadness in the mix of this storm.

Cale has accepted the fact that these new emotions bugging him right now is the influence of what had happened after the last level and before he woke up...

That is the only explanation he could think of, as he was normally not someone this emotional.

He could also feel how the more he shreds these stupid tears, the lighter his heart is, and the lesser both the pain and burden on his soul.

It's almost as if crying or, well, opening himself up in general, fasten the healing process of his shattering soul.

This was certainly the case, though Cale hasn't realized it yet as neither of the white rabbits explained a thing about the matter to him.

Everything happens for a reason.

And those white rabbits did not just expos— do what they were told to do, including contacting the other 'Kim Rok Soo's to be little shits. No.

They were actually preparing some background for the drastic choice they knew Cale would take for the last few scenarios.

It was also their way to be responsible for the destruction of the soul that Cale has chosen to bear.

They did that because Cale Henituse could not perish for the balance of Earth 3 to remain still...

That being said, Cale can still think for himself rationally.

And he understands that...

'I should be smiling right now.'

Cale wanted to smile. However, the corners of his lips suddenly felt heavy and only quivers without forming any fake smile, let alone a decent smile.

The tears flowing down increased in quantity as a sound that no one there ever thought would ever hear until they die was heard.

A Sob.

Cale did not just simply crying.

He's actually sobbing.

And he doesn't know why.

"Ah, I'm sorry for this... I-I'm not sad. Honest. I... I don't know why..."

He hang his head low as he tried to wipe these shameful tears away with his shaking hands.

It did nothing as new tears replaced the one that's been wiped away.

But Cale was stubborn, so he keep trying to erase those annoying clear liquids that keeps pouring frown as if his eyes were broken faucet.

After confusion, his frustration turned into anger.

"...t-this fucking tears. Stop. Goddammit. What the hell?"

He keeps on swearing under his breath.

'This is not necessary, damn it! Why am I crying!? Is there really no other way...? Fuck this!'

The worst part of this, is the fact that the longer the time passes, the warmer the Cintamani slowly becomes, and the more influenced he was by it.

And just then, another hand stopped his own.

Cale snapped his head at who it was and was about to snarl at them when he saw that it was Ron.

Ron. Who had been there for the original Cale Henituse when things had been hard.

Ron. Who has been with Cale and was one of his most trusted person with his plans.

Ron. Who has seen both versions of Cale grow up to be the person that he is right now.

That Ron is smiling.

It was his usual benign smile.

But for odd reason, Cale's not afraid.

"...Ron."

Cale called out as his tears just got thicker.

His expression showed great confusion and he's seeking for this old servant for an answer.

Never once Cale imagined to feel this way toward this assassin.

"Cale"

Ron never called him this way either.

But it suffocates him more now that Ron did it.

Cale could not figure it out.

However, as his eyes locked with the expert's, he then realized just why did Kim Rok Soo see this vicious man as his father figure.

Ron.

His hands are cold as they touched his wet cheeks.

But at the moment it felt so warm.

It helped him calm down for real. And even more as he heard what the person who has been taking care of him all this time have to say.

"It's okay, Cale. We are here."

'I am here'

Cale had said it to Deruth.

And the damned dam finally broke with those words.

Cale was not ignorant enough to not know what is this that he's feeling...

Joy, relief, comfort, acceptance.

This is happiness.

[We are sorry for forcing you to do this, First Cale... but... you get it now, right?]

'Ah...'

At last, he figures it out.

He wouldn't be able to realize it before when his walls were as thick as ever.

He wouldn't be able to see it this clearly without being truly vulnerable first.

'I get it now.'

The method is a bit embarrassing, he must say. But it's quite effective as he could easily admit that he has never been this deeply overjoyed over something.

While crying his heart out while still being hugged by the person who Cale sees as father figure, that red-head realized that—

Finally.

He gets the happiness he's been longing for.

'Forever. I'll protect this forever.'

And as he felt the warmth of his family hugging him back as he breaks, he couldn't help the fondness in his heart as he realized that he won't be alone in this life-time mission.

'This time...'

Smile.

"You are here as well"