Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hong rushed in, urgently calling out, "Billos is here, nya!"

Cale blinked. "...What?"

"He came with a giant black eye, nya! He looks homeless! H-he seems to be poisoned, nya! It’s serious!"

Billos Flynn—the bastard son of the Flynn Merchant Guild, once a strong candidate for its leadership—was now a fugitive. And he had come to him.

Cale immediately strode toward the bedroom, arriving in moments.

Slam!

The door burst open, revealing a disheveled, wounded man sprawled on the bed. Billos's body was covered in red dots, his clothes tattered, his hair in disarray. His once-healthy frame was gaunt, and his trembling hand barely managed to lift toward Cale before stopping midair.

"...Young master-nim..."

His weak, rasping voice was barely audible, but his burning gaze made up for it.

Cale's face stiffened. The clean and confident merchant who had full faith in his own abilities was not here. There was only an unsightly man on the run who had lost a lot of weight.

"...Young...master-nim......"

Billos's voice was extremely quiet and weak as if it could stop at any moment, but his eyes were burning with passion.

"...The Merchant guild... The House of Flynn... Please... Destroy them......!"

Cale looked into Billos's eyes and grabbed the hand moving in the air.

"Is it the Hunters?"

Cale's face turned cold and the corners of his lips twisted up once he saw Billos's eyes open wide.

"I guess I have no choice."

He needed to push back resting for a moment.

.

.

Just when Cale had that thought a blinding flash of light filled the room. Cale instinctively shielded his eyes, and when he opened them again, he was somewhere else—a vast, dim expanse unlike anything he'd seen.

"Human, I don't know what happened!" Raon's familiar voice echoed in Cale's ear.

"Cale-nim, are you alright?" Choi Han's voice was steady but filled with concern as he immediately took a defensive stance beside him, prepared to face any danger that might arise.

Before Cale could respond, a deep, resonant voice boomed across the space. 

[You are brought here to this domain to witness and understand someone important.]

Cale scowled, irritation sparking in his eyes. "Why is this happening now?" he muttered, sighing. He already had so many things on his plate—the Hunters, finding Lee Soo Hyuk in Endable, locating his maternal family member. Now this?

"It's like I'm cursed to never get a single moment of peace," Cale grumbled. His allies exchanged worried glances, sensing his frustration.

Though it was unspoken, each of them pitied him. After all, the war had barely ended, and yet here was Cale, once again caught up in matters beyond his control. They were in an unknown space that seemed to defy reality itself. 

Eruhaben's golden eyes scanned their surroundings, the ancient dragon's expression wary. Even he seemed at a loss, which was hardly a reassuring sign. Cale felt the collective tension ripple through his companions; even Rosalyn's normally composed face was shadowed with unease.

[As this person has achieved many things,] the voice continued, its tone steady and unrelenting,

 [I'm merely bringing you here to get to know and understand him better. It will benefit you all.]

Cale's gaze turned wary, his fingers clenching slightly as he processed the voice's words. 'Understand him? Who is this about? Is it... me?'

[First will be a general introduction. Then, I'll delve into deeper secrets,] the voice announced.

Choi Han, Alberu, and the others shared concerned glances. The notion of revealing Cale's secrets to everyone here felt wrong as if it were an invasion of his deepest privacy. The only ones who knew of his true origins were Choi Han and Alberu, and they had respected his wishes to keep it hidden. The idea of his family finding out he wasn't the real Cale Henituse—that he was Kim Rok Soo, a man from another world—was a potential source of immense shock and pain. What would they think of him?

Cale gritted his teeth, but his face remained blank, stoic as ever. He could see the worry on Choi Han's face, and even Alberu looked tense. Both of them were prepared to defend him, no matter what secrets were exposed here.

A cold shiver ran down Cale's spine as he sensed the entity's presence touch his mind. A voice, quieter and less imposing, echoed in his thoughts, almost reassuringly. [Do not worry, Cale. For your secret shall remain yours for now. It will be revealed... but later, when the time is right.]

Cale's jaw clenched, fighting the urge to swear aloud. It was just his luck—another interruption to his so-called "slacker" life. The irony of it didn't escape him: for a man who wanted nothing more than peace, he seemed constantly bound to upheaval and chaos. But he was used to this by now. Taking a deep breath, he resigned himself to whatever was about to unfold, though his mind was filled with questions.

Raon looked up at him with worried blue eyes, sensing his unease. "Human, I'm here. I'll protect you!" the young dragon vowed fiercely, his small frame practically vibrating with determination.

Cale felt a strange warmth at Raon's words, though he only gave a slight nod in acknowledgement. "Yeah, sure," he replied with a small smirk, hoping to lighten the dragon's worry.

On his other side, On and Hong leaned close, their tails twitching with agitation. They might be small, but their loyalty to Cale was as fierce as anyone else's. Rosalyn laid a gentle hand on Raon's back, silently vowing her own support. She'd follow Cale through any storm, ready to lend her magic or anything else he needed.

Finally, Choi Han looked at Cale, his gaze filled with a mixture of pride and loyalty. "Cale-nim, whatever happens here, know that we're with you. Nothing will change that."

A small, almost invisible smile crossed Cale's lips. The irony of it all didn't escape him—he had sought a life of solitude, yet here he stood, surrounded by people who would defend him to their last breath.

[Any questions you may have will be answered after we finish the viewing.]

"Does that mean you will be able to answer any questions?" Eruhaben inquired.

[I will try my best to do so.]

As the room quieted, an ethereal list of titles and names began to appear in shimmering light:

Woah.

The others looked on, stunned. Ancient powers were rare; most humans couldn't wield more than one without risking their lives. Yet here was Cale, possessing multiple, a feat that defied every rule they knew.

"That's... insane," Rasheel, the sleepy dragon, muttered, his usual bored tone momentarily sharpened with awe. "How could a human manage that without... exploding?"

Cale felt a familiar pang of discomfort. "It's not as impressive as it sounds. Just... something I've collected," he muttered, attempting to deflect the praise, though his tone was tinged with frustration. He'd never aimed to be admired for these powers...

Yet inside his mind, the ancient powers themselves had their own thoughts:

-It is as impressive as it sounds! The Indestructible Shield exclaimed, almost indignantly.

-Definitely praise-worthy, Super Rock added, his voice steady with approval. 

-No other human has ever achieved as much as you, Cale.

Each of the powers, dwelling within him, was acutely aware of how remarkable this was. Cale’s ability to bear and wield them all, despite his own dismissive attitude, was nothing short of extraordinary, even if he refused to see it himself.

Biographical Information

Physical Description

Appearance

"Red hair and a pretty fit body. It wouldn’t be wrong to say he had a body that would make any style look good."

— Cale regarding himself

Cale tends to dress in simple, yet elegant clothes of aristocratic style. 

During his war campaign with Alberu Crossman, he is described to be wearing a black uniform. His skin is very pale and he has sharp, reddish-brown eyes with long lashes and very bright red hair. He is noted many times to be very handsome, but also beautiful.

"Young Master Cale is very beautiful!"

Cale blinked, unsure whether to be flattered or embarrassed by the praise yet again. Beside him, Bud grinned knowingly, while Ron, with his usual calmness, gave a small nod as if to confirm the obvious.

"Oh, he knows," Bud chuckled, nudging Cale with a sly smile. "The whole world knows!"

Cale shifted awkwardly, his gaze dropping to the floor. "That's... not the point," he muttered, trying to brush off the compliments.

But the lunatic Clopeh only continued. "Yes, Cale-nim! You are like a hero in the legends with your fiery hair and noble clothes! The world admires you!"

His first ancient power (The Indestructible Shield) caused a tattoo of a silver shield to appear on his chest. Later on, when it merges with his other ancient power, Vitality of the Heart, a heart appears on the shield tattoo and becomes silver as well.

After upgrading the Sky Eating Water, Cale gained 8 water drop markings, four on either side of his collarbones. These gradually fill with power, becoming black when full, white when empty, and grey when it is filling back up.

"I've never noticed this before."

"Super cool!" Hong exclaimed, eyes shining as he stared up at Cale. His admiration was contagious, and Raon, not wanting to be outdone, looked proudly at his human's power marks.

"Look, weak human, even your power markings look amazing! These are proof of how strong you are! You are as strong as all my paws right now!!!" He placed his small paw on Cale's shoulder as though showing him off, blue eyes shining with pride for his human.

His hair length changes over time. It is short at the beginning of the story. It is past his shoulder when he visits the Paerun Kingdom to set a fire in the Lake of God's Tears. It is short on the day of the grand opening of Hope and Adventure Loving Inn.

Personality

Cale is lazy and wishes to live his life as the “trash” of the Count's family in comfort. He has others do many things for him so that he does not have to get involved with the storyline, but somehow, he always gets involved in one way or another.

"Oh, I'm sure you're trying your best to avoid getting involved," Alberu commented, his tone laced with sarcasm.

"Pfft, yes, I'm sure you're doing just that, Cale-nim," Choi Han added, his laughter barely contained, knowing full well how deeply entangled Cale was in every major crisis.

Cale frowned, waving a hand dismissively as if to shoo away their remarks. "I am," he muttered, but his voice lacked conviction, and even he knew it. "These things... they just find me."

"You mean you somehow find them," Rosalyn replied with a smirk. "No one else runs toward a problem while saying they're trying to stay out of it."

Raon, perched by Cale's side, huffed in agreement. "Human! You always say you want a quiet life, but you're constantly putting yourself in the middle of everything!"

"Quiet life my foot," Bud muttered under his breath.

He is still a very kind and gentle person to those he is close to and can be worldly-wise and generous. He will always choose the path that can give him a peace of mind even if that's the hardest path. He thinks he can only be at peace when people around him at peace. Sometimes he can give advice, motivate, or comfort people with his words without realizing it. However, his own view of himself is that of a trashy person.

"It's true, young master is good at comforting others," Lock said thoughtfully, recalling a time during the Gorge of Death battle. When Lock struggled with his inability to go berserk and felt insecure, it was Cale who reassured him, offering quiet, genuine support. Lock couldn't forget how simply Cale's words had brought him peace when he needed it most.

His friends, however, felt frustrated each time he dismissed himself as mere "trash." They all recognized his quiet warmth and how naturally he uplifted others, whether he meant to or not. Cale might think of himself as selfish and indifferent, but to those around him, he was someone who cared deeply and unknowingly brought comfort like no one else.

"Human, you are not trash!"

"Yes, you are not, nya!"

He claims to dislike getting personally involved in fights, as he prefers to surround himself with strong individuals. He thinks even paper cuts hurt, let alone actual sword-fighting. He doesn't like pain, though, not because he is scared of it, he just finds annoying.

"You dislike getting involved, but you're always the first one on the front lines!" Toonka roared, his laughter booming across the room.

"Human, don't you always talk about wanting to flip everything over?" the young dragon added innocently, blinking wide, curious eyes at Cale. This prompted even more chuckles around the room, a ripple of amusement that Cale couldn’t quite shake.

For someone supposedly bent on avoiding any “messy” situations, Cale had an impressive talent for plunging straight into the middle of chaos. And that irony wasn’t lost on anyone—least of all Cale, who rolled his eyes with an exaggerated sigh, waving a dismissive hand. He knew he’d lost the argument before it even started.

In conflicts, he always seeks to keep casualties to a minimum.

Cale is the type of person who would take responsibility in order to not have to take responsibility. He is also often unable to directly speak his true feelings of care and concern for the people he cares about but when asked about it, he would be unable to deny it.

“You can’t carry the world on your shoulders alone, Cale. We’re here to help, so don’t push us away with your stubbornness.” Alberu said, his voice firm but laced with genuine concern.

“I get it, Orabuni. You always look out for us, even when you don’t say it.” Lily declared and Basen nodded in agreement, his silent support speaking volumes.

Everyone recognizes that while Cale may not always vocalize his feelings, his actions resonate louder than words. Each decision he makes, and each sacrifice he makes, is a testament to his unwavering love for those he cherishes.

Cale doesn't realize that his actions in pursuit of his dream of a slacker life are equivalent to making the world a better place.

Mila crossed her arms, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Oh teacher, for someone who wants to do nothing, you sure have a knack for stirring up a revolution," she remarked, shaking her head in disbelief. "You may think you're just trying to avoid responsibility, but your very presence inspires others."

He will also never admit to feeling sorrow or pain and would blame all his feelings on the failure to become a slacker.

Alberu’s brow furrowed slightly as he pressed on, "You can’t just dismiss your feelings, Cale. Bottling them up won't change anything. It’s okay to admit that you're not happy with how things are turning out. Blaming your failures on your desire to be a slacker is just a way of running away from the truth."

"Yeah, you’re not fooling anyone with that act," Hannah chimed in, her tone both teasing and earnest. "You might not see it, but you’ve already become so much more than you ever intended. It’s okay to acknowledge that."

Cale shifted uncomfortably, a mix of denial and reluctance shadowing his features. He opened his mouth to protest but found himself momentarily speechless, struggling to reconcile their words with his internal narrative.

The screen then suddenly stopped and a cold voice followed. 

[Now then, since a huge part has already been shared, we will continue after a short rest. Enjoy your stay in this humble domain]

Chapter Text

The group gathered around a table laden with food, the flickering screen in the corner momentarily forgotten as they dug into the unexpected feast following the strange announcement, each person lost in thought. The mingling scents of grilled meat, roasted vegetables, and a faint touch of spice gave the room an odd, homely warmth, at odds with the quiet tension in the air.

Despite the recent revelations about the Hunters and fighting in other dimensions weighing heavily on them, the mood lightened as they tried to distract themselves with food and idle conversation.

Cale sat slouched at the long, weathered dining table, absently picking at the food in front of him. Around him, conversation drifted, but his focus remained elsewhere—thinking of what they didn't know, and what he wished they'd never have to learn.

Jack whose voice was barely above a murmur and laced with unease asked what everyone wanted to ask.

"These Hunters... they target humans called single-lifers? Then what is their purpose?" He exchanged a glance with his sister, Hannah, who gave a grim nod.

Lock's brows furrowed as he looked between the others. "But... what exactly is a single-lifer? Is it like the White Star...?"

Cale, who had remained mostly silent, spoke up, his tone calm and steady. "Single-lifers are those who don't reincarnate after death. Most beings are reborn in some form, but certain exceptions exist. The White Star, for example, is a reincarnator, reborn with memories of past lives. But single-lifers... they're different." His gaze briefly shifted toward the others, each listening intently. "Single-lifers live only one life, and after death, they may ascend to a god-like status due to their great power. This makes them highly sought after." 

As he finished, Cale's gaze drifted to Choi Han, who met his eyes with a faint, knowing smile.

A wordless conversation was exchanged between them that only they could fully understand. 

Litana’s voice broke the brief silence, her tone carrying a note of wary curiosity. “But... why is it necessary to kill the Hunters?”

"Because if we don't," Cale's voice grew darker, "they'll only grow stronger and more dangerous. We need to take them down before they become a threat we can't face."

[Perhaps you would all like to know more about the unique expectations like reincarnators, single-lifers, and hunters?] the mysterious voice offered in an oddly calm tone, slipping into their conversation smoothly before falling silent again.

The group exchanged brief glances, their interest piqued. Each gave a short nod of agreement, eager to understand the mysteries surrounding the Hunters' and other strange 'expectations'.

"Yes," Rosalyn murmured, her eyes sharp with curiosity.

“Please, do tell us,” Eruhaben said, his tone neutral but with a spark of interest.

[Later on then.]

Satisfied with their response, the cold voice faded for now.

Meanwhile, Inside Cale’s mind, the familiar voices of the Ancient Powers stirred.

-Not like we'd let you face that alone, the Indestructible Shield grumbled.

-Precisely, we're here, right along with you. The Super Rock agreed, a gentle yet determined presence.

-Bring on those Hunters, and we’ll burn ‘em to dust! The cheapskate cheered eagerly, the fire of destruction in his voice unmistakable.

-I'll just... XXX their XXX and XXX, the Crazy Kid chimed in, full of chaotic energy, her words not exactly polite.

Cale, almost unconsciously, felt a wave of reassurance from them, the comforting voices of the Ancient powers, a strange reminder that even if the world outside seemed destined for chaos, he wasn't truly alone.

Before he could dwell on it further, a sudden interruption cut through the silence.

[I hope you've had sufficient rest; we will now continue the viewing.]

The eerie voice echoed throughout the room, drawing everyone's attention back.

The warmth of the meal dissipated, replaced by a cold stillness as shadows danced across their faces, each figure now tensed, eyes fixed on the looming screen.

Slowly, words began to take shape on the huge screen.

"I would never dare call you stupid now, Cale-nim!" Clopeh added, a hint of nervous laughter escaping him.

Cale felt a chill run down his spine at the intensity of Clopeh’s gaze. Something was unsettling about how Clopeh seemed to dissect him as if he could see right through the layers of Cale’s carefully maintained facade.

Trivia

• Cale's speciality is blankly staring into nothing for hours without thinking about anything.

Witara silently approached Cale, amused. “Young master,” she said, her voice as smooth as a ripple across a calm sea, “it’s a skill few can master. Truly admirable.”

Alberu raised an eyebrow, barely hiding his smirk. “Cale Henituse, the man who can contemplate nothing with the intensity of a sage.”

Witira chuckled, bowing her head slightly. “Then I’m honored to witness such profound moments of... intellectual absence.”

At that, everyone burst into laughter—except Cale, of course, who simply stared at the floor in feigned annoyance.

• He has insanely high alcohol tolerance. He once drank good quality alcohol from morning till evening and only ends up with a light buzz.

Antonio Gyerre, recalling that encounter, couldn't help but shiver. At their first meeting, he’d mistakenly dismissed him as mere "trash" for drinking so freely.

But oh, how wrong he had been.

Antonio now looked back on that day, a mix of regret and disbelief swirling within him. That "trash noble" had turned out to be the most competent and cunning person he'd ever met. If anything, Cale was the only one who could wear the title of "noble" without disgrace. He was reliable, strategic, and showed more dignity than most of the so-called highborn. 

Meanwhile, Bud and Cage, both avid drinkers, exchanged looks of appreciation and amusement.

“Cale,” Bud started, a mischievous grin spreading across his face, “if you can handle drinking from morning till night without so much as a stumble, I’d say you’re overdue for a real challenge.”

Cale raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Oh? And what kind of ‘challenge’ are you planning?”

Bud’s grin widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “A good, old-fashioned drinking contest. Let’s see if the so-called legendary Young Master Silver Shield can keep up when it’s more than a casual drink here and there.” He glanced over at Cage, who nodded enthusiastically, her eyes bright with amusement at the idea of putting Cale’s resilience to the test.

Cage leaned forward, tapping her fingers on the table as she smirked. “You up for it, Cale-nim? Or are you just a morning drinker?” she teased, throwing him a playful challenge.

Cale sighed, eyeing the two of them with faint exasperation. When had Bud and Cage even managed to get so chummy with each other? They looked like they’d been scheming drinking challenges together for years.

• Cale is oddly affectionate to those under his command. 
• He always seems like he’s half-assing things, but he’s quite meticulous.

“Young master,” Paeston murmured with a glint in his eyes, “you’re either the laziest perfectionist or the most diligent slacker I’ve ever seen.”

• He is a good cook.

“Oh! Weak human, you should cook for us!” Raon demanded, his eyes sparkling with excitement. The thought of Cale in the kitchen, doing something beyond his usual slacker routine, was a thrilling novelty to the little dragon.

Beacrox’s gaze sharpened immediately. He’d been cooking for Cale since he was a child, his role as the chef firmly established. So how on earth did Cale even know his way around a kitchen? His eyes flicked to Cale full of curiosity.

“Probably not that good...” Cale muttered with a shrug, trying to brush it off. And all that I can cook is Korean food anyway.

• His dream is to live a slacker life.

"Oh, Cale, you should teach us all your ways!" Bud roared with laughter, clearly finding too much joy in Cale's misery as he leaned back, clutching his stomach.

Cale shot him a cold glare, his eyes narrowing with annoyance.

"Really, Bud?" Glenn mumbled under his breath, nudging his friend in an attempt to shut him up, though a hint of sympathy softened his expression as he glanced at Cale.

• One of only 3 people in history to possess all 5 ancient power attributes.

"Who are the other two?" Taylor asked, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Cale's gaze flickered, his usual nonchalance slipping just slightly. "The White Star," he replied, his voice steady but laced with distaste. "And... the Ancient White Star."

"So, you're telling me," Archie began slowly, trying to piece it together, "that you might have the same potential as the greatest threat to the world?"

Cale shrugged, downplaying its gravity. "It is not the same. I have different powers than the original white star."

Bud whistled low, eyebrows raised in genuine awe. "You know, Cale, most people would either be thrilled to wield even one ancient power—let alone all five." 

"Not everyone wants to be some big hero or villain," Cale rolled his eyes, the weight of his indifference making his intentions clear. 

But his companions knew better, beneath his calm facade, Cale's powers were not just gifts, but burdens he bore. He was no White Star, nor did he desire to follow in any infamous footsteps, but the power he wielded made him a pivotal force whose path could reshape their world. 

In fact, it has already been reshaped. 

Cale was the one who had stepped forward to defend the shunned dark mana users, bringing them to the front lines to show that they weren’t inherently evil. His actions challenged the deeply rooted prejudice against them, and over time, people began to see them as valuable allies, not enemies.

• Cale's worst fear is being the only survivor of war and to not hear the voices of the ancient Powers anymore.

Choi Han clenched his fists, his gaze shadowed with sorrow. He had known battles, loss, and the hollow loneliness of survival, however now that he had a family to care for, he knew exactly why Cale would fear such a fate. 

“I won’t let that happen, Cale-nim,” he said quietly, voice resonating with fierce determination. 

Eruhaben regarded Cale with a rare, solemn expression. As a dragon who had watched many people pass, for centuries, he understood the pain of outliving those he cherished. Knowing Cale feared this isolation stirred something in him, a vow growing silently in his heart to shield this young man and those around him. “For someone so young to bear such fears…,” he murmured, then shook his head, his tone firm. “Don’t worry, unlucky bastard. You’ll never face that future. Not while I’m here.”

Raon looked up at Cale with fierce resolve shining in his wide eyes. “The mighty Raon Miru will protect you, weak human!” he declared boldly, chest puffed out with pride and purpose. “None of us are going anywhere. You’ll see, we’re all here to stay!”

Hong and On nodded solemnly beside him, their silent agreement evident. 

Alberu’s usually composed gaze softened as he observed Cale, sensing yet another hidden layer of his friend’s quiet, selfless nature. “You don’t have to carry this fear alone, Cale,” he said, his voice low yet warm, an unspoken promise in his words. “No matter how many battles lie ahead, you won’t be alone. We’ll be by your side, and you’d better accept it.”

• Loves throwing away other people's money.

Choi Han and Eruhaben shivered at the memory of watching him toss gold around like it was nothing. They'd watched, slightly horrified, as Cale laughed and threw money left and right without a care.

"It was... unforgettable," Eruhaben muttered, recalling how unsettling it had been.

Choi Han nodded, his expression serious. "I thought he'd stop eventually. But he didn't. It was... a lot."

Meanwhile, Raon was thrilled, clearly excited at the idea. "The weak human knows how to throw money!" he declared proudly.

But Cale himself looked annoyed, his thoughts elsewhere. Remembering how his own money had been stolen, he muttered, "Just wait until I get out of this place... they owe me big."

• He is an expert at scamming people.
• Gets offended when others hurt his followers.

Rosalyn knew that Cale didn't often show it openly, but his care for them ran deep. When he got serious about protecting them, it was clear just how much they all meant to him.

"Cale-nim has a subtle way of showing it," Choi Han added with a soft smile. "But he values us more than he'll ever admit."

Mary nodded thoughtfully, her usually robotic tone carrying a hint of emotion. "Young master Cale may act indifferent, but he's always the first to step in if one of us is hurt. It's... reassuring."

For Cale, hearing them talk like this was both embarrassing and frustrating. He looked away, feigning annoyance. "You all should stop talking like that," he muttered, refusing to meet their eyes.

But they all understood—Cale Henituse might never openly admit it, but his actions spoke volumes. 

• He hates sour things, especially when they contain lemons.

Cale’s face scrunched up as he recalled the taste of that vile lemon tea, his lips curling into a dramatic grimace. He could almost still feel the sharp, biting tang on his tongue.

Hans, clearly enjoying the moment a little too much, raised an eyebrow with a mischievous smile. "You really don’t like it, do you, young master-nim?" he remarked, thoroughly entertained by the dramatic display on Cale’s face.

Cale’s face twitched in irritation. He let out a long, exaggerated sigh before muttering under his breath, "I hate lemons. They’re like the universe's way of punishing me for no reason. That sourness… it lingers, you know? Sticks around like a bad memory, ruining everything. Why would anyone willingly drink something like this?" He wrinkled his nose, as though he’d just swallowed a handful of crushed-up lemon rinds.

Hans chuckled softly, clearly trying not to laugh out loud at how ridiculous Cale looked. "Well, I suppose you’ll never be the type to enjoy lemon meringue pie, then," he teased.

Cale shot him a side-eye as if Hans had just suggested he climb a mountain in nothing but his underpants. "That’s a betrayal to all things sweet," he grumbled, dramatically crossing his arms in front of him as if to protect himself from the very idea.

Meanwhile, Ron, ever the picture of calm, glanced at Cale with his usual benign smile—so serene, so infuriatingly understanding. The kind of smile that made Cale's stomach twist into knots. Cale could practically feel the edge of Ron’s silent judgment.

That smile. The most terrifying weapon of all. 

Vicious. 

Cale could almost hear the soft whisper of an assassination plot in Ron’s silent gaze. This man was ruthless, so casually ruthless that Cale wondered if Ron’s smile was secretly a death sentence.

• Cale is really dense with other people's concern for him.
• Cale's favorite way of working out is breathing.

“Cale-nim, your stamina is really weak,” Choi Han commented with a frown, crossing his arms. “You should exercise more regularly.”

“Yes! We can train together, Young Master Cale!” the wolf children chimed in eagerly, their eyes bright with excitement. Their tails were practically wagging in anticipation.

Raon, perched on Cale’s shoulder, nodded in solemn agreement. “Weak human, you are very, very weak. Exercise is important for strength!”

Cale’s shoulders slumped. Just thinking about working out made him feel tired.

His friends exchanged amused, determined looks, ignoring his grumbles. Cale had a feeling his so-called “exercise routine” was about to get a major—and unwanted—overhaul. 

• The most important thing for Cale is to not get hurt
• He hates immature crybaby types the most.
• He doesn't like to work for free.

Alberu smirked, though there was a glint of exasperation in his eyes. "Ah, naturally. The legendary Young Master Silver Shield wouldn’t lift a finger unless there’s compensation involved."

He couldn’t help but recall all the times Cale had approached him with that familiar, unbothered expression, casually requesting golden plaques as if it were the most reasonable thing in the world. 

What a shameless bastard.

Yet, despite that brazen attitude, Alberu knew better than anyone else how much Cale had sacrificed—how many times he’d put himself on the line, shouldering burdens that few would dare to carry. He might demand his fair share in gold, but he’d given even more in blood, sweat, and a kind of quiet loyalty that spoke louder than any declaration.

Yes, Cale Henituse was a shameless bastard. But Alberu couldn’t deny it:

He was the most deserving bastard of those golden plaques.

• His acting is top-notch.

“This is old news,” Cale said with a smirk, crossing his arms.

“Almost everyone in Cale’s group is good at acting by now,” Bud chimed in, chuckling.

“Except for strong Choi Han!” Raon declared in a loud, gleeful voice, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Yeah, except for him,” Hilsman replied, still laughing. “In fact, Choi Han’s banned from any mission that requires even a little bit of acting!”

Just remembering that infamous incident made Cale shiver. Choi Han’s attempt at acting had been… memorable, to say the least.

Rosalyn gave Choi Han a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You're perfect at everything else, Choi Han. We wouldn't have you any other way."

Choi Han gave a shy, grateful smile, but the memory of his "acting" failure still made his cheeks redden. He wasn't sure he'd ever live that moment down, but he was glad to be surrounded by people who would remember it with laughter instead of judgment.

• The God of Death has offered Cale the Saint position.

Cale rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Let him offer it to someone else," he said with a dismissive wave, "maybe someone who actually wants it."

"No kidding," Cage scoffed. "Just because we have a connection to him doesn't mean I'm thrilled to be his favourite 'child.'" She emphasized the last word, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I didn't go through the trouble of getting excommunicated just to keep hearing from him. That god keeps trying as if I'll suddenly change my mind and go back."

She then turned to Cale, a glint of amusement in her eyes. "If you actually accepted, he'd probably never leave you alone."

Cale crossed his arms, looking even more determined. "He can offer it all he wants. I have enough trouble as it is without adding 'saint' to my list of problems."

The group couldn't help but laugh, despite the tense implications. Cage's expression softened slightly as she looked at him. "Don't worry, Cale. You're definitely not saint material anyway."

• He was mistaken to be a dragon several times.

Litana recalled their first meeting, remembering how she, too, had mistaken Cale for one.

Dragons were known to be the most beautiful, powerful, and prideful of all creatures. It might have been an honour to be mistaken for one once, but multiple times?

The dragons stared at Cale, a bit awed, and even sympathetic to those who had seen him as one of their own.

• Cale was the type of person to always pay back his debts.

.

.

The first part of the viewing had come to an end.

[However, we are not yet done,] the mysterious voice resonated, echoing in the tense silence filling the space. [It is time for the full truth to be uncovered.]

[The time has come for Cale Henituse's true identity to be revealed in its entirety.]

A pause, heavy with expectation, hung in the air, as if the universe itself was holding its breath. [Cale,] the voice continued, its tone like the rolling of thunder in the distance, [shall I unveil this truth to them, or do you wish to take the honour yourself?]

All eyes turned to Cale, who closed his eyes for a moment before letting out a sigh. With a slight nod, he opened them, his expression resolute. "I will."

A look of shared unease passed among his allies as they held their breaths, waiting for his next words. Though they didn't know what truth he was about to reveal, their determination to stand by him was unwavering.

"Cale-nim," Choi Han said softly, "you don't have to do this if you don't want to. We could just... destroy this place."

"Yes! Let's just smash it, human!" Raon declared, his little face twisted in fierce determination.

Cale shook his head, giving them a reassuring look. "No, it's fine. If it's going to come out anyway... I'd rather be the one to tell you."

He cleared his throat, gathering his thoughts. His expression shifted, becoming serious as he looked into each of their eyes, preparing himself to reveal the secret he had guarded for so long.

"...I'm not originally from this world."

The weight of his words dropped like a stone, sending shock rippling through the room. His allies stared in stunned silence, their expressions a mixture of disbelief, confusion, and dawning realization.

Bud was the first to break the silence, his voice wavering between concern and understanding. "Then... are you a reincarnator, like the White Star? He mentioned something about your time being warped."

Cale's expression twisted slightly at the comparison. "No. That bastard had it wrong. I came from another world entirely... and found myself in the body of Cale Henituse."

Deruth paled, his hand unconsciously tightening into a fist. "Then... you're not Cale?" His voice cracked slightly as he asked, "Then... what happened to my son?"

Cale met his gaze steadily, his tone gentle but firm. "He's in my body. Our souls were switched, somehow. I've... spoken with him. He's doing fine."

Deruth's shoulders slumped, yet he nodded, grappling with this revelation as he took in Cale's words.

Violan, however, remained silent and composed, her eyes sharp as though assessing every word. Her voice was steady, though tension lingered underneath. Visibly shaken, she met his eyes and gave him a short nod. "If that's the truth, I will hear it. I may not understand yet, but I'll try."

Beside her, Basen and Lily exchanged stunned glances. Lily, her eyes wide and uncertain, looked up at Cale as if searching for the brother she knew beneath the stranger he had just claimed to be. Basen placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, his face pale but resolute as he nodded to Cale. "If... if you're still the same person who protected us throughout all those battles, then... that's enough for me."

From behind, Beacrox's brow furrowed, his gaze dark with confusion as he crossed his arms. He glanced briefly at his father, Ron, whose face was unreadable, his piercing eyes sharp as ever. Though Ron's expression betrayed no emotion, a flicker of understanding seemed to flash across his face as he gave a faint nod. "Well, young master," he said in his usual calm tone  with his typical gentle smile, "whoever you are, I'm here to serve you as always."

Meanwhile, Rosalyn clenched her hands together tightly, her face a mixture of awe and sorrow. "To think... you've been holding on to something like this all this time, young master Cale," she whispered.

On and Hong, however, looked up at Cale in concern, with Hong's eyes shining with worry. "So... you're not the Cale we thought, but... you're still you, right?"

A small smile tugged at Cale's lips as he looked down at the young ones. "Yes, I'm still me."

"Then it's alright!" Hong said brightly, hugging his sister.

Eruhaben, who had remained silent, finally stepped forward with his arms crossed, his expression neutral. "I suppose that explains why you're so unfathomably strange," he remarked, his tone surprisingly affectionate. "But don't think for a moment that this changes anything. You're still the same unlucky bastard."

Cale rolled his eyes, letting out a faint sigh of relief. Even now, they accepted him, strange truth and all.

"Then... how did this happen?" Rosalyn asked, her voice soft but steady.

Before Cale could respond, the mysterious voice cut through the silence, its presence felt like an echo in the room.

[That will all be explained shortly.]

The words hung in the air, cold and commanding.

[I will show you the conversation that took place between the current Cale and the original Cale Henituse.]

A collective intake of breath rippled through the group, a sudden tension settling over them. The silence was palpable, thick with uncertainty. The anticipation and fear in the air were almost tangible as they braced for the revelations that were about to unfold.

The voice's final command came with an unsettling calm.

[Prepare yourselves.]

Chapter Text

Glancing yet again back at the screen. Instead of a set of words, the face of someone showed on the screen. That man was Cale Henituse, their commander.

Then a voice spoke, narrating as though it were a story being told.

The unconscious Cale realized that he was not in the real world as soon as he opened his eyes.

He was in the same room he had been in when he first opened his eyes in this world.

He was in Cale Henituse's bedroom.

He continued to lie on the bed and turned his head to the side.

The reason he could tell for sure that this wasn't the real world was right there. A man who was sitting on a chair noticed his gaze and started to speak.

"Kim Rok Soo, you're finally up?"

Everyone started at the man called 'Kim Rok Soo'. He looked like a fit middle-aged man who faced a lot of battles. His eyes reflected that.

Rosalyn leaned forward, brows knitting together in thought. "Kim Rok Soo...it almost sounds like Choi Han's name," she murmured as if trying to piece together some elusive puzzle.

Everyone turned to look at the screen with renewed interest. The name, 'Kim Rok Soo,' felt as mysterious as the situation unfolding before them.

The man called Kim Rok Soo was fit, with a rugged, hardened look, his physique and presence carrying the marks of someone who had faced countless battles. Each scar, each line on his face seemed to whisper of a past fraught with pain and struggle.

That man on the screen was their commander's past life's body.

Cale observed the man calling him Kim Rok Soo.

It was team leader Kim Rok Soo in his mid-thirties. Team leader Kim Rok Soo was looking at Cale with an odd expression on his face.

Cale opened his mouth as soon as he looked into those eyes.

"Are you Cale Henituse?"

Kim Rok  Soo in  his  mid-thirties had  a twisted smile on his face.

"You recognized me right away."

Kim Rok Soo, who gestured like a prim and proper noble, something that the original Kim Rok Soo in his mid-thirties would never  do, nodded  his head.

"Yeah. I am Cale Henituse."

The two souls that had switched places were looking at their respective bodies.

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.

Bud, who had been leaning forward in interest, let out an amused hum. "The tension..."

Glenn shot him a glare. "Seriously, Bud?"

Bud raised his hands in surrender, but his eyes never left the screen. Despite his usual playfulness, there was something serious in his expression now.

"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..."

The real Cale Henituse, who was making a kind of smile the original Kim Rok Soo would never make, mischievously asked.

Cale scratched his neck, visibly uncomfortable. His tone turned half-dry, half-bemused as he muttered, "It's unsettling. I don't remember ever smiling like that, even when I was winning."

"I think it suits him!" Rosalyn chimed in, eyes sparkling with mirth. "You both look better when you're not scowling."

"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."

"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."

Deruth Henituse, who was a father to one of them, or perhaps both, stood still, his lips slightly parted, eyes locked onto the unfamiliar presence in his son's body.

To think his son would agree to give up his own body. To live a new life in a different world, far from his family and home. It pierced Deruth more deeply than he could admit.

Had he been such a poor father that his son would choose another life entirely?
The thought unsettled him; it baffled him beyond reason.

But even amidst the ache, he couldn't deny a part of him understood.

He had not always been there for Cale as he should've. Perhaps... perhaps this was the result.

"...You two got along quickly, huh?" Hannah muttered, breaking the silence with her usual dry tone. Her eyes flicked between the screen and Cale, sharp with interest but carrying something unreadable beneath.

Cale glanced at her and gave a brief nod. "It wasn't difficult," he said plainly. "We're similar in a lot of ways."

There was no boasting in the words, nor any attempt to dramatise. Just a quiet truth spoken between two people who, despite their differences in origin, shared something deeper than anyone else in that room could fully grasp.

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."

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.'

"How come an ability was handed to you?"

Choi Han, who had remained quiet until now, glanced at Cale. "That ability..." he said slowly, "It was the one used to seal the God of Despair."

Cale gave a short nod. "Embrace."

"...I see." Alberu finally broke his silence, his arms still folded. His sharp features relaxed slightly as something like respect crept into his voice. "Then I suppose we owe Lee Soo Hyuk a debt too."

He added, "After all, without that ability, our situation would have been even more difficult."

Cale didn't answer, but his silence was telling.

Eruhaben, who had been quietly observing, narrowed his golden eyes. "Cale, what exactly is an ability?"

Cale straightened a little. His tone was detached, but his eyes didn't stray from the floor as he explained.

"As monsters began invading Earth, they started to appear. Some humans, only a small portion at first, developed special traits. We called them 'abilities.'"

He looked up then, briefly meeting the eyes of those gathered around.

"They came in many types. Some increased physical strength or enhanced perception. Some allowed manipulation of elements, others affected the mind. Each one had different mechanics, but they gave people a fighting chance. Something like... hope."

Rosalyn, arms folded thoughtfully, tilted her head. "Not everyone had them?"

"No. Most didn't. That's why they were precious. We had to deploy those with abilities in the most efficient way during battle."

Raon tilted his head. "So you have three now? Record, Instant, and Embrace?"

"Yeah," Cale confirmed.

Eruhaben hummed. "And naturally, they had side effects, didn't they?"

"Of course. But if you used them properly and didn't push the limits, they were manageable."

Ron's voice came from behind, calm as always. "Young master Cale. The people mentioned, Jung Soo, and Lee Soo Hyuk. Who are they?"

There was a pause. For once, Cale didn't deflect immediately.

"...Jung Soo," he said slowly, "was... is someone I considered a sworn brother."

Choi Han looked down briefly, something shifting in his expression.

Cale's voice softened slightly, almost like a confession. "They... Lee Soo Hyuk, Jung Soo, they're people who mattered to me. Still do."

Choi Han looked down, his expression shifting subtle, but there. Recognition. Understanding. Maybe even guilt, though it had no place here.

Kim Rok Soo had a bright smile that suited a twenty-year-old person and not someone in his mid-thirties.

"Yeah. I met someone I wanted to see for a long time."

Cale felt quite odd facing Kim Rok Soo, who was smiling in a way he had never smiled when he had been Kim Rok Soo.

"Who was the person you wanted to see?"

"My mother."

Cale was at a loss for words.

It was someone who had felt distant to Cale because she was not mentioned much in < The Birth of a Hero >. Duchess Violan felt more like a mother to him.

Violan's heart, usually as composed as her expression, stirred with warmth.

He saw her as a mother.

Despite everything, despite the past,  the silence, the unfamiliarity between them, he had given her that place in his heart.

And for Duchess Violan, that was more than enough.

She didn't cry. That wasn't her way. Instead, she reached out and gently adjusted the collar of his dress, her fingers brief but careful.

"You've grown thinner," she said softly.

And Cale, who would normally brush off such a comment, simply murmured, "I've been busy."

A small smile tugged at the corner of Violan's lips.

"I see," she replied. "Then rest while you can when we return home."

Now that he thought about it, Cale had never heard anything about Cale Henituse's birth mother during his time at the Henituse Estate.

It was pretty much taboo to talk about Cale's birth mother in that house.

Kim Rok Soo shrugged his shoulders and continued speaking after seeing the confused look on Cale's face.

"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."

Cale learned that his original world was Earth 1. He also recalled that Alberu's Unbreakable Spear Taerang came from Earth 3.

"Wait, so that strange spear his highness uses is from another world?" Taylor asked, his brow furrowed.

"Earth? Is that what your world is called?" Rosalyn asked, curiosity lighting up her eyes.

"Then..." Paseton chimed in, brow furrowed, "What would our world be called?"

'Does that mean that the sealed god's test was on Earth 2?'

"Are you referring to the first test that you went through alone?"

"Not alone. Choi Han and hyung-nim helped me," Cale corrected, his tone calm yet appreciative.

"So what exactly is Earth, and why does it have numbers?" Bud asked, clearly as confused as the others.

Cale took a deep breath, the weight of the topic settling over him as he spoke. "Alright, let me try to explain," he said, looking from one person to another, making sure they were listening. "Earth 1 is my original world, where I come from."

He paused, feeling the significance of this strange truth sinking in.

"Then there's Earth 2," he continued. "That's the world where the Sealed God's test took place. It's a version of Earth, similar to mine but set in the past. I was able to... change the future there, so it's no longer the same as Earth 1."

His words hung in the air, each person processing the idea of worlds that were both parallel yet different, altered by choices and actions.

"And finally, there's Earth 3," Cale said. "It's even stranger, a mix between Earth 1 and our world here. I don't know much about it, but from what we've seen, it's incredibly advanced. It's mysterious in ways that even I don't fully understand yet, but..." He glanced at Alberu. "They helped us against the Lion Dragon monster. So at least we know they're powerful and willing to support us."

Silence settled over the room. The concept of alternative worlds, each with different timelines and levels of advancement, felt like something out of legend. It was as if the weight of countless lives and destinies stretched across dimensions hung in the space between them.

Eruhaben broke the silence, his ancient gaze resting thoughtfully on Cale. "And what of these other Earths? Are there... more?"

"I can't say for sure," Cale admitted, shrugging. "There could be other Earths or worlds with different numbers. What I know is that they're all tied together somehow-through beings, objects, and even people moving between them."

Alberu met Cale's eyes, an unspoken understanding passing between them. "So these worlds may be different, but they're not isolated. There's a connection."

"Exactly," Cale replied, the faintest hint of determination sharpening his tone. "If we're going to deal with the gods, the Hunters, and the threats beyond our understanding, we have to understand these worlds and the connections between them."

Everyone nodded, the weight of their mission growing heavier but somehow more transparent, with a new determination sparking in their eyes.

Cale pushed that potentially true but unverified thought to the side to focus on Kim Rok Soo's words.

"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.

Deruth watched his son with a bittersweet smile of his own. His lips pulled tight in sadness, yet there was an undeniable understanding there. An understanding that could only come from someone who had lived through their own regrets.

Deruth's mind wandered back to his own past, to moments he couldn't undo, to opportunities he couldn't grasp. Things he wanted to say but didn't have the courage to. Seeing his son like this, it made him feel even more regretful. He knew he wasn't the father Cale needed nor was he brave enough to confront his son. He wished to see him one last time and apologise, ask for his forgiveness.

However, for now it is enough that his son is alive and well. it is enough to know that his wife and his son are happy and taking care of each other. He completely understood how his son would have felt to know he could see his mother again.

If he had been in his son's shoes, had he got the chance to see her again, he would have made the same choice. Yet he now has a family. He can't dwell in the past. He will take care of his family, his wife, his children.

"If she reincarnated, she should be younger than you, no?"

"Ha. She currently calls me uncle."

Kim Rok Soo shook his head as if he still couldn't believe it.

But the fact that he did not seem lonely made Cale understand why the real Cale Henituse made up his mind to live as Kim Rok Soo.

Kim Rok Soo sat up and looked toward Cale, who was leaning on the head of the bed.

"I want to tell you the details, but I don't know how much time we  have so  I'll stop this story there."

"Okay."

Cale shared his honest sentiments.

"I want to hear the details, but I'm kind of in a rush right now."

He was worried about what might have happened in Puzzle City and how his friends would be fighting while he was unconscious.

'Even in this situation thinking about us...'

The others in the room exchanged glances, sensing the quiet tension in Cale's words, but none of them commented on it directly. They understood, in their own way, that Cale's mind was always with those he cared about, no matter what circumstances he found himself in.

Even in this situation his thoughts still lingered on them. His friends, his family. The ones who fought beside him, the ones he couldn't afford to let down.

"You're always like this, aren't you?" Rosalyn said quietly, her voice carrying a trace of admiration as she met his gaze. "Even now, you're thinking about us." Her tone was soft, almost affectionate, but it was clear that she saw this as part of who he was-this innate need to protect, to care for others, even when it meant sacrificing his own peace of mind.

Cale didn't respond at first. He simply gave a small nod, the faintest acknowledgement of what they both knew to be true.

It was just who he was. Even when faced with new and complicated revelations, his friends and their safety would always come first.

"But I've been here a few times to know that I can't get out of here whenever I please."

Cale could never leave this place on his own accord the few times he had been here.

"You've been there before? And multiple times?" Mila asked, her eyebrows furrowed in surprise. There was a mix of curiosity and concern in her voice. Cale's past experiences were always shrouded in mystery, but this was new information-something she hadn't known.

The others, too, were now looking at him, their expressions a mix of intrigue and suspicion.

"I demand we see why you went there."

Alberu's voice was commanding, yet tinged with amusement, though there was no hiding the serious undertone beneath. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, waiting for an explanation. The others seemed to silently agree with his demand, their eyes eager for answers.

Cale looked at them all, his expression unchanging. "I didn't know this was an interrogation room."

Alberu raised an eyebrow. "It isn't. Yet."

The edge in his voice was soft but unmistakable. But Cale, of course, didn't flinch. He smirked instead. "Buy me a drink first, Your Highness," he said, deadpan.

A beat passed.

Then came a dry chuckle from the corner, Alberu, shaking his head like he couldn't believe he was still playing this game with this man.

"Is that your way of stalling?" Alberu asked.

"Call it hospitality," Cale replied.

"Mm." Alberu pushed off the wall and stepped closer, his tone lighter now, the sharp edge dulled to banter. "Then let me extend the royal budget. You'll get your drink. A proper one."

Cale didn't answer.

And in the quiet that followed, everyone understood that the conversation wasn't over. It had only been postponed. Waiting for the right moment. 

And when that moment came, Cale would talk.

Maybe.