Chapter 9 : Flickering Memories

[ Warning : Sensitive Content Warning, Trauma, Partial-Sexual Content, Partial Nudity, Childhood Traumas ]

[ Author's Note : Everything in the novel is highly fictional without any relation to the real world, and ( sorry ;-;) ]

Eight Years Ago : Hannam-Dong, Seoul

Yihyun's fingers wrapped across the mouse and his left hand spread across the keyboard, his eyes fixed intently on the screen as he navigated through the game with high focus

The room was dimly lit, illuminated only by the soft glow of the monitor, his face determined

As he neared the final level of the game, tension hung heavy in the air, with each rapid button press and sharp intake of breath

The sound of hitting and crashes echoed through the room, mingling with the intense soundtrack of the game, creating a adrenaline fueled excitement

Suddenly, his character took a critical hit, and Yihyun's grip on the mouse tightened, his eyes got sharper as he enter an even more determined face

"Grrr!! Seriously? I was so CLOSE"

Yihyun grunted, frustration evident in his voice as he narrowly missed achieving his goal, His brow furrowed in concentration, sweat beading on his forehead as he leaned forward, completely absorbed in the game. Every muscle in his body tensed with anticipation, his heart pounding in rhythm with the pulsating music

With each passing moment, the intensity of the game seemed to amplify, the stakes higher than ever before. Yihyun's senses were heightened, his focus unwavering as he battled against the final boss standing between him and victory

Yihyun's eyes furrowed in disbelief as he stared at the screen, unable to comprehend how victory had slipped through his fingers at the last moment

The room seemed to darken around him, the air heavy with disappointment as he grappled with the bitter taste of defeat

In that moment, Yihyun felt a wave of frustration and disappointment wash over him, the cruel reality that sometimes, no matter how hard you try, success remains just out of reach

Yihyun's eyelids drooped heavily, weighed down by the exhaustion that crept into every fiber of his being, The glow of the screen cast a soft, hypnotic light over his fatigued features as he struggled to keep his eyes open

"Yeah, I'm gonna sleep..." Yihyun muttered to himself, his voice a tired whisper that echoed in the quiet of the room. With a weary sigh, he made a feeble attempt to rise from his chair, his limbs heavy and unresponsive from hours of gaming

But as he pushed himself up, a sudden surge of adrenaline coursed through his veins, reigniting his determination to continue.

With a resigned shrug, he sank back into his seat, his resolve weakening in the face of temptation

"Just a few more rounds" Yihyun reasoned with himself, his voice tinged with fatigue as he surrendered to the allure of the game, Time seemed to slip away as he lost himself in the game world, each round blending into the next in a blur of colors and sounds

As the clock struck 1 am,

Yihyun's eyelids grew heavier, his body finally succumbing to the exhaustion that gnawed at his bones

With a soft sigh of surrender, he leaned back in his chair, the weight of sleep pulling him into its comforting embrace

"Ahhh..." Yihyun breathed out softly, his muscles relaxing as he drifted into slumber in the chair, leaning his back over the chair and started napping

Yihyun stirred from his slumber, his senses dulled by the haze of sleep, The faint sound of footsteps echoed in the distance, accompanied by the soft creaking of doors opening and closing

He shifted in his seat, the fabric of his clothes rustling softly as he roused from his brief reprieve

Rubbing his eyes groggily, Yihyun glanced around the dimly lit room, the faint glow of the computer screen casting long shadows on the walls

His mind still foggy with sleep, he dismissed the noise as nothing more than the routine movements of the household staff, a background noise that faded into the background of his consciousness

With a nonchalant shrug, he settled back into his chair, the fatigue of the day weighing heavily on his eyelids. The soft patter of footsteps continued, a distant echo that mingled with the gentle hum of the night,

Yihyun paid it little mind, his thoughts already drifting back into the realm of dreams as he surrendered once more to the embrace of sleep

As the door to his room creaked open, a shiver ran down Yihyun's spine, sending a chill through his body, but he was rather in deep sleep, The dim light from the hallway cast eerie shadows across the figure standing in the doorway, obscuring his features in a veil of darkness

The man's silhouette loomed ominously in the doorway, his presence filling the room with an oppressive sense of foreboding

His eyes, glinting with an unnatural gleam, his eyes looking hungry and desperate

A few minutes passed,

As Yihyun drifted in and out of consciousness, a sensation of weightlessness washed over him, as if he were being lifted by unseen hands. His body swayed gently in the darkness, the sensation both disorienting and unsettling

Despite the fog of sleep clouding his mind, Yihyun's senses sharpened, every nerve on edge as he struggled to make sense of his surroundings. The touch of strong arms around him sent a jolt of fear coursing through his veins, his heart racing in his chest.

As he was carried across the room, the darkness seemed to press in on him from all sides, suffocating him in its embrace

The air felt heavy and oppressive, thick with an unnatural stillness that seemed to pulse with a malevolent energy

Yihyun's eyelids fluttered open, his vision blurred and hazy as he tried to focus on the figure carrying him. But the darkness obscured their features, casting them in shadow and leaving Yihyun feeling vulnerable and exposed

A sense of dread settled over him like a suffocating blanket, his mind struggling to comprehend the horror of his situation

He wanted to cry out, to fight against the unseen force that held him captive, but his voice failed him, lost in the darkness that surrounded him.

As he was lowered onto his bed, Yihyun's body tensed instinctively, every muscle coiled with tension as he braced himself for what was to come

But even as fear gnawed at his insides, exhaustion pulled at him like a siren's song, lulling him back into the depths of sleep, but he was struck with a sharp pain his abdomen as a few minutes passed

he couldn't keep his eyes open, he could feel a sharp pain in his bare body as he notice he was half naked, all he could do was stare into the ceiling, as he is helpless and he don't know what is happening

As Yihyun lay unconscious on his bed, the oppressive darkness of the room seemed to press in on him from all sides, suffocating him in its grasp. The silence was deafening, broken only by the soft sound of his own breathing as he struggled to regain consciousness.

Suddenly, the weight on his chest lifted, and Yihyun's senses sharpened as he felt himself being abandoned by the mysterious figure who had held him down

His heart hammered in his chest as he tried to make sense of the situation

The suddenness of their appearance sent a shiver down Yihyun's spine, his mind reeling with fear and confusion as he dragged him from his bed with rough hands

Panic surged through him, every instinct screaming for him to fight back, but his body felt heavy and unresponsive, weighed down by the fog of unconsciousness

As he carried him towards the door, Yihyun's heart pounded in his chest, the sound echoing in his ears like a drum of terror

The exit was blocked by the servants who were supposed to protect him, their faces twisted with a mixture of fear and determination as they seized him and hurried him away

Yihyun's mind swirled with a mix of emotions as he was whisked away from the darkness of his room, the world spinning around him in a dizzying blur

The terror of the unknown gripped him like a vice, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps as he was taken to the hospital, his fate hanging in the balance

Yihyun winced as the cool touch of antiseptic met the raw, tender flesh of his chest, sending a shiver down his spine. The sterile scent of the hospital room mingled with the metallic tang of blood, creating an unsettling atmosphere that seemed to seep into his very bones

The nurse worked with practiced precision, her gloved hands gentle yet firm as she cleaned the jagged wounds crisscrossing Yihyun's chest. Each swipe of the cotton ball felt like a branding iron against his skin, eliciting sharp hisses of pain as the disinfectant seeped into the open cuts

But it was the sight of his injuries that truly sent a chill down Yihyun's spine. The wounds were deep, resembling human claw marks gouged into his flesh with brutal force

Dark bruises encircled the red welts, evidence of the ferocity of the attack that had left him battered and broken

As the medical team worked, Yihyun couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping over him. The wounds looked almost.. inhuman, as if they had been inflicted by something otherworldly. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, filling him with a primal sense of fear that he couldn't quite shake.

But despite the terror gnawing at his insides, Yihyun forced himself to remain calm. He knew that dwelling on the nature of his injuries would only drive him further into the depths of despair

Instead, he focused on the steady rhythm of the nurse's movements, finding solace in the routine of her ministrations.

As the medical team finished dressing his wounds, They served as a constant reminder of the horrors he had endured, haunting him like ghosts from a nightmare he couldn't escape

But even as fear threatened to consume him, Yihyun knew that he couldn't let himself be ruled by terror. He had survived the attack, but not his mind, he fell into a short coma

In another world, Sarakeino Domain

In a secluded corner of the universe, nestled within the vast expanse of the cosmos, lay a realm of unparalleled beauty and mystique. As if plucked from the fairytales or heaven, this ethereal domain boasted landscapes that defied description, where reality blurred with fantasy in a symphony of wonder

At the heart of this celestial realm, towering spires of alabaster stone reached towards the heavens with an air of grandeur and grace

Each tower seemed to stretch endlessly into the sky, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings and delicate filigree that shimmered in the soft, iridescent light

As one ventured further into this magical expanse, the air thrummed with a palpable energy, tingling with the whispers of ancient secrets and hidden wonders

The very ground beneath their feet seemed to pulse with life, each step sending ripples of energy cascading through the ether

The beings that inhabited this realm moved with a fluidity and grace that seemed almost otherworldly, their forms bathed in the soft glow of the realm's celestial light

With each movement, they radiated an aura of power and majesty, their presence commanding reverence and awe.

And high above it all, suspended amidst the clouds, stood the palace of the celestial empire

Its spires rose like pillars of light, piercing the heavens with a regal defiance that spoke of untold splendor and magnificence

From its lofty heights, one could behold the entire realm spread out below, a tapestry of beauty and wonder that stretched to the very edges of existence.

As one stood in the presence of this breathtaking spectacle, they couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe wash over them

It was as if they had been transported to a realm beyond imagination, where magic and reality danced together in perfect harmony, inviting all who dared to dream to step into its embrace

In the hallowed halls of the Sarakeino palace, Iwata Sarakeino, adorned in the regal attire of his lineage, stood upon the balcony, his gaze fixed upon the horizon with an air of solemnity

As he contemplated the weight of his impending decision, a figure approached with deference, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floors

"Lord Sarakeino, Have you decided on passing onto the 23rd generation yet?" The figure inquired respectfully, their voice tinged with a sense of urgency

Iwata Sarakeino's brow furrowed in irritation at the question, his gaze narrowing as he turned to face the figure

"Are you that excited to kill me?" Iwata's voice edged with irritation

The figure recoiled slightly at the sharpness of his words, but pressed on with their plea, reminding him of the consequences of his indecision

"If a new lord isn't born, the domain will weaken as your body absorbs the energy, The Domain may be too destroyed as other domains"

The Figure explained, their voice laced with concern for the well-being of their realm

Iwata Sarakeino sighed heavily, his frustration evident as he acknowledged the truth of their words.

"I still don't want to die, It's not my fault my powers were the type to absorb people's life" Iwata conceded, his tone tinged with resignation

The figure nodded in understanding, but pressed him to take action, emphasizing the urgency of the situation

"Yes, but you haven't learned the control yet, my lord" The figure replied, their tone gentle yet firm

Iwata Sarakeino bristled at the implication of his weakness, his pride wounded by the reminder of his shortcomings.

"Just give me the time, I am the God Of Sarakeino afterall" Iwata declared proudly, his voice ringing with authority

But before the figure could respond, they unleashed their elemental power, ensnaring Iwata Sarakeino in a web of twisting vines,  Iwata Unleashed his decay ability which turned the vines to ash

"Do you really want to betray me?" Iwata Sarakeino demanded, his eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and disbelief as he turned to face his assailant

The figure shook their head solemnly, their resolve unwavering as they explained the necessity of their actions for the greater good of the empire.

"No, Lord. This is for the empire of Sarakeino" The figure replied, their voice tinged with sorrow

As the confrontation escalated, countless other masters and gods emerged, their allegiance to the empire clear as they rallied against their once-mighty leader

With a defiant roar, Iwata Sarakeino brandished his weapon, his eyes ablaze with shadows as he prepared to face his foes in battle. But despite his formidable strength, he was outnumbered and outmatched by the infinite amount of people

Days turned into weeks, months passed, and Iwata Sarakeino fought tirelessly against his adversaries, but ultimately, he was overwhelmed by their combined might

With his body battered and broken, he succumbed to the relentless onslaught, his essence fading into the void

Yet, even in death, a fragment of his soul endured, a testament to his indomitable spirit

With his last ounce of strength, he conjured a fleeting portal, his essence slipping through the cracks of reality as he sought refuge in the unknown depths of the cosmos

2016, Sinchon, Seoul, Severance Hospital

7 Am,

Yihyun lay in his hospital bed, his still form a stark contrast to the bustling activity around him. The steady hum of medical equipment provided a backdrop to the quiet vigil being kept by a lone high school girl seated nearby

Her presence was  in contrast , amidst the sterile hospital environment, she exuded a sense of warmth and compassion. Her eyes were fixed on Yihyun, filled with concern and hope

The room itself seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for a sign of life from the young boy lying motionless on the bed. The soft beep of the heart monitor served as a constant reminder of his fragile state, each sound echoing in the silence like a whisper of hope.

Yihyun's father was noticeably absent, his absence palpable in the room. The girl's gaze flickered briefly towards the empty chair beside the bed, she quietly left the room as the clock hit 8 Am, seemingly for school

10 Am, As the portal shimmered into existence, a surge of energy rippled through the fabric of reality, heralding the arrival of Iwata's soul into the human world. The air crackled with anticipation, charged with the otherworldly presence that accompanied his arrival.

With a rush of wind, Iwata's essence spilled forth from the portal,

"Heh!! Those idiots, They won't receive a new lord since i'm not dead! now you don't even have protection"

Iwata's laughter echoed through the desolate landscape as he traversed the world, his form shifting and shimmering as he moved. His words carried a mixture of amusement and determination, a stark contrast to the eerie silence of the realm he inhabited

As Iwata's soul traversed the human world, he drifted through the bustling streets and quiet corners alike, his ethereal form blending seamlessly with the fabric of reality

His presence went unnoticed by the living, a mere whisper in the tapestry of existence

He sought out the faint echoes of departing souls, drawn to the ephemeral transition between life and death like a moth to flame, In other words, people who were about to die or just died, or people in coma

8 Pm,

Amidst the bustling cityscape, Iwata lingered near hospitals and medical facilities, where the thin veil between the realms of the living and the dead grew ever thinner. He watched intently as the spirits of the departed drifted into the ether, their final moments marked by a sense of serene release.

In the quiet solitude of hospital rooms, Iwata hovered near the beds of those caught in the liminal space between life and death

He observed their unconscious forms with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, searching for the telltale signs of a soul ready to depart its mortal vessel, he went above the floors and noticed a lone room, with a boy in coma, laying peacefully

As Iwata approached the comatose body, a sense of urgency gripped him, driving him to seize the opportunity before it slipped away. With a determined resolve, he reached out to take control, his essence intertwining with the young boy's form.

"...I have to hurry, time is running up" Iwata told himself  as he attempted to assert his dominance over the body, a strange sensation washed over him, a disconcerting awareness of the body's weird nature. Despite the warning signs, Iwata pressed on, his desperation blinding him to the impending danger.

With a surge of effort, Iwata attempted to commandeer the body, but his efforts were met with resistance. Time seemed to slip through his fingers like grains of sand, slipping away before he could solidify his hold

As panic began to set in, Iwata felt a sudden shift, a powerful force seizing control and wrenching him away from his intended host

In a desperate struggle, he fought against the invisible grip, but it was futile, he was trapped, ensnared within the confines of the young boy's body

"Damn it! I'm the God Of Sarakeino-"

Iwata's curse was drowned out by Yihyun's awakening, his consciousness flooding back into the body with an abrupt jolt. With a sense of disorientation, Iwata found himself falling into unconsciousness, his own identity fading into the background as Yihyun reclaimed control of his own body

Yihyun's attention was abruptly captured by the flickering images on the televisionas he woke ip, where the solemn-faced newscaster was mid-sentence

"The esteemed head of Cheonsu Business Conglomerate, Tae-hyun Cheonsu, has, after much speculation and controversy, been officially charged with committing a heinous act of sexual assault upon his own son. He is now facing chaâ€""

But before the sentence could be completed, it silenced by Eunji Kang's swift intervention, as she decisively shut off the television, leaving an oppressive silence in her wake and cutting short the flow of information before Yihyun could fully comprehend the gravity of the unfolding scandal

Eunji Kang's steps quickened as she approached Yihyun's bedside, her heart pounding with a mixture of relief and joy. Without hesitation, she enveloped him in a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him with a sense of urgency and gratitude

"You're... awake" Eunji's voice trembled slightly, a hint of tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she spoke. The weight of worry and fear lifted from her shoulders, replaced by a flood of overwhelming emotions

Yihyun's awakening brought a sense of relief that washed over Eunji like a wave, her words filled with genuine happiness and disbelief at the miracle before her

The warmth of his presence reassured her, grounding her in the reality of the moment as she held onto him tightly, unwilling to let go of the precious lifeline that had returned to her

Eunji's voice wavered with a mixture of hope and uncertainty as she spoke, her grip on Yihyun tightening slightly with each word.

"Do you remember me? We've met before, at the family meetings"

Eunji's tone carried a note of urgency, as if she were desperate for confirmation of their connection

Yihyun's response was hesitant, his voice tinged with confusion as he tried to piece together the fragments of his memory.

"...Noona?"

Yihyun's voice was soft, almost questioning, as he searched her face for recognition, his own memories still shrouded in the fog of his recent awakening

"Where is dad?" Yihyun's voice held a hint of concern, his eyes searching hers for reassurance.

Eunji's response was measured, her tone carefully crafted to conceal the truth while offering a semblance of comfort

"He's... busy with a few problems"

Eunji's voice faltered slightly, her gaze flickering away for a moment before returning to meet Yihyun's

"He'll be back soon... but we might not see him for a few years"

she added, the weight of her words heavy with unspoken implications and half-truths

As the months passed, Eunji became Yihyun's pillar of support, guiding him through the process of becoming self-sufficient, From managing household chores to handling personal responsibilities

The transition to a new city wasn't easy for Yihyun, but with Eunji's assistance, he gradually adapted to his new surroundings, Eunji's presence provided him with stability and reassurance, easing the burden of adjusting to a different environment

Throughout his middle school years, Eunji remained a constant source of encouragement and guidance for Yihyun. Whether it was helping him with his studies or offering emotional support during difficult times, Eunji's unwavering support played a crucial role in shaping Yihyun's journey towards independence and growth

2020-21,

In the quiet confines of the isolated room, Eunji's body lay motionless, her chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. The harsh reality of COVID-19 had taken its toll, leaving her vulnerable and frail. The air hung heavy with the scent of antiseptic

Suddenly, a strange energy filled the room, crackling with an otherworldly presence. It was as if the very air itself had come alive, shimmering with an ethereal glow. Then, with a surge of power, the unknown soul, Xynon, entered Eunji's body, its essence intertwining with hers in a mystical way

As the soul took hold, a profound transformation swept through Eunji's body. The once-feeble form began to stir, her limbs twitching with newfound vitality

With each passing moment, the room seemed to pulse with energy, as if life itself were being breathed back into her

Slowly, Eunji's eyes fluttered open, the irises sparkling with a renewed sense of purpose. A wave of strength surged through her veins, banishing the remnants of illness and infirmity. It was as though she had been reborn, her body revitalized and rejuvenated by the mysterious force that now inhabited her

With a deep breath, Eunji rose from the bed, her movements fluid and graceful. Gone was the pallor of sickness, replaced by a radiant glow that seemed to emanate from within

"This is troublesome" She spoke as she looked at the locked door

Current Day, Dong-Nae Public School

As the students gathered in the bustling cafeteria for lunch, the air was filled with chatter and laughter.

However, amidst the appetizing scents, there lingered an unpleasant undertone. A foul odor, reminiscent of kimchi, permeated the air, causing noses to wrinkle in disgust. It was as though a wave of putrid stench had rolled in, overpowering the more appetizing smells of the food

"What the..." The Students spoke in confusion as they see something otherwordly