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 [Epilogue]

[Living to Die (2)]

Three years after conquering the <Dungeon of the Abyss>.

Fairy Lim Ga-eul finally proclaimed the arrival of a new world to the world.

[Many things will change from now on. The rights of all people living in this land will be legally protected, and no one will be subject to prejudice and discrimination. It will become a benevolent country where everyone can live a life of respect.]

Year 27 of Fairy power.

Lim Ga-eul's term has now ended.

People applauded her as she came down from the highest position to become an ordinary person Lim Ga-eul.

And in her place, Ha Baek-yeon, who had officially become an adult, was inaugurated as the Fairy.

[I sincerely greet you, dear citizens. Hello, I am Ha Baek-yeon.]

Now 20 years old.

She was still young to be the leader of a country.

Her first appearance greeting the people looked awkward and somewhat anxious.

Nevertheless, they felt favorably towards her speaking honestly.

They were also reassured by the people standing beside her.

They were people known for successfully leading Lim Ga-eul's government, occasionally appearing in the media.

And the Twelve Seats who would be her sword were strong people everyone knew.

Especially Lord Noh Eun-ha, head of the Twelve Seats.

Those who followed him as Lord in their hearts were not anxious about the uncertain future.

It was then.

[And dear citizens.]

""""...?""""

It was when Ha Baek-yeon was finishing her speech.

Suddenly, she opened her mouth with an innocent face.

About 15 minutes after Ha Baek-yeon's government took office.

A massive bombshell statement dropped from her mouth.

[From now on, I promise to lead this country benevolently together with Twelve Seats head, Player Noh Eun-ha. Player Noh Eun-ha will devote himself as a sword protecting the Fairy, the country and its people, and as my spouse.]

""""...""""

The citizens doubted their ears.

What did you say?

Someone silently asked.

In that situation, Ha Baek-yeon confirmed it for them.

[We'll make a happy country from now on! Please take care of us!]

Ha Baek-yeon raised her left ring finger for people to see.

All cameras focused on that ring.

A ring with various colored gold threads intertwined and a diamond set in the center.

It was the ring Noh Eun-ha and his wives wore.

But the ring she showed had one more thread added to the ring Noh Eun-ha usually wore.

A white silver thread.

It was Ha Baek-yeon's symbolic color that everyone in this country knew.

At that moment, everyone understood.

What did you say?

No, how many times is this now!!?

Are you crazy, human?

Noh Eun-ha, you robber!!

Lord Noh Eun-ha.

The wedding of Noh Eun-ha, known privately as the <Harem King>, was announced.

"..."

They say Noh Eun-ha couldn't raise his head in public that day.

Meanwhile, to prevent Ha Baek-yeon, who was inaugurated as Fairy, from trembling with anxiety.

He was holding her hand tightly below the podium, unable to appear on video.

☆

After the black dungeon was conquered, the situation in northern Gyeonggi also changed a lot.

Monster appearances decreased significantly, and the frequency of high-ranking monsters appearing also decreased.

As a result, pioneering was actively progressing to Cheorwon, Gangwon-do.

"So you're planning to go up to North Korea next year..."

<Sword Saint> Choi Eun-hyuk.

Choi Eun-hyuk, who somehow ended up helping with pioneering, checked the text message sent by controller <Thousand-Mile Eye> Yoon Yi-byeol.

At that time, fox ears popped out slightly.

"I see you're keeping in touch with Yi-byeol?"

"...When did you get here?"

"Just now."

Jin Seo-na stared intently at Choi Eun-hyuk's smartphone while clearing her throat.

Choi Eun-hyuk was startled by her sudden appearance, evading his detection network without any presence.

Somehow he felt like he needed to explain.

"Since I often help with Mana Management Organization work, we occasionally exchange information."

"Hmm, I see."

"There's really nothing between us." "Who said anything?"

Choi Eun-hyuk rambled.

Jin Seo-na looked at him and smiled slightly.

Only then could Choi Eun-hyuk relax and have a comfortable conversation with her.

"So what brings you here? Are you dispatched to check on the pioneering situation like last time?"

"That's not it, there was a major personnel reform in the clan this time." "Personnel reform?"

"You probably know from reading Yi-byeol's text just now, but the Fairy government is planning to go up to North Korea starting next year."

Jin Seo-na put her hands behind her back.

As she walked wagging her tail, Choi Eun-hyuk naturally followed her.

While conversing with him, she carefully observed the pioneering area that had noticeably changed since her last visit.

"Of course, the Pandora Clan intends to participate in that plan. That's why I came here to prepare for that time."

"Already preparing for that?"

"We couldn't know anything about North Korea even from Eun-ha's memories. So we need to prepare thoroughly." "Ah...."

"And we're not the only ones who have started preparing. Other clans that have accessed the information are also preparing. North Korea..., we still don't know what's up there, right?" "..."

"The Fairy government is considering implementing an offensive on the scale similar to the Uijeongbu recapture battle. And we need to think about what comes after too."

"What comes after?" "What happens after pioneering North Korea? What comes after that?"

"..."

"We'll be bordering China."

Her tone was quite serious.

Choi Eun-hyuk couldn't help but flinch at the sight she showed.

Her words were correct.

Although it was still a distant future.

Just as Korea was enthusiastic about pioneering the north, China was also interested in recovering its vast territory.

If pioneering continues like this, contact between the two sides is inevitable.

The Korea-China relations that were cut off after the <End of Century Destruction> will become close again.

It was unknown how Korea and China would be at that time.

"From now on, we need to quickly recapture, pioneer, and fortify North Korea in preparation for that case. That's why I and others have come up here. Apart from that.... I was also concerned about other information."

"Other information? What kind?"

"The information you encountered recently, you know."

"Recently... Oh, you mean the information that I confirmed North Korean people?"

"Yes, that's right."

It had been since the beginning of this year.

As they started pioneering Cheorwon, Gangwon-do, players were able to access information that there were people in the north.

After the <End of Century Destruction>, North Korea was destroyed when its leadership was attacked first.

Nevertheless, it seemed people were still living in that land even after several decades.

Choi Eun-hyuk, who was present at the time, vividly remembered that moment.

"If we keep going up like this, we'll meet North Korean people."

"It's almost inevitable."

Choi Eun-hyuk affirmed her words.

That's why he remained here.

To prevent potential conflicts between players and North Korean people.

"It's the same for me. According to <Index > and <Stargazing Witch>, the probability of Ain being born is very high in regions without Cocoons. So there are probably many Ain living in North Korea." "You're trying to protect those people."

"That's my job too."

"So that's why you came here?"

"That's right."

Choi Eun-hyuk to prevent conflicts.

Jin Seo-na to protect Ain.

Somehow their paths crossed.

Soon Jin Seo-na, who was walking ahead, suddenly turned around.

"So let's get along well. From today, I'm Jin Seo-na, representative of the National Ain Life Welfare Association, sub-lord of Pandora Clan, and on-site commander for northern pioneering!"

Jin Seo-na fluently pronounced the long title without stumbling.

As expected of one of Korea's top five telepathists.

"Alright, I look forward to working with you."

Choi Eun-hyuk burst into laughter hearing her self-introduction.

It was then.

"Ah, right. And Eun-ha asked me to give you this. He was supposed to give the report directly, but you're always wandering around so it's hard to meet you."

"What is this?" "You'll have to check for yourself."

Jin Seo-na took out a letter from her bosom.

Choi Eun-hyuk received the letter she handed over and tilted his head.

At her words to check it himself, he carefully opened the envelope.

And after confirming the contents, he─

"─Huh?"

Froze for a moment.

Blinking his eyes.He stared at the letter for a long time before deciding to ask Jin Seo-na for confirmation.

"Seo-na, this.... I'm not seeing things, right?"

"Why are you pretending to be surprised when this isn't the first or second time?"

"But, no, this is a bit...."

"Just accept it comfortably now. Noh Eun-ha did what Noh Eun-ha does, that's all."

"No, no matter how you look at it, again?"

"Yes, again."

"How long has it been since he married Riya noona last time and he's doing this again?"

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Haha...."

Jin Seo-na sighed as if complaining.

Choi Eun-hyuk let out an awkward laugh and muttered what she had just said.

"Right, Noh Eun-ha did what Noh Eun-ha does...."

"Yeah, just admit it already. It's easier if you admit it." "It's really like a magic phrase....."

Eun-ha and Baek-yeon are getting married.

It wasn't unexpected, but it was absurd when he actually received it.

"This guy always says he won't take in any more, but now he's going to marry Baek-yeon too...."

Choi Eun-hyuk pondered.

Perhaps Noh Eun-ha was the greatest harm to this country.

☆

Noh Eun-ha is hopeless.

The people attending his 6th wedding ceremony couldn't help but think so.

"I had a dream last night." "What kind of dream? A ghost dream? Were you scared?"

"When did that trend go out of style for you to say that? But Nam-hoon, your words aren't entirely wrong. It was scarier than a ghost dream in a way."

<Invincible > Yu Nam-hoon, who held the ceremony last year after being pestered by Fox Rain, receiving people's blessings.

After arriving at the venue and taking his seat, he listened to Fox Rain's story.

"So Eun-ha came to our house for a housewarming party with the people he married."

"...Is that a scary dream?"

"I'm not done talking. Listen."

"Okay." "There weren't six people."

"Huh?"

Yu Nam-hoon thought.

He thought he was slower than others at grasping situations, so he often didn't understand what Fox Rain was saying like this.

It wasn't that Fox Rain was impatient.

It was the same now.

It was unfortunate for Fox Rain, but he couldn't understand what she was saying seriously.

So Fox Rain explained the story step by step as if frustrated.

"So, listen." "Okay, I'm listening."

"The people who came for the housewarming with Eun-ha, no, Noh Eun-ha's wives weren't six people, I'm telling you."

"Then how many were there." "I don't know!" "...?"

"I woke up startled in the middle." "Did you have sleep paralysis?" "It was similar to that. At first, you and I welcomed Eun-ha happily, and guided one person at a time into the house. Eun-ha, Seo-hyeon, Ha-yang, Yu-jeong, Yeon-hwa unnie, Riya unnie, Baek-yeon...." "Okay."

"But there was more after that." "Who was it?" "I'm not sure about that. I was counting the 7th person who came in without much thought.... At that moment I had a doubt. Huh? Hmm? Did Eun-ha have a 7th wife?" "..." "But that wasn't the end." "...Then?"

"They kept coming in after that. People kept coming in telling me the house was pretty, but I didn't know who those people were."

"..."

"Like that, 8th, 9th, 10th.... I gave up counting midway and finally said to the next person coming in." "What did you say?" "Stop coming in! Our house isn't that big!" "..."

"That's when I realized."

"...What?"

"It wasn't a person." "...?" "It wasn't a person, but a puppy. There was a cute puppy at the entrance begging me to hold it." "Ah..., I see."

"You don't seem very sincere in your response?" "No, when did I do that."

Yu Nam-hoon thought.

The serious things Fox Rain brings up are often not actually serious.

It was just a weird dream.

Little did he know it would be a prophetic dream.

At this time, the two didn't know.

"Eun-ha really.... I wonder if some part of his brain went crazy when he regressed. I've been thinking that lately. No matter how much of a clan lord he is, no, hey, isn't this going too far?"

Meanwhile, Kang Si-hyeong clicked his tongue.

He thought his friend and clan lord was going too far.

Kang Si-hyeong, who always said what needed to be said, couldn't help but say this.

It was 100% sincere.

"What a robber...."

Getting married 6 times in the world was not enough, now marrying someone 12 years younger was definitely robbery.

Then Bong Gu-rae smiled slightly.

"Honey, you're actually very envious, aren't you?" "...I'm a little envious, but it's not like I'm extremely envious of Eun-ha. Sometimes Eun-ha's face looks like he's about to die." "Getting pushed around by kids during the day, pushed around by wives at night.... Well, it's understandable."

"When I see that, Do-jun's words are right. A harem is crazy. It's something most people absolutely can't do."

Kang Si-hyeong shook his head.

He was envious of Noh Eun-ha for a moment, but it was just a fleeting emotion.

He prayed for Eun-ha, who had stepped into hell again by taking Ha Baek-yeon as his wife.

He prayed that the congratulatory money he gave today wouldn't become condolence money for Noh Eun-ha.

"Is this seat empty?" "Ah, Min-ji."

"Oh my, honey. You're here. Sit here."

At that time, Kim Min-ji sat in the seat next to them.

She crossed her legs and grumbled.

"How many times is he going to make us give wedding congratulatory money? Sigh..., Noh Eun-ha did what Noh Eun-ha does. Really.... Some people haven't even gotten married yet, while some are getting married for the 6th time...."

"Min-ji, you could be single like Su-bin...."

"Hmm, Si-hyeong, can you shut up?"

Kang Si-hyeong tightly closed his mouth.

Soon Kim Min-ji made a hmph soun

 Soon Kim Min-ji made a hmph sound.

"Since it's the wedding of the Fairy and the Lord, good people should gather.... At least it'll be worth the congratulatory money."

Like a predator looking for prey.

They say Kim Min-ji's eyes flashed.

"Sob sob. Unnie, our efforts have finally paid off! Baek-yeon has finally conquered the Clan Lord!"

"Hey, don't cry on such a happy day. Let's prepare to give advice so Baek-yeon can have a beautiful night!"

The twin sisters, Meiling and Meirin.

They say the two, who became Ha Baek-yeon's bodyguards after conquering the <Dungeon of the Abyss>, were squealing among themselves.

☆

Mok Min-ho and Cha Eun-woo also arrived at the venue around that time.

Cha Eun-woo was holding their daughter born last year.

"That Noh Eun-ha... I really don't know if he has any thoughts or not."

"I don't think there's anyone here who doesn't think that way?"

Cha Eun-woo giggled.

She knew Min-ho wasn't sincere even as he sighed.

She patted his back.

It was then.

"Uncle Min-ho! Aunt Eun-woo!" "Ah, Yu-seong."

"Yu-seong, hello?"

Noh Yu-seong came running when he spotted Mok Min-ho entering the venue.

Noh Yu-ran and Noh Yu-rin were also following behind him.

Then the three children suddenly clung to Mok Min-ho's legs.

Mok Min-ho became a tree for the children.

"Have you been well?"

"""Yes!"""

Mok Min-ho smiled at the cute children.

He patted their heads.

The children enjoyed his touch.

"To think these kids will grow up to be Noh Eun-ha..." "Min-ho, watch your mouth."

"I misspoke."

Mok Min-ho gave a bitter smile.

The children were so pure it was hard to believe they were Noh Eun-ha's kids.

He earnestly prayed they wouldn't grow up to be like Noh Eun-ha later.

Meanwhile, Noh Eun-ha's children weren't just them.

There was also Ryu Yeon-hwa's son, Noh Yu-seol.

And Iriya's daughter, Noh Yu-eun.

Han Seo-hyeon, Jeong Ha-yang, and Lee Yu-jeong also had second children.

This is crazy. Is that guy planning to make a soccer team just with children?

He'll have 9 if he has just one more.

Mok Min-ho inwardly counted the number of children and was shocked.

He was struggling to raise one child, so he worried how Eun-ha would raise so many children.

Well, that guy Eun-ha will manage somehow.

Mok Min-ho stopped his thoughts.

That was better for his mental health.

"Uncle!" "Yes?"

"From today, Baek-yeon noona will become a mom!"

"...That's how it turned out."

"I now have 6 moms! Aren't you jealous I have so many moms?"

Noh Yu-seong said proudly.

Mok Min-ho couldn't answer.

He heard Cha Eun-woo trying to hold back laughter behind him.

"You kids! Didn't auntie say not to wander around here!?"

"Eek! It's auntie! Run away, guys!"

"Where do you think you're running!? Come here! Auntie's going to eat you up!"

Just then, Noh Eun-ae appeared.

She spoke jokingly and hugged the fleeing children.

The children caught by her giggled.

"Oppa and unnie, you came too! The ceremony will start soon."

"Eun-ae, are you looking after the kids? It must be hard taking care of three children."

"It's hard but they're cute."

Noh Eun-ae answered Cha Eun-woo.

Soon the three of them entered the venue while chatting.

"Auntie! Auntie! Did you know? I have 6..."

"Auntie has 6 new sisters-in-law?"

"Wow, amazing..."

"But I'm the strongest!"

""""Haha....""""

Is this really Noh Eun-ha's younger sister?

Noh Eun-ae's way of thinking was strange.

People laughed it off awkwardly.

☆

The wedding ceremony is about to begin.

Eun-ha still couldn't believe it.

Me marrying Baek-yeon....

He couldn't help but give a bitter smile.

3 years ago, after conquering the black dungeon, Ha Baek-yeon confessed her feelings to him.

At first Eun-ha brushed it off casually, but when her approaches became bolder, he realized her feelings.

'But it still can't happen.'

To this, Eun-ha firmly rejected her.

Nevertheless, Ha Baek-yeon didn't give up.

She even managed to get permission from Han Seo-hyeon and the other wives, and went on an active offensive.

In the end, Eun-ha half gave in and made a proposal to her.

Thinking back now, that was his mistake.

'Okay, I get it. Baek-yeon, I'm really grateful for your feelings. But you're young, and as you grow older you'll meet much better men than me.'

'There may be many better men than oppa if I look around. But what about men stronger than oppa? Yeah, so?'

'So let's wait until you become an adult. If you still see me as a man when you're an adult, then I'll think about it...'

'Deal. So you'll date me then?'

'I said I'd think about it, when did I...'

'No way! Promise me! Then I'll flirt with you less.'

'An almost-Fairy saying such things....'

From then on, Ha Baek-yeon endured for 3 years and finally conquered Eun-ha.

And to prevent his heart from changing, she sealed the deal with a public announcement.

During that time, she had been influenced by the twins and became quite bold and meticulous.

"So how does it feel to take a wife much younger than us?"

""""...""""

"Ugh..."

Eun-ha snapped out of his reverie.

Han Seo-hyeon was teasing him while holding their second daughter Noh Yu-ju.

He couldn't say anything.

The other wives were also present.

Depending on his answer, Eun-ha could die right here today.

"If you're sorry, just treat us better." "I will."

The wives laughed as if it couldn't be helped.

Eun-ha bowed his head deeply at this.

"Eun-ha, it's almost time to go."

"I guess I should head out now."

Just then, Lee Yu-jeong spoke.

Looking up at the clock, Eun-ha decided to prepare to go out to the venue.

Naturally, the people with him also started moving busily.

☆

The wedding ceremony began.

Eun-ha walked to the wedding march.

"La la la♬"

Jo A-ra conducts the band.

Ra-ra flew around humming near the baton she was waving.

Thank you.

Eun-ha made eye contact with Jo A-ra waving the baton.

Jo A-ra was gesturing with her chin for him to hurry and walk.

Eun-ha turned his head and walked towards the altar where Byeok Hae-su stood.

[Bride's entrance.]

Soon time passed.

Ha Baek-yeon appeared in a snow-white dress from the back.

Walking hand in hand with her mother Ha Ji-eun, she drew admiration from people.

When did that kid grow up like this?

Ha Baek-yeon shines under the lights.

She smiles.

Eun-ha became dazed looking at her.

[Groom, get a hold of yourself. It's not like this is your first wedding, it's troublesome to react like this.]

At that moment, Byeok Hae-su quipped.

The hall burst into laughter.

[Your sisters-in-law are watching, so you should be careful.]

Hearing those words, Eun-ha flinched.

He came to his senses and pulled Ha Baek-yeon's hand.

Ha Baek-yeon followed his lead and moved to the front of the altar.

[Then, will the groom Noh Eun-ha, until your black hair turns white...]

"Hyung Hae-su! Just hurry up and proceed! I'm sick of seeing this too many times now!"

"Oppa Paran, please be quiet..."

"Sigh..."

On one side, Jin Pa-rang suddenly stood up and shouted.

Kim Mary, startled, quickly made him sit down.

Jin Pa-rang was still an idiot.

[Then to celebrate these two's marriage, we'll have a congratulatory speech from Hana Group Chairman Yu Do-jun.]

Meanwhile, the wedding proceeded smoothly.

Ariel re-formed Pandora Hearts and heated up the venue.

Yu Do-jun's congratulatory speech also helped.

[Ah, I first met Noh Eun-ha when he was in elementary school. That day, I was feeling frustrated because things weren't going as I thought, and then I met Eun-ha.]

People were interested in Eun-ha and Yu Do-jun's meeting.

It was well known that the two had been close for a long time.

But not many people knew how they became close and reached this point.

It was a story revealed to the world for the first time.

Of course, some embellishments were added.

[...To my dear friend. My friend! Congratulations on your marriage! This was Yu Do-jun.]

Yu Do-jun sincerely congratulated Eun-ha.

People applauded.

He bowed his head in greeting and was about to leave his seat.

At that moment, he stopped walking.

[Ah, right. Eun-ha.]

""""...?""""

Yu Do-jun grabbed the microphone.

Eun-ha tilted his head.

Then he winked.

[Eun-ha, you know?]

"..."

Harem is?

Yu Do-jun mouthed.

Eun-ha read what he was trying to say and soon shrugged his shoulders.

"Oppa, what's wrong?"

"It's nothing."

Ha Baek-yeon asked curiously.

Sorry, but Eun-ha had no intention of answering her question.

That's how the wedding ceremony ended.

[Then would everyone here please give a big round of applause to congratulate Noh Eun-ha and Ha Baek-yeon's marriage!!!]

Everyone stood up.

The two walked arm in arm, receiving people's blessings.

"Beep beep beep boop boop boop boop boop boop!"

"Clang!"

Buldak and Clang.

The two familiars made their presence known.

Eun-ha gave them an eye greeting.

"Congratulations on your marriage, oppa."

"Congratulations to both of you!"

"I'll be guarding Seoul, so have a good honeymoon!"

"Live happily."

Son Ga-yeon and On Tae-hee were also there.

<Great Tree> Seon Gi-jun and Seon Mi-ye, who had now stepped down from the Twelve Seats, were also there.

Eun-ha received their congratulations.

"Well, I was generous. I can't ruin a good day."

"Hmph, what's gotten into you."

Bae Su-bin and Kaede were also seen.

Bae Su-bin tapped the ground with her staff.

Along with Jo A-ra's magic, she made flower petals flutter in the area.

Whoosh!!

Jeju Island, canola flower field.

The yellow flowers blooming sway and scatter profusely with the wind.

"Wow..."

As if blessing the two's marriage, it dyes the world's colors yellow.

Ha Baek-yeon let out an exclamation at the sight she had never seen before.

How we've come this far.

Ha Baek-yeon is filled with emotion.

Eun-ha looked at her and chuckled.

"Is it pretty?"

"Yes, it's so pretty!"

"I'll show you many more things from now on."

Flowers are bound to wither eventually.

That's why they're beautiful.

Knowing that the flower is not eternal and will someday wither, the color it holds in that moment feels so precious and beautiful.

...Flowers bloom for ten days.

There are no red flowers for ten days.

In other words, nothing is eternal.

Because nothing is eternal, there is an end.

Everything with an end is beautiful because of that.

Every moment of living has meaning, is beautiful, and precious.

'So enjoy this moment now. Every moment of being alive is happiness, so enjoy it to the fullest before you die!'

Choi Yun-han, the first chairman of Galaxy Group, had said that before.

Suddenly recalling Choi Yun-han's advice, Eun-ha tried to take in the world with his eyes to remember this moment.

The world was shining and glowing with more vibrant colors than yesterday.

Laughter could be heard everywhere, and everyone had joyful faces.

They look even better than usual today.

Humans all die.

Moving towards death is the privilege and blessing of life.

A life with an end makes one think, feel, and enjoy so much more.

That's why humans try to live their best until the end of their lives.

They try to find meaning in their finite lives.

Really, we've come this far.

And so, humans live to die.

32 years after regressing.

There was once a man who lived to die early, and lived because he couldn't die.

That man realized the true meaning of living while living his second life.

And now he lives to die again.

I'll live happily with these people for a long time to come.

To live a life without regrets.

He will continue to move forward.

"You know, oppa."

"What?"

At that time, Ha Baek-yeon holding a bouquet of canola flowers asked in a soft voice.

"Are you happy?"

Ha Baek-yeon smiles brightly.

Eun-ha's answer was already decided.

He smiles refreshingly.

"Of course."

<Part 4 Complete>

fin

 [Author's Afterword]

1.

Hello, this is Siyun!

It's been 3 years since I started serializing Relife Player.

During that time, I've been running endlessly on this long, long road without taking a single break.

As a result, there were many days when I was physically exhausted, and regrettably, it even affected the quality of the work at times.

Readers who noticed my condition sometimes suggested I should take a break and come back.

Every time, I refused the readers' suggestions.

In fact, as the readers said, it would have been better to take a short break for my physical and mental health.

But I was stubborn because I was too scared.

After running non-stop for 3 years, I felt like I would just collapse and sit down the moment I stopped midway.

I felt like my legs would give out and I wouldn't be able to get up and run again.

So until I reached the destination, I apologize to the readers, but I ended up running this hard.

I'm really sorry and thank you.

2.

On the other hand, if you ask how I feel now that I've finally reached the end, honestly, I don't feel entirely relieved.

I thought I would feel completely relieved and be able to rest comfortably once I finished, but even as I write this afterword, I only feel regret.

If I had polished this story a little more, if I could have developed this story a little more convincingly....

Those thoughts keep coming, so I can't shake off the feeling of regret.

Nevertheless, if I may be greedy, I hope the readers enjoyed Relife Player.

3.

I planned Relife Player wanting to create a story about a protagonist who regresses for some reason and tries to change a gloomy future, like other novels.

Then I thought about what point would be good to regress to if you're going to change the future by regressing, and decided to create a story where the character grows from infancy and dramatically changes relationships.

At the time, I liked villainous young lady stories, so I thought about mixing a villainous young lady story into a hunter story.

That's how the worldview was created.

4.

However, as I planned a story of growing up from infancy, I hit several walls.

First, focusing on showing Eun-ha's growth and relationships in detail, I ended up planning a story that grows by 1 year at a time.

From my perspective at the time, I absolutely couldn't accept a protagonist who regressed to a 1-year-old baby suddenly aging without mental growth.

Also, I wanted to show the people around him growing up too.

So that's how we got here.

At that time, I was serializing for free and had no idea I would end up doing paid serialization.

I was thinking carelessly that if it got too hard, I could just end it with Eun-ha aging one year and saying "Noh Eun-ha's adventure continues."

But when I started paid serialization, I ended up bringing Noh Eun-ha and the people around him's story up to this point.

However, if it weren't for the readers who became attached to the work and came this far, I might have run away midway.

I thought about running away so many times.

So I thank you like this.

I offer infinite thanks to all the readers who held me back from running away and read this far.

Even if I continue to write in the future, I don't think I'll be able to write a story like Relife Player again.

Thank you sincerely for allowing me to write this story and bring it to an end. I love you.

5.

On the other hand, I regret that I couldn't end such a story with higher quality due to my lack of ability.

Relife Player developed into a very different story from the initial plan by now.

I thought the author was the god of the work, but as I wrote, the accumulated story and characters often moved beyond my control.

So when I tried to forcibly develop the story I had planned initially, there were frequent conflicts between the author and the work.

Sometimes that worked out better, and sometimes it resulted in a sense of dissonance.

Just look at the heroines.

Planning Han Seo-hyeon, Lee Yu-jeong, Ryu Yeon-hwa, and Ha Baek-yeon as heroines from the start, I had to forcibly fit the story at times.

In the case of Jeong Ha-yang and other characters, they were initially just supporting roles in the process of Eun-ha connecting with the planned heroines.

But structuring the characters like this made the story feel artificial and limited the individuality of characters and relationships between people.

Realizing this belatedly, I had to scrap the plot several times to adjust this situation.

The power balance also had to be readjusted because Eun-ha became much stronger than I expected.

At first I planned for Eun-ha to raid with his friends, but I didn't expect Eun-ha and his friends to become this strong.

It's like Eun-ha's will to never let the people around him die moved me.

I wanted to show Eun-ha's process of becoming jaded by killing off friends and people around him to create a gloomy atmosphere, but I got attached to the characters and couldn't be bold enough.

That's how I realized one thing.

The realization that an author is not a god and cannot omnipotently dictate the development of the work.

Based on this realization, I'm planning to create a story and characters for my next work without forcibly cramming them into the plan.

I'll try to write a story where even I don't know the upcoming developments, letting the characters advance as my hand moves.

6.

Anyway.

The story of Noh Eun-ha and the people around him living happily has come to an end.

Did you like the story?

Hoping that readers liked it, I'm now entering a rest period.

Even during the break, I get very anxious if I don't write, so I'll write occasionally and try to decide on my next work.

Since I've been serializing one work for so long, I'll probably scrap it several times, but I'll try to come back with a side story of Relife Player before this year ends.

Until then, I hope everyone stays healthy, and if possible, I hope to see you readers again in my next work.

Lastly, I sincerely thank the editors at Hyunnara Publishing who worked hard for the work, Kim Chae-rin who worked on the covers, Yampa who did the wonderful illustrations, Kkul-bbang who drew the prologue webtoon, Rigeon who drew illustrations of Yu-jeong and Ha-yang, and all the readers!

Then, bye bye.

Siyun

@KOI