YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW [1]

"Regressor's instructions Manual Episode 994

You Reap what You Sow (1)

As I opened my eyes, I could see a few individuals welcoming me.

"Honorary Cardinal!"

"The Honorary Cardinal has returned."

"The operation was a success. Hahaha. We did it!"

"Contact the main base. Report that the plan was carried out as scheduled to General."

"Are you okay? How's your physical condition?"

Subconsciously, I looked around. Most of the priests were shedding tears and offering prayers. Mercenaries were embracing each other jubilantly, and members of the expedition were applauding. Due to the overlapping voices from everywhere, it was chaotic, but it was certain that the members of the Blue Guild were absent.

Even Kim Hyun-seong wasn't visible.

Once again, I scanned the surroundings and realized that I had returned to the exact location where I had used the invitation for the first time. Since Kim Hyun-seong had used the invitation at a different location, it was understandable that he wasn't here...

It might be more convenient to think that they had prepared reserves here in case I returned. Amidst a somewhat dazed state, it became clear that my body wasn't functioning properly.

My hands trembled, and my body wouldn't move properly. Tears welled up in my eyes against my will.

Although only briefly, I could realize that I was engulfed in fear. Unknown emotions kept rising slowly.

It seemed like an unreasonable thought...

'Seems like they're at ease.'

In the end, the Altanus plan failed. But...

Now that it's like this, it's fortunate. It seems like I'm relieved to have returned safely. It's a situation where I strangely feel an unpleasant sense of relief.

No.

'It can't be.'

This is anger, Shit. If it's not anger, then it's likely a side effect. Crossing through time and space was a burden both physically and mentally.

Spending a long time in the past, it's natural to suffer mental damage.

Likewise, not being able to think properly is a continuation of that.

"Honorary Cardinal, are you okay?"

"I'm here... Why am I here?"

"It seems like Commander Jin's operation was successful."

"What the heck is this operation..."

"I apologize for not being able to provide more details. We were given orders to wait here..."

'Yeah, Shit. You wouldn't know.'

"Anyway, let's move to a safe place..."

"No, we'll move right now."

"What? But..."

"Currently, the expedition..."

'Shit, you swindler.'

The Morse code sent in the middle has a high probability of being bluffing. This time, I think it's best to assume that it's a minimal device I sent to take control.

"Jin Cheong, you bastard..."

'No, I shouldn't get excited.'

If I get excited, that bastard will only like it. In fact, since I've been hit in the back of the head, he'll probably try to talk first, even if it's just to tease me.

Just as I was trying to calm down a bit more, a message arrives immediately.

[So, you've returned.]

[...]

[In the end, you've come back like this. Lee Ki Young. Did you think things would turn out the way you wanted? Haha. Did you really think you could win?]

'This crazy bastard.'

I was preparing to sacrifice myself for my colleagues, even going as far as to engage in Altanus' nonsense. To this guy, it must have seemed like I was doing it all to win the game. Where on earth can you find a lunatic like that?

[What's this... how did you do it?]

[Well... how did I do it?]

This bastard, really.

[I see you're curious. Is there truly nothing coming to mind? Should I give you a hint...?]

I can make a rough estimate. Since I've already thought about the method once. But asking him would hurt my pride. Just like he knows it.

I'm scared that I might be wrong, so I stopped. If my deductions are incorrect, I can't imagine how much this guy would be gloating.

[If you check the dungeon strategy records later, you might find out. Nowadays, with the trend of recording videos, it could be a good way to satisfy your curiosity.]

[I don't really understand the vague words you're saying, but... well, I have a rough idea. Honestly, I'm not that curious... I'm asking just as a formality, considering the procedure I have to go through. Maybe the military commander made a mistake. You never know. And anyway, messing things up while not knowing anything is your specialty, isn't it?]

[You're good with words. What could someone like you, who knows nothing, possibly understand? About the phenomenon of bending spacetime? About how to control that phenomenon? Even if you keep trying to guess with superficial knowledge, the fact that you don't understand the essence won't change. In the end, you know nothing. That's what I'm saying.]

[You talk well. You're even able to use my methods against me even though you don't like them.]

[Ha... Hahaha! Oh, I see... a cryptic message. Well... how about that? Was it bluffing? To explain, it's long. It's not that there were no crisis situations, but... well... How about that? Hahaha! Are you curious? Did you really... wonder so much? Who could have known that you had so much curiosity?]

'This damn bastard!'

[Hahaha!]

I really want to kill this guy. This bastard. I want to kill him.

Naturally, I switch to communication channel with Ji Hye right away.

[Noona. I have a question. Did you happen to... work with Jin Cheong together? Could you share it with me?]

[I don't have anything to say to you right now. Contact me later."]

[How... did you...]

[Just shut up.]

Damn it.

[Seems like you're in a better mood. I hope I can entertain you a bit more, Lee Ki-young. Hahaha. Hahaha!]

"This despicable bastard!"

[Hahaha!]

"This damn bastard! This wicked bastard! This annoying copycat bastard!!"

"Honorary... Cardinal?"

"Shit! Get lost!"

Though it's not exactly venting, I immediately pick myself up and start slashing randomly with the sword. Instead of a thumping sound, a clanging sound is heard, and my hand hurts like it's being torn apart, but it calms me down.

[Not exactly blowing off steam in a safe place, right? Haha. Hahaha!]

"Phew... Phew... This bastard. If I fail this time, seriously..."

[Angry, are we? It seems like you're angry...]

"No... it's just that..."

[Hahaha!]

[So, I'm not sure what to say...]

[...]

[Thank you. General Jin. Honestly, I thought it was all over.]

[...]

The messages don't come immediately.

[What?]

[Thank you. Really... thank you.]

[What kind of ridiculous stunt is he trying to pull now...]

[It's not like that. I'm really expressing my gratitude.]

[...]

[...]

[Since you seem busy... contact me later.]

Maybe because I've never received love, I get flustered when someone is kind to me.

"Um... Honorary... Lee Ki-Young?"

I smile brightly.

"Yes? What's the matter?"

"Oh, nothing... just..."

I find myself looking into the mirror without realizing it. The eyes within the golden glow hadn't lost their light.

"Tell Kim Hyun-seong not to come here."

"Yes? But..."

"Tell him."

"Yes... I... I understand for now."

I start moving my steps.

'I haven't done nothing.'

"Honorary Cardinal!"

The task is clear. I just need to reap the seeds I sowed long ago. I start running, brushing off those trying to restrain me.

"Honorary Cardinal! Stop! Capture the Honorary Cardinal!"

I hear the voices, but I don't pay them any attention as I continue moving. The destination isn't far now.

"Yes? But..."

"Damn it! Protect the Honorary Cardinal and follow!"

'It's time to reap the rewards.'

"What am I supposed to do... Damn it... it's over..."

"You need to take a break, Honorary Cardinal. Please..."

'Entering a windowless room will be like walking into a trap.'

It seems they're worried that their wicked hands might harm the Honorary Cardinal. They can't stop me. They're maintaining a distance, busy protecting the one who's running blindly.

'Good things are in store for all of you.'

I'm out of breath. But the sight of the back that's getting closer makes me feel stronger.

"Hyung?"

"Archbishop..."

"... Hee... The Priest of the Prophecy has arrived. Hng...Dractarius...!"

-…..

"The Priest has returned... Hnggg..."

And then...

-Aaaah... O Priest... Hng... O Priest... Hngggg...

Passing memories.

'I fear... Dractarius's death.'

-O Priest... Hnggg... Hng...

'I'm afraid!'

Precious... so precious...

'Dractarius' won't disappear from here. I know better than anyone. In the distant future... in the very distant future, the Archbishop will accomplish even greater things. I can't tell you the details, but Dractarius' will... save Altanus, the Saintess. Dractarius will come to rescue her. More than stabilizing this place now, Draktaris will undertake a much larger task.'

Our memories.

'You promised, that you'll emerge as a ray of light even in the darkness. Even in the face of difficulties... even if something unbearable happens... you promised to endure... I'm waiting... waiting for you to come... It's not the right time yet.'

Something I can't tell anyone...

'Someday, until I go to see Dractarius. Even if it's not me... those who genuinely love Lucifer, those who want to change this underground temple, those who are truly blessed by the gods, those who are chosen by the Light... I'll wait... I'll endure... until the day I appear before Dractarius... I'll survive... I'll wait with patience... for that day... for that day alone. For the hope that's uncertain... for that day alone...'

Brief yet beautiful...

'Please promise me!'

The specters of the dungeon crumble away. After my fist meets my lips, I continue to speak.

-I was... waiting for you to come... patiently... enduring... I've lived my life in anticipation of your arrival.