Regressor's Instructions Manual Episode 986
Altanus (23)
Out of curiosity, I looked into the hand mirror again, but nothing had changed.
"...."
I thought something might be wrong, so I stared at my face again, but still, nothing changed.
The golden eye symbolizing the user of the Regressor's Instruction Manual and the feeling of connection had returned to their original state.
The cool odd eye had disappeared. Even though it had a touch of teenage sentiment, I still cherished it...
'Cherished...'
"Priest?"
"...."
'How much have I done for you? Shit... And you dare forget to forget me?'
It wasn't unreasonable to think that.
'You really forgot? Seriously?'
"...."
'You really forgot? This bastard. I can't believe this.'
Of course, I understood. I understood better than anyone else that it was an unavoidable situation.
Blue hadn't forgotten Lee Ki-young. To begin with, it was treated as if there had never been a person named Lee Ki-young, so the expression "forgot" didn't fit.
The whole future had changed, and everything had changed from beginning to end.
In this changed world, it wasn't certain whether Kim Hyun-seong was a Regressor. Since I hadn't decided whether to regress Kim Hyun-seong or not.
As I don't want to waste time, it would be best to solve everything in the first round, but I couldn't guarantee that my plan would proceed as expected. If there were variables, I could go through another round, but... if the plan was proceeding as intended...
'It might be progressing in the first round.'
The first round where there was no Masked Hero.
The first round where Altanus' Regressor became Altanus' Hero.
Several things might have changed, but the basic structure probably hadn't. Major events like the Continental War, the 27th Division Summoning Incident, the Foreign War, etc., must have all occurred, and I believed I was currently progressing through dungeon conquering in Mole Saintess' cozy sanctuary.
Since I personally adjusted the overall timeline... it's probably certain.
Kim Hyun-seong might have experienced various events, but as Altanus looked after him, he probably grew into a hero. He would have awakened into the Sunset swordsman, undergoing an unknown story to me.
Maybe he's not the Sunset Swordsman... but I'm sure he is.
Because the Sunset swordsman suits him. It's unimaginable for him to evolve down a different path, so Altanus must have handled it well.
Maybe he's the Sunset swordsman. Since he starts as Altanus' Hero as soon as he's summoned... it wouldn't be bad to follow the basic path of a Paladin.
Jung-Hayan and Park Deok-gu might have grown similar to Kim Hyun-seong or Jung Ha-yan could act as a Temple Magician, for instance...
As for Han So-ra, maybe a prisoner caught as Dark Magician. It wouldn't be bad for her to end up traveling together due to a twist of fate.
Park Deok-gu might have grown similarly to Kim Hyun-seong or Jung Ha-yan. If I give him a shield, he could keep up with this growth as well.
Cho Hye-jin hasn't come to mind yet... as for Ye-ri, the role of an Inquisitor might suit her well.
Chang-ryeol could also serve as an Inquisitor... and Hee-young might move up to a position like a High Bishop.
Imagine the members of Altanus' Paladin Order, not Blue Guild. Wearing special uniforms for different organizations would look impressive.
In this way... though the overall timeline in the modern era might be somewhat similar, it's a completely different world story.
It's not a strange situation to forget about someone named Lee Ki-young, nor is it an easy situation.
'Since I had anticipated all of it anyway, because I knew this would happen, clapping is more appropriate than feeling disappointed'
The fact that my eyes returned to their original color... does this mean AItanus' plan was executed perfectly?
Even though it hasn't been executed yet, if it's already in progress as if it's a confirmed future, then there are no errors or variables; it can be considered a complete success.
'Indeed, it's Ki-young.'
There are no gaps in the plan.
Even by just thinking, I could determine the future.
Sure enough, it's Ki-young....'
However...
Although nodding is the right thing to do, my enthusiasm still wavers.
Even though I know it's unavoidable, a disappointed feeling rushes in like a flood.
"Can't you resist a little bit?"
Saying, 'I can't forget' while struggling isn't a cliché that never happened.
There are still 8 hours left, so isn't it a bit too much to forget already?
Is it really okay for everything I've done up until now to become nonexistent?
Is it really okay for everything to change this easily?
'Do I have to endure until the very end?'
At the point with just 10 minutes left, wasn't the drawing that was narrowly forgotten beautiful? Hee-young probably hasn't forgotten me yet, right? Nuna would surely remember.
No, there's bound to be someone who remembers at least one thing. I didn't expect to have such thoughts, but it feels a bit pathetic to be forgotten like this.
No.
"You can rebuild the connection."
Even though it's not Ki-yeong or Blue.
I can rebuild it with Altanus and the Holy Knights.
Though I can't recall a clear method yet, after dungeon conquests, there might be a way to regain my memories since the Blue Holy Knights brought me out after Dractarius.
It's only a possibility, but it's better than nothing.
"Priest... are you alright?"
"...."
"Priest."
"What is it?"
"Just now..."
"It's nothing."
"Yes? But..."
"That's why you don't have to worry. Why do you keep asking uncomfortable questions? Annoying people... more importantly, I should tell you about our plans."
"We need to find a place to welcome Bahamut..."
"Yes."
I finished Dractarius and Templar Jenny as well.
Once Bahamut is settled and Benigoer's beautiful farewell is done, Ki-young's story will come to an end.
It was only natural for me to start walking while holding onto Metel; there was no other choice.
'Quest complete' didn't sound, but I had to do what needed to be done.
"What will you do...?"
"I'll summon a demon."
"Yes?"
"Demon summoning."
"Yes?"
"Why can't you understand what I'm saying? Demon summoning. Because I lack the magical power to perform the summoning ritual... I'll need Metel's help. No, it's not just receiving help; it seems like it will become Metel's mission."
"Does that make sense right now?"
"Why wouldn't it make sense?"
"...."
"After all, our Metel Guardian's role is to protect the crack. Whether it's summoning a demon or summoning demon parents, it's not really relevant. It's insignificant compared to the crack opening... and I don't know what might come out... Apart from the program you'll learn from me, contracting with a demon isn't that bad. Although there are circumstances I can't explain, if you just read the contract carefully, you won't have to worry about losing your soul... In fact, there are cases where it's better than the gods like Lucifer above. There are situations where it's not as bad as it sounds, but actually, it's better."
"You.."
"I have a rough idea of what you're thinking right now. But it's not like what Metel's thoughts. Did I show off my wings? It's a bit embarrassing to say it myself, but I'm more like a angel than a demon."
"...."
"As soon as the task is done, Metel should concentrate on stopping the Cracks. Even though it's separate from the continent, there's plenty to be done there too. If possible, try to find a means of communication. If that's impossible, I'll hand this over. I can't give you everything from overtechnology right now, but... you can obtain what the Guardian wants.
"What do you mean by 'impossible'?"
"I don't know what to say, but I might be able to rise above."
"What do you mean?"
"Become a god governing the continent. That's what I mean."
"You're out of your mind. Seriously, saying something like that...
I spread my wings.
There was no one left to be cautious of.
The future is already confirmed.
I might be pushing it a bit, but once thrown, the stone doesn't return.
Of course, Metel is looking at me.
"....."
"...."
"Now, can you believe me?"
As if her mouth was stuck open, she cautiously began to speak.
"Who are you... really?"
"I told you at the beginning. Anyway, the continent experiences things that are beyond understanding, like the Cracks. Who do you think I am? Do you remember the voice you heard at first? The voice that felt like an oracle? Regardless of what you think, it's in the Guardian's heart.'
"...."
"Poor little lambs. I regard you with pity. I've come back to the past
as the god of Sacrifice and resurrection, and I stand here to take the place of Lucifer."
Half of it was said in jest, but confusion was evident.
She seems to be thinking that my absurd statement might be true.
You might be able to feel it. This one has received a quest from me before.
The fact that I knows about incomprehensible objects or crack, my appearance that makes it impossible to doubt, the divine aura emanating from my entire body.
It's a bit regrettable that the trick with the light from my eyes are gone, but that's just an auxiliary means.
The appearance of a saint imbued with holiness is unreal and transcendent, evoking something beyond the ordinary for anyone who sees it.
"Part of it is true."
"..."
"Do you believe me now?"
"Yes..."
"Really?"
"I don't know well either, and I'm confused as well. But somehow... somehow I feel like I should believe."
"That'll do. And I'll correct something I said before."
"Yes?"
"Do you remember when we first met? I said you should forget about me."
"Yes. You definitely said that, but..."
"I'll take that back. Don't forget me."
"...."
"Don't you ever forget me."
"Yes... Yes I won't forget."
Hearing those words, I suddenly get angry.
'Shit...'
Metel's appearance overlaps with that of Kim Hyun Sung.
Kim Hyun Sung also said he won't forget, fuck.
Shit.
Come to think of it, before I came here, I definitely told him not to forget. That memory suddenly comes back.
'Shit. That's why even the smartest rat is useless.'
Out of nowhere, the sensation returns, and my teeth start to grind.
'Do you think you brats will be happy without me? Let's leave them and see.'
Even though I think like that, I'm not completely sure.
Even if they're just a couple of mental disorders that these kids are experiencing, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Ki-young created them all. But...
'Nevertheless, I've given them a lot.'
Considering the few mental disorders I've caused, I've still done a lot. Despite the mental disorders, their welfare was good.
'Right now, they're probably going to be incredibly unhappy.'
Without Ki-young, they probably can't even dream of a normal daily life. I believe that they're progressing through a dungeon conquest without Ki-young, and I have no doubts about that.
Of course, after I became Altanus, I'll pay a bit more attention to these annoying batards' welfare, but even with that in mind... they might not be happier than before.
Certainly, they might be even more unhappy than me.
* * *
"Hahaha."
"Hahahaha! Hyun-seong-hyung. Is it okay to joke in a situation like this? Even though we're in the middle of an expedition!"
"That's our, our, our motto. Always have fun..."
"He's right, Hayan-nim. 'Always have fun' is a good saying. The situation got a bit tougher, but... well, we'll do well this time too. Just like always."
.............
They'll also be as unhappy as me.
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This is actually Kinda sad...
This is the last chapter I have in stock sad....😔