630

 [Chapter 166]

[The Beginning of the End (5)]

Rewinding time a bit, around when On Tae-yang awakened his Gift <Berserk >.

While everyone in the stands couldn't take their eyes off the newly transformed situation.

"─Hooh."

The man raised the corners of his mouth.

As if he was there but not there.

The man's presence was extremely faint.

"I prided myself on knowing a lot, but the world is still overflowing with things I don't know."

As a result, people couldn't hear the man speaking in a tone reminiscent of an old man.

The man chuckled.

His gaze was fixed on On Tae-yang, who was running rampant in the arena like a beast.

"I came to see <Swift Sword>'s skills... but I've discovered an unexpected rough gem."

While keeping his gaze on On Tae-yang,

The man quietly evaluated.

"─Excellent."

Excellent.

Very impressive.

How can such a Gift exist in this world?

The man focused on On Tae-yang, who was getting stronger in proportion to the mana he consumed in his body.

"An enhancement-type Gift? No, that far exceeds the category of ordinary enhancement-type Gifts."

As if there's no limit.

He gets stronger endlessly.

Then, if he were to activate the Gift while recovering mana in his body, how strong could he become?

If he keeps getting stronger like that, surely─

"─It wouldn't be impossible to surpass human limits. Keukeuk."

Isn't it beyond the realm of humans?

The man muttered his hypothesis and chuckled.

It's impossible to know without confirming, but if that's the case, it's an incredible thing.

Who comes after humans?

Neo-humans? Then what comes after that?

That would be─

"─Are you saying there could exist a Gift that can reach the realm of gods? To have a Gift that can become a god with a human body, does that really make sense? It's a contradiction."

God, transcendent being.

If his hypothesis is correct,

That child's Gift would be one that allows stepping into the realm of mythology.

"─No, that's not it."

Soon the old man denied it.

Saying it steps into the realm of mythology was half right and half wrong.

That child's physical abilities could increase to the point of being called godlike.

But without embodying mythology, it's impossible to manifest mythology.

The flesh may become godlike, but it won't be able to reconstruct the world.

Therefore, that Gift was merely allowing a human to step into the realm of gods.

Nevertheless─

"─It means one can compose a perfect body that can embody mythology. Keukeuk."

It was an extremely attractive Gift.

What kind of end do living myths meet by embodying mythology?

With human flesh possessing divine power, they were in a situation where they could only collapse on their own.

In the end, it meant that humans cannot become gods.

And to become a complete god, one needs a suitable body.

In that sense, that Gift could be said to be one that trains the body to reach the realm of gods.

"I want it. With just that body, it would be possible to truly become a god."

The man let out an exclamation.

Although Noh Eun-ha was also like that,

That child possessed a power far more attractive than him.

He seemed to have just awakened to his Gift,

But what if that child continues to grow and someday reaches a completed state?

Then if─

"─I really want to drive out the soul and take its place. I like my original body too, but that is even more attractive."

What if he were to usurp that body?

The old man imagined and snickered.

"Not bad. No, it's good."

Good, good.

He discovered an unexpected body.

As the match ended,

The man stood up from his seat.

"I'll wait for that time to come."

Noh Eun-ha and On Tae-yang.

The man decided to wait for the fruit to ripen.

So, you youngsters coming out into the world─

"─Let's see you struggle until the end."

Your suffering will please me and make me complete.

The end of the story you create will make me even newer.

It will be the beginning of true mythology.

☆

Three years in middle school academy.

And three years in high school academy.

Finally, six years have passed.

After finishing the graduation match and coming outside, Eun-ha blankly looked at the bustling people.

We've really graduated now.

It felt new.

19 years since the regression.

A really long time has passed.

The life that seemed like it would be a student forever finally ended today.

"..."

Now 20 years old.

Eun-ha became a Player.

Around Eun-ha now, students who had become Players like him were in high spirits.

The world must look different to them.

They must believe they can do anything after enduring this time of hardship to come out into the world.

But reality was cruel and brutal.

What awaited them was a calamity they couldn't even imagine.

If you let your guard down now, you'll die.

It's going to get even harder from now on.

Some will die.

Some will survive.

And those who survive will die.

Yet some will still survive.

It will keep repeating.

And the Players filtered through this will be much stronger than before.

Using the blood of the dead as nourishment, becoming numb to the pain of their souls being scraped away, sharply honed swords will be created.

And most of those became swords aimed at Habaek-ryeon's neck in the previous life.

But in this life, he will never let that happen.

Noh Eun-ha was determined.

"Beep beep beep boop boop boop!"

"Ah."

Eun-ha woke from his reverie.

Buldak, whom he had entrusted to Jung Ha-yang, landed on his head.

Eun-ha turned his gaze in the direction Buldak had flown from.

"Noh Eun-ha! Eun-ha!"

"Hey, what are you spacing out for over there!?"

Beyond the people.

Eun-ha discovered his friends and family shouting loudly as if their voices wouldn't be drowned out by the noise of the people.

They were calling for him.

Noh Eun-ah was waving her hand.

Jin Pa-rang was teasing him.

"You're not hurt anywhere, are you?"

"I'm not hurt. I'm fine."

Eun-ha approached them.

Then Jung Ha-yang stood on her tiptoes and examined his condition from all angles.

Eun-ha couldn't help but smile at her looking at him with wide eyes.

"But where's Seo-hyun?"

"You're looking for Seo-hyun unnie when I'm right here?"

"No, I asked because she's not here."

Then Eun-ha realized that Han Seo-hyun wasn't visible.

He asked.

To this, she puffed up her cheeks and showed her displeasure.

Eun-ha hurriedly tried to soothe her.

Jung Ha-yang chuckled.

"The administrator unnie said she'd go to the main gate first. She said she'd wait there."

He could hear the answer from someone else.

Jin Seo-na answered.

Eun-ha nodded.

"Then shall we stop staying here and go?"

Business at the academy was finished.

He had also greeted Shin Seo-young.

Eun-ha decided to leave the Player Academy now.

"Ah, are we going to the clan hall now? It takes forever to get from here to Sadang... What was Noh Eun-ha thinking putting the clan hall there?"

"Eun-ha must have had his reasons. Kim Min-ji, don't you trust Eun-ha?"

"We have a Noh Eun-ha follower here. Why don't you just call him boss then?"

"Min-ho, why are you like this...?"

Kim Min-ji, Choi Eun-hyuk, Mok Min-ho, Cha Eun-woo.

Including these four, all the friends were chattering noisily.

Eun-ha headed towards the main gate while listening to their conversation and talking with those around him.

The closer they got to the main gate, the more people there were.

""""Wow....""""

And when they arrived at the main gate,

They could see.

Players wearing colorful uniforms in front of the main gate, holding up placards and cheering for the students.

"Congratulations on graduating! All Marronnier Knights gather!" "Oh! Oh! Oh!" "Apgujeong Class! Everyone start the chant!"

"Ack! Ack! Ack! Welcome to the world!"

""""...."""

The spectacular scene unfolding in front of the main gate.

The clans had come to congratulate the students joining them this year on their graduation.

Most of the students joining those clans were outwardly embarrassed but couldn't help the corners of their mouths rising.

They proudly moved towards their clans.

"They're boosting the kids' morale."

When Eun-ha and his friends were overwhelmed by that sight,

Hoshimiya Kaede casually blurted out.

Boosting morale.

Her words were right.

They were also promoting their clans in this way.

"─Let's stop watching and go."

Of course, there was no one calling for Eun-ha among them.

It was the same for his friends.

So they were about to take their eyes off the spectacle and start walking again.

Right then─

"─Pandora Clan!! Gather here!!"

""""...."""

A shout so loud it momentarily silenced people, deafening their ears for an instant.

People's gazes moved.

Eun-ha also turned his head following the direction the sound came from.

"Pandora Clan! Congratulations on graduating!!"

"Changjin oppa, what's that? You need to be louder. Come on, Nam-hoon, you too!"

"Congratulations on graduating, everyone!!"

"Did you all skip breakfast? Why are your voices so weak? You should do it like this. One, two, I love Pandora Clan!!"

""I love Pandora Clan!!""

""""...."""

The clan members were there.

Byeok Hae-su, Han Chang-jin, Yu Nam-hoon, Yeo U-bi.

Eun-ha and his friends looked at the people shouting very loudly as if not to lose to other clans.

Everyone was dumbfounded.

They were at a loss for words.

"Um... We'd better not do it. This is too embarrassing, isn't it? Everyone's looking at us?"

"Ah, so embarrassing."

"Why! Whyyy!? I think it's great! I'm excited! It's fun! Pandora Clan!"

"I think it's good too? When else would we hear this, guys?"

Kang Si-hyung, Bae Su-bin, Ariel, Bong Gu-rae.

Starting with them, friends one by one expressed their thoughts.

Opinions were divided.

People who hated it.

People who thought it was cool.

Soon they all showed the same reaction, bursting into laughter.

Eun-ha finally burst out laughing too.

Byeok Hae-su shouting loudly.

Han Chang-jin making noise while watching others' reactions, while Yeo U-bi loudly promoted Pandora Clan without caring about others' gazes.

And Yu Nam-hoon cupping his hands to his mouth as Yeo U-bi instructed.

Lastly─

"─You said you'd go to the main gate first to call the clan members? They must have had a hard time coming from far away, good job."

"Shouldn't all clan members gather to congratulate on the day the Clan Lord graduates?"

Han Seo-hyun was smiling.

Eun-ha approached her.

Her smile deepened.

Eun-ha's smile also naturally appeared when he saw her.

The two quietly looked at each other, exchanging gazes.

Then Han Seo-hyun handed over the envelope she was holding.

"Here, take it."

"What's this?"

"The clan uniform."

"Clan uniform? Why did you bring this?" "Watching you duel earlier, I thought you might need something to wear on top."

The envelope Han Seo-hyun handed over.

Inside was the clan uniform.

When Eun-ha asked in confusion, she calmly answered.

"Everyone, you take these too! I thought I was going to die trying to bring your clothes with Changjin oppa and Nam-hoon!"

"This is disappointing. How can you leave me out when I helped too?" "Hae-su oppa, you only helped when it was almost over! How long did you make me wait when I asked you to wait a bit because you were working?" "Both of you, stop fighting. It's fine as long as we brought them."

"Haha... I went to clean and ended up receiving the administrator's orders to bring the uniforms to Sadang Station. Eun-ah, how was Eun-ha's match?"

"Chang-jin, why are you asking me that? You should ask Eun-ha directly... Right, Yeon-hwa?" "Yeah. Why are you asking Eun-ah?"

Along with Eun-ha receiving the uniform,

The clan members waiting at the main gate handed out envelopes containing uniforms to each of his friends.

"Put it on. Are you going to stay chilly like that in this weather?"

"Why did you bring their uniforms too?" "Boop boop boop?"

Han Seo-hyun said.

Eun-ha took out the uniform jacket from the envelope and put it on.

Then she shrugged her shoulders.

"Just in case. But looking around, it seems we brought them at the right time."

""""...."""

His friends excitedly threw off their school blazers.

Then they put on the newly tailored uniforms and chatted amicably.

Eventually, Han Seo-hyun gestured with her chin towards the people gathered around.

Their gazes were pouring in.

""""...."""

Navy blue jackets clearly different from the academy uniforms.

The friends, the clan members wearing the jackets truly stood out.

Eun-ha noticed the emotions of the students directed at them.

They're envying us.

They are envious.

His friends must have noticed it too, as they proudly straightened their shoulders and tried to show off their uniformed appearance.

"Should I take a picture for you?"

"That would be nice."

Then Han Seo-hyun chuckled.

Eun-ha also laughed along at her wit and readily agreed.

Then she took out her smartphone and was about to take a picture of the clan members gathering in place.

Right then─

"─Ah..."

"We'll take the picture. So Seo-hyun, you go over there too."

"Yes, hurry! Hurry! Bru! You hurry and go stand over there too!"

"Hmm." "Mom! I want to take a picture with Eun-ha hyung too!" "No, Avenir, you stay here holding your sister's hand."

"...Thank you, Mother."

Mother offering to take the picture instead.

Julietta considering filters while looking at the smartphone next to Mother.

Meanwhile, Bruno being pushed towards Eun-ha by her insistence.

Avenir jumping up and down.

Noh Eun-ae holding Avenir's hand tightly so he can't go anywhere.

Han Seo-hyun, who looked momentarily flustered, thanked them and immediately approached Eun-ha's side.

"Guys! Let me join in too!"

"Yu Do-jun, you're not even a clan member!"

"Is this how you treat a shareholder?"

And Yu Do-jun appearing from somewhere.

Kim Min-ji shouted jokingly.

All the friends burst into laughter.

Han Seo-hyun laughed along with them too.

"─Alright everyone, I'm taking the picture? One, two. I'll take one more?"

And so

The Pandora Clan members happily took pictures.

 They, who were already used to receiving people's gazes, quickly stopped paying attention to them.

"Now that we've taken pictures, let's hurry and go! Meat! Let's go eat meat! Tae-hee, you're hungry too, right?"

"Yes, I'm hungry too!"

After taking the pictures,

Jo Ara spoke up.

Then On Tae-hee and the other friends all agreed.

"Really..."

The laughter doesn't stop.

Eun-ha tried hard to hold back his laughter.

He let them laugh and chatter.

"Okay, let's go. To eat meat."

""""Oh!!""""

One step, then another step.

Eun-ha started walking.

His friends excitedly followed,

And Eun-ha's steps were very light.

─Yes, keep laughing, all of you.

I'll let you laugh to your heart's content.

The future is endlessly gloomy.

It's not bright at all.

Nevertheless, Eun-ha, standing at the end of the path as a student, decided to step onto a new path with his friends.

He decided to start a new life as a Player with them.

He decided to be happy with them.

It's the beginning of the end.

☆

February of the 15th year of Seonryeok.

Winter was coming to an end.

It was the season when you could feel the energy of life sprouting everywhere as you walked the streets.

"It's already night before I knew it."

Winter is going, and spring is coming.

The woman decided to enjoy the mood, seeing the start of spring at the tail end of winter.

She decided to spend time leisurely drinking coffee on an outdoor terrace.

Before she knew it, the sky had turned pitch black.

It had become night.

"Hmm..."

At the time when stars were starting to become visible,

The woman who had ordered her second coffee turned her gaze upward from looking down until now.

"..."

The night in downtown Seoul was very dark.

The stars weren't very visible because the ground was too bright.

Still, she searched for stars.

When she couldn't see stars, she looked down and followed the light connected to people to find stars.

In the meantime─

"─Ah."

She let out a short exclamation.

Wondering if what she saw might be wrong,

She looked at the futures shown by other people's stars.

"..."

This star, that star.

Even the star further away.

They were all losing their light.

Being devoured by fate.

Saying it's impossible,

The woman, so shocked, sent her consciousness even further.

How could this...

The sea of stars, the universe.

Even at the risk of losing her existence if she made a mistake,

The woman drifted through the sea of stars.

The result she saw there was no different at all.

Countless stars were fading and dying.

Soon..., a calamity will occur. A calamity incomparable to anything so far.

The woman couldn't see all futures.

She only saw fragmentary futures.

The woman, who confirmed the futures of several stars even as her strength weakened, came to this conclusion.

A calamity will occur soon.

And that's not the end of the calamity.

That will be the trigger for calamities to reveal themselves one by one.

"..."

Many people will die.

And many people will become heroes and then die.

Such a gloomy future.

Darkness fell over her face.

"Soon Seoul will become hell. It would be good to leave Seoul soon."

The woman murmured.

She stood up from her seat.

After finishing payment and coming out, she looked up at the night sky again.

"Even if I inform the Mana Management Organization, the determined future won't change... <Big Data>, was it? They and others won't blindly believe in my ability either..."

Soon Seoul will become a wasteland.

The cause is unknown.

The timing is unknown.

That's all she saw.

A future without even persuasiveness.

There's nothing that can be done.

Would it have been different if I had become one of the Twelve Seats?

A thought that suddenly occurred to her.

Soon she denied it.

Nothing would have changed.

Rather, she would have become the target of criticism.

Thus her position would have diminished.

And even the position of the Fairy who selected her would have diminished.

Probably, even after that.

But even now, the Fairy's position diminishing would be the same.

"─No."

She spoke as if reminding herself.

It's not the same.

She once again fell into the sea of stars and found one star.

It wasn't difficult to find that star.

Because it was shining very brightly.

I still can't read the future of this star.

The woman smiled bitterly.

A star that defies fate.

That star was shining brightly.

It was shining even more dazzlingly than when she had seen it before.

And many stars were gathered around that star.

...

Stars that defied fate.

And stars still in fate.

The stars gathered around the star defying fate were shining brightly as if they had received a share of its light.

─It's okay.

You don't need to worry.

When she first discovered that star,

She was shocked to see a star changing the determined future.

And when she discovered that star changing even other stars' fates, she couldn't help but doubt her eyes.

Then she thought.

Rather than living a given life by conforming to fate and waiting for a hopeless future to approach,

How about defying fate as much as possible and creating an environment where that star can continue to shine?

I'm doing well.

Her fate is to become one of the Twelve Seats.

That fate cannot be changed.

But she will choose a life of wandering aimlessly, not bound to the Mana Management Organization, by delaying the time to become one of the Twelve Seats.

And thus broaden her horizons.

Meet many stars.

Awaken realizations in them.

And guide them to that star.

Thus, she will make that star not fade under any fate.

She resolved again.

"─There's no need to worry too much. Those stars will do something."

Soon the woman who returned to reality, no, the <Star-Counting Witch> declared.

The star defying fate was shining powerfully even as other stars lost their light and faded away.

And the stars around it too.

Not just them.

If there are dying stars,

There are also stars shining powerfully.

So even if calamity approaches someday, and dark clouds loom over this city─

─Many heroes will die, and just as many heroes will appear.

Like flowers blooming in the midst of destruction.

In the place where calamity ends, even stronger and more steadfast heroes will appear.

It's the beginning of the end.

<End 3 of Part>