After the visit ended, the vice-guildmaster approached and asked,
"In what sense do you mean?"
"...It seemed like you were far more taken with Hunter Sergio than expected. You ate the food he gave you without inspection, and accepted that extravagantly flashy gift, too."
"Because it didn't seem like my usual self?"
The vice-guildmaster, Hunter Kang Eun-Seong, had served his superior for quite a long time. Though his face bore a gentle expression, he was highly vigilant by nature. The Symbols of Eternity never trusted anyone but each other.
All the elders who had survived the Great Catastrophe were like that. Kang Eun-Seong understood. But then came Hunter Sergio. Saying it wasn't disconcerting would be a lie.
"You seem to consider him quite an exception."
"I didn't plan to go that far, either."
Seo Seo-Hee smiled and shrugged.
"He's just... too interesting. I let my guard down."
"I'm telling the truth. His way of thinking is truly unique."
"He really seems to love people."
There was a strong sense of goodwill toward the world in him. No matter what form or direction the world took, that affection didn't seem likely to change.
"It's not about sociability. He just genuinely likes people. And because of that, he tries to give so much."
"I held back because the mood felt like a joke, but that might really have been a bribe. You're human too, Guildmaster. Receiving gifts like that can shake your fairness."
"He didn't seem like someone scheming to that extent... well, don't look at it that way. No matter how nice the gift is, I'm not someone whose sense of fairness would falter."
It also had much to do with who the other party was.
"Hunter Sergio has nothing to gain from me."
"You can't be sure of that. You are a Symbol of Eternity, after all."
"True. I'm one of the Symbols of Eternity, the head of Korea's number one guild, and even ranked number one globally. I've got money, friends, power..."
"Must I keep listening to this?"
"But none of that matters to Hunter Sergio."
"As the beloved son of the Collector, there's no way he'd ever lack money. He likes people, yes, but he prefers deep, narrow relationships, so he wouldn't need a wide network. Power? Does he look like someone who's into that?"
The only time Hunter Sergio showed his face to the world was when he was introduced. After that, he did nothing but try to hide himself as much as possible.
"Besides, he's a priest."
"There are rumors he's a Saint, but that hasn't been officially recognized. And even saints, with their large vessels, might try to infringe on your authority for the sake of some grand cause."
"Wouldn't that be something to thank him for instead?"
"How do we know it's really a righteous cause? No... yes, of course. From Justitia's perspective, it's worth debating. But frankly, your attitude of making such an exception for him worries me."
What exactly did you see in him?
"...It can't just be about ability or character. He must be one of the connections you've forgotten. But what if he's exploiting the memories you've lost?"
"Haewoon worried about that too."
"There've been plenty of cases like that. You've especially been vulnerable to such bonds—you've nearly gotten burned more than once. The only reason you avoided danger was thanks to your friends' help."
"I ought to do at least that much. After all, it's thanks to those forgotten people that Earth is still standing. Compared to that, being deceived is a cheap price to pay."
"Every time you say things like that, my heart drops. If anything happens to you, what will become of Justitia? And Earth?"
Seo Seo-Hee spoke leisurely but firmly.
"I won't die, I won't age, and I'll stay this way until the end of the world."
"It's not something you need to apologize for, Kang Eun-Seong."
It was simply that their fate was the most cost-efficient price they could offer. A fate they had to bear as humans. Time, memories—sacrificed to obtain this fragile peace.
"But hey, how old do you think Hunter Sergio is?"
"...I heard he's 29. Since the year changed, he'd be 30 now. Even if he lied, he'd be in his late twenties to early thirties."
"Did he seem like an ordinary person to you?"
"...Sounds like you know something I don't..."
"He probably died once. And now he's been resurrected as an apostle chosen by the Black Cloak. Because of that, he might not even be fully human anymore."
"So I'm curious—when exactly did we meet?"
The vice-guildmaster opened and closed his mouth without speaking, while Seo Seo-Hee softly brushed her silk sleeve and muttered.
"I feel like we met quite a while ago."
It could've been a certainty.
"He remembered a time when I didn't eat well. Maybe it was just a guess, but I could tell by his eyes. They were the eyes of someone who genuinely pitied me."
"...To think someone would pity the Guildmaster..."
"It was more affection than pity. You feel awful too, right, when I rush out and get myself hurt? That kind of face? That kind of gaze? But even though he mentioned friendship, I don't think he actually sees me as a friend."
Kang Eun-Seong was flustered.
"You acknowledged him as a friend?"
"Mm... Honestly, I wanted to. He made such good food."
"...Should I make a reservation at a restaurant?"
"It's not something you can replicate. It had the taste of a grandmother's cooking, you know?"
"Grandmother? That far? Isn't that too much?"
"He even knew all the things I liked..."
"You can't be sure from just that. There are a lot of good chefs out there."
"Did you know I liked braised short ribs?"
Kang Eun-Seong shook his head.
"Really? I love braised short ribs."
"You don't usually show preferences, Guildmaster."
"That much could be known even by a strained or corrupted bond. Even someone with ill intent could know that. Aren't you worried?"
"I would be, but I just can't bring myself to worry."
Seo Seo-Hee spoke calmly.
"There were quite a lot of ginkgo nuts in the braised ribs. The sauce wasn't really reduced, so it was more like broth than sauce. You know what I mean? Rich like ox bone soup, clean... yeah, it was like real bone soup. Or a really deep beef rib soup?"
"It wasn't too sweet, nor was it salty. And there were maybe six chestnuts soaked in the broth. Still sweet, but also sharp with the flavor of the ribs. They just melted in your mouth."
"Just two big dates for fragrance, and the white stems of green onions were left whole. Not just for broth—they were slightly grilled and simmered just enough to soak up the flavor. I really like green onion stems, you know."
"Do you understand what I'm saying?"
That wasn't the kind of thing you could make just by being told.
"Every bit of it was tailored to my taste. Not the kind of flavor you'd share with someone else. It was light, suited for an old person's taste, with tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs."
"You know me, right? I eat anything you give me. I'm not obsessed with gourmet food. But Hunter Sergio knew all of that. If he wasn't that close to me, how would he know such tiny things?"
"...What if it's a skill?"
"I'm not dumb enough to miss that kind of thing. If that were possible, he'd be more powerful than a Symbol of Eternity—and in that case, I might as well let myself be tricked. What kind of disaster would he bring to Earth, otherwise?"
"I was grasping at straws."
Kang Eun-Seong sighed quietly.
"I'm sorry. If he went that far, it really couldn't have been a hostile connection. He didn't seem like he came with bad intentions, and he didn't look like someone who'd bribe the Guildmaster, or someone desperate enough to cling to you."
Seo Seo-Hee lowered her gaze and smiled faintly.
"It was just a gift from a friend who couldn't contain their happiness and concern."
Still, there were questions left unanswered.
"So... how old do you really think Hunter Sergio is? His homepage still says 29. Probably Bisa Beul's prank. Maybe it means he's already dead."
"...Then technically, age wouldn't matter. What you're really curious about is when the connection was made, when you forgot, and what you gained in exchange... right?"
"Yeah. I have no idea what debt I owe."
Seo Seo-Hee began to seriously ponder.
"From the way Hunter Sergio talks, it sounds like he never agreed to be forgotten. So that promise probably happened after he died... but when?"
"You started eating well again when Earth's system stabilized. And the Collector is fairly old... if he has a son..."
"Let's assume he had a child when he was younger. Isn't the Guildmaster of the Collector around eighty now? He wasn't known before the catastrophe, but maybe he had a wife. Right?"
It was a world where almost all records from before that day had vanished. No matter how famous the Collector was, unless he said so himself, no one could know if he'd been married.
The catastrophe happened thirty-two years ago. Bisa Beul's exact age was unknown, but assuming he was in his eighties now, he would've been in his late forties to early fifties back then.
"What's the typical age range for children of parents in their forties to fifties?"
"...If we go by pre-catastrophe standards, I wouldn't know..."
"My mistake. Hold on. Let me think. Based on people around me back then..."
Early or late twenties would depend on the assumption, but somewhere around that range. In any case, twenties.
With that, Sergio's situation came into clearer focus.
"He might actually be older than me...?"
"That's kind of shocking."
Even Seo Seo-Hee was surprised. He had always seemed so mature and composed—not someone you'd expect to be younger than her.
It was because he had become the adult of this world.
"...No matter how much the Collector loves life, he wouldn't have had a child during the catastrophe. And he said himself, once things stabilized, he'd never build a family again."
"What if that was a lie?"
"But Hunter Sergio said he's twenty-nine. Most likely, that means he died at twenty-nine. The catastrophe happened thirty-two years ago. It was Bisa Beul himself who declared he wouldn't start a family because he couldn't protect one."
"Then Hunter Sergio might really be a pre-catastrophe child... Bisa Beul's child?"
"And if he had a child at a typical age before the catastrophe, then yeah, Hunter Sergio would be older than me. I was nineteen when it happened..."
Her mind was hazy, but the pieces were falling into place.
"So that's why he didn't see me as a friend."
"...Because he's your older brother?"
"I did feel like I was the one being taken care of."
"You were the one being taken care of...?"
"He was so naturally attentive."
And her breath grew heavier.
"...Ah, what do I do."
Seo Seo-Hee hadn't been a good person back then.
Back then, they weren't in their right minds. The world was even more insane. They only had a few friends they could trust, and their powers, though a blessing, had made things harder. They resented the world.
And during those times, an older person had taken care of them.
"What do I do, forgetting someone like that?"
"I don't even remember what he did for me."
The guilt she'd been suppressing surged.
"...I don't even remember what I gained in exchange for his death..."
Why had he died in the first place?
Finally, she couldn't breathe.
"...Pathetic, isn't it? Just a moment ago, I was so happy, thinking I'd found an old friend. But now look at me. I even made you feel bad, Kang Eun-Seong."
"...I understand, Guildmaster. And sometimes, you need days too. I only stopped you because I was worried it might be a threat. But if it's a good bond, there's no reason for me to stand in the way."
After a brief hesitation, Kang Eun-Seong asked,
"Should I ask if he can visit again sometime soon?"
"No. He must be busy. I can't just ask for something like that for my own sake."
"Judging by his expression when he brought the gift, I think Hunter Sergio was looking forward to today's visit too. Even when he left, it looked like he was happy you enjoyed the meal."
"Let's not be selfish."
"...I was out of line. I'm sorry."
They couldn't call a busy man just to comfort their superior. That would be excessive selfishness. Kang Eun-Seong knew that too, even as he suggested it—and was turned down. Of course Seo Seo-Hee wouldn't allow it.
"What if we at least respond positively if he sends a request for collaboration or a visit? There'll be no strange rumors reaching the Collector or elsewhere."
"If it's just that, then I'm grateful."
Seo Seo-Hee wiped her face and laughed hollowly.
"Wow... am I hitting menopause?"
"With a face that youthful, you say menopause..."
"My emotions are swinging wildly all of a sudden."
"Like I said before—sometimes, you need days ."
His superior looked pitiful.
"...You're human too, Guildmaster."
Some people were too strong to even show they were human. That was the price they paid to uphold the world. The price paid by the few Symbols of Eternity.
Kang Eun-Seong quietly thought,
'At this rate, I really hope they become a good connection.'
He hoped Hunter Sergio would visit his superior often. Seo Seo-Hee didn't make many exceptions, and this one came with a weight of unresolved guilt.
'We hardly ever cross paths with the Collector...'
He regretted keeping his distance because of Bisa Beul. If their guilds had been closer, they would've had many reasons to collaborate—and these two would've met often.
But now, that couldn't be changed.
Still, he hoped there would be more days when Seo Seo-Hee could smile with peace of mind.
Was that too selfish, living under her gentle shade?
This time, Gio, who had been making tofu, lifted his head.
"I hear someone digging up my student somewhere."
"Oh, you could hear that? Sharp ears, huh?"
"The tofu's almost ready."
"Handmade tofu, it's been so long. I'm excited."
"The aged kimchi's perfectly fermented, too. Grill some pork belly on the cauldron lid, and we'll be in heaven. Just wait."
"I was already looking forward to it. This is a sight to behold, isn't it?"
Gio, Yoo Seong-Woon, and Joo-Hyun were preparing a tofu party inside the portrait.
"Mr. Gio, what are you thinking about?"
"Oh, the usual then."
As he thought of his student, likely digging somewhere right now, Gio quietly reached a conclusion.
'...I guess once isn't enough to fill you up?'
It was all because their hunger hadn't been satisfied.
-x-X-x-
Gio was someone who followed through when he said he would do something.
"Hunter Seo Seo-Hee."
After that, he visited Justitia 21 more times.
"You don't have to come every time ."
All within less than a month.
"At this point, it feels like you're a member of Justitia."
"I couldn't help it. You still seemed hungry."
"I honestly have no idea what makes you say that every time..."
"You can't hide that from my eyes."
At first, she was startled, flustered, even uncomfortable—but Hunter Sergio's affinity was overwhelming. In less than a month, he became friendly with every member of Justitia.
Literally every member.
"Long time no see, Hunter Kang Eun-Seong. I brought lunch."
"It already smells delicious."
Even Kang Eun-Seong, who had initially kept his distance while muttering 'what is with this guy?', was no different now. Without hesitation, he took his portion of the lunchbox and disappeared, leaving Seo Seo-Hee to smile awkwardly.
"You don't even stop him anymore."
"The security scan was completed on the first floor."
"I'm the guildmaster—of course I heard about it. Still, if one day Hunter Sergio decides to poison our lunchboxes, we might really all go down without resistance..."
"I trust that won't happen."
"Then I suppose we should reinforce our security in proportion to that trust."
Seo Seo-Hee gave a small laugh.
At least he's not offended by any of it. What a relief.
Hunter Sergio always arrived quietly and left just as quietly. He was more cooperative than anyone when it came to mandatory security checks. Thanks to that, the Justitia guild members, who had initially been confused, had found peace.
Normally, many hunters would find such procedures offensive or rude—they'd say they were being treated poorly. But even with his frequent visits, Hunter Sergio never once showed such a reaction.
Even though he isn't human.
Seo Seo-Hee maintained a faint smile.
"...Thank you always for the lunchboxes. Honestly, it's getting a bit out of hand—I might turn into a pig. Though your nutritional balance is excellent and everything digests smoothly..."
"Still, you seem hungry."
"I still don't understand what you're seeing when you say that."
And yet the moment she opened the lid, her tune changed.
"Grilled short rib patties."
"Made with pine nuts."
"How did you know I like tteok-galbi?"
"I know quite a bit about you, Hunter Seo Seo-Hee."
"And why does it smell so good..."
Today's menu was grilled short rib patties with pine nuts, grilled pen shell scallops, and assorted side dishes. The white rice had perfectly distinct grains, a texture so exquisite it was almost euphoric.
It seemed to be made in a cauldron pot—after only a few chews, a savory sweetness bloomed. The portions were always generous, and though she tried to eat less each time...
Seo Seo-Hee gave up and surrendered to the violence of gourmet cuisine.
I'll just extend my training hours.
Yes, that would solve it.
"To be honest, it hurts my pride a little."
"I was taught that pride has no place in front of food."
"True, what's the point of pride in front of a meal, really... ha..."
She only felt slightly hollow.
So this is the limit of my self-control.
She thought she didn't care for gourmet food, but against Hunter Sergio's devastating cooking, all resistance crumbled. He knew her tastes so precisely, arranged such a perfectly balanced meal—no matter how much she ate, she never grew tired of it.
Looks like Kang Eun-Seong's situation is about the same.
He ate so heartily, so blissfully.
Today he's got a Western-style one. Looks heavy.
Kang Eun-Seong had returned to his assistant's seat and was having his own meal showdown with the lunchbox. He'd been like that for about a week now. After Sergio had asked about his dietary preferences, he'd begun preparing meals for him, too.
Watching his half-empty lunchbox, Seo Seo-Hee chuckled awkwardly.
"Isn't it difficult to prepare these lunchboxes every time?"
"I believe I've said this each time I visit—please don't take away my joy."
"Ah, what is this feeling of déjà vu... really, what is it..."
It felt like the joy of a grandparent doting on their grandchild in old age.
"By the way... your age, this year?"
In truth, calculating his practical age had no meaning. Seo Seo-Hee quickly accepted that and finished the lunchbox. The tomato pickles in the small side dish compartment whetted her appetite.
The plum aroma was strong, and a sharp alcohol note appeared just long enough to make its presence known before vanishing cleanly. Her refreshed palate demanded fatty meat and chewy seafood once again.
Seo Seo-Hee couldn't help but think:
I wish he'd open a side dish shop.
"...You say it's no trouble, but I wonder if that's really true."
He gave a casual shrug.
Seo Seo-Hee was someone well-versed in origins and mysteries. She had helped develop Earth's current system. There was no way she wouldn't know.
Which is why she couldn't help but worry more.
After a moment of hesitation, he finally spoke.
"I trust that you're acting within boundaries that won't become burdensome to yourself, Hunter Sergio."
Both Seo Seo-Hee and Sergio knew that 'Hunter Sergio' was a being of origin. Even so, it was the first time they'd spoken it out loud. Neither wanted to provoke a primordial being who desired to appear human.
But over the past few days, she had come to understand—this being didn't have such 'rules.' He was someone who embraced all gazes, accepted all presence.
Driven by an emotion that couldn't quite be called certainty or trust, Seo Seo-Hee said,
"And I also know that you wouldn't do anything that would bring harm to me. Still... how should I say this..."
"And yet, I still worry you?"
"I'm not an expert in this field, so I'm not even sure how to ask the question."
Pretending to know wouldn't get her punished, thankfully. Seo Seo-Hee laughed lightly and continued.
"Hmm, aren't you lacking in compensation? You give so much, but don't seem to receive anything in return."
There are rare mysteries that give without receiving. But even those, in reality, always involved a balance.
So, if I'm receiving this much, surely Hunter Sergio is getting something in return. If not now, then in the future. But to take that payment without a word doesn't fit Hunter Sergio's nature...
That's why she was worried. And more than that—curious.
"What is it you're receiving from me?"
"You don't have to give anything, Hunter Seo Seo-Hee."
"Then... are you taking from those around me?"
"No, I'm the one paying."
That was a surprising statement.
"...Is that even possible?"
"Of course it is. I'm making lunchboxes, after all."
"No, that's not what I meant... even though you're technically right..."
"Ah, I see what you're concerned about."
Sergio, who had been watching her eat the whole time, smiled.
"I received a wonderful gift from a friend, as compensation for previous hard work."
"That sentence begs to be dissected. Hard work? Friend? Wonderful gift?"
"Thanks to that, I can make lunchboxes for you without worry. Do you see the seal stamped on top of the lunch container?"
"Ah, yes. I've seen that pattern every time you've brought one."
"I made that seal with this stamp."
In Sergio's hand was a seal.
When did he get that out?
It was amazing that she hadn't noticed.
Setting aside her thoughts, Seo Seo-Hee stared at the stamp. Harmless-looking, like something that could only imprint wax. The translucent material, resembling marble, was the only unusual thing.
As she silently observed it, Sergio set the stamp on the table and asked,
"Would you like to use a skill to examine it?"
"...This isn't really my area of expertise..."
Even so, Seo Seo-Hee blinked.
A brief and simple explanation.
"...So this is a seal given as a system reward?"
"Yes. I've been using it ever since I received it."
"I can't read anything more from it."
"As I said before, this isn't my specialty."
Among the Symbols of Eternity, she was the one most distant from mystery.
Next was President Dan Haera, then another guildmaster—Jeong Hae-Woon. Jeong Hae-Woon, in particular, was very knowledgeable in this field, given his work with origin-related matters.
Seo Seo-Hee smiled sheepishly.
"Thank you for allowing me, but I'm afraid I can't read it."
"That's a shame. I had hoped we could share the same vision."
"Then, could you allow me a glimpse of your perspective, even just a little?"
"But of course. Since it's your request, Hunter Seo Seo-Hee."
Reward: Seal – "Mercy and Balance"
"...It says the seal's alternate name is Mercy and Balance."
Clutch the small pillar and offer the price.
"It says to offer a price."
Seo Seo-Hee looked at the still-smiling Hunter Sergio.
"Are you paying the price that I should be paying?"
"To be honest, I'm a little surprised. I didn't expect you to read that far."
"Meaning it wasn't your intention?"
"A friend of mine must've played a prank."
"Now I understand who you meant by 'friend.'"
A hollow laugh escaped.
"The system, wasn't it."
The one in front of her was a being far closer to origin than she had imagined.
A ghost bound to the system.
Suddenly, Seo Seo-Hee felt her stomach turn. No matter how much she tried not to think about it, the ideas kept forming. She felt a little dizzy.
Still, she smiled. Thankfully, she was good at that.
"...How can I eat in peace after reading something like that, Hunter Sergio? May I ask what price you paid for this lunchbox?"
"I believe I've already paid all the prices."
"What do you mean by that? You've paid everything already?"
"I don't know, honestly."
It was a baffling conversation.
"Then how do you know whether you paid a price or not?"
"There must be something I should have given. But I gave nothing. And yet I brought lunch again today. That must mean the price is already paid, doesn't it?"
The being who was once human smiled.
"I don't think we need to understand everything so deeply."
"You could suffer for that. If the price wasn't already paid but is a debt you owe in the future... wouldn't that be harsh for someone like you?"
"When you live simply, the world appears beautiful."
"So you're choosing to see the world beautifully? That's admirable."
She realized she couldn't push any further.
Sergio truly had no lingering attachment, no regrets, no obsession.
He really accepts everything as it is.
He acknowledged the concept of price but had no deeper interest in it. It held no value for him to store it in memory or analyze it. So it passed by. Even Seo Seo-Hee, not the party involved, couldn't know.
Is that a response only possible because he's not human?
Strangely, she didn't think so. Even before his death, Sergio couldn't have been ordinary. With no real basis, Seo Seo-Hee smiled as she thought that.
"I wonder if I'm being a burden."
"Would you consider it a burden when your parents prepare food for you?"
"Oh, now you're going as far as calling yourself my parent? My god..."
She had no idea how much she owed him.
In the end, she couldn't help but ask.
"What exactly do I owe you?"
"You played with me."
It felt like the world fell silent for a moment.
She looked up at Sergio and saw a calm expression that barely counted as a face. Chilling, shadowed—but the gaze that met hers was unwavering to the point of arrogance.
It suddenly struck her—this is the face we knew.
His eyes lowered, barely resembling a smile.
A familiar smile now sat on his face.
"I've always been right here."
And yet, she felt strange.
It was a smile she knew well, and yet—it felt unfamiliar. That expression from just moments ago, cold but honest—she found herself wanting to see it again. It was a fleeting, inexplicable urge.
"So please, accept my kindness without worry."
"...Because that's when you're happiest?"
"You really do know me, Hunter Seo Seo-Hee."
"Like before... you can treat me the same. Really."
"You may have forgotten, but I tend to be shy around strangers."
"Doesn't look like it at all."
"Don't we all need a bit of time?"
A bit late, but she nodded.
Seo Seo-Hee finished the rest of her rice.
"Still... it's warm."
"It's packed in a container filled with the Sun's power."
"The Collector's people were so desperate to keep you locked up in the Gallery—and now I get why. I'd want to lock you up too."
"People sure say interesting things."
"I worry that one day someone might actually kidnap you. Have you ever thought that maybe you're too generous?"
"If I want to and I can—why shouldn't I?"
"What a perfectly sound logic."
She was helpless before it.
"What should I call you, Hunter Sergio?"
"You can keep calling me just like that."
"You make such amazing meals... I feel like I should treat you more specially."
"If that's the price you've come up with, Hunter Seo Seo-Hee..."
The dead man gave his opinion.
"What about teacher?"
"...Hmm, that sounds good."
That's a little sad.
A teacher like a parent.
It must've been a joyful time—yet it still didn't come back to her.
Looks like she accepted it in a slightly different way, but...
Well, it's fun, so it's fine.
Gio's ultimate positive mindset shone again today.
She seemed to have understood the general context, so it didn't matter much. Of course—just because a couple facts from the past were off didn't mean the world was going to end.
Gio quietly nodded to himself.
Maybe it was time to formally ask Bisa Beul if he had adoption plans.
-x-X-x-
"Ahhhh, I don't think this is a good idea."
Joo-Hyun strongly objected.
"Why would you even think that?"
"I'm not sure which part of this warrants such a strong reaction."
"Sorry, maybe I was a bit rude? But no matter how you spin it, I really can't accept the idea of being adopted by Guildmaster Bisa Beul."
Gio turned to Yoo Seong-Woon.
"What do you think, Mr. Seong-Woon?"
"I want to respect everything about you as much as possible, Gio, but this is a bit too much. Even someone like me, who's survived every disaster and ordeal, has limits to what I can tolerate."
"I didn't expect such strong reactions."
In this rare hallway meeting, Gio had run into firm opposition from his friends.
"But surely, there are already quite a few people who assume so, aren't there? Anyone with a bit of intuition probably thinks I'm Guildmaster Bisa Beul's son."
"Thinking it and actually registering it on paper are two completely different things. If that were to happen, who knows how it might change things between you and the Guildmaster."
For a being of origin, justification was extremely important. Justification meant narrative. If a mystery formally acknowledged someone as family, there was no way that wouldn't affect them—or himself.
"The Guildmaster is already more than burdensome enough for humanity. The thought of him evolving even further gives me goosebumps and makes my scalp tingle. I... I'm seriously against this."
"Thank you for expressing your opinion so clearly."
"No, I'm the one who's grateful you called us before making it official. If you had just gone ahead with it and told us after the fact, we'd have been helplessly forced to witness the tragedy..."
"I was only half-serious, don't worry."
"Which means you were also half-serious. It's okay. I get it."
Gio had a habit of hiding his unusual preferences behind nonchalance.
"Coming from a gardener and curator, it's understandable—but even Joo-Hyun, who's the most 'normal' among us, probably wouldn't feel that different."
"Mr. Seong-Woon is right. I wasn't warning you about the objective danger. After all, any choice you make is something only you will bear the consequences for."
His concern was elsewhere.
"Guildmaster Bisa Beul is not... a very good family member."
"Ah, I agree. Our Guildmaster lives his life way too enjoyably."
Yoo Seong-Woon nodded.
"He's always said openly that he has no intention of starting a family. Partly because he feels too weak to protect one—but more so because he knows he won't be able to treat them with proper responsibility or respect."
He was the kind of person who would rather admire an artwork one more time than spend time with family.
"He knows it himself. If forced to choose between a work of art and a family, he'd pick the art. But that doesn't mean he's a cruel person."
"In some ways, I think it's a wise decision. That's why it's even harder to accept seeing you, Gio, under his name. Especially because the Guildmaster..."
Joo-Hyun hesitated, then said,
"...would be too happy about it."
"Honestly, that's the biggest reason I object."
Joo-Hyun and Yoo Seong-Woon both wore tired expressions. The Guildmaster already looked so pleased with the casual rumor that 'Hunter Sergio is Bisa Beul's son.' If it became official, how much worse would it get?
"I mean, sure, there's no way the Guildmaster's family registry would ever leak. Between his own power—enough to drop birds out of the sky—and the fact that practically no records from before the Great Catastrophe exist anymore... Even if you showed people a real family registry, no one would believe it."
"The fact you're going on tells me you're pretty worried."
"If the Guildmaster himself decides to make a public fuss, it's a whole different story. Ah—wait, that's not what I meant. What I meant was... there's no need to formally register the name when it won't even matter, right?"
Joo-Hyun gave an awkward smile and continued.
"I also know Guildmaster Bisa Beul isn't the type to cross the line. But what worries me is that he'll enjoy everything he can do within the line."
"You're a little risky in that sense, Gio. From our perspective—if there's no reason not to, and if you think it's fun, and if you're willing to do it—then you will do it. Earth is already unstable enough."
"What's also concerning is that the Guildmaster might see you as a 'work of art in the form of family.' Maybe it's just my personal take, but I don't think it would be a proper relationship from most people's point of view either."
"In that sense, it wouldn't be great for the Guildmaster's reputation either. As I said before, public rumors and official recognition are completely different. So this is a bit of a plea—please consider our guild's image, too."
The portrait spoke up after listening to the two of them.
"You're all so desperate. It's entertaining."
"Well, I'm glad you're having fun."
"...Sorry, that was rude."
At Gio's comment, Joo-Hyun asked,
"Lately, you've seemed a bit off. Are you okay?"
"Yes. These days, I often find myself slipping up on basic manners. I try to be careful, but it's not easy."
"Hmm... If this continues, it'll cause trouble in daily life. I know you're not using a second 'Gio' identity to navigate different situations, but... maybe reconsider?"
Hearing that, Yoo Seong-Woon thought to himself:
You really are unshakably brave, huh.
At this point, it was awe-inspiring.
This was a matter decided by the Eyes of Origin. To ask Gio to reconsider—that was essentially asking a god to reverse fate. Of course, this kind portrait wasn't going to get angry or bring catastrophe, but still... there were limits.
And, as always, the portrait took the words in stride.
"Until things settle, I don't plan to. But I understand your concern, Joo-Hyun. I'll try to keep it in mind as much as possible."
"If that's what you say, then I trust you."
Joo-Hyun let it go, too. Her role was to support Gio's life and choices—not to lead him. Gio wasn't a child who hadn't reached adulthood.
"I'll think a bit more about the adoption."
"Why did you bring that up in the first place? I mean, you seemed to enjoy the role of 'Guildmaster Bisa Beul's son' before, but it never felt like you needed it to be official."
"It's because Hunter Seo Seo-Hee now believes I am Guildmaster Bisa Beul's son."
"Didn't she already think that before?"
"I believe she's certain now."
"She also knows I was her teacher. Whether that bond came from before or after the Great Catastrophe, she's still unsure. But at the very least—she knows that much."
"Ah... so you are being honest now? You acted like you were just going to let it slide."
"It's not quite the truth. Ms. Seo Seo-Hee believes I'm the Guildmaster's son. So I wanted to make it real before she ends up embarrassed later."
"Uh... not sure embarrassment is what she'll feel..."
It felt like it would be something heavier than that. If she found out the truth.
"From the way you're talking, it sounds like you intend to eventually tell her everything. So why not just tell her now? Are you waiting for Hunter Seo Seo-Hee and the others to discover the truth themselves?"
"There are several reasons."
The portrait answered bluntly.
"First of all—it's fun."
"Kind of like a roleplay?"
Joo-Hyun laughed in the end.
"Let me explain a little more."
Gio added, almost as if in defense.
"I was their teacher. Their personalities have changed a lot since then, but it's still true that I was the adult and they were the dependents."
"Did that... bother you?"
"Not exactly. It's just that I prefer the relationship we have now. Back then, they saw me as too perfect."
"Honestly, I think that's still true now."
"Then I misspoke. What I meant is—it was a bit uncomfortable how reverently they treated me. Especially since I wasn't anything that extraordinary."
"...They treated you reverently?"
Joo-Hyun was stunned.
"It's hard to imagine that now. The idea of a Symbol of Eternity acting that way... it just feels so foreign."
"Why did it happen? I mean, even now, teachers are respected, but what you're describing sounds like more than just respect."
Gio hesitated before answering Yoo Seong-Woon's question.
"...There was something I helped them with."
"Just because you're young doesn't mean you don't experience pain or hardship."
"I probably shouldn't pry further..."
Yoo Seong-Woon shrugged and asked again.
"So, was it that reverence that made you uncomfortable?"
"I wouldn't say I disliked it."
The portrait shook his head.
"It's just that they saw me as an ideal teacher. I appreciate being thought of kindly. But being treated as something greater than I was—it's a little embarrassing."
"What kind of image did you have as a teacher?"
"That's all there is to it. I probably helped them now and then, and it turned out well every time, so they built up a kind of illusion. Since it was all built on a fantasy, I figured my disappearance wouldn't do any real harm."
Would he get mad if I said that?
Yoo Seong-Woon held back, but Joo-Hyun didn't.
"I don't think that's true."
"I'm always amazed at your bravery, Joo-Hyun."
"I—come on, does it really take courage just to say what I think?"
"If you start experiencing any physical or mental changes, let me know. I'll request help from the temple."
"This is driving me nuts—I'm not cursed, okay?"
After brushing off Yoo Seong-Woon, Joo-Hyun looked back at Gio.
"I know how teacher-student relationships worked before the Catastrophe. Like you said, it wasn't that deep—just education. It wasn't a bond that promised anything more."
"But if the students worshipped you beyond respect, then you must've been a great teacher. Not just a typical teacher-student relationship."
"If you're implying it turned into dependence or obsession, it didn't. In the end, they all found their place. That's the role of a teacher—helping students stand on their own in society."
"Just hearing how you speak... I can tell you must've been a wonderful teacher. I'm guessing you helped them outside the classroom too, didn't you?"
"Yes. The roles assigned by the school weren't enough to fill their needs. Luckily, the range in which I could help as a teacher wasn't so narrow."
"...That's kind of sad."
Even though it wasn't her story, it left a pang.
"Now I understand why they 'worshipped' you."
Joo-Hyun would've felt the same.
She couldn't quite remember how the world was before the Great Catastrophe, but there had always been pain and blame. For someone young and unsteady, finding a pillar to lean on was never easy.
Maybe it's just projection from my own exhausting life, but still...
No one wanted to lose that kind of support.
"So was that what made you uncomfortable, Gio?"
"To be honest, yes. I wanted them to treat me more casually. That might sound like a selfish wish from someone in a teacher's position."
"It's hard to expect comfort from a hierarchical relationship."
"Thankfully, they forgot me."
As always, Gio was calm.
"If we rebuild a relationship now, it will be more horizontal than vertical. That's why I hope Hunter Seo Seo-Hee won't remember the deeper truths for a long time."
"And what would change if she did?"
"She forgot me. It's not about emotion—it's about cognition. She'll need time to accept and adjust to the fact that such a connection existed. It'll need to happen in stages."
"Of course. As I said, I like the relationship we have now. I give her a lunchbox, and she eats it happily. People and the world both work best when things are simple."
"If she had remembered me, we might've found a different kind of happiness. But that doesn't mean we need to belittle or dismiss the happiness we have now, right?"
Joo-Hyun nodded slowly, and Yoo Seong-Woon rubbed his neck.
"You must've been confused, too. They were students who really liked you. When your name spread across the world and they didn't react, I bet you just thought they'd become fully independent."
"They weren't dependent or obsessed to begin with. Yes, they were people I didn't want to lose, but it wasn't a bond fragile enough to fall apart if one person disappeared."
"So what did you think?"
"Mr. Seong-Woon is right. I thought they were all living just fine. Like I said, my disappearance wouldn't break them."
They were students capable of surviving on their own.
"I didn't expect them to have forgotten me entirely..."
The portrait added flatly.
"I thought they'd just become ordinary members of society."
"How does it feel to see a former student become the savior of Earth?"
"I figured they must be struggling."
Yoo Seong-Woon removed his hand from his neck and looked at the portrait.
"...Aren't you speaking more casually now?"
"I tend to get this way when talking about the students."
"Great. So when are you bringing another lunchbox?"
All they could do was hope Gio would continue adapting well to human society.
-x-X-x-
After the hallway meeting.
The teddy bear asked Gio a question.
"...Are you asking if my students are in the same situation as the mermaids?"
"No, not at all. What you're worried about won't happen."
Giovanni smiled as he sat the teddy bear on his lap.
"I didn't realize Father was concerned about that."
"I'm not lying, really. They're not that weak. In many ways, compared to our mermaid disciples, these friends are very different."
"The mermaid disciples couldn't live without me, remember?"
At Giovanni's cheerful remark, the teddy bear was left speechless.
"...Are you asking if I let that happen knowing what would follow? Hmm, well, I expected it would hit them hard, but I didn't think they'd go so far as to devour a planet in the sea. That much... I really didn't expect."
"Of course, I'll admit it was an immature farewell."
A mermaid shimmered faintly in the shadows.
"But it was the best choice I could make at the time."
The blurred figure soon sank away.
"So in many respects, Earth's students and the mermaid disciples are different cases. For starters, those kids weren't that dependent on me. My disappearance didn't cause a major disruption to their lives."
"Yes, they were far more mature than the mermaids. They were students already prepared to stand on their own. I merely provided a bit of a foothold."
"Well, the mermaids and I also tried to prepare for a mature parting. But mermaids live a long time, don't they? Those kids saw me as a parent. I was practically their only friend."
So naturally, the attachment ran deep.
"More than anything, mermaids are kind of..."
"...grotesquely obsessive, you could say."
A mermaid tail slammed the floor from within the shadows.
"Oh dear, seems I struck a nerve."
Giovanni chuckled teasingly.
"See? You should've lived a nicer life."
Thwack, thwack, thwack—!!
"Who did they get that temper from?"
It certainly wasn't Giovanni himself.
"In any case, Father, the thing you're worried about won't repeat itself. My mermaid disciples might have held me close to their hearts, but it wasn't the same with my students. Sure, we got along well... but no, not to that level."
Affection beyond a certain threshold turns into obsession and possessiveness. Giovanni might have had no choice given the environment and nature of the mermaids, but Teacher Sergio was not someone to tolerate such things.
His students were always admirable as independent individuals.
Because that's what you wanted?
"How can you blame me for that? Every relationship has someone who leads. And as their teacher, I had to prevent my students from heading down an unhealthy path."
"Didn't I mention the mermaids had a different environment and nature? I keep saying this, but our students are an entirely separate case. The two can't be compared on the same level."
From the start, "Giovanni" and "Sergio" were entirely different people. They only shared a similar fate and form. Complete strangers otherwise. So of course they treated those they taught differently.
"So even if Earth's students regain their memories, the world won't be overturned. Those kids love their roots. They know how to embrace me—and others."
They were mature adults.
"The reason I'm approaching this carefully is because of my position... and theirs. Especially mine. No matter how I think about it, I prefer our current relationship. Their attitude no longer burdens me."
"Ah, it still makes me shiver thinking about it."
Sergio looked dismayed.
"They all thought I was some incredible person."
"But back then, I wasn't that different either. I had a stiff face that couldn't smile properly, and I couldn't even dress myself—I was a walking fashion disaster. I remember the kids used to call me the Grim Reaper."
"Yes, it suits me well, thank you. I even remember scaring some students late at night and hearing them scream. It was my scary face again..."
Sergio's expression must have been pretty intimidating for students to avoid him altogether.
"I gave them candy, chocolates, cookies, potatoes, sweet potatoes, even corn... but maybe because they were young, they always thought I was something extraordinary."
"Come on, where in the world is there a Grim Reaper handing out sweet potatoes? Honestly, when the 'tragic mafia boss heir' rumor started, I sort of enjoyed it. I even laughed. But still, it was a bit much."
The teddy bear tilted its head, puzzled.
"It really was overwhelming."
He could swear it on the name of all gods and spirits. Though any gods passing by might grumble, it still showed how sincere Gio was. After all, humans can love something and still feel burdened by it.
"...Besides, how close can a teacher and student really get? In the end, I was an adult and the strong one, and they were children and the weak. But even so, the distance between us..."
He recalled the students who'd looked at him with sparkling eyes, full of expectation. Even the usually stone-faced Seo Seo-Hee was no exception. They had thought Sergio could fix anything just by stepping in.
"I wasn't as good a person as they expected."
Dependency or obsession can be shaken off, but that kind of innocent expectation can't be helped.
He'd be lying if he said it wasn't fun, but that was separate from everything else. The relationship then was good—but so is the one now, enough that he wouldn't want to give it up.
"...So my little complaints have nothing to do with the fate of the Earth."
"This time, you really can believe me. They're not the type to cause trouble. The only reason I'm being cautious is because I want to preserve this equal relationship a little longer. It's like a roleplay."
"If Father is pleased, then your son is pleased as well."
Giovanni smiled brightly.
"There's nothing to worry about."
Because for him, there was no such thing as a serious problem.
In the studio, Gio toyed with the stamp.
"You're back, daughter."
Dana naturally climbed onto Gio's lap and settled in. Honey, who had been perched by the window, flitted into Gio's hood. Either way, it was a cute scene.
As he petted the plump Dana, Gio stared at the stamp.
"I wonder how far this thing will evolve."
He had received the stamp after completing Giovanni's quest. After finishing Argio's quest, it had upgraded.
At first, it barely exempted anything more than a letter. Now, it easily waived small food and container charges.
'But it probably didn't waive the cost entirely.'
It might be tied to memories Gio had forgotten.
'Where is the price I didn't pay being collected?'
The past? Or the future?
"Either way, it doesn't matter."
"If it's the past, then it's already paid and irrelevant to me now. If it's the future, I can't pay it yet, so it's also irrelevant. There's no reason for me to worry."
"But I do wonder how far I can go with this."
He wanted to offer a bigger gift.
Gio looked at the blank canvas and opened his mouth.
"...I wanted to try painting again after a long time, but nothing comes to mind."
"Yeah... maybe it's best to rest a little longer."
"How about visiting the school for the first time in a while?"
It was a peaceful day.
The school he visited after a long time was still a ruin.
His shoe touched the floor.
"...Feels like a ghost might show up."
But there was also a bit of pride.
"This is the haunted house version of a school, huh."
"Honey, this is where your dad used to work."
"Well, it's probably not your vibe."
The atmosphere was completely different from Dana's home in the Gem's Waterway. The place was still covered in ash, with dust piled atop it. The fire-scarred school gave off an eerie air.
He was standing in the storage room attached to the art room.
"Let's take a look around."
Even though it was only 5 p.m., the school was already dark. The trees had grown so thick that their shadows blanketed the building. Without close inspection, one wouldn't even realize a building was here.
'It's like a secret base.'
It reminded him of the secret bases he used to make in the forest as a child. Though those weren't in dangerous places , even those small spaces brought joy to young Sergio.
'I even ran into a wild boar once...'
"There might even be wild boars here now."
"This school was built in a remote area to begin with. After the catastrophe, it turned into a true ruin. I don't even know how those people who found me back then managed to get in."
"Come to think of it, when I first woke up, it took me ages to find a place with people. Maybe now it's not wild boars but monsters that live here."
Though for monsters, he hadn't seen any while staying here.
"Maybe my scary face worked on them too."
A fairly reasonable guess.
"When I'd just awakened, I was so dazed I couldn't think straight. Dealing with everything inside the painting alone was overwhelming. I don't even know what state of mind I was in back then..."
Past the shattered door, a few desks came into view. They were more like charred wooden remnants than actual desks. Gio lightly brushed one and stepped forward again.
An empty hallway appeared.
At this point, a ghost really should pop out for decorum's sake.
Such unprofessional ghosts.
Trees had even grown through the building. Ivy nearly engulfed the school both inside and out, and flowers bloomed under the warm day. But instead of being lush, it all felt grotesque.
Gio gently rubbed his chin.
"...Do these guys have opinions too?"
Feeling a strange déjà vu, Gio scanned the school.
'Maybe it's just the mood, but everything looks like a scene from a horror movie. If they filmed a movie here, the plot wouldn't matter—the setting alone would score a perfect 100. Just existing, it's a masterpiece.'
It was the textbook image of an "abandoned school from long ago."
'I thought maybe something would come back to me if I came here.'
Gio stopped and leaned his back against the hallway wall.
"Not much is coming to mind."
"All I remember is... all there is."
No matter how hard he tried, his last memory was of backing away from the fire and stumbling into the painting. He had a vague sense that he'd forgotten something, but that was it.
"Where did the fire start again?"
It had started on the first floor. The home economics room. A cigarette tossed into an oven caused a huge fire. There were cooking oils and other flammables, so it spread quickly, blocking escape routes.
Sergio had sent out all the students before things got bad. He'd checked for anyone left behind, but that was all. It was too late for him to escape. So he headed for the art storage room.
"It would've been better if there were curtains... but there weren't, so that failed."
Then he fled into the storage room—and became a painting.
Now that he thought about it.
"How do I even know it was a cigarette?"
Finally, he found a hole.
-x-X-x-
"Do you remember that? The cigarette?"
"You mean the one that got tossed into the oven?"
At Seo Seo-Нee's words, Dan Haera tilted her head.
"That's a surprise. Isn't this the first time you've brought that up yourself?"
"I've just been tracing back some memories lately."
"That doesn't really count as a memory worth reminiscing about."
"Then let's just call it an old recollection."
Around that moment, a man entered the room.
"What are you two talking about?"
"Oh, Jeong Hae-Woon."
Seo Seo-Нee called out to the middle-aged-looking man.
"The fuck, are you saying that because you think the gardens are a fucking mess lately? Huh? I told you to think at least thirty times before you talk."
"I don't know why this bastard starts cursing the moment he walks in."
"Then you try being a gardener. Bastards with shitty tempers, they don't listen to a single damn word. Anyway, what were you talking about?"
"...What? Were you day drinking?"
Jeong Hae-Woon stared at Seo Seo-Нee with an odd expression as he sat down.
"We get together to eat after so long and you're killing the mood."
"I've just been reminiscing about the past."
"That's how you end up screwing over the promises we made. If you're not the one cleaning up the mess, just live forgetting it."
"Maybe I'm getting sentimental because I've run into a forgotten connection."
Jeong Hae-Woon leaned back in his chair and asked,
"He's been getting those lunchboxes, right?"
Seo Seo-Нee nodded with a faint smile.
"Make sure you say that in front of your followers too."
"They're not followers, asshole. Clients. Don't call our precious investors that."
Jeong Hae-Woon raised his middle finger and looked at Dan Haera.
"She's running late today."
"Makes sense. This country's in a pretty messed-up state lately."
"Oh my, saying that in front of the Association President?"
"Give me a bit more capital and I could run things better."
"Shall we continue this conversation in documents, then?"
"You're all so heartless, my only hope is Eunhye."
"Why do you talk like that?"
Jeong Hae-Woon raised both middle fingers.
"Just kill me instead."
"Haewoon, when are you going to grow up?"
Clicking his tongue, Jeong Hae-Woon finally lowered his hands and crossed his arms.
"Not just you, but the fact that even Haera and Kang Eunseong seem fine with this Sergio guy... tells me he's probably decent. Still, let's be careful not to end up breaking our promise."
"That's part of why I've been retracing things."
Jeong Hae-Woon looked at Seo Seo-Нee.
"...You're not saying it's really him?"
"I thought there was a possibility."
"We built the system based on the memory of one person? Just one? Is that even possible?"
Long ago, they committed an act called the "Promise of Eternity." They created Earth's system. The cost of that promise was their humanity—they lost it and became immortal. It came with side effects, too.
That meant there had to be a central memory given as the price for that promise. But once forgotten, that memory could never be recalled. They'd tried to uncover the identity of that sacrificed memory before—only to fail.
"He was twenty-nine, wasn't he?"
"And died... and came back."
"Fuck's sake, did you all have this whole conversation without me while I was out checking the gardens? You all did your little dance behind my back, huh?"
"We're going to be staring at these same faces for a long time. Let's try to make it less unbearable..."
Seo Seo-Нee looked exhausted.
"I thought you'd been informed."
"It's been so noisy lately, I haven't even had time to receive reports."
"Then listen with Eunhye later. Anyway, what I'm guessing is that Hunter Sergio is someone from right before or after the Catastrophe. And I heard he was our teacher."
"Teacher? Fuck's sake, don't tell me that scammer just smooth-talked his way in again?"
Jeong Hae-Woon grimaced.
"I've never had a good teacher in my entire life. And now a teacher? Back when we were students? Teacher and student, adult and minor, guardian and dependent. Yeah, that's all just perfect."
He'd been someone they desperately needed at the time. Which only made Jeong Hae-Woon more suspicious. The world hadn't been that kind to them.
"It's too ideal. Too perfect—it's bullshit."
"Nothing I say here will convince you anyway. Live however you want."
"Just setting yourself up to get betrayed again."
"Honestly, if I've been fooled again this time, I think I'm fine with that."
"...You're fucking hopeless..."
Jeong Hae-Woon let out a deep sigh and raised his glass.
"Why's no one else got a drink yet?"
"Eunhye's not even here yet and you're already drinking?"
"She can't handle liquor anyway, her liver's pathetic."
"You've got such a charming way with words, asshole."
"I swear, her alcohol tolerance gets worse every day."
"Well, she is a C-rank hunter..."
Seo Seo-Нee shrugged as she snatched the bottle and filled the glasses for Jeong Hae-Woon and Dan Haera. They'd seen each other at their worst, but pouring your own drink still felt wrong.
"Anyway, the timing does line up."
"And he's also one of the Black Cloak's apostles."
Dan Haera nodded as if half-convinced.
"So don't be too defensive, Haewoon."
"You guys aren't, so I have to be."
"You know I've got too many holes in my memory. I've only started patching things together recently. Honestly, I can't be your 'standard' anymore."
"...Why the hell are you saying stuff like that..."
"That's why I want you to get closer with Seohee."
Dan Haera smiled and raised her glass.
The three lightly clinked their glasses.
"Eunhye's going to feel left out."
"She only drinks orange juice anyway."
"No, she's on kale juice lately for detox."
"Fuck, what's the difference. That's hilarious."
Jeong Hae-Woon shook his glass in irritation.
"But seriously, why bring up cigarettes on such a nice day, Seo Seo-Нee? This bastard really has no sense of atmosphere. Maybe if you live another fifty years, you'll grow out of it?"
"No, I just... remembered it suddenly."
"And what's the point of thinking about those shitty bastards again?"
"They were shitty, yeah."
Seo Seo-Нee chuckled.
"To open a working oven just to throw a cigarette in... Even now, that's insane."
"Thanks to them, the cookies you and Eunhye were baking turned to ash."
"It really was a shame. You said those were for me."
"You were going through a hard time back then."
"You're such a kind soul, Seohee."
"Well, Eunhye's the one who suggested we bake them."
Seo Seo-Нee laughed helplessly.
"After the oven exploded, everything was chaos. When I came to, it was a sea of fire."
"Yeah. It spread faster because it was the home ec room—there was oil, gas... You said escaping was tough too."
"How did we even get out?"
"You remember the back door of the home ec room was locked."
The school had two exits on the first floor: front and back. The back door, closest to the home ec room, was always locked and crammed with junk. They blocked it to stop students from sneaking out.
The front door was far, and the windows weren't an option either. The old windows barely opened, and the cooking oil by them had already caught fire and spread.
"Haewoon, your leg was broken..."
"You carried me out."
"I just thought we'd be too slow otherwise."
Seo Seo-Нee shrugged.
"Don't know if you remember, but we were completely out of it. The oven exploded in a chain reaction, Eunhye and I got seriously hurt, and those bastards shoved us aside trying to escape... We got stabbed by shards, the smoke was thick, and it hurt like hell."
The school had been poorly maintained. If it had been repaired and inspected regularly, things might not have gone that far. At least the fire would've spread slower.
And back then, they weren't mature enough to evacuate calmly under pressure.
"I wondered... if someone might've helped us."
Jeong Hae-Woon tilted his head.
"Isn't that a little ridiculous?"
"'Might be,' my ass..."
Jeong Hae-Woon's face twisted.
"It was the first floor. Even if the front door was far, how far could it have been? Even if the fire spread fast, we could've run faster. Sure, we lost time yelling about the fire, but still..."
Muttering, Jeong Hae-Woon glanced at Dan Haera.
"...Where were you then?"
"How did you get out?"
"I think I walked out."
"Did you say 'think'?"
"Hmm, let me see... I was out of it too, back then."
She'd never thought of it as something important. Then and now, the real issue for them was all the disasters they had to endure after escaping school. A dumb fire caused by some idiots didn't matter.
Surviving alone had been overwhelming—they hadn't been able to recall even the past they'd endured.
"...Right, I walked out. I remember you two greeting me at the front door."
"...Not out the window, but through the front? Wait, was it?"
"That's how I remember it."
"You were in the music room on the top floor. How'd you walk out the front?"
"Now that you mention it..."
Dan Haera tilted her head.
"But I awakened that day. I figured it was thanks to that. My skills activated, and my body got stronger, so I thought # Nоvеlight # I just walked out of the fire."
"Skills... Right, you said you used your skill then. That's how you got out..."
Jeong Hae-Woon frowned as if something still felt off.
"...How did we even get close?"
"...I don't really remember."
"But even with that, it's hard to prove a connection with Hunter Sergio."
"True. Most ordinary friends can't even recall when they first met."
Jeong Hae-Woon sighed.
"...Hey, when's Eunhye coming?"
"Oh my, going to ask her?"
"She's the only one who might remember."
"If she's involved in the promise, maybe it's better not to."
"Yeah, no shit. I just said it. This whole thing is fucked."
Their "promise" would be nullified the moment the price was returned. If Hunter Sergio was really tied to the Promise of Eternity, it was better not to remember.
And the price, once paid, didn't disappear forever. If a trigger came, it could resurface. And the one acting as that "trigger" now... was one of their own: Cha Eun-Hye.
They carried a weight too heavy to act on whims.
"...Still, he's a good person. The teacher."
"...Since when do you call him teacher, fuck."
"He's not even human anymore, that thing's a monster."
"How can a gardener say something so ignorant?"
"Shit, he's getting sharp-tongued. I'm scared now."
Jeong Hae-Woon chuckled like he spat it out and downed his drink.
"Why is this booze so bland?"
"The bland part is your personality, Jeong Hae-Woon."
Clicking his tongue, Jeong Hae-Woon set his glass down.
"...Yeah, let's just live like we don't know. I don't know what his intention is, but it looks like he doesn't want to talk either."
That guy—"Hunter Sergio"—had made his name known some time ago. If he wanted to reveal the truth, he'd had plenty of chances. The fact that he hadn't meant he was respecting the weight they bore.
"Cha Eun-Hye's good at acting, but that bastard remembers everything alone. If it really is an important memory and Eunhye cracks under pressure... Earth could be fucked."
"Eunhye's not that inexperienced."
"Even if she's skilled, the pressure's still there. We don't remember a thing—lucky us. But if he was really that important? If he was genuinely good? That's a cruel burden to put on her."
A beat later, Jeong Hae-Woon added,
"...And on Hunter Sergio too."
Besides, they said he had already died.
"This is grave desecration."
"You're talking out of your ass again."
"Feels like I'm digging up a grave with a shovel. Fuck. It's sickening."
At this rate, Sergio had died, been forgotten, and become Earth's compost—only to return as a ghost. Jeong Hae-Woon suddenly felt exhausted. His stomach churned like he might puke.
He hadn't died human. He'd become a wraith, bound to the Origin.
It left a bitter taste.
"Every time you feel guilty, your face twists like that."
"...Because I feel like shit. It's proof my inside and outside match. So what."
"That's just self-defense, you petty bastard."
"Fuck you, man. You think I've got the bandwidth to care about your drama?"
"I'm barely handling Korea, and now I've gotta deal with you too?"
"You... you should at least respect your gardener..."
Jeong Hae-Woon dragged a hand down his face.
"God, I hate this feeling."
"You think any of us like it?"
"When do we finally get to train our successors?"
"You think it's happening soon? Try another hundred years."
Only when Earth stabilized could they begin living their own lives. Only then could they handle their guilt and grief toward those they'd forgotten. But not now. Definitely not now.
Just then, the door opened and someone entered.
"You already started drinking?"
It was Cha Eun-Hye, the so-called puppet president of Korea.
"What's with the mood? Did someone die?"
"Alright, let me guess. Basil? Fluffy? Dory? Cyanide? Ragnarok the Third?"
"No, not the guild pets..."
"Then a cat? But all the Justitia owners are alive and well."
"It was just someone who died years ago."
"And the mood got just for that?"
Cha Eun-Hye sat down awkwardly.
"What's with Haewoon's face?"
Dan Haera called out to her.
"I've got a question."
Dan Haera poured her a drink and asked,
"Do you know someone named Sergio?"
"Huh? Yeah... I know him."
Cha Eun-Hye picked up her glass and shrugged.
"He's a famous hunter."
Looking at her hand, Dan Haera smiled.
"He seems like a good person."
"I heard he brings Seohee meals. I'm jealous."
"Should I not have asked?"
Cha Eun-Hye smiled as she replied.
It was a peaceful drinking party.