Chapter 6: Defense Mechanisms

Cheonma.

Wi Baekryeong lightly brushed the dark red blood off the tip of her sword.

Drip drip, the drops of liquid fell to the floor.

How long must I look at this sticky stuff on the blade?

Today, too, it ended up like this again.

From deep inside, she forced back a sudden surge of emotion rising within her.

No matter how many times she cut, the black crack in the sky showed no sign of shrinking.

If anything, it seemed to grow bigger and bigger.

Is the destruction of this world already a predetermined sequence?

It was then. A familiar voice echoed in her mind.

-Cheonma, you are currently online.

That sly voice. I don’t even have to see to know what’s coming.

It’s that guide of Johwa again. That guy.

Talk about timing.

“……What?”

-It’s nothing else, but a new messenger has selected you as their first conversation partner. We plan to send them to your dimension soon…

My brows automatically furrowed.

My nose is in the middle of something right now, and you expect me to leisurely listen?

“I’m busy with business. That’s unnecessary.”

Even to my cold answer, he remained calm.

-No, no. It’s very important, Cheonma.

That guy. Is he just clueless or doing this on purpose?

“That painter last time wasn’t much help. It’s just a waste of time.”

-Haha, but this messenger is different. Also… every member of the Akashic Record must meet the messenger and listen to their story upon request. You haven’t forgotten that rule, right, Cheonma?

…Ah, that damn rule.

Why bring it up right now?

“…What…ha….”

I swallowed a curse.

Though I was boiling inside, there was no choice.

That rule has given me headaches more than once.

The administrator. He always acts like this.

Alright. I’ll act like I’m yielding as much as possible.

“…Alright. But I’m away now, so send them after I arrive.”

-How long will that take?

“About 10 minutes.”

-Hmm… faster than expected. Then how about this, Cheonma? Our messenger could go ahead and check out your dimension so you won’t be bored waiting.

…What?

What the hell is this crazy bastard saying?

“Administrator, are you insane? Absolutely not. That’s…”

-Huh? Absolutely not?

“Yeah. I’ve set my coordinates as my resting place and haven’t cleared anything…”

-Ah\~ That’s nonsense. We’ll just send them now!

“Wha-what?! You crazy bastard…!”

-Now, now, no swearing. I’ll hang up now\~ Have a good time, Cheonma!

Click.

Communication cut off unilaterally.

“You… you… damn bastard, I swear…!”

I couldn’t hold it anymore and cursed out loud.

Is this really how the operator acts?

They send people without my permission?

…To this chaotic resting place of mine?

I quickly gripped my sword tighter and dashed off.

To the Demon God Pavilion.

\*\*

As soon as I arrived at the resting place, an unfamiliar presence was strongly felt.

It seemed Johwa really had sent someone.

To my resting place.

A man visible far off.

…How long has it been since someone other than me was inside this pavilion?

I slowly approached behind him.

The man seemed distracted by the view outside the window and didn’t notice me approaching. Pathetic.

Has no one taught him it’s rude to barge into someone’s home?

…But.

What should I say?

Actually trying to talk to someone after a long time made my throat a bit hoarse.

It’d be embarrassing if I messed up here.

I almost cleared my throat but stopped myself.

…I must maintain the dignity of an absolute being.

“Are you… the new messenger?”

At my voice, he startled and turned around.

His round eyes were quite a sight.

He awkwardly bowed with a creaking sound and greeted me.

“Ah, hello. I’m Lee Dam.”

‘Lee Dam….’

I silently glared at him.

…At least his voice is pleasant.

I had nothing to say, and honestly didn’t know what to do.

It’s been so long I’ve lost the sense.

“…Lee Dam. Are you from the martial arts world?”

At my question, he awkwardly smiled and shook his head.

“No, I don’t know much about that. Haha.”

…He’s smiling?

Silence again.

He was fidgeting nervously, watching my expression.

He looked like a child left by the water’s edge.

Watching my expression, he asked cautiously.

“Um… should I just stay here like this?”

Ah, right.

I have to say something.

But what should I say… Ah, maybe just send him back?

That’d be easiest.

But somehow, I feel like I shouldn’t just send this guy away…

I thought for a moment.

…Ah, whatever. Let’s just kick him out first.

“A story… I don’t need that right now.”

I said in the coldest, most emotionless voice I could manage.

“So you being here is a waste of time. Go back.”

…Was that too harsh? His expression seemed to stiffen a bit.

Ah, what now.

…But I already said it.

No, why should I care about this?

That administrator’s face popped into my mind and I got annoyed.

While I was restless inside, the guy suddenly spoke boldly.

“Um… I heard that if the messenger wants, it’s the Akashic Record rule to meet and talk.”

…How does this bold guy know that?

The operator probably said some useless nonsense again…

It’s hard to argue with him after he acts like this…

My brows furrowed instinctively.

I had nothing to say.

When I gave him a glare without a word, he spoke even more boldly.

“First… shall we sit down and talk a bit?”

Pointing at the dusty table over there.

It’s been a while since I had someone talk back to me so cheekily.

No, how long has it been since I’ve seen another person at all….

Really annoying.

But what’s with that look? Why is he staring like that?

…Sigh.

Just hear him out and send him off quickly.

I let out a small sigh.

“……Alright.”

It feels like I’m being stopped from doing something.

The dignity of a transcendent being is no joke.

But I already said it; I can’t take it back now.

The guy seemed to sigh in relief at my answer, then quickly approached the dusty chair over there, lightly brushed off the dust with his hand, and plopped down.

The sight was truly… ridiculous.

No, has this guy never heard of manners?

Where does he think this place is, to scatter dust so carelessly?

…No, it’s been years since I last cleaned here anyway.

Reluctantly, I sat silently on the chair opposite him.

My butt feels sticky.

…Ah.

I came here in such a rush I didn’t even clean the blood stains off my clothes.

Awkward silence again.

He glanced at me repeatedly, then suddenly asked a strange question.

“Um… have you eaten?”

“Eaten?”

When was the last time I had a proper meal?

“I haven’t done that in a long time. Wall-grain pills are enough.”

Honestly, I don’t eat the wall-grain pills much because they taste awful, but no need to tell him that.

I looked out again at the gray sky beyond the window.

The black vortex was still intact. Annoyingly so.

“Is it always this quiet here?”

Lee Dam spoke again.

…Persistent guy.

“I’m the only one here, so of course it’s quiet.”

“The outside view… is really unique. You said you went out on some errand earlier—what was it you did?”

Unique? That?

I clicked my tongue inside at his question, not sure if he was naïve or just dumb.

“…Pest extermination.”

“Huh?”

“Just took care of a few annoying bugs.”

Lee Dam echoed, “Pest extermination?” and glanced at the blood on my clothes.

Then he didn’t ask further.

…Silence again.

Ah, this is painfully awkward.

Why does this guy have so many questions?

Can’t he just talk about something quickly and leave…

From his expression, I could tell he was wondering what to say next.

And then.

Not him, but I raised my hand first.

I don’t know why.

I just felt like I should tell him about that black thing.

Or maybe I just wanted to break this awful silence.

I slowly pointed at the sky outside.

“Do you see that?”

“Yes. I’ve been watching it for a while. What is it?”

Instead of answering, I just stared silently at the black disc in the sky for a long time.

Every time I see it, a cold despair creeps up from deep inside my chest.

‘…That is the end of this world.’

No voice came out.

I barely parted my dry lips slowly, as if pushing open a heavy stone door.

“…That is the end of this world.”

Yes.

“And this world… has already been heading toward that end. For a very long time, never stopping even for a moment.”

I briefly added, then continued explaining.

“I call that emptiness.”

“Even though the roots are rotting, the fruit still grows. From the moment I was born, the destruction of this world had already begun.”

Yes, that was it.

Since I was very young, I vaguely felt something was wrong with this world.

“There were people dear to me. Family, friends, comrades… some with talent like rough stones, others shining like precious gems.”

Their faces flickered one by one.

Now, none of them remain… not even a trace.

I bit my lips.

“I also struggled to survive and protect them. After grueling training that tore my flesh and bones, I finally reached the peak of this dimension and entered the ranks of the transcendent. From that height above the hill of ignorance, I could finally see everything.”

The despair from back then is still vivid.

“Ah, the destruction of this world… can never be stopped. It’s just a vast current. I am not a blade carving through the wall, just a tiny pebble being bounced away.”

And I muttered in a barely audible voice.

“…So, everything became meaningless. Even seeking meaning is just a luxury.”

…Right.

After that realization, I let everything go.

“Have you seen those outside the window?”

“……Yes.”

“Those mortals. Laughing and chatting without knowing anything. But their descendants, somewhere in the distant future, will eventually be swept away by that flow of emptiness and become ant-like beings that shatter. Knowing that, I can do nothing. How terrible and… ridiculous that is.”

I looked at him again.

What must that man be thinking hearing this?

“In a world heading toward destruction, do you think I have more stories for you? No matter how sweet the words whispered, they cannot change this despair.”

He was silent for a moment at my words.

His expression was… hard to read.

Pity? Or compassion?

Embarrassed, my face grew hot for no reason.

…I ended up saying useless things because I got emotional.

…Now, you understand, right?

I don’t need stories. None at all.
So.

…Go back.

I spoke coldly.

“Now go back. I have no more time to spare on you.”

The air sank heavily again.

…Soon, he’ll leave too.

Like the countless others who brushed past me.

At first curious, or out of duty they came near, but eventually unable to bear the weight of this despair, they left.

It’s familiar. Being left alone… that’s how it always is.

Everything precious has been shattered and gone.

Family, friends, comrades.

Now in this empty pavilion, only I remain.

So even if that guy I met today leaves too, nothing will change.

Yes, nothing.

…And then.

The mortal, Lee Dam, slowly spoke.

“Cheonma-nim.”

His voice was surprisingly calm.

And the words that followed were unexpected even to me.

“I cannot possibly fully understand how you feel right now. I understand you don’t want to hear any stories. But… if it’s alright even for just a moment, may I tell you one story?”

…Even after pushing me away this far.

“If after hearing it, you still dislike it, I will quietly leave then.”

…Who is this guy?