Chapter 374

Chapter 374. Transaction of Gods (5)

“Is it a pressure to let it go?”

Perhaps it was a threat to take him back when I returned.

“That can’t happen.”

It would be a lie if I said I didn’t feel sympathy for the Damned System, left all alone beyond causality.

But separate from that, there were still hundreds of thousands of Holes left on Earth.

Since I had hunted Karklein, the number had reduced by more than half.

However, it wasn’t over yet, and the task of the System blocking the Holes was essential.

It meant it was too soon to take this thing to Earth to play.

So, for now, it was time to dangle an appropriate carrot to appease the System.

“When was the last time you went?”

– Around the 12th century AD!

I recalled the era the System mentioned.

“The 12th century… the Goryeo Dynasty, right?”

The Rebellion of Yi Ja-gyeom, the military coup, the long reign of Choi Chungheon, and the Uprising of Manjeok.

Of all times, the Material Realm during such tumultuous periods.

“But there’s no guarantee it stayed only in Korea.”

If the setting were changed to world history, not many events stood out.

In China, it was when the Jurchens founded the Jin Dynasty and destroyed the Liao.

In the Roman Empire, frederick I became emperor, while in France, the Notre Dame Cathedral was built, and in England, oxford University was established.

If it had toured other countries, it might have witnessed many things.

For some reason, I was convinced the System’s last outing wasn’t particularly enjoyable.

The gods of the time likely didn’t let the System roam freely.

“They must have shared the same fear as I.”

A very primal and intense fear that their roots might disappear.

With that fear present, no gods would be insensitive to the System’s safety.

Therefore, it was likely overprotected or restricted in its actions, preventing it from wandering freely.

Ultimately, the compromise I had to make with the System was clear.

“You can come down with me next time.”

– Down? Where are you referring to?

Playing dumb after giving subtle hints earlier.

“You want to tour the Material Realm, right? After the war ends and things settle down, then with me…”

– Really?!

The System’s orb elongated vertically in an instant.

It grew longer and shorter, bouncing up and down as if uncontrollably excited.

The System’s sudden behavior left me bewildered.

– The Material Realm! I want to try VR! I want to taste macarons! I want to ride the Ferris wheel too!

And so I had to listen to the System excitedly pour out its wishlist.

“Was that earlier conversation about the Material Realm just a simple boast rather than pressure to take it along?”

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had made a hasty slip of the tongue.

But what could I do? The words were already out.

“Let’s just focus on ending the war first.”

The matters after that could be considered then.

“For now, if you want to do everything you desire, we must first end the war. So, return now.”

I said this to wrap up the situation and appease the System.

The System responded with glistening eyes.

– You promised!

I watched the System enter the dome, all excited, while swallowing dryly.

I strongly felt I had just dug my own grave for after the war.

But there was no taking back the words already spoken.

“For now, let’s be content with the fact that the System won’t act rashly and will focus on the war.”

I moved my feet, now heavier compared to a few dozen minutes ago.

* * *

Lily inadvertently questioned after hearing what Hyunwoo suddenly said over the phone.

“Pardon?”

“I’m sorry to change my words, but I asked for a few of the dolls not to be killed and to be captured alive.”

The sudden instructions were enough to leave Lily flustered.

After all, it was Hyunwoo who initially ordered the termination of the dolls that entered Earth aiming for the apostles’ status.

“Repeating a directive once given…”

This had never happened before.

“He’s not one to act on simple whims.”

Throughout the recent years, the Hyunwoo Lily had known was someone who didn’t suit the word ‘whim’.

His actions and words were bold and rough, yet his thoughts were deep and cautious.

It made her think he was a balanced leader.

The more Lily got to know Hyunwoo, the stronger this belief became.

For someone like him to retract an order…

After a short phase of confusion, Lily cautiously asked.

“Could I ask the reason?”

“I’m planning to reclaim the apostles’ status.”

Lily had been gradually informed about rank, divinity, and non-standard matters.

Thanks to that, she immediately grasped what Hyunwoo aimed to convey.

“For K to obtain rank status, he must kill the one who possesses it.”

There was no method for the forcible acquisition otherwise.

“But it’s possible to affect only the rank without endangering lives using those bizarre dolls.”

This meant that by utilizing them, they could absorb ranks without threatening the lives of other gods’ apostles.

“It seems there has been a change in a situation I’m unaware of.”

There was no way Hyunwoo only now realized the dolls’ traits.

“He initially didn’t plan to use that method to maintain amicable relations with the apostles.”

After all, the gods of Bihar wielded quite useful powers.

Especially Finelpenia and Temoria.

The powers of the two gods, which had yet to be hunted, had proved several times to be helpful in the war.

That’s likely why Hyunwoo had postponed their hunting order.

“All speculation, though.”

In any case, it was a fact that they had benefited from the help of other gods’ apostles.

Even so, if he stated that retrieving the rank was necessary…

It must have meant that reclaiming the status was deemed more critical than the benefits derived through the powers.

Lily had no intent of questioning or verifying Hyunwoo’s judgment.

She trusted and supported him.

“How many do you need?”

“Not too many. Just in case, one per person should suffice… So, eleven.”

There are currently exactly 11 apostles on Earth who could use other gods’ powers.

“I will relay the message to the field.”

“Thank you.”

“And the rest…”

“I’ll handle negotiating with the apostles. I’ll ensure no noise arises, so don’t worry.”

“Understood.”

“And for now, please leave the hunting of Legion Commanders to me.”

“If you personally engage in the battles, the Association would be more than grateful.”

Whether Hyunwoo participated significantly affected the number of deaths and injuries.

Since someone of his caliber, called the world’s best player, was willing to go out of his way for them, there was no reason to object.

Lily always held a sense of gratitude in her heart for someone who wasn’t slacking but rather actively participating.

“Then, I’ll be expecting to hear from you.”

“Yes.”

With just the necessary conversation, minimizing any personal chat, Hyunwoo ended the call after covering what needed to be addressed.

* * *

There were a total of 19 apostles who arrived on Earth.

Out of these, 2 became my apostles, and including Ranjo, 6 lost their status as apostles after their gods perished.

“That leaves 11.”

Most of them were apostles of Temoria.

Because Biharin needed a safe area to prevent Holes from forming, it was natural that the apostles of the responsible god were many.

I planned to reclaim the rank status of all of them.

Just as I absorbed divinity through sacred items in the past, the same concept applied here.

“With no chance to acquire Senoa’s status, I have to compensate for the lacking rank in another way.”

Of course, unlike when I was handed over the sacred items, there would be significant resistance.

They had crossed over to Earth for survival, but mentally, they hadn’t entirely abandoned their gods.

“They still take pride in being apostles to their respective gods.”

While I had left them alone since their powers were helpful in the war, the lack of any choice meant they couldn’t refuse them.

“If they refuse the offer despite providing a way to hand over the rank without risking their lives…”

There would be no compromise but to seize the rank even if it meant taking lives.

I began recalling the faces of the remaining 11 apostles and continued walking.

On my way down the stairs to reach my home from the rooftop, I paused.

“Hmm?”

Chatter.

I felt quite a number of presences inside.

It seemed like almost everyone who had access to my interior was present.

“What am I supposed to expect?”

I knew that those living close by would occasionally dine together.

However, I wasn’t aware of anything that would bring everyone together like this.

Realizing I hadn’t received any separate notice, my head instinctively tilted.

“I’ll find out once inside.”

I entered after punching in the door lock’s code.

And instantly, pop!

“Happy birthday!”

“Happy birthday, oppa!”

“Happy birthday, yay!”

“Surprise!”

“Happy birthday!”

Colorful confetti and sparkling poppers erupted as multiple voices overlapped.

“…”

Covered in gunpowder scent and paper bits, I stared at the faces of those gathered at the entrance.

From the twins to Jaehyuk, even Kim Yul, Yang Taeho, Yang Hyewon, Rashar, and Jordan.

Practically everyone I could call a friend in Korea seemed to have gathered.

Above their heads, fairies buzzed around and chattered.

The dog, Rice Cake, pushed through their feet and hung onto my leg, barking eagerly.

Holding the mini-sized Rice Cake, I looked directly at the twins.

They had been eerily quiet when I left for training, yet they had planned a surprise event.

“What if I hadn’t returned today?”

Perhaps because the surprise event wasn’t entirely unpleasant, I couldn’t help but find my voice mixed with amusement.

Yeonwoo responded with a big smile.

“Then we’d all just wait all night! That’s why we were doing this at home!”

Originally, they wanted to have something fancy outside, but not knowing when I’d return, they decided to keep it at home.

Yeonwoo, who now recounted their plans in my absence, suddenly extended a hand.

“Quickly, quickly! There’s a gift presentation ceremony after!”

In Yeonwoo’s hand was a rather large birthday cake.

Ever since my parents passed away, I’d been diligent in celebrating the twins’ birthdays, often skipping my own out of inconvenience.

On the occasions I did celebrate, it would mostly be receiving small gifts the twins saved up for with their allowance.

But here was a cream cake complete with candles.

“It’s embarrassing but also reminiscent.”

Feeling a mix of emotions, I blew out the candles on the cake Min-woo and Yeonwoo held right in front of me.

The cake tray then suddenly tilted towards my face.

“Don’t mess around with food.”

With my player reflexes, I managed to catch it smoothly.

“Geez.”

While Yeonwoo pouted and grumbled, the others continued their congratulations.

“Thank you, everyone.”

I thanked them, one by one.

Chatter and laughter filled the room.

The time spent laughing and chatting with familiar faces wasn’t bad.

Even though it didn’t last long, it was enough for me.

“These are busy people, too.”

The gathering was little more than ordering delivery food and sharing a meal, but it was plenty for me.

The familiar era of peace I once knew seemed to return briefly.

It also gave me motivation to end the war as soon as possible.

More importantly, it reminded me that I had a place to return to.

Even if death approached, I would scramble and claw my way back.

I reaffirmed that resolve and gazed quietly at the now-silent house.

Damned System

New Elements and Characters:

– 이방인 = outsider(na)

– 이자겸의 난 = Rebellion of Yi Ja-gyeom(it)

– 무신 정변 = military coup(it)

– 최충헌 = Choi Chungheon(he)

– 만적의 난 = Uprising of Manjeok(it)

– 여진족 = Jurchens(they)

– 금나라 = Jin Dynasty(it)

– 요나라 = Liao(it)

– 프리드리히 1세 = Frederick I(he)

– 노트르담 성당 = Notre Dame Cathedral(it)

– 옥스퍼드 대학 = Oxford University(it)

– 세노아 = Senoa(na)

– 성물 = sacred item(it)