Ch.69Chapter 69 – Completing All Preparations (4)

I looked at the world around me, wondering if a life without regrets could truly exist.

This was something I’d felt deeply since falling into the world of my novel. My perspective had changed after seeing the characters I created with words now breathing and living.

‘Honestly, when I discontinued the series in my past life, I didn’t feel much guilt.’

It had been a free series, not even monetized, with single-digit view counts and no signs of recovery.

Famous writers often “reset” their works (repeatedly scrapping novels until they become successful), so I thought I could do the same.

‘Back then, I just wanted more people to see the traces Seol-hwa left in this world.’

I had personal ambitions too. I wanted to create a successful web novel someday and carry on Seol-hwa’s legacy.

At some point, I became too conscious of others’ opinions, grew jealous of rankings, and could only see the flaws in my writing, making me doubt the whole endeavor.

But now that I think about it, I should have enjoyed the act of writing itself, regardless of view counts.

That’s the difference between amateurs and professionals.

Taking responsibility for whatever happens in your work and guiding readers to the conclusion.

‘That was something Seol-hwa used to say…’

That it’s our job as writers to create a world and help characters reach happy endings.

‘If you hadn’t died and stayed by my side, many things would have been different.’

Yoo Seol-hwa, who always loved my novels. Come to think of it, she and Shub-Niggurath had similarities.

The Outer God always read my novels well, leaving recommendations and emoticons, and sometimes lengthy comments with her own interpretations when plot points were resolved.

‘…’

I tossed and turned, organizing my thoughts as sleep eluded me. Tomorrow, Shub-Niggurath would likely arrive here.

The sect’s fortifications were complete, people evacuated, the awakened Azazel trained, and all practice drills finished in preparation for any situation.

Could I really kill Shub-Niggurath, an Outer God?

Even if I were lucky enough to get Seol-hwa back, we probably couldn’t return to our old relationship.

Seol-hwa and I were trapped in the bodies of Bing-yeon and Bing-seol-hwa, set up as half-siblings.

‘And I need to properly address my relationship with my disciples.’

I shuddered slightly as I thought about the final bosses from the three novels I’d written.

The 10,000-Year Ultimate Blood Treasure was currently in my sleeve. If they reached the Transformation Realm beyond my level, I might have to become intimate with beings I’d raised like daughters.

‘How could I do that to children I raised…’

I sighed deeply. Even as the original author, I never expected them to show this kind of affection toward me.

Bi-wol’s case was particularly uncomfortable. I remembered all her childhood mischief and how she’d secretly cry in corners when she couldn’t have sweets.

I had cherished and raised her in place of her parents who failed to fulfill their proper roles.

‘I still can’t imagine those children becoming my lovers.’

I couldn’t have an inappropriate relationship with them before they came of age, though my feelings might change when that time came.

Many people don’t keep the romantic promises they make when young. They might find other men in the meantime.

‘It’s better to have a grace period.’

I didn’t know if I’d live that long, but I didn’t want to turn the final bosses of a novel I’d imagined and loved since childhood into widows.

“Master, are you awake?”

Just as I made this resolution, I heard someone speaking outside.

“Bi-wol? What brings you here? Are you having trouble sleeping?”

It was Bi-wol. I jumped up in surprise and opened the door.

Through the doorway, I could see her red eyes and pitch-black hair reflecting the moonlight.

“Yes, with an important battle approaching, I’m worried about your well-being and can’t sleep…”

“…”

“Master, could you possibly avoid this battle? Let us disciples handle all the painful and troublesome matters while you take shelter elsewhere.”

Bi-wol whispered softly to me. She knew my physical condition wasn’t good.

“Your lifespan won’t last beyond a year. Considering it’s winter now, you truly don’t have much time left.”

With her exceptional spiritual sense, she couldn’t have missed this fact.

“How long have you known?”

“I’ve known for quite some time, but I tried not to show my sadness. I thought that was what a disciple should do for her master.”

Bi-wol gently caressed my cheek, tears glistening in her eyes.

“But I must participate in this battle.”

“Even if you’re siblings, you’re only half-siblings. No matter how blood is thicker than water, you shouldn’t fight in your poor condition.”

Not knowing that Seol-hwa was my lover in my past life, Bi-wol continued trying to persuade me to stay out of the fight, concerned about my health.

“This isn’t something for you to worry about.”

“Why shouldn’t I worry? I adore you, Master. I learned from you that it’s natural to worry about someone you love.”

It was a calm confession, unlike her usual demeanor.

She wasn’t trying to overpower me or show her darker side, just earnestly expressing her feelings.

“Am I not allowed to have these feelings? You saved my life and changed my fate. You are like a light to me.”

Bi-wol spoke firmly through her tears, as if asking why I was pushing her away.

“Am I not allowed to adore that light, the moon that illuminates the night sky?”

“…”

Sensing that this battle would change many things, Bi-wol was pouring out her true feelings.

Bi-wol had the courage to speak the truth. Was it right for me to continue lying?

‘No. At least Bi-wol didn’t lie to herself.’

Then I should respond properly to her feelings.

“Bi-wol, what if I told you I founded the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect and was the villain who ruined your life?”

I took a deep breath and organized my thoughts before speaking. With death approaching, I didn’t want to leave regrets.

I hinted to Bi-wol that I was the author of the original “Diamond Fist King.” This seemed better than the absurd claim that a novel I wrote for fun had become reality.

“…”

“Would you believe me if I said I was the mastermind behind the Orthodox-Demonic War, causing many innocent deaths, and saved you all out of guilt?”

Bi-wol remained silent as I spoke, and I continued revealing more shocking truths to her.

I thought she deserved to know the truth, having suffered the most.

“What if I’m a foolish man who was lovers with a woman named Bing-seol-hwa in my past life and am determined to save her?”

“I don’t care.”

Whoosh.

Bi-wol pushed me down onto my chest and spoke with fierce eyes. I closed my eyes tightly, thinking she might take my life due to her sudden change in attitude.

“…?!”

Smooch, smoooch…♡

What I felt next was the soft sensation of lips covering mine. Bi-wol kissed me repeatedly with quick, short kisses.

“Even if the whole world condemns you as a criminal, even if you were the one who tried to kill me, I don’t care.”

Bi-wol continued speaking in a resolute tone, repeatedly covering my mouth to prevent me from making excuses.

“Mmm, so that’s why you suddenly said you needed to save your sisters… I’m starting to understand now…”

She pouted slightly as if upset, continuing to kiss me.

“B-Bi-wol…”

“Stay still… it’s difficult to kiss your lips…”

I remained frozen in place, receiving her shower of kisses, feeling I deserved this for my past actions.

“Even if that’s true, it doesn’t matter to me. I know better than anyone that you’re a good person trying to take responsibility for all those sins.”

Bi-wol smiled softly, showing that she didn’t care about the wrongs I’d confessed to.

“So, won’t you accept my feelings someday? After this battle ends and I come of age, we could truly become husband and wife…♡”

With a final deep kiss, Bi-wol made this promise for the future.