Chapter 467

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Translator: Ryuma

Chapter: 516

Chapter Title: Epilogue

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Hello. This is Seogwando.

I've prepared interpretations for all the '■' symbols that appeared in the story up to this point.

I originally planned to attach them to the author's note, but since releasing them in the free section might lead to unintended spoilers, I'm leaving them here. For those who were curious about the meanings, I recommend comparing and reading them side by side.

I've also prepared a short side story.

Readers who thought,

"Ah! I wasted my 100 won just to see something like a magazine insert!"

And readers feeling the urge to regret your purchase and stick that 100 won between my brows—please read that story and vent your frustration. I'd be grateful.

—

Part 1, Chapter 43

1. “■···?”

→ Hm···?

2. “■■? Iril? ■■ ···■■ ■■ ■■ ?”

→ Kasha? Iril? What···is someone here?

3. “Iril, ■■ must be here. Go greet him.” / “Wow! ■■ ~”

→ Iril, Dad must be here. Go greet him. / Wow! Dad~

4. “■ ■■■ ···.”

→ This child···.

5. “■■■ .”

→ He's here.

6. “■■. ■ ■■■. ■■ ■■■.”

→ Kasha. I have to go. It's dangerous here.

7. “■■···.” / “Why, what's wrong ■■?”

→ Kasha···. / Why, what's wrong, dear?

8. “■■, Iril···.”

→ Kasha, Iril···.

9. “■■ ■ ■■■···.”

→ It's all my sin···.

10. ■■■, Iril···■■. ■■ ■■■■ ■■···.”

→ Kasha, Iril···Ronan. Don't forgive me···.

11. “■?!”

→ Huh?!

12. “■···■■?”

→ Hm···who are you?

13. “■■■■!”

→ Back off!

14. “■■.”

→ Stop.

15. “···■?”

→ ···What?

—

Part 1, Chapter 44

1. “■■···!”

→ No way···!

2. “■■ ■■ ■■■■. Ronan.”

→ Come find me again. Ronan.

—

Part 1, Chapter 66

1. - ■■■■!!

→ Kieeek!

2. -■■···.

→ Ronan···.

—

Part 1, Chapter 127

1. “Good work. ■■.”

→ Good work. Abel.

—

Part 1, Chapter 128

1. “Alibrìhe. Would you supervise the nearby construction with Elsia and ■■ for a few months?”

→ Alibrìhe. Would you supervise the nearby construction with Elsia and Abel for a few months?

2. “■■···.”

→ Abel···.

—

Part 1, Chapter 129

1. 【■■! How dare you!!】

→ Abel! How dare you!!

—

Part 1, Chapter 189

1. 【■■ was the child you spoke of. Why didn't I recognize you sooner? You look so alike.】

→ Cain was the child you spoke of. Why didn't I recognize you sooner? You look so alike.

2. 【Ah, ■■ I see.】

→ Ah. Cain, I see.

—

Part 1, Chapter 191

1. “You're right. This child is ■■'s son.” / “What? If it's ■■, then the one who built this fort···.”

→ You're right. This child is Cain's son.” / “What? If it's Cain, then the one who built this fort···

2. “■■'s room. He spent three years here in this isolation room, devoted to research with Elsia. Even after that, he visited me often, but never came back here.”

→ Cain's room. He spent three years here in this isolation room, devoted to research with Elsia. Even after that, he visited me often, but never came back here.

3. “Hm? ■■ and Elsia, that's what I said.”

→ Hm? Cain and Elsia, that's what I said.

—

Part 1, Chapter 192

1. “This room existed before this fort was built. Dreemoor was constructed on the foundation raised around it. ■■ was also the fort's designer.”

→ This room existed before this fort was built. Dreemoor was constructed on the foundation raised around it. Cain was also the fort's designer.

2. “Curse···? Ah. So that's why you couldn't understand ■■'s name.”

→ Curse···? Ah. So that's why you couldn't understand Cain's name.

3. “■■'s last visit matches your age exactly. It was just over a decade ago, so I remember it clearly. You're not asking about lifespan, are you? ■■ is like Rorhon, whom you know well···”

→ Cain's last visit matches your age exactly. It was just over a decade ago, so I remember it clearly. You're not asking about lifespan, are you? Cain is like Rorhon, whom you know well···

4. “Back to Elsia···she came to see me with ■■ about a thousand years ago. She called herself ■■'s assistant.”

→ Back to Elsia···she came to see me with Cain about a thousand years ago. She called herself Cain's assistant.

5. “Yes. Unlike ■■ who vanished in an instant, Elsia was here in Dreemoor until recently. She was the most outstanding spiritist I've seen, so I was very sorry when she left suddenly.”

→ Yes. Unlike Cain who ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠vanished in an instant, Elsia was here in Dreemoor until recently. She was the most outstanding spiritist I've seen, so I was very sorry when she left suddenly.

6. “Impossible. ■■ called it armor. It's a shield we've had since the star we live on was born, and it can't be restored by ordinary means.”

→ Impossible. Cain called it armor. It's a shield we've had since the star we live on was born, and it can't be restored by ordinary means.

7. “So ■■ left. To find a way to save everyone.”

→ So Cain left. To find a way to save everyone.

8. “Yes. He stayed here originally for that research. Creating a shield comparable to the star's armor, or allowing others to wield power like his. Anyway, he was an amazing kid.”

→ Yes. He stayed here originally for that research. Creating a shield comparable to the star's armor, or allowing others to wield power like his. Anyway, he was an amazing kid.

9. “■■ was ruthless too. Even with good intentions, doing this to a child. I trust ■■, but I think this goes too far.”

→ Cain was ruthless too. Even with good intentions, doing this to a child. I trust Cain, but I think this goes too far.

—

Part 1, Chapter 193

1. “···Too much to burn. But that's not the problem. ■■. You sealed the sea god like this.”

→ ···Too much to burn. But that's not the problem. Cain. You sealed the sea god like this.

2. “I don't know. But since the map changed in response to your mana, we can't rule out that ■■ left it personally.”

→ I don't know. But since the map changed in response to your mana, we can't rule out that Cain left it personally.

—

Part 1, Chapter 194

1. “Child, I know you're special. You'd ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠have no issue being thrown into the front lines right away. I have no doubt you'd outperform most immortals, having inherited ■■'s ability to slash magic.”

→ Child, I know you're special. You'd have no issue being thrown into the front lines right away. I have no doubt you'd outperform most immortals, having inherited Cain's ability to slash magic.

2. “I want you to aim for an even bigger picture. Like ■■ or Elsia, who wandered seeking a way to save everyone.”

→ I want you to aim for an even bigger picture. Like Cain or Elsia, who wandered seeking a way to save everyone.

-From here on, Part 2-

410/Part 2 Ch. 31

1. 『■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ !』

→ Kraaaah! (She meant to scare him)

2. 『■■■■···■■···■■■■.』

→ Grandpa···I'll···give it a try.

—

413/Part 2 Ch. 34

1. 『···■.』

→ ···Ek.

2. 『■■■■ ■■■!!』

→ That's too much for real!!

3. 『■■!』

→ Move!

4. 『■■■■!!』

→ Stop it!!

—

441/Part 2 Ch. 62

1. 『■■■.』

→ You've arrived.

—

442/Part 2 Ch. 63

1. 『······■.』

→ ······O.

—

443/Part 2 Ch. 64

1. 『■■■■!!』

→ Kyaak!!

2. 『■■.』

→ Idiot.

3. 『■■···■■■ ■ ■■■■■···!』

→ As expected···the perfect image of my idol···!

—

444/Part 2 Ch. 65

1. 『■.』

→ Hm.

2. 『■■ ■■■ ■■■■?』

→ How about this, Grandpa?

3. 『■■.』/『■■.』

→ Hello. / Hello.

—

445/Part 2 Ch. 66

1. 『■■!』

→ Where!

—

446/Part 2 Ch. 67

1. 『···■■?』

→ ···Uh?

2. 『■■■···.』

→ Haaa···.

3.『■?』

→ Eh?

4. 『■■?!』/『■■···!』

→ Whoa?! / Ooh···!

5. 『■?』

→ Oh?

6. 『■!!』

→ Eek!!

—

447/Part 2 Ch. 68

1. 『■!!』

→ Blegh!!

2. 『■■.』

→ Slow.

3. 『■■■!』/『■■■!』

→ Too slow! / Not yet!

4. 『■. ■■.』

→ Yes. Combine.

5. 『■?』

→ Ung?

6. 『■···■!』

→ Ur···Ah!

7.『■■ ■■■■ ■■■■■.』

→ Please don't die and hold on.

—

456/Part 2 Ch. 77

1. 『『교주님. ■어가도 되겠습■■.』

→ Leader. May I enter?

2. 『■■.』

→ Annyeong.

* The reason Abel recognized Akasha's face as familiar is because it resembled Cain's. Ronan looks like Cain, and Akasha is the spitting image of Ronan.

—

460/Part 2 Ch. 81

1. 『■ ■■■ ■■ ■■ ■■■.』

→ I speak through the mouth of your blood kin.

2. 『■■■ ■■.』

→ Don't interfere.

* A line she said she was extremely embarrassed about after it was over.

—

462/Part 2 Ch. 83

1. 『■. ■■■■■.』

→ Ah. Grandpa.

2. 『■■■.』

→ Cute.

—

469/Part 2 Ch. 90

1. 『■···■■■.』

→ Hm···you're here.

2. 『■?』

→ Heh?

—

470/Part 2 Ch. 91

1. 『■■■.』

→ Uhihihi.

2. 『■■■. ■■ ■■■.』

→ So cute. Too cute.

3. 『■■.』

→ Eek.

4.『■···■■■■?』

→ Uh···are you okay?

5. 『■?』

→ Hm?

6. 『■■.』

→ Eh?

7. 『■■■■. ■■■■ ■■■■ ■■■■?』

→ You scared me. You okay, parallel world Grandpa?

8. 『■■!!!』

→ Kraaak!!!

—

471/Part 2 Ch. 92

1. 『■■■···!』

→ My goodness···!

2. 『■?』

→ Ek?

3. 『······■?!』

→ ······What?!

4. 『■■■-!!』

→ Kraaat-!! (Desperate acting. It doesn't hurt at all)

5. 『■■■■!』

→ Wait a sec!

6. 『■···■■■.』

→ Ur···dizzy. (Side effect of over-absorbing life force)

7. 『■■, ■■■■!!』

→ Hiek, the special suit!!

8. 『■■■!』

→ Waaang!

—

504/Part 2 Ch. 125

1. 『■■. ■■.』

→ End it. Right.

2. 『■.』

→ Yap.

3. 『■■?!』

→ World?!

—

505/Part 2 Ch. 126

1. 『■■! ■■■■■!』

→ Kraak! Calm down!

2. 『■■···■■■···.』

→ Uaa···after all···.

3. 『■■■■···!』

→ Grandpa···!

4. 『■■■!』

→ Take this!

5. 『■■-■!』

→ Haa-yap!

6. 『■■!!』

→ Opening!!

—

506/Part 2 Ch. 127

1. 『■!』

→ Yap!

2. 『■■···!』

→ Huaa···!

3. 『■?』

→ Yes?

4. 『■■■■ ■■■■!』

→ Grandpa's granddaughter!

5. 『■■■■···!!』

→ Weeeng···!! (She knew it couldn't be helped but kept getting scolded, making her sad. In her original world, Ronan never scolded her.)

6. 『■■! ■■!』

→ Don't know! Hate you!

7. 『■.』

→ Hic.

8. 『■■■!!!』

→ I hate you!!!

9. 『■···■■···!』

→ Hic···hueeng···!

10. 『허억···■어■···.』

→ Heok···heueok···.

11. 『■런···.』

→ This···.

12. 『■■···!』

→ Already···!

13. 『■■■■■■···.』

→ Huuuuu···.(So glad you're alive, Grandpa)

14. 『■■■.』

→ Rest.

15. 『■■ ■■■■■■.』

→ I'll end it now.

16. 『···■■.』

→ ···Good.

17. 『■. ■ ■■■■■■ ■■■■.』

→ Yes. We'll part soon, Grandpa.

18. 『■■.』

→ No way.

19.『■■■···?』

→ How···?

20. 『■■!』

→ Wait!

21. 『■···!』

→ Heu···!

22. 『■■■···.』

→ Amazing···.

23. 『■■■■?』

→ Thanks?

24. 『■ ■■■■ ■■■?』

→ In that dying state?

25. 『■■···!』

→ This···!

—

507/Part 2 Ch. 128

1. 『허■!』

→ Heok!

2. 『■■■■···.』

→ Sunrise···.

3. 『■■!』

→ Urk!

4. 『■?』

→ Eh?

5. 『■···!!』

→ Hek···!!

6. 『■···!!!』

→ Uk···!!!

7. 『■■···■■!』

→ Good···stop!

8. 『■■. ■■■■■.』

→ Let's go. One last time.

—

508/Part 2 Ch. 129

1. 『■■.』

→ Here.

—

513/Part 2 Ch. 134

1. 『■■■···.』

→ Beautiful···.

—

515/Part 2 Ch. 136

1. 『■■■■■■■!』

→ I'll be back!

2. 『■■!』

→ Bye!

****

That's all.

I hope some of your curiosities have been resolved.

Chapters 43, 44, 189, 191, 192, 193, 194 must be read in their revised versions for the interpretations to match.

The continuing story reaches its end.

Please enjoy the scenery at the final stop.

"Adeshan. You're leaving today?"

A gentle voice echoed through the kitchen.

Adeshan, who had been sitting at the table slicing steak, looked up. A woman as tall as her was cooking in an apron. She was usually a cool-headed soldier, but on weekends at home, she transformed into a chef like this.

Adeshan said,

"Yes, Mom."

"Then it's best to leave before your brothers return. They tormented me all last night, saying a kid who still needs to be carried in a pocket can't go backpacking."

"Your pocket's gotten big."

"Exactly. No matter how much I say she's a grown lady now··· In three months, when she enters Phileon Academy, I wonder how we'll send her off."

"It's fine. It means they love me that much."

"Oh, so mature. Want to wait a bit and say goodbye?"

"No. Thanks for the meal."

Adeshan stood up immediately. Cherishing her was one thing, but this was another.

Her two big brothers' strength was loving their little sister too much, and their weakness was also loving their little sister too much. If she was spotted, the trip would be delayed by at least three days.

She'd end up unable to move like a marten bitten by a hunting dog.

Adeshan hugged her mother from behind.

"I love you. I'll be back."

"I love you too. Say goodbye to your dad in the living room."

"Yes."

Adeshan headed to the living room.

Her father, off for the weekend, was playing chess with a guest who had come in the morning.

The guest's massive build made the living room feel cramped. His father seemed to have the advantage, as the guest's expression wasn't great. The guest, tapping the floor with his dark tail, growled.

"···Cowardly."

"Haha, shall I give you a handicap?"

Her father replied with a laugh.

There was no tension even facing a were-tiger three times his size. He was certain the guest wouldn't kill him over a chess loss. It was only natural. He was called the tyrant of the north beyond the walls, but here he was just a friend.

Zaifa said,

"No need. Don't pity a warrior."

"Then I'll end it in three moves."

"Nonsense···that's impossible."

"Shall I show you?"

Her father reached out.

Exactly three moves later, the king fell. Zaifa's brow furrowed.

He swung his tail in silence before speaking.

"···Again."

"Anytime. Oh, Adeshan. Where are you going?"

Her father finally noticed his daughter and raised an eyebrow.

Adeshan nodded.

"The trip I mentioned last time."

"Ah, that backpacking trip. Be careful. I should see you off···"

"I'm fine. Stay with Uncle Zaifa."

"Good morning, Adeshan."

Zaifa grinned. Adeshan waved hello.

Something unimaginable in her original life.

The massacre instigator of the Night of Fangs, the culprit who destroyed families, was now a neighborhood uncle who dropped by whenever he was bored.

"You look good too, Uncle. All your beastkin friends are doing well?"

"Yes. Thanks to you."

"What did I do? Glad to hear it."

Adeshan smiled with her eyes. She pretended modesty, but she'd done a lot.

Two years ago, she told Zaifa all the truths she knew. The black幕 Varka was executed immediately. Instead of starting the Night of Fangs, Zaifa compromised with the emperor.

Adeshan joined as a diplomat, and things worked out somehow.

"I'm glad. Really."

This was Seniel's final gift.

A gift given to the Grand General who completed four lives admirably.

After executing Abel and transferring her remaining life force to dying Ronan, instead of going to the afterlife depicted in media, she got to live one more life.

When her severed consciousness returned, Adeshan stood as a girl in the home village of Border Count Barsa.

'I thought I was paying for my incompetence.'

At first, it was bewildering. She honestly thought she'd fallen to hell. She had no doubt fate's yoke would strangle her again.

But this regression was different. Having lived four lives, including as a soul in the orb, Adeshan knew and prepared for all future events. The Night of Fangs that turned her life to hell never happened, and no family member died.

'The shadow mana bloomed quickly too.'

It was practically paradise.

She was learning the joy of living every moment.

This world even had room to become better than paradise.

This backpacking trip was the journey to find that final piece.

Zaifa said,

"By the way, your eyes look unusual today. Off to hunt prey?"

"Something like that. Going to catch my future husband."

"Kuhk!"

It was the moment Adeshan answered flatly.

Her father, savoring distilled liquor in winner's leisure, sprayed a powerful fountain from nose and mouth.

The chessboard and Zaifa's fur were drenched.

"Hey. You okay?"

"S-sorry! I was so surprised···wait a minute, Adeshan. Who are you bringing?!"

"Don't worry. Everyone will like him. You know I have high standards."

"What about your brothers! Whoever it is, they'll surely die!"

"He's stronger, so it's fine. Love you, Dad. Bye."

Adeshan left the house. Her father's coughing continued until the front door closed.

The sky was clear. Beyond Barsa's gray walls, white mountain peaks lined up. Where a memorial would have stood was now a statue of the emperor and Zaifa shaking hands. Inhaling, the cool wind refreshed her lungs.

Gazing at wispy clouds, she murmured,

"It's great. Having no worries."

A soft smile graced her lips. For the first time since starting regressions, she lived a fulfilling life. Not material abundance, but well-fed and well-rested. A leisure possible because she knew nothing would happen even ten years from now.

"Akasha···."

There are no giants in this world. Precisely, there were, but they're gone.

Just a month ago. While patrolling the walls planning for the future, space tore open and a pretty girl popped out. A girl strikingly like Ronan.

The girl named Akasha introduced herself as Ronan's granddaughter from a parallel world.

- Wow, a fifth world? I came to check···! Nice to meet you, Grand General!

- Nice to meet you. But even as kin, aren't you too similar?

Even recalling it was absurd.

Her face was too identical to dismiss as nonsense. Her abundant black hair and gentle smile mirrored Adeshan's own. Akasha said the giants were already extinct by her hand, so the Grand General should focus on a happy life.

This wasn't a lie either.

She opened a massive rift showing the giants' perishing star. The mysterious celestial event days ago was the souls released from the giants' origin's destruction. The purposeless Nebula Klazie were annihilated by Akasha or a tiny few imprisoned in Rodolan.

But the real shock came after.

Recalling the conversation, Adeshan muttered in a main voice,

"So foolish···Corporal."

Adeshan first learned then that the world she left dying remained as a parallel world.

The world meant to perish was wholly saved by Ronan, and the one who first gave her the orb while dying was also Ronan.

Even one reason Ronan saved the parallel world was worry that Adeshan in paradise would suffer.

Learning all truths, she collapsed on the wall and wept aloud.

Until morning broke and Akasha departed.

Yes, no wonder she seemed familiar from first sight.

Rubbing her teary eyes, Adeshan stepped forward.

"Let's go."

Time to depart.

Leaving her hometown, she passed Barsa's gates.

Leaving the chilly north, thawed earth appeared.

She deliberately didn't use teleport scrolls. She wanted to fully enjoy the peaceful world.

When thirsty, she drank from clear streams; when hungry, picked fruits or hunted. When legs tired, she rested in scenic spots.

Visiting villages and cities, meeting people. Every moment was joyful. Things unseen in her past driven solely by stopping giants now entered her eyes.

Occasional thieves were trip highlights.

Those approaching a lone young maiden with ill intent became mind control prey. Most were bound and made to surrender at nearby villages, but severe cases were suicided or made to gouge their own eyes.

Each time, Adeshan gave a wry smile.

Even without giants or Nebula Klazie, villains existed.

This life, becoming a profession purging worldly darkness didn't seem bad.

'This is the world too.'

Anyway, Adeshan walked. Walked and walked.

About a month later.

She arrived at the small western village she'd set as destination.

A winding river embraced the village sprouting spring flowers. Wildflowers bloomed roughly yet beautifully. The rising sun from her direction dyed the landscape gold.

"···Nice place."

Adeshan exclaimed softly, looking around. She'd only heard of it, never visited. Sheep awakening early roamed between hills.

The village name: Nimburton.

Her first love's hometown.

"Fuuu···."

Adeshan took a deep breath. Heart pounding without running.

She'd said casually to father and Zaifa, but now tense, breathing hard. Rethinking, she'd only vicariously enjoyed romance, never her own.

"Calm down···I already know everything. I've seen all of him."

Thank goodness for spectating as a soul.

Without that, she'd faint.

She could claim knowing Ronan better than anyone in this world, but that was separate from courage.

'Can I even talk to him?'

Fortunately, early morning.

Most still asleep, giving time to compose.

Pulling a small mirror, she adjusted her appearance.

Unbutton shirt more? Tie hair back? What to say after hello? Will he think I'm crazy?

No idea. Nothing satisfied.

Leading a million-strong army was far easier.

As she groaned oddly in worry,

"Freeze."

"What."

A familiar voice rang from behind.

Distracted, she hadn't noticed his presence.

A wooden staff poked her shoulder.

"Got you finally. Sheep thief. Didn't expect me waiting at dawn, huh?"

"···Sheep thief?"

"Yeah. Don't think being a girl gets you leniency. Before jail, a bitter lesson. First, sheep costume and three laps around···"

He chattered excitedly. Regaining senses, she saw a dozen lambs lined at his feet. Too tense, she'd unconsciously mind-controlled them.

Worst meeting ever.

Adeshan said,

"Seems like a misunderstanding. I'm not a sheep thief."

"Everyone says that. Quiet and turn. Let me see that shameless face."

"···Okay."

Adeshan turned, hands raised to shoulders.

Ronan stood with a triumphant expression.

Boyhood Ronan. Younger than remembered. Skin soft, shorter than her. Ronan froze facing Adeshan.

"What···."

The staff slowly lowered.

His gaze fixed on her face like enchanted.

Adeshan too. Lambs fleeing mind control ignored. Both instinctively knew: love at first sight wasn't nonsense.

Ronan spoke first.

"······Tch, pretty face though."

"Thanks."

"Really not a thief?"

"No. But the sheep gathering is my fault. Sorry about that, Ronan."

"How do you know my na···mmph."

Before he finished,

Adeshan stepped close, pulled his head, kissed.

"······!"

Ronan's eyes widened. Light lip touch, but irrelevant.

Their separated faces flushed red.

Ronan touching lips murmured,

"···Wow."

"Well."

Adeshan beamed.

His flushed stunned face irresistibly cute. She understood why Ronan smiled at her under aurora. This was life.

Gazing at Ronan, Adeshan nodded toward oak-covered hill.

"Trivial matters, let's sit there and talk slowly."

完.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: Ryuma

Chapter: 517

Chapter Title: Final Afterword

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Hello. This is Seogwando.

I can't fully express my feelings in ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠comments, so I'm leaving this closing note.

As it's my first novel, lots of thoughts arise.

But lingering shouldn't turn to regret, so I'll wrap up briefly.

Academy's Genius Swordsman has concluded.

From February 12, 2022, to April 23, 2024.

Ronan and Adeshan's epic journey of 801 days has finally reached its end.

Honestly, it still doesn't feel real.

Academy's Genius Swordsman changed my life.

During the 801 days of serialization, I escaped being a shitting machine, met the woman who became my wife, and could buy meals for friends who'd fed poor aspiring me.

Their blessings still echo.

A few examples···.

"You're your family's failure."

"People should play as they live. No writing on your face."

"Your writing is just cyber ocean trash eating traffic." (Didn't read)

"Gwando, spot open on production line. Just say."

Ah! Friendship heating chest and head!

They survive on meager lives because they bought me meals with each "blessing." Malicious donors tossing 100 won while cursing. Unknowingly, they hugely shaped Ronan's character.

Many more cheered me.

Parents, normally supportive friends, fellow authors, PD, and wife (Jin)—without them, I couldn't write this afterword. Readers go without saying.

Thank you all.

Truly, thank you.

Got sidetracked.

Anyway, many great things happened, too many to list. The 801 days serializing Akacheonkal were my life's brightest.

Ronan saved the world and me incidentally.

Memory of uploading first chapter vivid.

I sat in my childhood room. Chilly evening. Cool wind and sunset seeped through half-open window. Violet-melting sunset like Part 2's finale. Raynaud's-afflicted hands frozen from cold and nerves.

After endless deliberation, hit upload.

Title then: 'Untrained Genius Swordsman'.

Honestly, still ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠good, but before changing to Academy's Genius Swordsman, popularity was brutally low. Chilling thought if I'd quit then. Proud of past self for persisting.

Bit on Part 2.

I prided clean Part 1 end. Side stories too. Planned final 333rd 'Ronan' satisfied me.

Yet unresolved stories remained.

Backstories for key characters like Naviroje, Baren, Zaifa, Erzsebet; Part 2 theme of regression orb's identity.

Roughly planned mentally, but no chance to unfold.

As pro, reality demanded next work to not starve. Feared botching would ruin ending's aftertaste.

But webtoon adaptation changed everything.

Mass reader influx gave leeway to tell remaining tales.

Special side stories and Part 2 possible thanks to great webtoon and readers who came. Thanks again.

I'll keep writing novels.

No plan to change pen name Seogwando. If Seogwando serializes somewhere, high chance it's me of Academy's Genius Swordsman.

Time to end.

Too long, awkward for next work meeting.

Ultimately, two sentences I wanted to convey:

I was happy to write Academy's Genius Swordsman.

I was happy to share my life's brightest moments with readers.

See you in next work.

Thanks for reading today.

Seogwando bows.