Chapter 443: The Grey Desert(1)
Chapter 443: The Grey Desert(1)
Unlike with the other women, my first night with Leona stretched well into the following afternoon. She already possessed incredible physical stamina, but combined with her being in heat, the sheer drain on my energy made the ordeal last much longer.
Fortunately, the medicine Musk had gifted me proved remarkably effective, ensuring I didn't collapse from exhaustion first. However, a minor incident did occur.
Just as everything had concluded and I was about to clean up, Marie paid a visit to my bedroom. She said she had come looking for me out of concern since the sun was high in the sky and I still hadn't emerged.
The situation was perfectly staged to trigger Marie’s jealousy, so I inevitably had my energy drained by her as well.
As a bonus, she threatened that while she didn't mind me "fawning over" Leona for the time being, she would absolutely squeeze me dry afterward.
Regardless, because we had been entangled in passion until the sun was at its zenith, I spent the rest of that day wide awake. It was better this way for the sake of my sleep cycle.
Leona also took a long nap, woke up just to eat dinner, and then went right back to sleep. Since she had exhausted her internal energy as well, recovering her strength through deep sleep was essential.
And so, the most grueling first night passed. Only after spending an entire day doing nothing but sleeping was I able to return to my daily routine.
Clack, clack— clack—
As soon as I returned to normalcy, I sat at my desk to finish my writing. For the record, Leona was still catching up on her sleep.
I’d heard that while Beastkin draw out all their physical and internal energy during their heat, they do nothing but sleep for a while once it's fully spent.
However, that usually applies to those with the exceptionally strong regenerative powers characteristic of Beastkin; Leona is a half-blood.
Naturally, her regeneration is relatively slower, and from what I heard, she was currently doing nothing but eating and sleeping consistently.
Furthermore, since the scent of the World Tree Leaf Cigar had caused her to lose her reason and push herself to her absolute limit, she had no choice but to focus entirely on recovery.
'I should see her as the type who explodes all at once, like Cecile.'
However, because the cigar smoke had snapped her self-control, any attempt at moderation had failed. That was why she was still dead to the world.
Thanks to that, my evenings became quite free. Moreover, Leona had told me this before she went to sleep:
If I had consistently helped her relieve her sexual desire, she wouldn't have had to drive herself to the point of squeezing out every last drop of her energy like this.
In other words, it was an indirect plea for me to satisfy her regularly if I didn't want to go through such a grueling ordeal again.
Of course, just as I had done with the other women, I planned to share my bed with Leona for the time being. She seemed to desire it inwardly as well.
Thus, even though the storm of the first night had passed, most things remained unchanged.
For instance, the tourists currently laughing and chatting excitedly in the territory. They were the people who had come for Jin’s funeral.
'I hope they're having fun.'
It was a bit absurd how the atmosphere had shifted to a festival the moment I announced I would save Jin, but as long as the readers were happy, it didn't matter.
But what if I released the side story right now? There would probably be an uproar. I wanted to see that reaction.
Perhaps the effects of the World Tree Leaf Cigar still lingered, as my hands didn't stop tapping away at the typewriter.
I felt like lighting another one, but I held back as much as possible, fearing I might become addicted.
No matter how beneficial the effects were, relying on them would inevitably lead to adverse consequences.
'Still, it wouldn't be a bad idea to carry one around.'
It was strictly for worst-case scenarios. I figured I could smoke it if an accident happened and I needed to keep my wits about me.
'I've written almost everything, but...'
I stared at the manuscript of the side story on my desk. It would be finished once I wrote just one more page.
However, there was one thing bothering me. Was it really okay to release it like this?
The other side story, The Passing Hero, was more of a prequel, but the one I was writing now was a conclusion in the truest sense.
I wanted to write words fitting for the end of the Xenon Biography, but nothing suitable came to mind.
'Since Jin is the true protagonist here, I should include a sentence related to him.'
The best option would be to include a famous song from my previous life. In fact, there was one song that perfectly matched the story of the Xenon Biography.
It was the masterpiece sung by countless artists: "Don't Worry, My Dear."
It was close to a memorial song sung for those who had departed or for old memories, making it a perfect fit for the Xenon Biography, which was filled with tragic deaths.
Originally, I had planned for Xenon to sing it after his master, Kair, died and he received news of his passing in battle, but...
'I completely forgot about it back then...'
So many things were happening at the time that it slipped my mind. If I had included it, it would have resonated even more deeply with the readers.
Even Mora had previously asked me to include it, saying she wanted to hear the songs of Earth, even if only indirectly.
Fortunately, she seemed to understand how busy I was and didn't point it out, but I couldn't help but feel guilty.
'Should I put it in now?'
Honestly, it wouldn't matter much if I did. It fit the Xenon Biography's atmosphere—which was simultaneously bright and gloomy—perfectly.
The problem, however, was the nature of a side story. If all the main characters were appearing, it might be different, but this side story focused on Jin and Lily.
Furthermore, when people read this side story, they would think of Jin as the protagonist; Xenon would likely be an afterthought.
In other words, I needed to include a song that was perfect for Jin...
'There is one...'
If you just listened to the lyrics, there was a song that could be called a tribute not just to Jin, but to the entire Demon race.
A masterpiece among masterpieces that I had heard back when I was an elementary school student in my past life: "Butter-Fly" by Jeon Young-ho.
Anyone born in the 90s would have heard it at least once.
When I was young, the lyrics felt abstract, so I remembered it simply as a good song to listen to. But as time passed and I became an adult, I realized it was a true masterpiece.
The lyrics, in particular, were deeply impressive. It was a story of flapping one's wings vigorously and remaining steadfast and full of hope, even in a somewhat squalid world.
'Come to think of it, old songs had a lot of abstract lyrics.'
Nostalgia probably played a part, but there were so many truly great songs. I slowly recalled them.
In my past life, I could be considered part of a culturally blessed generation. We had escaped the IMF, the worst financial crisis, and every household had finally gained some breathing room.
Furthermore, anti-Japanese sentiment had decreased significantly, leading to the import of various anime, which were dubbed and broadcast on television.
Back then, there were no smartphones, so the places where one could access cartoons were extremely limited.
In that environment, when a never-before-seen cartoon was shown on TV, it was impossible not to get sucked in.
'My parents told me to watch from a distance so my eyes wouldn't go bad.'
Is it because I'm thinking of the distant past? I feel a sudden surge of emotion.
I quickly shook off my idle thoughts and returned to work. Even if it hurt, my past life was a past I could never return to.
However, I could bring remnants of that past here. That thought helped me make up my mind.
'I'll have to visit Lady Mora’s temple soon.'
Since I didn't remember all the lyrics, Mora’s help was essential. I printed out the final page and stood up.
The side story would be finished once I added the song lyrics. I figured I could inform Musk after visiting Mora’s temple.
It would serve as a wonderful gift for the readers and the people of the territory who were currently celebrating the festival outside.
Since I had even declared that I would show a pure love so sweet it would rot their teeth, they would practically ascend to heaven.
'But if I write the lyrics, will the minstrels sing it?'
Minstrels existed in this world too. They were closer to singer-songwriters, but since that specific term didn't exist, I’ll call them minstrels.
Anyway, minstrels were similar to wandering singers, traveling all over the world to sing songs or write poems related to myths and heroes.
Naturally, the tradition had started in the cultural powerhouse, the Kingdom of Ters, and countless minstrels were still traveling the world, singing for the people.
I’d heard they were singing songs related to the Xenon Biography, but I’ll let that slide. What I was concerned about was how they would perform the lyrics I’d use for the side story.
'There are differences between races, but since we use a common language, I’ll have to translate it well.'
The original song had some English parts, but this world had no "foreign languages." Everyone used the same characters and language.
Of course, it wasn't exactly the same; there were differences in accents and certain terms depending on the region and race.
But since the language was fundamentally the same, the fact remained that I had to translate the lyrics carefully.
'By the way, it really is strange that the language is all the same.'
On the Earth of my past life, even just looking at Europe, there were countless languages and scripts packed into a relatively small landmass.
Starting with English, then German, French, Italian, and so on. While the scripts themselves originated from Egyptian hieroglyphs, the languages were all different.
Even the language used by a neighboring country was different, yet this world was quite peculiar. Everyone used the same language and script.
Of course, different scripts were used in the past, but this was a phenomenon that occurred as the language gradually developed.
Even Hangul had undergone countless changes, hadn't it? This place was no different.
'History says they brought the language used by the gods, so it's not that strange, but...'
Since they said the gods had bestowed the "language," my doubts had faded. After all, I myself was able to converse perfectly fine with the gods.
What I needed to think about right now was the "translation." To be honest, it was a difficult task in many ways to convey that exact same sentiment.
In fact, terms used in Baduk like "life and death," "countdown," or "self-destruct move" didn't exist at all, so I had to create the words myself.
Was it a stroke of luck that the context of this world's language was similar to Korean? That was also why I was able to write the Xenon Biography so smoothly.
If the context had been closer to English, I would have written while practically spitting blood. It was a blessing in disguise.
'The melody itself has a ballad version, so...'
They’ll figure it out. However, since it was such a masterpiece among masterpieces, I wasn't sure if there was a minstrel who could properly pull it off.
Furthermore, while they might be able to sing it calmly like a ballad, it would be difficult to properly convey the explosive emotion unique to the original song.
There were minstrels, but no one who could truly be called a "singer" had appeared yet.
Still, I was satisfied just to be able to hear the songs of my past life, even if only indirectly.
'Now, what's left is...'
I thought as I stretched my body, which had stiffened from long hours of writing. What remained was the writing of the prequel side story, The Passing Hero, and the long-awaited World War II.
World War II would take some time since I had to revive my memories and organize them, but I planned to start writing The Passing Hero immediately.
I had already planned out the entire story until the end, and there were no issues with sponsorships. I had already decided on using the World Tree Leaf Cigar.
Knock, knock, knock—
[Isaac. It's me. May I come in for a moment?]
While I was stretching, someone knocked and asked for permission. Judging by the voice, it seemed to be Lina.
It was extremely rare for Lina to visit me directly, unlike Marie or Adelia. Cecile and Arwen... were probably playing Baduk.
Though curious, I readily gave my permission.
"Come in."
[Then, excuse me.]
Creeeak—
As soon as I gave my permission, Lina carefully opened the door and entered. She was dressed in a gown that blended gold and white, exuding elegance.
With her sharp eyes giving her a cat-like impression, she bowed to me and slowly approached.
She was holding a bundle of rolled-up papers in one hand. It looked like a newspaper.
"Have a seat. So, what's going on?"
"There's some news I thought you should see."
Sitting in a chair at the table, Lina handed me the papers—specifically, a newspaper.
I sat across from Lina and unfolded the newspaper. Come to think of it, I had forgotten to read today's paper.
[Grey Desert Expedition Departs in Search of the Truth. Leader is Cardinal Deimos of the Holy Nation 'Savior'...]
[The Kingdom of Ters, the Minerva Empire, Albenheim, Helium, and more. The Grey Desert Expedition, supported by numerous nations, set out today. In an unprecedented event where the entire world has united for a single purpose, the expedition's goal is to uncover the truth shown in the Xenon Biography...]
[The expedition includes numerous scholars, such as archaeologists and historians.]
As soon as I opened the newspaper, the news printed in large letters caught my eye. It was the news that the Grey Desert Expedition had departed.
I couldn't help but be puzzled by this. I had heard that an expedition was being formed, but this was too sudden.
I had expected it to take at least a week; had something happened? I looked away from the newspaper and at Lina.
Lina also seemed to realize that the situation had taken a strange turn, as she wore a rather serious expression.
"...It says the Grey Desert Expedition has departed? Did you know about this?"
"I found out yesterday. The problem is that it was far too sudden."
"Isn't it too hasty? What about the support troops sent by each nation?"
"Fortunately, they arrived safely. But the leader is Cardinal Deimos—in other words, the Holy Nation 'Savior.' It felt strange, so I asked my father..."
She trailed off for a moment and took a long breath. Judging by her furrowed brow, she seemed quite uneasy.
I waited quietly for Lina to finish. If she had come to me directly, something significant must have happened.
"...They say an oracle was delivered."
"An oracle?"
"Yes."
At least by my standards.
"An oracle to depart as quickly as possible. It was revealed by none other than Savior."
Something was definitely strange.