Chapter 1
Who the hell does a deep kiss at a wedding? On the left, the Grand Mage had gathered mana from its very source, layering magic circles so densely they couldn't even be counted. On the right, the Saintess channeled nothing but annihilation, her divine power so intense it could scorch human flesh on contact. Straight ahead, the Hero aimed his holy sword at the neck, while from behind, I targeted the heart.
"...It's time to end this, Magnus."
The Hero's low voice. It had been a long road. Short to some, maybe, but three years dominated by battles felt endlessly long.
"You all... are truly strong. Nothing like the previous generation. We've spilled plenty of blood on each other. I'll end it myself, so no need to dirty your hands further."
Was this pointless defiance his final shred of pride before death? Before the Hero could even swing his holy sword—just in case—the Demon King vanished, leaving only a dark red gem in his place, which soon crumbled to nothing.
"No mana signature. It's clear."
"Divine power detects nothing either. I think... it's over."
"Is that so? You all did great. Really."
"Haa..."
We were the party assembled from across the continent after the Demon King's invasion, summoned solely to defeat him. We'd achieved our goal, but finishing a saga like this brought an unexpectedly profound emptiness.
Not one of the other three wore a smile. I wondered what they were thinking. Part of this void came from parting ways with these people I'd grown so attached to.
When summoned to this world, I'd heard that killing the Demon King would send me back to Earth soon after. At first, I obsessed over returning home—and that hasn't changed—but regrets lingered.
I wanted to leave one last memory. I approached the Grand Mage, lost in thought. She turned slightly, her crimson eyes drawing me in like a vortex.
"Wanna get married?"
The words slipped out half-unconsciously, but I meant them. Waist-length silver hair, an icy beauty—the continent's strongest mage, Sharl. When she deliberately let her mana rampage like now, turning her eyes red, a single gesture could reduce a castle to ashes. In that berserk state, she lost friend-foe distinction and scorched me plenty, but she'd slain more demons than anyone in our party.
We clashed opinions most, but that made our love-hate bond all the tighter.
"What?"
I met her surprised red gaze head-on.
"Y'know, something to commemorate... If you're cool with it?"
I kept it light, like suggesting a photo. She'd take it as a joke. I teased her often, and with my breezy tone, she had to. I was leaving anyway—better a fun, forgettable memory than something serious that'd hurt her when I vanished.
She looked deep in thought, like when crafting those multi-layered circles, but answered quicker than expected.
"Sure."
I figured she'd snap about joking even now, but she smirked and agreed. Her smiles were rare treasures—worth the ask alone.
"Not a church, but with me as the Saintess officiating, that shouldn't matter."
"A wedding in the Demon King's castle... Kinda romantic, huh."
The Hero and Saintess smiled, approaching. I'd spoken normally, and with their superhuman senses—Cain and Aris—they heard everything. No objections meant they got the joke.
I did care for Sharl, and before splitting, I wanted us four laughing together. A "wedding" let everyone join in.
Cain plopped into the Demon King's throne like it was his. Guest seat? Fittingly eye-catching—Heroes were born for the spotlight.
Naturally, Sharl and I faced each other, Aris between us.
"Damn, the vibes were always weird between you two, but straight to marriage without dating? Ballsy."
"Honestly, Sharl's gorgeous. Once a job's done, the relief kills your restraint, Cain."
Embarrassing to say, even for me, but seeing Sharl blush and kick my shin drew laughs from everyone. Mission accomplished.
Aris seized the quiet moment.
"Just the vows of eternal love. Groom first—Naid, do you vow eternal love to Sharlot?"
Eternal love. Our time was short. Minutes at most before goodbye forever—but I'd cherish it eternally.
"I do."
Normally a lip kiss, but this was casual. Fine if my first was her; maybe not hers. I lifted her gloved wrist, pressing a brief kiss to the back. She hated touch, but she'd allow this.
Looking up, no displeasure—just a hint of shyness.
"Bride next—Sharlot, do you vow eternal love to Naid?"
Knowing her, she might refuse. Would've been funny anyway.
She took a shallow breath, then said clearly, "Yes, I do."
Suddenly, she grabbed my nape, pulling me close, whispering in my ear.
"...Only this far because it's the last time."
Last? Because the Demon King was dead? Before I could parse it, her lips crashed into mine.
"Mm...?"
Cain and Aris gasped in shock, but it didn't end there. Her soft tongue slipped past my lips, exploring my mouth.
"Hah... mm..."
Her breath hot against me nearly shattered my calm, but I—Naid, continent's top assassin—knew control. Heart racing? Old hat.
Regaining composure, thoughts flooded. High school virgin till the end, but even I knew she was a novice kisser.
'Only this far because it's the last time.' What did that mean? Something felt off...
"Chuu..."
Wondered how long, but her clumsy kiss felt good—no pushing away. First kiss turning deep? Whatever. But a wedding deep-kiss? Really, Miss Sharlot?
I mentally prodded her, and finally, her lips parted. A thin thread bridged us briefly before snapping.
"...Hot stuff."
The red faded from her eyes, migrating to her face as it blazed crimson.
...Berserk mode lost her inhibitions, huh.
"...Sharl, impressive."
"Quiet ones burn hottest, they say..."
Enough—she'll explode. Hands over her flushed face, head bowed; adorable. We bantered on.
Then, an irresistible pull. Time to go.
No time for long goodbyes. Abrupt for them, but...
"Thanks for everything. Hope you keep a spot for me in your memories."
They stared like I'd lost it. All eyes on me.
I looked only at Sharl.
"Looks like it's time to head home. I'm from... Earth. Korea."
One last line.
"I'll never forget."
Her face twisted in shock, index finger jabbing at me.
...This pose—like some Earth ad.
Silly thought, then blackout.
I woke in my room, bolting up to check my phone: January 2, 2023. Three years there, one day here.
Dream? I poked a desk water bottle with a finger laced in faint killing intent—it pierced like tofu. Yup, real. Astasia powers intact, slightly weaker, but who cares? Useless here anyway.
Memories confirmed, done. In the living room, sister Baek Sia sprawled, glued to her phone.
"Sia, want some chicken?"
"......Dad! Baek Sion's acting weird!!"
"What now? What'd your bro do?"
"He just goes, 'Sia, want chicken?' outta nowhere?"
"Must've broken something of yours."
"Baek Sion, you smash my makeup?!"
After three years, this from my sister... Their reactions proved time hadn't passed. But so blasé—got my dander up.
"...I see. Still, reuniting after three years feels good. Back to normal life—relief."
Middle school isekai-fanboy dream line for returning hero.
She pocketed her phone, glanced, then back to scrolling.
...At least call me crazy.
"Baek Sia, anything different about me?"
"Same old otaku degenerate as always."
Was gonna buy her chicken as big bro, but canceled. While her phone blocked her view, I flicked my middle finger up at light speed, then down.