Chapter 123
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 123
Chapter Title: Revisiting (3)
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...You'll let me die.
I didn't even have time to process what those words meant before the next scene unfolded.
"Congratulations on joining us, Mr. Lee Yun-seong."
"...I look forward to working with you, Clan Master."
'In the first timeline, Seo Yu-ju became the master of Incarnation Clan, didn't she...'
"But... have we met somewhere before? Your face feels familiar somehow."
"...We must have crossed paths during the Tutorial. We were in the same batch as you, Clan Master."
"Ah... I'm sorry. That was rude of me."
"It's fine, Clan Master. Don't worry about it."
Seo Yu-ju didn't remember me.
'...Of course she wouldn't. I never stood out, so it's only natural.'
During the Tutorial, all eyes would have been on Jo Chan-ho or Yu-hyeon. It was perfectly reasonable for someone like Seo Yu-ju not to remember a guy like me.
'Looks like I stuck around her for a while.'
Scenes of time spent with Seo Yu-ju began flashing by.
"Ah... Yun-seong, thank you."
"No problem, Yu-ju. You must be tired—have some coffee while we work."
Watching all this, I could only clench my fists tight.
Because in the first timeline, I had deliberately approached Seo Yu-ju and worked my charm on her.
I had no idea how it looked to others, but to me, my own fake, calculated demeanor was crystal clear.
Then came the scene where I brought in Wi Ho-yeon.
'What? I was the one who brought Wi Ho-yeon?'
"...I'm Wi Ho-yeon. Nice to meet you."
"We're truly delighted to have you join the clan."
In the second timeline, Seo Yu-ju had brought the Sword Empress into Eternity, so I'd assumed there was something between them.
I never imagined I'd be the one bringing Wi Ho-yeon.
As time passed, an absurd scene appeared.
"...I, I like you, Yun-seong..."
"......"
'Fuck, you crazy bastard Lee Yun-seong...'
"I-it just... happened after spending time together... You're such a great guy, Yun-seong... and your face is so... um..."
"...I understand. I'm truly happy to hear that."
"D-does that mean...?"
"I feel the same way about you, Yu-ju."
"Ah... Ah... Hic... Hnng..."
"Wh-why are you crying all of a sudden? Y-Yu-ju?"
"Hic... Because... I'm just so happy..."
'This... no, this can't be right... Did I really do this to Seo Yu-ju?'
I was toying with Seo Yu-ju's feelings.
I was certain now. In the first timeline, I had no real affection for her whatsoever.
She was just a target I approached purely for my own goals—nothing more, nothing less.
"Stop crying. You're making me flustered..."
"Okay... Sniff... More importantly... Yun-seong."
"Yes, go ahead."
"We're... d-dating now, right...? How about we drop the formalities?"
"Hm..."
"D-do you not want to?"
"...No, that's fine. Let's do it."
"Yay! Hehe..."
"...."
"Um... Y-Yun-seong... Call me by my name?"
"...Got it, Yu-ju."
"Hehe..."
Watching Seo Yu-ju beam with joy sent my mood plummeting.
'Ha... Fuck, so this was my 'business' with Incarnation Clan? Why the hell...'
Suddenly, the uneasy thought I'd been harboring crystallized.
'...I definitely said I was starting over. And in the first timeline, I deliberately approached Seo Yu-ju, but she regressed.'
I recalled my first visit to the Library of Records.
'Utt showed interest in me, not Seo Yu-ju.'
It was a ridiculous hypothesis, but when all the clues pointed in one direction, it was impossible not to consider it.
'Did I... orchestrate Seo Yu-ju's regression?'
I wasn't a regressor myself, yet I was connected to every major event.
Both regressors had ties to me.
'Fuck... No way, that can't be... But if it is, then why?'
Deep down, I knew the answer to that question.
Yun Yeon's death. Yu-rim and Yu-hyeon's deaths.
'Damn it... Let's assume my hypothesis is correct. Then why did I make Seo Yu-ju regress instead of doing it myself? And how?'
It didn't make sense.
Whatever deal I'd made, if regression was possible, the best option would have been for me to go back myself.
Yet the fact that it was Seo Yu-ju who regressed meant there had to be some reason.
'Two possibilities. Either only Seo Yu-ju could regress...'
Or I couldn't do it myself.
Soon, a clue to resolve my doubts began unfolding before me.
'What the hell is that.'
In the first timeline, some transcendental being hovered vaguely before me.
"Is the deal solid? We're almost ready. If you're having second thoughts now..."
"...Fool. I'm not like you. I won't go back on my word."
"...I hope you keep that promise. You told me how to do it. We're cooperating because our goals align. Both you and I."
".... Aitass will turn back time. At the cost of my sacrifice, of course. You... keep your promise. Protect that child, no matter what it takes."
'...Aitass? What child?'
The sudden scene left me bewildered.
'Who am I talking to? Definitely not human...'
"...Don't worry about Yu-hyeon. I won't repeat the same mistake."
"I know you're close to a villainous sort, but I proposed this to you because I know you truly cherished that child. I..."
"I know."
"Don't forget my words. If you can't create at least one Transcendent... turning back time will be meaningless."
'Transcendent?'
"...More importantly, is there really no way for me to regress directly?"
"I told you it's impossible. I can't regress you directly since you're the one making the deal with me. I'll propose direct regression to the target you've chosen. Have you decided for sure?"
"Yes..."
"Then it's done. That target becoming a Transcendent is Eras's only hope."
"......."
"But if that target rejects my offer, it's all for nothing. Are you certain they'll accept?"
"...They'll accept without fail."
"How can you be so sure? This is critical. If they refuse, everything..."
"...The pain of losing someone precious is universal. She'll accept regression, no question."
"...What do you mean?"
"You wouldn't understand since you're not human, but it doesn't matter. She can't refuse. Just like I couldn't."
"......"
"Once you lose your loved ones and realize there's no hope left in this world, starting over is the only option. That's what I did, and she'll do the same."
'Ha...'
My head felt like it was going to explode. No, it probably was. I just didn't want to think about any of this anymore.
"...Very well. I don't like you, but I acknowledge your ability. If you're that confident, it should be fine."
"...Mutual, isn't it? You're using me, and I'm using you."
"...Insolent fool. I'm leaving now. I want some rest before oblivion comes."
"As you wish."
'Fuck, what the hell happened here.'
I forced myself to keep thinking, but one thing stood out as odd.
The target in that conversation was clearly Seo Yu-ju by context, so according to it, she should have been the only regressor.
'Goddamn it... What the... Why are there two regressors...'
Before I could fully grasp the situation, the scene shifted again.
"Master... Why go this far?"
"...Far with what?"
"Why not just live now? Why start over?"
"......"
"I'll help you. I'll stay by your side so you can live a normal life. So please..."
"...Still on about that? Drop it. You think I want to die? Besides, Eras is done for anyway. I have my own wishes, but starting over is the only way."
"...The threat isn't even confirmed."
'Threat.'
"No, it is. Without a Transcendent, there's no hope. It's over."
"...."
"Starting over opens possibilities. I'll save Yun Yeon, the Transcendent candidate, and make Seo Yu-ju a Transcendent. And you'll be free."
"Free...? What...?"
"Once the second timeline begins, I won't interfere with you. I promise not to use or restrain you like now."
".... What?"
Ruska's face hardened at my words from the first timeline.
"You and I... we'll go our separate ways. I don't know why you haven't broken free from being a slave, but live the life you want."
".... What are you saying? You're letting me go?"
"Yeah. No ties between us."
Ruska bowed her head, muttering to herself.
"I... No... That's not what I want..."
"In one month, I'll pull Incarnation Clan out into the open. Then lead the Outlaws and Execution Church to attack."
"...What?"
"I've wrapped things up with Seo Yu-ju. Now... I just need to die in front of her."
Ruska's face went pale at my words from the first timeline.
"...Die, and it's done?"
"Exactly. Pretend to attack Seo Yu-ju and kill me. I'll take the hits like I'm protecting her and die."
"Y-you want me to kill my master...?"
"Yeah. You'll let me die, like I said."
"No, no... I won't. I refuse to kill my master."
"...What?"
"Why do you think I want to kill you? I..."
"No, you have to, whether you like it or not. That's an order."
"......"
The next scene was... personally hard for me to accept.
"Cough..."
"Y-Yun-seong... No... Hic..."
I was vomiting blood, being supported by Seo Yu-ju.
"...Nngh... Run... away..."
"No... Don't give up, Yun-seong... I'll... save you somehow... Please..."
'What is this... No, fuck...'
"Cough... I... I was wrong... You run... Hurry...!"
"H-how can I leave you...! Please... You can live. I'll... save you... Because of me..."
'What the hell is this.'
"Guh... Seo Yu-ju...! Snap out of it... You have to survive...!"
"Ah... Ah... Better if we go together..."
'You fucking piece of shit Lee Yun-seong. What the fuck is this!'
"...And... cough... This isn't... your fault... Don't feel guilty."
"No... It's because of me... Because of me you're..."
'Is this... really how it went? Is this what regression was?'
As I cursed inwardly, Ruska spoke up.
Unlike when we'd talked alone, she was fully concealed—hood up, mask on.
"How pathetic, you two."
"You..."
"The great Seo Yu-ju bawling her eyes out... Pitiful. Is that your boyfriend next to you? Looks like he's about to croak."
"Who the hell are you! Why... why are you doing this crap?"
".... People always want to believe only what they see. Like you, Seo Yu-ju. Even if I explained, you wouldn't get it. And unfortunately, I'm not in a position to."
"Wh-what bullshit... Trying to justify your atrocities? You're just... a lunatic... Do you even know how many people died because of you...?"
"...So? Gonna come at me? In your exhausted state?"
"I won't rule it out..."
"Seo Yu-ju!"
"Ah...?"
"Please... just run... Nngh... Listen to me...!"
"No...! I'll protect you... We'll go back together."
"Clan Master!"
"Ah...! Everyone...!"
"What... Mr. Lee Yun-seong?"
"Perfect timing, everyone. That woman...!"
"Cough... Everyone... listen to me. Take the Clan Master and run, now."
"Mr. Lee Yun-seong... What...? Run? What about you...?"
"I... have no chance of surviving... If the other Outlaws arrive, it's over... Hurry...!"
'Goddamn it, you mad bastard...!'
"...Forgive me, Clan Master."
"No! No! What are you all doing?! Let me gooo! Let gooo!"
"Please... don't let Mr. Lee Yun-seong's sacrifice be in vain. Clan Master, please...!"
"Yun-seong, Yun-seong is still there! Let me go! No, Yun-seeeong!"
After Incarnation Clan members dragged Seo Yu-ju away, only Ruska and I remained.
".... Is this what you wanted, Master?"
".... Yeah, this is it. Cough... Puhehe... Cough..."
"That woman... is pitiful. She'll walk a thorny path ahead because of false love."
".... So what? You want me to feel guilty?"
"...."
"Fuck, anyway... cough... if things kept going, everyone in Eras would die regardless. I... I just chose the best option."
"...I suppose so."
"...What? Got something... to say...?"
In the first timeline, I was fading fast, barely able to string words together.
I looked on the verge of death.
".... You said once the second timeline starts, our bond ends."
"......"
"Sorry, but I can't do that. I'll come find you. After the new start."
"You... what...?"
"You thought you controlled everything, but no. Forget me? Make me forget you? I won't."
".... What?"
"Do you really believe everything you said about your deal with Benat?"
'What?'
In the first timeline, even as I died, I glared wide-eyed at her words.
"Wh-what...?"
"Sorry, but I got a promise of regression too. I made a deal with her and regressed. The condition? Kill you in the second timeline."
'What the hell... Kill me?'
Something was off.
If Ruska's regression condition was killing me in the second timeline, she should have done it when we met before.
"Cough... You..."
"But I won't kill you, Master."
She placed her hand on my dying face.
"You thought I hated you... but no. In the second timeline, I'll protect you."
'What?'
"...See you in the second timeline. I regret your choice, but as your slave, following it is my duty. Even if it takes ages, I'll find you."
"......"
"...Rest in peace."