Chapter Text
Kim Dokja looked at Sangah and Gilyoung.
“Then we should head back. There are plenty of moles out there so we can return with just a Magic Power Stove.”
"But how do we get back?"
"It's no problem to go with Gilyoung's power. Use Diverse Communication and..."
However, Gilyoung's expression did not brighten. He hesitantly looked at Kim Dokja.
"Hyung, I..."
"Hah?"
"There are no insects nearby."
Cale looked around, he thought that the pressure of 'Fear', even though it wasn't as strong as a dragon's, could still bother small animals like insects. There was a possibility like when Eruhaben-nim was in dark forest, little bug would get scared and try to commit suicide? As Cale was thinking about whether he would be sleeping underground today, Kim Dokja continued.
"There really isn't even one? Maybe some of them are still alive. If we move a little and use abilities…”
Cale saw that Gilyoung had a dark expression. Perhaps all shamans connected to animals would consider animals to be their friends. It's kind of sad to see your comrade die like that.
"Well, there's one I can call..."
Gilyoung closed his eyes and began to concentrate. Cale folded his arms and watched the child try to communicate with his insect partner.
“Dokja-ssi, isn't this very strange?”
As Sangah said, Lee Gilyoung's eyes gradually lost focus. Then blood flowed from his nose.
"Gilyoung?"
"Hei"
Kim Dokja and Cale in surprise tried to call Gilyoung to ask what was wrong. But before that, suddenly, there was a loud vibration from above them. Dust started falling. The vibrations came from above the ground...
Don't tell me this tunnel will collapse?
While Cale was preparing to use the Superrock's power to hold up the tunnel, Kim Dokja called out to Gilyoung in a panic.
-Kuuong!
"Gilyoung! Lee Gilyoung! Wake up!"
"You... Hyung?"
Lee Gilyoung's eyes returned to normal.
"Gilyoung, stop the skill! Immediately!"
Vibrations stopped after the shocked Gilyoung stopped his skill. Kim Dokja breathed a sigh of relief. Cale glanced at him and asked with his eyes 'what's wrong?'
+
[Kim Dokja : There are very dangerous monsters running on the ground. There were many high ranked monsters, including a class 7 rhino. Among these monsters was the king of insects. Obviously type of insect just by name.
Cale : He summoned the insect king...
Kim Dokja : We were almost buried here... ]
+
Kim Dokja sighed and placed his hand on Gilyoung's head
"You're so... sigh, for now, close this skill. Don't use it unless I tell you to. Understood?"
"Yes..."
Gilyoung answered sadly and looked at Cale. And Cale raised his eyebrows in confusion.
does he want me to comfort him?
Cale approached and stroked Gilyoung's head, He was sure that this must be because of the god of war's appeasing blessing, which made this child want to always be attached. He remembered Kim Namwoon also being clingy.
“We will be lost in the dark. Let's wait a little longer and move when small insects appear around.”
"There's no way?"
"It's very dark, I'm worried if we get lost later."
"Hmm.."
When Cale was thinking about whether to blow up the tunnel until it collapsed, Yoo Sangah raised his hand.
"If it's just to go back, I think I could replace Gilyoung."
"...How?"
"I have the same skills."
"What skills?"
“That, that is a complicated skill to decipher…”
"...Excuse me, can I ask what Yoo Sangah-ssi's attributes are?"
"Uh, that..."
Yoo Sangah made a difficult expression.
Cale hit Kim Dokja on elbow.
+
[Kim Dokja : What?
Cale : It's rude, if she doesn't want to say it, don't force her.
Kim Dokja: Just a moment..
Kim Dokja : I used my character list but there is an additional statement 'gather information with appropriate numbers'...?
Cale : She became a character?
Kim Dokja : I don't know, but... will it change after some time..?
Cale : Try to me
Kim Dokja : Okay
Kim Dokja : Same, 'not registered'
Cale : Okay, forget it, don't equate reality with novels. Even if your novel comes true, people are still living beings. Don't think they are just fictional characters.
Kim Dokja : ...right ]
+
Kim Dokja looked at Yoo Sangah who was still confused, then said.
"Forget that I asked. Anyway, good job. In the future, don't let others know about your personal attributes."
“That's not it! I believe Dokja-ssi…!”
"Can Yoo Sangah tell me about the nature of your sponsor?"
Yoo Sangah lowered her head.
"Sorry...."
+
[Kim Dokja: Looks like there is a contractual agreement with her sponsor. There may be life limitations regarding information spillage.
Cale : Like a death vow?
Kim Dokja: What vow?
Cale : An vow, where if you break you will die
Kim Dokja: Is there such a scary thing?
Cale : What? Want to try it?
Kim Dokja : ..no thank you.
Cale : I mean it, Kim Namwoon should have that skills
Kim Dokja : Wait, who is the sponsor?
Cale: 'Ruller of Fantasy'
Kim Dokja : Huh? That constellation wasn't in the novel? Also, supposedly the sponsor of the Flame Dragon...
Cale : Whatever, it's good that we can get out. ]
+
Kim Dokja nodded slowly and looked at Yoo Sangah.
"I understand."
"Thank you, really..."
"Then try using your skills."
Immediately, a thin, shining thread emerged from Yoo Sangah's fingertips and began to lengthen.
"Actually, I tied the 'thread' when I was kidnapped."
One thread branch connected to Kim Dokja, Cale and the others connected outside. Maybe it was tied to Lee Hyunsung or Jung Heewon.
"Let's go."
+
[Kim Dokja : I think this is a stigma
Cale : What's that?
Kim Dokja: Constellation abilities given to incarnations
Cale : Oh, does that mean the death vow is also a stigma?
Kim Dokja : If it's the sponsor's skill, then he is
Cale : Hmm... ]
+
[# Channel BI-7623 is open.]
[A number of constellations have claimed the channel transmission system!]
[Constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is curious about what came out of the random item box.]
[Unlucky! That bastard messed up my channel... hahahat! Did you stay well while I was gone?]
Cale raised his head and saw the soft pillow.
I want to sleep...
"Bihyung"
[Hm? oh human!! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Why is there so much blood?]
Bihyung floated in front of Cale, Cale pulled him and hugged him, while rubbing his cheek.
Soft.. I'm going to fall asleep...
Cale glanced at dumbfounded Kim Dokja.
+
[Kim Dokja : Wait! How could the Dokkaebi be tame?
Cale: Tame?
Kim Dokja : No, that, hah.. uh..
Cale : ? ]
+
Cale ignored Kim Dokja who was rubbing his face with both hands while muttering 'this world is unfair, very unfair', and watched Bihyung who was very obedient in his arms.
"I'm fine. I'm not hurt either."
[Constellations frown at your words]
[Are you sure human...?]
"En, and thanks for your blanket. It really helped."
[Ahem of course!!]
"Bihyung is the best"
[Hehehe I'm the best!!]
"Yes yes yes"
Then Cale lowered his voice and whispered.
"But can you make constellations to only watch the others?"
[Hm? Why? Is there anything else you want to do?]
"I got an item from a god, I want to talk to him for a moment"
[That's right, the great dokkaebi were a little messed up back then. That item cannot be read. And we got a warning from dokkaebi king while trying to investigate. I never heard of that god, is he a great constellation?]
"No, he's just a bastard who always causes trouble."
[yeah, fine. But does the other channel also have to be switched?]
"No, let the other one. We're acquaintances."
[two constellations?]
"One of them"
[Okay!]
Then Cale saw Bihyung come forward and talk to Kim Dokja.
He pulled Sangah's clothes.
"Sangah Noona"
"Hm? Yes, Cale?"
"Could you lengthen thread? And walk slowly"
"Why?"
"I need to talk to the god I know"
Cale slightly lowered his voice.
"Oh, okay"
Then Cale saw the thread loosen and he took a slight step back. Cale also saw Sangah talking to the three. Maybe ask them to slow down.
"Secretive Plotter"
[Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' says what's wrong?]
"Can you keep a secret? If not, can I ask you to leave the channel for a while?"
[Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' says he can keep secrets ]
[Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' vows to shut up]
"Really?"
[Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' says truly]
"In that case, don't ask and stay quiet, will you?"
[Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' says he understands]
"Thank you very much."
Then Cale picked up the death god's sacred artifact that had suddenly disappeared the first day he arrived in this world, after they had a dream conversation.
"First, why did you say it's better to talk to this book."
[Constellation 'Ruller of Fantasy' says it's difficult to talk through indirect messages]
[Constellation 'Ruller of Fantasy' says a lot of viewing and we can't be too flashy]
[Constellation 'Ruller of Fantasy' also said that there is a possibility that this starstream cannot be trusted either]
"I remember you said it would be difficult to contact me?"
[Constellation 'Ruller of Fantasy' said yes, that's why we got help and sent my holy artefact, to make it easier for us to talk]
[Constellation 'Ruller of Fantasy' says if there's something important to say, we can contact you directly with that]
"Who helped you?"
[Constellation 'Ruller of Fantasy' is telling you not to worry, he's definitely an ally but we can't say who he is]
"Hm... Okay. You said there was no other task, but why send the roots of the world tree? You wouldn't say that I have to kill another reincarnator, right?"
[Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' frowns]
[Constellation 'Ruller of Fantasy' falls silent]
Cale frowned and threw the death god artifact over, then the book flew up and flipped over on its own.
"Let's talk to this if it's important"
That book opened and words appeared on the blank black page.
{-Cale, we intend to give you a good weapon, the roots of that world tree can be used to kill monsters and humans. We are worried so everyone is trying to find the best for you-}
"I'm sure you know that this root will vanish after one use right?"
{-We've given it a blessing and the world tree has also used its power to change it a little, Cale. Once activated, the dagger will remain formed until you return to our world-}
"Haaa... okay. Anything else?"
{-We detected hunters in this world-}
"Hey! Didn't you say there were no assignments???"
{-Sorry Cale, there was a possibility of only 2 hunters because that was all we could detect. Like us, hunters are also restricted, but this is just a precaution, we hope the dagger will help you.-}
"Okay, when are they coming and who?"
{-We don't know, after they entered that world, they immediately blended in. Their powers seem to be limited, but please kill them and don't let them mess up that world Cale. And make sure to kill them right away, it will be a pain if they manage to get out and alert the other hunters. The ones that came only had low power, but there was no guarantee that the others would be the same if help came around-}
"How will I know which they are if they blend in?"
{-Their rings will bend-}
"Hm, then what's with this strange tattoo?"
Cale showed the heart-shaped tattoo on his hand.
{-We don't know, we were asked to give that to you in exchange for help-}
Cale frowned in annoyance.
"Don't you think this is dangerous?"
{-No, he said it would help you for later. He has no intention of hurting you-}
"You seem sure, don't you?"
Cale narrowed his eyes dangerously.
{-...-}
"...you...haaaaaa, the way to activate this dagger is the same right?"
{-Yes-}
"... how are the children?"
{-They are healthy and well. All of your family is also healthy, they are watching over you-}
"And it's good that you gave me these root, You suck."
"Ah, we're almost there!!"
Cale heard Gilyoung's excited voice and looked ahead, there was indeed a bright light, maybe it would reach the top soon.
"If there's nothing else let's end it."
That book closed and fell back into Cale's hands, Cale put it into his spatial bag.
[Constellation 'Ruller of Fantasy' says see you later Cale]
"en, and Secretive Plotter, keep your promise"
[Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' says he will]
[Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' says that it hopes to hear your story later]
Cale was silent for a bit, then returned to walking toward the other group.
"Well.. hopefully.."
"Dokja-ssi!!!"
And we finally got out.
"Wow, this is really delicious. What a surprise."
After we arrived 10 minutes ago, Kim Dokja handed over the stove and asked Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon to cook meat.
"You will recover a bit after eating."
"Well, I really think that it's best to get better."
Jung Heewon looked much better as she swung her shoulders to give it a try. Kim Dokja said that meat of underground species actually contains detoxification components.
“Is there a lot of stuff there? Besides Magic Power Stove…”
"I have a few things."
Kim Dokja handed the Old Steel Shield to Hyunsung who was polished the surface again and again by him. It's like someone with a new car.
[Character 'Lee Hyunsung' feels a faint loyalty to you.]
Cale glanced at green window while continuing to twist the roots of the world tree. He kept thinking and thinking resentfully. He desperately wanted to throw this evil thing away, but the thought of a hunter that might appear anywhere at any moment, made him hold on and hold onto it again and again.
"Hm..by the way, should I stab my heart?"
Cale muttered as he continued to stare at the roots of the tree, he thought about the time he had to stab his heart before, it was quite painful and scary if he thought about it. He got goosebumps.
"Aigoo.. this will hurt right? I hate pain-"
"ARE YOU CRAZY?!"
Cale flinched when he heard Jung Heewon's scream, he finally realized that the surroundings were now quiet.
[Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' scratched his ears curiously because he thought he heard wrong ]
[Constellation ' Secretive Plotter ' makes a murderous face hearing your muttering]
[Constellation ' Demonic Judge of Fire ' screams WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!! ]
[Constellation ' Abyssal Black Flame Dragon ' roars angrily ]
[Black Cloud's constellations run for their lives and hide at the Abyssal Black Flame Dragon's roar]
[Many constellations point at you and ask what were you muttering about!!]
[Some constellations feel like going down and tugging at your ear]
[Constellation ' Father of the Rich Night' frowns ]
[Nebula <Underworld> becomes chaotic and scatters]
[Constellation ' Ruller of Fantasy' falls silent ]
Cale saw that everyone was looking at him with scary faces, even the little Lee Giyoung.
"What?"
“Ca-Cale-nim, what did you say stab?”
"Hm? Oh this root?"
"GIVE IT TO ME!!"
Cale avoided the hands of Heewon who was trying to take the world tree roots with his wind.
"What are you doing?"
"GIVE THAT DANGEROUS OBJECT !!"
"Huh? What?
"Cale"
This time Kim Dokja patted Jung Heewon's shoulder, who was still angry, and took a step toward Cale.
"What root is that?"
"..."
"Say"
"..."
"Cale, didn't you say we have to work together? So tell me, what is it? If something is kept secret it won't be good"
Cale frowned, normally people would smile seeing his cute face, but now they were really nervous waiting for the red haired kid to answer.
"Tsk, it's just a dagger. Why are you overreacting?"
"The tree roots are daggers?"
"It's a dagger that hasn't been activated. It's sharper than any dagger. But before that, it has to be activated first."
"...and how?"
Yoo Sangah said with a trembling voice, Cale was even more confused by their reactions. So he hesitated for a while then answered after a while.
"..this should be doused with blood..?"
Cale got scared and backed up a few meters with wind, he felt the murderous aura from that Heewon. Even that Kim Dokja also hardened his face, he looked like he was going to jump up and pounce on him, because of that Cale ran away reflexively.
"Then use our blood too, if everyone is together, not much blood from you will run out"
Jung Heewon said, she seemed to force the words out from between her teeth.
"Can't, can only be activated by me who has strong life force, I have regeneration, so I won't die"
Cale said with a frown, he had no idea why they were reacting this way, thinking about it, they didn't even spend that much time together.
are they afraid of blood? That's understandable because they were originally just ordinary people
Because of that, Cale sighed.
“If you are afraid to look at it then you can close your eyes or I can leave for a while and come back. Kim Dokja too, stop clenching your new sword, it's scary.”
"Ha, so you want to stab your heart somewhere else and then come back?"
"Hm? Is there a problem?"
Cale tilted his head in confusion, what's wrong with that? But if you think about it, there is Giyoung, this is not allowed for children to see. Cale also thought he should ask Bihyung to switch the 2 channels that were following for a while then. It would be troublesome if Raon, On, Hong and the other kids saw it.
"Regeneration doesn't mean you are immortal Cale, people will die if their heart is pierced. Many immortal stories will die when their heart is pierced."
Yoo Sangah said as she slowly approached Cale, Cale also stepped back and that woman nervously remained in place.
"Don't worry, I tried it once, and I'm still alive? Don't worry that I'll die. Who wants to die anyway?"
Cale said waving one of his hands while looking at tree roots in his other hand.
"Try... what...?"
"That doesn't mean you're just going to stab it like that, right?!"
Hyunsungand the angry Heewon glared at Cale viciously, but Cale was even more confused.
"How am I going to stab it...? Oh, right, if I just stab it, there will be holes in my jacket, tsk, I also have to look for new clothes, the color has changed because of blood."
-Cale.. I don't think that's what they meant.. 🪨
-Sniff..Cale never understands.. why doesn't he understand... sniff.. I'm tired... anyone.. please wake up this kid... sniff 💓
-Crybaby... 🪨
While ignoring Superrock and Crybaby, Cale simply took off his clothes.
"THAT'S NOT WHAT I MEAN- eh?"
"Hm?"
Cale looked at Heewon who had stopped screaming, he noticed her gaze. Heewon looked at his chest, his heart tattoo and scar when he stabbed the dagger when killing White Star.
"Ah, this is previous wound..."
"You stabbed yourself in heart before..."
Gilyoung muttered softly while a little sobbing could be heard. Cale was annoyed by this, what was wrong with them?
"Cale.. stop.. okay?"
"Cale, your strength is enough, no need for daggers. We'll take care of the front, you take care of the back. That's good enough?"
"I agree with Dokja-ssi"
“Yes, Cale-nim don't use that dagger.”
"Cale.. sniff"
"..."
Cale was silent. Sangah, Dokja, Heewon, Hyunsung and Gilyoung, they put on pleading faces. So Cale thought for a bit and put the roots back into his spatial bag.
"Okay, so stop making that face, okay?"
""Haaaaa""
[Constellation ' Secretive Plotter ' squints suspiciously]
[Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' said that it was the best ]
[Constellation ' Abyssal Black Flame Dragon ' spreads its wings and says, weak humans are strong enough!! ]
[Constellation ' Demonic Judge of Fire ' sighs while patting her chest ]
[Constellations sit limply after relief]
Cale peeked at the constellation notifications and thought.
I should activate the dagger in a quiet place
Cale nodded his head while putting his jacket back on. Ignoring Kim Dokja who was staring intently at him, Cale approached and saw some cooked meat that had been wrapped in aluminum foil that Cale took out from his spatial bag.
"Is there enough meat to bring?"
+
[Cale: Stop looking at me
Kim Dokja : Don't use that thing
Cale: No way
Kim Dokja : I will watch over you
Cale: Are you a stalker? ]
+
Ignoring Cale's grunts, Kim Dokja counted the meat that had been seared.
"...Are you going to distribute meat among people?"
"If they had coins."
“But… you really are a cheapskate. Kim Dokja.”
"Let's just say I have a strong sense of survival."
After that they had Cale put the meat into his spatial bag and headed back to the station.
The surroundings suddenly brightened and people came into view. But the atmosphere is strange. Cale looked around and looked for his uncle, but not even Kim Namwoon was there.
hah? Where are they?
[There are still 20 minutes until the settlement is paid.]
[Prepare survival expenses.]
"Coins, coins, please!"
“I don't have enough coins! Some coins, please…”
“I'll give you a million won, no, ten million won! Who's going to sell you 100 coins?”
Cale wanted to contact his uncle but stopped after looking at Cheon Inho and the Cheoldoo Group who were watching the situation with a smile.
Several women flocked to the gang members and shouted.
"Y-You said you'd give me 100 coins earlier!"
“Hrmm, is that true? I don't remember.”
"What...?"
"I'd think again if you let me put it in one more time. How about that?"
Jung Heewon took out her sword and glared at them.
"Those bastards..."
[The character attribute 'Jung Heewon' is about to bloom.]
Ignoring the green window, Cale read through the system message that had appeared.
[After a while, survival clearing will begin.]
"S-Save me! Save me!"
Group members' expressions changed. Lee Hyunsung lowered his head sadly while Jung Heewon bit her lip while holding her sword.
Everyone knows what a 'paid settlement' price is. There is no one here who has not experienced it.
"... Dokja-ssi."
Then Yoo Sangah looked at Kim Dokja.
"Yes."
[Several constellations with scenario recommendations have been added to the channel.]
[Several newly arrived constellations stare at the cute red head intensely]
?
[Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is watching your choices.]
[Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is watching your choice.]
[Constellation 'Demonic Judge of Fire' is watching your choice.]
+
[Kim Dokja : Let's finish this Cale
Cale : Hm, hurry up, I'm sleepy
Kim Dokja: ...
Kim Dokja : Haaaaaaaaaa ]
+
Then Kim Dokja closed his eyes in frustration and opened them again.
In the Roan Kingdom
There was an eerie silence a moment ago, as Cale was debating the matter of dagger.
"Grandpa Goldie? Why are you shaking? What does a human mean by stabbing his heart?"
"What the heck!!"
"..."
Raon, Hong, and On were staring at the trembling Ancient Dragon when they heard the conversation on screen.
"Hooo, our young master seems very excited doesn't he?"
"My dongsaeng drives me crazy"
Ron and Alberu, the two of them even really wanted to jump across screen and drag their Hero Cale Hanituse over.
Everyone in Puzzle city, froze and held their breath, they couldn't help but remember, how their current hero became a child, had previously pierced his heart and killed the White Star. Duke Deruth had even fainted 2 times, the first was after Cale received the roots and the second was when Cale was muttering about stabbing him in the heart.
Not only that, the dragons are now discussing finding a dimension-hopping spell with Rosalyn, another famous witch and Alchemist.
And don't look at Choi Han, he was on the verge of going crazy, with his aura going wild and muttering about his Cale-nim being in danger and he had to be beside his Cale-nim. Hannah and Jack even had to be on either side of him for safety.
Clopeh was crazily recording and writing something in a book, while muttering about 'that legend' and 'this legend'. Toonka sat on the ground with a blank face, as well as the kings, queens and envoys from other countries holding back tears.
"Young master Cale..."
"Commander..."
"Sir Cale..."
"Cale..."
"Sniff.."
Many exclamations and expressions would probably make Cale run away and hide until the end of the world.
"GRANDPA GOLDIE!! WHY DID HUMAN SAY HE HAD STABED HIS HIS HEART BEFORE!!!"
"Cale is stupid nyaa!!"
"Stupid Nyaa!!"
"IF HUMAN STAB HIS HEART AND GETS HURT, I, THE GREAT AND MIGHTY RAON MIRU WILL GO DESTROY THE WORLD AND THEN SUICIDE!!!"
"Aigooo... little guy, that damn bastard will be angry if you do that"
"BUT HUMANS, HUMANS.. GRANDPA GOLDIE!! WE HAVE TO GO THERE!!! SO HUMANS DON'T NEED TO USE HIS POWERS!!"
"Yes nyaaa!!"
"Nyaa"
"We will find a way"
Meanwhile in the black castle belonging to Raon, who was brought to Puzzle city so that the former dragon king could help dispel the red liquid that was spilled by sealed god after he was resealed by Cale and Cale disappeared.
Sheritt was clasping her hands together and closing her eyes trying to remember that maybe there was a spell that made her jump across dimensions, along with the vampire king whose face was stiff, and the elves who were praying.
All that silence ended after Cale returned tree roots to his spatial bag.
For some people...
"I'm sure my dongsaeng intends to use it later"
"that's how young master is."
Alberu and Ron's faces hardened seeing Cale's face that looked like he was thinking about something.
“Cale-nim is in danger, I have to go to Cale-nim's place, I have to protect Cale-nim, Cale-nim is bleeding…”
"Hey Choi Han!! Calm down!!"
“Right, young master will definitely be fine”
Choi Han, who understood Cale's personality, was even more agitated instead of calm.
Mary was trembling and biting her lip until it bled, because she had also seen the scene of Cale thrusting dagger earlier. Tasha had to support Mary's body, which was always weak and almost fell over and over again.
"Young master Cale..."
"Shhh... it's okay, Mary..."
And with silent agreement, they turned their faces to the priests.
"Don't worry, I already cursed the god of death!!!"
“Good, he has to give an explanation as to why he gave the world tree root to that unlucky bastard, right?”
"I WILL DESTROY THE GOD OF DEATH'S TEMPLE IF HE HAS NO REASON!!
"This Gashan will ask the realm-nim as well"
And let's pray that when Cale returns, he will still be able to see the temple of gods and hope that the world tree doesn't turn to ashes...