novelraw Chapter 325 : Epilogue
Chapter 325 : Epilogue
-Anyone know what's up with Edge of Gate?
-What's that?
-?? What, you don't know Edge of Gate?
-Yeah, no idea
-Wow, Edge of Gate is already a relic
-Actually, it's been dead for over 10 years lol
-Didn't the service shut down about 5 years ago?
-Something like that
-The legendary game that nobody could clear until shutdown lolololol
-But there was one crazy old-timer there. Did that person quit too?
-Oh, that guy?
-Don't know. The official site is gone, and the server disappeared. No way to know unless they identify themselves
-They probably quit, right?
-That person's madness was no joke lol. They might still be playing.
Germer's consciousness was lost in thought as he read through the comments on an internet community.
'You will never know. That he finally succeeded.'
The events after transferring Kim Seong-yun's consciousness into Su-hyeon flowed through his mind like a movie.
Who would have known?
That he would defeat Belphegor, become a transcendent, and send him here.
'Su-hyeon's victory was truly a gamble. A very slim gamble.'
As the reward for that gamble's success, he was able to escape from boredom, guilt, and the unrelenting pain of confinement.
Now he spent no dull days, traversing not only Korean but also Japanese and American, even European internet communities and intranets hidden in digital spaces, spying on human emotions, all kinds of knowledge, and national secrets.
Nothing could stop him.
Before his transcendent mind, language barriers and the limitation of being a bodiless consciousness were no restriction at all.
'I can only be grateful to him.'
In a sense, he and Su-hyeon had switched worlds.
And that exchange was satisfying for both parties.
'If there's anything that still bothers me, it's Kim Seong-yun's body.'
One way or another, Kim Seong-yun's body died because of him and now rested in a columbarium where no one visited.
Germer sent flowers monthly to comfort his physical remains left in this world.
Unfortunately, his long-divorced parents rarely visited Kim Seong-yun's columbarium.
Still, Germer occasionally checked on them to see how they were doing, on Su-hyeon's behalf.
'There was a reason he poured his life into Edge of Gate like that.'
He often thought about Su-hyeon, whom he could never meet again.
And then one day.
Unexpectedly, Su-hyeon contacted him.
-Germer.
-This is Jeong Su-hyeon.
-It's been a while. Sending my consciousness was easy, but connecting my own consciousness to another universe is another matter.
Feeling like he'd met a very welcome friend, Germer quickly replied.
-Amazing, Su-hyeon!
-I thought that day would be our first and last meeting, but I'm happy to be able to talk again like this.
-Didn't you promise we would chat again?
-Haha. That's true. But I thought it wouldn't be easy.
-By the way, have you been well?
-I'm not intervening much, just happily watching people rebuild civilization.
-I'm like an old man relegated to the back room.
-So that's your answer. Well, you've always had the virtue of enjoying simplicity without letting your self be consumed by transcendence or immortality
-It must be pleasant to enjoy a moment preciously because time is finite.
-How is Germer doing?
-I'm always having fun. It's interesting to watch the obvious worries, jokes, malice, loneliness, goodwill, foolishness, and wisdom that billions of humans pour out like a flood every moment.
-Oh, and recently I've been indulging in hacker play.
-That world must be much more enjoyable for you.
-Isn't it the same for you, Su-hyeon?
-You're right. Here, I finally feel alive.
-That's good.
Afterward, they continued with small talk, happily sharing recent news.
-I should get going now.
-I enjoyed today.
-It would be nice to keep in touch like this occasionally.
-I'll do that.
-Oh, by the way.
-May I ask you something?
-By all means.
'Hmm.'
Germer finally brought up the main point he'd wanted to ask.
-So, who exactly are you dating, Su-hyeon?
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1 year ago.
While everyone was busy living their lives, 4 years had passed, but Su-hyeon hadn't formed a relationship with anyone.
He would only visit to encourage them as they busily went their own ways, spend time together, and share meals.
He didn't try to cross any lines beyond that, but someone else lost patience first.
Lee Yu-jin.
Unable to stand it anymore, she got completely drunk and caused an incident.
"You say you'll give an answer when you come back, then you meet this person and that person. Why are you such a coward?"
"Where did all that boldness go from when you fought Belphegor? Why are you acting like such a loser?"
...After pouring out these bottled-up words, Yu-jin cried profusely and then, seizing an opportunity when Su-hyeon tried to comfort her, launched a surprise kiss.
Su-hyeon, with superhuman patience, managed to stop it from going further.
But looking at the sleeping Yu-jin, he made a decision and gathered everyone who had clearly expressed their feelings for him—Hwang Ji-su, Min Hae-na, Kim A-yun, and Kwon Seung-yeon—in one place.
And there.
Su-hyeon realized this was all a setup when he saw Hwang Ji-su hugging Yu-jin proudly, as if she had finally accomplished something.
"...Yu-jin and Ji-su. When did you two get so close?"
"We only competed and checked each other as wet-behind-the-ears cadets. We've saved each other dozens of times, so it's natural we'd become friends by now."
Hwang Ji-su snorted.
"Well, that's true, but."
"Above all, what kind of bastard would make people so frustrated and annoyed..."
"...!"
"So while the two of us were busy gossiping, A-yun slipped in and complained. Seung-yeon joined in wondering what we were doing together, and the gathering grew. When Hae-na unni, who had come to our company requesting support, joined in... Well, that's how it happened."
Lee Yu-jin explained with a somewhat apologetic look.
"But when you think about it, this is all because of you, you know?"
"Hae-na-noona."
"Right. Honestly, Su-hyeon was too much."
"A-yun too."
"Honestly, I wanted to hit you a few times, but I held back."
"......"
As even Kwon Seung-yeon joined in criticizing Su-hyeon, he kept his mouth shut, aware of his guilt.
"What now? Didn't you call us because you had something to say?"
When Hwang Ji-su urged with an unfriendly glare, Su-hyeon downed the drink he'd set aside in one gulp and, borrowing courage from the alcohol, confessed his true feelings.
He told them how the promises he'd made with everyone came to mind when defeat seemed imminent.
And how he was able to return because he couldn't let Lee Yu-jin and Hwang Ji-su die anymore.
But after returning, he had been putting it off because he felt too sorry to choose just one person.
"Hmm."
"Oh my."
The corners of Lee Yu-jin and Hwang Ji-su's mouths twitched as they were specifically pointed out as the reason he could win.
"Ah~ No matter what, we can't beat those two, right?"
"That's right. Especially Yu-jin."
"It can't be helped."
Min Hae-na, Kim A-yun, and Kwon Seung-yeon each said.
"Well, we kind of knew what Su-hyeon was feeling."
Min Hae-na grinned.
"So we put our heads together too. No matter how we looked at it, you seemed unable to choose just one person because you felt sorry."
"...That's right."
"Frustrating guy."
Hwang Ji-su said to Su-hyeon.
"After gaining the whole world, is that really the problem?"
"No, but your positions..."
"In the end, it's about whether there's mutual consent, right?"
Hwang Ji-su folded her arms.
"To be blunt, one person must meet only one person is just a custom. Since ancient times, it wasn't uncommon for rich and powerful people to have several wives."
"Right. Even rulers like Empress Wu Zetian and Empress Dowager Cixi kept many male concubines when they had power."
Min Hae-na added her comment.
"There were even many cases of men keeping male concubines. In Japan, male-male romance culture was so popular that they despised Toyotomi Hideyoshi for only liking women, saying he didn't understand refinement."
Kwon Seung-yeon interjected.
"Louis XIV in France? He also had dozens of mistresses."
Kim A-yun added.
"When you have power and authority, that's how it usually goes. Besides, Su-hyeon has achievements and accomplishments that are more than enough."
Lee Yu-jin said.
"And above all, we fell for Su-hyeon first. So we've forced ourselves to accept it too. ...Because it seemed like we had no choice."
"Besides, to be blunt, the world already ended once, so why be so bound by conventions?"
Kwon Seung-yeon picked up on Lee Yu-jin's words.
"Honestly, I still get angry sometimes, but when it's just us, we're friends and comrades. If we try to accept it, there's nothing we can't do. That's how it feels."
Hwang Ji-su finally summarized their position.
"...I've done something terrible."
"Good thing you realize it."
Even Kim A-yun's eyes were fierce.
"...So from now on."
Hwang Ji-su folded her arms and glared at Su-hyeon.
"Try to convince us if you can. Confess properly. If you get an OK, then you can date. That's it."
That was her last bit of pride after putting aside all her pride.
"Well, that's..."
Su-hyeon, whose alcohol buzz had completely disappeared, said.
"Alright. I'll take the challenge. I won't hesitate anymore either."
"Hmph."
Lee Yu-jin stuck out her lips.
"So annoying."
That agreement had been made 1 year ago.
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"No, so!"
Belred, who had been listening to the long reminiscence that started with the conversation with Germer, slammed his hand on the table.
"What happened, you bastard! Huh? Did you succeed with that challenge or whatever?"
"Well."
Su-hyeon scratched his cheek.
"...It went well."
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Belred's visit to Su-hyeon came at a very good time.
The day right after he arrived.
Su-hyeon's friends and even Instructor Kim Cheol-han gathered at his home for a modest class reunion.
"We're here!"
"If you're here, put down the gifts and food and help set up quickly!"
"Damn, is this how you treat guests?"
"As if. Carry this over first!"
"Yes, yes."
Despite everyone being busy moving around, their gazes toward Belred weren't very friendly.
"He's here again."
"Must be really bored."
"What kind of Great Overlord has so little dignity?"
"Hey, Great Overlord is old news. Call him the King of Nastrond."
"Whatever. How many humans did you kill?"
"Many demons died by your hands too, you know? We didn't want to invade."
"Enough. Stop fighting over issues that won't be resolved no matter how much we talk."
Seo Jun-seong mediated between them.
"Anyway, the fact is we all benefited from each other, and you didn't expect to be welcomed, did you?"
"Right. I'll stay quiet, so let's not pick fights with each other."
"Both of you are right."
Lee Yu-jin, who came out when the commotion started, intervened.
"But we still have to work together, right? Move this over there."
"...Tch."
When had Belred ever run such errands?
Lee Yu-jin shrugged her shoulders as she watched Belred grumbling but obediently moving the dishes.
"Happy now?"
"...Yes."
A person he once had a crush on.
Though he had buried those feelings long ago, Seo Jun-seong turned his gaze away from Lee Yu-jin, who had become even more beautiful than before.
The party continued in a warm atmosphere.
"Hehehe, drink, drink! Eat like there's no tomorrow!"
"Seung-yeon seems the most excited."
"Her job is literally about eating. She's going all out."
"Her face gets shinier every time I see her."
"Can't you see the muscles?"
Since a single comment from each person felt like ten to the listener, Kwon Seung-yeon shouted back.
"What are you saying! I just lost some definition, but I have more muscle mass than any of you!"
"You have more fat too."
"Ugh!"
"You all haven't changed. Looking at this, you're still just kids, now as then."
Kim Cheol-han, who had become the Minister of Education, showed off his deeply sunken dark circles as he sipped his drink.
"You look very tired these days."
"Why, interested? If anyone wants to be a public servant, just say the word. I'll place you right away."
"I'll pass."
Seo Jun-seong immediately backed off.
"Still, Instructor! I heard you went on a date with Commander Seol Ji-yun recently?"
Kwon Seung-yeon snickered and shifted the target to him.
"...How do you all know that?"
"Hey, I heard you had a cozy drink at a bar."
"Ahem."
"I saw you. When I was out with Min-a."
Nam Tae-hoon confessed with a smirk.
"I've raised a tiger cub. Or is it a rat cub?"
"Hehe, is that why your dark circles have come down, sir?"
"You're one to talk. The shadows under your eyes have completely sagged."
"Ahem. Is it that noticeable?"
Nam Tae-hoon and Kim Cheol-han, sharing their mutual suffering, turned their gaze to Su-hyeon.
"Come to think of it, you're really something."
"What do you mean?"
"You have five girlfriends—how is your body holding up?"
"Uh... well..."
Su-hyeon scratched his cheek.
"Everyone suffers because of me."
"Hmm."
"Ahem!"
Seeing the five people whose faces had needlessly turned red, Hong In-hyeon scrunched up his face.
"Damn. This pisses me off again."
"I know right. The world is going to hell."
Hong In-hyeon growled at Nam Tae-hoon, who was agreeing with him.
"You shut up."
"Hehe, are you still single?"
"I said shut up."
"But why? The kid might be a bit rude and rough-looking, but he's handsome, has a good body, and is capable—why are you still single?"
Kwon Seung-yeon asked, not understanding.
"He's been set up a few times, but they all ended badly."
Nam Tae-hoon snickered and answered for Hong In-hyeon, who kept his mouth firmly shut.
"Well, who could put up with that temper?"
Kwon Seung-yeon nodded, mmm-hmm.
"I said shut up! They just weren't up to my standards!"
"Of course they weren't."
"Mind your own love life."
"How about I introduce you to my younger sister?"
Kwon Seung-yeon giggled.
"Her type is someone prickly and rude, but tender-hearted inside, who only has eyes for her and puts up walls against other women once they get close."
"...Why so specific?"
"Don't you know? She's always liked romance novels with protagonists like that."
"But isn't that exactly like In-hyeon?"
Kim A-yun, who had been enjoying the show, said.
"The prickly and rude part fits, but after that? Not sure."
Song Yu-ha wiggled her finger in denial.
"That's right. How would we know what he's like in love when he's never dated?"
"You guys, you want to fight?"
"So are you going to accept the offer or not?"
"Ahem."
With red ears, Hong In-hyeon responded to Kwon Seung-yeon's pressure in a dying voice.
"Just introduce us first."
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"Everyone's still the same."
Lee Yu-jin sat down beside me as I quietly watched this peaceful moment.
"Sometimes when I see scenes like this, it feels like everything was just a dream."
"I agree."
I nodded at her words.
"But this peaceful and stable life is the reward we all fought for."
"Yes. Even so. In the end, it would have been absolutely impossible without you, Su-hyeon."
Lee Yu-jin gently took my hand.
"You went through a lot, Su-hyeon."
Looking back, I lost many things, but it's no exaggeration to say that in return, I gained everything.
Now before me lies a life as long as eternity.
And I have companions and understanders to share that life with.
Just as humans fear death, the eternal separation, immortals fear immortality, the eternal continuance.
But as long as I have lovers and friends, unwelcome guests like loneliness and boredom will not find me.
"Yu-jin."
"Yes."
I smiled as I gazed into Lee Yu-jin's deep, beautiful eyes.
"I'm counting on you from now on too."
~The End~