Circe's Nighty Writings

WARNING!

Due to the rise in AI usage and there has been some people using AI to write stories, I am strongly against people using my work and feeding it to AI bots. If anyone sees my work being used in such a way and kindly let me know or if I find out, I will not hesitate to delete my entire account altogether along with my works.

Myself and I'm sure other writers (including the talented artists) put a lot into their work. For our work to be used in such a way is an insult. If you're doing it because you don't want to wait or whatever other reasons. Reflect on your actions.

I'm putting this here as an obvious warning to all and I will not torlerate such actions. To my own work and other wonderful content creators.

WARNING!

Do NOT repost my work onto other platforms for any purposes. If found, this entire blog will be deleted.

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Hazbin Hotel Writing Collection

— Alastor (mainly), Lucifer, Vox — Please note that all works are written before season 2 was out

Solo Leveling Writing Collection

— Sung Jinwoo (mainly), Liu Zhigang, Shadows

<Tip> Sometimes the Masterlists aren't updated, just go to the #[Title of Story/Series] and you'll see everything related to it. That one's always up to date~

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About Requests

Characters I'll write for:

[CLOSED] HAZBIN HOTEL: Alastor (mainly); Lucifer, Vox (under consideration and depend on idea)

[CLOSED] SOLO LEVELING: Sung Jinwoo (mainly); others (depending on request)

Reader Settings: I tend to set the reader as gender-neutral, otherwise, I am most comfortable with female-based reader inserts. Without any particular reason for the gender, it will be set as neutral

I do NOT write for SMUT and NSFW requests, as formerly stated. No ifs, or buts, or depending. If I see it in my inbox, I'll shut down the request function.

<Note>

You can check my works to see what kind of requests were sent and done to avoid repeated ideas or see the range of my genre.

For already sent requests that have yet to be written or replied to. BE PATIENT. Just because you sent a request does not mean I will 100% write it. Or that it just takes more time to write.

Director: Okay! Everyone take 5! We're going the 'Arise' scene after. Someone check on Igris' suit and make sure he's not asleep... You: Ahhhh.... The serious 'Arise' scene... *clears throat* Arise. ArIse. ~Arise~ Haaaa..... (slides over) Jinwoo: What chu doin'? You: Aren't you off today? Jinwoo: Had to film my solo scenes in the next hall. So? What you practicing for? You: Your infamous ARISE scene... The one everyone's crazy about and will judge nonstop if it's bad... Jinwoo: But isn't your character just another me? There's no wrong with that right? You: My character is the sweet and meek and pushover, but cruel and cold and battle-serious kind. Practically like another you Jinwoo: Hmm... I got an idea *whisper whisper whisper* You: Ohh..

5 minutes later.....

Director: Okay! And we're back! 3... 2... 1... Action! You: *serious face* Wakey wakey. (whole hall silent) Director: CUT!!! What was that?! You: Can't I do some changes? This is an alternate world. Director: You can't change that! It's supposed to be exactly the same, but cooler and stuff! Again. Retake! You: Get up? Director: .... Retake You: Wake up. Director: .... You: It's better than wakey wakey, no? Director: ...Retake... You: Get up buddy. You: *glance at Jinwoo* Jinwoo: *thumbs up* You: *serious face, deep voice* ERECT Director: NO! Retake!!!!! You: It's time for school~ Igris: ... Director: ... You: It's time for lunch break! Camera crew: Can we go for lunch break? Director: No!! Igris: I'd like a lunch break now... Director: Retake!! You: A... rise!!! Director: Too loud! And say the word without pause! You: arise.... Director: Too soft.... Director: .....Can we change the actress? You: Wait wait! Last chance, I practiced for this one!! Director: ...make it count! You: ǝsᴉɹ∀ Director: Jinwoo: Camera crew: Director: How???????????? You: Arise. Igris: Please tell me you got that.... I'm not sitting in this suit for another 10 minutes....

Inhumans Among Humans [Sung Jinwoo x Alter AU Shadow Monarch Female!Reader - Romantic | Monarch Change AU] Request Base ― Teaser/Prologue ― Part 1 ― Part 2 ― Part 3 ― Part 4 ― Part 5 ― Part 6 ― Part 7 My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

“You think something was wrong with that Hunter Sung?” You laid on the couch upside down with your head nearly touching the floor, your legs swinging in the air back and forth while your arms hugged a pillow close to your chest. In fear of you stumbling onto the ground, Cerberus had laid itself on the ground, luckily for you―and Dongsuk’s apartment―he could shrink his size down.

“Everything is wrong with that man.” Baruka snarled, playing with his daggers near the windows. Though his eyes idly watched the outside, his sharp ears were trained on every movement and sound you made, including your idle thoughts spoken aloud. “He is suspicious.” His head turned away from the window, a scowl on his face as he turned to you. “Another Shadow Monarch? One that’s practically tasked to kill you to complete a job well done? We should strike him down when we have the chance and continue onwards!”

You shook your head; that was enough to silence Baruka. You didn’t want to admit it, but it was odd. His words rang true about the key and you’ve gained Cerberus easily without much effort. You were even trying out something new, something you weren’t used to, yet the fight was quick and effortless on your part. You thought hard. Jinwoo didn’t want you to continue after, saying that it would be a challenge inside. You only compiled because Jinwoo’s words seem to have some weight to it, yet…

“It wasn’t a challenge at all…” You pouted.

Igris placed dish upon dish on the dining table, Dongsuk following behind to set up the table. Cerberbus’ heads nudged you back to the upright position, your feet on the floor and your head over the top of the couch’s back. The armora of food brought your body over to the dining table, Igris stood behind your chair, pushing it in as you took your seat.

You habitually ate after thanking Igris for the meal, your mind still racing as you tried to decipher Jinwoo’s actions and reasoning behind. You wanted to invest in this relationship, in him. He was different, just as you were to your home world. The only one who could grow stronger, the only one who could communicate with dungeon monsters, the only one who could bring the worlds to ruin. The only difference between you two was your views. Jinwoo appears to care for humans and their prosperity, hence taking the quest to come to your world. Meanwhile, you couldn’t care less about humans and frankly, you saw them as tools to use, you don’t want to destroy the world but you don’t want to save it.

A hum escaped as you chewed on your food, eyebrows furrowing in deep thought―you weren’t even aware that it was Igris, Baruka, and Taeshik constantly refilling your bowl with food to eat, then there’s Dongsuk refilling your cup.

Jinwoo’s state while growing strong would be out of desperation. He has something to protect, righteous, and loving. He was aware of the Red Gate Incident but appears to be confused and horrified. Even more so when you had Baruka and Cerberus as your Shadows. “He didn’t ext- No… He couldn’t extract their Shadows…” You turned to air, “System, can you see what Shadows Hunter Sung has?”

[THE ENTITY HAS WEAK SHADOWS AT HIS COMMAND IN THIS WORLD.]

[IN HIS WORLD, HE HAS IGRIS, KNIGHTS, MAGES, ICE BEARS, A WYVERN, HIGH ORCS, AND MORE.]

“No ice elves or humans like Dongsuk or Taeshik?”

[NO.]

Then if he were like you, facing the same events. He should have faced the same, there were two possibilities. One, he didn’t want to extract humans, maybe due to morals. Two, he didn’t have the power to do so when he was facing them.

If your theory about Jinwoo being in a rush to grow much stronger for some goal was right, then the Demon Castle he faced then would be a challenge to him, truly S-Rank. Yet for you, who had grown strong enough to manage stronger foes and aim for an advantage, most quests were a breeze to complete. You could even choose your Shadows. For Jinwoo, his battles were actual battles with a challenge. For you, your battles were Shadow recruitment. His worries are unfounded and unnecessary, sweet as they may be.

One question could overturn it all, “When Hunter Sung fought in the Demon Castle, what Shadow could and did he extract?”

[THE WYVERN NAMED KAISEL.]

High orcs are most likely from another dungeon, since the only Shadow Jinwoo got from the Demon Castle was a wyvern. If his extraction ability was active and he was desperate to be stronger, why not the demons as well? He would have done so, so he wasn’t able to? Why?

“System?”

[YES?]

A thought, a curious thought rang in your head. If you were indifferent to humans and he was caring for humans. If you treasured the System as it did to you… “You said Hunter Sung’s relationship with his System was business-like. Does his System hide information from him? Sets restrictions for him?”

[YES.]

[CERTAIN INFORMATION ARE RESTRICTED.]

“Also, has Hunter Sung failed to extract the Shadows he wanted?”

[YES.]

That answers that. It could be that his System didn’t want him with certain Shadows, or his power levels weren’t on par. There could be other reasons as well, though you couldn’t figure that out at the moment. You know for a fact that Baruka and Cerberus were Shadows he couldn’t obtain, hence his disbelief. Perhaps it was a balance, fairness when he lived well and you didn’t, now favouritism from the System? You can’t be sure of that, this was all idle thoughts.

Cling. You blinked and looked down at the empty plates and bowls before you. “Oh.”

“Dessert, My Lady?” Taeshik offered.

You smiled, “Yes!”

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It made no sense. No sense at all.

At the moment, Jinwoo was back in his apartment, connecting through his animalistic Shadows while searching through the city for you and your Shadows.

Forget about the humans you extracted, since he did the same with Iron. What about the ice elves? Baruka? You had their whole tribe as your Shadows. How was that possible? From what he learned through his chat with you, you certainly were stronger than he was when he faced the same situations and you had your Shadow Monarch title later, yet everything was twisted and mixed together as a result.

Your timeline changed from his perspective, and it flowed just as smoothly from your perspective. Both of you had shadow extraction when the Red Gate Incident happened, yet both of you had different results. While you two joined, it was under different circumstances.

Jinwoo had searched online and researched the incident. There was no mention of a mysterious helper; there were no survivors from the team. Everyone died. While he couldn’t know exactly what happened in the Gate, he doubt you joined openedly like he did with someone vouching for you. Then again, wouldn’t that mean Song-Yi would be entering dangerous Gates since she never learned her lesson?

No… Jinwoo shook his head from the train to train heading to a wrong direction. He needed to look at the bigger picture. You. You who will be the worlds’ end should he fail to convince you. Yet… Was there anything to convince? Clearly you didn’t care for humans and you saw lives as a means to an end. You were in a way stronger than him with the System as your true ally without strings. Hold up…

Ashborn of this world wouldn’t have given up the possession willingly to you after seeing your actions, right? Though that Ruler mentioned that it was indeed you who brought the world to its knees. Did Ashborn allow you to do that? Or the Architect? Was that manipulator the cause? No, he might have given you power, but your mindset and ways stemmed from something deeper, something more tragic―a tale of pain and suffering unlike him.

But… If you saw no meaning, can’t he just give you meaning? Show you what his friends and family showed him in his darkest times. You need someone to help you out of that spot. So then… What’s a good start?

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You patiently waited as you adjusted yourself on the seat. An odd sense of nervousness over you as you waited for Taeshik to bring Jinwoo over to this secluded room within a cafe. Perhaps it was because you’ve been thinking of him more so than yourself and your own plans for the future more these days after meeting him. Or it could be cause of the little hope and anticipation towards this interaction with him.

Emotions and thoughts that you wouldn’t care for. That man you met before, when he tried recruiting you into a guild, you had forgotten all about him, you didn’t care if he was alive or not, so long as he didn’t spread information about you. Dongsuk and Taeshik, whom you killed and have been serving you since, you didn’t think much of their human selves or regret doing the deed. Yet it was different with this Jinwoo person.

Your cheek leaned into the space between your curled fingers and lower palm, and your elbow plopped on the table. Your finger lightly touched the rim of the cup, your eyes blinked from time to time. Applying a bit of pressure to the cup, cracks appeared.

“I’ll have it changed, My Lady.” Baruka took the cup away just before its contents could stain the tablecloth or worse, your hand.

“Thanks, Baruka.” You smiled, moving your idle hand to the plate. Yes, with Jinwoo, you were a bit different. More human? You silently laughed, your shoulders jolting up a bit and your eyes closed momentarily. Human… How interesting.

Knocks came at the door and you granted permission for entry. Taeshik’s face greeted you first before he stepped aside and there was Jinwoo with his hands behind his back. You nodded at him and gestured for him to sit down. Taeshik left the room while Baruka returned to your shadow, you wanted privacy.

An awkward silence stilled the room, but you happily enjoyed his presence. How long had it been since the last time you were this at ease with someone other than your Shadows or the System? You were, however, ignorant of the inner turmoil Jinwoo was having opposite you.

“Ah, yes.” Jinwoo’s hands removed themselves from behind his back and placed a box on the table, then slid it over to you. “A gift, for you.” You carefully unwrapped it layer by layer accordingly. As you got to the inner box, Jinwoo spoke just as you opened it to reveal what was inside. “It’s a hairpin, enchanted with fire-resistant charm. I thought it would help when you go back to the Demon Castle.”

“Really? A gift you won’t take back? A gift without strings?”

“I want you safe and… happy.” Jinwoo looked you in the eyes, a hint of sadness and maybe pity. A small gift like this was enough to move you? To bring you to tears. How cruelly has your world treated you.

You sniffed and wiped your eyes, chuckles and laughs came out broken and short. “You know, once a friend gifted me a pen but then told everyone I stole it, which happened when I was a child. Another time, a Hunter teammate gave me a bag of supplies, but it was coated with blood that attracted monsters towards me, they used me as bait. I hated being gifted with something… But…” Your hand shook lightly, cradling the gift close to your heart. “I can’t explain this, I feel so… light…”

Jinwoo felt his face flush. A little gift like this was enough to make you shed tears of happiness. He lamented that he couldn’t have met you earlier. Things would be much different, now. Yes? “So why have you called me here?”

“Ah, yes.” You composed yourself, placing down the hairpin back into the gift box. “I’m planning on returning back to the Demon Castle and continuing onwards with the quest. I believe it would prove to be less of a challenge for me, than it was for you.” You chuckled, speaking honestly. “You’re welcome to join, but I’d appreciate it if you would only spectate like last time with Cerberus. No hints or help this time as well.”

Jinwoo nodded in understanding. He had expected that you would want to continue with the Demon Castle question, but he had to ask. “Your parents. How are they? Would one of them be suffering from an illness by chance?”

There was a minor jolt. Jinwoo noticed how the light from your eyes faded a bit. Your entire figure slumped down as if something pushed you down by force―a trigger. Your voice dulled, words came out as if programmed, “My parents are well, they are perfectly healthy. Thank you for your concern.”

“...” Jinwoo observed with the senses of a seasoned Hunter. The practiced smile, the neutral tone, and the rigid posture. It was all wrong. He’d heard that your life was troubled, pained, and full of suffering like his. Yet, yours pushed you to the brink. For now, you were still holding onto what you have left, but… How long would that last? How long until it snaps and the world finally pays for how they treated the sleeping lion?

It wouldn’t do him good to just take from you. The gift he gave you now would seem like an exchange for information. By the knowing tone you had about the dungeon, your System must have told you things about him. You’d know he knows something about you too, so, it’s best if he gently dismantle the walls around you by lowering himself to your level. At this moment, he’s not the saviour sent from another world to neutralize you. He’s just Sung Jinwoo.

“You don’t have to lie to me,” He started, his voice soft as intended, like talking to a child or someone of the same level. A friend to a friend in school. He leaned forward just slightly, his eyes staring into your dull ones that refused to waver even with his words of truth you knew well. “You knew I’m from another world. So let me share my story.”

This wasn’t pity. Jinwoo was trying to build some form of connection with you. The you who was hurt, stabbed, and betrayed to the point of embracing the darkness for some semblance of warmth.

“My mother… She suffered from Eternal Slumber not long after my father disappeared in a Gate. I was awaken as an E-Rank, the weakest. Money was tight and I had to watch over my younger sister Jinah as well. So I became a Hunter, I risked my life in every raid, just to pay for my mother’s medical bills and my sister’s tuition, the remaining was for living and rent and other things.” 

Jinwoo paused, searching for some form of reaction. Understanding, connection, sympathy, anything. There was none.

“Every raid, I was looked down on. Sometimes I was left behind, sometimes I was betrayed. But there was always someone there to make things better. A light in the darkness before the System came and I grew stronger to carry the weight with ease.” Jinwoo couldn’t help but smile at the memory. It was because of those moments and people that he didn’t fall into despair. He wanted to pull you out of there as well. “I know… I know what it’s like to have the weight of family and life crushing you down. So tell me… Tell me your side. Your truth. We share the same powers, we share the same growth, but the pain, it’s not the same experience and I can’t say I understand you just because you are also a Shadow Monarch…”

Your eyes blinked, your lips pressed together. Jinwoo noticed your fingers twitching before you retrieved your hands and placed them under the table, away from view. An agonizing silence fell. Patiently, Jinwoo waited.

Then you spoke. Your face tilted down that your eyes were overshadowed. “How nice… to have light before the System. I… I wasn’t so lucky…” Your voice was like that of a broken doll’s, stating fact as if your life was written on a script. “I suppose, I wasn’t human enough to be like you? Holding out and triumphing…”

“That’s not what I was trying to say.”

“I know.” You cut him off the second he finished the sentence. You swallowed and told with a painfully indifferent tone. “My parents were monsters, worse than those in the dungeons. Somehow I find myself wishing they suffer Eternal Slumber… Cruel, I know, but… They never wanted me to begin with. I was an accident, a burden to them. My Awakening was just a way for them to make quick money. If I die, that’s too bad. If I live, remember to transfer what you earn. I would rather live in the forest than in the same place as them, and I did… It was peaceful and quiet, I thought this was a turning point and things would be better from here on out. It didn’t…”

Jinwoo watched as your shoulder slumped even more, as if the matters with your parents weren’t even the tip of the iceberg.

“School? I suppose I had been lying to myself the entire time. Friends were a luxury I never had. Try and befriend the lonely quiet kid and see how long she’ll realize it’s all a joke. It’s a game to them all.” Your eyes landed on the hairpin, another pause came and you switched to another topic as if those few words were enough to sum up every little pain you’ve gone through. “Hunters? Teammates? I’ll bet it’s not too different from your situation…” You looked up at him, “I was the weakest one too, but I never had anyone that’ll look after me. No light in the darkness as you’d claim.”

It was a noticeable shift, your Shadows moving and twisting around your table. Jinwoo knew which Shadows would be more sensitive to what you’re about to say.

“I noticed the look you gave me when I admitted I did let monsters loose after the Red Gate, just to protect myself. How cruel, how cold, and how inhuman I must have appeared to you when I don’t treasure human lives as you would.” You smiled with your head tilted innocently, your voice cracked but your smile remained as warm and genuine as ever. “Can you blame me? When all my life as a Hunter, everyone else saw me as the perfect disposable bait. I can’t fight back, I’m not valuable, I’m not really part of the team.”

The shadows reacted to your words, twisting more vigorously as if holding back from lashing out.

Your eyes glowed that familiar purple hue faintly, “The Double Dungeon’s where I acquired my companion, the System. Well, it wasn’t the first time I was left behind. But it was the first time I was left for certain death. My teammates looked me in the eye and promised they’d tell everyone about my noble sacrifice. My life for theirs, it was a good bargain.” An airy bitter laugh escaped your lips, “And you know what the Hunter Association asked me when I miraculously survived? Did you fake your rank? Did you lead the team into that suspicious second dungeon? Suddenly, I was suspected of being a false ranker, a traitor.”

The words that summarized your years of suffering and pain struck Jinwoo to the core. Everything he faced, you faced it as well, but in a worse position than him. You only had yourself. You were broken and beaten to the point of relying on the only thing that actually saved you, no matter how weird and impossible it was. You didn’t question your System, but rather bonded with it because it was the only pillar that stayed by your side and actually helped you.

“Why I extracted humans… It’s simple. In death, they are finally truthful and loyal. In death, they can’t betray me. They keep their memories, their skills, their usefulness… but the rot from within them, the greed and cruelty, that’s all gone. Washed away like a clean slate. I know it’s inhuman and a violation. What you may see as a monstrous act that defiles, Jinwoo, I see it as the only way I could ever build connection that last.”

Jinwoo’s eyes widened, your smile soft and serene. The shadows behind you formed, just faintly, as though comforting you.

“It’s the only way I know and can ever feel safe.”

“...”

You stood up from your seat, putting the hairpair back into its box with a soft click. “If for that, I’ll be sentenced to death by another version that grew in righteousness. I don’t mind it because I’d do it again.” You slid the gift back to Jinwoo. “Thank you for listening to my side of the story before you took any action.” You left your seat and hummed, “I know you have your mission and it doesn’t sound like you have much of a choice to abandon it if you want to return to your lovely world and perfect life. I won’t hold it against you, but I won’t take things lying down.”

Jinwoo wanted to say something, but the eerie peaceful declaration you were giving him stunned him to stillness.

“Come at me whenever, I’ll put up a fight for my life. No matter how dreadful it has been, with what I have now, I prefer it if I were the one on top.” You walked away from the table, leaving Jinwoo behind. “Even if I have to stand atop the corpses of humans in this world.”

At least, that was the intent. A cold dread of the end washed over Jinwoo and he swiped the gift you refused into his hand before he called forth his realm; The Realm of Eternal Rest. The world disappeared in a blink, darkness surrounded both him and you in an instant. You paused in your step. Jinwoo watched as you flicked your wrist and slowly turned around with a glow in your eyes. From within your shadow, Igris, Baruka, and Cerberus emerged, all taking up their stations on either side and behind you with unwavering loyalty.

Jinwoo stood still and unmoving, not even releasing his aura to counter your oppressive one. This was the act of a cornered animal with the sole focus and mind to do what the mind believes to be the best. He eyed you who glared at him with caution and subtle fury, wariness even. You knew he knew you weak, weaker than him who could easily put you down without effort. Yet even now, you had yet to act and attack, it could be excused as the act of self-defense, protection. Since you knew he was there to prevent a world-end scenario.

In his eyes… You were the villain and he the hero.

And what do heroes do?

They kill the villain for the world.

“My system used me and I used it.” Jinwoo spoke through the suffocating silence.

You flinched at attitude of his words. Clearly expecting something else.

“I knew it was using me, but I didn’t care. I got stronger and I got the power to protect others, my friends, my family…” A pause, Jinwoo thought carefully how to deliver it as clear as he could without the usual lies he’d tell himself. “I rushed through everything to get stronger, more powerful. I held onto my morals, but sometimes, it doesn’t align with what the system wants of me.” He looked into your eyes, its glow dimming. “I put humans above monsters, I… care… for humanity and its peace. But I was still selfish.”

He noticed the confusion in your posture; a slight jolt and a subtle tilting of your head.

“The Lizards, I was forced to kill them, a mission from the system. Tae-Shik, a mission was also triggered, but I was more… relieved since he had tortured my… friends… before their death; the mission was an excuse I used to justify my revenge. But I killed without one, I killed Hwang Dongsoo for hurting and torturing Jinho, and I extracted his Shadow to serve me as Greed.”

Jinwoo paused again. Taking in the curiosity that was visible in your gaze and slight confusion.

“I have also extracted a brilliant S-Rank Healer, but it was out of necessity of the situation, to save a life and I released him soon after.”

Your eyebrows furrowed, “...That is foolish… He’d be an asset to your army…”

Jinwoo chuckled bitterly and smiled, “It was, but it was done out of kindness and morality. See, we are opposites.” He lingered, testing to see if you had any other comments before continuing. “You and I are both Shadow Monarchs of our own world, commander of a loyal Shadow Army.” He gestured to your three Shadows around you, still on guard. “But still so different…”

It was an unspoken truth you both could see; Jinwoo, the light with a hint of vengeance, and you, the darkness with a dose of longing. You both wanted what you didn’t have: Jinwoo with a complacent system like yours and you with welcoming connections to others like him. The irony wasn’t lost on both of you now that everything was laid out in the open.

“Please.” Jinwoo raised the gift in his hand to you, an offering, a plea for you to not abandon the light and paint yourself as the irredeemable villainess. Don’t turn away from the light that is still there. “Let me stay by your side as well, not as a Shadow bound by forced loyalty―”

“How dare you claim our loyalty is forced! You―” Baruka’s shouting was halted by your raised hand.

Even Igris, who had taken a step with his sword drawn, froze in his advances.

Your Cerberus’ three heads bowed, snapping their jaws shut and their ears pinned.

“―but as a companion.” Jinwoo had spoken as if your Shadows never interrupted. “You aren’t as cold and heartless as you imagine yourself to be.” He smiled as he recited what he had found out. “You let Ahn Sangmin, the recruiter from White Tiger Guild, and his associate go with just a warning, right?”

You remember that, but you corrected him, “I threatened him. And… scammed him into giving me money…”

Jinwoo chuckled, truly in this grim and serious conversation where the balance of all the worlds was the prize for one wrong behaviour, action, and word. “Haha, don’t worry, I did too.” He calmed and smiled at your confused expression. It was cute―a better expression than the guardedness you were forced to always display. “What I wanted to focus on was why you didn’t just kill him and replace him with a Shadow. Wouldn’t that be better? Just as you did with the Lizards and Tae-Shik.”

“We were… in a public space… I can’t…”

“You could have led him somewhere quiet and done it. So? Why not?”

“...”

“See? You’re not all bad.”

Jinwoo’s words were a beam of light in the darkness that surrounded you, a spotlight on stage. The smile he was giving you, it was more genuine than any you have seen directed at you. A smile you wished your parents would give you or your ‘friends’ would when you all chatted together. Alas, you saw that as a dream never to come true.

Once more, Jinwoo gestured to the extended gift in his hand. “I can’t force my companionship on you; it’s two-way. Like you with your Shadows now. I’m not asking you to change. I’m not asking you to forgive them. I think you just needed someone to reach out a hand before the shadows were the only thing left to hold onto. And even if I’m late… I’d like to try.”

You looked at Jinwoo, the gift, then back at him again.

“Give me a chance.”

Simple words. So simple and so insignificant to others. But for you, it was everything. A choice to give your fragile trust to another. How many times have you been betrayed? How many times have your trust been trampled away in the mud? How many times have your life and sense of self been shattered because of your misplaced trust? You lost count to the point you cling to what you knew was pre-programmed loyalty and a higher power that seemed to favour you for unknown reasons.

“Give the word and I’ll kill him.” Baruka hissed with venom, his eyes glaring sharply at Jinwoo.

Cerberus growled lowly in response to your growing unease and anxiety.

Igris had his sword put away; instead, he knelt to your side. His helmet tilted up so that he was looking directly at you as if saying, “the choice is yours to make”, even when he couldn’t speak a word.

The System was uncharacteristically silent. No warning, no additional information, nothing. It was a subtle reassurance that there was no pressure for you to do anything nor place others before your own will. For it had always treasured your own choice before anything else, from start to now.

You took a step, walking towards Jinwoo. The distance was a few steps, but it felt like walking through a pool of tar. Every step was heavy, every second was suffocating. Memories of the past echoed in your mind, second-guessing the answer you wanted to give. It was so simple. To just do it and be normal. Yet you could never. Not with all that you have survived through.

Standing before Jinwoo, the patient man who watched and waited for your answer, you looked up at him, your eyes hardened and teary. You searched. For that hint of pity. For that deception. For that cruelty from your memories. A falter, maybe, or a nervousness that you saw through him.

Nothing. There was none of that.

You looked down at the gift. One he gave, then you rejected, and here he was, offering it back to you, but this time with the affirmation and reassurance that he will be by your side. As not a Shadow, but as a person, another being the same as you. Accepting it was a show of mutual trust, a mutual want for this relationship to flourish and grow between two humans. Humans… Can you two even be called that? No, inhumans would be the better description.

Wordlessly, your hand raised and you took the box in your hands. Again, you opened it and saw the same hairpin, now it carried another layer of meaning. You blinked and took it out; you held the hairpin to your lips and did your hair till you were satisfied; finally, you inserted the hairpin into your hair. You met Jinwoo’s gaze. This was your answer.

Jinwoo smiled warmly with a nod of understanding, his hand raised to hover over your cheek, just cupping the space around it without touch. His gaze, compassionate and warmhearted. “It looks lovely on you.”

⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧

You stood before a luxurious apartment complex. This was a place you used to frequent and took pride in returning to, but not anymore. Now it was just a place of horrid memories of the past and present, you were striving to not have it chained to you even in the future, soon rather than later. But today, you were anxious for another reason.

Maybe I shouldn’t have told him about it… It’s my issue… But he said he wanted to help… He said he’d be by my side… Are you a dummy?! He’s obviously just saying that to make you let down your guard! But he was sincere… You paced around. If only you could twirl a dagger or slash a monster to help you with these rushing thoughts!

“Hope I didn’t make you wait too long.”

You flinched. Actually flinched from the voice and tone of it. You robotically turned your head and saw Jinwoo walking over casually with his hands in his coat pockets. He flashed you a smile and you blinked at him. He’s treating this too lightly, isn’t he? Like we’ve known each other for forever… You straightened up and met his eyes, “No, I didn’t wait too long…”

“That’s good.” He gave you that smile again, light and soft, small and genuine.

Meekly, you nodded and looked away.

Jinwoo’s hands curled into fists in his pockets. He had forced himself to push down the urge to pat your head or hug you. He had spent a while recalling how his sister would treat her friends—physical contact and gifts; it was simple enough. That is… If he were also a female, but… Man to a woman… That would push things too fast. In time… In time… One step at a time…

After awkwardly clearing his throat, Jinwoo eyed the apartment complex, “So, we going?”

“...Are you sure you want to come with?” You blinked at him, uncertain if you wanted him to see how they were like. Telling him was one thing, but meeting them, face to face? Now that was another. “You could just wait out here.”

Jinwoo turned back to you with a confident and reassuring smile, “Of course, I’m sure. No way would I leave my partner like this.”

“P- Partner!?”

Jinwoo blinked at you before realizing why your face was flushed, making his own face flushed as well as he corrected himself. “I- I mean, as in friends! Just friends! Like companion or partner-in-crime or partner, like couples! Wait- No. I mean, a pair. Not romantic but… I…” He sighed, seeing that it―he―was getting worse and worse. “Just… I won’t leave you alone in your time of need.”

You sighed in relief, “Right, yes. Of course.”

Once Jinwoo had returned to normal, he asked, “Your System, you have recovery potions, right?”

You eyed him with an eyebrow raised, “Yes, I brought plenty and have plenty from loots as well, why?”

Jinwoo smiled innocently that promised to be more sinister, “Just in case.”

.

.

.

“You- You little…”

“Have you no res- respect for your elders!?”

“Did I tell you to speak?”

Well, now you know why…

As you stared down at the beaten bodies of what used to be your parents, you swallowed, trying to maintain a neutral look with a small smile. Millions of questions echoing in your head while your Shadows were cheering on Jinwoo like proud parents? They were certainly enablers… I thought… I thought Jinwoo was the righteous one??

So there’s a very very good explanation as to why your parents were on the floor and beaten to black and blue, and purple. It started with you two visiting your parents, you were polite to inform them you had acquired all the money that would relieve you of them, aka you’d be free of them and them of you. But as usual, they were making a fuss and complaining all the hard work, time, and energy into raising you―practically and subtly demanding more even though the amount you gave them was enough for them to enjoy retirement with monthly vacations.

You were used to it, you had placed your foot down on this being the last time you’d give them money and end the parents and child bond then and there. That was the agreement. However, Jinwoo, who saw everything happen, couldn’t stand for how you were being treated even though you said nothing and just took it. Since it was easier that way, quick in and out, no fight, no prolonged event. You’d be back in your world and enjoy it then.

Jinwoo had intercepted a slap to your face by your mother, he got between you two and grabbed onto her wrist with a firm and threatening glare. With a bit of pressure, your mother’s wrist snapped like a twig and her screams pierced the silence of the apartment. Your father had rose from his armchair―previously checking the bank accounts and cash you gave―and shouted at Jinwoo and you for bringing something (yes, he did refer to Jinwoo as ‘thing’) like him into their home. Jinwoo’s {Ruler’s Authority} activated and crushed your father into the floor.

Your eyes blinked at the scene. Is this a dream? Am I dreaming??? Did I dream Jinwoo being violent towards my parents???

“Hey,” You snapped your attention to Jinwoo, who smiled at you, “You have those recovery potions? I might have broken something.”

Might have??? “Yes….” You took the potions out of your inventory and handed them to him.  

“Thanks.”

You watched as he poured the potions on your parents as if watering plants. An aura of light enveloped them and their injuries were healed in an instant. Yet before they could get up from their positions, the pressure slammed them back onto the floor once more.

“Sorry, I thought I saw a rat there.”

Potions were applied.

Bang!

“Ah, I think there was a cockroach over there. I’ll help you.”

Potions were applied again.

Crash! Bang! Bang!

“This place is filthy. Maybe you two should move into an elderly care home.”

Potions were applied again…

Once, you had thought, what if you killed your parents and made them into your Shadows? To have them serve you with loyalty and love? Something that could easily be forced upon by the System’s influence. It was tempting, it was wishful. But you didn’t want to in the end. Yet, seeing them as your Shadows, it would bring more pain and anguish than joy and happiness.

When you saw Jinwoo about to continue the third time, you stopped him, “That’s enough, stop wasting your time and energy on them.”

“...” Jinwoo’s eyes were on your parents and their pathetic shaking forms; his eyes glowed purple from rage. “It’s not enough until they reflect. All that they have done. All that they have taken from you…”

You were moved. Truly, you were, but you didn’t want him to hurt the people he was supposed to save for your sake. You placed a hand on his forearm, “Jinwoo.” That got him to turn to you, “They hold no power over me anymore, and I don’t let them as well.” You smiled at him, “I’m not chasing after your love and approval anymore.”

“S- Sorry… We’re sorry…” 

“Pl- Please… Please… Make it… Stop…”

Their weak voices muttered from pain and distress.

You held onto Jinwoo before he could do anything. You smiled up at him, “I’m a bit hungry, can we try that new cafe down the street?”

Jinwoo looked at you. He released his skill and let them breathe. “Okay, if you say so.”

You glanced at the corner to see your Shadows twisting and curling as if anxious to do something. You eyed Jinwoo, who was already putting on his shoes at the entrance, and you thought for a moment before you cheerfully told him, “Can you wait for me at the entrance of the building? I’ll be there in a bit!”

“...” Jinwoo turned to you and observed your smile, he nodded and turned to leave, “Don’t take too long.”

When the door shut, you listened until his footsteps faded and his presence wasn’t within your area of detection. You turned your back to your parents, slowly, and you set more healing potions on the dining table while your parents recovered, thinking everything was over.

“You know, if, if only I’d known you’d listen and bend to violence…” You hummed as you purchased more healing potions, higher-grade ones, and set them with the others on the table. When you were satisfied, you turned to them with a smile, “Perhaps I’d done this sooner.”

“What…?”

You met their eyes, yours with disinterest and clinical assessment. “I don’t want you in my family circle and I’m not one for torture, you see.” The shadows twisted and rose around you and within the apartment. “But there are others who are more keen on it.”

Igris didn’t have his sword drawn―since that would cut the entire building in half from the inside―but he was curling and uncurling his hand into fists. Baruka grinned and cackled, playing with his daggers ominously. Cerberus had adjusted his size to no bigger than a wolf’s, but it was still scary since he had three growling heads ready to snap at anything nearby.

“Hold on―!”

You turned to the front door, putting on your shoes, “There are plenty of healing potions on the table, you three divide them among yourselves.” You tapped the tips of your shoes to make sure they were securely on. “Wounds can be healed but death can’t. Ah,” You paused and tilted your head, “I suppose scars don’t heal, do they? Especially emotional ones?”

“Wait!”

You waved bye to your Shadows, “They’re all yours.”

“Wait! My daughter―!”

“We’re sorry, my child―!”

The door closed and their shouts were cut off. Only now do they…!! You turned and walked away from the apartment, taking a deep breath while you made your way to the lift. It’s fine. You’re fine now. The lift dinged and you entered. You sighed and let a stray tear fall, you quickly wiped it away. You composed yourself before you exited the lift when it reached the ground floor.

Your smile spread on your face when you saw Jinwoo standing where you were when you waited for him. This time, he waited for you. His face lit up and smiled when you neared, “That was quicker than I expected.”

You didn’t say anything and just stood in front of him, then you leaned your head down until your forehead was pressed against his chest.

“!?” Jinwoo blinked and looked down at your mob of hair, his arms raised and his hands hovered over your back. “A- Are you okay?”

You nodded. “Thank you…”

Jinwoo sighed with a smile, one arm looped over your shoulder and the other patted your back softly. “Anytime. You’re not alone anymore…” He whispered a promise louder than any curse directed at you in your whole lifetime. “I won’t ever let you get hurt. Over my dead body.”

Manhwa Chapter: N/A

Note: This got delayed from the usual upload cause I was stuck on revising the last scene. Was wondering if I should just end it at Jinwoo and Reader being friends or add the parents scene. But this was what happened cause this part was covering the private matters and the next one is focusing on the Demon Castle, so now or never.

Anyways, hope you guys like this one! See you in the next update! (thanks for everyone who stayed and waited, I know it's too long of a wait, but thanks to all the support!!)

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

A shift in behaviour, an apparent growing malice. Did the System force you to comply with some mission that stopped this interaction? Perhaps, it wasn’t the Monarchs that he needed to worry about, but the System that had been with you since the beginning. If you were as the Ruler warned, you were in a vulnerable position and alone in the world, banished and pushed aside without light as though you deserved nothing but the pitch black darkness.

[THE ENTITY HAS BEEN SEARCHING FOR THE PLAYER, YOU, FOR A PURPOSE.]

“I can show you things, secret quests and train you as your senior. You’ll be stronger than ever in no time.” Jinwoo tried to lighten up the mood. If you were like him, a labelled weakest Hunter and shunned, you’d want to grow strong. He could guide you and be your pillar, like a brother to a sister? Otherwise, he couldn’t explain this urge to protect and shelter you.

[THE ENTITY IS TASKED WITH KILLING THE PLAYER OF THIS WORLD.]

“What do you say?” The first thing to do was to remind and show you—prove to you—that you could trust something—one—other than that scheming System that tried to use him and discard him.

[THE ENTITY IS NOT OF THIS WORLD.]

Your world is spinning, this all was confusing. You sense urgency from both of them, one a companion you’ve placed your trust in, another a stranger you met today. Though it was an easy choice on who or what to trust. Your hands placed at the edge of the table as your legs pushed your body up, your head tilted down as your gaze stared down at him, but focused on his larger, rougher hands instead of his face or eyes. “Sorry, I… I have to go.”

Jinwoo’s eyes widened. You were rejecting him? You’re leaving? The System must have intervened someway, somehow. At the sight of your figure leaving, his hearts raced. He couldn’t let you go, he couldn’t just kill you because of some future that wasn’t set in stone. He changed his, he could change yours. You were someone that could understand him, his struggles, his pain, his life. You faced the same things—in worse circumstances—as him, you could understand him like no other person/being alive or dead. Perhaps, in some way, when he first heard about you, it felt like you were soulmates.

“Wait!” He got up abruptly, but he paid no mind to the onlookers’ gaze and rushed after you. His hand reached out to grab your wrist, but you had sensed him and swiftly turned around to glare at him, a silent plea for him to leave you alone and not cloud your mind any further. You were having a hard time progressing. He paused, “Try something.” He spoke firmly, “The daily quests, double the amount, you get a reward. A key.” The thing you lost towards humanity is trust. The same realization he had when he was ordered to kill Dongsuk back then. You might have faced it earlier than he had, when you were much more vulnerable; that would explain your guarded nature. “If you tried what I told you and it’s true, let me try to gain your trust. I’m not your enemy.” 

You blinked at him, swallowing nothing. You didn’t even say another word as your lips pressed together and you nodded your head as a sign that you heard him, maybe you’ll consider it. Either, you turned and left him alone. Once you were out, you bolted to the nearly forest and continued running and running.

Caution. 

Pressure.

Force.

Urgency.

Attention.

Care.

Worry.

You saw them all within Jinwoo’s eyes. There wasn’t malice, no. There wasn’t even greed or lust. Anything along those lines would have been better than what you were faced with. You’re not familiar with these things. Not with humans—people—that abandoned and forsaken you for all your life. There was no way this stranger that’s from another world would do this to you, for you.

“Ah!” You weren’t looking; too deep within your thoughts to notice you ran straight off a cliff. Your eyes squeezed shut. This was going to hurt. But it would also distract your mind from the turmoil of everything.

The shadows below you shifted and expanded as you were mid-air in shock and realization. A figure emerged behind you, swiftly and skillfully placed an arm behind your back and hooked your legs under your knees to guide your falling form into a lying position. Another being appeared, only to be ridden by your saviour. Its hooves moved and snow formed before solidifying into ice that paved a path down the cliff to the grounds below.

“My Lady, you’re safe.”

Your eyes opened. Even with the recognition that you were being carried and safe with your companion, you didn’t want to open your eyes and face reality where humans roam. You were met with the pale blue face of your new Shadow ice elf, Baruka. His smirk unchanged from when he was alive, still a cheeky and playful aura but now his gaze was only for your betterment and safety.

His arm under your knees, he set you on the back of his horse you had extracted to take hold of the reins. He pulled at the reins and the horse moved slowly followed by a trail of ice and snow on the forest ground. You looked down at your hands, fiddling with your nails as you distracted yourself once more. 

Though you didn’t need it for long, as your phone rang, cutting through the peaceful silence you were unconsciously enjoying. You mentally groaned and picked it up. “Yes?”

“Yes?! What yes!? You ungrateful brat! How long do you plan to ignore us, huh? It’s been months since the last instalment! Did you forget who gave birth to you?!”

A hail of curses and scolding assaulted your ears in volumes that could send people to the hospital. You barely got the chance to put some distance between your ear and the phone’s speaker to protect your hearing. You took a deep breath before answering. “I was a bit busy recently.”

“Are you talking back to me? You little b*tch! Do you think we wanted to call you? Who was the one to pay for your hospital bills when you up and gotten yourself into the hospitals time after time again!? Every time you go into those god-forsaken dungeons, you take our money! Repay us? Give us back? Filial piety? Ha! What a joke! All you know is take, take, take! You little liar! Don’t promise things you can’t do!”

Your parents didn’t care how you were on the verge of death every time. They didn’t care how you were lying on the bed, half-conscious, wounds all over your body. The only thing they did care about was the mana crystals and essence stones in your backpack. You remembered them going through your bag after they were allowed into the room by the doctor who heard you woke up. No words of worry, no touch of concern, nothing of love and affection was directed at you. Only greed and entitlement.

Your dream of a home and people that cared for you was long gone to the point where you relied on the System and the Shadows extracted from your powers. It was a binding affection and loyalty, it wasn’t real, it was merely your powers and the workings of the System but you didn’t care. You clung to it. You saw them as your family and friends. The true people that cared for you no matter what you do or say. Unconditional attention, unconditional care, unconditional worry and concern, unconditional loyalty, and unconditional affection.

“A m- week… I’ll give you back everything in a week.” You didn’t want to hear them. You didn’t want to see them anymore. You have the System, you have your Shadows. You didn’t need them anymore. Don’t need to cling to them and seek their approval or love.

“You better! Or else, you’re coming back here!” And the call was cut off.

You placed the phone away. You’ll have to ask Dongsuk and his team, as well as Tae-Shik to gather up some money to transfer to your account before transferring to your parents’ account and terminating it to open a new account without their connection, since you’re of age now.

“My Lady…” Baruka called out to you.

You hummed and turned to him, a smile on your face, “Yes, Baruka?”

“May I kill those lowly humans?” Baruka’s words were venom from a snake’s fangs. Despite his sadistic nature, there was no hint of a smile nor a smirk that he would usually display to his prey or foe. There was just an expressionless face as he asked the question burning in his mind ever since you had picked up that accursed phone call. Even during your talk with Jinwoo, he had felt the unnerving presence the man exhibited. It wasn’t human, not that it was of much care. He’ll kill any that troubles your mind.

“No.” You answered. Unconsciously, your arms wrapped around just under your chest as your eyes half closed and your lips pressed together. You swallowed and focused on the swaying leaves in the wind.

Baruka clicked his tongue and took a step forward, standing by your side. “My Lady, I worry that you’re too kind.”

Your mind went to the various times you prioritized your safety above your teammates while in the dungeon. Within the gates, they always seemed to bring out a darker side of you. As if you could only think of living and fighting for another day to repeat everything. You listened to the System’s words when it said the best course was for you to kill them, even using their Shadow selves to your own advantage. How were you kind? You shook your head, “No, I’m not very kind.”

Baruka barked a mocking laugh as his condescending smirk returned, his arms opened as he shifted his weight on one side. “If you’re not kind, then the other humans are merely crawling ants.” Noticing that there wasn’t a reaction from you, he toned down, his smirk fading to a frown. “Those so-called parents used you when they needed you, and then when you wanted your freedom, they yelled at you as if you took out their heart and stomped on it.” His eyes focused on your being, how your grip would tighten till your fingertips were turning white and how your eyebrows furrowed. “Letting them live despite that…is an act of kindness and mercy they don’t deserve.”

“...” You placed a hand on his cheek, “I don’t want you to stain your hands with their blood.” You removed your touch and hopped down from the horse, starting your stretching. “The sooner they have their money, the sooner we can cut ties.”

Baruka dismounted as well, he took a knee and kneeled down, his eyes on your figure while the horse melted back into the shadows. “And that man named Sung Jinwoo?”

! ALARM [YOU ARE ADVISED TO TAKE CAUTION.]

“I’ll put his words to the test. Only if it’s true, then will we see what to do next.”

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As you were doubling down on your workouts, the System told you more and that man you met. Sung Jinwoo was a Shadow Monarch from another universe, not like the Gates that connected your world to a dungeon or a red gate type, but an entirely new universe. In fact, his world was said to be the ‘original’, the origin of all other worlds. Your world was one of many. Under normal circumstances, crossing between alternative worlds is impossible, but Jinwoo somehow managed and his purpose was to prevent a world-ending scenario.

The ‘killing you’ part was the method he was hinted to use. However, if he had the power to devour his System—one that you believed was stronger than yours, since he was from the ‘origin’ universe—then he would most certainly have the power to kill you once he located you. Your mind went back to the desperation reflected in his eyes. Winning your trust? Proving himself to you? Why go through such lengths when there was a simple solution?

If he had a mission and completed it as soon as possible, he could just return to his world. He didn’t know anyone here, and there was no reason for him to stay any longer than needed. You’d also prefer it if a battle or fight could end things as easily, even though you knew for a fact you couldn’t face someone like that and win, it was the easier way out. Saves you a lot of trouble and headaches.

You screamed in your head. Human interactions can be so unbearably frustrating and challenging. If only there weren’t any situations where you had to deal with it all… You flinched, and your eyes widened slightly in understanding. Your mindset, your treatment of humans… Perhaps, that’s why it was better to kill you off when you were still growing or just at a point where you weren’t a threat to anyone or your world.

In Jinwoo’s world, he was hailed as a hero and protector. He cared for the well-being of others and the world. Meanwhile, you just saw anyone who wasn’t your Shadow as a potential enemy. A sort of twisted mindset that if they do you wrong or harm, you’d kill them without mercy. Even that man who was offering you a place in the White Tiger Guild, you threatened him to keep things quiet, and if he didn’t, your Shadows knew what to do.

You’re so different from Jinwoo even though you two were the same. Both of you were Shadow Monarchs of your world, both of you were weak, and both of you were looked down upon. Yet Jinwoo’s upbringing was undeniably brighter. You were envious when you knew from the System, but then, if you were just like Jinwoo, you wouldn’t have met the System and felt its care and concern for you like he did. His relationship with his System was similar to a give-and-take, a business relationship, to put it into words. Perhaps that’s why he devoured his System, even though it did so much for him.

QUEST COMPLETE - YOU HAVE COMPLETED [HIDDEN QUEST: SURPASSING LIMITS].

QUEST REWARD - SELECT YOUR REWARDS [YOU MAY CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING] - REWARD #1. STATUS RECOVERY - REWARD #2. STAT POINTS        +3 - REWARD #3. BLESSED/CURSED RANDOM BOX (SELECT)

WILL YOU RECEIVE THE REWARD? YES                NO

“I feel like it’ll be something good either way, System.” You chuckled. However, if what Jinwoo said was true, you’ll get something specific, a key, presumably to a dungeon set up by the System. You watched the System helped you choose the [Blessed Random Box] and your reward arrived.

[ITEM: DEMON CASTLE’S KEY] ITEM CLASS: S TYPE: KEY - A KEY THAT ALLOWS YOU TO ENTER DUNGEON DEMON CASTLE. CAN BE USED IN SONG PA GU TOWER.

You hummed. “He was telling the truth…” You narrowed your eye at the screens, “Hey, you’re not on his side, are you?”

[PLAYER IS THE ONLY PLAYER FOR THIS SYSTEM. NO OTHER BEING CAN CHANGE THAT.]

“Thanks for that. Sorry for doubting you, I… I don’t know what came over me…” You can’t believe it. A stranger, from another world, told you the truth when the people around you couldn’t and never did.

[PLAYER’S ACTIONS AND BEHAVIOURS ARE NEVER JUDGED. PLAYER IS FREE TO BE AND DO WHATEVER SHE PLEASES.]

“Right.” You nodded, rubbing your teary eyes. You took a deep breath and collected yourself. You need to think about what to do next. Okay. 

If he were truthful and like you, he’d actually be another you with the same abilities. You felt an oppressive aura from him, but his shadow was quite… empty. So he came alone and not with any of his allies. While it was good since it meant if you were to fight, there wouldn’t be clashes in the Shadows—you figured there might be some Shadows the same as yours, namely Igris—and it’s only one enemy—assuming you see him as one—to fight with, but you did want to see his allies and how different they’d be.

A thought came to mind and you turned to a blank space, “System, can I… bring someone into the dungeon?”

⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧

A day or two had passed, Jinwoo still received no word from you. He figured you’d be eager to test his words, there was nothing to lose even if it’s false. Then again, he’d be losing your trust and he can’t be sure that your System didn’t do something to change the course of the future when it’s Ashborn’s vessel at stake. At the thought of that, he wondered if there were any difference to this world’s Ashborn since the vessel wasn’t him. Though he couldn’t blame that change, cause this world’s him is technically missing or dead.

The system wouldn’t give you up, as you were perfect already. You trusted it, you grew stronger. Even when he appeared, there was no need to change to someone stronger when there’s a perfect puppet to mold. Yet, he can’t shake the feeling that there was something between you and your System, like a bond or a connection that sets you apart from being just a vessel to toy with or use. Like you were looked after lovingly and protected.

When he sat with you that day for a chat, he could feel the intensity around you. It wasn’t from you, it was similar to how his Shadows would crowd around him, but there were still visible or out of his shadow to emit that aura. With you, there was a threatening weight that pinned him, warning him to be extra cautious of his words and actions towards you. As if you were protected by an invisible cage or barrier around you by unseen forces.

He took his phone out, he should just try to call you and seek you out. He can’t bear to kill someone that experienced the same—worse—things as him. He can’t bear to kill you when you deserved a chance to change. But then he froze.

What was your number?

Wait…

Did he even give his? Did you give yours? Scratch all that. Did you two even introduce each other?!

Jinwoo groaned and slapped his palm on his forehead. No to all those questions. Right off the bat, it was straight to business. Okay… Then that might explain why he hadn’t heard from you in a while. Maybe you’re busy with raids, maybe you already got the key and wanted to test out the dungeon. Though, he wanted to be the one that told you what to be careful off and help you with some training or give you some useful tips. He doubt the system would help you in those areas.

Thinking back, if the red gate had happened, then you would have completed your [Job Change Quest] and gain the Shadow Monarch title. Yet meeting Jinho was nonexistent to you, and the Lizards were still alive. So how was that possible?

A chill ran down his spine. He had a hunch but he hoped it was wrong.

The bell from his front door rang. Jinwoo went over and opened his door, his eyes widened when a familiar figure stood before him.

“Greetings, Hunter Sung. Please make preparations for a dungeon raid speculation. Bring something to hydrate and eat if needed, and wear clothing that will help protect you from the heat. I will be waiting for you outside.” The man spoke curtly without room for questions, as if remembering something, he bowed his head and introduced himself. “I am Kang Taeshik, an inspector for the Surveillance Team of the Hunters Association. Please hurry, we can’t keep her waiting.”

Just like that. His earlier revelation was confirmed. A man that he killed after the Lizards, yet the same man implied he was working for you―still very much alive. No way would something like Taeshik change hearts at the drop of a hat. So this only means… You had completed your [Job Change Quest] earlier than he had, and you had already extracted humans and turned your former enemies into your loyal Shadows.

You hadn’t been vulnerable. It was a front to show. Your heart had hardened and grown cold. Your affection and care towards people is likely… nonexistent at this point.

⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧

In front of Song Pa Gu Tower, you stood waiting with Dongsuk and Kyuhwan standing guard in their human forms. You fixed your clothing as you waited for your potential new companion. A long scarf that regulates a cool breeze, a coat that keeps your body cool, and boots that let you step on air for a moment. Together as a set, you could control the element of air or wind, however way you see it. You wrestled between ice and wind elements, since you figured you were battling against fire, a speculation you got from the key’s name and description.

“My Master.” Taeshik’s voice made your head turn to the direction of two pairs of footsteps. He already had his hand over his heart area and his head bowed even when he was feets away. Behind him followed Jinwoo in casual attire, yet the System told you he was going to be fine. Taeshik paused before you, “I have brought him as requested.”

“Thanks.” You hummed with a smile, then turned your gaze to Jinwoo, “Hope there wasn’t any trouble.”

“None really.” Jinwoo nodded back. His eyes scanned and saw Dongsuk and Kyuhwan standing behind you, guarded and alert, unlike what he saw when he raided with them days before. “What are we doing here?”

“Well, first, I need to thank you for your little tip. What you said was true and I got this.” You showed him your rewarded key. “We’ll be going into the dungeon in a moment; you can just watch silently.”

Jinwoo reached out his hand to your scarf, “I think you shouldn’t wear this, the long cloth will—” His words cut off as his hand passed through it. He tried to hold it again, only to grasp air. “What…?”

“Oh.” You shifted your shoulders as you moved the scarf, understanding Jinwoo’s concern. “It’s like an illusory clothing to everyone except me and you too I guess; no one can touch it. I know it might seem like a hindrance in battle, but its effects are what I want. I don’t want the heat to get to me.”

“Heat? You know what’s inside?” Jinwoo blinked at your words. Back then, he didn’t know what he was fighting against, so did your System let you in on the quests involved or…

“Well, the devil’s in the details. A key to the Demon Castle, I figured we’d be fighting demons, and demons are mostly associated with fire. It’s a no-brainer.” You shrugged, “The System’s item descriptions are very helpful, you know.”

Jinwoo didn’t bother thinking that far ahead with his quests and dungeons… “I didn’t ask, what level are you on now?”

You blinked. This isn’t something you care much about and since Jinwoo’s like you, you could actually share things with him that no one else would understand. You chimed as the System showed you your status. “I’m level 89. Got the [Job Change Quest] when I was 40, but took it when I was 50. Still a toughie to fight through though.”

Jinwoo’s world shifted as he heard your nonchalant explanations. This would be a cake walk for you. He was probably much weaker when he first used the key and he didn’t even have his Shadows to help him. The fact that no one caught onto you even when you’re this powerful meant you’ve been skillfully hiding your tracks. He gulped internally as he asked another question, “One more question. Did you ever willingly extracted a human Shadow?”

An eerie hum echoed in his ears. You turned and inserted the key into a space like a keyhole that was visible to your eyes. The air cracked and the vortex to the dungeon slowly sparked and expanded. A ghostly red light lit part of your face as you turned your head to him with a calm smile. With a voice as sweet as honey and a glint in your eyes, you answered, “Shadows. I like their skills and uses, but they were my enemy, so… I turned them into something I can trust. Now, they are my friends and family!”

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If a key’s rarity is proportional to the dungeon’s difficulty… This dungeon is S-Rank! The chance of my survival is zero! I have the Hearthstone that I didn’t use in the last instant dungeon, so if things get dangerous, I’ll use it right away. The only thing I can do right now is to try my best. Echoes of the past rang in Jinwoo’s ears as he entered the entry point after you have. The same landscape, the same surroundings, and the same flames. He’d think you’d be echoing his thoughts, however…

“The key’s S-Rank, so this dungeon is also S-Rank or around that. S-Rank Hunters… I’d say they are around level 60 to 70. But I have to assume this is SS-Rank, so level 70 to 90? My chances of survival should be good… I hope.” You chuckled, “No running away. I must get much stronger.” A smile that didn’t convey kindness and naivety, but rather, a hint of amusement and mischief. “New allies await.”

A three-headed beast stepped through the fire, the System immediately identifying it as [Hell’s Gatekeeper Cerberus]. You signalled for Jinwoo to step back; you had left the three disguised humans behind to continue onward with their work. Eying him until he was a safe distance away from the battlefield.

You pulled out a staff this time, coloured in light blues like the Glacier Mountains; even a flick of movement had a trail of snow and snowflakes from its head. The bells chimed with elegance that drew the beast’s attention to you.

“I can’t lose my life in a place like this.” The past Jinwoo spoke.

“My life isn’t threatened by something the System throws at me.” You held your staff stationary. “Let’s get started. I want to test this staff and my new equipment out.”

Cerberus roared, signalling the start of your battle. You slammed the end of the staff into the ground between your feet in front of you, a thin layer of ice formed from the staff and expanded to the ends of the miniature crater. No sooner had a wall of ice crystals surrounded the two of you in a dome-like structure, leaving the top open for air.

In a swift movement, you swirled your staff and held it behind you as you ran up the icy walls, using the {Sky Step} ability from your new boots to bring you up into the air. Cerberus turned one of its heads to you, firing a ball of fire in your direction, but you had your staff intercept it with a wave of frost and chilling air. You jumped on its back, momentarily placing your staff away to balance yourself. Its heads took turns trying to snap its jaws at you to get you off, presumably. Yet you maintained there. With your staff, you froze its neck with ice. At first, its heat and movement broke the ice formation, but as time passed and the dome’s effect cooled it, the ice prevailed over the flames.

! ALARM - HELL’S GATEKEEPER CERBERUS IS USING [SKILL: WRATH].

! ALARM - WRATH WILL LAST FOR 3 MINUTES. - CERBERUS’ STATS WILL BE DOUBLED.

“Doubled?” You jumped off and from out of your Shadows, your ice elves joined the battle on the ground. “Fire!”

When the heads’ mouths were opened wide and charging for an attack, the ice elves fired their icy arrows straight into their throat through the opened mouths. Baruka’s arrows hit a head’s eye and forehead. You entirely missed the way Jinwoo’s jaw dropped at the sight of your Shadows. No! You need to be focusing on the task at hand. You landed just behind the row of elves, standing over them as they continued their assault, you raised your staff to fire icicle shots at Cerberus continuously so that it doesn’t recover.

“Baruka.” You started charging for a bigger attack.

“At your command, My Lady.” Baruka turned his head slightly towards you while still firing arrows.

“Match your arrows with my charged attack, this will be the killing blow.” You commanded as the glowing ball of blue light grew more concentrated at one point.

“Yes.” Baruka nodded. He turned his head forward, aiming first before shouting to his men, “Adjust your aim to the Lady’s, we kill this pup in one blow.”

“Yes!”

Your remaining Shadows arose, burying their blades into Cerberus to stay put. With its attention scattered all over the place, you took the chance and flicked your staff, the singular concentrated ball separated into three and each focused on one head. The elves followed Baruka’s charge and took aim at the closest head they could manage. Then… “Fire!”

All shots were released and hit their mark. With your icicle shots embedded into each of their foreheads, they stood stiff and solid. Ice formed and coated their form from head to toe. You stepped forward, passing by the kneeling elves on either side of you. Standing before the terrifying beast, you shifted your staff to another hand. With your dominant hand, you balled into a fist and punched its chest area. The ice cracked, but Cerberus’ body also cracked like broken glass, then it shattered into millions of pieces, turning to dust on the ground.

! ALARM [YOU HAVE SLAIN HELL’S GATEKEEPER CERBERUS.]

! ALARM [YOU LEVELLED UP!] [YOU LEVELLED UP!] [YOU LEVELLED UP!] [YOU LEVELLED UP!]

[SHADOW EXTRACTION CAN BE USED ON THIS TARGET.]

You let out a breath, releasing the ice dome you had been maintaining since the beginning. You eyed your MP status and you have already used half of it. Well, that was the cost of being a mage class in battle. This staff was helpful, but it only focuses on the ice element, so you figure this weapon’s uses are situational. You noticed the double doors at the end, the very ‘gate’ that Cerberus was probably guarding from you.

“Should I just continue?” Your head tilted to the side as you wondered, leaning on your staff while your Shadows got up and collected themselves. Baruka stood by your side once more on your left while Igris suddenly stood to your right. You snapped out of your thoughts and turned around when hurried footsteps were heard. You were met with a surprised and concerned Jinwoo.

“How…” You blinked, unaware of what he was asking, so he caught his breath and asked. His fingers pointed to Baruka. “How can you extract Baruka and the other ice elves as your Shadows? I tried three times but still—”

“I just did, I have always been able to extract any Shadow I want.” You spoke as a matter of factly, as it was as simple as breathing. “You should know the magic word. I merely said Arise and they answered my call.”

[YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY EXTRACTED THE SHADOW.]

Behind you all, shadows from what was once Cerberus rose and formed the familiar three-headed dog-like beast. It growled and stood behind you, its heads lowering to earn your attention and recognition, to serve you with all that they have.

[SHADOW’S LEVEL WILL BE 20.] [SHADOWS HIGHER THAN RANK KNIGHT CAN BE NAMED.]

“Impossible…” Jinwoo had never been able to extract anything from the Demon Castle, other than Kaisel, but that was just a carrier beast. This was a boss in its own right. So how were you able to call it your own?

You patted the heads equally with a gentle smile, genuine and soft. “Let’s go with Cerberus, I have liked your name since the beginning.”

[CERBERUS LV.20] RANK: ELITE KNIGHT

The System has been with you much longer, and you have been a Shadow Monarch much longer compared to him. You were more prepared, you were more analytical of your surroundings, and you were freer with your actions. The System has been encouraging your growth as a Monarch and disregarded your humane traits. Another realization came. Jinwoo could feel cold sweat forming. “The Red Gate Incident… Did you…”

“Oh, that.” You mindlessly hummed as you kept a hand on Cerberus’ lower head and turned to Jinwoo. 

Your loyal knight, Igris, to your right with his hand on his sword and his eyes trained on Jinwoo for any offence. Your murderous assassin, Baruka, to your left with his daggers half drawn, ready at your command, should any drastic measures be taken. Now, with your newly added guard dog behind you, growling lowly as a warning to try anything.

This was the picture-perfect frame for the worst if he was seen as an enemy. If you decided at any moment that you didn’t want to entertain his words, he could be killed.

“Yeah, I guess I did do that.” A smile. You were smiling so freely like you had put a sick dog to rest. “But it’s all good, no one found me out and I have Baruka and his friends with me now! So it’s all good~”

Inhuman…

Inhuman among humans… That was what led to this world’s destruction…

Manhwa Chapter: 26, 27

Note: It's been a while, everyone. Been quite busy with IRL and writing has been hard since I hit writer's block at the worst timing. But I'm happy to see people still interested in this series. I'll continue as promised, just takes time. So please be patient, thanks! (also if I missed you on the taglist or if you wanna be on it, comment and let me know)

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

The moment Sung Jinwoo opened his eyes was the moment deja vu came at him with full force. In this strange reality he promised to protect against its impending destruction; it bore an uncanny semblance to the world he was used to. There were Hunters, Gates, Guilds, and monsters. Even the people he remembered were the same, including their names and the guilds they belonged to.

Almost everything was as he remembered.

“The Sung family?”

“Weren’t they the family that was one of the casualties of the first Dungeon Break?”

“Yeah, the eldest son survived, right?”

“Didn’t he go missing after?”

“He did?”

“But I heard he’s been raiding with some last-minute teams.”

To his horror and surprise, his family was nowhere to be found and he himself as a mystery to the world. None knew if he was alive or dead, his case was labelled as ‘unsolved’ by the Hunters Association. His Hunter status was still active for some reason and most say he was afloat somewhere, as if someone was impersonating him and using his ID to raid. That mystery was quickly solved as he found a Hunter with a shapeshifting ability holding onto his ID and falsely reported his rank―D-Rank, but that false Hunter was at least a B-Rank. That Hunter was merely a coward that didn’t want to go to higher-ranked Gates in fear of stronger monsters, but still needed the extra cash. So Jinwoo left him off the hook with a warning.

Wondering how he solved the mystery without his loyal Shadows? While he wasn’t able to bring along his army so as not to upset the balance and avoid power conflict with this universe’s Shadow Monarch or indirectly signal the beginnings of war, his powers remained intact. From the identical individuals, he figured his Shadows would be present as well. As the Ruler had told him to avoid doubles, he had to leave his Shadow Army behind to protect his world, so he experimented and found he could use animals to be his eyes and ears. Combat-wise, there wasn’t a need for him to act so as to not draw attention and he had it covered without the help of his more talented Shadows.

Jinwoo extracted from the corpses of some unfortunate roadkill and gained Shadow pigeons, dogs, cats, and even raccoons, if one would believe it. It was a unique experience, to say the least, communicating with animals and having them follow his orders. It was similar to training pets, but then he had absolute obedience from them, so they were all on their best behaviour. Unique the method may be, they were just as useful while gathering information for him. 

His home was still there, merely covered with a layer of dust. Since the case of his disappearance wasn’t solved, his family’s apartment was still under his family name and had not been taken away. With a home as his base, he took his time familiarizing himself with the recent incidents to pinpoint where in the timeline he landed.

The Double Dungeon had already been a thing of the past for a few months and the list of survivors were all names of people he never knew. Meanwhile, his friends that went through the Double Dungeon in his version were all raiding another dungeon that same day with his former imposter. His guess was that amongst the survivors, one of them was the new Player, and it would point to the last one who was rescued like him. However, he couldn’t tell for certain who it was because the Surveillance Team had kept the details under wraps, only revealing the bare minimum to the public.

Accordingly, after the Double Dungeon was a dungeon break, but even back in his world, there was no mention of him so it would be any different here. Next would be the Lizards incident, but Dongsuk and his team were still active from his research. He thought maybe it was just because this Player was taking things slow or the System was moving long with things differently from what he was used to.

Oh, he was so wrong. 

When the news reported a C-Rank gate for new recruit training turned Red Gate, then turned dungeon break at the White Tiger Guild’s domain, surprise was an understatement. The monsters that ran rampant from the gate were all winter-themed, in line with the Red Gate he experienced. Yet, there was no mention of a mysterious helper there. The Player should have been there.

Hold on. His sister in this world was dead, so there was no way for Song-Yi to be brought to the Gate as well for a demonstration. Not to mention, the setting of this Player was entirely different. Still, he thought the major events should have happened. Beru did mention something about time travel in those drama shows, such as changing plotlines and the like, but the major things remain the same.

Everything was a mess and he didn’t know what to do. He knew the Player was indifferent to this world because of trauma. He suspected it was similar to what he struggled with, but unlike him, this Player didn’t have a support system or an anchor to ground themselves from the pain and suffering. The System’s chance to grow stronger and the quests it gave could have dulled the Player’s senses and eliminated what emotions were left. 

If only… He could pinpoint the Player and help them.

According to his memory, the Red Gate Incident happened after the Lizards and the rogue assassin, the next one would be the continuation of the 19 Gates with Jinho? But then he questioned whether this world’s Player had met Jinho, or if Jinho had been the same as he remembered. Maybe Jinho betrayed the Player during the Lizard incident, or Jinho was killed in the dungeon for trying to protect the Player.

Jinwoo’s thoughts came to a stop when he was idly scrolling through the available raid teams to join. Dongsuk’s team was still there, clear as day. That confused him to no end. Dongsuk and his team should have been dead by now, not that he wanted it to happen, but the System would have forced the Player’s hand to kill them like he was. If the world’s end was the Player’s cruelty and bloodlust, there was no way Dongsuk and his team would be spared. It just made no sense. This all screamed suspicion to him, so he signed up for a raid with their team. Even if nothing bad happened, he could get some answers from them.

“Hey, over here!” Jinwoo recognized the voice. Hwang Dongsuk, the man who led the team that coveted money to the point of killing innocent Hunters. The smile and wave Dongsuk gave him seemed more ominous with the other team members staring behind him at the newcomer. As remembered, Dongsuk stepped up and offered his hand to Jinwoo, “I’m Hwang Dongsuk. What’s your name?”

In turn, Jinwoo reached out to hold his hand to give it a shake. “I’m Sung Jin―” 

Yet the moment their hands touched, Jinwoo’s eyes widened slightly. A shiver ran down his spine as he felt something familiar yet different simultaneously. The grip was as firm as he recalled, the same build and same carefree smile offered. His gut feeling told him otherwise.

“Something wrong? You feeling alright?” Dongsuk asked, his grip faltering until he let go entirely. A look of worry and concern on his face, he couldn’t tell if it was genuine or not.

“Sorry, I thought… I thought I forgot to turn off the lights at home, but it should be nothing.” Jinwoo chuckled out an excuse. “I’m Sung Jinwoo.”

“Don’t worry, if you did, you can just kill more monsters and get more cash! A raid or two should cover it.” Dongsuk laughed, clearly buying it. “You said you were D-Rank, that right?”

“Yes…” Jinwwo nodded.

“Wow, we got a celebrity in our team!” Sukmin awed while pointing a finger at him, “Aren’t you that guy who was impersonated?”

Cho Kyuhwan laughed beside him, “Pfft! Hahaha! What the hell is that, man? How does that even happen?”

“Enough, settle down.” Dongsuk maturely handled the childish situation. He turned back to Jinwoo, “It’s alright, their actions will be better managed. We just need you to fill in for us.” He handed a form to Jinwoo, “Like I said over the phone, it’ll be hard for you to join in on the hunting since it’s a C-Rank Gate. You won’t get any essence stones, but… I’ll give you 2 million won in cash just for coming today. That deal good with you?”

“Yeah…” Jinwoo eyed the contract, it was the same as he remembered, both the brief explanation from the leader and the fraudulent contract he was given to sign.

“Okay, then. Please sign this contract.” Once that was done, Jinwoo was given the copy to keep and stood to the side while the main squad gathered.

“Hey, I guess you and I are both here just for the headcount.”

Jinwoo’s focus shifted and turned to the man next to him in that same get-up when they first met. Finally, another familiar face that was an ally. No matter how many times he had seen Jinho, it never ceased to amaze him that the innocent man could pull off wearing something like that in public.

While Jinho talked his head off, he went and picked up the bags as requested. Yet when he turned to the main members, they were all still unmoving and not even Dongsuk was ordering him to pick up the pace. Now that he had the time, he counted that there were only nine members in total, and that already included Jinho and himself. They were down a member for the party to make ten.

Wait, ten?

“Sorry for the wait!” A voice cried out from behind. Everyone turned and saw a young lady holding a staff and cloaked from head to toe, which mainly covered every discerning detail. The moment when the lady ran past Jinwoo, he felt it, just briefly―but it was the aura of death. The lady in question paused in front of the squad and bowed, “I’m so sorry, traffic was terrible and I had to run here. Please tell me I wasn’t the last one to arrive…”

“You are actually.” Dongsuk laughed, “But no matter, we can’t go in without you.”

Wait. This was different. Jinwoo eyed Jinho; he appeared the same in his memory, and so did the Lizards. This was no doubt Jinho’s first raid and the raid that would end in bloodshed, but who was the girl? He never recalled one in Dongsuk’s team, it would make sense if it was another fill-in like him, but she never received a contract to sign. What if… His actions made the individual approached by the System back away since he took that opportunity to join this raid?

“You just provide buffs and help us analyze the monsters and environment inside the Gate, stay at the back and you’ll be safe.” Dongsuk’s words made Jinwoo question―was that the System’s Player in this world? No, why was there a woman in the Lizards’ team? His thoughts halted when the man turned to Jinho and him, he could have sworn there was a slight glow and coldness to his gaze cast on him, “And you two stay out of her way, don’t make her do unnecessary babysitting.”

Jinho flinched, “Roger.”

Jinwoo only nodded, keeping an eye on the lady who causally interacted with the other team members behind the leader.

Dongsuk returned to his smiling expression, “Alright, let’s head in!”

The raid went as expected, but the difference was with a healer-type Hunter who quickly analyzed the situation and shouted commands to the leader. What was surprising was Dongsuk’s subservience towards it all. Jinwoo expected some hint of annoyance or snap to stop taking the lead, but it was all complied as if clockwork. Even the other members were mirroring the same behaviour. The flawless teamwork made Jinwoo suspect that another change was simply the addition of this lady to their team. But… until the boss room is reached, he’ll hold his tongue.

“Th… This is…!!”

“H- Holy crap!”

“Aren’t these mana crystals?!”

“How much would all of these be worth?”

“Wow, we hit the jackpot!”

“These have less mana than the essence stones we get from hunting magic beasts, so they’re dirt cheap, but… This many would certainly sell for more than an essence stone. Roughly calculating all this could be worth over a billion won.” Kyuhwan started at the walls of the blue mana crystal.

“We hit the jackpot, guys. A billion divided by nine is still 100 million.”

Dongsuk turned to Jinwoo and Jinho, “You two start mining and we’ll go handle the boss.”

This is different. Very different. Jinwoo’s eyebrows furrowed. As Jinho asked, he handed the man his contract. Jinwoo observed as Jinho went to negotiate the terms. If everything went as he recalled, soon he and Jinho would be trapped with the boss.

“Can you explain why that part was left out? Shouldn’t the mana crystals be split among the 10 of us, not eight?”

In Jinwoo’s focus on the team and Dongsuk’s reaction, he noticed they flinched ever so slightly to Jinho’s words. Some of them even stiffened as if a kid caught by their parents stealing snacks from the kitchen. What he failed to notice was the female standing behind him with a sharp glare directed at Dongsuk and the others.

“Right, of course! We should split the crystals equally. I’m already aware.” Dongsuk said with a forced smile. “Still, we need someone to mine while we handle the boss.” He pointed at a far corner that appeared to be a safe spot away from the boss. “Why don’t you start mining from there?”

“Actually, it appears the boss is asleep from a meal. We have time to mine and transport the mana crystals.” A soft voice spoke up. “I’ll keep a lookout on the boss while you all work.”

Jinwoo caught the subtle sigh of relief from Dongsuk and his team members before he spoke, “Yes, good idea. We’ll mine and transport first.”

This was all wrong. Jinwoo watched as Dongsuk came over to his bags and pulled out the mining tools, nudging him to place the bags down while the other members collected the necessary equipment to start working as well. Dongsuk beckoned for the lady to follow him and she did just that. Jinho followed suit with what the rest of the team did and Jinwoo was left stunned. 

The betrayal. The abandonment. The lies. The hostility. Where were they? His eyes scanned and landed on the cloaked figure gripping the staff, yet those eyes, those glowing eyes stared back at him. Was this feeling what Norma Selner felt when she tried to measure his limit? Though the feeling was similar to when he tried to extract Beru’s shadow as well. He knew then…

He needed to talk one-on-one with this mysterious healer among the supposed Lizards.

When everything was done with and the money was actually distributed after the raid by Dongsuk, Jinwoo stayed behind while strolling through his phone to hide his observations on the lone female of the group. His sharp eyes watched as Dongsuk and his team praised and thanked her for a job well done. As odd as it was, there was the sense that it was also right that the girl was treated as she was by the likes of them. It was something he couldn’t explain and understand. In his stare, he noticed a few of the team members would glance his way before saying something to the group, as though they were monitoring him. Did they figure out something? Or were they aware he found them suspicious?

Either way, he pocketed his phone and strolled off. He couldn’t stay in the vicinity if they were already on high alert. He had his Shadow pigeons flying around to spy on them, particularly the girl. He watched as she spoke softly to Dongsuk and the others as though suspicious of someone listening in. He wasn’t sure if it was because she knew something or if she was just trying to cover their tracks. Perhaps in this world, Dongsuk’s lizard team always had her on their team to keep the suspicion to a minimum, or it was just because she was the player.

Thinking back to what the Ruler told him before he left his world, the goal was to prevent the end of all worlds by any means necessary. Knowing them, they wouldn’t mind the death of one person if it meant the world would be at peace. Still, he wasn’t going to just kill this world’s Shadow Monarch just because the past was destruction and carnage. If he could just meet the player and be the first to approach them, maybe changing their views, then there would be no need for death.

“Why are you watching me?”

Malice. Sharpness. Caution.

Jinwoo flinched and turned around while backing up, his eyes glowing purple from the abruptness of a presence that actually managed to evade his senses and sneak behind him. There was the same lady the last to appear in today’s raid, and also the one he suspected to be the Player and future Shadow Monarch of this world.

⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧⬪⬧

It was a spur-of-the-moment type of thing, a mistake really, now that you think about it. You should have just stayed where you were or lazed around, maybe finish your daily missions that you left undone. Anything but joining Dongsuk in their raid. At least, you should have asked Dongsuk to give you a heads-up on who was joining the raid for head count, because the moment you ran past the two strangers, you felt an overwhelming aura suppressed to nearly nothing. A familiar aura, a familiar feeling, and an even more familiar power.

As Dongsuk was faking everything, the others gave you a look. You shook your head. If you called off the raid, it would be even more suspicious. Something told you that one of the strangers, the taller one with black hair and grey eyes, was already wary of you.

Everything happened as it should, it was smooth to the point where you wondered if something would go wrong at any moment. Then that moment actually came up. Jinho, a young newbie Hunter wearing armour that screamed wealthy rich kid, boldly came up to Dongsuk to question him about the division of earnings. You unintentionally glared at the team under your hood, them flinching over your obvious judgmental glare. You had wanted money to be earned quickly and in large amount, but you wanted their reputation to be better in a way that they would do things that won’t invite trouble.

You turned to the boss, you wanted nothing more than summoning your very own Shadow spider to battle it, but you’d risk the two strangers catching onto what you could do. “Actually, it appears the boss is asleep from a meal. We have time to mine and transport the mana crystals.” You needed some time alone to think things through. “I’ll keep a lookout on the boss while you all work.”

The sounds of concentrated mining echoed in the dungeon while you were the lone figure standing before the slumbering boss. You gripped onto the staff that you bought from the System’s shop to act as a mere healer, it could only provide some buffs and minor healing so it wasn’t anything major that would draw attention to you. Your finger tapped on the handle as you thought to yourself, everything would have been fine, but there was this nagging feeling that it wasn’t―that you were watched.

[AN ENTITY HAS PLACED ITS EYE ON YOU.]

What does that mean? You glared at the window. No way would you blow your cover or act like a crazy person talking to thin air.

[THE ENTITY IS NEARBY. WATCHING.]

Nearby? Watching? You turned and eyed the Hunters behind you. The armoured Hunter, Jinho, was hard at work mining but still needed to be supervised by one of your disguised Shadow Hunters. He’s putting in effort, you’ll give him that much. Meanwhile, the other plain-looking Hunter, Sung Jinwoo, as you recall, was mining with relative ease despite being on the same rank as Jinho. As though he has experience in mining when he should have only been a Hunter focused on killing monsters and retrieving essence stones. Your head tilted, could he be the ‘entity’ the System is warning you about?

[PLAYER IS ADVISED TO BE CAUTIOUS.]

Usually, the System doesn’t do something like this. The warning, the cryptic messages, and the weirdness of it all. It made your skin crawl and blood freeze. Is this some form of dungeon monster in human skin? A test subject that escaped from some lab? Another killer in the dungeon? But the word ‘entity’ suggests something not human, inhuman. An inhuman among humans?

Then again, you thought back to what Baruka told you about. How you weren’t a human but you sided with them, or at least stayed with them. Was there some truth to it? You should have asked him after turning him into a Shadow, since he could communicate with you just as well. You kind of wondered if Igris could speak as well, though he had never even spoken when you battled him in that quest, so maybe not?

Okay! Let’s talk to this person. If anything goes south, you’ll fight your way through it! Who knows, maybe you could recruit a new Shadow into your ranks. Never too many friends and allies after all.

You waited patiently until everyone was gone to activate your {Stealth} and went to where that unnerving pressure was centered at. When you found him, you noticed how his eyes were glowing faintly under the sunlight, his eyes sharp and focused, his composure guarded, and his aura cold and deathly. You turned to your shadow to see a few pairs of eyes staring back, you’re not alone in this. You’re never alone now.

Releasing your {Stealth}, you spoke up, “Why are you watching me?”

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In the quiet corner of the cafe sat you and Jinwoo, you sipped from your cup while sighing relief and relaxation from the peaceful atmosphere. Since when could you enjoy such luxury? You neither had the time nor money to afford it all. It was all thanks to System’s greatness and your new allies. Speaking of… You glanced up from the rim of your cup to the man seated in front of you, the more you stared, the more you were convinced, he was the same as you. It was a nagging feeling that he would understand you and support you if it came down to it. Why and how, you couldn’t explain. It was just that gut feeling.

“So…” You placed your cup down, your body leaning to the side then straightened up, your eyes avoiding his. “Can you answer why you were watching me so intently?”

Jinwoo paused and closed his eyes briefly before opening them once more. This lady in front of him, was he sure this was the Player that would bring about destruction to this world and the others in the future? “Sorry about that, I was just… You know how it is with us Hunters, we have to be careful of everyone.”

You blinked. “Right.” You unconsciously nodded along, “Right…” How should you ask it? How should you phrase it? What do you want to know? Ahh… Human interactions are so hard… Things were simpler in the dungeons where it was survival of the fittest… “If only everything would just be easy quests…”

“Did you say quests?”

“!!” You flinched, eyes wide and your heart raced. Oh dear, did you say that aloud? You chuckled, “I meant there were some quests I haven’t done in some games? Yeah, those.”

Jinwoo leaned forward and asked seriously. “Do you know something about a System?”

That look in his eyes. You knew for a fact that he wouldn’t let it go, not unless he had his answers. The System hasn’t made any additional notice for you, so perhaps this was still fine. “A System that helps you grow stronger?” Involuntarily, your eyes glowed, “Yes.”

The Player of this world. Jinwoo has found them. He glanced at you, smiling innocently even though you had blurted out something you shouldn’t have and something he kept a secret until his rank was re-evaluated, so no one would question it. Yet, if you have the System now, what happened with the Red Gate Incident? And the Lizards? What about Tae-Shik, the rogue association personnel? What happened?

“So…” You leaned forward with a bright and eager smile, your eyes practically sparkling with excitement. Someone to finally talk to about all this. A friend without bonds or ties. An ally on the same level. “You know about the System. Can you grow strong too? The System never mentioned another Player or gave me numbers, so I assumed I was the only one.”

Jinwoo felt a pang of guilt. Truthfully, you were the only one―in this world that is. If there were another world, there would be multiple worlds with multiple different Shadow Monarchs and different Systems that helped revive the Shadow Monarch in some way. And the smiling innocent lady in front of him just so happened to be the worst of the worst that could trigger the world’s end, or all universes’ end. “In a way, you are. I’ve…” How should he put this? He couldn’t say ‘yes’ because he could no longer see the System’s screens and he didn’t have quests anymore. “I’ve completed my ascension, so the System no longer helps me.”

! ALERT [THE ENTITY’S APPEARANCE AND PURPOSE HAVE BEEN DECIPHERED!] [THE ENTITY LIES.]

A screen popped up in front of Jinwoo’s face. You read it while your body returned to its position.

[THE ENTITY HAS DEVOURED ITS SYSTEM.]

The air has turned cold and your look of excitement turned dull. Jinwoo questioned, “Is everything okay?”

Your hands positioned on your lap under the table. Lying? Devour? The System was devoured by him? There was no doubt he was strong, perhaps―no, for sure he was stronger than you. This was a battle you’d lose whether you were fighting for your life or not. But to devour the System who made him stronger. Why? How could he? Maybe… Your eyes searched for something in his. A look of hope, belief, and love. It was different from the sinful ones you’re acquainted with. Greed, gluttony, lust, pride, sloth, envy, and wrath. It was so constant that you never been to doubt you were among the evils of the world.

Truly, you can’t trust anything or anyone. Not even this entity Sung Jinwoo…

Manhwa Chapter: 18 - 20

Note: Welcome Jinwoo to the story!!! Here we get his perspective and when he first entered into this alternate universe. So we're backtracking the arcs a bit. This is probably the last series I'm writing for Solo Leveling for now. Other minor works or requests won't be written. Not sure about the future, but I'll at least finish this series before I drop from this fandom as a writer for a while.

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

The siren rang, cutting the silence with its ear-piercing sound. The red and blue lights flashed, colouring the dimly lit streets with the worst possible colours. The officers grimaced and whispered in disgust, shying away from the brutal scene within the narrow alleyway. The yellow and black tape covered the surrounding area to prevent noisy pedestrians and onlookers from needing therapy for potential trauma from the mere sight and smell of the rotting remains of what used to be a human being.

“Detective Sung.” Officers nodded at the late arrival of the star. “It happened again.”

“The Devourer is back at it.” Another shivered from just the statement.

For a while, a serial killer had been terrorizing the streets. It started with reports of missing people; some appeared to be runaways and some seemed to be genuinely missing. Either way, it was a minor case. Then remains started popping up from the most random locations. In trees, on rooftops, in the water tanks, under the bushes, hidden behind garbage, anywhere and everything could potentially have some remains. 

But never have an entire corpse appeared. Something was always missing―a head, an eye, a liver, a heart, a limb, the skin, a part of flesh, even teeth and nails. When the body turned up, it was as if a monster attacked them or they were devoured by something. The worst detail was that the victims seemed to be picked at random, from children to the elderly, from the healthy to the sickly, from the slim to the fat―any type of person was targeted and suffered a fate crueller than death.

This serial killer viewed people as mere humans―or rather animals―as nothing more than flesh to be cut open. There was no moral or mercy shown. All were treated equally. The public had begun to call this loose killer ‘The Devourer’ for their ruthlessness and fiendishness. Even the police force’s most talented detective, who once had a 200% clearance rate, was having trouble with this case. Though, it was said that every great detective has that one case that would stump them in their career.

“Leave the scene to me. Good work everyone.” Jinwoo calmly ordered the frightened officers. After all, they were involved so they were putting their lives on the line to catch this serial killer. While no officers were targeted yet, there was no saying when it might happen. One can’t say with certainty that such an incident haven’t happened since all the corpses appeared in various stages of decomposition that it could mean a lot of things.

“Can we really?”

Jinwoo nodded, he reassured them, “I’ll file everything here, you all have worked hard. Get some rest.”

Though reluctant, they followed Jinwoo’s words and left the scene. Jinwoo waited until there was no one present to start poking around the crime scene; while he could have just called back to life of the victim, this killer had a habit of toying with their victim, so he wanted to put his skills to use. He kneeled and pulled up the cover over the corpse. The pungent smell of rot hit his face, reminding him of his days back when he was a Hunter; although familiar, it wasn’t any easier to deal with. His ungloved hand cover his nose and mouth as he observed.

The corpse had a head this time, limbs were intact, and nothing was visibly missing. His finger flicked and the cover was moved away from the corpse, exposing a uniform cut over the chest in the form of a cross or a small letter t. His finger flicked again and the cut pieces of flesh opened like a window for the outside to peek in. There was nothing inside, the ribcage was gone, the organs were gone, and even the spine was gone. The corpse was a hollow shell, how it stayed intact was due to the after-effects of death.

“Arise.” Jinwoo had seen enough.

Shadows twisted and rose into the air, reminding just above his eye level to form the familiar shape of the corpse. It was a male with a muscular build, young even, perhaps in university or a fresh graduate. Once he was formed, he grunted and flinched when his eyes met Jinwoo’s, he shook and curled to make his form smaller. “Go away… Please… Go away…”

As painful as it was to see, this was something common with the victims of The Devourer. Their spirits broken, their humanity disregarded, their life taken away from them. Jinwoo used a softer firm tone as he tried to appease the confused and alarmed former young man, “Don’t be frightened. Currently, you are a being unbound by the boundaries of life and pain. Can you tell me what happened to you?”

The Shadow frowned, his purple eyes flashed horror and fear at recalled memories. “I was nothing but a lab rat to him. He promised I could leave if I did as he said. But… he cut me up… and dug out my… urghh…!” Even without a human body, the Shadow covered his mouth as if he was about to vomit. He looked away from Jinwoo, his form continued to shake. “I watched… I watched my organs… get dragged out and… urghhhhh!!”

“Tell me who did this to you, I’ll use it to pin down your killer.” Jinwoo’s eyes narrowed in anguish, the only thing he could do for them was to find their culprit and deliver justice.

“Silver hair. Bandaged eyes. Grey skin. Tall, much much taller than you. Um… That’s all…” The Shadow listed. “Monarch, you can bring the dead back, its… Not enough… I doubt you can catch them…”

Jinwoo blinked at the Shadow, replaced with fear, there was now defeat and surrender. “Why do you say that?”

“One moment I was running through the rain after gym, the next, I was in his torture room. It sounds like something out of a horror movie, like I stepped into a ghost world and died there.” The Shadow spoke softly, “Monarch… The others before me… The ones I heard on the news… Were they the same?”

“I have heard all I need, please rest.” Jinwoo released the Shadow into the void. He covered the body and had his soldiers take care of the rest as he left the scene. Completely unaware that a tall figure dressed in red from head to toe holding an opened red umbrella over his form watched like a hawk with a wide grin, when the umbrella shifted downwards, the figure was gone as was the umbrella.

The previous victims before him… They gave different testimonies. 

The first victim, an arrogant girl, claimed to have been held by the head and crushed into the floors and walls with great force that she was dead in a matter of seconds from sheer force. She said the last thing she remembered was walking to her apartment when she was suddenly dragged into a neighbouring apartment and killed. Her killer was short, with long black hair, and gray skin. She said she would have seen more but she couldn’t remember anymore.

Mr. Crawling watched when that girl bullied you to (fake) tears. He didn’t know in your mind that you were planning millions of torturous killings done to you. Your twisted nature wasn’t much when it came to the ghost’s standards. Your crazed killing urges fit right in with the likes of them. So he did what any in his place would do. He followed the girl back to her home; protecting you smile was what was important. Before he knew it, his hands had already acted and he was slamming her tiny head into the floor and wall. The blood painted everywhere and himself. Soon, you appeared round the corner and blinked at him with your signature crowbar in hand. “ነልቻቹ. ነልቻቹ. ጋልክፏቹዪ ፏዐክቹ. ክዐ ርዪሃ. (translate: Safe. Safe. Danger gone. No cry.)” Mr. Crawling threw away the body like a ragdoll and crawled to hug your legs, nuzzling his face to your stomach. “የዪዐፕቹርፕ. ፏዐዐጋ. ነጮጎረቹ. (translate: Protect. Good. Smile.)”

The second victim, an elderly man, recalled a lucid dream where he was holding his grandchild in his arms until he wasn’t, and all he was hugging was a decapitated head with hollow eyes but an orange dot. The head woke up and lunged itself at his neck to bite down on it until it was broken and blood was all over the place. He said he heard the head crying and lamenting how he couldn’t do a good job with a body. His killer was a head with ginger-coloured hair braided at the end. 

Mr. Chopped was placed on an elderly man for the fun of it, you were eager to see if a senile old man was able to tell the difference between the grandchild he was just holding and Mr. Chopped. The result was as you expected. The old man can’t tell the difference. Mr. Chopped loved to be held and so you placed him in the arms of the old man, you were waiting for the chance to see him chomp down on the man’s flesh while asleep and it was a sight to behold. When the head woke up, you laughed and laughed and Mr. Chopped only pouted with his cheeks puffed up, “ጮቹልክ! ጮቹልክ! ክዐ ቻ፱ክ! ሠልክፕ ሃዐ፱ ርልዪዪሃ! (translate: Mean! Mean! No fun! Want you carry!)”

The third victim, a male office worker, shuddered at the memory of being repeatedly hit in the head and chest, so long as he was standing or crawling, he could be beaten into the ground. Until he was twitching from the pain on the ground, he was then saddled and a blade was stabbed into his chest and face without pause. His screams couldn’t even keep up, his shock was evident, and his life was barely there. He said he was helping a crying child in a dark corner of the streets, before he knew it, his lips tasted a metallic liquid that was his blood and the assault started. His killer was of a more petite figure than him, dressed in white, but he couldn’t see anything more.

You clicked your tongue, pushing away the drunken man from your body, you (fake) cried to try and get people’s attention, yet no one came. The scent of alcohol was overbearing, and this man wasn’t sobering up any time soon. Although you weren’t feeling at all murderous that night, you made an exception for this lucky man. You lured him into a quiet alley and you picked up a broken discarded pipe to hit him. One, two, three, you lost count. Even when he was crawling on the ground, you took out a kitchen knife from a gap and stabbed him. This was what he got for not backing off from you when you were so generous to give him a living chance.

The fourth victim, a boy, cried and cried that he wanted his mommy by his body. He didn’t even know what happened to him; pain didn’t register with his mind and body. His body was cut in half like a piece of log from the top of his head down to his feet; when found, his head was missing, and his heart was found a few feet away from his corpse. His killer couldn’t be named, but Jinwo deduced a giant figure cut him down with a sharp object, perhaps an axe or sword.

Mr. Machete was waiting while you were in a supermarket buying food to add flavours to the meal. Whatever nonsense you were always on. However, he’d admit that what you added made the human meat all the more tasty. He could feel himself drooling at the thoughts. From the corner of his eyes, he spotted an idle child. A grin spread, showing off his sharp teeth, he held his long sword and stomped over to the unsuspecting child. Something perfect for the ghosts was that no one could see them until death for just that one flash. He raised his sword and cut him like butter. To the naked eye, the child was suddenly sliced into two. Screams and cries echoed outside the supermarket. Not long after, you were out with bags of bought items. You glanced down at the corpse and then at Mr. Machete, only sighing before you whacked open the red umbrella to clean up the mess. He came over with the two pieces of flesh dragged behind him, “ጮዐዪቹ ቻዐዐጋ. ⶴ፱ክፏዪሃ. (translate: More food. Hungry.)”

The sixth victim, a female high schooler, lamented her kindness when she kneeled down to a drain when she swore she heard someone crying from below. Then a grey hand dragged her through the opening. It didn’t matter to her killer that the gap wasn’t big enough to fit her form, she was still forcefully dragged into the drain without hesitation. She said she felt every bone in her body breaking from the force and pressure, her wrist had long bruised and it was amazing that it was still attached to her body. Though she was the first and last victim to detail a suspicion Jinwoo long had: “There are more than one killer, Detective. Someone dragged me down and someone injected something into me and then I was gone.”

You were preparing food when Mr. Gap appeared and said he wanted to join the feast. Since he was an unannounced diner, you had him go get himself another human to feast upon. Mr. Silver offered to ready the human for the cooking process. Similar to how he appeared to you before, he lured an unsuspecting girl close to the gap before dragging her into the ghostly realm where she’d be defenceless. “ፏዐፕ ⶴ፱ጮልክ. ርልክ ቹልፕ? (translate: Got human. Can eat?)” Mr. Gap asked you with a smile. You hummed with a nod while Mr. Crawling joined to see what the commotion was. Mr. Silver had long drugged the girl before the butcher session began. “ⶴልየየሃ. ⶴልየየሃ. (translate: Happy. Happy.)”

The eleventh victim, a male college student, commented how he was once able to see things. Then he said he was trying to save someone from a man dressed in red who was trying to force his way with the person. He had half a mind to get a rock to hit the red man, but when it came down to it, the red man’s neck snapped back to stare at him straight in the eyes upside-down. Last thing he remembered was being impaled by the same red umbrella. His killer was undoubtedly the man in red. Though he didn’t care who killed him, all he cared was whether the person he was trying to save was safe. To which Jinwoo couldn’t answer. 

You glared at Mr. Scarlettella and his close proximity. You told him not to appear on campus grounds when you figured out someone had the unique power of seeing ghosts like him. Your other companions were obedient to listen, but this freak, being the obsessive pervert he was, couldn’t bear to stay away from you. From the corner of your eyes, you could see the said guy staring in your direction, you hid from his vision and waited a bit. All that did was Mr. Scarlettella murdering another one. You sighed and rolled your eyes, and you stared down at the poor soul who appeared to be fighting for your safety as he muttered, “Run… Run away… Save… yourself…” “ፕⶴጎቹቻ. ኡጎረረ. ጮጎክቹ. (translate: Thief. Kill. Mine.)” Mr. Scarlettella stabbed the tip of his umbrella into the guy’s heart then scooped out both eyes before squeezing them until they popped. He turned to you with a grin, “ጮጎክቹ. የዪዐፕቹርፕ. ጮጎክቹ. ረዐህቹ. (translate: Mine. Protect. Mine. Love.)”

The twentieth victim was unique in the way that he was a killer himself. He targeted someone in broad daylight and stalked them until they were alone in the woods. But the drop was on him because the person he assumed to be prey was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. He yelled and screamed in anger; to be killed in such a way was a disgrace, for he wanted recognition for his work. He said he was on his way to being a serial killer, but that was cut short! This victim didn’t reveal anything helpful to Jinwoo because he didn’t want attention to be on his killer.

You knew someone was following you, at first, you thought it was a police officer who suspected you to be the serial killer everyone was fearing. But then the man lunged at you with a knife. So you whipped out your crowbar to lock weapons with him. He’s killed before, you were positive of that, in terms of sheer strength, you were superior due to your inhuman characteristics. But then you had just discharged your blade because it broke. Just after being knocked into a tree, you looked up at him and smile. A familiar axe appeared in your vision and swung down at your assaulter. The body slumped and splat to the ground, you let out a sigh of relief. Mr. Hood picked you up and wiped away dirt and mud on your form gently. “ፏዐዐጋ. ነልቻቹ. ርረቹልክ. (translate: Good. Safe. Clean.)”

There were so many more victims he heard testimonies from, but he picked these few out to be the standout ones. There was more than one killer on the loose, but his Shadows had never caught sight of the killings or anyone dumping/hiding the bodies where they would be later found. As if the remains would suddenly pop up out of nowhere. The descriptions of killers were unique and he would have found them all by now, but no… There wasn’t even a suspect list. Even the criminals he threatened, none were guilty of those murders.

Soon, a letter arrived at the police station, placed on Jinwoo’s desk. The letter was written in blood with a dirty paper that looked so worn out like it was from a past century or so. The words were non-sensical that none knew how to decipher it. 

Well, of course it was hard to decipher, you took years to knew the language of the ghosts before mastering it yourself. Under Mr. Scarlettella’s umbrella, you grin as the Detective in charge of your case fumbled to decode your words that could have included some clues to your arrest; your eyes caught sight of shadows twisting near him and forming little heads that appeared to be muttering to him. You turned and left the station.

ጋቹልዪ ጋቹፕቹርፕጎህቹ ነ፱ክፏ ፓጎክሠዐዐ,  

ል ጋቹፕቹርፕጎህቹ ሃዐ፱ ጮልሃ ፪ቹ, ሃዐ፱ ልዪቹ ነዐጮቹዐክቹ ሠⶴዐ ፱ነቹጋ ፕⶴቹ የዐሠቹዪ ዐቻ ፕⶴቹ ጋቹልፕⶴ ልክጋ ፕⶴዪቹልፕነ ፕዐ ዪጎነቹ ፕዐ ሃዐ፱ዪ ነፕልክጋጎክፏ. ሃዐ፱ ልዪቹ ክዐ ጋጎቻቻቹዪቹክፕ ቻዪዐጮ ል ጮ፱ዪጋቹዪቹዪ. ጎክ ፕⶴቹ ክልጮቹ ዐቻ ፕⶴቹ ሠቹልኡ, ሃዐ፱ ኡጎረረ ፕⶴዐነቹ ሃዐ፱ ጋቹቹጮ ል ነጎክክቹዪ. ጎክ ፕⶴቹ ክልጮቹ ዐቻ ፓ፱ነፕጎርቹ, ሃዐ፱ ረዐርኡ ልሠልሃ ፕⶴዐነቹ ሃዐ፱ ነቹቹ ልነ ርዪጎጮጎክልረነ. ⶴልህቹ ሃዐ፱ ፕልነፕቹጋ ፕⶴቹ ነሠቹቹፕክቹነነ ዐቻ ፪ረዐዐጋ? ⶴልህቹ ሃዐ፱ ቻቹረፕ ፕⶴቹ ነዐቻፕ ቻረቹነⶴ ዐቻ ል ⶴ፱ጮልክ? ጎ ⶴልህቹ. ጎ ፪ቹረጎቹህቹ ሃዐ፱ ⶴልህቹ ልነ ሠቹረረ. ሃዐ፱ ⶴልህቹ ጋቹልፕⶴ ዐክ ሃዐ፱ዪ ነጎጋቹ. ጎ ኡክዐሠ ሃዐ፱ ኡክዐሠ ሠⶴልፕ ሃዐ፱ ጮቹልክ. ሠⶴልፕ ጎቻ ፕⶴቹ ሠዐዪረጋ ኡክዐሠነ ል፪ዐ፱ፕ ሃዐ፱ዪ ጋቹቹጋነ? ሠጎረረ ሃዐ፱ ፪ቹ ፕⶴቹ ዪጎፏⶴፕቹዐ፱ነ ጋቹፕቹርፕጎህቹ ቹህቹዪሃዐክቹ የዪልጎነቹነ ሃዐ፱ ፕዐ ፪ቹ?  

ነጎፏክቹጋ, 

ፕⶴቹ የⶴልክፕዐጮ ጎክ ል ዪልጎክርዐልፕ

 (translate: )

Dear Detective Sung Jinwoo,

A detective you may be, you are someone who used the power of the death and threats to rise to your standing. You are no different from a murderer. In the name of the weak, you kill those you deem a sinner. In the name of justice, you lock away those you see as criminals. Have you tasted the sweetness of blood? Have you felt the soft flesh of a human? I have. I believe you have as well. You have death on your side. I know you know what you mean. What if the world knows about your deeds? Will you be the righteous detective everyone praises you to be?

Signed,

The Phantom in a Raincoat

Note: This was written wayyyyyy back. But I suddenly had the Homicipher urge (cause of a certain someone~~) and this work came up. So I wanna share with you guys as well. Hope you like it~~

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

The order for Tae-Shik was simple: Be your eyes and ears within the Hunter Association. Before that though, he had to lie low. Since the incident with the criminals and former survivors of the Double Dungeons were found dead under his supervision, there were questions thrown around. Yet, no fingers pointed in your direction, so it was all good. After all, how could some E-Rank—the weakest on top of that—even dream of killing a B-Rank healer, two C-Rank fighters, and three criminals? All eyes were directed to Tae-Shik, Dongsuk, and the two teammates he brought along.

You had run out of the gate with tears in your eyes, throwing yourself on the personnel who fumbled to calm you down. Your words incoherent as she tried to make out what you were trying to say before the others came out and the script you prepared for this grand scene played out like clockwork. Before you would have been afraid, now… You were playing pretend as the world sees and remembers you as—the feeble, weak, and cowardly E-Rank Hunter, the Weakest One of them all.

Through Tae-Shik, you learned that you were a person of interest before when you had miraculously survived a raid with Dongsuk’s team. They were infamous for leaving their tails in the dungeons, however, after witnessing Dongsuk chasing you down to an association-ordered raid, they deemed you to be an innocent victim controlled by Dongsuk out of fear. While the situation was not as they envisioned, as long as you weren’t in the spotlight or on their radar. All’s fine.

Moving forward, you continued raiding with Dongsuk and his team to earn money. Things quickly fell into place. Sleep, raid, collect money, eat, shower, check for dungeons. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Even the System has been awfully silent, as if dealing with its own matters. When you asked, the System said it was preparing for something. Apart from the daily workout missions and the occasional spontaneous dungeons to raid on your own, nothing out of the ordinary happened.

“Excuse me, miss.” You looked up from your cup to see what appeared to be a salary man, experienced from age to be on the generous side, and he’s definitely a recruiter. So… He must have dug into you quite a bit to approach you. “Can I have a bit of your time?”

“Sure.” Just smile and play along. “Have a seat!”

The man passed you his business card, introducing himself. “Nice to meet you. I’m Ahn Sangmin, the chief of the second department of management at the White Tiger Guild.”

You let out a short hum of acknowledgement, receiving his card with a nod. Only to hide it under the table and let it fall into the shadows. “Right… I heard your guild is the one that rescued me from the Double Dungeon. But what’s the department chief doing here?”

“I’ll get to the point. We want to recruit you into the White Tiger Guild for twice, no, three times the amount Hunter Hwang’s team are paying you currently. If you do well compared to your assumed skill, the pay can and will increase.” Sangmin offered with confidence.

You blinked and your finger twitched under the table. Your smile maintained, practiced like a porcelain doll on display. Curious, curious, so curious. So you inquired. “...Why me?”

She’s considering it! Sangmin tried to convince, “Well, it’s come to my attention that you have been in some tough spots here and there, seeing such a talented and dutiful Hunter like yourself being subject to that is a shame. You can shine even more in a secure guild!”

A crack and your facade shattered like glass. “In other words, you’ve been researching my background.”

“H- Huh?” Sangmin flinched at the quick change in your expression. The carefree and bright aura was gone, replaced by suspicion and indifference—a stoic look and a sharp gaze that made him seem small, like prey before a hunter. “Ah, I- I didn’t order the research on purpose. I happened on your fil- file and did some digging. The major guilds were notified of the incident with the criminals and the survivors of the Double Dungeon. Naturally, your na- name came up.” He gulped at your continued silence but hardened stare. “I have no- no evidence, but surviving two incidents then joining Hunter Hwang’s team for so long- It can’t be a co- coincidence anymore. I suspect that it’s because of your reawakening. You received higher-ranked abilities and overcame those accidents.”

Your eyebrows furrowed. You thought by keeping Dongsuk and Tae-Shik alive, you’d be protected and overshadowed, but there was still someone who picked you out of the bunch. “This recruitment… Who else knows about it and me?”

Sangmin answered honestly, “Just me and one of my subordinates.” He raised his hands in surrender. “I swear it’s true! We won’t tell a soul! No one will know about you any more than public knowledge!”

How could you trust him? He was obviously more connected than you were, even though he was a normal human and you a Hunter. There’s no way he’s going to stay true to his word, right? He’s human, you can’t trust him. There’s nothing stopping him from telling others about you and you’ll have a whole new situation on your hands then!

If only he was―

“If there are any rumours about you spreading, I’ll take full responsibility. I do- don’t want to die. Everything is telling me that fact. I’ll even warn my subordinate thoroughly.” Sangmin bargained. 

Desperate. There’s a look of desperation in his eyes. That look that promises to do anything to survive. That you can trust. You closed your eyes and sighed. When they opened, it no longer held the same malice, but exhaustion and a hint of annoyance. “How will you compensate me for this?”

“200 million for our silence and your trust… I’ll send it to your account.”

“...”

“300, no, 400 million.”

“...”

“Fine, 600 million. I can’t go any more. 300 million for me and my subordinate each.”

You got up and offered him your hand, “It’s a deal.” He stood up and took your hand; you gripped onto it for a shake. But pulled him to you at the last second and warned him softly. “If anything gets out… Know that you won’t be spared. You and your loved ones. I’ll be watching you and your employee.” You let go of him, unaffected by his stumble back into his seat and smiled, “Well then, good day!”

The Shadows shifted as you left the cafe, you eyed the man hurrying inside after noticing you walking out. You glanced the shadows and a few pairs of glowing blue eyes looked back at you. You huffed and smiled before turning away from the scene and going about your day.

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[PLAYER, GO TO THE WHITE TIGER GUILD’S NEW RECRUIT TRAINING SESSION.]

“Huh? But joining a guild is not helpful since I grow stronger with each battle.” You raised a brow at the System’s window. At the moment, your Shadows were mining the essence stones and mana crystal before you would go and defeat the boss. “Or is there something I can look forward to there? Is this what you were doing before?”

[NEW ALLIES AWAIT.]

Your eyes shone at those words, your lips curved into a grin, “That I’ll agree to.”

Swiftly, the System gave you the necessary information. Though you don’t want to just show up and get attention since System had already promised new companions to join your army. You do recall getting a special rune from Tae-Shik’s battle… That would be very very handy.

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With {Stealth} activated, you snuck into the White Tiger Guild’s training grounds where the gate was for the evening. It was a C-Rank gate, the attack force has 1 A-Rank, 7 B-Ranks, and 4 C-Ranks, overall with a total of 12 people. It looked like a solid overkill team for a dungeon ranked that low, but there are always the little details.

When the attack force went in, you slipped in as well. However, the moment you passed through, you were in a icy wonderland of frost and snow as far as the eye could see. In a clearing where the attack team and you were in the opening with tall pine trees surrounding you all. 

A Red Gate.

“Where is this?!”

“This doesn’t look like a dungeon?!”

“The gate has disappeared as well!”

You stayed put and analyzed the situation, while the team panicked and went into a frenzy. In their moment of carelessness, they failed to notice an ambush aimed directly for the group. You stared as ice arrows impaled two of the weakest Hunters in the group, the arrows knocked them on their backs with the ends of the arrow sticking out of their skulls. They were dead on the spot.

“Aaahhh!!”

“Kyaaa!”

“What is this?!”

“It’s an ambush!!”

“On the tree!”

“It’s them!”

Shifting attention to the trees, two figures holding bows stared down at you and the group with glowing blue eyes. Their blue skin and winter clothing, not to mention, their pointed long ears. “Ice elves?!”

Typically, those who haven’t met them would use the term ‘ice elves’, but those who have faced them in battle would use a different term. Unlike a beautiful term like elf, their derived a different term from watching them mercilessly hunt down Hunters―Hyakki.

Until the hyakki have left, no one let their guard down and no one spoke. After a few moment of tension, the two left and Kim Chul, the highest ranked Hunter, stepped up. “I don’t think they’re welcoming us. I’m not sure how many of you guys have understood the situation yet, but we are inside of a Red Gate. We cannot return until all of us are dead or the dungeon opens.”

While they were discussing a way of survival, you weighed your options. The System pointed you to this gate and promised you new additions to your army. You’d much rather take in the ice elves than more humans, since it was hard to explain and keep them in your services, unless they were dead on records. Still, it was annoying to manage the human undead that you raised. So what would your course of action be?

If you revealed yourself and saved them, there would be a lot of questions. First one being why you were in the gate and how you got in. If you saved only a few, then those left alive would have seen stuff that would put you in a tight spot. But what if… they all died? If they all died and the gate opened, with no beast coming out, wouldn’t that also point to another suspicious party being involved???

But you want the ice elves!!! You gripped the top of your head and internally screamed for a moment. You froze and calmed yourself. Right now, you have Igris and the Shadow knights and mages, and that giant spider in your shadow. Dongsuk and his team are raiding dungeons or doing what they usually do to avoid raising suspicion. Tae-Shik was working at the association, the last time you checked. With the number of Shadows you have on hand, you can’t stage anything.

Maybe if you let the hyakki kill off the team and then a dungeon break happens, you subdue them and extract their Shadows? No, too many eyes would see. Not to mention the possibility of the cameras around. There are bound to be other beasts in this dungeon… Right?

You glanced at the clearing and it was empty. You looked down at the snow and saw the trails of footprints leading into one direction. They were going to clear the dungeon. In that case, you could just drop your {Stealth} now. You turned to the opposite direction where presences were also sensed. You came up with the perfect idea, survey the landscape first.

You wore a fur coat stored in your inventory for emergency purposes and some winter boots to protect yourself against the cold. You pulled the hood over your head after patting off any snowflakes on you. Once you were warm again, you muttered, “Come forth.”

Your shadow grew and familiar figures stepped out. Igris stood on your right while a few knights and two mages appeared. You waved your hand for them to follow you. Standing in formation, there were three knights in the front with their swords at the ready, Igris’s larger form towering over you, then mages at the back with the rest of the knights covering your back. 

“Let’s take a hike.”

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“Ice bears are the strongest here but I can’t take them all since I still need them for something important later on, then there are ice foxes, rabbits, and yeti… These numbers should be good for a dungeon break, right?” You pondered over the beasts you found while touring around. 

Since this turned into a Red Gate, the guild leader must have been notified and on-site in this moment. It should be okay to assume the casualties would be that bad. Right? Plus the area where the gate was looked deserted anyways. No problem would be too big for a major guild such as them. You don’t exactly have the luxury to care for other right now, especially when you don’t even have your own home.

“Hey, System. How are the new recruits doing?” 

[THE HUMANS ARE STRUGGLING.]

“Guess now’s a good of a time as any other.” 

Around you, said beasts were all bowing their heads to you—even the leader of the ice bears—while your Shadows all had the more rebellious ones pinned down to show who was boss. Beasts were easier to deal with than humans, you’ve noticed, they respond to the only law they knew: Survival of the fittest, so they bow down to the strong. Right now, at this moment, you were that strong one.

Why? Because behind you were the corpses of all the other violent ice bears in the gate. Now had turned into your loyal soldiers as Shadows, guarding you and pressuring down the beasts you mercifully allowed to continue breathing. They all saw the corpses and smelled the scent of blood in the air, your soldiers covered in blood while Igris and you were clean as can be. Yet your daggers and his long sword were dipped with blood.

Their whines and cowardice reminded you of yourself that you smiled at them. “Worry not, dears!” You swung your blades to remove the blood, painting the snow red in a curve to your side. “I won’t kill you.” You walked over and paused before them, your blades sent back to your inventory but none of them dared to move a muscle despite the temptation to strike you down. “I do want you all to run wild when the time comes later on, you can hurt, hunt, and feast on all the humans you want!”

Acknowledgement and acceptance sparked in their beastly eyes and they were no longer whining or shaking. You straightened up and had your Shadows back down a bit, giving the beasts some freedom to act—mostly to show you their allegiance. Call it a sixth sense, or familiarity, but you knew they weren’t opposed to your proposal when they howled and stomped their paws.

You turned to your Shadows, appreciation beaming from your twirl as you sang with a smile, “Let’s go get some new Shadows.”

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Bodies of fallen yeti and humans littered the snowy ground, blood stained the pure white snow with crimson red. Kim Chul and the other survivors breathed heavily as they ended their battle with the yeti horde, thinking for a moment that they could catch their breath. 

“You all are a wreck.” You stated the obvious.

“Who?! Who are you!?” Kim Chul exclaimed, brandishing his sword at you who appeared out of nowhere.

“Leader Kim Chul!” A female Hunter advised with haste, “Don’t make enemies you can’t afford to fight! She hasn’t done anything to harm us!”

“Hm… She’s right. Are you sure you want to be pointing your sword at me when there are other enemies that garner your attention?” You raised a brow at him, your head tilted to the side.

“What..?”

The ice elves showed themselves with twisted sadistic grins on their faces. On his high horse was the boss of this dungeon and the leader of the hyakki. His eyes scanned the weak humans, narrowing when what he was searching for was amongst the crowd. “The one with an interesting presence is finally here...”

Your head tilted at his words, “An interesting presence?”

“......?” The hyakki leader froze, his lips agape for a second before he regained composure. “You know our language?”

Now you were confused. You were understanding him just fine…

“You can speak with monsters?!” Park Heejin remarked in surprise.

“Are you even human?” Kim Chul cursed with a glare.

“Unfortunately, yes. If only I weren’t the same as you lot.” Your eye twitched in irritation, a frown on your lips. You turned back to the ice elves, figuring that this might be the System’s doing, like a passive skill to converse with monsters after you had your job.

“To be able to converse… How splendid. There’s someone I want to introduce.” The hyakki leader gestured with his hand to his side; a familiar ice elf stood, a small smile of arrogance on his face. You recognized him as one of the elves who shot an arrow when you all entered the gate. “You’re already acquaintances. He’s the one who notified us that there’s someone strong among the humans. This one wanted to face off with you, if you’d agree to it.”

Your hand balled into a tight fist. {Dominator’s Touch} activated. Everyone watched as the head of that elf got crushed and compressed by an unseen force, then his body dropped to the ground as your fist softened. “Game. Set. Match.”

The leader stared silently at the corpse, then at you. A grin spread on his face. “How amusing!” 

While everyone behind you finched, you remained unchanged. No doubt, he had a moment of shock, yet it was overshadowed by his amusement to the situation. As though he was enlightened by the revelation of knowing someone strong was before him. Someone both strong and unique, someone he had never met before.

Or has he?

The hyakki twirled his dagger, “I have a proposal. It won’t be detrimental to you. But first, let me ask you a question.” He jumped down from his high horse with a smirk and landed in the snow with a heavy thud. “Despite not being a human, why are you among the humans?”

Your eyes narrowed in confusion, your lips curled down to a frown and your eyebrows furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

He laughed as he stepped forward, “Haha, are you not aware of it?” His hand flicked that the tip of his dagger would lightly gesture to the side of his head, “In our heads, there’s a constant voice speaking to us. To kill humans. But I cannot hear the voice in your presence. Rather… There’s this urge to submit!”

Submit? Could this be linked with your plans to make them into your Shadows? While you can’t understand the voices part. It could just all be the System’s given opportunities for you to grow strong and have loyal and faithful companions in this world.

“There’s no need for us to fight. We do not want unnecessary casualties on our end.” You momentarily deadpanned as you recalled his laughter at the elve that you killed moments ago at his provocation. The hyakki pointed behind you. “Hand over the humans behind you. Then we’ll spare your life. How about it?”

You turned to the raid team, at least, what remained of the raid team. 

“Hey… What did he say to you?” Kim Chul had a foreboding, a sinking feeling when your gaze met his, colder than ice, colder than this icy environment the gate pushed him into—that this place would be his grave.

“Uh, why aren’t you saying anything?” Heejin asked, shakingly. “Please…” Your silence was haunting and not a good sign at all.

“Do you accept our proposal?” The boss asked once more.

This works out just fine. You smiled down at them, the words you spoke were undoubtedly one you weren’t sure if it was in the human tongue or one that the dungeon beasts understood. Though, both knew what you meant all the same. One side enjoyous and the other in despair. “I accept.”

The slaughter immediately commenced. Arrows were fired and some ice elves even dashed forward for an up-in-personal kill. You turned away from the screams and battle cries in defence. You calmly walked over to the boss who smiled at you, “You’re a cruel one. Aren’t they your comrades?”

“What comrades?” You smiled back, “I’ve lost count of the times I was left for dead by them, not them specifically, but other humans, I mean.”

“Why not kill them yourself?”

“I recall them being quite confident in their abilities to clear this dungeon. So… Nothing like a bit of karma.” You stared back at the boss. Without missing a beat, you swiped your dagger at him, you only managed a graze but that was enough. “Tsk.”

“Cruel and cunning! Now that’s a challenge.” The hyakki smiled, raising his weapon, “I am known as Baruka. Entertain me well.”

“Arise.”

Baruka’s smirk was wiped off as shadows rose from the ground. His ice elves were all turned to corpses and now converted to your people. “You little!”

You backed up and let your new soldiers do the deed, “They say evil expects evil from others. I did want you in my service, you see. Hope you understand.”

Baruka’s screams ripped through the air. You walked off to the human corpses. You had your eye on Kim Chul; his death will be reported, and unlike Dongsuk, you’d be able to use him anytime since he wouldn’t have to act human at all. It didn’t take long for you to find him, his armour was what gave it away.

“Arise.” His new form rose from the shadows and kneeled before you. “You’ll be… Iron from now on.” 

Momentarily, you wondered if you should take in the other Hunters. But they were all B-Rank Hunters and below. Then their confident voices echoed in your mind, how they were fine as long as Kim Chul was leading and how they were going to make it out of this alive and well. Arrogance. The lot of them.

Although those thoughts made your stomach churn from making them your beloved Shadows, your gaze paused on the body of Heejin. She was innocent in a way, only unlucky with her team placing and the gate she was sent to. She has somehow sensed you when you were in the trees, she didn’t see you directly, but she grasped your general direction. She tried to act smart, to scout the area and maybe see if there were any allies they could make. Was she indirectly asking for you help? She was relieved when you first appeared… She didn’t seem like a bad person, in fact she felt—

You turned around when you heard clacking metal. Sure enough there was Igris holding the head of the dungeon boss. He dropped it on the ground before kneeling down as well. Your previous thoughts faded like dust in the wind as you smiled at Igris, “Thank you, my loyal knight.” You raised a hand and commanded, “Arise.”

The shadow rose once more and Baruka was reborn anew, his rank was [Elite Knight]. You didn’t expect him to be stronger than Igris… Odd. You kept his old name regardless.

“Now…. About that dungeon break.”

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〚A dungeon break for the first time since the last was just subdued and closed. This dungeon break happened in the White Tiger Guild’s area when a training session for new recruits went wrong. A C-Rank gate turned into a Red Gate and all 12 Hunters were wiped out, leading to the gate’s reopening and a dungeon break to occur. It is suspected that the dungeon beasts of a similar high ranking had already been dealt with within the gate, leaving the boss—the ice bear leader—undefeated, hence the outbreak. However, only lesser-class beasts have been spotted.〛

〚Luckily, the White Tiger Guild’s guildmaster was on-scene, expecting the worst and had made the necessary preparations. There are no further casualties other than damages to the surrounding buildings and infrastructure. Injured Hunters have already been sent to the hospital for necessary treatment. Currently, there are no fatalities.〛

〚The Hunter Association has urged all Hunters attending raids to be more cautious when entering a gate and to prepare necessities just in case red gates appear and survival of the team must be prioritized on top of clearing the dungeon. Your lives are important, fellow Hu―〛

Sung Jinwoo turned off the TV abruptly in disbelief. How could this have happened? What was the Player in this world even doing for things to spiral this out of control?! The biggest question was: Is he too late?

Manhwa Chapter: 36, 37, 47, 48, 49, 51, 52, 53

Note: Yes yes~~ Jinwoo will be appearing starting next chapter. The timeline does skip a bit and the contents varies in terms of importance, but if you wanna follow, you can check the manhwa chapter used above. Hope you enjoyed this one cause I sure enjoyed writing for this arc.

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

Once upon a time, well, since the beginning of time actually. There existed two entities, two concepts, two elements that made the universe whole. The [ABSOLUTE BEING] was the one to control them, Time and Space. As if a cruel joke was played for mere amusement, Time was made to be intangible while a figure was made to embody Space. Side by side, Time and Space watched by their master’s side at the war that continued on and on, never-ending.

Slowly, Space gained its consciousness and did all it could to steer clear of the battlefield. Self-preservation and survivability at its core. There was never a need for Space to act when the Monarch of Void was so good at hiding in the shadows, never one for attention and never one to fight on the front lines, even with all the powers and abilities present. The Monarch of Void was but a living hollow shell for Space. When that time came and the [ABSOLUTE BEING] was struck down, the favoured one was protected by both Time and Space.

To balance the universe, Time and Space had to side with either side. Since Space had the Monarch of Void already prepared, Time was left to the Rulers’ devices―in a literal sense. The moment Space and the Monarch of Void became one, new powers and authorities were kept hidden and tipped the scales. Instead of a passive bystander, Space was used and taken advantage of by the other Monarchs, particularly the Monarch of Destruction. Yet, Space favoured the Monarch of Shadow as an innate emotion unexplainable.

However treasured the Monarch of Shadow was to the embodiment of Space, a humanistic doubt was planted from words of challenge and uncertainty. Would the Shadow Monarch throw away his pride for Space as it had given up so much for him? So a bet―an oath―was made to test him. The bet was a win and a loss. Win―because it was confirmed for a fact that its own survivability was and should be the prioritized first. Loss―because the doubts were confirmed that it was not as valued as it hoped.

The lament was cut short. Space still had lingering affections enough to hide away the soldiers raised from the dead and the few that were close to the Shadow Monarch. As the Monarchs were forced to hide away as well, Space found it. A place to forget its being.

Earth.

Wandering around in search of the perfect vessel, Space came across a peculiar human soul. The soul that Space had used to its own gain. That was the plan. Overtime, something changed and Space wanted to take the oath back. It was impossible. Even making a new one in an attempt to cancel the old one was impossible as the moment words were uttered, its powers drained and clashed within its form. Impossible. Impossible. Impossible. So in the end, the soul was forgotten and disappeared into the void.

Space was left alone once more. Memories haunting the longer time stretched. A form of love that pained, tortured, and drained. Space thought, there was no way it would love another to that degree. To love another to the point of sacrifice? No, Space would never. Because Space was not Time. Space didn’t want to be used in that way.

Yet…

Space fell for the new Shadow Monarch. What began as pure hatred and one-sided uses turned to pure affection and mutual love. Unlike what happened with that favoured one, Space gave its all to protect the love against pests and evils that threatened him. Unlike what happened with that soul, Space gave its all to the love that bound its human heart and thoughts.

Space You were content disappearing forever if it meant Jinwoo would live happily ever after as the hero of the story. Perhaps all that time you spent living and surviving was for that moment, all to meet this human vessel turned successor and love him with all your heart.

Yes, as long as Jinwoo is safe and happy. You’ll comply with any outcome.

Even your own death.

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When Jinwoo woke up, he was back to being a boy. He turned to his Shadows; their eyes stared back at him. Not long after, his little sister Jinah had opened his room door, yelling at him to dine with the family. Only when he was face to face before his father did he understand what you meant that time. He was greedy, he wanted to protect the world. He wanted power. He wanted another chance. He got what he wanted, but in the process, who paid the price?

His father sacrificed his life to protect him.

You sacrifice your everything for his goal.

He got to play the hero and he got an empty world.

Selfishly, he turned back time. The Monarchs surely knew of him and were forming a plan to break him. You surely knew about him and went into hiding from him and the other Monarchs. Your oaths that can’t be taken back are still in effect, one that transcends time itself, for you were its equal. The Rulers who failed time and time again couldn’t do much against the Monarchs.

As much as he wanted to relax for just a bit, your life hung in the balance. He needed to sort things out before powerful foes came out. Before Hunters and Gates were a thing.

“Monarch of Destruction.” Jinwoo stood in front of Antares, who sat on his throne with his dragons surrounding him.

“I knew you’d use the [Cup of Reincarnation] to turn back time. All to save the Monarch of Void, I’ll bet.” Antares’ head tilted to the side in amusement. “We Monarchs haven’t gotten in touch with the Monarch of Void, more so couldn’t and you know when that Monarch wants to hide from detection, no being can accomplish much, so your visit is a waste.”

Jinwoo eyed him while the other Monarchs stood idly by, ready to attack at any moment. “I have a proposal.”

Antares grinned, “We’re listening…”

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You gasped awake. You were met with your apartment, in your bedroom, in the vessel you have possessed since forever. You looked down at your palms; they shook in realization. Time turned back again. This had to be the last time since your connection with Time was lost and you were the only remaining one. To say you were confused was an understatement, for time to turn back, Jinwoo had to have done something. How could the Rulers have agreed?

Screams and shouts echoed through the walls that made you turn to the windows and flung away the curtains. Fire and destruction were everywhere as far as the eye could see. Not only that, there were monsters rampaging through the streets like no tomorrow. It was an apocalyptic setting, a scene so familiar that it made you gag.

You turned on the TV and hopped onto every news channel, reports of destruction and chaos were everywhere. All parts of the Earth were taken over by monsters. Just like the first dungeon outbreak. But it was all happening too fast. So there was no way for that to be happening. It took a few human years to do that, why was it any different now?

A crash alerted you from your preoccupation. You summoned your weapon before cautiously making your way through the hallway to the living room where the crash supposedly was. Your form hovered over the floor so as not to make any noise alerting what might have crashed into your home. You peeked your head around the corner with narrowed eyes until your eyes landed on the dishevelled white wings. A Ruler.

“You.” You glared at the Ruler and landed your feet on the ground to stomp over. You dragged the winged creature by the neck, raising it high to the point you hovered in the air once more then slammed them into the floor, creating a crater around the two of you. “What have you done?!”

“It was a mistake…” The Ruler admitted. “Please, Monarch of Void… Stop him…”

You growled, “What have you done to make the Monarchs run amok!? The Monarch of Shadows, Sung Jinwoo, have you discarded him as you have Ashborn!?”

The Ruler shook their head, “We have never. We would never! We honoured the Shadow Monarch’s wish to turn back time. He said he would save what he lost. He would shoulder the weight of the world alone.” The Ruler clawed at your grip that tightened more and more as they spoke. “The Shadow Monarch allied himself with the other Monarchs! The Monarch of Shadows and Destruction are attacking the Rulers and the other Monarchs are taking over the Earth!”

You pushed the Ruler deeper into the floor, but any harder, and the two of you went through your floor and the floor below’s ceiling. “You lie. Jinwoo was never that kind of person. He’s the bleeding hero who wanted to protect all of humanity!”

“Stop… Stop the Monarch of Shadows… We beg you…” The Ruler pleaded. “You’re our only hope now…”

You got up and threw the Ruler’s body away. None of anything made sense. Jinwoo joining the Monarchs’ side? Why? His family, his friends, and his comrades. Don’t they mean anything to him? You racked your brain, trying to understand what was happening. Antares must have told him something before his death and Beru must have reached Jinwoo’s battle. Jinwoo cared for you, yes, but one loss was nothing if he had the world at peace.

Nothing was making any sense!

The shadows came alive and twisted behind you while you were preoccupied. “I was right to let you escape…” A tall figure emerged and planted daggers into the Ruler’s battered body. “I knew you’d bring me to what I wanted.”

You flinched and turned to the voice. There was Jinwoo coated head to toe in black armour similar to what you covered him in when you gave him the power to fly in the skies like a bird. The smile on his face and the bloodlust he emitted were so familiar that you couldn’t mistake him for anyone else. “Jinwoo…”

“My Love.” Jinwoo turned to face you, stepping closer. He wrapped his arms around your shoulders and buried his head between your neck and shoulder. “I found you…”

“What have you done?”

Jinwoo tightened up and caressed your cheek. Your confusion that clouded your eyes and your attention on him was all he wanted from you. When you couldn’t guess what his next move would be, different reactions and expressions were all his to enjoy and savour. “I did what I had to. There was no way I could let you disappear on me again.”

“The world…”

“Will be my gift to you.” Jinwoo interrupted you, “I bargained with the Monarch of Destruction, by extension, the other Monarchs as well. I will rule all of Asia, then they will have the rest, how they divide amongst themselves is their matter. All humans under my domain will be protected and no Monarchs can touch them.” Jinwoo took your hand and kissed the back of it, his eyes glowed purple as he stared at you, “What’s a stranger’s happiness to me when I can have your presence in my life? I’d let the world burn. Let the world burn for you.”

Manhwa Chapter: 178

Note: And it's finally completed!! Thank you to all that read (and waited) this series to the end. Hope you enjoyed the story!!

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

Your eyes opened to darkness until flames lit up the space you were sent to. Before you was a throne and sat atop this throne was the strongest Monarch before you met Ashborn that day, the Monarch that you have been obeying and serving without denial or hesitation. Once, you thought that would be your beginning and end, until Ashborn came to your life and made you, you. Now this Monarch of Destruction before you was just a reminder of the past—The hollow shell of a person you once were.

“Make your oath.” Antares, the Monarch of Destruction and King of Dragons, commanded. As firm and unyielding as ever, the same as you remember, unchanging. This was the Monarch that commanded every one of you under him with an iron fist. Ashborn may have threatened his place for a moment, but he used you to crush what made you aware and alive. Crushing your spirit and will so that he could control you like before.

Not anymore. Without Ashborn, you found someone else to anchor you. This time, Antares was late in destroying your pillar. He can’t destroy Jinwoo, he can’t destroy you. He doesn’t get to control you and use your abilities any longer. This time, you’re not letting Antares take away someone special to you, all because of intimidation. The Monarch of Destruction no longer has a hold over the Monarch of Void, the very being of Space.

“Really? The first thing you say to me is this after so long?” You pouted.

“You could have stayed by my side all this time, yet you chose the human realm.” Antares growled at you, “So. Make. Your. Oath.”

You blinked at him with disinterest, your gaze shifted to the ground. For a moment, you wondered if your time with Jinwoo was worth anything. This was it; there was no going back once this was done. Love… Love to the point of dying for someone. If Jinwoo gets to live from your actions, it’s worth it. 

“If my dying can help you, then I’ll gladly do it.”

Your indifferent expression didn’t change, you sighed and put a hand under your throat, on your chest, “This oath I hereby stake, a foreshadow of the future to come.” Your power surged and a series of aura waves radiated from your form. “I, Monarch of Void, vow on my being as a Monarch; Antares, Monarch of Destruction, will not fall.”

“Your oath changed. Did you try to escape it?” Antares’ glare hardened while you merely shrugged and calmed your powers down. “Don’t think you can escape with your life if you go back on your word.”

“Who knows what a selfish and self-centered Monarch like me want, right?” You gave him a carefree closed-eye smile, your eyes peeked open to stare at his unmoving stature, “I know better than anyone what happens if an oath isn’t carried out.” Your smile stretched to a grin as your hand raised to your lips in a shush motion, “Won’t I just… cease to exist?”

Antares’ eyes narrowed at your words. “But you, who only care for your own survival, won’t be foolish enough to allow that to happen.”

You hummed, holding your hands behind your back, your form turned to mist as you left the Monarch, “Well, you know me best. We have been together since the beginning anyway~”

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Materializing in Jinwoo’s room, you collapsed on his bed and groaned. Your eyes drooped as you screamed into his pillow. Once you inhaled, you jolted and turned your head sideways. Jinwoo’s scent. His scent is here, all around this room. Your eyes scanned your surroundings, Jinwoo’s bed, Jinwoo’s clothes, Jinwoo’s desk, Jinwoo’s home.

You briefly thought about protecting this place from the war and destruction, but wouldn’t it be easier if you realized yourself as a Monarch and placed them in your realm? You can reconstruct every little detail of this apartment and have them live there. As quickly as that idea came, you shook your head to reject it. If you fall, they’ll be in limbo, never living and never dying. So the only option is protecting them within this space that is their home.

With a goal in mind, you got up and had your mist covering the entire room. Then the mist slipped out from the cracks to cover the rest of the apartment. Jinwoo treasures his family and so do you. His mother and sister treated you with kindness that eerily reminded you of Kora. So you protect them and this space for Jinwoo and yourself. Your fingers snapped, the mist seeped into the floor, walls and ceiling. As long as they reside in this apartment, nothing will threaten them. Not even Antares or his soldiers’ forces.

“There you are…” Arms wrapped around your waist so abruptly that you flinched from the contact. Though the familiar voice made you relax instantly. You turned your head and saw Jinwoo leaning down to place his forehead on your shoulder, his shoulders and stiff body relaxed. His body weight shifted to falling backwards onto the bed, pulling you along with him. “I was looking all over for you. Why did you suddenly disappear on me?”

“It wasn’t by choice.” You lay on Jinwoo’s chest, hearing his heartbeats. You blinked and smiled, tight-lipped. Your form rotated so you’d see his cute pout. Your fingers poking at his cheek as your eyes curled into crescent moons. “The remaining Monarchs are getting desperate you see, so they called for me.” You silenced Jinwoo with a finger on his lips, “I’m not on their side, just as I wasn’t when Sillad and the others launched their attack on you.” You chuckled at his expression and booped his nose before playing with his hair. “I’m on your side. I’ve ensured that you’ll be the victor, the hero in this war.”

“You’re being…” Jinwoo couldn’t hide his blush from your closeness and brazen actions. Yet, he was also mesmerized by every little expression you made and every light touch you brushed on his skin. “Very forward.”

You smiled, bittersweet. Your thumb traced under his eye while you stared into them, seeing your reflection, spellbound by his being. Your eyes blinked quickly as you felt a tingle around your nose. “What? Preferred to me wanting to kill you now?”

“As long as your attention’s on me.” Jinwoo smiled back, holding the side of your face in his hand. When he wanted to retreat from you, you leaned into his touch. “I love you.”

“I… Love you too.” You leaned down and kissed him, on his lips as your eyes closed.

His arms pulled you down, closer to him, chest to chest, your legs between his. Deepening the kiss. You clung to him, he held you down. So this was love, this is what humans fuss around. The force that can drive one to madness and possessiveness, empowering one to do things out of character, transforming one into a different person entirely.

Can’t say you dislike this.

Knock! Knock! Knock!!!

“Jinwoo! You left the fire on!!”

You pulled away from him, both of you heaving from the lack of air for a moment. You whispered at him with a chuckle, “You were cooking?”

The man holding your heart held your cheek once more, “I thought some food could entice you to come back. Did it work?”

“I was going to return to you whether you had food or not.” You booped his nose again. You got up and hovered over the floor, “Are you done cooking?” Jinwoo rose up from the bed with a shake of his head, a knowing smile as he predicted what you would respond with. You smiled at him, “Shall we cook then?”

You two knew. This was akin to a final family dinner before the war.

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“Is that so…?” Antares’ fist tightened against his armrest on the throne. Below bowed Yogumunt, the King of Demonic Spectres and the Monarch of Transfiguration. “So the Shadow Monarch has turned against us. Very well. I’ll deal with him myself.” The pressure built as the dragons around him growled at his growing rage, his smile dangerously sharp that even Yogumunt trembled, bowing his head even lower. “But… I won’t stand for any disrespect towards the Monarch of Void’s allegiance.”

Yogumunt spoke up, “I swear, it’s the truth. The oath was made when the Monarchs of Frost, Fangs, and Plagues took action against the Shadow Monarch before his awakening. At first, the Monarch of Void was impartial, standing on the sidelines, but when…”

“Speak.”

“When the Shadow Monarch was stabbed by the Monarch of Frost and Fangs… the Monarch of Void rushed towards the Shadow Monarch, even when the Monarch of Plagues stood in the way. The Monarch of Void devoured all that came between and protected the Shadow Monarch’s corpse. It was true! An oath was made that pushed back the Monarchs, it was made… A Fragment came and the Monarch of Void… allied with him to defend the Shadow Monarch until he awakened.” 

Within the Monarch of Transfiguration’s memories, your haunting form in battle struck him in his core. A form completely clouded in a dark greyish matter of mist and smoke, it looked as though you were nothing but your figure was as solid as the ground he stood on. With the wave of your hand, the soldiers of the Monarchs that rushed to take you were beaten to the ground and devoured by your mist within seconds. Your glowing eyes would blink from time to time, sometimes turning to the ongoing battle between the Shadow Monarch and the two male Monarchs of the group. You weren’t even paying attention to the Monarch of Plagues who continuously attacked you.

You moved not from your spot, you weren’t even paying attention to your safety. You, your space, had been impenetrable from the first as you stood away from the main battle. It was a miracle that you haven’t moved and devoured the Monarch of Plagues when you were fully capable of and had the chance. You only did when the Shadow Monarch was in a dire situation. The way you ignored all that came at you while rushing to his aid. The most terrifying realization hit; as a passive being, you were of no concern, yet when you who stood at the sides moved, the very fabric of space moved and bent to your will, ensuring your wish is granted and fulfilled.

Yogumunt swallowed, “The one that never picked a side, the one that betrayed the Shadow Monarch, our most valuable asset, is not on our side…” He looked up at the Monarch, “The Monarch of Void had always followed the Shadow Monarch. It was a mistake to try and break them apart! The Monarch of Void has changed!”

A dragon’s claw was brought down on Yogumnt at his declaration. Antares groaned and massaged his forehead, what a headache. He thought removing the Shadow Monarch from the equation would restore you back to what you were. A docile and obedient tool that could bring about their victory against the Rulers. Now you picked a side and even abandoned him.

“You all stay put.” Antares ordered, “To prevent further losses, the Monarch of Void must never step foot near the battlefield…”

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Jinwoo’s mother and Jinah watched as you and Jinwoo moved in harmony in the kitchen, making whatever dishes Jinwoo directed you to make without issue. Your powers levitated objects in the air like an extra pair of hands. An impressive spread of food placed on the table that looked like something out of a restaurant course.

“What do you think, mom? It’s tasty, right?” Jinah asked as she eyed her mother taste-testing the soup. His mother hummed in agreement, “I had no idea Jinwoo could cook this well, either. But maybe~” She smirked at you who took your seat with Jinwoo pushing your chair in for you before sitting down himself. “It’s cause he had some extra help~~”

“Please try every dish to your heart’s content, Mrs Sung.” You bowed your head, “It’s the least I can offer for everything you’ve done for me.”

“What nonsense,” Jinwoo’s mother lightly slapped the top of your head, “Of course you’d be welcomed in this household. My boy has been putting so much effort for you to return your feelings after all.”

You blushed, looking away while Jinwoo placed a piece of meat on top of your bowl of rice. “Well, it’s quite the catch.” You met Jinwoo’s eyes. “A pity I only recognized this late.”

“Better late than never.” Jinwoo smiled back.

Sensing something amidst, his mother asked, “Jinwoo… Is something going on?”

You eyed him while he answered nonchalantly, “What do you mean?”

His mother sighed, “Your father always used to cook like this before going on dangerous missions. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but…”

This time, Jinwoo passed a dish to his mother, denying her claims, “It’s not like that, mom.” He suddenly got up and went to the door, “Hold on. I think we have a visitor.”

“Huh? But I didn’t hear the doorbell ring.” Jinah questioned.

“A Hunter’s sense is sharp.” You smiled, casually eating. When it proved to be something Jinwoo’s must pay attention to, you covered for him. “Seems like some Hunter business as well. Jinwoo’s so busy nowadays.” You flicked your finger and got Jinwoo his coat and locked the front door after he left, “Enjoy this meal, please.”

His mother stared at you, “Aren’t you a Hunter too? Shouldn’t you go?”

“Huh? Oh, I—” Your words were caught in your throat as a pain erupted in your chest. You choked on the food and coughed, you got up and hurried to the toilet. You snapped your fingers and restored yourself to normal, you collapsed on your knees and leaned back into the wall. The backlash was worse than before, perhaps it was because the targets of your oath were both Monarchs? And the strongest too. You took a deep breath and exhaled. This is bad… 

The door was knocked with urgency, then came the concerned voices of Jinah and her mother, asking if you were okay. You cleared your throat and chuckled, “It’s okay, I just ate too fast. You guys continue.” 

You waited a moment until the pain subsided to stand up. You gazed over to the mirror, seeing Antares in the reflection. Your eyebrows furrowed and sighed. The reflection disappeared. You turned your head to the door of the toilet, your breath heaving. You took another deep breath and smile, composing yourself before you exited.

“Sorry, I got something to handle as well. Let Jinwoo know I’ll be with his Shadows when he’s back or I’m done with my side.” You let the mist cover your form, before you faded from their sight, you added, “Oh, and tell him not to worry about my disappearance. I’m not leaving him, yet.”

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“So… You made that vow to the new Monarch of Shadow.” Antares sighed as he stared at your unmoving form in the claws of his dragon. “So rash of you, Monarch of Void.”

You coughed out a mouthful of blood, dirtying the floor and the little remains trailed down from the corners of your lips. You chuckled in mockery, “I do not believe it was a false move. If I said so, it will come to pass. Even if you killed me.” You glared down at him, your eyes shaped in thin crescent moons and your lips formed a taunting grin. “I won’t be of use to you even if I wanted, my powers will prioritize the Monarch of Shadows’ future. Even if it does help you, it is only in the short term. In the long run, you will perish by the Monarch of Shadow’s might.”

A handful of sharp claws pierced into your flesh, Antares glared back at you as he turned his hand to claw deeper into your body. He watched as you clenched your jaw with great pain and agony. He ripped his claw out and your blood flowed like a river, he swung it with such speed and force at the blood on him splattered on the ground beside him. Your form fell forward when the dragon removed its hold of you.

Antares turned his heel and returned to his throne. “You’ve gone weak and sentimental. Like a human.”

“If weak is to break free from your control and finally find myself, then yes. I’ve gone weak, exactly like a human.” You smirked at him. Your powers healed the wounds inflicted as quickly as possible so that you could stand on your own feet once more. “How weak you are.” The glare sent at you by the Monarch of Destruction didn’t make you falter as you continued, “To rely on my oath and not your powers? You’ve gone weak as well.” You disappeared and reappeared in front of him, taunting, “Since when does the almighty Monarch of Destruction need support?”

Before he could grasp your neck, you disappeared into a mist and reappeared back in the spot he left you. “You found your voice.”

You shrugged, “Never voicing out doesn’t mean I don’t notice these things.”

His fist tightened. “Why didn’t you tell me about the oath you made for that human?”

“You didn’t ask. Also,” You hovered off the ground and sat in the air, crossing your legs and you leaned back, “Did you even give me a moment to talk things out? The second you dragged me into your realm, you demanded an oath to be made. There was no time for me to even say anything anyway.”

His sudden appearance in front of you did little to frighten and threaten you. “You will stay out of this battle. You will not help the Shadow Monarch, you will not do anything. Stay put.”

You grinned, “No worries, you don’t stand a chance. You can surrender first, I’ll pass on the message for you. As a last act of my kindness to an old friend.”

“You…”

“Yes, me.” You shrugged, “Jinwoo, the Shadow Monarch, will stand on top. He will prevail over you no matter what. It’s impossible for the world to be safe and sound if he lets you win after all. I know Jinwoo, he won’t… He’s not the type to let the world down.”

“...” Antares backed away. “He doesn’t care for you? No… He doesn’t even know what you did.”

“Doesn’t need to.” You glared at him. “What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. I’ll stay out of your little duel with Jinwoo, but you stay out of my business.”

Antares leaned in close, “Your business, that particular business is also mine. Remember? That oath you made could be my end and I don’t want my end to be a loss.”

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The moment you reappeared in the throne room of the castle Beru and Bellion instructed everyone else to make, you were met with a bone-breaking hug―if you were a normal human that is. “Jinwoo, what a welcome.”

“Why were you gone?” You could feel his eyes glowing and glaring at you even when your face was buried in his manly chest.

“Nothing special, just giving and getting a warning from Antares, the Monarch of Destruction.” You told him truthfully. “I’m not going with you,” You cupped his face, staring into his eyes, “Is that okay?”

Jinwoo’s eyebrow furrowed cutely as you played with his face, squeezing and pulling his face with a smile. “Waiting for my good news?”

“I’ll watch your castle for you and keep your throne warm.” You hummed. Since you can’t join him or watch over him yourself, you can do something else. “Antares will thin out your support.” Mist gathered as they concentrated to make miniature dragons and what appeared to be a globe. “He’ll send his dragon forces all over the place, hoping- no, knowing that you’d have your Shadows protecting the humans. If your mana is depleted from reviving Shadows, he’ll win easily.” The mist figures devoured the globe. “You have to focus everything on Antares and only him. Make him believe you are only concern about him, like he’s the final boss.”

“Wait-”

“The Rulers will be watching the battle between you two carefully, waiting for the perfect moment to strike him down.” You pressed on, ignoring Jinwoo. You needed to tell him all you know about Antares over the centuries and more alive with him. “Antares will think defeating you is his only priority. You are humanity’s sword and shield, take that away and he’ll win. That’s his game. But your trump card is the Rulers and my spatial powers.”

“Wh-”

“I can’t join you, but I can give you a space to duke it out with him. A space where the Rulers could easily intervene at the perfect moment, a space where Antares’ senses are distorted but unknown to him, and a space where you will not fall under any circumstances, no matter how grim and hopeless it may appear.”

Jinwoo’s arms wrapped around you, shutting you off when it seem like you were done talking. He pushed the back of your head towards him, making your face squeeze against his chest. His cheek nuzzled the top of your head as he hugged you tightenly against him.

“Bellion, Igris, Beru and the others will stay with you. Protect you in case there’s an ambush or Antares tries to threaten you to help him.” Jinwoo spoke urgently, his hands moved all over you as if you’d disappear if he wasn’t holding onto you. “No harm will come to you, I swear.”

You smiled bitterly. Don’t slip, don’t let him catch wind of it. You heard his heart beating like a drum. He’s nervous just as you were emotional. “You’ll win this and the world will be at peace.” You pushed your face out of his chest, staring into his eyes. “Don’t worry,” You’re not sure who you’re even directing this to. Yourself or your love. “I’m a Monarch. I can take care of myself. How do you think I lived as long as I have?”

“That time is behind you now, you have me.” Jinwoo kissed.

“...I do.”

You kissed back as Jinwoo promised. “I’ll come back to you. I love you.”

You smiled, waving him off. “I love you more.” You’ll see.

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“You found a way to win the war, even if you were to lose the battle. It’s my complete loss for only looking at the smaller battle.” Antares spoke in utter defeat before he grinned, “But you know… You’ll lose something as well. Or perhaps someone.”

Jinwoo glared. “I won’t.”

Antares scoffed, “You ignorant fool. You have no idea what powers the Monarch of Void truly hold.”

Elsewhere, back in the castle the Shadows diligently built for their Lord and Master, you clenched your chest and doubled over from pain, falling off the throne in the process. The stationed Shadows came to your side, fidgeting over what to do to help you. You gasped and wheezed, your fingernails clawed at the stone floor, and a trails of blood followed as you dragged your hand back to your body. That pain was nothing compared to the ache in your chest. As if swords were slowly inserted into your form, a fiery burn from the inside out, an icy freeze over the tip of your limbs and the ear-piercing ringing in your ears and mind.

 “Time… It’s time…” You choked out, barely. Bellion and Igris knelt to your sides while Beru had long gone to Jinwoo. “Time won’t be reversed… The Rulers… won’t allow… it… This should… be the best… outcome…” You hazily turned to the two Shadows you’ve known for so long, “An ending that Jinwoo pleases. Where the hero wins.”

“The Monarch of Void stakes the very power of space, the other half of what that [ABSOLUTE BEING] had, to make oaths that foretell the future.” Antares smiled, “The Monarch of Void loved you so to vow your victory against the other Monarchs.”

“Then that future has come true already and it’s done. What’s your problem?”

Antares laughed, coughing out a mouthful of blood in the process, “Another oath was made for me. Want to know what it was about?” He didn’t wait for Jinwoo’s response and howled, “My survivability in this world!”

“My Liege!!” Beru appeared and kneeled on his knees with his head bowed low, “The Monarch of Void! The Monarch of Void is abruptly in pain for no reason! There was no attack on the castle and no ambush!”

Jinwoo’s eyes widened in disbelief, he didn’t want you in the battle with Antares because he didn’t want you to be collateral damage. Now he…

“Wonderful. If I die, I’ll take something you treasure as well, foolish successor.” Antares mocked. Behind him, the Rulers and their soldiers had descended and aimed their spears at him to finish the deed. “However, the Monarch of Void has been my long-time friend, so it’s a shame to part in such a cruel way. So I offer you this.” The spears pierced his form from all sides, “Join hands with the Monarchs and your beloved will live.” A twisted grin of victory spread. “Make the right choice, Shadow Monarch.”

Your eyes widened as you heard only your heartbeat from the vessel you possessed. Time seemed to have slowed down as your eyes drooped and your body let go of any and all resistance to ease the painful torture. It didn’t matter whether Bellion or Igris caught you before your head touched the ground or if you lay there limp on the ground. Because your form separated from your vessel and it turned cold, your misty figure floated before Bellion and Igris who stared at you with a look you couldn’t quite understand. You gave them one smile and you were blown away.

This was the love you had for Jinwoo. Enough to neglect your own survival for his happy end. Just as your vessel loved you enough to sacrifice herself for you, you love this soul called Sung Jinwoo enough to sacrifice yourself for him. I love you, Jinwoo.

“I will-” This wasn’t a suggestion to the Rulers, this was an order. “I need to go back in time.” Jinwoo felt it in his soul. The emptiness that hit it harder than any attack from any foe, the coldness that froze his hearts over quicker than any icy environment, and the lost that came with it all. He knew. He knew that you were gone. “I will save what I have lost.”

Manhwa Chapter: 167, 168, 177

Note: Done~ This is the final part. The epilogue is the real ending, but that part's a bit too short to be an actual chapter, so I just moved it to that. Hehe. I think this is the second time I killed Reader, huh? Oh well~ Penny for your thoughts?

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

“So, the Honourary Sovereign—Monarch of Void has been absent since our arrival… That is quite familiar.” Bellion nodded his head in memory. 

“The presence can be sensed, but there’s been a distance… Avoidance…” Jinwoo regretfully admitted. His hand scratched the back of his head in frustration. He sighed and tilted his head back, looking off to the side, “Was it wrong to say that I love the Monarch of Void?”

The air shifted. Igris and Bellion shared a knowing look before looking back at Jinwoo, who appeared ignorant of their change, still in turmoil over the issue that he had just dropped. Igris bowed, a hand on his chest, his newly regained voice shining through now that he could communicate without restrictions. “The Honourary Sovereign is… different from Our Liege, so we asked for your understanding.”

Jinwoo turned to the two former trusted aids of Ashborn. “You’ve spent more time with My Monarch, so what’s sh- he- Um… They thinking?”

The two shared a look again before Igris spoke, “Our understanding of the Honourary Sovereign is limited, however, the Monarch of Void has been staying in the human realm for more extended periods when compared to the other Monarchs. Their indifference and self-centeredness have changed when it came to matters concerning Our former and current Liege. Perhaps, Our Liege’s understanding would be more insightful than ours.”

“Are you saying the Monarch of Void has adapted human concepts? Mindsets?” Questioned Jinwoo in amazement. Though now that he thought about it, that whole talk between heroes and villains as if you were in a movie or story didn’t make a lot of sense. Your method of comfort was also… weird, to say the least.

Jinwoo thought back to the beginning. 

You cared for yourself. You cared for Ashborn’s return. You pushed him aside and placed him at a distance. It wasn’t anything special since he saw you as nothing more than an ally on a leash. When you proved yourself to be useless, you were a Monarch to cut down. You saw him as a vessel; he saw you as a tool.

Then he stepped back and saw you in a different light. He fell. He loved your indifference but also the cracks you were showing him, little moments. Little humane sides. Love for snacks. Odd speech patterns. Even odder phrases. The little quirks you have when emotions came to the surface, eye twitch, pause in your steps, head tilts. Everything. He loved everything about you.

Inhuman? You are. But an enemy, you no longer were.

It’s not obvious, but the way you show your love was cute in its own way. Though, a bit extreme. Still, the way you love him, he’ll love it all the same. Because you were you and that was enough.

“Get back to training.” Jinwoo turned to his allies, old and new alike. “We need to get this war over with.”

After everything’s over, he will enjoy his time with you, and he will embrace you within his space. He will love everything about you. He will cage you in his love.

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In the hospital room, you stared down at the giant figure of a human. Well, to be honest, you’re not sure how this human even came to grow to this size. It was as though he were half giant. Suddenly, his eyes opened and your face fell as you glared, “I’m not talking to you.”

“Noble and indifferent Monarch, Time is in a fragile state and will be broken soon. There’s not enough for this to continue playing like eons ago.” Using Thomas’ body as a vessel, the Ruler shamelessly spoke to you in a wounded human’s form. “Your power will be irreplaceable and monumental in this war.”

“Let the human rest.” You turned away, your eyes rolled in annoyance. “I thought you lot treasured humans.”

“A few sacrifices are necessary for the greater good.”

You snapped back at it, your hand reached out to grab Thomas by the throat and pulled back. However, you didn’t pull out the human’s vocal cords; you dragged out the Fragment that was residing within and knocked it into your realm as the room’s space mirrored and flipped with your overwhelming force.

Within your skill of {Mirrored Space}, the hospital room is mirrored, everything and everyone are the same but flipped. Though it’s a different story for the Fragment and you, since you two weren’t beings of Earth. You threw the entitled Fragment into the wall, creating a crater with such force that would have broken the walls if you were still in the real world.

“Well, don’t you lot just believe you can control everything so easily, huh?” Your eyes narrowed at the recovering Fragment, you stepped over and slammed your foot on its chest, pinning it down. It choked, but you knew better than to believe that farce. “So you act now that Ashborn is gone and Jinwoo is the human’s shield. The final confirmation that Jinwoo is your ally and not an enemy.” You applied more force, enclosing the space around the Fragment, compacting its form. “The perfect incentive for Space to join your side, huh?”

The Fragment’s eyes widened at the title you used. “You… You knew…?”

Your foot shifted and kicked the Fragment by its chin, backing up and sat on nothing but your space with your legs crossed. “Tsk, what do you take me for? Every time you turned back Time, I didn’t seem to wake up at the same time as you all. Of course not, because Time and Space are one. One side uses its ultimate power, the purpose its meant to be…” Your eyes twitched and you swallowed, “We die little by little.” Your scowl returned as you squeezed the space around the Fragment’s neck. “The only difference is, Space has gained consciousness and Time was just a tool to be controlled. The irony.”

“You kill me, that human will be in danger.” The Fragment spoke, strained.

“Can you even die?” You mocked with a smirk, “What a good shield you all found and gained. What a perfect bargaining chip you all gained.” You sighed and released it with the flick of your hand, “Ji- The Shadow Monarch’s victory—The world’s victory is assured. An oath was made and so long as Sung Jinwoo is on your side, the Monarchs will fall.”

The Fragment got up and bowed. “That is excellent news.” Its gaze darted to Thomas lying on the bed before your indifferent frame. This run had been long, but the result was best ever. The Monarch of Void that never cared, cared for a human that awakened as the Shadow Monarch that will protect the world. “I will pass on this revelation to the Rulers once my human is healed.”

You hummed, finding it all so dull. You snapped your fingers and the space shifted back, you automatically stood back to the bed’s side. You stared at the human with half-lid eyes as the Fragment returned back within Thomas’ figure. So annoying…

Thomas groaned awake, his eyebrows furrowed and his eyes squeezed before opening weakly. His arms twitched, suspecting he wanted to shield his eyes from the sunlight from the window, you flicked your wrist and the curtains closed, dimming the room. “Hey, it’s you.”

“What’s with you humans and being a hero?” You hissed.

“I don’t know where you asking this from, but I have a clue who you’re talking about.” Thomas smirked at the scowl on your voice. “He found himself a good woman.”

You glared at him but sighed, not wanting to explain the nature of your being to him. He’s not Jinwoo anyways. You snapped at yourself for thinking that broke character for a moment and internally screamed.

“I can’t guarantee, but don’t most people want to appear as the ‘good guy’?” Thomas wondered aloud.

“What’s so good about appearing good to others?” You snarled, frowning. For as long as you lived you didn’t care who had what impression of you as long as those you cared for didn’t dislike you and accepted you. Like Ashborn did and never pushed you away, now Jinwoo was doing the same. Yet, you can’t help but feel like you weren’t enough once more. Why does Jinwoo want to prove to the world that he’s good? His family is there for him, his friends are by his side, and even you… You took an oath for him. Not that he was aware of it or its significance.

Thomas shrugged as best as he could, “Don’t know about him. I just do whatever I please and protect what’s mine and take what I want.”

You eyed him. “That mindset… is perfect.”

Thomas paused in awe, then chuckled, “If only we had met earlier, before Hunter Sung. I would have taken you.”

“Don’t go there.” You deadpanned, snapping your fingers and the curtains opened, blinding him without warning. You walked towards the door, “Happy recovery or whatever.”

“Heroes are usually coloured in a white light.” Thomas suddenly responded, making you take a pause. “They are praised and worshipped, always revered to be good and perfect, untouchable. Villains… Villains are coloured in darkness and shadows, always shunned and feared. Something to purge and destroy in the name of peace.” He eyed your back, “One good thing about villains, they know what they want and no price is too high for it.”

“I hope Hunter Sung doesn’t sacrifice anything special to him.” “I wonder if the Shadow Monarch will sacrifice you this time?”

You left and didn’t turn back. You knew what to do.

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“What are they doing?” You blinked at Beru struggling on the ground at Bellion’s mercy.

“Beru challenged Bellion for the title of Grand Marshal.” Jinwoo explained bluntly, “But it’s a losing match.”

“Obviously.” You hummed along, unconsciously leaning into Jinwoo’s arm with your arms crossed over your chest. “Should you stop this?”

Jinwoo eyed the top of your head. Don’t you notice what you were doing to him? “Let’s give him some more time to prove himself, who knows, maybe he can actually pull though.”

You snickered, your shoulders doing a cute jerk that Jinwoo feared you would move away but that only made your head nuzzle closer to him, “I doubt it, Bellion’s the Grand Marshal for a reason.”

As if sensing something in the air, Bellion and Beru prolonged their match. Though it was for their Liege to enjoy your presence more, they both wanted to prove to the other that they were the stronger one.

“Graaah! My King…!” On his claws and knees, Beru had already exhausted all his strength, speed and plays. “I… Graaah…! I can still… go on…”

“No, you can’t.” You chuckled, crouching down on your tiptoes, your arm over your knees while the other plopped up your head by your cheek. “Silly Shadow.”

Jinwoo questioned, stepping close while Bellion took his place by Jinwoo’s side, “Why do you want the position of Grand Marshal so badly, Beru?”

Beru admitted, “Because… Graaah… I wish to keep fighting by your side…”

You nearly laughed in his ant face, but you controlled yourself while you waited for Jinwoo to think of something to calm the situation. But, hearing nothing from him, you spoke up. “Why not try your hand with me?”

Bellion and Igris flinched from your words, even some Shadows who were nearby and knew of you flinched. They all took a step back; Bellion and Igris even went so far as to signal beckon Jinwoo to step back. Those who were aware were those from Ashborn’s army and shifted in their composure. Yet the change went unnoticed by Beru who looked up to you with a hopeful look—well, as much as he could manage.

“After all, I am the Honourary Sovereign but I’m not one for combat, so…” You smiled innocently with your eyes closed, they opened as you stood up straight, staring down at the naive and hopeful Shadow. “Defeating me should be an easy feat, yes?”

“But I wouldn’t want to cause My Liege’s… Lover harm.” Beru professed. “It would be unbecoming of me.”

Your smile grew, “Don’t be like that. I can heal myself, so just a little light spar. It would plead your case to Your Liege, yes?” You turned to Jinwoo and asked for his permission, “Come on, Jinwoo, won’t you agree to this?”

Jinwoo couldn’t hide his smile as he blushed from just his name being called. This was just the beginning; wait until it’s nicknames, and then—Ahem. “If that’s what you want. Granted.” He whispered to Bellion and Igris, “If Beru gets too close, I want you two to stop him.”

“That…” Bellion looked away to the battle where Beru was getting ready. Catching the glint in your eyes, he internally sighed, “Won’t be necessary. However, your concern and worry are appreciated.”

“What?” Jinwoo raised a brow at the Grand Marshal’s words. He saw you fighting Hae-In, and holding yourself against the three Monarchs; however, that was when he was their target. Beru is ruthless in battle, nothing like the silly any he displays outside.

“You’ll understand.” Igris spoke with a knowing tone.

Everyone turned to the standoff between a Monarch and the originally strongest in Jinwoo’s Shadow Army, the distance between the two sides a lot farther than what Bellion and Beru had in their match. The field was cleared, providing ample space to run around and dodge while also keeping bystanders safe. Beru collected himself, preparing his claws once more as well as his wings. You merely adjusted your clothing and did minimal stretching, all with a carefree smile on your face, as if you were on a stroll, before holding your hands behind your back.

Jinwoo analyzed the situation. While you were powerful, you were described as a tool and a supporter in battles, never were you on the front lines. Not even Ashborn’s memories showed you facing any enemies, merely you providing aid. He’d admit that your powers are great, but limited when your enemy was Beru who has strength and speed that you wouldn’t begin to compare. Perhaps you wanted to cheer Beru up? Give him some confidence after a loss? That was all he could come up with.

“Ready when you are, Beru.” You smiled.

Beru wasted no time in charging forward, without a weapon in sight, you were defenceless. A prey before a predator. His sharp claws extended as he tried to swipe at you. As he got closer—albeit all happened within seconds—he was suddenly struck from behind and was slammed into the ground, creating a crater right in front of you.

“What… What just happened?” Jinwoo’s jaw dropped. “What hit him?”

“Beru did, My Liege.” Bellion revealed.

“The Honourary Sovereign controls space, so the moment Beru used the most strength in his assault, the space of his target changed to the back of his head and the attack was done.” Igris explained.

Bellion told Jinwoo, “The Honourary Sovereign never loses a fight, the method for victory… Is both enchanting and perilous.”

Beru raised his head, seeing double, no, quadruple of your smile face staring down at him. You sang, “Is that it? Little ant?” At your provoking words, his wings flapped until they reached a speed where it appeared as though it was gone and he was floating in the air. You looked up at him, “Good. Good spirit.”

Taking to the skies, Beru dove at you, yet, as if fearing what had happened before would happen again, he backed off at the last second and pulled up. It proved useless as he found himself suddenly teleported in front of you, his eyes widened as he watched in slow motion while your instep connected to the side of his head. The world’s speed returned to normal as he was flung to the side, his body unable to catch up to the realization of what happened, leaving him vulnerable.

You appeared atop of him, your palm coming down at him. No touch was made, but the pressure was still unchanged. He was battened down to the ground, when that wasn’t enough and he struggled to get up, more force was applied to crush him into the earth. A crater wasn’t formed, it was the shape of his form, outlining the helplessness of his situation, even his wings weren’t spared. 

Your index finger twirled in the air as you mindlessly watched Beru struggle. This isn’t enough. Mist clouded the battlefield, a layer formed over the ground, and soon a dragon formed out of the fog and towered over you and Beru from behind you.

The second the pressure was gone, Beru took flight and aimed for you out of instinct. He failed to notice the dragon and was hit headfirst by its blast of pure burning magnesium in a torrent of orange sparkles. Beru was knocked to the ground once more. The dragon faded away, and the mist took the form of something else, a serpent. It slithered and constricted Beru in its coils. Beru’s form cracked and snapped while you listened and watched with an emotionless expression.

“I… I su… surrender…” Beru muttered in what strength he had left.

The snake disappeared and so did your mist as they dispersed. Beru fell to the ground, clawing in frustration while you healed him. Weak, he’s so weak. This isn’t enough to protect his Liege or you, this isn’t enough to prove his services.

“You have more than one life, Beru.” You spoke while the others came over. “You are a Shadow, a strong Shadow, but a Shadow first and foremost. Use your immortality to your advantage. In a situation where you can’t escape, make it so that you die and reappear somewhere of your choice. Jinwoo’s not so weak that he can’t resurrect his army within seconds. You included.” You stood up, “Fight knowing that you can afford to die, but your enemies can’t. You can afford to be reckless and blunt.”

Beru bowed his head to you, “I will remember this lesson… Honourary Sovereign.”

You looked at Jinwoo and smiled, “Your army, train them better. The Monarch of Destruction’s soldiers are worse than I was just now.”

Jinwoo nodded. He sighed and declared, “The Grand Marshal can stand on my right, while Beru, you stand on my left.”

“!! My King!!” Tears flowed from Beru’s eyes, if that was even possible.

“Don’t.” Jinwoo stopped the ant from saying anything he’ll regret hearing.

Igris stepped forward, “My Liege, I, too, would like a chance to—”

Jinwoo immediately cut him off, “You can stand behind me.”

You chuckled at Igris’ display. You briefly saw the Shadow playing around, some even making their own contest of strength and power, and some were gathering materials to build something. Feeling a gaze on you, you turned back to Jinwoo, who was staring at you so boldly and openly. You blinked and blinked, suddenly feeling a bit heated under his gaze. “Are you done staring at me?”

“I would stare forever if I could.” He pulled you close to him by your waist with a smirk, “I’m just admiring someone who should be placed on top of the world.”

“...I just beat down your Shadow…” You sweatdropped.

“I saw, that was hot.” Jinwoo brushed his thumb against your cheek. He bent down and kissed the top of your head.

You flinched and pushed him away from you, “What! What was that?!”

Jinwoo chuckled, “A kiss. I thought you accepted my confession when you came back.”

“I did but…” Your cheek flushed, “That was… sudden… and soft…” Your eyes looked to the side then back at him but then to the side again, “I… like of… kind it…” A pause of silence allowed you to replay what you said and you turned red. “I… I mean!!”

Jinwoo laughed aloud.

You pushed him away fully, crossing your arms as you hovered over the ground. “Fine. Laugh all you want, you jerk! An idiot!”

Jinwoo turned away for a bit, composing himself. “I’m—” He snickered, “I’m not… Hehe… I’m not laughing at you.”

“Sure you’re not.” You rolled your eyes, yet a faint smile was on your face. Your expression fell as you felt a shift in space, then your vision turned black.

When Jinwoo turned back around, you were gone. 

Your presence. 

It’s gone. 

Entirely gone.

“Find them.” Jinwoo’s voice dropped to a terrifying octave. The shadows around him spread out and leapt in all directions. All were eager to fulfil their master’s command, but at the same time, mortified to stay a second longer and be on the receiving end of their master’s fury. “No matter what. Find and bring the Monarch of Void My Love to me!”

Manhwa Chapters: 166

Note: Things are getting heated~~ I think you guys know who's appearing next since it's the last one. That part's a bit longer, but ye. I added a bit of details here and there. This series' ending soon~~

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

In your silent and dull apartment, you stared idly at the ripples made on the surface with every rotation of the cup in your hand. The purple-ish light from the Gate that you summoned still remained in the sky, its light bathed the entirety of the city and its buildings. Your apartment was no exception. It was a matter of time before the gate opened and the real Shadow Army passed through to swear allegiance to their new Lord and Master; Sung Jinwoo. 

Perhaps you were overthinking, or you were still on the fence about the whole ‘taking his side’, maybe you still had lingering affection for Ashborn and the farewell without formality. Those, or you had too much on your mind. Well, who would want to be reminded of something they have long buried?

“Leaving already?” Mist gathered and twisted in the rain, not a single drop of water affected it as if it were translucent. Your form solidified and you hovered over the wet ground with your hands behind your back. You hummed as you watched with amusement at the man staggering away from the battlefield. “Not a ‘well done’ or ‘I’m proud of you, son’? I thought human parents love their children without limits. How cruel must you be? Or has the power and duty gone to your head? O, Fragment of Brilliant Light?”

“Monarch of Void…” The man in question was none other than Jinwoo’s father, Sung Il-Hwan. He paused and glanced over to you in his weakened state, as if deciding to give up on running away, he slammed his back to the wall and slid down to rest. His breath heavy and his gaze unfocused. “You… Are you his ally?”

“When was I never?” You eyed to the side with a disinterested look, “I’m not going to double-cross your supposed beloved son, if that’s your issue. Unlike someone who would take orders to kill their own flesh and blood when given the word. You see, I made the vow.”

“I know… That’s why I protected you as well…” Il-Hwan awkwardly chuckled even in his state. “...Do… No… Are you aware of what you are?”

Your eyes narrowed and placed its attention back on the dying man, you weren’t above shutting him up if he were to spit nonsense in his last moments. Even if it meant Jinwoo wouldn’t have his farewell. “Kind of hard not to when your title says it all. Monarch of Void, King of the Forgotten. Aren’t I so different from the other Monarchs?” You gave him a mocking grin with your head tilted to the side, an inhuman angle that would mean certain death for humans, but not you. “But what’s your point? Gonna tell on me?”

Mist gathered on the ground, faint cries and wails echoed through the pitter-patter of the rain. The voices echoed and visions of translucent figures flashed for less than a second. If one were to witness this, they’d surely think they were going insane. Mist-like arms grabbed onto Il-Hwan’s limbs and torso. At first, it was all ghostly touches, then they started to scratch at his flesh, not a mark left behind except for the phantom sting.

“I won’t.” Just his words of promise were enough for the arms to retreat and the mist faded away into the rain. Il-Hwan stared at you, indifferent and twisted. You may have a human vessel to possess and you may have spent a long long time among humans, but you were ultimately an entity that mimicked to survive. You weren’t just inhuman, you were a concept, a central pillar that could bend reality to your will—if you had one. Knowing this, he couldn’t let himself fall into your wrath and apathy. To be forgotten is to be erased, only you’d bear his memories and only you’d be able to control the narrative. “Sorry, I misspoke.”

You briefly wondered if it was beneficial to save the man. Would his survival help Jinwoo in any way? Your gaze flickered, a memory played in your mind. Jinwoo—the strongest man—loved his family. He cared about the weak. He cared about the insignificant. He placed others first. That was a problem, an issue you believed needed fixing. If Jinwoo’s attention is on the safety of the people, then he could never hope to win against the Monarch of Destruction. Sacrifices must be made.

“Hm…” Your head straightened up again, “You know… I do wonder… Why it is that there’s this great war…? Why are there victors and losers? It’s all so meaningness, right? In the end~ Everything fades into the void. Just as you will in a moment.” 

“...”

This rage you felt. This urge to destroy. This urge to let loose. Memory flashed of Jinwoo and his family—ones you have grown close to—lamenting their missing family member. Yes, they were welcoming to you and treated you without hostility. Even Jinwoo was kind to you. However, you found yourself imposing on their family bonding, their human traditions. It made you sick and it made you vengeful. You wanted to be welcomed but hated being cared for like one of them. There was no need for connection, for everything was nought. Humans are weak. The mortal heart is weak.

Your eyes glowed as you glared down at him condescendingly, “For the pain you caused them, him. For the shackles you bound him. Disappear from the new Monarch of Shadow’s life.” The glow in your eyes vanished the second you sensed Jinwoo behind you, you turned around with a tightlipped smile, the rain parted as a path directed him to you his father struggling to even breath. “This human… Why do you have that look on your face? Sad? Mad? Why should be matter? He abandoned your family. He abandoned you.”

The sound of your doorbell ringing got your head snapping to the side at inhuman speed, your eyes widened a bit as your attention shifted after being forced out of your memories. You blinked and returned to normal, swiftly floating off your seat and towards the front door. You knew for a fact it wouldn’t be Jinwoo since the man had a habit of [Shadow Exchange]-ing to almost everywhere given the opportunity. So, who was at your door?

You opened the door after planting your feet on the floor and stared at the human. “What are you doing here? How did you even find this place?”

“I…” The little female Hunter with a crush on Jinwoo stood in front of your open door wearing full gear and armour as if going into battle. Ah, an error on your part, technically, all the Hunters were because of that gigantic Gate you opened in the sky. “Hunter Sung’s sister told me I could find you here.”

Your eyebrow raised and you did nothing to mask the annoyance on your face. Right. You forgot you had given Jinah your address since you wanted to give her a place to go to whenever she wanted, and if some creep were following her, she could lead them here and you’ll… Well, you’ll handle it, shall we say? But back to the matter at hand. “And why would you need to find me?”

“Actually, I- we were looking for Hunter Sung but he disappeared.” Hae-In explained, “The other Hunters are gathering and preparing for the Gate to open any day now, but our main force is gone. So I went to―”

“So you volunteered as tribute and looked for his home address, then proceeded to take a gamble and see if he’s home. But oh, he’s not. His family is though, so you asked. Yet instead of getting his whereabouts, you got mine. That sounds about right? Little Hunter?” You had rudely interrupted without mercy. You savoured the look of embarrassment and envy on her expression, no, something similar but not envy.

Hae-In nodded. “Yes, that was about it.”

You hummed. You had the right of it, arranging a situation like this. Since Jinwoo’s popularity, there were more and more unsavoury pests flying around Jinwoo. Though you didn’t want to, you had to ensure the human vessel (successor) was safe. Before you did the protection from the shadows, since his command to his soldiers were to only act when a threat was presented, but a human-level threat was hardly anything. Why not…nip the bud entirely?

It wasn’t much, but you did tell Jinwoo’s mother and sister to send anyone who asked for their son and brother your way. Now it rarely happened, either they backed off or never had the guts to knock on your door, but when it did, you did what you intended and made the remembered one of the forgotten.

Now, what to do with this heartbroken soul? You could think of a few reasons why Jinwoo wasn’t home or at work. One, he was still mourning over that father of his. Two, he was training. Three, he was just busy elsewhere. And four, he didn’t want to be found. You blinked at her and watched her awkwardly and shily shift under your sharp gaze. You had briefly wondered if it was wise of you to send her his way, but…

Somehow, the thought of it made your skin crawl.

“I’ll look for him, you carry on with your day.” You blankly told her.

Just as you were about to close the door on her, Hae-In spoke. “You’re not one of his summons, are you?” That made you pause and eye her with a skeptical gaze. So she continued, “The aura around you is much different from the others he summons. Your appearance… is also different.”

“Your point?”

“If you are trying to harm―”

“Silence.” Your aura turned thick and twisted as mist began to suffocate her. The space around the two of you warped and glitched as if an error occured. “You and your ever selfish human mind… Use him, take advantage of him, throw him aside when done.” Memories of your human vessel flashed in your mind, triggeriing you as you had begun to levitate off the ground―without intending to―as you stared down at her. “Do not presume you can call upon his being like a dog on a leash. You should bow down to his mercy and graciousness.”

“I… We never…” Hae-In choked on nothing while trying to gasp for air that was in abundance around her.

“Just because you humans have been granted mana and you just so happen to have a spur plus, doesn’t mean you’re the queen.” Your hand flicked at the wrist as Hae-In was flung into the wall behind her, you eyed her with disdain and a frown, “Get out of my sight and wait patiently for Jinwoo’s arrival.” With that, your front door slammed in her face without you even checking if she was alright. You turned and clicked your tongue. “Humans…”

The familiar presence of the Shadows shifting and twisting made you blink and drop all hostility. Out of the corner of your eyes, you watched Jinwoo materialize from his skill [Shadow Exchange]. There he appeared in all his glory. The man who held your inhuman heart and made you so different that you wanted to strangle and fix yourself. This triggered anger, this suffocating possessiveness, and these annoying thoughts. It all pointed towards this successor of Ashborn.

“I was planning on showing up earlier, but you had company.” Jinwoo smiled innocently.

“How much?”

“Hm?”

“How much did you hear and see?” Your gaze sharpened to a glare.

Jinwoo made a thinking face as he briefly wondered if he should answer honestly or keep the happy moments to himself. But then that reaction of yours would be amusing, “Since the doorbell.” He heard you click your tongue again and your footsteps stomped over to your couch, he opened his eyes and chuckled at you, “I thought I had to mediate again.”

You groaned and flopped onto the couch face down. You didn’t hear his steps, but you could feel his presence slithering closer to you. You might as well die from embarrassment.

“For what it’s worth,” His deep silky voice was so close to your ears that it gave you goosebumps. “I don’t dislike that side of you. In fact, I loved it.”

Your head turned to the side, your eye glared at him as you shown off the most intimidating aura you could manage. Yet all you saw was amusement and enjoyment in his eyes and expression, his entire demeanour was a testimony to how smug he was from that mere display. Your lips parted before pressing tight against each other just as quickly, you wanted to lie and make whatever excuse possible to deter Jinwoo from thinking otherwise. The thought was gone because you meant what you said.

Back then, with Ashborn, you two knew there was barely any time for something as intimate as putting each other as the top priority. Even when you could, you doubt Ashborn would do the same for you. He barely had any time to care for himself! In fact, that distance was what led you to cave to those two Monarchs’ request to betray Ashborn. Test him, judge him. Were you as important as his goals? No. No, you weren’t.

With Jinwoo. It began with mutual hatred and a firm goal: Jinwoo to grow stronger and you to have Ashborn back. That somehow changed along the way. It started out so minor that you never realized, that you never had the chance to guard yourself from it. Showing you humanity, showing you weakness, showing you his true self.

Slowly, you hated things and beings that caused him harm or threatened him in any way possible. You hated things and beings that stood in his way. You hated the pests around him. Jinwoo being the worthy one was the nail in the coffin. As a Monarch, he should be treated as such and to avoid his demise… You had to make that oath to protect him. Protect him from a threat bigger than anything other threat he had faced.

Ah, perhaps… You have actually fallen for a human. The human named Sung Jinwoo.

It’s a bit sad that you found this so late.

“The Hunters are gathering.” Jinwoo spoke. A few days have passed since his declaration to the other Monarchs of a war between him and them after his father’s death. It would appear that he had gotten over it. “I’ll be joining them shortly.”

“Go join Hunter Cha then…” You muttered.

Jinwoo took your hands in his and kneeled down to stare up at your eyes; they were distant and dull. “You’ve been different since the battle with the three Monarchs and…” He paused. He knew his succession as the true monarch meant Ashborn’s retirement, but he thought everything was fine since you embraced him differently after his return. Yet after that talk with his father, you changed. “Ashborn’s passing. Are you… okay?”

Okay? Are you okay? What a human thing to say. You took your hands out of his and blinked, a smirk returned to your face as your eyebrow raised at him, “Should you be worrying about a potential enemy that could backstab you in the blink of an eye? Remember~ I prioritize my survivability above all else.”

That’s a lie. Jinwoo wanted to say. If you had lived up to that motto of yours, you would have been long gone by now. You would have escaped when the three Monarchs were on Earth and you would have killed him to bring Ashborn back. Everything that stood in front of him now meant that you chose him.

“I’m keeping a close eye on you then.” He got up and smirked back, “So, we heading there?”

“That purple gate is no threat. You don’t need me around.” You shrugged, “There’s no need for so many humans gathered as well. No battle will occur.”

Now it was Jinwoo’s turn to raise a brow, “That true?”

“Why would I lie to you?” You hummed, “You’re in for a treat, that’s for sure.” Your expression fell and you sat up, staring down at the kneeling man in front of you. A question you’re dying for an answer since your realization. “Sung Jinwoo…”

Jinwoo flinched at his name. It was so foreign on your lips, yet so luring at the same time. His eyes widened, his heartbeat quickened, his grip on your hands tightened. Just what were you going to say to him? What words will string up a sentence that makes his mind short-circuit more than it already has? He’s dying to know. The suspense is torturous and agonising.

Even though it was merely a few seconds of pausing.

“Now, right this moment.” Your gaze wavered as did your voice, “What do you see me as?”

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“What do you see me as?”

Jinwoo’s eyebrows furrowed as his answer rang in his mind. Did his words hurt you? Were you expecting something else? His eyes looked up at the swirling purple vortex in the sky. You said you were returning what Ashborn entrusted you to him for he was Ashborn and the Shadow Monarch. Perhaps you would have joined him now if that question wasn’t answered, or…

“Your summon isn’t here, Jinwoo?” Hae-In’s voice and steps stopped next to him. “I’ve never seen you this nervous before.”

What do you know? Jinwoo nearly spoken those words aloud, but he could be that reckless before a major fight’s about to break out. As much as he wanted to be the only one to face this Gate—trusting your words of it being harmless to him and Earth—the scale was too big and obvious that attention would definitely be focused here. Though it wasn’t put in public, another reason was because they didn’t want a repeat of what happened on Jeju Island. “Is that so?”

The barrier you placed on the Gate’s entrance slowly eroded, making a spiderweb of cracks covered the barrier before it broke and all surrounding Hunters stood guarded.

“I- It’s coming!”

“Everyone, prepare for battle!”

A winged humanoid stepped out of the Gate as murmurs of panic and permission to engage echoed behind him in the crowd. Jinwoo could practically imagine your figure beside him—in place of Hae-In—with your arms crossed and a look of annoyance at the humans’ unjust panic for something they signed up for.

“I- It’s a big army!”

“It’s a massive army…!”

“Everyone, get into position!”

“We will exterminate the demonic beasts!!”

“You’ll know when you see them. You don’t need me there.” Those were your exact words and he understood them the moment his eyes laid on their form. After the first figure stepped through, more followed. Despite the difference in form and appearance, they were all similar in a way that they were all obviously Shadows. Even the three dragon heads that poked out of the gate.

“Everyone, charge!!”

But before the Hunter could even make a move or respond in word, Jinwoo commanded to everyone, “Nobody move!”

“What’s going on?”

“Why aren’t we attacking?”

“Stand down!”

“Stop the attack!”

Sensing unease and desperation, as well as an explanation, Jinchul nudged Hae-In to the side to get to Jinwoo, “But why, Mr. Sung…?”

“Don’t worry, Mr. Woo.” Were the only words Jinwoo muttered before stepping forward to meet the Shadow with the most commanding and imposing aura. Standing before the armoured humanoid with multiple wings, the sheer difference in size would have sent any normal human running away like a coward if they wanted to live. Yet Jinwoo wasn’t fazed as he stood his ground and let his aura do the talking.

The armoured humanoid’s head tilted down to meet Jinwoo’s gaze. A tense moment of silence rang like a thousand bells as the air stood still from anticipation. Without a moment’s notice, the humanoid took a knee and kneeled down, crushing the very ground like it was glass. The figure kneeled and bowed its head, speaking in a tongue only Jinwoo could understand, “Greetings, My King. It is I, Grand Marshal Bellion.” At the Grand Marshal’s actions, the others all bowed in reverence, respect, and loyalty to their new Shadow Monarch. “And I present to you, the Army of Shadows.”

So this is the real Army of Shadows… The army passed down to me by the former Monarch of Shadows, Ashborn, and the army that the Monarch of Void has been entrusted with in the absence of Ashborn…

Elsewhere, you gazed out of the window with your hand on the window as the vortex slowly disappeared with the movement of your fingers curling inwards. “Now…”

Now…

“The anticipated war shall begin…”

The real war starts now.

Manhwa Chapter: 165 (mentioned), 166

Note: Okay. So begin the final arc! There's going to be an epilogue in the end, cause you guys pick which ending you want. All parts will be posted with a gap day in between like the previous arcs. This arc's pacing is a bit fast cause I didn't want to bore you guys with copy and paste of the manhwa dialogues and fight scenes, nor do I want to waste word counts on that. Each part is like 3500+ and focused on the most important bits here and there. If you want to reference with the manhwa chapters, follow above. Enjoy guys!!

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

You groggily opened your eyes. You sat up and yawned. How long has it been since last you had slept in an actual bed? Not a space provided by your lovely System or the hospital bed that you could take advantage of when you were injured from raids, but an actual bed. Actually, never mind, this wasn’t even your bed.

“Dongsuk.” You called out.

The shadows shifted and a figure appeared at your command. An armoured Hunter in black with a shield and long sword strapped onto his back, not long after he appeared, he bowed on his knees by the bedside and awaited your orders.

“Search for some raids we could go complete.” You gave your command and off he went to do as you instructed.

You hugged your knees to your chest and leaned against it, your eyes caught a picture frame that showed the imagine of a pair of siblings holding onto each other side by side with smiles. The longer you stared, the more your eyebrows furrowed, your finger flicked and the picture frame fell face down on the table. You looked in another direction and recalled the events of yesterday.

As needed, you signed up for a dungeon to raid, met up with Dongsuk’s team and raided the dungeon until you all came to the boss chamber. It was a <Giant Arachnid Buryura> that was there, it didn’t matter since you were once again abandoned to be bait for the boss and Dongsuk’s team purposely left you there to die. Naturally, you defeated the spider, now with your new companions. Then there was the quest to kill Dongsuk and his team since they tried to kill you first.

Consequences… Right… You were supposed to face them. There was no survivor but the Weakest Hunter of All Mankind? No way could you hide your skills if you came clean. So you turned them all into your undeads. Normally, their appearance would have raised suspicion, but the System gave you the ability to control their appearance. While limited only to your former human summons, they could look the same as they were alive. It was a valuable ability to have since you’d be protected by their name.

What Dongsuk claimed wasn’t false as well. He did hold certain power and authority when it came to the Hunter Association, once he claimed something to be true, they had to take it at face value. All in fear that his S-Rank younger brother would bring about ruin and chaos to Korea. You had briefly wondered what would happen if you never turned Dongsuk into a Shadow. Though another thought took over: You had wondered if you would be able to fool that S-Rank, but you’ll leave that up for time to tell. Right now, you have to fulfil your wish of owning an apartment, a real home for you to stay.

And not what Dongsuk calls this mess of a place home.

Your phone rang and you answered it. It appears that you’re being called to answer the whims of the association. Idly, your eyes scanned the room as you listened for the date, time, and place, as well as the dungeon you’re being sent to. “Pardon my asking, but who would be the other Hunters I’ll raid with?” You flinched involuntarily at the names that came up, you glanced to the doorway where Dongsuk and the others were peeking in with papers in their hands. “I see, thank you for answering. I’ll be there.”

The call ended afterwards.

Your attention turned to them, “Change of plans.”

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Everyone’s all here. The survivors of the Double Dungeon just months prior. 

Dang Jum, the leader and one of the fighters of the group with a control complex, led with authority and force, deciding for the team what was best and should be done without consultation. When things turned in a bad direction, he was quick to blame others. Even using others as shields, like a few good people in the team when in that dungeon.

Deung Won-Shik, another fighter of the group with a shameless and loud mouth, was obsessed with money and fighting; he was the head of a family and the breadwinner. In hindsight, he should have been more responsible in life and the dungeons, but he was very reckless, jumping into danger and swinging his sword without thinking. Still, his recklessness was sometimes what helped you.

Ja Chin-Mae, the only healer of the group with a cowardly and selfish personality, only healed those within her comfort zone and cared for her own survival than others, even at the expense of saving her mana rather than healing the wounded. She loved staying in the back where she was protected, but she hated having to heal you when you were injured. Her tune changed when she found out you were surviving in that Double Dungeon, but that only lasted until she pushed you onto the altar and left you for dead.

Apart from Chin-Mae, who was B-Rank, everyone else was C-Rank. Then, of course, you were the lowly E-Rank.

“How are you even alive?” Jum snarled, he clicked his tongue and looked away as if you disgusted him, “Great, now I gotta lead dead weights again…”

You merely smiled innocently, “I was told the White Tigers Guild came to my rescue.”

Chin-Mae got close to you, inspecting your limbs without your permission or asking, “You must have had quite the high-ranking healer to your rescue. No way a B-Rank could restore lost limbs.” 

“Arghh…” Won-Shik groaned while scratching the back of his head, his eyes glaring down at you, “I would have been the one to stay behind if it wasn’t for Mister high and mighty leader over there.” He leaned down as he smirked, a crazed look in his eyes, “I would have loved to be the one to fight off those things and have all the glory.”

“I saved your life! It was better for the weakest link to break and not us!” Jum shouted in defense, he grabbed Won-Shik by the shoulder and pulled his collar, “Now that I think about it, I should have also left you for dead, huh?”

“No one asked you to save me, you freak of a leader.” Won-Shik taunted back.

“Guys…” Chin-Mae rolled her eyes and looked away from the scene.

“Please don’t fight, we still need to clear the dungeon later.” You tried to calm the situation down.

A van stopped at the side of the street and the slide door opened, out came three men in orange jumpers. “Is somebody filming a drama here? Or do Hunters do dramatic scenes with each other these days?”

“Shut up, you fools.” A man in a suit with a stoic expression snapped at them. “This isn’t a picnic.”

“Take care of us today, ladies.” One of the prisoners winked at Chin-Mae and you in your direction.

“Hey. What is this? You better explain!” Jum demanded as he stepped forward to the association personnel.

“Oh, those people? They are rehabilitators that will join the raid with you Hunters.” The personnel said, hugging a clipboard to her chest while fixing her round glasses.

You figured they were criminals. Well, if their clothing wasn’t already obvious enough. Serving their time in the dungeons… How would that help? You sighed internally, unable to comprehend. It wasn’t like you were going to deal with this for much longer. You stole a peek at your phone, any second now…

“Hey, teammate! So this is where you went.” Right on time, Dongsuk appeared, and Kyuhwan and Chul-Jin trailed behind. “You turned down our raid plans for this sad excuse of a raid?”

“Hunter Hwang, this isn’t a place for you to be.” The personnel stood between your current raid team and your new Shadows in disguise. “Please leave here.”

Just as expected, the disguise was functioning just as well in front of others as you. None could tell the difference between the living or dead at this point. Not especially when they still have their memories intact from when they were alive, so they could always tune into that defiant self no problem.

“Sorry, but you took one of our teammates we just got fond of. So no. Either you let us join your little party, or we take her away.” Dongsuk threatened.

You glanced at the Tae-Shik who watched the scene with the other prisoners, then at the personnel who had started flipping over her papers as if they held the answers she needed. 

“It’s fine. Let them join.” Tae-Shik announced from his spot. “We could use more people. Safety in numbers.”

“Ah, are you sure?” The personnel looked back at the highest-ranked Hunter in the bunch. She sighed and nodded, stepping to the side for Dongsuk and the other two to pass, “Fine, but don’t cause any trouble.”

Tae-Shik walked over after unlocking the three prisoners’ handcuffs and having a word with them, “I’m Gang Tae-Shik from the monitoring department. You heard the explanation. I’ll be keeping a close eye on them, so don’t worry too much. Who will lead the raid today?”

“I’ll do it.” Dongsuk stepped up before Jum had a chance. “I heard that the survivors from the infamous Double Dungeon can’t even function as a team.”

“Really? Then we should just replace them all with our solid team.” Kyuhwan taunted with a smirk, practically saying it in Jum’s face so he would butt out of this leader selection.

Chin-Mae leaned close to your ear and whispered, “You attracted some dangerous company… Are they using you for something nefarious?”

“No way, I’m just an E-Rank nobody, no one would really want me around…” You chuckled nervously, “Let’s just get this raid over with.”

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As luck would have it, the raid team divided into three smaller teams when the main path came to a crossroads with three tunnels, ones that couldn’t be separated from the others. Your former team, not wanting to deal with Dongsuk, pushed you away from their team to stay with Dongsuk and took the middle tunnel. Meanwhile, Tae-Shik and the three criminals took the right tunnel. By default, you four took the left tunnel.

“This works since the boss is in the left tunnel.” You chimed when you were deep enough that no outsider would hear you.

“Will we go defeat the boss right now, My Lady?” Chul-Jin spoke with daggers in hand, prepared for any ambush.

“If we do that, the dungeon will close quickly. We can’t guarantee the others will get out in time.” You remarked idly. It was so rare for you to be leisurely walking in a dungeon of all places. “I don’t want attention.”

Dongsuk, who was standing in the front with his shield raised, voiced his thoughts, “That Tae-Shik… He had bloodlust similar to ours formerly. I’ll bet, something will happen.”

You hummed in thought, “A grudge against the criminals? Hm…” You recalled the man’s piercing gaze. “Let’s wait and see. Only if he comes knocking, then… Hmm… Then something will happen…” You eyed the goblin corpses, “I don’t want to add goblins to my army…”

As time went by, your little team had already cleared all the goblins hiding in wait for an ambush on the way to the boss room. You could have sworn you heard screams at some point but you weren’t too interested to uncover the reason for it and continued on your way. This was a dungeon, the strongest survive and the weakest link gets picked off.

Suddenly, Dongsuk moved to your back and blocked off an attack with his shield. You turned your head to see Tae-Shik with his daggers drawn. His eyes wide, shocked that his attack was detected by a C-Rank Tank, “Hoh, pretty fast, huh?” He backed up, “For a muscle head.”

“Have you finished your business?” Your head tilted in curiosity. “What shall our story be? An ambush? The criminals turned rogue? Internal discord?”

Tae-Shik chuckled, “You’re a different breed. How can you be so calm in this situation?”

You shrugged with a closed-eye smile, putting on the act of your former self, “Who knows? With humans, I couldn’t care less any more.” Your eyes peeked open, “The you now can’t be my companion, not when the chances of betrayal and backstabbing are more than 0%, you see.”

Tae-Shik’s eyebrow raised and scowled, “You must have lost it…”

“Ah… Should I be smiling like an idiot or cruel like a monster? I should be in school. Studying and preparing for exams, making friends and connections before entering the working society. But no… I’m in dungeons, fighting monsters with my life. And for money that will be stolen from me. Everything’s so messed up, I can’t tell who I am and how I should act with you people.” You chuckled in a way that was haunting and chilling, “I’d say I’m a product of this world, actually. A broken vase will forever have cracks, no matter how much glue you use to piece the broken parts together. There is just something that will never be fixed.”

“Enough talk.” Tae-Shik hissed. “I’m going to kill you all. Just like them.”

Your eyes blinked slowly and once, the ends of your straight-lined lips curled up as you let an exhale puff out of your nostrils as a silent chuckle. Your fingers snapped and your newly added Shadows moved in their true form. “You can’t kill what’s already dead.”

[DONGSUK HAS USED ‘SKILL: EMPOWER’]

Dongsuk attempted to push Tae-Shik into the wall, but the assassin was quick to dodge the attack and went for the only mage of the group, Kyuhwan. 

“Focus on me.” You suddenly appeared in front of him with a pair of daggers of your own, blocking him off. Your leg raised as you kicked him back in his moment of shock, you activated {Dominator’s Touch} to grab his neck. However, he had a sixth sense and activated {Stealth} to escape from your sight.

“You’re not who you say you are. And what’s up with their new armours and appearance?” Tae-Shik’s voice echoed around without a clear direction to pinpoint where he was.

“It’s a waste of breath to explain to you now. Maybe later you’ll understand.” Your eyes scanned the perimeter; Dongsuk and the others kept their guards up as well, prepared to come to your aid at any time. “Also, if you’re really going to kill me, can you do it with more bloodlust? It’s not enough to trigger my dear ally’s notice, you see.”

Your dagger raised to the air as it clashed with another blade, Tae-Shik reappeared, this time with a twisted grin that mimicked your discord. “You really are sick.” With his entire weight, he pushed down at you, but you didn’t budge. “A false ranker? You don’t seem all too close with those guys, but they did call you the weakest. Or a reawakening?”

With a slight push, you knocked him back. “...” You bend at your knees and caught up to him in the face, you swiped your dagger at him, a graze at the cheek that blood dripped a trail down his jaw. “Your speed doesn’t match up…”

[EFFECT: PARALYSIS HAS ACTIVATED.] [EFFECT: BLEED HAS ACTIVATED.] [OPPONENT’S HEALTH WILL NOW DECREASE BY 1% PER SECOND.]

Tae-Shik clenched his jaw as poison started spreading from the small wound you gave him. He thrust his dagger at you a second later, and you let it graze your shoulder.

[AN EMERGENCY QUEST HAS ACTIVATED.]

You smiled. “There it is~”

! QUEST DIRECTIONS [EMERGENCY QUEST: EXTERMINATION] THERE ARE ENTITIES WHO HAVE KILLING INTENT TOWARDS YOU IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. SLAY THEM AND ENSURE YOUR SAFETY. IF THE QUEST IS NOT COMPLETED, YOUR HEART WILL STOP. ENEMIES REQUIRED TO BE KILLED: 1 ENEMIES KILLED: 0

“It’s official now.” You chimed with a carefree tone.

As if sensing danger, Tae-Shik activated his {Stealth} to hide. You blocked each attack with the flick of your wrist, a fluid movement that didn’t even need much from you to counter. You closed your eyes and tilted your head down. Track his bloodlust, track his fear, track his humanity.

[SKILL: KILLING INTENT IS ACTIVATED.]

Your feet shifted in a direction and you dashed towards what appeared to be nothing. {Dominator’s Touch} activated and you grabbed onto what you knew was the human neck and pinned him to the wall. If that was the neck, then the heart would be here. Your dagger hovered over that area before hesitating for a fraction of a second, it quickly faded and you stabbed into the flesh.

*She who fights with monsters should look to it that she herself does not become a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss gazes back.*

Backing up, you watched as Tae-Shik’s stealth removed itself. “You… You’ve killed before… You killed… them…” He coughed up blood, “I’ll die because I lost. It’s only natural. But your secrets… You won’t be able to hide your skills anymore since you killed me…”

A smile spread, “Let’s test that theory.”

ENEMIES REQUIRED TO BE KILLED: 0 ENEMIES KILLED: 1 QUEST COMPLETE - YOU HAVE COMPLETED [EMERGENCY QUEST: EXTERMINATION]. QUEST REWARD ‘EMERGENCY QUEST: EXTERMINATION’ - STAT POINTS +5 WILL YOU RECEIVE THE REWARD? YES                NO

“Arise.”

The shadows rose from Tae-Shik’s body and formed his renewed body. An assassin clothed in darkness, a hood over his head and hair, a mask covering his nose and mouth. Like the others, he bowed at your feet. To test his strength and skills, you sent him into the boss room to observe him before you could do anything with him in your army. Still, you might not be able to use him as much since he was working for the Hunter Association. Oh well.

“I wanted to ask this before.” You smiled at the new Shadow, “How strong do you think I can get?”

Tae-Shik bowed his head, his memory of his past self bringing you what you wanted to be answered, “Your shadow is connected to the darkness. You will become as strong as your shadow’s depth in the dark. My Master.”

Note: Haha, this is more like a filter to show you what this Reader would do to stay hidden. Though, I think the next one would be more interesting, cause it's gonna be the Red Gate, then it's Jinwoo's appearance. Hope you enjoyed this one.

A bit of trivia for the OCs used in this part~ Jum: Means King or ruler Won-Shik: Means Head of family Chin-Mae: Means truth >> The irony how their were all opposite to their meaning or just being the worst kind.

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

▶ The Fans of Huntrix

“Lady Hae-In’s my favourite! She’s the visual and lead dancer. Nobody can move like our lady!”

“Apparently, she was called {The Dancer} before finding her talent in music. Her family called her the black sheep for not following their path.”

“I don’t know why they’re still that fussy, because she’s so cool. Who else could make those awesome moves live? Even movies use stuntmen!”

“Yeah. She’s our role model.”

“She’s the best. Love her.”

“We’re here for Joohee!”

“She’s the rapper and lyricist.”

“She grew up here, in Korea! Somewhere in Busan.”

“She’s the cutest manknae.”

“But when she raps, she goes hard.”

“She gets real scary. So scary, like ‘you better watch out’ scary.”

“We love Reader!!!”

“She’s pop-star royalty and mystery!! Calling herself ‘Reader’ but the lead singer!”

“Uh-huh! She named herself ‘Reader’ cause she wanted to protect her only family member from fame, but who wouldn’t be proud of all she did? Ahhh!”

“Reader’s voice is just incredible. Like…”

“It brings us to tears!”

“Huntrix’s taking a break, and they need it, but we’re gonna miss them so much!”

▶ HUNTR/X

Up in the air, a plane flew over the stadium as the people inside enjoyed their time over snacks and chatter. Those people were none other than the trio of singers blessed with the voice of angels tasked to fight against the forces of Ashborn’s attempts to take more human souls.

“Okay, our biggest show yet. Oh, the nerves are coming.” You shivered in your seat, scrolling through your phone, smiling softly at the fans’ comments. A bag of chips was thrown in your face and fell on top of your phone. You raised your head and eyed the culprit, Hae-In pointed to the one sitting by her side looking innocent. “Oh, it’s on.”

Joohee laughed as you threw the bag at her, catching it and then opening it to shove down a mouthful. “Gotta get our energy, right, Lady Dancer?”

Hae-In sipped on her bubble tea like royalty from a cup, even using a spoon to scoop up the pearls to chew on them. “Stop with the nicknames… And yeah, definitely need our energy.”

Joohee pouted, “Come on, you called me Sunshine. The fans love the nicknames thing. Besides,” She came to your side, feeding you a chip while you gave her a look with a raised brow. “We gotta match our Reader here as well! Stage names for everyone!”

You rolled your eyes, enjoying all this chaos as you all snacked. You were the unappointed leader of the group since you were the lead singer. You three were brought together by Go Gunhee to be the Hunters protecting the world, also trained by him to fight the demons that would slip through the cracks to bring back more souls and power to Ashborn. Still, you three made quite a team.

The cool and serious Cha Hae-In always arranged the choreography for each song; her passion for it was always a marvel for you. When together, her icy nature would break and join in on the chaos, breaking free from the restrictions her family moulded her into. She was easily the caretaker of the group when the situation called for it, always remaining calm and collected. Well, in most cases.

The bubbly and outgoing Lee Joohee wrote the lyrics for each song, her mind always overflowing with ideas and words strung into lines, making songs easily when inspiration struck. She was always the extroverted one who connected your group with the fans, sometimes leaking songs or appearing in public. Not that you all minded too much, since it was done in moderation.

And then there was you. The one who sang the most and the face of the group, your voice stood out the most that you became the lead. You always found the right rhythms and pitches that fans love catching on to. You were like a nice blend of Hae-In and Joohee, never too serious and never too bubbly. Fans would have believed if you were the one taking care of the group dynamic, but you had your fair share of moments.

Your phone rang just as you all were prepared to devour your cup noodles. Turns out, your manager, Woo Jinchul was calling. You all leaned in as you answered, “Hey, Mister Bossy.”

Jinchul’s voice came over the line before you all could see his face from the video call, “Don’t call me. Argh. Stop pushing me! Give me back my phone!”

A view of the fans made you all smile, “We love you, Huntrix!!”

“We love you too.” You all waved.

“Give me that.” Jinchul finally got his phone back. His face showed up, “Where are you all? Why are you late?”

“Late?” Your head tilted while your eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

“Fifty thousand fans are waiting for you three. They made signs and everything that’s hitting me.” Jinchul’s point was demonstrated when a sign indeed bonked his head then another glowstick was thrown at him. “How can you all be late? I swear, your pre-show snacking are getting cancelled next time. You can’t even show up on time.”

Joohee chuckled, not even hiding it. Hae-In and you snickered, trying your best not to laugh as respect for your poor manager. But all your attention snapped when you heard the most important detail.

“Oh no you don’t!” Joohee exclaimed. 

“No one cancels our pre-show snack.” Even Hae-In was fired up.

“Please don’t do that. We need our calories.” You tried to negotiate.

“Well, from the looks of thing, you won’t even make it to the show.” Jinchul gave you a look.

You glanced out the plane and saw that your plane was indeed flying away from your show. You glanced over to the cabin crew, one watering a plate with coffee, and another was smiling weirdly while failing to buckle in the seatbelt. You told Jinchul deadpannly, “We’ll be there in three.”

“Let’s do this.” Hae-In played on the Gate’s ripples to form her trusty long sword.

“My dangmyeon’s waiting!!” Joohee squealed as she materialized her staff.

“Oh, wait wait.” You paused the fighting, you got close to the stewardess, holding up a photo of a young boy. “Have you seen this boy in the demon world? Or, Underworld.”

▶ Shadow, The Demon Boy Band

In the Underworld, Ashborn punished the demons who were lucky to survive the plane battle with the Huntrix team. He devoured the fortunate demons with his shadows and sighed, tapping his finger on his throne’s armrest before growling at the rest of the cowering demons and beastly spirits alike, “Pathetic! Useless! All of you! This is the perfect time! Before that inferno Gate turns gold!”

The singular notes of a bipa caught everyone’s attention that even Ashborn’s gaze shifted to the individual atop a shrine gate. He played his instrument and sung, “There once was a mighty Monarch who triumphed over all.” He paused and told them, “Stop me if you’ve heard this one before.” He continued, “He was in total control. He feasted on and on. The world trembled when he walked.” 

He floated down, joining his tiger that waited for him below. In the eerie silence, the crowd of demons and beasts cleared a path for the brave being daring to step up and speak when their ruler was enraged.

“But then the Rulers came and sent him back to the depths, even blessing some humans to keep him there. Now he slaves away, judging souls, never able to feast on them for power thanks to the blessed human’s protection. The glory days were just history, whispers in the dark.” His bipa played and he sang, “And will he let that fear fade away? Is this the end of him now? Dying ruler with a crumbling crown? Will he let himself be chained up?”

Ashborn warned with a scowl, “I gave you that look and power, Jinwoo. And you dare mock me with it?”

Jinwoo stood his ground as he bowed before Ashborn, “I’m not here to mock you. I’m here to repay you for all you have done for me.” He raised his head to meet Ashborn’s gaze. “It’s time for a new strategy. We fight the Hunters where they least expect it.” Four more figures with monstrous features approached and stood behind Jinwoo, “Go after the very thing that powers the Gate.” They all took a pose, “The fans.”

“A demon boy band?” Ashborn questioned. There was a brief moment of silence that made the onlookers glance at each other nervously. Meanwhile, Jinwoo and his crew maintained their poses with all seriousness. Ashborn laughed aloud, yet none could share his humour since none knew if it was genuine or not, so all stayed quiet. “What makes you think that could work?”

At the Monarch’s suspicion, Jinwoo’s fingers snapped. He and all the other’s appearance all took on a more humane look with too much sass.

“Yeah, totally gonna work.”

“100%.”

The various Shadows and demons nodded in agreement.

Ashborn turned back to Jinwoo who was standing in the middle of the crew and being the pitcher of this idea, “Okay. I know you, Jinwoo. In all these years, you’ve never done anything to return to the human world. Always obedient, always the perfect… Shadow. What changed?”

Jinwoo grimaced. The memories of his time as a human were filled with joy and sorrow, but more so regret and ugliness since he could never see his friends and family again. If he were to live forever under Ashborn’s command, he’d rather… “My memories when I was human. I want them erased.”

Ashborn’s eyes narrowed. Humming in thought as he stared down Jinwoo, but then he relented and waved his clawed armoured hand, “Fine. As you wish. Do your part and I’ll do mine.”

▶ The Boy In the Photo

“You need to stop with that search, it’s been years.” Hae-In spoke as you all exited the elevator.

“Like 20 years? You’re 20, 30 something?” Joohee chuckled, “Wow, time sure flies.”

You sighed as you pulled out the same photo you used when you asked the demons on the plane. “But I at least want some closure, you know?”

“He your crush?” Hae-In raised a brow at you with a smirk.

“Oh, childhood friend troupe? I love those! Then there’ll be some other guy that comes along and test your love! Ooo!!” Joohee waved her fist in front of her chest at the scenarios she kept listing.

“It’s not like that… But he was a childhood friend of mine. Long before I met Chairman Go and you guys, I thought I gotten over it but…” You eyed the picture in your hand. You remembered vividly, that day when you were still a child, ignorant of the shadows and demons from the other side.

The young you and he were playing in the park when the winds picked up and a thundercloud was rolling in. You will wanted to play longer and you dragged him along as well. Then it rained, heavily. You two took shelter under a giant tree’s hole when he was burning up, likely catching a cold from the soaked clothes and the winds. He couldn’t move, so you went to get help. When you got back, he was gone. You screamed his name over and over, you weren’t even aware when demons were gunning for an ambush on you. You had awakened, then Chairman Go stepped in and protected you. You remembered crying on his back while you were carried away from that tree, your teary eyes never leaving that spot until it was gone from sight. A trick of the light, a lightning flashing, the shadows shifted.

“I need to find him or some news before we pass the baton to the next generation…” You collapsed on the giant couch. “Ughh… Couch~~”

Hae-In and Joohee shared a look before following your lead and collapsing on the couch near you, careful not to hit you or slap you.

“We still have time. And it wasn’t your fault.”

“Yeah, also, Chairman’s training them still.”

“Who’d figure the next generation of Hunters came sooner than expected?”

You hummed, your fingers relaxed, the photo slipping and falling to the ground. “We might not even need to make the Golden Gate before we leave the spotlight...”

▶ Jinu the Shadow

Your eyes opened as you sensed footsteps nearby. You looked up and saw a man staring down at you. With a jerk and wake-up call, you immediately got up and brushed away stray grass on your clothes, you glared at the man, “Why are you just staring at me?”

“I was staring at the tree.” The man deadpannedly answered, “You were just in the way.”

“You could have said something instead of staring…” You muttered. What were the chances that the only time you went to this tree that someone was interested in it as well? You’ve never seen other people walking over to the tree specifically, some walking by, but never stopping to stare at it. “I can leave you to staring at the tree then.”

The man didn’t respond.

As you walked past the man, you felt the shadows shifting that brought chills to your being. You summoned your weapon and pointed it at the man. “You’re not human.” You watched as the man turned around calmly, raising his hands in the air. You glared, “What’s your business here, demon.”

“First off, there’s a difference. Demon and Shadows.” The man used his finger to push away your weapon in his face. “Second, I’m not here to steal souls today. And third, that’s none of your business.”

You were this close to swiping the weapon in his smug face, but you were a patient and just person, so you only held onto your weapon as a warning not to try anything. “Fine. I’ll believe you just this once.”

The man rolled his eyes, “Wow, thanks.” Yet, his gaze softened when you looked around to see if anyone was near. The answer was no since he made sure of that before he approached you. “So what’s a Hunter doing here all by her lonesome?”

“None of your business.” You used his own words against him.

“Touché.” The man hummed, “I’ll tell you about Shadows and demons if you promise to answer me.”

You eyed him, “How can I trust you? You could be lying. And why don’t I just ask my trusted sources?”

The man grinned, “Perfect, you can verify with your trusted sources. Here goes.” The man continued without waiting for your agreement, “You know about the nine Monarchs from the past, how they wreaked havoc on the humans, then Ashborn betrayed them and took the throne. So, Shadows are Ashborn’s personal forces and demons are all those soldiers left behind by the other Monarchs, get it?”

“Which one are you?”

“Shadow. I’m a Shadow…” The man spoke with a solemn expression. “So why are you here? Without the rest of your group?”

“You guys, Shadows or demons, really don’t keep up with the times…” You shook your head in disappointment. How were they supposed to blend in if they did things that just screamed they weren’t human to your Hunters? “If you don’t know, Huntrix just finished our world tour, so we’re resting. Just because we’re a team doesn’t mean we stick together like glue.”

“Right…”

“Oh, since you’re from down under,” You pulled out the photo and showed it to him, “Have you seen him in the Underworld? I was told he was the one human kidnapped by Ashborn.”

The man flinched at the picture, his eyes widened. “Why… why do you want to know?”

You glanced at him, “Oh, no reason. I… I feel like I owe it up to him for being the reason he’s gone. That’s all.”

“So guilt?” A flash of sadness clouded his eyes, but you never noticed. A bitter smile on his face as he kept up appearances.

There was no reason to tell this stranger―Shadow―the real reason you wanted to search for him. “Yeah, you can put it that way. It’s really my fault.”

The man swiped the photo out of your hand and scoffed, “He looks like a baby. Weak and pathetic. Why would a talented person like you want something like him?” He leaned close, caging you against the tree. “Why not turn your attention elsewhere?”

Your temper flared as you pushed him to the ground without thinking, “Don’t say that about Jinwoo!” You pointed your weapon between his eyes, demonic and glowing from your actions, but he didn’t act out. You glared down at him, “Jinwoo’s the sweetest and kindest person ever. You don’t get to say that about him! You know nothing!”

“Huh,” The man smirked, “Well, I can say that he’s gone. No one remembers him and no one will. So why not forget him?” His hand gripped onto your weapon, “By the way, I’m Jinu.”

◈ Reader (aka ‘You’)

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters’ HUNTR/X

You are the lead singer of the trio, also the main fighter or strategist when it came to fighting demons. Your name was more common when it came to the music and entertainment industry due to your history and family background as the child of a famous singer and songwriter. While you can do both really well, you opted to let Joohee write the lyrics with you as the editor and second opinion

Your goal as a Hunter is to maintain the Gate before the next generation of Hunters is ready to take over your team’s place and you three will step down. You are mostly anxiety of that happening sooner since Chairman Go had been updating you with their progress and it was good and smooth. You’ve met the next generation members and they were little bundles of joy that wanted to get through training to join you on stage to sing before you left. You had been using demon hunting to search for your childhood crush Sung Jinwoo who you learned was taken by Ashborn to be his successor, so you wanted to rescue him from that fate before it’s too late (it’s too late)

From young, your powers awakened the earliest and you trained the most under Chairman Go before Hae-In and Joohee joined you. Your parents dying in an accident let Chairman Go take you in and be your guardian was a good excuse for the public since you were a child of great interest to the public and media. While sadden, you learned to move on quickly when another person close to your heart was threatened, so you trained as fast and best as you could

Chairman Go informed you about Ashborn’s betrayal and takeover from the outset, including the truth about what happened with Jinwoo’s kidnapping. However, you never thought there was a difference between the demons and Shadows until Jinwoo/Jinu informed you. You confirmed it with Chairman Go and he had his reservations since he too wasn’t sure about it so he never told you voiced it as well

When Hae-In and Joohee joined, learning about that history and Jinwoo, they were your supporters through and through. They became your best girls and friends you could share everything with. This friendship and close bond helped since you all were to live together andd fight together on the battlefield. Chairman Go always expressed how relieved he was when you three ended up bonding well, since all three of you came from very different backgrounds

Your meeting with Jinu was by chance under that tree and that spot where you knew Jinwoo disappeared. You thought it was Jinwoo at first since Jinwoo disappeared when he was a kid, by now he’d be an adult like you. But with the words Jinu spoke, you got ashamed that you’d compare him with Jinwoo who was a sweetheart

◈ Cha Hae-In

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters’ HUNTR/X

Hae-In is the one that teaches you and Joohee how to dance and the like. She arranges the dance and clothing for the group, even going as far as to the hairstyle if the mood calls for it

She came from a family of elite sports players; famous football player, runner, tennis player, etc. She was on the road to be a track star, but she had more talent in dancing. Chairman Go saw that and recruited her to be a part of HUNTR/X (and a Hunter). Her family was against it since it go against her family’s legacy, but Hae-In accepted so she was dubbed―by her family―as the black sheep

Took a while before she opened up to you and Joohee, since she thought she needed to keep up with a cool and collected persona―as it was expected of her before. But when she saw you two enjoy yourself and even childishly complaining about the littlest things, she slowly loosened up as well

◈ Lee Joohee

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters’ HUNTR/X

Originally thought of using another character to better fit as ‘Zoey’ but then decided to just not

Joohee appears as normal as can be when compared to you and Hae-In, she does have an undermining insecurity with her spot and thinks she could be replaced. Though you and Hae-In reassured her of her place by their side as the one to right the lyrics to the songs and she was the one who raps the best, and the fans proves it

She is a chaotic ball of energy that brings out the bold side of you all. Always mediating and breaking tension with jokes and smiles

◈ Sung Jinwoo

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters’ Saja Boys

Jinwoo is the ‘leader’ of Shadow the boy band and the unspoken successor of Ashborn, though that was not common knowledge as only Ashborn and the Shadows know about it. He and everyone else only knows he is the vessel to be sacrificed when Ashborn enters the human realm in order to wreak havoc and fest on souls to gain power

Has a bit of inferior-complex with his weaker self. Doesn’t like that side/part of him to be brought to the surface by anyone. Very insecure about that since he was mentally beaten down by Ashborn in his earlier days in the Underworld

He has been your biggest fan since your little singing performances when little and after your debut. He secretly visits the human realm to see you from time to time, even stealing phones to listen to your tracks, interviews, public greetings, and everything else in between. Even though he was punished everytime he was found out, he still continues doing that because you were his light in the darkness

Only offered to ‘change strategies’ because he overheard you complaining to thin air that you might retire soon because another group of Hunters would take the stage. He didn’t want you to disappear from the spotlight, so he proposed that plan to get close to you and confess

He isn’t aware you were searching for him all these years since every time you question the demons, he was never on-site. So when he was asked by you about his younger self, his inferiority took over and he lied about being ‘Jinu’

Beat himself up when he was alone about how he treated you. Wanted to correct it but by then it appeared as if you two were enemies and he had offended you with himself on the line. (dummy)

The enemy arc doesn’t last as long since he comes clean after the little battle in the bathhouse. He hugged you so tightly that he didn’t want to let you go and you didn’t too. From then on, he brings you to dates as much as he can

Even tried to convince you not to retire, saying that he could drag on this demon boy band distraction. Wanting to use the Idol awards to show only you (and the other two girls) can defeat him and his gang, showcasing that you (three) can’t be replaced by the next generation

You revealed to him that he wasn’t some sacrifice and that he was the next in line to be the Monarch overseeing the Underworld. Jinwoo has a moment of confusion and disbelief since nothing about the time in the Underworld pointed to that being a fact

Though, he was treasured by the Shadows, never always in front of the demons. When he was, the demons were wary and obedient to him after his transformation. Perhaps there was truth to your words. You wouldn’t be lying to him about something so important

He does question Ashborn and confirm it’s true

◈ Yoo Jinho

Not referencing to any characters of Kpop Demon Hunters

Jinho is Jinwoo’s trusty brother, a human manager and sponsor to the Shadow group

He was once an advid fan of HUNTR/X and always supporting the live shows and whatever merch was released in record time. He even has a whole room dedicated to HUNTR/X related items to showcase them all. After all, it was HUNTR/X’s music that got them through the harder times in life

In fact, he actually wanted to become the manager or at least some staff member that would cater to HUNTR/X in anyway and studied all by himself. However, seeing Woo Jinchul take the spot and serving HUNTR/X so well, he humbly backed down, thinking only the best for his idols

On one particular night (when Jinwoo was surveying the human realm after meeting you), Jinho got a bit too intoxicated since he was saddened by HUNTR/X’s little break from the tour but understand it. He was ganged up, but before his attackers could do anything, Jinwoo came in and saved him. Thinking nothing of it and wanting to repay him, Jinho invited Jinwoo into his home and told him to make himself comfortable, then he crashed

Things happened and Jinho offered to be Jinwoo’s group’s manager when he learned that Jinwoo wanted to debut with his boy band. He managed to secure a studio, a backstage team, and everything else that would guarantee Jinwoo’s group’s successful debut

Jinho and Jinwoo bonded over their shared interest and admiration to HUNTR/X and their songs, while Jinwoo never revealed his true identity, they both shared that it was HUNTR/X and their music that helped them power through the tough times

◈ Go Gunhee

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters

The Chairman doesn’t act like Celine in the movie, but adopts a more fatherly or grandfather than spoils his grandchildren type of vibe with you and the other two girls, as well as the next generation Hunters

He never hesitates to answer your questions or inquiries, thinking that they would help you and that that was better than hiding the truth when you were fighting for the safety and prosperity of the world. Whenever you had a problem or issue, he usually advices you to seek help or step back and think a bit, never to rush in and regret later

As a human blessed by the Rulers, he can hold his own against demons and Shadows. He had long figured there was a difference between the beings that tried to take the human souls, but never could justify it. That’s why he always taught you three to only act and kill when the entities you were facing were ‘demons’ and not Shadows. Since he had some revelation that Ashborn and the Shadows had been protecting the humans in secret, hence the betrayal and takeover

He’s a bit overprotective of you since you lost your parents since young then your best friend (crush), even being pushed into a role of protecting the world and fighting off soul stealing beings. He tries to produce the next generation of Hunters quickly so that you could enjoy a life of rest and relaxation, not burdened or pressured with responsibility a young girl would never have

◈ Woo Jinchul

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters

While not act as goofy, Jinchul is responsible and caring in his own way. He was personally recruited by Chairman Go to be HUNTR/X’s manager and knows about their real identities, but never shying away from that role requested of him. Even though he is only human with nothing special to boost himself

In a sense, he has watched you three grow as idols and band. Being the perfect person to watch over and cover for you three when Chairman Go can’t. He long gotten over with the fact of deal with all three of your chaotic natures when it came to food and celebrations that he never saw a reason for. Yet, he doesn’t stop you three but silently thanks you three for all the hard work

◈ Ashborn

Playing from Kpop Demon Hunters

While not really the villain of the story, he does portray that image to Jinwoo in order to trick him and the other demons. He had his Shadows overseeing the barrier over the Underworld to limit the demons to the human realm, he had the Shadows let demons go to the human realm to keep up with appearances, but his Shadows never step foot in the human realm, so none of the beings HUNTR/X fought and killed were Shadows (hence them not knowing the differences and Chairman Go’s subtle teachings weren’t needed)

He had been waiting for Jinwoo to act and reunite with his crush for the longest time that he made more requests for souls to speed it up. He nearly had to shout in Jinwoo’s face to stop moping around and go to the human realm. Luckily Jinwoo proposed the idea first, it was amusement at its finest since some of the top Shadows were forced invited to be in his boy band

Had 100000% enjoyed himself when Bellion, Igris, Beru, and Tusk were acting as humans singing and dancing by Jinwoo’s side

Only called Jinwoo back when he finally confessed he was really Jinwoo and not Jinu and pressured him a bit to put up a front, but mostly to hurry up with another truth. His feelings to you

His villainous persona only dropped when Jinwoo’s true identity was revealed by you and Jinwoo went to him to confirm it as truth. He immediately went to gossip mode, wanting all the details about his beloved successor’s love life―imagine a nosy father or a gossip buddy

When he meets you, already treats you like a daughter-in-law. Just has issues with Chairman Go and always headbutts him in any little thing

Extra Characters

Tank as Derpy―Instead of a tiger, it’s a blue bear

Kaisel as Sussie―Instead of a magpie, it’s a tiny wyvern

Bellion as Abby Saja―the muscles, fight me

Igris as Romance Saja

Beru as Mystery Saja―it’s cause of his kekekekeke, like Mystery barking

Tusk as Baby Saja

Ending

No, Jinwoo won’t be sacrificing himself and Ashborn doesn’t come to the human realm

The Idol Awards happen without the drama and betrayal

Since was premiered and performed live as scheduled (it was released after Shadow debuted), the song wasn’t performed then

Song rundown during the Idol Awards: *other bands’ songs* → → → *remaining bands’s song* →

The final song was for the winner’s spot and it was revealed early on to all involved so HUNTR/X could prepare another song

Nothing major changed, but you have Jinwoo as your boyfriend and you two continue to date in secret before some fans found out and it was announced publicly. Jinwoo slowly took over as the Shadow Monarch while Ashborn assisted, you and your girls continued to kill off any demons that cause harm in the human world

The End~

Note: Haha. I fell down the rabbit hole as well... Oops... These songs have been looping in my head and playlist for a while. I kid you not, the first time I heard Jinu's name, I was like Jinwoo???? Both's like black hair and ahhh. Anyways, hope you enjoyed this~ A little imagine and dabble that I wanted to do.

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST

*(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)

You eyed your bank account with a grimace. This was not going to fly. You’re not going to last. Looking around again at what was supposed to be a dingy old tent in a forest, now with the appearance of an apartment you wish to own yourself. It was only possible with the System’s powers, a sub-space of some kind, like the penalty realm or dungeons you were sent to.

While your situation as a weak Hunter had improved and you were at least maybe B-Rank or the like, your situation outside of fighting left a lot to be desired, to put it mildly. Your real home was still a tent in a forest away from the city, always subjected to the ever-changing weather and the forest animals that might fight you for food. Your parents were still demanding money from you after taking care of you for all these years. You couldn’t even afford to finish school.

“Life is hopeless.” You slumped on the couch with a pout. You stared out the window at the scenery the System set as a morning sky with clouds that moved so slowly. “System, can you cheer me up with something?”

[WHAT DO YOU DESIRE?]

“I want to change that command phase to ‘Wakey-wakey’ please.”

[NO.]

“Can’t say I didn’t try…” Your eyes followed the fluffy white clouds for a few moments before you tore your gaze away from the sight to your phone, you had to join some raid since you were never going back to that usual group that abandoned you in the gate. Then you found one, “This seems promising…”

That was how you were signing an obviously fraudulent contract, but you needed money desperately and some random team wouldn’t be too bad. Money was money and you couldn’t afford to be picky at the moment.

“Welcome to the team, little lady. I’m Hwang Dongsuk, the raid leader for this team. No favours just cause you’re a girl. As long as you carry our bags, help mine some crystals, and provide just a little support if we ever need you, then the money will be paid.” The man greeted you with a confident grin. “Man’s honour.”

“I am in your care.” You smiled back.

So started the raid in a C-Rank gate. There wasn’t much interesting to note as you were always in the back of the group. Their teamwork was surprisingly good, though that was to be expected since they had been working for a while from the looks of it. You might have hinted at an ambush when only you sensed something off. But otherwise, that was the gist of it.

“Ah, you idiot. How many times have I told you to double-check everything!” Dongsuk’s shouting brought you out of your daze.

His teammate, Lee Chul-Jin, smiled and bowed his head in apology. “Sorry, sorry, leader. Won’t happen again.”

Dongsuk sighed and turned to you. “Sorry, we need to head back out and retrieve it from our van. Can you stay behind and wait here?”

In here? With the dungeon boss? You blinked and eyed him. Something about the situation was eerily familiar. “Is it wise? The boss is here.”

“It looks like it’s sleeping, as long as you’re quiet, you won’t be hurt and it won’t wake. We’ll be right back.” Dongsuk didn’t leave much room for negotiations as he and his team were already walking away. Your bad feeling was proven right when the second they were away from the room, the only visible entrance was bombed and caved in.

“Abandoned again.” You clenched your hands with a frown. Behind you, the giant spider rumbled awake. Your other side switched over with teary eyes, you looked back. Gone was the feeling of betrayal and sadness as survival was more important now. You sniffed and blinked away the tears yet to fall, dragging out your weapons. “This is a small room for something so big. I have the advantage…”

Just as you were about to deal the killing blow, your dagger couldn’t even cut through its legs that it used to block your attack. You backed up. It was as hard as steel, its legs were like shields. Even though there wasn’t much space to manoeuvre around, it could block off attacks. Maybe… only one at a time?

“Come.” You called upon your new companions. Your shadow grew and your knights materialized and stood protectively in front of you. You glared and pointed your dagger at the spider, “Pin it down.”

Your Shadow soldiers moved with haste, immediately taking their station and using their respective weapons. You watched as they tried to do damage, but some were unfortunate to have been killed by the legs and acid that shot out of its mouth. It didn’t matter since your Intelligence Stat was high and you had MP left to repeatedly resurrect your Shadows. 

As they were doing their job, you took a few steps back and then dashed forward, with your momentum, you ran up the walls till you were above the spider. Its attention was focused on your Shadows and it was the perfect time.

One strike. My win is its death. In mid-air, just as gravity pulled at your body and you relented, you pulled out your bow and arrow. With barely an aim, you shot at its eyes, the only soft spot you could observe.

[SKILL: DEAD SHOT IS ACTIVATED.]

As the arrow pierced through its eyes, it wailed and chaotically slammed its body against the walls from pain. During your free-falling, Igris caught you in his arms and landed at a safe distance from the dungeon boss. You nodded at him to put you down before you exchanged your bow for your twin daggers. You ran at the thing again, coming up to its neck and landed on its back. A prominent blind spot. You dug your daggers into the spider as much as you could to prevent yourself from falling over.

When you got your bearings, you got up and ran towards its neck. Your eyes glowed and you swiped both of your daggers at its neck. The head came flying off and landed in front of Igris’ feet before the blood poured out from the two openings. You stood victorious atop its collapsed body. “Off with your head…”

The system notification popped up in front of your face and you awed as it told you you had levelled up again. Words of congratulations also praised your victory; you turned away with a faint blush. But then at the perfect moment, the rumbles of a wall being destroyed rocked the cave and so sooner did the perpetrators appear from the dust cloud. You immediately had your Shadows disappear into the darkness while you waited patiently.

“Still alive?” 

“What, those guys are still alive?”

“Is the boss dead?!”

“What happened?”

“Did they kill it by themselves?!”

“Was that spider just big and stupid?” The C-Rank magician, Jo Gyu-Hwan, blurted out.

“No way… Since when did she have such cool-looking daggers?!”

You looked at them with a narrowed gaze, gripping your daggers tightly. 

[EMERGENCY QUEST: KILL THE ENEMIES.] THERE ARE ENTITIES NEARBY THAT INTEND TO MURDER THE ‘PLAYER’. SLAY THEM AND ENSURE YOUR SAFETY. IF THIS QUEST IS NOT COMPLETED, A PENALTY WILL BE ISSUED AS A RESULT. ENEMIES REQUIRED TO BE KILLED: 9 ENEMIES KILLED: 0

You flinched at the new screens. Killing enemies? In order words… You looked up to the raid team that welcomed you with smiles just hours ago, now grinned with malice and lust. Yes, you’re ruthless when it came to raiding dungeons, but that was only because you were killing monsters, not humans. That’s… No way could you…

[IT’S KILL OR BE KILLED, DEAR PLAYER.] - COMPLETE THE QUEST

“But killing…” You tried reasoning with the System before you were rudely cut off with a magical shot in the gut that knocked you into the walls. “Ah!”

[COMPLETE THE QUEST. THAT IS YOUR ONLY WAY TO SURVIVAL.]

From time to time, the System has been by your side. Since the beginning, after you woke up from the Double Dungeon, it was with you every step of the way. Not even your own parents were there for you and everything you have right now was because of the System and its doing, every time you listened and did as it instructed, you gained something one way or another. This time. This time shouldn’t be any different. 

What it said was right; hunters hunt and kill. If they were this familiar and smooth in their operations, they must have done this before. They were experienced in killing other Hunters. You shudder to think of the poor Hunters before you, naively thinking they would be paid for their services to them, only to end up dying for cash. You’ll put an end to this on top of protecting yourself.

“You brought this upon yourself…” You muttered as you got up, brandishing your blades. “I see who you are…” Focus on the, no, your survival of the fittest no matter what. Only the strong have a say in things and you were seen as weak so you were nothing more than a pushover. “You are my enemy.”

“What? Think you’re rough?” They laughed.

“Ohhh~ I’m so scared of a little girly~ Hahaha!”

“She’s gonna kill us with her charm! Run!!”

In the blink of an eye, you stood behind them. As you flicked your blade from the blood, a body fell down to the ground, and screams of panic echoed in the cave. An eye for an eye, tooth for tooth. The world hasn’t treated you kindly in life, but the System granted you your guiding light and hope in the darkness. So you have to treasure the life you have now. And live on! “That’s one.”

ENEMIES REQUIRED TO BE KILLED: 8 ENEMIES KILLED: 1

“You little bitch!”

You leaned to the side as another magic attack came at you, your head tilted back to the side as you stared coldly at them from the corners of your eyes. You needed to deal with mages first since their long-range spells are a hassle to you and advantageous to them. The farther you leaned to the side, the farther your body weight shifted, you caught yourself in the right moment before launching right at the group again.

Dongsuk came to the front of the group and held up his shield in front of him in an attempt to block you off, “She’s an assassin class! She must be a false ranker! Don’t let your guards down!”

You merely ran up his shield and leapt into the air, giving you a perfect view of your targets. You threw the dagger at the mages’ neck and heart before landing on your feet. “Magic’s annoying, isn’t it?”

ENEMIES REQUIRED TO BE KILLED: 6 ENEMIES KILLED: 3

The entire time, it felt like your body was running on auto. You could have had your Shadows do the deed, but you did it yourself instead. Your hands pulled out your clawed metallic fingertip caps. You waved it around while you bounced from one wall to another to dodge their attacks. All the while, your threads were scattered around them, entrapping them. You paid no mind to those that were cut through like butter, screams that were cut short and red blood covered the ground like spilt paint.

ENEMIES REQUIRED TO BE KILLED: 2 ENEMIES KILLED: 7

“You’re a monster…” You eyed the last member; you had half a mind to leave the leader for last. You exchanged your fingertip caps for a dagger coated with a poison effect. In the blink of an eye, you were standing behind him, your eyes wide, staring at him unblinking before inserting the blade into his neck, you observed how the poison entered his bloodstreams and spread, imprinting his wound with branches and branches.

“Get away from him!” It was only when Dongsuk came running at you that you removed the dagger from the dying man’s neck and pushed the body right into Dongsuk, who caught it on impulse. He stopped in his advances, kneeling on his knees, “You’re sick.”

ENEMIES REQUIRED TO BE KILLED: 1 ENEMIES KILLED: 8

You backed up step by step until the darkness of the cave masked your presence. Dongsuk threw the body away and equipped himself with his shield, releasing his {Empower} skill that made his body as strong as steel and practically impenetrable. Not one second later, his shield and sword were suddenly broken into bits and he was defenceless.

Dongsuk screamed and backed up, his eyes darting around, “Okay, okay! I give! I surrender! Don- Don’t kill me! If you spare me, I’ll give you anything! I’ll give you money! Have all the essence stones and mana crystals!”

“...Tanks are strong because they protect the team, they stand at the front with their shields to protect. However, they heavily rely on the same team to do more damage. Because once the defense is done in…” Your presence was detectable to Dongsuk on his right. “The team dies. That’s why Hunters have each other’s back, you see?”

“Ha… Yeah… I’ll correct my ways… Just spare me, you’re a young lady, you don’t want to be in deep waters, right? Listen. If you kill me… My little brother… He’ll definitely come for you if anything happens to me…” Dongsuk’s form shook, his eyes widened when you were just in front of him. He took his chances with what remained of his sword and tried to plunge the broken blade into you.

However, you merely raised your arm and blocked him with your forearm. Only, there was a layer of armour that was invisible to the naked eye, worn since you had your little Job Change Quest. Your arm pushed forward and slammed Dongsuk into the wall just as you were in the beginning of this bloodbath. “And you even said you’ll correct your ways…” Your eyes narrowed, “Though it’s not as if I’d let you off the hook…”

With his last bit of rage and injustice, he screamed at you, “Do you even know who my little brother is―”

His head rolled off his neck and fell to the ground.

ENEMIES REQUIRED TO BE KILLED: 0 ENEMIES KILLED: 9

QUEST REWARD ‘EMERGENCY QUEST: KILL THE ENEMIES’ - COMPLETION CONDITIONS HAVE ALL BEEN MET. WILL YOU RECEIVE THE REWARD? YES                NO

You blinked at the System window. As if a switch was flipped, you flinched and robotically turned your head to the carnage you delivered. Your breath hitched and you backed up, dropping your bloody dagger that disappeared, returning to your inventory. “What… What have I done… I really did… I killed…”

[IT WAS KILL OR BE KILLED, DEAR PLAYER. DO NOT PUT TOO MUCH THOUGHT ON IT.]

You sighed, still you thought back to what Dongsuk said. Someone would come for you. “Even when I leave this gate, the Hunter Association would definitely ask what happened and interrogate me… I’ll be marked a killer and sent to prison for the rest of my life! What do I do? I’m toast either way!”

[SHADOW EXTRACTION CAN BE USED ON THIS TARGET.]

“Huh?” You turned to the new windows. Sure enough, more window screens popped up over the corpses at the turn of your gaze. The same message appeared over and over for every one of them.

[SHADOW EXTRACTION CAN BE USED ON THIS TARGET.] [SHADOW EXTRACTION CAN BE USED ON THIS TARGET.] [SHADOW EXTRACTION CAN BE USED ON THIS TARGET.] [SHADOW EXTRACTION CAN BE USED ON THIS TARGET.] [SHADOW EXTRACTION CAN BE USED ON THIS TARGET.] [SHADOW EXTRACTION CAN BE USED ON THIS TARGET.] [SHADOW EXTRACTION CAN BE USED ON THIS TARGET.] [SHADOW EXTRACTION CAN BE USED ON THIS TARGET.]

A wicked and unethical thought came to mind. You didn’t dwell much on it and only spoke the word. “Arise.”

Note: A bit shorter than the last one, but here it is. I only realized this hasn't been updated for a month. Totally slipped my mind. Hope you enjoyed this one.

On another note, there's actually a short imagine I wrote with Solo Leveling x Kpop Demon Hunters. No ending, just some setting and whatnot. Would you guys be interested to catch it out?

𝕮𝖎𝖗𝖈𝖊 𝖄.

My Works: MASTERLIST *(regarding requests, check the Masterlist to see if it’s opened or not and other info related before sending one. Thanks.)