ETVC C38

Chapter 38

If only I might see through the tasks that threatened my life, I had resolved to retreat thereafter into peace, courting no further peril and living freely as I pleased. Thus, at first, I acted solely for the preservation of my own tranquillity. Yet to endure, I judged it wise to maintain amity with those about me, for such bonds might shield me when trials arose. It was, in essence, but the instinct of survival.

Now, however, my heart preceded calculation.

Had I, watching Baek Sohyeok tend me so faithfully, begun to fancy we were true brothers indeed?

Such is the curse of a soul starved of affection.

Knock, knock.

“Are you awake?”

Cautiously, Kim Jun entered. He tiptoed to my bedside and seated himself upon it, smiling brightly despite the stern glance Sohyeok cast his way. The boy was oblivious to such disapproval.

“Why linger here still? Your parents will be anxious.”

“Jisoo-noona left early, for her brother’s sake. And Lord Kang Gwonhoo departed with the curse-breaker, grumbling all the while. As for me, I live only with my father, and he scarcely notices whether I return home or not. Truthfully, I doubt he even knows if I have come or gone.”

To speak so blithely of such neglect pained me. Within the game’s tale, it was no rarity for families to shatter after the Gates appeared. Worse still, children born after the Hunters and Gates had become a settled part of life—like Jun—often received little care from the first. I had known this with my mind, but to behold it before me was quite another matter.

“Even so, it is dangerous.”

“He is an Awakened Hunter, is he not? What fear should he have of walking at night?”

Sohyeok, glancing between us, laughed softly in disbelief. His manner with me was so different from his manner with others that one might suspect him of harbouring a split nature, or else of playing a part for the world’s eyes.

“Yet he is still a student. He ought not stay out so late.”

Whatever the truth, I could not be harsh to one so young, not when his eyes were earnest.

“I—I only wished to give you this.”

With his cheeks pink, Jun shyly offered a paper bag. How could I scold him, when he looked thus?

“What is this?”

Within were boxes of fine teas, far more refined than anything sold in common shops.

“A gift.”

To confess truthfully, I had little taste for steeped leaves. I never perceived such subtle change in flavour as to warrant the time. Yet when I beheld the boy’s sincerity, I schooled my expression.

“Thank you. You should not have.”

“They say it is good for sleeplessness, hyung. I was frightened, seeing you look as though you would collapse for want of rest.”

So young he still was. At his age, I myself could pass three nights wakeful without harm.

And I am young once more now, my body sound. It was but the curse that weakened me. He misunderstands.

I felt a surge of indignation—but gratitude remained, so I resolved to drink his tea, even if only for form’s sake.

“I am better now, the curse broken. You stayed only to give me this?”

“Yes. Rest well, hyung.”

He bowed, his head dipping like a sapling in the wind. Truly, children were to be cherished.

“You lose your wits the moment a younger one acts kind.”

Sohyeok, watching Jun and the cat by turns, spoke dryly. Jun shrank a little beneath his gaze. I spared him the rebuke by casting Sohyeok a look of my own.

“I should go.”

“Yes. And I as well.”

“Hyung-nim bade me see you before I left,” Jun added quickly. It vexed me to hear when he had begun calling Gwonhoo hyung-nim, but the boy gave no chance for questions before departing.

“Think nothing of his words. Come, let us be gone.”

Sohyeok would have brushed it aside, but I felt it ill-mannered to depart without so much as thanks.

“If you wish to leave, go alone.”

I flung myself back upon the bed. At once, Meow leapt gracefully onto my belly and coiled there.

Somehow he feels heavier. And did I bring him here?

Even half-dreaming, I recalled no such thing.

“He followed your scent. I heard him battering the window as though he would shatter it, so I let him in.”

Clever creature indeed.

Though I have not trained him, perhaps the Beast-Tamer’s skill stirs of its own accord. He is of little use in battle—too gentle, too dear—but for my peace of mind, there is none to equal him.

Beep.

A shrill chime heralded a system message. Curious, I cracked my eyes to find Sohyeok gazing likewise at some unseen screen. Clearly it was no private quest. Reluctantly, I opened mine.

[System Quest: Second Guild War]
[The true competition between guilds shall now commence.]
[〈Rules〉
– In four days’ time, arrive at the square before noon.
– From first match to second, and thence to finals, victors and vanquished shall be divided.
〈Rewards for reaching finals〉

1. Right of Faction Choice. 
2. Each victorious guild shall receive as many A-rank Random Boxes as its participating members. 

• The Right of Faction Choice is henceforth indispensable for participation in the Main Events. 
• Those who endure to the end of the Main Events shall gain the right to influence the System itself. 
• Guild members with overlapping affiliations must fight under but one banner. 
• Upon the Guildmaster’s acceptance, members shall be asked their will. Each may choose a single guild, and save for existing contracts, none are compelled to join. (Yet those who abstain shall forfeit all rewards.)] 

[As Guildmaster of Chronos, will you enter the Second Guild War?]

“Will you take part?” Sohyeok asked softly.

My heart longed to decline, to retreat to a mountain vale and live in quiet. Yet unlike the first war, which was little more than a trial, this second was the true gateway into the main story.

It is not the rewards that matter. It is what lies beyond.

Two Choices began at the war’s end, its opening cruel and bloody beyond telling—fit for an adults-only tale. Seoul itself was ruined, never again to recover, in a disaster greater than any since the Gates first opened. Even Sohyeok and Gwonhoo, mighty as they were, were grievously wounded.

Perhaps, since I have already altered the past, we may avoid the worst?

Yet that was too bright a hope. A thousand wingbeats, however small, may alter the storm.

If I pretended ignorance, the tale would only resume its dreadful course, and there would be no peace for me.

I have time. If I plan with care, all may yet be well.

However fearful, I must face it. Participation was no longer a choice—it was necessity.

“I intend to. Though whether I fight or no, what is it to you?”

The words had scarce left me when the door opened, and in stepped Kang Gwonhoo.

“With me, it is of consequence. We are of the same guild, are we not?”

Sohyeok started, then scowled, unable to mask his displeasure. Clearly Gwonhoo had cloaked his presence with stealth, for Sohyeok had not sensed him. Such furtive ways ill befitted him.

“Well… if you would rather not, you need not join under our banner. Choose another guild if you please. The rules allow as much.”

“I do not dislike it. I only…”

He faltered strangely, and the silence weighed heavy.

“You remind me of a mouse with its amygdala cut away—unafraid even when you should be. Do you perhaps enjoy being hurt?”

As ever, his cruelty stung both me and the poor creature he invoked. My lips quivered, but no answer came.

As if I chose this, you fiend! And must the hapless mouse suffer too?

Rising, Sohyeok fixed Gwonhoo with a hard stare.

“Your words go too far.”

I could have clapped for joy.

Yes, Sohyeok, protect me!

“Yet he must learn at least to guard himself, if he truly wishes to take part.”

Instead of defence, he offered agreement. My heart sank. And indeed, this wound of mine was not from my own failure.

“Therefore, if you would fight in the Second Guild War, train with me until then.”