IRNH C55

#55

“Sigh…”

Having heard the rough outline, Sihyeon couldn’t help but sigh aloud as he roughly ran his hand through his hair. It was so foolish—knowing the abilities of himself and Taewoon, yet still telling them not to come. The stupidity made his face involuntarily contort.

And Sihyeon could never just leave such people alone.

“Understood. Anyway, Jooyeon’s maintenance time is limited. Just do as I say. That’ll be fastest.”

“Ugh… Okay. Please, please take care of my brother.”

His mouth tasted bitter. Sihyeon had hoped for a somewhat normal life—working moderately, settling Taewoon perfectly, possibly starting a family—and living quietly.

But the direction their lives were heading was completely the opposite; he couldn’t stop thinking something was terribly wrong.

Still, he’d never leave those causing him harm alone under any circumstances.

“So, where exactly is that place?”

“Phew… It’s my home.”

Sihyeon hesitated briefly at the unexpected location but quickly shook his head. No matter what or where, he just had to storm in, rescue Kyu-min, and deal with those bastards, asking why they were chasing him so relentlessly.

“For now, there’s no luxury to take Jooyeon somewhere better, so I’ll set up a fortification here—a kind of barrier.”

Though more delicate than a typical barrier and limited in tinkering with internal terrain, it was sufficient, especially considering Jooyeon’s temperament.

Just as Sihyeon finished speaking, Taewoon immediately sprang into action.

A few stones scattered irregularly, though in truth they landed precisely where intended.

Sihyeon never failed to praise Taewoon’s initiative by patting his head. Then he entered the address of the ‘home’ into his phone.

‘Twenty minutes by taxi. Then maybe five more.’

“Don’t touch anything around you. And don’t leave the building.”

“Th-thank you…”

Sihyeon glanced at Jooyeon, who was trembling with pale, bloodied skin, then clicked his tongue and turned away.

He had no talent for consolation, and instead of wasting time here, it was better to quickly save Kyu-min.

Seven minutes later precisely, Sihyeon and Taewoon arrived exactly at the destination.

They stood dumbfounded, staring at a place called home—an impossible sight.

‘What is that…? What kind of home is that? That’s a gate.’

Above a two-story house worthy of a powerful person was the faint form of a gate.

The difference was it radiated an ominous aura, and was somewhat blurry compared to usual gates.

Initially, Sihyeon had no particular thoughts—just rescue and punishment.

But seeing the house partially converted into a gate, exuding that aura, blurred his original purpose.

‘Protective circle.’

[□□Altar(-)]

Altar?

Feeling the ominous name, Sihyeon thought seeing it was a mistake and casually dismissed the notification.

Then, stepping forward to enter, he swiftly climbed over a tall stacked fence.

The two-story house with a spacious yard had a highly modern design with harmonious lines and planes.

Walls of glass offered full interior views while softening the austerity of the design.

Though to Sihyeon, it only exuded suspiciousness.

“Empty, no sounds… hmm.”

He couldn’t stay here forever but was uneasy about dragging Taewoon into such an obviously dangerous place.

“Shall we go, Master?”

Sihyeon knew Taewoon wasn’t someone to fall into danger easily, but he was always uneasy around him.

He ignored Taewoon’s words and fell into thought.

“I’ll go in first this time.”

Without another word, Taewoon sprang over the wall inside the house with a swift movement, as if reading Sihyeon’s thoughts.

“Hey!!”

Sihyeon gasped but hastened after Taewoon, who led without hesitation.

“Yeon Taewoon… still like this?”

“Please do not add honorifics.”

“No! Fine, Taewoon.”

Inside, fortunately, it was peaceful, unlike the ominous vibe outside.

Though the interior was hardly ordinary.

High ceilings, unnecessarily spacious rooms, expensive and unusual décor, paintings everywhere, all meticulously dust-free.

Sihyeon moved carefully, avoiding objects, and began lightly scolding Taewoon.

“I don’t know why, but you’re acting too recklessly these days.”

Sihyeon wore a gentle smile despite the muscle twitch.

“If I don’t, would Master leave me behind?”

“…No, I don’t think so…”

“You still can’t lie.”

Humph. The kid got smarter with age.

Sihyeon grumbled inwardly and gave Taewoon’s back a sharp pat with a clapping sound.

“That’s because I worry about you too much.”

“I worry about you as well.”

Instantly, his patting hand relaxed.

Sihyeon withdrew his burning hand and, unable to argue, silently moved toward the visible stairs.

It was only natural that Taewoon worried about him as much as he worried about Taewoon.

No one has a one-sided relationship where they only give.

And, as always, risking danger was an unavoidable duty as the elder.

That never changed, even knowing Taewoon was stronger.

Sihyeon silently glanced at the floating status window and stopped halfway up the stairs.

[Eradication Trap(-) -□□□□]

The name sounded terribly unlucky. Seeing the ominous name, Sihyeon clicked his tongue and spoke quickly.

“Anyway, stay close and never fall behind. Got it?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Good answer.”

Taewoon, seemingly pleased, smiled brightly and slid his arm around Sihyeon’s, leaning close.

For a moment, it felt like a blazing red sun had risen before Sihyeon.

He silently folded the overwhelming responsibility Taewoon likely wished to cut away and slowly ascended to the second floor.

Whoosh—

It felt as if something soft and hot was forcibly penetrating him.

Even after passing, it seemed a sticky liquid remained.

Sihyeon grimaced at the crawling, unpleasant sensation on his skin.

Inside, gravity seemed slightly stronger; the air humid and oppressive, making him feel weak.

But it wasn’t unexpected.

Brushing his forearm off lightly, Sihyeon led the way and examined the apparently well-kept living room.

The expensive large leather sofa and marble-like table caught his eyes, as well as a wall completely occupied by a speaker.

Green plants and small ornaments decorated the corners but were unremarkable.

“Oh.”

Suddenly, something very welcome caught his eye in the corner.

“Golf clubs?”

Sihyeon walked swiftly over and pulled a neatly arranged club from a bag, twirling it and swinging it through the air a few times.

Though the handle was thinner than a sword’s, offering less grip, it had decent elasticity and firmness.

Sihyeon smiled, pulling out a few more clubs and stuffing them at his side like swords.

Though they looked shabby, it was better than going into battle unarmed.

“This doesn’t seem to be made of metal.”

“No, it is. Just metal.”

Taewoon, who quietly followed behind, showed rare interest in the golf clubs.

He hadn’t held a weapon since reuniting.

He seemed to have had the Crimson Cloud Sword in the gate, but he must have lost the items while crossing over.

“It’s fascinating. The hardness is low for metal, but it has excellent elasticity.”

“Oh, that’s titanium. Not something you’d find where you were.”

Not being so reliant on weapons to fight, Sihyeon hadn’t worried much.

Seeing Taewoon interested in new metals, despite them not being weapons, made Sihyeon want to quickly finish the mission and buy him new gear.

‘He’s happy even with something like this.’

Watching Taewoon eagerly swing a club now imbued with qi, Sihyeon fought back a smile tugging at his lips.

‘Cute.’

He tightened his composure, grabbed the entire golf bag, and moved quickly down the planned left corridor.

His thoughts involuntarily drifted to Kyu-min, who might be suffering somewhere inside.

He felt sorry for him.