Chapter 114: Reunion (2)

Even though it was their first time seeing the Black Cloud-Cutting Sword, the two Ideans instinctively sensed its danger and lowered their stances.

The dark-skinned man draped the black aura that had been cloaking him like Dracula’s cape over Ion’s body instead.

Jin Seong-ha’s eyes sharpened.

“What are you doing to the leader… I’ll have to subdue you first.”

The sword began to vibrate. Black winds started gathering around the blade.

Anyone who knew the Black Cloud-Cutting Sword would have fled immediately. Touching that black energy triggered <Affliction>, causing the mind to spiral out of control.

But the two from Idea didn’t know that, so they simply gripped their weapons tighter.

Just as Jin Seong-ha was about to swing—

“Jin Seong-ha! No attacking!”

Flap-flap-flap—a tiny bat flew in.

Jin Seong-ha caught it right before it smashed into his face.

“Ow!”

“Ah, sorry…”

He reflexively apologized at the animal’s cry of pain, then blinked in surprise.

Inside the tent, he had only sensed the two Ideans and the unconscious Ion.

He could detect even the presence of insects smaller than a fingernail, yet he hadn’t noticed this bat at all.

Guess I was too worked up.

The bat squirmed in his hand. When he opened his palm, the fluffy creature burst into tears and flopped down.

“Jin Seong-ha, long time no see. Dam Ion hurting a lot right now. Hurry, give plants.”

“You’re the bat Ion carried around.”

“My name Baba.”

“You can talk?”

“I talk good. Special bat. But powerless. Not special bat. No plants? Bring plants. Dam Ion need plants.”

“Right. I was going to anyway, but those two were blocking me.”

“I fix. I interpret!”

Baba flew to the still-wary dark-skinned man. After a short exchange, both Ideans put away their black orb and flail.

Jin Seong-ha also dismissed the Black Cloud-Cutting Sword.

Baba flew back.

“Jin Seong-ha. Now give plants! Dam Ion need plants fast.”

Jin Seong-ha strode to Ion and dumped every plant he had stored in inventory.

Plants whose names he’d heard once and immediately forgotten surrounded Ion. His breathing eased slightly.

Jin Seong-ha lifted Ion’s robe and confirmed there were no visible wounds.

All the while, the two Ideans kept glaring at him.

“Baba, are they Leader Ion’s allies?”

“Yes. Same side. Everyone like Dam Ion. Worried. We friends.”

Baba told Jin Seong-ha that, then turned toward the Ideans.

“@%#*&&.”

Spreading its tiny wings and chattering—Jin Seong-ha didn’t know Idea language, but he understood anyway.

It was explaining that he and Ion were allies.

The dark-skinned man still looked displeased and sharp-eyed, but the turquoise-haired one kept bowing apologetically.

Jin Seong-ha bowed back.

Ppuru!

“Long time no see, Ppuru.”

With the atmosphere calm, Ppuru poked out from his breast pocket.

Ppuru and Baba hugged each other, overjoyed at the reunion.

Jin Seong-ha approached the Ideans.

There had been a misunderstanding; he extended a hand to clear the air.

Did handshakes exist in Idea too?

He waited for a reaction. The dark-skinned man, wearing an expression of I’ll let it slide just this once, took the hand.

At that moment—

[First contact with a being from another world achieved. Celebrating the first exchange. The two worlds are now connected.]

[System growth through discovery of a new world. Earth-Idea system evolves. Both worlds simultaneously enter Level 4, based on the higher-level world. Giant territory unlocked.]

[Level 4 benefits unlocked. • Skill-Scroll Workshop • Skill-Scroll Shop • Selectable exit gate • Dungeon/Field reset timer display • Private chat • Shared inventory/sub-space …]

A long list of new system features followed.

Jin Seong-ha pushed the window to the corner of his vision.

He could study the new systems later. Right now…

“…”

He knelt on one knee beside Ion.

His lips were chapped from hardship; his face was pale.

When Jin Seong-ha grabbed his forearm, he felt thinner.

He pulled the Sansevieria closer.

There was so much to talk about—when would he wake up?

Jin Seong-ha’s eyes darkened.

This baby…

Teacher’s voice.

Ion lifted his heavy eyelids.

He was wrapped in a white blanket, held by a middle-aged man with slightly graying black hair.

Looking at the strong, square jaw, Ion realized: This is Teacher when he was younger.

I brought him from the celestial realm.

The space wasn’t empty. Another voice answered—a middle-aged woman, out of Ion’s sight.

Celestial realm? A child who contributed to the gods?

No.

The woman replied.

I kidnapped him.

…

Even Teacher seemed speechless at the brazen answer.

He’s barely born… practically a newborn. May I ask why you kidnapped him…?

No. Don’t ask.

…Yes.

…

The celestials are said to be deeply attached to their kin. They won’t give up searching for this child.

Probably. So what? No one will ever think I kidnapped him.

She spoke casually, with a hint of laughter.

And they won’t suspect he has celestial blood. He looks nothing like a celestial.

What do celestials look like?

None of your business. Anyway, you raise this child from now on.

Yes, ma’am. I accept the Apostle’s will.

This voice was the Apostle?

Ion had imagined something overwhelmingly sacred and imposing, but she just sounded like a warm middle-aged lady.

Judging by the proximity, turning his head slightly would let him see her.

The Apostle who had handed him to Teacher was [Sadness].

He had to see her face.

But I’m busy with [Joy]’s orders. I’ll try not to neglect childcare, but there may be shortcomings.

Who said anything about childcare?

…Then?

You were born to educate NPCs under [Joy]’s command. Raise this one among your other disciples. He has outstanding talent. He’ll be a great asset to [Joy]’s play.

Ah…

Teacher sounded moved, finally grasping [Sadness]’s profound intent.

You brought him personally for the perfection of the play. Thank you. With celestial blood, he’ll be my finest disciple.

Teach him magic. He’ll excel.

But Earth has no mana—will that be all right?

His power isn’t based on mana, demonic energy, or aura.

Then…?

He can handle vital essence (origin energy). Other energies are merely auxiliary fuel to amplify it.

Vital essence… how… is that possible?

This one can.

Which celestial race is he?

You don’t need to know.

Pureblood?

Not pure. You’re full of questions today. No more.

Ah… yes, understood. He’ll just need a few plants nearby. Thank you. I’ll raise him into an excellent NPC.

Teacher looked down at Ion.

He held the newborn awkwardly. Ion fussed uncomfortably.

Even watching the baby squirm, Teacher didn’t adjust his grip. There wasn’t a trace of affection in his eyes.

You have been given the important role of bringing joy to the gods. Become an excellent disciple and fulfill your duty faithfully.

Uuu…

Ion wanted to say something, but only baby noises came out.

He’s surprisingly bright for a newborn. His eyes follow whenever we speak—he really seems to understand.

He does understand. He’s listening and comprehending everything.

Teacher looked up in alarm.

A newborn understands conversation?

Yes. Celestials grow fast by nature. He was born just an hour ago. Doesn’t look it, does he?

An hour ago… Wait. If he understands our conversation, isn’t that a problem?

Would I leave it problematic? I’ve already taken care of it—don’t worry. He’ll forget these memories soon, and his growth will slow to that of a normal human.

Ah, I see. As expected…

Teacher relaxed.

Ion was puzzled. Forget the memories…? Then what is this memory I’m seeing now?

It was the same in the Divine Domain.

The voices had told him to forget, yet upon arriving in Idea, he remembered everything clearly.

Even Baba did.

I’ll be going now. [Joy]’s planned play will be the most enjoyable story yet. You—and all of you—must strive not to ruin the play.

Yes, rest assured. By the way, when do you plan to make a play of your own emotion? I’ve heard only [Joy]’s plays have been held for a while.

Who knows. The gods want joy more than my emotion, so what can I do?

A trace of bitterness slipped into the Apostle’s voice.

You feel the same, don’t you? You don’t want to feel my emotion either.

…I’m sorry.

No need to apologize. Honesty is good. Oh, and raise this child exactly like the others. No special treatment just because I brought him.

Yes, understood. Leave that to me.

Footsteps. [Sadness] walked away.

Teacher sighed shortly, then carried Ion somewhere.

The background behind Teacher’s face was the orphanage.

Ion felt regret.

If only the conversation had lasted a little longer.

If only his head weren’t so heavy—he could have seen her face…

What are you thinking about so deeply?

Teacher looked down at him and poked Ion’s chubby cheek with a thick finger.

…

He looked startled for a moment… then gently stroked the cheek again. The texture must have been nicer than expected.

It tickled. Ion couldn’t help giggling.

A hand gently stroking his cheek.

Not soft, but careful.

Ion realized.

Someone is touching my face in reality… so the memory of Teacher tickling my cheek got mixed up.

No wonder. Teacher would never have caressed his cheek with such affection.

Ion lifted his heavy eyelids. Much easier than when he was a baby.

“Ion Leader.”

“…Jin Seong-ha Hunter.”

An excessively handsome face filled his vision.

Why the hell is this guy touching my face?