Creating hidden endings.., p.15
Creating Hidden Endings Volume 1 (novel), page 15
Meanwhile, I lay on the sofa with a weary expression, blinking my groggy eyes.
I was far too drained to engage in such a weighty conversation. Jehee had summoned me around lunchtime, dragged me to the dungeon, and then I had spent the entire night using my skills on Chorok.
Thanks to the mana potion Jehee had provided, my nearly depleted mana had recovered, but I couldn't help but wonder...
Just how long had I been using the 'Dreamer' skill?
I mustered the strength to lift my limp body and checked the watch on my wrist.
5 AM.
Dawn was steadily approaching. Realizing that the passage of time had far exceeded my expectations, my mind began to race with calculations.
I had started using the skill around 2 AM, so even after accounting for the time spent calming down Berserker Chorok and tidying up the disheveled house, I had been using the 'Dreamer' skill for roughly two hours.
...But something about that didn't sit right with me.
"I understand. I'll be back soon," Chorok said.
"Alright, see you in front of the dungeon," Jehee replied.
"Yes."
As Chorok walked through the living room and headed toward the front door, I watched his seemingly fine back with a dumbfounded expression. I quickly turned to Jehee for answers.
"Where's he going?"
"...What were you doing instead of listening?" Jehee responded with a brief pause and a faint frown. His nonchalant attitude grated on my nerves, and I couldn't help but frown in return.
People tend to lose focus when exhaustion sets in; it's not something to be overly critical about.
"I got lost in my thoughts for a moment. What's bothering you? You really won't tell me?"
"I was preparing for re-entering the dungeon."
...Is that the extent of it?
He appeared determined to cut the conversation short, providing no further elaboration. Even as I continued to stare at him, hoping for more, he maintained his silence. I couldn't help but wonder how he managed to breathe with such apparent irritation.
"Well then, can I ask you something else?"
"Would you truly refrain from asking if I requested you not to?"
Tch. He was so touchy and sensitive.
But withholding my questions was not a tendency of mine, especially not when instructed not to. Furthermore, this was an issue of genuine importance.
"No, I'm asking because earlier, I used a skill for two hours, right? But according to my calculations, with my mana reserves, that should have been impossible. I'm curious about how that happened."
After I posed my question, he appeared on the verge of saying something, only to clamp his mouth shut.
Lee Jehee was rendered speechless.
Under ordinary circumstances, I might have playfully teased him for this rare moment, but an unsettling feeling held me back. I remained silent, a sense of curiosity and apprehension coexisting within me. It was as though I longed for answers but dreaded what they might reveal.
He kept his hand over his mouth, appearing troubled, before finally speaking, his voice laden with gravity. "I used potions to continuously replenish your mana."
I see. That approach did make sense.
But... how had he administered them to someone who was asleep?
"Is it... possible to just apply the mana potion on the body for it to take effect?"
"…Are you genuinely asking that?"
Jehee gazed at me with an expression that seemed to convey, "How could you be so uninformed?" It wasn't the reaction I had anticipated. He should have appeared as though he were saying, "You didn't know that?"
Clearly!
He looked at me, lips sealed tightly, then couldn't contain his amusement and broke into a smirk. "Aren't you going to ask more?"
"…Yes."
"Why? I would have been happy to explain."
"I'm not curious anymore. As long as it worked out, that's all that matters."
"Hmm."
[Master's mood has improved, charm received +1.]
Why does he have to be in such a good mood now? Has he lost his mind? I wondered, bewildered by the abrupt change in his demeanor.
My gaze remained fixed on him, my eyes wide with surprise as a notification flashed before me. His grin, adorned with a sly twinkle, sent shivers cascading down my spine.
"Stop it!" I pleaded.
"What should I stop?" He inquired innocently.
[Master's mood has improved, charm received +1.]
"That... that thing! Stop doing that! Why now, of all times...!"
"This?" He continued to tease, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes.
Huh? Wait a minute...?
As I stood there, my flustered expression mirrored Jehee's sly smile, making him look like someone who could have effortlessly devoured a dozen people.
"Ah, do you want my mood to worsen?" he teased with a hint of danger in his voice.
[Warning: Master's mood has deteriorated, charm received -1.]
[Warning: Master's mood has deteriorated, charm received -1.]
[Warning: Master's mood has deteriorated, charm received -1.]
I couldn't comprehend what was happening. After slowly wiping away the confusion from my face, I stared at Jehee, my features a canvas of bewilderment. Why was this mood seemingly influenced by his words?
[Master's mood has improved, charm received +1.]
[Warning: Master's mood has deteriorated, charm received -1.]
"…What did you just do?" I questioned.
"What do you mean?" Jehee responded innocently.
"This, uh… when did it start being controlled…?"
"From the first day," he explained casually. "I tried it a few times as a test, and it worked."
His words transported me back to 'the first day' he mentioned. I recalled that bizarre day when I was abruptly summoned while desperately trying to remove the ring. Back then, his mood had wildly fluctuated, and at one point, he was rapidly losing -3 points, succumbing to that dreadful status effect...
Wait…
As I blinked slowly, unable to tear my gaze away from him, his eyes narrowed slightly, almost as if silently asking, "You've just realized that now?"
"It's important for you to see clearly, right? Especially when it comes to me?"
The situation left me reeling, my thoughts a whirlwind of frustration and disbelief.
"Wow... That, damn... Crazy... What kind of bastard... Huh! Did I just go through all that trouble to save that Han Chorok, huh? All this effort...!" I muttered silently, my irritation bubbling to the surface.
This was a stark reminder of why one couldn't always afford to be too nice. It was maddening.
But what power did I truly possess in this situation?
"What can I do… How can I appear in a good light to you?" I implored, my voice tinged with desperation.
"Do you want to move in? To this house," he suggested, catching me off guard.
"…Excuse me?" I stammered.
"It's tiring to come and go every night, isn't it? Didn't you say you'd have no regrets if you lived in a house like this?"
His words were a stark contrast to my earlier flattery, and I couldn't fathom the idea of leaving my spacious home to live with a man as enigmatic as him.
The proposal felt so absurd that laughter eluded me.
"No? It's not tiring at all. I'm fine. I'll keep coming and going as I do."
"Is that so? Then do as you wish." He reclined on the sofa once more, closing his eyes with apparent indifference.
His words struck my heart like a massive rock, creating waves of turmoil within me. And then, just like that...
I couldn't tear my gaze away from his relaxed face, even as I let out a long, weary sigh and sank back into the sofa. My eyes, dry and stinging from prolonged wakefulness, stared blankly at the high ceiling.
I was truly exhausted.
Before I could fully recover from my fatigue, I followed Jehee to the dungeon and climbed into the car. Much like our arrival, I settled into the passenger seat, resting my head against the window and drifting in and out of sleep.
After a while, I was abruptly awakened by an eerie silence enveloping me. Startled, I quickly scanned my surroundings. Jehee, who had been in the driver's seat with his eyes closed, lifted his eyelids upon noticing my movement.
"Are you awake?" he asked.
"…How long was I asleep?"
"Not long. If you're awake, you should get out. Chorok will be arriving shortly."
Why hadn't he woken me when we arrived? This unnecessary guilt weighed on me.
He maintained his usual leisurely tone, seemingly unaffected by just waking up. He always seemed to savor those moments right after rousing from sleep, remaining sparing with his words.
It occurred to me that someone who often suffered from insomnia wouldn't have fallen asleep so quickly.
After confirming my wakefulness, Jehee stepped out of the car, and I hesitantly followed suit. The park, which I was visiting for the second time, felt strangely familiar. Jehee walked ahead towards the imposing iron gate and stood there quietly, gazing at it. The clock had ticked past 6 in the morning, and the breaking dawn bathed the surroundings in a soft glow, making his figure more pronounced.
...Ah. So, that's the aura of a protagonist.
As dawn pushed back the darkened sky, light caressed his silhouette. Despite his seemingly aloof expression, he exuded an aura as though he were lost in deep contemplation. I watched him with a mixture of envy and admiration when I heard the sound of a car approaching from not too far away. A black vehicle drew nearer.
Is that Chorok?
Curious about the preparations he had alluded to for entering the dungeon, I focused intently on the approaching car. Shortly afterward, a black sedan came to a stop behind Jehee's car. The engine was silenced, and the car door swung open, revealing not one, but two individuals stepping out.
While I chose to pay minimal attention to the person emerging from the driver's seat, presumably Chorok, my gaze fixated on the passenger alighting from the back seat. In that moment, I let out an astonished gasp.
"Hey, long time no see."
"Yeah. Thanks for coming."
It's Shin Sora! Shin Sora is here!
Shin Sora, stepping out of the car and heading straight toward Jehee, playfully punched him on the forearm as a form of greeting. Her shoulder-length bob swayed as she moved, her small face and round eyes perfectly mirroring the gentle appearance I had seen in the game.
To actually witness Shin Sora in the flesh!
"Why are you spacing out?"
"…Huh?" I stammered, my attention divided between Jehee, who appeared irritated while receiving Sora's greeting, and Sora herself, who seemed entirely at ease hitting him.
It was then that Chorok, whom I hadn't initially noticed had arrived, addressed me. Surprised by his initiation of conversation, even though his tone carried a somewhat confrontational edge, I snapped back to reality and glared at him.
"Who's spacing out here?"
"Get your head in the game. This isn't an ordinary C-grade dungeon," Chorok admonished.
"So, didn't you ever think of not taking me with you to that dangerous dungeon? That would make things easier. You wouldn't have to deal with an extra burden," I voiced my concerns, doubting my own worth in this endeavor.
In that instant, both Jehee, who was conversing with Sora, and Chorok, passing by me with a displeased expression, came to a sudden halt. As they turned to face me, I could discern a flicker of realization in their eyes, acknowledging the validity of my suggestion. Nevertheless, neither seemed inclined to readily concede to their oversight.
"Who do you think we're going to this dungeon for?" Chorok exclaimed incredulously.
For whom? Obviously, for your master, who had promised to level me up.
As I stared at him in disbelief, he appeared to harbor some semblance of guilt, averting his gaze and turning away.
"You really have no conscience, do you."
Then, Jehee, perhaps the least considerate among us, blurted out something nonsensical.
All he needed to say was that they hadn't thought of that and propose that I wait outside. Wasn't this just their way of evading the admission of their oversight?
"No, it's just...!"
"Who is this person?"
Just as I was about to exclaim for them to leave me behind, a stranger with a strikingly attractive face approached me. Taken aback by the sudden appearance of this finely featured individual, I instinctively leaned back. I was so startled that I found myself momentarily at a loss for words.
CHAPTER 28
SHIN SORA'S ARRIVAL
"Who are you? Can't you speak?"
"Well, I am…"
Avoiding her strikingly beautiful face, I rolled my eyes, carefully crafting a poised self-introduction. But that notion quickly dissolved under the weight of an arm draped over my shoulder. When I glanced up, I was met by a sleek, handsome countenance.
How could I possibly execute a suave introduction with this man beside me? And what was with this pose? It appeared completely misconstrued. I cast a sideways glance and observed his lips curving gracefully.
It seemed that those mischievous lips had just enunciated the word 'eyeballs'... Why did he always obsess over other people's eyes? What had he ever done for my eyes?
"He's my exclusive supporter."
"You entered into a contract with an exclusive supporter? Impressive! Who would make such a pitiable and regrettable choice?"
"Yes, pitiable and regrettable indeed..."
[Warning: Due to the Master's upset mood, your charm has decreased by -1.]
Damn, now even speaking the truth causes an uproar. Fine, do as you please. Whatever I do, you'll just manipulate it to your liking, anyway.
"So, you're aware of his terrible personality, huh... What's your name?"
"My name is Yeon Seonwoo. As you've heard, I'm a supporter."
"I'm Shin Sora. I'm here today to act as a mercenary at the request of Lee Jehee."
After a brief handshake, we stepped back, and a familiar window appeared before me.
[Party leader 'Lee Jehee' has invited 'Shin Sora' to the party.]
"Please take care of me."
"Yes, I'll do my best too."
Sora smiled brightly, her beauty radiating effortlessly. For a moment, I forgot who she was, the character she portrayed.
Why had she become my favorite character again?
As we entered the dungeon, the same vast meadow as before stretched out before us. Scattered here and there, deer grazed on the lush grass. Monsters had regenerated after a certain period. However, unlike our initial entry, the plains were not completely overrun by them; they were scattered more sporadically.
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
"Is it because it's been a while since I've been in a C-rank dungeon?"
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
Sora turned toward us, her smile radiant, even as her hands efficiently dispatched monsters, triggering a continuous stream of status messages.
"These mobs are too cute."
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
[(......)]
Shin Sora, who had just described the monsters as adorable, swiftly moved on to another creature, skillfully using her shield's edge to sever its neck. With each powerful swing of her solid, hefty shield, nearby monsters met a swift demise.
"Kiee... Ack!"
"Oh, look at this one! It even makes noises?"
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has defeated a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
The monstrous creature, which had been emitting eerie sounds, abruptly had its cry silenced as a swift blade sliced through its neck. It crumpled to the ground, leaving me in wide-eyed shock, trembling. In stark contrast, Jehee and Chorok averted their gazes with expressions of pure disdain.
"They're as endearing as our Chorok," remarked Sora.
I remained silent.
The creature, now described as cute as Chorok, twitched with its neck partially severed by the shield. Sora swiftly dispatched it with another precise strike of her shield. She then turned to Chorok, her expression radiant.
I could understand why Han Chorok nervously fiddled with his own collar.
"Cute Chorok, when will you join our guild, huh?" Sora inquired.
"But your guild only accepts female hunters," Chorok pointed out hesitantly.
"That's true," she admitted, "So, if you rid yourself of that thing you're wearing, we'll gladly welcome you. It's not like it's useful for anything."
Chorok's silence spoke volumes.
"Chorok, you know your sister adores you, right?" Sora's tone turned affectionate. "Come to us when you're ready, my dear."
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has vanquished a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has vanquished a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
[Party member 'Shin Sora' has vanquished a 'Giant Horned Deer.']
I couldn't help but think that if Sora adored someone twice, she might personally employ her shield to eliminate whatever she deemed useless. Her cheerful smile now took on an almost unsettling quality.
Sora had a penchant for believing that a man who couldn't breach her formidable defenses wasn't a true man. It was worth noting that she herself was an esteemed S-rank hunter, specializing in defense, her primary attribute being Warrior and her secondary, Paladin.
So far, the only person who had managed to penetrate Sora's shield, both figuratively and literally, was probably Jehee. That could very well explain why she had accepted his proposal.
It struck me as rather peculiar that two individuals who had been engaged and subsequently broken it off could find themselves in the same place like this. Despite the incident being over a month old, the public's fascination with Shin Sora and Lee Jehee remained unabated.
