When demons and demon tribes first appeared in the world,
what was the easiest way to deal with them?
Surprisingly, the answer was simple:
eliminate them immediately—right as they appear or are summoned.
In the intermediate world, the law of causality heavily restricts the powers from other dimensions.
And at the moment of their summoning, their strength is at its weakest.
…Maybe that’s why they made the choices they did back then.
—From the Memoirs
I opened my eyes to warm sunlight gently stirring my sluggish body. The sun was already high, its rays filtering through every corner of the room. Maybe it was because I followed my brother’s advice to just put everything aside and focus on eating well and getting rest. After two days, I felt my stomach settle somewhat. Though I can’t deny I overslept today.
I got out of bed and stretched my stiff limbs. Taking a deep breath of fresh air cleared my head. Yeah, I definitely feel better now. At this rate, if I face the angel again, I probably won’t lose control like last time.
First, I should wash up and have a light meal.
Thump thump thump thump! Thump thump thump thump!
Just as I thought that, the hallway outside the door erupted in noise. Not quite dawn, but who was causing trouble this early? Worry crept in before anything else. From the sounds, it wasn’t just one person.
Bang!
Moments later, the door burst open with a loud crash. As expected, two intruders barged in: a huffing female and a trembling male. Yoo Jung and Jin Soo-hyun.
“Oppa!”
“Hyung-nim!”
Just as my ears were about to start ringing, I quickly pointed at both of them with my index finger. They seemed to get the hint and immediately zipped their lips. “Shh.” I signaled for them to come closer with a subtle wave. They glanced at each other once, then nodded quietly and tiptoed forward. Good. Now then…
“Oppaaaaa!”
“Hyung-nimmm!”
…Looks like I underestimated them. I forgot they don’t learn from experience.
“Oppa, that bastard is such a greedy jerk! This is what I got!”
“What do you mean greedy? I did the mission too! And I did way more of the work!”
“So what? I got it first! It’s mine!”
“Wow, look at you, a B-rank talking back. Don’t you know I just got promoted to A-rank?”
Now that I look, both of them were clutching something that looked like clothing. Seems like they were fighting over this gear. I separated the two growling at each other, forehead to forehead, and confiscated the item in question. At a glance, it was a sleek leather light armor.
“Hmm…”
No wonder they were fighting over it. Just by looking, I could tell it was high quality. The faint red glow on its surface indicated it had at least one additional effect. Confirming with my third eye, my suspicions were right.
“Not bad at all.”
Its physical defense and magic resistance were both impressive, and it was magically enhanced for flexibility and mobility. Plus, it looked pretty sharp.
“This is what you’re fighting over?”
“Yeah! So, Oppa, you decide. I should have it, right?”
“No way. Hyung-nim, it’s mine, right?”
“Well… where did you get this? I haven’t seen any recent expedition reports mentioning it, and usually mission rewards are paid in cash.”
Then—
“Uh…”
“Er…”
Just moments ago, they were shouting at each other, but suddenly the room fell silent. The two exchanged uneasy glances, clearly uncomfortable.
Wait a minute. Could it be…
“You two.”
“No! Oppa! We didn’t take any bribes or anything!” Yoo Jung jumped up.
“Then why?”
“Okay, we did want it. Maybe someone noticed.”
“Hey, you.”
“B-but that’s all! If it weren’t for us, the expedition wouldn’t have succeeded, and we didn’t get any extra pay. It’s just an additional reward, that’s all.”
“Really? Can I check with Da-eun?”
“Hyung-nim! Do you really think we’d accept bribes? That’s unfair!” Jin Soo-hyun pounded his chest, desperately protesting.
“…If there’s a problem, you’ll deal with it.”
After a warning, I picked up the armor, smacking my lips. They both sighed but then their eyes lit up as they looked at me. It was a bit overwhelming. Honestly, the armor would suit either of them.
“This is…”
I hesitated briefly, then made up my mind.
“I think Yoo Jung should wear it.”
At that moment, I saw two very different reactions. Yoo Jung’s face lit up like a sweet, adorable girl, while Jin Soo-hyun’s expression… words can’t describe it. It was like someone who’s only tasted bitterness all their life, now entering the twilight of their existence.
“Kyahaha! Kyahaha!”
Was it really that good? Yoo Jung bounced around happily, kissed my cheek, and whispered, “Oppa, I love you.” Then she gathered her gear and strutted out with her nose in the air, throwing a mocking snort as if daring anyone to hear.
“Ugh…”
Jin Soo-hyun was a sight to behold. Beyond sulking, he was on the verge of tears, his lips pouting as if about to burst into sobs.
“Hyung-nim always favors the girls…”
Honestly, he’s not a kid. I chuckled and opened a drawer. I’d been meaning to give this to him anyway.
“Here. Take it.”
Flap!
I tossed the uniform and belt, which fluttered through the air and landed right in front of him. Jin Soo-hyun hung his head weakly, then suddenly his eyes widened. He seemed to recognize what I’d given him.
“Hy-hyung-nim…”
“What?”
“This… this is from when you were young…”
“Young? I’m still young. Anyway, take it. I have better gear, and I was thinking of giving this to you anyway.”
Suddenly, Jin Soo-hyun dropped to his knees.
“Hyung-nim! Please forgive my earlier words! This foolish fool did not understand your deep intentions…”
I knew he was emotional by nature, but I didn’t expect this much. Getting a bit annoyed, I waved my hand.
“Enough. You’ll need it soon enough…”
“Huh?”
“No, never mind. You can go now. And don’t brag too much…”
“Yaaa! Yoo Jung! Did you see that? Did you? Hahaha!”
With a loud crash, Jin Soo-hyun bolted out, shouting.
Late afternoon.
I stood on the terrace, gazing down at the distant city. As dusk settled, lights flickered on here and there. Just a few hours ago, it was noisy, but now the city was finally calming down as night approached.
Lost in thought, I found myself drawn into the cityscape. Then, a sudden realization hit me.
The end is slowly approaching.
The angel’s summons have yet to come. Honestly, when I was first called, I almost felt like meeting for a chat. Of course, I could go to the southern continent, but as my brother said, it doesn’t seem like a wise choice. Acting recklessly when nothing is certain could be a fatal mistake. Since I said I’d gather more information, I’ll wait and see.
The demons shifted their target to the southern continent, and their plan succeeded. It was definitely unexpected. I still wish the angels had done a better job stopping them. It would be a lie to say it doesn’t leave a bitter taste.
But what good is blaming or regretting now?
On the other hand, there’s no need to sulk and say, “Ah, it’s all over.” Satan’s cunning is impressive, but when you break it down, you start to understand why they played such a desperate hand now. No, they had no choice.
Why?
Because time was running out. They must have realized that if things continued as they were, they would lose.
Our northern region steadily built strength from the old continent to the new. We bypassed civil wars and chaotic eras, even opening secret libraries to accelerate progress.
In contrast, the demons’ power has been steadily eroding. Not just the 14 demon lords, but even Baal lost his life.
The momentum built over years doesn’t change easily. In other words, if we can just hold this line, the demons are finished.
Even in the first cycle, marked by chaos and civil war, humanity ultimately won. And this cycle is in a far better position than the first.
Of course, I’m not 100% confident of victory. Just as humans once pulled off a last-minute comeback, complacency is forbidden. The demons’ final thrashings will be terrifying. That’s why we must prepare thoroughly enough to crush even their last desperate struggles.
The war has already begun.
With that thought, I quietly spoke.
“Go Yeon-ju.”
“Yes.”
In the dim room, a woman knelt demurely. Her form was faint, shrouded in shadows—likely using the ‘Black Shade’ technique.
“Spread rumors, focusing on the representative clans.”
“Rumors?”
“Yes. That we may soon be at war with the southern continent…”
“……!”
Suddenly, Go Yeon-ju’s figure flickered, becoming clear then blurred again. The heavy shadows suggested she was deeply unsettled.
“Are you sure?”
“I’m certain.”
“Ah, could it be because of the festival we attended…”
“Yes. But we still don’t have enough information. The angels are trying, but it’s not a situation where we can just expose things recklessly. So, only tell those who already know my identity…”
I let the words trail off. They’d understand without me spelling it out—this wasn’t the first time we’d dealt with something like this.
Go Yeon-ju nodded as if she understood, then slowly began to fade away. I turned my gaze back to the road outside.
“……”
But her presence didn’t disappear completely.
“…Is there something you want to say?”
“It’s not about this matter, actually.”
Her tone was almost like she was asking permission to speak. I nodded.
“What is it?”
“Isn’t it about time you made a decision?”
“A decision?”
“Yes. It seems the other side has been waiting… very patiently.”
Her words were vague, too broad to grasp fully.
I turned around again, but the room was empty. Only the shadow pooling on the floor rippled gently like a still pond.
After a moment.
“If you keep turning a blind eye like this… and end up being too late…”
A languid voice echoed through the empty room.
“You might regret it.”
With a soft chuckle, her presence vanished like a ghost.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
Ah, I’m so embarrassed I could die.
Dear readers, today while writing, my body suddenly felt stiff. So I stretched my arms up as far as I could, and it felt incredibly refreshing—almost euphoric.
Feeling good, I let out a strange sound while stretching. Well, not exactly strange—more like a moan bordering on a scream?
Suddenly, the door burst open, and my brother came in, saying something hilarious.
He thought a wild bear cub was roaring in the middle of the night. Then he told me to keep it down because the neighbors might hear and get embarrassed.
I chased after him, ready to give him a smack on the back out of embarrassment, but when he just stared at me calmly, I got scared and came back. Seriously, can’t I even stretch in my own room?
It’s a bit of a sad night. ㅜ.ㅠ