章節 514: 928
Year 1 of Fairy power, May 4th.
That day was a day that remained vividly in Han Chang-jin's memory.
It couldn't help but remain in his memory.
Because on that day, he lost his family.
—Th-those things, where did they suddenly come from...
The year the Fairy government first launched.
The government provided convenience for people to safely return home for Family Month.
People who received the protection of Cocoons believed they would no longer face survival threats from monsters, and above all, trusted the government and left Seoul.
As a result, that year saw the largest population movement since the destruction, and the mana unconsciously shed by them ended up calling forth a massive calamity.
People's trust was betrayed.
—Kyaaaah!
—P-please save me...
—My child is trapped here! Please, someone help!
—D-don't come! Don't come... Cough!
Even now, occasionally.
He would have nightmares of that day.
Han River, Seongsu Bridge.
Under the cloudy sky, flames and thick smoke were rising from various places.
Vehicles jammed on the road were scattered in disarray, overturned, or had crushed bodies.
In between, people were screaming and fleeing for their lives, and...
—Kieeek!
Monsters that were a mix of amphibian and fish forms crawled up onto the bridge, chasing them.
Lastly.
—Splash!
The Kraken, a 3rd tier monster by the standards of the time, was spreading terror.
A monster comparable to a disaster.
It dominated subordinate monsters, destroyed the bridge, threw car bodies, and drove people to despair.
People could only flee in utter fear.
Han Chang-jin and his family were mixed in that procession.
At that time, damn it.
—...Huh?
Of all things, a reinforced concrete block thrown by it flew in from behind.
The result occurred the moment he realized it.
Whether to say he was lucky or unlucky, Han Chang-jin was able to escape that result unharmed.
—...Dad? Mom?
But his father and mother who should have been beside him were nowhere to be seen.
The hand that should have been holding his father's hand hung limply downwards, pulled by gravity.
Han Chang-jin lowered his gaze.
And he witnessed it.
—...
His father's hand, severed at the elbow, was tightly gripping his hand.
Blood dripped from the severed surface, swinging in the air.
What is this?
Why is Dad's hand like this?
What is this.
Han Chang-jin looked down at that hand, and his thoughts stopped for a moment.
The situation was so surreal that he couldn't accept reality.
Soon he raised his head.
He walked to where the reinforced concrete block had flown and embedded in the ground just before.
—Ah...
His father and mother were there.
His father was crushed by the reinforced concrete block, unrecognizable.
He died instantly.
He could barely confirm it was his father only by seeing the arm sticking out from the concrete block missing a hand.
And his mother.
—Ch-Chang-jin...
—...Mom.
His mother was still breathing.
However, the shadow of death that wouldn't disappear was cast over his mother's face as she lay looking at the cloudy sky.
The light was fading from her eyes.
Han Chang-jin approached his mother like that and knelt down.
His mother spoke with difficulty.
—Mom is fine... Go... go with Dad.
—...
With those words.
His mother breathed her last.
Han Chang-jin, faced with his mother's corpse, couldn't move from that spot.
It was as if time had stopped.
He sat down, dazed.
—What are you doing!? Run quickly!
—Kid, get up! Come to your senses!
—I'll hold them off here, so you guys quickly take that child away!
At that time, players deployed at Seongsan Bridge discovered Han Chang-jin.
They who were retreating from the overwhelming situation raised him up.
Forcibly made to stand, he was led away from the place by them.
Dangle dangle.
His father's hand gripped him so tightly that it wouldn't let go.
No, perhaps he was unconsciously holding onto it.
—Crunch!
—Munch munch.
—Ah...
That's when he heard the sounds.
Being pulled away by the players, he was looking back at where his parents were, and soon he could see monsters swarming to that place.
Monsters that had come up from the Han River.
They tore and ate the corpses of people scattered on the road.
There were also people who were alive but unable to move their bodies.
They screamed in pain as they were eaten by the monsters.
After those sounds stopped, without fail came sounds of something bursting, being crushed, being torn.
Human eyeballs flew into the air and blood spurted like a fountain.
A severed head rose into the sky, drew a parabola, and fell into the Han River.
—Kid, don't look! Close your eyes!
—...
The players urged.
But their voices didn't reach Han Chang-jin.
He took in the sight of his parents being turned into pieces of meat by monsters and disappearing.
After that, his memory cut off.
—Mom, Dad...
When he came to his senses.
Han Chang-jin was hospitalized.
Under government support, he had to face the reality of losing his parents while receiving intensive treatment at the hospital.
Sadness at losing his parents?
Hatred towards monsters?
Hostility towards the government?
The first emotion that came to him wasn't any of those, but terrible loneliness.
The fact that there was now no one who would understand and love him made him feel incredibly sad and lonely.
Meanwhile, he who had no relatives besides his family had to be sent to an orphanage as soon as government support ended.
There were many children at the orphanage who had lost their parents to the same incident.
The days spent with them were hell.
—I told you not to stand out. Damn leeches can't even understand simple words...
The orphanage director who had taken him and them in simply to receive government subsidies constantly inflicted violence.
There was no reason for the violence.
They were exposed to violence for reasons like the director being in a bad mood, taking too much food, or just catching his eye that day.
There was no way he could live in such a place.
Han Chang-jin fled to survive, and somehow ended up in the slums.
—This is our territory. Get lost.
—What? Got a problem? What's with your eyes?
—...Did he just hit me!?
The children in the slums were very tough.
Han Chang-jin fought them in anger and eventually came to dominate them.
Just as he was gradually adapting to life in the slums like that.
—Won't you come with me.
<Dark King> Baek Seo-jin.
That's when he met him.
—...Yes.
*
—You are darkness. You are shadows. Remember that you are ghosts that exist in this country, yet do not exist.
Han Chang-jin wasn't the only one who caught Baek Seo-jin's eye.
The core of darkness.
There were boys and girls from various places there, including him.
They learned the mindset and skills to become assassins from Baek Seo-jin and players who had immersed themselves in darkness.
Sometimes they also learned from wanted slayers.
—Kill your heart. Discard your thoughts. You are part of the darkness, and darkness itself. Darkness that cannot be caught has no form or smell.
—Death is right beside you. So do not fear death. Become numb to death.
Baek Seo-jin's teachings were merciless.
Strict and harsh.
Training that pushed people to the extreme sometimes led to death.
It was common for a classmate who was eating meals yesterday to become a cold corpse overnight.
—The meals you eat contain small amounts of poison. Adapt to that poison. Assassins not only handle poison, but must also have immunity to poison.
—We will gradually increase the amount of poison according to your condition in stages. I hope as many people as possible survive.
—Just as a sword has no will, an assassin must have no will. You are swords. Be loyal and devote yourselves for this country. But remember that your existence will not be known to anyone.
Under Baek Seo-jin's training.
Han Chang-jin's heart died.
Having lost his family and the meaning of life, all that remained in him was resentment and grudges directed at no one in particular.
Even that was disciplined by Baek Seo-jin, and he was reborn as an assassin for the country that Baek Seo-jin desired.
At this time, he didn't know that "country" meant "darkness".
Meanwhile, during this period, an event occurred that completely killed his heart.
—There is only one person who can succeed me. If any of you want to succeed me, gather before me.
—Have you all gathered?
—From now on, kill each other. Prove that you have no hesitation as assassins. The one person who survives will become my disciple and inherit the darkness.
They weren't particularly close friends, but still they had lived rubbing shoulders for several years.
They couldn't help but develop feelings for each other knowingly or unknowingly.
Baek Seo-jin's <The Seed> selection test was essentially telling them to boldly discard even the remaining affection they had for each other.
In the end, they had to point swords at each other and fight.
The first person to show hesitation lost their life.
Han Chang-jin just swung his sword recklessly to survive.
And so he became the last one standing and became Baek Seo-jin's <The Seed>.
—With this, you have completely become part of this darkness. Congratulations, Chang-jin. I knew you could do it.
Having received years of brainwashing education, recognizing himself as a shadow, and feeling an indelible sense of guilt for killing his classmates with his own hands, he became completely subordinate to Baek Seo-jin.
*
It was around that time that he met Noh Eun-ah.
Han Chang-jin, who entered the middle school academy, had many enemies due to the expectations of being Baek Seo-jin's <The Seed>, his rough and cold atmosphere that showed he had grown up in darkness, and his personality of paying back more than he received.
He considered that natural.
He never dreamed of being loved by anyone.
—Chang-jin! Didn't I tell you not to fight!?
—...You again.
To him like that.
For some reason, Eun-ah showed interest.
Noh Eun-ah was a dazzling and cheerful person, unlike the gloomy him.
She didn't show any malice at all.
Her intention in approaching was so pure that it only made him uncomfortable.
Standing before her gave him the feeling of acutely realizing his own ugly side.
On the other hand, he also felt like he was corrupting her.
So he pushed her away at first.
—Don't bother with me and get lost. I don't go easy on women...
—I haven't done anything to you, are you going to hit me? Chang-jin, you don't seem like that kind of person...
—...
But each time, Noh Eun-ah brightly pricked Han Chang-jin's heart.
She also showed cunning aspects.
—Well, if you do that to me, I'll fight back too. Just so you know, fighting me won't be easy.
—You're just a caster...
—And Yeon-hwa is beside me too? Can you fight me and Yeon-hwa at the same time?
—...
—Eun-ah, there's nothing good about hanging out with a guy like this. He's showing hostility towards us even now. Let's just ignore guys like him and go.
He prided himself on being heartless and not swayed by anyone.
But strangely, Han Chang-jin couldn't win against Noh Eun-ah.
He felt sorry for hurting her heart because of himself, and felt perplexed at receiving kindness for the first time since losing his family.
—Chang-jin! Let's go see the cultural festival! We'll watch fireworks at night too! By the way, you can't skip! Mandatory attendance!
—...Alright, I got it.
—Huh? What did you just say?
—What's gotten into you.
When he came to his senses, he was spending his days being swayed by Noh Eun-ah.
Without realizing it himself, his eroded emotions were slowly, little by little, returning.
And in the second semester of first year.
During the final practical evaluation, he completely fell for Noh Eun-ah.
—Don't worry about someone like me... Just focus on the exam...
—What do you mean someone like you!
A survival on an island.
Han Chang-jin was ambushed by students who held grudges against him.
They caught him off guard while he was focused on monsters.
Fortunately, he quickly regained his composure and paid them back double, but he still couldn't do anything about his wounds.
At that time, Noh Eun-ah discovered him collapsed in a cave and nursed him devotedly while keeping watch alone.
—You're always like that. Always saying things like someone like me, someone like me... Why do you always try to put yourself down?
—...
—Just try putting yourself down in front of me again. I'll spray toothpaste on your wounds, so you better know that.
—...Why are you doing this for me.
—Because we're friends. Isn't it natural to help each other between friends? And even if we weren't friends...
—...
—How could I ignore an injured person right in front of me? I'm not that cold-hearted.
Friends.
It was a very unfamiliar word to Han Chang-jin.
He had no friends.
The friends he had were killed by his own hands and disappeared from the world.
Such a him was no different from an evil person.
He doesn't deserve salvation.
He's just a tool for the country.
To him who had been thinking of himself like that, the words Noh Eun-ah said as if it were natural were enough to move his heart.
—...nk you.
—Huh? What did you just say?
—...Thank you.
It's just embarrassing.
At that time, Han Chang-jin avoided her gaze and muttered as if shrinking.
Noh Eun-ah burst into laughter hearing the barely audible words.
—Okay, be honest like that from now on.
—...Yeah.
As the bonfire lit up the cave.
Noh Eun-ah's smile, tinged with a rosy light, opened his heart.
If he hadn't met Eun-ah.
His current self probably wouldn't exist.
That's why she was such a precious existence to him.
He loved her and was grateful to her.
*
They've handed out all the wedding invitations, and now there are only a few days left.
He's finally marrying Noh Eun-ah.
Recently, Han Chang-jin has been in such a good mood that the corners of his mouth often turn up.
Even while being pushed around here and there, carrying out Fairy Lim Ga-eul's orders, handling Twelve Seats work and managing the darkness, and occasionally being tormented by catching Eun-ha's eye, he was overflowing with energy.
"Are you that happy to marry me?"
"Eun-ah."
"What?"
"I don't think I can live without you."
"Um... Chang-jin? Can you not suddenly come in with a hook like that? And your eyes are really cringeworthy, you know?"
"Eun-ah, this isn't a dream, right?"
"This guy... Look at the ring on my hand! Does this seem like a dream?"
"Ah, thank goodness... It's reality."
"Sigh... It's amazing how you've changed from when we first met and you threatened me scarily asking if I wanted to die."
"Eun-ah, please forget about that time. I must have been out of my mind then. I'll never do that to you again."
"This married life seems a bit scary? You're not going to treat me carelessly thinking I'm a caught fish after we get married, are you?"
"Noh Eun-ah."
"Yes?"
"Do you think I would do that to you?"
"..."
"Do I look like that kind of person to you?"
Han Chang-jin, who had been walking, suddenly pushed Eun-ah against the wall.
He placed his hand on the wall and spoke to her with a growl, unlike his usual self.
His eyes looked like they might devour her.
Then, drawn to her lips, he unknowingly leaned in to close the distance.
But she didn't waver.
"This is right in front of our house, you know?"
"..."
"So could you please control yourself?"
"S-Sorry..."
Noh Eun-ah thrust her hand forward to stop Han Chang-jin from getting closer.
He always listened to her words.
He stepped back, smiling awkwardly as if nothing had happened.
"Still, I liked that you were forceful just now. Do it properly next time when the mood is right. Let's go in quickly! Everyone must be waiting."
Noh Eun-ah twirled out of Han Chang-jin's arms.
She playfully stuck out her tongue.
Han Chang-jin followed her up the stairs with a face full of emotion.
"You have to do well until the end. Got it? You need to score points with the family."
"I know."
After conquering the <Dungeon of the Abyss>.
Han Chang-jin, who had publicly proposed to Eun-ah, frequently met with her family for meals to get to this point.
Today was no exception.
It could be said to be the last meeting before getting married.
At this point, the marriage wouldn't fall through, but still, he should try to score points with her family as much as possible.
He put on a serious expression, dressed up with her coordination.
'I'll show a good image until the end to reassure Eun-ah's family.'
Formidable people were waiting beyond the door.
He must not make any mistakes.
Han Chang-jin steeled himself.
Finally, Noh Eun-ah opened the door.
"Mom! Dad! We're here!"
"This child, there are other people here too and you're about to get married, why are you saying Mom and Dad? You should say Mother and Father. Chang-jin, no, Mr. Han, welcome."
"Hello, Mother."
As they stepped into the entrance.
Noh Eun-ah's mother, who had come out from the far end of the hallway after hearing their voices, greeted them.
Her father followed after.
"Chang-jin, aren't you going to greet me?"
"...How have you been, Father?"
"Father?"
"..."
"You're not even married to Eun-ah yet, why are you calling me Father?"
"...I'm sorry. Um, well..."
"I'm joking. Just call me comfortably."
"Dear, really. Is teasing Mr. Han that fun?"
Han Chang-jin flinched for a moment at the look Noh Eun-ah's father gave him.
For something he said was a joke, it somehow didn't seem like a joke.
Nevertheless, he couldn't say anything and could only laugh awkwardly.
Meanwhile, other people also appeared in droves to welcome him.
They were all people he considered formidable opponents.
The so-called Noh Eun-ah guardians.
"Welcome."
"Chang-jin hyung! Welcome!"
Bruno and Avenir, standing nearly 2m tall, gave brief greetings.
"Oh, hyung! You're dressed up nicely today? Looks like you put in some effort, huh?"
Jin Pa-rang greeted him with a chuckle, wagging his wolf tail.
And.
"Oh, you came? Brother-in-law."
"Uh, hello Eun-ha..."
Noh Eun-ha waved at him with a friendly face.
Emphasizing the "brother-in-law" as he called him.
Han Chang-jin felt a sense of discomfort.
Unless the world was ending, there was no way Eun-ha would call him brother-in-law so familiarly.
'...This is scary.'
Eun-ah's father, Bruno, Jin Pa-rang, Avenir, Noh Eun-ha.
All the men of the household had gathered.
They who welcomed him seemed to have some ulterior motive.
Otherwise, there was no way they would be so friendly towards him.
'I need to keep my wits about me.'
He mustn't be intimidated just because formidable opponents have appeared en masse.
If he overcomes this hurdle, it's marriage.
A rosy future awaits.
Han Chang-jin advanced to the battlefield.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
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