◈ Episode 156

Now that the original purpose had been achieved, there was no more business in the tower.

It didn't even take a day. The priest carried out the procedure in a cool manner, unlike a man who had been around for hundreds of years. It was also thanks to Altaïre's spell.

"It was much faster than I thought."

"Why do you want to stay here any longer?"

"Ugh. I absolutely hate it."

Asterike wanted to escape from the tower as soon as possible. She had found out that the witches were surprisingly intelligent beings who could communicate. But she hated staying in this gloomy place.

And who knows, maybe something like that.

Witches seemed to have many secrets that they could not reveal to others. For example, how could they maintain a family when they only had women? If they accepted outsiders as companions, why were they nowhere to be seen?

I'm not curious about the inside story. I'm just uncomfortable with it.

There are so many things in the world that it would be better to not know.

'So, something like selective ignorance?'

I tried to think of a plausible expression, but I was really annoyed. The very act of forcing myself to think of a word that seemed difficult felt stupid. Like Arya, who mixes up the words restraint and moderation…

While the foolish Asterike was feeling self-deprecating, the priest approached her.

"Are you ready?"

"There's nothing to prepare. I haven't even unpacked my luggage."

"Hmm. I guess so too."

It was a ceremonial question and answer.

Kim Yi-hyeon thought the priest was just there to see him off, so he didn't pay much attention to him. However, his gaze didn't leave his and he followed him persistently.

"Why are you looking like that?"

"No, don't worry about it. I just thought it was a little disappointing."

"It's a shame. What do you mean?"

"The guest I hadn't seen in a long time has suddenly left."

Kim Lee-hyun's attitude naturally became twisted.

The priest chuckled, knowing full well what kind of peaceful talk he was talking about.

"Of course, I know that the timing is not good. If it wasn't like that in the first place, I wouldn't have invited you. This meeting was possible because the fire was right under our feet."

"I guess so."

"But our lives are a bit too spartan. We live for a much longer period of time than the average human, but almost every moment begins and ends here. Even if we do indulge ourselves occasionally, it's usually just a trip to town on Halloween to scare some runny-nosed kids."

"Please take care of yourself. It will be traumatic."

"Isn't that also entertainment?"

The corners of the eyes curved elegantly.

"Anyway, today's events were a valuable stimulus to me. I think I can live for another 10 years."

"Does meeting someone just once add 10 years to your life?"

"Crazy cost-effectiveness," Kim Lee-hyun muttered to himself.

"Didn't I tell you? Our lives are tough. There are often times when we get so choked up that we can't even breathe. The secret to longevity is to prepare in advance the means to endure hardships."

Memories of some time ago. Alcohol and cigarettes.

Or something even more toxic.

A day when an unbearable feeling of weariness comes over me.

Vidia quietly leaves the tower and disappears into the darkness of the forest.

"...Well, I guess we'll meet again sometime soon."

"I guess I'll have to live until then."

She had the same face as her godmother and smiled so gently. It was an extremely awkward sight for Kim Yi-hyun. Especially since she was someone who had glimpsed into his past.

The priest suddenly said.

"Let's continue the story from before."

About 'Polaris' and the stranger.

"Don't be caught up in confirmation bias."

"What does it mean?"

"Why do you think that the knowledge you possess alone is the only true truth? It may sound like the nagging of an old man, but keep in mind that the world is not as fragmentary as you think."

Abstract content, like grasping at clouds.

If I hadn't had a clue at all, I would have just ignored it, but I couldn't do that. I felt something clinking, like a gear with a foreign substance stuck in it.

Kim Lee-hyun has been thinking about it from time to time. A sudden drift that started without even knowing the cause. A vividness that is hard to believe is a game. A game company with suspiciously little information.

I have put forward some hypotheses.

Or a virtual space constructed by a brain soaked in formalin in a laboratory somewhere. Or, in fact, a game called Polaris never existed, and 'Kim Lee-hyun's' memories were the product of some mental illness.

It was all nonsense. If it was obvious, it was obvious. The fact that he fell into Polaris was so unrealistic.

The inside story is also absurd.

'But what exactly is the right answer?'

The priest's advice caused further confusion.

Does this mean that you shouldn't be so sure? Weren't you sure in the first place? Maybe you were just talking without knowing anything?

'I don't know.'

I gave up on the idea.

There was no basis for any speculation.

It was a problem that had already been half-let down anyway.

"I'll think about it sometimes when I think about it."

It was a waste to waste any more energy on it.

Currently, Kim Lee-hyun's interest is focused solely on the scenario.

As they were about to leave, the priest bowed his head one last time.

"Please, kill Deborah."

There was neither affection nor hesitation in telling me to kill my daughter.

* * *

december.

A biting winter wind swept across the land of Old Shalem.

Snowflakes piled up on the tree roots that covered the ruins. While the ruined city was in hibernation, outsiders visited Lab every day.

"Nice to meet you again, Hyun."

"Brother, it's been a while."

Redwood, who had cooperated in Bastitera, sent an operation team this time as well. Except for Carmen, who had met at the summit, it had been a long time since the agents, including Rocco, had met.

"I'm sorry for just asking you for help."

"Hey, it's not like I'm working for free. This company originally made money by helping others."

"Ro, Rocco. How can you say that…."

It was fortunate that Daisy still looked timid. People should be this consistent. Kim Yi-hyun shook hands once and then turned his attention to Carmen.

"I didn't know you had been reinstated."

"Well, I haven't been reinstated yet. I just joined in the middle because I thought it would be a hassle to respond if I arrived separately. I will be participating in this operation as a member of Bastitera, not Redwood."

"I don't know much about Redwood's circumstances, but is that okay?"

"I feel very taken care of. They tell me to come back whenever I feel comfortable."

It seems that he is being treated well in proportion to his abilities. On the surface, it seems like he has actually transferred. However, since the relationship between Redwood and Bastitera is said to be good, there should be no problem.

"And this side is..."

As Carmen turned her gaze, the man behind her came closer.

"Hello, this is Nord Tsipras, First Class Knight of the Order of the Golden Lion."

"Golden Lion? This is the first time I've heard of it."

The explanation came from Carmen's mouth.

"It was established not long ago. His Highness Adrian himself took charge. Immediately after returning from the conference, he was incensed that we should create a military group that would focus on external activities."

It seems that he was ignored in many ways during the meeting.

"I have heard of your fame many times. In particular, the biochemical terrorism that occurred at Magnu Station was an extremely horrific incident, and left a deep scar on Bastitera, but that was definitely not all. The passion that you showed at that time! It was passed down by word of mouth by the soldiers and guards who were there, and is still talked about to this day. That heroic action is what brought me here... "

When I looked at Carmen, I could see her holding back laughter.

"It's no use giving me a hint. I told you, His Highness Adrian was the one who did it. He must have been someone who admired the battlefield… He must have found Hyun dazzling. And on top of that, Lady Ainoa must have had a little influence on him."

"The siblings are causing trouble together."

"I think this will be helpful since your abilities are outstanding."

Kim Yi-hyeon looked Nord up and down again.

A very tense posture. A neat appearance makes him look like a greenhouse flower, not a skilled soldier. He is expected to be a typical Castus who has taken the elite course.

Overall, it's not bad. You'll have enough physical ability to make up for the lack of practical experience.

"How many people came in total?"

"There are 16 people including me."

"Good. Thanks for coming."

He patted Nord on the shoulder as if encouraging him. His noble and handsome face was filled with emotion. It was to the point where he felt a little bad, so Kim I-hyeon immediately backed away.

"Ah, Hyun. And there's a message from Lady Ainoa asking me to contact you…."

"Oh, oh. I know, I know. Later."

It didn't end with just Redwood and Bastitera.

The Chelsea squad brought in the albatross as scheduled.

"This is a reunion much sooner than I expected."

"I think so too."

It wasn't the whole thing. In the first place, albatrosses often fly in groups. Unfortunately, I couldn't contact the leader.

"That person has a bit of a self-willed side. His personality didn't really fit with that of the previous leader, who valued tradition and discipline. Nevertheless, he's a person with a human charm that's hard to dislike."

"That must be terrible for a boss."

"Haha. Don't be ridiculous."

When I saw Anima's refreshing smile, I couldn't help but laugh. I was grateful for her quick response despite the sudden request.

It was a warmth that was hard to feel in Polaris.

"By the way, I thought it would take more time. Were you just nearby?"

"Oh, that's not true. I had no choice but to take advantage of the benefits of civilization."

"yes?"

"I mean the vehicle."

Kim Yi-hyeon blinked for a moment, not understanding. It was because the information in his brain did not match.

"I heard that Albatross does not use a separate mount due to the organization's beliefs."

"I know it used to be like that, but these days it's a little distorted."

"Wasn't it?"

"It depends on the situation. However, when moving on foot, we always wear armor. On the other hand, when riding in a car, we naturally choose light clothing. So, I wonder if it was distorted. How many people in the world know the bare faces of our members?"

After hearing it, I understood.

After all, which crazy people would walk around wearing a helmet 365 days a year? Even in the game, his strange appearances and elusiveness gave rise to conspiracy theories in the community.

'But a little bit, um.'

The common perception among users toward Albatross was that he was a 'conviction-oriented character'. However, when I imagined him taking off his armor and living freely in the back doing various things, my fantasy seemed to be shattered.

'Well, they're not the type of people who go around doing thug stuff.'

I decided to think so. In fact, I could see it as a blessing that they had flexibility. The road to Howland was long, and if they insisted on walking, I would have been upset.

As a result.

An operation team was formed with a total of five groups, including Cellbrox Lab and Dustborn. It was an operation of unprecedented scale. Although the number of people was still small compared to an army, the force was sufficient.

'This is definitely an advantage.'

You can engage in operations without any restrictions on the number of personnel in your formation. Up until now, you've mostly only operated with a small number of people due to circumstances. This time, you have to use all the forces you can immediately.

Predictability is possible, but there is no promised ending.

Because it's an episode that wasn't in the game in the first place.

If there's one thing I can say for sure, it's this.

In one form or another, the Legion will collapse.

The last day of December.

"Is it okay for me to come forward?"

"Yes. I have the means to build my own body. And..."

Kushan, who came up to the surface, looked around the sleeping city. The scenery that remained only in his memory overlapped with the ruins before his eyes for a moment. A cafe and a restaurant. A couple sitting on a bench, a child running with a balloon.

The fantasy was quickly filled with noise.

I took a deep breath of the cold air of reality and exhaled it.

My breath melted into the city where everything had fallen asleep.

"I have a duty. I must watch over it."

"If that's what you're saying, then so be it."

After preparations were complete, he gave soft instructions.

"Let's go."