◈ Episode 214

The next day, the meeting went smoothly as well.

Cooperation plans between countries were concretized and special treaties were concluded. It was an encouraging result. It was clear that all the countries present were fully aware of the seriousness of the situation.

'I just need to buy some time.'

If Kim Yi-hyun or Leila aren't there, you can't eliminate the cracks, but you can suppress the growing monsters and parasites. It's enough if you don't let your guard down and get swept away.

As Leila pointed out, chasing the tail of the crack is not the answer. There is a much faster and simpler way. A solution that has already been proven in the game.

At the end, the rap succeeds in eradicating the disaster.

After suffering enormous damage, the continent regained a small peace.

However, it wasn't a very pretty ending for the player.

'Because it ends with Leila's sacrifice.'

I have no intention of even reproducing that.

I'm going to ride the same train, but I'm going to change only the parts I don't like.

The moment the talks came to a close.

Kim Lee-hyun conveyed the policy to Leila.

"Selbrogix Labs and Dustborne will first return to Bastitera, and then begin responding to the rift based on offers from each country. This is a matter that has been discussed with Kushan as well."

"Okay. Have you thought about the personnel distribution?"

"We'll have to leave that up to the on-site judgment. If there are any personnel we need, let us bring them. They're skilled at dealing with monsters and parasites, so they'll be helpful in terms of combat power."

And then, he moved on to the main topic.

"I'm going to take the professor out for a moment."

"Huh? Are you talking about this time of year?"

Kim Lee-hyeon tapped his temple while glancing at the professor who was present.

"I plan to try to get the professor's memories back."

"Professor's…!"

Leila's eyes widened. She seemed lost in thought for a moment, then nodded.

"If it's successful, yes, it could definitely be a breakthrough."

"...Does Leila really think so too?

"Of course. In the past, the professor was more deeply involved in parasite research than the director. I still think that there is no researcher who is ahead of the professor at that time."

Perhaps he had already anticipated the current situation to some extent. If so, it is possible that he had prepared a solution. It was a blind spot that Leila had not thought of.

"But, um. Even if I regain my memories, what can I do…."

"Considering the circumstances under which the professor was discovered in the past, I think the probability of this being a normal case of amnesia is extremely low. It would be reasonable to assume that it was an artificial phenomenon caused by some spell or device."

The three recalled their first meeting.

The day it all began.

Looking back, there were so many 'coincidences' there at that time.

"How did Rap manage to pinpoint Tulabia?"

"…there was information of unknown origin. To be honest, I was just grasping at straws."

"Then, Hyun's argument gains more strength."

The professor's expression as he spoke was not very bright. She felt uncomfortable at the thought that someone else's intention was hidden in her awakening, which had been a question she had ignored until now.

"The professor's memories may have been preserved in some way. Even if not, the act of digging into the past itself could act as a trigger."

"I think it's worth a try, but I still feel daunted."

"Of course, I'm not saying that I'll go around selling things here and there."

So 10 years is not enough.

The continent will probably be destroyed three times in the meantime.

If you have any means in mind, there is one.

"I will use spells."

You don't even have to come up with something crazy yourself.

All you have to do is reuse the methods used in the game.

A priest who looks into other people's pasts.

And Nephritus, who experiences the future.

They will be your guide.

* * *

The process of seeking Nephritus' cooperation was extremely simple.

"I wondered why you brought me here, and it was for this reason."

Nephritus, I haven't really talked to her that much. No, except for the first time we met, when I spouted nonsense and fainted, this was the first time. It was because Kim Yi-hyun found her awkward.

"I am a person whose life was saved by the grace of Mr. Hyun. Since my benefactor is asking for help, it would be wrong for me to turn away. Although I am an unhealthy person, I will try with a determination to die."

"I'm grateful, but why go to such lengths…."

It's still burdensome.

'I found out when they said, 'You're an angel.'

It must have been quite a bit of a bean-pod. I understand. After barely surviving the cruel tortures of her godmother, it is not at all strange for her to feel deep gratitude and grace.

It's a bit excessive, that's why.

"I know your physical condition. Your spells are impaired, so it's hard for you to even open your eyes."

"It's embarrassing, but that's true. The aftereffects of that time still haven't gone away."

The way she speaks is unfamiliar. Originally, Nephritsis was a character with a noble personality, as she was held in high esteem as the saint of Shamalshina. She would not act so humble even to her own parents.

It's comfortable if it's comfortable, but I don't want to get more involved than necessary.

I feel like I'll be relying on Asterike more blindly than before.

"What if I told you there was a drug that could improve your condition, even if it didn't solve it?"

"Drugs, you mean?"

"Yes. In my opinion, your situation is probably because the spell has become too strong. To the point where it is difficult for you to control it. This is likely to happen if you have been abusing the spell to escape reality while being tortured."

"I have heard similar explanations from researchers."

In other words, it is not much different from Asterike. There is no item that is perfect for Nephritus, such as the [Vibranium Composite Sword]. Fortunately, there are some items left in the water.

"It's an Ishrad drug called AP-116. Most of my team members have already been administered it. There haven't been any noticeable side effects so far. I think it will help control the spells."

"...Will I ever be able to see the world normally again?"

"If it goes my way, then yes. What are you going to do?"

Nephritus, who had been thinking for a moment, opened her mouth.

"What should I do?"

"You're quick to make decisions. Extend your arm."

Nephritus sat on the chair and obediently followed the instructions. There were no ugly scars on her exposed arms, but there were slight differences in the texture and color of her skin here and there.

Kim Lee-Hyeon inserted the needle without any reaction.

A voice was heard while the drug was being injected.

"I am so grateful to you, Mr. Hyun. Hehe, how can I repay you…."

Don't do that… … .

* * *

There were many people who did not leave the center even after the pre-arranged schedule was over. It was a time when various requests were exchanged that were difficult to bring up publicly during the meeting.

Meanwhile, Kim Lee-hyun started planning right away.

The companions are the professor and Nephritsis, and even Altair, who will guide you to the tower of Vidia. It is a rare and unusual combination.

With the administration of AP-116, Nephritus' condition quickly improved. Although her optic nerves had weakened due to not opening her eyes for a long time, the spell part that was the cause seemed to have been relieved of its burden.

"If you are ready, we will be heading out soon."

Altair cut his palm and darkness enveloped the vehicle. While the three members of the lab flinched at the thought of the godmother, Kim Yi-hyun remained calm. It was something he could get used to by now.

At the end of the run through the darkness, an eerie forest appeared.

"I've been wondering for a while, but where on earth is this forest?"

"I'm sorry, but this is top secret information that cannot be disclosed to outsiders."

"I guess so. I didn't expect that."

Vidia can maintain her current life because she is unknown to the outside world. If you are determined to find her, you will find her. Vidia will not stay still.

If you want to maintain friendly relations, you need to keep an appropriate distance.

Altair guided the party to the tower as before. Even though it had been a long time since they had visited, there was no change in the tower. The stone walls soaked in the torchlight still had an eerie atmosphere.

'This time the positions are opposite.'

A form of asking for help unilaterally. Altair said that Vidia owed Kim I-hyeon a debt, but this is a separate issue. It remains to be seen how far kindness can be expected.

Moreover, Altair is still giving more convenience than promised. Since he had to extort a price halfway through the last time, this time it is time for Kim Ihyeon to give something.

The priest greeted the unexpected guest with a smile.

"I wonder who it is, but you have a happy face."

"I'm glad to see you're still the same."

"You saw it right. It didn't get any better or worse."

He stares at the bear in his hand for a moment, then puts it down on the desk.

"The outside world seems chaotic in many ways. If you are tired of life, then joining us could be an option. We will welcome you with open arms."

"I'm not Vidia."

"Even if we don't share the same blood, there is a way to stay in the tower."

A hint of sadness is mixed into the kind smile, like dissolving paint in clear water.

"It will be a lot of responsibility, but it won't be difficult."

"...I will reserve it."

"It will remain in effect until all four of you are gone, so don't forget to remember it. You might want to spend your old age quietly."

The thought of spending my old age here is terrifying.

"Let's keep this short. I enjoy small talk, but it must be hard for you to get involved in an old man's ramblings. It seems like some of you are particularly timid."

When she met the priest, Nephritus's face turned pale. Her appearance and voice were so similar that it wouldn't be awkward to say that she was the godmother herself. It was a condition that was bound to cause PTSD.

"What is your business?"

"I would like to borrow your power."

Kim Lee-Hyeon nodded to the professor on his right.

"Can you please look into this person's past?"

He gave a brief explanation about the professor. The fact that she had lost her memory and the background that was known at the present time. As the story continued, curiosity filled the priest's purple eyes.

"That's a funny kid."

The priest was intrigued by the circumstances surrounding the professor. No matter how you looked at him, he seemed like a weak human being, but he might have a clue in his head that would determine the existence of the continent.

It was a stimulation that could only be experienced in this world.

"If what you say is true, then it's not completely unrelated to us. If the nations of the continent collapse, the storm will spread here as well. It won't be a big deal."

Kim Lee-hyun's face turned sour.

It was a familiar build-up.

As expected.

"But wouldn't it be a bit weird if you were naked?"

"...I knew you would do that."

"I'm glad that the understanding between the two of you has deepened. Don't worry. A price can only become a price if there is demand for it, but how much do we need while living in seclusion here?"

"Shall I bring you a bunch of alcohol, cigarettes, and old movie DVDs?"

The remark, made as a joke, received an unexpected response.

"That's, hmm. It's quite tempting… hmm."

I think negotiation will be easier than I thought.

* * *

As a result, the negotiations ended in a similar form as before. Just as Kim I-hyeon had received the 'help ticket', the priest said that he would later send Altair to convey his demands.

Of course, the implementation of the price is an agenda that will go along with the rap.

There was no reason for Kim Yi-Hyeon to use Dokbak when it came to finding the professor's memories.

And now, it's time to take a look into the professor's past.

"What should I say, I'm nervous."

"I see."

"Yeah. I remember it, but to suddenly be at the center of all this… I've tried my best up until now, but I'm not sure if I've ever played a key role. To be honest, not that many."

The professor always followed Kim Yi-hyeon. In a way, it was convenient. In all the incidents up to now, Kim Yi-hyeon had always shouldered the heaviest responsibility and burden.

"I'll do my best, for sure."

This time it had to be different.

"Let's get started right away."

The priest's hand was placed on the professor's head.

"Look into your abyss."