The Regressor Can Make Them All

With his back turned away, Sung-Ha continued looking up at the sky, as if watching someone leave. His face was hidden from Se-Hoon, yet his expression could easily be discerned.

...Should I give him more time?

Approaching now would only make things awkward.

So instead, Se-Hoon quietly remained where he was, healing the wound on his chest.

“Better than you, wouldn’t you say?” he quietly muttered.

“Shut up.”

The brusque response came from the man next to him, who was standing there with his arms crossed—the Mad Dog.

“Always so grumpy.... Seriously though, what’s with the sudden change? Got a newfound attachment to life or something?”

Unlike his usual self, the Mad Dog’s expressions were lively. At first glance, he looked as if he was actually there in reality, but the truth was different. He had no presence, no weight, and no shadow cast at his feet—he was an illusion visible only to Se-Hoon.

“Don’t go spouting nonsense. When you intervened in the battle earlier, part of me got transferred.”

“Huh? Oh, you mean when I entered Sung-Ha’s synesthetic mindscape?”

When Se-Hoon had crossed over upon sensing something wrong with Shadowgrief, Sung-Ha had not just been critically injured, but also on the brink of being consumed by the Mad Dog’s synesthetic mindscape.

Wanting to restore Sung-Ha to his original state, Se-Hoon had used the Demonic Blood Art to pierce through the corruption. In the process, a part of the Mad Dog’s synesthetic mindscape must have transferred to him.

“Then that means you’re not going to last long.”

“Probably not.”

Reconstructed from Se-Hoon’s memories and Sung-Ha’s synesthetic mindscape, the Mad Dog was only a fragment of his former self. In truth, it felt ambiguous to even call the entity next to him the Mad Dog, but Se-Hoon chose not to think much about it.

Where else in the world would you find someone like him?

Whether it was a reconstructed memory or a piece of a synesthetic mindscape, the Mad Dog was still Mad Dog—nothing more, nothing less.

The two quietly watched the twilight.

“I wasn’t the one who brought down the Flame Sect before the regression. It was Master, after he became a demon,” the Mad Dog said, breaking the silence after a while.

“...Is that so?”

“He told me it was just revenge, but according to the Frost Dog, the Flame Sect was still negotiating their final deal with the Pleasure District around that time.”

With that explanation, Se-Hoon could piece together what had transpired before the regression.

Jin-Hyun must have heard that the Flame Sect would fully surrender to the Demon Forces, and in his anger, became a demon in order to strike them first.

Before the regression, Jin-Hyun had been heavily addicted to dream mana thanks to the schemes of the Flame Sect, without Se-Hoon to help. For such a man, no one could have predicted that he would not only become a demon but also be the one to bring ruin upon his own sect.

However, there was one variable.

“Was Doppelganger also involved back then?”

“No clue. But if someone had approached the bedridden Master and offered to turn him into a demon... I think the answer is pretty clear.”

Doppelganger valued skill over power, showing interest even in physically incapacitated individuals. If it was aiming to use Jin-Hyun to awaken Sung-Ha’s latent abilities, then it would make sense that it had contacted Jin-Hyun before as well.

“Then why didn’t you clear your name back then? With some cooperation, you would have proven your innocence.”

The Mad Dog, branded as the culprit of the Flame Sect’s annihilation, had become the most wanted man in the world thereafter, embroiled in countless incidents. Yet, he had kept the truth hidden until the end. Why?

“...Even if Master hadn’t killed them all, I think I would have. The result would’ve been the same either way,” the Mad Dog answered calmly.

“Hm. That’s it?”

“That’s it.”

Se-Hoon squinted his eyes. While he could tell the Mad Dog wasn’t lying, he suspected there was more to it—like wanting to protect Jin-Hyun’s honor, even in death.

Still so stubborn, even as a phantom.

In some ways, Sung-Ha might have surpassed the Mad Dog in growth and honesty.

“More importantly, what will you do from now on?” the Mad Dog suddenly asked, changing the topic.

“Me?”

“Yeah. You’re not the type of person who would intervene without your mind made up beforehand.”

Why had he stepped in so suddenly, even knowing that the Mad Dog presented a clear path forward? To the question, Se-Hoon turned his gaze to Sung-Ha’s back.

“At first, I thought it was enough for Sung-Ha to walk out of here without regrets. But the more I think about it, that just didn’t seem like enough,” Se-Hoon slowly began.

“Then?”

“Being happy.”

He had lived such a regrettably painful life. Was merely erasing those regrets enough? Se-Hoon believed not. He thought Sung-Ha’s goal needed to be grander.

“I decided then that I’ll make sure everyone thinks, ‘He lived a life without regrets and full of happiness.’”

Having regressed decades, it would be a shame if he couldn’t create such a future for Sung-Ha.

“...”

Slightly dazed, the Mad Dog just stared at him for a while before looking forward again. By now, Sung-Ha was gradually regaining his composure, making the Mad Dog smirk.

“That... doesn’t seem too bad.”

And just like that, the Mad Dog vanished without a trace, leaving Se-Hoon looking at the now empty area beside him with a wry smile.

“Leaving me again with all the burdens...”

Still, being acknowledged by such a difficult figure meant his goal wasn’t out of reach. With renewed resolve, Se-Hoon stood and approached Sung-Ha, who finally seemed to have regained some composure.

“Done crying?”

“Shut up.”

Hearing Sung-Ha’s tone, which was just as sharp and brusque as the Mad Dog’s had been, Se-Hoon frowned in dissatisfaction.

“Isn’t that a bit much for someone who just helped you win a battle?”

“I think it’s better than mocking someone grieving over a loved one.”

“That’s... well...”

Taken aback by the retort, Se-Hoon was at a loss for words, his eyes widening in surprise.

Sung-Ha is... being logical?

In the past, Sung-Ha would have simply brushed it off, but now he was countering with sharp logic.

Se-Hoon couldn’t help but marvel at the unexpectedness of it all.

“Assuming you have no other response, are you admitting it?” Sung-Ha pressed, staring at Se-Hoon.

“Well, that’s...”

“If you are, I think there’s something you should say.”

Se-Hoon had just been playfully teasing, knowing Sung-Ha was feeling better, but now he was cornered. Realizing he was on the verge of becoming a complete jerk, Se-Hoon hesitated before finally opening his mouth.

“...Sorry.”

“What? I can’t hear you,” Sung-Ha stated, tilting his head slightly, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Biting his lip in frustration, Se-Hoon finally yelled, “I said I’m sorry! I was wrong! Is that good enough for you now?!”

“Hmmm I’m still not satisfied, but... I’ll accept it, considering your sincerity.”

Seeing Sung-Ha casually accepting the apology, Se-Hoon felt an unexplainable sense of unease.

Sung-Ha’s new found capability of reading the room and speaking logically wasn’t inherently a bad thing. But to Se-Hoon, it felt like a monstrous transformation—one that might make him even harder to handle than the infamous Mad Dog.

Will I be able to control this guy?

He couldn’t help but wonder if Sung-Ha would eventually become even more unpredictable and chaotic than his past self. The possibility began looming in his mind.

“Do you have anything else for me to do?” Sung-Ha suddenly asked.

Though puzzled by the question, Se-Hoon shook his head. “Nothing for now.”

“Alright. Then let me know when you need me.”

“Uh... sure.”

Still confused by Sung-Ha’s enthusiasm, Se-Hoon pondered over it before belatedly realizing the reason, which made him let out a small chuckle.

Whenever Sung-Ha received help, he immediately viewed it as a debt to be repaid. So, considering how much he had been helped, it was no surprise that he was eager to even the score.

“This is about the debt, isn’t it? Don’t worry; I’ll collect it on my own terms—”

“It’s not about the debt.”

“...?”

Was there another reason Sung-Ha was being so proactive then? Curious, Se-Hoon began gazing at Sung-Ha and was met with Sung-Ha’s sheepish cough.

“...I’m doing it because we’re friends.”

He had revealed his true feelings without hesitation.

[The bond with ‘Yeom Sung-Ha’ has grown to Lv. 4.] freewebnoveℓ.com

[Since the bond has grown to Lv.4, your Relationship with ‘Yeom Sung-Ha’ can now be redefined as ‘Friendship’.]

[Relationship: Friendship]

[Emotions are the most invaluable and unstable currency in a relationship. Using such an unseen, intangible asset as collateral may seem foolish, but your unwavering trust has made even such folly believable.

Although it’s unclear how long this “foolish” exchange will last, the friendship shared between the subject and you will never be regretted.

*A Fatestone is created whenever the subject feels close to the target.

*The maturation rate of the Fatestone increases while the friendship persists.

*The probability of the subject’s synesthetic mindscape manifesting within the Fatestone increases when the friendship with the subject deepens.

*Currently created Fatestones: 1]

Staring at the notification message, Se-Hoon couldn’t help but gape, utterly dumbfounded. He’d suspected that their bond level might increase after such a major event, but never had he imagined it would redefine their Relationship in such a way.

If the Mad Dog were still here, he’d probably burst into laughter or say not to put him and the current Sung-Ha on the same boat.

Of course, it wasn’t a terrible feeling, but it left Se-Hoon feeling oddly embarrassed.

“Ahem. Thanks for the sentiment, but I’m fine for now. I’m not desperate enough to make an injured person do more work.”

“My injuries are fine—”

But before Sung-Ha could finish saying he was okay, Se-Hoon lightly tapped his shoulder with his index finger.

Ripple-

“?!”

Feeling an intense wave of pain wash over his body when the faint darkness mana encasing his body trembled slightly, Sung-Ha’s eyes widened in surprise.

“...?”

“Your body isn’t healed yet; you’ve just temporarily suppressed your injuries. Don’t push yourself; go back and get proper treatment.”

“...I guess I should.”

If such a small ripple caused that much pain, he would likely collapse the moment the suppression was lifted. Newly understanding his condition, Sung-Ha nodded obediently, and Se-Hoon prepared to teleport.

Just before teleporting, however, Se-Hoon glanced up at the night sky.

The moon and stars blanketed the heavens, creating a breathtaking view. For most, it was simply a beautiful night sky, but for Se-Hoon—who was empowered by the power of Perception—it held much more.

Swish-

Countless possibilities filled the vast sky. By observing these currents, he could sense events unfolding in different places and even discern those who were watching from afar, including...

She saw everything... yet didn’t come to help.

Se-Hoon wondered what purpose the Perfect Ones like Baek-Yeon truly lived for. The moment of reckoning was drawing near—a realization that made his gaze turn cold.

***

At the summit of Mount Everest, Baek-Yeon, holding a pristine white longbow, gazed beyond the horizon.

“His stare is downright chilling...” she murmured.

Had Se-Hoon noticed she had been watching him for some time now? Seeing how much more adept Se-Hoon had become with his powers, Baek-Yeon couldn’t help but feel unnerved.

“What a bizarre guy...”

She wanted to avoid clashing with such an unpredictable person, but the shift in Se-Hoon’s gaze and the flow of events made it clear evasion wasn’t an option.

Sighing in frustration, she turned her eyes toward the destroyed main building of the Flame Sect in Seoul.

Boom!

The once-proud structure now looked as though it had been savagely shredded by a colossal blade. And on its ruins stood two figures.

“...Looks like it’s almost time.”

With its clothes torn in various places, Doppelganger adjusted the scabbard at its hip. Seeing its actions, Kwang-Soo, drenched in blood, grimaced in pain.

“Are you... running away... again...?”

“With your friend aiming her bowstring at me from afar, what other choice do I have? If you want to complain, take it up with her.”

Shooting one last glance at the barely standing Kwang-Soo, Doppelganger then shifted its gaze to the black scabbard in his trembling left hand.

“You should get that repaired. It’s going to snap.”

Then, without another word, Doppelganger spun around and sliced through space, entering the dimensional rift.

“...Hm.”

Watching the figure disappear, Baek-Yeon hesitated briefly, pondering whether to let loose the arrow she had prepared, before deciding against it in the end.

That Heaven Eye guy... still thorough in his protection.

Deeming the odds of success too slim, she dismissed the thought, turning her focus to Kwang-Soo.

“Damn it...”

Kneeling in despair, Kwang-Soo clutched his black scabbard, Celestial Night, trembling with a mix of fury and helplessness. Normally, he would have put on a strong front, knowing Baek-Yeon would be watching, but he was far too drained for that now.

“...”

Baek-Yeon quietly watched. The loss of someone precious could alter a person’s synesthetic mindscape and twist their path forward. Kwang-Soo himself was an example, his potential coming to a halt after a similar event in the past. By all rights, Sung-Ha should have suffered the same fate as well.

Things have changed.

Yet not only had the paths to destruction and demonic downfall disappeared, but entirely new possibilities—unlike anything Baek-Yeon had ever seen—were taking shape.

What a headache... she muttered to herself, gently rubbing her temple.

Although it appeared insignificant at the moment, akin to the flutter of a butterfly's wings, the ripple would continue to grow. And... she didn’t know what kind of storm it might eventually turn into.

Staring at the countless possibilities filling the sky, Baek-Yeon finally understood something: the one creating all these variables, the one steadily overtaking the board itself, was none other than Lee Se-Hoon himself.