Chapter 835 |
“Is this truly all right?”
Chief Song came closer to us as well, his voice tight with concern. Up ahead, Hyunah was smashing through the surging garden alongside Sorok with almost refreshing force. Her massive spear was already terrifying on its own, but once paired with an S-Rank Monster Mount, there was almost nothing left standing in the path of their charge. If other Hunters stayed too close, they would only get in the way. Chief Song seemed to have stepped back partly to catch his breath.
“They are far too young to be brought to a place like this.”
“They are,” I admitted. “But Park Hayul said that if things start looking dangerous, he can send them back.”
– Yes, sir!
“And it’s not as if stopping them would actually stop them. More than anything…”
I looked at the yellow car happily racing down the road of light, and a laugh slipped out of me.
“It’s a dream.”
Even Chief Song’s rigid expression softened slightly at the sight of Byeol. It was the kind of scene that made it difficult to say, “This place is dangerous, so no, go back,” with any real firmness.
– Maa-aa.
It was none other than Little Song. Like Seol, she had not changed at all. Still in her young form, she came trotting out of the light and glanced around.
“Little Song?”
– Maa.
At my call, the baby lamb gave a short bleat as if answering. Then she hopped over to me, lightly rubbed her head against my leg, and turned to look at Chief Song.
– Maa-a!
Her small black tail whipped back and forth. Unlike when she had come toward me, Little Song now planted her hooves with all the strength she had. She kicked off the ground with a sharp tak and headbutted Chief Song’s leg.
The impact made a surprisingly loud thwack, but Chief Song did not so much as sway. He simply bent down and lifted Little Song into his arms.
“Why did you come all the way here?”
– Maeng.
“And in that form, no less…”
“Maybe Little Song likes who she is right now,” I said. “Like Seol.”
It probably wasn’t so much that she didn’t want to grow up as that she liked the present. Maybe she had no strong feelings about becoming an adult at all. When children said they wanted to grow up, it was usually because there was something they wanted to do but couldn’t. Or maybe simply because adults looked cool.
“They said it’s a dream where you become what you want to become. Whatever else it means, one thing’s clear. Little Song wanted to meet you and ram into you with everything she had. Looks like she enjoys it.”
– Maa-aa-aa.
Chief Song quietly looked down at Little Song. Wanting to stay exactly as she was also meant that Little Song was living happily. She could not tell him in words, but her very form was telling Chief Song that much.
“…I have done nothing for her.”
“You have been away a lot.”
“A neglectful father.”
Seong Hyunjae nodded along, offering agreement no one had asked for.
“You should work harder, so that Song Taewon’s child also grows to resemble her father—”
– Shut uuuuuup!
The Fairy Dragonkin lunged at Seong Hyunjae. Since Gyeol was an adult right now, he could grab Seong Hyunjae’s entire head and wrap around it. Naturally, Seong Hyunjae did not seem particularly harmed, but the nonsense was cut off.
– Gyeol only has one dad! Just watch! Next time, I’m definitely going to turn into Dad!
“I look forward to it.”
Gyeol gnawed on Seong Hyunjae’s head. Whether to call that a good relationship or a bad one, I wasn’t sure. If Seong Hyunjae would just stop teasing him, I thought Gyeol might genuinely like him. But that man was never going to stop, so.
“Anyway, they say children’s behavior gives you the answer. You did well, Chief Song. And the people taking care of Little Song were definitely influenced by you too. The people at the Awakener Management Office and the Hunter Association both.”
Little Song lived between Dodam, the Hunter Association, and the Awakener Management Office. The fact that there had been no real problems meant all three places were caring for her properly.
“Everyone likes you, Chief Song. So I think that feeling carries over to Little Song, since she’s your Monster Mount.”
That was how it worked. When it came to someone you liked, even their family, or their dog, or their cat, or even a single potted plant of theirs caught your attention more than a stranger’s would. You cared more.
“So when this is over, don’t ask for too much from yourself. Don’t demand too little either. Just come back safely, take it a bit easier at work, and play with Little Song. That’ll probably be enough. Right, Little Song?”
– Maa!
Chief Song did not answer. Instead, he carefully stroked the baby lamb.
Because for him — for Chief Song and Seong Hyunjae — there was still an unresolved matter left. And he was not the kind of person who would promise he would definitely return while the situation remained so uncertain.
‘More importantly, what now?’
Hyunah and Sorok were strong, but not drastically different from Seong Hyunjae and Chief Song. Not strong enough to push back the entire garden. Byeol was a car, Seol and Little Song had not changed, and Gyeol was a Fairy Dragonkin unsuited for combat. Of course, I shouldn’t be telling children to fight, but the current situation was a little awkward. Should I just tell them to play here and go home? Letting them have fun with the dream they wanted was good in itself, but.
– Daaad!
Just then, Byeol hopped high into the air. She came up beside me as if startled and shouted.
– Another big snake!
“A snake?”
I looked back at the light.
A dazzling brilliance was leaking out from inside it. Scales like jewels, centered in red and reflecting the sky and earth, shifted through brilliant colors from one moment to the next. A long body slowly crossed the air.
“…Belare?”
But even as an adult, a Jewel Snake was supposed to be a small monster. The snake appearing now was enormous, easily over a hundred meters long.
And on top of that—
– She’s floating!
She was drifting high in the sky. It was an odd sight, not quite flying and not quite swimming through the air. In other words, exactly…
Like Chirp.
Like the baby bird who floated with the power of an item rather than flying by his own strength.
Was that really Belare?
“Belare… barely grew at all.”
That was why I had thought, like Sorok, she simply didn’t want to grow yet.
“It must be because of Chirp.”
Seong Hyunjae spoke while still being bitten by Gyeol.
“If she became much larger, it would be difficult for Chirp to carry her while flying or teleport with her.”
“…Ah.”
Belare had wanted to stay with Chirp. She had wanted to grow bigger, but if she did, she would no longer be able to travel with Chirp. It wasn’t as simple as her not wanting to grow. She had been carrying a different concern.
“If she can fly like that even after becoming huge, she can still go around with Chirp. She may have gained a teleportation skill as well.”
Like an enormous dragon, or perhaps a beautiful belt of jeweled cloud, Belare drifted through the sky.
Then what would Chirp become? And the other children?
I found myself simply curious. No matter how much attention I paid, no matter how carefully I watched them, it was hard to know everything in their hearts. Even with people who could speak, that was true.
And this time—
I turned fully toward the road of light. Seong Hyunjae and Chief Song also seemed to be thinking of the same person I was. It was funny, in a way, after we had forced her to leave, that we were now standing here waiting for her. But she would definitely come.
My chest fluttered slightly.
– Yujin-hyung.
Park Hayul stretched out his flower stem.
– The sea is waking up.
The Sleeping Sea of the Mermaid Queen, the foundation of the dream world.
From somewhere far away, the faint sound of waves came to me like an auditory hallucination. Water filling the underside of this world. A vast sea, one I had only barely managed to draw out a portion of even with Park Hayul’s help.
Whiiiiii.
A sound like whistling spread through the air. The air grew damp. Splash. Invisible water soaked my ankles.
Between the long-stretching beams of light, a sleek dragon’s head appeared. A Water Dragon with a pair of sharp horns spread wide translucent fins soaked in sunlight — no, wings. The split ends of those wings swayed like seaweed under the water.
The blue sky felt like the sea.
For a moment, I had the illusion that I was deep beneath the water, looking up at a Water Dragon swimming beneath the sunlit surface.
The Water Dragon, Mar, turned his body. He looked toward the light as though waiting for someone.
And then, at last—
Shoooooosh.
Water rushed in.
I still couldn’t see it, but a cool sensation washed over my entire body. It was not an ominous chill. It was pleasant and refreshing. Byeol seemed to like it too, hopping around as if splashing through water.
Into that overflowing sea, the tips of someone’s shoes stepped forward.
They were sneakers.
A hoodie and pants worn as casually as if she were going to the convenience store near home. The dangling earrings, bracelet, and rings looked mismatched at first glance, yet suited her perfectly. A veil wound long around her upper body, and her hair, rippling like waves, carried a blue tint. The farther down it went, the more translucent it became, until it truly looked like water itself, flowing past her feet and trailing long behind her. Her eyes were blue as well.
Around her, the water spirit that had grown like the Mermaid Queen circled.
– Grrrrrk.
Mar rumbled deep in his throat and lowered his head to Yerim. Yerim’s hand gently stroked him.
So.
“…Yerim. You’ve grown a lot.”
She looked several years older. At the same time—
“I mean, I did want to grow over two meters tall!”
Yerim shouted, looking a little embarrassed.
“But this might be a little too big!”
Hm. Around four meters? Five? Maybe even more? It wasn’t just that she had gotten longer. Her whole body had grown. She was enormous. The equally enormous Water Dragon looked just right as her Monster Mount.
– Auntie looks awesome!
Byeol stared up at her in awe. Yerim looked even more mortified.
“That’s right, you look great, Yerim!”
“Yeah, Yerim! You’re just the right size. Perfect!”
I shouted encouragement at her too. Hyunah chimed in and winked at Yerim.
“You look like a full-on Transcendent!”
– She is a Transcendent, Hyung…
Hm? Park Hayul, on top of my head, shook his leaves excitedly.
– The Mermaid Queen’s domain! The Sleeping Sea has recognized Yerim as its complete master!
“Recognized Yerim…”
A dream where you became what you wanted to become.
Some had simply become adults. Some had followed the adults or friends beside them. Some had become something completely unexpected. Some had not changed at all.
And the role models Yerim had wanted to become were—
‘Yerim from before the regression, and the Mermaid Queen.’
Those two.
Yerim took a spear in her hand. The spear, enlarged to fit her body, glowed blue.
“Let’s sweep this whole stupid garden away!”
Rumble.
The sea roared. Between the transparent waves rising high, a shape like translucent frills fluttered. A body similar to layered, fluttering fins grew more and more distinct.
“Hellooo.”
Ru Ga Pheya appeared. In human form rather than jellyfish form, she smiled and danced among the waves.
“Ru Ga Pheya, you—!”
“I’m a child too, you know. I haven’t been alive very long.”
“You’re safe!”
Yerim greeted her brightly, and Ru Ga Pheya waved back. Around Ru Ga Pheya, mist began to spread. It was a colorful mist.
“This feels wonderful. Yerim, your power really does suit me well.”
The mist surged toward the garden. The dense plants were pushed back all at once, and water rose in their place.
Yerim raised her spear as well. At the motion of her hand, the sea was drawn out.
Shaa-aaa.
The waves began sweeping through the garden.
– Dad. You need to go too.
Gyeol flew up and approached my side.
“…Me too?”
– Yeah. Dad has to go get Uncle.
That was true. Of course I had to.
“Gyeol, Dad is an adult, so—”
– Adults still have things they want to do, don’t they? So, Dad, Gyeol will help you.
The Fairy Dragonkin beat his wings wide.
– Right now, I can do it without putting a burden on Dad. You know, don’t you? Gyeol is a dream dragon!
As you wish.
A Fairy Dragonkin who turned illusions into reality.
My child reached out his hand to me. Gyeol glanced at Seong Hyunjae as well and said bluntly:
– I can help you a little too. Since I can only materialize illusions I clearly recognize, I’ll only be able to use powers I’ve experienced before.
“I am in a body that cannot properly use what it already has. That would certainly be helpful.”
– Because Dad worries about you! That’s all! Mr. Civil Servant too. And Auntie Hyunah.
“I am… no. Thank you for the help.”
Chief Song was on the side of not wanting to use Lunar Eclipse.
In the meantime, Yerim and Ru Ga Pheya had already gone far ahead. I clenched and unclenched my hand once. With Gyeol’s power, I could become S-Rank or higher. It wouldn’t be enough to erase the garden, but I could go along with Yerim.
“Byeol, you—”
– Okay, I know!
The yellow car nodded, then popped and grew larger.
No, I had meant for her to stay here and play.
Byeol, now the size of three or four large trucks combined, hopped with a thud.
– Dad, get on!
“That’s, Byeol…”
– Hurry! We’re going!
Seol, sitting on top of Byeol, looked down at me steadily as if asking what I was doing. Byeol revved.
– Oppa get on too, and that thing too!
“That thing”? Was she imitating Gyeol? Hm. It was a dream, so it should be fine, right?
I drew in a short breath and called forth Blue Willow Leaves. I stepped onto the familiar leaf and climbed onto the giant car. Seong Hyunjae lightly jumped up as well. Then Chief Song was about to join us.
– Maa!
Little Song suddenly began to squirm. Escaping Chief Song’s arms, she landed on the ground and swelled up. She had not become an adult. She had stayed the same round, fluffy-looking baby lamb, only larger. Then she turned proudly toward Chief Song.
– Maa-aa-aa~
Chief Song stared at Little Song in bewilderment.
“Chief Song, Little Song says to hurry and get on!”
“…Pardon?”
“Tell her she looks cool, then ride!”
“But…”
“She’s waiting. This is the place where you become what you want to be, remember?”
The giant baby lamb’s enormous eyes held Chief Song. Her tail was wagging nonstop.
“…You look impressive.”
– Maa.
Chief Song climbed onto Little Song’s back. Though more than half his body ended up buried in wool, the ride looked comfortable.
“Let’s go, Byeol!”
– Beep beep!
Byeol started running after Yerim.
Aaah, Byeol! You’re shaking a lot.
Belare cast a shadow overhead, and Sorok, who had been ahead of us, looked back and grew bigger as well. Hyunah moved from his back to stand between the huge antlers of the reindeer, laughing with open delight. I found myself laughing too.
“You’d never see a sight like this anywhere else.”
Seong Hyunjae also wore a faint smile.
“Not even in a dream.”
“Why not? When you were very little, Seong Hyunjae-ssi, you might have had dreams like this too.”
Maybe he had wanted to become a car once, for all I knew.
Splash, splash, water sprayed up around us. Before I realized it, everything below had become water. A yellow car, a huge baby lamb, and a white reindeer were running across the sea. Foam rose like soap bubbles, mingling with the colorful mist.
– Hyung! Half of it is already back!
Park Hayul fluttered his leaves and flew up from my head. He became a giant flower blooming above the sea. It really looked like a picture drawn by a child.
– The road is connecting again!
Park Hayul had barely finished speaking when—
– Honey!
Shaa-aa-aa.
Water surged up, and a black dragon appeared. On the black dragon’s head, Soyeong waved both arms high.
“I’m so glad you’re safe! I knew our Guild Leader was stubborn!”
A golden wyvern appeared as well. Beside Belare, cutting through the sky, Noah dipped his head toward me.
– Kiaaang!
“Peace!”
Peace threw himself into my arms.
Then an unfamiliar monster burst out of the widely spread road of light and chased after us. It looked similar to a Flame Horned Lion, but… a little slimmer, with a longer snout. For a moment, I tensed, wondering if it was a monster the Gardener had created, but Peace saw the monster and let out a pleased huff, thumping his tail.
– Grrrrr.
The unfamiliar monster cried toward Peace as if calling him. Peace slipped out of my arms and became an adult. The monster pressed close to his side, looking delighted.
What was this?
“It’s Horang!”
Kang Soyeong said.
What? That was Horang?
Looking closely, he did look like an adult Horned Fox mixed with a Flame Horned Lion.
“Horang, you really like Peace.”
Even if he didn’t grow up exactly like that, I thought there was a chance he might grow into something at least a little similar to Peace.
As Park Hayul regained his power, a city, mountains, rivers, and more began appearing above the sea. In front of them, I could see the garden still remaining. Beyond the thickly grown plants, a black shape briefly caught my eye.
–TL Notes–
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