Beyond the Eternity

As soon as the announcement echoed through the air, a portal materialized.

Space and time twisted unnaturally, forming a "doorway" that connected to the planetary system known as Earth.

The group stared silently as the door continuously shifted.

Breaking the silence, Yoo Rin exclaimed, "Finally! We can leave this place at last!"

"Yes, yes, we're free! And the first thing I'm doing is taking a proper bath. A thorough one, I must say!"

"A bath?"

"Do I really have to repeat myself?"

"Ah, no! My apologies, High Priestess-ssi! That was thoughtless of me."

I quickly offered my apology as the High Priestess, Moon Jiyeon-ssi, shot me a strange look.

To be fair, anyone would be disoriented and uncomfortable after being swallowed whole by a strange humanoid creature.

Speaking of which...

I turned and called out, "The gateway is here! Stop standing around, or you'll get left behind!"

The words were directed at Soo Jinyoung, who remained slouched against the wall, her eyes shut as if she were asleep.

Was she really sleeping?

In Song of Nightmares, it was mentioned that Soo Jinyoung would occasionally enter an energy conservation state when her reserves were completely drained. Considering how extensively she'd used her [Dragon Demon Eyes], it wasn't surprising she seemed so worn out.

But at this rate, wouldn't she get left behind in this world?

Damn. Did I really have to carry her?

Just as I moved toward her, a blur shot past me like a streak of lightning.

Before I could react, a familiar, icy voice came from behind me.

"Stop shouting nonsense. I heard the message."

"Ha! Good to know. For a moment, I thought something might've happened," I replied with a half-teasing voice.

Soo Jinyoung, now standing by the portal, didn't answer.

She cast me a fleeting, indifferent glance before stepping gracefully through the gateway.

Why was this person always so distant? Would it really kill her to show a little warmth?

I was too tired to even sigh.

One by one, the others followed. First was Soo Jinyoung, then Yoo Rin, then Moon Jiyeon...

I was about to step through as well but stopped mid-way.

Turning back, I noticed Miyuki standing still. Her back was to me, and I couldn't see her face.

"..."

Even from a distance, I could hear her lips moving faintly as though she were speaking to someone. Saying a final goodbye, perhaps.

So, it was like that.

I called out, "Miyuki, what are you doing over there?"

"Ah, yes. I'm coming!"

Her voice held a strange, distant tone. Her gaze lingered on an unseen point for a moment longer before she finally turned and approached the portal. Without hesitation, she stepped through and vanished into the swirling light.

And just like that, I was the only one left.

But I didn't enter the portal immediately.

Sweeping my gaze across the dilapidated house one final time, I paused. It felt like someone was still there, watching.

Facing the empty space, I softly said, "Thank you."

The words echoed into the silence. No one was there to hear them, and yet they needed to be spoken.

If the others had seen me, they'd probably question my sanity.

Maybe I was a little crazy.

Even so, I had to say those words.

I didn't need my spirituality to sense the entity. A lonely presence bound eternally to this place.

Forever.

But that didn't mean they couldn't be saved.

If those simple words could save that person, I wouldn't mind saying them over and over again.

This, too, could count as "salvation."

My duty fulfilled, I turned and entered the portal.

For a fleeting moment, before I disappeared into the shifting light, I heard the faint voice of someone, a girl, weeping softly.

The sorrow lingered for the briefest instant before it was torn away as I vanished into the gateway.

Crossing the threshold, I found myself standing in a world I recognized.

The crimson sky stretched endlessly above, casting lurking shadows across the desolate terrain. A cold breeze swept through, carrying the metallic scent of blood and steel.

It was a world that felt both familiar and foreign.

A ruined world.

My transfer to the planetary system, Earth was complete.

Before I could fully process the transition, the system messages materialized.

[Your clearance reward has been calculated.]

[You have received 200,000 coins as compensation.]

[You have received an additional 10,000 coins for being the first to complete a private story.]

The familiar notifications felt almost mundane after all that had happened. Still, they marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

「 Stories are worlds, and worlds are stories. 」

I exhaled deeply, letting the chill of the night air ground me.

There was no time to dwell on the past now.

[Connecting to the #XT–5306 channel...]

[Your connection to the broadcasting system has been restored.]

[You can now receive the indirect messages of the Constellations.]

Then came the flood of new messages.

[Your message box has been filled with numerous messages.]

[Many constellations are complaining about why they couldn't view the narrative.]

[Many constellations are inquiring about what happened in the narrative.]

[The constellation, Primordial Evil Dragon, is watching you.]

[The constellation, Architect of Destruction, is observing you.]

[The constellation, Grand Duke of the East, is observing you.]

Ah, the constellations' messages.

It made sense. The Sixth Narrative's unique setting had distorted the narrative space, preventing them from observing what had transpired.

Now, their curiosity burned like wildfire. My message box overflowed with questions, demands, and even veiled threats, all seeking answers.

"I guess this works too," I murmured with a wry smile.

Oh, my dear constellations, let your curiosity deepen.

Curiosity was a powerful tool. And in the upcoming Story Banquet, that tool would serve my purpose.

Soon, everything would fall into place.

And when that time came, my plan would finally take shape.

"Jakga Kim-ssi!"

The voice snapped me from my thoughts. Hands still tucked into my pockets, I turned to see my companions approaching.

Lee Suhye, Lee Jongho, Jung Yunhee, Yoo Jinsung, Kagura Kuroi and Angelica.

I greeted them with a faint smile.

Together, these remarkable individuals would form the foundation of Nightshade Management. Although it wasn't yet an official organization, after all, I hadn't handed out the invitations, it was only a matter of time.

In the future, it would grow into the most formidable force in <Soul Link>.

For now, though, I allowed myself a brief moment of respite.

And then, as expected, the questions came.

"Jakga Kim-ssi, what happened back there?!"

"What kind of story was it? You were gone for so long!"

"We didn't even receive any system announcements. We thought something terrible had happened!"

"By the way... why do you all look so roughed up?"

I raised a hand to calm them, suppressing a grin.

"I understand. Please, one question at a time. We can't answer if you all talk over each other."

The questions slowed, though their eyes remained filled with curiosity.

"It was a unique story," I finally said.

Dissatisfied with my answer, Lee Suhye immediately retorted.

"Eh? What kind of answer is that? Is that all you're going to say?"

Then there was Lee Jongho.

"Jakga Kim-ssi, everyone was worried so please tell us what happened."

Kagura turned to Miyuki, who was covered in bruises and exhausted.

"Miyuki-chan, what happened? Why do you look so battered?"

Miyuki gave a weary smile. "Ah… I don't want to talk about it."

Lee Suhye's gaze darted to Soo Jinyoung.

"Soo Jinyoung-nim, what—"

"I'm tired."

With that curt reply, Soo Jinyoung brushed past her and walked away, ignoring the conversation altogether.

The High Priestess, Moon Jiyeon had already retreated to an unknown corner, offering no help either.

It was just as well. If any of them answered truthfully, it would ruin the surprise I had in store.

More importantly, the groundwork for my plan had already begun.

I mentally reached out to a certain cheeky fairy.

'Aurora, are you there?'

[Of course I am. Seriously, what the hell happened in that narrative?! The constellations have been pestering me non-stop!]

'You weren't able to watch it either?'

[Obviously not! If I could, I wouldn't be so frustrated! That story was weird. My authority didn't work there, like something higher was blocking it.]

Aurora's voice, transmitted through the communication link, was laced with irritation.

I couldn't say I was surprised. Even an Administrator would struggle to enforce their authority in a domain controlled by a higher being.

'It's not something you need to concern yourself with right now. We'll need their curiosity to peak before the Story Banquet.'

[Easy for you to say! Do you know how many constellations have been bombarding me with complaints? It's endless!]

'Patience, Aurora. Haven't you heard the saying? Good things come to those who wait.'

[You're impossible, you know that?]

She sighed audibly, but her frustration was tempered by the faintest hint of amusement.

[Are you really going to follow through with this insane plan?]

'Why not? Everything I need is already in place. I just need to secure the copyrights to that private story.'

[And you plan to do that by entering the owner's domain?]

'That's right.'

[You know you don't need to do that, right?]

'I have another objective.'

[Ugh. I don't even know where to start with how reckless that is, but I'm guessing you already know.]

'That's also right.'

[Well then… good luck, Boss-nim~ Try not to get yourself erased.]

The connection faded, and I returned my attention to the present.

Lee Suhye was still sulking, Kagura was trying to console Miyuki, and the others were too exhausted to press further.

Perfect. Everyone was too distracted to notice my next move.

This was the moment I'd been waiting for.

I quietly slipped away from the group while their voices blended into the background. My steps were deliberate, silent, ensuring no one noticed my retreat.

Once I found a secluded spot, far from watchful eyes, I reached into my coat and pulled out a small mirror.

The Twilight Shard.

The Mirror Which Separates Two Boundaries.

Just as I prepared to infuse my spirituality into the mirror, I froze.

A voice broke the silence behind me.

"Kim Jakga."

Someone had followed me. I should have been more cautious, but there was only one person who addressed me in such a casual manner.

"Angelica..."

She was standing there, looking at me with a sharp gaze. To think she would follow me here.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

I sighed and tucked the mirror closer to my chest. "I could ask you the same thing. Why are you here?"

"I noticed you sneaking off. Figured you might be up to something. And, clearly, I was right."

"It's nothing important. I just wanted to... check something."

Her eyes narrowed. "Check something? With that?"

Angelica stepped closer, and scanned the mirror in my hand.

"What is that? An Artifact?"

"Yes. It's the additional reward I received for clearing the narrative," I said plainly.

Her expression softened slightly, but I could still sense skepticism lingering in those grey eyes.

"A mirror? Out of all things, you got a mirror? That's... odd."

"I know. But I have a hunch about what it's for. That's what I wanted to test," I explained before meeting her gaze. "Actually, since you're here, I could use your help with something."

She raised a brow. "Help? What kind of help?"

"Nothing complicated. Just hold onto this mirror for me. Keep it safe, no matter what happens, and don't give it to anyone."

Angelica tilted her head, visibly confused. "Hold onto it? Why does it sound like you're about to do something reckless?"

"It's better if you don't ask too many questions."

Before she could press further, I infused my spirituality into the Twilight Shard.

"Wait....!!"

Angelica shouted, realizing too late what was happening.

A swirling light erupted from the mirror, and before she could stop me, I was pulled into its depths.

The last thing I saw before the world around me shifted was Angelica's frustrated expression as she reached out in vain.

And then, the mirror consumed me.

[A new hidden narrative has been triggered!]