Chapter 240 – Future

It’s impossible to completely eradicate a bug once it appears. No matter how many you beat down, they can show up again anywhere, anytime, waiting for their chance.

This was an undeniable fact.

“As far as I know, it’s dangerous not to completely exterminate them, isn’t it? I heard users are focusing on eliminating colonies as quickly as possible.”

“In reality, they’ve been growing even during this year of war. But we aren’t just sitting back. We’re engaging in a war of attrition, forcing them to expend resources as well. We’re buying time, waiting for the moment we can become stronger than the bugs.”

My younger sibling was eagerly watching the TV, where experts were providing information to the public in response to the anchor’s questions.

“The death rate has dropped significantly. Isn’t this our strong moment? Compared to a year ago, we’ve made some progress. Honestly, I thought I wouldn’t be able to return to school at that time.”

“That’s possible.”

I didn’t deny my sibling’s words. Recently, the increased number of Guardians and the continuously developing System have been restoring safety to our daily lives.

Thanks to the development of alarm systems, prediction systems, and users establishing safe zones, the threat from the Gates has gradually diminished.

Moreover, as more users claimed victory in their all-out war against the bugs, those who found solace in the future began to return to a lifestyle similar to the past, and the previously shrinking society regained its vibrancy.

My sibling’s university, which had momentarily halted operations, was already functioning normally again.

‘Humans are indeed creatures of adaptation.’

No one could tell how long this lifestyle would last or how the future would change. I felt the same, having already interacted with the residents on the screen.

As our situations and the world differed so much, it was impossible to make rash predictions.

“Still, isn’t this a bit heavenly?”

Watching Lee So-Yeon on TV announcing what she plans to do next and her prospects, I couldn’t help but smile faintly.

Contrary to my worries and concerns, this world succeeded in regaining its strength, based on the sacrifices of countless individuals. For this, users, including Lee So-Yeon and I, invested a great deal.

For our hometown and our families. In a situation where we could have easily been swept away by our enemies, we’ve now grown strong enough to maintain balance.

It was hope itself.

Even if stronger bugs appear in the future, there’s hope that we can resist them.

Having already done it once, the thought that we can do it again is firmly embedded in our minds, ensuring that even if a crisis strikes again, we won’t despair.

“Back to work? Why is it so tough when they said it was remote work?”

“Where do you think the money to support you comes from? Be grateful and head to school soon.”

I also adjusted my schedule to align with my sibling’s lecture time, then, after locking the door to my room, I sat in front of my array of screens, which looked like a command center.

In reality, my real work was just about to begin.

“Ha.”

Using the VR chat program modified by the Master Program, I crossed the boundaries of the world and found myself in a completely different realm than my room.

Although it felt familiar now, the air and atmosphere were certainly different. Clearing my throat, I began to move slowly and naturally opened the door to step outside.

“Priest. The Saintess is momentarily absent.”

“Oh, where did she go?”

I inquired to another priest about Riena’s whereabouts. In truth, I had just seen where she had gone on the monitor, but I pretended not to know and asked about her location.

“She went to meet His Majesty the King at the Royal Palace. It seems she went to discuss an important matter.”

“I see.”

As mentioned, Riena had headed to the Royal Palace to meet Chieftain Balun. The two were not only father and daughter but also leaders of vast powers.

Though I couldn’t hear what they were discussing from behind the screen, it didn’t really matter. After all, I could now talk to her directly.

‘The atmosphere has changed a bit.’

With nothing in particular to do, I wandered to find others for casual conversations and recalled Riena’s demeanor.

I had realized her attitude changed several months ago, indicating she had fully adapted to life here.

She acknowledged me as an existence receiving the divine revelation yet began to treat me with complete openness, unlike the tense exchanges we had at first.

I thought this change was due to Riena growing closer to me, but upon reconsideration, it might not be the only reason.

‘If she could hear my internal dilemma, she’d know my true feelings, but…’

In reality, I could read her heart if I wanted to. However, since I’d started meeting her in person, I was trying to refrain from doing so.

It was a kind of pride and conscience. There was no need to rely on the program to know her innermost thoughts when we could speak directly.

“Hey, you actually came today?”

Just then, someone acknowledged me. It was Shura, who had come with Rasen. Their appearances had also changed quite a bit. The boys and girls who were quickly growing were starting to become adults.

I had watched them grow from the moment they joined as important figures. I held my breath during their battles and rejoiced in their victories.

Though they might not understand, how could I not feel affection for them?

“I heard you had recent missions outside, and it seems you’ve returned today.”

I stole a glance at the unfamiliar boy the two were accompanying. I didn’t have the time to focus on who that ordinary-looking boy was or what was going on.

“Technically, we came back last night. But that person went off to another place.”

“I see. I heard they went to the Royal Palace.”

“Do you know why?”

As I nodded, Shura responded with a playful smile. When I shook my head, she seemed to anticipate that and smiled as she spoke.

“She went there because of marriage issues.”

And that answer was quite shocking. It was something I had considered, but hearing it in reality struck me hard.

‘That makes sense.’

Recently, many events had unfolded, so it was possible, but in this place, people tended to marry quickly and have children soon. Also, for those of high status, nurturing heirs was seen as a virtue.

Chieftain Balun was no exception. Having lost his past wife and children, he only had Riena left, yet whether Riena, the leader of the Order, could inherit the throne remained uncertain.

‘Riena is getting married?’

I attempted to picture it, but it didn’t quite settle in my mind. It was, of course, a joyous occasion, and I was ready to employ every means necessary to celebrate it, yet my heart felt heavy.

*

“I’ll be blunt. I don’t want to create a sibling for you. If you’re not passing this position down, I want to pass the throne to your child, regardless of whether it’s a son or daughter.”

At the time when Jun-Young entered the Order, Riena was already at the Royal Palace meeting Chieftain Balun.

“This is an obligation. If you won’t even marry, then this position will go to someone else. While there are indeed many qualified candidates, do you really want to pass a position recognized by that man?”

The moment Balun saw Riena’s face, he went on a tirade before she could even open her mouth, since she had persistently rejected marriage by citing her duty to the Guardian Deity.

Though it wasn’t an unreasonable excuse, Balun, as a father, didn’t want his daughter at this prime age to live alone.

“I have thoughts on marriage and children.”

“…Really?”

Surprisingly, Riena showed a positive response. As Balun took a breath to prepare for the next shot, he widened his eyes at her unexpected reaction.

“If I have the right partner whom I desire and qualifies.”

“Hmm…”

It was a profound reply, but Balun was at a loss for words. If he nagged further, Riena might change her mind again.

‘Could it be that person?’

Instead, Balun silently observed his daughter. He was not deaf. He had heard all about the company Riena had been keeping lately.

And his assumption was not wrong. Riena had already made up her mind about Jun-Young, whom she considered the embodiment of the Guardian Deity.

‘The reason he descended into this world in human form and approached me must be for that one reason.’

While she vaguely sensed his identity, she had concluded on her own, rolling her legs under the covers, which was a sign that she longed for this.

‘I am always ready. Is this a test for me?’

Coincidentally, Balun’s words calling her triggered her thoughts.

Being clean in her posture and always waiting, Riena noticed that Balun showed no particular expression of approval, which slowly kindled her nervous excitement, leading her to make the decision first.

“Is he here?”

Coincidentally, she had heard that he was visiting the Order. Moreover, it was now evening, as the sun was about to set. Riena dashed over to the Order.

*

“I should have realized from the moment you suggested drinking suddenly.”

“You and I are both chosen by that man. I thought continuing his bloodline was an obligation bestowed upon us. Am I wrong?”

Late at night, in a room where only the two were present, Riena, emboldened by the alcohol, took a bold step.

Having successfully appealed to him with a plausible excuse, despite it being a stretch, he let out a chuckle but did not push her away as she was holding him down.

The face he had always watched over was right in front of him. The connection they had always wanted to communicate was finally within reach, making it impossible to push it away now.

What held him back the most at that moment was that what she was seeing was not his true self, but a mask he wore.

‘What is this feeling of being robbed of my own self?’

This was a thought that could only occur because she was unaware that he was aware of her true identity.

“Are you really sure this is what he wants?”

“…Yes.”

But at that moment, that obstacle started to fade. As he checked her heart, Riena’s gaze, which had been shaky, began to fill with warmth.

“If it weren’t for you, this wouldn’t be happening.”

“When did you—ah!”

Ultimately, Riena confessed that she knew his identity. Realizing she was the one who had been acting helplessly, he chuckled at himself.

Yet his hands naturally pulled her closer.

“Saintess, urgent report!”

And then, a frantic voice bolted in at that moment.

“What on earth could be so urgent to come running at this hour?”

“Th-that’s…”

In shock, Riena stood up and knocked over the liquor table, making sure to hide Jun-Young next to the bed.

Shura, who usually appeared calm, looked startled on her face as if she had interrupted a very important moment.

“This child who was brought today says he had another dream.”

“A dream?”

Only then did Riena turn to look at the child Shura had brought. The still youthful boy was trembling with a pale face.

“It seems he received a report, though honestly, I can’t remember. Please elaborate on what happened.”

“It was the first time I heard it; this child dreams of unusual dreams. In those dreams, he can act as if he’s a deity watching over another world.”

“Another world…?”

“And in that dream, black monsters appeared. He fought alongside the people in the dream against the black monsters, and most importantly, he said he could take out the gifts people had given him right here!”

Since there was evidence, they brought him directly. Shura handed a dagger she was holding to Riena. Riena instinctively felt an unfamiliar power emanating from the dagger and flinched.

It felt like a sensation that could be experienced only in a world completely different from a game.

“I need to hear more specific and detailed information.”

“Eek!?”

At that moment, Jun-Young, crumpled beside the bed, sat upright and approached. Shura stepped back in shock, but his expression was grave and serious.

‘Has something burst? Then again, is there ever a complete ending?’

He naturally reacted since he knew what the boy was experiencing.

Now another user began to appear in this world he had been observing as a user.

“There’s no need to worry too much. What you’re experiencing isn’t a delusion or a disease; it’s all real. Moreover, it’s a trial you can overcome.”

He offered a faint smile to the boy, who was like a junior to him.

[The End] 【2023 Grand Maximum Web Novel Contest Special Selection Award Work】