Regressor Instruction Manual-Chapter 1163. Internal Stability (2)

I was aware that the setup was a bit excessive. I was a genius, but I had no idea that I was one. I was a saint chosen and beloved by the Goddess of Flower and Fertility, who was considered a Tier 1 GENIUS.

I was basically an angel in human form.

I was filled with dreams, hopes, and courage, but I was also innocent.

I get hurt pretty easily, but I was extremely tenacious.

Apparently, there was some unknown power sleeping inside me.

William wasn’t fully aware of Lee Ki-Young’s memory loss or terminal illness, but it could be considered that this setup was a bit too much.

“...”

“...”

‘Even I think I went too far. Even if I were a character created in the 80s or 90s, I would think the same thing.’

This setup would raise eyebrows even during times when wild and edgy setups were popular. However, if one had already decided to go too far, one ought to go all out. In addition, creating an overly dramatic character would be less unnatural than that.

“I don’t really understand... can you tell me more about it?” William requested.

“It’s embarrassing to tell you this, but...” I paused.

“...”

“Since I arrived in Rohen, I’ve been having the same dream. It sounds crazy, but...!” I shouted.

“Mr. Lee Ki-Young, we’re in Rohen. Having the same dream every night isn’t something to take lightly,” William said.

'He’s right. I am in Rohen.'

“I... see,” I mumbled.

“Whatever you tell me, I’m ready to take it seriously. Actually... I was thinking about something similar as well,” William revealed.

“Pardon?”

“To be honest, I think you're the key for this mainstream event. The incidents in Harizel and Saint Bell seemed to be telling me that. The 21st Legion that suddenly appeared seems oddly connected to you in many ways,” William answered.

“Ah...”

“I hope I’m just overthinking it, but there were many times... where I felt like Rohen was revolving around you, Mr. Lee Ki-Young. It started happening after you arrived here. I'm certain you have something hidden,” William continued.

It’d be strange if he hadn't been thinking that way, as the twenty-three-year-old Flower Ki-Young was on the verge of suffocating beneath the cringeworthy weight of this overly dramatic setup.

‘At this point, it’s like I’m going around with my arms open and yelling out that I'm the protagonist.’

“If you’re too uncomfortable to tell me, you can tell me next time—”

“No, I want to tell you as well,” I interrupted him.

“...”

“There’s something sealed inside me,” I revealed.

Obviously, it wasn’t the Shadow Flame Dragon.

“Excuse me?”

“The dream begins with me being aware that it's a dream. I’m hanging on top of a massive, grotesque tower, and thousands—no, tens of thousands of demons are kneeling before me.

"I also saw demons in priest uniforms chanting some kind of spell,” I explained.

“...”

“'Father will come. Father will come. The father confined in a worthless vessel will finally descend and be with us,'” I said.

“That’s...”

“The dream version of me knows what kind of being is sealed inside me and that this vessel is on the brink of breaking. I gathered my hands and prayed while standing on top of the tower to prevent this being from breaking out into the world, despite knowing that it’s impossible,” I explained.

“...”

“I'd always confront my anxiety and fear, but my dream never changes,” I said.

“...”

“And someone slices my throat...” I paused.

“...”

“And I die,” I continued.

“...”

“And the blood dripping down my corpse travels through tiny grooves, forming patterns. The grotesque tower is soon covered with patterns drawn with my blood, and the bizarre altar beneath it starts dripping with blood.

"An unimaginable amount of blood keeps pouring out of my human body—far more blood than you’d expect. The demons will then sing until the blood pouring out of me incessantly becomes a small lake.

"They would then perform an indescribable and incomprehensible ritual,” I added.

The description was so detailed that it made William gulp.

“When the blood from the tower had all fallen onto the altar, an enormous being beyond my comprehension would rise. It was a being so terrifying that it filled me with an unbearable fear even though I hadn't seen it yet.

"The myriad of demons would bow before that being. Its resurrection and rebirth are greeted by countless deaths, fears, and sins,” I continued.

“What happened to you... Mr. Lee Ki-Young?” William questioned.

“I probably died. In my dream, I was a vessel for something that couldn't be contained,” I answered.

In a nutshell, the setup was that a being incomparable to Bahamut’s demon seed was sealed within me.

“At first, I convinced myself that it was nothing... but I knew this would eventually happen,” I said. The viewers watching from the sidelines started sending messages, and their response told me the true gravity of the situation.

[The Goddess of Flower and Fertility❤ is asking why you never talked about that dream. She’s worried about you because it’s something that can certainly happen.]

[The Gatekeeper of Heaven❤ mumbles, saying that an ancient demon is probably sealed in you. It can be the Great Ancient Demon or a being stronger than that.]

[The Gatekeeper of Heaven❤ nods, indicating that they’re prepared to make any sacrifice for your sake.]

[The Gatekeeper of Heaven❤ has donated 10,000 coins.]

[The Boy Adorned With Earrings of Truth is questioning that this is a bit too sudden. He says that it doesn't make sense for a human body to contain the Great Ancient Demon.]

[The Mistress of the Holy Night❤ says that it's probably due to your pure and flawless nature. She deduces that it's the reason why the most corrupt being was sealed inside you. This continent and dimension are filled with phenomena and events that even they can’t comprehend, so the idea that a demon is sealed inside you isn’t entirely unrealistic.]

[The Goddess of Flower and Fertility❤ is worried about the events that will happen in the future and the pain you’ll have to bear.]

[He Who Sits on the Golden Throne❤ is worried that this event might influence not just Rohen, but the entire dimension.]

[The Crooked Guardian says everything will be resolved if you die.]

[The Lowest Abyss of the Abyss❤ suggests that some of the GENIUSES should refrain from speaking too much. Telling someone to take their own life is a direct violation of Rohen’s law and warns that if this behavior doesn’t stop, they’ll make a report to the higher-ups.]

[The Wolf Crying Under the Crescent Moon says that this isn’t something that can be overlooked, and given the unique circumstances, an exceptional clause should be applied.]

[The Goddess of Flower and Fertility❤ says there are no exceptions to Rohen’s law. She is confident that her contractors will overcome this crisis wisely.]

The public opinion wasn’t bad. For a moment, I thought the real Ki-Young could be among the GENIUS, but that wasn’t important right now.

Even while we were moving toward Saint Bell, Will looked like he was deep in thought.

It was important to power up the guy who had the potential to grow even stronger.

“I think it’s best if we keep this between us for now,” William suggested.

“Okay,” I answered.

“You mustn't tell this to anyone, Mr. Lee Ki-Young. For the time being, I’d like it if only you and I were aware of this,” William requested.

Obviously, this wasn’t something I could tell other people because even William was deep in thought. It wasn’t easy to say to people that a being that could threaten Rohen—no, the entire dimension, was sealed inside me.

“Some extremists might target you, Mr. Lee Ki-Young,” he said.

“But if all of this is true, what should I do?” I asked.

“I-I’ll try to find a way. Until then, we need to prepare for the defense battle at Saint Bell...” William suggested.

'You’re not trying to cut ties with me, are you?'

‘I’m sure he won’t since he told me some things.’

I was sure there were many things he needed to think about. In the worst-case scenario, it was worth considering taking measures to prevent whatever was inside me from breaking out into the world. Of course, I had faith in my Will, but...

‘Yeah, he’s not the type to cut ties with people.’

He was a man of good morals and conduct.

It was to the point that he could repeatedly declare the principles he had been following all his life.

He wasn't someone who could sacrifice one person to protect Rohen.

As expected, despite hearing something that could sway him, I saw him keeping Saint Bell under control. Just like yesterday, there was a sense of chaos and an eerie tension within the city, but the atmosphere was stable.

“We need to raise the walls on this side a little more.”

“Should I call for a mage?”

“No... the stonemasons have to do this themselves.”

Before worrying about how the higher-ups would react to the ridiculous offer, many things needed to be done. There were things like building the walls as planned and preparing everything required in the defense war.

Meanwhile, William secretly freed the captured criminals in the temple, all the while examining the walls and having constant conversations with the higher-ups around him.

“This place will become mankind's final sanctuary. We cannot give this place up no matter what,” William declared.

“Right...”

“And the reinforcements...” William asked.

“They said it’ll take over a week, even if they rush here. Many cities, including Arhendel...”

“I see,” he said.

“By the way, Mr. William. Regarding those noises we heard in the middle of the night...”

“It was nothing,” he told them.

The fact that he was keeping his promise made it clear that he believed it wasn't a wise idea to make a big deal out of the recent incident..

Of course, those in the know had most likely figured it out, and they were probably spreading a rumor about how the Saint of Flower and Fertility was kidnapped in the middle of the night, but the kidnappers were forgiven instead of being punished.

‘It’s a touching story.’

Some would insult me and say that it was a foolish decision, but others would understand my feelings. At this point, they probably realized that this was a message about everyone coming together as one rather than distinguishing right from wrong.

Along with fear, the atmosphere of unity was spreading as well.

A small hope was rising amidst the dawn in Saint Bell.

It was a small hope that humanity could once again overcome this challenge with a shared sense of purpose and unity for the sake of what we hold dear.

There were many meetings, but no one suggested handing me over to the other side.

Just like that, two days passed, and there were only five days left until the deadline.

When I closed my eyes, I saw William in my dreams.

“...”

“...”

“Mr. William?” I said.

“Mr. Lee Ki-Young? What’s... are you really Mr. Lee Ki-Young? Where am I...” William questioned.

“Yes, it’s me, Mr. William,” I answered.

After looking around, he immediately understood what was going on.

“I’m... in your dream,” William remarked.

Since we lacked time, Will's strengthening drama had to be filmed in a dream.

— This is fine, right, oppa?

‘Yeah, thanks, noona.’