Beyond the Eternity

Even in Song of Nightmares, the mysteries of the Abandoned Mansion were shrouded in uncertainty. Certain details were deliberately left out by the author. All I knew for sure was that a horrific tragedy had unfolded here, wiping out an entire bloodline in a single night.

After discussing the situation with the other five players, we agreed to proceed with the utmost caution through the mansion.

But then,

"Huh? You're planning to go alone?"

"Yes. Is that a problem?"

"Do you even understand the situation? We don't even know what killed the others."

"There's no need to worry about me. I can handle myself. And if I run into something I can't defeat, I can always run away."

Those were Soo Jinyoung's words.

Despite my warnings about the dangers, she insisted on investigating alone. But of course, she wouldn't be Soo Jinyoung if she didn't act like the protagonist.

I sighed.

If she wanted to go somewhere, then nobody could stop her. Who could stop the almighty protagonist?

It wasn't necessarily a bad decision, though. Splitting up would help us cover more ground, but the real concern was the danger. Still, if anyone could handle it, it was Soo Jinyoung.

"Fine, you can go. But you have to report back to the group, okay? Oh, and don't get lost."

Soo Jinyoung simply nodded.

She lowered her stance, adjusting her center of gravity, and then vanished in a blur. Moving at speeds faster than sound, she disappeared down the straight corridor.

Cloud Step, or simply Air Step

A skill rooted in wind manipulation to enhance the user's movement speed. At higher levels, It was possible for the user to walk on clouds as if they were solid platforms.

Thus, the name Cloud Step.

Ryu Yeji looked puzzled, with his gaze fixed in the direction where Soo Jinyoung had disappeared. He turned to me, pointing toward the spot, and asked:

"Did she really just go off on her own? Will she be alright?"

I shrugged. "Don't worry about her. She can take care of herself. Since she went right, let's check the left corridor for clues."

"Ah, okay."

I turned to Moon Jiyeon. "High Priestess, any objections?"

"Not at all, Mister Kim."

"Good. Then let's move."

Weapons were drawn simultaneously.

Ryu Yeji unsheathed the Tempest Sword, Moon Jiyeon drew a Poison Dagger from her cloak, and Yoo Rin summoned her Magic Gauntlets.

I casually retrieved the Silver Magic Gun, Ivory, from my Watcher's Dimension Star Coat.

We formed a formation.

I led the way with Miyuki by my side, while Ryu Yeji and Moon Jiyeon took the middle, and Yoo Rin covered the rear. The only light came from the candles, which burned mysteriously, while outside of the mansion was engulfed in complete darkness.

If I remembered correctly, a barrier surrounded the house, protecting it from the void. At the same time, it warded off any intruders attempting to breach its walls.

Unless granted permission by its master, it was impossible to enter uninvited.

Considering that this place had been set as a stage for the Sixth Fable, it stood to reason that the master had already granted permission for the players to enter.

Yoo Rin spoke uneasily.

"This place is giving me the creeps. Hyung, there's no one here."

"We won't know for sure until we explore further."

"I know, but I can't shake this feeling. Now that I think about it, I haven't heard any of those annoying messages from the constellations."

"You're only noticing now? I guess this is the kind of place where their presence isn't wanted."

"That makes me even more uneasy. What kind of place is this if the constellations can't even reach here?"

"Your guess is as good as mine."

It wasn't a complete lie. I was indeed curious.

Considering the existence of the [Tree of Beginnings], which connects to countless parallel universes, along with other World Trees in various mythologies that serve as branches of the [Celestial Tree], where exactly does the Da'at Abyss fit within this vast network?

Perhaps Da'at Abyss was a territory outside the Tree of Stories. A realm outside all of Fiction (Game Board).

If that were the case, and my suspicions proved correct, it would explain why the influence of the constellations couldn't reach this place.

However, there was a flaw in that theory. If my reasoning held true, how could this very place have been chosen as the stage for the Sixth Fable?

Was this place really beyond the realm of Stories?

I suspected there was some sort of agreement between the Administration Bureau and the Master of this Territory.

We proceeded down the corridor as I glanced at the stopwatch. Roughly 20 minutes had passed since we entered the Fable.

Ryu Yeji frowned.

"What the hell is going on? We've been walking for ages, and there's still no end in sight."

Moon Jiyeon spoke calmly. "Perhaps the mansion is just that vast. Many mansions are like that."

"This isn't about the issue of the mansion being spacious. I'm absolutely certain that we've passed that same vase at least three times now. Something is wrong with this place."

Ryu Yeji pointed to a vase with a unique design. Surely, It was hard to miss. In fact, I had already noticed the situation.

His first mistake was still thinking this place was a normal space. There were no people, and the windows revealed nothing but darkness. Was there truly a mansion like this on Earth?

Indeed, we had been transferred into another world.

I sighed.

"It appears we're trapped in some sort of loop."

†

†

Park Joonhyuk and the Outcast King, Park Yewon, only stared at each other.

Needless to say, there was palpable tension between the two. They were related to each other, siblings to more accurate. However, their relationship could be described as anything but simple.

The King of Outcasts carefully lifted her mask, revealing a youthful face framed by crimson eyes.

They were the same eyes as Park Joonhyuk.

Anyone else who saw them would likely mistake them for twins. However, in reality, Park Joonhyuk was unmistakably the older brother.

Instead of answering her brother's question, Park Yewon simply asked. "When did you get out from prison?"

"There was an outbreak."

"Oh, I see. So you used the chaos as an opportunity to escape."

"It couldn't be helped. Everything fell apart before I even realized it. If I'd stayed, I would have died."

"So, you killed to save yourself?"

"Who in this world survived without killing? I'm sure you must have done the same, isn't that right?"

That was enough to silence her for the moment. Park Joonhyuk seized this opportunity to ask a question.

"By the way, what happened to that old geezer? Did he survive?"

"No, he was killed by someone."

"Huh? Killed? Who did it?"

"I did. I killed him."

It was Park Joonhyuk's turn to close his mouth. But his surprise only lasted for a moment before he scratched the back of his head.

"Damn. In that case, It can't be helped. But aren't you heartless? How could you kill the man that took care of you?"

"Don't pretend like he's our father. He's just a pitiful man who took us in to exploit us."

"I can't argue with that. He's a real piece of work."

Park Joonhyuk and Park Yewon had no biological parents. At least, none they could remember. They grew up on the unforgiving streets of a low-income district in Seoul, doing whatever was necessary to survive. The man who took them in was no savior. He was just another pawn in the web of manipulation. As a result, there were no lingering attachments or emotional ties to him.

That was why Park Yewon could stab him in the neck without remorse.

Park Joonhyuk broke the silence again. "I wanted to thank you for what happened back then."

"What do you mean 'back then'?"

"During the disaster. If it hadn't been for you, I might not be standing here."

Park Yewon shrugged indifferently. "Why thank me? I only made a logical decision, not one based on you."

"But I survived, didn't I? So how can you say I shouldn't thank you?"

"Didn't I tell you to stop with the theatrics? I know you didn't come here just to say pointless things."

For the first time during the conversation, Park Joonhyuk's pleasantly calm smile crumbled. .net

"That's strange. You don't seem happy at all despite meeting your brother."

"Do you really don't know?"

"Do you hate me?"

"Yes."

She answered without hesitation.

[The skill, Seeking Truth has activated.]

[You have confirmed that the statement is true.]

Park Joonhyuk forced a bitter smile. He already knew the answer, but hearing it from her lips still stung.

"Can you really say that? Wasn't your survival tied to that story?"

She retorted, unfazed. "It's something you couldn't stop talking about, so I was forced to listen."

"What if I hadn't kept talking about it? Are you so sure you'd still be alive?"

It seems he had won this round because Park Yewon became quiet.

That was true. Before he was imprisoned for the scam he had pulled, he constantly talked about the story of Song of Nightmares to Park Yewon. She had dismissed it as nonsense at the time, but in the end, it was that very nonsense that had helped her survive.

[Some constellations watch you with eyes full of excitement.]

[The constellation World Encircling Serpent is looking at you with strange eyes.]

The two locked eyes in silence for a while, ignoring the messages of the constellations. Eventually, Park Joonhyuk spoke first, realizing the other party had no intention of breaking the stalemate.

"Alright, since it's clear I'm not welcome here, I'll get straight to the point. Hand over Kim Saeyoonah. I know she's among your ranks."

"Hmm. How did you know about her? Do you have the Visionary attribute or is it something related to that novel?"

"Oh, now you're concerned about your brother? You really know how to warm my heart."

"Let's make a deal. Tell me your attitude and I consider handing her over."

Park Joonhyuk laughed as if he found her words amusing.

"Ha! Are you really trying to deceive your own brother? Did you forget I've been manipulating people my entire life? It was a nice attempt, but such an obvious tactic won't work on me. Didn't you learn anything in school, or was that too basic for them to teach you?"

"Well, that's really bad. I was even thinking about handing her over. But now, I'm not sure."

"So you're not going to lend her to me?"

"That depends on you, my dear brother."

...

I see. So this is how she's trying to play it, huh? Too bad, there's nothing for her to gain using this tactic.

Park Joonhyuk's smile stretched even wider. "Honestly, I don't know what to tell you, because even I don't know my own attributes."

She shot him a glare.

"Do you think I'm an idiot? Do you really expect anyone to believe such a blatant lie?"

"You have to believe me, I honestly don't know. Why would I lie to my own sister? If you're suspicious, feel free to check for yourself."

['Park Yewon' has used Seeking Truth on you.]

[Your words has been confirmed as the truth.]

Park Yewon's eyes opened wide.

"Impossible! That was obviously a lie. How could anyone not know their own attributes?!"

"What can I say? Even I was shocked. It made things unnecessary difficult for me."

"What the hell did you do? You must've used something. No, you definitely used something. After all, tricking and manipulating people is the only thing a bastard like you is good at."

"Hahaha! Are you trying to make me feel guilty? I see that's your end game, but honestly, I take your words as a compliment. So, your attempt to insult me has completely backfired."

Park Joonhyuk's expression soured, with his brows furrowing into a deep scowl.

"You say I'm only good at manipulating others, right? So what of it? What if I'm nothing but a worthless piece of trash who can only deceive people? If that's what I'm good at, then so be it. If my only talent is manipulating and fooling others, why shouldn't I use it? It would be a waste not to. Let me teach you something as your older brother, you can never get anywhere in this life by being 'good.' Our parents abandoned us without a second thought, leaving us in a pile of shit without even an explanation or a goodbye. What did we do to deserve that? Did we really deserve to be cast aside like that? Were we not innocent? I bet they were probably enjoying themselves and f*cking around while we slept on that f*cking cold road and almost starved to death."

It was the perfect blow.

Park Yewon's eyes shook from receiving the full impact of those words, but Park Joonhyuk wasn't finished.

"We did nothing wrong, yet we were abandoned in the end. Blind trust only leads to betrayal, and it always comes in the cruelest form. That's how life works. You're either the one being exploited, or the one doing the exploiting. If you're weak, people will drain you dry without a second thought. Greed is human nature, and self-interest drives everyone. If people are going to take advantage of me, should I just sit back and accept it like some fool? Hell no! I left that naive mindset behind a long time ago. I'd rather be the one doing the taking instead! I don't care who It is—If someone try to take advantage of me, I'll completely crush them without remorse. Even if that someone is my own sister!"

After finishing his passionate speech, Park Joonhyuk quickly rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a small device resembling a remote, featuring three buttons.

Even though Park Yewon wasn't an expert, she could tell what her brother was holding. But she refused to believe it. Surely, even a scumbag like him couldn't stoop that low.

She narrowed her eyes.

"What is that?"

"Why ask questions you already know the answer to?" Park Joonhyuk replied with a smirk. "Before that, let me ask you something, dear sister. Did you really think I was just sitting here, waiting for you to return?"

"You're bluffing. Even if you're a killer, you're not a mass murderer."

"Are you really sure about that? It seems you don't know your brother as well as you think. Looks like I'll have to remind you—and drill it into that stubborn head of yours!"

With a manic grin, Park Joonhyuk pressed the bottom button before Park Yewon could even react.

Kaboom!

A loud sound echoed and the ground trembled. Along with that, there was the sound of screams coming from outside the tent.

Park Yewon's face turned pale. Then she turned to the still smiling Park Joonhyuk.

"You... Don't tell me..."

"Why are you staring at me like that? The explosion happened far from here. Those people outside are just overreacting. But there's still two buttons left on this remote. I can't help but wonder what will happen if I press them. Any guesses?"

"You bastard! Are you really willing to kill everyone just to get your way? Even your own sister?!"

"Huh?"

Park Joonhyuk tilted his head as if he had heard something strange. "Kill you? Of course not. You're my one and only precious sister. But the people outside, well, that's a different story."

"Ha! I see now. So this was your plan from the start."

Park Yewon lowered her head and laughed bitterly. This was nothing more than a calculated tactic by Park Joonhyuk, designed to corner her into making a move he desired.

All of this, just for one person? Was that woman's life truly worth so much that he was willing to sacrifice so many others to get to her?

She could not understand. It was impossible to understand her brother's logic.

"Park Yewon."

Park Joonhyuk's demon-like voice penetrated into her eardrums. She lifted her head, which had once been bowed, and met his gaze.

He did not waver in his demeanour, he continued to speak relentlessly.

"As I mentioned earlier, I can't kill you. But that doesn't mean I'm out of options. I can simply target those that you care about instead. If direct violence is no longer possible, then I'll just make you submit using psychological violence. I'm not asking for much. Just hand over that person, then I'll leave. In fact, if you wish, then you'll never hear from me again. But if you choose to make things difficult for me, then I'll also make things difficult for you."

"...."

"So, what's it going to be? Will you choose the peaceful route, or will you keep being stubborn? And just so you know, patience isn't one of my virtues. So make up your mind, quickly."

Park Yewon's shoulders trembled. How could she have forgotten?

The man standing before her had always been like this, completely consumed by his own wants and desires, to the point where he discarded everyone around him, even his own flesh and blood.

That man's name was Park Joonhyuk.

In the end, she could only muster enough strength to utter a few words.

"Just as I expected, you haven't changed one bit."