Chapter 486. Ah! Hero, Salem’s Hero (2)

The swirling darkness gradually faded and then disappeared as if it had never existed in the first place. At the same time, the endless howls of the Abyss King died down like they were washed away. Soon after, the Astral World, which had been devastated by the battle so far, began to fade; it wasn’t disappearing, but in the process of returning to its original state when the source and cause of its current state—the Abyss King—was gone.

Chi-Woo only had to wait, and he would see everyone again—his brother waiting for him in the Middle World and the Shalyh’s expeditionary force anxiously waiting for him in the Astral World. However, there was something more important to Chi-Woo than meeting them right now.

“Mr. Philip!” He cried out Philip’s name desperately and tried to force his fatigued body to move.

—Yeah, what?

Then a translucent spirit flickered into existence in front of Chi-Woo. It was Philip. Chi-Woo, who had stumbled to get up and was standing precariously, stopped when he saw Philip blinking back at him nonchalantly. Then he fell on his butt, staring blankly at Philip while he asked in a daze, “…What the heck?”

—What?

“No. You just…”

—Hm? Ah, it’s nothing much.

Philip waved his hand in a careless tone.

—I told you. I was a hero when I was alive, and I swore to defend my country even after I died.

Then he glanced down at the still unconscious Flora and continued.

—I’m a famous spirit after all. Covering up for just one kid isn’t a big deal for me.

He coughed regally and crossed his arms.

—But don’t let down your guard. While it’s true I’m taking the brunt of the backlash instead, it’s only for finishing the Abyss King. In the end, all you got is a brief reprieve. In other words, I didn’t perfectly handle all the backlash because the oh-so-great universe’s will judged that this matter went against what it considered as fair.

—Thus, it’ll be coming after you again sooner or later. Be careful. Well, it can’t use the Abyss King as a medium anymore, so the same thing won’t happen to you again, but…

Chi-Woo breathed a sigh of relief. If things went wrong, he might have lost his precious comrades right in front of his very eyes—the Shalyh’s expeditionary forces as well as Philip. He didn’t know what the backlash would be, but it was better for him to be the one to deal with it. He could never let others sacrifice themselves in front of him ever again.

With the tension drained from his body, he lost what little strength he had left. Then he sprawled on the ground after sitting down.

“You’re fine, right? That’s a relief…”

Philip didn’t say anything; he just smiled with his arms crossed.

—Anyway, it’s over. This war too.

He looked up at the sky and murmured to himself like he was monologuing.

“…Yes.” Chi-Woo yawned with his mouth wide open. He wanted to run back to everyone and rejoice in their victory, but for some reason, he felt a stronger desire to sleep. It might have been because he’d gone over his limit, or maybe the backlash of going against the law of causality was coming after him as Philip had predicted. Regardless of the reason, an irresistible need to sleep was rushing over him.

—Well, you did the most work, but you have to also acknowledge my contribution this time. Agree?

As he said, Chi-Woo had to admit that Philip had played a critical role this time. Philip had said that he could take a more active role since the Astral World was a spiritual world. He had really kept his promise.

“Yes…I agree…”

—Only by words? You need to give me a reward. You said you’d reward those who did well and punish those who did bad.

Chi-Woo cracked a small smile. He had been keeping himself awake, but he couldn’t help but yawn as sleepiness overcame him. “Yes…what kind of reward…”

—Then, can I ask for Ms. Byeok’s underwear?

“…Mr. Philip…?”

—Please.

“No.”

—What, why are you suddenly being so stern?

While resisting sleep, Chi-Woo cleared his throat with a frown.

—I’m kidding. I’m not even a living person, so there’s not much I want, but…I do want to go visit Salem. It’s been a long time.

“All of the sudden…?”

—Sudden? It’s where I was born and grew up in, and it’s also where I gave everything I had when I was alive.

“…”

—And…it’s also where my ancestors and my family are buried.

“…”

—…Chi-Woo?

There was no reply. Chi-Woo was already sound asleep.

—Hey, punk. I’m trying to talk here…

Philip tried to wake Chi-Woo, but suddenly paused. Soon after, he sighed and slightly stretched his shoulders with a resigned smile. Then Wallie and Asha, who had been glancing anxiously at Philip, carefully approached him. They couldn’t help but glance nervously at him because, because…

—Hey, Asha.

Philip called out to Asha.

—Perhaps…is it possible? No, I’m only asking, just in case.

Asha remained silent. Of course, Asha couldn’t speak in the first place, but it wasn’t a positive response either. They were clearly hesitant like they didn’t know what to do.

—Well, that’s probably the case. I’m fine.

Philip smirked.

—I’m fine. For real.

He said again and looked up at the sky.

—This is enough. It’s not a bad way to go. I’m satisfied.

He repeated this over and over again. That it was okay, and he had done a good job, as if to comfort himself.

* * *

After some time, the once-divided world finally returned to its original state. Shalyh’s expeditionary force, who had been trembling with anxiety, cheered when the familiar scenery appeared into view. They hugged each other and shed tears of joy. And then all their eyes shifted to a particular place—where Chi-Woo was lying unconscious. Chi-Hyun was already standing there.

“I see…” Chi-Hyun heard what had happened from Philip and nodded with a slightly remorseful expression; Philip was going from transparent to completely invisible. In fact, his feet were already almost gone. “That’s—” Chi-Hyun was about to say something, but closed his mouth when Philip waved his hands.

—It’s all right. I’ve already prepared myself. You must be busy with the post-war process, so you should quickly go take care of that.

Normally, Chi-Hyun would have gone, ‘Is that so? Okay, fine,’ and then turn around without hesitation. However, he hesitated this time uncharacteristically. Although the spirit in front of him was not a living person, he was someone who had been looking after and helping his brother more closely than anyone else on Liber. Chi-Hyun’s mouth twitched, and he finally managed to say, “…Thanks.”

Philip gave him a warm smile; although it was just a single word, he was well aware that Chi-Hyun was showing his sincere gratitude as an older brother.

—Yes, well. Good luck with the rest.

Soon, Chi-Hyun turned around.

—And try trusting him.

He paused when he heard Philip say that from behind his back.

—He’s your brother after all.

It sounded like a request. Chi-Hyun didn’t respond right away, but nodded a beat later. Philip watched Chi-Hyun gradually walk away before lowering his gaze.

—Hey, Asha.

Then he said.

—Let me ask you a favor.

* * *

Chi-Woo was walking somewhere. It seemed like Liber, but he was walking in the middle of a city he’d never seen before. For some reason, however, it looked familiar. He couldn’t put a finger on it, but for now, he pushed it aside and walked on. Soon after, he saw a majestic palace and went inside. He hadn’t seen a single person on his way. The palace was likewise quiet. Then at one point, Chi-Woo stopped walking without even realizing it. There was another person beside him. The young man was wearing armor and a nice cape like a knight, and he sat on the throne with a golden crown adorned with colorful jewels—it was none other than Philip.

“Hey.” It was Salem Philip. “Welcome to Salem’s palace.” Philip rose from his throne as soon as he saw Chi-Woo and welcomed him. Chi-Woo was shocked by Philip’s sudden appearance and the way he looked. He didn’t seem like his usual spirit self. Moreover, even his voice sounded like it belonged to a living person.

“W-What is this? Where is this, and what’s up with the way you look—”

“Now, now, let’s not waste time on minor details,” Philip told him to drop it and not be such a stickler. “Just enjoy it. Let’s enjoy this moment.” Then he dragged the confused Chi-Woo outside. Chi-Woo felt a little strange, but followed him without resisting; for some reason, he felt like he should do that. Philip led Chi-Woo from place to place and guided him around the royal palace. Of course, Philip didn’t just show him around. In fact, sightseeing was only second priority, and Philip was busy chattering away. “Hey, do you remember? Back in the days when you didn’t know anything, you…”

“Why are you suddenly talking about that…”

“Seriously, I lost sleep because I was so worried about you. Did you know that, punk?”

“What, you’re a spirit. How can you sleep…”

“Come on, I’m just speaking in the figurative sense!” Of course, they didn’t just talk. While recalling memories of their training, the two even went outside and dueled, saying they should find out who was stronger for good today.

“I told you to fix this, but you’re still doing it!”

“Mr. Philip, I’m probably stronger than you now!”

“Haha! Don’t make me laugh! You’re still—Ah, wait a minute! Using that power is foul play!”

After dueling like this for a long time, they picked a random spot to sit down and began talking again.

“Hey, so who pulls at your heartstring the most? Be honest. You must have one or two people in mind. I won’t tell anyone, so just give me a hint. Ah, excluding Ms. Evelyn.”

“Why leave out Ms. Evelyn?”

“Come on, let’s leave the final boss for last. Anyway, is it Hawa? Eshnunna? Or…”

Chi-Woo, who had been caught in Philip’s antics without realizing it, followed him around and laughed. He got a strange feeling sometimes, but these thoughts soon disappeared because he hadn’t had so much fun for a long time. At this moment, at least, he had no worries. It felt like he was hanging out with a close friend of the same age. Meanwhile, the city, which had been brightly lit when Philip first showed him around, began to slowly glow red. Philip got to his feet and patted his pants. This time, he led Chi-Woo to the peak of a hill outside the city. It was quite tall for a hill, so they could get a clear view of the Salem capital.

Philip looked at the setting sun and suddenly said, “I guess time’s almost up. When you’re having fun, time passes quickly.”

“What do you mean?”

Philip didn’t immediately reply. He stood still for a long time and said, “…I—” His voice was soft. “I think it’s about time for me to leave.”

“What are you…” Chi-Woo looked around in surprise. Philip smiled bitterly when their eyes met. His expression gave Chi-Woo a rough idea of what Philip meant. Actually, he had been thinking that there was something strange when he found himself in an unfamiliar place from the start. But still—he hadn’t really believed it.

Chi-Woo stared at Philip silently and soon opened his mouth. “You said that wasn’t it.” A slightly hoarse voice came out. “You said you were fine.” His voice trembled. He wanted Philip to tell him that it was just a joke. That he should relax. “Then why—”

“I’m fine.” Philip cut Chi-Woo off. “I’m already dead, and all of you are still alive.” Philip continued with a shrug. “And it’s a bargain when you look at the number. There are already so many in the Seven Stars. If it’s just me, it’s a cheap price to pay, don’t you think so?”

Chi-Woo’s expression twisted with anger. If they were purely comparing the number of lives that could’ve been lost, Philip was not wrong, but Chi-Woo didn’t want to think of it that way because Philip, after their meeting in Salem, had been a dear comrade, friend, and teacher. He had been with Chi-Woo longer than anyone else.

Philip smiled as if he could clearly read Chi-Woo’s thoughts on his face.

“I know. I know what you want to say.” Philip raised both hands, gesturing at him to calm down. “You said no. To not talk like that and think about doing such a foolish thing. It doesn’t matter to you since that’s just how you are.” Then Philip stopped talking and suddenly pursed his lips. “But—what can you do?”

He slowly touched his chin with his hand and glanced at Chi-Woo. Then he said, “When I’m a fool.” He chuckled. “Yeah, I’m a fool. When I was alive, I protected my country with my life and swore to protect it even after I died. I’m an idiot and a fool who only knows one thing after I get into it.”

Philip exhaled. “…Honestly, in the beginning, I was just going to stick around and go sightseeing around the world.” He muttered as if he was confessing and suddenly stretched his arms with a laugh. “But at some point, I started to cheer for you. I don’t remember exactly when.” Philip chuckled at Chi-Woo’s blank face and winked. “Anyway…I’m telling you to not be too hard on yourself.”

Chi-Woo parted his lips, but—

“It was my choice. I did it because I wanted to.” However, Philip didn’t give him a chance to talk. “…Yeah, that’s all.” Philip exhaled deeply, and his expression became subdued. The setting sun lingering in the city crept up the hill, and it was now shining upon Philip’s face. Philip slightly narrowed his eyes and looked up at the sun with a grin. Then he pulled at Chi-Woo’s arm. The two men stood side by side and silently watched the setting sun. Chi-Woo opened his mouth to speak many times; he wanted to say something. He had to say something, but he couldn’t bear to say anything. Although it was only his guess, he had a feeling that Philip’s sincere wish was simply to…watch the setting sun with him.

Neither of them knew how long it had been. When the evening sunset reached peak redness, and the burning twilight devoured not just the city, but even painted the hills red, Chi-Woo suddenly came to his senses and turned around. “Philip—” When he finally managed to say something, he couldn’t continue because he was suddenly alone. Flustered, Chi-Woo hurriedly looked around. Philip was nowhere to be seen.

At that moment, Chi-Woo clearly felt a tap, like someone was patting his shoulder to cheer him up. Then—

* * *

Chi-Woo’s eyes burst open.