Chapter 292

Karma (2)

It was a day when even the morning stars froze and dimmed their light.

A bone-chilling wind tore at the skin, and the drizzling rain froze the heart.

Amid the clashing of weapons, chaotic footsteps, and the grinding of metal scraps, a baby held its breath and hid in a pile of garbage. It didn’t cry even when hungry, nor did it struggle when tears froze from the cold.

The baby learned to speak from a ragged beggar woman who smiled at it and learned how to find edible things in the trash.

As it grew, it rummaged through smelly garbage piles and fled from delinquents who tried to make it do bad things. There were days when it couldn’t escape and was caught and beaten. Without the strength to fight back, running was the best option.

To survive, it always stayed alert, curling up through the night with no shelter from the rain.

The dream I had these past few days ended here.

The dream soon became a memory that wouldn’t fade.

‘As days go by, the dream gets longer. Sometimes, even when I’m awake, the aftermath plays out.’

【Huh…】

It sounded like a sigh born from deep emptiness.

Like the growl of a wounded beast hiding at the end of an endless cave.

【You’ve found the key.】

‘The key? What do you mean?’

【You were Pr⬛en Laph⬛, and there you did Ed⬛je, telling me Net⬛laja. Do you understand?】

‘I hear bits and pieces.’

【Interesting.】

The shadow clicked its tongue.

【You’re trying to recover memories you erased yourself, aren’t you? The human heart is like a reed, they say. You’ve truly become human.】

‘I erased them? Is that even possible?’

【Shock, fear, wounds, fatigue, and love-hate. Humans, like other animals, erase memories if necessary. Some even overlay fabricated memories.】

I’ve read articles where doctors said that the brains of victims of assault or robbery erase memories of the event. But that’s more of the brain’s instinctive defense mechanism to protect the self rather than a conscious act.

Still, if it’s possible to erase memories voluntarily, that’s astonishing. Then, it should also be possible to recover them through will.

‘The present can’t exist without the past. If it’s a trace of my life, it’s right to remember it.’

【I respect your will and intention. You’re one of the only two beings I’ve stopped guessing about.】

One must be that thing, whether it’s a tool or a rhinoceros.

The shadow seemed to stroke its chin and nod.

Like the sunset finally dyeing the entire sky, the shadow’s unseen actions felt like a strange phenomenon.

【You’ve unlocked the seal yourself… I’m amazed. Human will can go that far.】

‘No need for compliments. I’m the type who has to do things myself to feel satisfied.’

Some people ask:

Why go through hardship when you can live without regrets?

Seeing Jin-hyeok digging for herbs for his mom, catching fish for his dad, and making boats for Yoo-jin, they wonder.

‘That’s what humans are. Stupid animals that find meaning in a drop of sweat and fulfillment in the process as much as the result.’

【I know. Even if they fail and are frustrated, they never give up.】

The shadow’s voice, now relaxed, sounded almost friendly.

Was it an illusion? The shadow’s authority seemed less imposing, replaced by a sense of familiarity.

Perhaps the connection had weakened.

‘I still have many questions.’

【Speak. I’ll tell you everything. You seem ready to listen. But you won’t understand it all.】

‘I’ll have to find the rest in my memories.’

The shadow seemed to smile.

Both Jin-hyeok and the shadow found peace in the quiet.

As the tension eased, the tightly wound stress began to unravel.

‘When I returned to my childhood, I almost cried because I couldn’t remember anything.’

I couldn’t even recall my parents’ death anniversary, and when I realized the day they passed, I stomped my feet, not knowing the cause. I couldn’t think of a way to prevent the accident and just followed along in a daze.

Even now, it’s a dizzying moment. I never want to go back.

【Let me tell you an interesting story.】

You’re not good at storytelling, so it’s probably boring. Jin-hyeok suppressed the urge to smack the shadow.

【In the language of your world, it’s called the backlash of space-time.】

It was an unfamiliar expression.

As I pondered what it meant, the shadow elaborated.

【Think of it as the price paid by souls traveling through the cracks of space-time, crossing worlds.】

‘The price is memories? Because that’s all we have?’

【Think of it as you will. Most of the universe’s laws can’t be understood logically. Just accept it. The cracks in space-time randomly erase travelers’ memories. Sometimes, they twist them.】

Unfamiliar expressions, strange concepts.

Jin-hyeok carefully processed them.

‘So, I can’t remember because it’s burned, and the past and present are different because it’s twisted?’

He pointed out that Kim Eung-nyeo’s family was different from the past.

【There’s no clear answer. Just as the cause and effect of all things can’t be clearly explained. Even if the same era repeats thousands of times, the same history won’t occur. You’ve seen how much change your act of saving a life brought.】

It sounded like Jin-hyeok’s experienced past and others’ histories were entirely possible. Whether memories were wrong or someone returned and changed history.

【One more thing. The old man knew you returned to the past with memories of this world. I told him myself.】

‘He said he didn’t know?’

【The old man also paid a price. The price for crossing time and space. I should have intervened for both you and the old man. I didn’t think of it. My apologies.】

What a slacker.

So, you’re saying you could’ve stopped the backlash or aftermath? We almost repeated that terrible past, man!

As Jin-hyeok clenched his jaw, the shadow continued.

【It wouldn’t have been easy for the old man to recover this world’s memories. Memories are like that. They fade faster and stronger than they regenerate. Humans leave records because their lifespans are short.】

It sounded like he was defending Hong Ki-jun.

‘The chairman must’ve taken a while to recover his memories.’

【It’s a matter of desperation. You had someone to save, while the old man only had a vague desire to succeed.】

‘That makes sense.’

Over the years since their reunion, Hong Ki-jun only focused on helping Jin-hyeok live comfortably, never digging deeper. He treated him merely as a friend’s son.

【The oath dominating the old man’s subconscious must have driven him. The blind pursuit of finding you.】

‘It’s hard to understand, but I think I get it.’

【Humans are that imperfect.】

Sigh.

‘If you were going to be kind, you should’ve taken better care of me. I lost a lot of hair wondering if you were on my side or not.’

【Next time, I will.】

‘Don’t say such scary things!’

Next time, my foot. Seriously.

*

The conversation continued with more questions and answers.

The difference from before was that there was more understanding than confusion.

【The old man stayed with me and watched over you.】

【Of course, I showed him your memories too. From age ten. The memories before that were too precious, so your ego didn’t reveal them.】

【You did Pr⬛urk and Ar⬛psi Snera⬛gurk.】

Jin-hyeok, who had been silently listening, brought up a point that was unclear whether it was from a conversation with Hong Ki-jun or the shadow.

‘You said one was right, and one was wrong.’

【What do you mean?】

‘When you asked if I died in an accident and was taken somewhere. You said one was right, and one was wrong. That means the part about dying was wrong, but being taken was right.’

Hmm.

The shadow narrowed its eyes.

【It will come to you soon. I assure you.】

‘Why can’t I remember?’

【It will come when the time is right… Now, it’s entirely up to you.】

The shadow slowly withdrew.

【One who can exist alone, withstand the power of space-time, and resolve the remaining knots to complete the task…】

‘Well… okay.’

Though some fog remained, it felt lighter.

I had asked all the questions I wanted and heard all the answers.

I seemed to know what the key to recovering memories was.

It was the day after the 200m final and the event race. Jin-hyeok, who had pushed himself recklessly without conserving energy, witnessed another point beyond the finish line.

That night, after dreaming of hardship, he suffered from muscle pain in reality.

The key was there.

A breakthrough.

Breaking through physical limits and awakening the brain.

The event, done with different intentions, brought unexpected results.

What he did for his brother brought joy to others, and in the end, he gained enlightenment.

【If you wish, I can unseal the memories-.】

‘I’ll find my memories myself. I think I’ll gain a lot in the process. There’s also the fun of waiting for the next story. I’ve been indebted enough.’

【Good luck. ‘Die or awaken.’ That’s the resolve someone used to chant like a mantra.】

Finally, I understood.

The ‘someone’ the shadow kept mentioning was Jin-hyeok himself.

‘A person who tries to overcome all hardships alone is less human than one who asks for and accepts help when needed. Did I say that too?’

【Ding dong-.】

Hey, don’t do weird things with that solemn cave sound.

Didn’t you say you traveled the Earth after leaving the shadow? Maybe you learned it from TV.

Anyway, it’s surprising that Jin-hyeok said that.

He believed the world was lived alone and actually lived that way.

【The Olympics are quite something. They’re almost here. Go back now.】

‘Already?’

【You always thought I ran away, didn’t you? Open your eyes and look around.】

Following the shadow’s words, Jin-hyeok looked around and his eyes widened.

The surroundings were flowing rapidly, like a video played at 8x speed.

Even more surprising was the fact that his body was lying down with a sleep mask on.

‘Was it an out-of-body experience? Can’t you stop time?’

【The connection is weak and dangerous. And it’s unnatural.】

What are you talking about? Time flowing fast is natural?

【Cool down. Prolonged resonance with another world while conscious is suicidal. Even with divine help.】

‘Stop!’

Jin-hyeok urgently called out to the shadow.

‘Before you go, can you do one thing for me? You said the connection might break anytime? The ability to look into the past. Use that to help me. There’s something I need to confirm.’

【A contract?】

‘Stop with the contract talk, just help me, okay?’

Is this shadow some kind of capitalist?

Ignoring Jin-hyeok’s irritation, the shadow sighed.

Humans always want something for nothing. It muttered.

【Speak.】

‘I have two requests.’

【You said one.】

‘You said human greed knows no bounds.’

【… If you’re mimicking my tone, it’s not even close.】

Sigh, damn. The shadow sighed again.

Did I just hear a curse?

As the two souls bickered like childhood friends, Jin-hyeok’s private jet entered Korean airspace.

***

Ooooh!

Like everyone else, Son Kwang-yeon’s mouth hung open.

The experience of stepping onto the connecting walkway with the welcoming party as a family perk was special, but watching the airshow from an unobstructed view was also unique.

Pak- pak- pak-. Brrrrrrr-. Bzzzzzzz-.

It was too far to hear the sounds, but if they could, it would probably feel like this.

A show invisible to those inside the plane.

Like a giant angel spreading its wings, the mist and fireworks from the large passenger plane displayed dazzling feathers.

The sparkling lights reminded me of the flashes bursting here and there in the Olympic Stadium.

‘It’s good Jin-hyeok didn’t see that scene. Still, it’s impressive.’

He’ll find out later from the recorded broadcast, but for now, it’s good he’s not looking for a mouse hole.

Son Kwang-yeon, who kept his eyes fixed on the circling private jet, let out a soft sigh through his nose.

‘Is Se-ra forty this year?’

The age of no confusion…

It’s something only those thirsty for attention would do at an age where one shouldn’t be swayed by anything.

But Son Kwang-yeon understands Yoo Se-ra. He’s probably the only one outside her family who understands her obsession with fireworks.

Yoo Se-ra has loved fireworks since she was a child.

– “Dad said. No matter how sad or hard it was, mom would smile when she saw fireworks. She’d clap and jump like a kid when they went off. So I set off fireworks day and night. To make mom laugh in heaven. Hehehehe-.”

She was a bit of a troublemaker, but her heart was kind.

Once, she stuck sparklers instead of incense at her mom’s grave and got scolded by her brothers.

When learning dance, she spun around with fountain sparklers in both hands, saying she’d show mom, and ended up burning her hair.

Yoo Se-ra, who set off fireworks in the garden every day, burning patches of grass here and there. Her brothers clicked their tongues, but Yoo Myung-sun just laughed and didn’t scold her.

Considering Yoo Se-ra’s obsession, setting off expensive fireworks every time Jin-hyeok set a new record wasn’t just for celebration.

‘She must be showing mom. Mom, I’m living well and strong.’

Skkkiiii- skkkkiiiiii-!

Finally.

With a deafening roar, the giant wheels touched the runway.

The awaited stairs met the boarding gate, and as the passenger door opened, drumsticks and batons began to beat in unison.

Kurururururur-.

Dugudugudugudududududu-.

Dung! Dung! Dung!

Bam- babam-! Bababababa-!

The performance, more grandiose than what you’d see on TV during a president’s overseas visit.

‘Did Ki-jun call the band?’

How many people are holding instruments?

The couple is going all out.

I hesitate to call it a waste of money for Chairman Yoo Myung-sun, but for the couple…

Ah, Son Kwang-yeon held his forehead.

Even Son Kwang-yeon, who loves parties, had to throw in the towel.

Out of 272 gold medals, only two are theirs. Why all this fuss?

At this point, it’s hard to tell whose son it is.

“Jin-hyeok! Oppa! Over here, over here!”

Seeing Han Yu-young jumping around, it’s clear he’s not someone else’s son.

“Ohhh! Our son!”

The son, bathed in brilliant sunlight, waved his hand high.

***

Waaaah.

Clap clap clap-.

As the crew opened the exit, the welcoming crowd came into view.

Stepping outside, I waved my hand high.

Bam bam- bam bam bam bam-! Kururururur-. Dung dung-! Bam bam bam-!

What kind of weird song is that?

The noisy march, a rearranged version of the national anthem, made my barely held soul want to escape.

“Oppa will go down first.”

“Yes-, hehe-.”

My sister might stumble and roll down the stairs.

Being the first to step onto the stairs, Jin-hyeok helped Yoo-jin and Hong Soo-jung step onto the ground.

“I am-.”

“… Watch your step.”

He also held Yoo Se-ra’s hand and escorted her.

Jin Seon-kyu, startled by the welcoming crowd, tiptoed and whispered something into Jin-hyeok’s ear.

“Jin-hyeok, I was so caught up in the mood and drunk, uh-, and I didn’t want to distract you, so I didn’t ask, but now it feels like it might be too late if I don’t, and I thought about asking on the plane, but you were sleeping so soundly I didn’t want to wake you-.”

Jin-hyeok, walking slowly alongside him, chuckled.

Mommy-!

Watching Yoo-jin run towards her mom in the distance.

“Why are you acting like a fool?”

“No, it’s not exactly that- not really. But kind of-.”

Jin Seon-kyu, who had been in high tension during the competition, seemed to have returned to his true self upon stepping on home soil.

He must be referring to giving up the spikes.

He probably also had in mind donating a plaque to the hotel.

The rumor that Son Jin-hyeok is a fool has already circled the globe.

Borrowing money to buy 6,000 keychains is also widely amusing humanity.

“My dad taught me that.”

“Your dad?”

“Yes, my dad. He said it’s good to share if I’m not at a disadvantage. Even if people call me a fool, if I gain more in the end, it’s still a win for me. People remember. They become my allies.”

He probably said that when catching loaches in winter.

Jin-hyeok just acted as his dad taught him.

‘Was that song he sang back then Mekander?’

This winter, I’ll take Yoo-jin and Jeong-won to dig through the winter fields.

I’ll sing them songs with some dance moves.

What songs do kids like these days?

It’s not like his dad said those things to manipulate his children’s actions or thoughts. It was just his natural thoughts coming out. Still, the sincere words stayed in Jin-hyeok’s heart, influencing him even after so much time had passed.

Like father, like son.

A fool father begets a fool son.

So what if it’s foolish? When living alone, there was no one to learn from or follow. As long as it’s not evil, the fact that there are people to emulate makes Jin-hyeok happy.

As Jin-hyeok smiled, lost in memories, Jin