Chapter 130

〈 Episode 130 〉 IF Route, Normal Ending. 13-A

The IF Route is a hypothetical scenario derived from the main story and unrelated to it.

Some viewers may find it unpleasant, but those who wish to continue with the main story can skip ahead without any issues in understanding the content.

There might be some character inconsistencies, so please keep that in mind.

Just before summoning Chang-yeom, who kept interfering in my mind, my smartwatch lit up and buzzed annoyingly. It was louder than the chattering in my brain, so I answered with an irritated tone.

“What do you want at this ungodly hour?”

[Well, you weren’t answering, were you? Look, I always wear the hairpin you gave me while sleeping, but you’re not even wearing the badge I gave you, brat.]

She sure has sharp eyes for trivial things. I clicked my tongue and picked up the badge from my desk, stuffing it into my pocket.

“I just took it off to change clothes.”

[Liar. I’ve been calling for 30 minutes and got no response.]

Should I be impressed she contacted me for half an hour, or criticize her for wasting time instead of just calling earlier? Either way, there’s only one answer.

“So, why did you call?”

[Because I missed you?]

“…….”

[…….]

We both stayed silent. I glanced at the time. 4:50 AM. The hour when people are most sentimental after staying up all night. I tried calming the stirring magic power as I pressed on.

“You should get some sleep.”

[…Nah, I was just kidding around.]

Seok Harang scratched her head. Then she stood up from the bean bag and said,

“I’m coming over. My head’s a mess too, so let’s solve this the easiest way possible.”

“Easiest way?”

Seok Harang raised both fists and grinned.

“Let’s have a sparring match to celebrate my SS rank, fatty!”

“……Hmph, hahaha.”

Looks like she still doesn’t see herself getting stronger. As her master who received Guangjian’s inheritance, it seems it’s time to give this dense apprentice another lesson of love.

“Wait ten minutes. I’ll fly over ri-”

I paused in thought. There’s no need to fly all the way to Seoul right now. I closed my eyes and transferred using the mini Phoenix embedded in Seok Harang’s hairpin.

“Why? Are you scared, yaargh?!”

I stepped into Seok Harang’s room by stomping on her head barefoot. Her clothes and trash were scattered everywhere despite tidying up last time. She was stroking her scalp when she saw me and freaked out.

“You, y-you-you, are you a ghost?!”

“I’m a spirit. Ugh…”

I picked up a bra tangled around my foot. Thanks to training, I could now estimate sizes just by touch.

“AA?”

“AAAAAHHHH!!”

Seok Harang screamed incomprehensibly and snatched her underwear from my hand, muttering under her breath. Who lets their room get this messy anyway? I created a tiny flame on my fingertip and flicked it at her.

“At least try living a little more organized-”

KAANG! Just before hitting her forehead, the flame was blocked by a wall of ice and disappeared. Seok Harang crossed her arms proudly.

“Hmph! The world’s strongest hero handles this easily! Don’t underestimate me, I’m a Round Table member now!”

“Sure thing, World’s Strongest Hero. But before we settle this…”

I kicked over a pile of clothes in the corner. Unwashed T-shirts and underwear were scattered everywhere.

“Burn these before you clean up, how about that?”

“……You’re not my wife or anything.”

She pouted and threw a pair of panties at me. Reluctantly, she began picking up her clothes. Well, “folding” would be too generous – she was just shoving them carelessly into her closet.

“Excuse me, are you seriously organizing your underwear like that?”

In the end, I got so frustrated I ended up doing it myself. While Seok Harang was showering and preparing to go out, I had to battle the never-ending chaos in her house again.

About an hour later, we headed out for an early morning stroll.

* * *

“YAAAAAAAAAAA!”

Seok Harang charged forward screaming. Her whole body wrapped in ice, she recklessly barreled towards Phoenix, who was taken aback.

“Crazy!”

“This is victory!”

Phoenix quickly surrounded themselves in flames. Since reaching SS rank, their magic power had become denser, making it harder to handle.

“If you’re lacking strength-”

Seok Harang concentrated magic power at the front. Ice spears shot out, piercing through the wall of flames surrounding Phoenix.

“Just add more power!”

“She’s become so simple-minded.”

Phoenix taunted, but Seok Harang didn’t care and attacked according to her own plan. Ice spears rained down from all sides, intercepting the fireballs orbiting Phoenix like satellites. In the gaps, ice butterflies flew toward Phoenix, slowing their movements.

When the ice butterflies stuck to the armor, Phoenix flicked their fingers. Even if they spoke, learning ability was nonexistent.

“Useless-”

Charrk. The moment the ice butterflies touched the armor, they turned into water and clung to it. The water flowed down the armor and reached Phoenix’s fiery body.

Sssssssssssss—!

“…Impressive. That actually hurts.”

Phoenix cleanly cut off their left wrist. The gauntlet fell off as the hand greedily consumed the ice butterflies.

Flare! Though they regenerated their body, the severed armor didn’t return. Seok Harang noticed something interesting.

“Hey, that doesn’t regenerate?”

“The monster-type armor bears traces of corrupted magic from the otherworld, Tera. Consider it cursed armor that corrupts the wearer’s mind.”

“What? So you mean you’re-”

As Seok Harang withdrew her magic power and looked worried, I summoned magic power over my regenerated left hand and restored the armor.

“The others among the officers, but it doesn’t apply to me. The corrupted magic of the cursed armor has already been purified and no longer corrupts my mind.”

“So you were corrupted before?”

“Meaningless conversation ends here. Since I rarely lose, how about a game?”

Phoenix deliberately removed the gauntlet from their left hand and raised it.

“When you destroy my entire body, I’ll grant you one wish. That level of difficulty should spark your motivation.”

“Huh? Motivation?!”

Seok Harang whipped her hair wildly, raising a giant water vortex in the sky. Seeing her intent to destroy the armor in one strike, Phoenix gathered magic power in both hands and brought them together like praying.

“I’ve been motivated since forever!”

“Still impatient.”

The opposing magic powers collided, shattering the barrier Phoenix had set up.

* * *

Summer day in Busan, 2022.

“Alright, punishment time. You’re having cold brew today.”

“At least put some syrup in it…”

Harang collapsed her head on the table, completely exhausted. I signaled to the cafe owner, Huan, pointing at a slice of cake. Thanks to us being regulars and boosting his business, Huan could now tell what menu we wanted just by our glances and brought it promptly.

“Thank you. By the way, how’s the plan to move to New Seoul going?”

“Thanks to our customers, I think I can continue operating here.”

“Good to hear. Add today’s to the tab.”

Since calculating every visit was troublesome, we made a ledger. Huan hummed a tune as he pulled out a black notebook and recorded today’s orders.

I scooped a big spoonful of the parfait in front of me. Ever since becoming regulars, Huan often asked us to review new menus.

“Haaaaa—-”

Just as I was about to put the parfait into my mouth, Harang closed her eyes and opened her mouth wide. As always, I gently placed the chocolate-syrup-covered ice cream into her mouth.

“Mmmph.”

Harang smiled cutely and wiped my spoon with her lips. A trace of her lips remained on the leftover ice cream atop the slightly tilted spoon.

“……”

“Hey, isn’t it weird when you don’t care about such things?”

Harang looked up at me with an innocent face. Shaking my head, I took a big bite of the parfait.

“It’s just that old memories came back. Back then, you didn’t even want to share saliva, insisting on eating separately.”

“Why are you bringing up a story from over two years ago? How much have I changed since then?”

Harang sat up straight and took a deep breath. The bosom that had risen after two years subtly but confidently revealed its presence.

“But you’re still a B-cup, right?”

“…Isn’t there someone who could grow bigger if touched more often~?”

“That’s baseless nonsense. If touching made them grow, wouldn’t you be bigger than Cheon Gaeul by now?”

“….No, I don’t want to be that big. What would be ideal for me is…”

Seok Harang leered at my chest with a perverted look. I flicked my finger while letting out a snort. My whole body was enveloped in flames, raising my gaze higher. Seok Harang visibly became uncomfortable.

“I told you not to transform randomly in public places!”

“Is this even a public place? There’s only the owner and us here.”

I waved at Huan, who brought us an iced Americano and set it down in front of us. Sensing he wanted to say something, I slightly bowed my head.

“I’m sorry. It’s just that I felt a threat to chastity.”

“No, please feel free. Since the two of you come here, we reserve the entire space anyway. By the way…”

Huan lazily glanced down at my left hand. Only then did I realize what he wanted to say.

“It’s settled.”

“Congratulations, Miss Seok Harang. You’ve finally won.”

Harang, who was sipping her Americano, made a V sign and grinned. On her left hand was a ring shaped like a bluebird.

“Hehe. After losing countless times, I’ve finally won.”

“…I never expected you’d make such a wish.”

I rested my chin on my left hand. In the glass, I saw the white butterfly-shaped ring on my left ring finger. As Huan cleared the empty plates, he asked,

“So, when will you give us the invitation?”

“……”

Harang’s face turned red. Watching her fidget, I couldn’t help but smile. I pointed at the ground to answer Huan’s question.

“We’re planning a small wedding, but we haven’t decided on the venue yet. So, I have a favor to ask…”

* * *

“So why did you tell me not to transform in public places?”

I asked while lying on top of Harang, looking at the projector on the ceiling. Harang, who was hugging me like a doll while lounging in the bean bag, hesitated for a moment before evading the question.

“Because you’re ugly, so you shouldn’t show your face around.”

“That’s quite hurtful. But why does someone like you blush so much when in male form?”

“……Shut up.”

Harang stuffed her finger into my mouth. As I licked her finger as she wished, I pointed at the projection on the ceiling.

“Tsk. Isn’t Gaeul amazing? She eventually reached SS rank and successfully got rid of all those tentacles.”

“I’m scared to death of that sister. After reaching SS rank, she kept challenging me to fights, demanding you.”

“With no intention of losing, right? Tsk.”

“How could I lose when I’m the world’s strongest—hero, villain, spirits included—Seok Harang?”

Harang pulled her finger out of my mouth and wrapped her arms around my stomach. Our naked bodies pressed against each other, and the coldness of Harang’s fingers brushing my stomach sent shivers through me.

“…You must feel good, being the first to achieve synchronization.”

“Hehe, you’ll never beat me in your lifetime.”

I couldn’t resist Harang’s tickling fingers. She had already reached the mythic level, ascending to divine status with a 100% affinity rate—a level I hadn’t yet attained.

“Hmph. We still have three years until Seongju arrives, right?”

“I think I could defeat him alone right now.”

“That may be true, but as I’ve said repeatedly, fighting alone is dangerous. Your case is different. If you were brainwashed by Seongju—”

“Then you’d kill me. And vice versa.”

Our hearts resonated like synchronized beats. I embedded Chang-yeom into Harang’s heart, and Harang inserted her Ice Spirit into my core. Even though either of us could kill the other with a mere flick of a finger, Harang insisted on this perilous arrangement.

“You never know when that gas might burst out. Is Jinma still sulking and refusing to come out?”

“I don’t know. He doesn’t talk to me anymore, probably because of something.”

If the spirit Chang-yeom helped, I could reach the mythic level and fight against the interdimensional gods, but ever since Harang ascended to mythic status, Chang-yeom stopped speaking altogether. Though Harang seemed to know something, she refused to divulge any information.

“Tell me honestly. Did you two talk about something?”

“…It’s none of your business. If you’re curious, try and defeat me. Then I’ll tell you.”

“Wow, you’re really bad. Now you’re spouting nonsense thinking you’ll always win.”

“Why don’t you reincarnate as durability if you’re upset?”

I flipped over to face Harang. Meeting my sleepy gaze, Harang shook her head, realizing what I was thinking.

“No, no fighting on the bed! That’s cheating!”

“Tch.”

I buried my face between Harang’s breasts and blew softly. Laughing, Harang grabbed my head and shook it.

“Stop it, stop it. That’s something I can never tell you… Absolutely. Even if I die, I can’t tell you.”

Harang’s eyes were dead serious. This wasn’t the hero I knew; somewhere along the line, she became incredibly stubborn about certain things. Irritated, I channeled magic power and changed genders.

“Hey… hasn’t Gaeul’s drama ended yet?”

“It’s fine. We can watch the rest later and discuss it.”

The greatly enlarged lower lip grazed Harang’s bottom lip. Sighing deeply, Harang raised her arm and embraced my neck.

“You used to say you’d rather die than do this.”

“You were the one who said you wanted to first.”

I pointed at the screen. Harang had already turned off the projector. Pouting, she lifted her head.

“When it’s time, just pretend you didn’t see, idiot.”

“You’re still challenging unwinnable battles. Alright. Since it reminds me of the past, I’ll grant you one wish if you win this battle.”

“Heh, don’t you remember when I pierced your nose? This battle lasts forever, you know?”

“Don’t worry. You’ll never win… especially in bed.”

I pulled Harang’s neck toward mine and kissed her.

“I’ll never lose to you.”

* * *

October 13, 2026. Huan’s Café, Seomyeon, Busan.

We defeated Seongju.

It’s been ten months since the battle with Seongju. Although we couldn’t summon and defeat the interdimensional god, with me and Harang leading the spirits, we barely managed to overcome Seongju and restored peace to the world.

And now, I’m ready for another battle.

“If it’s too heavy, just say so. I’ll wear it for you.”

“It’s fine. You said I’m ugly and shouldn’t be shown outside, right? Hmph.”

“No, that was a joke! If you appeared in a tuxedo, the sisters would go berserk, how could I possibly let that happen?!”

“I want to see you in a wedding dress.”

At my words, Harang blushed while adjusting her hairpin. Since the incident where I tried to summon Chang-yeom and failed, the new hairpin I made for Harang has never left her hair.

“Well, there is one condition…”

Harang whispered into my ear while wearing a tuxedo.

“In Hawaii, you wear the tuxedo, and I’ll wear the dress.”

“…..Deal.”

That’s acceptable. I pulled Harang’s tie and kissed her. Just then, a rough hand appeared from behind, and we were chased out of the bridal waiting room.

“Mom?! Let me stay a little longer!”

“Brides aren’t supposed to see the groom in the waiting room. Kids, take him away.”

Anastasha…


Transferred against his will, Harang was escorted by Yuha and Gaeul. I waved goodbye to Harang being dragged away while flashing an awkward smile at the piercing gaze coming from beside me.

“……Sorry?”

“When I thought some random guy was taking my daughter… geez. Really. …I get it so I can’t say anything, but…”

“Isn’t it the same for you? You too… and me too.”

“Does Heo Yoon-hwan have genes that throw water spirits around or something? This is ridiculous.”

Dad took the water spirit, and his daughter took the fire spirit. Anastasha continued with a look of exasperation.

“…They say fighting leads to love, but I didn’t think it’d actually happen. If you ever have kids, hope for a daughter. Who knows if those aunties are lurking day and night if you have a son.”

“It’s sad we can’t avoid that.”

Anastasha and I chuckled as we waited for time to pass. Since only a select few were invited to Juan’s cafe for the wedding, no one came looking for us in the waiting room.

“But I’m really curious—can I ask?”

Anastasha asked while fixing my makeup. I closed my eyes to answer her question silently. Anastasha rephrased her question while adjusting the veil on my head.

“Why are you wearing the wedding dress and Harang in a tuxedo? …You two do look good together, but didn’t you successfully change your gender identity after researching?”

“……Harang made me promise to keep it a secret.”

Since I’m the mother, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to tell Anastasha. I beckoned her closer and whispered into her ear.

“The truth is…”

“……Seok Harang, you gasbag?!”

After hearing my words, Anastasha immediately went over and grabbed Harang by the collar, shaking him. I chuckled at the commotion as I waited for the wedding to begin.

* * *

“So why did you ask me to be the father of the bride?”

Deokbae fidgeted in his ill-fitting suit. I smirked beneath my veil and replied.

“It’s fun, isn’t it? Besides, the bride can’t walk alone anyway.”

“Man, leaving aside whether you’re the bride…. Ugh, seriously.”

Even though he doesn’t have hair, Deokbae scratched his nonexistent scalp, looking flustered. Although Ryu Cheonseong, an experienced officiant, was conducting the ceremony, I insisted on having Deokbae walk me down the aisle to give me away to Harang. Deokbae pointed out two women glaring daggers at him from the bridesmaids’ side.

“Hey, look. They’re trying to kill me with their eyes.”

“You die. We’ll bring you back to life later.”

I waved at Cheon Gaeul and Yun Yuhwa. Both were forcing smiles, but their trembling lips betrayed their emotions. I extended my left hand to Deokbae.

“That day, if you hadn’t become a monster, I don’t think we’d have made it this far. Thank you for everything up until now.”

“Don’t say such embarrassing things. …Anyway, congratulations.”

With those words, we fell silent. Following Ryu Cheonseong’s guidance, I walked down the carpeted aisle and stood next to Seok Harang.

Both of us were lost in thought. Just holding hands made us incredibly happy.

“Then, let the bride and groom… exchange their vows… and kiss…”

Ryu Cheonseong trailed off, clearly uncomfortable as he alternated his gaze between me and Harang. Saladin had even covered his eyes with his fingers.

“……Why not just do it already? Let’s go; it’s not like it’s our first time.”

As Harang urged Ryu Cheonseong, the latter nervously licked his lips, glancing around nervously. Kim Ji Hwa, who volunteered as the cameraman, hesitated, apparently dissatisfied with the composition.

“…….”

Hunched in the groom’s family seat, Heo Yoon-hwan radiated killing intent, causing Ryu Cheonseong to take a deep breath.

“Groom and bride, then-”

“I can’t wait anymore.”

Harang leaned forward, grabbing my face. The guests applauded, though there was an air of discomfort. Sensing Harang’s unease, I gently pushed him away. His pupils trembled anxiously.

“…..Do you dislike it?”

“No, it’s not that.”

Snap. I flicked my finger. My wedding dress caught fire, and as my vision elevated, I looked down at Harang in his tuxedo.

“This is how.”

I placed my hand on Harang’s shoulder. Responding to my magic power, Harang’s tuxedo emitted white light and transformed into a pure white wedding dress.

The guests were stunned as the roles of the bride and groom were suddenly reversed. Especially Cheon Gaeul and Yun Yuhwa seemed deeply unsettled upon seeing me. The sharp glare I felt from behind was undoubtedly from a drunkard.

“Hey…!”

Harang looked up at me, perplexed. I smiled broadly, grabbing his face.

“We may have a small wedding, but the kiss photo needs to be shared worldwide. You’re my bride.”

“…What nonsense. You’re my bride. Don’t you remember we agreed the winner would be the groom?”

Harang grabbed my tie and pulled me close. I bent down, and Harang kissed me, gripping my tie and neck.

Later, watching the recorded video, I realized attempting tongue action during a wedding was probably excessive.

* * *

After a 7-day honeymoon in Hawaii, we finally prepared for the ultimate battle ahead.

“If it gets too much, just say so. I’ll cover for you.”

“…No, it’s my responsibility.”

My hands trembled, revealing my anxiety. Harang grabbed my hand.

“It’ll be okay. They’ll understand.”

“No way. I won’t understand.”

Heo Yoon-hwan stormed in, panting heavily before sitting down. Anastasha remained silent, caught between her husband and daughter, both glaring daggers at each other.

“I’ll stay neutral since I understand both sides. You two figure it out.”

“Mom?! You should still take my side!”

“Why would Rusalka be on your side? She’s mine! Hey, garbage, speak up if you have a mouth!”

“……I’m sorry, Father?”

The Light Blade shook violently, and I pursed my lips. An ominous silence filled the room. Seok Harang slammed his fist on the table.

“So, what do you want to say, Dad? It can’t possibly be what I’m thinking, right?! Huh?!?! Try it! You’ll regret it!!”

“Harang, actually-”

“I’ll speak,” I interrupted, stopping Harang and meeting the Light Blade’s gaze. Though I created the monster, it has grown into a formidable master on par with me.

“Also, if we fight, I’m on Yoon-hwan’s side, so keep that in mind.”

…With Rusalka on their side, the odds aren’t in our favor. But I have no intention of losing.

I took a deep breath and shouted at the Light Blade.

“Father, please give me your daughter!”

“I knew you’d say that!! I’ve already activated my ultimate move!!”

There’s no parent who loses to their child.

In the end, Harang, now at god-level, triumphed after an intense battle against her parents.

I just cheered from the sidelines.

Why?

Pregnant women shouldn’t fight—it’s bad for prenatal education, Harang and Rusalka scolded me.

…Not to mention, Harang got pregnant quickly.

Despite that, she wanted children.

So, after a few attempts during the honeymoon, it worked.

The next ten months worry me immensely.

* * *

The god of another dimension opened its eyes.

The servant who summoned me had vanished without a trace.

But the last trail led far away, to a distant planet.

Earth.

The god of another dimension quietly closed its eyes.

A yellow storm swept through interstellar space, drifting across the universe.

* * *

Under the moonlight, a man and woman walked along a snow-covered beach.

The woman spoke first.

“What a beautiful moon.”

The man responded.

“Yes, the moon is indeed beautiful.”

The woman stretched out her arms and asked the man.

“Aren’t you curious about my wish?”

The man nodded and asked.

“I don’t know why you’d challenge this much for a wish.”

The woman pointed at the stars with her finger.

“To be honest, I don’t know what battles lie ahead. You’ve experienced them, so you know how terrifying they are—the monsters beyond those stars. But listen.”

The woman grabbed the man’s hands and looked up, her eyes filled with resolve, like a snowy plain.

“Trust me. I’ll help ensure you don’t stray, and I’ll assist you in protecting this world and the people I love.”

“Is that your wish?”

“Of course. What greater wish could a hero have than world peace?”

That snowy night,

the man realized he had fallen for the woman.