Chapter 252

〈 Chapter 252 〉 Part 1, Chapter 11, 22

A little later. After arriving at the Illusory Dragon Manor, I strolled through the garden with its owner, Illusory Dragon. With not a soul in sight, the garden was perfect for our private conversation. Using magic power, I even erected a barrier to ensure our dialogue remained confidential.

For a while, we walked silently. Illusory Dragon seemed to be savoring this brief moment, matching my pace as I slowed down to accommodate their slower steps.

After thirty minutes of silent walking, I finally spoke.

“I will protect you, whoever you are.”

“That’s right. I told Baeg Cheongyoung to convey that message.”

Cutting straight to the chase, I got to the point, and Illusory Dragon didn’t waste time probing me unnecessarily. We stopped under the shade of a towering tree, facing each other.

“What do you mean?”

“You. The one whose name is unknown. I’ll guard you just like how Gaeul stays by your side.”

“…”

Since coming to this world, this was the first time someone had noticed ‘me.’ Cold sweat trickled down my forehead as I considered all possible scenarios. Was it because they were a spirit, or was Illusory Dragon special? The deeper I pondered, the more Illusory Dragon simply smiled faintly, enjoying my internal struggle.

“Are you testing how much I know?”

“Alright then. If you know, tell me. How much do you know?”

I forced Illusory Dragon to reveal their hand. Depending on how much they knew, my response would differ. If they merely thought I was inside Blazing Phoenix, I could react accordingly; but if they knew the truth about this world…

“Can spirits also become monsters?”

“You look really scary right now.”

As if guessing my thoughts, Illusory Dragon started questioning me with a lazy smile.

“What are you planning to do with me?”

“Yeah. If you don’t answer, I won’t leave you alone.”

“Alright, I’ll tell you.”

Despite my almost threatening tone, Illusory Dragon readily revealed their knowledge.

“The Blazing Phoenix, a fire-attribute spirit with another presence inside her? That’s all I know. Nothing more.”

“…”

Lie or truth? Illusory Dragon’s expression, demeanor, and the flow of magic power all pointed to the truth. But I had to doubt, doubt everything. Illusory Dragon saw my tense reflection in their eyes.

“Don’t be so nervous. I just figured it out on my own.”

“Figured it out?”

“The way you act is different from the person I know.”

Illusory Dragon shrugged.

“While others might have met you as a Dark Legion officer, I’m different, right? Like Rusalka who became self-aware through death. Simply put…”

Illusory Dragon poked my chest with their finger, aiming toward my heart where the core burned.

“You may think you’re running wild, but the person I know is even more reckless.”

“…reckless?”

I truly wondered what kind of antics Blazing Phoenix pulled when she was with Tera.

“You’re not that reckless.”

“Wow, defending me. Did someone put a spell on you? Or are you feeling guilty for taking over someone else’s body?”

“Taking over…?”

Could they have realized I possessed someone? Illusory Dragon shook their head.

“It’s the expertise of someone who takes over bodies. You don’t need to be so tense. I already had a good chat with ‘the original.'”

“What?”

Confused, I grabbed Illusory Dragon’s shoulders.

“Explain further.”

“…It’s nothing major. I just tried to possess your body.”

With a sigh, Illusory Dragon revealed an astonishing truth. I was flabbergasted; I had no memory of them attempting to possess me.

“When?”

“The day before you left China. When Gaeul confessed her love for you, I thought if I took over your body, that love might transfer to me. So I tried. And then…”

Illusory Dragon shuddered.

“I met her within your mind. And got thoroughly beaten and subdued. I never expected she cared for you this deeply.”

“Such feelings?”

“You know, how she feels about you.”

“…”

If true, it was both fortunate and puzzling. I recalled the warmth Blazing Phoenix left on my lips during the sunrise at Jeongdongjin.

“Judging spiritually, what do you think? Why does Blazing Phoenix resist synchronizing with me?”

“I know the reason, but I won’t say. I promised not to reveal even a bit, on my soul.”

“…So ultimately, the key lies with Blazing Phoenix?”

I couldn’t be sure what Blazing Phoenix was thinking. Was she treating me with mixed feelings? Pretending to help only to cast me into ruin? Or does she want to help but can’t due to some reason?

“Fine. Anyway, the answer is simple. Once all the spirits awaken and all cubes are gathered, she’ll tell you.”

Nothing changed. Blazing Phoenix would reveal hidden truths after I completed all tasks.

“You think too conveniently. Is she not irritated? You’re hiding so much from her right now.”

“I only recently learned I lost my memories. And…”

I sighed and brushed off Illusory Dragon’s arm resting on my shoulder.

“I know all this. Though…how much she hides, I’m not entirely sure.”

“Your relationship is quite something.”

“What exactly do you mean by ‘quite something’?”

Since everything was laid bare, I showed my true colors.

“Surely you haven’t told anyone, right? Xiao Lin or Baeg Cheongyoung? If you’ve told anyone else, I won’t let it slide.”

Reading my unease, Illusory Dragon shook their head and grabbed my hand.

“No, I haven’t told anyone, not even Xiao Lin. It’s a promise I made with her. Um, can we clarify how we address each other?”

Illusory Dragon struggled to distinguish between me and Blazing Phoenix. I pointed at myself with my thumb and then at my heart with my index finger.

“Call me ‘Phoenix.’ The child inside is ‘Chang-yeom.'”

“Chang-yeom…ah, I see. Now it makes sense. Chang-yeom, Chang-yeom.”

Upon hearing my words, Illusory Dragon repeated the name Chang-yeom. Desperate, I shook their shoulders.

“Stop hogging information and tell me what happened, at least what you can.”

“Nope. I’d die if I did. You know her temper, right?”

“But surely she wouldn’t go that far—”

“She absolutely would.”

Illusory Dragon cut me off. Lowering their head, their body trembled like a leaf.

“Isn’t she talking to me right now? If I say one word out of place, she’ll burst out and burn me alive.”

“Huh.”

I couldn’t comprehend.

“There’s no way. Chang-yeom wouldn’t go that far.”

“You really don’t know anything. Fine. If you want to know, ask her yourself later. I can’t say more to you.”

Closing their eyes tightly and reopening them, Illusory Dragon grabbed my hand.

“But…”

Step, step.

Illusory Dragon approached me and embraced me. Our heights were similar, and our faces were close enough for a fist to fit between us.

“A declaration of war is fine, right? Haha, against that ‘Chang-yeom’ inside you.”

Unknowingly, I dug my nails into their back. This wasn’t my intention. Enduring the pain, Illusory Dragon caressed my face with a seductive smile.

“Scared she’ll lose her toy? Then come out and talk. Or are you going to threaten to kill me again? I’m not running this time. Or should I try possessing you again?”

“What the—”

Illusory Dragon stared directly into my eyes. Their cloudy pupils swirled with gray magical power as they attempted possession once more.

“Stay still, ■.”

My consciousness faded.

***

“…Huh?”

Regaining awareness, I found myself staring at an unfamiliar ceiling. Lying on a bench, I woke up.

“Back with us?”

Illusory Dragon smiled gently as they looked down at me. Their hair was messier than usual, parts of their clothes torn, and their body covered in wounds.

“What happened?”

“I entered her home ground and got beaten. She’s impressive, seriously. That crazy woman is real.”

“Don’t insult her.”

“…”

Illusory Dragon gave me a bewildered look. Regardless of their injuries, I firmly told them again:

“Don’t insult Chang-yeom.”

“Alright, alright. Understood, Mr. Phoenix. I won’t insult the person you love. Happy?”

“Yes.”

I couldn’t ask them to apologize. Even I thought Chang-yeom was such a person. Changing the topic, I decided discussing further would only disadvantage Chang-yeom.

“So, what did you two talk about inside someone else’s mind?”

“Just about you. We didn’t talk long. See? You’ve only been asleep for ten minutes.”

Illusory Dragon glanced at my Magical Gear. Indeed, I had been unconscious for less than ten minutes.

“Ten minutes should’ve been enough for a proper conversation.”

“Yeah. Chang-yeom talked nonstop.”

Illusory Dragon covered their ears as if they hurt, then uncovered them.

“As soon as I entered, I got thrown around, pinned down, and gagged. Then she kept rambling without stopping.”

“…”

I couldn’t imagine it. Even if emotionally opposed, could spirits treat each other so harshly?

“How is she not terrible?”

“Not her. You’re terrible for angering her.”

“You’re the worst here. Seriously.”

Illusory Dragon tapped their thigh in irritation, and I quickly sat across from them.

“Fine. I admit I’m trash, so let me ask something.”

“You’re not hiding anything anymore?”

“Know everything and still asking.”

Though curious about how much Chang-yeom revealed, it seemed she hadn’t mentioned this world being a ‘game.’

“You seem to have many questions. Ask one by one. I’ll answer what I can.”

…Once the stage was set, there were too many things I wanted to ask, making my head spin. Already stressed from issues involving Karna and Rusalka, dealing with Illusory Dragon and Chang-yeom felt overwhelming.

“Chang-yeom said, ‘Did you really think you could conquer sixteen people including me and live comfortably?’ …Mr. Phoenix, you’re quite remarkable.”

“This is just teasing.”

“Yeah, exactly. You did something really embarrassing. To me.”

Illusory Dragon tapped their temples.

“…You saw it?”

“Yeah. From start to finish. Wow, future me trying to seduce you like that? Unbelievable, totally insane.”

“…”

“You’re pretty amazing. In the future, you professed your love to me, but now you’ve switched sides for Chang-yeom. Oh, am I your past girlfriend? Alongside Gaeul and others—”

I reached out and covered Illusory Dragon’s mouth.

“Embarrassing, stop it.”

“I feel more embarrassed. Cough. Anyway, I only saw what concerned me. Chang-yeom didn’t show me anything else.”

“Ah.”

So they saw me, as the protagonist, sharing love with them. Too embarrassed to respond, I couldn’t say anything.

“Made sense why you insisted on male pronouns. Hehe. Either way works for me. Whether you keep using that body or switch to male form, I’ll adapt to you.”

“…What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Wanna hear it straightforward?”

Illusory Dragon whispered softly into my ear.

“I’m trying to steal your heart. And I intend to make you stay by my side forever. As an eternal companion.”

“…What did Chang-yeom say?”

“Come take it if you can.”

“Hmm.”

I flicked Illusory Dragon’s forehead.

“Wrong target. Look elsewhere.”

“Tch, that hurts! You want synchronization, right? Let me help! Come here!”

Blushing, Illusory Dragon opened their arms wide. If I stepped into their embrace, I’d obtain Blazing Phoenix’s essence and easily synchronize with Illusory Dragon.

Between rejecting synchronization with Blazing Phoenix and Illusory Dragon eagerly offering everything—they had my choice.

And naturally, it was only one person.