Chapter 507

〈 Chapter 507 〉 Part 1 NORMAL ENDING – 3

Homunculus.

A creation based on the technology used to produce Xroids and Bioroids, where a portion of a ‘soul’ is inserted into a mechanically crafted body. The background behind the creation of Homunculi began with Hikari’s ambitious desire to create her own ‘Gnosis.’

Anyone could technically craft the base form of a Homunculus. Mechanical dolls like Xroids were fairly common technology, and Bioroids, while patented by Yu-Sung, could be reproduced anywhere if the know-how was shared.

But the core of the Homunculus, the ‘Gnosis,’ was different.

A vessel for the soul. The seven-attribute Core had to maintain perfect balance so that it wouldn’t lean too far in any one direction, allowing it to stably hold a fragment of the soul.

Seongju created Yoo-Nah by studying the cores of spirits. If he could do it, there was no reason she couldn’t.

The result was a 99% success rate.

If Seongju’s Gnosis was rated at 100%, then Hikari’s quasi-Gnosis reached a cap of 99%.

She challenged human limits but couldn’t reach divine territory.

But what happens if you give up on being a god?

What happens if you choose to remain merely human?

“This is what happens.”

Entering the Homunculus, he placed my hand over his chest. Beyond the precisely crafted artificial body, where a heart should have been beating, an artificial heart and Core pulsed instead.

The magic power within the Core was only enough to sustain daily life, not powerful enough to split the moon.

“You…”

“Strictly speaking, I am not ‘him.'”

He firmly drew the line.

“I am a copied existence from his memories. A fragment torn from his soul. An AI compiled from the Core’s magical energy readings. There are many ways to describe me…but I cannot be him.”

“No. You are you.”

He kept denying his own existence, but I was certain this Homunculus was Phoenix.

“The Phoenix has become Pi/Ni/Ks. You’re just one of them.”

Phoenix returning to the past.

Phoenix breaking free from its shackles.

Phoenix advancing toward the future…

…He left behind a Phoenix that could move forward with me, even if I were the only one left in this world.

“Do you remember what you said to me last?”

“…It’s still saved as data.”

“Hey, stop trying to distance yourself like that.”

“…Embarrassing stuff I blurted out… Anyway, Christmas is coming soon. Isn’t the snow outside beautiful?”

“Yeah, the rain outside is beautiful too.”

“Talkative much?”

“Hmph.”

He turned away, his face reddening. Though neither Seok Harang nor Rusalka were crying, snowflakes fell heavily from the sky.

“…The original regularly updated me. All the magical data transmitted through the Magical Gear was received by Hikari and became part of my memory until the original removed the Magical Gear.”

“When they flew to the moon.”

“…Everything after that was just recorded history. Even talking about rain or snow is based solely on those prior records.”

“…That much is fine.”

I sat on the bed and tapped my thighs. He awkwardly lay down and rested his head on my thighs.

“So, does it feel like this? Paradise must be nothing compared to this.”

“You died like this.”

“…Am I dying too?”

“Well, we can always remake you, right? Puh-heh.”

His complexion paled as he started glancing nervously at me. Since the power difference was obvious, he began paying attention to every word I said.

“Just kidding.”

“You’re terrifying when you joke like that… Can you at least check my specs?”

“E-Rank… Stop whining.”

“…”

He sulked, pouting his lips. I found it amusing and lightly patted his Core. I could clearly feel the Core inside the artificial heart, pulsating through the veins, emitting magic power.

“…All stats at exactly 7, huh?”

“It’s investor-driven. What can I say?”

“And even the magic in your Core has traces of theirs mixed in?”

“It’s only a drop-level mix. Irony, isn’t it? The Gnosis meant to create a divine vessel ended up being the key to crafting such a perfect Homunculus.”

Abandoning divinity came at a terrible cost. Phoenix, once known as the world’s strongest, had now become E-Rank, barely able to use magic at level 7.

Even if he boosted his physical capabilities with magic, it was only enough to pass as someone who exercises regularly. His body couldn’t properly handle even a Core Weapon.

“Now even stray dogs might eat me.”

“That’s about right.”

“If I wander around like this, hyenas will surely devour me. Good thing I’ll go first.”

“…What are you trying to say?”

“Hmm, maybe I should eat you before others do?”

I grinned widely at him, and he hesitantly tried to lift his head. I pressed my finger against his forehead.

“Not happening.”

“…I hate the original.”

“If you hated him so much, why did you reveal yourself? As for you…”

I pointed to my Core.

“…I knew nothing about it until now. Even after syncing, I still didn’t understand.”

After tearing off a fragment of the soul and leaving it in the Homunculus, if I had known the plan, I would’ve realized it earlier. Especially since it wasn’t anyone else but him.

“So, ‘Ah, I see,’ right? But suddenly hearing something like this…”

“…Not quite.”

He proudly looked up at me while fiddling with his Magical Gear.

“Despite Mini-Phoenix surveillance, scanning each bit of magic through Magical Gear daily, reading memories constantly…there was just one thing I couldn’t detect. One way to pull this off without you knowing.”

“…How could you miss it while watching 24/7?”

“Phoenix Unit Leader. To put it in your terms…his ‘nostalgia.’ You hated even looking at him, didn’t you?”

“…Yeah, because he was a harem fiend.”

I had to steady myself. Judging solely from the fragmented clues this arrogant man was giving me, the only way he could pull off such a cute surprise without my notice was…

“Dissection.”

“…There was a reason the original always seemed flustered around Hikari.”

Hikari played a crucial role in our victory. That’s why he cared deeply for and took good care of her, beyond just being a heroine.

“He tested Hikari extensively. Whether she leaked data, whether she unconditionally helped him and me…Hikari passed all these long tests.”

“She didn’t tell anyone anything she shouldn’t.”

“Yes. Though the spaceship design suffered because of her silence…Hikari kept her mouth shut. So he gambled. Thinking that if Hikari knew the ‘truth’ of this world, she might find it fascinating and continue researching despite the mental shock, even Hyunryong was shaken.”

“…Mad scientist, after all.”

I momentarily forgot.

– This world was originally a game.


– In fact, it was originally one world but transformed into a game-like world by some transcendent entity.


– And the world we’re currently in is an infinitely repeated version of that game-like world.

I had forgotten how Hikari would react to such a complex and shocking truth.

“Hikari, isn’t this too much of a cheat?”

“Are there any heroines who aren’t cheats?”

“…You make a point.”

Each of them possessed the greatest talent in their respective fields. That’s why they were chosen as ‘heroines.’ And they partially uncovered the truth while hiding it from my sight.

“Damn original bastards.”

Not just the heroines of this world, but also the memories lingering in my and his spiritual world…

“…Ex-girlfriend, with all these regrets, you’re making me suffer, huh?”

“It’s mutual benefit. Everyone wants to keep living in this world. They don’t want to die. …They want to move forward into the future with you.”

Somehow, it felt too easy.

Whether it was “<Blue Cloud>” or “<Wild Yellow>” or “<Masquerade>“, coolly falling apart wasn’t their style. These were people who’d cling like misery until death, yet they stepped back surprisingly smoothly.

‘<Saint> Yoo-Nah must’ve given it away already.’

You understood the situation.

And acted accordingly.

Of course, they took a gamble too. Knowing their demise was certain, they plotted to ensure their counterparts in this world lived happily.

“Now I feel utterly betrayed. You told me you’d only look at me, and here you are stabbing me in the back? Hey, isn’t this a harem ending?”

“Wait a second. If you’re going to complain, you should talk to the original—”

“No way.”

I grabbed his neck and threw him onto the bed. Even though he was over 180cm tall, using a bit of magic made him as light as a feather.

“They say good things should be shared, but first, we need to taste-test, right?”

“Wait! I’m not the original—”

“Shut up.”

I grabbed his collar along with his shirt.

“Whatever about fragments of memories or copies, if I say you’re Phoenix, then you’re Phoenix.”

He said he would visit the past me as well. Certainly, reading his memories and mine, the ‘Blazing Flame’ of the past wouldn’t differ much from the current me.

And the same went for the man before me now. I asked him why he was ‘Phoenix.’

“Who do you love most in this world?”

“…”

He didn’t answer. Instead, lying down, he pulled my face closer. I thought he was going to kiss me, but he whispered softly near my ear.

“My Blazing Flame, my Shin-ra, my Cheongnyeon, my sun…what name should I call you by?”

“Indeed. How should I call you… Ah. Let’s keep it simple.”

I held his face.

“I’m Blazing Flame. You’re my Phoenix. How’s that?”

“…Simple and good.”

He smiled faintly. I positioned myself above him as usual. His expression stiffened instantly.

“Haha, don’t act shy like you’re pitying me. We’re pros, aren’t we? Lift your little Phoenix head already. Oh, wait, is it not little anymore? Puh-heh.”

“…There’s a fundamental reason I keep saying I’m not the original.”

With a beet-red face, trembling eyes, and cracking voice, he confessed to me.

“…Hikari is a minor.”

“So?”

“…He transferred even the tainted magic of Phoenix Unit Leader to Hikari. Hikari read the magic patterns and organized the original’s memories and knowledge into data.”

“And? What does that have to do with us expressing love?”

“…There’s a big issue. Despite being somewhat reasonable, he didn’t teach ‘that’ to a minor.”

“…Huh.”

My heart sank, and my body began to boil.

“Se, seriously—”

“Everything we did together was fully recorded. Only our actions ‘together’ remained documented. I trusted Hikari, thinking she’d see it when she grew up…”

“Dear lord.”

Now I understand why Hikari sang songs wishing to grow up quickly.

“Excuse me. You’re a Homunculus, right?”

“…Yes.”

“Then Hikari could probably see the situation through you, right?”

“She could, but for privacy reasons—”

“In this day and age, even middle schoolers are doing it. What’s the problem?”

Squeak!

I ripped open his shirt. Phoenix puckered his lips, seemingly scared of me.

“Ahhh.”

It was exhilarating. The man who had wrestled with me on the bed was now reduced to this state, castrated in knowledge alone, stimulating my lower abdomen.

“…Now I understand the feeling of a veteran meeting a newbie.”

I snapped my fingers. His arms immediately flipped behind his head and tied to the bedpost, and his ankles were bound with fiery veils, restraining all four limbs.

“Wait!”

“There’s no way I’m letting this opportunity slip. On the day of Hikari’s coming-of-age ceremony, we’ll install your sex technique, but for now, let’s enjoy this night together.”

I straddled his erect member. Everything about his Phoenix was identical to the real one. Moving gently front and back, I leaned my upper body forward.

“Excuse me.”

Looking at me with both fear and anticipation, I kissed his earlobe and whispered.

“Do you know what a ‘newbie trap’ is?”

Enjoy your meal.

…The physical aspect remains perfect.

* * *

Doing it in the spirit world feels similar to experiencing nocturnal emissions.

No matter how intensely you indulge in the spirit world, it’s merely virtual sensations experienced in a dream, differing from reality.

But this time is different.

I possess the full power of a myth-making deity. Although our synchronization ended, like Seok Harang, I retain the full power of the Sun God.

‘The price of challenging a god is severe.’

I stroked the cheek of the man who appeared to be asleep beside me. After testing ejaculation control with the initial shot, I managed his climaxes appropriately, reducing his round cheeks due to exhaustion.

He passed out from the intensity. Standing by the window, I sipped on a warm strawberry latte.

Creak.

White sticky liquid trickled down my thighs and groin. I wiped it with my finger and licked it slightly.

“Seminal fluid?”

It tasted like cream cheese mixed to a creamy consistency. The texture and taste were similar to his semen. Although materialized by magic, it was surprisingly decent.

“The limit of seven shots is a flaw, though.”

Ejaculating seven times in the dream world usually reaches double digits, but the Homunculus collapsed after just seven.

“What a waste. It’s not like losing one unit of magic per ejaculation, but still…”

Just as he was getting into the groove, he revealed his specs. His tearful plea to stop was unexpectedly adorable.

‘It feels exactly like the first time we met after erasing memories.’

The image of him desperately moving his body to claim my virginity popped into my mind. This time, although I took the lead, it reminded me of that moment.

“Hmph. …I guess it’s time you showed up.”

I summoned the mastermind behind this plot via Magical Gear. She covered her mouth with her hands and watched me with keen interest.

[How was it…?]

“99 points.”

[…Hee-hee.]

Hikari seemed satisfied despite the slight regret. Since I gave it a 99, others likely won’t notice much difference.

“Hikari.”

[Yes, Lady Blazing Flame.]

Hikari addressed me as ‘Blazing Flame.’ She truly knew everything, as he said.

“Hand over what he entrusted to you.”

[…I set it as untouchable data! It will unlock when I turn adult.]

“Tch.”

No matter how skilled I am with magic, pure digital data unaffected by magic leaves me powerless. Blackmailing Hikari wouldn’t work either.

“Come on, when the parties involved ask for their sex tapes, that’s criminal, right?”

[I’m the villain, remember?]

“…”

I knew she had guts, but I didn’t expect her to come out like this.

“Hikari. I appreciate you sending me the Homunculus, but this kind of behavior ruins the fun.”

[It’s really impossible unless I get permission. He specifically instructed not to send it without approval.]

Hikari waved an 8mm tape in her hand, threatening me in return.

[If you don’t approve…]

“Go ahead and leak or destroy it.”

[I’ll watch it myself.]

“…”

How do you deal with such a cute blackmail attempt from a Yamato Nadeshiko? Feeling like scolding a mischievous kitten, I had to calm myself down.

“Can I trust you? No leaks, no destruction, no sharing.”

[Of course. However, you must show it to me once I turn adult.]

“……I’ll review it first, then we’ll watch it together.”

Since it’s not my memory, I don’t know what records are inside. Even after Hikari turns adult, if it’s not 19 but 29-rated, I’ll have to filter it appropriately.

“Hmph. …So, who knows about the Homunculus? It seems Yoo-Yuhwa knows from what I saw.”

[Me, the boss, the boss’s partner, and Lady Rusalka. That’s it.]

“At least the relevant parties know. Should I be relieved?”

Thorough secrecy was maintained. Besides Carna learning what Yoo-Yuhwa knows through synchronization, essentially only the creator, financier, and clinical tester knew. It was ultra-confidential.

“…”

I pondered.

Should I keep this secret forever? These four are fully controllable by me and trustworthy enough to keep secrets for life.

“…Sigh, I guess I’m just too nice.”

When he sees me again someday, I’ll definitely tell him.

“I’m making a huge decision to allow harems.”

I don’t know what thoughts led him to leave a part of himself behind, but I can’t forgive him for deceiving me.

“Hikari, I have a favor to ask.”

[Please tell me!]

“…Since I’m planning to prepare a Phoenix for each of your homes…”

Real-time marking is necessary for him to regain his senses.

“Uh, excuse me…”

“Ah, you woke up?”

Just then, he rose from his seat. His initially deflated Phoenix gradually swelled like unfurling wings upon seeing me.

“Definitely reliable recovery. Hmm, so Mr. Phoenix, are you ready for a terrible time?”

“…Are you trying to make me do something weird?”

“Not weird, but the harem ending you so desperately wanted.”

I projected holograms of the heroines’ photos. Although a few minors were mixed in, I displayed everyone available.

Yoo-Nah. Park Ra-on. Kim Nori.

Jeong Su-Ri. Hikari. Xiao Lin.

Yoo-Yuhwa. Aruel. Cheon Gaeul. Baek Hee-a.

Seok Harang. Kim Penril. Sackpung. Hydra. Ji Ryun.

Carna. Ang. Hwanryong.

And me.

“Oh, counting up, it’s more than 17 names? Who cares. Choose one.”

I presented him with an offer he couldn’t refuse.

“If your clones are made, whose would you sell first?”

“Um, well, that…”

He couldn’t easily decide. So, I impulsively declared,

“Then there’s no choice but to auction it off.”

“What?”

“From Blazing Flame.”

Through Magical Gear, I edited the appropriate truths and broadcast them to ‘everyone.’ Since it was a one-sided transmission, I ignored any replies and concluded with the result.

“So, are you buying Phoenixes or not? Just three spots available this year, first come first served. Puh-heh.”

…

…

…

Sold out within ten seconds.

* * *

December 24, 2025.

I finally completed the ‘One Household, One Phoenix’ project.

Yoo-Nah, who stubbornly refused until the very end, eventually succumbed to her long patience and overwhelmed Phoenix #16.

As expected, Yoo-Nah was extraordinary. Her impact temporarily disabled all other connected Phoenix units, forcing Hikari to stay up all night fixing them, but that was none of my concern.

“Ho ho, enjoying yourself?”

“…Feels like I’m dying.”

We walked along the sandy shores of White Phoenix Isle, holding hands. Through Magical Gear, I could vividly see other versions of him being thoroughly squeezed.

“You should’ve foreseen this from the start. Your flags weren’t exactly subtle.”

“…This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t allowed the harem.”

“Hmph. Sensitivity multiplied by twenty.”

I shared the sensual experiences transmitted by the clones with the original body. The first Homunculus, my Phoenix, stopped in his tracks due to the overwhelming sensations from the simultaneous climaxes of twenty Phoenixes.

“Ho ho, twenty Phoenixes aren’t enough to impress me anymore.”

“…After I already emptied seven shots, what do you expect?”

“Well, if that’s how you feel…”

I locked eyes with him. Although each heroine obtained her own Phoenix under my permission-based conditions, the Phoenix before me remained uniquely mine.

“Excuse me.”

“Why?”

“Thank you. For giving me the chance to spend eternity with you this way.”

“…Say that to the original who might return someday. I’m merely filling his place.”

“No. You’re my only Phoenix.”

I declared firmly to him.

“You are my Phoenix, the Phoenix of Blazing Flame.”

Phoenix of Blazing Flame.

Normal Ending # 000, Completed.

* * *

“Isn’t Homunculus incapable of bodily modifications?”

“Yes, but thanks to that, you can customize your body according to your preferences. Poor Hikari will have a lot of work to do though.”

“That sounds interesting. Speaking of which, those conditions…”

“Ah, that? Very characteristic of Blazing Flame. Whether you want FMF threesomes when you feel like it or 2:2 orgies with your own Phoenix, accepting membership in the harem is part of the deal. Puh-heh.”

“Amazing. Are they planning a year-end gathering where everyone participates in a 40P orgy?”

“Wouldn’t Oracle die from excessive masturbation if that happened?”

“Good point.”

“Exactly. By the way, including Blazing Flame, there are 19 heroines, so why are there 20 Phoenixes? Who’s the extra one?”

“Blazing Flame secured the 19th model. The 19th model is based on Cheongnyeon’s female form.”

“No way.”

“Yep. Blazing Flame wore Rasputin and did it.”

“…Perfect ending for a harem fiend. Well, I’ll be going now.”

“Where to?”

“To greet someone.”