Living Dangerously with a 999-Year-Old Gumiho – Chapter 144

The old man hesitated for a moment, then seemed to make up his mind and got up from the workbench.

He walked slowly towards the Intello, examining the robot’s structure in detail.

The construction of the Intello was complex, but the old man had centuries of experience working with this machine.

He slowly reached out to access the robot’s central processing unit.

“If only Hoga would come home quickly, then I could finish up…”

The old man mumbled as he connected to Intello’s core system.

His movements were precise and assured, as he began to input the commands necessary for upgrading the robot’s system.

Through the Intello’s interface, the old man entered new programming commands.

This upgrade was designed to allow Intello to have a higher level of autonomy and to better serve its future master.

He added complex code to enhance the robot’s cognitive abilities and emotional processing skills.

“You need to serve the next master well, even after I’m gone…”

The old man spoke to Intello as if making a request.

His voice was soft yet firm.

The old man carefully reassembled the robot’s body.

As each part fell into place, Intello began to be able to feel more accurately what human “emotion” was.

With a glimmer of light shimmering from Intello’s eyes like a signal, the robot surveyed its surroundings with its new awareness.

Its artificial intelligence swiftly processed the new knowledge it had gained from the upgrade, expressing deep gratitude towards the old man.

“Thank you, Master. With my new abilities, I will be able to serve you more effectively…”

Intello’s voice was mechanical yet carried a sense of warmth.

It was now capable of understanding and responding to emotions more intricately.

The old man ensured that Intello could manufacture necessary parts on its own while following his commands and requirements.

The robot began to analyze its system and embark on the process of designing and fabricating the required components.

This would allow it to maintain itself in any future situation, greatly relieving the burden on its master.

The old man sat down, staring into the distance as if realizing something.

Scenes of the future began to unfold in his mind.

“Aha, so this is how it turns out…”

His voice drifted out as if he were speaking to himself.

“In the end, all of this…”

“Leads to this…”

“From…”

“To… and as a result…”

His eyes sparkled, giving the impression that he was flipping to the final page.

“In the future, this story will…”

“Will come to be… and…”

“Become the world…”

“Never would I have imagined the end of…”

“Would end like this…”

The old man quietly set his pen down on the notebook laid before him.

His hand appeared to tremble for a moment, but then he wrote clearly with determination.

His gaze clouded with complex emotions, and soon he bore an expression as if he had made a heavy decision.

“If this ability, this curse, must be handed over to someone…”

He paused, taking a deep breath.

“Then it should only suit the most evil and guilty of souls.”

The old man wrote down the name echoing repeatedly in his head.

That name belonged to one of the most destructive and dangerous figures he had encountered over the years while gazing into the future.

As he wrote the name on the paper, his hand trembled, and a brief flash of pain crossed his eyes.

“This name…”

“…This person will accept it…”

He murmured so softly it was almost inaudible.

The old man believed that this was the best choice for freeing himself from pain while punishing the wicked.

Yet this choice would turn out to be the old man’s gravest mistake.

*

Breaking the calmness of the quiet morning, Nomi opened the door and stepped out.

Her face was filled with the fatigue of just waking up.

Stretching widely, Nomi greeted the day with a bright smile.

“Good morning…!”

Sohee, as if she had been waiting for this moment, opened her arms toward Nomi.

Nomi quickly dashed over to Sohee and hugged her tightly.

Sohee scooped up Nomi and they walked together into the kitchen, stroking Nomi’s hair.

“Aren’t you hungry?”

Sohee gently asked Nomi.

Nomi nodded enthusiastically.

“Yeah, yeah! I’m so hungry!”

Her voice was brimming with excitement, her big eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Upon reaching the kitchen, Hyun had already prepared breakfast at the table.

A nutritious breakfast lovingly prepared by Hyun was laid out alongside fresh orange juice.

Hyun looked at Nomi and smiled brightly as he greeted her.

“Nomi, good morning! Did you sleep well?”

Nomi cheerfully responded.

“Yeah! I want to eat—food!”

At Nomi’s lively answer, Hyun smiled and gestured toward the dining table.

He plated up eggs and soup into dishes and set them down at their places.

As the morning sunlight flooded the kitchen, the dining table was filled with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Nomi happily received her plate, gazing at the fried egg with her big eyes.

Her expression made it feel like even a simple breakfast was a delightful event.

Sohee chuckled at Nomi’s reaction and took a seat beside her.

“You’re really full of energy today~”

Sohee said as she patted Nomi’s head.

Meanwhile, Hyun spooned hot soup from the pot, serving a little to everyone’s bowls.

His movements were careful and full of thoughtfulness.

After finishing the meal, Nomi joyfully shouted, “I ate well!”

With cheer, she dashed over to the sofa and laid comfortably on one side.

She picked up the remote and turned on the TV, where her favorite cartoon immediately began.

Nomi’s eyes sparkled as she immersed herself in the adventures of the screen’s characters.

Sohee, having finished her meal, brought the used dishes to the sink.

She soaked the dishes in water, making it easier to wash them later.

Then, she joined Nomi on the sofa and started watching TV together.

Meanwhile, Hyun took on the task of tidying up the remaining meal.

He organized the leftover food from the table, bringing empty dishes and cutlery to wash them alongside those Sohee had already soaked.

The sound of running water and clattering dishes filled the quiet kitchen.

While washing up, Hyun occasionally glanced toward the living room, smiling at the sight of Nomi and Sohee watching TV.

Sohee was wearing Yoonhwa’s oversized pajamas.

The outfit fit her loosely, making her look like a little child wearing an adult’s clothes.

Seeing Hyun washing the dishes, Sohee felt a spark of mischief.

She quietly approached him from behind.

Hyun was washing the dishes, completely absorbed in what he was doing.

Sohee bent down and stealthily got closer, then suddenly shouted from behind.

“Boom!!”

Hyun jerked in surprise, turning around wide-eyed, his face showing immediate shock.

Seeing his reaction made Sohee erupt into giggles.

Her laughter filled the kitchen, adding to the lively atmosphere.

“Hey, look!”

“This outfit is way too big… get me something that fits!”

Sohee playfully continued to tease Hyun.

She tugged at the neck of Yoonhwa’s spacious pajamas, making it stretch to reveal her inside.

“Look at this, it’s way too loose!”

Hyun glanced over at Sohee as she stretched the pajamas.

For a brief moment their eyes met, and he quickly turned his gaze elsewhere, flustered.

A sheepish smile crept onto his face.

“Uh—uh! Yeah, okay, I’ll get you some new clothes! Sorry…”

Sohee continued to enjoy Hyun’s embarrassment and giggle.

Hyun thought for a moment and then nodded.

“Alright. Once I finish washing, let’s go shopping together…”

Sohee’s satisfied smile glimmered in response to his answer.

“Thank you!”

Hyun finished washing the dishes quickly.

Drying off his hands, he approached Sohee and Nomi.

“I’ll go change first.”

His voice was soft.

He exited the kitchen and entered his room, shutting the door.

Inside the room, Hyun quickly changed into more comfortable clothing.

Meanwhile, Sohee and Nomi waited patiently by the door.

When Hyun came out, Sohee took Nomi’s hand and they went into the room.

In the room, Sohee dressed Nomi in a lovely yellow long-sleeved T-shirt.

The bright yellow shirt, adorned with small flower patterns, looked perfect with Nomi’s radiant smile.

While Nomi was putting on the shirt, Sohee gently brushed Nomi’s hair and added a cute headband.

Nomi joyfully touched the headband with her small hands, admiring her reflection in the mirror.

“It’s pretty, so pretty!”

Nomi’s exclamation made Sohee burst into laughter.

Then Sohee began to change her own clothes.

She chose comfortable jeans and a bright T-shirt, along with a light jacket to wear over it.

The jacket was just the right thickness for winter weather, making it perfect for going out.

After finishing all the preparations, Sohee took Nomi’s hand and exited the room.

Hyun was already wearing his shoes, waiting for them.

“Are you all ready?”

Hyun asked, and Sohee nodded.

“Yes, we’re ready! Let’s go!”

They left the house, heading towards a nearby shopping district for shopping.

The cold winter air brushed against their faces, and the streets were filled with refreshing morning sunlight. Nomi bounced joyfully between Hyun and Sohee, occasionally stopping to admire the small flowers along the roadside.

Hyun and Sohee exchanged happy smiles, feeling infectious joy from Nomi’s pure happiness.

It seemed like it would be a delightful day.

The grandfather quietly finished preparing in the kitchen and headed towards the room where Yoonhwa and Tori were.

He carefully knocked on the door to announce that breakfast was ready, raising his voice slightly.

“Fox, come eat. Your meal is prepared.”

However, Yoonhwa, not wanting to move from Tori’s side, remained still.

Seeing Tori lying down filled her with guilt and fear, causing her to continue shedding tears.

The grandfather, seeing Yoonhwa’s refusal to eat, decided he didn’t want to disturb her any further and would bring the meal into the room himself.

He returned to the kitchen and carefully packed a warm dish of rice, grilled fish, and several vegetable sides onto a tray.

He knew it would be hard for Yoonhwa to leave Tori’s side, so he made sure she could eat comfortably in the room.

Carrying the tray, the grandfather returned and quietly entered the room.

He extended the meal tray to Yoonhwa, speaking gently.

“Here, I brought you food. You need to eat well too.”

Yoonhwa’s heart softened slightly at the grandfather’s warm voice and care.

She accepted the tray and cautiously took a spoonful of rice into her mouth.

Seeing Yoonhwa begin to eat reassured the grandfather, and he sat down to watch over her.

Tori’s small body was slowly regaining stability as he carefully opened his eyes.

Tori gazed slowly at Yoonhwa’s face.

His tiny squirrel eyes were filled with fear and confusion, glistening with tears.

He couldn’t quite grasp what had happened all of a sudden.

“Is… is it okay…??”

Tori tried to sit up, but sharp pain surged with the sudden movement.

Seeing Tori shuddering, Yoonhwa instinctively felt a surge of impulse to hug him tightly.

Her hand shot out, but the grandfather gently caught her wrist, stopping her.

“Fox, you can’t hold Tori right now. His bones are very fragile.”

“If you hug him now, he could get hurt.”

The grandfather released Yoonhwa’s hand gently and leaned towards Tori.

His expression was filled with worry.

He carefully examined Tori’s small body.

The pain was evident in Tori’s eyes, and he was trembling slightly.

“Tori, are you alright…?”

The grandfather’s voice couldn’t hide his concern.

Tori answered in a weak voice.

“It hurts… it hurts a lot…”

His voice was almost a whisper, and every word made his little body twitch slightly.

The grandfather sighed deeply at Tori’s words.

Using slow, gentle strokes, he lovingly patted Tori’s head to comfort him.

“I understand, Tori. You’re still feeling bad…”

“Just hang in there a little longer… you’ll feel better soon.”

Yoonhwa’s tears flowed even more at seeing Tori’s painful state.

She gently brushed Tori’s small paw with her hand.

Her voice trembled as she apologized to Tori.

“I’m sorry, Tori… I’m really sorry…!!”

“I… I hurt you.”

Tori blinked rapidly before speaking.

“Wh- why… does it hurt…??”

His voice was filled with confusion.

Yoonhwa explained the situation to Tori, her eyes glistening with tears.

Her voice trembled with deep guilt.

“Tori, when you tried to wake me up by touching my ear this morning—”

“I was so startled that I reacted reflexively…”

“I accidentally pushed you too hard.”

“That’s why you hit the wall…”

Hearing Yoonhwa’s explanation, the grandfather nodded and turned his gaze to Tori.

He began to move his cane, drawing circles in the air.

A soft green light began to emerge from the tip of the cane, enveloping Tori’s small body gently.

“May the strength be granted to this little life…”