Chapter 344 - Their Confession

# It's been almost four months since I retired.

And what I'm feeling is that this story is slowly coming to an end.

Though invisible to the eye, the world is becoming increasingly chaotic.

Most notably, the number of ability users is gradually increasing.

It's not a good sign. It means the Sun God's power is growing stronger.

Especially, though there's still some time left, this will become more prominent in Part 4, which is the climax and final chapter.

That's when...

'The abilities of all heroes and villains will grow.'

Yes.

This is an extremely significant event.

The reason Stardust was such an exceptionally strong protagonist... was not only because she had the power of stars that could defeat the power of the sun, but also because she had the unique characteristic of her ability growing on its own.

Most ability users have powers bestowed by the Sun God.

Special abilities that made their dreams come true.

However, unlike them, there are those who received powers from other gods.

Eun-wol, who received power from the Moon God.

And those who received power from the Star God, who could be called our mother.

The protagonist of this comic, Stardust.

Ex Machina, who is now deceased.

...And me.

As you can see, all three operate on mechanisms independent of the Sun God's power.

Stardust, who is the natural enemy of those with the Sun God's abilities, exhibiting several times her normal power when facing them. And her ability 'grows'... plus she has heightened senses bordering on future prediction.

Ex Machina. The only person in this world who could turn back time. Because of him, we were able to prevent several near-apocalyptic crises. ...And because he's gone now, I'm the one making all this fuss instead.

And me... well. What's unique about my ability is that there's a definite recoil. Every time I use it, I cough up blood, and secretly, it seems to drain my lifespan too... Hmm. But why am I the only one with a risky independent mechanism? Well, let's just say my ability is future prediction through the original work.

Anyway, ability growth was a unique characteristic that only Stardust possessed.

But from Part 4 onwards, as if mocking this, the powers of all ability users gradually become stronger.

...Of course.

I'm an exception, having an ability originating from the Star God. From the beginning to the end of my time in this world, I've just been teleporting around and repeatedly coughing up blood.

That's why after recruiting Seo-eun and Su-bin, I became obsessed with increasing my companions.

Even if I'm weak, if strong people stand by my side, that will ultimately become my strength.

That's why I put a lot of effort into creating my team, Ego-stream.

I considered and designed everything from the order of meeting to the timing.

I even thought about their personalities, how to become friends with each one, how to make them trust and follow me... and absolutely never betray me.

I put a lot of thought into member selection. As a result, I lost a few reliable male colleagues, but it was a necessary sacrifice. Better than discord within the group. Instead, I moved them to Yu-seong PMC, Ego-squad.

Anyway, after all that effort, I succeeded in getting what I wanted.

Reliable companions who would never betray me.

That's also why I had everyone live together in the same house from the beginning. To create a family-like atmosphere. Because blood relatives don't betray each other.

That's why I gladly accepted the affection my companions showed me.

.....

What was I thinking about that led me here?

Right.

I can see the end of this story I've been telling approaching.

I've parted ways with Stardust, and the final chapter is coming soon.

Now I just need to focus on winning over Celeste. The Kathedal event is coming up soon, so I should try to advance our relationship when we meet.

The reason I've done all this is to save Stardust and protect the world.

Yes... I need to save Stardust.

Even though I won't be seeing her anymore...

"....."

Night. The living room of the house.

I was sitting blankly on the sofa, thinking these thoughts.

...Right.

My thoughts have been flowing freely, but the conclusion is this:

Lately I've been feeling a bit depressed... no, more like empty.

I guess since I've lived in this world focusing solely on Stardust, I felt somewhat hollow after retiring.

".....I suppose."

After falling into this world, guided by the Star God.

I wandered for three years.

Wondering why I should save this world, why it had to be me. Why I had to lose all my family and friends and end up here.

To me, who was drowning in frustration and alcohol every day.

Due to an incident one day.

The one who gave me a reason to live again was Stardust.

...Yes. A ruined life either way. Let's put Stardust on top one last time before I die. Saving the world as the goddess said comes second. I'll live as I please.

Anyway.

In my previous life, Stardust was my favorite character.

That's how it started and how I got here.

In other words, my second life in this world existed because of Stardust and for Stardust.

...So, thinking that I won't see her anymore makes me feel empty inside.

Anyway, this has been troubling me lately.

...But.

Actually, this wasn't the only problem.

There was an even bigger issue.

Namely.

The members of our Ego-stream have changed.

More precisely, since my retirement, everyone suddenly became more... aggressive. In what way? Physical contact...

This was disconcerting for me, who had dreamed of a family-like Ego-stream.

By the way, the most aggressive was Atlas's daughter, Ariel...

'Egostic oppa... I'll definitely come back! sob sob'

She went back to the sea because Atlas, who's been expanding his maritime forces, said it was time for her to return...

Of course, I had my own issues too.

I certainly knew that the Ego-stream members had feelings for me. After all, I had worked hard to make it that way.

...However, lately I've been wondering if I'm receiving more favor than I deserve.

And most importantly.

"....."

Recently, as an aftereffect of separating from Stardust.

I find it difficult to push them away...

In the dark night.

On the sofa under the orange light in the living room.

As I was blankly thinking these thoughts.

"...Da-in?"

Su-bin saw me and approached with a quiet smile.

She came toward me wearing a black night dress with just a thin cardigan over it.

"...Ah, Su-bin."

"What are you doing alone so late at night?"

I smiled faintly at her.

Meanwhile, she naturally sat down next to me.

I turned my gaze away from Su-bin and muttered while looking straight ahead.

"...Just thinking about what I should do from now on."

"Hmm..."

When I said that, she quietly listened right next to me.

...Somehow she sat too close, right beside me. I could smell her lavender scent.

Feeling a bit awkward, I cleared my throat and moved slightly away on the sofa.

For some reason, when I'm with Su-bin, I feel like my heart opens up. Like being with a loving wife... no, that's not it. A loving mother...? That sounds even stranger. Anyway, that kind of feeling. Somehow I don't want to hide my emotions.

While I was thinking this.

Su-bin, as if nothing was wrong, said with a loving smile.

"...Do you have something to worry about? After defeating the final boss you talk about, you can just keep living happily with all of us companions."

"...Haha."

I could only smile sadly at her words.

Keep living happily... I wonder. Will I even be able to live after the final chapter?

Honestly, considering the forces in the final boss battle and the role assigned to me... somehow I couldn't imagine such a future.

While I was thinking these gloomy thoughts.

"There you go again."

"Mmph!"

Su-bin suddenly reached out and placed her hands on both my cheeks.

As I was startled by the cold hands on my skin.

She turned my face toward her and said with a faint smile.

"Da-in, you're thinking depressing thoughts again, aren't you? Don't do that. If you only make negative assumptions, nothing will work out."

"No... that's not it."

"How long have I been with you? I can tell just by looking at your face now."

At her words, as she removed her hands from my face and smiled brightly.

I couldn't help but laugh lightly and answer.

"Yes. I understand. I should do that."

"Good thinking... and."

After saying that much, Su-bin.

With a somewhat mischievous smile unlike her usual self, she said to me.

"Why did you move away when I sat on the sofa?"

"...Pardon?"

"Sob Da-in, do you dislike me?"

"...What?? No, how could I possibly..."

As I was flustered watching Su-bin pretend to cry.

"Ah..."

Su-bin naturally raised her head and put her arm on my shoulder.

She made me half-lie down on the sofa, and after brushing her brown hair back, she grinned in front of my face and said.

"I'm just kidding."

"...Haha."

"...But you know, Da-in. That I like you."

"...Haha. Of course. I like all our Ego-stream members too..."

"You know that's not the kind of 'like' I mean, right?"

Looking at Su-bin who was sitting facing me, leaning toward me on the sofa and grinning.

I could only smile and sweat.

...Strangely, I couldn't be firm with Su-bin, unlike with other women. Especially when she was smiling.

...By the way, she said she likes me.

While I was momentarily flustered.

Su-bin smiled again and spoke to me softly.

"Da-in. Shall I tell you one more secret?"

"...Wh-what is it?"

After saying that much, she.

Swallowed for a moment, then looking straight into my eyes.

In the dark living room, she confessed to me with a grin.

"Actually. We all like you."

"...What?"

As I was increasingly losing my composure in this shocking flow of conversation.

Su-bin grinned and, counting on her fingers, murmured with a smile.

"That is... me, Seo Ja-young, Se-hee, Eun-wol, Seo-eun, Ariel, and even Ha-yul. We all like you. As a man."

"Um... uh... yes..."

"And we've agreed among ourselves. We're all fine with being together. Of course, more would be fine too."

"...What?"

Is this some kind of April Fool's joke?

Now Seo-eun and Seo Ja-young will come out with firecrackers saying, 'Surprise! It was a hidden camera prank!'

I had such a vain hope.

...But by all appearances, that wasn't the case.

"What do you think, Da-in?"

"What? I'm so surprised right now that I don't know what to say..."

"Hehe. I thought you'd say that. But it doesn't matter."

After saying that much, Su-bin.

With a seductive smile she had never shown before, she whispered close to my ear.

"Anyway, you belong to us..."

Smooch

After naturally kissing me on the cheek.

She said, "Well then, good night," and disappeared like the wind.

...Hiding her slightly reddened ears with her long hair.

So.

Left alone like this, I.

"Hmm..."

Quietly got up and decided to go to sleep.

I don't know. Let's think about it after sleeping.

Haha...

Thinking that, I quietly touched my forehead.

More frightening than the series of shocking words I had just heard was.

...The fact that in my current state, I might have accepted that absurd confession. Being in a vulnerable state of mind...

'...I'm not sure. Let's sleep on it and think... and focus on preparing for the final chapter.'

I steeled my resolve with that thought.

...After all.

All of this only mattered if I survived until the end.

Let's just sleep for now.

With that thought, I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes.

Sleep came quickly.

***

At that time.

In a dark room, Stardust was sitting alone on the bed, hugging her knees with a gloomy expression.

And her gaze was fixed on.

"...Egostic."

The receiver he had left behind.

Yes.

...Nothing will change by just sitting still like this.

With that thought, she sat quietly on the bed.

Unconsciously thinking about the keyword "broadcast."