High above the Korean Peninsula, a solitary island floats in the boundless expanse of the sky. Despite its insular appearance, this landmass is more akin to a colossal vessel, navigating not just the vastness of space but also the intricate threads of time.
As it hovers serenely, the island casts a captivating shadow upon the landscapes below. Verdant fields and bustling cities catch glimpses of the celestial traveler as it charts its course through the ever-shifting currents of time.
In this case, the era of Outcall persistently pervades what used to be verdant and bustling.
Standing before the imposing glow of the giant monitor, I observe Rachel's holographic form reflected on the screen. Curiosity tugs at me, prompting the question that hangs in the air.
"Rachel, where are you right now?"
Her holographic image shimmers with life as she responds, "I'm in the 623rd timeline. It's a tricky one. The Seer's army has rallied here, causing quite a bit of inconvenience in my advance. Literal clones of the Seer from every iteration seem to be organizing a force of its own."
Nodding in understanding, I assure her, "Understood. We can't let them halt your progress. I'm on my way. Once I pick up Suho and his team, we'll rush to your location. Hold tight."
Determination flickers in Rachel's response, "I'll do my best, but time is of the essence here. The Seer's forces are relentless."
Looking back at the monitor with a resolute expression, I declare, "We won't let them succeed. We'll be there soon. Keep me updated on your status."
Turning away from the screen, my attention shifts to the urgent task at hand. I grab a communication device and issue evacuation orders for the 665th timeline.
"Attention, everyone. This is an evacuation order for the 665th timeline. We need to move swiftly. Head to the designated coordinates for extraction. We don't have much time."
A nervous voice inquires, "What's happening? Why are we evacuating?"
Clamor increases exponentially as panic spreads among the people. Suho and his team try to calm the crowd of the little that the Outpost has safeguarded from the monsters spread around the Korean Peninsula. The island that is Cube is able to offer supporting fire from the above, thus relieving the Outpost, but I cannot
Kim Suho has created quite a sufficient outpost for the 665th timeline despite the effects of Outcall. In a sense, the survivors that Suho has gathered have found their Outpost their comfort zone thus the news of the sudden evacuation must unsettle them.
With a sense of urgency, Kim Suho soothes the crowd with a booming voice. "There's a danger to us all if we stay. We need to get you to safety. Move quickly and stay together."
Concerned murmurs ripple through the crowd, and another voice questions, "Is the Outpost in danger?"
Seeking to reassure, Kim Suho affirms, "We're taking precautions. Trust the process. Let's go, everyone."
As the evacuation unfolds, my thoughts remain fixed on the mission ahead – rescuing Rachel from the clutches of the Seer's army and ensuring the safety of the floating island that journeys through the corridors of time… Honestly, this is bumming me out.
It will be convenient if I have Lancaster’s immediate location right now. Speed running every Miracle Tower to see if he is there is too unrealistic.
As I stand before the giant monitor, Kim Hosup, diligently tapping on his computer, relays the latest information. "Evacuation has been completed," he informs me, "but the island's capacity is close to its limit. We've done what we can, but it seems we can't save everyone."
The weight of the situation settles in as the reality sinks in – despite our best efforts, not everyone can be rescued. In the face of this dire circumstance, the urgency to find a solution intensifies.
Lancaster's and the Seer’s drastic plan to bomb the timelines is really one fucking bitch. The gravity of the decision looms over me. The timelines, each holding a fragment of existence, are now deemed expendable in the pursuit of preserving the greater whole.
I turn to Rachel, the gravity of the moment reflected in my eyes. "We'll be there in your timeline soon," I assure her, a solemn promise amidst the chaos that surrounds us.
With a heavy heart, I address Hosup, who remains steadfast in his role. "Initiate another dimensional transfer," I instruct him, the words carrying the weight of a desperate gamble.
As Kim Hosup diligently tends to his tasks, I take a moment to engage in casual conversation with Rachel. Amidst the chaos, a touch of normalcy feels like a brief respite.
"So, how's Evandel doing?" I inquire, a small but genuine smile playing on my lips.
Rachel returns the warmth, her eyes lighting up. "Let me show you." With a soft call, she beckons her daughter.
On the screen, Evandel materializes – the same bright-eyed little girl I fondly remember. "Daddy!" she exclaims, her voice filled with innocence, "Where are you?"
I chuckle, the affection evident in my tone. "I'll be there with you soon, sweetheart. Don't worry."
To my left, Tomer, engrossed in her own work, suddenly spits out her coffee in disbelief. She looks at the monitor, then at me, a mix of shock and confusion on her face.
I shoot her a wry smile and attempt to downplay the situation. "It's a long story," I say, recognizing the disbelief on Tomer’s face.
“Did you shack her? Is it consensual?”
I ignore her.
The monitor screen is suddenly filled with commotion as a chorus of voices calls out, "Boss!" one after another. Puzzled, I watch as a parade of individuals vies for Rachel's attention, all sharing an unsettlingly familiar face – that of Kim Hajin. My expression twists into a scowl, an instinctive reaction to the bizarre display.
"What the hell is this?" I mutter, unable to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding before me.
The Kim Hajin Army, as I mentally dub them, continues their attempts to ingratiate themselves with Rachel. The uncanny repetition of that singular face intensifies the absurdity of the situation. Irritation simmers within me, and I can't help but let it spill out.
"Hey, all of you, fuck off! Get away from Rachel!" I snap, my frustration surfacing in the sternness of my words.
Rachel, ever the enigmatic presence, smirks at my outburst. "Jealous, are we?" she teases, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
My scowl deepens, a mixture of irritation and a hint of embarrassment. "Jealous? Don't be ridiculous," I retort, attempting to brush off the absurdity of the situation.
My jealousy spikes as the bizarre situation unfolds before me. "What the fuck is happening? Where did all these Kim Hajins come from?" I exclaim, struggling to make sense of the inexplicable repetition of that familiar face – each one a different iteration from various timelines.
Frustration bubbles within me as I demand, "Where's No. 1?" The screen obliges, revealing the infuriating mug of Kim Hajin from the First Iteration. He grins and flips me the middle finger, a gesture of disdain that stings more than I'd like to admit.
"What's the deal, man?" No. 1 complains, his tone laced with bitterness. "You promised safe passage and sanctuary in your timeline. This is a scam!"
Guilt gnaws at me. No. 1 and I had an arrangement, a pact to ensure his safety. Yet, here we are – me and the rest of humanity on the run from my very own timeline. The irony is not lost on me, and the weight of betrayal hangs heavy in the air.
"It is complicated," I confess, my voice laced with regret. “But what the fuck, man? Why are their son many of you shit flies buzzing around Rachel?” I already have a suspicion of what happened, but I am in goofy mode, so I cannot help but act like a clown.
“I say, this is a scam! Fuck you, double-dealer.” No. 1 cusses at me.
I shove my goofy mode aside and take in a more serious tone as I address No. 1, attempting to explain the complexity of the situation. "Look, the matters are complicated," I say, trying to find the right words amidst the rambunctious Kim Hajins from the background. “Hey, that Kim Hajin, I saw him leering at Evandel… Anyways… fuck… don’t play the blame game on me Kim Hajin of the First Iteration…”
"No. 1, you must have had your reasons back then," I assert, peeling back the layers of the deal we had made prior. "But let's be honest. You agreed because you wanted to meet the characters from your novel who became real."
Kim Hajin shifts awkwardly, his demeanor betraying a mixture of embarrassment and reluctance. He concedes, "Okay, fine. You caught me. But still, fuck you, man."
This Kim Hajin is very crass.
Where is the ordinary, humble, and nice Kim Hajin?
Oh, he is off-world, right…
With that revelation hanging in the air, Kim Hajin awkwardly backs off, leaving Rachel standing in the screen. Rachel, ever perceptive, fakes a cough, drawing attention to herself. She then looks at me, her eyes glistening with moisture, and a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips.
I reciprocate with a smile, the unspoken understanding between us transcending the peculiar circumstances we find ourselves in.
Tomer, who's been quietly munching on an energy bar, finally speaks up. "Can you two lovebirds find a room or something? Seriously, get a bed."
I chuckle at her snarky remark, appreciating the comic relief amid the tension. "Alright, alright," I concede, the levity of the moment not lost on me.
Rachel, her expression grave, takes a moment to share the unsettling discoveries she's made during her speed run, through timelines. "There are two alarming truths," she begins, her voice carrying a weight of urgency.
"First," she says, her eyes locking onto mine, "the Great Sage is different in every timeline. It's not a constant. Each iteration poses its own set of challenges and unknowns."
My brow furrows in contemplation, absorbing the gravity of this revelation. "And the second?" I prompt, anticipating another disconcerting piece of information.
Rachel's gaze lingers before she delivers the second blow. "Kim Hajin dies somehow in every timeline. It's a consistent thread, no matter how the other variables change."
My mind races with questions, a torrent of thoughts and concerns threatening to overwhelm me. Now, I kind of understand why there is a flock of Kim Hajin behind Rachel. Rachel or No.1 must have gathered all of them in a bid to save them and make use of them. However, now is not the time for a deep dive into these mysteries.
"We need to discuss this further, but not now," I assert, recognizing the urgency of our current predicament. "Wait for me in the 623rd timeline. We'll figure this out together."
Rachel nods in agreement, her eyes reflecting a shared understanding.
High above the Korean Peninsula, a solitary island floats in the boundless expanse of the sky. Despite its insular appearance, this landmass is more akin to a colossal vessel, navigating not just the vastness of space but also the intricate threads of time.
As it hovers serenely, the island casts a captivating shadow upon the landscapes below. Verdant fields and bustling cities catch glimpses of the celestial traveler as it charts its course through the ever-shifting currents of time.
In this case, the era of Outcall persistently pervades what used to be verdant and bustling.
Standing before the imposing glow of the giant monitor, I observe Rachel's holographic form reflected on the screen. Curiosity tugs at me, prompting the question that hangs in the air.
"Rachel, where are you right now?"
Her holographic image shimmers with life as she responds, "I'm in the 623rd timeline. It's a tricky one. The Seer's army has rallied here, causing quite a bit of inconvenience in my advance. Literal clones of the Seer from every iteration seem to be organizing a force of its own."
Nodding in understanding, I assure her, "Understood. We can't let them halt your progress. I'm on my way. Once I pick up Suho and his team, we'll rush to your location. Hold tight."
Determination flickers in Rachel's response, "I'll do my best, but time is of the essence here. The Seer's forces are relentless."
Looking back at the monitor with a resolute expression, I declare, "We won't let them succeed. We'll be there soon. Keep me updated on your status."
Turning away from the screen, my attention shifts to the urgent task at hand. I grab a communication device and issue evacuation orders for the 665th timeline.
"Attention, everyone. This is an evacuation order for the 665th timeline. We need to move swiftly. Head to the designated coordinates for extraction. We don't have much time."
A nervous voice inquires, "What's happening? Why are we evacuating?"
Clamor increases exponentially as panic spreads among the people. Suho and his team try to calm the crowd of the little that the Outpost has safeguarded from the monsters spread around the Korean Peninsula. The island that is Cube is able to offer supporting fire from the above, thus relieving the Outpost, but I cannot
Kim Suho has created quite a sufficient outpost for the 665th timeline despite the effects of Outcall. In a sense, the survivors that Suho has gathered have found their Outpost their comfort zone thus the news of the sudden evacuation must unsettle them.
With a sense of urgency, Kim Suho soothes the crowd with a booming voice. "There's a danger to us all if we stay. We need to get you to safety. Move quickly and stay together."
Concerned murmurs ripple through the crowd, and another voice questions, "Is the Outpost in danger?"
Seeking to reassure, Kim Suho affirms, "We're taking precautions. Trust the process. Let's go, everyone."
As the evacuation unfolds, my thoughts remain fixed on the mission ahead – rescuing Rachel from the clutches of the Seer's army and ensuring the safety of the floating island that journeys through the corridors of time… Honestly, this is bumming me out.
It will be convenient if I have Lancaster’s immediate location right now. Speed running every Miracle Tower to see if he is there is too unrealistic.
As I stand before the giant monitor, Kim Hosup, diligently tapping on his computer, relays the latest information. "Evacuation has been completed," he informs me, "but the island's capacity is close to its limit. We've done what we can, but it seems we can't save everyone."
The weight of the situation settles in as the reality sinks in – despite our best efforts, not everyone can be rescued. In the face of this dire circumstance, the urgency to find a solution intensifies.
Lancaster's and the Seer’s drastic plan to bomb the timelines is really one fucking bitch. The gravity of the decision looms over me. The timelines, each holding a fragment of existence, are now deemed expendable in the pursuit of preserving the greater whole.
I turn to Rachel, the gravity of the moment reflected in my eyes. "We'll be there in your timeline soon," I assure her, a solemn promise amidst the chaos that surrounds us.
With a heavy heart, I address Hosup, who remains steadfast in his role. "Initiate another dimensional transfer," I instruct him, the words carrying the weight of a desperate gamble.
As Kim Hosup diligently tends to his tasks, I take a moment to engage in casual conversation with Rachel. Amidst the chaos, a touch of normalcy feels like a brief respite.
"So, how's Evandel doing?" I inquire, a small but genuine smile playing on my lips.
Rachel returns the warmth, her eyes lighting up. "Let me show you." With a soft call, she beckons her daughter.
On the screen, Evandel materializes – the same bright-eyed little girl I fondly remember. "Daddy!" she exclaims, her voice filled with innocence, "Where are you?"
I chuckle, the affection evident in my tone. "I'll be there with you soon, sweetheart. Don't worry."
To my left, Tomer, engrossed in her own work, suddenly spits out her coffee in disbelief. She looks at the monitor, then at me, a mix of shock and confusion on her face.
I shoot her a wry smile and attempt to downplay the situation. "It's a long story," I say, recognizing the disbelief on Tomer’s face.
“Did you shack her? Is it consensual?”
I ignore her.
The monitor screen is suddenly filled with commotion as a chorus of voices calls out, "Boss!" one after another. Puzzled, I watch as a parade of individuals vies for Rachel's attention, all sharing an unsettlingly familiar face – that of Kim Hajin. My expression twists into a scowl, an instinctive reaction to the bizarre display.
"What the hell is this?" I mutter, unable to comprehend the surreal scene unfolding before me.
The Kim Hajin Army, as I mentally dub them, continues their attempts to ingratiate themselves with Rachel. The uncanny repetition of that singular face intensifies the absurdity of the situation. Irritation simmers within me, and I can't help but let it spill out.
"Hey, all of you, fuck off! Get away from Rachel!" I snap, my frustration surfacing in the sternness of my words.
Rachel, ever the enigmatic presence, smirks at my outburst. "Jealous, are we?" she teases, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
My scowl deepens, a mixture of irritation and a hint of embarrassment. "Jealous? Don't be ridiculous," I retort, attempting to brush off the absurdity of the situation.
My jealousy spikes as the bizarre situation unfolds before me. "What the fuck is happening? Where did all these Kim Hajins come from?" I exclaim, struggling to make sense of the inexplicable repetition of that familiar face – each one a different iteration from various timelines.
Frustration bubbles within me as I demand, "Where's No. 1?" The screen obliges, revealing the infuriating mug of Kim Hajin from the First Iteration. He grins and flips me the middle finger, a gesture of disdain that stings more than I'd like to admit.
"What's the deal, man?" No. 1 complains, his tone laced with bitterness. "You promised safe passage and sanctuary in your timeline. This is a scam!"
Guilt gnaws at me. No. 1 and I had an arrangement, a pact to ensure his safety. Yet, here we are – me and the rest of humanity on the run from my very own timeline. The irony is not lost on me, and the weight of betrayal hangs heavy in the air.
"It is complicated," I confess, my voice laced with regret. “But what the fuck, man? Why are their son many of you shit flies buzzing around Rachel?” I already have a suspicion of what happened, but I am in goofy mode, so I cannot help but act like a clown.
“I say, this is a scam! Fuck you, double-dealer.” No. 1 cusses at me.
I shove my goofy mode aside and take in a more serious tone as I address No. 1, attempting to explain the complexity of the situation. "Look, the matters are complicated," I say, trying to find the right words amidst the rambunctious Kim Hajins from the background. “Hey, that Kim Hajin, I saw him leering at Evandel… Anyways… fuck… don’t play the blame game on me Kim Hajin of the First Iteration…”
"No. 1, you must have had your reasons back then," I assert, peeling back the layers of the deal we had made prior. "But let's be honest. You agreed because you wanted to meet the characters from your novel who became real."
Kim Hajin shifts awkwardly, his demeanor betraying a mixture of embarrassment and reluctance. He concedes, "Okay, fine. You caught me. But still, fuck you, man."
This Kim Hajin is very crass.
Where is the ordinary, humble, and nice Kim Hajin?
Oh, he is off-world, right…
With that revelation hanging in the air, Kim Hajin awkwardly backs off, leaving Rachel standing in the screen. Rachel, ever perceptive, fakes a cough, drawing attention to herself. She then looks at me, her eyes glistening with moisture, and a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips.
I reciprocate with a smile, the unspoken understanding between us transcending the peculiar circumstances we find ourselves in.
Tomer, who's been quietly munching on an energy bar, finally speaks up. "Can you two lovebirds find a room or something? Seriously, get a bed."
I chuckle at her snarky remark, appreciating the comic relief amid the tension. "Alright, alright," I concede, the levity of the moment not lost on me.
Rachel, her expression grave, takes a moment to share the unsettling discoveries she's made during her speed run, through timelines. "There are two alarming truths," she begins, her voice carrying a weight of urgency.
"First," she says, her eyes locking onto mine, "the Great Sage is different in every timeline. It's not a constant. Each iteration poses its own set of challenges and unknowns."
My brow furrows in contemplation, absorbing the gravity of this revelation. "And the second?" I prompt, anticipating another disconcerting piece of information.
Rachel's gaze lingers before she delivers the second blow. "Kim Hajin dies somehow in every timeline. It's a consistent thread, no matter how the other variables change."
My mind races with questions, a torrent of thoughts and concerns threatening to overwhelm me. Now, I kind of understand why there is a flock of Kim Hajin behind Rachel. Rachel or No.1 must have gathered all of them in a bid to save them and make use of them. However, now is not the time for a deep dive into these mysteries.
"We need to discuss this further, but not now," I assert, recognizing the urgency of our current predicament. "Wait for me in the 623rd timeline. We'll figure this out together."
Rachel nods in agreement, her eyes reflecting a shared understanding.
