Chapter 185. To Earth

At that moment, a loud cough rang out.

Jang Maldong was standing in front of the door, looking at the distant mountain.

Looks like its gotten a lot quieter now may I come in?

Ah, yes, yes!

Seo Yuhui quickly got off of Seol Jihu and scurried away from the room like a newly-wed wife who had just been caught in an intimate moment by her father-in-law.

Teresa and Chohong also left, feeling rather pleased with themselves.

I didnt mean you had to leave.

Jang Maldong sat down on a chair and took off his fedora.

Seol Jihu greeted him with a smile.

Im glad youre here, Master.

Me too. You have no clue how hard it was to cut in.

When Jang Maldong grumbled quietly, Seol Jihu readily agreed with him.

Yeah, they stormed in the moment you took out the needles.

How is your body doing?

Everythings fine. My physical level went down, but it says that its only temporary and will recover after a good rest.

Thats good to hear.

Jang Maldong was rather brusque in his manner of speech. But remembering what Chohong said to herself while he was unconscious, Seol Jihu smiled happily.

After a momentary silence, Jang Maldong opened his mouth.

Im sure youre tired of hearing this by now but well done. The victory at Arden Valley is an achievement worthy of being lauded as legendary. You really did well.

Haha, legendary? Youre flattering me.

Im saying it as it is. What you accomplished is something no one has done since the creation of the Seven Armies. If this cant be called legendary, then what will?

This made sense the more he thought about it, so Seol Jihu simply scratched his cheeks bashfully.

The heat from the news died down a bit now, but the entirety of Paradise was talking about you just three months ago. Even little kids should know your name by now. Not just Paradisians and Earthlings, but also the Federation and the Parasites.

Considering how calm Jang Maldong was, it didnt seem like he was here to simply praise him. While Seol Jihu couldnt be sure, he felt like Jang Maldong had another objective.

Was he mistaken in thinking that he sounded very worried?

Then again, the matter at hand was about an Army Commander peris.h.i.+ng at the hands of a Level 4 Warrior.

And the infamous First Army Commander, known to be one of the stronger commanders, at that.

Putting all this together, Seol Jihu really didnt know what sort of results it would bring back to him.

It could be good, or it could be bad.

Ill take my leave now.

Jang Maldong got up from his seat. Seol Jihus eyes widened.

Youre leaving already?

You dont need to say empty words. I can see the exhaustion in your eyes.

Jang Maldong chuckled.

Im kidding. I know your body hasnt fully recovered, but I still wanted to come see you and say a few words.

Master!

Seol Jihu hurriedly stopped Jang Maldong, who was turning around to leave.

When Jang Maldong looked back with eyes that said, Whats wrong?, an intense internal conflict flashed within Seol Jihus eyes.

It wasnt that he forgot. He just had the thought buried in the corner of his mind.

He didnt know whether the others had already forgotten or if they were purposely not mentioning it, but Seol Jihu wanted to blurt out what he had been keeping pent up in his heart.

At least to Jang Maldong, if no one else.

Its about Master Ian.

Jang Maldongs complexion stiffened slightly. But that was it.

Yes.

He smacked his lips.

I know.

Then said calmly.

So its as I thought!

Seol Jihus heart sank even though he had been expecting it. The shape of his mouth distorted.

Im sorry.

What?

Because it sounded like Jang Maldong was asking what he was sorry about, Seol Jihu continued his words in a subdued voice.

Because of me Master Ian pa.s.sed away. To protect me.

Jang Maldong dropped his head. After closing his eyes, he did not open his mouth until a few moments later.

That b.a.s.t.a.r.d what did he say before he closed his eyes?

He then continued without giving Seol Jihu a chance to reply.

Did he say he regretted it?

He shook his head immediately afterwards.

I doubt he did. After all, his creed was never do something youll regret. Thats what I think.

[I dont regret it.]

Ians words crossed his mind.

Seol Jihu became dazed.

Im not sure if these words will be consoling enough, but you already

Jang Maldong, who was continuing quietly, couldnt bring himself to finish. This was because Seol Jihu was staring at him fixedly with an odd, hard-to-describe expression.

Whats wrong?

He pa.s.sed away.

Seol Jihu murmured as if he was entranced by something.

Jang Maldong furrowed his brows.

I know. What I mean is

Of course, I know he returned to Earth. But we wont be able to see him in Paradise anymore.

.

And we dont know how hes doing on Earth either.

Seol Jihus face contorted.

Arent you sad?

You

Jang Maldong opened his mouth, then closed it immediately. Then

I am. I think its a shame.

He admitted it just barely.

Lets stop this conversation here. Rest up.

Jang Maldong pushed his fedora down on his head. He could feel a penetrating gaze on his back, but he turned around without a word.

Tak. The moment he closed the door, he heaved out a short sigh.

This brat.

His wrinkled face turned gloomy.

To think it was to this degree.

He knew Seol Jihu was different than normal Earthlings when it came to his views on Paradise. But he never imagined that it would be this bad.

When he heard what Seol Jihu just said, a s.h.i.+ver had run down his back.

Saving him

Was the right answer.

If theyd chosen to kill and resurrect him, he had a strong hunch that they never would have seen him again.

Because because

[Because I like this place.]

[Money, fame, I dont think theres anything wrong with liking them. But Im not coming to Paradise because of them.]

[This is the place where I belong.]

[Its also the place that gave me a fresh start I really cant think of anything to say other than that I like it here.]

The words hed heard from the youth suddenly crossed his mind. It was the reply Seol Jihu had given about why he entered Paradise.

Only now did Jang Maldong clearly understand the meaning behind these words.

He wasnt sure just when it started, but what Seol Jihu just said made it certain.

Seol Jihu

[We wont be able to see him in Paradise anymore.]

[Arent you sad?]

was a Paradise addict.

And a severe one at that.

**

A few days later, Seol Jihu was finally discharged from the intensive care unit. Of course, he couldnt leave the Temple of Luxuria that easily.

On the day he was being released, Seo Yuhui forced him to take a final examination, causing him to be held up until late afternoon.

Because of this, he couldnt enjoy the party to celebrate his discharge and fell asleep from exhaustion the moment he returned to the office he longed for so much.

And when the next morning dawned, Jang Maldong called for a team meeting using his authority as Carpe Diems advisor.

Congratulations on being discharged, leader.

Marcel Ghionea bowed when he saw Seol Jihu come down to the living room, then respectfully offered his hands.

He was holding onto a translucent plastic bag, which contained a carton of tofu. When Seol Jihu stared at him fixedly, Marcel Ghionea said confidently.

I hear its Korean tradition to give tofu to an acquaintance who is discharged from the hospital. I prepared it as a congratulatory gift.

A hint of confusion crossed Seol Jihus face.

Who told you that?

I saw it in a movie. It was a scene of a stupid, but loyal subordinate giving tofu to his organizations boss, who had just been discharged from the hospital.[1]

Just out of curiosity, what happened in the next scene?

The boss smacked the subordinates head hard, but he took a bite of the tofu. Im sure he was embarra.s.sed.

Seol Jihu could hear Yi Seol-Ah giggling.

This person is a bit

Seol Jihu was happy with Marcel Ghionea because his cold and calm personality reminded him of Kazuki, but it seemed that he had a rather clumsy and awkward side to him as well.

In any case, Seol Jihu took a bite of the tofu without complaining.

Thanks!

A smile emerged on his face as he nibbled on the tofu. He wasnt feigning laughter and was genuinely enjoying the moment.

He was deeply moved, seeing the members of Carpe Diem gathered around the living room couch.

Jang Maldong, Chohong, Hugo, Yi Seol-Ah, Yi Sungjin, and Marcel Ghionea the faces hed seen every day moved him for unknown reasons.

Finally. Hed finally returned to his daily life.

Wait, now that I think about it.

Around the time he realized that one person was nowhere to be seen

Looks like everyone is here.

Jang Maldongs voice flowed out. Before Seol Jihu could ask where this missing person was, Jang Maldong cut to the chase.

Ill go straight to the point. Isnt it about time you all go back?

Seol Jihu quickly turned to him.

I thought youd say that.

Chohong nodded while stretching.

Seol Jihu quickly asked back.

Didnt you already go? While I was asleep.

Well, its not like no one went and we also talked about making the trip back and forth in s.h.i.+fts.

Chohong shrugged.

But it felt wrong to just leave you here and go. So weve been putting it off day after day.

But you didnt know when Id wake up.

You woke up though. Anyways, a big event just ended, and its been a long time since Ive gone back, so its about time I do.

Same here. For the record, Im going to stay there for a while this time. I have a trip planned, you see.

Hugo chimed in as well.

Sungjin and I are also going back.

Yi Seol-Ah and Yi Sungjin nodded their heads as though they had been waiting.

I think I will need about two weeks.

And Marcel Ghionea easily agreed as well.

With everyone speaking as if going back was necessary, Seol Jihu was caught off guard. Jang Maldong, who was secretly watching Seol Jihu, opened his mouth.

How about you, Seol?

Yes?

Why dont you go on a long trip like Hugo? Take a long break to recover. How does a month sound?

A whole month?

Seol Jihu muttered in shock.

A month on Earth thats three months in Paradise. Isnt that too long? Especially for him.

Thankfully, Chohong took Seol Jihus side. Jang Maldong tapped his cane on the floor before replying.

Then how about two weeks?

Chohong didnt say anything as if that was more acceptable, but Seol Jihu still seemed reluctant.

Even two weeks is a bit long.

Jang Maldongs eyes narrowed.

From what Miss Kim Hannah told me, you havent properly settled the problem of your background environment. She said there are a few things of concern.

Why did she have to mention that?

Seol Jihu bit his lower lip.

I dont know. Even if thats the case, two weeks is still too long. I dont see the need to go back right now either.

Is there something urgent you need to take care of in Paradise?

Seol Jihus pupils made a full circle around his eyes.

Uh first, I have to drop by and thank everyone who came to visit me during my stay at the temple.

I dont know if thats even necessary, but you can do that at a later time. They all know what youve been through anyways.

I want to go to the temple too.

The temples not going anywhere. You can go when you come back. Since youll most definitely become a High Ranker, youll need some time to think about what you want to be, anyways.

I have to quickly restore my physical level too. At the Huge Stone Rocky Mountain.

Im going back to Earth as well.

Then I can go alone.

I thought I told you to focus on eating well and getting ample rest.

Seol Jihu shut his mouth. Jang Maldong continued as if to console a petulant child.

You were discharged from the temple, but your body hasnt fully recovered. If you push yourself too far, there is a good chance that the temporary drop in your physical level will become permanent. For now, you need to rest.

Unable to refute him, Seol Jihu simply nibbled on his lip. To be honest, he wanted to shout that he simply didnt want to go back.

In the sudden heavy atmosphere, Jang Maldongs brief sigh rang out.

One week.

Seol Jihu still didnt answer.

Are you saying thats too long?

The other members of Carpe Diem began to look back at him. Feeling their gazes, the youth scratched the back of his head roughly.

He couldnt understand why everyone was looking at him like he was acting strange but in the end, he knew that he had no other choice and lowered his head.

Got it.

**

As if to strike while the iron was hot, Jang Maldon suggested that Soel Jihu return to Earth that very day.

Although Jang Maldong had never forced him to do anything until now, Seol Jihu had the feeling that Jang Maldong was pus.h.i.+ng this onto him forcefully.

He even followed Seol Jihu to the temple. It was almost as if he was policing him to make sure he returned properly.

On their way to the temple, Jang Maldong suddenly asked.

Where do you live?

Huh? Oh, um, Seoul.

Seoul cant all be your home.

Seodaemun-gu Hongeun-dong.

Seodaemun-gu, huh.

Jang Maldong nodded his head and continued.

It should be close to Hongdae.

Yeah, its only about 15 minutes away.

Great. Theres a good pork belly restaurant near Hongik University Stations 8th exit.

?

Go there if you have the chance. Its excellent.

Seol Jihu looked a little puzzled. What Jang Maldong said really came out of nowhere, but given his personality, it was likely that there was a significance to it.

But Seol Jihu couldnt figure out his intention no matter how hard he thought about it.

Soon, they arrived at the portal in the temple.

Jang Maldong told Seol Jihu to go in first and stopped in front of the altar.

Seol Jihu gave Jang Maldong a short farewell and climbed up the stairs.

And just as he put one foot inside the warp gate

Seol.

A heavy voice pulled on his leg from behind him.

Im really proud and thankful for what youve done.

Ah.

But this world isnt the place you live in.

Seol Jihus half-turned body paused hearing what followed immediately afterwards.

Dont forget.

[Dont forget.]

Where you belong, is Earth.

[This is the place where you belong.]

.

Seol Jihu pushed the foot he took out of the warp gate back in.

Pretending not to have heard him, he let the warp gate engulf his body.

This was his third return to Earth.