Side Story 60. Epilogue 2

They say time changes everything. Enough time pa.s.sed to change, not all but most of the situations surrounding Seol Jihu, both internally and externally.

Whos a good girl? You are Jihui! Whats wrong, Sohu? You cant sleep? Do you want me to sing you to sleep?

Seo Yuhui had her hands full with the kids. Her eyes sparkled with affection as she looked down at the two children in their cribs. The boy was Phi Soras son, and the girl was her own daughter.

It was then. A look of horror crossed the faces of the children, who were refusing to go to bed despite it being past their nap time. Jihui quickly closed her eyes, and Sohu turned his head left and right in confusion before finally rolling over and sticking his tiny head under the pillow.

Oh? You know how to roll over, Sohu?

Seo Yuhui asked in surprise, but Sohu didnt answer. He was entirely focused on hiding. He seemed to think that because he couldnt see, others couldnt see him either. Seo Yuhui blinked in confusion, wondering what the children were afraid of. Soon, she heard the sound of the front door opening. Footsteps hurried across the floor to the nursery.

Kuhuhuhu!

A man appeared from the other side of the door. This man, Seol Jihu, stared at Jihui, who lay in her crib completely still with her eyes shut tight.

Shes asleep?

He smacked his lips regretfully. His gaze then turned to the baby trembling in fear with his head under the pillow. A smile spread over Seol Jihus face.

You!

Seol Jihu lifted Sohu from the crib.

How dare you pretend to be asleep! Prepare for your punishment! One hundred face rubs!

Ueh!?

Sohu was shocked. His face seemed to say, What!? How did he know?

Huhu. Jihuis sleeping, so Ill punish you in the living room. Got it?

Ueh! Uehhhh!

Sohu flung his arms and legs all over the place. Laughing, Seol Jihu carried the child out to the living room. His footsteps drifted away, and peace returned to the nursery. Jihui, who had been pretending to be asleep all along, slowly opened her eyes.

Hik!?

And then, she flinched. Their eyes had met. Her dad, whom she thought had already left, was watching her through the crack in the door.

How dare you try to deceive me? Youre no match for Daddy!

Seol Jihu grabbed Jihui.

Jihui gets 100 kisses on the cheek! Smooch, smooch.

Mommy! Mommyyyy!

Jihui shouted desperately, but Seo Yuhui could only give a helpless smile. Seol Jihu stopped only after indulging the children to his hearts content. Seo Yuhui watched the kids who had fallen asleep tired after playing with their dad before moving over to Seol Jihu.

Jihu.

Hm?

Its soon, right?

Seol Jihu, who had been rocking Sohu gently back and forth, suddenly stopped.

Yeah.

He carefully put Sohu down in his crib and sighed.

Its soon.

He pretended to be fine, but Seo Yuhui could sense the nervousness in Seol Jihus voice.

Dont worry.

Seo Yuhui slowly took his hand in hers.

Your brother and sister. Both understood in the end.

Yes.

Seol Jihu nodded. He patted Jihuis head lightly and smiled at Sohu and his pouting lips.

I want them to meet Sohu.

They will. Soon.

Seo Yuhui also smiled, her voice full of confidence.

Look at how much they love Jihui. Theyll definitely understand. Theyll love not just Sohu, but all the other kids as well.

I hope they do.

Seol Jihus eyes shone with hope as he patted Sohu.

Ill try my best for the kids.

*

A few days later.

The day finally came. With renewed determination, Seol Jihu traveled to his parents house with Seo Yuhui.

His parents were waiting for them in the yard outside their house.

Well, theres our granddaughter!

They were eager to see their granddaughter.

Granny!

Jihui broke into a wide grin as soon as she saw her grandparents. One might say that she liked them more than her dad. It was natural for a child her age to prefer the kind, gentle love of her grandparents over her dads dramatic and, in a way, violent expressions of love. Seol Jihu was a bit bitter about this, but he was glad that his parents and daughter got along.

Jihui became the center of the familys attention. Not only his mother but also Seol Wooseok and Seol Jinhee were willing and eager to do anything their niece wanted. Seol Jihu was especially surprised to see his father crawling on the floor alongside Jihui. According to his parents, Jihui reminded them of Seol Jihu when he was a baby. Basked in the adorableness of his granddaughter, Seol Jihus father watched Jihui, who had fallen asleep in her grandmothers arms, with eyes full of affection.

So, tell me. Hows work?

As much as he liked to play with his granddaughter, he couldnt wake her from sweet sleep. Seol Jihus father finally turned to his son.

The same. I used to receive reports of various incidents, but lately, things have been peaceful.

Sounds like your company has entered a period of stability. Is Team Leader Kim well?

Yes. Shes working every time I see her. People are complaining that she doesnt give them time to rest.

Haha. Well, she seemed quite ambitious. Shes alright. Shes a smart, well-mannered, and polite young woman.

Shes a natural-born politician. She knows how to deal with people.

The fact that shes a leader at such a young age tells me shes skilled.

Father nodded and suddenly asked.

Thats right. How is she?

Who?

You know, the one with the unusual last name.

Ah. You mean Miss Phi Sora.

Yes, her. Not long ago, your company sent us a wedding gift.

Yeah, Ive heard.

Miss Phi Sora came over to deliver the gift herself. That was very thoughtful of her. Please thank her for me.

Of course.

Yes, we were very grateful.

His mother chimed in, moving Jihui in her arms into a more comfortable position.

I like her better than Team Leader Kim. She may come off a little strong at first, but shes very kind and resourceful.

Theyre both fine. That reminds me, I havent seen Representative Jang lately. I wonder if hes busy.

Seol Jihu inwardly smiled as he listened to his parents conversation. It wasnt like he had done nothing. He made sure to introduce and acquaint them with his parents through gifts every holiday.

Still, Jihu.

Suddenly, his mother turned serious.

You have to watch out for women.

Hrm? What do you mean?

Father asked.

Remember the time we went to see that modern dance performance? You know, the one we got invitations for.

I do.

There was something about the way the main dancer looked at our Jihu. I was so embarra.s.sed I couldnt even look at Yuhui.

Come on, youre probably mistaken. Old habits die hard.

Seol Jihu gave a small cough. Seo Yuhui giggled quietly.

Anyway, dont do anything to embarra.s.s Yuhui.

Backed by her mother-in-law, Seo Yuhui threw Seol Jihu a cheeky glance. He blushed.

Also.

It was then that Mothers expression darkened all of a sudden.

Have you heard about Seonhwa?

Seol Jihu flinched.

His familymore precisely, his father and motherthought Yoo Seonhwa was working in another country. At least that was what they were hoping. They secretly worried that she had run off to another country in shock of Seol Jihus wedding. In truth, she had moved out to spend more time with her baby.

Now, why would you bring that up?

Its all right. Everything worked out fine. And I think Jihu should know about this.

Mother cleared her throat and continued.

Seonhwas married now.

Just once, her now-husband, who was drunk at the time, made a mistake and she ended up pregnant.

Ah, I see.

It was a mistake but she still chose to keep the baby. She got married abroad and is doing well.

So Ive heard.

She said shed visit us soon.

Mothers voice trailed off. She wanted to ask her son if he was okay but couldnt because of Seo Yuhui.

But of course, Seol Jihu was okay because the drunk guy who slept with Yoo Seonhwa and ended up marrying her in Paradise was him. And he was her babys father.

Seol Jihu found himself backed into a corner.

She told me to leave it to her.

He couldnt help but wonder if Yoo Seonhwa was doing this on purpose to tease him. Seol Jinhee, who knew the truth, giggled to herself but quickly dropped her head when Seol Jihu shot her an icy glare.

Tell her to visit. Theyre both married to different people now, so what does it matter?

Conscious of Seo Yuhuis presence, his father quickly changed the subject. Silence briefly filled the air.

Now.

Should I tell them now? Seol Jihu muttered to himself and then cleared his throat.

I.

He took a deep breath and knelt before his parents.

Father. Mother.

His father turned to him at his sudden change of tone. His mother widened her eyes.

Seol Jihu swallowed once and began to speak.

I have something to tell you.

It was then.

No.

Father spoke.

Jihuis listening. You dont have to tell us all the nitty-gritty of your life.

Seol Jihus eyes widened. He unwittingly turned his gaze toward his daughter and saw her flinch.

S-Sweetie?

Equally fl.u.s.tered, Seo Yuhui quickly picked Jihui up and shuffled out of the room so that the rest of the adults could continue their conversation in peace.

Babies know more than you think. And you have to be extra careful around Jihui because shes smart.

Father chuckled. Seol Jihu didnt know what to say. His fathers words kept ringing inside his head. No? You dont have to tell us all the nitty-gritty of your life?

Could it be that.

Seol Jihu looked around in slight panic. Seol Wooseok looked as perplexed as him, and Seol Jinhee was fervently shaking her head to protest her innocence.

You should know that I dont know anything. No ones told me a thing.

His father began to speak.

But I know youve been keeping a secret from us, Jihu.

How.

Seol Jihu smacked his lips.

What do you mean how? Im your father. I know my son.

His father snorted.

You said you quit gambling.

You said you were working hard, and its something that you can take pride in.

Am I wrong?

N-No.

Seol Jihu managed to answer.

Good. Thats all we needed to know.

Father stressed again.

Thats all.

Seol Jihu turned his dumbfounded gaze to his mother. Without saying a word, she gave him a warm smile.

Seol Jihu bit his lower lip.

Well go get ready.

Seol Wooseok patted Seol Jihu once on the shoulder and left with his sister.

Get ready for what? Did you plan something?

His father smirked.

Anyway. So? Are you finally ready to tell us your secret?

A light chuckle escaped his lips as he looked at his son, who still seemed nervous.

Ive been curious. Even our sternest scolding couldnt stop you. So how could you have suddenly gotten better?

Um.

When he finally came to his senses, Seol Jihu asked in a slightly hoa.r.s.e voice.

Did you read the book I gave you?

Hrm? Oh, that?

His father widened his eyes at the unexpected mention of a book.

I did because you, Wooseok, and Jinhee kept nagging me to read it. What about that book?

And you, Mother?

I read it, too.

You know, son, Ive meant to ask you.

His fathers voice lowered to a whisper.

Why does that book mention our family?

So you really read it.

I dont mean to blame the author, but did he base the main character off of you?

Yes. Thats exactly right.

Seol Jihu nodded. Seol Wooseok had asked him the same question. Unlike Seol Jinhee, his parents seemed to have read it thoroughly.

Do you remember what was written on the first page?

Wasnt that a print error?

His father let out a dumbfounded chuckle.

Or what? Are you trying to say that book is true and not fiction?

If I say yes, will you believe me?

Of course not.

His father answered immediately. Seol Jihu had no more reason to hesitate.

Thats why I brought you evidence.

Seol Jihu took out two stamps and two invitations from his pocket.

His parents blinked in confusion.

**

Surrounded by light, Seol Jihus father and mother woke up at a school auditorium.

Welcome to the first Tutorial!

A clear voice rang out. The duo looked around in confusion before being dumbstruck. It was because they saw Seol Jinhee on the stage, wearing a conical hat.

What are you doing there?

Im here as the guide. Though, Im sure Jihu Oppa will take care of things.

Seol Jihus father and mother turned around. Seol Jihu was standing straight with a smile.

At first I thought it was a dream.

He slowly began to speak.

But then I got a text message saying I should go to the school auditorium within ten minutes.

...

When I did, I saw a bunch of other people there. They were all people who received an invitation or signed a contract and thus were summoned there Just like you, Father, Mother.

...

Thats when the Guide appeared, and the mission began after a brief explanation. It was to escape the auditorium while avoiding a monster.

With that, Seol Jihu looked up at Seol Jinhee.

Seol Jinhee lifted her chin and shouted as though she was waiting.

Oi! Guide! Open the door!

Dont get too cheeky.

Seol Wooseok grumbled quietly and then opened the auditorium door.

Follow me.

Seol Jihu led the way.

Lets go! Mom, Dad!

Seol Jinhee dragged the dazedly standing husband and wife. Then, just as they were about to leave the auditorium and enter the schools main building

Huuk!

Uwoaaah!

They screamed simultaneously.

It was because a scary-looking monster was hiding behind a wall, peeking its head out.

Ah, hey! Who told you to come out!?

Seol Jinhee growled...

Go away! Shoo! Are you going to take responsibility if Mom and Dad faint from shock?

...while her mother and father doubted their eyes.

Kyu

The monster dropped its head dejectedly.

Thats the Gaekgwi.

Seol Jihu gave a weak smile.

I think it came to say hi It does look a little intimidating, doesnt it?

Seol Jihu chuckled as the sullen Gaekgwi turned around with a placard that read, Welcome to the Tutorial!

Thanks, Gaekgwi!

But when Seol Jihu thanked it, the Gaekgwi smiled like a little kid and waved its hand.

Thats the Gaekgwi?

Seol Jihus father blinked, having recalled the description of the Gaekgwi from the book.

Since when was it so docile?

Seol Jihu led his confused parents to the second floor, breaking through the prepared stages one by one. Meanwhile, he explained how he felt back then and what he did.

There wasnt anything remotely dangerous.

With the Master Stamp, which was the highest-ranked of the newly created stamps, they did not need to prove their qualification to enter. All they were doing was taking a tour of the place to help visualize Seol Jihus explanation.

Soon, the five of them arrived at the school rooftop. A portal had already been created there.

This is where the Tutorial ends.

Seol Jihu led his parents with a look of hesitation.

Lets go. Hurry. There is something waiting for you.

His parents movements looked quite awkward as they were pushed toward the portal.

The next stage was the Neutral Zone.

After going through a long pathway, they arrived at a theater-like place. The curtains covering the stage opened up to the sides, and the lights turned on.

Seeing the man standing in the middle, Seol Jihus father exclaimed in shock.

R-Representative Jang?

Great to see you!

Dressed handsomely in a tuxedo, Jang Maldong welcomed them with open arms.

Welcome to the Neutral Zone. As you probably know from the book, this is the middle area.

Jang Maldong laughed and then gave a gentle smile.

Of course, thats not the important part.

Jang Maldong cleared his voice and continued.

If you read the book and if youve experienced the Tutorial, Im sure you two have begun to realize it, no matter how far-fetched it seems.

Seol Jihus parents were still speechless. Seeing their faces, Jang Maldong nodded as if he empathized.

Then again, the world is full of things you cant believe even after seeing it for yourself. Suspecting something as truth and accepting it as reality are two completely different things.

Jang Maldong looked at Seol Jihu for a moment before giving a delighted smile.

Jang Maldong had long been waiting for this day.

He was sincerely happy for his disciples internal growth.

Thats why I figured I would help you out.

This was why he rolled up his sleeves and came out personally.

Im sure you have many questions, but

Jang Maldong trailed off before smiling and exiting the stage.

Lets watch this first. Its gone through heavy editing, but its still quite long. Im sure it will be worth your while.

Following Jang Maldongs exit, a large screen appeared on the stage.

The person who appeared on the screen was none other than Seol Jihu.

A movie began telling the story of Seol Jihus life after he arrived at the Tutorial.

Seol Jihu also watched the movie and then stole a glance at his parents.

...

...

Before he noticed, they were completely absorbed in watching Seol Jihu storm through the Tutorial.

Completing the Neutral Zone as the top graduate, setting off to Haramark and then departing as a porter on his first expedition.

Encountering a group of monsters, the expedition team was almost defeated before Seol Jihus partic.i.p.ation turned the tide.

Discovering the tomb and being considerate of Flone.

A sigh of relief was heard when Seol Jihu partic.i.p.ated in the Arden Valley War and led his baiting plan to success.

That wasnt all.

They looked refreshed when he beat up Audrey Basler at the Banquet, and they looked proud when he took out the exchange card and calmed everyone down.

They watched with their fists clenched when several Army Commanders appeared at the valley war, and they cheered when Seol Jihu defeated the Parasites First Army Commander at last.

They furrowed their brows when Seol Jihu fell into a coma, and they flew into a rage when humanity pulled underhanded tricks against him after his triumphant return.

They jumped a little in surprise at the incident that took place on the first night at Eva, and they shook their heads, seeing Yun Seohui.

There was one scene that his father paid attention to the most.

What was that, brat!?

You son of aah, let me go!

Just what kind of people are your family? Did Buddhist saints reincarnate into one family?

W-What? Theres Paradise, after all? You arrogant punk

It was the scene where Jang Maldong beat Seol Jihu up.

So you wanting to stay in Paradise without returning to Earth was just you trying to run away!?

I told you to shut up! You son of a gun! How dare you pretend to be the victim, huh? Huh!?

You idiot, do you think your family abandoned you? d.a.m.ned fool. Think about what your father said when you went home!

It was then that Seol Jihus father remembered Seol Jihu saying the following.

[To tell you the truth, I got scolded. I even got beat up.]

[Theres an old grandpa at my workplace. I told him about my situation and he got furious and raised his cane at me.]

[He said I shouldnt be making the decision so shamelessly when I almost ruined other peoples lives. Strangely enough, he said the same thing you did.]

[That I should put myself in your shoes So I did. And I finally understood how much of an idiot I was back then.]

He thought Seol Jihu was just describing his internal realization metaphorically. It turned out Seol Jihu was telling things exactly how they happened.

It was just that it wasnt at his workplace but a place called Paradise.

Mmm

The complicated expression on Seol Jihus fathers face softened for the first time.

The movie continued.

Seol Jihus mother covered her face, unable to bear seeing Seol Jihu die over and over again in the Path of the Soul.

Seol Jihu reached the peak after indescribable difficulties, but when Black Seol Jihu left, and Seol Jihu started rolling the boulder up again, even his father had a pitying face.

Then, when Seol Jihu broke out of the Parasites encirclement and escaped

[To be honest I havent been able to see for a while.]

[What will happen to me? Will I really forget?]

[I cant forget]

When he fell, unable to climb up the hill

[I cant go back to how I was]

His father and mother could not raise their heads for a while.

They found it difficult to watch any more of it.

Time pa.s.sed, and the long-awaited final battle came.

With Seol Jihu and his comrades defeating the Parasite Queen, the movie ended, and the screen flickered off.

A serene silence flowed in the theater.

What do you think?

Jang Maldong appeared before they noticed and spoke.

This is what your son has achieved. Though you might find it hard to believe, he achieved what even G.o.ds failed to achieve.

...

Huhu, Id love to hear your thoughts.

...I feel like I saw a movie.

Seol Jihus father replied, just barely.

You can think of it as a movie, yes. Its just that its based on a true story.

Jang Maldong grinned and pulled the two of them up.

Now, lets go on.

Pardon?

The cast of the movie are waiting to see just who gave birth to Paradises hero. Lets hurry!

Seol Jihus parents were dragged along in a daze.

When the Neutral Zones door opened, a brilliant ray of light blinded them.

As the light subsided, what they saw was a flouris.h.i.+ng cityscape.

The first thing that caught their eye was a phoenix circling the sky. It looked down with a grin and then shot up a beautiful fiery breath.

Below the majestic bird was a garden where many people stood in front of an imposing building. It was Valhallas building, which they saw in the movie.

Youre finally here.

A black man walked up to the front.

Nice to meet you. Im Edward Dylan. I was the leader of Seols team at the beginning. I took an early exit though, haha.

He offered his hand with a smile.

It wasnt just Dylan that did this.

Im Likeem t.i.tties, the author of the book you read. Hehe.

Ian.

Me too! Me too! Im Richard Hugo! Seol and I are best friends who went through life and death crises together from the beginning!

Hugo.

Nice to meet you. You must be the parents of Paradises hero. Ive been hoping to see you dear in-laws.

Prihi.

Oi, oi! Youre finally here! I knew youd come! Ive been waiting!

Hos.h.i.+no Urara.

h.e.l.lo! Im Valhallas mascot, s.e.xy provocative cutie, Yi Seol-Ah!

Noona, please! Theyre Seol Hyungs parents!

Yi Seol-Ah and Yi Sungjin.

Its a pleasure to meet you. I dont appear in the book, but Im Mister Seol Jihus true heroine, Maria.

Maria.

Im sure youd understand my anger if you watched the movie. They say two tigers cant give birth to a dog. How did you educate your child for him to turn out this way?

Teddybear, or rather Agnes.

[h.e.l.lo. This lady is Flonecia Lusignan La Rothschear. Please call me Flone.]

When Flone flew up to them, they almost fainted from shock.

Many more people came up and introduced themselves. Theyd all come to help Seol Jihu.

Seol Jihus father and mother busily shook hands before seeing eight women nervously waiting nearby. One thing they immediately noticed was that they were all carrying a baby blanket in their arms. Furthermore, they were familiar with a few faces.

Yuhui? And Seonhwa?

Manager Kim M-Miss Phi Sora too?

How could they not be surprised? Women they thought to be Seol Jihus co-workers were here with babies in their hands!

Seonhwa, just whats going on here?

Huh?

Didnt you say you

Well I am in a foreign country if you think about it.

Yoo Seonhwa spoke clearly and then raised the baby blanket when the baby mumbled.

Yes, yes. Its Grandpa and Grandma. They came to see you. Youve wanted to see them, right?

The baby in the blanket glanced at Seol Jihus parents curiously.

Of course, Seol Jihus parents doubted their eyes. The baby looked just like someone they knew.

No, it wasnt just this baby. Nevermind Seo Yuhui, but the rest of the womens babies all resembled Seol Jihu one way or another.

Say h.e.l.lo, everyone.

With Seo Yuhui speaking up, Phi Sora, Teresa, Yoo Seonhwa, Kim Hannah, Charlotte Aria, Chung Chohong, and Eun Yuri all stood with their backs straight.

Nice to meet you, Father, Mother.

All eight women bowed at the same time.

You

Seol Jihus father turned his head and looked at Seol Jihu.

Seol Jihu coughed and scratched his head.

My goodness!

Seol Jihus mother screamed a beat later while his father shut his eyes and pressed his forehead.

Wait wait let me get this straight

He shook his head as if he had a headache.

So when you said you joined a company

He wasnt lying.

Seol Wooseok stepped up.

He did go to a company. Hes still affiliated with one. Its just that the company is based in this world.

Wooseok, when did you

I was the first to know after everything was over.

What?

I understand, father. You must be confused but keep this one thing in mind.

Seol Wooseok raised his gla.s.ses and continued.

Jihu had a special experience. Thats it. Now that everything is over, hes sharing that with us.

Hes right, Mom, Dad.

Seol Jinhee also stepped up in support of Seol Jihu.

I understand what youre feeling right now. It was the same for me. Id be lying if I said I didnt feel at least a little betrayed.

Right. Seol Jinhee finally came to trust Seol Jihu, but when she found out he was having fun in a game-like world, she didnt see it in a good way.

Of course, such a thought disappeared when she personally experienced the world named Paradise.

Traces of war still remained in Paradise.

And the Earthling who ended this war was Seol Jihu.

Crowds gathered wherever Seol Jihu went, regardless of race. They expressed respect and grat.i.tude or admiration at the very least.

Even the Seven Sins were not an exception.

Learning what kind of an Earthling Seol Jihu was in Paradise and seeing everyone she met praise and wors.h.i.+p him and his achievements, Seol Jinhee changed her mind.

Jihu Oppa didnt lie. He quit gambling and did his best to become a new person.

Seol Jinhee took a brief pause and then continued.

In a way what he achieved is far more incredible than earnestly working at a company. Think about it. Saving a world cant be that easy, right?

She then glanced at Yoo Seonhwa.

Moreover, Oppa wasnt the only one who hid this

Yoo Seonhwa winked.

No I mean, okay. I understand what youre saying, but

What whats going on?

Seol Jihus parents still had their hands on their foreheads. They saw and experienced a lot on their way here. But it was still too incredulous to believe on the spot.

The scale was too big, even for a surprise event.

...Jihu.

In the end, Seol Jihus parents looked at him at a loss for words. It seemed they would need to hear the story from the person himself to be satisfied.

Seol Jihu smiled faintly.

I know.

Seol Jihu spoke.

Dont worry. Ill answer any questions you have, even if I have to stay up for days without sleep. Ive been waiting a long time for this moment.

He would not be speaking so grandly if he did something bad. However, Seol Jihus voice was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with confidence.

Hearing this confidence, his parents pounding hearts calmed down a little.

But before that

Seol Jihu straightened the hem of his clothes.

I should begin with an introduction.

Seol Jihu moved his steps.

Under a quiet sky devoid of even a single cloud, taking Valhallas building as a background, under the eyes of his comrades, Seol Jihu stood at the center of his eight wives.

Welcome, Father, Mother.

He finally spoke.

Welcome to Paradise.

He smiled more brightly than ever before.

Sunlight that was just as warm as his smile illuminated the garden that was filled with the scent of spring.

It was a typical afternoon, as always.