#my brain is empty haha

[itzsana-kiddingmenow]

lee! changbin and ler! chan and minho!!

who wreck changbin really good😼

Diagnosis:

𝒍𝒆𝒆: Changbin

𝒍𝒆𝒓: Chan and Minho

𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘱 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘦𝘢 𝘪 𝘴𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨! 💗🧋

[Medical AU]

I choose to keep the warnings secret to sustain some level of surprise to the story. Read at your own risk !!!⚠️ 

@jeonginsdiary HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVE 💕

-Changbin is a soloist in this story-

also i wrote this 4 months before it released, so the template's the same LMAO

𝕥𝕒𝕘𝕝𝕚𝕤𝕥: @someone-who-loves-kpop-saranghae @jeonginsdiary @leeknowstan33@v--143@wereallgonnadieonedaybutnottoday@inkytornpages@lajanaa @a-wild-seungberry

Being a soloist certainly wasn’t easy. Especially if you live alone.

Changbin felt pretty lonely, watching as all the other groups in JYP file into their dorms after a long JYP NATION concert. 

He watched as all the members congratulated each other with hugs and happiness, and that feeling of loneliness only increased. 

He smiled and waved at everyone until he got back to his dorm, following by shutting the door and then facing the dark silence. 

He usually feels at home, but the place only feels cold now. 

Sometimes, he regretted choosing to work alone. Other times, he realizes that he’s too shy to work with other people. 

Changbin slumped down onto his couch, hating the way his stomach rolled up and fixing his posture. 

He wished he had someone who would help him feel the same love as the others did. But that was impossible. 

The days only passed, his break becoming filled with his thoughts. He had no one else to think about.

Soon enough, this mindset became increasingly draining, leaving Binnie exhausted constantly from overthinking and feeling overwhelmed. 

However, the company noticed this soon enough, and they scheduled him a psychological evaluation for the next day. 

Changbin scowled at the schedule. He hated doctors visits. 

The questions that his doctor asked him always made him feel small and uncomfortable, and he was certainly not looking forward to it happening again. 

But it had to be done. 

The next morning, he prepared himself for the crippling questions that pierced through his confidence, hoping that maybe, maybe things would be better today. 

Changbin arrived at his appointment on time, making sure that his doctor had nothing to criticize. 

But it wasn’t his doctor. 

“Mhm…Ah! Seo Changbin?” A man said, smiling sweetly at him. 

“T-That would be me.” Changbin cursed at himself internally for stuttering. He probably looked like a idiot. 

“Right this way.” 

Changbin tried not to scrunch his nose up at the strong smell of hand sanitizer, it was making his eyes water. 

The man, whose name tag said ‘Christopher Bang Chan’, led him to the room, where Binnie took a seat on the chair. 

He prepared himself for the uncomfortable questions. He was an idol after all. He was used to this. 

However, this doctor didn’t say anything like that at all.

“How are you feeling today?” Chris asked with a dimply smile. 

“I’m feeling good…” Changbin lied, the words came so easily to him. 

“I don’t think so.” Christopher replied nonchalantly as he pressed a sphygmomanometer [blood pressure cuff] to the rapper’s chest. 

“Your blood pressure's increased drastically...are you okay?” Chris furrowed his eyebrows at Changbin. 

“I guess idol work has me feeling a little anxious, nothing more I guess…” Changbin trailed off, avoiding eye contact with the doctor as if it was embarrassing. 

But instead of making him feel uncomfortable, Chris had actually listened. 

“What part of your work makes you feel this way? Is it the producing, the deadlines, the performances…?” Chan smiled sweetly at Changbin as he spoke, leaving the shorter feeling considerably relieved and relaxed. 

“I think I just feel a little…lonely?” Changbin tried to communicate, feeling as if he needed to more in depth, but before that could happen, Chan cut him off. 

“Ahhh, you’re a soloist, right? That makes sense. I think you just need to have a good time with someone who wants to be around you. That one thing could decrease that feeling.” Chris diagnosed, scribbling on his notepad. 

“Oh-Okay. But I…” Changbin didn’t feel like saying more. 

He didn’t have friends. At least, friends who wanted to be around him for his personality and not his money. 

“-You don’t have friends.” Chris replied, smiling at the way Bin’s eyes widened. 

“You are famous. It makes sense. There’s nothing to worry about. I’m retiring from this job soon. I’m going to become a producer, so you’ll probably see me around.” Chris talked, clearly trying to cheer the rapper up.

“O-Okay.” Changbin didn’t know how to respond, but he was considerably happier knowing that the doctor was going to do what he loved.

“We have another way to fix that, but only if you want to…” The taller clicked his pen a few times before checking a box on his sheet. 

Let’s say Binnie was a little more than desperate. “That’s okay, I want to do it.” He replied, smiling shyly back at his doctor.

“Okay, let me call the psychologist, his name is Minho, by the way, and he will explain the procedure.” Chris stood up and left the room, leaving Changbin waiting on the chair. 

“Good afternoon.” A man walked into the room, who Changbin presumed to be Minho. 

“Good afternoon.” Changbin replied quietly, feeling a little shy. 

“Right. So Chan told me everything, so I’m here to explain the procedure.” Minho stared down at his clipboard as he spoke. 

“Okay…” Changbin watched as Minho took his seat, leaning forward to clasp the rapper’s hands with his own. 

“Do you know the effects of laughing on a human being?” Minho almost whispered. 

“Laughing lets you release endorphins, and enhanced your intake of oxygen.” Binnie recalled. 

“Oooh, we have a smart man here!” Minho smiled heartily down at him, squeezing his hands once, which Changbin found surprisingly relaxing. 

“So we have to find a way to destress you, and make you laugh.” Minho continued, Changbin nodding along with him. 

“So, we’re going to have to take an injection. Are you scared of needles?”

Changbin shook his head, confused.

But if the company trusted this psychologist enough to assign him to Changbin, then he must be safe. 

Minho walked over to Changbin and gently removed his jacket, causing the younger to shiver from the sudden chill hitting his skin through his tank top. 

“Oh, you’re wearing the perfect shirt. I don’t even need to do anything!” Minho gently took Bin’s arm in his hand and lifted it above his head, earning a little squeak in return. 

Minho pulled a long piece of metal from the table and strapped Changbin’s hand to it, high above his head, making sure it stretched just enough not to hurt, adjusting the strap so that it was snug, but not uncomfortable. 

The psychologist did the same with the other arm, guiding Binnie to a sitting position and strapping his legs down as well. 

“How is this going to help me laugh?” Changbin asked, nerves increasing as he tried to unsuccessfully pull his arms down. 

Minho just smiled and scribbled up the boy’s side. 

Binnie squeaked loudly and jerked away, his eyes widening in realization. 

No. They wouldn’t. Would they?

 A bewildered Changbin watched as Minho opened a box and grabbed a needle, sterilizing it before walking over. 

“This’ll hurt for a few seconds, then it’ll feel really tingly, okay?” Minho smiled when Binnie nodded, bracing himself. 

The needle went in, piercing the underside of his bicep, and nothing could’ve prepared Changbin for the pain that followed.

However, he held it back. A few strained whimpers escaped him, but most of it was muffled. 

“Okay. We’re done. You okay?” Minho patted Binnie’s bicep, eyes widening in awe at the size of it. 

The older attached a bandage to the bleeding point.

“Mhm.” Changbin suddenly felt extremely tingly, the feeling spreading from the area on his bicep, down his arm, and throughout his body. 

He stifled a giggle at the incredibly ticklish sensation. 

“Okay, I would tell you what this injection does, but I think it’s better if I show you.” Minho called Chris back into the room, who looked delighted to see the shortest okay. 

"Okay! How was the injection? I bet it hurt, huh? Well, how about we cheer you up..." Chan gave the pinned boy an evil smirk before ducking his hands down and squeezing once at his side.

The youngest jerked harshly with a loud squeal. 

Changbin didn’t think he was that ticklish…but his thoughts were cut out a few seconds later by his own laughter.  

Chan’s fingers continued to tickle all over his torso lightly, and the eldest watched as Changbin muffled his own giggles by biting his lip and hiding his face in his bicep. 

“Aweee! He’s so cute! Don’t try to hold it in, that shot was just to make you more sensitive.” Chan teased, giggling when Changbin’s face turned a bright pink. 

“mhmhmAHAHAHA!” Changbin squealed through his laughter as Minho joined in at his underarms, and the fact that he was wearing a tanked shirt made the unbearable feeling at his bare underarms insanely strong. 

Changbin tugged at his arms, forgetting that they were pinned high above his head, leaving him at the complete mercy of the two doctors. 

“PLEHEHEASE! WHYHY AHARE YOUHU TIHIHICKLING MEHEHE?!?” Changbin made out through his loud hysterics.

“Eh. You were cute and needed a laugh. Why else~?” Minho teased even further, moving slightly further down and startling himself with the scream that the helpless boy underneath him emitted.

“NAHAHAT THEHEHERE!” Binnie cackled, suddenly throwing his head back when Chan’s hands curled around to his back, leaving the boy twisting and squirming weakly. 

“Fine. Later, though.” Minho frowned, instead moving downwards and squeezing Changbin’s thighs. 

“NOHOHO IHIHITS TOOHO BAHAHAHAD! AAAAAHH DONT!” Chan’s fingers had resorted to digging at his v-line, throwing the youngest into another round of loud laughter. 

Changbin had never felt more ticklish in his life. 

He was pretty sure the shot was to make him more ticklish, even Chan had said so. 

Binnie didn’t even know it existed. He wasn’t complaining though, he definitely felt better than before. 

“AHAHAHAHA! PLEASE! STOHOHOHOP!-” Bin screeched, the feeling becoming way too overwhelming for him to handle. 

“Okay, break time!” Both boys let up on the heaving boy, who panted and gasped for breath. 

“ahaha…whyhy…” Changbin let out the last few giggles, smiling softly up at the two lers. 

“Never mind that. Why are you so freakin’ cute?!” Chan squeaked, pinching softly at the youngest’s cheeks. 

Changbin couldn’t help but blush, only to giggle lightly when the other two cooed even more. 

He finally caught his breath, only to start squealing again when Minho stroked lightly along the area between his armpit and highest rib, an obvious weak spot. 

The metal strap above his head clanged, Binnie squirming around as Minho dug one hand into the previously mentioned area. 

“AGGHAHAHAHA! PLEHEHAHAHA-” Changbin screamed uncontrollably and thrashed desperately at the insanely ticklish sensation. 

"Ouuu, this must be your worst spot!" Lino looked like he had found a pot of gold, making sure to contast the tickles on each side of Binnie's chest, one side lightly stroking, and the other side digging harshly.

"NOAHAHAHA! MINHO! MIHIHINHO PLEASE!"

Changbin didn't know which side to twist, both types of tickles were absolute torture for the poor soloist.

"He's too adorable! What's wrong bun? Someone's got the giggles?~" Chan cooed in a baby voice, squeezing Changbin's cheeks as he giggled at the flustered blush on the boy's face.

"Come on Chris! Help me tickle him! He isn't laughing hard enough!" Minho scolded, ignoring the loud screech emitted from the rapper.

"NOOOHO CHRIS DOHON'T HELP! I'LL DIHIHIE! PLEASE-"

"Of course you won't die! We're doctors, we know when to stop!" Chan glanced at the machine situated behind Binnie, which displayed the boy's statistics.

He was going to tap out soon.

Changbin begged and begged, tears streamed down his face, and he was twisting in every direction humanely possible.

Then Chris wriggled his fingers deep into the crevices of Binnie’s ribs, driving the helpless boy underneath him ballistic.

Changbin screamed as loud he could, which was pretty loud, and desperately tugged at his arms, which were infuriatingly still strapped above his head, unwilling to crash down anytime soon.

"OOH he's so loud!" Chan whined, as if he wasn't the one breaking the poor boy beneath them.

"Good thing the room's soundproof. It sounds like we're murdering him!" Minho winced as he pulled another scream from the soloist beneath him.

But Changbin would be lying if he said he hated it. 

"Say that you're happy, and we'll stop." Chan decided to give the poor boy a chance.

“BAHAHAHA! STAHAHAHAP! IHIHIM HAHAHAHAPPY!!!”

And just like that, the torture stopped. 

Chris unbuckled his wrists, and Changbin slumped, breathless, against the chair. 

Minho handed him a pill and a glass of water.

"What's this fohor?" Changbin stared at the small pill resting in his palm.

"It's the antidote for that injection you took. Though I would have liked it to stay like that, don't ya think?~" Minho teased, wiggling a singular finger in Binnie's face and watching him squirm.

The soloist popped the pill before downing the glass of water, slumping backwards against the chair and panting slightly.

“Do you feel better?” Minho asked, gently rubbing at his sore wrists. 

“Y-Yehea…” Binnie gave them a wide smile, and Minho couldn’t help but squish his cheek again. 

“Sorry ‘bout that. It’s kinda something we do for anxious or sad patients. Especially idols who need a laugh. You feeling better?” Chan giggled nervously.

“Y-Yeah. I’m definitely coming back later.” Changbin flushed when the other two cooed at him, exchanging numbers with him. 

-----

Changbin went back to his dorm, the flat looking a lot more comforting than before. 

He slept. A lot. 

Then someone knocked on his door.

Distracted from the light of his laptop (chop chop cooking up a hotpot-), Binnie opened the door.

"Hi! I'm apparently supposed to join your group? I'm your new leade-WAIT. Changbin?!" Chan squealed.

i hope you enjoyed! please check my intro post before interacting! love ya! 💕💗💖

[caspervi]

Date time ⭐️

[ct-multifandom]

I don’t usually make posts like this, but I’ve been seeing a lot of anti-intellectual junk lately, and I really think we need to put the word “pretentious” up on a shelf until people learn what it actually means.

It doesn’t describe someone who likes artsy-fartsy deep meaning media. People who are pretentious are fake. They’re posers trying to be sophisticated and unique, not like other girls. They pretend to only like stuff they think will make them sound cool when they talk about it. They want to act like they know something you don’t, and they want attention for it.

By definition, if you genuinely enjoy something, you can’t be pretentious. If it resonates with you, and you analyze it, and you don’t care what people think, that’s the polar opposite, actually. If you love obscure experimental prog music, if you watch underground high concept indie films through English teacher eyes, if you spend hours in a modern art museum reading each piece as a vessel for storytelling, if your backpack’s full of poetry books that inspire you, if you play underrated games that were someone’s passion project, if you have an interest in studying the classics or the masters, you are not pretentious.

Of course, some people just don’t like some stuff, and that’s fine, but that’s not what this is about. Don’t let anti-intellectuals shame you for enjoying things just because your interests are inaccessible to them, because they refuse to be brave and put effort into critical thinking. You’re not stuck up for refusing to overlook the craft of artists.

[wyrdle]

More on that orotsu role swap thing. I honestly dunno what this au should be like lmao. I just like the nblw tension. Unfortunately my drawing mood is at an all time low :’‘‘)

[cerulean-fantasy]

some pagedoll-style chibis

(alt expressions under the cut)

[n0bluev]

Theres a fine line between everything and nothing at all

[matchy-rnl]

I can relate with Alan on this

[hadesknockedupintheunderworld]

Shadow and Nine commenting on how stupid Sonic is and then trading stories of him making stupid decisions while being surprisingly reliable, getting closer and closer until they hesitate

But, after a moment of consideration, they shrug and move in for the kiss anyways.

[wy-ote]

I have a long weekend coming up and I wanna do some sketches.

Feel free to drop a request in the ask box! I’m open to MHA and JJK, ships or single characters, fluff, angst, horror/gore. Honestly most stuff!

[perhaps-in-anotherdream]

[CN] Victor x MC – S2 CH 37 – Part 2 (Eng Translation)

“Being by your side is not ‘luck.’ It’s destiny.”

“This person in front of me is the origin of my strength, my safe haven, and the direction of my voyage returning home.”

Do remember to read PART 1 first: Here!

⌚ This post contains detailed spoilers for a chapter that is yet to be released on the global server. ⌚

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 37-9] ✧

While MC is reflecting on how she’s gotten back what belongs to her (i.e., CORE) but doesn’t know how to use it, and how NW may require longer to develop a cure——

Anna calls to make sure everything is okay with her (MC hasn’t contacted her since the NW CORE study began and handed over responsibilities to her).

After confirming everything is great with her company——

MC: That’s great. Then I can keep my back straight and report to CEO Victor!

–

━━━ [Cut To The Road, Narrator POV] ━━━

Just as Anna hangs up the phone, Kiki, who’s been waiting on the roadside to catch a bus together, comes over.

Kiki: Anna, what did the boss say? Is she okay?

Anna: She’s very good. It’s just that...

Kiki: What’s wrong?

Anna: It’s not much. Just now, after learning that the company’s benefit is good, MC said she would have the confidence to report to CEO Victor...

Anna: But which CEO Victor was she talking about?

–

━━━ [Cut Back To Victor’s House, MC POV] ━━━

The sunlight shines through the gauze curtains, casting a bright shadow on my face. I open my eyes, only to find that it’s already daylight.

After washing up, I habitually walk over to the dining table with ease. While browsing the news, I look at Victor’s figure from time to time, who is preparing breakfast.

Not long after, he comes to the table with two plates of egg rolls and shoots me a glance.

Victor: You are pretty self-conscious in this regard.

MC: After all, a good breakfast is the only way to have the strength to start a new day.

Victor pulls out a chair and sits opposite me, pushing over a plate of egg rolls.

Victor: So what does a certain someone plan to do after breakfast?

MC: Whether it’s the blood disease or the mechanical boxes, now there are people following up on them.

MC: The only thing making no progress is the overlapping phenomenon. So I’m thinking, why not enter an overlapping zone and have a look?

A little troubled, I pick up a table knife and paddle it through the egg roll, watching the tender golden puree slowly flowing out.

MC: The news just said the fluctuations in the space-time overlap zones are becoming more and more widespread, and the frequency of their appearance is increasing too.

MC: And if this goes on, it will soon cover the entire Loveland City.

Victor pours half a cup of coffee in an unhurried manner.

Victor: You ought to know that numerous eyes have their gazes fixed on the CORE right now.

MC: I’m mentally prepared for that. The biggest inconvenience at the present stage, though, is only the leech-like NW.

MC: They need CORE for their experiment, so they will always want to ensure that I’m under their radar.

MC: However, because of the cooperation regarding the effective cure, they supposedly won’t act rashly for the time being.

MC: And if they do take the trouble to find a door, I can act according to the circumstances when the situation calls for it.

Victor: Good analysis. But aside from the NW, you still have a thornier opponent.

Victor cuts off a corner of the egg roll as he speaks.

MC: …hm?

A little confused, I look at Victor and hear him speak.

Victor: [dramatic×3 voice LOL]  BLACK SWAN.

I’m rendered slightly speechless, almost thinking I’ve misheard.

MC: …it’s not supposed to be a cold joke?

Victor: …of course not.

Victor: BS is coming up with a plan for an operation, and there is a high probability that CORE will be included in it.

Victor: [even more dramatic]  And just yesterday, you revealed the information that CORE is inside you to the BOSS of BS.

My movements freeze for a moment, and the knife in my hand is clenched involuntarily, producing a noise against the porcelain plate.

After a few moments, I tug at the corners of my lips with a wry smile as the cause and effects flash through my brain at lightning speed.

MC: It’s really like manna from heaven, falling right at the doorstep of BS.

MC: This meal I’m having now… it’s not gonna be my last breakfast, is it?

Victor lowers his gaze noncommittally, taking a sip of his coffee. Resting my chin on my hand, I observe his expression for a while and speak to sound out.

MC: BOSS, will you cut me some slack and act as if nothing happened?

Victor: Certainly not. But I can give you an opportunity to ask questions.

Victor: If used correctly, this can become your winning point.

Sensing the atmosphere loosening up, I put down the knife and ask a little insatiably.

MC: For the sake of previously having worked for the organization for so long, could I get an extra chance?

Victor raises an eyebrow, a hint of helplessness flashes across his eyes, and his expression seems to be one of acquiescence. I seize this opportunity to think for a while, and suddenly something occurs to me.

MC: Hold on a sec. The thing about the CORE being inside me, did you only find out about this yesterday?

Victor chuckles softly, wiping the corner of his lips.

Victor: Nope.

…as expected. No wonder he didn’t seem surprised at all yesterday.

Having the vague conjecture in my mind verified, I hesitate a moment before speaking again.

MC: So when did you find out about this?

Victor: Around the meteor event.

–

[Tidbits]: He’s here referring to the events of post-CH 18 to pre-CH 25. In CH 18, after escaping NW, Victor asked someone to verify MC’s report the two of them had found, and the CH ended with him meeting with Time Observer Zero. As confirmed in CH 26, he was at the Space-time Bureau during the time he was MIA, and upon returning, chased MC out of BS, among many other things he did~ (PAIN WHO ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ)

–

My eyes widen slightly. Incredulous, as I’m about to ask more questions, Victor cuts me off as though he’s already anticipated for me to do so.

Victor: Let’s end that one here. As I said, it’s a one-time opportunity only.

MC: [sulking]  ...

I bitterly take the final bite of my egg roll, muttering under my breath.

MC: ...you truly are a man of your word.

MC: But hearing what you’ve said, I, on the contrary, feel there isn’t any need to worry about BS.

MC: After all, the formidable BOSS of BS already knew CORE was on me before I had explained the circumstances to him.

MC: If he really wanted to do something to me, BS would have already done it a long time ago, wouldn’t it?

Victor raises an eyebrow at my words.

Victor: You’ve drawn this conclusion too rashly and haven’t taken the entire range of possibilities into consideration.

Victor: Perhaps BS didn’t take any action before because the timing wasn’t ripe. And perhaps now, the time has arrived.

Victor: Of course, utilizing the power of CORE requires your cooperation. Therefore, you can consider whether you want to cooperate with BS and, through this, get rid of those inconveniences.

There’s a calmness and weighing up in his tone, as though he is confronting a cooperative partner at the same level, or an opponent across the chessboard who cannot be underestimated.

I cock my head and ponder for a moment.

MC: Very tempting conditions, but I refuse.

MC: Although you have downplayed it, in the light of what I’ve heard and my experience in the past, this partnership cannot be that simple.

MC: Even if the problem is solved using BS, it’d still cost me an equal amount of price.

MC: [that smug smile LOL] This agrees with CEO Victor’s business principles, does it not?

MC: And right now, I don’t intend to create diversions for myself by anything other than the overlapping space-time incident.

Victor taps his fingertips on the dining table.

Victor: Back to the overlapping phenomenon, then. How do you plan to settle this?

MC: I’m thinking of investigating that space thoroughly first, then finding out more about CORE from it and accelerating the process of controlling it.

MC: Since this phenomenon is generated by the awakening of the CORE, there is a certain possibility that it will be bound by the CORE.

MC: The prerequisite is that I have complete control of this power.

Seemingly disapproving, Victor shakes his head.

Victor: One point, the quantity of time you’ll require to be able to control CORE is unknown. Perhaps before then, the space-time overlap will cover the entire Loveland City.

MC: ...then l’ll change the direction. Oh right! Aside from developing effective medicine, NW is also carrying out research on the CORE.

MC: If I add clauses in the cooperation with NW... or just infiltrate NW, perhaps I’ll be able to find crucial information?

Victor releases an imperceptibly soft laugh.

Victor: But you should also be clear that putting your hopes on NW is tantamount to giving up the initiative.

MC: …indeed.

The loopholes in my envisagement are unsparingly pointed out one by one. I open my mouth, only to find myself rendered utterly speechless.

Victor straightens up a little and speaks in a manner as though making an invitation.

Victor: The cooperation with BS will not affect your resolving of the space-time overlap. On the contrary, it may also be a help to you.

MC: Is there any connection between the two?

Victor: The phenomenon of space-time overlapping is a part of the Prophecy of Fatima.

–

[Tidbits]: I won’t go into much detail here, but the “Prophecy of Fatima” is a series of apocalyptic visions and prophecies. In the MLQC verse, BS was originally founded in 1908 to prevent those prophecies from happening by a group of 12 from the future who weren’t part of this world until, of course, the organization was led astray. There will be a little more about this later~ [see how the CH name and tagline are SO significant ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ]

–

MC: Hold on... the Prophecy of Fatima? What’s that?

I blink a little in puzzlement at the quick succession of unknown information. However, Victor raises his eyebrows with his expression of remaining calm in the hour of peril, not answering my question.

Victor: This is confidential content of BS, and is not to be shared with anyone who isn’t a member of the organization.

Victor: Of course, if we were to enter a partnership, I’d consider disclosing it.

MC: ...

I ponder for a moment, sighing resignedly.

MC: Come to think of it, I seem to have never been able to say no to your proposals.

Victor: You will always have the right to choose.

Victor: [gets more mischievous LOL]  But accordingly, I will also designate more terms so that you’re incapable of refusing.

His tone is laced with that familiar certainty and calmness, and I involuntarily curl the corners of my lips.

MC: In that regard, our partnership is confirmed, then?

I hold out my pinky to Victor as I speak, wiggling it lightly. He straightens up knowingly and hooks my pinky finger.

Victor: Mm, the partnership is confirmed.

His voice is solemn, as though it’s not a childish agreement, but a real contract.

I unconsciously reel in my relaxed posture and lock eyes with his focused gaze.

The dining table in front of us seems to have turned into a negotiating table. And the promise of this moment is the most solid commitment of all.

I withdraw my hand and look at my pinky, the corners of my lips arching up.

MC: Reaching the negotiation benignly with clear terms, and each playing their part for the common good after leaving the table…

MC: So, this is how it feels like to be your partner.

Victor’s hand lifting the plate pauses in its motion, and he looks at me a little helplessly, a peal of intermittent laughter flowing through his tone.

Victor: The partnership with you began a long time ago, back in the day when I invested in [MC’s Company Name].

Victor: Or do you need me to pull out the resources and let you fight for the funding once more so that you can feel the process of reaching the cooperation all over again?

–

[Anika’s Notes]: Fighting for funding incident never happened in S2, MC’s company thrived from the beginning as she did her best under his guidance since MC was 18 & Victor was 24. So this is yet another hint at either him remembering or seeing (at space-time bureau) his S1 memories~ 👀 PG gib us the R&S dammit ಥ⁠‿⁠ಥ

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 37-11] ✧

Victor’s actions are in motion without the slightest delay, as always. The day after we’ve reached the partnership, arrangements for me to participate in the operation are already prepared.

The metal doors of the private elevator slowly close in front of us. Recalling what he told me last night, I speak with uncertainty.

MC: Would it be a bit risky for me to sneak into the Twelve main gods...

Victor: All successes are accompanied by risks. You can trust my judgment.

Victor: [sulking]  Or is it that the cooperative partner I have chosen doesn’t have faith in me?

Victor says, pressing a few floor keys.

His gaze is as calm as it has always been, as though there isn’t anything in this world worth worrying about.

MC: It certainly is not. Being with you, I’ve never needed to worry about anything.

—

Victor leaves MC with the necessary instructions.

As planned, MC meets Anole (yes, it’s the S2 ver. of that appearance changing evolver from S1), and he helps MC put on the disguise of one of the Twelves, who is absent from today’s meeting by design [keep MC’s disguise in mind]***

Amid the grave, quiet ambiance of the meeting, Victor discloses that the organization has located CORE.

As expected, it gives rise to enthusiastic clamors, and people “express their different views” towards the CORE – Hades wanting to wipe away “inferior humans” (!ofc🤡), while others hoping to lead the path to evolution.

Having silently watched the drama so far, Victor declares that the carrier of CORE has infiltrated in disguise at his behest in this very conference room, but he won’t disclose the person’s identity.

That declaration, again, stirs everyone up while MC relishes on the side LOL~ :>

Victor then announces that he has more to say:

—

Victor: BLACK SWAN has always paid particular attention to impartiality.

Victor: Opportunities and information are never miserly to those who are trustworthy. This, of course, also includes CORE.

Victor: Therefore, what you guys have to do is prove that you are worthy of this information, and this trust.

His gaze slowly glides over the crowd, his eyes gleaming with a cold light.

Victor: But equally, if someone brings about harm to BLACK SWAN…

Victor: This information, then, will forever remain sealed.

Hades narrows his eyes with a bleak expression.

Hades: What does BOSS mean by this, does he suspect a devil among us?

As though he’s heard something incredibly ridiculous, Victor curls the corners of his lips, but there is no trace of warmth in his eyes.

Victor: It appears that everyone here has a poor memory.

Victor: Do I need to take some time out of the main gods’ meeting to help you all recall the STF’s suppression of BS?

MC: !?

The conference room lapses into a deadly silence within a split second. Victor’s cold words reverberate in the large room.

Victor: I’ve already warned some of you before. Who is doing what behind the scenes, I’m well aware of everything.

Victor: But you guys tried to test the limits of my acceptance, and even drew inconveniences to the organization.

Victor’s voice grows heavier.

Victor: The previous purges were simply the beginning. All factors that are not conducive to BS will be removed one by one.

–

[Tidbits]: He’s referring to S2 CH 25 chasing outs btw~

–

Victor: Dionysus, who was arrested a few days ago, was one of them. But he is not worth pitying, and someone more powerful will take his position.

Victor: And everyone present here is equally replaceable.

Everyone in the conference room falls silent, each with different expressions written on their faces. I seize the moment and open my mouth in an ambiguous voice.

MC: Since disclosing the CORE among us is not on the agenda, I’m assuming BOSS has something else to announce?

Victor’s eyes sweep over the faces of everyone one by one. Although I know his plan, I still shiver a little when I meet his tranquil gaze.

Victor: There is indeed something more important for you guys to witness.

Victor: This is the fundamental purpose for which you have become the twelve main gods.

—

With these words, everyone is instantly and abruptly brought to a desolate wasteland from the conference room, leaving them utterly shocked.

MC notes a uniquely shaped slab of stone standing tall behind Victor, its pitch-black color glowing in the bleak daylight, and its design is unlike anything she’s seen before.

At Artemis’s snarky urging, Victor explains unhurriedly:

—

Victor: In 1908, the ones who originally established BS came here.

Victor: They founded BS for the same objective, to change a prophecy.

At these words, someone in the crowd lets out an impatient, light sneer.

??: BOSS, we have very little interest in the development history of BS. Let’s not waste everyone’s time.

Victor’s voice becomes even heavier.

Victor: If you don’t have the patience for that, you may leave right now.

The crowd, which has been stirring restlessly, lapses into silence after a few moments of whispering. Amid the stillness enshrouding the entire surrounding, the complex emotions of crossing swords seem to be surging.

Victor: The original purpose of BS was more than just human evolution; it was simply a way to accomplish the ultimate goal.

Victor: But in the process, someone tampered with the original purpose and falsified the prophecy itself.

Victor: And today, I am here to rectify it.

Victor turns around, looking behind him with an indifferent expression.

Victor: Now, does anyone else have an objection?

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 37-12] ✧

Of course, there’s a “polite objection” (from Poseidon) asking for the credibility of the prophecy Victor spoke of and if this place truly is the “Land of Advent.”

Victor, naturally, says he has the means to prove his words. He affirms if the carrier of CORE uses their power on the slab of stone, it will respond to them.  

Knowing it’s her turn to step up, MC is puzzled about how to use the power of the CORE, and if it’s similar to how she used the QUEEN gene in the past.

At this moment, reading MC’s mind as always, Victor throws in the air that “the person simply needs to imagine themselves using the power.”

Getting the hint, MC does so, and not long after, the slab is soon enveloped with luminous white light.

[ Now, here’s a BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL description of the “majestic entity” (it sounds kinda sacred actually haha) that emerges, and I’m gonna skip LOL :> ]  Long story short, those lights gradually reveal the silhouette of, literally, a spanning-to-the-sky edifice with the black door sealed with metal chains.

Naturally, it leaves everyone dazed, and as someone tries to get close, the edifice steps back on its own.

—

??: The Land of Advent denies your entry because you guys do not have that qualification.

A male voice suddenly shatters the silence, but it does not belong to anyone present on the scene.

??: Here is the origin of the variables, the endpoint of the omens. The trajectory was extended, and everything began from here.

I follow the voice and see that a man wearing a black cloak has appeared in front of the slab at some point. His face is hidden in the dark hood, making it impossible to see his appearance clearly.

Victor gives him a slight nod in greeting.

Victor: Eos.

??: Eos? How could a first generation of the gods be here?

A question, carrying shock, transmits from the crowd. I look up in some astonishment as I hear someone speak.

??: Haven’t those people all fallen already?

The first generation of gods, fallen... all kinds of unfamiliar details, known only to the insiders, surge to me. They are reminiscent of a clutter of thoughts filling my brain.

I look incredulously at the man behind the hood and see him raise his hand slightly.

The black streams of light suddenly coalesce in the air, and in the next instant, scatter in all directions.

The wisps of darkness grow increasingly thicker, obstructing the entire sky, with only the silhouette of the edifice becoming continuously clearer.

Suddenly, the chains on the gate begin to move. And the moment they crash to the ground with a loud bang, the door opens little by little.

I look towards the door in bewilderment and uncertainty, but can only see the darkness with no end in sight. Immediately afterward, a voice resounds from the depths.

“We come from the future, only with the purpose of better evolution of the human race.

We possess Evol; we create everything.

QUEEN will surely awaken and usher in transformation.

We look forward to walking side by side in the new world.”

For a moment, the only thing that can be heard in the world amid the darkness is that voice, and it’s as if the sound is knocking on the soul.

The familiarity of this content involuntarily makes me clench my fingertips. I suddenly react to something, causing me to be breathless.

...this content, it seems, is a bit different from what I remember.

Heart pounding in my chest, I anxiously recollect for a moment and finally remember the memories in the back of my mind, the content of the manifesto I had seen in the underground of the hacker conference.

–

[Tidbits]: MC is referring to S1 CH 8 btw~ :>

–

Back then, the beams of light cast into that room had reflected these words on the dimly lit wall:

“No one can stand in our way, for we are the ones to rule the world.”

But now, those words have disappeared.

Could this be the part... that Victor said had been tampered with?

Before I have time to think about it clearly, the darkness that pervades the surrounding disperses like a tide, and is replaced by a light that arrives from somewhere unbeknownst to me.

The glaring beam of light makes me close my eyes instinctively, and I can faintly hear shrieks from beside me.

I don’t know how long has passed when I open my eyes extremely cautiously, only to find an empty, pure white space entering my vision.

The slab of stone, the Twelve main gods, the towering edifice... everything has disappeared without any trace whatsoever.

I subconsciously search for Victor, but I’m unable to spot any signs of that familiar silhouette.

In front of me is only a shimmering staircase dappled with soft light, stretching towards the distant sky as though it’s guiding me in a certain direction.

I hesitantly approach and see my own appearance being faintly reflected in the pure and limpid texture of the steps.

MC: ...what’s going on?

I mutter to myself and touch my cheek; then I suddenly hear the sound of footsteps coming from behind me.

I turn back subconsciously and find myself looking into a familiar pair of eyes.

Victor stands behind me, gazing at me calmly, seemingly not at all surprised by what’s happening right now.

My heart, which has been at a loss just now, seems to have found its fulcrum and suddenly calms down. I briskly walk up to Victor.

MC: What is this place? Even Anole’s disguise has lost effectiveness…

Victor shakes his head.

Victor: It’s the first time I’ve been here too.

Victor: Everything here is probably some kind of Evol construction. It’s not surprising that it has resulted in Evol’s ability not working.

Victor’s expression is tranquil and calm, as though what he’s just said isn’t worth paying heed to. I hesitate a moment before opening my mouth.

MC: …so where did the others go?

Victor: This space is only open to the person who possesses CORE. They have been taken to a different space to witness that history.

Victor: When it’s all over, everyone will be returned to the original spot.

MC: Will we also be sent to the place we were just now after we leave here?

MC: …but what should we do now since my disguise is not working? Won’t my identity be revealed?

Victor: It won’t be.

Victor answers me resolutely and decisively. At the same time, I think of something in hindsight.

MC: Phew, that’s good. Wait a minute… why do you know so much about this? Also, why are you allowed to enter this place?

Victor’s eyes land on me with an expression written across his face that says, “why do you have so many questions.”

Victor: I’ve asked Eos to help, and he’s promised I can make it easier for you. So don’t worry. He will see that it’s handled.

Victor says, looking toward the steps of the path of light in front of us.

It spans forward quietly, dissipating at the end in a patchwork of light, as if it’s making a silent call.

Victor seems to feel something as he withdraws his gaze and opens his mouth to me.

Victor: Let’s go, some people should have been waiting for you for a long time.

I nod. Just as I’m about to move forward, my footstep suddenly stops.

MC: One last question! You haven’t told me; why would Eos help with this?

Victor’s eyelashes quiver slightly, and he speaks after a moment of silence.

Victor: I made a deal with him.

I freeze, and then it comes to my realization that there must be some kind of price involved in this deal.

My eyes sweep over Victor at lightning speed, and I speak with some urgency.

MC: What are the conditions he offered? Have you been hurt?

Victor: It’s not important. Since I’ve agreed, I can afford it.

Although he downplays it, I know very clearly that the price asked by the first generation of gods is bound to be not so simple.

This man seems to have always been like this, standing in front of me, calmly paying some price I don’t know about and bearing it all alone.

And then he returns to me as if nothing has happened and tells me that I don’t need to worry about a thing.

My eyes trace over his countenance inch by inch, then I lower my gaze with some astringency, murmuring softly.

MC: Didn’t we agree to just trust me and not let me rely on you?

Victor: [gentlest voice to exist, ever]  That is why I am standing here.

Victor: [continuation x2]  I said I would face it together with you, didn’t I?

I look up in a daze and meet Victor’s eyes.

In this void and quiet world, only his eyes shine with infinite tenderness and certainty.

Like an invitation, or some kind of guidance–– Victor steps on the stairs, turns back to me, and reaches out slightly.

Victor: Let’s go together.

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 37-13] ✧

The flights of steps before us seems to have no end.

Palms interlaced with each other, as I climb upwards with Victor, I feel as if time has lost its concept, and I already can’t remember how long we’ve been walking.

I only know that if I were to turn around, I would no longer be able to see the beginning point of the zigzagged staircase behind us.

Gradually, my body begins to feel unwell.

I don’t know if it’s the exhaustion from the walk or something else, but the dizziness intensifies with each step forward.

The burning in my chest becomes distinct in my gasp for breaths, as if it were a viscous and boiling swamp that would engulf my consciousness at any moment.

I purse my lips to death. In a trance, I think of that NW experiment I was forced into for stimulating CORE.

At that time, my perception was also obliterated by such a burning pain. Could it be that this staircase is also some kind of system to stimulate CORE?

I take a step up the steps as I struggle to contemplate, and suddenly I feel a fleeting stinging pain in the back of my head as if being pricked by a needle.

My body sways, and I nearly lose my balance. At this moment, a warm, strong hand holds me steady.

Victor: [sounds like he’s in pain]  Can you still go on?

MC: …absolutely. Compared with the NW experiments, it’s not that unbearable.

MC: I’m the chosen carrier of CORE, don’t underestimate me.

I look up as I speak, using all my willpower to lift the corners of my lips into a smile.

Victor looks at me quietly, his gaze clear and tender. He seems to be able to see through all my pretense and persistence amidst the staggering breaths.

After a few moments, he speaks in a low voice.

Victor: Thankfully, you are.

His words are reminiscent of some kind of peaceful sentiments, and I don’t know why but I ask in return:

MC: Is it something to be thankful for?

He replies with a soft “hmm,” and his deep and low voice brushes past my ears, giving my heart a reassuring certainty.

Victor: Even though the dummy I know would’ve seized every glimmer of opportunity with an overflowing zealous heart even if she wasn’t the CORE…

Victor: But CORE always means power.

Victor: With it, you will have more possibilities to solve problems, and also have the authority to choose in the face of many things.

It’s as though a ray of light from the heavens has shone through the foggy haze. I look into that pair of serene eyes and murmur.

MC: Actually, I used to feel that I was forced to take on a lot of heavy things because of the CORE.

MC: There have been many times when I was clearly exhausted, but I still had to persevere and keep going forward.

I say, looking at my empty palm.

MC: But now, I am slowly realizing that CORE has brought me even more than what I have to bear.

MC: As you said, I also have power because of it.

MC: I can change many things, instead of just having to stand still and wait to accept the outcome.

A tinge of warm hue flashes through Victor’s eyes.

Victor: Mm. In that regard, you are very lucky.

MC: Come to think of it, it really seems to be the case.

MC: But it’s not just because I have CORE, but because I’ve had you by my side all along.

As I speak, I sway our interlocked hands, hearing the hint of laughter tinting Victor’s voice.

Victor: In this regard, you are not right.

Victor: Being by your side is not “luck.” It’s destiny.

This familiar certainty causes a warm current to surge through my heart. I look back into his eyes and walk up the steps together with him.

–

[Tidbits]: Reference to the similar words in S1 CH 24 Black Cabin reunion~ ಥ⁠_⁠ಥ

–

The intense pain seems to keep growing as I climb up, the burning sensation spreading from my chest to my entire body.

I can’t help but tighten my hold on Victor’s hand, as if trying to draw some strength from it.

He doesn’t say anything, only holds my hand just as tightly and slows down his pace in accordance with mine.

On the endless staircase, we slowly advance together, the long shadows behind us seeming to blend into one.

I don’t know how long has passed when my almost paralyzed nerves suddenly shiver, reminiscent of a dragonfly lightly touching the water’s surface.

As if sensing something, I raise my head and look to the end of the flights of steps, feeling something that seems to be shimmering among the specks of light.

As if it’s telling me–– the following path is for me to walk on my own.

My body freezes up slightly. Victor immediately lurches to a stop and looks at me, as though waiting for me to say something.

MC: Just accompany me until here.

Victor doesn’t speak, but he doesn’t let go of my hand either. He simply gazes at me quietly for a long time, just like he’s watched me in every moment before as I ran towards the goal.

Victor: Go on, I’ll keep watching you.

I nod. Even though I’m already well aware of the answer to this question since long ago, I still gaze into that pair of eyes and speak softly.

MC: Will you still be here when I come back?

Victor: I’ve told you before, I’ll accompany you. The homeward journey alone is too far. Although I can’t be with you to continue moving forward, I won’t let you return alone.

I stagger up on my tiptoes and hug him, wanting to freeze time for even a second, all so I can sink deeper into this embrace.

The arms falling behind me slowly tighten. Encased by the familiar and reassuring scent, I close my eyes.

This person in front of me is the origin of my strength, my safe haven, and the direction of my voyage returning home.

No matter what lies ahead, as long as he is there, I can always rest easy.

I take deep breaths and soon feel a hand patting my head.

Victor: What happened again?

MC: Accumulating some strength for the rest of the journey ahead.

MC: I don’t know what I’ll encounter up ahead. But all I have to do is think that I’ll be welcomed in your arms, and I’ll be able to keep pressing on.

Victor: …dummy.

His soft and helpless voice brushes against my ear. I reluctantly put down my arms, turn around, and walk up the steps.

The pain cuts through every nerve in my limbs, but I grit my teeth and continue moving forward.

Even when the warmth on my palms is no longer there, I know that Victor is watching me from behind.

The path stretches step by step beneath my feet, and the brilliant rays grow all the more blazing. I look up in a trance and find that I’ve already reached the end of the steps.

The radiance before my eyes scatters into specks of lights, wrapping me in them. It’s as though they are swimming along my figure, dispelling the pain in my body.

The dizziness in my brain finally becomes clear, and the senses slowly return. And my palm seems to become a little heavy.

I lower my head as an afterthought and see that my hand has been holding a golden dagger at some point.

It’s coated with a hazy light and seems to be engraved with some sort of pattern.

Before I can see it clearly, it disappears into my palm the next second.

The light in the space suddenly flares up for a twinkling of a moment and soon returns to softness.

–

━━━ [NARRATOR POV BEGINS] ━━━

At the starting point of the steps, a figure wearing a hood stands beside Victor and speaks slowly.

Eos: Everything is moving forward toward an already determined future. Even if a temporary deviation arises because of her, it will be amended by the will of the world.

Eos: When that juncture arrives, everyone will need her.

There is not a single ripple in Victor’s voice as he speaks.

Victor: [this coldness is utterly different from ANY of his icy voices before]  I brought her here, but it does not mean that I approve of her fulfilling your mission.

Victor: [continuation]  She does not belong to you guys.

The face behind the hood seems to remain unmoved.

Eos: This is not up to you and me to choose. It has all been foreordained a long time ago. Once, for some reason, our observations were confined to that only remaining parallel world.

Eos: We have spent a tremendous amount of time trying to confirm Evol’s survival or otherwise, to investigate its different possibilities. The answer obtained from that is not merely a simple figure. You and I both know that very well.

The man looks towards the end of the stairs, his tone impassive.

Eos: We understand that others will not give their everything for other worlds. Therefore, we accepted being overthrown, and accepted that the prophecy had been falsified. But our goal has never changed from beginning to end.

Eos: Whether for us, the next civilization, or yourselves, she is destined to walk before the world.

Looking at the figure approaching from the distance, Victor opens his mouth, his voice carrying a kind of certainty and determination.

Victor: [again, utterly different from all the times before]  Her existence has never been because other people “need” her.

Victor: [continuation]  She only needs to be herself. She does not have to be any other existence.

Eos’s voice trails off with a faint lilt.

Eos: But there are some things she needs to face eventually.

━━━ [NARRATOR POV ENDS] ━━━

–

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

–

✧ [CH 37-15] ✧

A slight residual warmth lingers in my palm as though I can still feel the touch of the dagger.

I find myself immersing in amazement, clutching my palm as I walk down the stairs step by step. From a distance, I can see Victor’s silhouette waiting at the foot of the steps.

Just like he said, he would walk the journey back home side by side with me.

The joy seems to be as light as a feather, overflowing within me. My pace speeds up unconsciously as I run up to him in brisk steps.

Victor’s eyes soften a little imperceptibly, his gaze sweeping over me carefully as though confirming something.

I react in hindsight and speak in a rush.

MC: It’s done. I don’t feel any pain anymore.

Victor’s shoulders seem to slack a bit after hearing my words, and he nods.

Victor: Let’s go, then.

My brimming wonderment parks in my throat, and I tug at his sleeve with some surprise.

MC: Aren’t you gonna ask me anything else?

Victor: I’ve already learned what I wanted to know the most.

Victor: As for the rest, there will be opportunities later.

As soon as the words are out of his mouth, the invisible ripples surface before us once again. Like when we came, the scenes in all directions have begun to blur.

I take Victor’s outstretched hand in mine and close my eyes with my mind at peace.

Within a moment’s work, the originally quiet surrounding suddenly becomes more clamorous, and a slightly cool air brushes past the ears.

I open my eyes and find myself standing on some skywalk somewhere. The tall buildings are faintly visible in the distance in the limpid red twilight.

Not far away, the Twelve main gods are standing scattered in twos and threes, seemingly still immersed in the scene they have just witnessed.

I breathe a small sigh of relief, only to suddenly feel a sharp tightening of the palm holding my wrist.

I look at Victor with some confusion, but see that his brows are tightly furrowed, and a rarely seen grave expression emerges on his face.

My gaze descends unconsciously, falling on my wrist.

The skin that greets my eyes is still smooth, fair and clear, and has not become wrinkled.

MC: !!

A layer of cold sweat violently climbs up my back. How could Anole’s disguise not have been restored?

For an instant, my heart almost stops at half a beat. I turn my head to look at Victor, my voice shivering faintly as I open my mouth.

MC: Didn’t that Eos say he would help us? What should we do now…

In response to my words, a male voice reminiscent of aria rings out from behind me.

Poseidon: Bravo~ I didn’t expect BOSS to prepare such a great show for us.

I turn around and see Poseidon exaggeratedly bowing in Victor’s direction.

His voice draws the attention of the other main gods immersed in their own thoughts, causing them to look toward us, and their eyes land precisely on me without exception.

Their looks of either surprise or hostility turn into a sudden realization almost within a few moments, and they converge on me like wild animals hunting their prey.

Poseidon: Little did we know that underneath the mysterious veil of CORE was actually Nox. Come to think of it, BOSS chasing you out of BS really made us waste a lot of time we could have had with you~

Poseidon saunters over as he speaks, and I can ineffably make out a hint of excitement behind the white mask.

Although not explicitly stated, the meaning beyond Poseidon’s words is to implicate Victor. No matter what, we must not let the operation be exposed at this moment.

With this thought in mind, I open my mouth in feigned calmness.

MC: Whether it’s arranging for me to leave BS temporarily or calling me back, BOSS has his own plans.

MC: As subordinates, we only need to obey. How to play the game of chess is not for you to explain, is it?

Poseidon lets out a delighted laugh.

Poseidon: Indeed, I was overthinking it. I can’t believe I was worried that BOSS  had something else in mind when he expelled Nox before… that’s truly absurd.

Poseidon: Anyway, since Nox is a member of the organization, she must also identify with our pursuit. How about leaving with us now and dedicating yourself and CORE entirely to where you belong, the organization? What do you think about that~

He exaggeratedly raises his arm as if he is singing a hymn. And behind him, a number of figures have gathered at some point.

I even see faint flashes of gray mist and white light in my peripheral vision.

…it’s Evol. These main gods have made no secret of their restraining dread for CORE. Are they trying to use their power to make me allow myself to be captured without putting up a fight?

Victor: It seems that you guys still haven’t learned the lesson.

Victor suddenly speaks in a heavy tone, carrying with it a few hints of intimidation while not revealing his anger.

Victor: Before acting self-righteously, how about contemplating clearly?

Victor: Why did I ask Nox to conceal her identity and arrange for you all to witness the prophecy.

A quietude hangs in the air of the spacious and empty rooftop. It seems that the calls and songs of a few tiny birds can be heard from the distance.

A few moments later, Hades takes the lead to part the crowd and stand out.

Hades: BOSS, you’re going around in a big circle. What exactly do you want to do?

Victor stands in front of me, calmly overlooking the crowd.

Victor: BS has already gone so far down the road of pursuing power that some people forget it’s merely a path to achieve a goal.

Victor: Or is it that as the main gods, all you want is this tawdry thing called “control of the world?”

Some people’s faces become visibly unsightly, but Victor turns a blind eye to them.

Victor: Being led by wrong notions has already caused unnecessary problems for the organization.

Victor: I don’t want to see the power of BS used only to carry out a pointless chase for evolution anymore.

After a brief moment of silence, Poseidon steps forward from the middle of the crowd.

Poseidon: I believe that everyone will remember your words wholeheartedly~ But even for the sake of the brand new future of BS that you spoke of, we still need to have CORE in our hands.

The color of Victor’s eyes seems to be churning, overwhelmed with heavy emotions. Shortly after, a strong hand spins me around and supports my shoulder.

Victor: Indeed so.

Victor: But what if, I don’t need CORE?

The words I hadn’t anticipated at all fall into my ears, and my eyes widen slightly. The next second, the icy muzzle of a gun is pressed against my temple.

Victor wraps his arm around me from behind, firmly imprisoning my body and seemingly cutting off any possibility of my escape.

MC: Victor, you––

My unfinished words are drowned out by the slight exertion of the force of his hand. The skin of my temple is throbbing, and I can almost clearly hear the sound of the trigger being stroked by a finger pad.

Victor never mentioned that there was also this part in the plan.

Numerous cacophonies of obstructions drift from before me. It seems that the gods are agitatedly talking about something, but I have no time to part my attention by listening to their words.

The icy temperature of the muzzle is magnified infinitely through my skin, stirring my shuddering breath bit by bit.

Cold sweat soaks my back, my dampened clothes clinging clammily to my body. I forget to breathe for a moment, opening my mouth in helplessness and fluster.

“BANG.”

A bird suddenly swoops up from a tree, screeching as it flies toward the blood-like setting sun.

•─────⋅◍♡◍⋅─────•

—

❤️ [Calls and Moments]: In Progress...

—

[local-queer-disappointment]

hey does anyone have a cure for Sucks Really Badly At Just About Everything Disease. that would be great thanks

[hoegrove]

Masterpost

HarringroveWeek (June 24th to June 30th)

Fake Dating AU (Day 1)

You are worth the effort (Day 2)

Fuck the rich! (Day 3)

Too gay to drive straight :D (Day 4)

protective bf!Billy (Day 5)

maybe shovel talk? Dustin vs. Billy (Day 6)

Find someone better? (continuation of Day 6) (Day 7)

❤️ 🧡 💛 💚 💙 💜 🖤

[opens-up-4-nobody]

...

[alligaytorswamp]

yall really should request smth from genshin from me..

[mako-neexu]

animus, antrum, unbirth...anima animusphere....armillary sphere...soul, emptiness?soul sphere... earth in the center, without moving but only the heavens and the stars move... hmm... rings aorund the globe... rings...bracelet....

[hwanghyunjinenthusiast]

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