DMG Chapter 10 (Part 3) – End

LONG CHAPTER AHEAD

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“It’s probably time to start getting ready. We said noon, right? It’d be good to leave a little early just in case.”

Dragging his heavy heart behind him, Kang I-won pulled himself out of bed. As he took a step, his foot bumped into something—an extra blanket neatly folded by Heo Do-gyeong.

Everywhere he looked, there were signs of Heo Do-gyeong’s presence. On the coat rack, his perfectly pressed outerwear hung alongside Kang I-won’s. The kitchen now had more cookware and dishes than before. In the bathroom, two toothbrushes sat side by side.

It was hard to pinpoint when all of this had become so familiar. The house was no longer just his; it had become a shared space, and the thought of being alone again felt foreign, almost unimaginable.

With slow, deliberate movements, Kang I-won finished getting ready. When he opened the door, snow was still falling heavily. The ground hadn’t yet been covered, but if the snow continued, it wouldn’t take long for a blanket of white to form.

The snow didn’t just cover the world outside—it seemed to smother the flickers of hope Kang I-won tried to hold onto, weighing down his already heavy mood.

Through the falling snow, Heo Do-gyeong’s car drove smoothly, cutting a path toward their destination: a traditional Korean restaurant near Seoul.

* * *

Kang I-won let the words slip from his mouth, steady but heavy, as if they carried the weight of everything he’d been holding back.

“That’s why.”

His hand tightened around the cool porcelain of the teacup, the faint chill grounding him as he stared into Heo Do-gyeong’s eyes. Those eyes, once filled with quiet amusement and unwavering resolve, now glistened with a mixture of frustration and raw emotion.

“I’m doing this because of you, Do-gyeong.”

The silence between them stretched painfully, a stark contrast to the clatter of dishes and soft murmurs of other diners in the background.

“Because of me?” Heo Do-gyeong’s voice was sharp, disbelief and anger tinging his words. His hands, steady moments before, clenched into fists on the table. “Do you think I’m asking for something impossible? All I’m asking is for you to stay. To stay alive. With me. That’s all.”

“It’s not that simple.”

“Why not? Why can’t it be that simple?” Heo Do-gyeong’s voice cracked, the carefully constructed facade he wore starting to crumble. “I’ve given you everything I can—time, space, patience—but you still… You still won’t let me in, will you?”

Kang I-won looked down at his empty teacup, avoiding the anguish in Heo Do-gyeong’s gaze.

“It’s not about letting you in. It’s about what happens if I keep you here. If I stay, you’ll…”

He trailed off, the words too painful to speak.

“I’ll what?” Heo Do-gyeong pressed, his voice trembling. “Get hurt? Die? Is that what you’re afraid of? Do you think I don’t know what I’m getting myself into? That I’m too weak to stand by you?”

“That’s not it—”

“Then what is it?”

Kang I-won’s breath hitched. He wanted to argue, to push him away, but the emotion radiating from Heo Do-gyeong made it impossible. The faint imprint between them pulsed with raw intensity, flooding him with feelings that weren’t just Heo Do-gyeong’s—they were his own, reflected back at him.

“I can’t let you ruin your life because of me,” Kang I-won said, his voice barely audible. “You deserve better. You deserve someone who can give you everything, not someone who’s barely holding on.”

“And I’m telling you that you’re everything to me.”

The words hung in the air, undeniable and immovable. Kang I-won felt his chest tighten, his resolve wavering as he met Heo Do-gyeong’s gaze.

“I don’t care if you’re broken, if you’re struggling, if you think you’re unworthy. I love you, Kang I-won. I’ve already chosen you, so stop deciding what’s best for me. Stop pushing me away.”

Tears pricked at the corners of Heo Do-gyeong’s eyes, but his voice remained steady, resolute.

“You think you’re protecting me by letting me go, but all you’re doing is breaking us both.”

Kang I-won stared at him, the walls he’d built around himself threatening to crumble under the weight of Heo Do-gyeong’s words.

The snow continued to fall outside, silent witnesses to a battle neither of them wanted to lose.

The crimson glow painted the world in an eerie, suffocating light. It seeped into every corner of the once peaceful landscape, turning the falling snow into blood-stained flakes that spiraled through the air. Kang I-won stared, frozen, as the familiar sight unfolded before him—a harbinger of catastrophe he thought he’d never see again.

“Do-gyeong,” Kang I-won whispered, his voice trembling. His heart thudded painfully in his chest as his hands clenched tightly around the seatbelt strap.

Heo Do-gyeong, still gripping the steering wheel, glanced at him briefly, his knuckles white from the tension. “What is this?” he asked, though his voice lacked its usual calm.

Kang I-won’s mind reeled. This can’t be happening. Not again. Not now.

“It’s a Wave,” he said, his voice hollow, like the words themselves carried the weight of a nightmare.

“A Wave?” Heo Do-gyeong’s brows furrowed as he tried to process Kang I-won’s words. “Here? Now? But the barriers—”

“Have failed,” Kang I-won interrupted, his tone sharp and certain. He turned to face Heo Do-gyeong, his expression grim. “This isn’t a small breach or some isolated incident. It’s the real thing. A full-scale Wave.”

The silence in the car grew heavier as the realization sank in. Outside, the crimson sky seemed to pulse, the air thick with an unnatural energy that made it hard to breathe.

“We have to go back,” Kang I-won said abruptly, his voice steadier now. His instincts as an Esper, though dormant for months, came rushing back. “We need to get to a shelter.”

“What about the Center? What if they need help?” Heo Do-gyeong asked, his jaw tight with concern.

“They’ll handle it,” Kang I-won replied, though even he didn’t believe the words. If the barriers were down, the Espers at the Center would be overwhelmed in minutes. He clenched his fists. “Right now, our priority is survival.”

But as he spoke, the guilt in his chest swelled, threatening to choke him. If I were still strong, I could help. If I hadn’t lost everything, I could protect someone—anyone.

Heo Do-gyeong hesitated, his eyes darting between the road ahead and Kang I-won’s tense profile. “You’re still thinking about protecting others, aren’t you?” he said, his voice softer, almost accusatory.

“Do-gyeong, this isn’t the time,” Kang I-won snapped, his patience fraying.

But Heo Do-gyeong didn’t back down. “It’s always the time for you, isn’t it? Even now, when you’ve barely survived yourself, you still think it’s your job to save the world.”

“Because it is!” Kang I-won shouted, slamming his fist against the dashboard. “If I don’t, then who will?”

For a moment, the only sound was their breathing, heavy with anger and fear, mixed with the growing hum of something ominous approaching in the distance.

Heo Do-gyeong’s gaze softened, though his voice remained firm. “Not this time, I-won. This time, I’m the one protecting you.”

Before Kang I-won could respond, the first tremors rocked the car, and the crimson sky seemed to shatter, unleashing chaos upon the world below.

* * *

The two moved cautiously, every step deliberate, as they navigated the unfamiliar terrain of the crimson-tinted dome. The air felt heavy, suffused with tension and the distant echoes of monstrous growls. Kang I-won stayed a step behind Heo Do-gyeong, who held the monster-slaying gun with a steady grip, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.

The oppressive atmosphere dredged up memories Kang I-won wished he could forget. The moment he lost his younger sibling, the helplessness, the guilt—he could feel it all bubbling back to the surface, threatening to consume him again.

I should’ve let him go.
If he had sent Heo Do-gyeong away earlier, they wouldn’t be in this situation. He wouldn’t have to bear the thought of losing yet another precious person.

But before he could sink further into his spiraling thoughts, Heo Do-gyeong’s sharp voice cut through.

“Stay focused!”

Kang I-won flinched, his heart jolting at the firmness in Heo Do-gyeong’s tone. The grip on his shoulders was grounding, pulling him back to the present.

“Do you remember the safety protocols?” Heo Do-gyeong asked, his voice calm but insistent.

Kang I-won nodded quickly, his mind scrambling to recall the instructions drilled into every Esper during emergency training.

“Stay as quiet as possible. Don’t linger in one place for too long. Keep moving and look for traces left by other Espers. Find a temporary shelter and follow the directions of any active Espers there.”

“Good,” Heo Do-gyeong replied, his hands steady on Kang I-won’s shoulders for a moment longer before releasing him. “Let’s find those traces. We can’t stay exposed out here.”

“What about the Center?” Kang I-won asked, his voice low but tinged with hope.

Heo Do-gyeong shook his head. “It’s too far. At least a 30-minute drive, and that’s assuming the roads are clear. It’s not worth the risk.”

The thought of driving through the monster-infested streets for half an hour was unthinkable. With no other option, they set their sights on finding an Esper-designated temporary shelter. Such shelters were often located in underground parking lots or large buildings marked with Esper signals.

As they pressed on, Heo Do-gyeong reached into his jacket and pulled out a monster-slaying firearm. His movements were smooth, practiced, as if he had handled it a thousand times before. The sight of the weapon surprised Kang I-won—he hadn’t even realized Heo Do-gyeong had it with him.

“I’ll handle that,” Kang I-won said, stepping forward and extending his hand. “Give it to me. I know how to—”

“Absolutely not,” Heo Do-gyeong interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Stay behind me and watch our backs.”

Kang I-won hesitated, his hand falling to his side. Despite his instincts screaming at him to take the lead, he knew he wasn’t in a position to protect anyone, let alone himself.

Without another word, Heo Do-gyeong moved ahead, his posture alert and his gun ready. Kang I-won followed, every step echoing with the weight of his lingering guilt and the looming threat that surrounded them.

* * *

The sky was ominously red, and darkness cloaked the buildings. The shadows cast alongside the structures were darker and denser than usual, evoking an unsettling sense of unease, as though something could leap out at any moment. A dreadful silence blanketed the surroundings, amplifying every footstep against the asphalt into an echoing illusion of noise.

The tense silence was accompanied by an oppressive anxiety. Through the faintly connected imprint, Heo Do-gyeong’s unease constantly seeped into Kang I-won. Frustrated by his inability to alleviate that unease, Kang I-won bit his lip in frustration.

Just as Heo Do-gyeong was about to turn a corner, Kang I-won quickly grabbed his wrist and pulled him back.

“What is—”

“Shh.”

It was obvious: Kang I-won’s ability to detect the presence of monsters far outstripped Heo Do-gyeong’s.

Even though much of his physical prowess had diminished alongside his fading abilities, his sensory perception remained sharp. Detecting the presence of monsters nearby, Kang I-won swiftly guided them into a narrow alleyway between two buildings. A telephone pole at the alley’s entrance served as a makeshift shield, hiding them from view.

Still, fearing they might be spotted, Kang I-won pressed himself tightly against the wall. He felt Heo Do-gyeong fidget slightly in front of him. To stop him from moving, Kang I-won gently leaned his body against Heo Do-gyeong’s and shook his head. Heo Do-gyeong, his face reddening slightly, nodded in understanding. Warm breath brushed against Kang I-won’s cheek.

At that moment, a group of jet-black monsters shuffled and swayed into view from the corner Heo Do-gyeong had been about to turn. Their lumbering, erratic steps carried them closer. The two remained completely still, even refraining from swallowing, fearing the faintest noise might give them away. They waited, holding their breaths, as the monsters passed by.

Even after the group had disappeared from sight, they waited a few more minutes to ensure no stragglers remained. Still pressing his body against Heo Do-gyeong, Kang I-won seemed in no hurry to move. Finally, in a hushed tone, Heo Do-gyeong broke the silence.

“How long are we going to stay like this?”

“Just a bit longer.”

Scanning their surroundings to ensure the coast was clear, Kang I-won eventually emerged from the alley. Heo Do-gyeong followed, his face noticeably flushed. His stride appeared slightly awkward, and Kang I-won instinctively looked down at his legs to check for an injury—only to freeze in shock.

Clearly visible through Heo Do-gyeong’s pants was an unmistakable bulge. Kang I-won was struck speechless.

“What… why… is that…?”

“How should I know? You kept pressing your body against me!”

“What?! When did I—!”

“Just give me a moment to calm down, okay?”

Flustered and unable to hide his embarrassment, Heo Do-gyeong turned his head away. They resumed walking about ten minutes later, with Kang I-won taking the lead this time.

The two continued their search for a temporary shelter while avoiding monsters as much as possible. Neither was familiar with the area, which made the search slower and more challenging. Most parking garages, commonly designated as emergency shelters, were either deserted or already overrun by monsters, forcing them to repeatedly retreat and change course.

Heo Do-gyeong and Kang I-won carefully navigated the partially collapsed remnants of a building, on high alert for signs of a monster attack.

While moving cautiously, they passed a convenience store where shattered glass walls and damaged shelves hinted at earlier chaos. Suddenly, a pitch-black monster, resembling an oversized ant, burst out from the debris.

Kang I-won instinctively dodged while Heo Do-gyeong raised his gun and fired at the creature’s head. It was a weaker monster, as evidenced by the way it shuddered violently and fell. Without hesitation, Kang I-won grabbed a piece of broken glass, wrapping it with his jacket before plunging it into the monster’s head, finishing it off.

Weak monsters like this often traveled in groups. Even with its frailty, they posed a significant threat to someone with limited ammunition and diminished powers like Kang I-won.

“We should move before more of them show up,” Kang I-won said urgently.

“Agreed,” Heo Do-gyeong nodded and began to pick up the pace—when a small, trembling voice called out.

“E-Excuse me!”

They both froze, and after a brief silence, a louder voice followed.

“Wait! Please, wait!”

The sound came from behind a partially open door behind the store’s counters. Slowly, the door creaked open, revealing a high school student in a uniform and glasses. Behind the student, three other students in identical uniforms and a convenience store employee in uniform peeked out nervously.

Their faces were pale, etched with fear from the harrowing situation. The student who had stepped forward hesitated before asking, almost pleadingly, “A-Are you Espers by any chance?”

Kang I-won flinched. Technically, he was still an Esper, but in his current state, he might as well be a regular person. As Kang I-won hesitated, Heo Do-gyeong stepped in and responded firmly, “No, I’m a Guide, and he’s a civilian.”

“Oh…”

The student’s face crumpled in disappointment, mirrored by the others who were hiding behind him. After a moment of hesitation, the student clenched his fists and stammered, “B-But still… could we go with you? It’s scary being alone, and I heard that when you’re trapped in a dome, you shouldn’t stay in one place for too long….”

His eyes darted toward the corpse of the monster lying in the open. He let out a small gasp and shivered. While not particularly grotesque, the sheer presence of the blackened monster’s body was terrifying enough.

Kang I-won glanced between the dead creature and the group. It was obvious the ant-like monster had been drawn by their scent. Had Heo Do-gyeong and Kang I-won not arrived, these civilians would have been its victims.

He knew he couldn’t protect them. Bringing more people would slow them down and increase the risk. But leaving them behind was tantamount to condemning them to death.

Kang I-won looked at Heo Do-gyeong, who frowned but nodded reluctantly. Turning to the group, Kang I-won spoke.

“I can’t promise to protect you. Is that okay?”

“Yes! Yes, it’s fine! We’ll do whatever you say!”

The bespectacled student nodded desperately, and the other three quickly followed suit, shuffling out of the back room. The only one left was the store clerk, who stared at them nervously before stepping back in a panic.

“I’m not going!” he yelled.

“The monsters might come back. We can’t stay here—it’s dangerous,” Kang I-won said, glancing at the dead creature. The clerk followed his gaze, spotting the blackened corpse. His face turned white as he let out an incoherent shriek, trembling uncontrollably. The students gathered nearby watched him with a mixture of irritation and contempt.

“You’re just guessing! I’m not going anywhere!” the clerk screamed. “Just shut the door and get lost!”

“Forget him,” muttered the bespectacled student, glaring at the clerk. “He’s just a coward.”

Had this not been a dome or had Heo Do-gyeong not been by his side, Kang I-won might have insisted on taking the clerk with them. But this was a dome, and above all, he had Heo Do-gyeong to keep safe. He could afford no distractions.

Kang I-won raised a hand, signaling everyone to stop as his sharp senses detected something unusual. The ground beneath them trembled faintly—a subtle vibration that felt unnatural.

“Quiet,” he said firmly, his voice low but commanding. Everyone froze in place, their breaths held as the tension mounted.

Heo Do-gyeong, walking just beside Kang I-won, whispered, “What is it?”

Kang I-won didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he crouched slightly, pressing his palm to the ground to feel the vibrations more clearly. His expression darkened.

“Something’s moving… underground,” he finally said, his voice tight. “It’s big.”

The students exchanged nervous glances, their fear mounting. The bespectacled student clutched at his friend’s arm. “U-Underground? Like… a monster?”

Kang I-won stood upright, his jaw clenched. “Most likely. It’s heading this way.”

Panic rippled through the group, but Heo Do-gyeong quickly took charge. “Stay calm,” he said, his voice steady despite the anxiety he felt bleeding through the faint remains of their imprint. He turned to Kang I-won. “What do we do?”

Kang I-won scanned their surroundings. The narrow alley they were in wasn’t ideal for hiding, and the open street ahead was even worse. If the monster emerged now, they would be sitting ducks.

“We have to move, but carefully,” Kang I-won said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “If it’s underground, it’s tracking vibrations. Keep your steps light. Don’t run.”

The group nodded, their fear palpable as they tried to control their movements. Kang I-won gestured for them to follow as he began to lead them forward, each step measured and deliberate.

Behind him, the bespectacled student whispered, “D-Do you think we can make it to the mart?”

“Not if we panic,” Heo Do-gyeong replied sharply. “So don’t.”

The faint tremors grew stronger as they approached the end of the alley. Kang I-won halted abruptly, motioning for everyone to stop again.

“It’s right beneath us,” he said grimly.

The group’s faces turned pale as the ground beneath them rumbled ominously. A low, guttural growl echoed from the earth, sending chills down their spines.

“What do we do now?” the student asked, his voice trembling.

Kang I-won’s mind raced. There was no time to second-guess. He turned to Heo Do-gyeong. “If it surfaces, aim for the eyes or the joints. It’ll buy us time.”

“And what about them?” Heo Do-gyeong asked, nodding toward the students.

“Run,” Kang I-won said, his voice firm.

“We’ll cover them.”

The ground cracked, a deafening roar splitting the air as a massive claw burst through the surface. The group screamed, their terror peaking as the monster began to emerge.

Kang I-won gritted his teeth, stepping in front of the students. “Go!” he shouted.

“Now!”

Heo Do-gyeong raised his gun, ready to fire, as the massive form of the monster loomed over them.

The sky burned crimson, the ominous hue casting eerie shadows over the city. Kang I-won and Heo Do-gyeong darted through narrow alleys, their breathing labored as they fled from the monstrous one-eyed creature that pursued them. Behind them, the panicked screams of the students they had tried to protect faded into the distance, muffled by the chaos.

The creature’s guttural roars echoed through the labyrinthine streets, its enormous eye glowing with predatory focus. Kang I-won clenched his fists, cursing himself for the situation. They had been so close to reaching safety, but the foolhardy outburst of the convenience store clerk had turned their escape into a nightmare.

“Over here!” Kang I-won hissed, pulling Heo Do-gyeong into a side alley as another massive projectile—a splintered lamp post—crashed where they had just been. Dust and debris filled the air, but there was no time to pause.

“You didn’t have to come back for me!” Kang I-won yelled over his shoulder, his voice strained with equal parts frustration and gratitude.

“I’m not leaving you behind!” Heo Do-gyeong snapped back, his tone unyielding. “Do you think I’m the type to just run off and let you die?”

A roar louder than before reverberated behind them, and the tremors underfoot intensified. Kang I-won cursed under his breath as the alley came to a dead end. They had to find another way before the creature caught up.

“Quick, climb!” Heo Do-gyeong gestured to a crumbling fire escape nearby. Without hesitation, Kang I-won leaped, grabbing the lowest rung and pulling himself up. He reached down to help Heo Do-gyeong, but the man shoved a handgun into his hand instead.

“Take it,” Heo Do-gyeong said firmly. “You might need it more than I do.”

Kang I-won hesitated. He didn’t want to take the weapon—didn’t want to feel the weight of it, the responsibility it implied. But the desperation in Heo Do-gyeong’s eyes left him no room to argue.

“Fine,” he muttered, tucking the gun into his waistband. “Now, come on.”

The two scrambled up the fire escape, their ears tuned to the heavy footsteps of the creature below. As they reached the rooftop, Kang I-won turned back, his sharp eyes scanning the streets for the students they’d left behind. He hoped they’d managed to find cover, but there was no sign of them.

“We can’t stay here,” Heo Do-gyeong said, snapping Kang I-won back to the present. “It’ll spot us.”

“Then let’s move,” Kang I-won replied, his voice resolute.

They crossed the rooftop and climbed down another fire escape, landing on a quieter street. For the moment, it seemed they had shaken the creature off their trail.

But Kang I-won knew better than to let his guard down. The creature wasn’t far—it never was. And the stakes were higher than ever. He glanced at Heo Do-gyeong, who met his gaze with unshakable determination.

They weren’t out of danger yet, but they were alive. And for now, that was enough.

The world around them seemed to slow as the towering creature lunged, its singular crimson eye locked onto Heo Do-gyeong. The ground trembled under its weight, the air charged with impending doom. Kang I-won’s frantic shouts filled the suffocating silence.

“NO!”

His voice cracked with desperation as his outstretched hand clawed through empty air. He stumbled forward, his body screaming in protest from the earlier blow. His legs buckled, but he refused to fall, his gaze locked on Heo Do-gyeong’s calm, resigned figure.

Heo Do-gyeong stood motionless, his expression serene, as if he had accepted this moment long before it arrived. The tension drained from his body, the weight of his defiance replaced by a quiet, bittersweet smile. His lips barely moved, but Kang I-won heard the whispered words as clearly as if they’d been shouted.

“I told you, I love you.”

The words struck Kang I-won like a physical blow, but there was no time to process their meaning. The monstrous figure loomed closer, its grotesque hand raised high, ready to strike. A second stretched into eternity as the horror unfolded before him.

“No, no, no—!”

Kang I-won’s voice broke again, his tears blurring the image of Heo Do-gyeong. His body moved on instinct, ignoring the pain and exhaustion as he forced himself into action. He wouldn’t let it end like this. He couldn’t.

Drawing every ounce of strength he had left, Kang I-won launched himself forward, throwing his body between the charging creature and Heo Do-gyeong. The creature’s massive arm swung down with devastating force just as Kang I-won reached his side.

CRASH!

The impact was deafening. Kang I-won’s world turned white-hot with pain as the blow sent him crashing into Heo Do-gyeong. The two of them tumbled to the ground, dust and debris scattering around them.

“I won’t let you die!” Kang I-won screamed, his voice raw and choked with tears. He gritted his teeth against the unbearable pain radiating from his side, his trembling hand gripping the iron rod he had held onto with such desperation.

The creature roared in rage, its movements disjointed and unsteady as it readied for another attack. Kang I-won knew they had seconds at best.

“Get up!” He barked, grabbing Heo Do-gyeong’s arm and yanking him to his feet. “We’re not done yet!”

But Heo Do-gyeong didn’t budge. His gaze was fixed on Kang I-won, a mix of awe and sorrow written across his face. “You’re hurt—”

“I don’t care!” Kang I-won snarled, his tears streaking through the dirt and blood on his face. “Just run! Please, Do-gyeong, run!”

The creature roared again, its rage unrelenting. Kang I-won shoved Heo Do-gyeong backward, forcing him to stumble away. He turned to face the monster, his battered body trembling but unyielding. If he couldn’t protect the people he loved with strength, he would do it with his life.

As the creature charged once more, Kang I-won gripped the rod tightly and whispered to himself, “If this is the end, I’ll make it count.”

The world erupted in chaos as man and monster collided.

* * *

“I’ll distract it, so you run. Go straight to the mart and get help.”

There was no guarantee that an Esper would be there to help at the mart. What nonsense. Heo Do-gyeong frowned, glancing at Kang I-won, who was running beside him, and immediately spoke up.

“No…!”

But before Heo Do-gyeong could finish, Kang I-won stopped running abruptly, turned around, and charged straight toward the single-eyed monster. To Heo Do-gyeong, it looked like Kang I-won was intent on killing himself.

“Just go!”

He shouted without even glancing back at Heo Do-gyeong. At that, Heo Do-gyeong let out a hollow laugh. How, how could he possibly leave? How could he run away alone, leaving Kang I-won behind?

Heo Do-gyeong’s legs came to a full stop, and he stood still, watching Kang I-won.

Kang I-won, whose abilities had mostly faded, could no longer fight monsters the way he used to. His clumsy and feeble movements were almost laughable.

So, he really plans to die, doesn’t he? He’s always wanted to die, and now he’s going to do it right here in front of me.

Did he think his sacrifice would make me happy to survive?

Heo Do-gyeong found it ridiculous that even while facing such an infuriatingly selfish Esper, he couldn’t give up on him. No matter how much he tried, Kang I-won wouldn’t abandon his desire to die. Sincerity was meaningless, and nothing worked anymore. What more could he possibly do?

The helplessness of it all made his head throb with anger. If he wanted to die so badly, fine—let him die. But Heo Do-gyeong wasn’t going to let him go alone. Who was that supposed to benefit?

A twisted smirk tugged at the corner of Heo Do-gyeong’s mouth. It wasn’t such a bad idea. Whether there was one corpse or two wouldn’t make much of a difference.

Heo Do-gyeong slowly raised his hand, aiming the gun. His target was the monster’s eye.

If, by some miracle, only he died and Kang I-won survived, so be it. At least then, Kang I-won would understand how utterly unbearable Heo Do-gyeong’s emotions had been. And, in those final moments, Kang I-won would think of nothing but Heo Do-gyeong. The idea of Kang I-won, so utterly focused on him, made Heo Do-gyeong quietly laugh, even in the middle of this grim situation.

It was absurd to laugh now, but he couldn’t help it.

To Heo Do-gyeong, his mother had always been an enigma. Even as an adult, he couldn’t understand her extreme choice. He had always thought he would never understand her, no matter how long he lived.

But now, he thought he might finally understand.

But at this very moment, Heo Do-gyeong finally understood his mother’s choice. He let out a bitter laugh that he couldn’t suppress and muttered to himself,

“I guess I really am my mother’s child.”

Without hesitation, Heo Do-gyeong’s finger pulled the trigger. The familiar recoil echoed as the bullet shot forward, seamlessly reaching its target. The bullet pierced the monster’s eye, and at the same moment, Kang I-won turned his trembling head to look back.

“Why… why didn’t you run?”

At last, Kang I-won saw him. His face twisted with grief, tears streaming down, looking so pitiful yet so precious.

Seeing Kang I-won look at him that way, Heo Do-gyeong realized something—he meant more to Kang I-won than he had ever thought.

This realization brought a crooked smile to his face. This wasn’t the time to be smiling, not when death was imminent. Yet he couldn’t help himself.

The monster’s fiery red eye locked onto Heo Do-gyeong, seething with rage. But even as he stared into that enraged gaze, Heo Do-gyeong felt strangely calm. With so little time left, he couldn’t be bothered to worry about the monster. His eyes remained fixed on Kang I-won, who was slumped on the ground.

What should I say for the last time? Heo Do-gyeong wondered. Had he ever said those words before? No, he hadn’t. Why hadn’t he?

Smiling, Heo Do-gyeong finally spoke the words he had never managed to say before.

“I love you.”

His heart felt lighter as the words came out. He released his grip on the gun, letting it fall to the ground. Staring at the monster barreling toward him, Heo Do-gyeong closed his eyes, bracing for the inevitable pain.

But no matter how long he waited, the pain never came.

Slowly opening his eyes, Heo Do-gyeong saw the monster before him, frozen in mid-swing, its massive form encased in an eerie, icy stillness.

* * *

The moment Heo Do-gyeong closed his eyes, the last remnants of Kang I-won’s abilities completely vanished. At the same time, Kang I-won felt the severance of the imprint connecting him to Heo Do-gyeong.

A searing pain tore through his chest, accompanied by a suffocating wave of devastating loss. Kang I-won clutched at his chest, struggling to breathe.

His trembling gaze fixated on Heo Do-gyeong, who remained still, resigned to his fate.

If he couldn’t stop the monster, the weight of an even greater loss would surely crush him. His mind filled with one thought—he had to stop the monster charging toward Heo Do-gyeong. The place where his Esper core had once resided, in the right side of his chest, began to throb intensely, as though something trapped within was pounding to break free.

Each pounding sensation felt like it rattled his entire body, leaving him dizzy and nauseous. Something deep inside him churned violently, as if waiting for this precise moment to erupt.

With a surge of explosive energy, it finally broke free.

An icy sensation, sharp and biting, coursed through his veins, spreading throughout his entire body.

Then, the monster swung its massive arm toward Heo Do-gyeong. Kang Iwon’s eyes widened in panic. At that exact moment, an overwhelming force surged from within him, releasing in a burst of primal instinct.

His vision blurred and flickered, his mind turning white-hot.

“…Cough.”

Kang I-won came to with a small cough. The first thing he felt was the biting cold. Next was the trembling of his frozen hands. Finally, he lifted his head to look at where Heo Do-gyeong had been.

What he saw was the monster frozen mid-swing, encased entirely in ice. Kang I-won’s eyes widened further, his breath hitching as he took in the scene.

Lowering his gaze, he stared at his trembling hands. Frost clung to his skin, spreading across his fingertips and knuckles.

He looked from his hands to the frozen monster and back again, his breathing quickening as realization dawned. But his focus quickly shifted.

Heo Do-gyeong was hidden behind the frozen mass of the monster.

Forcing himself to move, Kang I-won stumbled toward him, every step a jolt of agony. But he pushed through the pain, urgency driving him forward.

Nothing mattered more than confirming Heo Do-gyeong’s safety.

By the time Kang I-won reached the frozen monster, he spotted Heo Do-gyeong standing unharmed, completely intact. Relief washed over him like a tidal wave, and his legs, weak from exhaustion, carried him forward in staggering steps until he reached Heo Do-gyeong and pulled him into a tight embrace.

His hands, gripping the back of Heo Do-gyeong’s coat, trembled uncontrollably.

But it wasn’t just his hands—his entire body quaked with residual fear and adrenaline. Even after confirming Heo Do-gyeong was safe, the trembling didn’t stop.

He thought he had lost him. He thought, once again, he had failed to protect someone.

But this time, too, he had succeeded. This time, he had protected him.

Kang I-won’s voice, choked and raw, emerged in a near whisper.

“Don’t ever do that again….”

Seeing Kang I-won clinging to him and shaking as if his soul were on the verge of collapse, Heo Do-gyeong’s mind raced. And then, a realization struck—a way to keep Kang I-won by his side.

It was so simple and straightforward. Why hadn’t he thought of it sooner?

A small smile formed on Heo Do-gyeong’s lips as he replied.

“No.”

“What?”

Startled, Kang I-won lifted his head to look at Heo Do-gyeong, their eyes meeting. Heo Do-gyeong’s smile widened. Then, with a calm and almost eerie demeanor, he uttered words that didn’t match his cheerful expression.

“If you die, I’ll die with you.”

“…What?”

“I’ll make sure you’re not lonely on the way. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?”

Even though the imprint between them was broken, Kang I-won could sense the sincerity in Heo Do-gyeong’s voice. The absurdity of his words made Kang I-won’s temper flare, momentarily numbing him to his physical pain as he yelled in anger.

“Do you even hear yourself right now?! How is that something you can just say?!”

But Heo Do-gyeong simply laughed, as if he couldn’t be happier.

Unlike Heo Do-gyeong, Kang I-won’s face twisted with frustration and despair as he muttered, his voice faltering.

“Why? Why would you do that for me? Who am I… to you? Why… why would you go that far?”

“What do you mean, ‘who’?” Heo Do-gyeong said, his smile softening slightly.

“You’re my Esper.”

He reached out, his hand gently wrapping around Kang I-won’s frost-covered, trembling fingers. Heo Do-gyeong brought those cold hands to his lips and kissed them lightly, the gesture tender yet resolute.

“Now, you can protect me too, can’t you?”

The words hung in the air, their weight undeniable. Kang I-won let out a strained laugh, hollow and disbelieving, as if all the air had left his chest.

The icy sensation coursing through Kang I-won’s veins still lingered vividly. The frost covering his cold hands was undeniable proof of his newfound power.

Yes, just as Heo Do-gyeong had said, now he could protect.

Kang I-won raised his free hand and rubbed at his eyes.

Now, dying recklessly was no longer an option. The addition of Heo Do-gyeong’s life tied to his own made even Kang I-won’s once light, unburdened existence feel unbearably heavy.

How could he possibly throw away his life now, knowing there was someone like this clinging so fiercely to it?

As for Heo Do-gyeong—persistent, stubborn, and relentless—he had never once given up. Despite being pushed away, rejected, and told to surrender, he held his ground. His tenacity had worn Kang I-won down entirely.

Fine, you win. Let’s do it your way. Kang I-won chuckled softly, resting his forehead on Heo Do-gyeong’s shoulder.

What a stubborn man—always doing as he pleased, pushing ahead with what he wanted without regard for anyone else.

He pushed away every attempt to drive him off, refused to heed any words of rejection, and insisted on holding on no matter what. His persistence was infuriating, to the point where Kang I-won felt utterly exhausted.

And yet, he couldn’t hate him. How could he? This man was his Guide.

For the first time, Kang I-won acknowledged the feelings he had long ignored, the desires he had pretended didn’t exist.

Yes, he liked Heo Do-gyeong. And deep down, he wanted Heo Do-gyeong to be his Guide. No matter how much he denied it, no matter how many times he pushed him away, that had been his true desire all along.

At last, Kang I-won voiced the sentiment he had buried for so long, the truth he had stubbornly avoided.

“Yeah, you’re my Guide. My damn Guide.”

The words were so sweet they felt like biting into a chocolate bar. A small, satisfied smile naturally crept onto Kang I-won’s face.

“Took you long enough to admit it.”

With an equally pleased expression, Heo Do-gyeong pulled Kang I-won into a tight embrace. Still, his tone turned playful as he responded with mock indignation.

“But isn’t the real ‘damn one’ you, Kang I-won? Calling me a damn Guide—who’s the real ‘damn’ one here, you damn Esper?”

At Heo Do-gyeong’s playful jab, Kang I-won shook with laughter.

Though a part of him still harbored the lingering desire to die, at least in this moment, Kang I-won pushed thoughts of his sister and mother to the back of his mind.

For now, he focused entirely on Heo Do-gyeong.

And so, Kang I-won resolved to live a little longer—by the side of his Guide.