"Ash-ya." The stranger winked with a gaze that somehow softened.

"I'll pass out in a moment."

The man gradually smiled at him.

"Please catch me when I fall, okay? " Cale pleaded, making the man's smile even wider. The red-haired man then watched as the other man also opened his arms. Facing Cale, with Ashborn's shadowed face.

"I'll catch you, Cale."

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Sorry for disappearing for so long for this fic! Is there even still anyone waiting? lol *feelguilty

I hope thic chapter can heal the longing :"
Thank you so much, guys~!

Don't forget to FOLLOW, VOTE, and COMMENT~

[Sung Jinwoo's POV]

The dungeon was strangely devoid of monsters. Instead, it looked like an uninhabited and long-abandoned temple. His eyes stared at the door for a moment, before dropping to his feet. Gravity worked strangely here, as the door faced horizontally upwards, but as he entered, Jinwoo was able to stand up.

Hmm... the strangeness of the Dungeon was always beyond reason and logic.

The man then walked slowly, surveying the shrine room with a nostalgic gaze. It was as if he already knew this place and the symbols stamped all over the walls and ceiling.

The further he walked, the more the sound of his feet echoed.

Why weren't there any monsters? Even though Jinwoo had come this far, it should have sent a signal to the monsters of this Dungeon that a guest was coming.

"Or has it actually been cleared?" Jinwoo talked to himself, thinking out loud. To his surprise, the Shadow Monarch's power buzzed in agreement.

So, this dungeon had been cleared.

There only remained the figure of the lover who had not yet been released.

The man then stopped at a wide, majestic door. Infusing mana into his arms, Jinwoo pushed the heavy door open. His eyes widened at the sight behind the white marble door.

Darkness greeted him, then something began to glow near his feet. His eyes saw that it was a flower, shimmering and silver in color. Then other flowers began to glow. Followed by the walls and ceiling that showed the view outside.

There was even water flowing around the flower bed, Jinwoo could feel that the water flowed in the form of a symbol though he didn't care much about that tidbit.

As far as the eye could see, there were only shimmering silver flowers. He had never seen such a flower on earth. His eyes scanned around the room, blinking at the oddities he found. Like the scene on the wall that showed the sparkling stars and the beautiful moonlight shining on something, despite the fact they were in the middle of a deep ocean.

But, as usual, Jinwoo shrugged off his silly thoughts because he was in a Dungeon, which was not connected to the earth.

Now what had caught Jinwoo's attention was in the center of the room.

He walked down the path in the center of the room that led to the top of the temple. It was magnificently built, very remarkable. With a pool of water in the center that reflected the starry sky, as well as silver flowers decorating the sides, it made for a stunning sight.

(Sc : Pinterest)

It was probably the first time Jinwoo had seen a dungeon that was beautiful and not ruined by the sight of various monsters.

His eyes were hypnotized as he gazed up at the starry sky, a fleeting memory reminding him of Ashborn's royal night, when the Shadow Monarch was The King of a Star Kingdom called Velaris.

Then, Jinwoo's eyes caught sight of a vertical object standing in the middle of a pool of water. Not far from him, so, Jinwo squinted his eyes to see more clearly, before widening in realization.

That there was someone there.

However, what made his heart beat faster were the long red strands of hair flying in the wind.

Under the sparkling night sky, the figure was very beautiful. The light made the visuals look even more mystical and ethereal. The Sung family's eldest son stared intently, gazing at the details of his sculpted face, his thick eyelashes were brushing his smooth and mesmerizing cheeks.

It completely captivated his heart and soul.

It was as if Jinwoo was confronted with the presence of a divine being.

"Altalune." My Moon.

Cale Henituse.

Sung Jinwoo is facing Ashborn's lover.

The Absolute One's Last Fragment.

However, the sight of the chains around his body spoiled the beauty. Jinwoo realized that, behind that calm sleeping face, there must be a great deal of pain being harbored.

The Black Heart's mana buzzed and roared with sadness and longing. Asking Jinwoo to move closer in order to release the chained figure as soon as possible.

Gray eyes glowed with purple light as they gazed at the chain that had entered the body of the other red-haired man. Pondering how he could remove the chains without hurting Cale.

The power imparted the knowledge that he could free Cale easily, all it took was a short distance and Jinwoo's physical touch on the chains. It worked the same way as it had in front of the Dungeon door earlier.

So, his hand reached out, touching one of the chains under Cale's feet. Reddish-black tendrils materialized slowly, eating away at the chain with a soft hiss.

Jinwoo watched with an intent focused gaze.

And as the chain was destroyed, Cale remained in position, defying gravity. The tall black-haired man then watched as Black Heart's mana tendrils formed a hand and moved towards Cale. Trying to touch the other man's cheek.

Jinwoo's heart was suddenly full with a multitude of 'Ashborn's feelings. It was overwhelming for the Korean-born man.

He was witnessing a meeting between two lovers who had been separated for a long time.

It was intimate.

But at the same time heartbreaking.

That 'Ashborn', is now intangible. Only the Fragment that contains his power and memory remains in the Black Heart that Jinwoo now carries.

The jolt of Cale's body broke Jinwoo from his daze. The gray-eyed man watched as the eyelids fluttered for a moment before beginning to open slowly. Revealing a pair of reddish-brown eyes with a jewel-like sparkle.

Those inhumanly beautiful eyes looked at the surrounding scenery. Gazing at one part of the room after another, the gaze shifted to the black tendrils in front of him. His face was calm, seemingly communing with the darkness before displaying a small but gentle smile.

As if it was calming the 'Ashborn' Fragment.

The tendrils then disappeared slowly, going back inside Jinwoo. Making the red-haired man's gaze turn to him. Jinwoo unconsciously stood straighter, improving his posture.

"Ash-ya," called the mystic figure, a masculine voice filled with soft calmness. Although it sounded like a foreign language, the other man could understand. It made Jinwoo unconsciously smile at Cale.

"I'll pass out in a moment." A chuckle sounded, Jinwoo watched, enraptured, as a smile curved his beautiful eyes.

My God, what a beautiful figure Sung Jinwoo was looking at.

Cale Henituse then opened his pale arms trembling.

"Please catch me when I fall, okay?"

Jinwoo found himself smiling back again involuntarily and nodded. He then took off the black coat he was wearing, leaving behind a white shirt. Jinwoo looked back at the other man, before opening his arms in welcome.

"I'll catch you, Cale." His reddish-brown eyes widened before nodding and the lids began to fall shut.

The gravity-defying force on his body disappeared, slowly dropping him to Jinwoo who was ready to welcome it.

Slowly and solemnly, the invisible force made sure the red-haired man was safely in his arms.

Grey eyes gazed longingly at the important human in his arms with a smile. His mana buzzed longingly as it traced every inch of Cale's sleeping face and expression.

Unconsciously, the man then brought his lips close to Cale's forehead and kissed him lightly. Gently inhaling the scent of nature emanating from the red-haired man.

"Welcome back, Cale," Jinwoo whispered softly.

"Sorry for picking you up so late."

Both 'Ashborn's' voice and soul resonated as he said that. It made Cale smile in his sleep, moving involuntarily to lean more comfortably on Jinwoo's shoulder.

As if to say 'it's okay'.

Making sure Cale was better positioned in his arms, using mana, he moved the coat to envelop the red-haired man. Once snug, the taller man then turned his body to leave.

His eyes gazed for a moment at the magnificent temple. Staring at the white marble, flower carvings, intricate symbols, flowing water, and the vast silver flower bed that surrounded it.

Then he gazed at the view of the galaxy outside the temple and the mesmerizing moonlight.

This temple was built in the Name of Love.

Jinwoo could feel love as far as his eyes could see and with every step he took.

Ashborn's love was so strong and enduring. So they built such a beautiful shrine in memory of their beloved.

A gentle smile was etched on Jinwoo's handsome face.

His eyes looked back at Cale who had fallen asleep in his arms.

"A much-loved figure indeed."

The man then took a step away. As the redhead left, the wind picked up, sending thousands of silver petals toward Jinwoo.

Faintly the man with wavy black hair could hear the sound of voices.

That Cale's departure would be awaited.

To return to his place.

And as he exited the Dungeon, to Jinwoo's surprise, the front door did not shatter, it just slammed shut again. Leaving a white key in front of him that disappeared back into his Black Heart.

That meant he could visit this Dungeon again. Jinwoo promised that he would visit it again, with Cale of course.

Kaisel, who had been waiting outside sent a curious glance into the mind of the new figure in Jinwoo's arms. It made the shadow army lord grin a little.

"Shhh, he's asleep, Kaisel." The Wyvern nodded, taking a position for Jinwoo to climb into.

Leaping onto the shadowy wyvern, Jinwoo slowly sat up and repositioned Cale to sleep more comfortably.

"Depart, Kaisel. We're returning home." Spreading its wings, the shadow Wyvern then took flight.

Leaving the Dungeon along with the sounds and scents of nature that accompany Cale Henituse's departure with prayers and hopes.

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[Cale Henituse's POV]
[In The Darkness]

In the darkness, the figure bound in chains will watch the Record replay the various memories he has experienced.

Both as Kim Rok Soo.

Or as Cale Henituse.

Every second to second, he would see glimpses of his life as Kim Rok Soo. His childhood, when he grew up, when he worked, when the world was attacked by various monsters, when he met Lee Soo Hyuk, then Choi Jung Soo, when they became partners, faced the world together, promised to build a garden together, before they died, leaving Kim Rok Soo alone.

Then it changed to when he woke up as Cale Henituse, meeting a terrifying father-son duo, a cat beastman duo, the protagonist Choi Han, a little sky-eyed dragon, a red-haired mage, a wolf tribe teenager, a golden dragon over 1000 years old and all.

There were too many memories in the flashes of his life.

As if to keep him sane, the Record did not stop replaying all his memories.

Later, when the war with White Star as well as Sealed God ended, the Roan Kingdom took three years to recover.

There was a lot to do. For example, the most important thing was to ensure that Alberu did not nominate Cale as Prime Minister.

The thing that made Cale hide in Super Rock Villa for almost a week, earning Cale a lot of scolding and laughter.

The end of the year of recovery ended with Alberu being made King.

The event was grand and magnificent. The sky was clear and blue as far as the eye could see. It was as if the world was witnessing the birth of a chosen king.

And the crown was put on by Cale Henituse himself. A smile was etched on his face as he remembered that. Alberu had not stopped smiling throughout the whole event, making Cale's mind uneasy from the start.

And it turned out to be true, the Crown Prince made him put the luxurious crown on his head.

It was awkward, but Cale finally gave in and nodded. Making Raon babble excitedly on his right side, while Choi Han on his left side who was holding cats On and Hong, smiled gently.

Witnessed by thousands of eyes, he connected them.

Cale still remembered that when the crown was put in place, there was a golden sparkle coming out of it. It revealed to the Roan citizens that the original blessing of the Sun God was given as a gift at the coronation of Alberu Crossman as King of Roan.

His heart swelled with longing as he recalled that moment.

Not stopping there, the year of peace that Cale longed for was also played by the Record.

Slowly but surely, they built a garden in the Forest of Darkness. The beginning was small and simple, but thanks to the magic power of the Dragons, it became vast and great. Cale incredulously said that they might need to build a monitoring post, because of the size of his garden.

It brought a rare smile to Alberu's face upon hearing the news that Cale became a farmer and sold his crops.

Hero to Farmer.

Cale didn't argue with that.

He is very happy living that life, you see.

His dreams are coming true.

He could even sit in his rocking chair, watching with a calm gaze at the garden, tea cup in hand. There was a blanket on his lap, with the wind blowing softly through the Forest.

Eyes closed, enjoying the laughter of the children. Both Raon, On, Hong, and the children of the Wolf and Tiger tribes, supervised by Mary, Jack and Lock. There was also the sound of training led by Choi Han as well as Hannah, their cries of encouragement and the sound of iron between sword to sword ringing throughout.

From inside the villa, he could imagine the Golden Dragon Eruhaben teaching the mages in his lab about magic. Perhaps Rosalyn was also watching through the communication orb.

It was peaceful, so it would always be able to lull Cale to sleep.

*******

Then, the news that there was a new continent spread.

Cale, who was eating Beacrox's cooking was interrupted by Alberu's call. So with a heavy heart, the red-haired man went to the palace. Of course, accompanied by Raon and Choi Han.

Meanwhile, On and Hong were in their training with the Molan family.

Cale still remembered clearly how the King of Roan's expression was when he showed him the invitation from the other side of the continent.

He also remembered that the invitation contained a map, showing the way to the continent.

And he remembered how Alberu's concerned expression looked to him, as if he wanted Cale's opinion as well on this news.

Which ended with the decision to send Cale on an expedition to this continent as a representative of the Roan Empire.

The urge to cuss was high, but the pile of documents around Alberu made Cale smile flatly.

Obediently, Cale prepared himself to leave. Many people asked to come, so he chose only a few. If the expedition was safe and they could return, Cale promised to take everyone on a vacation to this new continent.

In Raon's enthusiastic exclamations, On and Hong's cries and Choi Han's sparkling gaze, Cale watched as the memories turned into a ship sailing across the vast ocean towards the invitation location.

Memories fade like paint in water and then appear like a painted canvas in memory.

The Velaris Kingdom was the ruling kingdom on the Artlic Continent. The continent is far in the remote North and is said to be filled with ice. It was so called because the night view was filled with thousands of stars.

With the water as a reflection, and then the icebergs flanking the entrance, it created an extremely beautiful visual.

(Sc : Pinterest)

It took the breath away from all the occupants of the Roan Kingdom ship as they witnessed the splendor of the natural sky as the ship entered the waters.

Cale then lovingly reminisced on the memories that showed the silhouette of a person standing at the end of the dock, with the backdrop of a majestically built fortress.

That person was a white-haired man. Standing out from the crowd in his royal attire with an intricately carved white mantle around his shoulders. As the ship approached, Cale could see a pair of silver-glowing gray orbs gazing at him.

Longingly, Cale recalled the memory of himself standing still as the stranger's hand extended towards him.

A smile was gradually etched beautifully on the handsome aristocratically chiseled face.

As Cale landed in front of what he guessed to be the King of this land of stars, the hand then moved towards where his heart was and he bowed gracefully in front of Cale.

"Greetings to the envoy from the Foreign Lands." The face then lifted up and looked at Cale, still with his handsome smile.

"Introductions, my name is Ashborn olíe Velaris." His voice was heavy but had a tone of wisdom and maturity.

"King of the Kingdom of Velaris, Leader of the Artlic Continent." Hands moved outstretched in front of Cale. The head tilted slightly with a friendly smile. His eyes however, twinkled humorously with his chest puffed out proudly.

"Welcome to my Star Kingdom, Cale Henituse."

*******

The Record then brings up various memories of the 3 months he spent in the Velaris Kingdom.

New land.

New culture.

New tourist attractions.

New food and drink.

It seemed like there was no day without Cale being dragged along by the children and Choi Han to explore the Star Kingdom.

Although he always complained, Cale found himself not objecting to exploring. The city of the Kingdom itself was very eye-catching and at night it was filled with stars, while during the day it shone under the sunlight.

The capital of the Velaris Kingdom, Sirius, had a beautiful Renaissance styled architecture with wide and spacious streets. It was surrounded by hundreds of magnificent temples adorned with Silver Pelia flowers and flowing fountains. It made Cale feel as if he was in a fairy tale.

(Silver Pelia Flower Ilustration | Sc : Pinterest)

"You look good in that outfit." It was the first thing Ashborn said when he met Cale on the crowded street.

Not taking his eyes off the children and Choi Han, he watched as Cale in memories only gave King Velaris a skeptical look. Making the taller man chuckle.

Instantly dispelling the king's regal and wise image.

The clothing of the Velaris Kingdom is very simple. Plain white with gold trim in the hair. It reminded Cale of the clothing of the angels in the illustrated books while in Kim Rok Soo's world.

"Well, Raon forced me to wear it." The king just chuckled and nodded. Not objecting to Cale's indifferent reply.

Cale was currently wearing the typical clothing of the Velaris Kingdom. A thigh-length white shirt, oversized white cotton pants, and a gold ornate cloth that ran from his left shoulder to his right waist. On his head, there was a gold flower circlet.

The King of Velaris found the young man from Roan very appealing, not only to his eyes, due to his beautiful appearance.

"How has it been so far? Isn't my Kingdom very beautiful?" Cale in Records memory raised one eyebrow before snorting and nodding.

"It's so beautiful. It's like stepping into a fairy tale." Cale's praise was sincere, which only received a silent response from Ashborn. Surprised that there was no reply, Cale turned his head and saw that the King's face was very red now.

Huh? Why is his face even red?

"Are you alright, Your Majesty? Your face looks flushed-"

"Call me Ashborn." Cut off the King suddenly, making Cale blink his eyes.

"Pardon?" The white-haired man approached with silver-flecked gray eyes twinkling expectantly.

"Just call me Ashborn." A brief silence passed, Cale then smiled casually and nodded.

"Alright, Ashborn. Call me Cale then."

The man's smile was very wide now. It was as if Cale's simple permission was a gift to him. It was strange, but the redhead decided to ignore it. It was not good to disturb someone's fun.

Although there was no denying that it made Cale smile too.

*******

It's hard to say goodbye.

5 long months made Cale have to answer the call of his home as Alberu has called him back.

"Are you going home tomorrow?" Ashborn looked reluctant when receiving the news. Cale nodded, sitting on the balcony window as he observed the scene of the children playing with the King's sister, Princess Cassiopeia, and the King's mother, Lady Narcissia, having tea in the royal courtyard with Choi Han watching not far from them.

"Will you come back here, Cale?" Looking at the other man, Cale somehow felt his heart skip a beat when he saw the King's expression.

Even though he was still here, there was already a longing look in those silver-flecked gray eyes.

Cale nodded with a small smile, calming Ashborn.

"I have to go back, you know." Blinking in confusion, Ashborn straightened his posture.

"I promised a vacation to the other children back home when I returned." The king gaped unethically.

"There are more kids?! Not just Raon, On, and Hong?!" Chuckling at the man's shocked reply, Cale nodded.

"There are children from the Wolf tribe. Then the Tiger tribe. The Whale tribe, too. Some from Tonka's upbringing, Bud, even Miss Lina. Then there are my younger siblings, Basen and Lily, Mother and Father. Ah, maybe my Hyungnim would like to visit too?" At the mention of all, Ashborn gaped in shock. It was unimaginable that the relations Cale had in his homeland were on such a large scale.

The rumors about the Guardian of Creatures was true.

That Cale sheltered all the children who lost their homes during the war. He didn't even mind spending his money.

Ashborn's eyes softened as he looked at the man with long red hair.

In front of him, there was a kind human soul that he believed, must have been deeply loved by his family on the continent.

"Then bring them here, Cale." The king smiled while supporting his chin with his hands on the table.

"The rooms in North Mansion miss their guests." Cale nodded lightly.

"No charge? Free?" Laughing out loud, Ashborn nodded cheerfully.

"No need for payment." Laughter became a sweet smile with eyes sparkling in adoration.

"I only need your presence, Cale."

*******

Memories with Ashborn are capable of bringing tears to his eyes as he watches what Record stored.

The figure of King Velaris became the first person who was able to make Cale Henituse's heart beat with a strange feeling.

What most people would call love.

They joined their lips under the moonlight, and thousands of stars, on the balcony of his castle.

Cale was still remembering the moment Ashborn's arms embraced him, clad in the pure white and ornate robes of a King, holding him as if Cale was a precious thing.

Cale remembered the large, warm hand that caressed his cheek.

The gentle, adoring gaze given to him.

He also remembers the honey-coated smile that conveyed sweet compliments to him.

And he remembers the warm laughter sounding whenever Cale did something strange.

Ashborn olíe Velaris is officially the lover of the former Hero of the Roan Kingdom.

And Cale Henituse was also officially the lover of a King from a foreign continent.

Their relationship unites the two Continents with a strong bond.

Like two hands that cannot be separated beneath that starry sky.

*******

Record can sometimes be cruel.

Torturing Cale in the dark with moments he can't feel or reach.

Cale watched longingly as the beautiful memories played out.

Both with his family.

Or even with Ashborn.

The visuals seem so real, well-captured, and have a sense of buzz that torments Cale even more.

He's just asking for a peaceful slacker life.

What was his sin that he was locked up in this darkness?

What was his fault that these chains entered his veins by force, and took him away from his home?

What is his fault?

Why must it be him?

Why does it have to be Kim Rok Soo?

Why Cale Henituse?

Why must he bear this?

In the darkness, he cried for the first time.

Questioning the injustice hhe was experiencing.

However, only silence answered him.

And the Record that doesn't stop playing those memories.

*******

Memories arrive at very bitter times.

The ending of Cale Henituse's brief happiness.

The war was back on.

After 2 years he knew the Kingdom of Velaris.

The enemy is unknown, but it is stronger than White Star and Sealed God.

Ashborn believed that the enemy was a vile figure from the fables of his continent. The king also displayed his story on a carved wall in the royal garden.

That the beginning of the Velaris Kingdom was due to The Absolute One, who led the world with his powers of Darkness and Light.

Cale remembered, at that moment, he could only stare for a long time at the illustration of The Absolute One. Feeling a strange inner bond with that majestic name.

If his reverie had not been interrupted by Ashborn, perhaps Cale would have continued to think about that strange feeling.

Inevitably, war broke out. Even with the help of the Roan Kingdom, Paerun, Endeable, and the rest of the Continent, as well as the various tribes, it was never enough to defeat the enemy.

It was frightening, that Cale could not predict the enemy's motivation.

That he knew nothing about this enemy.

And the war came to a head when the chains began to catch up with him.

Taking Cale away from Ashborn.

Taking Cale away from Raon, On and Hong.

Away from Choi Han.

Away from the Henituse Family and the Molan father-son duo.

Away from Rosalyn and Lock the Wolf and tiger tribes.

Away from Eruhaben and the Dragon Relatives.

Away from Alberu and the other Dark Elves.

Away from his family on his continent.

"CALE!" staring wide-eyed at Ashborn, Cale in the memory could only give a trembling, calm smile. Hoping to at least calm down the King who was now badly injured by the stabs of various swords.

"See you again, Ash-ya."

And so it ended with Cale being in this darkness, with the Record continuing to burn to maintain his sanity.

Part of him considered this a peaceful rest. In the warm darkness, alone, together with the spectacle of memories.

Another part considered this darkness to be torture. That he was alone here, with only the memories that tormented him with longing for times now lost to him.

Cale wanted to go home.

Save him.

Don't leave him in this darkness alone.

... please?

*******

It may have only been a glimpse, but he could feel the darkness moving. Cale's tired eyes widened lightly, realizing that he was currently being transported somewhere.

There was a familiar hum of power.

Cale's mind could feel it.

That Ashborn was with him.

Faintly, he could feel that the other man was whispering to him, that everything would be fine and Cale would be rescued as soon as possible.

Although his voice had changed, but his softness still belonged to Ashborn, his lover.

Making Cale unconsciously smile and nod.

He would try to hold on a little longer, in this resting place Ashborn had prepared for him.

*******

He was in a place filled with love.

Cale Henituse could feel it.

That he was secretly transported somewhere by Ashborn.

He wanted to ask, but darkness and chains still bound him, making Cale remain silent and voiceless.

Then he felt a loving buzz from the others. Trying to calm his anxiety, that everything will come at the right time.

Cale nodded again. Will wait until the day Ashborn can release him.

*******

Once again, Ashborn disappeared for a long time.

Cale was back under the torment of the ever-active Record.

In this strangely warm darkness, Cale could only stay silent, growing used to the silence that was killing him slowly inside.

However, there was still a small hope burning brightly that Ashborn would return.

And Cale was sure that his lover would never abandon him so long as hope remained, and their hope for each other was eternal.

*******

[Present]

The familiar presence jolted Cale from his semi-sleep.

There was the sound of a door opening, and the front barrier was disabled by the familiar darkness.

Ashborn?

Cale's eyes narrowed. The presence was small, almost like a Fragment, but it still reeked of Ashborn.

So, he waited patiently as the strange figure entered the territory Ashborn had built for him.

Footsteps entered the temple.

He felt the figure stepping closer, making the fragrance of Silver Pelia's flowers suddenly thicken. Unconsciously bringing a small smile to Cale's heart. The temple Ashborn built must be very beautiful.

He couldn't wait to see it.

Then, that strange presence arrived in front of him.

It stood for a long time there, then the same familiar darkness crept over the chains that locked his body. Cale could feel the chains slowly disappearing with the release he had long dreamed of.

The release that signaled his freedom.

Trying to calm down and prepare himself, Cale did not open his eyes. Realizing that he had neither the preparation nor the energy to face the real world now. After so long in the darkness.

Then, that darkness touched his cheek.

Ashborn.

His lover was touching his cheek right now. His familiar presence made Cale hold back a tremulous smile.

Unable to stand it anymore, Cale slowly opened his eyes. Watching in silence as his sense of sight caught a bright white light.

Adjusting quickly, Silver Pelia's flower bed was the first thing he saw. The white marble of the temple, the familiar architecture as well as the sound of running water. His gaze moved to the galaxy view and the moonlight that washed over his body.

Then, he stared at the dark tendrils that took the shape of a hand in front of him. Staring at it, Cale realized that what was in front of him was the remaining fragment of Ashborn.

He could feel that man in the power of the darkness that was filled with various feelings.

There was a strong longing there.

And the familiar hum of love and adoration.

Faintly, someone's voice reached his soul.

"I am such a terrible Darkness now, Cale... are you afraid of my Darkness?"

After their long separation and that was the first time Ashborn asked him? Snorting at the futile worry, Cale was silent for a moment before smiling gently at the darkness.

"What am I afraid of when you say that I am your Light, Ash-ya? "

The darkness was silent for a moment. It was as if Cale was confronted by Ashborn who was looking at him wide-eyed. Trying to trace solemnly every inch of Cale's face, even though now only Fragments remained.

"We'll talk about it later, Ash-ya." Darkness reluctantly agreed, sending another tendril to touch his face before retreating back to the body of the stranger who had been silently staring at them.

Cale's gaze then moved to stare at the dark-haired figure. Staring at a face with a distinctive look that Cale had not seen in a long time. The man was tall with a black coat, white shirt, black pants, and black shoes.

His appearance was simple, but had a powerful aura, a familiar heartbeat of strength emanating from the man.

His face was handsome. It had a chiseled look that was familiar to Cale's memories.

His eyes flickered, and just stared transfixed at the image of the Ashborn human merging with the stranger.

As if hypnotized, Cale unconsciously called out to the figure he had longed for.

"Ash-ya." The stranger winked with a gaze that somehow softened.

The image of Ashborn that merged with the man grew stronger. Cale chuckled softly.

"I'll pass out in a moment."

The man gradually smiled at him. Making Cale move his arms, weak and trembling.

"Please catch me when I fall, okay? " Cale pleaded, making the man's smile even wider. The red-haired man then watched as the other man also opened his arms. Facing Cale, with Ashborn's shadowed face.

"I'll catch you, Cale." The voice even sounded the same. The figure with the reddish-brown orbs barely refrained from crying.

Those teary eyes immediately closed. Letting his body weaken under the cool breeze.

Vaguely, he could feel the stranger hugging him. Then there was a familiar touch on his forehead, and a soft whisper full of regret. Cale immediately corrected his posture, leaned his head against his chest and smiled.

It's okay you were late.

Even if so much time had passed, Ashborn had never given up saving him.

And the stranger also relieved him due to the sense of 'Ashborn'.

For now, Cale would rest, truly at peace.

Only after would he wake up to get to know more about the stranger who possessed the power of Ashborn in his body.

Hmm... sounds like a good plan....

Cale was fast asleep under the swirling petals of Silver Pelia.

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[Sung Jinwoo's POV]

The world somehow feels so peaceful right now.

Is it because of this figure in his arms?

Under the moonlight, Cale Henituse was still shining gently. It gave off a strong natural aura that made Jinwoo's own soul addicted.

There was the smell of the waves, the wind that carried the spring grass, the sunlight that shone through the trees, the campfire amidst the weeds, the scent of the forest after the rain, and many more that Jinwoo couldn't describe.

"My Liege." Sensing Jinwoo's approaching presence, Beru appeared on his right side. The buzzing of Igris and the others could also be heard.

"Beru." Jinwoo nodded at the other presence.

"Is that...?" Nodding once more, this time with a faint smile on that handsome face.

"Yes."

The shadows sent feelings of joy and longing. Accepting Cale's presence with a feeling of joy, which made Jinwoo feel a little strange about the soldiers' reaction.

"The beauty of this Last Fragment is immense, my Liege," Beru whispered looking more clearly at Cale who was still sleeping peacefully.

"Yes. He is beautiful," Jinwoo replies honestly. Getting a pleased buzz from Beru inexplicably.

"Our Queen has arrived."

The Sung family's eldest eyes widened at the sound of Beru's wistful voice.

"Huh." The shadow lord snorted with lightly heated cheeks.

"Lose your weird way of talking." Beru didn't feel nervous, but rather happy. Neither did the other shadows. Making the dark-haired man sigh. Speechless when faced with the behavior of his shadows.

"We have arrived, my Liege." Jinwoo nodded. Looking up at the Korean city from the ceiling with a calm face.

"Arrange for my bed."

"Yes, my Liege." Beru disappeared after being ordered.

"Igris, what about the current situation?" The first strongest shadow warrior gave a quiet hum and a flash of memory of what happened while Jinwoo was away.

It seemed like he owed Jinho an apology. The younger man had been overwhelmed by the Japanese government after he had simply left to fetch Cale.

Saving his apologies for later, Jinwoo then used the Shadow Exchange Skill directly to his room silently. Grayish eyes gazed at the neatly made bed and immediately laid the red-haired man down on it.

After making sure he was in a comfortable position, Jinwoo also took a seat on the edge of his bed. Staring intently at the sleeping Cale.

His red hair was very long. It probably went past his feet, as it hadn't been cut in years despite his well-groomed body. Thankfully, Cale's clothes were also preserved in his sleep. The man was wearing a soft white cotton shirt, with matching pants. And a gold-engraved cloth from shoulder to waist.

There was also a golden flower circlet surrounding his red hair.

It made Jinwoo have to snap out of his nostalgic reverie.

The outfit Cale was wearing was somehow familiar.

"My Liege, your sister and your mother are in front of your room." Ah, for a moment Jinwoo forgot that he brought Cale back to his home, which was a simple apartment that the Sung family lived in.

"Ah, yes." Jinwoo stood up from his seat and walked to the door of the room. Inhaling and exhaling, the man then turned the doorknob, leaving it wide open, so that the two women surnamed Sung could see more clearly.

"Jinwoo-ya! Where have you been, son?!"

"Oppa! Why did you disappear so suddenly?!" Gazing fondly at the two women, Jinwoo gave a regretful smile.

"Ah, I'm sorry, Jinah, Eomma. I have some business to take care of right away." Nodding at Jinwoo's brief explanation, Kyunghye's sensitive eyes then caught a strange red hair on her son's bed.

"Who is it, Jinwoo-ya?" The tall man now smiled softly and moved aside. There was no need for caution to show Cale to his family. From the beginning, he had no intention of hiding the existence of the redhead from his family.

There was a sense that they should get to know Cale Henituse.

"Oh, wow...," Jinah unconsciously let out a sound of admiration for the sleeping newcomer's beauty. Kyunghye had the same look, but turned to Jinwoo for a definitive answer.

"This is the business I spoke of earlier." Jinwoo walked over to Cale, grabbing a strand of his long red hair with a gentle motion.

There was a distinct feeling that Jinah and Kyunghye could sense from that gesture.

Jinwoo then turned his eyes to look at the two women. The strand of hair in his hand was lifted near his lips to be kissed softly. A rare smile was etched on that handsome face, causing his gray eyes to arch.

"I picked him up just now. Please take good care of Cale, Jinah, Eomma."

Illustration for Human! Ashborn :

Eugene from the manhwa 'When the Villains Loves'!

"My Altalune..."

"Cale, you look beautiful tonight."

SEE YOU IN THE NEXT CHAPTER

Note :
Well.... so, this chapter can be said to build up the plot, as well as to explain the Prologue which I felt was confusing to many readers-nim 🤧🙏

You know what? Human!Ashborn's visual matches Eugene's visual. Who? Eugene in the manhwa When the Villainess Loves 🥺😂🤍
The story in this chapter has not entered the world of Solo Leveling, im sorry 😭
But, it will enter anyway in the next chapter ehehehe :D

The explanation of the problems that occurred in Ashborn and Cale's past also the relate between Ashborn and Jinwoo will be explained in more detail as the plot develops, so, if there is something confusing, you can ask me! 🥰❤️🌹

With Warm Greetings,

Neri 🌊💙🤍✨