Jin-Woo...was in a dream.
After his collision with the Monarch of Destruction, he fell unconscious, or to say he was on the verge of death after getting stabbed. However, he knew he was alive. After all, the person he trusted the most and could rely on with his eyes closed arrived just in time.
'Now where am I?' In a dark void which extended to an eternity, Jin-Woo was suspended in such space without being able to do anything.
He tried using his skills but to no avail. He couldn't contact his shadows as well; something which hasn't happened ever since he fought the administrator in the Cartenon Temple.
Death doesn't scare the Monarch of Death; rather, he is curious to know who summoned him here.
[You look troubled.]
Suddenly, Jin-Woo heard a voice, and for some reason, he already knew who it belonged to, even though he heard it for the first time. As a human that is.
"I am rather interested to know your purpose to call me here." Without trying to find the source of voice—which Sung knew he wouldn't be able to—he replied.
[I seek peace, my child.]
Jin-Woo doubted that "Then you are late. Your boredom caused this much chaos."
Jin-Woo replied, being completely aware of the situation with the Absolute Being and the reason why Rulers and Monarch came into existence.
The voice halted, or more like it hesitated? Jin-Woo patiently waited with his arms crossed on his chest.
[My rebirth would cause even more chaos...and it will attract the attention of my peers.]
Jin-Woo frowned, "There are more like you?" It would be a lie to say that he didn't expect that, given the world is too huge and Jin-Woo was only involved with this realm.
Well, until now that is.
Suddenly, the void shifted, and several titans appeared to be staring down at Jin-Woo. Although their faces weren't visible, their silhouette and size determined that they were similar to the Absolute One.
[They desire nothing but power and chaos. I request the chosen one to protect this world and lead a peaceful life.]
Jin-Woo wanted to scowl. Asking to lead a peaceful life while dumping this much responsibility on him? Great.
However, he never opened his mouth and closed his eyes. The connection between the two realms was severed and Jin-Woo slowly woke up from his slumber....
...only to be met by a teary-eyed Hae-In.
With a soft smile stretching his lips, Jin-Woo weakly extended his hand and cupped her cheeks.
Hae-In held his hand and leaned her face to his touch, feeling her heart finally calming down a bit however, the tears never stopped as she slowly mumbled, "Welcome back."
Jin-Woo fondly smiled at the girl before he heard someone coughing from nearby.
Tearing his eyes from his girlfriend, he found his parents, Haru's parents, his sister and the one who just coughed and now was smirking at Jin-Woo was currently standing in the same room.
Jin-Woo straightened his back and Hae-In stepped aside before Kyung-hye slowly neared her son. Her eyes were moist as she asked him, "How do you feel now?"
She asked while touching the spot where the bandage was wrapped.
Jin-Woo honestly answered, "It doesn't hurt, I just need a bit of rest."
Kyung-hye cupped his cheeks before telling Jin-Woo warmly, "You did great, my brave child. I am so proud of you."
Jin-Woo couldn't stop himself from smiling as he closed his eyes and nodded slowly. The warmth of his family and the closeness of his lover were the best medicine that could heal anything.
And to ensure the safety of these people, Jin-Woo would go to any length.
********
"Other gods? What's that?" Haru asked, once only the two of them remained in the room.
The doctors told everyone to let the patient rest, but since Haru knew his Sunbae had something to say, he just sneaked into the room.
Jin-Woo rested his back against the wall behind him and asked him, "Don't pretend you don't know."
Although Jin-Woo wasn't completely aware of Haru's reach and what kind of being he actually was, Jin-Woo knew that Haru was just pretending to be oblivious here.
Haru heaved a sigh as he looked outside the window, and replied in a daze, "Even though I know about them, would you like me to tell you?"
Jin-Woo heaved a sigh, "It won't change a thing if I know their origin or names or not. What I care about is their goal, and that is concerning."
"Irritating, to be honest," Haru added, "Living millions of years only to find thrill in chaos is something only some irritating wannabe gods would prefer."
Jin-Woo raised his brows, "So...what do you prefer?"
Haru's lips stretched in a smile, as he softly said, "Love."
Jin-Woo was surprised as he lost the strength in his arms and unfolded them. And, despite wanting to say something, he remained silent.
After a long pause, Haru asked, "So...what do you want, Sunbae?"
Without asking him what he meant, Jin-Woo knew what he was asking about.
The Shadow Monarch thought for a bit before suggesting, "Is it really okay to let them revive the Absolute Being?"
Haru turned around and rested his butt on the windowsill before he replied, "I guess that would give you the time."
Jin-Woo questioningly raised his brows, which urged Haru to continue,
"The outer gods wouldn't invade Earth and this universe for the time being if the Absolute Being suddenly re-appeared. And in that interval, you can gather and increase your forces and get prepared to fight those 'bored deities'." Haru added the last part with a bit of exaggeration.
Stepping towards his senior, Haru suggested, "And more than anything, you can give Miss Cha the time she deserves."
Jin-Woo leaned his head down and didn't say anything for a good while.
Indeed, the chances of danger are high, but until Haru was around, Jin-Woo knew that nothing irreversible would happen. And about the outer gods...then Jin-Woo had something in mind to take care of them.
Nodding, he replied, "Okay, let the Absolute One return."
********
A/N: I did a little bit of research on Ragnarok and added this part for depth. Drop a comment!