Chapter 28. In the Next Labyrinth

[The Saintess of Sacrifice Siwelin wishes to transfer her sacred artifact to another individual. Do you accept?]

[Yes / No]

Kim Do-Joon’s eyes widened in shock. The appearance of the message window was as astonishing as its content. Didn’t the sacred artifact hold immense significance for Siwelin?

As he contemplated, Kim So-Eun called out to Kim Do-Joon. "

Hmm

... Daddy?"

Kim Do-Joon turned away from the message window to look at her. “Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah...

Hooaah

—” While rubbing her eyes with her small hands, Kim So-Eun noticed Siwelin standing nearby. After blinking a few times, she hid her face behind Kim Do Joon, whispering, “Daddy, who is she?”

“She’s your cousin. Her name is...

uh

, Si-Ah, Yoon Si-Ah.”

The name that Kim Do-Joon had come up with sounded similar to Siwelin’s. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked.

Kim So-Eun’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Cousin?”

Until now, Kim Do-Joon was the only family she had ever known. Despite her interest in her new family member, though, she still clung to Kim Do-Joon, peeking out cautiously.

When their eyes met, Siwelin smiled and waved at Kim So-Eun. Shy yet intrigued, Kim So-Eun waved back. Then, her gaze fell upon the silver mirror lying on the bed.

“

Huh?

What’s this?” Kim So-Eun asked.

“Oh, that’s...”

Kim Do-Joon hesitated and glanced at Siwelin, silently asking if it was truly all right for Kim So-Eun to have her sacred artifact.

She nodded reassuringly. At the same time, he sensed her thoughts. Kim Do-Joon felt as if Siwelin was saying if not for him, she’d still be trapped, and the mirror wouldn’t have existed.

Was this what she meant by repaying a favor? After a brief exchange of looks, Kim Do-Joon nodded back at Siwelin and then turned to Kim So-Eun.

“This mirror is a gift from your cousin,” Kim Do-Joon said.

“Really? Wow, it’s so pretty...” Kim So-Eun held the mirror, examining it from all angles.

Meanwhile, Kim Do-Joon pressed “Yes” on the message window. Immediately, the silver mirror dissolved into light and seeped into Kim So-Eun.

“Huh? Where did it go?”

Bewildered by the mirror’s sudden disappearance, Kim So-Eun teetered on the verge of tears.

Siwelin gently took Kim So-Eun’s hand and traced a circle in the air. Just like when Siwelin first conjured it, the silver mirror reappeared in the air.

“So magical!”

Siwelin then taught Kim So-Eun how to do it. Kim So-Eun’s eyes sparkled as she made the mirror appear and disappear, growing more excited each time.

While Kim So-Eun was utterly fascinated, Kim Do-Joon used his insight ability to check her condition.

[Kim So-Eun]

Compatibility

- 0%

[Additional Effects]

- Vitality Level + 22

- Cold Resistance + 42%

Condition

- Nine Yin Absolute Meridians

- Blessing: Sun-Serving Mirror

A blessing had been added to her condition likely due to the transferred sacred artifact. Knowing that it would protect Kim So-Eun in his absence, Kim Do Joon felt somewhat more at ease.

“How are you feeling? Does it hurt anywhere?” Kim Do-Joon asked.

Because he’d frequently used the copy-paste ability on Kim So-Eun, her Cold Resistance was now forty-two percent. Moreover, according to Dr. Kwon Sung-Joo, her seizures had significantly decreased, and she was recovering faster each time. The increased resistance definitely aided Kim So-Eun.

“I’m all better now! See?” Kim So-Eun asked with a hopeful gaze.

Kim Do-Joon sighed and patted her head gently. “Sorry, but you haven’t fully recovered yet.”

“

Ha

...” Kim So-Eun pouted, visibly disappointed. She tugged on Kim Do-Joon’s arm. “I’m bored here. When can I go to school or play outside?”

Kim Do-Joon didn’t know what to say. Kim So-Eun had been hospitalized since birth, so she had never experienced the outside world. Hence, she naturally wanted to go to kindergarten and visit amusement parks like other children.

“I don’t have fevers anymore, and I’ve been sleeping well. My throat doesn’t hurt either. Aren’t I all better now?” Kim So-Eun insisted.

Although she wasn’t cured, her condition had definitely improved. Every time he visited, she seemed healthier, to which both Dr. Kwon and Nurse Jung agreed.

Perhaps outpatient treatment could be an option for Kim So-Eun. There were cases where children with the same mana disorder didn’t need hospitalization since they had milder symptoms.

Kim Do-Joon lifted Kim So-Eun into his arms and looked straight into her eyes. “Why don’t we ask the doctor to see if you can be discharged?”

If he were still on his own, he wouldn’t have considered this option at all. He spent most of his time exploring dungeons, so he couldn’t monitor her 24/7. Now, however, he had Siwelin and her sacred artifact, which provided extra protection. With them around, he could work with some peace of mind even though she would still require treatment.

Kim So-Eun lit up. “Really!?”

“But you absolutely must stay with your cousin, Si-Ah, especially when you’re going out. You also have to keep going to the hospital. Do you understand?” Kim Do-Joon said.

“Okay! Wait, is she going to live with us?!” Kim So-Eun asked.

“

Uh

, yeah, sort of...” Kim Do-Joon muttered.

“

Yay!

” Kim So-Eun shouted in excitement.

Seeing her reaction made Kim Do-Joon feel relieved.

“We can’t leave just yet. Actually, we might have to wait a bit longer, and if the doctor says no, then we have to stay here. Got it?”

“Okay!”

Kim Do-Joon wasn’t sure if Dr. Kwon would allow outpatient treatment. The doctor might agree, given similar cases, or insist on continued hospitalization for safety. Whichever way it went, Kim Do-Joon would follow his advice. After all, Dr. Kwon was the best in this field.

***

"

Hmm... While I

understand your concerns, I think it’s best if we monitor So-Eun’s condition a bit longer," Dr. Kwon Sung-Joo advised.

Kim Do-Joon agreed with the doctor’s suggestion. Before considering her discharge, he wanted to raise Kim So-Eun’s vitality level further and increase her Cold Resistance to at least seventy-five percent.

Although Dr. Kwon didn’t specify an exact timeline, he mentioned that if Kim So-Eun kept improving, outpatient treatment could become viable. The positive news uplifted Kim Do-Joon’s spirits.

Hearing the news also made Kim So-Eun so ecstatic that she began running around in the hospital room. To stop her from getting herself hurt, Kim Do-Joon suggested they go for a walk outside. Together with Siwelin, they visited the hospital’s convenience store and a nearby park.

Kim So-Eun pranced around, while Siwelin curiously took in the modern surroundings. However, the peaceful scene only made Kim Do-Joon restless.

I have to work harder...

He was afraid that in ten years, he wouldn’t be able to see such a scene anymore. With renewed determination, he steeled himself.

After a while, Kim So-Eun yawned, seemingly tired. “

Hooah...

”

“Why don’t we head back?” Kim Do-Joon asked.

“No, I’m fine...” Kim So-Eun replied, but she was clearly sleepy.

Although her vitality rune had gone past level twenty, one’s stats increased relative to one's inherent physical abilities. Since Kim So-Eun had always been very weak, her stamina was still below average, even with a level 22 vitality rune.

“Let’s go in now,” Kim Do-Joon said.

“But I’m fine...” Kim So-Eun responded amidst her drowsiness.

In the end, they brought back the sleepy child and tucked her into bed. Siwelin then gently caressed Kim So-Eun's head. The sight reminded Kim Do-Joon of the time she stroked a young child’s head. Back then, Siwelin’s hair was white instead of black.

Hmm... Why did her hair color change?

No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t figure it out. Hence, he decided to just ask directly.

“Wasn’t your hair originally white? Why is it black now?”

“...”

Siwelin touched her side hair, checked the color, and then shook her head. She didn’t seem to have a clue either.

Finding himself at a dead end, Kim Do-Joon simply shrugged it off. It wasn’t that important anyway.

“Well, then...” Kim Do-Joon muttered.

Before heading home, they had to buy some things for Siwelin, including clothes. So, Kim Do-Joon took her to a mall.

As soon as they started wandering around the women’s clothing section, the staff wasted no time approaching them.

“Hi there! Is there anything specific you're looking for?”

“I’m looking for clothes that would suit her,” Kim Do-Joon replied, glancing at Siwelin as she peeked out from behind him.

“Oh my!” the clerk exclaimed, clapping her hands. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. “She’s so pretty! Is she your girlfriend?”

“No, she’s my niece.” Kim Do-Joon replied.

“Oh, I see! This way, please. I’ll help you find the perfect outfit!”

Siwelin was dressed in a white robe and had an elaborate flower covering her right eye. However, the clerk didn’t say anything about it, perhaps to avoid being rude to a customer.

Siwelin adapted to the unfamiliar surroundings faster than Kim Do-Joon had expected. Considering how well she’d gotten along with the people at the temple, her social ability had to have been remarkable.

Soon, she and the clerk started having fun checking out some clothes together. Of course, since Siwelin couldn’t speak, she could only point at things.

I thought she’d insist on wearing her robe, but I guess I was worried for nothing, haha.

If Siwelin were to loiter around in that outfit, people could mistake him for a weird cosplay shop owner. His hard-earned reputation for diligence and sincerity could be at risk. Fortunately, not only were his worries unfounded, but Siwelin was also adapting to the new environment better than anticipated.

“Thanks for coming!” the clerk said Kim Do-Joon and Siwelin left the store.

Siwelin had changed into modern clothes—a beige turtleneck, dark blue jeans, and a white cardigan that matched the flower over her eye. She’d often touch and adjust her clothes, seemingly fascinated by the foreign style.

They went to various other stores, buying several outfits, including casual wear for comfort. In the lingerie store, they managed to get the unmentionables thanks to the clerk’s assistance.

“I think we’ve bought enough clothes...” Kim Do-Joon muttered.

They had purchased three boxes worth of clothing. Presently, though, they only carried a paper bag since they had everything else delivered home.

Then, they shopped for toiletries, kitchenware, and other necessities. As they did, they spoke about the local customs and currency. Despite her apparent confusion, Siwelin nodded along as she did her best to understand. She didn’t seem slow, so Kim Do-Joon was confident that she could adapt with time.

“I think we’ve got everything we need.” Kim Do-Joon sighed, realizing they had amassed a considerable haul.

They had visited numerous stores and bought all the essentials. This should suffice for now. If they needed anything else, they could just buy it from a nearby store.

More importantly, all this shopping had made him thirsty.

“Shall we take a break at that café?” Kim Do-Joon pointed to a large café in the mall.

“...”

Siwelin nodded despite not knowing what a café was.

Kim Do-Joon led her inside. "Choose whatever you like."

Siwelin stared at the menu. Thankfully, it had pictures she could base her decision on since she couldn’t read Korean letters. Kim Do-Joon ordered a cup of coffee, while Siwelin picked an exquisitely decorated chocolate

bingsoo

[1].

She likely only picked it because the large picture caught her eye; she probably didn’t even know what chocolate was.

A few minutes after placing their order, the pager buzzed, and Kim Do-Joon brought the coffee and chocolate

bingsoo

to their table.

Siwelin’s eyes widened at the sight. The real thing was even more impressive than the photo!

Kim Do-Joon handed her a spoon and showed her how to eat with it. Mimicking him, Siwelin took a big scoop and put it in her mouth. As soon as it hit her taste buds, she shuddered slightly, and her eyes fluttered.

"Does it taste weird?” Kim Do-Joon asked.

Siwelin shook her head vigorously before happily stuffing her cheeks with the

bingsoo

. Smiling, Kim Do-Joon sipped his coffee, which had the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness. Before he could finish half of his drink, Siwelin had finished off the entire

bingsoo

, which was meant for two. Moreover, she seemed eager for seconds!

"Do you want another one?" Kim Do-Joon asked.

She nodded eagerly, her eyes sparkling.

This time, they ordered a large melon

bingsoo

. Kim Do-Joon had a bite, then focused back on his coffee, allowing Siwelin to devour the rest. It was always satisfying to see someone eat so heartily.

A warm sense of fulfillment washed over Kim Do-Joon. Introducing her as his niece made it feel as if she was truly part of the family.

After finishing two

bingsoos

, Siwelin patted her stomach with satisfaction. Kim Do-Joon chuckled and led her back to the store.

After assigning one of the two rooms to Siwelin, Kim Do-Joon spent the night unpacking and settling in.

The next day, Kim Do-Joon immediately attempted to enter a labyrinth with Siwelin. He held her hand and tried to enter the Tier 2 Elemental Island.

However, upon his arrival, he immediately noticed that Siwelin was nowhere to be found.

Hmm... maybe we just can’t enter together?

He tried to summon her, but the skill didn’t activate.

So, I have to clear the labyrinth alone, huh?

Kim Do-Joon exited the labyrinth, finding Siwelin looking quite shocked. After all, she had just watched him suddenly vanish and then reappear moments after.

Kim Do-Joon briefly explained to her what labyrinths were and how they worked, then mentioned that he’d occasionally be away for several days.

Next, Kim Do-Joon began teaching her Korean letters.

“

Giyeok, Nieun, Digeut, Rieul

...”

Siwelin diligently wrote down the names of the consonants in her notebook. Perhaps it was due to the alphabet’s simplicity or her intelligence, but she managed to read haltingly within a few days.

Without a status window, Siwelin couldn’t accompany him to labyrinths or dungeons. Hence, he instead chose to leave her with the task of managing the store once she could fluently communicate through writing. This way, she could also immediately go to Kim So-Eun if anything happened.

“I’ll be out for a bit,” Kim Do-Joon said one day.

Seeing Siwelin’s progress with her studies, he decided it was time to resume his other activities.

Siwelin tilted her head, asking where he was going.

“I might be gone for a few days, but there’s food in the fridge. Just cook and eat it the way I showed you before,” Kim Do-Joon replied.

That answer didn’t seem to satisfy Siwelin, who still seemed perplexed.

Kim Do-Joon explained, “I’m going into the next labyrinth.”

[The item effect of the Tier 4 Middle Orc Kingdom Key can be copy-pasted onto Kim Do-Joon.]

The key in his hand glowed. It then broke into light particles and vanished.

1. A dessert they call Shaved Ice in Korea. ☜