Chapter 242. One(2)

Chi-Hyun was now sure which choice to make after hearing the information Chi-Woo brought.

Chi-Woo’s eyes widened at Chi-Hyun’s words. Yes, if it was his brother—if it was the man known as the legend among heroes, he might be able to find a way!

–Chi-Woo.

However, what his brother said next was extremely shocking.

–Withdraw from Shalyh.

This meant only one thing. “You’re telling me to run away? And give up on this city?” Chi-Woo became speechless, and Chi-Hyun’s silence was all the confirmation he needed. Chi-Woo asked again, “Why? You didn’t say that when I came back the first time. You said to try to change the future.”

–Yes, that’s what I said then. But after hearing the information you brought back, I’ve made my decision.

“But what I was told might be lies, right? Since the information was from a great demon!”

–Yes, that’s true. But I don’t think it’s a lie. It sounds plausible after connecting it to what I know.

Frankly, Chi-Woo also felt the same way. He sensed that Shersha and the other great demon hadn’t been lying. But even then…! “We can’t save it? Is it impossible?”

–It’s not impossible, but…

“Then—”

𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

–Chi-Woo.

Chi-Hyun let out a long sigh.

–Have you heard of the Kardashev scale?

Chi-Woo shook his head at Chi-Hyun’s sudden question.

–It’s a scale that measures a civilization’s level of technological advancement based on its energy use.

When Chi-Woo tilted his head, Chi-Hyun slowly explained the details of the scale.

There were three types in the Kardashev scale. Type 1 was a civilization that could harness all the energy of its home planet, Type 2 was a civilization that could harness the energy its own star radiated, and Type 3 was a civilization that could harness the energy of its galaxy.

–The energy in this context can be understood as a kind of ability.

From a physics perspective, energy was the ability to do something.

–The measure for risks that heaven utilizes is also based on this scale.

Then Chi-Hyun suddenly asked.

–Now, tell me. What did Laguel say about Liber’s danger level in the Celestial Realm?

“…Galaxy level.”

–Yeah, the galaxy level corresponds to Type 3 of the Kardashev scale. In terms of energy, it’s at least 10 to the power of 36 watts. The Celestial Realm has judged that this is the minimum energy needed to save Liber.

The reason why they constantly sent recruitment teams was to replenish that energy.

–Then let’s think a little deeper about this.

Chi-Hyun cleared his throat.

–The future that we are trying to prevent now is directly related to the fall of Liber. Therefore, we can consider that future as part of the 10^36 watts required.

Thus, since such an exorbitant amount of energy was behind this event, it was inevitable for it to happen; that was why his brother said the future he saw was a “definite” future.

–So to change this future, we need to collect and generate even more energy.

In other words, the level of energy needed to change this particular future would be…

–Type 4. We need energy beyond the galaxy level. That’s a minimum of roughly 10 to the power of 46 watts.

Therefore, this was technically an impossible feat in the first place.

–For reference, even if we exhausted all the energy from all the components of the universe, including stars, galaxies, and black holes, there’s no reaching 10^46 watts.

“Then…you’re saying that it’s impossible to change the future?” Chi-Woo asked with shock.

–…No, it’s not certain.

Chi-Hyun did not give a definite answer. He said it was close to impossible, but never said it was impossible.

–If there is a being who can transcend even the laws of the universe, interfere with the laws of causality, and twist divine providence…

Chi-Hyun trailed off and intently stared at his younger brother.

“I don’t know…” Chi-Woo lowered his head slightly and shook it from side to side. “I understand what you’re saying, but…your talk about powers and energy and whatnot—it’s not like everything in the world can be explained by math.”

–Yeah, that’s true, but fate can.

Chi-Hyun said calmly.

–There are definitely things that are immutable and unchangeable; just like how there’s a rule that says one plus one is two. Fate is like math.

Even after saying this, Chi-Woo didn’t look convinced. At this rate, there was a high possibility that he wouldn't withdraw from Shalyh as Chi-Hyun had suggested.

–…Fine.

Chi-Hyun briefly organized his thoughts and said.

–Let’s do this instead.

* * *

A day passed. Chi-Woo stayed up all night because his brother’s words kept lingering in his mind. His brother told him to give up on Shalyh and withdraw to the Cassiubia Mountains to plan for the future before it was too late. His brother might be right. If they followed his brother’s words, Shalyh’s destruction was inevitable, but they could change other aspects of the future such as preventing everyone from dying or living miserable lives as slaves. It was a choice they could only make because they knew the future, and a choice they could only make at this point in time.

However, Chi-Woo did not want to give up on the holy city, Shalyh. In retrospect, they always had to withdraw like this—in the Shahnaz camp, in the main camp at the forest, in the fortress, and in the former Salem capital. Whenever they found a place to settle down, they always had to run away like they were being chased out. Chi-Woo didn’t want to run away this time.

Of course, he knew this was not the time to act stubborn out of foolish emotions; however, he wasn’t just being stubborn or letting anger get the best of him. Just as the Demon Empire was trying to destroy Shalyh at any cost, Chi-Woo also had a strong desire to protect Shalyh by any means. Moreover, he had a strong hunch that he needed to save Shalyh as well. Even his brother felt the same; although he told Chi-Woo to give up Shalyh, his expression didn’t look good as he said this. Chi-Hyun sounded reluctant to give up the city, but had no choice but to do so, and the conditions he gave Chi-Woo were proof of that as well. Chi-Woo recalled what his brother had said yesterday.

–I’m setting out for the Cassiubia Mountains as fast as possible.

Shersha told Chi-Woo that the demon flowers weren’t going to bloom anymore, which meant the Demon Empire had ceased their efforts to germinate the demon flower seeds, and Chi-Hyun was hurriedly rushing to the Cassiubia Mountains to protect the dragon. Chi-Woo didn’t know exactly what would happen, but there was going to be a serious event sooner or later that’d kill the dragon, who stood as the core of the Cassiubia League. Thus, his brother needed to go to the Cassiubia Mountains to prevent the dragon’s death before such a thing happened. Shersha and his brother agreed on this point—that the Cassiubia League’s last dragon must not die at this time and needed to be saved at all costs. However, a problem arose then, as his brother would be away from Shalyh for a while.

Of course, even if Chi-Hyun left, it wasn’t much of a problem at this point because Shalyh was a holy territory and acted as a sanctuary. But what if the holy territory was destroyed, or its protection broke down for some reason? An ordinary city would be nothing more than a delicious prey for the Demon Empire.

–In short, Shersha is forcing us to work on two fronts at once.

Since it wasn’t possible to catch both rabbits, his brother was suggesting to catch at least one definitely and reserve as much power as possible.

–But if you really want to give it a try…I’ll leave the last chance to you.

Chi-Hyun was telling him to throw the die again.

–Look at the future at the point of time you want, and if you see a possibility of saving Shalyh, I’ll also be in favor of protecting the holy city. But if even the third future is hopeless, push aside your lingering feelings and get out of Shalyh.

–Since Noel is still getting treated, I’ll let Ismile know my plans. If everything goes according to what Shersha says, a big event is going to happen soon, and news of this event will soon reach Shalyh. That’s the extent of my plan for now. If you still can’t find a way then, obediently follow Ismile’s direction.

His brother gave him a deadline. Even though Chi-Woo didn’t know what the news would be, he needed to find a solution before it reached Shalyh. The problem was that he didn’t have the faintest idea how he should approach this problem. He also felt a great psychological burden that prevented him from thinking properly. He only had one chance left to see the future, and his life wasn’t the only thing depending on it; countless lives were at stake. He didn’t want to die, but living as a demon’s plaything was even worse. Rather than living like that, it would be better to just…

Click! He suddenly heard the door open. Chi-Woo looked over reflexively and saw two moles popping up from behind the door—a pretty one and an emotionless one.

“May I come in?” Evelyn cautiously asked.

“Ah, yes.” Chi-Woo got to his feet and nodded.

“Now, speak,” Evelyn said.

Then Hawa immediately asked, “Why did you act like that yesterday?”

Chi-Woo looked to his right and then his left.

Hawa continued, “If you say it was nothing—”

“We’re definitely not going to believe you,” Evelyn finished her sentence.

“Was it that obvious?” Chi-Woo bitterly laughed.

“Rather than that…it was no joke,” Evelyn said.

“?”

“Your face.”

Chi-Woo touched his face; he hadn’t realized it, but he must look like death.

“So what’s wrong? Can you tell me?”

Hawa added, “If you don’t speak up, I’ll think of you as a pervert who pretended to be having a hard time just to touch my face.”

With Evelyn’s encouragement and Hawa’s threat, Chi-Woo smacked his lips. Since he already told Ru Amuh and Ru Hiana, there was no reason to keep this information from Evelyn and Hawa. Chi-Woo let out a long sigh and slowly opened his mouth. After a long explanation, their reaction was as expected.

“Nooooooooooo!” Evelyn screamed. She hugged Chi-Woo and shuddered. “To a devil like that…so gross! Just imagining it is disgusting…!” As a former Saintess, Evelyn seemed to really detest demons.

Unlike Evelyn’s intense reaction, Hawa was calm. She looked deep in thought before she suddenly asked, “Do you remember their description?”

“What description?”

“I’m talking about the request you turned down recently.” Hawa seemed to be referring to the request Jin-Cheon brought up. “Remember the client?”

“Why are you suddenly asking about…”

Their conversation was interrupted by approaching footsteps. Soon, the door opened, and a man and woman entered—they were the Ru siblings.

“I apologize for the sudden intrusion.” Ru Amuh politely bowed. “The situation is urgent. You didn’t answer the message I sent, so I’ve come to find you instead.”

“An urgent matter?”

“Yes, about the client that made a request to Sir Jin-Cheon.”

Hawa’s eyes gleamed.

“It was a lie.”

“A lie?”

Ru Amuh nodded and continued, “The request Sir Jin-Cheon relayed to us seemed solid, but after listening to your words, I thought there was something a bit strange about it. So I tracked down and secretly followed the client…”

In short, the client said that a comrade they had known for a long time and valued more than their family might have died. The client even risked the rest of their life for their comrade. Thus, it was normal for the heroes to get a little sentimental. No matter how used to death heroes were, they were still humans in the end. Controlling emotions and having no emotions at all were completely different matters. However, the client’s behavior was strange. First, the client was way too relaxed; moreover, they were way too generous considering their low rank. But most of all, if what the client said was true, they should be treated like a slave bounded by a contract, but they moved around freely and acted with ease. Since there were multiple inconsistencies to the client’s story and their actual behavior, Ru Amuh approached the client, questioned them, and finally succeeded in getting them to confess.

“Everything they said was a lie, except for one thing.” Ru Amuh continued, “They were asked by a member of the Cassiubia League to form a team of famous heroes and send them on an expedition under the guise of a request. In return, the client will receive money.”

“So it was actually a request from a member of the Cassiubia League?”

“Yes, the client said it was from a half-demon.”

Chi-Woo’s eyes grew sharp. ‘This was it.’ The red-haired demon who passed a message on behalf of Shersha told him that he’d find out someone’s identity if he went back to the present; this seemed to be what she was talking about.

“Do you know who that half-demon is?”

“See!” Ru Hiana piped up in a reprimanding tone. “I told you that senior would definitely ask for their identity. We should have beaten the hell out of them!”

Chi-Woo gasped; the red-haired demon had told him he must leave them alone even after finding out their identity.

“But we need to report it to Teacher first,” Ru Amu said.

As soon as Chi-Woo thought they were ruined, he was reassured by Ru Amuh’s response. Chi-Woo breathed a sigh of relief, and he felt as if he had died and come back alive.

“Since there are witnesses and confessions, it’ll be easy to find out who they are. Sir, I’ll be right back,” Ru Amuh said.

“Wait!” Chi-Woo jumped up since this was an issue they should approach with extreme care. “No, don’t do that! No!”

“Sir?” Ru Amuh, who was about to leave in a hurry, turned around. When Chi-Woo thought he should explain for the third time to make him understand—

Evelyn suddenly spoke up. “Since everyone here seems to be in on it…can I talk?” After obtaining Chi-Woo’s permission, she said, “Do we really have to change the future?” Her words dropped like a literal bombshell. Everyone’s attention instantly snapped to her.

“Are you saying that we should just let Shalyh fall?” Ru Hiana asked.

“I mean, he said it was a definite future,” Evelyn continued. “If Shalyh’s fall cannot change no matter what…can’t we just leave it at that?”

Ru Amuh, who was listening quietly, suddenly gaped. It seemed geniuses could easily understand each other. But of course, everyone except the two looked completely confused.

“We stopped our Ruhi from leaving and also destroyed the colony of demon flowers. But has the future changed? No, it’s the same.”

The Ru siblings looked back at Chi-Woo; the two did not yet know about the second future.

“It’s the same this time. Will catching that traitor change the future?” Evelyn continued. “No, it won’t. The Demon Empire will do something else, using a much more sophisticated and certain method than before.”

In fact, this was what Chi-Woo was most worried about, and he agreed with her deep inside his heart.

“Moreover, there’s no guarantee that our Chibbong here will dream of the future again, and even if he does, we don’t know if he can get more information again.”

Everyone nodded.

“If that happens, we’ll fail without knowing our enemy’s plan in the worst-case scenario.”

Chi-Woo had one chance left, but it didn’t seem likely that he would be able to change the future with that one chance; rather, it was likely to get worse.

“So what I’m saying is…” Evelyn put more strength in her voice. “Let’s not make things more difficult and just leave it alone.”

In short, they should not mess with the future and create more variables, but instead head to the definite future. There was one benefit to doing this.

“Think about it. What’s the biggest weapon we have now?” Evelyn asked.

The biggest weapon they had right now was that the Demon Empire thought that humans and the Cassiubia League did not know their plans.

“They must be laughing their asses off, thinking we can never anticipate their plans in our wildest dreams.”

However, that was not the case. Although they didn’t know everything, if they left the situation as it was, they could predict what would happen in the future to some extent.

“That means we can stab them in their back…without them none the wiser.” Evelyn waved her hand like a hammer and said with a smile, “At the very moment when they’re sure of their success.”