Regressor Instruction Manual

‘They enjoy running around, so I bet they're having a blast.’

This was their very first adventure—a dungeon raid filled with adrenaline. They had new quests to do and new goals to achieve; their efforts were rewarded with high-quality items, and they felt that they were growing stronger.

It was not an exaggeration to say that this was a real and happy vacation. The children were thrilled, and I saw them gathering their hands in the center and yelling out, “Teamwork!”

Dialuria's face was solemn as she distributed the items that Gela had brought out one by one. I was sure they had a lot of equipment that could be upgraded, so these many items weren't enough for all of them. Despite that, I saw them smiling.

Gela started talking about Sahaga’s gift, and the children's gaze sparkled.

Thronus, Cherubim, and Max, whom I thought were the quiet ones, couldn’t hide their excitement. They looked like puppies, wagging their tails excitedly before going out for a walk. The sight truly convinced me that they were still children.

— Heuk… heuk…

— So… there was a sad story behind it.

— Let’s bring back Sahaga’s gift back here no matter what! Don’t worry, Miss Gela! We’ll take care of it.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

—Well, the important thing is that all of this is thanks to Dad. Anyway, listen carefully, everyone.

‘Despite being the oldest, Dialuria is the most excited among them.’

— I’m sure you’re all aware since all of you have already received a fragment of the Blue Guild’s badge, but the fact that Dad gave us this mission… means that this vacation isn’t just a simple vacation. Perhaps Laves City and the desert are big stages.

— What?

— We might be looking for a device that was created for our entrance test to the guild. Don’t you guys think it’s strange? A vortex of great tales that involve Miss Gela and Mr. Sahaga, the forgotten god of the continent.

— Don’t you think it’s too difficult for us to take on this task? Before this, all we've done was run errands. We've never gotten involved with anything related to the continent; we've only been taking down weak monsters until now.

— R-Right…

— As I said, this is a test. Yeah, it’s an unavoidable test. A test for us to be recognized as worthy adventurers.

‘That’s not it…’

“Yeah, I know you can do it, Dialuria. I’m watching you,” Dialugia said.

I couldn’t say anything at all, as someone was particularly immersed in all this. Dialugia had been staring at the screen since it appeared. She seemed to have forgotten that I was here as well, as she was so close to the screen that I thought she'd merge with it.

“I see. So that’s what it was! Was all of this a test?” Dialugia asked.

“Yes… well. You could call it that,” I answered.

“Looks like… I was worried again for no reason. I actually think that Dialuria needs to experience something like this, as the dragon's coming-of-age ceremony is markedly different from a human's coming-of-age ceremony.

"Under normal circumstances, she still has about a hundred years left, but I'm sure you know that. Dialuria is more used to spending her time as a human being. I’m sure she's been feeling really uncomfortable due to her dragon lineage,” Dialugia explained.

“...”

“She grows faster, and she's more curious about the world compared to other children. In addition, she has this constant thirst for knowledge. I've been really worried that perhaps those were the reasons behind her discomfort.

"Thankfully, she’s been receiving positive influence from her younger siblings, but it was really heartbreaking to see her attempt at denying her true identity…” Dialugia added.

‘I know.’

When Dialuria had just emerged from hibernation, she was really stressed. She hadn't spent that much time hibernating, but it was enough time for her to grow distant from Miss Kim Mi-Young's children, with whom she had a decent relationship at the orphanage run by the Blue Guild at the time.

Back then, she was confused about whether she was a dragon or a human being. Dialugia was right; if it hadn't been for her younger siblings like Max, she would have been even lonelier today.

‘She became more energetic when the children appeared.’

“I actually wanted to do something for her… They look great together,” Dialugia said.

“Yeah… they do. It’s nice seeing her get along with her younger siblings, and she seems to be feeling a sense of responsibility and pride as the oldest.

"The most important thing is that she seemed to have realized that she's not alone and is no longer comparing herself with other children. Honestly, they’re all unique. Max is just a program, while the children were the Outer Gods,” I explained.

“Right,” Dialugia replied.

“To be honest, the children and Dialuria are just children, but I believe their way of thinking and abilities are on the same level as adults. I think rather than making them spend time pretending to be adults or treating them like children, boosting their self-esteem has to be a priority. That is what this test is all about,” I told her.

“I see…”

“...”

“I should apologize. I thought you've decided to live a thoughtless life… I thought you were planning on neglecting your family, as you're too busy taking care of the continent or working on bigger things,” Dialugia said, smiling brightly.

I felt bad when I saw her smile, but I wasn’t technically lying. I was actually planning something for the children, but that plan had to be executed now.

“About Sera—”

“Please don’t talk about him. I’ve been giving him enough love,” I interrupted her.

“Couldn’t you have said something to him?” Dialugia asked.

“...”

“...”

“The words wouldn’t come out,” I told her.

“I understand how you feel, but I suggest you fix that attitude of yours. They don't seem like it, but they’re pretty quick-witted. He probably hasn't realized it yet, but he must be subconsciously feeling like he’s being discriminated against. Strictly speaking, Sera is…” Dialugia paused.

“...”

“Sera isn't Seraphim. I do feel bad for him whenever I see him,” Dialugia continued.

“Why would you say that when I’ve been spending time with him the most recently among all the other children? I’ve been trying my best, so don’t pressure me. It's making me feel even more stressed,” I told her.

“But still—”

“And I’m sure you’re aware because you went to America[1] with me, but his nature hasn't changed. You saw it as well,” I reminded her.

“...”

“Anyway, you should get ready,” I told her.

“What are you talking about?” Dialugia asked.

“The children’s adventure. Sahaga’s gift is kind of far from here. You’ll need to take me there…” I answered.

“Ah! I’ll get ready,” Dialugia said.

“I’ll get ready as well. I stayed up late because of the children,” I said.

“Thank you for your hard work,” Dialugia said. Then, she exited the room without saying goodbye.

I looked at the children again using my Telescope and saw that Seraphim[2] seemed particularly sad.

‘I shouldn’t think about it.’

While everyone was excitedly talking with each other, he was smiling bitterly. He was laughing with them, but it was like his thoughts were elsewhere. I was sure he was thinking about my reaction just now.

‘I really shouldn’t think about it.’

[Creating an Average-rank Forced Quest.]

[You worked hard, Seraphim. (0/1)]

I looked at him again after sending that quest.

And that was when I heard Gela’s voice...

— God of Sacrifice and Revival.

"..."

— God of Sacrifice and Revival?

"Yes, Miss Gela."

— Did Mr. Sahaga answer?

"Ah! I haven’t received any answers yet."

— Really?

"Yes. We clearly conveyed our intentions, so you don’t have to worry. Miss Lauren is currently in the middle of negotiations, but… I’m sure he’ll come."

— I understand even if he doesn't come. He had already abandoned his creations once, so I’m sure it won’t be hard to do it again. Mr. Sahaga has been struggling a lot since he turned his back on the Desert Elves.

"You're right. The first time is hard, but the second time is easier. Why are you so worried when he still comes all the way here just to see you? Just stick to the plan, and everything will work out."

— Okay. I’m counting on you, Mr. Lee Ki-Young.

My hand mirror rang incessantly during the short conversation, so I stood up and answered the call.

— Miss Ki-Yeon?

“Ah, yes, Mr. Elias. Could you hold on for a second? I’m really sorry. Something happened at the dorm…” I told him.

— It’s fine. Take your time. I’ll be waiting at the cafe.

“I’m sorry for being late on our first date. I’m usually not like this…” I said.

— No, it’s really fine…

“I’m really sorry. I need to get ready, s-so I’ll hang up first, but I’ll pay for everything!” I told him.

— What?

I hung up without waiting for his answer.

“I’m here, Miss Lee Ki-Yeon,” Ha Yeon-Soo announced.

“I’m sorry for doing this every time, Miss Yeon-Soo,” I said.

“It’s fine. I’m having fun as well, and it’s your request,” she said.

I greeted Ha Yeon-Soo as she walked into the room.

‘I’m so busy. It’s such a busy day.’

Like a singer about to go up the stage, I was dozing off while getting my makeup done.

“Almost done, Miss Lee Ki-Yeon. Would you like to see it? But how do you have such nice skin? I don’t see even a single blemish.

"Come to think of it… you've never really had any blemishes. Are you using that slime gel? The slime gel that the guild master gave you. Is that your secret? I heard it’s hard to get it these days,” Ha Yeon-Soo remarked.

“...”

I looked at the mirror one last time.

“I’m heading there now, Mr. Elias,” I said.

— Okay.

“Could you please wait a moment?” I requested.

— Take your time.

“Okay!” I answered.

Elias' voice was trembling for some reason, and it wasn’t because it was his first date with a woman he was interested in. I knew why Elias' voice was trembling.

‘He’s trying to break up with me today.’

It was our first day of getting to know each other, and he was going to tell me that the incident yesterday was all a misunderstanding and that I had misunderstood him. He couldn’t give up on Jo Hye-Jin, which was what led him to make this decision, but…

‘He’s going to break Lee Ki-Yeon’s fragile heart.’

“Mr. Elias!” I shouted.

“You’re here… Miss Ki-Yeon,” Elias greeted.

“I am,” I said.

He smiled awkwardly, not knowing the fact that the fragment of Gela sleeping inside the woman of destiny was about to awaken…

“Have you eaten yet?” he asked.

“Why would you ask that? I obviously haven’t eaten yet, so I could eat with you, hehe,” I answered.

“Ha… ha…”

“I was really looking forward to today. I even took tomorrow off so… I can enjoy today as much as I want,” I told him.

“...”

“Shall we get going? We have to get to know each other better. And this,” I offered.

“This is…”

“It's called the Ring of Red Thread. I’m wearing it as well. Ta-da. It’s a ring for couples,” I showed him. He welcomed it, and I was sure he could no longer break up with me so easily.

1. Veela: Probably that strange white space when he died ☜

2. LKY and Dialugia know that the children are the outer gods, so this is Seraphim rather than just Sera ☜