Chapter 69

"Damn, you're destructively cute."

The moment Gangsan saw Chahaya, he almost made a hole in his stomach trying to ride a hobby horse. Although small in size, the aura within was the same, so Han Donhee, who had intended to tease, could only smack her lips in disappointment.

"Yina, why did you plaster this kid with luxury goods? It'll spoil him. If he grows up being pampered like this, his personality will be ruined."

"Seo-un, this is Han Donhee introducing herself."

Oh, you brat, I'll bear with you, an adult, while Han Donhee clenched her fists.

"I didn't buy him. I asked the manager."

Yuchan was leaning on his chin, staring intently at Chahaya.

"I really don't like those kids, but this one is really cute."

"Yuchan, do you want to tear him apart?"

Chahaya smiled and raised his small, plump hands. Seeing the white aura swirling between his fingers, Yuchan quickly lowered his hand that was propping up his chin.

There was no benefit in showing Chahaya's condition to others, so they gathered in the conference room on the top floor, which was also the room used by his uncle as the guild leader.

Other guilds poured money into their guild leader's rooms for status, but his uncle had no interest in such things. The room was as simple as Chahaya's, with only a desk, computer, and meeting table.

"Chahaya, did you really become like this because of the jellyfish? Then can we now achieve immortality?"

Yuchan clapped his hands, calling it a discovery of the century.

"The path to immortality has been torn to shreds by Chahaya, so from now on, Chahaya is declared the enemy of all humanity."

Han Donhee attacked Chahaya at a weaker level than usual. Chahaya, regardless, sipped his carbonated drink through a straw.

Jeers were hurled at Chahaya, who had destroyed the opportunity for human life extension. Even Gangsan, who would normally faint at the sight of Chahaya, joined the opposition this time.

"Brats, let's have a meeting. That's not immortality; it's just a poisoning effect. Once the toxicity disappears, he'll return to normal. From now on, only those with speaking rights can speak. When we go to the Netherworld, we'll naturally ask Abdul about it."

The others nodded half-heartedly at Seo-un's attempt to mediate.

With a small and precious presence sitting among the large figures, Seo-un felt strange. The biggest one had become the smallest, making it even more peculiar. So he deliberately avoided looking in that direction and kept talking.

Seo-un summarized the conversation with the Ohseong guild as briefly as possible and explained the future strategy. He expected a heated debate about joining the alliance, but the reaction was unexpected.

"In short, you're suggesting we become spies?"

Yuchan, who had gained speaking rights, raised his hand and spoke.

"Not exactly spies, but since the alliance is trying to monopolize information, we need to have a foothold. Gangsan, speak."

Gangsan, who had raised his hand second, lowered his arm.

"What if the alliance dumps all the troublesome tasks on us?"

"Then we'll boldly withdraw."

Seo-un answered without taking a breath, and Chahaya chuckled. It was more like a mischievous laugh, saying, "I'm in, I'm in!"

"Then I'm in too!"

"Deputy Guild Leader, me too."

Yuchan agreed, not wanting to be outdone by Gangsan.

"Money, what about you?"

Han Donhee was unusually deep in thought. Since it wasn't a decision to be made lightly, Seo-un understood.

"Why, do you need more time to think?"

"No, I agree with you. But I want to properly discipline the brat Chahaya, who has a bad personality. I keep feeling soft-hearted, and it makes me want to poke my eyes out."

Han Donhee seemed to be experiencing cognitive dissonance due to Chahaya's adorable appearance. Chahaya blinked innocently and tilted his head at Han Donhee.

"Hey, fuck! Protect my eyes!"

Han Donhee really poked her own eyes. Chahaya laughed mischievously, calling her a "loser." Yes, the appearance may have changed, but the inside hasn't. Meanwhile, Gangsan and Yuchan were begging for one more head ride.

Seo-un tapped the table before things got out of hand.

"Let's end it here for today. The first one to go to the Netherworld will tell Abdul, right?"

Again, half-hearted "alright" responses came from all directions. Gangsan, even as he left, begged for one more head ride, only to be sent flying down the corridor by Chahaya's punch.

Whenever the few guild members gathered, Seo-un felt drained.

After the short meeting, Seo-un slumped onto the sofa like a soulless person. Chahaya, as usual, perched on his uncle's desk.

The guild leader's room was barren, with not even a single piece of art, making it seem like a space prepared for someone ready to leave at any moment. Seo-un was surprised when he saw Chahaya's room for the same reason. It was as if he could leave at any time, with no belongings.

For some reason, Seo-un wanted to fill his empty space. When he saw the young boy lying alone on the bed, he sometimes felt a sense of emptiness.

"Chahaya, you really like kids, don't you?"

"Did you sell the furniture in your house while donating?"

Without waiting for the other to speak, both questions came out almost simultaneously.

"Isn't it more strange to dislike kids?"

Seo-un answered first, and Chahaya trailed off, saying, "That's true." The cityscape spread out behind him, contrasting with his former self, who seemed like a rich kid.

"Are you going to get a piano and a wine cellar for our house?"

"What? When you return to normal, you'll be enough to fill the house."

"Come live with me in our house."

"Sure. Until you come back."

Seo-un picked up the expressionless Chahaya, who seemed to be in a daze. Chahaya, not expecting to be picked up again, showed a strong sign of displeasure. Why are you so against it when I just want to hold you?

Seo-un's pride was hurt. He flailed his limbs awkwardly, like a child who had never been treated this way before.

"Put me down."

Even with a serious expression, it didn't have much impact.

"Why, do you want me to ride you like a hobby horse, like Gangsan?"

Seo-un jiggled Chahaya like a baby. It felt different because the brat always carried him around. In reality, Chahaya was stronger, but he was so small that it was easy to forget.

"Our little Chahaya, I'll give you a piggyback ride."

Just as he was about to tuck him under his arm, Chahaya suddenly curled up.

Ugh! Chahaya's body trembled convulsively, and he clutched his shirt so tightly that his small fists turned white.

"What's wrong? Hey!"

Startled, Seo-un adjusted his hold and checked Chahaya's condition.

...Let go.

Chahaya gritted his teeth and mumbled. To his surprise, dark red fluid began to seep from his skin, as if he were sweating blood. Seo-un quickly swept Chahaya's forehead.

Hey! What's wrong with you?

Despite Jo Kyungmin's assurance that he would be fine, Chahaya was writhing in pain. As his body grew heavier, Seo-un's arms, which were holding him, gradually spread apart. Chahaya was growing rapidly.

He was suffering from intense growing pains, and unable to bear the weight, Seo-un fell backward. Grunting, Seo-un supported Chahaya to prevent him from falling on top of him.

His arms convulsed, and all the tendons in his body tightened. Crack, crack, the sound of bones twisting made Seo-un urgently cup his face. Are you okay? What's wrong with you! No matter how much he shouted, Chahaya only groaned in pain, as if he had a fatal wound.

His clothes tore as he returned to his original form, a process that seemed like a creature shedding its skin to survive. Seo-un held Chahaya tightly, trying to soothe him, and stroked his back, hoping it would help. A sense of guilt rose, wondering if his holding and jiggling had caused this sudden abnormality.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry. You'll be fine. Just hold on a little longer...

Seo-un continued to calm him. When the dark red fluid turned into cold sweat and flowed down his skin, Chahaya's body returned to its original form. It felt as if heat was rising from his naked body.

Ha...

Chahaya, breathing heavily, pushed himself up with his palms. Seo-un, still worried, remained in his embrace.

"...Are you okay now?"

Chahaya's purple eyes, filled with all the world's worries, made his skin tingle. His whole body ached, far beyond what a mere mutant could endure.

Seo-un could bear feeding him like a real child, but he couldn't bear being held and comforted like this.

Why?

Because I didn't want to be seen as a kid by you.

"Hey... You scared me. Are you okay?"

"It's reversed."

As if he couldn't bear it any longer, he shook his wet head.