#solo leveling | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

heirloomgem · 10 hours ago

Text

Euphonious Series

Summary: (AU) In a world of ABO, you've always thought you were an alpha, high above others.

However, encountering your fated pair, proves you otherwise.

Add to that, your fated pair, whose grey eyes that always seem to see through you and black hair that always tries to entice your hand to run through it. You found out you were an omega through the heat he caused.

You couldn't help but curse the gods in every possible way as you tried your hardest not to kneel and beg your junior in school to claim and ravage you, whose name was Sung Jinwoo.

Disclaimer: I don’t own anything except for my characters and plot.

Warning/Genre: OOC, Romance, fluff, high school life, gender neutral (Sorry for the miss grammar)

Chapter 1 - Meeting

In your current society, you have your first gender.

A female and a male.

However, once you reach a certain age, you are tested to differentiate for your second gender.

A Beta, which the majority are categorized.

Next is the minority that experiences heat, an Omega.

And then where success is guaranteed, the Alpha.

You have always thought your life is set.

Born into an affluent family, number one in studies and sports, a good enough appearance and a dominant but nonchalant personality.

You and everyone have obviously thought you were an alpha.

Or so you thought as you met those grey eyes of a boy, named Sung Jinwoo.

It had been an average day for you.

Waking up and getting ready for school, listening to your teacher as they teach their subject.

Doing your duties as a student council president and catching your schoolmates who were slacking and skipping school.

Punishing them or dragging their asses back if they defy you.

It was a normal routine for you however what made that day different from others was meeting him.

Your fated pair.

You had just finished all the necessary paperwork and meetings as the student council president and were on your way home when you saw a group of students harassing some middle schoolers.

Stopping in your tracks, you saw that some of them were from your school while the others were from schools that were close to your area.

Observing the group of high school students, you couldn't help but notice that they seemed to be part of the same friend group, as there were no conflicts between them. Instead, they were bullying some middle school students.

You sigh as you shake your head.

Such a bunch of brats.

Seeing that they have already beaten a few middle school students and are about to harass them again, you step in without hesitation and call out to them.

The students who wore similar uniforms as yours stiffened once they heard and saw you.

They have been the same junior students you have always dragged back to school from skipping classes.

They were either in some arcade or in some brawls with other delinquents from another school, in which case resulted in you facing both parties.

Neither did you take sides as you beat them.

In the end, you would contact the other school's student council president, who happened to be one of your childhood friends, to inform them about your schoolmates and what happened.

Afterwards, you would finally escort your own schoolmates' beat-up assess back to your school infirmary.

That was how it usually plays.

And since they have crossed paths with you a few times already, they have seen what you're capable of and have unconsciously ingrained your presence in their minds.

They knew they were in trouble.

However, the other students from a different school were unaware of their dilemma, nor did they know you.

And so, seeing you leisurely walking up to them, they immediately put their attention on you and abandoned their previous targets at once.

Oblivious to the danger they're putting themselves into.

Arrogant in their stance, clearly the one leading them was an alpha.

You sigh once again, deciding to finish this quickly. Since you were eager to go home and were quite looking forward to the dessert that your mother had bought from abroad.

The thought almost makes you salivate.

"What this? Trying to be a hero now aren't you?" The alpha taunted as he strode over to you, smirking as his lackeys trailed behind him and slowly circled you.

Eyeing you up, it was clear he was sizing you as he instinctive knew you were an alpha.

You two were almost the same height however you clearly towered him by a few inches.

Showing an indifferent attitude and not answering his taunt, he faltered as you gave him a cold stare.

Embarrassed by showing weakness and intimidated by another alpha, he hid it by sneering at you and barking again at your classmates.

"Hey! What the fuck are you doing?! Get your asses here!" He shouted, his voice showing traces of agitation. This affected his lackeys as their earlier confidence faltered as well.

Looking at their other friends, they were confused as they remained rooted in their place.

Their faces paled, body trembling and sweat dripping down from their forehead. Hesitant, they gave a small shake of their head, their eyes showing undeniable fear.

Annoyed, the alpha was once again about to shout when suddenly a presence loomed over him and a cold voice interrupted.

"I'll advise you to leave if you don't want yourself embarrassed and beaten up by the end of the day, kid."

It was your voice.

Calm and deep, sending shivers down their spines as they felt authority dripping off it.

The alpha and his group paled instantly. Something inside them, especially the leader in their group instinctively told them this student was dangerous and someone not to be messed with.

However, an alpha is an alpha. They weren't one to be bent over nor ordered around so easily.

And because of this and due to his arrogant pride, the alpha kid faced you with a sneer and defiantly challenged you.

"Fuck you."

"..."

The surroundings fell silent, and the atmosphere immediately grew colder than it used to. A heavy feeling washed over everyone watching the two and they felt a foreboding sense creep up their spine.

You, however, just gave a small cold laugh before dropping your bag. Your eyes narrowed darkly.

Not long after, sounds of screams and agonizing cries echoed in the park while your schoolmates and the group of middle school students watched in horror as you beat them with ease but not without mercy.

Instructing your schoolmates to drag their friends' asses to their school infirmary, you told them that their student presidents, whom you have informed already, were waiting for them at the school entrance.

They knew that if they didn't show up, this president of theirs would hound them no matter where they were. Because of this, you didn't worry if they ran away.

As for your schoolmates, they already know to show up the next day if they want to keep their balls alive.

Watching them limp away, you finally let out a breath and pick up your school bag, satisfied that everything was almost over.

However, glancing over to the side and seeing the group of young students all bruised and battered, you sigh inwardly.

You made a mental note to have those bastards write up a thousand-word apology and assign them chores around campus as punishment.

Walking over to the group of middle schoolers, you asked them if they were alright.

"Yes, senior. Thank you so much for your help!" One of the kids replied while the others nodded with a bit of enthusiasm.

Looking over their battered faces while a smile was on their lips and their eyes shining as they looked at you, you couldn't help but worry and apologize to them on behalf of your schoolmates as their school president.

Throughout the exchange, one particular student was silent and kept his distance from you however you didn't blame him. If you were him, you would also be wary, especially after what they have been through before you came.

You may have saved them, but there's no guarantee you won't do the same as what those previous people did.

Though you felt his eyes lock onto you, you didn't know whether it was hostility or something else. Just that you couldn't ignore how intense his gaze was as he watched you.

Deciding to let it go, you took out a card from your pocket and gave it to them, advising them to visit the clinic if they ever experienced any signs of discomfort.

It was one of the clinics your cousin works at.

Given the number of students you frequently handled in such cases, your cousin already suspected it was you who sent them whenever students arrived at their clinic with bruises on their bodies.

Your cousin scolds you because of it.

You simply shrugged and responded that it at least contributed to the business. No matter how you deal with these troublemakers—whether through a gentle approach or not—if they still refuse to listen, they need to learn the hard way.

It was that or nothing.

You explained and your cousin could only accept defeat as deep down he knew that kids your age are hard to disciple.

As the students bowed in gratitude, you noticed the admiration in their eyes as they stared at you.

Not used to such gazes, you cough and avoid their eyes. Instead, you immediately urged them to go home as the sky slowly turned dark.

Inwardly, you hope they won't turn out like you, as you know you are barely crossing the line when it comes to disciplining such unruly schoolmates of yours.

Bowing their heads once more, they said goodbye and walked away, eager to head home while chatting happily.

You sigh again and lift your hand to brush your hair, glad that everything's finally over.

As they turned the corner, you were about to leave when suddenly there were hurried footsteps behind you. You felt a hand grab your shirt tightly, stopping you in your tracks.

That's when you heard them, stammering with a soft and warm voice, calling out to you pleadingly as you turned your head.

Your eyes locked with grey-coloured ones.

It was the boy from earlier who was watching you so intensely.

He has soft black hair with bangs that brush against his lashes. He also reaches your shoulders in height and has a lean build.

Clearly, the boy was growing and showing a distinct trait of an alpha.

However, it wasn't those physical traits that shocked you, it was his scent. A scent so endearing your body reacted in ways you never experienced before.

You felt your body heat up, your hands trembling and your breath laboured as you continued to lock eyes with the boy.

His scent enveloped you, intoxicating and enticing, making you crave something you knew was wrong.

Slowly, dread fills you as realizations hit you all at once.

You cursed.

"Fuck."

A/n: Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! Their age will be explained as the story goes and don't worry there won't be inappropriate ages or such.

Please leave a comment on what you think! Thank you!

{All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author}

#solo leveling #sung jinwoo #solo leveling x reader #jinwoo sung x reader #sung jin woo x reader #omegaverse #romance #school #omega #alpha #beta #Sung jinwoo x reader

39 notes · View notes

pa1nrema1ns · 2 months ago

Text

Master and Apprentice || Sung Jin-woo (Part 1 of 3)

Siren!Jin-woo x Deaf!Omega!reader

A/N - Hello everyone! This fic was inspired by the lovely @forbidden-sunlight's siren!au. We both collaborated on this piece and it serves as a direct sequel to her imagine, so do be sure to check it out first! This story picks up right where her imagine left off.

╰┈➤ Chapter Index

🪸 Prequel by @forbidden-sunlight 🌊 Part 2: Two Intertwining Melodies

Content warnings: 18+ MDNI, mythical creatures au, canon divergent, a/b/o dynamics, afab!reader, suggestive themes, obsessive thoughts, slightly ooc Jin-woo (he's very reverent towards Ashborn), mentions of violence, death, and despair, forbidden romance (humans and sirens are natural enemies), eventual yandere!Jin-woo.

Word Count - 3.6k

Summary - Sung Jin-woo seeks answers about his potential mate from Ashborn in the deepest depths of the abyss.

Dividers by @anitalenia and @firefly-graphics

After what feels like an eternity, Jin-woo comes to an abrupt stop. He wasn’t tired in the slightest, but he couldn’t finish this journey unless he was in the right frame of mind. If he was going to face the sea monarch, Ashborn, then he needed to compose himself. He was his mentor’s prized disciple, after all.

Resolute in his decision, Jin-woo pinches his brow, shuts his eyes, and releases a deep, suffering sigh. He had to stop ruminating over the useless ‘what ifs’ of his current situation and focus on the matter at hand. You emitting pheromones in his presence was proof enough that you were a compatible mate, but this would be meaningless if you were unreceptive to him. It also begs the question, was humanity even capable of consorting with sirens? In search of an answer, he reminisces about the tales of old passed down by generations of his kin, as well as the many speculations made by humans.

No one knew the exact origins of his species. Most humans assumed the progenitors were Persephone’s handmaidens, punished by Demeter after Hades had taken her daughter to the underworld and forced her into becoming his queen. Some stories also claimed that seafoam birthed them, but Jin-woo scoffed at this particularly ridiculous rumor. A scholar had recently published an article on how sirens may actually be the offspring of the river deity Achelous and a divine songstress, citing notations from various mythos on this theory. In truth, reality was far simpler than any of these far-fetched narratives.

There was just no definitive explanation for the existence of sirens. They were not interchangeable with the peaceful denizens of the ocean, known as mermaids and mermen. While all fell under the umbrella of the term ‘merfolk,’ the sirens had a far more hostile and bloodstained relationship with humans.

Since time immemorial, his brethren were viewed as nothing but a scourge upon this world of humanity. Beautiful as a raging typhoon and every bit as devastating, the sirens served as harbingers of doom and destruction for those foolish enough to risk the perilous waters. Their heavenly voices were tantamount to the funeral dirges used to usher the dead into the afterlife. It would be understandable to believe that the sirens were the monsters in this baleful story. However, human nature at its core is fraught with wickedness, and men soon grew wise to the machinations of merfolk.

Odysseus was the first to survive an encounter with sirens. During his voyage to Ithaca, the cunning man had instructed his crew to plug their ears with beeswax, effectively blocking the intoxicating songs that had ended the lives of so many before them. Emboldened by the success of Odysseus’s scheme, other sailors began using this method to conquer the sea and establish trade routes. Within a matter of a couple hundred years, humans not only overcame their fear of sirens, but they also poached them. Huntsmen would capture, torture, and kill Jin-woo’s ancestors simply for crossing paths with them. Worse yet, these scoundrels would often murder merfolk solely to harvest their organs, bones, and scales. They would then use the defiled corpses as ingredients for commodities, medication, and even aphrodisiacs. It was truly grotesque, if not outright barbaric, and more than justified the ire his kind felt towards humanity. While they hunted for the noble sake of survival, men did it for bloodsport and money.

The horrific fates suffered by many of their beloved brothers and sisters particularly infuriated the alphas, with their robust constitutions and natural sense of leadership. With a thirst for vengeance, they began targeting and attacking ships, ports, and even beaches. The alphas considered any place or vehicle that harbored humans as eligible targets. The less temperamental betas remained neutral and avoided the bloodshed, opting to prey upon shoals of fish and other maritime animals instead. Omegas could not join in the hunt, as they were far too precious to lose. They were the most cherished and talented singers amongst the sirens and required around-the-clock protection because of their significant rarity. These were the origins of the current hierarchical structure Jin-woo adhered to.

After recalling the tumultuous history of his people in its entirety, Jin-woo clenches his fists until his knuckles turn white. This was so damn frustrating! Rather than granting him an understanding of his attraction, it just proved all the more why it was so illogical.

Defeated, Jin-woo raises his head, opens his eyes, and continues to swim.

Another hour passes before he finds himself at the ingress of Ashborn’s lair. His enigmatic teacher lived in almost complete obscurity. Devoid of any light, and enveloped by a suffocating aura, this nautical cavern intimidated all who dared to approach it. Well, almost all that is apart from Jin-woo. He effortlessly permeates the invisible barrier designed to keep intruders at bay and ventures into his master’s spiritual domain.

Despite being an ancient and powerful king of the sea, Ashborn made the strange decision to emulate a land-like environment in his personal chambers.

As Jin-woo manifests into the realm, his appearance gives way to a form more befitting of a land dweller. His tail separates into two legs, his scales smoothen into skin, and he loses the winged fins on his ears and back. Once finished with this metamorphosis, Jin-woo takes a deep breath. Fresh pine, grass, and flowers perfume the air as he’s greeted by a lush valley. It had been a while since he had visited, and the setting had required him to transform into a human. Interestingly, transfiguration was one of the first skills Ashborn taught him. Speaking of his mentor –

“My disciple, it is good to see you again, though you appear…troubled. Tell me, what ails you so?” A rumbling voice rings across the horizon, signaling Ashborn’s approach; the tenebrous essence of the powerful deity contrasting with the greenery of the land. He appears in front of Jin-woo as a great dark knight. Much like his surroundings, Ashborn’s current visage was nothing but an illusion. Even the bravest of warriors said that his lifelike image invoked sheer terror in their hearts.

Many speculate he possesses a massive stature, at least several leagues in height and breadth alone, with piercing eyes and endless tendrils of dark hair. Others claim he is the son of Poseidon, one of the twelve Olympians, and a God of destruction who presided over the sea. However, Jin-woo never once witnessed this side of his teacher in all the years he’s been under his mentorship. Ashborn certainly exuded dignity, but he still displayed a humble attitude. And without fail, he would always appear in that strange, armored suit whenever he was in Jin-woo’s presence.

“My teacher, I must ask for your help on an urgent matter,” Jin-woo starts, anxiously running his tongue across his bottom lip. “This morning, while I was scavenging, I stumbled across the unmistakable aroma of an unmarked omega. It…it was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. As if I was being beckoned by someone or something. I wanted, no, I needed to heed its call.”

Ashborn listens in silence, his expression indiscernible. Jin-woo continued.

“When I arrived, I was in front of a monstrosity of a ship – a yacht right by the sandbanks. At first, I assumed that someone had taken an unfortunate siren captive. But when I finally saw her–”

“You recognized she was human. Not only that, but she belongs to the lowest level of the hierarchy, an omega. Speak if I am wrong, my dear pupil.” Jin-woo lowers his head in shame, fringe obscuring his eyes. This action all but confirms it.

“I don’t know what to do or how to proceed, teacher. Everything I’ve learned about these creatures has made me detest them. But I can’t bring myself to hate her. How could this even be possible? We are not even of the same species. She’s my enemy, my prey…. At least, she’s supposed to be.” His voice lowers into a near whisper as he ends his confused rambling.

“And yet you don’t view her that way, do you child?” Ashborn poses a question he already knows the answer to but needs to hear in his pupil’s own words.

“No, I don’t,” Jin-woo replies grimly. “I yearn to know more about her. And not just that. I want to meet her, court her, and make her mine. If she’ll even have me, that is… So please, teacher, tell me if there is any meaning behind what I feel. Am I destined for something that bears no place in reality?”

Ashborn remains uncharacteristically quiet while faced with such a loaded question. All is eerily silent for a few moments, save for the cheerful chirping of the illusionary songbirds. At last, the monarch gazes at Jin-woo and gives him the answer he so desperately desires.

“It is entirely possible Sung Jin-woo, alpha of Jindo island, for I am proof of such a fantastical circumstance. My first and only love was also a human omega. A woman I devoted my entire being to over a millennium ago.”

Jin-woo’s eyes widened in shock at this revelation. His mentor had fallen in love at some point, and it was with a member of the human race? This was unheard of.

“I never knew you had a lover,” Jin-woo murmurs softly. “What was she like? Do you still remember everything about her after so many years?”

“Let me show you, my disciple. It is a tragic tale that words alone cannot properly convey.” With a wave of Ashborn’s hand, their surroundings began to morph and alter. The valley transforms into a spacious, yet quaint medieval village composed of several wooden houses with a bustling marketplace at its center.

When Jin-woo regains his bearings, he notices his mentor has also metamorphosized. A man with a sun kissed complexion, long dark hair, and a beard stands where he once stood. Though visibly unrecognizable, he was unmistakably Ashborn. A crimson cape was clasped to the pristine silver armor he wore. A paladin. Jin-woo recalls. He had some knowledge of the past lives of men through his rare excursions onto the Mainland. While disguised as a human, Jin-woo once traded in his goods for a textbook on history. He was loath to admit just how intriguing he had found it.

Ashborn speaks, his voice no longer resonating within the confines of shadowy steel.

“It was here in this village that I came across her. She was the only daughter of a peasant farmer. A strong-willed, rapscallion of a woman with a wit sharper than any blade. I can remember her beauty, her warmth, and her tenacity as clear and concise as the day we met.” He says with a wistful gaze. The scene then shifts to a woman in a pure white gown. Her eyes remained hidden, but it did nothing to impede upon her loveliness. The woman runs animatedly towards a man who looks identical to Ashborn’s borrowed likeness and leaps into his arms. The man then effortlessly spins her around before bringing her into a kiss. Jin-woo watches on, mesmerized by what was unfolding in front of him.

“I feared her rejection once she knew the truth of my identity,” Ashborn admits. “On the night we first made love, I finally revealed to her my status as ruler of the sea. However, it did not matter. She loved me wholly and unconditionally, regardless of who or what I was. Such was the strength of her resolve.” In the next instance, they return to the same valley from earlier. What differs this time is that the man and woman are there, unacknowledging of Jin-woo and Ashborn’s presence. Lost in their own special world. The woman has a flower crown on her head, and she sits on the grass, holding the man’s head in her lap. Both appear happy and at ease.

“For the first time in my existence, I experienced true contentment. I long to return to those days, but alas, our bliss did not last.”

Ashborn solemnly shuts his eyes as darkness overtakes the sky and rain falls. The man is now shown standing at a grave with an expression of anguish marring his face. The woman is nowhere to be seen, although Jin-woo knows exactly where she’s at.

“A plague was scourging the land and indiscriminately ending the lives of thousands. I tried to protect her with my magic, but it was to no avail. She fell gravely ill despite my best efforts. I discovered shortly thereafter that omegas were more susceptible to sickness than their contemporaries. If I had known beforehand, I would’ve brought her to the sea with me, away from that damned disease. But I was a fool who was willing to love and live with her as a man, not as a king. And as punishment for my hubris, an ailment snuffed out her life.”

At the end of his recollection, Ashborn’s lair returns to its original state. His mentor had also regained his shadowy exterior. The valley appears completely untouched by time, as if it were still one thousand years in the past. That’s why his lair looks like this. Jin-woo thinks as he finally recognizes its significance, It was their personal sanctuary. After a few moments of silence, Ashborn speaks.

“Although our circumstances are similar, you still have the privilege of choice. I cannot turn back time, nor can I change the past, but I am grateful. I experienced unspeakable grief, yes, but I also would have never encountered such love, tenderness, and passion had I not taken a chance on my omega. You, my disciple, still have free rein over your decision. Should you choose to pursue this woman, you have my blessing and irrefutable proof that she is a viable mate for you. If not, you will still receive my unwavering support in your future endeavors. The choice is yours to make.”

Jin-woo’s throat bobs. He feels an incredible sense of guilt at unearthing his master’s secret.

“My teacher, I apologize for prying into your past. I – I did not mean to bring up painful memories for you. I cannot imagine what you have endured. As of right now, I am not sure what it is I want, but I know for a fact I cannot give up on this human. I will need some time to contemplate and sort out my feelings. If you will excuse me.”

Jin-woo bows his head before turning to take his leave. As he approaches the exit, a sudden thought emerges at the forefront of his mind.

“Teacher, there is one more question I must ask. This human, she does not speak with words. She communicates with her hands and gestures. Is this some type of sorcery or spell that she’s casting?”

“It is most likely sign language, a manner of non-verbal communication used by humans who are unable to vocalize or hear. Perhaps she cannot speak, or has a hearing impairment, so she must express herself through other means.” Ashborn answers, curiosity lacing his voice.

Jin-woo feels his heart sinking. A siren’s serenade played a pivotal role in the mating ritual and was performed just prior to consummating an eternal bond. If what Ashborn said is true, then there is a possibility you could be immune to his song. This meant he wouldn't be able to use it on you when the time came…

He grits his teeth as he remembers your smiling face. Try as he might, Jin-woo just could not get you out of his head, nor was he willing to let you escape his grasp. You may not have realized it yet, but you had unknowingly sunk your fangs into him and the seeds of obsession were already beginning to take root. Rather than being discouraged by Ashborn’s observation, he instead finds himself reinvigorated.

“Teacher, disregard everything I said earlier. I now know what it is I must do.”

Ashborn peers into the eyes of his disciple, relieved by the determination that lights them. This was much more like the obstinate young man he knew.

“I choose to seek this omega and stake my claim, no matter what challenges may await the two of us,” Jin-woo proclaims proudly. “I will make her mine, but only if she consents to my proposal. And if not through song, then through other courtship methods. I am strong, stronger than any other alpha in my territory, and I know I can protect her from all who would wish her harm. I won’t let my mate slip through my fingers.”

“But what of maladies and the passage of time? You can fight against gods and monsters until the end of your days, but sickness or her ephemeral lifespan will not spare this young woman. In the end, your time with her shall be fleeting.” Ashborn ruthlessly counters Jin-woo’s declaration of protection.

Jin-woo bites his lip, not expecting this development. However, before he can muster a response, his mentor graces him with an answer.

“I know of one way you can overcome this. There is a recipe for an elixir known as the Holy Water of Life. It is a miraculous potion that can imbue invulnerability to communicable diseases, extend lifespan, and transform the consumer into a siren. I unfortunately did not have knowledge of such a panacea while I was with my love. Of course, I live with the regret of not discovering it sooner, as now I have no such use for it, but this does not mean I will idly stand by and let history repeat itself with my protégé.”

With a flash of light, an ancient scroll appears in front of Jin-woo. It unravels by itself to reveal its contents to him. Jin-woo’s eyes widen as he reads. Is this…?

“Behold. The ingredients for crafting the Holy Water of Life. I bequeath this boon unto you, my disciple. However, heed my warning as the acquisition of these components requires you to conquer all 100 floors of the Demon’s Castle and to defeat its king, Baran. This is a treacherous dungeon that may claim your life if you are unprepared for it, but it can also impart you with unspeakable power should you prevail.”

Jin-woo perks up at this information, his interest now fully piqued. “Tell me, master, where can I find the Demon’s Castle?”

“It hides far away, in the city of Seoul, within an incorporeal dominion. It is a flame-ridden landscape that will require you to assume the form of a human to enter the castle. Knowing all the risks it entails; do you still accept my offer?”

“I do,” Jinwoo confidently states.

“Very well,” Ashborn nods his assent, and a key materializes into Jin-woo’s palm.

“Use this key to open the gate to the Demon’s Castle. I have also implanted it with the coordinates to the dungeon’s location. You need only close your eyes and grasp onto the key to visualize it.”

Following the instructions, Jin-woo sees a map that details the exact distance from his current whereabouts to the metropolitan area of Seoul. It will be a lengthy trip, even with his impressive swimming prowess. He estimates it will take roughly half a day to arrive at his destination. Undeterred, Jin-woo presses onward.

“Teacher, I cannot thank you enough for all your help and guidance over these last few years. I give you my word; I will return alive and well, both with the elixir and Baran’s head. And then I will meet with the omega and court her in earnest.”

He departs without another word, although his promise relays an unspoken farewell between them. After some time passes, Ashborn stares at the vast skies of his domain and muses to himself.

“You have grown so much from when I rescued you from the Cartenon Temple all those years ago, Sung Jin-woo. I could not be prouder of you, my disciple. Till our next encounter.”

12 hours later...

Jin-woo finally emerges from the dark, briny waters that frame Seoul’s coastline.

After leaving Ashborn’s lair, he briefly returned home to pack and prepare for the journey ahead. Both Jin-ah and his mother were worried about his sudden departure, so he did the best he could to assuage their fears by giving them a sanitized version of the truth.

Jin-woo claimed Ashborn had provided him with a list of rare ingredients that were only available for purchase in the human markets at Seoul. He even promised to bring back a box of chocolates as a souvenir, something his mother and little sister had enjoyed during one of his return trips to the surface. He then traveled the full 413-kilometer distance from Jindo-gun to Seoul, stopping only for a few hours to rest and recuperate.

As he approaches land, he assumes the form of a naked human man and walks inland from the sea. However, Jin-woo comes to a halt when he becomes more aware of his current state of nudity. While it didn’t bother him, it would cause a lot of unnecessary trouble if any nosy beachgoers happened upon him and asked questions. It is also…pretty embarrassing to admit that he is…wobbly on these legs. Very much so.

He quickly summons his magical inventory and grabs a simple black t-shirt, boxers, fitted jeans, and athletic sneakers (‘Adidas’, the portly sales attendant had called them). As worthless as he found human decorum to be, Jin-woo needed to remain as inconspicuous as possible while he was in disguise. Once dressed, he strolled into the city. After 45 minutes, he found himself at the designated street junction on the map. Taking a deep breath, he brings forth the key, turns it, and unlocks the gate.

⚓︎ To be continued...

562 notes · View notes