Suwon – Underground Chamber (Final Visit)
Jung Ha-Joon stood alone in the heart of the throne chamber, the red glow from the ancient seat of judgment reflecting in his eyes.
The pendant floated above his palm again, no longer trembling—just… waiting.
The crown fragment remained above the throne, pulsing softly.
It wanted him to claim it.
But Ha-Joon, after everything, simply closed his fingers and lowered his hand.
> "I already chose."
The glow faded.
The crown fragment quietly disintegrated into dust.
The chamber dimmed… then sealed itself.
The past had called.
And this time—he didn't answer.
---
Ji-Yun – Waiting Above Ground
She felt the moment it ended.
No shockwave. No eruption.
Just a subtle, cosmic silence.
As if something ancient had turned its face away.
When Ha-Joon stepped out of the chamber, he looked calm.
Not invincible. Not divine.
Just a boy with crimson eyes who'd made a choice.
She walked beside him in silence as they left the ruins beneath Suwon.
And above them, the stars returned to stillness.
---
Later That Night – Rooftop of Ji-Yun's Apartment
> "What happens now?" she asked him.
Ha-Joon looked up at the night sky, hands in his pockets.
> "We live."
> "That simple?"
> "It has to be," he said.
"That world is gone. Let them keep their thrones."
Ji-Yun paused.
> "They'll come again. Eventually."
> "Then I'll decide again. When it matters."
---
Watcher HQ – Classified Location
A silent report was filed into a sealed black folder.
Subject: Jung Ha-Joon
Threat Level: Re-Evaluated — Dormant
Underneath was a note, hand-written by the lead Watcher:
> "He refused the key. The system won't awaken again—unless provoked. Watch. Do not touch."
---
Suwon – One Week Later
The news had long moved on.
The Gate in the Sahara was still sealed. No new anomalies appeared. And Earth returned to its familiar rhythm.
At Suwon High School, Jung Ha-Joon was just another quiet student.
No one questioned him anymore.
Not about the eyes.
Not about the past.
He studied, submitted assignments, and even started helping around the family store more.
> "You've been more cheerful lately," his mother noted.
> "It's the air," he replied with a smirk.
"Smells like peace."
---
Hunter Guild, Suwon Branch – Training Room
> "Name?" the registration officer asked.
> "Jung Ha-Joon."
> "Any past Gate experience?"
> "…Some."
He was given a provisional E-rank license—one step above unawakened civilians.
Nothing flashy.
No aura.
Just the first step toward a quiet life.
He exited the office quietly and didn't tell anyone.
Not even Ji-Yun.
---
Final Scene – On His Way Home
The breeze felt cool as he walked past the riverside. The sunset cast long shadows behind him.
And for the first time in a long time, there was no throne chasing him.
No systems.
No echoes.
No watchers in the sky.
Just a boy.
A city.
And a crimson pair of eyes that now closed softly… in peace.
---