4 Chapter 4: [Pillar of Epochs (2)]

"Question 'Reality', for it may be but a 'Fiction'."

Curiosity piqued, I couldn't shake off the lingering words the echoed in my mind. The enigmatic message had found it's way into the pocket book, leaving me bewildered and intrigued.

In my confusion, I scrutinized the pocket book once more, hoping to find some clue or explanation. But to my disappointment, there were no additional letters or hidden messages to be discovered. It seemed like a solitary message, meant to stir something within me.

As time passed, the initial shock subsided, but an unsettling feeling persisted. There was an eerie aura surrounding the words, as if they held deeper meaning that eluded my understanding. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a glimpse of a reality beyond what I had known.

This is undoubtedly--

--A Divine Message.

****

The next day arrived, and the time had finally come for me to embark on my next endeavor- to journey towards the enigmatic 'Pillar of Epochs', a place said to hold the deepest secrets of this world. Many dismiss it as a mere myth, a figment of imagination, but armed with <Kismet >, I am determined to unveil the truth that lies about the identity of Light Keiran.

There is actually a reason why the 'Pillar of Epochs' were never to be seen, because only those who knows the true 'path' can find it, and that is by entering the 'Realm of Dreams'. This elusive relic could only be perceived by those who possessed the will to enter the 'Realm of Dreams', where reality and imagination melded into a tapestry of enigmatic truth.

With the <Kismet > as my guide, I focused my will, allowing myself to be carried away by the currents of my imagination. The boundaries between the waking world and the 'Realm of Dreams' blurred, and I found myself standing amidst a surreal landscape, where the laws of nature bent to the whims in my mind.

The dream world unfolded before me, as a realm of ethereal beauty and profound mystery. The 'Pillar of Epochs' stood tall and resolute, it's presence radiating an aura of ancient wisdom. It seemed to beckon me forward, it's secrets waiting to be unraveled.

The surroundings of the pillar were a testament to the boundless creativity of the dream world. Floating islands adorned the sky, their vibrant colors contrasting against the celestial backdrop. Waterfalls cascaded upwards, defying gravity with their ethereal flow. Exotic flora bloomed with vibrant hues, their fragrances weaving a symphony of scents.

But as I approached the pillar, the dream world trembled. A monstrous entity, known as the 'Tyrant', materialized from the depths of my subconscious. It's form twisted and contorted, a grotesque manifestation of my deepest anxieties from long ago.

Normal people would react with fear and they will either wake up and regain their consciousness or will be stuck in fear and die both here and in the real world. Yet I remained calm, probably because of my lack of emotions such as fear, I calmly contemplated on what I should do when I remembered what was written in the <Kismet >. The 'Realm of Dreams' was a realm where imaginations can be turned to reality, and so as I stood before the 'Tyrant', I raised my hand and a pistol appeared. Grasping it I pulled the trigger without hesitation and the 'Tyrant' was shot as it's black and liquid body made a giant whole, alas within seconds it turned back to normal and I confirmed that it is not something that can be defeated so easily.

Still, I was aware that everything has their weaknesses and tried to recall more information in the <Kismet >. The 'Tyrant' of course did not let me do so easily and launched an attack. With the experience I gained from being in the military back in <Earth >, I was able to dodge it's attack and finally thought of something.

The moment the 'Tyrant' launch an attack on me once again, my body was torn apart in half.

Then, my body, what should have been torn apart and should have splattered blood, disappeared into thin air like an illusion and dust which made the 'Tyrant' puzzled. While it was confused, I took this opportunity to sneak away and arrived at the gate of the pillar using an invisible cloak that I made from my imagination.

Staring at the enormous and gigantic double-door, I found that there were symbols embedded and carved on it. Tracing over it with my fingers, I couldn't help feeling the divinity that it is emitting.

After some time, I could still hear the angry roar of the 'Tyrant' from behind. Finally, I pushed open the door with both my hands, it's stone doors made the sound of heavy rocks being dragged as dust fell off from the ceiling.

The moment it was finally opened, I curved my lips thinking that I was fortunate enough to enter such a place with ease only to have my smile stiffened.

Inside the pillar, there was a person with his back facing me. The moment he turned around, I couldn't help questioning my knowledge once more.

He had a head full of sleek, jet black hair that reflected a subtle sheen under the light. Sharp jawline, and his eyes, a mesmerizing shade of golden, seemed to sparkle like stars plucked from the night sky, captivating anyone who dared to meet his gaze.

Dressed in a stylish black coat that hugged his form, he exuded an air of mystery and sophistication. The coat, tailored to perfection, accentuated his slender frame and added a touch of elegance to his overall appearance.

As he moved with a graceful stride, the silver scabbard on his waist caught the eye, glinting in the sunlight from behind me. It hinted at a hidden weapon, symbolizing his readiness for any challenge that may come his way.

From the moment I laid eyes on him, there was an undeniable familiarity and yet unfamiliarity. It was if you had known him from another lifetime, and his presence stirred a sense of recognition deep within my soul.

This made me puzzled, questioning myself if I had ever met someone like him as Kim Su-Jin, or maybe he was an old acquaintance of Light Keiran with a memory I have yet to obtain. Either way, I know exactly who this man is from the <Kismet >.

Baek Joohyuk, a protagonist of his own chronicle, and what a person who reads fantasy novels may call as- a regressor.