5 Chapter 5: [Pillar of Epochs (3)]

Facing each other, our eyes locked in a tense standoff, neither of us making a move. The air crackled with anticipation as Baek Joohyuk tightly gripped the hilt of his scabbard, while I calmly positioned my hand behind my back, concealing a pistol ready to strike if needed. Silence enveloped us, heightening the intensity of the moment. Sensing his reluctance to speak, I took the initiative and broke the stillness.

"Who are you?" I asked, feigning ignorance to lower his guard.

[Baek Joohyuk, a protagonist who had suffered immense loss and witnessed the destruction of his world, had become a regressor in desperate attempt to prevent the world's demise, and to destroy every single one of his enemies.]

'In the past, he had arrived at the 'Pillar of Epochs' later than I did, giving me the advantage. He had no way of knowing whether I had originally arrived at this time or not, so I played the role pf an unsuspecting bystander.'

Upon hearing my question, he narrowed his eyes, attempting to discern my true identity. In response, I pretended to be angered, mimicking the reactions of those Baek Joohyuk had encountered in the past to make my act more convincing. His gaze shifted past me, towards the raging 'Tyrant' outside. He understood, he knew that I was no ordinary person to have bypassed the formidable 'Tyrant'.

Suddenly, with a metallic sound, he vanished from his position and reappeared before me, swiftly disarming me of my pistol and pressing his sword against my neck. The cold steel sent shiver down my spine, but I maintained my composure.

"Answer me, who exactly are you?" he demanded, his voice laced with a mix of suspicion and determination.