Chapter 324

Chapter 324
## Chapter 324

**The Monarch of the Discarded**

“…”

The turbulent energy had finally settled.

Amidst the heavy, uncomfortable quiet, Hudson found himself unable to do anything but shift his weight and dart his eyes toward Serengeti. He lacked the courage to meet her gaze directly.

He had concealed his true self and maintained a web of deception until this moment. That fact alone weighed on him like a betrayal so severe that seeking absolution felt like an impossibility.

“I believe I understand now.”

Serengeti’s voice finally broke the silence.

Hudson’s heart skipped. Given the sheer number of grievances she could have aired, he listened intently, wondering which thread she would pull first. Serengeti turned a frosty stare toward him.

“The Hydragon that disrupted the ceremony—that was a manifestation summoned by Sir Randolph, wasn’t it? I suspected my eyes were playing tricks on me, but they weren’t. What was the motivation behind that?”

It was a query Hudson had no defense for, no matter how many explanations he could conjure. From her perspective, it likely appeared as though he and Randolph had conspired to sabotage the wedding out of malice.

Hudson shook his head frantically in denial.

“…Please, forgive me. It wasn’t an intentional act to ruin the day. The Demon Realm launched a sudden assault on Earth. My physical body in that world was being targeted, and I had no other choice but to respond.”

“The forces of the Demon Realm are striking the land of the transgressors… no, the land of the ‘players’?”

Serengeti’s brow furrowed in confusion. The revelation that the Demon Realm was striking out at a different dimension—specifically the home world of the players, Earth—was entirely new to her.

It was understandable that she was in the dark. Hudson let out a weary breath and began to clarify.

“They have struck twice already. And it is certain they will return again.”

“Why would the Demon King focus on Earth instead of conquering Pangenia?”

“…Perhaps because the players are the primary obstacle to his goals?”

While the Demon King’s ultimate aim was clearly total subjugation, the specific reason for prioritizing Earth over the established world of Pangenia remained a mystery. Even the Great Expedition had taken place within Pangenia.

Why pivot to Earth so abruptly? Various theories existed, but the most logical conclusion was that the existence of Earth and its players posed a unique threat to the Demon King’s reign. He was likely striking at Earth first to neutralize a growing power before it could fully challenge him.

“If Sir Randolph hadn’t called forth the Hydragon in that moment, I would be dead,” Hudson stated with a chilling calmness.

The weight of those words was anything but calm. If Randolph hadn’t intervened, Hudson would have been unable to disconnect his consciousness and would have perished in his original world.

A flicker of realization passed through Serengeti’s eyes.

“You’re saying that if the version of you named Oliver dies… then the you standing before me ceases to exist as well?”

“The connection works both ways. There are no exceptions to this bond.”

The deaths were linked; if Hudson fell, Oliver fell. Both physical forms were vital, and even a permanent injury in one world would resonate deeply in the other. The two existences were fundamentally tied together.

“Is it impossible for you to remain permanently on this side?”

“It is. Pangenia and Earth are distinct realities. Hudson belongs here, and Oliver belongs there. Neither can fully migrate to the other’s domain.”

“But… how do you explain Sir Park Hyunmyeong being present in Pangenia?”

“…”

“If Sir Park Hyunmyeong achieved it, why shouldn’t Oliver be able to do the same?”

“Serengeti, you must understand that Sir Hyunmyeong is a singular anomaly. He is a force that defies every known rule, an existence that moves beyond what we can imagine.”

“But that means the potential exists, doesn’t it?”

“…Technically, a one-in-a-million chance is still a chance.”

In truth, Hudson believed the probability was far lower than even that. However, strictly speaking, the answer was yes—it was possible. Park Hyunmyeong was living proof. Yet, just because a legend had paved a path didn’t mean a regular man could follow it.

Regardless, there was a more pressing concern.

“Serengeti. Is there anything else you need to know?” Hudson asked with trepidation.

He knew this wasn’t a simple conversation. She might be acting as though she understood, but true forgiveness and acceptance were different matters entirely.

Serengeti let out a long, weary sigh.

“…Truthfully, my mind is still reeling. It’s all so disjointed. The idea that Park Hyunmyeong is also Sir Randolph and Sir Wilhelm is difficult to grasp. He stood before us in his Earthly guise, but he didn’t actually transform back into Sir Randolph, did he? I’m sure everyone found that suspicious.”

“…Are you under the impression that Sir Randolph perished within the Tower of the War God?”

“Honestly… I feared that was the case. I stayed silent because you, Isabella, and even the Blade Dragon God seemed to possess information I didn’t.”

The others seemed to have already reconciled with the identity of Park Hyunmyeong. However, Serengeti and the rest of the group were struggling to adjust to his sudden appearance. A transformation into his Randolph persona would have been the ultimate proof they needed.

“In the Tower of the War God, Sir Wilhelm defeated ‘Sir Randolph.’ Following that, Sir Wilhelm vanished, and Sir Randolph…”

She hadn’t pressed him on why he couldn’t change back because the ‘Randolph’ she knew had been bested in the tower. “Besting” him was a polite term; he had essentially been erased. Yet, Park Hyunmyeong had emerged, claiming to be both the victor and the fallen.

It was a paradox. All three identities had seemingly occupied the Tower of the War God simultaneously. Hudson also found this aspect baffling. Why had Park Hyunmyeong manifested in this world in that specific way? Why hadn’t he simply reassumed Randolph’s appearance to put everyone’s mind at ease?

“It’s possible…” Hudson’s tone turned somber. He spoke slowly, weighing each word. “It’s possible that Sir Hyunmyeong has been stripped of his identity as ‘Randolph.’”

“…Stripped of it?”

“Inside the Tower of the War God, ‘Sir Randolph’ was fractured. His life and history were absorbed by the tower as if they were tangible components. His life as Wilhelm might have been partitioned there as well.”

“So you’re saying his entire being was divided?”

“That is my theory. Consequently, ‘Sir Randolph’ was defeated by a construct of Sir Wilhelm. But for some reason, even though that version of him died, his core essence remains as ‘Park Hyunmyeong.’”

“Then that means…”

“It means we must stand as his guardians.”

Hudson felt a surge of certainty. The Randolph they knew was gone. Currently, Park Hyunmyeong was unable to access that former power or form.

*Sir Hyunmyeong was the only one capable of entering the Isle of God.*

Perhaps that was the key to his survival. The Isle of God was a place forbidden to all currently awakened souls. Only someone in Park Hyunmyeong’s unique state could enter and find a new path to power. Even if he seemed like a different man, Hudson was certain of his identity.

“Hudson. Are you implying that the current Sir Park Hyunmyeong lacks the strength that Sir Randolph once possessed?” Serengeti’s face turned grim.

Hudson nodded, his expression equally serious. “For the moment, yes. But he will undoubtedly reclaim the height he once held.”

Until that day arrived, they would have to be his protectors. In an instant, the legendary hero had become as vulnerable as a child in a dangerous world. Serengeti found herself aligning with Hudson’s perspective. From her observations, Park Hyunmyeong was currently far below the power level of the old Randolph.

“…I see. That explains why he took on the role of Lyca’s pupil.”

“It’s a strategic front, obviously. A way to move through this world undetected. Regardless, our priority is to grow stronger. We must become the shield that protects him.”

The thought of Randolph or Wilhelm being a subordinate to Lyca was laughable. Hudson knew the reality would normally be the other way around.

Serengeti finally replied, “You needn’t worry about our resolve. The ‘Knights of the Round Table’ possess great strength.”

She spoke with conviction. Now that Hudson was officially part of the ‘Knights of the Round Table,’ their path was clear: they had to reach new heights of power.

Still, Hudson was hung up on one detail.

“…Serengeti. When you told Park Hyunmyeong that all the ‘Knights of the Round Table’ were still among the living… was that the truth?”

He had heard her tell the story. But historical records and common knowledge dictated that the Knights were all deceased, with Serengeti being the sole survivor.

*—They are all alive. Here, in the World Tree’s dungeon.*

She had made that claim to Park Hyunmyeong. Logically, it made no sense. If they were alive, Randolph would have known, and he certainly would have sought them out. Yet, the conversation had moved on, and Park Hyunmyeong hadn’t pressed the issue, as if he understood a hidden meaning.

“The truth will reveal itself shortly.”

“Shortly? When exactly?”

“When we step into the dungeon.”

Serengeti offered a small smile. However, entering the World Tree’s dungeon was no simple task. It required specific proof of worth and had strict limitations on how many could enter at once. Hudson chose not to push for more answers just yet.

“Before we cross that threshold, I want you to tell me everything. Tell me about ‘Earth.’ Tell me about the ‘players.’ Tell me about ‘Oliver.’”

Serengeti’s eyes were locked onto his. He could no longer evade her search for the truth. The time for total honesty had arrived, even if it meant Serengeti might walk away from him forever.

—

Isaac shut his eyes tight.

The stories were preposterous, yet he had been presented with a truth that left him no room for doubt.

“Whether you choose to depart or remain, the decision rests entirely with you.”

As he wrestled with his thoughts, Isabella spoke from his side. Isaac scowled.

“Isabella… are you truly unfazed by all of this?”

“Why shouldn’t I be?”

“The man approached you under a false identity…”

“And if he hadn’t, I would still be wasting my existence chasing ghosts and nursing a hollow rage.”

She had been obsessed with the futile dream of finding her lineage, only to discover that the Dersian family was a living nightmare. She had no desire to return to that life. Furthermore, she had regained her memories of Sonora, the person who meant more to her than anyone else. She could finally feel Sonora’s presence again.

If Randolph hadn’t claimed to be a ‘Star-Awakened,’ she would have continued her aimless search, never learning the truth.

“…Didn’t you mention there was someone you needed to find?”

“In the Holy City.”

“Then why are you staying here?”

“Because my presence here is of greater importance at this moment.”

“Then she must not be that significant to you.”

“…I am simply waiting for the opportune moment.”

Sonora was in the Holy City. Saintess Sea had confirmed this fact herself. She was held in a sealed chamber deep within the Papal Palace. Charging in blindly would accomplish nothing. She needed a moment when the palace’s defenses were distracted.

The ‘Goddess Festival’ was her target. On that day, the entire Goddess Church would be preoccupied with celebrations. That was when she would make her move. There was still time before the festival began; there was no reason to be reckless.

*As long as she is breathing.*

If Sonora was alive, Isabella would stop at nothing to rescue her.

“Isaac. We weren’t just found; we were chosen.”

“…What are you saying?”

“He saved nearly a thousand people suffering from the ‘Divine Sickness.’ Yet, he specifically sought out the three of us.”

They were the select few. Out of a thousand patients, he had focused on only three: Isabella, Isaac, and Balte. He had mended their spirits, healed their physical tolls, and given them a reason to walk forward.

“If you are still dissatisfied with your choice and wish to leave, I won’t stand in your way.”

“But you’ll be disappointed in me.”

“I will simply never acknowledge your existence again.”

The two had grown close over their shared journey. They shared similar scars and took immense pride in being the direct followers of Randolph. But if Isaac chose to walk away now, Isabella was prepared to sever their bond permanently.

“…That’s a harsh way to define friendship.”

“It isn’t just me. None of us will look at you again.”

“Are you saying no one else is considering leaving?”

“You already know the answer to that.”

Even if Randolph was now Park Hyunmyeong, the core of the man remained the same. Nothing essential had changed.

Isaac rubbed his face with his hands, frustration evident in his posture.

“Dammit. Am I the only one who finds this difficult? How can all of you be so calm after hearing something so earth-shattering? You, and the others.”

“It’s because you are human.”

“You’re human too, Isabella…”

“Isaac. It’s because you are a *good* person.”

“…”

“That is why. If you are going to leave, it is better if we have no further association.”

Isaac was the most grounded, most “human” of the group. He was a man of conscience who felt the weight of things even when they weren’t his fault. If he chose to leave, it was best they never crossed paths again, for his own sake—lest he eventually be corrupted by the world they lived in.

Isaac bit his lip, then stood up abruptly.

“…I’ve made my choice. I’m staying.”

He had reached his conclusion. Seeing his tightened fists, Isabella let out a small, knowing laugh.

“Sir Hyunmyeong is a person far more significant than you can fathom. You won’t be able to keep up if your resolve is only half-hearted.”

“Have you forgotten? I am already a ‘Knight of the Round Table.’”

“…!”

Isabella’s eyes widened slightly. She hadn’t expected such a firm declaration.

Isaac had been momentarily shaken, but in his soul, he desired more than anything to be part of that legend. He wanted to see where this path led—the myths, the legends, the story of Wilhelm. If his current life was the result of his own choices, he owed it to himself to see it through to the end.

Isabella and Balte were unshakeable in their conviction. He couldn’t turn his back on the grace of the man who had hand-picked him and saved his life. He wouldn’t be less than the beasts of the field.

*…Me, a good person.*

…Because he was a good person, he would stay.