10 days until the apocalypse...

A big giant piece of paper was sprawled onto a table in the middle of the room. Cale leaned forward, putting his weight onto his arms as he scanned the numerous scribbles and writings. Behind him, Eliezer was standing dumbfoundedly, the water rabbit on top of his shoulder.

"Hm... If it's like this... No, should I do that instead...?" Cale mumbled incoherently, oblivious to how the butler and the rabbit glanced at each other with conflicted and bewildered eyes.

"Um," Eliezer finally spoke, "young master-nim, isn't it about time you rest? You've stayed up since yesterday. I know how important planning for an apocalypse is but you shouldn't disregard your own health like this," He voiced out his concern.

Cale's face twisted into an odd expression. Since when was his well-being more important than a literal world's destruction?

The redhead tapped the wooden table with his index finger a few times before responding, eyes still glued to the paper, "I'm fine. As much as I want to slack off, it's better to be fully prepared so I won't have to do anything later."

Eliezer bit his lip, wanting to disagree, but if that's what Cale says, he couldn't do anything about it. His orders from the God of Death were to listen to everything Cale needs, after all.

However, the bunny hopped away from his shoulder, floating through the air before landing on the paper, right where Cale laid his gaze.

"Hm?" He raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

The bunny's ear twitched, silently staring at him which caused him to frown.

"I said I'm fine."

Tilts head.

"I'm not lying."

A silent doubt.

Eliezer watched the interaction, unsure how to react. He has no idea as to why Cale seems to understand, and he didn't question it. Instead, he decided to lend the mute rabbit a hand. The butler stepped forward, wiping his human liege's face which was strangely warm and covered in sweat. "Young master-nim, I heard you like reading. How about visiting the public library? It recently went through construction, so I think it'd be good to check it out."

"The library?" Cale repeated to himself, contemplating it. "Hm, alright. That's not a bad idea.

"Then would you like us to prepare the car this time?"

He deadpanned. "And then have everyone freak out once they realized they couldn't see the driver?"

Yes. The driver was unfortunately another ghost. A man who died in a car crash and is now tied to a limousine until he successfully drove humans to their destination safely three times before he could peacefully pass.

"I can assure you, young master-nim! Nothing bad will happen! The windows are very dark, no one will pay any attention to them. Trust me!" Eliezer insisted, his eyes sparkling.

"... Haaa," He sighed, "Do what you want."

Ten minutes later, he was already inside the moving car, the water rabbit in his pocket. His expression was stoic, which isn't new, as he listened to a man talking cheerfully.

"I've been waiting for the day to drive you, young master-nim! You have no idea how happy I am!" The driver said, a bright grin decorating his face.

"... Just be quiet."

"Of course, sir!"

At that moment, Cale didn't know how the man felt a deep sense of gratitude, knowing he was one step closer to finally being able to rest and meet his family.

The journey was smooth. Nothing was out of place, except for the curious and awe stares since it was a limousine. Pulling up the hood to cover his capped hair, he nodded to the driver. "Thank you for the ride. Stay safe on your way back." Then he quickly got out with no knowledge of the man's teary face.

Eyes turned towards him, but he ignored them by focusing his gaze on the library. Although the appearance was most familiar, the building was bigger than he remembered when he was Kim Rok Soo, most likely because of the recent construction. The grey-colored walls are now beige. It looks even fancier now and less museum-like.

Cale entered the building and found himself gasping lightly because of the view. There were a lot of people, but it wasn't crowded, and it was very quiet. He scanned the countless books on the shelves that almost reached the white ceilings.

Suddenly feeling giddy, he happily walked through the library sections, feeling his finger brush the books. None of them caught his attention so far so he kept searching, until his hand — and another's — reached for the same book.

The two looked at each other simultaneously.

"Huh?" Cale let out a confused noise.

"Huh?" The man also made the same noise.

"Huh...?"

"...Huh?"

"You..." Cale parted his lips in surprise, not expecting to meet this guy here. "Ahjussi, I'm starting to think you're a stalker."

Because what the heck are these coincidences?

The man put on an offended expression, which the other didn't take seriously. "Yah, what do you mean? If anything, I should be the one calling you that," The black-haired male grumbled, retracting his hand away so Cale could grab the book they wanted. "Aren't you the one who visited Korea? You might've flown across the country just to see me."

The redhead clicked his tongue. 'How cheeky,' Cale thought in amusement, pulling out the book from the shelf.

"You're interested in action and fantasy?" He asked with a hint of playfulness, considering the book's genre.

The man huffed, slightly puffing his cheeks. "Are you mocking me? I'm not that old to the point I can't enjoy those types of stuff!" He retorted defensively.

Cale chuckled before handing him the book. "Take it, I can look for something else."

The older man's expression says 'are you sure?' but upon seeing the redhead staring at him stoically, he took the book with hesitation. "... I'll go read over there," he pointed to a spot, "you can join me if you want." Then he left.

He casually gave the offer, but he didn't expect the younger male to actually accept it.

Cale sat down in front of him near the window, and he was immediately immersed in the book.

The man looked at him for a moment, his eyebrows furrowing in mild confusion and interest. He didn't expect the guy to love reading, just like he is. I mean, although Cale always seemed bored, he never expected someone with a commanding demeanor and intimidating aura to have the same hobby as him— reading novels.

If anything, he expected the other to like studying (a top-grade or honorary college student), or even be the captain of a sports team (even though it doesn't make sense after looking at Cale's frail body).

"Ahjussi, do you like my face that much? Are you falling in love with me?"

A monotonous voice snapped him out of his trance, and he immediately rolled his eyes. "No way. Besides, you're a kid."

"I'm 21 years old."

The man shrugged. "I'm 28. You're very much a kid to me."

Cale scowled. He really wanted to grab the guy by the collar, shake him, and scream 'We're only 7 years apart. Besides, I'm actually mentally 39!' but held himself back.

The man watched the gorgeous foreigner's face scrunching up in displeasure. He bit back a laugh.

Honestly, what he least expected the most was for him to actually think of someone's company as pleasant. Throughout his years of living, he has always been alone. People always looked at him with pity, disdain, disgust, and mockery.

At this point, he forced himself to grow numb to those gazes.

Never had he seen anyone looking at not only him, but the world, with indifference. They're even joking around, which was new to his social book. From what he noticed, in the redhead's eyes, everything within his sight felt equal, powerless, and unchanging— something that he oddly felt comfortable with, because those pair of reddish brown eyes were not judging him, they were simply looking at him with unwavering perseverance.

'It's scary,' He solemnly thought, quickly dismissing the trivial thoughts.

Feeling comfortable? There's no way. He was never supposed to have that luxury in the first place. Once he gets fired, he'll probably fall into a state of depression and die somewhere since there's nothing left for him anymore aside from waiting for the ending of his favorite web novel.

"-ssi. Ahjussi. Ahjus—"

"What? What." The man almost let out an exasperated sigh at the constant calling.

"Your phone."

Cale realized that the man was zoning out, but he couldn't bring himself to care until a phone vibrated, seeing someone called. So he told the latter about it, and the call was quickly picked up.

And he just watched, observing how the man flinched slightly, trying to compose himself (probably because of his presence) and politely replying to the incoherent shouts with exhausted eyes.

Once the call ended, the man exhaled deeply, dropping his head to the table while his breaths became quicker.

A few minutes later, he felt something gently caressing his hair. It was warm, so to no one's surprise, he instantly fell asleep.

Cale, who was busy reading his book, had instinctively reached his hand out. Perhaps it was his attempt to comfort. It became a habit to him since he always patted Raon, On, and Hong whenever they feel upset. Besides that, he already noticed the black bags underneath the man's eyes.

'He must be tired. People should always get a good rest,' Cale concluded and decided to keep the man company for the rest of the day.

• • •

The moment that man was awake, it was almost abrupt, which caused Cale to nearly fall out of his seat. Thankfully, he was able to keep calm, but the other urgently had to leave so he could complete another work.

They both decided to take the subway together since they were heading in the same direction.

The man got off first, bidding him farewell. Cale simply told him to go home safely.

There are still a few stations he must pass, but his phone (given by the God of Death), quietly rang. The rabbit in his pocket nudged the phone upwards and he took it, merely glancing at the caller before picking up.

He couldn't even utter a single word. A familiar boisterous voice spoke from the end-line.

"Ahjussi, pick me up."

Cale deadpanned. "Why? Did you get into trouble?"

They had exchanged phone numbers after their dinner together last time. It was easy for him to obtain it since he graciously spent money to feed the young man.

Getting close to the white-haired boy was strangely easy... Well, the novel did mention that he was an interesting character. A violent person with a very laid-back personality. An unexpected and strange mix.

Kim Namwoon was silent, so he pressed on.

"I won't be able to pick you up if you don't tell me what happened."

The teen's sigh could be heard. "I did something stupid and now the teacher's asking for my guardian," He explained, embarrassment could be heard in his voice and Cale could imagine his face flushing red on the other side.

"Since when am I your guardian?" Cale asked in disbelief.

"Since now!" Namwoon said, with utmost certainty. "Just act like my older brother! It'll be easy."

It was the redhead's turn to sigh this time. "Why can't you just ask your parents?"

"Tsk. No f*cking way. The last time they were called, they said they were going to disown me if it happens again. I don't want to be homeless," The youngster grumbled in reply, "Ahjussi, come on," He said again, almost pleading.

"Haaa... You think they're going to believe me, a foreigner, is your older brother?"

"Sh*t, I don't know! Just think of something! I'll owe you a favor after this!"

That was the moment Cale's eyes lit up.

"A favor, you say?"

"Yes! A favor, anything!"

He smirked.

"Wait for me."

"Ahjussi!! I love yo—"

Cale quickly hung up and got off the train.

Time to meet a certain troublesome kid.

• • •

Thankfully, Namwoon's school wasn't far away from the station.

Chungil High School.

He read the giant banner, confirming this was indeed the place before entering the gate.

It was around 4 p.m, meaning most students already went home. There are some who were still present, and they weren't very subtle when they threw glances (–or literally gawked) at him with wide eyes. A few whispers were heard, but he didn't pay attention to them as he approached a classroom.

He remembered the novel mentioning that Kim Namwoon is a year two student, and he was held back once so he's probably a year older than the other students.

After inspecting that this was the right class, he knocked gently and quietly opened the door. There stood Kim Namwoon with the homeroom teacher. The boy didn't even have his head down to pretend to be guilty and had the nerve to look bored out of his mind.

Cale held back the urge to massage his temple.

"Ah, hello, who might you be?" The teacher asked warmly, different from the way she looked at Namwoon with disapproval.

Upon seeing him, the boy's expression brightened.

"I'm here as Kim Namwoon's guardian," Cale introduced himself with a smile, one that would make Raon ask him who he was going to scam.

"Really...?" The teacher asked skeptically, mainly with confusion.

A young man, a total eye candy, a dignified person who carries a gentleman's aura, admitted that he was here as Namwoon's guardian.

Kim Namwoon! A troublemaker with no bounds!

"I'm a distant cousin of his. I have to stay in Korea for a personal matter and Namwoon's family wants me to look after him in their stead since they're really busy," He lied skillfully, even Namwoon was amazed. "Did something happen?"

The teacher easily accepted the reasoning and began to explain, "This boy... Haaa, this is the 5th time he skipped classes this week, and then we found him fighting with some other students. This behavior really can't be excused any longer."

Ah. That's a problem.

Cale nodded slowly, listening intently, while Namwoon was (disrespectfully) yawning and looking around the room in a daze. The former stealthily pinched his waist and twisted it, causing the latter to curse quietly and stood still.

"His grades have also been drastically dropping. I'm afraid if this continues on longer, Kim Namwoon won't simply repeat another year, but be expelled instead. As his homeroom teacher, I'd like to help, but Namwoon is... a very spirited and stubborn individual who always seems to get into trouble anywhere he goes," The teacher said, landing her gaze at Namwoon with a knowing displeased look.

Kim Namwoon just turned away, refusing to say anything in case he messed up and afraid to feel Cale mercilessly pinching him again.

Cale opened his mouth to speak, gaining their attention, "Kim Namwoon has always been a lively child. I apologize on my cousin's behalf for the issues he caused, but I feel like apologies won't be enough. So we'll prove it. I'll make sure he'll be properly disciplined. He won't cause further trouble in the future." He smiled, and for some reason, Namwoon and the teacher felt iffy about it.

'But wow, his acting skills are top-notch! Is he a professional actor?' Kim Namwoon wondered to himself.

The teacher relented, nodding gently. "Alright. One more chance. That's all the school can manage."

Cale didn't feel bothered about that. The world is about to end anyways so it won't matter.

"Thank you, ma'am. We'll get going now," He said, dragging Namwoon by the back of his collar.

"Ack– Hey! Let go! Where are we even going?!" The whitehead tried struggling but quickly gave up. He could easily push Cale away, but he didn't have the urge to hurt him at all. Take it as... a token of gratitude for helping him.

"Dinner. You're hungry, aren't you?"

Without hearing the other's response, they spent the rest of their time together rather harmoniously.

8 days until the apocalypse...

"Young master!! The God-nim has something for you," An excited voice shouted, and Cale's heart almost jumped out of his chest when a figure suddenly appear through the wall.

He almost dropped his apple pie.

'Damn it, can't he just use the door like a normal person? They really still can't control their habit.'

Cale cursed the gods in his head before finally paying attention to the item that the butler brought.

Wait, isn't that...

"Spatial pocket bags?" He muttered, subconsciously taking the two small bags from Eliezer's hands.

"That's right! Though I'm not sure what they're for, you seem to know this item well. God-nim said they'll help you greatly through your mission," The fawn-haired boy explained giddily, happy to receive a message from the upper god that he served.

"I see. Thank you for bringing this to me, they'll be a great help," Cale said with a wide grin upon receiving the free items. Now he doesn't have to think about carrying heavy things in the apocalypse.

Turning his attention to the bags, Cale began thinking of the things he was going to put in these. Starting from food, water, novels, pocket knives, clothes, a first aid kit, sleeping bags, a blanket, pillow, eye mask (Why is he bringing so much sleeping-related stuff?), and... "What else should I bring?"

The white rabbit hopped within his sight, tilting its head.

He blinked.

"Why are you looking at me like that? You're not getting in the bag."

The bunny's ears became droopy, feeling saddened and disappointed.

As if knowing what it was feeling, Cale sighed. "You'll just stay in my pocket as always."

The rabbit's mood brightened as it jumped around him in joy.

"Young master-nim, worry not, we'll prepare all of the necessary things for you!" Eliezer assured, already thinking of all the supplies his human liege can have a comfortable journey.

Cale smiled at him. "Then I expect that you'll do a good job." He thinks that having someone working for him feels great.

There's a week left before the first scenario happens.

'The apocalypse will last for around 5 years. Let's prepare well so I can slack off and peacefully die in the end.'

He was determined to stay still and laze around, but unfortunately, nothing ever goes the way he wanted them to.

• • •

"Damn it!" Alberu cursed, unfitting for the Future King of the Roan (soon-to-be) Empire, but everyone in the room couldn't bring themselves to care.

It's been days since Cale disappeared through the strange ominous portal that the enemies made. At that time, the chains and cages around them disappeared upon the death of the steel hunter. But it was already too late. Their commander was gone.

They searched all over the continents but were unable to find traces of him. Even the gods were silent as if the communication was temporarily cut off.

Cage was digging her nails into her palm. The moment she felt the connection of the vow of death disappear like that one time in Endable, she couldn't help but feel that something bad had happened.

All of them refused to believe it was because Cale had... died. There's no way their persistent commander would fall like that. But their only reassurance was because the gods fell silent. Other than that, they don't know about anything.

The ex-communicated priestess was sure of one thing. If Cale is dead, the God of Death will immediately inform her of this.

"Let's just destroy the temples." Surprisingly, Choi Han was the one who suggested this. He had been playing around with his sword, pulling it in and out of the scabbard.

"That's a wonderful idea. We will forcefully make the gods speak," Rosalyn added, a sweet eerie smile on her cold face.

"I support that decision." Even the lovely little Mary agreed with her GPS voice.

Eruhaben sighed, not bothering to suppress the killing intent that filled the room for hours. "Let's not make any hasty judgment. As much as I'd like to do that as well, destroying the temples might actually bring us further away from the unlucky bastard," He tried reasoning. The ancient dragon is probably the only one who's able to remain sensible at this moment.

"Goldie Gramps! It's been days and we haven't been able to gain any information!" Raon chimed in with his child-like voice, clearly in distress.

"I know, Little Kid. But in this case, it's better to be patient. We don't know where he is and what happened to him. This problem is out of our reach. The only one who can provide us the slightest clue is the gods."

After hearing that, everyone was silent again.

Until Cage suddenly stood up, knocking back the chair she was sitting on. She immediately looked at Jack who was frozen with his eyes wide. He was also looking at her in shock. Both of their faces were pale.

At this, the others became alerted.

None of them dared to speak for a while.

"What? What is it, Oppa?" Hannah was the first one to ask, her whole body tensing.

Jack finally looked at the people present. His pupils shaking and his lips trembling. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

They saw how Cage lost strength in her legs, and Choi Han immediately supported her.

Worry and concern washed over them. What happened that made the two so shaken up like this?

"W-We..." Jack stuttered, and Hannah reached her hand out to comfort him, but it was as if fear had struck him. His senses were numb, he could only hear his own loud heartbeat. "We received a prophecy..." He spoke, trying hard to keep his voice steady. "No, it was a vision..."

Everyone was listening intently to each word.

"T-The world was ending..." Jack continued, which made them freeze in place.

Cage controlled her ragged breaths, speaking after him, "It doesn't seem like it's a place we've seen before. It's a completely new world. And..."

She swallowed.

"Young Master Cale was in front of it."

———

a/n : i've decided that maybe i'll make short chapters so i can update more frequently and not get bored.

also, there will be no ships. yes, as much as i love joongdok, i'll make all pairings ambiguous like in the novel. whenever the characters flirt with each other, it'll be joking and platonic, but you can interpret their interactions however you wish.

in conclusion, this book is canon compliant (?) so i hope that won't stop you from enjoying the story.

i'm really excited for the scenario to start and for cale to flip things over!