TFN C66

Chapter 66

Wonhyo briefly recalled the standard “non-returnable delivery” clause — but technically, even if the item wasn’t defective, a buyer could still request a refund, provided they covered the shipping fee.

“I do feel a little bad, now that I think about it,” said the gaksi with a faint smile. “Before I received it, I thought this was the only thing I needed. But after obtaining it… I realized it wasn’t the thing itself that mattered.”

She smiled wider.

“I used to wonder why my husband went through such trouble to send someone all this way. But now I understand—he wanted to find someone without greed, someone who wouldn’t be tempted.”

That didn’t sound quite right to Wonhyo, but he decided not to argue.

There was no point in angering a being like her.

“And now,” she continued softly, “I see that what I truly needed wasn’t this item at all—it was his heart. That alone gives me peace. So, since I no longer need this, may I offer it to you instead, as thanks for bringing it here?”

Wonhyo blinked. How did that conclusion happen so suddenly?

He didn’t know what she was thinking, but he nodded anyway.

Whatever she was, she wasn’t someone to contradict.

“Good,” she said. “Thanks to you both, I can finally depart in happiness on this beautiful day.”

With a graceful flick of her fingers, the bundle that had once felt impossibly heavy floated into the air and drifted toward Wonhyo.

He caught it carefully.

This time, it was light—as though the burden had truly been lifted.

“Until next time,” she said.

Then, glancing toward the old man who stood silently nearby, she stomped gently on the ground.

A thick mist swirled upward, coalescing into dense clouds that lifted her body into the air.

Rumble—BOOM!

A flash of lightning split the sky.

From within the storm, white scales gleamed—a magnificent dragon coiling heavenward, wrapping the sky in a brilliant spiral. The creature turned once, waving a clawed hand in farewell, before soaring into the distance.

『Quest Complete.』

The notification appeared before Wonhyo’s eyes. His knees buckled, and he nearly collapsed.

Cheongmun holstered his weapon and caught him before he fell.

“Thank you,” Wonhyo murmured weakly.

He truly felt drained to the core.

Thank the heavens he had realized what the gaksi really was before things had gone too far—he had nearly corrupted a divine serpent without realizing it.

“Impressive,” said the old man, approaching with a booming laugh. He patted Wonhyo’s back.

“You took so long, I thought you were some talentless fool—but to think you managed to send such a lovely dragon to the heavens! Remarkable!”

“I didn’t choose to have no talent, you know…” Wonhyo grumbled, but the old man only chuckled.

His gaze slid toward Cheongmun.

“I thought everything up there was sealed. Perhaps it’s because you bear the Coffin of □□□. You wield your power in peculiar ways. Still, take care. A wise man knows the battles he can and cannot win—that’s how he lives long. Though, I suppose using that power against a dragon can hardly be avoided.”

Cheongmun’s sharp expression softened faintly, and he inclined his head in acknowledgment.

“Well then,” the old man said, tapping out his pipe, “you should go. Someone else awaits you outside—pacing and worrying, I’d wager.”

As soon as he spoke, the world around them began to ripple.

Just like when they had first entered this place, the air twisted, the scenery bending and shifting until—

They stood once more at the edge of the Black Ghost Valley, beneath the frost-covered tree where snow-flowers bloomed.

Wonhyo turned and saw the boy waving excitedly.

“You finished safely, didn’t you?”

“Ah, yes. Somehow,” Wonhyo said.

“Thanks to you, I can face the gaksi again without shame,” the boy said with a small bow. “Thank you.”

Snow petals drifted from the branches like falling blossoms.

『Accumulated penalties for quest failure have been removed.』

Wonhyo’s heart leapt.

Finally—some good news.

『Quest reward granted. Additional reward given for completing “Deliver the Bundle to the Gaksi” and enabling her ascension.』

“Oh!”

So there was a special condition for ascension.

『Skill rank adjustment: “Baekhui-Gamu” (D → S).』

『Skill rank adjustment: “Manbeop-Gwijong” (D → S).』

The skill locks had been lifted—

and not only that, they’d been promoted two full ranks higher.

Now he could wield stronger charms and spells; even identical talismans would manifest with greater power.

As he reveled in his fortune, the boy turned to Cheongmun.

“I have a few things I can offer you as well, for your help. Would you like to choose one?”

Since it was just a companion’s reward, Cheongmun didn’t expect much. He gave a small nod. “All right.”

The boy clapped his hands once and let out a thoughtful hum.

“Hmm. You also deserve a reward for aiding her ascension. But… that leaves me with an imbalance. Let’s see—what would suit you best?”

He tilted his head, then leaned forward slightly.

“Yes… You, bearer of the □□□ of □. Don’t be too hasty to reclaim what you’ve lost. The time is coming soon—everything you need will appear before you, one by one.”

The voice seemed to echo directly inside Cheongmun’s mind, carved there like a whisper of prophecy.

His eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.

“I understand,” he replied quietly.

“Now, for your reward—hm? Wait, was that message too big a one? Why do I only have one thing left?” the boy muttered.

Wonhyo bit his lip.

If, after all that—climbing the tower, walking under the blistering sun, going thirsty, starving, getting drenched to his underwear—and still not receiving proper compensation, it would be tragic.

Cheongmun, however, looked indifferent, as though it made no difference to him whether he was rewarded or not.

The boy, seemingly aware of Wonhyo’s worry, dug through his pockets and shut his eyes tightly.

“Ah, whatever! Take this!”

He hurled something toward Cheongmun. It hit his chest—and vanished, absorbed into him instantly.

“You looked like you needed it most,” said the boy. “Just… don’t use it for anything bad.”

Cheongmun checked the new item—or power—and a faint smirk touched his lips.

“I’ll put it to good use,” he said.

Wonhyo was dying to ask what it was, but seeing the satisfied look on Cheongmun’s face, he figured it couldn’t be anything harmful.

Good enough.

With that settled, they could finally leave.

Wonhyo’s skin itched from the soaked clothes, and all he wanted was to change and rest.

“Then, we’ll take our leave now,” he said.

The boy waved cheerfully.

“Safe travels. And next time—try not to be late.”

“Late?” Wonhyo echoed, confused.

Before he could ask further, a cold wind surged from behind.

A violent gust slammed into them, strong enough that Wonhyo had to raise his arms to shield his face.

Through the howling wind, the boy’s voice called faintly—half-scolding, half-lamenting:

“I can’t tell you everything… but be careful. Of that energy.”

As his voice faded, Cheongmun raised a hand, unleashing his skill.

A wave of black aura burst forth, cutting through the gale.

When the storm settled, the boy was gone.

Even the frost-laden tree had vanished, leaving not a trace behind.

Cheongmun scanned the area carefully, but there was nothing.

Wonhyo tried using a talisman to trace the boy’s presence, but it, too, failed.

Just as Cheongmun was about to summon the cube to exit the valley, it abruptly vanished—like it had been forcibly canceled.

『You have completed a Hidden Mission on Tower Floor 7.』

『Achievement Unlocked.』

『You will be transported outside the Tower shortly. Brace for impact.』

A red warning box appeared.

Wonhyo’s eyes widened as the countdown began.

『10』

Was that the timer before transport?

『9』『8』『7』

The numbers flashed rapidly downward.

Wonhyo gripped the bundle tightly to his chest.

When the counter hit 『1』, the ground vanished beneath his feet.

His body lifted into the air—suspended in weightlessness.

A vast, blue sky spread before him.

He realized, dimly, that he was flying.

But no—it felt more like falling.

Wind roared past his ears, whipping his hair across his face.

As he twisted midair, something enormous came into view.

A colossal pillar, glowing faintly red, reaching endlessly upward.

He recognized it instantly.

The Tower.

Below, dark shapes gathered like ink pooling at the bottom of a well.

His vision spun. His heartbeat thundered. The ground rushed closer.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

I’m going to die.

“If you keep your mouth open like that, you’ll bite your tongue off,” a calm voice said beside his ear.

Wonhyo’s eyes flew open.

Cheongmun had caught him mid-fall, arm wrapped firmly around his body.

From the empty air around them, a surge of black energy blossomed—wrapping them both in its protection.

Wonhyo rubbed his trembling hands together.

Even after changing into dry clothes, his skin was ghost-pale.

He draped a dry towel over his hands and fidgeted, trying to shake off the lingering numbness.

After a while, the door clicked open.

Cheongmun entered, now also changed into clean clothes, carrying two steaming mugs.

“Drink,” he said simply.

Wonhyo accepted one with both hands, his voice hoarse. “Thank you…”

He took a careful sip.

It was hot chocolate—rich, sweet, and warm.

The moment it touched his throat, warmth spread through his chest, chasing away the last of the cold.

📝 Notes:

• Imugi (이무기) – A serpent-like lesser dragon that, upon achieving enlightenment or divine favor, ascends to become a true dragon (yong). 
• Baekhui-Gamu (백희가무) – Literally “White Joy and Dance”; a shamanic skill embodying sacred ritual movement. 
• Manbeop-Gwijong (만법귀종) – “All Laws Return to Origin”; an advanced spell skill meaning complete mastery over charm-based arts.