Chapter – 72
[The “Prophetic Oversight Inspector” grumbles that, according to the original story, the protagonist should have barely avoided a fatal wound and been rescued by the reinforcement.]
The scenario where the host of the Demon Sword mistook Teceilid for dead and let it slide—basically…
“Yes. I survived purely by luck.”
Even if all conditions were exactly the same, there was no guarantee the same result would occur. It was also a method that couldn’t be reused.
The Inspector pointed this out and voiced their objection.
[The “Prophetic Oversight Inspector” demands that, since you twisted the story, you take responsibility and save the protagonist.]
That was my intention from the start.
Still, the Inspector, doubting my reliability, felt the need to deliver a threat that wasn’t even necessary.
[The “Prophetic Oversight Inspector” warns that if the protagonist dies here, something truly terrible will happen.]
[The “Prophetic Oversight Inspector” threatens that until now you could ignore their words without consequence, but this time it’s different.]
[The “Prophetic Oversight Inspector” warns you not to regret it and not to ignore this warning.]
Unlike usual, I didn’t take the Inspector’s words lightly. I listened carefully because this warning was genuine.
This place is a regression world. It functions like a massive clock centered on the protagonist.
If the protagonist dies before gaining the ability to regress, it shakes the very foundation of this world.
A broken clock groans and malfunctions, which can trigger anomalies in the regression world.
Depending on the person, an anomaly might be insignificant or catastrophic. In my case…
Recalling past memories, I shuddered.
“Ah, no! That must absolutely be prevented!”
In my case, it would be a disaster!
[The “Prophetic Oversight Inspector” notes that it seems you have been diligently reading the original story.]
The Inspector was extremely pleased and didn’t continue with further threats.
<Why the sudden pale face? Feeling unwell?>
“No, Agnes. I’m fine.”
<You’re fine? You should rest too.>
“I’ll check on Teceilid a bit more first.”
I wiped the cold sweat off my forehead and turned back to Teceilid.
Feeling the obligation to keep him alive, I carefully gave him potions.
Seeing his complexion gradually improve, the handsome face calmed my racing heart.
‘No, it’s not just my imagination.’
It truly seemed to have a calming effect on the mind and body. I continued to stare at Teceilid’s sleeping face.
I kept looking. And looking.
I didn’t take my eyes off him. If Agnes hadn’t gotten in my line of sight, I might have kept staring for much longer.
<Hey, you’re going to wear him out. Why are you staring so intently?>
“…Doesn’t Agnes find it amazing?”
<Find what?>
I pointed at Teceilid with serious admiration.
“How can a person look like this? Isn’t he way too handsome?”
<…>
Taking the silence as agreement, I returned to studying Teceilid’s face.
His silver hair shone like it had been plucked from the pale moon. His chiseled nose and deep-set eyes, every feature sculpted with care.
His crimson lips could have been dangerously decadent, but the pure whiteness of his skin exuded a sacred aura, creating an oddly lethal charm.
A face like this, an aura like this, was unparalleled in this world.
Teceilid Argent. The set value for our “Potato Pass” scenario…
‘World’s Most Handsome!’
At that moment…
[“The Scale that Judges Souls” rushes over after receiving the “World’s Most Handsome” keyword alert.]
[“The Scale that Judges Souls” looks around, searching for the protagonist.]
[“The Scale that Judges Souls” discovers the protagonist and covers its mouth in awe of the handsomeness.]
I, too, naturally brought my hand to my mouth.
“He’s really handsome…”
<…Huh.>
Whether Agnes rolled her eyes or not, I thought this was the perfect moment to fully appreciate someone else’s face.
Is he even human? Looking at his shoulder blades, I imagined his wings had been severed. Maybe later I’ll have to check his back… cough. Almost sounded perverted.
Agnes made a meaningful snort at that moment.
<Ah, I remember. Isn’t he the one? The first love you said you’d visit right after leaving Baekjojak?>
“Absolutely not.”
I said it with genuine seriousness.
<No?>
“Yes.”
<Even now, staring like that?>
“He’s handsome. It’s natural to look at attractive people.”
<Hmmm, what if he asked you to date him?>
Just another spiteful joke from higher-ups trying to pair anyone up. I laughed it off.
“That’s unnecessary speculation. He has a terrible taste—he’s attracted to girls who throw themselves at him.”
The original story proves this, where the supposed heroine fed him her sweetness three times in a row before betraying him.
[The “Prophetic Oversight Inspector” scoffs, “You dare guarantee that despite being a story disruptor?”]
[“The Scale that Judges Souls” scolds you for making countless potato-pass regressioners suffer in the same way.]
[The “Prophetic Oversight Inspector” suddenly frets, wondering what if you fall completely for someone you’ve saved twice.]
[“The Scale that Judges Souls” cries out to buy the Genre Change Ticket immediately!]
Indeed. To romance the protagonist would cost a whopping 10 billion cash. A steep price.
‘No. I won’t do it.’
[“The Scale that Judges Souls” comments that giving up love because of money is…]
Ah, enough.
I felt more drained than when fighting the host of the Demon Sword.
<Wow, you even know his female preferences?>
“Agnes.”
<Alright. I won’t tease you. Still, I’m curious.>
“What?”
<He’s not your first love, right? Why bother so much?>
“……”
<Who is he, really?>
The question hit the core and instantly cleared the mood.
It wasn’t just the careful nursing that made me act this way. I had publicly stated that I would visit Teceilid first once the system’s restrictions lifted.
So it was clear that I was quite conscious of Teceilid Argent.
I checked, and Agnes remained silent. I thought for a moment.
Unlike others, Agnes was relatively free from Prophetic Oversight restrictions.
Although external influence was impossible due to her soul state, she shared all experiences with me.
‘For example, she also entered the Trial Tower with me.’
She was practically part of my set.
It wasn’t something to evade. Important truths needed to be conveyed clearly—at least until regression.
But not now. Even unconscious, Teceilid was right in front of me.
“I’ll tell you later.”
<You promise?>
“Yes.”
With that, we ended the conversation.
From time to time, I moistened Teceilid’s lips with potion as I continued my nursing.
Hours passed this way.
By now, it had been well past sunset in the real world.
“Ah.”
I jolted awake, having dozed off and letting my head drop.
<Aylet, you must be tired. You fought three S-rank bosses today.>
“That’s right. I really gave it my all today.”
<You should sleep too.>
“That sounds good. The Demon Sword’s host is badly injured, so it won’t be moving for a while anyway.”
Yawning, I rummaged through my satchel.
I prepared snacks and drinks by Teceilid’s bedside, anticipating his awakening while I slept.
I wrapped myself in my blanket and curled up, falling asleep instantly.
✠
<Aylet Cadet! Wake up! Big trouble, Knight!>
“…!”
Hearing Agnes’ urgent alarm, I sprang awake.
Big trouble? An attack?!
I gripped my casual sword and scanned the surroundings. Danger was nowhere to be sensed.
Instead, Teceilid was gone. His blanket neatly folded, food completely eaten—vanished without a trace.
Agnes looked awkward.
<Hmm, I thought he went for a bathroom break, but he hasn’t returned after a long time.>
“How long has it been?”
<About 30 minutes?>
“…….”
I gripped my sword tighter and stayed silent.
Thinking about it—knowing the “Potato Pass” habits—what could he be doing?
<Maybe he went off alone to fight the Demon Sword’s host?>
“That’s the most potato-pass thing he could do in this situation, but I doubt it.”
Teceilid wasn’t the type to recklessly rush in alone.
I sighed and packed my gear.
“Let’s go. I think I know where he is.”
