Chapter 1
The hum of the glowing system screen filled the room with a faint echo, casting an eerie, almost surreal glow that seemed to ripple against the walls. The faint hum was accompanied by the unshakable tension of the moment, as though everyone present stood on the edge of something monumental.
On one side of the glass wall, Tboah Cale's companions stood rigid, their eyes flickering between the three individuals on the couch. Kim Rok Soo, scarred and composed, rested calmly beside Tcf Cale, who sat upright, his gaze sharp and unwavering. His posture was relaxed, but the intensity in his eyes betrayed his focus. Raon, On, and Hong were draped across him like a living blanket, fast asleep, their quiet snores grounding the otherwise unnerving atmosphere.
To their right, Tboah Cale, seated stiffly, exuded frustration that burned hotter with every passing second. His scowl deepened as he glanced at the peaceful scene of the children snuggled against Tcf Cale, the image a stark contrast to his own chaotic experiences.
On the opposite side of the glass, Tcf Cale's allies mirrored the unease. Tboah Choi Han’s dark eyes glinted with suspicion as he scrutinized the versions of Cale. The pain and betrayal he associated with Tboah Cale clouded his judgment, and his hands clenched at his sides as if itching for a fight.
Tcf Bud leaned lazily against the wall, but his smirk was anything but casual. He observed the scene with the air of someone watching an intense game of cards, his sharp gaze lingering on Tcf Cale, as though waiting for the young man to make his next move.
Standing close to Tcf Cale, Tcf Alberu kept a steady hand on his shoulder. The simple gesture spoke volumes, a quiet but firm reassurance. The two shared a glance, an unspoken understanding passing between them—a small reminder of the bond they shared that had long since grown into something deeper.
The silence shattered when Tboah Cale leaned forward, his voice cutting through the room like a blade.
“Two of me, huh? What a joke.” His lips curled into a sneer as his gaze flitted between Kim Rok Soo and Tcf Cale.
Kim Rok Soo, unfazed, leaned back on the couch, crossing his arms with practiced indifference. “Feel however you want. It doesn’t change anything.”
“Doesn’t change anything?” Tboah Cale shot back, his tone rising. “You’re still me, aren’t you? The same coward, the same weakling. Except now, you’ve thrown away everything—your name, your identity. How does it feel to be nothing but a shadow?”
“Better than being you,” Kim Rok Soo replied coolly, his gaze meeting his counterpart's. “I’ve left behind the name Cale Henituse, yes. But at least I’m not running away from my failures like you.”
Before Tboah Cale could retort, Tcf Cale finally broke his silence, his voice calm but sharp, like the crackle of distant thunder. “You two can argue all you want, but the fact remains that all three of us are here for a reason. And I’d rather figure out what’s going on than waste time throwing insults.”
“Finally awake, huh?” Tboah Cale said, sneering. “Don’t think you’re off the hook. Living the good life in your cushy little fairy tale world—”
“It’s not a fairy tale,” Tcf Cale interrupted, his tone steady but tinged with irritation. His hand drifted to rest on Tcf Alberu’s, which still lingered on his shoulder. The gesture was subtle but grounding. “I’ve bled, fought, and nearly died to protect that peace. Don’t act like it was handed to me.”
Before the tension could escalate further, the system's words materialized mid-air, halting the conversation.
[Welcome once again.]
[We will now answer some of your questions before we continue.]
The room fell into an uneasy silence as the system’s glowing words filled the screen.
[To clarify the identities of the three individuals on the couch:]
Cale Henituse (Tboah): Original Cale from the world of The Birth of a Hero (TBOAH).
Kim Rok Soo (og): The original soul of Kim Rok Soo, who swapped bodies with Cale Henituse.
Kim Rok Soo / Cale Henituse (Tcf): Kim Rok Soo in Cale Henituse's body, residing in the alternate world of Trash of the Count's Family (TCF).
[Two souls. Three versions. Two timelines.]
The explanation left an air of stunned silence in its wake.
“So, what’s the point of this?” Tboah Cale growled, glaring at the glowing screen. “You’re saying we’re just pawns in your game?”
[Correct.]
[The TBOAH universe is the "original path," marked by destruction, hardship, and war.]
[The TCF universe is the "altered path," shaped by the actions of Kim Rok Soo (Tcf).]
“…So everything we’ve done is just some grand experiment?” Kim Rok Soo asked, his voice low and bitter.
[Not an experiment.]
[But a convergence.]
[Because of the actions of Kim Rok Soo and Cale Henituse, the fate of both timelines is now intertwined.]
“This is ridiculous,” Tboah Cale muttered, his fists clenched. “You’re telling me we’re supposed to just accept this?”
[You are here to understand the changes that have shaped your futures.]
“Then stop wasting our time,” Tboah Choi Han said, stepping forward, his voice laced with frustration. “Show us something useful.”
[Very well.]
[Prepare yourselves.]
The glass walls flickered, and images began to take shape. On one side, the TBOAH universe unfolded in vivid detail—a battlefield drenched in blood, collapsing cities, and the haunting cries of the dying. On the other side, the TCF universe appeared, serene and vibrant, filled with laughter and camaraderie.
The stark contrast was unbearable for many.
“This is ridiculous,” Tboah Cale growled, his voice laced with venom. “We’re fighting for scraps while you’re living in paradise?”
“You’re just mad I figured out how to live,” Tcf Cale shot back, his tone sharp but calm.
Before Tboah Cale could respond, Tcf Alberu gave Tcf Cale’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Enough. This isn’t helping anyone.”
The words hung in the air, and slowly, the tension began to settle.
[We will now show you an event that shifted fate.]
[Prepare for what’s next.]