**#145. Misunderstanding (1)**
—
“Could you perhaps… be an elf?”
Elf.
A non-human race that once lived in the forests, now practically vanished without a trace.
Their traits: high affinity with mana, pointed ears, and elegant features.
And also—
*“That guy must’ve eaten over a hundred of my canned goods. Wouldn’t even touch anything unless it had meat in it!”*
—a fiercely devoted carnivore.
The furious testimony of a man Ray once met in the slums of Sector 48 vividly replayed in his mind.
‘He thinks I’m an elf? Seems like there’s been a misunderstanding.’
At first, Ray wondered if it was some kind of joke he didn’t get.
But from the emotions swirling in Binjin’s bowl, he could tell the man was being completely sincere.
Why would he think I’m an elf?
Feigning curiosity, Ray asked back.
“What made you think I was an elf?”
“Well, it was the way you destroyed the circle earlier. If you’re a survivor from the old era, it would explain your use of such powerful and long-lost magic. Yes, I’m certain of it.”
Ray leaned back and folded his arms.
“A survivor from the old era, huh.”
“Elves have lifespans that are incomparably longer than humans, don’t they? I think it’s entirely possible. That someone from the old era could still be active today.”
Binjin’s speech was speeding up, excitement rising.
Ray responded.
“My ears aren’t pointed, though.”
“You must be concealing them with magic.”
“Well, I do prefer meat.”
“Elves are known for being vegetarians and eating lightly. You’re even disguising your behavior to throw others off.”
A spark of awe and expectation flashed in Binjin’s eyes.
As if begging Ray to confirm that he was right.
“You seem to know quite a lot about elves.”
“Yes, of course. I only started taking an interest a few years ago, but I prioritized it over other studies and gathered quite a bit of information in that time.”
He seemed like someone who had longed to meet an elf for a very long time.
Ray paused, recalling the only testimony he’d ever heard about elves.
*“I found him collapsed next to a pile of scrap metal. In hindsight, that was the beginning of my misfortune. He trashed the place while staying with me.”*
*“And when he left, all he gave me in return was a few seeds. Not money! Not food! Just seeds! Can you believe it?”*
‘Seeds.’
In that man’s backyard, green sprouts had emerged.
The same spot where the seeds had accidentally fallen.
Despite the black rain the night before, the soil around the sprout retained a healthy brown color.
‘…And the sprout itself hadn’t been touched by the blackening at all.’
*“He said something like this: If I was going to keep living in that house, I should plant them in the yard. That they might end up saving my life someday.”*
…Saving his life.
Did that mean something really dangerous was going to happen?
At that moment—
*“The end times will soon be upon us! Only those who dwell under the sun shall survive!”*
—another voice echoed in his head.
Something a priest had shouted during the cult’s street march.
*“When our great sun rises in the sky! That day! Shall be the day all the world’s darkness vanishes!”*
The flood of information swirled in his mind.
Black clouds that produced black rain.
The disease brought on by that rain.
The artificial sun meant to disperse those clouds.
The mysterious plant that could resist the rain.
‘…I think I might be starting to connect the dots.’
Though his thoughts were still tangled, that much seemed clear.
The “end times” the cult spoke of.
The “life-saving moment” the elf mentioned.
It was likely they referred to the same point in time.
He’d need to take a closer look at the flowerpot once he returned to his lodging.
The one where he’d planted one of the leftover seeds he’d bought from the man in the slums.
Thanks to Veronica’s diligent care, the plant had recently begun to sprout.
But before that—
*“I know you’re an elf.”*
“……”
—he had to deal with Binjin, who was now gazing at him with eyes full of desire.
“Elves are known for their beauty.”
“Yes. Just like you, Mage.”
The man had completely convinced himself that Ray was an elf.
Ray saw the deep reverence and curiosity in Binjin’s bowl of emotions.
‘…Maybe it’s not such a bad idea to leave things as they are.’
After weighing the pros and cons, Ray spoke.
“You’re quite perceptive.”
Binjin’s smile stretched ear to ear.
*
Soon after, a technician arrived and collected Ray’s fingerprints using a strange magical tool, then left with his card.
“Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use the card immediately. It’ll take three or four days to reconfigure the pattern.”
Amon added.
“And is there anything else you’d like us to do besides gathering information? We may not look it, but we’re a fairly influential group. We can offer a lot of convenience while you’re in Sector 37.”
“What kind of convenience?”
Amon listed off what the organization could provide.
A place to stay. A vehicle and a driver.
Even subordinates he could call on.
“No thanks. If I need anything, I’ll ask.”
Ray answered firmly.
Accepting their offer would also mean accepting surveillance.
Besides, he already had lodging and a rickshaw runner.
“Understood.”
Amon looked a bit disappointed and hesitated.
“If there’s something you want to say, just say it.”
“Well, could we make one small request of our own?”
“What kind?”
“If it’s not too much, would you be willing to have a meal with us once a week? It’d be a good opportunity for us to report our findings as well.”
Greed stirred in the bowl.
He wanted to build rapport.
A high-level mage was a rare and valuable asset.
“That’s fine.”
“Thank you!”
“Lead the way.”
“Pardon?”
“You said we’re eating, right?”
Ray pointed at the clock on the wall.
It read 1:14 PM.
Amon’s grin returned in full force.
“Yes! Let’s go! What are you all standing around for?! Get ready to serve!”
Ray was taken by car to a high-end restaurant in the heart of a bustling district.
The manager, dressed immaculately, looked flustered upon seeing Amon.
“F-Father? But it’s not the end-of-month accounting day… why are you—?”
“Room 1 VVIP is open, right? Take us there and serve the highest course meal.”
“Pardon? That room’s currently occupied by the CEO of Kenny’s Store—”
Whap!
Amon grabbed the manager by the collar, growling in his face.
“Can’t you read the room? If there’s no room, make one. Kick him out, toss him out the window, whatever it takes, got it?”
Amon.
He had never heard of elves before, let alone met one.
But he was certain the boy was a powerful mage.
And judging by Binjin’s drastic change in attitude, elves must be something incredible.
“Y-Yes! Right away!”
The manager, now pale, scurried off.
Smiling cheerfully, Amon turned to Ray.
“Just a moment, please. I’ll have you seated in the best room.”
“Is he your son?”
“Eh?”
“He called you ‘Father.’”
“Oh! No, no! Everyone in our organization calls me Father. We’re like a family. A family.”
Normally families don’t grab each other by the collar, though.
‘…Well, I’ve never been part of a “family” like that. I guess some families don’t match the dictionary definition.’
Some ruckus could be heard inside.
About five minutes later, the manager returned, panting.
“T-This way, please!”
*Click—*
It was a neat, luxurious room.
A white marble table.
Golden candelabra and menus placed atop it.
One wall was entirely glass, offering a panoramic view of the sector’s eastern district.
Amon noticed Ray looking out and smiled.
“That’s why I brought you here. It’s the 12th floor. Doesn’t it feel like your chest opens up?”
…Not exactly.
Ray was thinking how useful the view would be if something went down.
*Click—*
The door closed, and Ray, Amon, and Binjin took their seats.
“Have you ever seen another elf besides me?”
Ray asked.
“No. I’ve heard many rumors, but you’re the first I’ve ever met in person.”
“Why were you so eager to meet one?”
“To be precise, what I truly want is to meet someone who lived through the old era. Elves have long lifespans, don’t they? I’ve read that they can live up to a thousand years.”
At that point, Binjin gave Ray a strange look, eyes flickering with heat.
Roughly translated, it said:
[Look how much I know about your kind.]
Ray nodded, feigning admiration.
“Hehe. Yes, I’ve done quite a bit of research. Anyway, the reason I want to meet an elf is because there’s a chance one of them actually experienced the old era. I’d like to hear firsthand accounts for my primary research topic.”
‘The old era.’
Ray had heard a rough explanation from Curiosa, but it was just that—rough.
Binjin, in contrast, seemed to have quite detailed knowledge.
*Swoosh—*
Ray leaned back into the cushioned seat and crossed his arms.
Then he gave him a familiar look, one that said:
[Let’s see how much you really know about the old era.]
Binjin flinched.
Then, after steeling himself and clearing his throat, he began.
“As you probably know, we refer to the golden age of magic, which is believed to have existed centuries ago, as the ‘old era.’”
“Hmm.”
“Unimaginably powerful magic and related technology that’s far beyond what we have now. Some even say it should be called the future, not the past.”
“Hm.”
The more meaningless filler sounds Ray made, the faster Binjin spoke, flustered.
“O-Of course, there are those who claim the old era is just a myth, but that’s only because they’ve never visited the ruins themselves.”
“Mhm.”
“Once you see those massive relics with your own eyes, anyone would realize it really existed. That a glorious age truly once was.”
So far, nothing much different from what Curiosa told him.
Ray gave him another look.
[That’s all? I’m disappointed.]
“W-Wait! That’s not all I know! I also know that the skies used to be clear all year round during the old era!”
“Oh?”
Seeing Ray lean forward slightly, Binjin exhaled in relief.
*Knock knock.*
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
A cart was rolled in.
*Clack! Clack! Clack!*
With swift hands, the servers quickly filled the table with dishes that were a delight to the eyes and nose.
*Click!*
As the door closed, Amon spoke.
“Well then, why don’t you both eat first? We can talk more while we dine.”
Ray nodded and reached for the steak in the center of the table.
He needed to replenish his energy if he wanted to concentrate on the rest of the conversation.
‘Also… I need to eat meat to grow taller and build muscle…’
Just as Ray’s hand reached the plate—
“Aah! There’s no need to keep pretending in front of us. You don’t have to act like you enjoy meat!”
*Whoosh!*
“……”
The steak disappeared.
Binjin had placed it in front of himself and slid all the green dishes—salads and such—toward Ray.
“Please, eat according to your natural tastes! No need to force yourself!”
“……”
He didn’t even consider the possibility that Ray might not be an elf.
‘He’s clearly an intelligent man, highly educated, and yet…’
Binjin’s bowl was full of absolute certainty.
No hint of doubt.
Perhaps his extensive learning had trapped him inside his own conclusions.
As Ray reached for a different steak—
“Aah! It’s okay! I heard elves vomit when they eat meat! Their bodies reject it!”
*Whoosh!*
“……”
Having lost the second steak as well, Ray slowly lifted his head and stared at the thief.
That’s *my* meat.
“Is something wrong?”
It’s *my* meat.
“Please, enjoy the fresh vegetables and fruit—”
*KZZZT!*
*Clatter!*
An arc of electricity sparked from behind, knocking Binjin off his chair.
“Guh! D-Did I do something wrong…?”
He barely managed to crawl back into his seat.
He saw the two plates of steak now sitting in front of Ray.
“You’ve got something wrong about my people. Elves eat meat.”
“N-No way!”
*Scccchkk—*
Ray calmly cut a piece of steak and popped it in his mouth.
When no adverse reaction appeared after some time, Binjin looked like the world was ending.
“Go on with your story. You said the skies were always clear in the old era.”
Binjin, regaining his wits, replied.
“Oh? Yes, it’s not a well-known fact. The primeval skies were always cloudless, and the sunlight was much stronger than today. And sometimes, after a light rain, a rainbow would appear in the sky.”
Rainbow.
Ray’s knife paused.
“And then one day—”
Here is the precise English translation of the latter part of that Korean chapter:
—
Binjin, having come to his senses, answered.
“Oh? Yes, it’s not a widely known story. The primeval skies were always clear without a single cloud, and the sunlight that poured down was said to be far stronger than it is now. And occasionally, after a light rain, a rainbow would appear in the sky.”
Rainbow.
Ray’s knife stopped.
“And then, one day
—marking the moment when the rainbow split into seven colors and fell to the earth—”
Amon, who had been eagerly waiting for a chance to jump into the conversation, suddenly spoke up.
“If it’s a rainbow, I’ve heard something too
—from a mage once. A stream of water in seven colors bursts out of maw—!”
*Crackle!*
*Crash!*
* Thud*
“Continue the story.”
“Ahem… For some unknown reason, the rainbow split into seven colors and fell to the earth.”
Binjin continued.
The seven divided colors, each imbued with immense power, also carried a correspondingly high level of danger.
And so, it is said that the seven most outstanding individuals from each race became guardians, each taking responsibility for one of the colors.
“That was the beginning of the old era—in other words, the founding of the Magic Kingdom.”
