Beyond The Facade - Wiki React

Chapter 2.1 - Everything can be connected

Alberu met Cale's eyes, an unspoken understanding passing between them. "So these worlds may be different, but they're not isolated. There's a connection."

"Exactly," Cale replied, the faintest hint of determination sharpening his tone. "If we're going to deal with the gods, the Hunters, and the threats beyond our understanding, we have to understand these worlds and the connections between them."

Everyone nodded, the weight of their mission growing heavier but somehow more transparent, with a new determination sparking in their eyes.

Cale pushed that potentially true but unverified thought to the side to focus on Kim Rok Soo's words.

"My reincarnated mother lost her parents when she was very young because of an unranked monster's attack and was left all alone. I'm trying hard to become her family."

A bitter yet proud smile was on Kim Rok Soo's face. Cale thought for a moment before asking.

Deruth watched his son with a bittersweet smile of his own. His lips pulled tight in sadness, yet there was an undeniable understanding there. An understanding that could only come from someone who had lived through their own regrets.

Deruth's mind wandered back to his own past, to moments he couldn't undo, to opportunities he couldn't grasp. Things he wanted to say but didn't have the courage to. Seeing his son like this, it made him feel even more regretful. He knew he wasn't the father Cale needed nor was he brave enough to confront his son. He wished to see him one last time and apologise, ask for his forgiveness.

However, for now it is enough that his son is alive and well. it is enough to know that his wife and his son are happy and taking care of each other. He completely understood how his son would have felt to know he could see his mother again.

If he had been in his son's shoes, had he got the chance to see her again, he would have made the same choice. Yet he now has a family. He can't dwell in the past. He will take care of his family, his wife, his children.

"If she reincarnated, she should be younger than you, no?"

"Ha. She currently calls me uncle."

Kim Rok Soo shook his head as if he still couldn't believe it.

But the fact that he did not seem lonely made Cale understand why the real Cale Henituse made up his mind to live as Kim Rok Soo.

Kim Rok Soo sat up and looked toward Cale, who was leaning on the head of the bed.

"I want to tell you the details, but I don't know how much time we have so I'll stop this story there."

"Okay."

Cale shared his honest sentiments.

"I want to hear the details, but I'm kind of in a rush right now."

He was worried about what might have happened in Puzzle City and how his friends would be fighting while he was unconscious.

'Even in this situation thinking about us...'

The others in the room exchanged glances, sensing the quiet tension in Cale's words, but none of them commented on it directly. They understood, in their own way, that Cale's mind was always with those he cared about, no matter what circumstances he found himself in.

Even in this situation his thoughts still lingered on them. His friends, his family. The ones who fought beside him, the ones he couldn't afford to let down.

"You're always like this, aren't you?" Rosalyn said quietly, her voice carrying a trace of admiration as she met his gaze. "Even now, you're thinking about us." Her tone was soft, almost affectionate, but it was clear that she saw this as part of who he was-this innate need to protect, to care for others, even when it meant sacrificing his own peace of mind.

Cale didn't respond at first. He simply gave a small nod, the faintest acknowledgement of what they both knew to be true.

It was just who he was. Even when faced with new and complicated revelations, his friends and their safety would always come first.

"But I've been here a few times to know that I can't get out of here whenever I please."

Cale could never leave this place on his own accord the few times he had been here.

"You've been there before? And multiple times?" Mila asked, her eyebrows furrowed in surprise. There was a mix of curiosity and concern in her voice. Cale's past experiences were always shrouded in mystery, but this was new information-something she hadn't known.

The others, too, were now looking at him, their expressions a mix of intrigue and suspicion.

"I demand we see why you went there."

Alberu's voice was commanding, yet tinged with amusement, though there was no hiding the serious undertone beneath. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, waiting for an explanation. The others seemed to silently agree with his demand, their eyes eager for answers.

Cale looked at them all, his expression unchanging. "I didn't know this was an interrogation room."

Alberu raised an eyebrow. "It isn't. Yet."

The edge in his voice was soft but unmistakable. But Cale, of course, didn't flinch. He smirked instead. "Buy me a drink first, Your Highness," he said, deadpan.

A beat passed.

Then came a dry chuckle from the corner, Alberu, shaking his head like he couldn't believe he was still playing this game with this man.

"Is that your way of stalling?" Alberu asked.

"Call it hospitality," Cale replied.

"Mm." Alberu pushed off the wall and stepped closer, his tone lighter now, the sharp edge dulled to banter. "Then let me extend the royal budget. You'll get your drink. A proper one."

Cale didn't answer.

And in the quiet that followed, everyone understood that the conversation wasn't over. It had only been postponed. Waiting for the right moment. 

And when that moment came, Cale would talk.

Maybe.