SFRW-Chapter 192

Ch. 192 Sword God From The Ruined World

“You have to go far away?”  

Grandmother accepted Seo Do-jun’s words surprisingly calmly.  

But Seo Do-jun’s sharp eyes couldn’t be fooled.  

The tips of her fingers, touching the teacup, were trembling ever so slightly.  

She was deliberately downplaying his words to prevent Eun-young from getting startled or flustered.  

Grateful for her deep consideration, Seo Do-jun spoke in a way that would reassure her as much as possible.  

It wasn’t truly dangerous work. It might take some time, but fundamentally, this was something that had to be done to prevent the world from descending further into chaos.  

Since he had strong and reliable friends who would help him, he would do his best to finish it quickly and return.  

Grandmother nodded as if resigned, saying, “If it’s something you must do, then so be it.”  

But the way she stared straight into Seo Do-jun’s eyes betrayed an unease she couldn’t hide.  

“You’ll come back safely, won’t you?”  

She held his hand warmly, as if confirming.  

“Of course.”  

This, at least, wasn’t a lie.  

If it were possible, that’s exactly what he wanted.  

He wanted to live happily in a peaceful world, laughing together with Grandmother and Eun-young.  

“Good, that’s enough then.”  

Tears welled up in Grandmother’s eyes, but she turned her head so Eun-young wouldn’t see.  

“Brother, when are you leaving?”  

“There’s still plenty of time. I’m not going right away.”  

“Mmm.”  

Eun-young looked deep in thought, and Seo Do-jun wondered what she was thinking.  

Just as he couldn’t hold back his curiosity and was about to ask, Eun-young cautiously spoke up.  

“Then… until then, can we go on a trip?”  

“A trip?”  

“Grandma, you, and me… we’ve never been on a proper trip together, right? Last time, Ha-yoon said she went to Jeju Island with her mom and dad…”  

He had thought she was worrying about something serious, but it was just a trip.  

No—Seo Do-jun shook his head.  

To Eun-young, it’s not ‘just’ anything.  

Knowing that Eun-young had never been on a proper trip in her life, Seo Do-jun immediately agreed without hesitation.  

“Sure, let’s go on a family trip.”  

“Really? Wow! Grandma! Let’s go on a trip! Where? Where should we go?”  

Watching Eun-young jump around excitedly, Seo Do-jun decided then and there where they would go and how long they’d stay.  

***

Since they were going on a trip anyway, Seo Do-jun decided to make it a grand one.  

Less than a week after resolving to make the most of his remaining time before entering the rift zone, he set off on the trip.  

“Is this really the Karserian I know?”  

“Can’t I tag along on this trip too?”  

“Family… is precious. The reason I fought was all for family. I respect your decision, Kassal.”  

Kusak seemed surprised by Seo Do-jun’s impulsive decision, Veronica clung to him, insisting she wanted to come, and Rakun not only respected his choice but also supported it.  

The trip would last two weeks.  

It wasn’t a short time by any means.  

Especially for Seo Do-jun, who should have been busier than anyone, dedicating two whole weeks solely to his family was no easy decision.  

Their destination: Jeju Island.  

“If you’re going, why not abroad?”  

At Hyun Joo-yeon’s words, Gloria nodded beside her.  

Since this trip might be their last, they recommended an overseas trip to leave Grandmother and Eun-young with the best memories possible.  

But Seo Do-jun thought differently.  

“Seeing and experiencing great things can be done later.”  

The purpose of this trip was solely to give Grandmother and Eun-young unforgettable memories.  

An overseas trip would have been nice, but the goal was to spend a warm, close-knit time together in familiar surroundings.  

“I suppose that makes sense.”  

“Nothing could be better than that.”  

Hyun Joo-yeon and Gloria nodded in agreement after hearing Seo Do-jun’s thoughts.  

“Why don’t you two spend time with your families too?”  

“Every day feels too precious to waste…”  

“We don’t have the luxury…”  

They had resolved to invest as much time as possible into honing their skills before entering the Rift Zone.  

They knew all too well they weren’t in a position to go on trips like Seo Do-jun.  

But hearing his words stirred something in them.  

Because from the moment they entered the rift zone, they had to steel their hearts, knowing they might never see their families again.  

“Even if it’s just 3–4 days… no, even a week—spend it with your families.”  

The choice was theirs, but Seo Do-jun hoped they would use that time for their families.  

So they wouldn’t have regrets.  

Yet, seeing the two women hesitate, Seo Do-jun had no choice but to forcibly grant all Casserian guild members a week-long vacation.  

He ordered them to spend time with their families—whether traveling or doing something else—and submit proof.  

The result…  

“Sisterrr—!”  

While walking along Jeju Island’s beach with Eun-young, Seo Do-jun let out a hollow laugh as he spotted Hyun Joo-yeon approaching from the opposite direction.  

And she wasn’t the only one.  

Gloria, Jung In-joo, Choi Kang-soo, Park Seung-ho, Kang Cheon-wuk, Shin Min-gi, and more.  

Most Casserian guild members seemed to have agreed to spend their week in Jeju, appearing everywhere. 

To outsiders unaware of the circumstances, it looked as though the Casserian Guild had brought their families along for a bonding retreat.  

Even—  

“Heyyy—!”  

“Oh? Seeing you here makes me even happier! Since we’ve met like this, let’s have a drink together!”  

“…I tried to stop them, but it was inevitable.”  

With Kusak, Veronica, and Rakun also coming to Jeju, Seo Do-jun had no choice but to spend the entire week surrounded by guild members and their families.  

Once the week passed, everyone left like the receding tide, and the real time for just Grandmother, Eun-young, and Seo Do-jun began.  

For 24 hours a day, the three of them stayed together.  

Eating delicious food, sightseeing, even sleeping side by side—they cherished each day as a family, and the week flew by in an instant.  

“Did you have fun?”  

“Yes! It was so, so fun and exciting!”  

On the last day, though reluctant to leave, Eun-young’s face was filled with happiness, as if this had been enough.  

“Seo Do-jun, no matter what you do, don’t worry about us. Just take care of yourself and come back healthy.”  

It seemed impossible to lie to Grandmother, even with a well-meaning one.  

It was as if she knew what Seo Do-jun was planning—what risks he was about to take.  

“Yes. I’ll definitely come back healthy.”  

Grandmother seemed satisfied just hearing his answer, gently stroking his hand.  

After the two-week trip, Seo Do-jun returned to his daily life, busier than ever.  

Even then, he made an effort to eat meals with Grandmother and Eun-young.  

To onlookers, his behavior—as if every remaining moment was precious—was heartbreaking.  

***

Time passed mercilessly fast.  

As the parting drew nearer, the atmosphere within the Casserian Guild grew heavier.  

Following Hyun Joo-yeon’s suggestion, Seo Do-jun had officially declared a three-month trial period for rift zone entry qualifications, and the results were announced that afternoon.  

[Rift Zone Assault Team]  

Team Leader: Seo Do-jun.  

Members: Shinjo, Hyun Joo-yeon, Gloria, Choi Kang-soo.  

There were no changes from the initial lineup Seo Do-jun had envisioned.  

Kusak, Veronica, and Rakun weren’t on the official list since they weren’t guild members, but everyone knew they would be part of the team.  

Once the guild finalized the rift zone assault team, the news spread worldwide.  

“Is everything ready?”  

At Chairman Na Tae-hwang’s question, Seo Do-jun nodded.  

“I believe we’ve done everything possible within the given time.”  

Preparations, by nature, have no true end.  

What mattered was how much they had accomplished in the allotted time, and Seo Do-jun felt it was enough.  

“For the time being, the Casserian Guild will operate under Vice Guild Master Jung In-joo.”  

“I expected as much. But are you sure that team is enough?”  

This wasn’t just Chairman Na Tae-hwang’s concern—it was the world’s.  

“Even if it’s not enough, adding more members would be meaningless for the assault team’s mission.”  

Over the past three months, the guild members’ skills had improved exponentially.  

This was thanks to Kusak, Veronica, and Rakun pushing them relentlessly—almost excessively.  

The results were staggering: every guild member had reached the level of the former top three leaders in just half a year.  

Despite this rapid growth, Seo Do-jun didn’t include any of them in the assault team.  

He hadn’t initially ruled it out, but the original top three had improved so dramatically that his expectations had risen even higher.  

“The team is small, but they’re worthy of expectations.”  

This was Seo Do-jun’s sincere belief.  

Three months ago, he had felt this was something he had to do, but now things were different.  

He could afford to have at least some hope.  

Shin Jo, Hyun Joo-yeon, Gloria, and Choi Kang-soo had met his exact standards.  

“The assault team is important, but we also need those who will stay behind and protect this place alongside the World Hero Association. The selection was based on where each person could shine brightest.”  

Chairman Na Tae-hwang, who had some idea of the challenges the rift zone assault team would face, couldn’t help but bow his head at Seo Do-jun’s thoughtfulness.  

“Thank you.”  

“It will be a difficult fight. Harder than anything we’ve faced before—but we cannot afford to fail.”  

“Of course. I’ll stake everything to protect it.”  

At Chairman Na Tae-hwang’s firm resolve, Seo Do-jun nodded as if to say that was enough.  

“When do you plan to leave?”  

“Tomorrow at dawn, quietly.”  

“Tomorrow at dawn?”  

So soon?  

Only two days had passed since the official worldwide announcement.  

Chairman Na Tae-hwang hadn’t expected them to leave this quickly, and his face showed his surprise.  

He had thought they would stay at least a week, maybe even two.  

For those who might be marching to their deaths, he had wanted to at least share a proper meal with them.  

This news hit him like a thunderbolt.  

“W-we should at least have dinner tonight. I’ll clear my schedule—”  

Seo Do-jun waved his hands, stopping Chairman Na Tae-hwang as he fumbled through his planner.  

“My last meal before leaving will be with my family.”  

“Ah… I see.”  

At the mention of a ‘last meal with family’, Chairman Na Tae-hwang’s face fell, looking at Seo Do-jun with a mix of resentment and resignation.  

“You could’ve at least told me earlier… You really…”  

His expression was a tangle of emotions—disappointment, regret, guilt, and gratitude.  

“I’ll make it up to you when I return.”  

Seo Do-jun stood up as he spoke.  

“…Even if you skin me alive, just make sure you come back.”  

Chairman Na Tae-hwang also rose.  

Without a word, they reached out and clasped hands firmly.  

After Seo Do-jun left the office, Director Min Hong-gi entered shortly after.  

“He just left. When would you like to schedule the dinner you mentioned?”  

“No need.”  

“Huh?”  

“He said they’re leaving quietly at dawn tomorrow.”  

“What?!”  

Watching Director Min Hong-gi’s shocked face, Chairman Na Tae-hwang let out a deep sigh.  

“Well, that’s just like Hero Seo Do-jun.”  

“…Will they really be alright?”  

“They’ll be fine. He’s done things no one else could before—I believe he’ll surprise us again and return.”  

***

“Is everyone here?”  

At Kusak’s question, everyone present looked around and nodded.  

Veronica and Rakun, already familiar with their destination, looked excited—no, their eyes burned with determination, as if ready for vengeance.  

On the other hand, Hyun Joo-yeon, Gloria, and Choi Kang-soo seemed more anxious than excited.  

Shinjo remained impassive.  

Seo Do-jun glanced back at the darkened house.  

He had told them about his departure the day before, and Grandmother had prepared a heartfelt dinner.  

Though she hadn’t eaten a single bite herself, she stayed by his side until he finished two bowls.  

The mood had soured when Eun-young burst into tears, begging him not to go.  

“Sister Jung In-joo said she’ll live with them until you return, so don’t worry too much.”  

At Hyun Joo-yeon’s words, Seo Do-jun nodded and steadied himself.  

“Let’s go.”  

Kusak activated the magic circle in response.  

Whoooooosh—  

The small teleportation circle, set for the Tepic Rift Zone in Mexico, resonated with Kusak’s magic, emitting a low hum.  

Their plan was to cross into the Tirotio Dimension through the Tepic Rift Zone, where Kusak had emerged.  

As magic swirled, the magic circle soon emitted a bright light, enveloping everyone.  

When the light faded, no one remained on the circle.