Eraser of the Mind

Regardless of circumstances, an unmarried man and woman could never share a room overnight. For Tyrkanzyaka, this was unquestionable common sense.

Tyrkanzyaka escorted her benefactor to his room and helped him settle on the bed. Unable to undress him herself, she had no choice but to let him sleep in his clothes, despite the discomfort it caused. Perhaps due to accumulated fatigue over the past three days, he immediately dozed off as soon as his head touched the pillow.

After quietly draping a blanket over him, Tyrkanzyaka positioned herself outside his room. Seated on her coffin with a parasol over her shoulder, she spent the night with the sound of his breathing as ambiance.

Sometime later, just before daylight arrived, Azzy the Dog King made an appearance, trotting lightly over from a distant corridor. Tyrkanzyakas grip on the parasol tightened nervously for a second, however

Woof?

Azzy merely cast a puzzled look even after spotting Tyrkanzyaka. This reminded her of what she had regained, filling her with a subtle sense of wonder. The Dog King didnt bark, that was all, yet even something so trivial brought her joy. Such a small event could prompt the recognition of her rekindled emotions.

She really does not bark

Azzy spoke to Tyrkanzyaka, who was blocking the door.

Woof! Its morning! Gotta wake him up!

Wait. I shall wake

Woof! Woof!

As Tyrkanzyaka opened the door, Azzy shot through the gap like an arrow and began to run around barking wildly. Startled, Tyrkanzyaka followed her inside.

Azzy was noisy. Enough to rouse even someone who had lost their memory. The fake warden sat up, slow as a mummy. Despite getting some sleep in, he still had that vacant, glazed look about him.

Are you awake?

Tyrkanzyaka spoke to him as she did yesterday, not expecting a reply. She simply wanted to create a sense of normalcy for him.

But at that moment

Hello

The voice from the bed shocked Tyrkanzyaka to the core.

Shei! Shei!

Tyrkanzyaka settled her benefactor on the coffin and flew off straight to where Shei was staying. When Shei opened the door, rubbing her eyes, Tyrkanzyaka showed the absentminded man to her, exclaiming.

He seems to have regained his memories!

Huh?

This morning, he greeted me as soon as he woke up. I am certain his memories are coming back!

Tyrkanzyakas voice still carried the excitement from moments ago. In contrast, Sheis reaction was tepid.

Well, from what I can see, hes still a way off from that. Look at that lifeless face. Hes a completely different person from his usual self.

But is he not better than yesterday? Yesterday, he could barely follow my instructions, but today he even spoke directly. He must be remembering how to speak!

Eyeing the enthused vampire, Shei hesitated for a moment. She knew that the truth would be disappointing, but she didnt know how to weave pleasant lies. Plus, it wasnt in her nature.

The way he lost his memories isnt like how information is lost. Knowledge, language, and the like are still in his head. Hes just lost the sense of self to connect and retrieve those things.

The benefactor didnt even seem aware that they were talking about him. Despite listening, he merely zoned out on the coffin. Shei quietly remarked on his behavior.

See, hes not showing any particular response. He probably doesnt even know who he is right now.

However, there is a slight difference. Look.

Tyrkanzyaka approached the fake warden swiftly. Sitting there in a daze, he only reacted when she drew near. She tapped his shoulder lightly and whispered to him, pointing at Shei.

Now, see him? Try giving a greeting to Shei.

There he sat, like a spaced-out baby, while Tyrkanzyaka cared for him attentively.

Shei muttered inwardly at the sight.

Agh, feels like my brains getting scrambled.

At first glance, they appeared to be a fully grown man and a girl, yet the girl tended to him as if she were his mother. Moreover, it was just days ago when the man was acting as a warden of the Military State, exuding an air of suspicion with a wily smile on his face. He always kept Shei on edge, yet now he was sitting all innocent, basking in Tyrkanzyakas coddling.

Shei felt like she was about to lose it.

I do understand Tyrkanzyakas feelings. It looks like something happened to him while fixing her heart, and thats whats making her feel so responsible.

Understanding aside, Shei still couldnt relax. That man could get a read on anything without lifting a finger, and even toy with others using a note. He was the mastermind-type that Shei loathed the most.

But it would have been better if he were only like a mastermind. Ever since he so easily repaired the Progenitors heart, Shei couldnt even grasp his true intentions. The man was something that bordered on chaos, not just black nor completely white.

Is, is he really not acting? I guess theres no real reason to but

He was the type of person to casually engage in madness, even without any reason. Shei wanted to dismiss her suspicions, but they lingered in the depths of her mind like a stubborn stain.

But just as she shot a glare at him, he made a move.

Greet ings.

Understanding Tyrkanzyakas words, he timidly gave a nod to Shei.

H-hello

Even that attitude he was showing aroused suspicion. Shei blamed his general demeanor.

She waved her hand dismissively.

This is meaningless. Anyone can still say hello, even if theyve lost their

unni.

?!?!

Sheis arms erupted in goosebumps as a chill ran through her whole body. Mind growing faint as physiological revulsion washed over her, she let loose a frantic scream.

W-wa-wh-wah-what the heck?! You must mean noona!

Tyrkanzyaka interjected.

Shei, would not hyung be correct?

Oh, yes, hyung. No, but. Im well. Younger. Anyway! Hold on! Nobody move!

When faced with sudden confusion, Shei had a single response: she would seize the floating Chun-aeng by her side and summon a gust of wind. Whoosh. An intricate current of pressurized air blasted out from Shei, spreading in all directions and passing through the narrow opening of the door, creating a sound akin to a beasts roar.

What the devil has gotten into you?

Tyrkanzyaka had lowered her parasol to shield herself from the wind. She furrowed her brow and looked behind her. Luckily, her intervention had prevented her benefactor from toppling over.

Shei fidgeted with her beloved sword, regaining her composure.

Whew. Just wanted to cool my head for a moment.

Another cooling might just uproot the prison itself. Be careful. In any case, do you understand now? Why I said it was different?

Yeah. I do get it

The term unni is used by women to address other older women, but it requires the ability to objectively gauge personal distance.

In other words, this meant the man retained a certain level of self-awareness and the ability to perceive others

But why unni of all things?! Its completely the other way round!

Why is that scoundrel mistaking himself for a woman!

The remark was directed at the man, but Tyrkanzyaka interpreted it the opposite way. She cupped her chin and scrutinized Shei from head to toe.

Hmm. You are rather pretty-looking. Enough that it would not be strange to mistake you for a woman a woman?

Tyrkanzyaka suddenly trailed off, brow furrowing. She repeatedly glanced back and forth between Shei and the man with a serious look, sighing worriedly. Then she approached him and began explaining in a hushed tone.

Do not be confused. Shei may have a petite frame, slender limbs, and a pretty face, but he is undoubtedly a man. A true and indisputable man.

A man?

Yes. He is a man, be sure to remember that. Not an unni, and certainly not a noona. Mistaking that would be a grave offense.

Her words carried a sense of wariness rather than just the intent of correcting a misunderstanding. Shei felt an inexplicable emotion as she observed Tyrkanzyaka giving her the side-eye.

She seemed off yesterday too No way, it cant be. Did he seriously melt her frozen heart? Have my suspicions become reality?

But as Shei pondered, she very belatedly realized something strange. As Tyrkanzyaka pointed out, Shei wasdisguised asa man. She did so with the help of an artifact, which functioned well even without much attention from her.

However, the man had addressed Shei as sister. Unni. A term that implies the speaker recognizes the other person as a woman.

Wait. He saw through Agarthas mask? How?

In an instant, a new doubt surfaced. Could he have seen through her disguise from the very beginning?

But Shei quickly dismissed the suspicion.

Thats impossible. Agarthas Mask definitely works well enough that Tyrkanzyaka and other people still believe Im a man. Besides, itd be odd to reveal it now if he saw through my disguise.

Then how?

Shei quickly formed a rational hypothesis.

Thats it. My artifact has the ability to determine first impressions. First impressions are crucial factors that influence subsequent encounters but the artifacts influence is limited to first encounters. It wont work on those who have already met me.

This meant one thing. It wasnt his first time seeing her, but he no longer had any lingering first impressions. In other words, his memory loss was genuine.

It really seems like hes forgotten. I can stop doubting Actually, maybe this could be a chance to naturally set the record straight

Although Shei had crossdressed in order to infiltrate the abyss and kept up the appearance as a precaution surprisingly, she wasnt fixated on her disguise. It was to the point that she often forgot about the pretense herself.

Rather than keeping up the disguise, she reckoned it might be better to address the misunderstandings, late as it was, and establish a comfortable relationship. However, she had no intention of forcibly revealing her gender by undressing or the like.

Given the circumstances, if Shei could subtly plant the perception that she might be a woman

A man.

Yes. A man. Memorized it?

He gave a big nod at Tyrkanzyakas question and added a quiet remark.

No wonder, it felt ambigayus.

No wonder. Ambiguous. Unspoken but evident, Shei could hear the unuttered words lingering in the air: he struggled to determine whether she was even a woman. Without the influence of Agarthas Mask to boot

Sheis temples throbbed with anger as she pointed a menacing finger at him.

Oi. Cmere for a sec. You do remember, dont you!?

His instinctual alarm came before his conscious thoughts. The fake warden hid behind Tyrkanzyaka in fright. In response, the latter put on a compassionate smile and soothed him, then turned to scold Shei.

Shei, do not intimidate him so. Do you not see he is afraid?

But isnt it suspicious? Just listen to the way he talks! Hes being passive-aggressive!

It is true that you appear ambiguous. You have such a delicate frame for a man that even I have been confused at times.

Is confusion all there is?!

Hang on. Ambiguous didnt that ass say it differently just now?!

As Shei glared, Tyrkanzyaka moved closer to the fake warden, shielding him. Her parasol hid his face.

It may have been different before, but now that he has lost his memory while trying to help me, he is no different from a clueless child. How can you blame him?

Confusing my gender is already suspicious enough, but its outright ridiculous that he sees himself as a woman! Theres absolutely no reason for that! Oi! Talk straight. You didnt lose your memory, did you?! Arent you just secretly laughing inside?!

Resorting to slander now? Such a narrow mind for a man. You go too far, no?

Due to Tyrkanzyakas persistent defense, Shei could only seethe in anger, unable to lift a hand. However, her intense glare made the fake warden cower behind Tyrkanzyakas back.

And Tyrkanzyaka secretly enjoyed this. It was partly why she didnt bother to berate Shei. Feeling the fake wardens grip on the back of her collar, Tyrkanzyaka comforted him again.

Worry not. Did I not promise to take responsibility for you?

I, thankyou. Uh

As he trailed off, Tyrkanzyaka continued gently.

I told you earlier, call me Tyr. Go on.

Okay, Tyr.

Yes, good boy.

Shei could only gape, dumbfounded.

I wasnt going to attack anyway! Dont go casting me as a villain!

The situation was becoming increasingly absurd. Doubts started to creep in, despite Sheis reluctance. If the man was pretending to have lost his sense of self, that alone would be astonishing. But it would still be remarkable if he was genuinely suffering from amnesia. How could someone behave so suspiciously in such a state?

Shei gnashed her teeth for a while, until suddenly, a brilliant idea dawned on her.

Wait. Why didnt I think of this before?

If he genuinely had amnesia, he would truthfully answer any questions asked. If he was pretending, then he would dodge difficult questions with vague answers.

If its the former, I can uncover his hidden information, and if its the latter, I get to see through his charade. Its an opportunity!

Having nothing to lose, Shei eagerly proclaimed her plan.

Tyrkanzyaka, nows the time. Now is our chance to extract information from him!

Shei didnt expect Tyrkanzyaka to immediately agree, but she was confident in her persuasive skills.

As expected, Tyrkanzyaka showed an immediate negative reaction.

Information? Do you mean to interrogate someone who has lost their memory? What more do you mean to pry? Absolutely n

His name, rank, or how he ended up here and his abilitiesanything like that! If we lose this opportunity, there wont be another!

Shei interjected with a subtle proposal, smiling gleefully. She hoped to pique Tyrkanzyakas curiosity.

How about it?

Tyrkanzyaka halted her vehement opposition.

His name, you say.

Murmuring softly, Tyrkanzyaka glanced at the man with a mix of curiosity and guilt. She closed her eyes slightly and took a step back, passively expressing agreement.

If I am to continue looking after him, I suppose I should know at least something. Such as his name. Mhm.

The wall protecting the man was gone. He stared plainly at Tyr, but she merely averted her gaze.

E/N: Noona is used by males to address an older female. Unni is used by females to address an older female. Hyung is used by males to address an older male. All commonly used in K-Dramas but this could be new information to readers who arent too familiar with Korean culture. This is the reason for Sheis confusion since MC addressed her as unni, used by females to address older females.