Runald was still talking.

"…Oh, I think I got off topic. So, what I'm trying to say is that it's not like you to make that kind of face. Especially that regretful face you're making right now!"

"…"

"Come back to your reckless and stubborn face! Please!"

At those words, Jaehwan felt as if he had doused in ice-cold water. It was weird. He was the one to sympathize with the boy, but Runald was comforting him.

Yes, Runald's statement that Jaehwan was not like himself was correct. It wasn't like Jaehwan at all. Even when he was facing many truths, there were still facts that did not change within him.

The fact that he would not change even then.

The fact that he would still run recklessly.

The fact that he would still be alone.

And be lonely.

Jaehwan knew all of these facts. He then remembered Andersen's last words, expecting Jaehwan to be a good G.o.d. Maybe Andersen was wrong about that. Jaehwan looked at Runald and called him, "Runald."

"…Yeah?"

"I'm not Andersen."

Runald's eyes grew wide. He then looked down and responded in a sad voice.

"…I know."

"Not only that, but it might not be a good idea for you to come with me. I can a.s.sure you that it will be really bad."

It was a declaration. Runald's eye turned to that of a puppy expecting to be abandoned.

"People will look down on you and even hate you. Even when you don't do anything, some will try to kill you for being my Follower."

"…"

"Will you still come with me?"

Runald looked up with reddened, teary eyes. It seemed that he didn't want to show his tears as he covered his eyes with his hand and smiled as he answered.

"I will."

His voice sounded like he had been waiting to say it for a long time.

"Then let's go."

Jaehwan placed his hand on Runald's head for a moment and then turned around to walk. Runald reached for the spot on his head where Jaehwan's hand had been moments ago and began following Jaehwan.

"Wait for me!"

Jaehwan thought as he glanced over at Runald who was following him. Andersen was wrong. There was no way for Jaehwan to become a good G.o.d. But…

Maybe, just maybe. He might become a faithful G.o.d at least.

A man and a boy. Both who shared the only world began walking toward the Great Forest.

It had to be the sight of determination, but it was a bit weird if other people saw it from a distance. Karavan the Vicegerent of Ignis, who had been scouting, saw both of them heading toward him and mumbled with a weird expression, "…What's with all the fuss? Whatever it is, it doesn't look good while you're naked…"

Karavan shook his head in disbelief.