Choi Han wandered around in the Forest of Darkness for tens of years. He lost count how many years have passed since he got transported to this unknown world. Monsters crept around and he had to make sure he would survive. He mastered how to fight and how to hide. He heightened his senses so he would be alerted when something dangerous would come his way. He struggled for so many years to survive to the point he had to temporarily kill off his emotions so it wouldn't get in the way.

Living alone was too tiring for him. No family and friends, no one. Just him and himself. Today too, he continued wandering inside the Forest of Darkness. Defeating and killing off monsters left and right. Good thing, he already had his own strength and it greatly helped him survive. He didn't know what time it was but he knew for certain that it was still day time.

As he was walking alone, he suddenly heard explosions and rumbling sounds across the distance. The energy in the air was different from how it should be. He thought that a strong monster would come so he immediately hid himself inside an open trunk in the forest. The aura was too strong and he knew for himself he couldn't beat it. Not now.

After one hour, the aura disappeared along with the explosions and rumbling noise. He began walking again and continued his routine of killing the monsters.

That night, Choi Han went back to the opened trunk and decided to turn in for the night. He specifically chose this place since no monsters often wander around that tree. He slept while keeping alert.

Three hours passed and he suddenly felt something heavy on top of him. He was sleeping in a sitting position, he suddenly felt warm and smelled something sweet from that thing on top of him. He reached out to his sword and slowly opened his eyes.

Choi Han was surprised to see another human being inside the forest. He didn't notice this person's presence at all and he was sleeping comfortably on top of him. Choi Han felt the person move and was about to fall so he immediately wrapped his arms on his waist. The person was still a child, he had red, long hair and he was extremely pale. He reached to the person's cheeks and it felt warm, the red-haired child nuzzled closely on to his palm.

Then, as if the red-haired woke up, the child's hand moved to his chest and began to feel it. Choi Han was somewhat embarrassed by what the child was doing so he cleared his throat to gain his attention.

"Ahem!" Choi Han faked a cough. The redhead looked at him, he had beautiful almond shaped eyes and his reddish brown eyes looked captivating. The child's face was also pretty.

The child seemed surprised to see him, even Choi Han himself was still in shock.

"Um, hello?" The child spoke. He certainly could understand the language the child was using. Choi Han was actually surprised to hear his mother tongue.

"What's your name?" Choi Han asked in Korean, since the child in his arms was speaking it. He assumed the child would definitely understand him.

"I am Cale! How about you?" Cale smiled. Choi Han beamed as relief painted his face.

"I'm Choi Han!" He answered.

Cale woke up on top of Choi Han. He was still currently sitting on his lap and the hero still has his arms around his waist. Cale didn't protest since he suddenly felt cold and wanted warmth.

"What are you doing here, Cale?" Choi Han asked in a friendly manner. Never did Cale imagined Choi Han was capable of being this friendly.

Choi Han doesn't remember me yet, if he did, he wouldn't be this friendly to me, Cale sadly smiled. Somehow that thought calmed him down.

"I live around here, this is a part of our territory. How about you? What are you doing here? Isn't this place dangerous?" Cale responded. Choi Han suddenly looked gloomy.

"I am stuck here, I don't know where I should go," Choi Han answered.

"It must be difficult living here alone. Ah, there's a village outside this forest. If you want, you can go there. Just follow the north path, no turns just straight north and you'll find a village there," Cale said as he pointed his finger north.

The redhead finally stood from Choi Han's lap and stretched his body. The black-haired stood as well.

"It will be difficult to converse with people there since your language is different. It so happens that I could use your language too since I am a special entity, so you can use this to study this kingdom's language," Cale mentioned as he took out a book from his spatial pocket and gave it to Choi Han.

The swordsman read the title and skimmed through the book. It was a translation book from the Korean language to the Rowoon Kingdom's language.

So this place is in Rowoon Kingdom, sounds like a city that came from a game, Choi Han thought. This will certainly help me a lot!

"You said you are a special entity, may I ask what are you?" Choi Han asked.

"I'm a fairy of this forest!" Cale smiled and giggled. Choi Han wasn't surprised since he had seen a lot of monsters that would certainly appear in a fantasy novel. And meeting a fairy wouldn't be too surprising.

AH! Why did I make up something like that? Once Choi Han regained his memory, he would definitely beat me up for this, Cale internally cried.

"I hope that book will help you. You can also go to that village so you can meet other people too," Cale added.

"Little fairy Cale, thank you. I really appreciate it a lot," Choi Han smiled with a tint of blush on his cheeks. Cale found it adorable.

Woah, I didn't know the hero could make this kind of face! He was grumpy and gloomy all the time before! And every time he met me, he always had this threatening face as if he would beat me up every time we crossed paths, Cale stared at Choi Han's face for a moment. Cale cleared his throat.

"Your welcome, Choi Han! If you ever need me, use this stone and call me from the bottom of your heart," Cale said as he handed a garnet stone to Choi Han. The latter took it.

"I need to go back, it seems my people are looking for me," Cale added.

"Okay, take care. Thank you again!" Choi Han smiled. Cale just waved his hand and disappeared.

Choi Han looked at the garnet stone he received from the redhead. He smiled and started walking towards the village Cale mentioned. He kept the book and the stone safely and defeated the monsters easily. Occasionally, he would read the book and practice the words so he could communicate with the villagers effectively. Then, he continued walking until he finally reached the village.

It was a small village, the people immediately came to him. Some were wary of his existence, some tended to him. Choi Han was able to communicate with them properly, but not fluently. Upon knowing Choi Han's situation, the villagers finally accepted him. They welcomed him in the village warmly.

Of course, Choi Han wouldn't forget the existence of little Cale who helped him. He wished they could meet again but not so soon. He will definitely study the book he gave him first so little Cale wouldn't be disappointed with him.

Going back to Cale and his companions, after the redhead disappeared from Choi Han's, he immediately teleported back to where Youna was. Cale appeared in front of Youna, who had an irritated expression on his face.

"Cale!" Youna called.

"Where the hell did you go? Why do you keep disappearing?!" Youna asked, almost shouting. Cale was taken aback as he had never seen the red dragon with this kind of expression.

"Sorry, I think I used my powers unconsciously," Cale said softly. Clopeh, Archie, and Fredo looked tired and haggard as if they were looking for Cale all over the place.

"You should be careful, child. We know you are powerful but the backlash of your power is too great," Fredo said. Cale glanced at him.

"That's right. You were just sleeping beside me a while ago then you disappeared immediately! This is so frustrating!" Youna irritatingly said. Cale hung his head low.

I really should start being careful with my own powers. My body is currently unstable right now and I feel bad making everyone worry for me, Cale thought and patted Youna.

"Cale-nim! Are you hurt? Should we head back now?" Clopeh asked as he looked at the redhead with full concern yet his eyes were strangely sparkling which sent shivers.

"I am not hurt, don't worry. You could finish your tasks here, I'll be waiting for you here," Cale responded, ignoring the weird sudden shift of Clopeh's personality.

"HA?! You think we could leave you alone? You're such a troublesome kid!" Archie said in irritation.

"You don't trust me, do you?" Cale said as he squinted his eyes. Nobody answered which irritated the redhead.

Silence means yes. I hate these guys, even Youna don't trust me! Cale closed his eyes and sat on the rock with his arms crossed.

The four just laughed at the redhead's reaction. Youna just approached and patted Cale's head.

"We will go back tomorrow, that crazy Clopeh and lunatic Archie will finish their thing today," Youna said as he glared at the two white-haired. The two gulped and dashed to finish their quota for the day.

Youna, on the other hand, was sulking. Cale took a peek and he saw how frustrated the red dragon was. Fredo was just observing the two of them. Cale decided to let Youna cool off first and waited patiently.

After two hours, Clopeh and Archie came back, then without resting they all went back to their places. Archie went home and Fredo turned into his bird form and told Cale he'll come back. Clopeh and Cale with Youna proceed to venture back to the Henituse Estate. Youna was getting impatient with how slow they were, so he grabbed both Cale and Clopeh and teleported back to their home.

The Knights of Henituse were currently on guard duty and they were taken aback when they saw their first Young Master with his mage and the Young Lord guest. One of the guards immediately reported their return to the Count.

Upon hearing Cale's arrival, Ron instantaneously welcomed his young master. He frowned seeing how messy the young master was and he also noticed the scowl in Youna's face, which he deduced something had happened with Cale. Ron decided to address that later after Cale was cleaned. Clopeh also was assisted by his servants since he was more messy compared to Cale.

After taking a warm bath, Cale laid his back on his bed and slowly he drifted to sleep. Ron was about to inform Cale that the Count was requesting for him to join them for dinner, only to find him sleeping soundly in his room.

The next day, Cale woke up past lunch. All his fatigue all came running down which made him sleep through the afternoon. He then heard some buzzing around the estate and saw that Clopeh was preparing to leave today. He immediately washed and dressed himself to see the white snake off.

Clopeh was currently standing in front of the Count and his family—Cale and Lily excluded. The white snake received an order from his father that he needed to go back once he returned from the Forest of Darkness.

"I would like to thank the Count and his family for your hospitality during my stay," Clopeh said respectfully.

"It's a given, you are our visitor, of course we'll provide you all the best," Deruth replied.

Before Clopeh could respond, Cale came out—which made the white snake's eyes flutter and face brightened.

"Oh, I didn't know Clopeh would be going home today," Cale said.

The white snake immediately came to his side and kneeled as he took Cale's right hand, which surprised Deruth and Violan. Ron, who was watching Clopeh's departure quietly, somehow had an unpleasant feeling from what he was seeing. Cale was just standing there, not minding what was happening. Well, Cale just gave up since Clopeh has been like this after he learned something about the redhead.

"Cale-nim, our time together was short but it was well-spent. I wish to spend more time with you however I need to go back now," Clopeh started, his eyes were shining and his tone was filled with respect as if he was talking to someone with a higher status.

Deruth and Violan gaped from what they were seeing. Ron expression darkened and Basen was happy to see someone getting along with his brother. Cale, on the other hand, was just looking at the white snake.

As soon as he knew I was related to that legend, his attitude towards me changed, Cale thought.

"I wish to talk with you more so I left my contact to your red-haired mage. And, thank you for your kindness and company, Cale-nim," Clopeh added as he kissed the back of Cale's hand. The redhead smiled and his left hand gently rubbed Clopeh's head.

"I am glad you enjoyed my company, Clopeh. I'm looking forward to our next meeting," Cale smiled, which somehow looked incredibly bright for the white snake. Clopeh beamed as he stood and gave the redhead a warm embrace.

Deruth faked a cough and the two turned their heads to him. Clopeh broke off his embrace and recomposed himself. He bowed and finally bid farewell. He waved his hand happily until he entered his carriage. Cale was also waving his hand as he watched the carriage go.

After the Sekka's carriage vanished, Deruth told Cale to go to his office later after he eats his food. Cale went back to his room and Ron followed behind him.

"Ron, bring my food in my room," Cale ordered and the butler immediately adhered.

As soon as Cale entered his room, he saw Youna sitting inside. He approached him and noticed that the red dragon was still sulking. He was just looking at Cale without saying a word.

"Youna, are you still mad at me?" Cale asked but there was no response. The redhead sat beside him.

"I see, you're still mad. Youna, I still cannot control my own gift. There are times where I used it unconsciously. Don't even think about me doing it on purpose," Cale started. Youna just listened.

"I'd be glad if I can fully control it, however it seems I am still having trouble controlling it fully. I apologize for making you worry, Youna," Cale continued. The red dragon still didn't respond but he patted Cale's head.

"Here, you can have this so you can immediately come to my side when I suddenly disappear again," Cale added as he handed Youna a reddish brown orb. It was a locator.

"Do something about your gift, I won't be the only one who will be worried once you disappear again," Youna finally responded and breathed a sigh of relief.

Youna then pledged he would definitely get stronger so no harm would come Cale's way. The two chatted for a while then Ron entered with food and lemonade.

Damn, Ron still didn't cut off the lemons! It smells freaking sour! Cale thought as a whiff of sour lemons permeated in his nose.

"Ron, why is that thing here? Are you perhaps mad at me?" Cale asked as he pointed at the cursed lemon.

"Certainly not, Young Master," Ron responded with his usual benign smile. Youna excused himself and went to the ancient dragons. He prayed for Cale's sanity.

Cale cried internally as he consumed the god-forsaken lemon drink. He couldn't enjoy his food that much as he struggled in finishing the whole cup of sour lemons.

Ron didn't put any sugar in this drink, Cale cried as he chewed.

After eating, he rested for a while then he went to his father's office. Cale knew his father would be asking about Clopeh.

"Cale, how are you?" Deruth asked as soon as Cale entered his office. There was no paperwork present inside as if he finished everything so he could talk to his son.

"I am fine, dad. How about you? I see no paperwork, it seems you finished early," Cale responded. Deruth stood and sat on the couch as he beckoned Cale to sit with him.

"Yes, I finished it early. I am also good. By the way, I noticed something with you and the young master of Sekka. It seems the two of you have gotten closer over the weeks."

"Well, something happened here and there. We managed to get to know one another and he protected me all throughout our ventures inside the Forest of Darkness."

"I see. It's good to know you got along with him. But isn't your closeness too much?" Deruth asked as he rubbed his chin, observing his son's reactions. Cale tilted his head as if he didn't get why he was questioned.

"Is it? I thought it was normal," Cale answered. Seeing how clueless his son was, Deruth sighed. Only women receive a kiss on the back of their hands as greeting or farewell.

Deruth was somehow relieved Cale wasn't a woman, if he was he would definitely get anxious as men would be flocking around him—if Cale was a woman. Good thing he was a man, however Deruth couldn't shake off this bitter feeling in his chest as if someone was about to steal his daughter, but Cale is a man.

"You should establish a proper physical distance with your friends, keep the skinship moderate," Deruth reminded. There would be a lot of buzzing in the nobility if his son would be too close with people or heirs of different families. He himself didn't mind his son befriending everyone he fancied, but he believed his son was too young to face the real skin of the aristocrats.

"Yes, dad," Cale answered, later he would definitely forget what his father told him.

Cale and Deruth conversed for a while until they were told dinner was ready. The whole family ate their meals together once again and they only talked about Cale's adventures inside the Forest of Darkness.

Days passed after Cale came back, he rested and settled for a while. From time to time, Fredo would come and visit Cale. Sometimes the vampire didn't show himself and quietly observe the redhead, and there were times where they chatted. Youna also didn't leave Cale's side ever since that day. He was too overprotective towards Cale. The ancient dragons found something interesting and were studying it. His brother, Basen, was constantly improving his studies. Lily started walking and practiced speaking.

Occasionally, Alver and Taylor would call Cale asking for his well-being and whatnot. The first prince told him his relationship with his father was somewhat improving and they would always talk about him. Cale wondered why they would be talking about him. Taylor, on other hand, told him how Venion started making another move in harming him since Taylor was his great competition towards succession. Taylor also introduced his friend, Cage, to Cale and the three got along really well.

Clopeh would also contact him once every week to check on him and tell him how strong he gets day by day. Cale was enjoying what he considered luxury during his first life. The luxury of spending his days as himself, not a persona he forced himself to master, and talking with friends. Choi Han didn't contact him ever since they met and Cale thought the black-haired hero might have remembered him.

One night, Cale decided to visit the hero. So he and Youna teleported to where Choi Han was supposed to be. As soon as they got to the Forest of Darkness, they saw Choi Han training his sword. Cale told Youna to be invisible.

"Choi Han," Cale called. The black-haired hero instantly turned his head towards the redhead and smiled.

"Cale! It's been a while!" Choi Han greeted as he spoke the language of the Rowoon Kingdom. Cale was surprised.

"Oh! You studied the book and could speak the language now!" Cale praised as he clapped his hands. Choi Han blushed from the redhead's praise.

Hmm, it seems Choi Han still doesn't remember me, Cale thought.

"I am still studying it, I am not yet proficient with it. But the villagers are helping me with learning it," Choi Han responded with a smile.

"That's great! You found a good place, you don't have to live in hiding from the monsters of this forest," Cale said.

"I owe it to you. If you hadn't helped me, I would still be stuck here," Choi Han replied.

Cale and Choi Han chatted for a while. The black-haired hero told Cale his experiences after residing in the Harris Village. The redhead quietly listened and sometimes told him stories too. Cale was happy that the gloomy Choi Han he knew was nowhere to be found in the present Choi Han. He wished it would continue this way.

A person truly shines brightly if they are happy, Cale thought.

As he looked at the present Choi Han, Cale was constantly reminded of the Choi Han from his first life. He must've been like this too before his second family met their deaths from the hands of White Star. Choi Han wouldn't have fallen into deeper despair if he himself didn't push him as he insulted the lives of the villagers. Choi Han wouldn't fall from even more deeper despair if only his strength alone could protect the friends he found as he sought revenge. If one would compare the Choi Han in Cale's first life and the present Choi Han, one wouldn't have thought the black-haired hero could make these kinds of expressions. That was why Cale decided to support Choi Han in his battle.

Cale reached his hand out and patted Choi Han's head—they were currently sitting. The black-haired hero was a little surprised from his touch as a fuzzy feeling erupted from his body as he felt the warm hand of the redhead child fairy.

"You must have struggled a lot, Choi Han. You did a great job in surviving," Cale softly said as he gently patted his head.

Choi Han felt something warm from his eyes. Ever since he came into this world, nobody has given him warm praises like this. It was difficult, there were times he wanted to give up however his will to live was stronger that was why he struggled a lot, refusing to give up and die.

"I ... also want to thank you for finding me. You really helped me a lot, I always thought I'd be stuck here forever. But it seems the gods or whatever divine being is here didn't abandon me yet," Choi Han replied.

"You do not have to thank me. I am just doing what I think is right, and we're already friends! Friends help out one another, right?" Cale smiled as he placed his hands on his hips.

Friends, Choi Han thought and beamed.

"I guess it is true that fairies are friendly," Choi Han chuckled as he remembered a certain fairy from a children's book back in his days in his original world.

"Ha! Not all fairies are friendly, it's just I am a special case," Cale said. Choi Han laughed.

Ah, may you be blessed by all the happiness in the world, Choi Han, Cale soulfully wished.

//TBC ...

A/N: Thank you for waiting! Here's another chapter for you all! I hope you enjoyed it 🍀

See you next time, keep safe! 💕

Next chapter: Days gone by