Solo Leveling: Banishment of the Anomaly

"Thoth."

The name of the ancient Egyptian god of wisdom and knowledge.

It felt fitting for someone like her—a Sage—someone desperate for clarity amidst the chaos of her existence.

"System," she murmured inwardly, her thoughts steady, "I'll go with this. Set this as my keyword."

Her reasoning was simple: mentally uttering the name of a god each time she asked a question felt rather amazing and unique—as if a divine entity was bound to her, ready to respond to her every need.

Like a personal deity on speed dial.

Of course, the idea of clarity and wisdom aligned perfectly with her identity and was quite convincing.

But deep down, she couldn't resist the allure of such an idea.

It wasn't just about practicality—it was more about embracing the drama of it all.

For a brief moment, she toyed with using a famous angel's name but dismissed it.

Thoth had an air of distinction and authority, that no angelic title could rival.

The system's response came swiftly:

[The keyword set successfully: Thoth.]

[System queries and commands can now be initiated with the keyword.]

Dusting herself off, Joo-Hee let out a soft sigh, a fleeting smile crossing her lips despite the storm of emotions brewing inside.

She closed her eyes for a moment, steeling herself, forcing her body to relax and embrace whatever the future held for her.

When she turned around, her gaze fell upon Jin-Woo. 

He stood amidst the remnants of the fight, dressed in slightly soiled white long sleeves and trousers borrowed from the late Tae-Shik.

Despite the disheveled state of his attire and the wild, unkempt mess of his hair, Jin-Woo exuded a magnetic presence.

His rolled-up sleeves revealed ripped muscles, and the veins on his forearms added a touch of allure to his calm demeanor.

Her heart betrayed her, thudding softly at first, then faster, until it felt like it might leap from her chest.

She instinctively placed a hand over her chest, as if to steady herself, her cheeks growing warm.

'Here we go again...' she thought, berating herself.

And yet, no matter how hard she tried to suppress the thought, it lingered.

"But... he has indeed become really good-looking..."

She wanted to suppress the thought, but her entire being tried to refuse to deny the truth.

However...

As she watched him, the fragile warmth in her chest quickly twisted into something bittersweet.

'He... really doesn't know anything.'

'If—just if—he were to learn that the Joo-Hee had died long ago...'

The thought trembled, every word cutting her deeper than the last.

'Would... he still look at me with those same warm eyes…'

'C-could he even still see me as a friend...'

For a fleeting moment, the world around her seemed to fade away, leaving only the bitter ache in her heart.

She shook her head, forcing herself to dispel those thoughts.

As she approached Jin-Woo, she put on a bright, teasing smile, her voice carrying its usual playful tone.

"Mr. Sung Jin-Woo~"

"I must say, you look quite dashing and handsome now. You've even grown taller than before."

Her eyes danced across his borrowed, though slightly dirtied, formal attire.

"Now I'm wondering, where's the Jin-Woo who used to cower in fear while waiting for me to heal him?"

Her words were lighthearted and cheerful, but with every syllable, the storm in her chest churned more fiercely.

'Should I just leave?'

Her steps faltered momentarily, though she quickly masked it with a laugh.

'If he ever learned the truth... I-I can't imagine what his face would look like...'

Her chest tightened painfully, her breath hitching as an overwhelming ache began to spread.

Jin-Woo, caught off guard by her sudden compliment, felt heat rush to his face.

A faint blush crept across his cheeks, but he quickly masked it with shameless pride.

"I've always been this good-looking," he said, flashing a grin.

"You just didn't notice it."

Then, as if to turn the tables on her, he added, "And I should say the same about you! You've also changed a lot, Joo-Hee. You've even reawakened with your s—"

He faltered, his voice catching as he realized what he was about to say.

'Crap, I almost let it slip!'

He cleared his throat awkwardly, adjusting his tone.

"...With your new powers. Honestly, I thought you'd reawaken as a healer again, but you've turned into something else entirely—a mage, of all things."

"Still... whether you become a healer or a mage, you're still Joo-Hee. So, don't you ever forget me when you become famous and successful."

His words were meant to be lighthearted, but for Joo-Hee, they struck a nerve.

'Still Joo-Hee, huh...'

Her heart twisted painfully, her smile faltering ever so slightly.

'He really has no idea what he's saying.'

'I'm not her... Jin-Woo.'

'Even if I find another soul fragment, I'll never be her, nor do I intend to be.'

'She deserves to rest now after everything she suffered...'

She bit the inside of her cheek, the faint sting grounding her, forcing her composure to stay intact.

"Reawakened, huh?" she said, forcing a teasing tone as she met his gaze.

She met his eyes, her own filled with a mix of humor and hidden sadness.

"Wait... You're one to talk! You lied about that too, didn't you?"

"You reawakened as well. You no longer struggle like before, even managing to defeat Tae-Shik without our help."

"Tch, tch. How many secrets are you hiding, little Jin-Woo? I'm getting hurt here," she said, her voice carrying its usual humor, though a faint tremor betrayed her true feelings.

Inside, she felt like a total hypocrite with all these acts and lies.

'I'm no better myself,' she thought.

'Hiding the biggest secret—one... that could lead you to kill me...'

Jin-Woo scratched the back of his neck, his expression sheepish as he avoided her gaze.

He looked vulnerable and full of guilt, like a husband caught in the act of cheating.

"I mean... I was going to explain and tell you and Mr. Song... " he said slowly, his voice softer than usual.

"After we got out of this dungeon... I just... didn't know how to start."

His tone was tinged with a bit of guilt, and for a brief moment, the confident facade he always wore seemed to crack.

But for Joo-Hee, his honesty only deepened the ache in her chest.

'And yet, I can't promise you the same...'

'This secret... this lie I carry—I must bury it deep until the day I leave.'