Side Story 18
Because of a traveler's time regression, two diverging futures came into existence within a single dimensional system.
As a result, material differentiation occurred between similar dimensional planes.
The problem was that the original world and the newly created world existed at an extremely close distance.
With the distance restriction gone, the two similar dimensional planes began pulling toward each other—and in the end, a massive explosion occurred.
All of this was caused by illegal time-regression dimensional travelers.
Stopping them is the duty of a dimensional investigator.
Aina from the Administration Bureau was urging Juhyeok to take on the role of an investigator.
To sum it up—
"Do I take the offer… or not?"
I needed to be cautious.
I shouldn't be tempted by the reward.
First, I should draw out more information.
"But has something like that actually happened? A galactic or cosmic-scale explosion?"
"Yes."
It already happened?
"In the distant past, far out in the universe, there was an incident where an entire galaxy was annihilated due to a contact explosion between similar dimensional planes."
It didn't really feel real. Not the destruction of Earth, but the destruction of an entire galaxy.
"From what I hear, there seem to be quite a few dimensional investigators already. Do you really need me…?"
"We're short on numbers. We need more investigators."
"To catch a single dimensional traveler?"
"Yes."
"So it must be hard to identify illegal time-regression travelers?"
"Not at all. We can tell who it is immediately."
Then it should be easy to find them—
if you already know who the traveler in the regressed dimension is.
"However, who did it and where it happened aren't the core issues."
Then what is?
"The time period to which the illegal traveler regressed is what matters."
Ah.
"Determining when they regressed to, and what their objective is—that's the key."
Right.
If you want to stop the Imjin War, you'd have to go back to the Joseon era.
"And another thing—time regression by dimensional travelers doesn't end with just one jump."
That too.
You see it in novels.
If they regress and still fail, they regress again.
So-called infinite regression.
"If three times, four times, five times—if countless vertical time jumps occur within a single dimension…"
Oh boy.
"Yes. Every time someone interferes with the timeline to change the future, a new dimension is created. One altered future, one similar dimensional plane."
Regress a hundred times, create a hundred dimensions.
My head started spinning.
"Kalzenia was lucky. You saw the footage, right? The Duke of Aurelion with his head cut off."
I saw it.
"At the time Aurelion seized control of the Valtalion Empire, he exterminated an enemy count's family."
That's brutal.
"One descendant of that count's family barely survived—and later awakened as a dimensional traveler."
Ah-ha!
Now I get it.
He went back for revenge.
By eliminating Aurelion before he grew powerful, he likely tried to prevent the extermination of his family.
"Fortunately, dimensional investigators intervened, apprehended the illegal regressor, and restored the timeline to its original state."
That raised another question.
"When a traveler attempts time regression, does a similar dimension get created immediately?"
Aina shook her head side to side.
"Yes and no."
What does that mean?
"A similar dimension is created the moment regression occurs, but at first, it exists only as an intangible illusion."
An illusion?
"You can think of it as a deletable copy. The newly written future is temporarily recorded in an illusory dimension."
"Illusory dimensions also have a built-in restorative force. Even if the future changes, there's a force trying to restore it to its originally determined outcome."
Illusory dimensions and restorative force.
These were the dimension's own mechanisms trying to solve the problem.
"However, if the altered future continues and solidifies, the temporary illusory dimension becomes a real one. The restorative force becomes useless, and eventually…"
Contact. Boom. Explosion. Total annihilation. A merciless ending.
"Apprehending the illegal regressor, finding out what they did, and restoring things to how they were—that is the correction process."
They really do incredible work.
Clearing the Black Tower only prevents humanity in a single dimension from going extinct.
In contrast, catching illegal regressors means saving the universe.
The difficulty must be on a completely different level.
"We've observed Mr. Bong Juhyeok for a long time. As a result, we've judged you to be the most suitable candidate for a dimensional investigator."
Is she buttering me up all of a sudden?
I'm not that amazing.
"Most astonishing of all—"
What is it?
Now I'm curious too.
"You've never allowed a single failure. Out of a hundred points, you scored two hundred."
Hey now!
Two hundred points, my ass.
"Since this is a freelance position, you'll only need to participate when situations arise. Of course, there's no coercion if you refuse."
Freelance—that part's nice.
Even if the money isn't steady.
"Now, let me explain the benefits."
Hmm.
I'll listen.
Deciding whether to accept can come later.
"First, we'll upgrade your dimensional movement ability. In a simple and efficient way."
An upgrade sounds great.
But is that all?
"We'll also enable automatic linkage with the White Tower system and space."
So no need to offer fragments of divinity anymore.
"And if your god objects?"
"It's the jurisdiction of the Dimensional Administration Bureau. Investigators possess authority greater than even chief gods."
So I get an armband of power.
"If you accept, we'll also give you a coupon usable at the dimensional auction house as a signing bonus."
A coupon? A discount? How many percent?
"A coupon that lets you instantly purchase one registered auction item for free."
Oh.
Free!
"…Regardless of price?"
"Yes."
That's actually really good.
"And every time you resolve a case, you'll receive an additional coupon."
"..."
Wait a second.
If I get a free coupon?
Obviously, I should buy the most expensive instant-purchase item.
Drops of Creation, Primordial Flames, Breath of Light, Dust of Origin—
this means I can obtain pseudo-divine fragments from the auction house.
But honestly, aside from those, most other items aren't that impressive.
Should I try to haggle?
"There's nothing I really want to buy."
"Instant-purchase items will continue to be added regularly."
"…Really?"
I hesitated.
I couldn't decide easily.
In times like this, it's best to rely on collective wisdom.
So—
"Everyone, gather around."
What do the summoned ones think?
"The value of a coupon is at least three billion at minimum."
"One as a signing bonus and one per case—that's enormous."
"The responsibility will be heavy, but the sense of accomplishment should match it."
"Dimensional investigator sounds stylish. Very unique."
"Ho-e!"
"We could become the investigator's hands and feet during investigations."
"What rank would subordinates of a dimensional investigator have?"
"Hmm… dimensional patrol officers?"
Unexpectedly positive reactions.
Juhyeok's resolve began to waver like a reed in the wind.
Dimensional Investigator Bong Juhyeok…
The ring to it isn't bad.
Juhyeok glanced at Aina and asked casually.
"…What do I need to do?"
"After a simple orientation, you'll be appointed immediately."
"Does it take long?"
"Less than a day."
Then—
"Deal! I'll accept the offer."
"Thank you."
Another title added to the collection.
Bong Player, Bong Summoner, Chairman Bong, Head of Bong Merchant Guild—and now?
Bong Investigator.
Dimensional Investigator Bong Juhyeok.
The orientation to become a dimensional investigator.
He learned many things in a single day.
First, how to travel across time periods—the core ability of a dimensional investigator.
It had to be used with extreme caution.
One mistake, and the investigator themselves could cause timeline divergence.
So there was education and hands-on training.
Entering a different time period of a specific dimension, then exiting without disturbing the timeline.
Even if the future changed slightly, restoring it to its original state.
They also tested whether full summoning of all summoned beings could be performed in different time periods.
This was Juhyeok's greatest strength.
If summoning didn't work, he couldn't function as an investigator.
The experiment was successful.
The White Tower system and spatial linkage worked anytime, anywhere.
His abilities applied fully even in the past.
As long as the summoned beings were in the White Tower, he could call them.
They also simplified dimensional travel methods.
Granted language comprehension abilities.
And he received his free dimensional auction coupon.
Orientation complete.
Thus, Juhyeok officially became a dimensional investigator.
The White Tower.
Juhyeok safely returned after finishing the dimensional investigator orientation.
"Investigator Bong has entered! Everyone, clap! If you don't, arrest warrants will be issued for all of you!"
Clap clap clap clap clap clap!
All the summoned beings cheered and applauded enthusiastically.
Juhyeok waved back leisurely in response.
"So cool!!! Investigator Bong!"
"Ho-e!"
"Certain victory!"
"Hahaha, there's never a dull moment when you're with the Summoner."
"I am deeply moved. Go beyond governing the nation and bringing peace to the world—advance into the universe."
"Investigator Bong, when do we start investigating? This Kosak patrol officer is already itching to move."
Investigations, my ass!
If illegal regression happens, it could put the entire universe at risk of explosion.
When it comes to crime, the best outcome is for it not to happen at all.
That was what Juhyeok hoped too.
Even though he'd become a dimensional investigator, he wanted nothing more than to enjoy the benefits and do absolutely nothing.
And realistically, wouldn't that be the case?
Illegal time regression wasn't exactly something that happened often.
More importantly… what should I buy with the coupon?
Should I just use it right away?
"You must not be hasty. Shopping is the art of waiting."
"Is that so?"
"The item you splurged on yesterday might go on a 50% sale today."
"But new releases rarely get discounted."
So what Gyeondallae was really saying was—
"If you're going to use a free coupon anyway, don't waste it on old stock. Use it on a new release?"
"A most wise decision."
Sounds good.
Let's wait and see.
See what kind of new item appears.
Oh, right!
How are the beastfolk laborers doing?
When he asked Dr. L—
"…You say we got another dimensional traveler employee?"
"Yes. His class is Mage, from a dimension called Gintervar. He applied on his own and even went through an interview via Wiz."
The hiring requirements were: the Wi-Fi password, personal information for subscribing to OTT platforms, and monthly subscription support.
"Wow! The merchant headquarters is like a fish trap."
"Once they taste the internet, it'll be hard to escape."
"They'll get hooked one after another."
"They say Kalzenia is the most frequently visited dimension among travelers."
"But we can't just scoop them all up. We must judge their character."
"Indeed. We need a proper filter."
Juhyeok agreed.
So he said to Gyeondallae,
"If another dimensional traveler applies, please have the Fairy Princess conduct the interview. I'll leave it to you."
"You honor me with such an important mission. I shall bear the responsibility and separate the gems from the stones."
At this rate, the Rabong Merchant Group might become the most powerful organization in Kalzenia.
Well, even now, they could easily overpower an average kingdom.
He took a few days of proper rest.
Went home as well.
With so many things going on, it took time just to check in on everything.
He stayed on edge, half-expecting an illegal time regression incident—but as expected, nothing happened.
Peaceful White Tower life.
Just idling away with nothing to do.
This won't do.
I need to move.
"Let's travel. Travel."
What's the point of squatting in the White Tower?
The universe is vast, and there are countless dimensions to explore.
And the method of travel had become extremely simple.
An ability granted during the dimensional investigator orientation.
No more elevators were needed.
By calmly focusing his mind and swinging the Judge's Hammer, a translucent rectangular door would appear.
Passing through it meant dimensional travel.
The door even had colors.
They changed depending on the dimension you imagined.
A blue door meant a fixed destination.
Parallel Earths, Kalzenia, and even the White Tower itself.
White light meant random.
A jump to an unspecified, random dimension.
And red light—
a means to travel to a past time period within a specific dimension.
Will I ever even need to open that one?
The door Juhyeok opened this time was white.
Random, arbitrary—a journey to a new dimension.
However, traveling through the door had one drawback.
Only one person could pass through.
In other words, only Juhyeok could go.
Then why use the door at all?
Because of its advantage.
Passing through this door automatically linked the White Tower system and space to the destination dimension.
Sure, being alone could be dangerous, but—
Effect: Completely conceals appearance and presence. Even gods cannot perceive you. Duration: 30 minutes / Cooldown: 10 minutes.
Special: Upon removing the veil, you naturally blend into the surroundings.
Juhyeok had an item.
A concealment veil upgraded to +5.
"Just wait a bit. I'll call you soon."
"Yessir!"
Putting on the veil, Juhyeok lightly swung the Judge's Hammer through the air.
Whoosh!
Chichichit!
A translucent white door for random dimensional travel appeared in front of him.
Man, this is exciting.
What kind of dimension would it be this time?
Maybe another world connected to the summoned beings?
He stepped through the rectangular white door.
Flash!
A shower of light poured over Juhyeok.
Ding!
[Dimensional Investigator Bong Juhyeok is currently off duty.]
Right.
I didn't come here to work.
[The Dimensional Investigator's unique system has been successfully applied to the Mechanos Dimension.]
Mechanos?
What kind of world is that?
[Granting language proficiency of the Mechanos Dimension to the Dimensional Investigator.]
Language ability acquired.
But then—
"Huh?"
The moment the message ended, a sound reached his ears.
Clank, clank, clack!
A very familiar sound.
Juhyeok turned his head and looked around.
The first thing that caught his eye—
"A train?"
It really was a train.
An antique design, massive enough to feel intimidating.
Looks like a train station… then is this a parallel Earth?
No.
This wasn't a modern high-speed train.
Nor could it be called a steam locomotive.
If anything, it felt like something in between.
There were many people.
Boarding and disembarking the train.
What was strange was that everyone—men and women alike—had remarkable physiques.
Tall, well-built bodies with astonishing physicality.
Their clothing was strange too.
Why are they all wearing such skin-tight outfits? Are they heading to a bodybuilding or fitness competition?
Sneaking glances left and right—
I'm going to end up with flounder eyes at this rate.
Since he was wearing the concealment veil, no one noticed Juhyeok, but—
It doesn't seem dangerous, so let's take this off first—
Shhk!
He removed it and stored it in his inventory.
As time passed, and he slowly blended into the surroundings—
just as people were about to start recognizing his presence—
Thump!
Someone bumped into Juhyeok's shoulder and said,
"What are you doing? Hurry up and get on! The train's leaving."
Huh?
Get on the train?
"Me?"
"Yes."
"…I think this is the first time we've met."
"That's right. So hurry up and board."
Out of nowhere?
"Uh, I haven't even bought a ticket yet."
"No ticket needed."
That's random.
Should I get on?
Before that, should I summon a few people—
.
A crowd surged forward.
Before he knew it, he was swept onto the train.
Then a uniformed attendant appeared, pushing a cart.
Walking down the aisle, they handed out large bags to everyone.
"Hold onto it, and make sure you take it with you when you get off."
They're just handing these out too?
"If you lose it, life at boot camp will be rough."
"Oh! I see? Um… wait, what?"
Did I hear that wrong?
Boot camp?
I already finished my service…
Wait.
Don't tell me this train—
Is an enlistment train?
I cross dimensions, and now I'm getting drafted?
Juhyeok grabbed the attendant who was handing out supply bags and asked,
"Where exactly is this train headed?"
"You seem very anxious. But denying reality won't help. We're going to the Northern Front regardless."
"…The Northern Front."
Don't tell me—
…
Juhyeok slowly stood up from his seat.
"Where are you going? You've boarded the train—running away would be desertion."
"Ah! I'm just going to the restroom."
He really went to the restroom.
Locked the door from the inside.
"Veronica Caliber, designated summon."
Flash!
"Commander, certain victory!"
"Shh!"
Veronica flinched, then looked around the restroom.
"Ah! C-Commander, just the two of us in a restroom… if you suddenly do this—"
What are you talking about?
"Major Veronica."
"Yes!"
"Do you know a place called the Mechanos Dimension?"
"That sounds familiar… Huh? That's the world I lived in."
That confirmed it.
This was Major Veronica's dimension.
Her eyes widened as she realized it too.
"C-Commander, don't tell me this is… the place I used to live…?"
"Yes. The Mechanos Dimension."
"Ah!"
"We're on an enlistment train heading to the Northern Front."
We're going to the army.
For the second time.
That goes for you too, Major.
This makes it twice.
No way.
I'm already in a bad mood.
Time to summon an enlisted man who hasn't served yet—and give him hell.