Under the soft lighting and emotional background music, I lined up with the other contestants behind Aiden. The moment I stood under the lights and faced the sea of people filling the venue, a flood of exhaustion suddenly overwhelmed me. There were so many people that I couldn’t even make out what the signs they…

The site was restored in an instant. The angels fluttered their wings as they repaired the special performance stage—then disappeared, just like children who finish stacking their blocks and go off to find a new toy. Jeong Noeul, Geahrzimen, and Kkomuri stood beside me, fully healed. The only thing left was the frozen time… <That’s…

“This is…” A breath escaped my lips, mixing with steam. For a moment, the white vapor stirred in the air—then froze, unmoving. People walking through the streets were stuck mid-step, vacant expressions on their faces. Snowflakes that had been falling from the sky floated suspended, never reaching the ground. “…Time is frozen?” I looked around.…

As the world’s time stood still, Enoch glared at the being standing before him. The Star Hated by All. A blemish—no, the greatest scar—on this beautiful world crafted by The Savior Who Is One and All. A ruler of the abyss, drenched in malice. The King of Hell. ‘But why…’ Enoch wondered silently. ‘…Why can’t I sense any…

“…E-Eunyul-ssi?” Madojin spoke with a startled expression. “Guh!” Then he clutched his head and bent over. “Dojin-ssi! Are you okay?” I reached out and placed a hand on his back. “I-I’m fine,” Madojin replied through gritted teeth. “Just—memories rushed in all at once…” At the same time Madojin winced in pain, the crowd bustling around…

A voice echoed from the darkness. [Constellation ‘Love Born with Bubbles’ is intervening in your artifact.] [Using the ‘Necklace Forged from the Primordial Sea.’] [Once and only once, you may return across time and space.] <So I ask you, my beloved child.> I opened my eyes. <Where do you wish to go?> Heat surged in…

“Close combat is suicide!” Geahrzimen shouted as she hurled a piece of her shadow toward Enoch. “Keep your distance and make sure no one else gets caught in the crossfire!” Blade-sharp shadows poured toward Enoch. “A doll made from demon flesh dares attack me?!” Enoch roared as he swooped down. At the same time, beams…

Jeong Noeul recalled what had happened a few days ago. It was right before the final stage. Myung Suk-ja, the CEO of his agency, had come to see him. Wary of the reporters surrounding the central headquarters of the Bichang Guild, where the CYB male idol division was taking place, they had spoken inside Myung…

‘What is going on?’ Jeong Noeul looked around with a confused expression. Everything was frozen. The crowd that had been cheering and filling the venue stood still. The contestants who had been in the middle of their performances were frozen mid-pose. ‘…Time has stopped.’ Jeong Noeul checked the wearable watch on his wrist. <Noeul.> Beside…

After the performance, I fumbled through my phone to check the stage reactions. ― What was that mermaid stage…? ― Wasn’t a mermaid… was it an angel? I screamed out loud when the wings appeared. ― Eunyul was amazing, but who was that person dancing with him?? I feel like I’ve seen them somewhere before….…