Turning the clock back a little, to after Gio left the ‘Temple of the Deep Sea’ and returned to the cabin.
“I knew that Earth today was quite a dangerous place compared to the Earth I remember from thirty years ago, but….”
“Kkururu….”
“I never imagined a not-quite-terrorist attack would erupt at such a major religious event. That was the first terrorist incident I’ve ever experienced.”
Gio was composing himself.
“What a frightening world. At the tender age of twenty-nine, I nearly joined my family already.”
Having enjoyed a miracle beyond miracles—merging with the Source while possessing the body of a mere human—he was unlikely to die easily, but as Gio himself knew absolutely nothing about that, it could be set aside.
It was astonishing enough that Student Eunha from the initiation ceremony and Iser from Giovanni’s memories were the same person. And yet, apparently, the child had even orchestrated this terrorist incident.
“…….”
Giovanni became deeply troubled.
“He was never that kind of child. What happened to him?”
“…….”
“…If I had to identify the cause, I suppose it was probably me.”
“Kkuru.”
“O Sun.”
Yes, to be honest, dying like that had been a bit much. Giovanni recognized his own sins.
“Iser in particular regarded me like a father. He was such a kind and diligent boy that the incident back then must have been even more devastating to him. When good children truly set their minds on going astray, they can become especially frightening….”
He groaned.
“I ought to make sure he gets a proper meal, at least.”
And these Gios were not the sort…