one.

News have reached to the Chess King of Vlendiora that another Timekeeper has developed a heart. Fear cloaks on everyone's faces, as the king immediately orders a group of enchanters to go to the Ephemeral Garden and summon a new Timekeeper while he sent another to dispose the current one’s existence.

“How unfortunate,” his advisor says pitifully. “All these poor souls wanted was to become their own selves. Must you give them such cruel punishment?”

“I could care less of a puppet’s foolish desires,” the Chess King spat in disgust and turns to one of the enchanters. “Be sure to discipline him this time.”

The enchanters, who appear to be five hooded women, left the castle and made their way towards the Ephemeral Garden. They strolled through the dark forest in the middle of the night using the full moon as their guiding light. When they finally arrived at the gates, one of them extended their hand out and aims at the lock, light materializing from their palm and unlocks it.

As they entered, they locked the gates right away to prevent unwanted intruders from entering. They proceeded down the clear path, passing by the field of ephemeral flowers filled with countless spirit orbs floating all over the garden. In the center is a cemented ritual circle where all five enchanters gathered around and chanted a spell in a foreign language.

A spirit orb floats away from its flower and landed on the circle. The enchanters extended their hands out and chanted louder, and soon the orb magically transforms into a young boy who is lying unconscious on the floor.

“You are a soul born from its flower here in the Ephemeral Garden,” one of the enchanters announced. “Your mere existence is to serve this world by stealing time from another in order to keep this one living.”

“Remember this,” another continued in a stern voice. “You shall not feel anything nor pursue to be one’s own self. It is completely forbidden for a Timekeeper to develop a human heart for it will install imbalance to our world. Our lives rest in your hands, little one.”

“Let us now welcome our new Timekeeper. You shall be called…”

The boy slowly opens his eyes. They hold no emotion or light whatsoever, but his first greeting was the stars glistening in the midnight sky as his hand reaches up to grasp it.

“Nakamoto Yuta.”

5 years later 

Real World, Joseon Dynasty

Dawn slowly bathes a new day, its radiance soaking through the windows of her bedroom.

Nineteen-year-old Kim Jisoo and her disabled father slipped on their white hanbok to visit her deceased brother located in the mountains filled with cairn. As a part of his contribution with the Righteous Army, Seokjin passed away after being ambushed by the invaders on one of their missions, in which Jisoo happen to witness the incident and slaughtered them all. 

The war in Joseon has been going on before the siblings were born. Both of their parents were part of the Righteous Army, and even after they bore two children, they were still active on missions while trying to live as a normal family within the public’s eye.

By the time Jisoo was 10 and Seokjin was 11, their mother left them shortly after their father got shot in the leg and became permanently disabled. Her departure greatly affected them as they witnessed the burden of a single parent raising two children alone at his current state. There was no valid reason as to why she left them, but their anger was enough to blame her.

Having blessed by their father’s kind heart, Jisoo and Seokjin chose to take care of him instead. And although he’s completely against it, they also chose to learn how to wield weapons and joined the Righteous Army at a young age, and proceeded to fulfill their missions in their parents’ stead.

However, Seokjin’s abrupt death took a huge toll on them. Their father constantly blamed himself when there was nothing for him to be sorry for. Jisoo’s anger fueled and aspires to become stronger and liberate Joseon where they could live in peace.

Their disabled father is the only one she has left. She can’t die yet nor should he, and she’ll do whatever it takes to keep them both alive.

That is what Kim Jisoo swore in her brother’s grave.

“Dad, I want you to come with me to the shooting range.”

Setting down his cup of tea, he displays a worried look. “Is there something wrong?”

Jisoo casts her eyes down on the floor. “I’m scared to leave you alone. If you can’t walk anymore, you have to tell me so that I can carry you on my back.”

“Are you… planning to take me with you every time you go there?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, Jisoo…” he limps towards her direction and touches her shoulder. Flashing his signature heartwarming smile, he softly spoke, “A young woman’s back should remain cautious, tall, and proud at all costs. It does not serve as a palanquin to carry a weary old man like myself.” 

He tries his best to hide his troubled expression, but Jisoo managed to see through him right away. “Are you still blaming yourself?”

He chuckles in defeat. “You got me. I just can’t help feeling sorry for not being able to do anything to help you.”

Tears threatened to fall as she struggles to form the right words. “Please don’t blame yourself for being crippled. You’ve done more than enough for us, and your unconditional love proved that. Everything will be fine as long as we have each other. Okay?”

Feeling utter defeat, he finally gives in. “Alright, I’ll listen to my daughter this time. Don’t worry about me, I can take care of myself.”

Jisoo tries to conceal her worries. “Promise that you’ll go with me next time?”

He raises a hand and pledged happily. “I promise.”

She steps out of the house after slipping on her shoes. “One more thing,” she peers back at her father. “I’ve been meaning to tell you this: you did well, Dad. Thank you.” She bid him farewell as she makes her way to the mount