♈︎ ♉︎ ♊︎ ♋︎ ♌︎ ♍︎ ♎︎ ♏︎ ♐︎ ♑︎ ♒︎ ♓︎

Even if we meet in another world,

then it just passes by...

♈︎ ♉︎ ♊︎ ♋︎ ♌︎ ♍︎ ♎︎ ♏︎ ♐︎ ♑︎ ♒︎ ♓︎

Namjoon's mind was buzzing with questions and confusion, but he chose to stay quiet because of the seriousness of the situation. He hoped for a chance to talk to the leader of Songrim.

When they walked through the magical entrance, protected by a strong shield, Namjoon was amazed. It felt like stepping into a whole new world, reminiscent of the grand entrances of historical palaces in his world. His eyes widened as they entered the courtyard.

In the Joseon-period-like academy, bathed in the glow of flickering lanterns, Namjoon noticed young mages dressed in traditional dark hanboks adorned with symbols, standing in perfect formation on the cobblestone ground, practicing.In the stillness of their surroundings a stern mage, presumably an instructor, was walking almost like pacing up and down before their eyes.

Namjoon could just basked in awe at the beautiful intimate architectural buildings, the wooden lattice and the sloping blackish brown tiled roofs. The whole place made him wonder about the ingenuity of this realm. The intelligence and skill.

The other mages who came back almost disappeared immediately to their chambers. It seems like they were the most experience ones who went after the assassin with Mr Park.

Namjoon furrowed his brows as he looked at Mr. Park Jin, who gestured for him to follow. Namjoon followed the leader, entering a section resembling a hospital or clinic. There, he met an older man with curly grey hair and red cheeks, which made him look comical but cute. He looks like a drinker with a humorous demeanour. He either enjoyed his fermented rice wine or had a naturally blushed face.

It was so amusing when they exchange their polite bowing. Mr Park Jin was truly a well-honored and revered man, very respected in Daeho. People looked up to this man and Namjoon wondered about his stance in the modern world.

Mr Park introduced him to Master Heo Yeom, he was undoubtedly a very comical persona. His face was very red , like a man who love his rice wine. His hair was white but his little black button eyes, made Namjoon smirk.

According to Mr Park, master Heo was the head of medical institution Sejukwon, in the entire Daeho

Mr Park smiles." He is Seos'- you and Yuls' family representative because of your Seo Fortress home, which is so far away from the capital."

Was his surname Seo?

Even though everything was so fascinating, he would love someone or anyone just to informed or enlighten him how he could get back to his own time. Being teleported was exciting and very enlightening for educational benefits, but he wants to really return back to his own timeline. Things are getting to bizarre for him here. His mind was reeling with anxiety.

What if he didn't exist in his timeline? What if he returned and landed in a period where his parents were just toddlers? He needed to find a way back as soon as possible. Already, he missed his technology and even his annoying half-brother, Taehyung. He wondered if Taehyung would be here during this period.

Mr. Park looked at the man in front of him, who seemed frantic. "Has the body arrived yet, Heo Yeom?"

Mr. Heo shook his head. "Not yet... but what happened to you, Nam-Joon?" Namjoon looked with perplexity at, the old Master Heo, does he know him also. Namjoon just shrugged and said nonchalantly, " Tripped on my clothing and I guess I tumbled like a ball of tumbleweed over the cliff into the forest. I was helped by Mr Park and the Mages."

The physician looked flabbergasted with a knowing smile," You have a very rare talent...Nam-joon to either fall or break things. You do know it's almost the 4th time you came to me with injuries related to your clumsiness. "

"I wonder from whom in the Seo dynasty you inherited this clumsiness. Let me check out your wound before the body arrives."

Namjoon wanted to snort but just nodded and sat on a stool while Master Heo Yeom examined the wound on his head. Luckily, the bleeding had stopped, and he applied some ointment and bandaged it, but hell, that stung fiercely. Namjoon winced at the discomfort.

Mr Park looked concerned. "It's not just the wound; there seems to be something wrong with his memory.It seems Nam-joon seems to have a concussion, his memory is a bit hazy and he doesn't really remember who we are. I do hope he recalls his own brother, Yul."

The small black button eyes of the comical physician , widen in perplexity, " That is so unfortunate, will our Mr Seo be able to complete his important research in the library. He was just getting a major breakthrough.," he clicked his tongue regretfully.

Namjoon furrowed his brows, so he has a job here as a researcher. Of what? Oh gosh. He will have to play the memory loss card starting today. He has no idea of the nature of his apparent research.

He felt his distressed levels rising.

The head of Songrim just nodded in agreement, " Nam-joon needs a lot of rest also. He was tiresly working in the library for days and sometimes nights. I'll just inform the group about his memory issues. They must help him regaining the rest of his memories. We need his expertise here in Songrim. I just trust it's a short time problem. "

The look on Master Heo seems more regretful, " It's so unfortunate, your parents will be very worried...again. Hopefully you can stay with us for a few months. We need you here."

Namjoon nodded. "Er... it's alright, Master Heo."

Just then, a few mages brought in a cloth-covered body, instantly charging the atmosphere with energy. Master Heo hurriedly led the team to a secret, heavily guarded, protected section to hide Naksus' body.

Namjoon was very curious about the assassin. He followed Mr. Park Jin and Master Heo while the mages nodded, bowed, and left the room. Unsure of what to do, Namjoon entered the room as Mr Park gestured for him to do so. Even if the laterns gives off some warmth because of their illuminated glows, the atmosphere in the room feels icy and cold.

The assassin body was laying on an iced like bed, while Master Heo examine the girls body, the room was filled with silence.

Footsteps were heard rushing in in a haste. Namjoons' eyes squinted as he looked at the figure. His eyes suddenly widen in recognition of his classmate, Hwang Yul.

He is also here , but he looked so severe and serious, again. He notice the contrasting personality traits that was missing. In the modern world, he was the resident class clown who was never serious in class. Yul was the more energetic classmate, a ladies man and utterly handsome in looks.

In this period, he and Yul were brothers. Yul looked very handsome in his costume, and Namjoon wanted to snicker despite the seriousness of the situation. They all resembled characters from a historical period drama, straight out of the Joseon Period.

Namjoon shook his head, reminisced about how he might adapt in this Joseon period. There are no, technology , his favourite hamburgers ....how will he survive without his laptop. Why didn't he come with his bagpack?

He noticed the amusement in Yuls eyes when it widens in his direction. Namjoons was standing next to Master Heo.

Yul, brows furrowed when he noticed the bandage around Namjoons head. There was a faint smirk on the corner of his mouth. Namjoon sigh.

He knew his injury will amuse his" brother"

When Master Heo notice the figure, his eyes lighten up in glee," You back Son, just come and take a look here?"

Yuls eyes darted to the body on the ice bed, his eyes widen in shock, but the expression left as quickly as it came, he turn to the older man and asked ,"Er is that the assassin, Naksu?

Master Heo nodded and looked down on the body.

He moves Naksus' top clothing to reveal something to the new arrivals.

A bright blue make adorned her pale collarbone.

Heo Yeom looked solemnly at the men. "This is the mark of a soul shifter. Take note... When the Alchemy of Souls is performed, right above the heart, there will be a bruise like this."

Namjoon cleared his throat. "Er... what is a soulshifter or soul eater and the Alchemy of Souls?" He glanced around the room as shocked and gasping emerged. Seriously! Was he supposed to know all these strange, magical things? He felt thrust into a fantasy realm with which he did not know.

Park Jin looked at Yul's flabbergasted expression. "Namjoon suffered a fall and lost some memories due to a concussion. Please fill in the blanks for him later. It's only temporary."

Yul snorted as he looked at Namjoon. "You tripped again. Last time, you fell into the lake because you were watching some heiress pass by."

Namjoon clicked his tongue. This was ridiculous. Did the whole Songrim know about his tendency to trip and fall over his own feet? It was so irritating.

Yul looked calculating. "So she performed the Alchemy of Souls, which means she is still out there?"

Park Jin nodded. "It seems she did cast the spell, but it must have failed. While there are traces of the soul leaving the body, there weren't any signs that she shifted into that captured girl's body."

Namjoon watched with fascination as Yul examined the body, strange emotions flashing across his face. Did Yul know this assassin? How? What was the connection? His face looked strangely sad, with a hint of melancholy etched on it.

He saw Yul take something from the side of the body-a wooden object.

Yul looked affronted. "It's a whistle."

Heo Yeom asked, "A whistle?"

Yul frowned. "Long ago, I had pet birds. I used a whistle like this." His eyes flashed to Namjoon, who just shrugged.

"Did this woman own a pet bird?" Heo Yeom asked.

Park Jin nodded. "It looks like she carried it with her for quite a while."

Heo Yeom inhaled as he looked at the whistle. "It seems to be pretty important to her. Even an assassin who roams around, beheading people with ease, is still human.This girl must have quite a story of her own to tell."

Namjoon was completely enamored with the interesting conversation. For his mind it was beyond surreal to find himself in the midst of the Joseon dynasty approx. 3000 years ago. Wow! He was conversing with ancients but yet they were very much familiar with this world.

He smile a little when he notice his brother,Yuls faraway expression and he told himself to ask him about this girl.

A few moments had passed when the two elders, Masters Heo and Park left the room.

Yul decided to follow them out , but Namjoon grabbed his cloak to keep him back.

Namjoon looked with intensity at his brother, Yul. ," Do you recognize her, Yul?"

A sad deflated looked entered his brothers' eyes," You have slight memory issues right now, but you also know her...the girl I knew a very long time ago...But things changed, so keep it to yourself. Come, let's go to our quarters. Did you also forget your room?"

In front of them, the two elders stood still by the wooden pillars.

Heo Yeom sighed deeply. "Many people have already seen Naksu's body. It seems everyone will be talking about the Alchemy of Souls. It has been 20 years since the last soul shifter. Yes, that soul shifter who ran wild and killed all those people."

Park Jin exhaled deeply. "I am beginning to fear something like that will happen again."

Just then, a young man came running out, squealing and bowing deeply in front of the elders. His hair was golden blond, his eyes sparkling, and he looked flustered. Everyone looked at him with open surprise.

Namjoon squinted his eyes. The courtyard was now empty but dimly lit, with Songrim bodyguards stationed everywhere. His eyes moved to the guy who bowed repeatedly before the elders.

Namjoon inhaled sharply. Gosh, isn't this Dan Goo, the museum curator's nephew? The one who had a massive crush on Arin? Oh, my goodness. It is him. He's also been transported into this world.

Dang-gu, with a flustered expression, addressed his uncle. "Uncle, is it true Naksu is a soulshifter?"

His face glowed with inner excitement. He seemed to have the same personality as the Dang-gu from their time, just a bit "extra," and he appeared a little childlike and naive. It seemed Park Jin was also his uncle, Namjoon thought regretfully.

"Master! Master Heo, did you see it too?" Dang-gu excitedly squealed.

His uncle looked affronted. "You're a little too excited, aren't you?" Namjoon and Yul snickered softly at Park Jin's sarcastic remark.

"...especially to spread the same rumour around," his uncle rebuked him sternly.

Namjoon pressed his lips together as he observed the childlike Dang-gu. It seemed he was the resident talebearer or gossip king.

Dang-gu looked respectfully down, amused, showing he wasn't worried about the scolding.

Dang-gu murmured to defend himself. "The rumours are already spreading. Everybody is talking about it!" he said with a pout.

Heo Yeom's eyes widened. "Where?"

Dang-gu smiled. "At Chiwiseonru."

"Where is that?" Namjoon whispered to Yul, who stood calmly beside him.

Yul frowned and smirked. "You have lost your memory. A friendly lady named Joo-wol owns Chiwiseonru. It's a top-notch tavern in Daeho where business and political figures and young noblemen frequently visit, like when you need a lady company at the brothel.You know, the Seo family is part of the aristocracy here. We like to go and enjoy delicious food there with all of our friends.The maidens there treats us like nobility here in Daeho, "he said with a grin, when Namjoons eyes widen .

Oh wow! Are they royalty in Daeho? Namjoon shift his attention to the ongoing conversation.

Park Jin snorted. "So, instead of training as you should be, this Jeongjingak's mage has just been hanging around, visiting taverns, and engaging in rumours," his uncle scolded Dang-gu greatly, especially in front of the genius mage Seo Yul.

Heo Yeom chuckled. "Well, Songrim Jeongjingak can be an excellent place for mages to train. It can also be a great place to gather information."

Dang-gu smiled a little, appreciating Master Yeom taking his side.

Heo Yeom smirked, his small, round eyes sparkling as he looked at Dang-gu amidst Park Jin's irritation. "And Dang-gu would be next in line to take your place as Songrim's leader and businessman who will lead our home. He'll need to know how to drink."

Namjoon smiled as he watched Park Jin roll his eyes at the physician's red face, knowing he loved fermented rice wine.

Yul smiled at Namjoon. "Come, let me show you to your quarters. I'm sure you want to rest. I'll answer all your questions tomorrow. This day had too much excitement." Yul turned to the elders and informed them about their departure.

Dang-gu smirked. "Nam-Joon, I hope you'll be better. I heard you tripping on your robes again and forgot your name." He snickered, while Yul just smiled as Namjoon rolled his eyes.

Yul grinned. "You and Nam-joon can meet tomorrow at Joo-wol's place."

The two of them, along with Dang-gu, turned to his uncle and Master Heo Yeom, respectfully bowing in greeting. The three walked in the other direction through cobbled pathways, the mages around them bowing respectfully as they passed. Namjoon instantly knew that Yul and Dang-gu were highly regarded.

Namjoons eyes darted to Dang-gu who stood next to him and asked him a question that plagued him dearly.

His voice was hesitant, "Dang-gu can I asked you something. Do you know a girl called Arin?"

Namjoons looked with surprise at Dang-gu scrunched up nose," Excuse me where did you get that name...of cause not. Who will be named like that?"

Yul just grinned.

"There is no one with that name here. You must have hit your head hard," the two chuckled as they walked past him.

Namjoon furrowed his brows. Didn't Arin pass through to this world? She was pulled into the vortex with him. How did she stay behind? All he knew was that he desperately needed more light shed on the shocking revelation she gave him.

He fathered her child.

A/n: Namjoon met his 'brother.'

This is another update on this historical short story. Kindly give it some love❤ Thank you so much for the reads; even the shadow readers' are appreciated.