The thick, sweet scent clung heavily to Uijaeâs lungs, filling the dark space. It was nearly enough to drive him mad. The liquid pooling on the floor was likely Sa-youngâs blood. The clothes Uijae wore, provided by the Wave Guild, seemed to offer some protection; they were soaked but not corroding. That allowed him to embrace Sa-youngâs trembling body without hesitation.
The clinking of chains echoed loudly. Sa-youngâs ragged breathing and groans brushed against Uijaeâs neck. Fortunately, there didnât seem to be any wounds on his head. Uijae gently threaded his fingers through the tangled, sticky strands of Sa-youngâs hair.
âWhen did you start this?â
ââ¦A few days ago.â
âAll day long?â
âOnly⦠a few hours a day. Itâs enough for nowâ¦â
Sa-youngâs voice was so hoarse it was barely human, almost like the growl of an animal. Uijae moved to pat his back but stopped when he realized it was covered in countless stakes. It was a miracle he was still alive.
âAre you sure youâre okay?â
âIâm fine⦠even like this, I wonât die.â
ââ¦â¦â
âThe outsider and the guy outside both said I wouldnât dieâ¦â
âHow long do you have to keep doing this?â
âI donât know⦠itâs just to buy time.â
The sound of Uijae gritting his teeth must have been audible because Sa-youngâs body trembled, as if he were laughing. His ruined arms draped over Uijaeâs shoulders, and he pulled him into a heavy embrace. Though his weight pressed down on Uijae, he could handle it. Wet lips brushed against his mask.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om