Chapter 38 — I'm an Infinite Regressor, But I've Got Stories to Tell

Chapter 38

The narrator, identified as the Undertaker, leads Kim Si-eun into a partially destroyed football stadium in Busan. The setting is ruined, with collapsed outer walls and exposed steel frames, a stark contrast to its past glory. The narrator explains that they are at a specific location marked by a crystal, which only he can perceive as a 'tombstone' or 'gravestone.' He instructs Kim Si-eun to hold his hand tightly, explaining that while the narrator can freely enter the sealed dreams of those he has trapped, Kim Si-eun can only connect while holding his hand. They approach the crystal, and upon the narrator pressing against it, they are transported into a dream sequence. The desolate ruins vanish, replaced by a vibrant, packed stadium during a football match. The atmosphere is electric with cheering fans, waving flags, and loud chants. Kim Si-eun is stunned by the sudden transition from ruin to life. On the field, the narrator points out Kim Joo-chul, Kim Si-eun’s father, who is playing in his prime. Kim Joo-chul performs exceptionally, scoring a goal with a header and assisting another play, earning cheers from the crowd. After scoring, he jumps into the stands to kiss his wife and hold their child, Kim Si-eun. Kim Si-eun recognizes the woman as his mother and is visibly shaken by the sight of his father’s happiness. The narrator reveals that this moment was Kim Joo-chul’s happiest, a memory he trapped himself in to avoid the reality of his future: the destruction of his leg, his descent into alcoholism and gambling, the abandonment of his family, and his wife’s death. Following Kim Joo-chul into the locker room, the narrator reveals his identity as the 'Undertaker' who sealed Kim Joo-chul in time. The dream freezes, and colors fade to gray. Kim Joo-chul recognizes the narrator and accepts the situation. The narrator introduces Kim Si-eun as his son. Kim Joo-chul is initially shocked but embraces Si-eun, remarking on his growth. When asked about his wife’s death, Kim Si-eun replies she died seven years ago. Kim Joo-chul breaks down, apologizing repeatedly to his son for his weakness and failures as a father. He realizes the tragedy of being forgotten and trapped in a loop of happiness while his actual family suffers and dies. The narrator reflects on his use of [Time Seal] as a dark past, acknowledging that sealing people away was a form of giving up on finding a better ending. After leaving the dream, Kim Si-eun expresses conflicted feelings but gratitude for meeting his father. He announces his intention to travel to Japan, seeking new horizons. The narrator advises him to avoid tunnels and be cautious of strange phenomena in Japan, hinting at the dangers of the region. The narrator watches Kim Si-eun depart, trusting that Kim Joo-chul’s sincere apology was real. The chapter ends with the image of the stadium’s dream continuing, where Kim Joo-chul runs forever on an unbroken field, celebrating with his family in an eternal loop.

Chapter ID

aajq2dio3v

Chapter number

38

Duration

14:18

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Audio + video