Transformed into Cosmic Horror in a Sci-Fi Universe

Chapter 59: Next Plan

Transformed into Cosmic Horror in a Sci-Fi Universe – 59

EP.59 Next Plan

Despite having defeated the Abyssal Monster, Lee Junhyun found himself back at the same time and place. This realization threw him into great confusion.

‘Why? Did I miss something? Did it not actually die? Was there a third form?’

No, there was nothing like that. So why? Was there some condition he needed to fulfill?

He hadn’t given up hope yet. He believed there had to be a way to break free from this horrific loop.

…At least, until the 150th cycle.

“…Ha, hahaha. Ahahahahaha!”

The 151st officetel.

His mental state was completely shattered.

He realized that no matter what he did, he couldn’t escape this loop. Whether he killed the Abyssal Monster, let it destroy the world, or killed it the moment he woke up, the world would eternally repeat.

He understood now.

This world had no intention of letting him go. It was as if the moment this loop ended and he was freed would be the end of this world.

“Damn it. Just end. End already.”

He felt resentment. He resented the Abyssal Demon Park Yujin, the constellation that had regressed him, and the world that held him captive. No, none of that mattered anymore. All he cared about was ending this disgusting loop.

Drowning, suffocation, explosion, exsanguination, falling, radiation poisoning… He had tried dying in every conceivable way, hoping he wouldn’t come back. But as always, after dying, he would wake up in the same place, at the same time.

The 397th loop.

July 17, 2024, 10:00 AM.

Waking up, Lee Junhyun desperately prayed again and again. Please, please end this world. End me. He had been trapped in the loop for nearly 500 years. His mind was worn out, his senses long gone. He didn’t even know what kept him moving anymore. He just prayed inwardly, begging for this horrific life to end.

And then.

[Do you wish to disappear?]

From somewhere, a voice responded to his plea. The moment he heard it, he felt a sensation he thought he had lost long ago—pain. A sharp headache. The feeling of pain, something he hadn’t felt in ages, was both agonizing and oddly comforting.

“Who…?”

He asked who was speaking to him. Was it a constellation? But his constellation had disappeared. Then, was it another constellation? He wasn’t sure. It felt different. Lee Junhyun, feeling a throbbing headache, waited for the answer.

Soon, it responded gently.

[I am the one who will bring you an end.]

“……”

At that moment, he felt his heartbeat. It must have been beating all along, but he hadn’t felt it. Now, he felt it, filled with excitement and anticipation. The words of an unknown entity: the one who would bring him an end.

But why? Why did he feel such deep trust in this being’s words? It felt like this entity could effortlessly make this world disappear. It exuded an omnipotence that made him think it might be a true god, not just a constellation.

‘Have you come to pity me and offer salvation?’

No, what did that matter now? All he wanted was to die, to end everything.

“Please, end it all. Erase me. Grant me complete death.”

He desperately wished for it. He pleaded for an end to himself and this world. And then, it came.

[I have heard your wish. Since it’s the last, may you have a pleasant dream.]

With those words, Lee Junhyun gently fell asleep. Since the loop began, he had hardly ever slept properly, but this time, he fell into a deep, peaceful slumber.

And then.

[July 31, 2026, 6:28 PM]

.

.

.

[July 31, 2026, 6:29 PM]

[July 31, 2026, 6:30 PM]

‘Ah… it’s over. The loop is over.’

In his dream, the nearly 500-year-long loop had ended. He dreamed of lying peacefully in a world that had become tranquil. In that dream, he was hailed as a hero who saved the world, living a rich and splendid life without envy. At the end of a happy life, he quietly passed away at the age of 93, surrounded by his children and grandchildren.

Tears streamed down his face as he smiled gently, experiencing all his life’s goals, even if only in a dream. As he slept happily, dreaming of such a life.

With a soft rustle—

The universe met its end.

#

[Hmm, a universe choosing a loop to maintain its existence… I’ve gathered good data. Indeed, this is data that couldn’t be obtained without creating and experimenting with various worldviews.]

By the way, that dream at the end… Maybe I should have let him achieve it in reality and then erased him after 70 years. It was quite pitiful. No, that wouldn’t have worked. He could only be that happy in a dream. In reality, he would have likely just wished for death, loop or no loop. His senses had dulled, and his emotions and mind were almost entirely eroded.

He would be satisfied knowing he was happy, even if only in a dream. Besides, there was no need to keep the constellation-based world around any longer. I had gathered all the data I needed. Wow, saying it like this makes me sound like a psychopathic scientist from a movie. “I don’t care what happens to this world as long as I get my data!” You see that in movies sometimes.

Oh, speaking of which, I had created a zombie apocalypse world with a similar vibe. It’s been seven years since I made it, and it seemed to be reaching its climax. You know, the part where they discover the scientist who created the zombie virus and the vaccine subplot comes into play. It might be fun to binge-watch that later.

But what’s important now is this, my original universe. Well, it’s a replica, but still. It’s been 15 years since Yujin took control of the Galactic Union. Finally, the Union was completely stabilized, and they were preparing for the next phase.

[We plan to expand the management area of the Galactic Union.]

[Expand the management area?]

The next step Yujin envisioned was… the conquest of the entire universe.

“The current diameter of the Galactic Union’s controlled territory is about 20 billion light-years. That’s only about one-fifth of the observable universe.”

The elders of the Meias tribe nodded in agreement. Indeed, while the Galactic Union boasted the largest scale within the observable universe, it only managed a fraction of it, controlling just one-fifth of the diameter.

However, Yujin had plans to expand this territory further, envisioning a future where the Galactic Union—or rather, he himself—would govern the entire universe.

“But Yujin, there are still many areas within our current territory that we haven’t managed to control.”

Jupiter raised his hand in objection. He argued that it was premature to expand the territory when there were still many uncharted regions within their existing domain.

“I understand. That’s why we will start by organizing our current territory as a preparatory step.”

Yujin responded nonchalantly, causing the Meias elders to waver. It sounded too far-fetched. If it were that easy, they would have done it long ago. The fact that they hadn’t expanded further or fully controlled their existing territory indicated the difficulty of the task.

“In fact, we have enough manpower and technology. It was only impossible because the Lubaran race monopolized it.”

Yujin said with a sly smile, causing the Meias elders to be greatly astonished.

‘Is that so? We do have enough manpower for exploration. The number of intelligent life forms in the Galactic Union is immense.’

‘It was just a lack of technology. The latest scientific advancements were almost entirely monopolized by the Lubaran race.’

‘But now, with Yujin having released that technology, the conditions are essentially met!’

From the beginning, Yujin had aimed for this. He hadn’t released the technology merely to attract races into the Galactic Union. He had a grander vision, considering both the reinforcement and expansion of their territory.

‘What a terrifying man.’

‘To think he planned this far ahead.’

The elders of the Meias tribe were in awe of Yujin’s broad vision. Initially, they had many concerns about a Terra race member becoming their de facto leader, despite his prowess in magic. But witnessing his expansive vision and exceptional handling of affairs, they shuddered to think what might have happened if they hadn’t entrusted him with leadership.

“Then let’s make this the agenda for this council meeting. I look forward to your cooperation, elders.”

Everyone knew he was the true ruler, yet he never stepped forward, maintaining a meticulous approach to avoid giving anyone leverage against him.

“Let’s adjourn.”

With that, the meeting ended, and Yujin left the conference room. Jupiter followed after organizing the meeting materials. The remaining elders finally relaxed, letting out deep sighs of relief.

“Phew… I get tense every time we have a meeting.”

“Indeed. He doesn’t do anything special, yet there’s this overwhelming pressure.”

Their conversation naturally revolved around Yujin. A member of the Terra race, yet the ruler of the Galactic Union. He had stabilized the chaotic Union within 15 years and was now building towards even greater goals. Honestly, he was worthy of respect.

But then, a thought struck them.

’15 years… That’s a long time for a Terra race member. Even with physical enhancements, he should have aged somewhat.’

‘…Why hasn’t he aged at all?’

Yujin’s unchanged face over 15 years seemed odd to the elders.

‘Is he just incredibly youthful?’

‘Maybe he has excellent skincare. Should I ask for his dermatologist’s contact?’

Of course, none of them deeply suspected anything beyond that.