“This is..?” 

“This, my good friend, is called Tteokbokki. Korea’s greatest invention!” 

“Uh huh…” 

It was just two guys chilling in a small restaurant eating Korean street food. Taesoo’s palm rests under his chin as he watches the handsome man before him play with the cheesy soup of the tteokbokki. 

“Don’t play with your food. I paid good money for it so you have to savor it!”

“I’m not familiar with it. There’s a possibility that it’s poisonous. Try it for me first.”

Taesoo was starting to feel irritated. This annoyingly handsome guy is supposed to be the world’s biggest threat and yet he doesn’t want the tteokbokki just because he’s scared he’ll get poison? He thinks it's nonsense.

“Fine. I’ll take the first bite.”

In an irritated mood, the boy slides the bowl of flaming red tteokbokki to his side and lifts a pair of steel chopsticks. He doesn't glance at the man across from him; he focuses fully on the chewy rice cake he has picked up. The string of mozzarella follows, and he takes a vigorous bite. The fiery spice takes over his tongue but the cheese serves as a shield to make sure it’s not just the spiciness that took over. It’s a savory dish but the chewy texture and hint of sweetness from the rice cake was the perfect icing on top to bring balance to his mouth. 

Taesoo was overjoyed every time he got the chance to bite into this delicious snack. 

“Is it that good?”

Staring at him the entire time, the man finally grew curious. No longer suspected of being poisonous, he took the bowl back to his side. It was his turn to have the god of food bless his tongue. He even wonders if he’s able to make the same aloof expression as Taesoo did. Probably not, but curiosity can never kill this cat.

“Of course! Korean food never misses. I hope with this you at least won’t destroy Korea.”

His way of hoping was quite literal. Never be fooled by a handsome man. He would never have thought that he’d be the unlucky individual who’d be protecting this world by convincing a villain. 

Oh how unlucky he is. For he is the only one that can stop this world from destruction.

Threaten to be parished by the one that sat in front of him, Dion Kholodov.

...****************...

It happened a few days prior.

Sunday, 7:00 am. 

Kim Taesoo had not gotten a single wink of rest.

He had spent the entire night just to finish reading the last few chapters of a 575 chapters worth of a fantasy novel. Closing the final page, he places it with the other previous book of the same story, neatly on his shelf. 

“Finally reached the end huh.. It was a good run. I’ll be thinking about it a lot now.”

He sighs to himself. A part of him was proud, but another side of him felt empty due to how there would be nothing that he’d be looking forward to in his free time. But still, he doesn’t regret picking the novel. Not one bit. He just wished that more people were talking about it. 

Just as soon as Taesoo was about to take his time for a shuteye, a vigorous earthquake struck his lids open. 

The lights above him flickered on and off uncontrollably, his furniture was screaming sounds that would be from a horror movie, his heart was racing, and his body was alerting all sense of danger. This was the first time he had experienced this large of an earthquake firsthand. 

But he couldn’t allow himself to stand there dumbfoundedly, he too wished to live. His feet swiftly brought him out of his bedroom, but the earthquake stopped just as soon as he opened the door. That's the only good news within the next few minutes.

In exchange for the surprise, there stood an unknown man in the middle of the living room. 

As far as Taesoo is concerned, he lives alone. The man emits a mysterious aura, an appearance that is sure to stand out even amongst the busiest crowd. 

… he shakes his head. Appearance aside, he is one without manners too. He was standing on top of his coffee table. 

A stern and furious expression was drawn on the man’s lips. At the same time, he swung the sword just before Taesoo’s nose.  

“You.. Where have I been taken to? Speak or else you'll suffer the consequences” 

He appears very demanding too when It feels like everything said was supposed to be Taesoo’s line. After all this weird cosplayer was standing on top of his table! 

“Get out of my house now or I’ll call the cops” 

Taesoo too was not afraid. He has a good feeling that the sword is a toy made for children. He was sure to have seen a similar-looking one a few weeks ago in the toy section of Costco. However, with that confidence in mind, he grabs the tip of the blade, and immediately he regrets it. 

“Ouch! What the heck, why is this thing dangerously sharp?!”

Blood trickles down his fingers. It was shallow due to the light grip but still gave a throbbing pain. It was the first time he had bled this much by his fault. Were toys even allowed to be this sharp?

Kim Taesoo switches his gaze from his bleeding hand toward the man. There wasn’t a hint of a smile anywhere on his lips at all. 

“The cops? I don’t know why calling them was the first thing on your mind. To touch a blade barehanded… You’re dumber than you look.”

Frustration, irritation, anger. Taesoo was in disbelief at how a stranger just called him dumb when it wasn’t his fault in the first place. 

“I don’t know who you are but do you realize that you’re trespassing my place??” 

Taesoo, who rummaged through his pockets for his phone, quickly dialed 112 for the quickest emergency contact. 

The mysterious man lets it happen right before his eyes. He kept his sword back in its sleeve, hidden away from plain sight. It was also his way of letting his guard down. To him, Taesoo didn’t serve as a threat big enough to draw his blade. For some reason, Taesoo felt he was being underestimated but what matters is that the small phone rang out a few times. 

Beep.. 

Beep… 

“This is Korea’s emergency line, How may we assist you?”

“There’s a weirdo in my place. Can you please come and pick him up? I’m at—“ 

The man took Taesoo’s phone away, but instead of shutting it down, he placed it right behind his ear. His lips open perhaps.. to help Taesoo?

“Hey! I thought you weren't afraid of cops—”

“Bring here the number one awakener, Evan Alxander. I’m sure he’s itching for a rematch as well.” 

Finally, a smirk appeared on his lips. Taesoo felt chills down his spine as he watched it alone. 

“…who are we currently speaking with?” 

“Dion Kholodov. Humanity’s biggest nightmare.” 

Evan Alxander. Dion Kholodov. Names that were not foreign to Taesoo’s ears. He knows the bearer of the name very well. How could he not? Not when he had just finished reading the novel containing their names as important characters.

It was no wonder ‘Dion’ looks familiar. His appearance was on the front cover of the novel and his notable charming features were repeatedly mentioned in the novel. Perhaps the story didn’t want the readers to forget that their characters were ethereal. 

The way ‘Dion’ was proud as he announced his name was full of confidence. Tension surrounds him and Taesoo could feel how this man was…

Really into character!

It was a performance worth to be praised for. He even got the setting and the chills correct down to the spine. But what does it all mean in front of a cop who doesn’t read the same story as he did?

“Can you give this call back to the original dialer?” 

Dion knew that he had won, or at least thought so. Giving back the cell phone to Taesoo, he finally received the chance to speak again. 

“Hello, I'm the first guy that called.” 

“What is your name?”

“Kim Taesoo.”

“Kim Taesoo, we can see why you contacted us. We will send the mental health ambulance on your way. Please tell us your location.”

However, once more, nothing could be relied on after that. When Dion took his cell phone away once more, the call disconnected properly. 

“Hey, stop that!”

“I see how it is.. Korea. A place I'm not familiar with.” 

Taesoo is looking at the man claimed by Dion to be someone crazy. Crazy enough to declare himself as such to the police…. Is this a dream? 

“Your name is Kim Taesoo, right? Now that I’ve ventured into this world, I’m hoping that you’ll take care of me well.” 

“I'm not taking care of you. You fucking weeb. Get out of my house!” 

Taesoo didn't care for much. Grabbing with both of his hands, he grabs Dion’s wrist to physically drag him away. But why is it more difficult than it seems? Dion stood in his place without needing much resistance. 

“You may be unfamiliar with my name. However, I can destroy this world in a snap of a finger.”

Is he still talking nonsense? 

He knows the character Dion Kholodov more than anyone else. It is still fresh in his memory. His appearance however was not far from the character's main points. He has always been described as a very handsome individual. His snow-colored hair and golden orbs were never to be missed. Numerous times it is mentioned how hard the villain is to keep himself hidden for this fact, and it became a running joke in the story. 

“Why do you keep cosplaying that fictional guy? You can drop the act now. This is another level of weeb.”

“Cosplay..? You’ve misunderstood. I am the real Dion Kholodov, and I intend to present proof” 

Even so, handsome features do not equal a warm heart. If there was a reason to kill then he would not hesitate. Not for the weak or the strong. 

Right now, Dion is about to show how heartless he truly is. 

In a blink of an eye, he was already holding Taesoo’s wrist. Specifically his left. 

Taesoo couldn't even react fast enough to free himself. The grip of the other was tight, painful, and unfortunately secure. 

“Hey, hands off of me!” 

Even when Taesoo pulls his hands back, it does nothing. If anything, the grip around his wrist visibly tightens. 

It was on his specific left wrist that Dion held. A worn-out leather watch was strapped on. That was his motive all along. Before long, when Dion’s fingers touched them, an unfamiliar sound echoed loudly in a loud boom. 

Red. 

Taesoo witnessed more reds spilling out from his skin. This time, it hurts more than accidentally holding the tip of a blade. The pain was a thousandfold more painful than anything he thought he'd experienced. 

“AGKHHH.”

A loud explosion filled the room; it echoed louder than the screams and cries of the one who got caught up in it.

What was once a worn-out watch now had disappeared. It burns and only leaves ashes as remains. What was once soft skin now paints wounds from that explosion. The red that spilled had uncovered what was underneath. A few seconds ago its appearance was far from now. It was now merely an almost blackened color of the hand. 

Taesoo rolled on the floor, his screams and cries echoed out nonstop.

“My hand!!!!!” 

His tears flowed. His hand. Does he still have his hand? His vision blurred. Almost throwing up, drool flowed from his lips. 

The pain would just not go away. He bit his lips hard enough to bleed. Hoping it'd be better than processing the explosion. But it was still incomprehensible to the pain he had just received. Luckily his wrist is still intact but was he truly lucky to have his hand explode?!

“Do you believe me now?”

Based on the novel, Dion Kholodov’s powers were something not to be underestimated. One of his abilities had a very destructive element. He can manipulate the molecules and compounds of everything he touches. Most of the time he adds nitroglycerin to add an explosive touch. Literally. 

This includes both dead objects and humans. 

“Humans are very weak creatures. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll heal you like none of this has ever happened. But in exchange, you have to do me a few favors.”

Tears still pooled in his eyes but it was able to reflect his hatred towards the other. The one who blew out his hand is now pulling out demands. In what world would Taesoo agree to that? He would rather die.

No answers were being given. Taesoo’s cries had decreased over time but in exchange, he was dripping cold sweat from the rest of his body. 

Taesoo valued his life. But if he were to compromise with an evil character it would drag his life into a living hell, perhaps worse than death itself.

“You and this world will both perish by my hands.”

It was as if Dion already knew that Taesoo would give up his life. But what about the world? This man is threatening the world. If this isn’t a bluff, then he’d be responsible even until his next life. 

“In five seconds, give me your answer.”

He was hesitating. His mind proceeds to think about everything in his life that he’ll experience from when he was born until where he is now. 

Is he about to give up life itself?

Taesoo finally stood up. The answer is obvious. 

A bottle of potion was pulled out from thin air just by a simple snap of the villain’s finger. It was small but it held a mysterious purple colored liquid. Memory would not serve him wrong that Taesoo knows that’s a super potion. The thing that Dion mentions when he says he’ll heal him.

He snatches it, drinking the bitter liquid until its very last drop. Just as Dion had mentioned, the wound miraculously healed as if it was never there, gradually his skin reverted to its original color and the throbbing pain decreased until he couldn’t feel it anymore. This included the cut he got from earlier.

“I see we have come to an agreement.”

Dion’s smirk was just evil. Cocky. Unbelievable.The moment his limbs healed he had already made a contract with the devil.

“Three. I will grant you three wishes.” 

Taesoo held out three of his fingers. 

“Oh, so you're a genie now huh? Alright then, I don't mind.” 

This is not a dream.

This is reality.

And the antagonist from the novel he had just finished reading was standing before him. 

The antagonist, Dion Kholodov was real. 

“Now then, as promised. You need to make my first wish.”

This man is dangerous. Taesoo has to survive. If anyone can stop this antagonist from destroying the world then it is up to him. He has to convince him.

“Kim Taesoo. Become my dog.”

…

…

.. what?

That was how Dion Kholodov, an antagonist from ‘Picking up survivors after the end’ has now officially lived under his roof. This might as well become the antagonist’s home because he has been reduced to nothing but his dog but still!

He can’t read the other but Taesoo had a goal of his own. He needs to keep an eye on Dion to prevent him from destroying the world. 

At first, he thought it’d be better to just handle it over the government but hesitation roots over. The last time the police were contacted he was advised to take him to the mental hospital. The chances of them believing him would be low, especially without proof.

That means he just needs to gather them!

“Let’s start over then. My name is Kim Taesoo. First name Taesoo, last name Kim.”

“... Taesoo Kim.”

Damn, these English novels. 

“Why my house?.. what in the world of reverse isekai is happening and does it have to be me?”

He utters under his breath. Though the one who was sitting not so far away could hear him. 

“A dog shouldn’t bark at its master.” 

He couldn't have forgotten about his superhuman abilities. It wasn't exactly a secret that he wanted Dion to hear his thoughts, he just preferred an answer rather than an insult. 

For some reason, his personality in real life irritated him. In the novel, it was described that Dion was a cold character, heartless with everything he faced. The path that he leads always leaves trails of blood. But the reality before him is… not that different. He's just more smug now after having things his way. 

Speaking of which, should he confront him about his existence? Dion is a novel character after all so the one with more questions should be him. The thought lingers but he has to shrug it off. No, Dion would flip off and destroy the world if he was confronted with reality.

Who wouldn’t be pissed to know their entire existence was fabricated by some pen and paper?

He looks down at his wrist. Even if that potion made it as if he was never injured in the first place, the feeling is still real. He could still imagine the throbbing pain. Out of his will, he starts sweating again with the thought. If he could blow up his hand then he can blow up anything just like the novel’s description.

“You seem to have more to say. What is it?”

Dion who sat on the sofa, staring at the TV, finally turns his gaze towards Taesoo. He wasn’t even a bit amused by this situation just as Taesoo. 

“Oh um..”

Ding Dong…

Taesoo sprinted out of the room with the perfect timing. If he stayed there with the tension then he might become insane himself.

“I’ll go get that. Don’t move!”

Finally leaving him, he opens the door to the sight of a beautiful young woman who appears no further than her 20s, her casual yet tight shirt hugging her body naturally yet revealing her curves. Her lashes were long and curled upwards making her eyes appear larger and rounder. Every time Taesoo’s gaze met her he would tense up and become slightly nervous. He's still a man after all. 

“Miss Jaeha!.. Is there anything that I can help you with?”

His mood truly changed upon seeing her. A light blush appeared on his cheeks as he smiled politely at her. His neighbor, Song Jaeha has always been the ideal neighbor to have next door even if they rarely meet. Her concern was no surprise. 

“No, it's just that, I heard an explosion earlier but I’m not entirely sure where it came from. Did you hear it?”

Ah, shit.

“Oh yeah! I was cooking and I um.. The mini gas exploded but everything was ok. No fire or anything!”

It's not like he can tell the truth. 

“Are you sure? I think I heard screams. But ahh our walls are quite thick so I wasn’t 100% sure.” 

He’s really glad his apartment walls are soundproof enough. 

Just as Taesoo was about to come out with more excuses, he noticed how Song Jaeha had a change of reaction. Her gaze was no longer towards him but behind him. 

“A dog doesn’t tell his owner what he can or cannot do.”

It was Dion. And he looks pissed. 

“Oh my.” 

He can see Jaeha gasping, covering her mouth with both of her palms. Her cheeks began to visibly heat up seeing it turn a bit red. Taesoo should’ve known this would happen. 

“I didn’t know you had a friend come over. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.” 

She shows a smile wide enough to have her eyes squint. That has never happened to Taesoo before! Damn, it must be because of Dion Kholodov’s Angel-like handsome features. 

“Friend? Taesoo Kim is my pet.”

Whatever she’s thinking about it can’t be in Taesoo’s favor because, with a blushing face and eyes that switch back and forth between the two males, she has her conclusion.

“That… explains the screams…..I’m so sorry to interrupt the two of you. I thought you were single, Taesoo, but I’m very happy for you!”

“Wait what? No no no, you’ve got it all wrong Miss Jaeha!” 

“No no, I really respect your taste! You’ve even got a Russian-like foreigner as a partner. I sincerely hope the two of you will last for a very long time.” 

‘This is a huge misunderstanding! Why isn't Dion saying anything?!’

The antagonist seems not to be bothered about it. Although that might be better since he doesn't want another explosion to happen. 

“Ah, that’s right! Miss Jaeha, did you feel an earthquake earlier?” 

It was better to change the topic. 

“An earthquake? I don't think so. But if it is a minor one I might have missed it. Hahaha.”

Taesoo’s eyes widen. It wasn't a minor one. By the way, his entire place shakes, it would make it to the news or at least the national emergency warning sign would be everywhere. But suspiciously there wasn’t. 

“Oh! Time flies huh? I have to go to my part-time job now. Again, sorry to bother the two of you.”

Jaeha has to leave with the misunderstanding still in tack. No matter how much Taesoo tried to reach her, she seemed too far off with her theory to change her mind. 

Currently, Kim Taesoo is holding himself from the urge to punch Dion’s face.

“Hey, why didn’t you stay put? It wasn’t like I’d run away.”

Dion scoffs, his arms are crossed on his arms. He didn’t exactly feel like giving Taesoo a real full answer.

“It was likely the earthquake that summoned me to this world.” 

He suddenly brought up the last topic the neighbors discussed. Dion Kholodov seems to have a lot to say about it.

“More like on top of my coffee table.. Do you know anything about it? What was the last thing you did before coming here?”

“I was fighting.” 

“.. you always fight, can’t you be more specific?” 

At this moment, Taesoo should’ve known that he messed up big time. It was too late to take back his words and regret sinks in immediately, clearly shown in his face.  

“Why would you conclude that?” 

He can't just say that he's known a small portion of Dion’s life. That he’s always picking fights be it monsters or humans. That it’s his way of getting stronger and never allowing Evan to surpass him.. Right? Right! 

“Even though I have destructive powers, I don't pick up fights like delinquents. To answer your question, I was preparing for my fight for Evan Alxander.” 

It seems like he's letting him off the hook. It’s good though it would've been better if he knew the fight that Dion mentions. In all of the novel, Dion keeps on being stronger. 

‘Picking up Survivors after the End’ features Evan Alxander that saves everyone from the destruction caused by Dion. A land full of monsters that invaded their world, led by the main antagonist himself. Every time Evan thought he was strong enough to take him down, Dion would prove to him otherwise that he too had done his training and faced him off in the one-sided battle. The novel ends once Dion is finally defeated, bringing the world to its peace. 

It was a good thing that monsters weren’t dragged along to this world, otherwise, everything would have been destroyed far more easily. 

So to say Dion is preparing a fight really doesn't help at all.

“It’s time for you to take me out for a meal. Plus, it’s also time for me to see how the current world is.” 

Suddenly, Taesoon thought of a wonderful idea. What if he runs away and leaves Dion out in hunger? Or perhaps he could poison his meal to get things over quickly…

In his subconscious, Taesoo slaps his forehead. That’s even more horrible! If anything Taesoo would die first before he even commences with his plan, Not to mention, Dion is immune to poison so it’s pointless to bring him to an illegal pufferfish sashimi restaurant. 

“Alright, I’ll take you for dinner.”

......................

Dion Kholodov. A human who betrayed his kind to become the leader of the monsters. But can he still be considered human if he had left his humanity behind? 

“How particular.” 

Taesoo tilts his head to look at him. Dion was no different than a child that has never seen the outside world. It was just an empty narrow road that had little to nothing to offer.It would be right if he took him to Hongdae but he didn't want to cause an uproar.

Is he perhaps interested in architecture? 

It would make sense since the world he came to was in a medieval setting. Everything was bound to have a different feel to it. 

“The world is just like that now. Everything is modernized.” 

“Is that so.. Have the thoughts of people also been modernized?” 

“Well uh, I don't know what you mean. Maybe?”

“The world from where I came from was different. Even if I were to go on a narrow path, the gaze from the others had always bothered me.”

For some reason, even if it was only a hint, Taesoo could tell his tone was different. 

“It’s been a while since I was able to blend in with crowds.” 

…

That's it!

Kim Taesoo, 26, knows how to save the world from Dion Kholodov.