Rex reappeared in the real world.
The distortion around him faded slowly, like ripples settling on still water.
The overwhelming presence he carried within the sandbox quietly withdrew, leaving behind only a tired boy standing beneath the shade of a mango tree.
He exhaled slowly.
“Alice… deactivate time acceleration.
Let the time flow the same as the real world.” [DING.
TIME ACCELERATION DEACTIVATED.] [SYNCHRONIZATION COMPLETE.] The mechanical voice faded, but the weight inside Rex did not.
The events of the day lingered in his mind.
Aren.
The war and destruction.
His decision and their trepidation weighed heavily on him.
Even though everything happened inside the sandbox, the emotional burden did not feel any less real.
He lifted his hand slightly, staring at his fingers.
Just a moment ago… This same hand had decided the fate of an entire world.
“…Tch.” He lowered it.
“Still not used to it.” There was no excitement in his voice this time.
Only quiet exhaustion that reflected through his eyes.
He walked back toward his house slowly.
The evening air was calm, the faint sound of insects filling the surroundings.
Everything looked peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Compared to what he had just witness and had just done.
After entering his room, Rex dropped himself onto the bed without even bothering to change.
His body wasn’t tired.
But his mind- was drained.
Just as he was about to close his eyes- His phone rang.
The sudden sound broke the silence sharply.
Rex frowned slightly and picked it up.
“…What?” Jonathan’s voice came from the other side, calm and respectful as always.
“Young Master, we have begun preparations regarding informing your father about your acquisition of Cosmic Corner and the loyalty of our personnel.” Rex closed his eyes.
“…Now?” Even listening felt like a burden after what he had just done and experienced.
“Yes, Young Master.
We believe it is best to proceed carefully.
The explanation must be flawless to avoid suspicion.” Rex remained silent for a moment.
Then sighed, “Meet me tomorrow at the school cafeteria.
I’ll hear everything there.” “Yes, Young Master.” The call ended.
Rex placed the phone beside him and stared at the ceiling.
“…Too much at once.” His eyes slowly closed.
And within moments- He fell asleep.
The next morning came quietly.
Rex moved through his routine like usual, his expression calm and composed, as if nothing had happened the previous day.
Everything was normal on the surface.
But beneath that calm- His thoughts were still active.
Even if he didn’t want to- He had to attend school.
His parents were one reason.
They still believed he was just a normal student.
A talented one, perhaps- But still normal.
The second reason- Was the world itself.
Although this world was similar to his previous life, there were many differences.
Technology was more advanced than he knew.
Some historical events had changed.
Certain industries developed earlier and faster.
Even the academic structure was different in many areas.
That explained why- There were unfamiliar faces in school.
New subjects and different teaching methods.
“This world…” “…is not exactly the same.” Rex thought silently.
“And that means my knowledge isn’t absolute.” That alone- Was enough reason for him to endure school life once again.
To know and to improve in his own direction.
The school cafeteria was already crowded when Rex arrived.
The hustle and bustle of the students while they chatted and ate was endless.
Living their simple lives without caring for future.
Such is the life of students.
Rex walked in calmly and spotted Sandy immediately.
Sitting casually and drinking a soft drink.
Looking completely relaxed and without worry.
Rex sat down opposite him without a word.
Sandy looked at him for a moment, then smirked, “…You look like someone who just committed mass murder.” Rex glanced at him, “…Close enough.” Sandy raised an eyebrow, “…I’m not even going to ask.” Just then- A man in a formal suit approached and stood beside their table respectfully.
Jonathan.
Despite being surrounded by students, his presence did not falter.
His profession trained him to be calm and composed despite the situation.
“So,” Rex said casually, taking a sip of his drink.
“What’s the plan?” Jonathan straightened slightly.
“We intend to inform your father that you provided the company with a patented invention in its early stage.
In exchange, you acquired a significant portion of shares.” “Over time, through strategic reinvestment and internal expansion, your influence increased…” “Until you became the primary shareholder of the company.” Rex listened quietly.
He thought about the plan’s effectiveness.
Then nodded, “…Not bad.” Jonathan continued.
“As for the invention, we have prepared multiple concepts based on modern gaming frameworks and application structures.
These include immersive virtual interaction models and scalable digital platforms.” Rex’s eyes flickered slightly.
Gaming.
He remembered that he wanted to find a way to utilize this in his sandbox.
“…Good.” He leaned back slightly, “But what about the subordinates?” Jonathan paused.
“…That is the part we have yet to finalize.” Rex tapped the table lightly as he thought about this matter, “It doesn’t matter.
We don’t need to explain everything.” Jonathan looked up.
“Proceed with the plan, but don’t rush it.
Make it believable.” “Yes, Young Master.” Rex stood up slightly, then added: “Oh, and gather everyone at the Eastern Dragon Mansion next Sunday.” “I have something important to announce.” Jonathan nodded.
“It will be arranged.” With that- He left.
Sandy, who had been silently watching the entire exchange, suddenly chuckled.
“So…” “Our Young Master is finally going to reveal himself?” Rex rolled his eyes.
“Get over the sarcasm.
You already know everything.
It’s been quite a headache.” “That’s exactly why it’s funny,” Sandy replied, grinning.
“Watching you act normal is the weird part.” Rex didn’t respond.
But a faint smirk appeared on his face.
The rest of the week passed without major events.
Everything appeared normal.
But beneath that calm- Things were moving quietly.
Saturday.
Half day at school.
After returning home and taking a short bath, Rex walked toward the place he often visited.
Beneath the mango tree near the lake.
The entire area had changed.
It was now fenced private property.
To the east- A small garden with rows of lemon trees.
To the west and south- A public road outside the fence.
To the north- Their house.
And on the northeastern side- The mango tree, the former bamboo grove had been removed to make a beautiful garden of flowers along with the mango tree.
His place was under the mango tree facing the lake.
He brought a chair and sat down beneath it.
The shade was cool.
The breeze was gentle and calm.
“Alice… open observation.” The familiar interface appeared.
Since time in the sandbox had been synchronized- There were no major changes.
Rex watched silently for a moment.
Then- “…Activate time acceleration.” [DING.
500 POINTS CONSUMED.] [TIME ACCELERATION ACTIVATED.] The world changed instantly as time began to flow rapidly.
The ark was under construction- moved at incredible speed.
People worked tirelessly.
Years passed.
A full decade.
Inside the sandbox- Passed in what felt like moments.
The ark was completed.
Massive and magnificent.
A structure built with desperation, hope and fear.
Species were gathered near the ark.
Animals, birds and all life entered the ark.
Humans boarded last.
Rex watched everything silently and calmly.
Then- He was about to give the command to begin the flood.
But- He stopped.
“…?” Something felt- Different.
A strange feeling rose within him.
Warm, soft and unfamiliar.
Not fear or power.
Something else.
Before he could ask- [DING.] A system notification appeared.
[THE HOST HAS RECEIVED WORSHIP FROM HIS CREATIONS.] Rex froze.
“…What?” [WORSHIP POINT SYSTEM ACTIVATED.] His eyes narrowed slightly.
“…Worship?” [SECONDARY SANDBOX CREATION AUTHORITY UNLOCKED.] Rex’s gaze sharpened.
But instead of asking immediately- He looked down.
Inside the ark- People were gathered.
Kneeling in front of a wooden figure.
Rex’s figure.
Crude, faceless and roughly carved.
But unmistakably him.
They had recreated him.
From their memory.
Some had their eyes closed trembling and prayed.
“Please protect us…” “Forgive us…” “Save this world…” Rex’s expression changed slightly.
“They…” “…are praying to me?” For the first time- Since gaining the system- He felt something shift inside him.
“…Alice.” [YES, HOST.] “What are worship points?” [WORSHIP POINTS ARE GENERATED FROM THE FAITH AND BELIEF OF SENTIENT LIFE IN THE SANDBOX AND OTHER TOWARDS THE HOST.] Rex remained silent.
[THE STRONGER THE BELIEF-] [THE HIGHER THE OUTPUT.] His gaze returned to the ark.
“They believe I’m… their god.” [CORRECT.] A long silence followed.
Rex leaned back slightly in his chair.
His thoughtful eyes still fixed on the tiny world.
He controlled everything through force till now.
Through the system commands.
But now- Belief itself- Was becoming power.
“…So this is what happens…” “…when creation begins to understand.” He looked at his hand again.
The same hand- That created, shaped the world of these believers.
That destroyed a dominant tribe for their survival and is going to punish the entire land for a small group’s transgression.
Now- Was being worshipped.
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
“Fate is playing with me.
Of all the things I expected this is the most…..unexpected and surprising.” The wind blew gently across the lake.
The leaves of the mango tree rustled softly.
Below- Inside the ark- The prayers continued.
Unaware- The being that created them.
The being they worshipped- Was watching them.
Silently.