Chapter 12
Chapter 12
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Translator: crow
Chapter Title: 12. Cube
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What is telekinesis?
In games or movies featuring all sorts of superpowered characters, telekinetics don't get much respect.
They're too ordinary to be the protagonist, and they lack the unique flair to make a good boss.
But I see it differently.
Telekinesis is the epitome of a useful power. I don't have to walk to fetch water whenever I want some, and if there's someone I don't like, I can snap their neck 180 degrees. It's an excellent ability, whether for killing or non-lethal uses.
-Bang!
Even looking at the door shaking like it's about to shatter proves it. If that wasn't telekinesis, who would think to brute-force the door like that?
I entertain that thought for a moment before turning to Yoo Daon.
She's wrapped herself in the blanket with a determined expression.
Soon enough, she stands before me, looking pudgy like she's been rolled up in a mat.
"Will this work?"
"Honestly, I have no idea. But we have to try something."
Our top priority is either fighting or changing the location of this one-sided beating.
A narrow straight hallway, a cramped room—anything narrow makes beating Jang Chaeyeon impossible.
On top of that, there might be innocent guests staying here who have nothing to do with this.
Even as an office worker, I'm employed by the Management Bureau. Dragging civilians into this? Not my idea of a good time. And if we get caught, who knows what could happen.
It's the clause we read and heard about the most when we joined, and it's even in the second chapter of the manual.
[Office Manual]
1. The most important thing is ensuring the Management Bureau's activities stay hidden. It doesn't matter if you use a gun or stab someone with a knife. But it must never be traced back to the Bureau.
2. You are humanity's last bastion. Letting civilians find out is a grave matter, and if you leak it yourself, you'll be dealt with.
3. Provided you follow 1 and 2, you have a duty to protect all of humanity. This doesn't mean self-sacrifice. Help humanity to the best of your ability.
4. However, if necessary for the greater good, minor sacrifices may occur. Don't waver. What you do is a step forward for humanity in the end.
Sometimes it says things that don't need saying, but the conclusion is clear: don't harm people if you can avoid it.
"I'm ready."
Yoo Daon puts on a resolute face in front of the door, which looks ready to shatter at any moment.
Good. Just in case, let's go over it one more time.
"Alright. As I said before—"
"Look into her eyes and dodge. The exact spot her eyes focus on is where she'll use her power, and once you dodge once, there's time before the next attack."
"Right. And—"
"Don't die. Her telekinesis activates faster than my regeneration time, so if you're not careful, you could be out for a while. Avoid vital spots no matter what. That's why you're dressed like an idiot. But couldn't you just wrap your head and chest with a pillow?"
"Got any tape?"
"Nope."
All I've got is my pistol, tomorrow's clothes, and toiletries. And Yoo Daon came running with nothing on her.
"This seems too slow."
"That's why I'll provide cover fire. Just hold out until I get into position. I'll use everything I've got."
"What about that one shot that took down the monster back then?"
"I'll use it."
"Then we're good, right?"
I hope so. But what's with this bad feeling?
-Thud!
The door finally gives way with a roar, splitting in half.
Dust billows up, and I shout at Yoo Daon.
"Go!"
Yoo Daon charges slowly toward Jang Chaeyeon. But wrapped head to toe in the blanket, her speed is sluggish.
"Twice won't work."
From beyond the dust comes Jang Chaeyeon's low voice, and Yoo Daon twists her body slightly.
The blanket tears with a rip, and Yoo Daon's shoulder twists unnaturally.
The moment I see it, I bolt after her.
Now to time it. How long until she can use her power again?
1 second.
Yoo Daon's arm twitches bit by bit.
2 seconds.
Jang Chaeyeon turns her eyes toward me.
3 seconds.
Yoo Daon leaps back into her line of sight.
4 seconds.
Blood sprays from Yoo Daon's side, and she's slammed sideways into the wall.
Roughly 3 seconds.
In that time, I draw my gun and fire backward while running.
-Bang! Bang!
As expected, the bullets aimed reasonably well at Jang Chaeyeon veer off and punch holes in the wall.
"Do I look like an amateur who can't even handle bullets?"
Jang Chaeyeon stares straight at me.
I had a bit of hope, but it just lets me down.
Jang Chaeyeon looks back at me, and while I'm buying time, Yoo Daon—who's regenerated somewhat—extends her arm and covers Jang Chaeyeon's face with her hand.
Yoo Daon's hand twists once more at an impossible angle.
"Urgh...!"
Yoo Daon groans in pain.
But in that brief moment, I'm ready too.
I grip the gun.
[Critical: 1->0]
The world slows to a crawl, turning black and white.
Yoo Daon grimacing in pain, Jang Chaeyeon slowly turning her eyes toward me.
Her finger moves my way.
I fix my gaze on Jang Chaeyeon, and soon a red glow starts between her brows.
As if entranced, I aim the muzzle there and pull the trigger.
-Bang!
"Eek?!"
The bullet fires, and the slowed world ends.
Color returns.
Naturally, the bullet doesn't hit Jang Chaeyeon's hand.
There's just a 'ting!' as it hits something and ricochets, and Jang Chaeyeon clutches her forehead, collapsing to her knees.
Now?
This might be the chance to neutralize her.
I put my finger back on the trigger and fire a few more shots.
-Bang! Bang!
Please, just one hit. Then somehow—
The bullets stop.
Literally, they halt right in front of Jang Chaeyeon.
She doesn't move a muscle from her kneeling position.
Bullets don't work either?
Run for now. And—
"I got it!"
Yoo Daon, drenched in blood with her ragged pink hoodie and a smiling face creating a wildly mismatched vibe, throws off the blanket and runs to me.
She hands me something.
A mismatched puzzle cube.
My eyes lock onto it automatically.
[Name: Cube]
[Age: Made in the 1900s]
[Specialty: Reality Alteration]
[Talent: None]
[Background: This cube's origins in the 00s are unknown. Was it really made back then? Not that you're thinking it was from the 1900s or anything. This cube upends, solidifies, and sometimes even creates what you believe to be common sense. Extreme caution required when handling.]
[Weakness: This cube cannot be destroyed. When solving it, believe unwaveringly in what you desire. Even if doubts about your own existence arise, don't question it. You are who you are.]
"Where did you get this?!"
"It fell out when you shot her just now!"
When I shot her?
"...Give it back."
No time to think—Jang Chaeyeon staggers to her feet.
"Give it back!"
Her eyes turn our way.
I shove Yoo Daon back reflexively and leap away.
Something ripples between us, and with a massive crack, the wall and floor split.
"Crazy bitch...!"
-Rumble...!
The floor collapses with a roar.
"Ah, damn it!"
I hug the cube tight, curl into a ball, and close my eyes.
Weightlessness hits, then my body bounces around in agony.
Dull impacts from heavy objects, sharp pains from stabs.
Still, eyes shut, I endure until my back slams into something solid, stopping the floating sensation.
"...Urgh..."
I force my eyes open and check my chest.
The cube's still there.
And I'm alive, somehow.
Everything hurts, though.
Ignoring the pain, I struggle to my feet.
"Urk..."
Nothing doesn't hurt.
I look around.
"...Damn."
Part of the hotel has collapsed.
Concrete debris presumed to be from the hotel litters around me.
Precisely, only the area where Yoo Daon and I were has fallen.
Luckily, no one else seems caught up in it.
Roughly three stories down. That's why I survived.
What about Yoo Daon?
"Daon..."
I start whispering and walking so Jang Chaeyeon doesn't hear if she's close.
"...Daon... you alive...?"
She has to be.
I call her name several times as I search, but no reply.
Instead, someone finds me.
A light landing sound makes me whip my head around.
Jang Chaeyeon hovers above the debris, staring down at me.
"...Give it back."
She gazes at the cube in my arms and says it again.
"..."
Should I just hand it over and run?
But is there any guarantee she won't kill me even if I do?
I meet Jang Chaeyeon's eyes.
"...Give it back."
She mutters it like a broken doll.
I glance between the cube and her.
"...Why do you want this so bad?"
She stares at me vacantly in response. No attack like before. She feels like a different person.
"I can't go on without it."
She speaks slowly.
"That thing... completes me."
I look at the cube again.
Not a single face matched.
I check above her head once more.
[Name: Jang Chaeyeon]
[Age: 25 years]
[Specialty: Telekinesis]
[Talent: -]
[Background: Solely because she had powers, she devoted too much of her life to the Management Bureau. Now she seeks freedom, heading somewhere no one can find her.]
[Weakness: But is that really true?]
A migraine crashes over me.