Chapter 76
Chapter 76 - Pursuit
"Just shut up and follow me!"
"No, at least tell me why! Why are you in such a hurry!"
Currently unsettled after being unexpectedly baited by my past self.
I was dragged by Lucy to the residential district where inns are.
When I kept asking for the reason, Lucy raised her voice in apparent irritation.
"How should I know! It's what your past self ordered! I'm not doing this because I want to!"
"My past self...?"
"Yes! He said to bring you here immediately, even if I had to beat you up!"
What nonsense is this? I immediately scoffed.
"You're saying I told you that? Write a novel. You should just become a novelist."
"That irritating mouth of yours! And I can't even hit you...!"
Lucy pounds her chest repeatedly with a face full of frustration.
Well, fine. If she wants to take me somewhere that badly, I'll play along.
I moved my feet as she led, acting like I was doing her a favor.
We soon arrived at an inn with a middle-school-like name 'Promised Shelter'.
Following Lucy's orders, I got the key to room 403 and unlocked the door. Then I went inside without thinking.
"Aaaahhh!!"
And there, I found my beaten corpse and residual sentiment.
I collapsed with a scream.
"Jeong-yong nim?! What's wrong all of a sudden!"
Seolbaek's shouting voice buzzes around my head before fading away.
[Item Activated - Izanami's Heart]
[Acquired residual thoughts from past life.]
[No lost ability stats from past life, unable to restore ability stats.]
[No lost skills from past life, unable to restore lost skills.]
[Restored all memories from past life.]
"Aaagh, nngh!!"
After activating Izanami's Heart, I rolled around the blood-soaked inn room for a while.
The pain only stopped after the corpse turned to ashes and scattered in the air. I staggered over to the bed and sat down, catching my breath.
"Phew... Operation successful, for now."
When the pain subsided, I found myself laughing involuntarily. It was a laugh born from a sense of achievement.
My past self had fulfilled his role sufficiently.
He successfully confirmed the vagrant's identity by placing appropriate bait in the Box of the Dead. He discovered not only the culprit's whereabouts but also his plans and influence, and additionally located my companions.
I worked hard for once, unlike my usual self. Well done, Park Jeong-yong.
'I need to live up to my past self's expectations.'
At least that guy who harbored ill will and put Lucy to sleep.
Now that I know Zenon's identity, I want to crush him myself.
No. I must do it. I clenched my fist.
'There's no time.'
Whether for revenge or investigation, I only have today. It's tight. Even if I hesitate and worry, I need to do it while taking action.
If I know where to go and have a clear purpose, all that's left is action.
"Shall we go."
I immediately opened the door and went outside. No. I tried to.
But I stopped in my tracks, startled by Seolbaek standing right in front of me.
I opened my mouth awkwardly.
"...Seolbaek? Why are you standing there?"
"Huh? Ah, well..."
Seolbaek hesitated for a moment, but then shook her head and asked slowly.
"Um, you suddenly screamed earlier, right? I was worried something might be wrong..."
"Ah. That..."
When I screamed at seeing my past self's corpse, Seolbaek was there.
How should I make an excuse for this? I racked my brains over this troublesome situation.
"Well... you see."
I really have no talent for making excuses. This is the first time I've been this flustered, combining past and present lives.
Past selves that I can't remember, have you been in situations like this? How did you handle it? Please tell me the right answer.
Finally, unable to resist Seolbaek's earnest gaze, I answered slowly.
"It's nothing really. Just saw an illusion briefly."
"An illusion?"
"The Demon King has been appearing around us often lately, right? I've been working hard playing hero despite it not suiting me, so fatigue has built up. Let's just rest here properly for today."
I patted Seolbaek's shoulder and spoke cheerfully. I let out a carefree laugh and tried to quickly brush past her.
But thump. My steps immediately stopped as Seolbaek grabbed my sleeve.
"That's a lie, isn't it? Jeong-yong nim."
"..."
I found myself clamping my mouth shut.
I turned my head toward Seolbaek. I met her eyes. And I realized.
She's not asking because she doesn't know. She's certain my words are lies.
A bitter smile began to linger on Seolbaek's lips.
"I've learned something while being with you for these months."
"...What?"
"The harder things get, the more you try to hide it, Jeong-yong nim. You laugh and joke around. You brush it off. Almost like you're trying to deceive not just those around you... but yourself."
"..."
"Just like you are now."
Deceiving yourself. Those words gave me a stinging feeling in my heart.
Seolbaek is looking straight at me. I met her gaze silently for a while, then turned my head away.
I pondered for a long time.
But no, I can't reveal the secret of time-space regression to others.
I'm not someone with a strong sense of responsibility, but I at least dislike causing trouble for others.
"It's not like that. Really, I'm just tired, that's all."
"..."
"Ah right. If there's a favor... I have one."
"A favor?"
Seolbaek threw me a questioning look with wide eyes, and I presented my request to her.
Even I thought my voice sounded somewhat subdued.
"If by chance... something unusual happens today. Before anyone else, please make sure to protect Lucy first."
"Something unusual? What kind of... thing are you talking about?"
"That…"
I had no choice but to keep my mouth shut again there. This is driving me crazy.
If the Demon King and I die simultaneously, there will be no more resurrections. It was insurance for the case when I might not be there when that mysterious explosion occurred.
... This might have been a bit of a self-defeating move.
"Can't you tell me?"
Seolbaek's eyebrows furrowed into a worried expression. Her face was filled with evident concern.
"Yes. I understand. If you ever have any difficulties... Please let me know. You must."
"... Yes. Thank you, Seolbaek."
Seolbaek walked away with slumped shoulders, turning her back to me weakly. I watched her retreating figure with complicated feelings.
Then. Seolbaek suddenly stops in her tracks.
"... Jeong-yong nim. You haven't looked in a mirror lately, have you?"
Such a question came flying.
I was momentarily flustered but. Soon answered awkwardly.
"That's true. Why?"
"... How about taking a look?"
"O-okay."
After hearing my answer, Seolbaek entered her room, swaying like a ghost.
Bang. The door closed, and I scratched my head.
'Is there something on my face?'
Though time is pressing. It was something Seolbaek said in that situation. Since it won't take long, I decided to look in a mirror before going.
I returned to my room and stood in front of the full-length mirror.
"Ha."
I unconsciously let out a dry laugh.
Sunken eyes and a coldly sharpened gaze.
Hollowed cheeks and cracked lips that I hadn't noticed.
There stands a wreck emanating such murderous intent that it seems capable of tearing someone apart at any moment.
With this appearance, saying nothing's wrong. Even if I were on the opposite side, I would have been bewildered too.
That's why I laughed.
* * *
'Third alley. Eighth shanty.'
This is it.
After searching through the maze-like shantytown, I arrived at the shanty from my past life memories.
The house where Jena and her brother Zenon live. Me standing blankly in front of it.
'Time is... still plenty.'
Looking at the sky, the sun was beating down from above. It was close to noon.
At this rate, I've really shortened the time considerably. Enough to make myself proud.
While I was quietly thinking about how to approach Zenon with such thoughts.
"I'm going out Jena. I'll be late, so go to sleep first."
"Okay... take care, brother."
Creak. The shanty's door opened first. My whole body froze without me realizing it.
Zenon, who was exchanging warm greetings while stepping outside, caught sight of me standing there.
It was truly an awkward moment. Silence passed for a while.
"......"
"......"
Neither Zenon nor I could move a finger. I was surprised by the sudden encounter, and. Zenon was shocked by seeing my face.
That's right. After all, the guy who he had just bumped shoulders with to curse him had followed him home.
"You. You know me?"
I grinned while placing my hand on Zenon's shoulder.
Thud. With a dull sound, Zenon's eyes widened. He looked like he'd seen a ghost.
"Y-yes... why are you here...."
A voice mixed with confusion and bewilderment leaked out. There was a hint of fear in it too.
Glance. Zenon's gaze turned toward Jena inside the house. Cold sweat began streaming down his forehead in real-time.
"... Brother? Who's outside?"
Then. Jena peeks out from behind Zenon, slightly hiding.
Jena quietly observed me with suspicious and wary eyes, then. Soon showed a surprised expression.
"Oh? Y-you are..."
A look of surprise flashed across Jena's face.
Ah. Since time has turned back, she wouldn't have any memories. From her perspective, this would be our first reunion.
I smiled brightly and waved my hand at Jena.
"Long time no see. First time since the Trial Veil, isn't it?"
"Ah...!"
Jena finally realized she hadn't seen wrong and quickly returned the greeting. She too seemed happy to see a familiar face after so long, with a faint smile appearing.
"J-Jena. Go back inside."
And seemingly quite displeased by that sight. Zenon immediately tried to stop Jena and push her back into the house.
Naturally, Jena blinked her eyes and questioned.
"Huh... why? Don't you remember him, brother? That person who was always with the frog human at the Trial Veil. The one who always made sure to eat meals...."
"I know. I know. Just don't ask anything and go inside for now, Jena."
"But..."
"Now! Go inside!!"
Finally, Zenon shouted with a fierce frown.
"O-okay. Then..."
Jena immediately shrank her shoulders and became dejected. She slowly hid herself inside the house with a gloomy face.
"... Kuh."
Zenon looked like he felt terribly sorry watching that, but. Soon turned away and maintained silence.
I quietly observed that scene and nodded with satisfaction.
Then whispered in Zenon's ear.
"Let's have a chat from now on."
Yes. He must feel like he's been possessed by a ghost.
He must be wondering how I'm here when he definitely threw off the pursuit perfectly.
But you're not the only one with questions, Zenon. I too have mountains of things I want to ask you.
"W-what..."
"Things that would be troublesome if the princess behind hears."
"!!!"
"You know better than me what I'm talking about."
I openly threatened him. Zenon too openly glared at me with hostility.
But he soon realized my gaze wasn't on him. His eyes slowly followed my line of sight.
And notices Jena hiding at its end.
Murderous intent full of hatred poured from his gaze.
"You... bastard... what the hell are you plotting...!"
"Huh."
You're saying you'll make the first move? Even a passing dog would burst out laughing at that, you bastard.
Instead of joining in his anger as he ground his teeth in rage, I wore a cold smile.
"It's nothing. I really just want to have a conversation."
"Don't be ridiculous. I have no conversation to share with the likes of you...!"
"I never said we'd talk with our mouths. Don't get ahead of yourself."
I don't want to leisurely chat with the guy who killed me. I don't have time for that.
Who said anything about talking with our mouths? I just want to have a hot physical conversation(?). Oh yeah.
I wiggled my neck and pointed to the passage on the other side of the alley.
"Follow me. Let's first settle the score for my 33 lives."
"......"
"You don't want your little sister to see you getting punched in the gut and writhing, right?"
Although he maintained his silence stubbornly, I walked ahead down the alley with big strides, leaving him behind.
There are too many eyes here. This applies to both me and Zenon.
We're both in positions where there's a lot we don't want to show or let others hear. He must have many things he wants to ask me, so he has no choice but to follow.
"... Damn it...!!"
Sure enough, with a short curse, Zenon finally started following me from a distance.
Thud, thud. At the dull footsteps sounding behind me, I let out a smile of satisfaction.