Chapter 27
Chapter 27
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 27
Chapter Title: The Consequence of Choice (1)
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“Kim Se-hyeon, what is it?”
“…It’s nothing.”
I let out a disbelieving laugh, covering my mouth.
It was just that absurd.
Exemption from the usage fee.
It wasn't a bad thing. If asked whether it was good, I could confidently say yes.
In reality, all I’d done was acquire the skill ‘Extreme Eye,’ with no other effects, so it was essentially just taking up a trait slot.
I’d been somewhat looking forward to what other two great things might appear.
‘Back then, it was definitely in an unreleased state.’
As the game progressed, the fee exemption would become a significant cornerstone.
As I stroked my chin, something came to mind, and I opened my status window.
I examined the trait in detail.
Acquisition of the skill ‘Extreme Eye.’ Exemption from the usage fee. So far, it was as I knew.
However, my eyes widened at what followed.
[One Who Started from the End (S)]
1. Acquire the skill, ‘Extreme Eye (S)’
2. Usage fee exemption
3. Can acquire an additional unique ability (0/1)
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the third effect.
Acquisition of an additional unique ability.
That was something that shattered the existing rules.
‘I can get one more…?’
One unique ability per person.
No overlap with others.
That was the fundamental principle.
However, this effect completely ignored it.
‘…If I had entered the light with Han Hyeok-jun when he obtained the Authority of Flames, would I have gotten it too?’
A wave of regret washed over me, but what could I do?
It was already in the past.
Besides, it was just a hypothetical. It might not have worked.
It didn't say that simultaneous acquisition was possible.
The corners of my mouth, hidden by my hand, kept twitching.
Yes, this was it.
This was worthy of being a special perk.
With something like this, I could fully justify not getting a good combat-related trait.
“Are those your companions?”
Han Hyeok-jun cautiously brought it up.
People had gathered around us at some point.
As if they had packed simple first-aid supplies from the convenience store beforehand, the twins were busy moving around with Jeong Su-ji, handing them out.
“For now.”
“For now…?”
Han Hyeok-jun wore a peculiar expression.
It was brief, and his face soon changed to one of disinterest, as if it didn't matter.
“Thank you for helping us. You saved our lives.”
Jeong Ha-yeon, who had approached us, bowed deeply to Han Hyeok-jun.
The twins nearby also bowed their heads deeply.
Han Hyeok-jun’s gaze shifted to Jeong Ha-yeon’s bandaged arm, and he gave a slight nod.
“I was only repaying a debt, so it is nothing to be thanked for.”
“Repaying a debt?”
“To him.”
Han Hyeok-jun pointed at me with his chin.
Feeling awkward, I scratched my cheek, and Jeong Ha-yeon smiled gently.
“In any case, it’s a fact that you saved us. Se-hyeon-ssi, when did you meet someone like him? He was incredible.”
“We met by chance when I went to Haneul Park.”
“Haneul Park? Then it hasn’t even been two days since you met?”
“I suppose so.”
That was why I had my doubts.
Han Hyeok-jun’s issue wasn’t something that should have been resolved so quickly.
The only explanation was that he had prepared in advance and waited.
“Wasn’t that totally sick? Every time he swung his sword, fire just erupted. Whoa. So awesome.”
“I know, right? He must have a really good trait.”
Jo Min-woo chattered excitedly, waving his arms.
Jo Min-ah also glanced at Han Hyeok-jun with curiosity.
I planned on recruiting Han Hyeok-jun to the team anyway, so there was no harm in getting friendly with him beforehand.
I casually asked Han Hyeok-jun, who was looking at the twins with a strange expression.
“It seems you’ve gained a good companion as well.”
“I don’t know about a companion, but I met someone useful as a partner. Quite competent.”
Han Hyeok-jun readily affirmed.
A partner rather than a companion.
I could guess how that person had approached Han Hyeok-jun.
This meant there was still a chance.
Watching the pensive Han Hyeok-jun, a thought suddenly struck me.
This was a gamble.
But with my plans already disrupted, I wouldn’t lose much even if I failed, and if I succeeded, it would be a huge win.
“Han Hyeok-jun.”
Having made my decision, I began.
“What is it?”
“Then what about me?”
Han Hyeok-jun stared at me intently.
As if asking wordlessly what I was talking about, I grinned and continued.
“I’d like to get a bit closer to you.”
A friend, beyond a partner or a companion.
That was the relationship I wanted with Han Hyeok-jun.
I extended my hand toward the now-silent Han Hyeok-jun.
A request for a handshake, which would be taken as acceptance if he took my hand.
Han Hyeok-jun seemed to contemplate as he looked down at my hand.
Though I was smiling on the outside, my lips were dry.
It wasn't that I had nothing to lose.
I could raise Han Hyeok-jun’s guard, creating a wall that would prevent us from building a certain level of rapport.
If, because of that, I couldn't build enough of a relationship to receive his help when I needed it, it would be ruinous.
However, if I could establish a friendship early on, I could advance several plans.
I recalled the incident at Haneul Park.
The track record of saving his life without asking for anything in return.
In the original story, he simply fought monsters there, so his life wasn't in that much danger.
But this time, he was almost killed by players aiming for the Authority of Flames, and I saved him.
His favorability toward me should be higher than in the original.
That’s why this was a gamble I could take.
I silently awaited Han Hyeok-jun’s decision.
Now, how will you respond?
“…In that case, shall we speak more casually?”
Our hands clasped.
Seeing Han Hyeok-jun smile, I finally felt a sense of relief.
This was right after Chapter 3 ended.
A time that could be called the very beginning, with a long, long way to go until the ending.
The fact that Han Hyeok-jun was already smiling at me was a green light.
“You seem like a different person with that change in tone.”
“I was using that tone on purpose. If you seem too easygoing, people look down on you. I know that all too well.”
He shook his head as if fed up.
Seeing that, a bitter smile formed on my face.
How many times had I had this conversation?
Even the earliest was past Chapter 10; this was a new record.
“We thank you as well, Han Hyeok-jun-ssi.”
Lee Seon-yul, who had been forced to just watch the fight, also approached and bowed his head.
Kim Ji-hyeon did the same.
But their eyes weren't filled with pure gratitude.
“…Jamryong Guild.”
Han Hyeok-jun muttered softly.
I was right next to him and could barely hear it, so there was no way Lee Seon-yul or Kim Ji-hyeon heard.
Jamryong Guild.
That was the identity of the ‘group’ Kim Ji-hyeon and Lee Seon-yul belonged to.
For now, only the name had appeared; their full debut would be later.
I didn’t miss the displeasure in Han Hyeok-jun’s eyes.
Come to think of it, Han Hyeok-jun didn’t have a good impression of the Jamryong Guild.
I would need to watch the situation and mediate at the right time.
“But apart from that, our position requires us to ask. Han Hyeok-jun-ssi, what is your identity?”
“…”
Han Hyeok-jun was silent for a long time.
As the silence stretched, the tension between Lee Seon-yul and Kim Ji-hyeon grew.
He wouldn't want to say.
Knowing Han Hyeok-jun’s identity, I knew why he was hesitating.
“I am…”
He was about to say something when his gaze fell on me.
Wondering why he was suddenly looking at me, I blinked a few times, and a faint smile appeared on Han Hyeok-jun’s lips.
“Kim Se-hyeon’s friend.”
After that short reply, he turned his body.
Just like when we first met, Han Hyeok-jun turned his back, waved, and disappeared.
“Huh, is that hyung just leaving? He seemed super strong.”
Jo Min-woo smacked his lips in disappointment.
It couldn’t be helped. Han Hyeok-jun didn’t particularly like getting involved with the Jamryong Guild.
He didn't hate them, but he found them uncomfortable.
That was the relationship between them.
“Kim Se-hyeon. Who is that man? I got the feeling he was uncomfortable with us.”
“I’m not sure. We only became friends a short while ago.”
Ten minutes? Was it about that long?
As I scratched my head, Kim Ji-hyeon narrowed her brow.
“For that to be the case… no, never mind. This isn’t the first or second time you’ve done something unexpected.”
Kim Ji-hyeon held her forehead and let out a long sigh.
She must have a headache.
She must feel lost about what to do next.
I already knew what action she would take, so I just kept silent.
“Anyway, things have gotten complicated in many ways. What do we do now…”
“Ugh… Huh!? The, the monster!?”
Kim Ji-hyeon’s subordinate, who had been unconscious until now, finally woke up and reacted late.
As if dumbfounded, Kim Ji-hyeon stopped talking and shut her mouth.
Lee Seon-yul, with a bitter smile, looked around and made a reasonably sound judgment.
“I think it would be best to make a temporary shelter and rest before moving on.”
***
The hierarchy among monsters is strict.
They do not invade the territory of those stronger than them, and if a weaker one invades their territory, they pay the price with their life.
The Death Worm, which usually stayed underground and didn't affect the surface, had now appeared on the surface and spread its scent. For the time being, lower-class monsters like the Death Bites wouldn't appear.
That was why Lee Seon-yul had suggested making a temporary shelter.
Still, it would only last a day or two, so we couldn't stay long.
We sat in a circle around a campfire, staring endlessly at the flames.
It was already the dead of night, but no one felt like sleeping.
“I wonder what happened to the others…?”
Jeong Ha-yeon broke the silence.
“We were all scattered… Come to think of it, Kim Ji-hyeon-nim’s group doesn’t have many left either.”
“They’re not weak. They would have escaped on their own, leading any survivors who could follow.”
Kim Ji-hyeon’s words implied that many had been left behind.
Even that wasn’t very hopeful.
That area being completely devastated was something that always happened.
A few might have survived by luck.
If they were truly lucky, that is.
“I hope we can meet again someday.”
Jo Min-ah wrapped her arms around her knees and half-buried her face.
Jo Min-woo glanced at Min-ah but didn’t say anything.
It would probably take time to forget Lee Seong-chan’s death.
Perhaps they would never forget, even when all this was over.
I casually stared at the burning campfire.
In the flames, I could see the figures of several people.
The figures of those who were no longer in this world, who had faded away.
The weight of the round shield on my back felt particularly heavy.
“If, by any chance, we meet someone who was at the stadium but couldn’t escape with us.”
I had experienced countless times how dreamless and hopeless the original game was, how people revealed their ugliest sides.
And sometimes, reality surpasses such fiction.
“…It would be best not to believe anything they say.”
There was a high probability they were people who had escaped by using others as sacrifices.
Even those who had been talking quietly fell silent, and a stillness descended.
Go Yeong-jun must have immediately thought of Park Tae-min, as a murderous glint appeared in his eyes.
I slowly scanned the faces sitting in a circle around the campfire.
Including me, there were a total of 25 people.
Considering there were about a thousand people in the stadium, the survival rate was less than 3%.
‘I wonder how many will survive from here.’
Having too few group members wasn't good, as it limited what we could do.
The one silver lining was that all of them were players.
Plus, we had reliable allies in Lee Seon-yul and Kim Ji-hyeon.
We could fend off a certain number of monster attacks, but we needed a more fundamental solution.
“Where do we go now? We’re not going back to the stadium, and we need to find or make a safe shelter somehow.”
Someone raised their hand and spoke.
Most people nodded in agreement, seemingly having similar thoughts.
“Just as we gathered at the stadium, there might be people gathered in a large place… Was there anything like that around here?”
“W-Well? I don’t usually come this way.”
“Me neither…”
“…Dongdaemun.”
As people murmured among themselves, I quietly spoke up.
“Let’s go to Dongdaemun.”