Chapter 192
Chapter 192
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Translator: Ebonarch
Chapter: 192
Chapter Title: The Yandere Fairy's Gaze is Strange
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The hiking trail, where the sun had just begun to fully set, was predictably shrouded in gloom.
Especially at this remote spot devoid of any human presence, all artificial noise had vanished completely, leaving only the soft rustling of wind through the leaves to fill the silence.
"We go up this way, right?"
"Yeah, doesn't seem too tough, does it?"
Junseok took careful steps to avoid tripping over rocks, his eyes sparkling with excitement and anticipation.
His cheeks were already faintly flushed, and the corners of his mouth were curling up without him even realizing it.
"I guess so, but can I really see a ghost too?"
They say curiosity killed the cat—or in a man's case, ends his life early.
Junseok's face was thrilled, like the protagonist in a horror movie.
His eyes were wide open, and his voice brimmed with barely concealed eagerness.
"I told you, yeah?"
"Didn't you say it was dangerous before? This ghost is safe, right?"
"Just follow my instructions perfectly, and nothing bad will happen."
"But why aren't you the one summoning the ghost?"
Only then did Junseok finally show a hint of suspicion.
I shrugged and flashed my trademark sly smile.
"The ghost we're after has already seen me."
"Ah... so that's why I'm doing the summoning?"
"Exactly."
"So what does this ghost look like? It's not some scary, mangled face, right?"
"Nah, I saw her last time—she was drop-dead gorgeous."
"D-drop-dead gorgeous? Hotter than Jiwon-i?"
He tilted his head, opening his mouth to speak.
"Didn't you say looks don't matter, only personality?"
"True, but... if you're gonna see a ghost anyway, wouldn't it be better if she's pretty?"
"Then your wish is granted. The one we'll see tonight is definitely stunning."
As I smirked a bit more, Detective Yoo Seongjae's hand paused while slipping the GPS device into Junseok's back pocket.
He looked up at me, his lips parting in disbelief, eyes filled with pure exasperation.
'He looks at me like I'm a con artist.'
What could I do?
I didn't have time to find proper bait on short notice, and no other friends to ask anyway.
Besides...
Just the words 'pretty' and 'woman' were enough to turn Junseok into a moth flying straight into the flame—even if it meant a one-way ticket to hell.
And since he was in his twenties with above-average looks, he made perfect bait to lure out the Sowol Fairy.
'Catching the Sowol Fairy comes first.'
Ignoring the detective's reaction, I pulled a small Bluetooth earbud from my pants pocket and leaned toward Junseok's ear.
"Keep this in your ear the whole time. It's linked to mine."
"So you can hear what I say too?"
"Yeah, but try not to talk much—just listen."
"Why?"
"This ghost is smart. She might catch on that it's a trap and avoid you."
Junseok's eyes widened at my words.
"A ghost is that clever?"
"If she was sharp when she was human, wouldn't she stay sharp as a ghost?"
"W-well, sure, but... if I can see the ghost... can I touch her too?"
"You can."
"Then she can touch me too, right?"
"Yep."
I nodded, and Junseok's expression turned slightly fearful as he continued.
"So the ghost could threaten me?"
"You scared of a girl, big man?"
"...Huh?"
"Besides, if we spot the ghost, I'll come running right to you. What's there to worry about?"
"T-true, but..."
I firmly inserted the earbud into his ear and furrowed my brow.
"Stick to the trail and go up slowly. Report your position now and then—don't forget."
"Didn't you say not to talk so the ghost doesn't hear?"
"Whisper it. Mutter like you're talking to yourself."
"That's all?"
"I've already tested it—it picks up even quiet talk. And if you see an insanely beautiful woman who looks too perfect for a human, don't freak out. Act natural."
Junseok coughed awkwardly, his face turning red.
"She's really that stunning?"
"Don't go spacing out on me again."
"W-when have I ever!"
"You freeze up around pretty girls and spout nonsense."
"You bastard... I've changed! I've been texting Jiwon-i nonstop lately, okay?"
I straightened his shirt collar with my fingers and continued.
"That's why I'm trusting you enough to bring you here."
"...Really?"
I pulled out my own earbud from my pocket and gave it a little shake.
"I'll stay connected the whole time, so even if someone shows up suddenly, don't panic—just follow my lead."
"But... it's getting really dark. You sure it's okay?"
"Turn on your flashlight and follow the trail. Mt. Cheolryeong's path isn't long, so don't freak out."
I winked with one eye, and Junseok shook his bag, tilting his head.
"The self-defense spray in the bag? It works on ghosts, right?"
"Use it only if you're in real danger. Spraying it early might just provoke her."
With the GPS attached, Detective Yoo Seongjae stepped back, and Junseok squared his shoulders, nodding vigorously.
"Got it. Better head up before it gets later. Thanks for your hard work, Detective."
With that, Junseok grabbed a small flashlight in one hand and began ascending step by step.
As he gradually vanished into the darkness, someone quietly approached from the side.
I turned—it was Detective Yoo Seongjae.
"Isn't he your friend?"
"My closest one."
The detective fell silent, seemingly lost in thought for a moment.
Then he turned to me with a worried look.
"...But he doesn't seem to grasp how terrifying ghosts really are..."
"Yeah, he has no clue. He's just going to see a pretty ghost."
"Wouldn't it be better to warn him properly? Running into one unprepared... he might not handle it."
I crossed my arms heavily and spoke.
"Detective, you know the story of Master Wonhyo's skull water?"
"Huh? Well... yeah, I do."
"Do we really need to tell him it's skull water upfront?"
"Well... Master Wonhyo did gain great enlightenment from it, but... doesn't your friend need to risk danger for enlightenment?"
"He might learn that obsessing over pretty women can get you killed."
"...Pardon?"
"Isn't that enlightenment enough?"
The detective blinked in surprise and continued.
"He likes women too much for that lesson to sink in, don't you think...?"
"Exactly. A normal guy would grill me on what kind of ghost it is, but this one's charging up the trail alone at the word 'pretty'."
"You must have a plan for everything, Haeseong."
"Nah, not really."
His eyes went wide, as if I'd dumped cold water on his face, pure bewilderment etched on his features.
"...Pardon?"
I ignored his reaction, popped in my Bluetooth earbud, and pressed on.
"I'm heading up after Junseok now. If I hear a scream, I'll bolt up there."
"That's... it?"
"Oh, right—stay here, Detective."
"N-no way! I'm coming too this time."
"I can protect one person, but two's too much."
"...I see. Alright."
I flashed a grin at the detective as his shoulders slumped.
"I'll be right back."
"Be careful."
About ten minutes after Junseok headed up?
I took a slow breath, rolled my shoulders, wiped my forehead with the back of my hand, and turned on the earbud.
Static-mixed heavy breathing immediately filled my ear.
-Hah... hah... fuck... this is brutal...
It was ragged, irregular breathing.
Just a few minutes on a flat trail, and he was already winded.
I shook my head as I started walking.
'...Already tired?'
I knew Junseok had crap stamina, but not this bad.
I clicked my tongue softly—then a unfamiliar woman's voice leaked through.
-Excuse me... could you... help me out?
The voice shattered the mountain's silence, intruding abruptly.
Urgent, yet somehow vaguely soft in tone.
Junseok's voice followed right after.
-Huh!? Who's there!?
-I twisted my ankle hiking... I can't get down alone...
A brief silence passed.
Junseok's anxious breaths came through, along with the sound of him cautiously opening his mouth.
-But... where are you...? I don't see anyone...
-Here! Could you come down this way a bit?
I tightened my hiking boots and took a light breath.
Any normal person would've told her to call rescue first.
A suspicious vibe was definitely creeping in.
"Junseok, don't get close to the woman—stall for time. Sound as natural as possible."
Junseok sounded flustered over the earbud.
Hesitation laced his short breaths, but a tiny response came back.
-Got it. I'll hold out as long as I can.
And then.
Crunch─
I chewed the strength-amplifying Heavenly Peach Pill and curled my lips.
"You're done for now."