Damned System

Chapter 65. To the New World (4)

Fortunately, since he believed me, clinging to this faint possibility seemed like the best course of action.

“… If you trust me, I will do my best.”

“If you need anything, contact me through Namkyu. I will do everything I can to help.”

“Yes, let’s do that.”

There were still many mountains to climb, but for now, the immediate hurdle had been surmounted.

“Let’s take it slow and steady.”

I controlled my complicated emotions and spoke, looking past the bulletproof glass.

“Just in case, I’ll cut off the big guy’s limbs before I leave.”

“I’ll make sure to station players for emergencies.”

It was reassuring to have such a person in charge.

“Cease fire, everyone cease fire. We will incapacitate the big one. Stay calm.”

Yang Jochul, the squad leader, accompanied me past the bulletproof glass.

Honestly, I felt relieved. If I had gone alone, I would have been extremely tense, wondering when those people might fire their guns.

Thanks to Yang Jochul staying with me from start to finish, I was able to cut off the limbs of the large monster without any problems.

Only then was I guided outside.

“I remember it was underground, wasn’t it?”

When I came in, I descended quite a long staircase. Was this the bunker I’d only heard about?

It was awkward to directly ask whether it was a military base.

To suppress my curiosity, I kept my mouth shut, and Yang Jochul also didn’t say much.

As a result, my thoughts increased.

Step by step, the sound of footsteps in a steady rhythm prompted an impulsive action.

“That…”

“Yes?”

As I inadvertently opened my mouth, Yang Jochul, who was walking a half-step ahead, turned to look back.

“Do you have something to say?”

I hesitated several times before finally speaking.

“It’s about Namkyu.”

“Ah.”

Yang Jochul stopped in his tracks, wearing a surprised expression.

Avoiding his gaze, I mumbled.

“Don’t you have him study separately? He often makes spelling mistakes in chat.”

“It’s not that we don’t have education time, but we prioritize military training or player sparring. It’s related to survival issues…”

It was a tale that made my brows involuntarily furrow.

‘This war won’t last forever.’

This practice of preparing children for tomorrow’s battlefield by turning them into child soldiers seemed problematic.

‘That’s a bit…’

Game mechanics might interfere with life regardless of age, but seeing a twelve-year-old kid thrust into the front lines against monsters left me unable to remain indifferent.

This issue continued to tug at my heart, more than I realized.

‘Speaking of which, isn’t Kim Yul still high school-aged?’

His sly behavior seemed like that of an office worker with a few years of experience, but he was the same age as the twins.

When I compared the twins to Kim Yul, I was reminded just how young they all really were.

‘This is frustrating…’

But this wasn’t a matter I should intervene in.

Kim Yul and Namkyu both likely had guardians.

I kept repeating this to myself, trying to forget the issue.

But before I could shed the remnants of those feelings, Yang Jochul stepped forward.

“I’ll arrange a teacher so they can complete a regular education curriculum.”

It wasn’t even that significant of a promise, yet my heart felt lighter.

It was as if I had been holding my breath, and releasing it was incredibly relieving, causing Yang Jochul to add another word.

“Would you like to have a brief chat before you leave? It seemed like Namkyu was quite disappointed earlier.”

Somehow, his voice seemed softer. In contrast, my expression stiffened slightly.

From the moment we met in the mountains, there wasn’t really any space to have a comfortable conversation with Namkyu because of the monster.

We moved cautiously, worried that the monster might awaken.

Upon arrival, we used the Skill Stone for gun experiments.

Then, continuously explained unrealistic things; there was always something that needed to be done.

I didn’t have any specific message for that kid, nor did I see a reason to make time amidst the busy circumstances.

Nothing had changed even now.

Yang Jochul had promised to resolve the issue that bothered me, eliminating further entanglement.

“I don’t have anything to say personally.”

Even I was a bit surprised by the unexpectedly firm tone that emerged.

Yet, I didn’t step back to explain myself.

Either way, there wasn’t a valid reason for me to meet Namkyu separately.

Yang Jochul didn’t press further and walked ahead again.

I spoke up once more only after we ascended the lengthy staircase to the ground level.

“Sorry for shoving the monster on you at first meeting.”

“Not at all. I understand it was urgent. Escorting you to Seoul…”

“If possible, could I just borrow a vehicle?”

There was stuff I needed to organize on my way, and I didn’t want someone, perhaps spying on me, accompanying me.

If not, I was prepared to run to Seoul, but Yang Jochul acceded to my request without any conditions.

Before long, a black sedan arrived.

“Should I contact you about where to park it?”

When I asked if the car had a location tracker, Yang Jochul shook his head, smiling awkwardly.

“It’s fine. Since it’s a government-owned vehicle for work purposes, tracking its location is essential. Just park it in a suitable place, and we’ll retrieve it.”

Discussing a company vehicle after talking about an unrealistic game and monsters was peculiar.

The disparity between reality and delusion left me both hollow and bitter.

“Thank you. I’ll return it after use.”

Covering up a chuckle that slipped out, I said, and Yang Jochul bid me farewell.

“Then, see you next time.”

“No.”

But I immediately shook my head.

“I hope we never have to meet face-to-face like this again.”

And leaving him slightly flinching; I opened the car door.

“I mean it.”

If I no longer had to seek Yang Jochul, it would signify that the war in Bihar had ended.

That would be an ending visible only in the best future, where the worst was nonexistent.

Yang Jochul, observing me in silence for a moment, extended his hand.

“If that really happens, I think I’d miss you a bit. Take care.”

I didn’t reply, simply sharing a short handshake with him before getting into the car.

And while heading to Seoul, I organized the contents of the guidebook in the car.

I had drafted an outline while heading to meet Yang Jochul but still needed to refine it.

“Given the upcoming events, it’s better to post it quickly.”

I spent some time polishing the guidebook’s contents in the writing window.

As the work was nearly complete, the vehicle entered Seoul.

And as if waiting for it, a message from Ethan arrived just in time.

– Ethan Rembrandt: Sorry, we just finished setting up the party members. I’ll prepare now.

Since I had also finished organizing, it seemed like the perfect time to begin.

“No time to rest, no time to rest.”

Though clicking my tongue, I replied to Ethan.

About 20 minutes later, another post titled ‘Damned System’ appeared on the community.

* * *

“Selena.”

“Ethan, come in.”

Ethan entered Selena’s office, raising the corners of his lips softly.

Being in the unfamiliar position of a ‘Player’ these past months had ingrained it as a habit.

To constantly prove and persuade others that he was harmless, not a threat.

These were days requiring such actions.

Greeting strangers with a smile.

Inquiring about the well-being of people he’d only seen a few times.

Expressing concern for those he’d barely conversed with.

These were all deeds not characteristic of Ethan in the past.

He hadn’t been a notably social person.

‘I have changed quite a bit.’

Yet, no matter how much one’s character evolves, the essence doesn’t alter readily.

Fundamentally, Ethan didn’t enjoy shallow interactions with many.

If anything, he favored deep relationships with a select few.

Meaning, it wasn’t in his nature to visit a ‘stranger’ he had met about ten or so times under weary circumstances.

However, despite the fatigue from breaking his party with Lily and forming a new one, Ethan voluntarily sought Selena, the MI5 deputy director.

“Sorry about visiting when you’re busy.”

“No need to apologize. Truly busy people would have declined at the moment your contact came.”

Ethan’s smile extended further into a nicely curved arc.

Facing him, Selena also smiled, subtly prompting him to reveal the reason for his visit.

“I’m curious about what brings you here. We’re not exactly close enough to meet in person, right?”

Ethan’s glance flickered sideways.

It was to confirm the chat messages he exchanged with K.

But he hadn’t read all of it.

It was merely to recollect the purpose before diving into the main point.

For some reason, it felt reassuring, as if K was right there on the chat window.

He couldn’t comprehend the sudden trustworthiness he felt toward someone he’d only met once.

Was it because he saved Ethan’s life?

Though claiming it for his benefit, his actions often ended up favoring the majority?

Perhaps it’s because K thinks ahead constantly and proceeds forward?

Or maybe it results from his ever-creating unexpected outcomes?

Actually, all those reasons apply.

K, whom Ethan had observed from afar, was a leader worthy of trust and following.

He had something that captivated people, drawing them in and encouraging them to follow.

So, he decided to go along with his intentions.

“I won’t beat around the bush.”

Recalling his conversation with K, Ethan spoke in a firm voice.

“I really, incredibly dislike David.”

He was utterly tired of being checked by people inclined to reject rather than understand differences.

Adding a heartfelt remark, Selena silently observed Ethan.

Even without words, there are things noticeable.

The excited, dilated pupils, and subtly roughened breathing.

A typical human might not notice such transformations.

Strangely, despite the absence of a reply, Ethan acknowledged the ambition budding within Selena’s eyes seemed natural.

“For future’s sake, I’d prefer someone who’d regard me without prejudice to be in charge.”

With this statement made, he wasn’t surprised by the ambition that sparked in Selena’s eyes.

“I think among those I’ve seen, you, Selena, are the right person.”

Ethan’s words, intentionally provocative, were a calculated move.

He flicked back to K’s chat window.

As if confirming why he’s currently acting this way.

– K: They are too short on forces. Unlike us, they don’t have the advantage of growth.
– Ethan Rembrandt: How many forces do they have?
– K: About 500,000.
– Ethan Rembrandt: …aren’t you mistaken for 5 million?

He genuinely thought so. Even the US alone should have over a million soldiers.

But K, discouraging any false hopes, continued firmly.

– K: No, it was said by someone with quite a high position on the other side. It seems quite credible. After over a decade of war, it appears most have perished.
– K: Honestly, it can be considered already lost. It was strange why destruction hadn’t already occurred.
– K: That’s why I’m convinced. This game isn’t a scale to end with merely 100,000. The next wave of players chosen will likely be more.

Damned System

TL’s Corner:
Finally making a move against David.
Still waiting an update from Toma.