026
Episode 6 – Judgment Time (4)
A few minutes later, I once again entered Dongdae Station and ate a ground rat. It was in order to heal the skin contaminated by the poisonous fog.
It took a little time but the contamination could be recovered by eating the meat of an underground species.
[…Hey! Are you crazy? What did you do just now?]
I was eating when I heard Bihyung's voice furiously berating me.
'Shut up.'
[No, this isn't an issue you can dismiss. You destroyed a constellation's idol! Do you want to see my channel fail? Once the 'Bald General of Justice' begins to talk…]
The idol of a constellation. Every world had their own constellations, South Korea as well.
By the way, Bihyung said it was the 'Bald General of Justice.' He was a great person in South Korea but…
Actually, I wasn't the type of person to say that.
[A constellation wearing a straw mat is furious at your atrocious actions.]
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is laughing.]
There was a difference in the degree of all idols, but they had the power of a constellation sealed in them.
If I released the seal of the idol in the right way, I could gain a certain amount of power, such as an item or skill that the constellation used in their lifetime.
However, 'unlocking the seal' took a long time and I wasn't sure if I could get the skill I wanted.
I looked at Ways of Survival on my smartphone.
「 "But if it is sealed in the bronze statue of Samyeongdang, how did you get the skill?"
"There is a saying that if you meet Buddha, kill Buddha."
"What? Don't tell me…"
"Haha, I was just trying it out… but it is true. All the statues aren't just for worship."
"Hey! This jerk, you should watch your mouth. You might be cursed by the constellation." 」
At the last gateway to enter Chungmuro, the 'skill' of Samyeongdang was essential.
And the most surefire way to get the skill was to destroy the idol. Of course, I could buy something similar from the Dokkaebi Bag but… the more coins I saved, the better.
"Then did you resolve the 'man's secret' well?"
I quickly turned off my smartphone screen. My companions, including Jung Heewon, had gathered.
"Yes. And I have something for you."
I pulled out the items I gained from the idol. As luck would have it, the Samyeongdang idol contained items and skills.
[Samyeongdang's Beads]
[Samyeongdang's Straw Mat]
Rags and old beads. There were questions in the eyes of everyone present. I knew what they were thinking.
But I also knew this. In this world, 'old' was more likely to be 'good.'
"They seem like good items. Because they are souvenirs of a great person."
"Great person?"
"Do you know Samyeongdang?"
[A constellation wearing a straw mat has paused at your actions.]
Jung Heewon asked with a stupid expression.
"…Who is that?"
[A constellation wearing a straw mat wishes to appear before character 'Jung Heewon'.]
"Ah! I know!"
Fortunately, someone knew. Needless to say, it was Yoo Sangah.
"I remember seeing it when I was studying Korean history! Isn't he a monk from the Joseon Dynasty?"
"Yes, that's right."
"When the Korean military was struggling to defend against the Japanese invasion…he fought in the Nowongpyeong battle and Wukwandong battel!"
As expected from Yoo Sangah. I also studied Korean history but I didn't know this.
[A constellation wearing a straw mat is touched by character 'Yoo Sangah'.]
I nodded and said.
"Anyway, these items have his strength."
"…Really?"
"Wow, it is real!"
Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung were surprised when they confirmed the item information.
"But how did Dokja-ssi know to get this?"
"Just, I put my hands together in front of the Samyeongdang statue and…they fell from the sky."
"Huh? No way…"
I thought it was ridiculous but there was a reason people said such ridiculous words.
I put on a mock solemn expression as I watched the party.
"I think… it was sent by Samyeongdang for South Korea."
"Ah…"
Their 'ah' were filled with many meanings. I ignored them and kept talking. It wasn't like I was asking for them to listen.
"He might've left his belongings to save the country, just like during the Japanese invasion of South Korea. Anyway, now South Korea is a country undergoing turmoil."
[A constellation wearing a straw mat is moved by your words.]
In times of turmoil, scammers always gained power.
"…In this strange world, it isn't weird if something like this happens. Maybe Samyeongdang is one of the 'constellations.' Isn't that right?"
Surprisingly, Yoo Sangah seemed convinced first. Maybe she didn't want me to be embarrassed. The funny thing was that once Yoo Sangah agreed, Lee Hyunsung was immediately convinced.
"Indeed, Samyeongdang…"
Lee Hyunsung grew up with patriotism for a long time and looked like he was reminiscing on the principle of military service. Lee Gilyoung also seemed curious.
It was only Jung Heewon who was watching me like it was nonsense.
[A constellation wearing a straw mat likes your revealing words.]
[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' forgives your sins.]
Bihyung looked at the sky with a 'Is this okay?' expression before looking dumbfounded.
The power of a constellation was directly linked to their fame. Thus, the constellations loved it when their stories were spread this way. Where was a constellation that hated being praised?
"I will give Samyeongdang's Beads to Yoo Sangah, since you know him well."
"Really? Can I accept it?"
"I think Samyeongdang will be delighted if Samyeongdang uses it."
In fact, the performance of Samyeongdang's Beads wasn't good compared to what the sponsor used it for. It wasn't a sponsor's star relic so maybe the fact that the Samyeongdang wasn't a world-recognized figure had an effect.
It was still a B class item so it had a secondary option of boosting magic power to increase magic power recovery.
Jung Heewon watched Yoo Sangah like she was envious and said.
"Yoo Sangah knows a lot of things. I didn't know about Samyeongdang because I didn't do very well at school."
"Ah…that…that."
"I'm joking, joking. Don't make such an expression."
I spoke to the sulky Jung Heewon.
"I also have something for Jung Heewon-ssi."
"For me? Is it that straw mat?"
"Yes."
"It's okay. No matter how urgent, I don't want to wear such a thing."
"…Just try it. You won't regret it."
Jung Heewon hesitated for a moment before throwing on the straw mat. She was trying to be fashionable but she just looked like a beggar.
[A constellation who likes comradeship condemns your actions.]
[A constellation who praises friendship likes your actions.]
It would be different if the star relic 'Samyeongdang's Bamboo Stick and Straw Sandals' came out, but the other two items weren't necessary for me right now.
Jung Heewon saw her reflection on the screen door of the subway and made a slightly complicated expression.
"It is hard to explain but…I suddenly feel like I can harness the power of justice."
Samyeongdang's Straw Mat was an item that enhanced the justice and willpower of the incarnation. I didn't need it but it was a pretty good item for Jung Heewon.
"You said Samyeongdang? I feel sorry for some reason. I should study harder."
[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is happy at this situation.]
[100 coins have been sponsored.]
I jokingly said.
"Then let's put our hands together and pray."
It was a joke but Jung Heewon really went to pray.
Jung Heewon was contaminated by the poisonous fog and spoke while eating a ground rat.
"…But who broke it? Surely it wasn't Dokja-ssi?"
"…"
"…Dokja-ssi?"
"Be prepared. We will be at Chungmuro soon."
I looked at the dark tunnel.
It had been 20 minutes since Lee Gilyoung used Diverse Communication, allowing them to safely move forward.
Considering the fact that Dongdae to Chungmuro was 1km in a straight line, it was time for 'that' to appear.
[A new sub scenario has arrived!]
Indeed, as soon as I thought about it.
"Everybody step back."
[Sub Scenario – Welcome Prison]
Category: Sub
Difficulty: D~F
Clear Conditions: Escape from Welcome Prison within the time limit.
Time Limit: 1 hour
Compensation: 300 coins
Failure: ?
[Sub scenario – Welcome Prison has begun!]
Perhaps Yoo Jonghyuk had suffered quite a bit in this scenario.
This scenario was one of the most painful traps for a regressor.
Yoo Sangah asked.
"Welcome Prison? What is this?"
She would know without asking.
"It is coming. Everyone, please keep your mind straight."
Before my words were over, a haze overcame me. The fog that instantly occupied the tunnel blocked their field of view. The party members in the immediate vicinity couldn't be seen. When I looked around, I could only see a distorted scenery, as if I was on drugs.
"Uwah…I feel bad!"
Jung Heewon screamed. Maybe Jung Heewon was seeing something different from what I saw now.
「Dokja.」
The voice I didn't want to hear. That forgotten voice was heard in a drug-like landscape. If I was this way, my other party members would be worse.
"…Something feels strange. Dokja-ssi! Are you there?"
"Dokja-ssi! Dokja-ssi!"
In this distorted vision, the voices of my party members were gradually fading.
[Welcome Prison].
A space that led to madness by touching a person's trauma.
「 Dokja, you didn't see anything. Understood? 」
The landscape disappeared and the face of a person popped up. I smiled bitterly as I stared into the air. I wanted to deny reality.
[The exclusive skill, 'Fourth Wall' is activated!]
[Due to the skill effect, immunity to Welcome Prison has occurred.]
The moment his mind relaxed, the uncomfortable feeling diminished.
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' admires your spirit.]
[100 coins have been sponsored.]
[The curious constellations are sorry that they can't peek at your memories.]
As the power of Welcome Prison weakened, I felt a sense of alarm.
"Everyone, calm down and take deep breaths."
Those trapped in Welcome Prison would lose their minds and unleash their madness around them. Thus, the most dangerous thing in Welcome Prison was the companions around you. Yoo Jonghyuk's solo behaviour might be because he was worried about this prison.
"S-Soldier Lee Hyunsung. Did you hear wrong?"
"I was wrong. I was wrong Mother!"
"T-This dog bastard!"
…I was too late. I heard the screams of people filled with madness. But it wasn't everyone.
"…Dokja-ssi?"
At this moment, Yoo Sangah's appearance was revealed in Welcome Prison. Samyeongdang's Beads around her wrist was glowing brightly. Fortunately, it worked.
I approached Yoo Sangah and said.
"Cover the surroundings. From now on, I will destroy this space."
Yoo Sangah nodded with a nervous expression.
[The exclusive skill 'Destroy Evil Lv. 1' is activated.]
Destroy Evil. It was one level higher than the Repel Evil skill that could be bought with coins. It was a skill that I obtained after breaking the bronze statue of Samyeongdang.
[The exclusive skill 'Destroy Evil Lv. 1' has turned off 'Welcome Prison'.]
Indeed, it was a skill used by Samyeongdang. If I had bought Repel Evil, it would've taken a minute to release it.
Sururuk.
As the fog retreated and Welcome Prison disappeared, his companions started to appear one by one.
"O-Our resolve! We are the South Korean army, loyal to the nation and the people!"
"Uh…Uh…Mother."
The trauma could be seen with one glance. Lee Hyunsung was bowing with his head on the ground, while Lee Gilyoung had his head on his knees and was shaking.
Yoo Sangah came forward first.
"Lee Hyunsung-ssi? Gilyoung! Please wake up!"
At this moment, a blade flew from the rear. Fortunately, the blade wasn't fast and it wasn't difficult to avoid.
"…I will kill all of you."
Jung Heewon was waving her sword through the air like a madman.
My heart ached as I watched Jung Heewon's eyes became gradually redder.
This was dangerous. It was a sign of 'Demon Slaying.'
Peok!
I stunned Jung Heewon by strongly hitting her in the back of the neck. Luckily, Jung Heewon was intact.
I thought it wouldn't be like this with Samyeongdang's Straw Mat but Jung Heewon's mental state was more fragile than I expected.
"Yoo Sangah, please look after Jung Heewon-ssi."
"…Yes, yes!"
"It isn't over yet."
[You have met the conditions to clear the sub scenario!]
[You have earned 300 coins.]
Monsters appeared as soon as the clear message showed up. They were a mass of liquid, reminiscent of ectoplasm.
The 8 grade Specter.
] It was the specters who made Welcome Prison. I used White Pure Star Energy to invoke Blade of Faith.
Sukakak!
Fortunately, the battle itself wasn't difficult. In the first place, the specters weren't difficult if Welcome Prison was destroyed.
The creepy and weird specters were destroyed.
[Specter's Stone.]
I put the fallen stones into my pocket. This needed to be picked up. Thanks to Yoo Sangah, the others were recovering quickly.
"A-Are you okay?"
The one who recovered the fastest was Lee Hyunsung. Lee Hyunsung heard the story and bowed his head with surprise.
"…Thank you. I almost got into big trouble. I also want to thank Dokja-ssi."
"It is nothing."
"I have a headache…'
Lee Gilyoung's head was pounding. I stroked Lee Gilyoung's hair. He pretended to be okay but perhaps the one with the most terrible trauma in this place was this child.
I saw a pale light in the distance. Yoo Sangah said,
"Dokja-ssi, I think it is over.
I worried about it for a short moment. Jung Heewon was stunned and it was difficult for others to exercise their power. Would we be okay to enter Chungmuro at this rate?
But my concerns were resolved by another person.
A blade loomed in the darkness. But it was a pure threat, without the intent to harm.
"Who are you? Don't you know that this area is our hunting ground?"
In the faint light of the entrance, a girl holding a long sword stood. She looked to be 17 and was wearing a school uniform.
She was wearing a hood like she was trying to hide her name tag, but her appearance was noticeable.
"Ah, this girl…!"
Yoo Sangah had keen eyes and recognized her first. I also knew her. It was because she was one of the main characters of Ways of Survival.
The only survivor of Daepong Girls High School, Lee Jihye. She was one of the reasons why Yoo Jonghyuk went straight to Chungmuro in the shortest time.
"…Did you guys beat the specters?"
Lee Jihye discovered the stone in my hand and was surprised.
"How did you…only Master can catch them?"
I immediately used a skill.
[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]
[Character Information]
Name: Lee Jihye
Age: 17 years old
Constellation Sponsor: Maritime War God
Private Attribute: Scarred Sword Demon (Rare)
Exclusive Skills: Sword Training Lv. 3, Demon Slaying Lv. 1, Absolute Sense Lv. 2, Ghost Walk Lv. 1.
Stigma: Sea Battle Lv. 1, Large Army Command Lv. 1.
Overall Stats: Stamina Lv. 13, Strength Lv. 12, Agility Lv. 13, Magic Power Lv. 9.
Overall Evaluation: A person who evolved into a 'scarred sword demon' after killing her closest friend. The sponsor behind her has an affinity for you and your colleagues.
* 'Starter Pack' is currently applied.
There was nothing unusual.
Maritime War God.
As scheduled, it was the sponsor behind Lee Jihye. She was a must in future maritime wars.
[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is touched at meeting an old comrade.]
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[Lee Jihye's sponsor welcomes the 'Bald General of Justice.']
I felt a faint breeze in the subway tunnel where no trains were running. Looking at Lee Jihye's hair fluttering in the wind, I realized again.
[Main Scenario #2 – Meeting has ended.]
[The compensation will be settled.]
Yes, we finally arrived. This was Chungmuro.
027
Episode 7 – Landlord (1)
We followed Lee Jihye and entered Chungmuro. Yoo Sangah saw the shattered screen door of the platform and said.
"…It is a chaotic atmosphere."
As they climbed up from the tracks of railway line 3, they saw some people sitting down.
[You have entered Chungmuro.]
[The third scenario is currently in progress.]
[#GIR-8761 channel is active.]
[#BIR-3642 channel is active.]
From Chungmuro onwards, the size of the scenario grew and the dokkaebi channels increased. From now on, that naive Bihyung would have a hard time.
Some middle-aged people saw us and waved their hands.
"Oh, little samurai. You brought new people?"
"Yes."
A samurai. I guess Lee Jihye could be called that if the sponsor behind her wasn't known. Sooner or later, they would be punished. Lee Jihye frowned at the middle-aged people.
"Are you drunk again?"
"Hahahat! What is there to do other than drink when the world has become like this?"
The middle-aged people seemed relaxed, unlike those who were experiencing a disaster. It was natural since they were wearing the uniform of soldiers. It was definitely different from Gumho Station.
Now was the true beginning.
"But did your friends come through the tunnel? How great…won't they have a lot of coins?'
Then one of the middle-aged men turned to Yoo Sangah.
"Young lady over there, what is your name? Would you like to rent a room for cheap?"
"…Room?"
"Haha, you don't know the system here yet? This place―"
Lee Jihye cut off the middle-aged man's words.
"Ajusshis. Don't try to trick the newcomers."
"Uhuh, they must know anyway. This is what everyone is doing to live…"
"If you don't want to be injured then get lost."
The middle-aged man paled at Lee Jihye's words.
"This…young children have already learned something bad to eat."
"Hey, Kang-ssi. Stop it."
The middle-aged people turned away. They disappeared into transit line 4 and Lee Jihye put away her sword.
"I brought you here so take care from now on. I'm not a babysitter."
This child was speaking so indifferently.
I looked around. Chungmuro. This was the stage of the third scenario, where completely different rules were in play.
"S-Shit! I'll kill you if you come close…"
A man was in the middle of the platform for subway line 3, waving a knife around and threatening people.
At this feet was a tile that was 1 pyeong (3.306 m2) in size, emitting a green light that stretched into the air. Yoo Sangah asked, "…Why is he doing that?"
"I don't know."
I could guess but there was no need to scare her just now. There were many people sitting down with a knife on subway line 3. Unlike the previous middle-aged men, their faces were filled with despair. I glanced at them and asked Lee Jihye.
"Is Yoo Jonghyuk here?"
Lee Jihye, who was about to leave, turned her head at 'Yoo Jonghyuk.' There was vigilance in her eyes.
"…Who are you?"
Yoo Jonghyuk had already ruined this child.
Well, I could understand. It was difficult to find a constellation on the level of Maritime War God, even if he searched through all of South Korea. If I was in Yoo Jonghyuk's position, I would've found her soon after coming to Chungmuro.
"I am a companion of Yoo Jonghyuk who came back alive."
"…Companion? How is that possible?"
Lee Jihye stared at me with suspicious eyes. I shrugged shamelessly.
"That guy will understand if you tell him. Where is Yoo Jonghyuk now?"
"…Master isn't here right now."
"Really? This is difficult. I have something I need to say."
Lee Jihye's expression distorted as she stared at me with something like betrayal.
Ah, I knew very well what she thought of Yoo Jonghyuk. Moreover, it was already Master…it will be difficult to gain her this way.
Lee Jihye called out to a boy squatting in the corner.
"Hey, over there!"
"Eh? Yes, yes!"
"Watch over these people right here! I'm going to find Master."
The boy looked at us with puzzled eyes.
"…Who are they?"
"I don't know. Master's friends?"
At Lee Jihye's words, the eyes of the people on the platform became bigger. They looked at us with amazement and awe.
"…Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi's friends?"
The boy ran up to us and exclaimed. It was a boy who looked roughly around Lee Jihye's age.
"Are you really Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi's friends?"
I couldn't lie when I saw the boy's clear eyes. At least, if I was an ordinary person.
"He is a good friend."
Recently, I didn't seem to be an 'ordinary' person. At least, it was the case here.
While taking care of the unconscious Jung Heewon, I heard about Chungmuro from the boy. Along with Lee Jihye, this boy was one of Yoo Jonghyuk's followers.
"…Thus, we followed Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi. Are you listening to me?"
"Yes."
Of course, I wasn't listening properly. The story of psychopath Yoo Jonghyuk's heroism wasn't interesting.
The short summary was something like this.
"Three days ago, Yoo Jonghyuk appeared and saved some of you, including Lee Jihye, from the monsters. Isn't that the story?"
The boy frowned at his story be summarized so simply.
"Uh, the story isn't that simple…"
He was surely spellbound by Yoo Jonghyuk.
Suddenly, a presence with overwhelming force rescued them. It would be strange if they didn't follow him.
But the boy didn't know. The boy survived not because Yoo Jonghyuk was a good guy, but because the boy was luckily with Lee Jihye.
"Now can I ask you a few things I am curious about?"
Lee Hyunsung started asking politely while I was locked in my thoughts.
"Yes. Just ask."
"How is the food supply here?"
"That, it is a bit embarrassing to say… some people, including me, are dependent on Jihye. Jihye hunts and asks Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi to cook…"
It was unknown when he made a checklist but Lee Hyunsung took out his notes and started to write something. He really was a soldier.
"Then how is your drinking water?"
"We give food or coins to the 'Landlord Alliance' upstairs in exchange."
"…Landlord Alliance?"
I sat straight up. Now the story was becoming interesting. The boy hesitantly opened his mouth.
"They are the landlords in charge of the Chungmuro area. They occupy the upper floors and we call them the Landlord Alliance."
Chungmuro's Landlord Alliance. It was a name that appeared in Ways of Survival.
"What type of people are they?"
"Well, what should I say…"
In fact, there was no need for me to ask. Perhaps, according to my expectations, one of the '10 Evils' was in Chungmuro right now.
"They are just landlords."
This answer was the correct answer in a sense. They were landlords. Building owners who received fixed taxes. At this moment, the quiet Lee Gilyoung opened his mouth.
"Excuse me Hyung."
"Yes?"
"I want to go to the toilet."
"Is it urgent?"
"Yes."
The timing was a bit unexpected. It was even more puzzling because Lee Gilyoung normally didn't say something like this. Then I noticed that Lee Gilyoung was standing next to a blushing Yoo Sangah.
"…Excuse me, can I also go with you?"
At the moment, the image of Yoo Sangah and Jung Heewon securing secret necessities at Yaksu Station came to mind. I thought I knew what was going on. That kid Lee Gilyoung, he quickly noticed it first.
The boy overhead the conversation and said.
"You need to go up to the second underground floor for the toilet, but it won't be easy to enter."
"…Has something happened?"
"Yes. I think it is better to see directly…I'm going up to, would you like to go with me?'
"Let's go."
I was the one who said it. Of course, it wasn't to go to the bathroom. I had to go up and check a few things.
Recently, Yoo Jonghyuk's movements were different from the 'third regression' that I knew. If so, I needed to be clear about the gap.
I went up to the third underground level with my friends, carrying Jung Heewon who was still unconscious.
"Oh, I heard that there were new faces. Have you come to see the rooms?"
A middle-aged man standing near the escalator for line 4 whistled. The boy shook his head and replied.
"Ah, I'm sorry. We are going upstairs…"
"Eh, too bad. Be careful."
The middle-aged man waved his hands without hesitation. Yoo Sangah watched the middle-aged man moving away and asked.
"That, by the way… what exactly is the 'room'? I don't think it is the rooms that I know."
"It is easy."
The boy pointed to a square tile.
The tiles were also present on the platform of line 3. Green tiles that were 1 pyeong in size. Looking at the details, I saw something written in the air above the tile.
[Green Zone 0/1]
"The scenario name is 'green zone' and these tiles are called rooms."
Near the tile, two men were fighting each other. They were fighting over the tile. It was Lee Hyunsung who asked this time.
"What is that? Why are those people fighting over it?"
The boy looked a bit reluctant. It was like talking to us would be a threat to his survival.
"You will know once you arrive at the second underground floor."
As we climbed up to the higher floors, there were more fights over rooms. The room numbers were different. There were small rooms labelled (0/1) and large rooms labelled (0/7). The latter number was probably the capacity of the room.
I looked around carefully and asked, "The third underground floor to the first underground floor is all the area of the Landlord Association?"
"…Yes. There are small forces but the Landlord Association has obtained most of it."
All the infrastructure of Chungmuro was located on the second and first underground floors, yet a single alliance occupied all of it.
"Yoo Jonghyuk didn't take any action? Didn't he save you?"
"That…"
The boy's face became noticeably darker at my question. The boy looked sullen for a while before barely being able to speak.
"He told us to stand on our own…"
I knew. Of course Yoo Jonghyuk would say something like this. Perhaps Yoo Jonghyuk never told them to follow him. They were fascinated by the overwhelming force that Yoo Jonghyuk showed and had hopeful dreams. How pitiful.
Not long after, we arrived at the second underground floor. There was tension on the boy's face.
"We have to be careful from here onwards."
There were much more rooms on B2 than the lower levels. The group of people fighting couldn't be seen. Instead, people were guarding the green zones with scary eyes.
[Green Zone 7/7]
We passed by the people and headed towards the bathrooms.
"Uh…why stop here?"
Our pace stopped as we approached the last passage to the bathroom. Like a bottleneck, dozens of people were gathered in the passage.
"Let's go forward."
I spoke while pushing people out of the way.
"Pildu-ssi! Please accept it! I won't do it again!"
"Please, please! Please let me stay one more day. I'll go into debt to get the coins!"
The leader at the head of the line was facing the heated up people.
"Now now, back off. Back off."
On the opposite side, people who seemed to be from the Landlord Association were gathered. I could instinctively feel it.
One of the 10 Evils was here. I tried to find the '10 Evils' member through the novel's description but it wasn't easy since all of them seemed to fit.
Did their impressions became similar after becoming landlords?
I was shaking my head when someone grabbed my leg. It was Lee Gilyoung. I sensed something danger and was about to grab his shoulder when someone pushed Lee Gilyoung.
"Ah."
Lee Gilyoung lost his balance and fell down.
[The character 'Lee Gilyoung' has invaded private property!]
Suddenly, the atmosphere became cold and some of the 'Landlord Association' members in the front looked at Lee Gilyoung.
"What is this child?"
At almost the same time, the crowd of people screamed and withdrew.
"Crazy!"
"B-Back! Quickly!"
As if they were never there, the crowd of people rushed back like the tide. The people disappeared and red lines shone where they used to be standing. One man looked between the boundary and Lee Gilyoung in turn.
"Hrmm. You seem to be lost. Do you know where this is?"
"The way to the bathroom?"
"The bathroom? Haha, at one time. By the way, that kid…where are your parents?"
"…Huh?"
"Didn't you learn that you shouldn't intrude on other people's land?"
Other people's land. Oh, it must be true.
The man stroked Lee Gilyoung's head with an unknown look.
"You don't know. From now on, I will teach you."
[The character 'Gong Pildu' has activated 'Armed Zone Lv. 3!]
There was a whirring sound and mini turrets resembling gatling guns rose from the ground.
[The character 'Gong Pildu' demands 500 coins for invading his private land.]
[If you don't follow the recommendations, all nearby turrets will fire immediately.]
The man spoke.
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"Give me money."
The loaded turrets were all aiming at the same point. The confused Lee Gilyoung stood up and moved to my side. The man saw me and laughed.
"Ah, you are his guardian. Then shouldn't the guardian pay 500 coins instead?"
I smiled at the hand that the man brazenly stretched out.
…How funny, Yoo Jonghyuk. You let these jerks go?
028
Episode 7 – Landlord (2)
The 10 Evils.
The list and rankings were often changed according to Yoo Jonghyuk's regression cycle, but they were the 10 people in charge of being the main villains in this world of Ways of Survival.
Chungmuro's armed fortress master, Gong Pildu was one of the 10 Evils. Thus, a person wouldn't be aware of Gong Pildu unless they read to the end of Ways of Survival (like me).
[Green Zone 56/70]
Indeed, the size of his room was different. The size of the room couldn't be easily measured. This whole green zone was Gong Pildu's area.
Let's do the standard procedure. I hid Lee Gilyoung behind me and opened my mouth.
"Why should we pay you coins? Chungmuro Station is a public place."
"Haha, it was until eight days ago. But not anymore."
For ordinary humans, 500 coins wasn't a small sum. But giving 500 coins just for stepping on his land…what a crook.
"Okay, I'll give it. But I'll give it to you directly.
"What?"
"You aren't Gong Pildu."
Gong Pildu might be a villain but right now, the person in front of me was just Extra '1' of the Landlord Alliance.
Where are you, Gong Pildu? I quickly looked around. Not him, not him… I wondered where Gong Pildu was.
"Haha, you are a funny guy. Hey, playing with me now…"
"Gong Pildu-ssi. Where are you? Take the fine."
I ignored them and kept walking.
[You have invaded private property!]
The turrets aimed straight at me but I didn't stop.
Honestly, there was no guarantee that I would be safe if the turrets started shooting. But there was a need to show off my combat power here. That way Gong Pildu wouldn't underestimate me.
"It is up to here. I will give you if you come closer."
Finally, Gong Pildu moved.
A bench covered with various supplies. A middle-aged man sitting on top of it and reading a magazine was staring at me.
Indeed, this was how he was described in the novel. His belly was half revealed and I could see the hair on it. This was Gong Pildu, the representative of the Landlord Alliance.
"This is a face I've never seen before but you are great."
"Isn't it unfair that I need to pay to see you?"
[The character 'Gong Pildu' is interested in you.]
In any case, I seemed to be the type that was popular with the bad guys. It was the same with Kim Namwoon.
"You are fairly good at talking. But it isn't good to be too cocky."
Tadak. I heard magic bullets being loaded in the turrets. Damn bastard.
Gong Pildu smiled like an ordinary neighborhood ahjussi. But I knew. Gong Pildu could never be an ordinary neighborhood ahjussi.
[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]
[Character Information]
Name: Gong Pildu
Age: 48 years old
Constellation Sponsor: Defense Master
Private Attribute: Landlord (Rare), Great Land Owner (Rare)
Exclusive Skills: Private Property Lv. 3, Patience Lv. 1, Profit Calculation Lv. 2, Leadership Lv. 2, Incite Lv. 1, Weapons Training Lv. 1.
Stigma: Armed Zone Lv. 3.
Overall Stats: Stamina Lv. 9, Strength Lv. 11, Agility Lv. 10, Magic Power Lv. 19.
Overall Evaluation: Gong Pildu, the representative of the Chungmuro Landlord Alliance. His skill 'Private Property' and stigma 'Armed Zone' has the best effect in a battle against many. It is advisable not to make him an enemy.
* 'Starter Pack' is currently applied.
* A growth package is currently applied.
There were numerous 'gap' in this world, but few of them were as stable as a land owner of landlord. However, there were those who posted both characteristics and the 'armed fortress master' Gong Pildu in front of him was one of them.
I realized it when I saw this explanation. His magic power was already at level 19. Indeed, this would be enough for him to be one of the 10 Evils in the future.
"By the way, what did you come here for? I don't think your goal is paying the fine."
He was also very sensitive. I pondered over it for a while. Should I negotiate here or overpower Gong Pildu.
It might be possible if I used all my power but it wasn't easy to break through Gong Pildu's Armed Zone. I needed to prepare for a big injury if I wanted to defeat the turrets.
What should I do? There was a separate place where I had to use coins so it was impossible to increase my stats.
"I'm warning you that you shouldn't think of anything."
Gong Pildu smiled at me. His troops were surrounding Lee Hyunsung. He really moved quickly.
I laughed and raised both hands.
"Please calm down. Isn't it obvious for a tenant to come to the landlord?"
"Is it for a room?"
"Yes. Please let my companions and I sat in your green zone"
This was a must. In order to clear the third scenario safely, we had to say in Gong Pildu's green zone. However, Gong Pildu's answer was as expected.
"No. The alliance doesn't accept outsiders. I'll think about it if every person pays 500 coins a day."
500 coins a day? It was like selling coins. It was more than the Dokkaebi Bag.
"It is a bit tough so I will give you information instead."
"What information?"
"Information about Yoo Jonghyuk."
Yoo Jonghyuk. The complexion of the landlords changed with one name.
"Yoo Jonghyuk? Yoo Jonghyuk caused such an uproar not long ago…"
"You bastard! What is your relationship with that guy?"
"Pildu-ssi! Isn't this bastard suspicious?"
There was a reaction. I thought that Yoo Jonghyuk would've already caused a problem with the Landlord Alliance.
In fact, this point I was a bit unsure about. According to the original story, Yoo Jonghyuk of the third regression should be fighting against the Landlord Alliance by now. What was he doing?
Gong Pildu stared at me with suspicious eyes.
"What is your relationship with Yoo Jonghyuk?"
"We are companions separated by life and death."
"…I don't think it is like that?"
"Anyway, we are friendly."
"How can I believe that?"
"Don't believe me. Don't you have nothing to lose?"
I threw out the bait. Perhaps Gong Pildu would have to accept my suggestion. It was because right now, Yoo Jonghyuk was the only person who could threaten the power balance in Chungmuro.
[The character 'Gong Pildu' has activated 'Profit Calculation Lv. 2!]
"Why won't I receive any loss?"
…?
"There is no guarantee that you aren't a scammer. I can't ignore my years of experience. In my experience, people like you run away to avoid paying the rent at the end of the month."
It was so accurate that I felt wronged However, it was difficult to push it here.
"If you don't believe me, it can't be helped. Maybe there will be damages."
Gong Pildu's expression became complicated. I turned around without hesitation. It was important not to show any regret. That way, he would regret it even more.
"Wait a minute."
Indeed.
"You have to pay the fine for intruding. Where are you trying to flee?"
It was another regret. Dammit. I turned around and smiled awkwardly.
"How much? 100 coins?"
"No, you and that kid are 1,000 coins."
The vein on my head bulged. Did this bastard think that 1,000 coins was 1,000 won…?
"That is too much."
The dokkaebi still hadn't given me the cut of the coins but I couldn't give 1,000 coins to a jerk like Gong Pildu.
Gong Pildu grinned.
"Then you are disqualified as tenants. Die."
I instinctively pushed through the men around me and ran to where my party members were.
Kwang!
There was the first firing sound and Lee Hyunsung held up a metal shield, blocking my back. He was really reliable.
"…Dokja-ssi."
Lee Hyunsung's strength and stamina were level 14 but he spoke very nervously. I could clearly see his trembling arm muscles.
Lee Hyunsung hadn't obtained his second stigma yet, meaning he couldn't hold on against the turrets. Moreover, there was no Jung Heewon. If I started a head to head fight, someone in this party would surely die.
"Gong Pildu-ssi, wait a moment. If we fight then you won't escape any damages."
"What?"
"It is better not to fight us now."
"Why?"
The damage had to be shown.
"If we fight now, you will die here."
Gong Pildu's expression hardened. Even if I didn't add anything, Gong Pildu would've noticed.
The presence of the guy coming down the escalator from B1. It would be strange if he didn't know when the guy was giving off such a huge momentum.
"My best companion is coming."
Yoo Jonghyuk.
I didn't expect that damn regressor to be happy.
"Master, it is that person. He pretended to be Master's companion."
Lee Jihye cried out shrilly as she pointed to me. The main character, the lone hero of a drama, was walking by her side. He looked at me with impressively fierce eyes.
[The character 'Yoo Jonghyuk' is greatly disturbed.]
[Exclusive skill, Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint stage 2 has been activated!]
There was a brief moment of dizziness and I started to hear his thoughts.
「 How…already? 」
I waved to him and said casually.
"Hi Jonghyuk."
「······.」
"Have you been well? Your face looks good?"
「······.」
Lee Jihye and Gong Pildu looked between us like they couldn't believe it. They never thought I would be a companion of Yoo Jonghyuk. There was a tight tension in the air.
"These people don't believe I am your companion. Can you tell them?"
But I knew Yoo Jonghyuk. This bastard killed easily but he kept his promises.
[A few constellations are paying attention to character Yoo Jonghyuk's answer.]
[The constellation Demon-like Judge of Fire is observing the loyalty of Yoo Jonghyuk.]
Moreover, the constellations were paying a lot of attention.
「······.」
Yoo Jonghyuk watched me and slowly opened his mouth. However, my words were faster.
"Ah right, it would be better if you let me use the bathroom!"
Finally, Yoo Jonghyuk pulled out a blade.
After a while, we safely used the bathroom and came down to the platform of line 3. It was thanks to the fellow regressor companion. I smiled widely.
"Its nice to see you, you rascal."
"…You are alive."
In conclusion, Yoo Jonghyuk didn't call me his companion. He just pointed his blade at Gong Pildu as his answer. Fortunately, Gong Pildu didn't want to clash with us and let us go.
"Were you hoping I would be killed?"
"I thought it would be good."
This rotten companion. I became angrier when I saw that cheeky face. I wanted to run over and strike him in the jaw, but I couldn't.
[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]
[There is too much information about this person. Character List is converted to Summary List.]
Full version.
[Converting the character information of 'Yoo Jonghyuk' into the 'full version.']
[Character List]
Name: Yoo Jonghyuk.
Age: 28 years old.
Constellation Sponsor: ?
Private Attribute: Regressor (3rd turn) (Myth), Pro Gamer (Rare)
Exclusive Skills: Sage's Eyes Lv. 8, Hand to Hand Combat Lv. 8, Advanced Weapons Training Lv. 5, Strong Self-Defense Lv. 5, Mental Barrier Lv. 5, Crowd Control Lv. 5, Reasoning Lv. 5, Lie Detection Lv. 4…(Omitted)…
Stigma: [Regression Lv. 3]
Overall Stats: Stamina Lv. 24, Strength Lv. 24, Agility Lv. 25, Magic Power Lv. 23.
Comprehensive Evaluation: The comprehensive evaluation of this person is too long to load.
It didn't seem that great in the novel. But now that I saw it myself, I knew how extraordinary it was.
We were about to enter the third scenario and his physical body stats were just over 70. This crazy bastard. Dammit, this was the main character buff.
"Do you have anything to say?"
Yoo Jonghyuk's growth rate was steeper than it was in the original three regression. The fact that his growth was so fast meant he was taking great risks…what the hell was the person who only returned three times doing? Something was making me uneasy. I would have to dig it out sooner or later…
"I asked if you had anything to say."
"No, I was just looking."
「 …He is more tenacious than I thought. 」
What tenacity? He had a serious chuuni disease.
「 However, being cheeky isn't good. Should I just kill him now? 」
"I'm joking."
I hurriedly laughed. Yoo Jonghyuk turned his head like he wasn't interested.
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is disappointed in you.]
Anyway, I didn't want to alienate Yoo Jonghyuk right now. In order to clear the multiple scenarios, Yoo Jonghyuk was a necessary person. Even if we weren't real companions, it was worth using him thoroughly.
…Why did it sound like I was making excuses?
"It looks like you've obtained companions."
Yoo Jonghyuk looked at the people behind me with emotionless eyes.
[The character 'Yoo Jonghyuk' is a bit disappointed in you.]
…What? Why?
The answer became clear.
[The character 'Yoo Jonghyuk' has used Sage's Eyes Lv. 8!]
「 He picked up Lee Hyunsung but was only to raise him to this level. 」
Read Latest Chapters at
I was at a loss for a moment because it was true. Certainly, Lee Hyunsung's growth would be better if he had moved with Yoo Jonghyuk.
Still…this bastard. I was just an ordinary reader who luckily got to know the future.
「 It is below expectations. 」
It seemed worse because I was hearing the words in my mind. At that moment, Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes stopped as he was looking around. For the first time, confusion could be seen in his eyes.
「…What is that? 」
029
Episode 7 – Landlord (3)
Yoo Jonghyuk was looking at everyone except for Lee Hyunsung. The three remaining people were standing together and I couldn't figure out exactly who Yoo Jonghyuk was looking at.
「…How is this possible? 」
Who was he looking at? I wanted to ask but I was afraid that my skill would be exposed. Yoo Jonghyuk still didn't know that I knew him.
However, I guessed that he might've seen the information of Jung Heewon. Jung Heewon saw Yoo Jonghyuk's gaze and confronted him.
"What are you looking at?"
「······.」
Good job, Jung Heewon.
「 Kill… 」
"Yoo Jonghyuk." I quickly opened my mouth. "I was wondering about one thing."
He turned to look at me. His eyes were questioning.
"Why are you leaving Gong Pildu alone?"
"If you are a prophet, you should know."
"I don't know everything."
To be exact, I didn't remember everything.
[The character 'Yoo Jonghyuk' has used the 'Lie Detection' skill.
[The character Yoo Jonghyuk has confirmed that your words are true.]
He was thorough.
"…Indeed, I see. A prophet whose level of 'future sight' is low."
Think what you want.
Yoo Jonghyuk continued speaking.
"I need Gong Pildu alive."
"Is it because of a future scenario?"
Yoo Jonghyuk didn't answer. It was like he was trying to gauge the information I knew.
"I know that you need Gong Pildu for future scenarios. But you only need Gong Pildu. You don't need the entire group that follows him."
「······.」
"Isn't it your style to remove what you don't need? Why are you just leaving them?"
「…How annoying. 」
What?
"I have a lot to do." Yoo Jonghyuk stared at me quietly and said, "You will never understand."
"Wait! That isn't the problem. If you don't move now, most of the humans in Chungmuro will…!"
Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes were cold.
"It doesn't matter."
I wasn't a humanist. I didn't believe that everyone in this world was worth living. The thing that was making me angry right now was Yoo Jonghyuk.
"Yoo Jonghyuk. Can I hit you?"
"If you have confidence."
I angrily formed a fist as I heard a message.
[The character Yoo Jonghyuk has used 'Strong Self-Defense Lv. 5'.]
I dropped my fist. Cowardly bastard.
"Are you finished?"
"…"
"Let's go."
Lee Jihye flinched at Yoo Jonghyuk's call. Lee Jihye, who belated followed Yoo Jonghyuk, looked at me with confused eyes.
[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is impressed by your chivalrous spirit.]
[100 coins have been sponsored.]
Of course, it was completely misleading.
[There are 1 hour and 30 minutes before the third scenario is activated.]
There wasn't much time left and my mind was complicated.
[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is angry that people's lives must be risked.]
[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' wants an uprising.]
Samyeongdang spoke loudly in my head but I couldn't think of a good way. The third scenario lasted exactly one week.
Maybe Yoo Jonghyuk was planning to gain some other advantage during the duration of the third scenario.
Of course, I couldn't let it go. I couldn't let it go…
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is wondering what you are thinking.]
"That jerk Yoo Jonghyuk."
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is satisfied.]
[100 coins have been sponsored.]
In fact, the problem in front of me wasn't Yoo Jonghyuk but Gong Pildu. In order to break through the third scenario, Gong Pildu's help was absolutely necessary. But if I couldn't get his help…
Suddenly, Jung Heewon looked up and smiled.
"Who is it?"
"…Huh?"
"You know, that person. The one you were talking to Yoo Jonghyuk about."
I immediately explained about Gong Pildu. Jung Heewon was unconscious so she hadn't been able to see Gong Pildu. I didn't mean to change the subject. Jung Heewon immediately reacted.
"…What are these scum? Taking the public facilities and making people pay to use them?"
"The scum are upstairs."
"I'll go and throw them out.
Jung Heewon picked up the ground rat blade. That reminded me, I should change their weapons. There was a lot to be done.
"It is absurd."
"We can win if we join forces. Don't you remember Gumho Station?"
Jung Heewon's expression was confident.
It was natural. Jung Heewon had the Judgment Time skill as a trump card. She had good senses and was quick to adapt, so she would've already figured out her attribute and skills.
"Don't dawdle! Let's go and kill them!"
As long as her opponents were 'wicket', her Judgment Time boasted the highest power.
[The character 'Jung Heewon' has activated the exclusive skill 'Judgment Time.']
[The constellations of the Absolute Good system are silent at Jung Heewon's request.
[The skill has been cancelled.]
Jung Heewon's face filled with confusion.
"No, this…what? Is it broken?"
Jung Heewon tried to activate the skill again. However, the skill wasn't triggered.
"No…why isn't it activated? Aren't they obviously wicked?"
I laughed at Jung Heewon's question.
"That is what we humans think."
"…What are you talking about?"
"The constellations might be different. There is no guarantee that the good and evil they know is like what we know."
"Ah…"
"Justice is always decided by the majority."
Right now, the majority of constellations have decided that they are 'good.' Humans no longer had the right to decide on justice. Humans were just the puppets of their sponsors.
"That…"
I looked at the party members.
Everyone didn't say anything but they thought in a similar way to Jung Heewon. Lee Hyunsung wiped the iron shield that was scratched by the magic bullets, while Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung sat next to each other on the ground, looking at cockroaches.
This sense of despair, I could understand.
They thought they understood after getting rid of the gang at Gumho Station. However, there was an incomparable monster just three stations away.
It was time to start the torture of hope.
"That doesn't mean there is no way."
"Huh?"
"It might be difficult but there is a way to defeat them."
They simultaneously looked at me. Lee Hyunsung asked.
"…Do you really have a way?"
"What is it?"
I looked around and lowered my voice.
"Get Gong Pildu out of the Armed Zone."
"What is the Armed Zone?"
"His stigma. It is optimized to defend an area."
Armed Zone. The reason why it was difficult to go against Gong Pildu was this stigma. It was a fraudulent ability that could build 'turrets' in an area.
Right now, it was just Armed Zone. Once the stigma evolved in the future, it would become 'Armed Fortress' and a siege needed to be prepared to catch him.
But Gong Pildu had an obvious weakness.
"His Armed Zone will be released as soon as he leaves his designated area. His mini-turrets will also become useless. Usually, there are many restrictions on such a wide defense skill."
At the same time, Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon looked at me with admiration.
"Ah…I see."
"You figured this out after seeing it once? Is this Dokja-ssi's attribute?"
The same thing was repeated but I saw that the people had adapted to me to some extent. Yoo Sangah asked.
"But how will you make him move?"
"We have to think about that for now."
"Ah, I hate thinking." Jung Heewon complained.
Then everyone was silent for a while. It was Lee Hyunsung who gave his idea first.
"Attack when he goes to the bathroom…"
"Didn't you see the things next to the bench?"
Gong Pildu never moved out of his Armed Zone. His bench had everything he needed. There was a sleeping bag, blanket, food, basic with water to eat and sleep and even a place to piss. Of course, the tenants provided him with them.
"Crazy. He is a complete shut in. No, is he not moving because he is hiding something good on the land?"
"It is the biggest 'room' in Chungmuro."
"…Room?"
That reminds me, Jung Heewon still didn't know about the rooms. But there was no need for me to explain.
[There is 1 hour before the third scenario is activated.]
She would son find out.
"We also need to find a room."
The moment our party got up, the people around us flinched.
"D-D-Don't come closer!"
In particularly, the man with a knife who was protecting a single person room on the No. 3 line platform showed high vigilance. However, other people rushed towards him before we could approach.
"Get out, your fucker!"
They attacked indiscriminately. As soon as the man was pushed out, the mark of the green zone changed. The owner had changed.
[Green Zone 1/1- Green Zone 0/1].
The people were engaging in a bloody fight over the room. Someone was stabbed in the thigh while someone had their nose broken.
Jung Heewon frowned.
"Shouldn't we stop that?"
"Even if we intervene, the result will be the same. In the end, somebody will die."
"Why does someone have to die?"
"It isn't possible to avoid in this scenario."
I had just finished speaking while Bihyung emerged in the air.
[Now no, shall we start the third day of the main scenario? New faces have arrived today so won't it be fun? Hahaha!]
Bihyung glanced my way.
There were three dokkaebis in charge of the Chungmuro scenario. It seemed that Bihyung was temporarily the representative. It was a natural consequence of being the smallest of the three channels.
Then the third scenario arrived in front of us.
[Main Scenario #3 – Green Zone (Day 3)
Category: Main
Difficulty: C
Clear Conditions: Occupy the 'green zone' in the station and survive the monsters that emerge every night at midnight. This scenario will last 7 days.
Duration: 8 hours.
Compensation: 1,000 coins
Failure: ―
Lee Hyunsung's eyes widened.
"T-This…!"
[It is simple. Occupy the green zone before other people. Of course, you can take away the green zone of others. By the way, you should hurry. If you don't have a green zone after the scenario starts, you will have a terrible experience. Haha, then everyone should try it!]
People's expressions hardened as they heard Bihyung's words. In the meantime, the screams of the people continued.
Peok! Peok! Peok!
"Die! Die!"
"I-I'm not doing this because I have a grudge! I must survive…"
Maybe this was what everyone realized. The struggle in front of us was no longer a story. Yoo Sangah asked in a trembling voice.
"Surely we don't have to fight like these people?"
"We don't need to fight. Just find a room that can accommodate a large number of people."
"The size of the green zones vary by type. It ranged from fitting only one person to fitting 70 people like Gong Pildu's area.
"Of course, if there are any rooms left."
Jung Heewon opened her mouth at my words.
"Dokja-ssi is really talented at making people uneasy… then let's move right away. Maybe there are some rooms left."
"It might be faster to split up. Divide the team. Hyunsung-ssi will move with Sangah-ssi, while Heewon-ssi should take Gilyoung."
"Dokja-ssi?"
"I'm fine on my own."
I didn't have to say anything else. Everyone trusted me. Lee Gilyoung spoke first.
"Hyung, that…what if we can't find one?"
"If we can't find a room 20 minutes before the scenario starts, we will gather here again."
"I understand. Then I'm going."
The team scattered in an orderly fashion. Jung Heewon and Lee Gilyoung went to B2 while Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung went to B3. I watched my companions leave before turning on the smartphone. As soon as I opened Ways of Survival, a sentence immediately popped up.
Read Latest Chapters at
「 There were no rooms left in Chungmuro. 」
This fact was written clearly. It was likely that they wouldn't be able to find any rooms.
Then they could only choose one way. In order to survive, kill someone else and take their room. But could Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon do it?
Not everyone here was 'wicked.' There were some who exploited others, like Gong Pildu. But in fact, most of them bared their teeth in order to protect themselves.
Could Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung bare their teeth to people like that? I would know the answer very soon.
030
Episode 7 – Landlord (4)
After the dokkaebi disappeared, dozens of casualties appeared on the platform of line 3.
Currently, there was only one room on the line 3 platform.
There was no one strong here, so the weak didn't back down and attacked each other.
"Die! Die!"
[There are 30 minutes before the third scenario is activated.]
As pandemonium occurred around me, I was quietly reading Ways of Survival. Perhaps today's scenario would flow as I thought. In order to survive, I couldn't miss a single word.
[What are you doing now?]
Along with Bihyung's words, I could hear the messages of the constellations.
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is wondering what you are doing.]
I reflexively turned off my smartphone. There was something I hadn't thought of until now. Why didn't the constellations respond when I read Ways of Survival?
In the original Ways of Survival, the constellations discovered that Yoo Jonghyuk was a regressor and raised questions about fairness. It was normal for them to say something about the text I was reading.
[What are you doing right now with a blank notepad? All the constellations are going crazy with frustration because of you!]
…Blank notepad?
I turned on the smartphone again. Ways of Destruction appeared on the screen.
"Is this what you are referring to?"
[Yes! What are you going to do with that notepad? You will die if you stay still! Ha, I believed in a guy like this and sighed a contract…]
I got goosebumps.
The dokkaebi couldn't read this 'text.' If even the dokkaebis, which managed the system, couldn't read it then the constellations were the same.
Then the writer who gave me the text…what type of existence was he?
"Kuaack!"
The last scream rang out. Finally, the owner of the room on platform line 3 was determined.
[Green Zone 1/1]
"…Don't come any closer."
A boy was pointing a knife at me. Surprisingly, the winner was the boy who guided us earlier. I still didn't know his name.
"Don't worry, I won't take your room."
I spoke in order to reassure the boy. The moment I had this thought.
"Really? You are quite relaxed Ahjussi. Do you want to die?"
I didn't need to look back to see who was talking.
"It looks like you are quite free."
"Nobody touches my room. I will send everyone who touches it to hell."
Lee Jihye twirled a deep blue blade round and round. In regards to specs, there was no one who could match Lee Jihye apart from Yoo Jonghyuk or people from the Landlord Alliance. Lee Jihye watched me carefully and opened her mouth.
"I don't want Ahjussi to die. You were quite impressive against Master earlier."
"Don't worry, I won't die. It won't die even if I don't find a room."
It was true. I wouldn't necessarily die if I couldn't find a room. There was an impossible man in this station who proved this. It was only three days ago.
Lee Jihye's eyes narrowed.
"Ahjussi, do you know what you are saying right now?"
"Yes."
"Ahjussi, are you strong? As strong as Master?"
Then Yoo Jonghyuk appeared behind Lee Jihye.
"Stop and go back to your room."
"Ah…yup. Master."
Lee Jihye obediently left and Yoo Jonghyuk turned towards me.
"Are you going to fight the monsters?"
I shrugged.
"You will die. Your four companions as well."
"That remains to be seen."
There was an unknown emotion in Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes as he glanced at me and left. I didn't use Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint. It wasn't always possible to expression emotions with words.
[There are 20 minutes before the third scenario is activated.]
There was the sound of people coming down the stairs. Lee Hyunsung, Lee Gilyoung and Yoo Sangah… looking at their dark expressions, the result was as I expected. Yoo Sangah opened her mouth with a gloomy expression.
"Room…there were non.:
"It is okay. Rather, where is Heewon-ssi?"
"She is trying to negotiate upstairs."
At these words, Jung Heewon jumped down with a terrible scream.
"One night is 2,000 coins? Are they joking right now? I am really going to hit them."
The agitated Jung Heewon snorted and said.
"Dokja-ssi. Do you know what is happening upstairs? No―"
"They suddenly raised the taxes right?"
"Eh…you already know?"
It was predictable. The tenants would die if they couldn't get a room in 20 minutes. It was no wonder that the owners would take the initiative to raise the taxes.
"Did Dokja-ssi find anything?"
"No, I didn't."
"Ah…"
I examined their faces one by one. In the end, the time to choose had come.
"I have two ways."
The eyes of the party members shone at these words. But my methods would probably betray their expectations.
"The first way is easy for all of us to live."
Jung Heewon's eyes narrowed.
"Usually it is the second method… what is the other one?"
"The second method is very difficult. It is likely that some of us will die."
"Eh…that can't happen. Then I will choose the first way."
"What do the others think?"
Lee Hyunsung responded first.
"The first method will be good if everyone can live."
Lee Gilyoung nodded. Only Yoo Sangah hesitated.
"…Can I hear what it is?"
I nodded and lead them up the stairs to transit line 4.
"This is the first method."
The party members looked at where I pointed. There was a group of five men and women shaking.
[Green Zone 5/5]
"They room they occupy has exactly five spaces. But their individual abilities isn't that high. Honestly, if the five of us…"
"Wait, Dokja-ssi―"
"Yes, kill them and take their room."
Their trembling increased at my calm voice. Jung Heewon made a deeply wounded expression.
"…Who doesn't know about this method?"
"If Hyung says so, I can do it."
Lee Gilyoung spoke first.
"I'm not afraid. I will do it."
"No Gilyoung!"
Yoo Sangah grabbed Lee Gilyoung's shoulder. I deliberately looked uncaring.
"They would've also killed someone to take that room. Honestly, we can't overcome future scenarios if we can't do this."
"Dokja-ssi." Jung Heewon interrupted. "I killed people at Gumho Station. I killed because I wanted to and I don't regret it. But."
Jung Heewon had a pained expression on her face.
"Just because I am a murderer doesn't mean I want to keep killing. I don't want to be a monster.
"…"
"…Dokja-ssi, I would like to know about the second method."
I closed my eyes for a moment at Lee Hyunsung's words.
"I understand your thoughts."
Yes, this was enough.
"Let's go the second way."
The expressions of the party members seemed to brighten. In fact, I was going to use the second method from the beginning.
Killing was an easy way to survive, but I could never attract the attention of the constellations if I chose the easy method.
However, the second method required considerable determination. It wasn't just me but everyone. Thus, I needed to check their determination. I had to know what these people were really thinking.
Jung Heewon laughed.
"…I thought so. Why are you talking when you were going to go with the second way?"
"I wasn't trying to test you. Whatever choice you made, I would've respected it."
I stroked Lee Gilyoung's head, who was looking up at me with uneasy eyes. Yoo Sangah sighed and opened her mouth.
"Dokja-ssi is really spiteful."
"I'm sorry I'm not a good person."
"What is the second method?"
"There is no need to kill anybody with this method. But it is very difficult."
At my heavy tone, the expressions of the party members became determined.
"If you choose the second method, please unconditionally follow my instructions. Please trust me, even if it doesn't make sense. If one person doesn't trust me―"
"…"
"We will all die."
Someone gulped. The party members nodded almost simultaneously. Lee Hyunsung said.
"I believe in Dokja-ssi. I have survived up to here because of Dokja-ssi."
[There are 5 minutes before the third scenario is activated.]
"Then follow me."
I moved with the party members along railway line 3. We passed through the broken screen door and stood at the entrance of the tunnel leading to Euljiro-3.
Inside the dark tunnel, I saw a glowing 'red zone.' Perhaps the monsters would be created over there. They would sweep over line 3 and go up each floor towards the ground.
Lee Hyunsung asked nervously.
"…Then are we fighting the monsters here?"
"No, we aren't fighting. If we fight here then we will die."
It wasn't possible to fight against the terrifying monsters and survive until dawn without the green zone.
This time, Jung Heewon asked.
"…Then will we run towards the Dongdae area?"
"That won't work. Once the scenario is activated, we will automatically die if we leave Chungmuro."
"Then…"
"This operation needs to be shared. Lee Hyunsung-ssi, Yoo Sangah-ssi and Jung Heewon-ssi. Once the monsters appear, run straight in the direction they are coming from."
"…Huh?"
"Understood? Just run towards them. Just before you encounter them, be sure to look at the left wall. Then you will know that I mean."
The people didn't understand my words but there was no time to explain to them.
"Just trust me or you will die. Don't forget to look at the left wall."
"I understand Dokja-ssi." Yoo Sangah seemed to understand what I meant and answered first.
"I am telling you in person. You must run after the monster appears."
I picked up a stone and threw it towards the tunnel. Then stone sparked as it hit something and fell. Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon nodded as if they understood.
"What about Dokja-ssi?"
"I'll find another way with Gilyoung."
This method couldn't be used unless my party members believed in me. Who would go against common sense and commit a suicide attack by rushing towards the monsters?
The only thing left was their determination.
[The third main scenario is enabled.]
The barrier that was blocking the tunnel to Euljiro-3 disappeared.
"Run!"
The three people started running the moment I called out.
Grrr!
The monsters started to be created in the red zone. It was mainly the grade 9 ground rats. Then the middle ranks were filled with the intermediate grade 9 underground species, the 'groll.'
Kuooooh!
A monster with a black mane that was in the shape of a bear. The sharp horns on their foreheads was threatening.
One was relatively easy to deal with. The problem was the number. The crowded columns was already not suitable to be called a 'group.' We would die if we hit that wave.
The moment Lee Hyunsung encountered the first groll, I shouted.
"Now!"
Yoo Sangah found it first. Green tiles shimmering on the wall.
"Ah―!"
The enlightenment was instant The moment Yoo Sangah's hand touched the wall, it emitted a bright light.
[Green Zone 1/3]
The agile Jung Heewon immediately touched the wall behind her.
[Green Zone 2/3]
However, Lee Hyunsung missed the timing. It was because the ground rats clung to Lee Hyunsung's shield.
"Hyunsung-ssi! Catch it!"
Lee Hyunsung grabbed the 'thread' that Yoo Sangah threw him. Thanks to the strength of the two women, Lee Hyunsung flew through the air and reached the wall.
[Green Zone 3/3]
Good.
Grrrrrrr!
The monsters stared at them but once they entered the green zones, the monsters couldn't attack.
"Dokja-ssi!"
Yoo Sangah called out to me but there was no time to look back. I was already running with Lee Gilyoung on my back.
「 …In the third main scenario, there are several hidden green zones. This is activated on a specific wall and the green zones on the wall won't appear until after the scenario starts… if you think about it, humans were the ones who thought of it as the concept of a 'room'. 」
In Ways of Survival, Yoo Jonghyuk went through numerous regressions and found some secret green zones in Chungmuro.
On the platform of line 3, there were two such green zones.
Kiiiiit!
A few ground rats chasing after me bit me in the thigh. The blow wasn't big because of my high strength, but these small things could accumulate.
Kwack!
Lee Gilyoung hit a few ground rats with a blunt weapon from his position on my back. But there were too many of them. In addition, the groll were fast.
A dozen metres away, the boy was looking at me with terrified eyes.
[Green Zone 1/1]
It was cowardly but I was tempted to take the easy road for a second.
[Hahahaha! This situation is fun. Then like yesterday, should there be a penalty?]
A dokkaebi spoke followed by the system messages.
[A scenario penalty has been added!]
[Some existing green zones will be disabled.]
"N-No! Uack, aaaaack!"
Screams rang through Chungmuro Station. The closest scream came from the boy.
Kwajijijik!
"Aaaaack!"
As soon as the green zone disappeared, the boy's small body was shredded by the ground rats.
Thanks to the boy's body buying time, I was able to run into the passage. However, the monsters that came from beyond the broken screen door blocked the path.
I hid Lee Gilyoung behind me and pulled out Unbroken Faith. The blade of White Pure Star Energy quickly pushed back the incoming monsters.
But the numbers didn't go down at all. The person who fought with these monsters until sunrise, Yoo Jonghyuk was a monster. I wasn't sure it was possible for me, even if I changed all my coins to stats.
At this moment, Lee Gilyoung spoke.
"Hyung, you know."
"Don't talk now. I'm busy."
"You can just leave me here."
"…What?"
"I really don't understand it. Why are you helping me, Hyunsung hyung and the noonas? If you are alone… you would be able to survive better."
He could calmly speak such words before his death. Maybe this kid's mind was already dead.
"Yes, you are right." Another ground rat fell to the ground with its head cut off. "It is comfortable to live alone, eat alone and survive alone. But…"
Why was I acting this way? If anyone asked me, I couldn't exactly explain. But I could say one thing with certainty.
"I know one novel that developed in such a way and was ruined."
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"Huh?"
I thought it every time but I wasn't a protagonist. I wouldn't be a hero or a savior. But…
Lee Gilyoung's eyes were shaking. I lifted him onto my back again and said.
"Hold on tight."
I wouldn't let Lee Gilyoung die. At least, not today.
