280 – The Returner Advances (6)
The sun rises. It is dawn.
I hear footsteps. The sound of car wheels sounds. It was still quiet, but bustle could be seen in the quiet. The night is over. Human society was awakening.
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“That’s the story.”
In contrast, Jeter’s eyes were completely dead. Only then do you realize it. The emotions he has shown so far… No, what we ‘mistook’ as emotions were the result of adaptive characteristics. He was broken and had adapted to being broken.
“… “
“The emotions haven’t completely disappeared. It would be correct to say that it has faded.”
I wanted to ask if you were okay. I realize there is no meaning.
The reason Choi Ji-won’s keen senses didn’t work was… Was it for that reason?
“Time is… Are you still feeling slow?”
“Yes. Although it is possible to feel it more slowly, it is impossible to restore it to its original state. I think it’s good to have more time to think.”
“… “
“… “
People often say, ‘He is a monster’ when looking at the workload that Jeter handles. I thought it would be impossible, even with three bodies, to attend the association president’s schedule, climb the tower, and meet players like me while doing paperwork in the meantime.
What should I say? What expression should I use? Is empathy necessary for someone whose emotions have faded? I don’t know. It seemed like there was no point in saying anything. Jiwon seems to think the same thing as me.
“The introduction was long. “Let’s get to the point.”
Jeter probably thought the same thing. Before he started talking, he said the first thing he said. Is it considered? Or is it a mechanical process?
“I place great importance on efficiency. The reason I handled things alone was because it was more efficient that way.”
Whether I worry or not, Jeter says what he wants to say.
“That’s the way the world is. The only person a person can truly trust 100% is themselves, and if you do it alone, there is no need to go through unnecessary communication procedures. However, the fact that humans have lived in cooperation… Because it is weak. Because you cannot survive alone. “If humanity had been a powerhouse of nature, the current social structure would not have been created.”
Jeter looked down at the rooftop. I see people going to work a little early. Rubbing my eyes. Chewing a sandwich. With a quick yawn. Since I can’t live alone, I take steps to do my part.
Jeter, who was looking down at them with dry and cold eyes, then turned his gaze back to us.
“Efficiency is a sharp sword. Direction is as important as sharpness. “Now I have lost the ability to correct my direction.”
“… “
“I am… It seems like they gave up the most important thing for humans in order to survive. It’s hard for me to decide whether the plans that come to mind are something I can or shouldn’t do. I’m not talking about results. It is a story of process and method.”
Jeter confessed it himself. He said he felt like he had become a monster.
“There have been no major problems so far. However, we cannot guarantee that it will not happen in the future. So, let me ask you.”
I stopped breathing for a moment. I thought there would be an important story coming up.
“I assume there is a way to save the world.”
Jitter speaking in a tone with little difference in pitch.
“But to save the world, innocent people must be sacrificed. If just that one person sacrifices, the world will be saved. “I did not ask about that person’s intentions, and I cannot ask.”
“… “
“If a situation like this comes. Do you think it is right to sacrifice that person?”
Jeter’s concern… It’s a problem I’ve had a lot of trouble with. Jiwon would say it is not right. If he were an old man on the 15th floor, he would say he couldn’t help it. I feel like I can feel the gaze of the warlock.
But.
“I think we will step in and save the world without him having to sacrifice anything. I think I will look for another way.”
I am different. If it’s my return. If it is Choi Ji-won’s power. If we join forces. We can overcome such an unreasonable reality. I have power. Even in a world that is not right, we have the power to pursue the right path. He gave me the privilege of infinite regression.
I know I will regret it if I don’t do it. So, I will do what needs to be done. Because I believe that is right.
Can do. If it were me.
With that confidence in mind, I turned my gaze to Jiwon. Jiwon also nods slightly.
“… I was wrong. Great. “I am now confident.”
Jeter looked at us and made an expression that could be called a smile. Although it was indeed faint, it was a clear smile.
“Thank goodness.”
It was somehow different from the fake smiles that had been shown at official appearances until now. See… Should I say that it feels sincere?
“To be honest. I gave up on seeing the top of the tower. I am not qualified. A leader who doubts himself should not lead. “I lost faith in who I am.”
“… Mr. Jeter.”
“Nevertheless, the reason I held on to the position of president of the association was because I thought it was best and most efficient for me to take that position. I’ve met a lot of players. There were many strong people, but there were also many good and just people. “There was no one who met both requirements.”
The next flow is clear.
“And then I found you. Their reputation is excellent, and their skills are solid. “If anyone can see the top of the tower, I’m sure it’s you two.”
“No… “
“Would it be okay without me? I think about this every day. It’s probably okay. “I am satisfied just by obtaining that evidence.”
He looked happy, relieved, and sad at the same time. What I mean is… Although it was very subtle, I could feel those emotions. The expression was still expressionless.
Has he let go of the responsibility he has to do it? Or did he realize that it was ‘efficient’? I don’t know.
“Just a moment, just a moment.”
“Once this dispute is over, we will provide support at the association level. See you later.”
Jeter bowed his head as we stretched out our hands.
“I believe it.”
-It disappeared with a “Pick” Sound. It was a long-distance teleportation.
“… “
“… “
The morning sun is bright. The street I glance down at is full of life. Even though players and towers appeared, society was no different from before. As it has always been, as it will always be.
However, within the next year, monsters will attack society. We will never be able to go back to how it was before. Perhaps that’s where Jeter’s concerns stemmed. Because he was a man who was busy trying to prevent a planned disaster.
“From us… Have you seen hope?”
Was it that humans who couldn’t believe in themselves had no choice but to occupy the top spot in the world? I thought it was a pity, and I also thought it was great.
I understood the jitter that seemed far away. The feeling of compassion makes people feel close to each other. I think I’m getting closer to Jeter.
No, but what did you feel relieved about? Aren’t you just asking Jiwon to become the president of the association? I don’t like that.
Well, I hope that the war he is currently engaged in ends well. No innocent sacrifices, no major injuries. I just hope it ends smoothly. I hope the wicked die and justice triumphs.
“Junho.”
“Huh?”
“My head is really complicated, too. Should I go home and think about it first? “I’m a little tired.”
Only then do you realize it. That I am also more tired than I thought. It’s not about the body. I was mentally exhausted.
“… Is that so?”
I opened the rooftop door and returned to the Steel Guild office. Even when I leave, I just want to say hello.
“… It’s annoying, really.”
I heard someone’s irritated voice. Just looking at the silhouette, it looked like they were sorting out people who had become addicted to alcohol. Judging by the decrease in the number of people, it seems like the healthy people left separately for a second round or something.
“Thank you for your hard work… Uh.”
I naturally said hello and wanted to ask where Kang Chan had gone.
The person who moved people to the sofa… It was strong praise. He took off the expressionless mask he always wore, and was dragging a fallen man with a frown on his face.
“… “
“… “
Our eyes meet. There is an awkward silence.
“… “You’re here.”
Kang Chan quickly comes to his senses and starts managing his facial expressions again. If Jeter was acting with emotion, Chan Kang was acting without emotion. Look at how embarrassed she was, spewing out life.
“No, I thought about it. I have no intention of joining the guild anyway. “Sit down.”
However, immediately after, Kang Chan’s murderousness disappeared and his expression returned to its original state. Although the expression was expressionless, it was a more natural face.
“I prepared cup ramen just in case. It’s a little late, but would you like to eat?”
Kang-chan throws the man on the sofa and asks while boiling water in the coffee pot. After getting rid of his unique fierceness and intimidation, Kang Chan’s true face was finally revealed. He was just a coldly handsome young man.
Yes, Kang Chan is also human. He is somewhat chic, somewhat aloof, and somewhat taciturn. It is only when you see the gaps that you can feel his humanity. He was that kind of person.
This was an expression of trust. In his own way, it was a sign that Kang Chan believed in us. Revealing your weaknesses and showing your human side is something you only do with people you can trust.
“Is there no kimchi?”
“… “No.”
In this episode, the relationship increased. There were more things to remember, and more memories.
It’s really burdensome though. It feels like there is one more reason to climb the tower.