277 - Regression Is Too Much

277 – The Return of the Advance (3) “… Anxious?” “Taking the minivan?” The attention of those whispering secretly to one another became focused. Choi Ji-won's appearance was a major news event, but Michael Jeter's entry was a different story altogether. If Choi Ji-won felt like a celebrity, Jeter had the air of a politician. “… “Aren’t you at war?” “I had some free time.” Jeter naturally sat down. He poured soju into an empty paper cup and downed it all at once. It seemed like he was imitating something he'd seen others do. “On the rooftop. Can we talk for a moment? Jiwon, and Junho.” Jeter spoke seriously. “… “I suppose so.” We nodded. ** The sky was dark. It was dawn, which meant that a chill was blowing on the rooftop. “… “ “… “ This level of cold was nothing, yet the chilly air seemed to express our psychological temperatures. “If you jump from here, you might not die.” Michael Jeter looked down from the rooftop and softly mused. “Isn’t it so strange? The fact that we’ve distanced ourselves from being human.” “How did you find out about this place?” The reason we were wary was simple. Michael Jeter… How did you end up here? How did the uninvited guest appear? “One of the people invited by Park Cheol-jin posted it on social media.” “… Ah.” “I deleted it immediately… “Our intelligence is quite remarkable.” Michael Jeter candidly revealed the source of his information. But that didn’t explain it. “Knowing and coming are different things. Let me change the question. ‘Why did you come here?’ In this episode, there was no mention of Michael Jeter and Dok Soo-hee. Our last encounter ended when the ‘medal’ was given. Why? Why did you come here? So suddenly, without any prior contact? “A question… I came here because I wanted to. It occurred to me that I might not have enough time.” Jeter dropped the crumpled paper cup he was holding onto the rooftop. “We realize this is a sudden situation. But honestly, this is my last request.” He took out a potion from his pocket and placed it in front of me and Choi Ji-won. “This… ” “It’s an elixir. “Players who passed the 4th floor with Jiwon experienced this.” “… “ “Please. After hearing the whole story… “Will you answer my question?” “Is this the price?” “Yes.” I understood the elixir’s value better than anyone. Even for Michael Jeter, the elixir represented a considerable cost. “First… Let’s hear it. “I’ll consider the question afterward.” That’s why I was curious. What exactly did you want to convey to me that you were willing to tell me by offering this valuable elixir? What story do you want to share? “What I’m about to say from now on is.” The story he wanted to tell. "This is a story about my past." It was a story about myself. ** Many people knew the man named ‘Michael Jeter’. There were also many different expressions used to describe him. “Michael Jeter? Is it alright to say this, but that guy was insane. He came to the prom alone, snacked for three hours, then left. It’s a terrifying fact that so many female students were vying for Jeter that they filled up the school bus. Oh, and male students too.” High school classmate. “Taking the minivan? In the barracks, he lugged around 1.5-liter Coke bottles like they were cans. When I asked why he bought such large sizes, I was told it was more cost-effective. One day, he bought a box of donuts because they were on sale and ate nothing but donuts for three days. Is that even human?” Military motivation. “Jitter, jitter… That Sergeant Jeter is a strange one. I’ve never seen a human chew on a caterpillar in the forest because it’s rich in protein. He wasn’t out of food. No matter how bland the cold ration combat food is, isn’t that better than caterpillars?” Special forces team leader. Typically, when describing someone named Michael Jeter, the words ‘strange’ or ‘efficient’ were never left out. He had an intense focus on efficiency, often taking actions that were inexplicable, and he didn’t care about what others thought of him. Yet at the same time… “Jeter… He’s so funny. He suddenly tells weird jokes, and it’s just so amusing… You know what? “The jokes themselves aren’t funny, but some things are funny simply because people find them amusing.” He was the most popular person at Trout High School, winning prom king even though he attended the dance alone. “You can trust Jeter. Even if it’s his first time doing something or the task is tough, Jeter will handle it well. Even if a major problem arises, what if there’s jitter? I feel relieved. He’s the kind of person whose successors would follow him and predecessors would trust him.” He was someone everyone in the unit could rely on and trust. “Jeter… A true patriot. He loved the weak, stood for justice, and was always sincere. “He’s the type of guy who seemed straight out of a comic book.” When he announced he was forming a ‘Player Association’ to manage those called to the tower, he was a well-known figure who received an overwhelming number of endorsements to be the president of the association, despite his relatively young age. Michael Jeter. “The position of association president. “Can you handle it?” “I will. For the country.” He was a man worthy of being called a hero. ** The first tutorial on planet Earth was intended for Americans. Whether this was purely coincidence, because it was the strongest nation, or for some other reason, no one knew. “Where am I? “My phone isn’t working!” "I will sue for this. “I have a meeting right now!” Yet, 201 Americans, including retired special forces member Michael Jeter, found themselves summoned to an empty field. “… Status window?” “What is this!” It was a self-evident fact that I woke up almost at the same time. After that, it was called the 'first tutorial' by people. It later became a semi-fact that those who survived this tutorial possessed very strong characteristics. This is the very reason the United States was able to lead the player industry in the future. Even those born with such special talents weren’t in their right mind upon awakening. Those who could even ‘pretend’ to be sane in such situations were extraordinary indeed. “May I have your attention for a moment!” “W-what is it?” “My name is Michael Jeter, a former member of Delta Force and a military expert! The current situation is suspected to be a terrorist situation, so please gather around! “We need to give you relevant instructions!” And Michael Jeter was one of those ‘extraordinary’ individuals. Officially, the name Delta Force doesn’t exist. In addition, special forces members are not supposed to disclose their identities. However, Michael Jeter completely overlooked these minute details. This was an emergency situation, and efficient movement was necessary. Jeter's calm eyes swiftly assessed the surroundings. “Please save me, please save me…” ” “What’s happened? “Does this have to do with the government?” About 180 citizens were severely confused, displaying dependency symptoms. “… “ “… “ Regardless of their training or actions, roughly 20 people were conscious and paying attention to Michael Jeter from afar. “Leader, leader…” “Hmm.” Someone might be too shaky or overly calm. There were approximately 200 people present. “First of all, stay calm! There have been many citizens who couldn’t overcome their excessive excitement and took unexpected actions, losing their lives! Calm your minds first! Look at me! Look at my muscles! Even if I get shot, I will die too. I’m here like this, what do you think?” “Oh, oh…” “Also… ” Even with all 200 pairs of eyes on him, Michael Jeter's voice remained strong. His gaze was bright and his demeanor firm. He maintained his sense of humor and confidence, providing strong reassurance to those on the verge of losing their minds. ‘My God.’ Of course, it was all an act. He stepped forward because he understood that in times like these, a leader needed to remain steady, but Jeter himself was as clueless as anyone else. He was throwing out basic words to manage the confusion, but his mind was more complicated than anyone else’s. ‘I don’t remember the moment of abduction. This isn’t a vegetation zone I recognize. No trace of electronic devices is available. Besides nationality, the people abducted don’t seem to have much in common. Where are we, and what is their goal?’ “When terrorists appear, comply first. There's not much we can do at the moment. The goal now is to buy time until the rescue team arrives from our homeland…” His head and mouth worked separately. His nervousness seemed flawless, and what he said was straightforward. This would hold true if this were a typical kidnapping and terrorist incident. “Hello!” You lowly humans wasting your lives merely for applause! Nice to meet you!” “… A fairy?” “Is that the Tooth Fairy?” “No, what is this…?” Jeter thought he lived a different and unusual life. But even that was nothing compared to this experience. “One of you must clear the 66th floor of this tower. Or humanity will perish… Destruction… What was that? Ah, destruction! You know, right?” The fairy murmured, ‘This is my first time, so I’m tongue-tied.’ Then, it dropped a bunch of weapons in the middle of the open field and vanished. 〈Tutorial Stage〉 -Clear Condition 1: If you swallow the ‘golden bead’ hidden somewhere in the forest, you can proceed to the next stage. However, there are only 50 golden beads. -Clear Condition 2: If you defeat the boss, the Goblin Shaman, a portal will be created to advance to the next stage. “… Is this real?” “… “Is this not terrorism?” Jeter’s warnings about handling weapons vanished instantly. It wasn't the gun that was the issue. A strange silence ensued. There could be many reasons, but the biggest one was, ‘I don't know what to do.’ We fiddled with the weapons, rummaged around the grass, and engaged in meaningless chatter about escaping. A loss of direction prevailed. For about 20 minutes. “Ah! Everyone! “I forgot something!” The fairy from before appeared again. “Everyone, try saying ‘status window.’ “Alright then!” After imparting this peculiar knowledge, it vanished once more. As if it never existed. “… “Should I trust what it said?” “I hear you’re from the special forces… “I’ll trust your judgment.” “What is this?” All eyes once again focused on Jeter. I had never heard of or experienced a situation like this. Though it was an entirely unfamiliar scenario. “Well, must we die? Let’s do something. Status window.” Jeter decided to take a risky step. Because there’s a method that suits the extraordinary. Just like that. “…Huh?” Everything changed. ** Ha ha!” There was a man standing on his head, lifting his body with a single finger. “Hoo.” There was a woman spinning a window frame, producing an odd noise. "No, what is this…" There was also a boy struck with awe while holding a book larger than his own body. The concept of superhuman abilities was not unusual for Americans. Considering the origin of ‘superheroes’ is the United States, it wasn’t surprising. The abilities of the people were all unique. They were astounding. But among them, Jeter’s ability stood out. The trait acquired by Jeter was named ‘Adaptation.’ Its grade was SSS. The effect of the adaptive trait was straightforward. He could adjust his body according to the situation. Strengthening his body was fundamental, such as tightening his skin, optimizing his skeleton and organs for running. They drastically reduced his metabolic activity to survive without food. “My God.” “Why would you do this?” “I feel like the world is slow.” It made his brain work at super speed, slowing down perceived time. This ability called ‘Adaptation’… Extreme body modifications once only imagined became possible. It was feasible to transform one's body into a superhuman fit for the scenario. There were some side effects, but they were bearable. “Grrr, watch it!” Seeing the yellow teeth of a small goblin slowly approaching. “Kyaa!” While blocking the large goblin’s attack with hardened skin. With legs and arms ‘adapted,’ he vanquished his enemies using the knowledge he had acquired during his time in the special forces. ‘Hmm.’ Michael Jeter thought as time seemed to slow down. ‘… This. ‘Perhaps it would be more efficient for me to quickly dismantle the tower?’ I thought I might be the strongest.