280 - Regression Is Too Much

280 – The One Who Moves Forward Again (6) The sun was rising. It was dawn. I could hear footsteps. The sound of car wheels reached my ears. While the atmosphere was still quiet, there was a palpable busyness in the silence. The night had ended. Humanity was awakening. "That's the story." In contrast, Jeter's eyes were completely lifeless. That’s when you realize. The emotions he had displayed until now… No, what we had 'misinterpreted' as emotions were merely results of an adaptive characteristic. He had been shattered and adapted to remain broken. "..." "His emotions haven't disappeared entirely. It's accurate to say they've faded." I wanted to ask if he was okay. But I knew it was pointless. Was this the reason why Choi Ji-won's sharp senses weren't functioning? Is that the reason? "Does time... Still feel slow to you?" "Yes. Though it's possible to experience it more slowly, reverting it to its original state is impossible. I think it's beneficial to have more time to think." "..." "..." People often said, 'He's a monster,' when witnessing the workload Jeter handled. I thought it impossible, even with three bodies, to attend association chairman meetings, climb towers, and meet players like me while also working on documents. What should I say? What expression should I use? Is empathy necessary for someone whose emotions have faded? I couldn't tell. It seemed pointless to say anything. Jiwon seemed to share my thoughts. "The introduction was long. Let's get straight to the point." Jeter likely felt the same way. Before he began speaking, he mentioned the first thing that came to mind. Was that deliberate? Or was it a mechanical process? "I place great importance on efficiency. The reason I handle everything myself is that it's more efficient that way." Whether I was concerned or not, Jeter continued to say what he wanted to. "That's the way of the world. The only person you can truly, 100% trust is yourself, and when you do things by yourself, there's no need for unnecessary communication procedures. However, the fact that humans live collaboratively... It's because they're weak. Because you can't survive alone. If humanity were a natural powerhouse, the current social structure wouldn't exist." Jeter looked down from the rooftop. I watched as people were up early heading to work. Rubbing their eyes. Eating sandwiches. With quick yawns. Because they couldn't live alone, they took steps to do their part. Jeter, staring at them with dry and cold eyes, then turned his gaze back to us. "Efficiency is a sharp sword. Its direction is as important as its sharpness. Now, I've lost the ability to determine my direction." "..." "Yes… It seems they have given up on the most crucial element for human survival. It's hard for me to decide if the plans that come to mind are things I should or shouldn’t do. I'm not talking about the outcome. It's a story about the process and the method." Jeter admitted it himself. He said he felt as if he had become a monster. "So far, there haven't been major issues. However, we can't guarantee that there won't be in the future. So, let me ask you." I held my breath for a moment. I anticipated an important story was about to unfold. "Let's assume there is a way to save the world." Jeter spoke in a tone with the slightest difference in inflection. "But to save the world, an innocent person must be sacrificed. If just one person sacrifices, the world will be saved. I can't ask that person's intentions, nor can I inquire." "..." "If such a situation arises. Do you think it's right to sacrifice that person?" Jeter's dilemma… It's a problem I've often contemplated. Jiwon would say it's not right. If it were in the hands of the old man on the 15th floor, he'd say he can't bear it. I felt as if I could sense the gaze of the wizard. But. "I think we'd step in and save the world without needing him to sacrifice anything. I believe I would find another way." I'm different. If this is my return. If it's the power of Choi Ji-won. If we join forces. We can overcome this unreasonable reality. I have the strength. Even in an unjust world, we have the power to tread the righteous path. I have been granted the privilege to experience endless setbacks. I know I'd regret not doing it. So, I will do what must be done. Because I believe it is the right thing. I can. If it's me. With that conviction, I turned my gaze to Jiwon. Jiwon also nodded slightly. "... I was wrong. Greatly. I'm now certain." Jeter looked at us and made an expression that could be called a smile. Though faint, it was undoubtedly a real smile. "That's a relief." It was different from the fake smile shown in public appearances until now. Should I say it felt sincere? "Honestly. I've given up on seeing the top of the tower. I'm not qualified. A leader who doubts himself shouldn’t lead. I lost confidence in who I am." "Mr. Jeter." "Nevertheless, the reason I maintained the position of association president is because I thought it was best and most efficient for me to hold that position. I've met many players. There are many strong individuals, but also many who are good and just. There was no one who met both requirements." The next progression was clear. "And then I found you. Their reputation is outstanding, and their skills are solid. If anyone is capable of reaching the top of the tower, I'm certain it's the two of you." "No…" "Will things be alright without me? I think about this every day. Perhaps it's okay. I'm content just having that proof." He seemed happy, relieved, and sad all at once. My point is… Even though it was very subtle, I could sense those emotions. His expression remained impassive. Had he relinquished the responsibility he needed to fulfill? Or did he recognize that it was 'efficient'? I couldn't tell. "Wait, hold on." "After this conflict is resolved, we'll provide support at the association level. Until we meet again." Jeter lowered his head as we extended our hands. "I believe in you." -He disappeared with the sound "Select." It was long-distance teleportation. "..." "..." The morning sun was bright. The streets I observed were bustling with life. Even with players and towers emerging, society wasn't different from before. As it always had been, and as it always would be. However, within the next year, monsters would attack society. We would never be able to return to how things once were. Perhaps that's where Jeter’s anxiety stemmed from. Because he was someone busy trying to prevent a foreseen disaster. "From us… Have you ever seen hope?" Is a person who doesn’t believe in themselves destined to hold the top position in the world? I thought it was very unfortunate, yet I also found it admirable. I understood the distant anxiety. A sense of affection makes people feel closer to each other. I felt like I was getting closer to Jeter. No, but what made you feel relieved? Didn't you just ask Jiwon to become the president of the association? I wasn't fond of that. Well, I hope this war he's fighting ends well. No innocent victims, no severe wounds. I just hope it concludes smoothly. I hope the wrongdoers perish and justice prevails. "Junho." "Huh?" "My head's quite muddled too. Should we head home and think it over first? I'm a bit tired." Only then did I realize it. That I was more exhausted than I thought. It wasn't about physical fatigue. I was mentally drained. "...Is that so?" I opened the rooftop door and headed back to the Steel Guild office. Even as I left, I just wanted a moment to say goodbye. "…So annoying." I heard someone muttering irritably. Just from their silhouette, it seemed like they were sorting out people struggling with alcohol addiction. Judging by the reduced number of people, it looked like the healthy ones were sorted out separately for a second round of assessments or something. "Thank you for your hard work… Uh." I naturally greeted them and wanted to ask where Kang Chan had gone. The person moving others onto the sofa… it was quite a spectacle. He removed the expressionless mask he always wore and dragged a fallen man along with a grimace. "..." "..." Our eyes met. An awkward silence ensued. "...You're here." Kang Chan quickly composed himself and began to reset his expression. If Jeter had acted with emotion, Kang Chan acted devoid of any. It was amusing to see him awkwardly express humanity. "No, I’ve given it thought. I had no intention of joining the guild anyway. Sit down." However, shortly after, Kang Chan's fierce demeanor disappeared, and his face returned to its usual state. Even though his expression was blank, it felt more natural. "I prepared some cup noodles just in case. It's a bit late, but would you like some?" Kang Chan tossed the man onto the sofa and asked while boiling water in a kettle. After shedding his intimidating and unique demeanor, Kang Chan's true face was revealed. He was simply a remarkably handsome young man. Yes, Kang Chan was human too. He was somewhat graceful, a bit reserved, and somewhat quiet. Only when you saw these contrasts could you truly sense 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 trusted us. Revealing your vulnerabilities and showing your human side is something only done with people you can trust. "Is there no kimchi?" "...No." In this episode, relationships progressed. There were more things to remember and more memories to cherish. Although it was quite burdensome. It felt like yet another reason to climb the tower.