Infinite Regressor, Chapter 449 - I’m an Infinite Regressor, But I’ve Got Stories to Tell

"......" A torn arm. A severed leg. A fashion choice unpleasantly brutal for anyone—yet this was Sim Ah-ryeon's coat. The Undertaker paused briefly, mumbling softly, "......No, Ah-ryeon. You can instantly regenerate a limb or two when you use your healing power. Why the sudden cosplay as a one-legged one-armed person?" "Oh!" Sim Ah-ryeon responded with a wide grin. "S-Sorry! I kind of forgot!" "Yeah, right. Who in their right mind could forget something as drastic as losing their limbs?" "Hehehe." Sim Ah-ryeon rubbed her remaining hand over her opposite shoulder. "Well, uh. Being partially limbless makes those trying to cause me harm hesitate for a moment!" "......." "It's strange, isn't it? Even people who've lost their families to these bizarre creatures; when they see me like this, they falter. Oh, not all of them, though. About 60%, perhaps...?" Indeed. The Undertaker nodded in understanding. "A sort of filter, then. To separate those who harbor such intense emotions that they don't hesitate despite your appearance." "Yes!" Ten years ago. As soon as the Undertaker learned that Sim Ah-ryeon possessed the ability to 'drink emotions,' he embarked on a mission to 'raise Sim Ah-ryeon.' The project's concept was straightforward: designate Sim Ah-ryeon as the single human responsible for all the atrocious and brutal incidents in this world. To accomplish this project, the Undertaker harnessed all his knowledge. He used the powers of the 'true celestial being' Manyo Neko, as well as the capabilities of the 'false celestial being' known as the Saintess. Thus was engineered the ultimate adversary, humanity's traitor, the priestess of the Accursed, the villain once dubbed the Necromancer. That villain stood before them as none other than Sim Ah-ryeon. ['Saintess of Salvation' celebrates the eradication of the Ten Tribes.] ['Saintess of Salvation' worries that the Necromancer, who summoned the Ten Tribes to earth, still lurks amongst us.] A quest was crafted. ['Conqueror of the Alps' praises the warriors who vanquished the Meteor Shower.] ['Conqueror of the Alps' reveals that the Necromancer has retreated to the Japanese archipelago.] A scenario was composed. The Undertaker's fabricated tale was simple. He merely placed Sim Ah-ryeon, the 'Necromancer,' at the center of all major worldly events and catastrophes. She was blamed for summoning the Ten Tribes. She was accused of spreading the Udumbara virus. She was said to have called forth Meteor Showers. She was alleged to have triggered Monster Waves. On and on... She was, in essence, the ultimate evil. ['Saintess of Salvation' blesses the awakened before the final battle!] Naturally. The humanity of this cycle started to unite to defeat a singular ultimate evil. No one doubted that this was a fabricated scenario. Even within the Returners' Alliance, only the Undertaker and the Saintess were aware of the truth. The world was in an era where people needed a figure of resentment. With awakened individuals whispering "Status Window!" and displaying screens right in front of them, they were merely puppets to the hands of Manyo Neko and the Undertaker's whims. The Illusionary Play and the Undertaker's designs were more than sufficient to deceive humanity with the presence of Sim Ah-ryeon, the 'final boss,' surrounded by endless legions of zombies. Her magnificence. Her forces. Her wounds healing endlessly in a distinctly inhuman fashion. It was an overly generous disguise, more than enough to deceive humanity. ['Conqueror of the Alps' declares the victory of the Human Alliance Army!] Recently, the Alliance Army succeeded in defeating the Necromancer, albeit with countless sacrifices. The awakened who lost family and comrades were not of sound mind. Ordinary people, with awakened individuals as family or friends, were immersed in madness as well. They longed for Sim Ah-ryeon's death. A festival of blood. Above all, a painful execution. However. ['Chancellor of the Red Mantle' predicts a curse will blanket the earth if the Necromancer is recklessly killed after death.] ['Saintess of Salvation' understands your anger but cautions against falling prey to the Necromancer's final ploy.] With simultaneous warnings from various celestial beings. When the voices that had guided humanity so faithfully until now all at once urged restraint, even the blood-shot eyes of the people restrained themselves. Yet, could that restraint be called reason? The false celestials were brainwashed by the Undertaker. In turn, humanity was brainwashed by the celestials. Their judgments. Their courage. Their wars. Even the reasons to endure or express their spleen-bursting rage. Everything. Not a single thing escaped the Undertaker's orchestration. -Let’s think of it as a stroke of fortune. A few years ago, the Undertaker voiced before the leadership of the Human Alliance. -Reconsider the wrongs this person has perpetrated. A mere death may not suffice to satisfy justice. -Then, what are you proposing, nya? Among the silent leaders, Manyo Neko of the Magical Girl Coalition asked on behalf of the group. Manyo Neko had lost a close friend in the battle against the Necromancer. Her fellow magical girls had struggled to hold her back when she had rushed in, intent on tearing the Necromancer apart in grief-stricken fury. -Consider the characteristics of the Necromancer. The Undertaker lifted Sim Ah-ryeon's head. With a hiccup, she emitted a faint moan, while still sporting a sly grin. The awakened individuals of the Human Alliance Army glared at Sim Ah-ryeon with eyes full of disgust. -No matter how seriously injured, she regenerates instantly and rarely dies unless her head is decisively removed. -So, what are you suggesting, nya? -We have advanced to this hell on behalf of humanity. But do we possess the right to execute such deep-seated hatred for all of humanity? The Undertaker declared. -Let’s keep her alive. Allow anyone, whenever they wish, to relieve their hatred towards the Necromancer. -...... -It may not be redemption. But it could, at least, serve as an outlet for anger. Such sweet words. If sweetness could linger even in blood. The Undertaker's tongue had finally ensnared the awakened individuals. They firmly believed that hasty execution of the Necromancer would unleash an unprecedented curse. If the main course was ruined, then having dessert was practically a rightful entitlement for the victors. "However, Undertaker, I don't trust myself not to kill the bastard if I'm ever alone with him. And I'm not the only one who's furious." "I have a solution." "What is it?" "Leave the Necromancer's supervision to Yu Ji-won." "...." "Even if someone wants to vent their fury and resentment on the Necromancer, it must always be under Yu Ji-won's watchful eyes." The awakened individuals turned to Yu Ji-won. And, one by one, they nodded. Indeed. If anyone could meticulously manage the Necromancer's life, it would be someone like that ruthless psychopath. Thus, two years passed. "Yu Ji-won." "Yes, sir." "There aren't any more visitors today, correct?" "That is correct, sir. Due to the extreme heat lately, I've scheduled everything to be wrapped up by the morning." Initially, Sim Ah-ryeon's front was always bustling with those seeking revenge against the Necromancer, humanity's traitor. But as two years passed, the schedule slowly began to thin out. Because malice and hatred were emotions too, and it wasn't easy for humans to keep a single emotion going indefinitely. Above all else, the revenge exacted on the Necromancer was limited to the type of torture that involved literal dismemberment. Those approaching the Necromancer with ulterior motives under the guise of revenge were filtered out by Yu Ji-won's discretion. Torture required the perpetrator to commit acts of evil, and not many people opted to prescribe such poison to themselves. "Ms. Manyo Neko scheduled a visit for dinner, but I'm sure she can be persuaded to reschedule for a day." "Is that so? Then I'll contact Manyo Neko separately. I'll reserve Sim Ah-ryeon's evening time." "If you say so. Handle it as you wish, sir." The Undertaker looked at Sim Ah-ryeon. "......" For some reason, throughout their conversation, Sim Ah-ryeon beamed, keeping her bright smile fixed on the Undertaker. What on earth was making her so happy? The Undertaker frowned, uninterested in understanding. "......If you don't have a compulsion for cosplaying as a caterpillar, heal yourself already. If you're going to walk around like that, I'll have to piggyback you." "Oh! Would you? Really?" "Dream on." "Hehehe. Yaap...! Transform!" As Sim Ah-ryeon playfully shouted, her severed limbs began to regenerate like vines unfurling from the cut surfaces. The intertwined vines quickly formed the shape of arms and legs. Sim Ah-ryeon jumped to her feet. "Boo! Hooray!" "......" No one laughed. The Undertaker pressed his lips together, then quickly spoke to overwrite the action. "Here. Change into these clothes." "Ah. This is... Well, it's more like a hijab than clothing? It's closer to a cape..." "So you want to walk around with your face exposed? Civilians would start throwing stones as soon as they see you. I don't fancy getting pelted by rocks just because of a companion." The Undertaker turned his back to the alley, giving Sim Ah-ryeon privacy to change. "Sir." Yu Ji-won also left Sim Ah-ryeon behind to follow him. "I have something to report." "Feel free to speak." "Regarding the healing power the Necromancer just demonstrated." Glancing quickly, Yu Ji-won peeked into the alley before lowering her voice. "Until a little while ago, it wasn't functioning at this level." "What?" "The Necromancer claimed she deliberately left her limbs unhealed to evoke sympathy for herself, did she not?" "She did." "But that's not the case. In truth, she wanted to heal but lacked the energy to do so. With her limbs being ground down day in and day out, even seemingly infinite healing had its limits." "......" The Undertaker blinked, genuinely surprised. "What are you saying? You saw it yourself, Yu Ji-won. Her limbs regenerated completely in less than ten seconds." "Yes, and that's precisely why I'm bringing this up." "What if Sim Ah-ryeon was just lying to you? Pretending she ran out of healing power. She acts better than you'd expect. Consider the possibility you were deceived." "Hmm. It's something I'm considering." Yu Ji-won rubbed her chin. "Nonetheless, sir, I pride myself on my ability to distinguish truth from deception. It's hard to understand why someone who was struggling with torture until this morning suddenly seems revitalized the moment you appeared." "......" The Undertaker's thoughts were turbulent. Once more, an unsettling feeling crept up. The same feeling he had when he met Sim Ah-ryeon for the first time and draped her in a doctor's coat, when he spent ten years conditioning the Saintess. A deep, troubling sea within him unleashed black waves. 'Thinking back, it was strange how the Saintess suddenly expressed concern for Sim Ah-ryeon this morning.' The Saintess had been discreetly monitoring Sim Ah-ryeon with her clairvoyance. It wasn't something to be taken lightly. Both the Saintess and Yu Ji-won were reporting similar anomalies. And as far as the Undertaker knew, these two individuals were still among the most trustworthy of the awakened. "......I understand your concerns." "I apologize for troubling you with my presumptuous statements, sir." "Enough. That's your role. As I mentioned earlier, I'll be taking Sim Ah-ryeon with me today, so feel free to take the rest of the day off." "Thank you, sir." Yu Ji-won saluted crisply, then turned her steps without hesitation. Even in these times, her unwavering loyalty positioned her among the Undertaker's trusted aides. "......I don't know what to make of this." The Undertaker took out his pipe. While it appeared to be an ordinary pipe, it was actually a specialty concocted by the alchemist Uehara Shino. A moment later. "Hehehe... I'm all dressed now!" "Hmm." Sim Ah-ryeon peeked out from the alley, now completely wrapped up. Dressed like that, no one would recognize her identity. The Undertaker pulled out the ashtray as he asked. "Okay. Is there anything you'd like to eat? I could even rent out an entire restaurant if need be, so feel free to speak up." "I want to eat something that the Guild Master made himself... Oh, just a moment!" "......?" Sim Ah-ryeon hurried over. She snatched the pipe from the Undertaker's hand and pressed the lit end against her forearm. The Undertaker momentarily froze. Fizzle. The faint scent of burning flesh filled the alley like an echo. "........" "Hehehe." Sim Ah-ryeon watched the Undertaker's expression unfold. Her eyes smiling with amusement. "Come on, let's go! Guild Master......" "......." They arrived at their hideout. As they walked, avoiding the prying eyes of the civilians, the Undertaker kept processing his thoughts. 'Ah-ryeon, you claim to feed on emotions.' 'There is no emotion more intense than the sorrow and hatred of those who've lost family and friends. Your abilities should logically be getting stronger.' 'Why then have you weakened?' 'Did I craft the wrong strategy? Or is Sim Ah-ryeon deceiving Yu Ji-won, the Saintess, and ultimately, me?' Yet, all these worries seemed futile. A pervasive feeling of oversight hung thick, clogging his heart, as if refuse had overflowed from a clogged drain. "Ah. As expected, the tteokbokki you make yourself is the best, Guild Master!" The unpleasant stench of this unseen refuse did not vanish as they cooked various dishes upon reaching the hideout, nor when they sat across from each other at the table. Curiously. Munching on tteokbokki and crispy tempura, Sim Ah-ryeon tilted her head. "Hmm? Aren’t you going to eat, Guild Master?" "No." "But it's so delicious. Well then, I'll eat all the fried dumplings! There's something uniquely chewy and moist about these simple dumplings that come with tteokbokki, you know..." "Ah-ryeon." "Y-Yes?" "Why is it that your healing powers only fully recover once you meet me?" "You already know." Munch. Sim Ah-ryeon replied casually while leaning over and using a fork to eat from the Undertaker's portion as well. "Is an explanation really needed? Honestly?" "Explain it." "Well, it's because your emotions are the most tumultuous when you look at me." "......" "Other people's emotions are kind of... well, you know... the situation is laughable, isn't it? They claim their families and friends were so precious. Yet they misidentify the true murderer of their family... Aren't they like farm-raised fish? Thinking the aquarium is the real ocean? When I see that, I can't help but smile. But when I smile, they get angrier..." A pang in the chest. "In truth, the Guild Master could have subdued the Ten Tribes himself if you had truly exerted your power, right? Or the Meteor Shower, for example... Yet you let others do the work. It created victims, didn't it? People who died." The heart... "In essence... It's as if it was the Guild Master who killed them." "......." "But, people think I did the killing. So, you see, those farmed fish and stored bugs struggle and thrash against me, trying to overpower me... It's honestly hard to take them seriously, you know? Hehe." The Undertaker pressed his lips together. This time, he couldn't silence the conversation. And even if he could, it would have been pointless anyway. Even in silence... "That's why, you see." The putrid stench of the refuse that mistreated his heart like a waste landfill relentlessly churned. "I don't thrive on the emotions of animals or bugs; I subsist on human emotions." "......." "In this world, you're the only 'human' left, Guild Master, so naturally, your presence makes my powers stronger, doesn't it?" Repressing the unnerving feeling, the Undertaker unintentionally laid a hand over his chest. His heart was still beating.