{Kim Dokja POV}
Despite the interference of Cheon Inho, the constellations didn’t ask for a bounty scenario. In other words, it wasn’t the best time to deal with him.
For around half a day, I focused on grasping the situation of Gumho Station. It was Lee Hyunsung who mainly gave information.
“Currently, there are 86 people in Gumho Station. Ah, I guess it is 87 people now with Dokja-ssi.”
“It is less than I thought.”
“Yes. When the scenario broke out, only those near the station and those on the train survived. Everyone didn’t say it but perhaps in the first scenario…”
I didn’t need to be told the next words. I could see it from the expressions of the people. Those who survived had trampled on someone’s life. All the humans here were murderers.
“Currently, Gumho Station is divided into two groups. Strictly speaking, it is one group and the rest.”
Lee Hyunsung looked at the people with a dark expression. There were men armed with iron pipes or other instruments. It was clear which was the faction in power.
The one who embraced Han Myungoh and practically led the group was Cheon Inho. They were the ‘mainstream group.’
And the people who were protected by the mainstream group and wanted to get on with their lives were the ‘marginalized group.’
Lee Hyunsung watched the mainstream group inciting the people and said.
“Food distribution is determined by the mainstream group. Convenience stores and restaurants in the region have already been robbed…the foods that can be eaten right now are almost gone.”
“I see.”
“It is the reason why some people from the mainstream group were sent above ground for food exploration. Heewon-ssi, who you brought in, went with them”
“Heewon-ssi…?”
“Ah, it is the name of the woman who Dokja-ssi saved.”
I looked at the woman who lay on the subway bench. Under the bright light, her beauty could be seen. Her raised cheeks and gentle features meant she must’ve often heard she was attractive. Thanks to the monkey’s lungs, her colour was much brighter than it was this morning.
Lee Hyunsung’s expression became sad again. He thought he roughly knew what happened.
I grabbed Lee Hyunsung’s shoulder. I knew for sure after actually touching him. He truly was the steel sword. His strength would soon exceed level 10.
“W-Why are you…?”
“Lee Hyunsung-ssi should’ve received a love call but you didn’t accept.”
“Ah, that…”
Objectively, Lee Hyunsung’s combat power was higher than Bang Cheolsoo. There was no way Cheon Inho wouldn’t aim for him.
“I can’t explain it but I thought I shouldn’t accept. I don’t know much about morals or ethics but…”
Lee Hyunsung scratched his head like he was embarrassed.
“I felt that something wasn’t right.”
Not right… It wasn’t an answer but I felt it was true. Indeed, Lee Hyunsung was Lee Hyunsung.
“Don’t forget this heart.”
That way, I could continue to believe in him.
“That reminds me, it is already evening. Aren’t you hungry? Take this one by one.”
I handed over the food from the convenience store one by one.
“Ah. Really? Can I?”
“This time is free. But next time, you should pay for it.”
“Huh? H-How much…?”
“Don’t you all have coins? It is 10 coins for one.”
“T-That…”
Confusion filled the faces of Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung. They looked like they hadn’t expected my words.
“Of course. I will pay right now. I don’t need freebies.”
Surprisingly, the one who spoke was the woman who had been lying on the bench. She had regained consciousness.
“I am Jung Heewon. Thank you for your help this morning.”
“It is nothing.”
I thought it was just a cute mask but I could see that it was a prejudice.
Starting from Jung Heewon, Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung paid 10 coins in exchange for food. It was fortunate that their resistance wasn’t bigger than what I thought.
I didn’t do this in order to get a few coins. At first, this judgment might seem harsh but people would soon realize this choice was right.
[’Lee Gilyoung’ has paid you 20 coins.]
“Huh? You gave me more than 10 coins?”
“It is the price for the chocolate bar during the day.”
Lee Gilyoung’s expression while speaking was quite good. Maybe the fastest to adapt to a new world wasn’t an adult but a child. It was easier for children to break common sense.
“Will Dokja-ssi keep staying with us?”
“Ah, that…”
“Dokja-ssi.”
It wasn’t Lee Hyunsung who called out to me. I looked back and saw Cheon Inho from the mainstream group. Yes, I thought he would be back soon.
“Can I talk with you for a while?”
“Okay, let’s talk.”
I nodded and Cheon Inho spoke with a satisfied expression.
“Then can the rest of you vacate this place for a moment? I want to talk to Dokja-ssi alone.”
“Ah, that…”
“No, you don’t have to go. You can listen.”
Cheon Inho’s eyes twitched at my words. Lee Hyunsung stopped as he was about to retreat.
“Hmmm, is that so? Well…I don’t care.”
He acted like they were free to listen. Cheon Inho wiped the bench and sat down. Men from the Cheoldoo Group appeared on both sides of him and handed him a cigarette and lighter. He had seen too many movies.
“You seem to have a nature that dislikes cumbersome things, so I will get to the point.”
“Yes.”
“Join our group.”
It was an expected offer.
“I can offer Dokja-ssi a high position in our group. I want to lead the group together with you.”
“Why me?”
“Shouldn’t you know why?”
Cheon Inho glanced towards the injured Cheoldoo Group members.
“Dokja-ssi is a hero who saved people from monsters. A hero needs such a place.”
It was an interesting way of thinking. He would take advantage of my presence.
“And if I refuse?”
“Refuse? How interesting. I never thought about that.” Cheon Inho blew out cigarette smoke towards me. “Dokja-ssi, this isn’t a favour. You have a duty to do this. Can’t you see the poor people here?”
People were looking this way with scruffy faces. There were crying children and tired elderly people.
“What exactly do you want?”
“I need someone to be a hitman.”
Hitman?
“Until a few days ago, there was someone else doing the job. He procured food alone and hunted in the tunnels. To be exact, we took it one-sidedly.”
I didn’t need to ask.
This was the story of Yoo Jonghyuk.
“But he suddenly left last night.”
“So you need someone to replace him?”
“I think your strength is proven with Cheolsoo-ssi.”
Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon’s eyes widened. Now they noticed what was going on.
“It isn’t bad for Dokja-ssi. You are the hero of the people and will be the leader of the group with us. Everyone will like you and also…”
“I’m sorry but I can’t be responsible for anyone. I don’t want to join your group.”
“Hrmm. Is that so?”
“Above all, the way you run the group doesn’t fit me.”
I looked at the health members of the Cheoldoo Group and the sickly-looking members of the marginalized group. In particular, Jung Heewon was looking at the Cheon Inho as if he was her mortal enemy.
As the members of the Cheoldoo Group retreated, the other group members approached as if they had been waiting. It was the people of the marginalized group. They grabbed me and raised their voices.
I knew what was going on. I could see the smiling face of Cheon Inho in the rear of the people. His lips were moving.
‘Choose.’
Would I give food and become the hero? Or would I be the villain and monopolize it alone?
If I chose to be the hero, I would fall into Cheon Inho’s game. After the food was distributed, I would have to hunt for food with the group members and would someday get stabbed in the back.
On the other hand, I would be isolated in a group in a moment if I monopolized the food alone.
[The eyes of a few constellations are shining.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ has snorted.]
As the people became heated up, Cheon Inho came forward.
“Ahh, everyone. Calm down. There seems to be a misunderstanding. Kim Dokja-ssi isn’t such a person.”
What was this? A decoy?
“Kim Dokja-ssi decided to work with us. The food he brought today will be left to the mainstream group and will be shared fairly. He also promised to continue to work with us―”
Of course, he believed I would choose him. It was hard to listen anymore.
“Stop.”
I worried about it for a short moment. What would Yoo Jonghyuk do? Ah, that’s it. The answer was that he wasn’t here right now.
But I wasn’t Yoo Jonghyuk.
“Of course, I will give out food.” I saw Cheon Inho’s lips curve upwards. But people should listen to the end. “However, it isn’t for free.”
Unlike Yoo Jonghyuk, I wouldn’t throw everything away to move forward. But I wouldn’t be responsible for everyone. Food was given but it wouldn’t be for free.
People were puzzled as if they didn’t understand the words.
“W-Wait a minute! It isn’t free?”
“I’ll tell you. I don’t intend to monopolize the food. But I won’t give food to Cheon Inho’s group. I’m not UNICEF and I don’t trust them.”
I smiled at Cheon Inho.
“I will make a deal with you. I will sell you the food for a fair price.”
In the distance, I could see Cheon Inho’s face stiffening. I laugh as I faced him.
“No, I only accept coins.”
After a while, only the people in the marginalized group with a relationship with me returned.
After I made the ‘trade’ declaration, many citizens turned away from me. Maybe they were disappointed.
In fact, it wasn’t me but the mainstream group monopolizing the food. They monopolized the food on the pretext of ‘fair distribution’ and feed it to the tamed people.
Humans were the weakest when they believed someone protected them. Once authority was established in a one-sided relationship, people started to depend on them.
“I agree. That’s why I believe that Dokja-ssi’s declaration today was very meaningful. People need to have the will to do something on their own. However…”
Lee Hyunsung looked towards the food.
“Not even one was sold. 50 coins for one, isn’t this price too expensive? Why don’t you make it 10 coins like you did with us…?”
It wasn’t unreasonable to think so. People only paid attention to the mainstream group and showed no signs of looking this way. People still needed time.
I responded calmly.
“Let’s wait a little longer.”
Then night came.
The sound of huge monsters was heard intermittently from the ground and people often had nightmares. Lee Gilyoung and Yoo Sangah fell asleep first while Jung Heewon was dozing off.
“Dokja-ssi should sleep as well. I will stand vigil.”
“Nope. It is okay. Lee Hyunsung-ssi can sleep first.”
“But you will be tired.”
“I have work to do.”
“Work to do?”
I pointed behind Lee Hyunsung. Surprisingly, there were the shadows of people. It wasn’t just one.
“That…are you still trading the food?”
Finally, the people started to move.
The next morning, I was almost out of supplies. Jung Heewon stared at the convenience store bags as if she couldn’t believe it.
The guests who came in the middle of the night weren’t just members of the marginalized group.
More than half the food I had was taken by the mainstream group. Of course, they paid the exact amount.
Jung Heewon was in a rage after hearing the story.
“Something like that.”
“No, what is this? Weren’t you going to weaken the power of the mainstream group by promoting transactions among the people?”
It was unexpected insight. I responded with a bit of admiration.
It was 1,450 coins. It was a huge income for one night.
“No…what is Dokja-ssi thinking? Sangah-ssi, can we really trust this man?”
Yoo Sangah flinched as attention suddenly turned to her but then she smiled brightly.
“I believe in him.”
It was burdensome.
“Dokja-ssi, did you leave enough food for yourself?”
“Nope, I sold it.”
Jung Heewon’s mouth fell open as if she was dumbfounded. At that time, someone poked my cheek. I turned my head and found a biscuit.
“Huh? You want me to eat it?”
Nod nod. The head moved cutely. I smiled, took the biscuit and put it in Lee Gilyoung’s mouth.
“I’m okay. You eat it. Ah, I should tell you something… everyone, do you still have the food you ate yesterday?”
“Why? Do you want to buy it back? I will sell it.” Jung Heewon waved the biscuit in a playful manner.
“No, you should eat it now.”
“Huh?”
“Eat it all before today. You should do it.” I repeatedly stressed. “Or you will regret it.”
“Why…no, wait a minute. Sangah-ssi, what are you doing now? Why are you listening to him?”
“There is a reason why Dokja-ssi would say this.”
Yoo Sangah smiled sweetly and opened a bag of biscuits. Lee Hyunsung was confused but ate the food. Meanwhile, Lee Gilyoung had eaten it the moment I spoke. He was a good listener.
At lunch time, there was a major announcement from the mainstream group. Cheon Inho stood on a platform surrounded by people and said.
Cheon Inho’s cold gaze caused the people to tremble. It was mostly the people who came to me yesterday and bought food.
[The character ‘Cheon Inho’ has activated the ‘Incite Lv. 2’ skill.]
“Originally, I wasn’t going to do this. But yesterday, Kim Dokja-ssi told me something nice. That’s right everyone. Is there anything free in the world? If you want food, you have to prove your worth. This is the way it is. Haha, thank you for telling me something good. Kim Dokja-ssi.”
At this moment, everyone’s attention was focused on me. Their eyes were mostly filled with resentment.
People wanted to be stupid and Cheon Inho had the ‘Incite’ skill. It was a skill that most good group leaders would have. But this way, the hostility would turn towards me again…
I looked at the back of Cheon Inho. It was a cute level. At least compared to the people at Chungmuro and Seoul Station.
“I-I will buy it with coins. How much do you want?”
“200 coins.”
200 coins for one piece of food. Even the dokkaebi was likely to pass out.
One of the Cheoldoo Group selling food saw my look and trembled. He had a bandage around his thigh and seemed to be one of the guys I beat up yesterday.
[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]
I was a little worried about using this skill. This woman would’ve died if I hadn’t saved her. Would she be registered as a character?
+++
[Character Information]
Name: Jung Heewon
Age: 27 years old.
Constellation Sponsor: None (Three constellations are currently showing interest in this person).
Private Attribute: Crouching Figure (General)
Exclusive skills: Demon Slayer Lv. 1, Kendo Lv. 1.
Stigmata: None
Overall Stats: Stamina Lv. 4, Strength Lv. 4, Agility Lv. 7, Magic Power Lv. 4.
Overall Evaluation: She was a ‘crouching figure’ with enormous potential. The attribute information wasn’t verified yet because the attribute hadn’t blossomed.
+++
Fortunately, her information appeared. It was different from Yoo Sangah, Lee Gilyoung and Han Myungoh. Was she originally not abandoned? By the way, it was a very interesting exclusive attribute.
“By the way, Dokja-ssi is very calm.”
Calm… It might seem like that.
“I am familiar with situations like this in the novel.”
“Huh? Does that make sense… Wait a minute. Where are you going?”
I didn’t answer and descended from the platform. Jung Heewon wanted to come with me and I reached out a hand to stop her.
Jung Heewon landed lightly below the platform.
I walked along the railway tracks and watched the tunnel road to Yaksu Station. It was filled with thick darkness and the inside wasn’t visible, but it smelt terrible. It was a bloody smell.
“You aren’t going inside are you?”
Jung Heewon asked.
“Everyone who went that way has died. The thugs or anyone else. Everyone who goes inside will unconditionally die.”
Her words were wrong. Not everyone died. At least one person had already gone down this road and moved onto the next station.
We climbed onto the platform again. We had been gone for quite a time but the line of people to trade food was still long.
I looked up at Jung Heewon.
With this, Jung Heewon wouldn’t do anything unexpected. She was a ‘Crouching Figure’ with ‘Demon Slaying.’ Depending on how she acted, Jung Heewon might evolve into an indiscriminate murderer.
“Jung Heewon-ssi, the key to this problem is food. Isn’t that right?”
“…That’s right.”
“Then we need to remove the cause of the problem.”
“Huh…?”
I looked at my watch instead of answering. It was time.
Yes, he showed up. The air split apart and a familiar figure was revealed.
[H-How are you all doing? Haven’t you been free for a while?]
The dokkaebi.
The people panicked at the appearance of the dokkaebi. It was never a good thing when this guy showed up. Even Jung Heewon, who was full of energy, flinched momentarily.
By the way, it wasn’t Bihyung. Originally, Bihyung was the dokkaebi responsible for all nearby channels. But this guy was different. Unlike the pure white fur of Bihyung, this dokkaebi had black fur.
[M-My friend who was originally in charge of this channel is undergoing disciplinary action… S-So, I am responsible for this scenario.]
The dokkaebi’s timid tone was very memorable.
[T-Then everyone. D-Don’t you look very peaceful? T-That Bihyung, he pretended to be pretentious only to set this level of scenario difficulty…]
“W-What are you saying? Tell us what you want!”
[H-Hik. Don’t be angry. Everyone. A-Anyway, I came for you guys…]
“For us?”
“T-Then give us food!”
[F-Food? Aha…if you want food…]
After his words ended, the dokkaebi moved his hand.
[A scenario penalty has been added.]
[From now on, food stockpiling is limited.]
[All existing stockpiled food has disappeared.]
The people with emergency food screamed.
[He, hehe. Then everyone. You can’t. Y-You have to think about how to break the scenario.]
The people’s expressions became grim when they saw the food disappearing.
[Y-You want to eat? In any case, Earth trash…]
His tone suddenly changed. I seemed to remember his name. According to the original setting, there was one dokkaebi like this. His tone was timid but he was crueler than any dokkaebi.
In the distance, Cheon Inho was watching me with confused eyes.
[Everyone, let’s have fun from now on. Hehe…]
It was followed by system messages.
[A scenario penalty has been added.]
[The ‘survival cost’ clause has been added.]
[From now on, 100 coins will be deducted every night for the ‘survival cost’. If you can’t pay the ‘survival cost’, you will die.]
[The ‘survival cost’ penalty will be maintained until the second main scenario is
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