Episode 189
The survivors all gathered in the pavilion. Although the two teams had a strange conflict, they seemed to have no intention of dragging on an unclear controversy even when a monster was just around the corner. It was fortunate for Lee Jae-heon, who wanted to catch the green algae monster and escape the other side of the world as quickly as possible.
The problem is that there is not much Jaeheon Lee can do here.
“It would be better if you changed your clothes at all.”
“I would have done that if I had extra clothes, but there’s nothing I can do about it right now.”
“…Why are you picking on my clothes?”
From his perspective, it wasn’t a big deal, but from the other party members’ perspective, it was a different story. They seemed to be more concerned about ‘What if Lee Jae-heon smells the blood he spilled and the green algae monster kills him?’ rather than ‘Lee Jae-heon could become a monster at any time.’
In the end, Lee Jae-heon, unable to bear his frustration, glanced at the Park siblings and said,
“Can this really happen? No matter how much they don’t know about my condition, if something happens…”
“We’ll take care of it and run away.”
“That’s not the problem, Kang Min-ah.”
“I don’t know what the problem is.”
“No, really.”
Kang Min-ah, who took the coat from Dr. Ha Seong-yoon, muttered as she wrapped it around Lee Jae-heon.
“It’s too bad I lost the manager’s coat. “I think I’ve seen it once near a big lake, and it would have been nice to have it wrapped around me… It’s hard to find it right now.”
“Oh, was that there?”
Now that I think about it, I think that’s where I started not wearing a coat…
“…No, wait a minute. “Don’t go the other way.”
Jaeheon Lee held Kang Minah’s wrist while she was wearing a dark gray coat without causing any pain, and made eye contact with her. Kang Min-ah also seemed to know the embarrassment that ‘Lee Jae-heon’ was feeling, with a calm gaze without even a sign of flinching.
“Is there really a way to deal with me if I become a monster?”
“there is.”
“I followed along because I thought it would be bad for the students’ mental health, but if they go on a rampage like President Choi Jeong-man you mentioned last time, it won’t just end up as a headache. Then, if I kill someone…”
“Where should I tie you up?”
“….”
Lee Jae-heon, who hesitated, finally spoke.
“…If you need…?”
“Look, you don’t like it either.”
“No matter how much you think about it, isn’t this because the current situation is dangerous? The green algae monster is a guy that can smell blood even if it doesn’t know anything else. Needless to say, it has great durability and stamina. “I smelled the blood that I spilled, and of course I tried to get rid of it when I came, but if I end up here, it won’t be easy to get rid of it.”
“So you’re telling me to abandon the manager? Are you serious? “Can you say that to our faces?”
“…That’s not true, but… Still…”
“They say we’re okay.”
Kang Min-ah’s eyes were colored with a pale light.
“Or is it because you’re worried about those people?”
“….”
“More than us?”
‘Lee Jae-heon’ could not nod his head at those words.
“But when it comes to efficiency….”
“From now on, don’t even mention the ‘ㅎ’ character for efficiency. The manager is a human being, not a lab rat, and so are we. “I don’t want to see the manager die because of me this time, so please listen to us.”
“It wasn’t Kang Min-ah’s fault.”
“I know that’s not me. But if it wasn’t for ‘me’, ‘manager’ would have survived. “I think there is a reason why I recalled that memory.”
“…I know what you mean.”
In the end, ‘Lee Jae-heon’ raised both hands first.
“Instead, if you think there’s a problem, please move immediately, understand?”
“how. Tie me up? Or are you saying kill me?”
“Somehow.”
He spat out a stern voice.
“No matter what you do, make sure I don’t do anything like that.”
“….”
“Because I also don’t like killing people.”
Jaeheon Lee, who had said that far, took a slight step back. I could see other people curious about what was being discussed, but neither Kang Min-ah nor Lee Jae-heon said anything else.
‘Maybe Kang Min-ah will tell this to other disgusting people.’
It was because I roughly made that judgment.
‘Lee Jae-heon’ felt that he was becoming a monster and wanted to be isolated, while the other party members were rejecting Lee Jae-heon’s wishes. Both have different directions, but in the end, they both struggle desperately not to kill someone.
Therefore, Lee Jae-heon only spoke to Kang Min-ah for the sake of probability, and the information that ‘Lee Jae-heon’ had the minimum will to cooperate with them would soon spread.
“How are you feeling?”
“…not bad.”
Of course, he has to avoid Detective Hong Gyeong-jun’s suspicious gaze.
“I was surprised that you ran out in the middle of the day. Fortunately, it seems that Song In-myeong did not suffer any major damage. “I’m so glad you didn’t die.”
“….”
“If there is a problem, I hope you will tell me.”
After saying that, Hong Gyeong-jun’s eyes passed by Lee Jae-heon’s arms and legs. Since he wasn’t a man who couldn’t handle eye contact, he probably acted like that on purpose to get at least a small reaction from ‘Lee Jae-heon’. As expected, this guy was quite disgusting.
‘I thought it was okay, but it’s like this again.’
The strange favor shown towards Lee Jae-heon in the last episode was revealed again in this episode. He opened his mouth, hoping that the other person’s feelings would not make Hong Gyeong-jun stupid.
“Thank you for your concern, but there is no problem. I’m sorry for what happened back then. “I thought I heard something…”
“What exactly did you hear?”
“It was the sound of a dog whining. I could also hear people fighting among themselves. “I can’t describe it exactly.”
“…All right.”
As expected, Hong Gyeong-jun, uncharacteristically, obediently retreated.
‘I need to know who I’m looking at.’
Lee Jae-heon sighed inwardly.
It’s definitely something that needs to be done, but I don’t have enough time right now, so if I can do it, I’ll have to check it only after escaping from the other side of the world. Since the money is so rotten, it would be okay to conduct a background investigation. It seems like the second-highest family mate had connections in that direction…
“…Do you mind if I give you some advice?”
Hong Gyeong-jun nodded at Lee Jae-heon’s words.
“Sure.”
“I’m not bragging, but I was dragged by that guy once… The green algae monster moves slowly, but its body is heavy and dense. Unlike vines, there is no significant reaction when hit, so it may be that there is no sense of pain at all. “Once you get your hands on it, it’s almost impossible to escape.”
“This may be an impolite question, but Mr. Lee Jae-heon, how did you escape?”
“I was not caught by the green algae monster itself, but by the vines it was using. When I hit it with a pipe, some of it loosened and I was able to escape. “As I was walking around the park, I met police officer Kim Yeon-woo.”
“Then the green algae monster….”
“As soon as morning came, it went back the same way.”
In order to reveal this information, I did not intentionally ignore Hong Gyeong-jun’s question.
“Police officer Kim Yeon-woo may have confirmed it, but I felt like it was heading towards a large lake. “I don’t know the exact facts, but that was the direction.”
“…Do you think it has something to do with monsters being mostly active in the evening?”
“That may be related, but I personally think there may be a time limit.”
“It’s a limited time.”
“Doesn’t green algae naturally occur in water?”
Lee Jae-heon briefly made eye contact with Jeong In-ho, who seemed to have returned from scouting the surroundings.
‘Maybe that group over there has already noticed.’
That’s right, they were the ones who had already been turned white by the green algae monsters because they couldn’t face them face to face. Each case may be different, but there are similar regressors like Kang Min-ah and Ha Seong-yoon and the main character who just reverts to life. Even though they knew that the green algae monster was coming in the near future, the very fact that they left the time bomb ‘Jaeheon Lee’ alone without taking any action was in itself showing their confidence.
It’s ridiculously poor and hopeless to call it confidence, but it’s not like I’m completely thoughtless.
‘But now it’s an awkward relationship to properly collaborate with these people…’
Lee Jae-heon was the first to inform Hong Gyeong-jun.
“This world has many monsters that seem to have been created according to people’s notions. A large crow that appears like a ghost in the dark, or a monster abandoned dog that looks like it’s about to collapse to death…” “
I see.”
“Then wouldn’t the green algae monster be a similar case?”
“Originally, green algae can only grow naturally in water, so if you leave it out of the water, it will die on its own?”
That’s it, you bastard.
“It may just be my opinion, though.”
Contrary to his expectations, Jaeheon Lee ended his speech humbly and muttered inwardly as he felt the other survivors looking at us as if they were not looking at us.
‘Please listen carefully.’
I’m spoiling it so openly, right? You stand right in the middle of everyone and do this. I’ve made it this far, but if you can’t even get this far and send me back, you’re not even a real chick. know? Our disgusting main character is all dying. If we really can’t finish it this time, it’s over for us, you people…
“I think you’re right. “If this place reflects human thoughts as Jaeheon Lee said, then the green algae monster will certainly have some overlap with people’s perceptions.”
“Even if we can’t kill it, I think we can at least weaken its power. “If you’re aiming for that part, wouldn’t you be able to think of a way to get out of the park at the right time?”
“Right now, it will be difficult because there is a green algae monster nearby, but there may be a chance once the strength is moderately reduced. “There’s no guarantee that you won’t encounter more dangerous monsters when you go out, but it’s worth thinking about.”
“Even if it follows us outside the park, there won’t be enough vines to listen to what it says, so our chances of survival will be higher.”
“…Then, we need to keep that green algae monster out of the water as much as possible.”
Hong Gyeong-jun’s bright blue gaze landed on Lee Jae-heon.
“Have you prepared any measures for that?”
“….”
“You wouldn’t have thought of such a foolish idea of taking the bait yourself, right?”
It’s a problem because that’s right, you damn bastard.
“…Um….”
“Seeing that you couldn’t answer right away, I guess I gave you the right answer.”
“I thought it was the most reasonable method….”
“Efficiency is reasonable. What’s next? “I remember telling you when we first met that one-sided personal sacrifice is not good.”
“It’s okay to have at least one moving bait….”
“Sir.”
Ha Seong-yoon, who had been listening quietly, intervened with a disgusting smile on his face.
“You seem tired. How about taking a break? “Mr. Jeong In-ho is looking at the teacher with an expression as if he is about to faint.”
“…The manager said he would say something he wanted to say, but what does it have to do with the subject matter of the deputy…”
“That doesn’t work anymore.”
As expected, the sincerity of 50% was ignored this time.
‘Bad guys.’
If I hadn’t been sensitive to the death of ‘Lee Jae-heon’, I would have ignored the main character, the supporting character, and everything else and just ran away. Of course, Jae-heon Lee would also be unreasonable to act as bait for three days, but he was confident that he would play his role much better than the wrong guys.
“You don’t have to be a teacher, just the smell of blood is enough. You can also use the larvae that you put in the trap last time. “Didn’t we just finish this conversation?”
“…All right.”
This is why you are chicks.
The analogy itself is unpleasant, but there was no need to take the quick and easy route and go the long way back, just as pharmaceutical companies do not feel great guilt towards the rats that are sacrificed in the process of testing new drugs. Some say that the process wears out the mind, but not everyone says that.
I’m not necessarily saying which side is more right or wrong, but it wasn’t strange at all to think that there was no need to be so strict even in a situation like now where the escape route was blocked.
“Then… I’ll go inside as much as possible.”
Yes to me.
“We will do our best to prevent the green algae monster from coming here. Teacher, please wear layers of clothing to avoid the smell of blood and be careful not to let the bandage slip off. “That’s all.”
That can’t be possible, you idiots.
‘Everyone has to die once to come to their senses.’
Jaeheon Lee suddenly missed his coworkers from his past life. It was natural for them to consume each other depending on the situation, and as long as they did not cross the line, they did not resent or hate each other, although they might feel disappointed. In this situation as well, if only Lee Jae-heon stepped forward, 80% of the escape could have been accomplished in an instant.
However, since we do not feel the need or justification, the day when we will understand each other will never come. This was simply a matter of division depending on what kind of culture and rules each person lived in. If it was impossible to change one’s innate nature, this was also the case.
If we make concessions to each other, acquire new knowledge, and adapt, we can somehow form a smooth relationship, but…
“I hope no problems arise.”
The problem was that Lee Jae-heon, a born villain, was not that understanding.
He gritted his teeth and took a seat.
‘Just take one.’
If only one thing was caught, Lee Jae-heon wouldn’t bother to save face.
* * *
Watching Jae-Heon Lee go as far inside as possible and refuse to let others approach him, In-Ho Jeong quietly gave strength to his hands.
“Mr. Jeong In-ho.”
“…So, first of all…”
A thick feeling lingered in my mouth.
‘It’s not wrong.’
Looking at the situation objectively, it could not be said to be a wise decision to keep an adult man covered in blood with him who might turn into a monster at any time. If possible, they should have been expelled before they caused problems from within, but even if that wasn’t the case, it was right to confine them to limit their movements.
But I couldn’t. It was ridiculous.
“First, we have to find the larva. “It’s a caterpillar that smells like blood.”
How could we dare?
Suddenly, Jeong In-ho remembered the conversation he had with Ha Seong-yoon a while ago. A blurry police officer. The influence he had on Lee Jae-heon. A kind of genealogy. Even if we leave everything behind, the fact that Lee Jae-heon shows great aversion to being oppressed was a shocking fact to Jeong In-ho. I didn’t want to detain him now.
I tried to pretend that nothing had happened and continued.
“Bring tools because you have to dig inside the tree.”
“When you say that, it makes us sound like gangsters.”
“It’s kind of fun, isn’t it?”
When I chimed in with firefighter Han Do-yoon, who was laughing lightly, he turned to me and opened his mouth.
“So… Mr. Jeong In-ho? Right.”
“you’re right.”
“It would have been nice if we had time to talk more slowly, but it’s a shame we don’t have that time.”
“Haha….”
“Actually, I’m still very upset.”
The gaze inside the gently drooping eyes turned towards Jeong In-ho.
“The situation right now is so sudden. “I don’t know if what we each had was a suspicion or a real thing, but in the meantime, the monster is coming, so we have to fight… No, in this case, rather than fighting, should I say we are throwing bait?”
“So what do you want to say?”
“i look forward to.”
“….”
“Seriously.”
Jeong In-ho looked around in silence.
Since we don’t know exactly where the blood-smelling larvae live, we needed a lot of manpower to find as many larvae as possible in a short period of time. Even then, unless there were injured or elderly people who would become obstacles, everyone was sent out and there wasn’t even enough manpower to protect the remaining people. This was the current situation.
Conflict between humans was a meaningless concept in the face of the fear of death.
“…Please take care of me too.”
Even that would be a luxury in the face of violence that makes no sense.
In the distance, I saw a vine slithering like a snake.
