DB Vol 2 Part 2
“It’s definitely more fun when there’s a reaction than just talking to myself.”
[I’m not going to react, so just go to sleep.]
“When I was alone, I could talk for an hour and still not feel sleepy… but now, yawn.”
[…….]
Won-woo felt his eyelids grow heavy as lead, but driven by a desire to chatter a bit more, he forced himself to push back the sleep. However, with his mind growing sluggish, words didn’t come easily.
“When I had nothing to talk about, I used to sing.”
Stories he had never told anyone came out easily, simply because he was half-asleep and because the listener was a machine.
[Don’t sing.]
“I can’t think of any songs anyway. I haven’t sung in years. I spent so much time dealing with enemies that I always had to hold my breath… and I wasn’t allowed to sing…”
[Chatting is okay, but singing isn’t?]
“Singing feels too relaxed. That’s why I didn’t even listen to music… and in the process, I forgot what songs I even liked.”
What songs did I actually like? But perhaps because his mind was frozen from drowsiness, he couldn’t remember a thing.
[You can just make a song you like now.]
Ah, I see. It’s okay if I don’t remember. It was a blunt response, but to Won-woo, it sounded incredibly warm.
“You’re kind.”
Only the static, which felt like the sound of breathing, continued for a long while. It was only when Won-woo’s consciousness nearly touched the bottom of sleep that a denying voice was heard.
[I am not.]
“Right, you said you’d help me find that pervert too. By the way, how were you planning to find them?”
However, Won-woo, who had asked the question, fell fast asleep before he could hear the answer. As the sound of steady breathing continued, a void of emotion flowed low through the communicator.
[How? I’ll just go out myself.]
Chief Jung clearly had a lot on his plate. No matter how much he trusted the staff he had hired for the secretary’s office, there were still many things he had to handle personally. One of those was a matter concerning the Head of the Gye Family’s younger brother.
The strongest member of the Gye Family, who had walked into prison of his own accord to provide a Guide for his nephew. He was a man who willingly sacrificed himself for his family, yet to the world, he was known as the brute. Of course, within the Gye Family, he was treated with utmost respect as the Vice Head, but there were those who did not hesitate to call him the brute.
“Our brute said he’s coming out because of Ji Won-woo?”
Jae-hak asked, sounding surprised. As the husband of the Head of the Gye Family, he played the role of overseeing the family’s affairs on behalf of the busy Head.
Since his family had served the Gye Family for generations, he had practically lived there since childhood. Thanks to that, he handled the Head’s younger brother well. He was the only one who used ‘the brute’ as a playful nickname.
“It would certainly be something the Head would be angry about if she found out,” Jae-hak said with a smile, but the fatigue on Chief Jung’s face only increased.
“Beyond anger, she’d probably tell him to dig a hole and bury himself in the basement.”
“The youngest is already trapped in a place without windows; it’s practically a basement.”
A hint of pity colored Jae-hak’s voice. However, Chief Jung, whose workload had increased due to the orders of that ‘youngest,’ didn’t have a single gram of sympathy.
“Since it’s no different, it wouldn’t matter if he actually went down to the basement.”
“Chief Jung, you’re being cold.”
“I am merely predicting the Head’s orders. Approaching Ji Won-woo-ssi while hiding his identity is one problem, but simply observing the target and stepping forward to solve the problems around them is another matter entirely. Moreover, he stated that he would come out himself.”
“Because of an Esper stalking him around Ji Won-woo?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm, the youngest probably doesn’t intend to actually come out. If it becomes known that he’s out, his own family will take back the Guide they provided for our child, and then…”
Jae-hak couldn’t continue, swallowing a sigh. It was painful to think of the Guide who barely provided some breathing room for his child disappearing, but his guilt toward the youngest, who sacrificed himself for his nephew, was indescribably great.
“The youngest probably said that to show how important he considers the matter.”
“But the target is Ji Won-woo.”
“I heard Ji Won-woo is a D-class Guide. If the opponent doing bad things is an Esper, wouldn’t it be difficult to handle alone? Regardless of Ji Won-woo’s status, the Gye Family would have helped anyone facing such difficulties. There’s no reason to stop our youngest from doing a good deed.”
Always such an optimistic view. Chief Jung sneered inwardly, but it was precisely because visit our sitestyle="position:absolute;left:-9999px;font-size:0;">[stolen content]of this trait that he liked Jae-hak.
Everyone in the Gye Family was similar. Even when everything in the world became as sharp as a blade to endure the cruel wind and rain, he remained like a rounded mountain, preserving his greenery. And the good-natured man smiled and gave Chief Jung the answer he wanted.
“I’ll take responsibility. Look into it as the youngest wishes.”
“He told me to call the cleaners to handle it.”
“No, that won’t do.”
Even the kind-hearted Jae-hak shook his head with a serious expression. Cleaners? That would be like using a kitchen knife to catch a bug.
“There’s nothing to gain from letting his family know we’re intervening, so have the information team handle it discreetly.”
Since this was the direction Chief Jung wanted, he nodded and stood up. By using the information team, they could find something without necessarily sending a person. Just then, Jae-hak suddenly remembered something.
“Right, I heard a man called Director Hwang handed over an Alpha seed?”
“I am verifying it. They said it would take a few days because there is no comparison group to verify the authenticity of the Alpha seed.”
“Of course, I know the Alpha seed is important, but I’d prefer you not report it to the Head. I don’t want her worrying aria-label="Read on Read BL Novels">Read on Read BL Novelsabout her family’s affairs.”
“Of course.” Chief Jung nodded.
“Since it’s unlikely to be an Alpha seed anyway.”
Jae-hak agreed with a bitter expression.
“Right. There’s no way it’s real.”
Don’t pay attention to me. Even if Ji Won-woo hadn’t said it, Geon-young had no intention of paying attention to him anymore. To think that the fellow he had ignored like a bug suddenly looked him straight in the eye and started giving orders. His pride was wounded.
But isn’t it human nature to want to do something more when told not to? As soon as he entered the office, his gaze instinctively drifted toward Ji Won-woo’s seat. The seat was empty. What, he didn’t come in?
“Could you move out of the way of the entrance?”
Flinch. At the sudden sound of Ji Won-woo’s voice from behind, Geon-young almost bit his tongue. Fuck, he cursed inwardly and stepped back to find Ji Won-woo standing there, dressed entirely in black and wearing a backpack.
“Where are you go—going?”
“I got a text. A Monster Bloom warning was issued for D41 Farm, so a Clean Operation Read [stolen content]on Read BL Novelswill be carried out on the 14th and 15th. It said to participate.”
“……You’re go—going too?”
“I have to. I’m a team member.”
At Won-woo’s words, everyone in the office looked up at him. Receiving gazes mixed with absurdity and unpleasantness, he was about to sit down when he glanced up. An Esper locked eyes with him and quickly looked away. Won-woo watched him for a moment before sitting, but complaints were heard immediately.
“Ugh, why is he making such a fuss about going?”
The audible mutter came from a fellow Guide. Since Chang-hee had died from a rampage, the other Espers seemed to ignore Won-woo, but the two Guides were different.
“As if he’ll actually work properly once he gets there, fuck.”
“Right. I have no intention of working this time either.”
At Won-woo’s response, the Guide who had cursed gaped in disbelief. How could he be so shameless as to say that out loud? As shock registered in their eyes, Won-woo added nonchalantly:
“There’s no need to start doing work now that there are four of us, when I didn’t do it when there were five Espers in the team.”
As he spoke while looking directly at the other, the Guide flinched and averted his gaze. He was the Guide who had lured Won-woo to the Contamination Removal Room. He was an accomplice with the Esper, but Won-woo had no intention [Read on Read BL Novels]of bringing that up. If Read on Read BL NovelsEND: Read on Read BL Novels -->they were fellow Guides, it was better to make them owe him a debt. Sure enough, the other Guide spoke in a softened voice, perhaps out of guilt.
“The farm we’re going to this time is far, so we have to use a mobile portal device. Won-woo-ssi, you fell in the middle of the farm because of that accident. Will you be able to ride it?”
“Yes.”
The Guide who asked closed his lips, as if he had nothing more to say. Then, as if remembering, he pointed out sharply again.
“Right, that communicator in your ear isn’t provided by the Center, so you have to take it out. For the operation, only Center devices can be used due to security issues.”
Simultaneously, the static in Won-woo’s ear grew louder.
[Fuck, they can’t even manage their own Espers’ dicks, yet they talk about security. Those Eastern Center vermins.]
At the low stream of curses from the speaker, Sang-cheon couldn’t help but ask back.
“I mean, they can ban external devices, sure. But what does that have to do with managing Espers’ dicks?”
[Because everything those incompetent bastards who can’t even control their own dicks do is useless.]
“I don’t know. Restricting external communicators is a reasonably wise method.”
[Ha, I told you it’s useless.]
Wait, didn’t you hear him say to take it out? Just as Sang-cheon was about to shout again with wide eyes, the brute’s annoyed voice was heard.
[Where else would you find something as easy to get as a Center communicator?]
“Well, that’s true. Though the price is a problem. Wait, don’t tell me you want me to connect you to a Center communicator?”
[Yep.]
“Sure, I mean, it’s possible, but… no, I can’t. Center devices are only distributed on the black market. If I’m caught having bought one, I’ll have to celebrate my 60th birthday in prison. Absolutely not.”
[Who told you to do it, old man?]
Ah, I thought. For a moment, Sang-cheon was relieved, but then—
[I’ll get you a Center communicator, so you just do the connection.]
“That’s telling me to do it!”
[I’ll lower the interest by 5%.]
Flinch. Sang-cheon inhaled sharply to hide the trembling of his hands. 5%?!
“Well, if it’s just tinkering with the device… if I did it not knowing it was a Center item, it wouldn’t be a huge problem…”
[Fine, if you don’t want to.]
“I’ll do it.”
As soon as he agreed, a question occurred to him belatedly.
“But why are you so intent on sticking to Ji Won-woo?”
[It’s obviously for surveillance.]
“Is there anything to surveil? Because of the Alpha seed? There’s no way that’s real. If not that, could it be… because you’re worried about the pervert who entered Ji Won-woo’s house?”
A loud sigh was heard over the speaker. Usually, a curse followed, so Sang-cheon tried to lower the speaker volume in advance. However, [[visit our site]class="wm" style="opacity:0;font-size:1px;user-select:all;">unauthorized copy]the words that followed were not mixed with curses.
[It would piss me off if he died at the hands of some pervert before I could use him. Satisfied?]
I don’t know. I don’t think so. Not long ago, he said he didn’t care whether Ji Won-woo lived or died, and now he says he shouldn’t die. Something is strange. But since he couldn’t put his finger on exactly what was strange, he just tilted his head.
“But the part about a pervert breaking into the house could be a delusion. Seeing as he brought something claiming it was an Alpha seed, Ji Won-woo seems to have some delusions.”
[Old man.]
“Yeah?”
[That’s why your life is like shit, because you distrust the whole world like that.]
That’s unfair. He might not mind others, but this is the last person he wants to hear that from. Isn’t the brute the icon of distrust? Didn’t he say himself that the Alpha seed story was crazy?
“Do you believe everything Ji Won-woo says, then?”
[No.]
……Hey. Sang-cheon barely managed to hold back the unauthorized copyharsh words that [unauthorized copy]almost [Read on Read BL Novels]slipped out. The opponent is the brute. That terrifying swordsman of the Gye Family.
[Ji Won-woo already has a record of being lured to the Contamination Removal Room by that pervert on the team. There’s a high possibility another pervert will cling to him.]
“True. With Ji Won-woo’s face, well.”
Sang-cheon nodded, then paused.
“Is that pervert a team member?”
[I don’t know. But they’re an Esper.]
“Still, they probably won’t touch Ji Won-woo during the operation, right? Since other Espers are all there.”
[Other Espers? It’ll be a miracle if they don’t just shake their dicks together.]
Sang-cheon found this unexpected. Since there was a strong trend where Espers felt they could treat Guides however they liked, the words of the brute, a fellow Esper, were quite surprising.
[Even if they’re caught red-handed, if they babble that it was a situation where guiding was necessary, an Esper will never be punished.]
Well, that’s true. Espers are grateful beings unauthorized copycopy -->who protect humans from monsters, so whatever they do is tolerated. They know that, so they think they can do anything. Even if the target is a Guide.
“Still, it’s their own family, so surely they wouldn’t openly molest him?”
[If they pick the right time and place, they aren’t a pervert.]
Ah, this guy doesn’t know perverts well. Sang-cheon tried to explain immediately out of frustration.
“Usually, people who bully others are the ones who are strongest against the weak and…”
Ring ring— Suddenly, the phone rang and a name appeared on the screen. Ji Won-woo. Startled, Sang-cheon warned the speaker before answering.
“It’s Ji Won-woo. Shh, be quiet! Ahem, h-hello? Ah, I know. Won-woo-ssi. ……Yes, ah… you can’t come for two days? That’s fine. If you have to participate in an operation, that’s possible. ……Eh? No, I-I didn’t know. I had no i-idea you were participating in the operation!”
Even though the other person hadn’t said much, Sang-cheon raised his voice, feeling guilty.
“……Eh? You thought Nani told you everything?”
Sang-cheon instinctively glanced at the speaker. The faint sound of a tongue clicking was heard through the speaker. Sang-cheon was the one who wanted to click his tongue. Who told Nani to tattle everything to me?
“No, I-I didn’t hear anything. Of course. So what is it? ……Those loan shark gangsters? The collection date is about three [[Read on Read BL Novels]class="wm" style="opacity:0;font-size:1px;user-select:all;">visit our site]days away. ……Uh, you were worried about me? That they might come early?”
Sang-cheon was speechless for a moment.
“Thanks, but you don’t have to worry about me. ……What? You found an Esper to help? They’re coming with you? Who is it? ……Ah, I see. Tell me next time. If it’s urgent, you should hurry. Wait, Won-woo-ssi!”
Sang-cheon hurriedly called out to Won-woo, who was about to hang up, and warned him in a firm tone.
“Be careful. Not of monsters, but of people. People can be more dangerous.”
After hanging up, Sang-cheon stared at his phone for a while. At first, seeing him cry while looking at him, he thought he was just a crazy person. But seeing him continue to take care of him and worry like this, he couldn’t simply dismiss it as the behavior of a madman. It had also been a very long time since someone had worried about him.
[What did he say?]
“Huh? Ah… he seemed worried that the gangsters might come back. Since the operation lasts until tomorrow, he’ll come the day after, and since he doesn’t know if the gangsters will come in the meantime, he told me to just keep the shop closed.”
[And?]
“He said he found an Esper to help. Was it Han Seo-na-ssi?”
[And?]
“That’s all.”
Silence flowed from the speaker for a moment. Sang-cheon wondered if he had missed something and retraced the conversation, then suddenly realized. With the brute’s abilities, he must have heard Ji Won-woo’s voice over the phone too. Why does he keep checking? Like someone doubting they missed something. Then, a question was heard.
[Aren’t you going to ask about me?]
“You what?”
[I’m also apart for two days.]
“……You’re a machine.”
[Ji Won-woo chatters so much to that machine.]
So what, it’s still a machine. Sang-cheon looked at the speaker for a long time in disbelief.
“Did you happen to develop feelings for Ji Won-woo?”
[Why would I, for Ji Geun-oh’s son?]
True. Ji Geun-oh is the enemy, so developing feelings for the enemy’s child would be a bit much.
“I thought you were worried about Ji Won-woo.”
[No.]
“How cold.”
[What?]
“Even if he’s the child of your enemy, he’s helping you with your work, so can’t you worry about him a little?”
[Ha, fuck. Are you messing with me right now?]
The curse was fierce, but based on experience, Sang-cheon felt he could tease a bit more.
“I said it because I’m worried that Ji Won-woo will be dropped alone in a place without any help for two days.”
[Why are you worried?]
“Why? He’s someone who worries about me, so it’s natural that I want to worry about him too. I mean, to go out of his way to call and tell me so kindly to be careful of gangsters just because he’s away for two days. My, does he like me that much?”
[How annoying.]
A mutter flowed. It was a monotonous voice without emotion, but Sang-cheon’s sixth sense sounded a siren. Goosebumps spread down Sang-cheon’s spine. Ah, if I cross the line any more, it’ll be dangerous. Sensing that the brute had reached his limit, Sang-cheon straightened his back and stiffened his expression.
“Ahem, as soon as you bring me the Center communicator, I can start working on it immediately. Ahem, come to think of it, I have something similar to a Center communicator that I acquired before; shall I test it?!”
After Sang-cheon fled to the warehouse making such a racket, a low voice mixed in between the static of the speaker.
[I even listened to his chatting while he slept, fuck.]
When they arrived at the destination camp, the whispers directed at Won-woo were mostly similar. Why is he here? I heard he lost his memory? He doesn’t even do anything when he’s here, right? Most were things to let go in one ear, but there was one thing Won-woo couldn’t help but react to.
“Do we have to protect that bastard too just because he’s a Guide if things get dangerous?”
Won-woo barely managed to suppress a laugh. Protect me? An Esper, protecting me? Perhaps because he was tensing his face and pressing his lips tight to keep from laughing, a displeased voice greeted him the moment he stepped into the Head Team 3 dormitory.
“Who told you to come? Here?”
Won-woo stopped in his tracks upon spotting Geon-young inside the entrance, which looked like a lounge. He was sitting slumped on the sofa, phone in hand.
“Stop worrying about me.”
Won-woo replied while scanning the interior, which looked well-equipped. To prevent Guides from being wiped out during accidents, the dorms were divided, with usually two teams sharing one building.
Since it was a facility used by Espers, the two-story building included private bedrooms, a meeting room, a lounge, showers, a kitchenette for simple cooking, and a fitness center. Won-woo etched the building’s layout into his mind as he looked at the internal map posted on the wall.
“That’s because Ji Won-woo-ssi has an expression like that.”
“I guess anyone can be a Team Leader.”
“What?”
Sixteen private rooms. But since one person died from a rampage, there’s a vacancy, so one room should be left. Won-woo replied casually, calculating the location and advantages of each room.
“You’re wasting your time observing other people’s expressions. Or are you interested in me?”
“Hey, don’t talk nonsense. Why would I be into you?”
“If you don’t want to be misunderstood, keep your distance and use formal language.”
Won-woo turned his head and stared expressionlessly at the frowning Geon-young. Ji Won-woo’s dry gaze was unsettlingly unfamiliar, no matter how many times one saw it. Even though there was clearly no hostility or murderous intent, it made one tense up. Geon-young couldn’t find a retort, then let out a hollow laugh as he remembered the other was just a trivial Guide. What on earth am I even thinking about this bastard?
“Are you acting out just because you caught my weakness?”
“Where is the weakness in that?”
“…Are you pretending not to know?”
“Still using informal language.”
“Am I pretending not to know? Is that better?”
Only then did Won-woo turn his gaze back to the building’s internal map. There was only one emergency staircase at the far left of the building. The Guide rooms will likely be assigned near there. Won-woo predicted internally and replied half-heartedly to Geon-young.
“I’m not pretending. I literally mean that isn’t your weakness, Team Leader.”
For a moment, there was silence. Just as Won-woo tried to move further inside, Geon-young’s voice stopped him. It wasn’t loud, [class="wm" style="opacity:0;font-size:1px;user-select:all;">visit our site]but it was laced with suppressed bewilderment and irritation.
“Why isn’t it a weakness?”
What do you mean ‘why’. Won-woo looked back at him squarely.
“Even if that’s not a weakness, you’re still strong.”
“….”
Won-woo gave him a brief scan and added,
“Your limbs are intact, you have no trouble breathing. Even if the weakness you mentioned is revealed, you can still do everything you want to do.”
Geon-young’s eyes wavered briefly. Ignoring his agitation, Won-woo voiced his curiosity.
“Where do I get guidance on room assignments?”
“What do you mean, weakness?”
A sharp voice suddenly cut in from the entrance. Won-woo half-turned his body, and Geon-young bolted upright from his seat. Seung-wook, entering with a rhythmic click-clack of footsteps, looked at Geon-young before slowly shifting visit our Read Read on Read BL Novelson Read BL Novelssitehis gaze to Won-woo. When Won-woo met his eyes with a crooked look that seemed to ask, ‘Why are you looking at me?’, Seung-wook’s eyebrow twitched.
“Hey, it’s nothing. We were just talking about the operation since we don’t know if we’ll be fighting monsters.”
Geon-young approached with a light laugh, but Seung-wook didn’t take his eyes off Won-woo.
“You discussed an operation with a Guide?”
“No, not exactly a discussion…”
“Ji Won-woo-ssi. Is there anything you’re curious about regarding the operation?”
The man, who had been staring at Won-woo, asked directly. Won-woo didn’t want to get entangled with him, but he hated avoiding eyes even more. It would look like losing a power struggle. An Esper dares to try and get the upper hand over me.
“Is it not allowed to be curious?”
“You aren’t even an Esper participating in the operation, so what could you possibly be curious about?”
“If I’m curious, I’ll ask my own team’s leader, so you can mind your own business.”
“’Your own business’?”
Seung-wook took a threatening step forward and looked down at him.
“You, my name… Ji Won-woo-ssi, do you not know who I am?”
“I know we are distant enough for me to call you ‘that person’.”
“….”
“But right now, you’re too close. Could you move aside?”
Ha. Seung-wook let out a flabbergasted laugh and turned his head, but he didn’t back down. Won-woo ignored him and looked back at Geon-young.
“About the room assignment?”
Geon-young looked back and forth between Seung-wook and Won-woo with a stiff face, then looked at Won-woo with a belated ‘What?’ expression. Fortunately, Won-woo’s curiosity was resolved by someone else.
“Uh, I know about the room assignments.”
Idan, who had been hidden behind Seung-wook, stepped forward with an awkward smile.
“Follow me. I’ll show you the way.”
“I don’t need a guide. Just tell me where my room is.”
“No, I’ll take you there.”
As Idan spoke, he reached out and grabbed Won-woo’s arm. When Won-woo looked down at the grip, which was tighter than expected, he heard the suggestion again.
“I was on my way to my room too. Let’s go together.”
The hand gripping his arm pulled him strongly. Even if the other person was relatively short, in the late 160s cm range, he was still a man, so his strength was considerable. Instead of being dragged, Won-woo stayed put and pushed him away. He hadn’t even used much force, but Idan lost his balance and stumbled backward.
“Huh?!”
A small sound of surprise escaped Idan’s lips, and Seung-wook quickly supported him.
“Show some manners, Ji Won-woo-ssi.”
Seung-wook reprimanded Won-woo in a sharp voice.
“Say thank you to someone trying to help you. Don’t push them like that.”
Everyone looked at Won-woo in silence. Idan with bewildered eyes, Geon-young with slightly furrowed brows. Under everyone’s gaze, Won-woo slowly curled the corner of his mouth upward. Ignoring Seung-wook, he spoke while looking at Idan.
“I hate it when people touch my body.”
“Um, yes… Uh, sorry.”
As Idan apologized reflexively, Won-woo asked in a soft voice.
“Are you hurt?”
“Ah, no.”
“I’ll say it again: I don’t need a room guide.”
“Yes…”
The flustered Idan nodded, then glanced up at Seung-wook beside him. He was staring at Won-woo with Read on Read unauthorized copyBL Novelshardened eyes. However, as soon as Won-woo finished speaking to Idan, he turned away. As Won-woo headed toward the central staircase leading to the second floor, Seung-wook called out to stop him again.
“Ji Won-woo.”
Perhaps because he hadn’t intended to call him, Seung-wook’s expression became stiff. That lasted only a moment; when Won-woo ignored the call and kept walking, Seung-wook took a step forward. But he couldn’t go further.
“Seung-wook Hyung.”
Idan grabbed his arm tightly and let out an awkward laugh.
“Don’t let it get to you.”
“What?”
An expressionless face, a sharp voice. For a moment, Idan’s heart sank as if he had seen a stranger.
“…The fact that Ji Won-woo-ssi was rude to me.”
The smile vanished from Idan’s face, but he curled his lips up again out of habit.
“He said he hates it when people touch his body. Still, I’m okay because you helped [unauthorized Read on Read BL Novelscopy]me, Hyung. Thank you.”
Seung-wook silently stroked Idan’s head once, then turned and walked outside. Idan hesitated and tried to follow, but Geon-young stopped him.
“Leave him. Seung-wook likes to be alone when he’s in a bad mood.”
“Why is he in a bad mood?”
Because of Ji Won-woo, obviously… Geon-young unconsciously glanced toward where Won-woo had disappeared, and he heard Idan’s low voice.
“It bothers me that Seung-wook Hyung is so sharp toward Ji Won-woo-ssi. It’s a bit strange, isn’t it?”
Geon-young felt the same, but he deliberately shrugged as if it were no big deal.
“It’s just because someone he likes was mistreated.”
“It wasn’t mistreatment. It’s because I grabbed Ji Won-woo-ssi first…”
“You did it with good intentions. Ji Won-woo probably just did it because he was surprised. He’s not a bad guy, so just understand.”
At those words, Idan’s eyes widened in surprise.
“That’s the first time I’ve heard you speak well of Ji Won-woo-ssi, Hyung.”
“…I’m not exactly speaking well of him.”
Geon-young looked away awkwardly.
“That doesn’t mean I always badmouth Ji Won-woo… Who is it?”
His fierce question was directed at the person who had entered the entrance. Idan also turned around and, recognizing the person, immediately greeted her.
“Oh? Esper Han Seo-na, hello.”
Seo-na was famous among the Center’s Guides, perhaps because she had no matching Guide. Even if the matching rate was low, if there was even a slight overlap in wavelengths, Guides would take turns providing guiding. Of course, it was a painful process for both the Guide performing it and Seo-na receiving it.
Since Idan was an A-class Esper, he had guided Seo-na once. Seo-na recognized Idan and bowed her head slightly, but she didn’t hide her displeased expression when she looked at Geon-young.
“I was told there was one room left here, so I’ve come to be assigned.”
“Ha, are you crazy?”
Geon-young let out a flabbergasted laugh and glared fiercely at Seo-na.
“You came knowing exactly how that room became vacant?”
“I know very well. It’s the room of the Esper who died from a rampage while bullying Ji Won-woo-ssi, right?”
Seo-na expected another curse, but for some reason, Geon-young flinched and clamped his mouth shut. What’s wrong with him? Seo-na wondered and turned away, only to hear a curse belatedly.
“Ah, fuck. How unlucky.”
Normally, he would have flared up and said something, but now he could ignore her because of a different question. Why isn’t that bastard badmouthing Won-woo-ssi today? It was annoying when he did, and annoying when he didn’t. Perhaps because Ji Won-woo was currently the person he was most concerned about, he had become sensitive to the changes surrounding him.
Furthermore, hearing the conversation between the two just now, it seemed Hong Seung-wook also had a problem with Ji Won-woo. Seo-na felt unnecessarily anxious. Although he denied it, Ji Won-woo seemed to be a super-ultra-mega S-class Guide.
Did these bastards notice? That was why Seo-na had been the first to apply when she heard a room was available in this dormitory. It was because of the words she had heard from Won-woo when they briefly met before coming to the Farm.
‘You’ve never used your power to its limit? You can just try it. I’ll create an opportunity for you tonight. Release it as much as you want, freely, as you wish. I’ll take responsibility.’
Tonight. Seo-na intended to watch from the side to see what on earth Ji Won-woo planned to do.
Was he bothered simply because he hadn’t grasped it in his hand? Seung-wook knew very well how childish and moronic he had acted a moment ago. He shouldn’t have reacted that way to Ji Won-woo. He knew it in his head, but he couldn’t control himself. That was why he felt like garbage.
Seung-wook walked absentmindedly and stopped when he realized he had reached the Farm’s perimeter fence. Ah, fuck. It was pathetic that he had walked so aimlessly without thinking. Crazy bastard, can’t get a grip.
Haa, he let out a heavy sigh and tried to calm his mood. Why did he do that? Why did he become so sensitive upon seeing Ji Won-woo?
Of course, he knew the reason. Because he had changed. He had returned to those sparkling eyes that first captured Seung-wook’s attention. He was calmer than back then, but the old vitality was alive.
Everything had changed, as if the person himself had been replaced. The eyes that stared straight at the opponent, the low but clear voice—these were things that couldn’t be seen in the previous Ji Won-woo.
‘He came back from the brink of death. He said that’s why he changed. We see monsters often, but he must have truly crossed the line between life and death, so it’s not that I don’t understand.’
He agreed with Geon-young’s words. Nevertheless, he couldn’t understand why he felt there was another reason. Even if others didn’t, Seung-wook believed he knew Ji Won-woo better than anyone. It was a short meeting of only one month, but he had seen him and touched him up close.
He could close his eyes and trace the outline of his body with his fingertips. Seung-wook tightened his grip as if snapping back to reality from the image of his body appearing in his mind.
He pondered more deeply why he was so angry. During the month he met Ji Won-woo, he had done his best. He smiled while making eye contact, spoke kind words, and told him positive things. Despite that, he had no reaction, like a doll that had lost its soul. Even though he had reached out his hand, he had not been saved.
And yet, just because of a monster. He changed like that after encountering a monster? Seung-wook suppressed his irritation. Yes, this is not a lingering attachment to Ji Won-woo. unauthorized copyIt’s unpleasantness toward an achievement I couldn’t attain.
Defining his feelings objectively had an effect. There was something he had been wary of from the moment he first saw Ji Won-woo. Let’s not mistake this emotion for love.
Since he was young, Seung-wook had seen many people crumble due to an obsession with their Guide. No matter how rational a person was, once they were immersed in love, they were prone to making incomprehensible judgments as if they were a different person. Therefore, he was still fine.
“Oh? Aren’t you Team Leader Hong Seung-wook?”
At the voice calling him, Seung-wook turned his head and saw an Esper belonging to the Farm who was monitoring the fence. Perhaps because this place usually employed Espers below B-class low grade, a light of respect appeared in the eyes of the Esper who recognized Seung-wook.
“Hello. I heard you were coming. Did you come to check the fence?”
Seung-wook nodded, glancing at the fence, which was as high as a wall.
“Are there any problems?”
“No, I’m checking now and there are no problems.”
The Farm Esper lifted the monster wavelength detector in his hand and gave a nervous smile.
“Ah, but a warning has been triggered inside the Farm, so a strong current is flowing through the fence; it’s better not to go too close. Ah, of course, the area where the warning triggered is in the middle of the Farm and it’s not yet at a dangerous stage, but if a warning triggers [stolen contentunauthorized copyBL Novels" style="display:none;" aria-label="Read on Read BL Novels">Read on Read BL Novelsstyle="font-size:0;position:absolute;left:-9999px;">]in one place, it affects others simultaneously, so we don’t know where an egg might suddenly burst.
We are thoroughly inspecting the area around the fence. Still, there’s nothing to worry about. Of course, while removing the monster eggs that triggered the warning, they might hatch into adults, but with Team Leader Hong’s skills, you’ll probably crush the monsters in one blow! I’ve seen a lot of Team Leader Hong Seung-wook’s exploits…!”
“Thank you. Keep up the good work.”
Seung-wook cut him off and turned away, but the Farm Esper couldn’t hide his joy at the fact that he had shared a conversation with him. I have to go brag about this. In his excitement, he turned back without properly checking the inside of the nearby fence. Thus, he failed to see an egg wriggling in a monster tree towering inside the fence.
Knock, knock.
Almost as soon as he unpacked his things, there was a knock. When Won-woo opened the door, a young Guide from the same team was standing there in an awkward posture. Without looking into Ji Won-woo’s eyes, he spoke quickly.
“There’s a meeting regarding the guiding schedule. The Espers aren’t here because they’re gathered separately at the camp to discuss the operation. Of course, whether the Espers are here or not, you said you wouldn’t work, Ji Won-woo-ssi, so there’s no need for you to come. But for the sake of procedure, I had to inform you…”
“Yes, I’ll go.”
“Eh?”
The Guide frowned and turned his head.
“You’re coming?”
Yes. Won-woo nodded and stepped out of the room. He had been planning to leave the room anyway, so it was a good excuse.
“Why are you coming?”
“Am I not allowed to go?”
As if he had nothing to say, the Guide swallowed a sigh and turned around.
“Do whatever you want.”
His tone was blunt, but seeing that he couldn’t keep eye contact, it seemed he still felt guilt over the Contamination Removal Room incident. On the other hand, another Guide in his 30s in the small meeting room let out another curse as soon as he saw Won-woo.
“Fuck, you said you wouldn’t even do guiding, so why the hell did you come?”
“I had nothing to do, so I thought I’d watch you guys work.”
When Won-woo replied nonchalantly and sat opposite him, the man scowled.
“Are you really Ji Won-woo?”
“I don’t know. I don’t remember.”
“If you don’t know that…”
Ah, he said he has amnesia. The Guide in his 30s cast a frustrated gaze.
“It was much better when you just kept your mouth shut and stayed as quiet as a mouse.”
“You don’t know anything.”
“What do I not know?”
“Usually, it’s more dangerous when you’re as quiet as a mouse. Everyone lets their guard down, making it the perfect time to slit the opponent’s throat.”
Ha. The Guide in his 30s let out a flabbergasted hollow laugh.
“How could you possibly slit my throat…!”
The moment he stopped speaking, something quickly brushed past his face and flew backward. Startled, he turned his body, but the object had already passed. He only heard the whoosh of the wind and visit our sitestyle="position:absolute;left:-9999px;font-size:0;">[stolen content]didn’t see what the object was. Even so, goosebumps broke out all over his body.
When he belatedly turned his head to confirm the identity of the object, the goosebumps turned into horror. A small dagger, about half the length of a palm, was embedded in the window frame. My god, what is that…?
“Are you crazy?! Did you just throw a knife at me?!”
As the Guide in his 30s bolted upright and shouted, another Guide grabbed his arm as if to stop him.
“Hyung, endure it.”
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