I’M A Max-Level Regressor [EN]: Chapter 138

138

‘Come on, man. You can’t start with words like that. It’s not like you…….’

In his past life, Nicholas regressed to the year 2025.

He told me that he had awakened at the same time as his regression.

In other words, the current Nicholas is ordinary. It means he’s just a regular person I could kill with a flick of my finger right in front of me.

[I am really interested in Awakened news!

And as I travel through Korea, I am becoming more aware that this is Kang Shin-hwa’s country.

From unparalleled creations to the refreshing way you take down villains! You are really awesome!

Are you 24 years old? I’m 24 too. We’re the same age. Despite being the same age, I’m sad that I’m living such a pathetic life!]

‘This guy, why is he so pessimistic?’

It’s not like Nicholas.

Well, he said that before his regression, he was very introverted and timid.

However, he said that he regressed with worn-out emotions, so he became ‘eccentric’ after the regression.

I understand.

I, too, sometimes react trivially to things that I should be surprised about because of the numerous experiences I gained in my past life.

[My only wish is to make an Awakened friend!

I want to hear stories of adventure, challenge, trial, and hardship.

I dream of becoming a writer. Countless living stories become my bones and flesh!]

‘Right. He told me that he dreamed of becoming a writer. He also said that he would have become a novelist if he hadn’t regressed.’

First of all, I thought that what’s happening now is definitely a butterfly effect [the idea that small actions can have large consequences]. It didn’t happen at this time in my past life.

As I became an Awakened and gained popularity, it became an opportunity to attract Nicholas’s attention while he was traveling in Korea during this period.

If I hadn’t regressed, Nicholas would have had no reason to contact me, who was just a porter.

The sensitivity of regression.

Because of that theory, I can’t say anything about regression to the current Nicholas.

Even if I did, there would be no benefit. Only the guy who has regressed knows how to develop his talent.

In other words, even if I told him all the facts about the regression, I have no way to make Nicholas an Awakened.

“I can’t stand it.”

But apart from that, I wanted to see how he was doing with my own eyes.

Every time, I vaguely thought he was somewhere in America… but Seoul?

I wondered if I could see his face.

Of course, I won’t mention regression to him. There’s no gain, only loss.

I immediately wrote back.

[Where are you?]

It was a short but intense message.

* * *

In front of Hongdae [a vibrant district in Seoul known for its arts scene and nightlife].

Like Sinchon Station, the area around Hongik University Station was fluttering with the flags of the Hongyeon Guild everywhere.

Paat! Pat!

For quick movement, Shin-hwa was moving by jumping between buildings.

Now that I’m used to moving like this, it feels frustrating to travel by car.

“To think I’m running out in the middle of the night to meet a guy instead of my girlfriend. Heh heh.”

Shin-hwa let out a hollow laugh.

That’s how much Nicholas meant to Shin-hwa.

In his past life, he was the one who brought his life, which had clearly fallen to the bottom, up to a moment of glory.

He kept saying he wanted to rest every time, though.

However, that didn’t mean that Nicholas had forgotten his gratitude for changing his destiny.

“That looks like him.”

The appearance of people who would only look like a dot from the rooftop of a building to others.

But Shin-hwa’s altered eyes could see it right away.

At the busking site, Nicholas was nodding and enjoying the busker’s performance.

Shin-hwa glanced down and jumped from a height of nearly 50m.

“Heup!”

Whoosh! Kuung!

“Kyaa!”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t expect someone to come out of the alley so suddenly.”

“Did you just jump down from the building…? S, suicide…?”

“No. I was just trying to save some time.”

“Oh? But…….”

“Excuse me!”

Before the eyes of the surprised two women could change to recognize him.

Swish!

He quickly left the scene.

Soon, Shin-hwa arrived at the busking site where Nicholas was and tapped him on the shoulder.

If he greeted Nicholas noisily here, it would be perfect for attracting attention from the surroundings.

He was planning to take him out quietly.

As popularity always brings public attention, it was necessary to be careful with his actions.

“Oh?”

“Shall we take a walk and get some fresh air, Mr. Nicholas? It’s a bit difficult if there are too many people around.”

“Your English is fluent!”

“English is basic these days. Let’s go.”

That’s how the dramatic meeting between the former regressor and the current regressor took place.

Of course, it was a ‘historical’ meeting that Nicholas himself was completely unaware of.

* * *

“I’m truly honored that someone who is no different from a celebrity would meet me like this!”

“It’s not that honorable. I came because I wanted to meet a friend of the same age.”

I gave an indirect reason, looking at Nicholas, who was overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do.

“I have to brag to my friends when I go back to America! It’s an honor to my family!”

“Let me introduce myself again. I’m Kang Shin-hwa. An Awakened in Korea.”

“Nicholas Hagen! I dream of becoming a novelist. I like to travel, so I plan to publish an essay containing my travel stories soon!”

“That’s a wonderful dream. Should we go into a bar or cafe if you’re cold?”

“No! I’m wearing warm clothes, and I really like this feeling of walking the night streets of Hongdae.”

The guy I saw was truly a pure, passionate young man.

The appearance of him coming to me after the regression and saying arrogantly, ‘I now have the power over your life and death,’ was nowhere to be seen.

“Is this your first time traveling to Korea?”

“Yes! By the way, Mr. Kang Shin-hwa, is it true that you were a porter and your life was turned upside down overnight?”

“That’s right. It’s a perfect fact. That’s why I don’t want to hide my past as a porter.”

“I’m so jealous. I want to awaken and turn my life around. I’m not interested in money, but I definitely want to have talent!”

“What kind of talent do you want to have?”

“The ability to read people’s minds? Haha, it’s really a ridiculous wish!”

“It seems like it would suit you.”

I was laughing, but I was actually surprised inside. Because that’s the ability Nicholas will gain when he regresses in the future.

Several times, a word I wanted to say kept coming up from my throat.

‘Hey! You already regressed a long time ago, aren’t you pretending not to be so you can take a break?’

I wanted to shout like that, but I held back because I was afraid it would be a pointless act.

Given Nicholas’s personality of pursuing extreme time efficiency, it didn’t seem like he would play such a silly prank.

“When I awaken later, I will definitely ask Mr. Kang Shin-hwa to go to a dungeon with me. It will be really fun!”

“You’re welcome anytime.”

“I feel like I’ve made a reliable friend, even if it’s just for a moment, in my Korean trip, which was comfortable but somewhat lonely.”

Looking at Nicholas’s bright smile, I felt better too.

He doesn’t usually smile.

The current appearance was the complete opposite of Nicholas’s cynical appearance that I remember.

After that, we talked quite a lot.

I asked Nicholas about his past and school days, which I had rarely heard, and listened to them with interest.

Nicholas asked about my life as an Awakened, whose fate had changed overnight from being a porter.

It was a meaningful time to resolve each other’s curiosity.

In the meantime, Nicholas mentioned several times that he hoped his future self would regress.

I guess he dreamed of regressing from this time.

Perhaps that wish reached him and Nicholas in his past life experienced regression.

“I’ll keep posting a lot of photos on Facegram [a fictional social media platform] in the future, and even if I don’t receive other messages, I’ll definitely receive Mr. Nicholas’s messages, so contact me anytime.”

“Wow, really? I didn’t expect this special treatment!”

Of course, I have to give you special treatment.

From the moment you regress, I’m going to start the handover process for retirement.

You absolutely have to know. Definitely.

“Where are you going now?”

“I’m going to China. I heard there are many mysterious dimension doors there, so I’m going to take some pictures.”

Nicholas’s travel schedule was tighter than I thought. It was a schedule that divided time into seconds.

Only today was the only time he had free time, and he suddenly thought of me and sent me a message.

Of course, he didn’t expect a reply, it was just a one-sided contact with someone he admired…….

Coincidentally, I read the message that I might have inadvertently deleted. It was really a coincidence.

‘Please regress, seriously.’

I forcibly pulled down the words that had come up to my throat.

I was really happy to meet Nicholas, but if he doesn’t regress, things will be completely different.

It means I’ll be stuck with 100% of the burden alone.

“It was fun. If you come to Korea next time, let’s spend more time together then.”

“Of course! It was a message from an insignificant person, but thank you so much for meeting me like this!”

“Goodbye, Nicholas.”

“I’ll be going! Thank you, Mr. Kang Shin-hwa! It was truly an honor!”

Nicholas waved his hands with the brightest smile in the world and said goodbye to me.

It was a special time to hear about his school days and past stories that I had never heard in my past life.

As soon as we parted.

A photo taken with me was posted on Nicholas’s Facegram, and people’s enthusiastic reactions poured in.

[chungcho: Handsome Nicholas looks like a squid next to Kang Shin-hwa.

rainy: Who is the sculpture next to Nicholas?

matt: Are you dating a guy? Your boyfriend is handsome?

alexander0901: Everyone, please excuse Matt’s stupidity. He only stays at home, so he doesn’t know Awakened very well.]

Most of them were compliments about my appearance.

I never really thought my appearance was that great, but it seems like foreigners think I look pretty good too.

“Whoa.”

I felt all the tension in my body released because I had met someone I really wanted to know about.

Okay, it’s good to know that Nicholas is okay for now.

He will definitely come.

I just have to hold on until then.

Wisely and intelligently.

* * *

The final departure schedule has been set.

March 9th morning.

It was the ‘Incheon-Lollana’ route, which finally became a direct flight with the recent opening of a new route.

Still one day left.

Before leaving the country, there was something I wanted to settle in advance.

So, around dinner time, I was moving to meet ‘that person’ whom I had secretly made an appointment with.

The destination is an abandoned factory.

It was a secret place just for the two of us, free from the eyes of others.