The Regressor Only Protects Me [EN]: Chapter 83

3. The Great War (2)

Several days have passed since Round 3 began.

Changes appeared rapidly.

Winter was ending, and spring was beginning to arrive. The landscape was transforming quickly.

The snow melted, trickling into the cracks of the asphalt.

Green, alien plants sprouted everywhere, wrapping around buildings, and vibrant flowers bloomed from the cracks in the structures.

Areas once blocked by snowdrifts were now accessible as the snow receded.

The buildings, already weakened, suffered further damage during the previous rounds.

Some stood firm, but many had collapsed, leaning precariously against adjacent buildings.

The highways that had completely collapsed now had only pillars remaining, skeletal reminders of what once was.

Those pillars became the territory of a new predator.

An unidentified flying monster had built its nest there, claiming the ruins as its own.

The drastically changed city was a spectacle, a bizarre and unsettling landscape.

But it also meant that the safe areas for humans had shrunk, making survival even more challenging.

The melting snow didn’t signal the end of the disaster; it merely ushered in a new phase.

Strange creatures that had burrowed into the snow to hibernate were now waking up, driven by primal urges.

They were hungry, their metabolisms kicking back into gear.

Hungry, they prowled around in search of protein and fat, desperate to replenish their depleted reserves.

Crunch, crunch-.

A green monster frog, easily 7 meters tall, sat atop a car-sized chunk of rubble.

Crunch, crunch-.

The frog had a person in its mouth, its jaws working methodically.

Each time the frog chewed, its legs twitched in a grotesque display of satisfaction.

It was one that had awakened from a long hibernation, its hunger insatiable.

Their size was comparable to that of an elephant, making them apex predators in this new ecosystem.

They preyed on humans, their primary source of sustenance.

“Hngh……!”

“Aaaaaaack!!!”

Whirr-! Chop!

The long tongue spat out by the monster frog wrapped around a member of the defense force patrolling the area, ensnaring its prey with terrifying speed.

Then, it quickly sucked the struggling soldier into its mouth, a blur of motion.

Chew, chew.

It chewed the human into small pieces as if chewing gum, a casual act of brutality.

Humans with crude spears and kitchen knives died helplessly, becoming food for the monsters, their efforts futile.

They were beings that humans could not possibly contend with on equal footing, creatures of nightmare.

But the Players were different, possessing abilities that defied the natural order.

Whirr- Pow pow pow pow!

Orbs of energy poured down from the sky, directly hitting the frog with pinpoint accuracy.

It was Kang Si-On’s attack, a display of power meant to protect the vulnerable.

“…….”

“My Lord……!”

“Lord!!!”

Si-On frowned, his expression a mixture of concern and determination.

In fact, even before Round 3 began, people had slowly started to cross the walls, seeking refuge and protection.

Si-On had a duty to protect the residents, and he needed to stop the chaos and maintain order.

They could not be defeated by a unit composed of ordinary humans; the task required specialized skills and power.

Therefore, the faction needed more Players, individuals with unique abilities and the will to fight.

Si-On’s faction lacked the necessary number of Players, a critical weakness in the face of growing threats.

Players played a huge role, whether it was catching monsters in the League or fighting wars with other lords, so they had to be secured as much as possible, becoming valuable assets.

Now, that problem was being addressed.

Taking over Bisan was primarily for recruiting Players, expanding their ranks with skilled individuals.

Si-On would gather Players scattered in various places through Bisan’s Madam [a term for a female leader or manager, often in a social or business context].

Everything was for the war, a strategic move to bolster their forces and prepare for the inevitable conflicts.

The frog collapsed on the wall, its body riddled with holes, spilling its insides in a gruesome spectacle.

The person was already dead and half-chewed, but its belly was full of its young, a horrifying discovery.

-Kkeureureuk…… Kkeureureuk……!

-Kkeureureuk…… Kkeureureuk……!

Froglets, miniature versions of their monstrous parent.

Originally, frogs laid eggs and the eggs became tadpoles, but these creatures were carrying their young like mammals, an evolutionary anomaly.

The froglets cried, not even knowing that their mother was dead, their cries a pathetic sound in the chaos.

“Aaaagh!”

“Die!! You monster!”

Two soldiers from Man-Kyung ran towards the crying froglets and stabbed them with spears, driven by rage and a desire for revenge.

Then, the flesh exploded like a bomb, a gruesome and unexpected consequence.

Boom-!

The bodies of the two soldiers were shattered, and their flesh scattered and fell all over the wall, a horrifying scene of carnage.

Thud thud thud…….

“Ugh……!”

The secretary next to Si-On vomited, unable to stomach the gruesome sight.

Si-On frowned and watched the scene, his expression grim.

Alien monsters that humans had never encountered before were creating a different ecosystem than ever before, a terrifying new reality.

The secretary standing next to Si-On suppressed his nausea and continued to write about the monsters, diligently recording the details.

“……That might be useful,” he managed to choke out.

“Yes…… Yes! Uuuuurgh……!”

As soon as Round 3 began, numerous diverse monsters appeared, each with its own unique characteristics and dangers.

No one could predict what variables they would bring to the war, the potential for chaos immense.

Si-On raised his head and looked at the rooftop of the opposite building, his gaze sharp and focused.

-Kkureureureuk…… Kkureureureuk……

-Kkureureureuk…… Kkureureureuk……

-Kkureureureuk…… Kkureureureuk……

There, a group of monster frogs were glaring at Si-On, inflating their vocal sacs in a menacing display.

No, to be exact, they seemed to be looking at their young scattered on the wall, their concern evident.

This time, looking down the wall, there were unidentified black creatures, swarming and ominous.

They were trying to climb the wall, their movements frantic and desperate.

But they couldn’t climb, their efforts thwarted.

Because of their short legs, they lacked the necessary reach and leverage.

Each time, the defense force responded with Molotov cocktails, creating fiery explosions that deterred the creatures, but if there were no walls…….

‘They’d all be dead,’ Si-On realized, the thought chilling.

It was fortunate that the walls had been built, providing a crucial line of defense.

If there were no walls, all the labor in the city would have to be mobilized to stop the monsters, diverting resources and manpower.

And Do-An would be doing that diligently right now, coordinating the defense efforts.

* * *

Man-Kyung, Central Street.

“Hooray!”

“Hooray!”

After the workday, the residents of Man-Kyung came out to the streets and shouted cheers, their voices filled with joy and relief.

A festival was held to celebrate the expansion of the territory due to the takeover of Bisan and the Third Force of Man-An, a moment of unity and triumph.

Moreover, today was the day when Bisan and the Third Force of Man-An were coming to Man-Kyung, seeking refuge and a new home.

Since the start of Round 3, the outside of the city had become too dangerous to live in, forcing people to seek safety within the walls.

The central street of Man-Kyung was crowded with people, a vibrant mix of different backgrounds and experiences.

Residents of Bisan-dong, residents of the Third Force, and wanderers, all seeking a sense of community and belonging.

Whenever Si-On achieved something, the residents always rejoiced greatly and held a festival, their gratitude and admiration evident.

Every resident of Man-Kyung praised their lord, Kang Si-On, and came out to the streets to dance on that day, celebrating his leadership and vision.

Old pop songs from the 90s played, filling the air with nostalgic melodies.

A cassette tape placed on a stump with visible growth rings, a relic from a bygone era.

The pop song played from the tape inside, its sound crackly and imperfect.

The music was very quiet, and even that was mixed with static noise, but it didn’t matter to the residents enjoying the day, their spirits high.

They were just happy to dance with the people next to them, sharing a moment of joy and connection.

Large bonfires were lit everywhere on the street, casting a warm glow and providing a focal point for the celebrations, and residents gathered around each bonfire.

“A festival……,”

“…….”

Sitting on one side of the street, Choi Hyun-Ji, drinking water from a tumbler with a straw, smiled secretly, a rare and subtle expression.

It was a rare sight, a moment of peace and celebration amidst the chaos.

Even now, people were dying and being hunted in various parts of the city, but the residents here were peacefully enjoying the festival, a stark contrast to the surrounding dangers.

Choi Hyun-Ji sucked on the straw and then looked at Ha Yoon-Ha next to her, her gaze curious.

Ha Yoon-Ha was the manager of this city, responsible for its smooth operation and the well-being of its residents.

Despite her appearance, she was a Player, possessing unique abilities and a strong sense of duty.

Choi Hyun-Ji silently stared at Yoon-Ha and then rummaged through her bag, searching for something.

And thud. She brought a strawberry milk to Yoon-Ha’s cheek, a playful gesture.

“Ah! Cold. What is it?!”

Yoon-Ha was surprised and flinched, startled by the sudden touch.

Choi Hyun-Ji chuckled and shook the strawberry milk, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

“Drink it. This is expensive, you know?”

“…….”

Yoon-Ha looked at Choi Hyun-Ji once and then reached for the strawberry milk, her expression softening.

And carefully took the milk, her movements delicate.

“Do you think I’m a kid……? I’m 15 years old……,”

“Yeah, yeah~ School lunch. I know,” Choi Hyun-Ji teased, a playful glint in her eyes.

“School lunch……?”

In this era, strawberry milk was a really precious luxury item, a rare treat.

Perhaps even more of a luxury than cigarettes, a symbol of a more innocent time.

It would have been around 1,300 won [approximately $1 USD] in the original world, a small price for a moment of happiness.

Choi Hyun-Ji looked at Ha Yoon-Ha, who was drinking strawberry milk, and suddenly became curious, her thoughts turning inward.

Where she came from and why she was here, the questions lingering in her mind.

So she asked, her voice soft and inquisitive.

“Why…… why are you here?”

“……What?”

Ha Yoon-Ha’s lips twitched, a hint of a smile playing on her face.

It seemed that the strawberry milk was delicious, a simple pleasure in a chaotic world.

Yoon-Ha seemed to be savoring the strawberry milk, taking her time to enjoy the sweet taste.

Then she muttered and answered, her voice quiet but sincere.

“……Because I want to be helpful to the Lord.”

“Kang Si-On?”

“Sseueup?!? More disrespect?” Yoon-Ha retorted, feigning offense.

“……Yessir-,” Choi Hyun-Ji replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

It was strange to Choi Hyun-Ji, a concept she struggled to grasp.

How could everyone in the faction give such full support and love to just one person, their loyalty unwavering?

Who on earth was this lord, Kang Si-On, that he commanded such devotion?

The lords of the apocalypse she had met so far were only people who were crazy about pleasure, indulging in their desires without restraint.

And Choi Hyun-Ji didn’t find their appearance that strange, it was almost expected.

‘……Because everyone likes to enjoy pleasure,’ she mused.

Humans like pleasure, and humans who are immersed in pleasure become corrupt, their morals eroding.

Corrupt humans eventually perish, their downfall inevitable.

Choi Hyun-Ji had come down here looking at such people, observing their descent into depravity.

After the era had perished, what she feared most was being forgotten, her existence fading into oblivion.

In the original world, if you died, your family or friends would remember you, keeping your memory alive.

The body is buried and remains as a tomb, or it is burned and stored in a bottle, tangible reminders of a life lived.

Even if you die like that, traces of yourself remain in the world, a legacy of sorts.

But now?

There is nothing, no guarantee of remembrance.

You just die and disappear, your existence erased.

That’s why Choi Hyun-Ji decided to enjoy it, to make the most of her time.

If she was destined to be forgotten anyway, she thought she would enjoy it as much as she could while she was alive, embracing the present moment.

In her eyes, the residents of Man-Kyung seemed like people who were trying to enjoy the present like her, finding joy in the face of adversity.

“……Pfft.”

At that time, Ha Yoon-Ha smiled rarely, a genuine expression of happiness.

Choi Hyun-Ji was surprised by the girl’s laughter and turned to Yoon-Ha, her curiosity piqued.

“Puh…… Pwahahahaha!”

Ha Yoon-Ha laughed heartily, her joy infectious.

The girl’s laughter was so good to see, a beacon of light in the darkness.

It felt like her heart was melting, a warmth spreading through her.

“Why…… why are you laughing?”

“No, no. Earlier, when you said ‘Yessir-‘, your expression was so funny…… Puhuhu…… Ah, I shouldn’t be like this,” Ha Yoon-Ha said, trying to contain her laughter.

Seeing Ha Yoon-Ha’s clear laughter, Choi Hyun-Ji’s heart began to pound, an unfamiliar sensation.

The cities she had been through so far were only filled with slaughter and pleasure, devoid of genuine joy.

But here, there was someone who laughed brightly, a symbol of hope and resilience.

‘……No. Get a grip,’ she told herself, trying to regain her composure.

It seemed like she had been here for too long, her defenses weakening.

It felt like it would be dangerous if she stayed any longer, her emotions becoming entangled.

So Choi Hyun-Ji decided, her mind made up.

To leave this place, to distance herself from the growing attachment.

It was a decision she made after seeing Ha Yoon-Ha’s laughter, a realization of the potential for change within herself.

“……I’m leaving tomorrow,” Choi Hyun-Ji said casually, looking at the people who were dancing, her expression nonchalant.

At that, Ha Yoon-Ha was surprised and turned to her, her eyes wide with disbelief.

“Weren’t you…… going to stay for 3 more days?”

Ha Yoon-Ha looked at Choi Hyun-Ji, but Choi Hyun-Ji was still looking at the dancing people of Man-Kyung, resting her chin on her hand, her gaze distant.

They were spinning around the bonfire like they were doing Ganggangsullae [a traditional Korean circle dance], their movements rhythmic and synchronized.

“Just because. I feel like it wouldn’t be good to stay here for too long. I’m a wanderer. I feel comfortable wandering around. And it doesn’t seem like the thing I’m looking for is here,” Choi Hyun-Ji explained, her voice detached.

“……Any thoughts of settling down?”

“Nope.”

“Not even a little bit?”

“Not even a speck.”

At that, Ha Yoon-Ha lowered her head slightly with a disappointed look, her sadness evident.

There were no neon signs in the city, and only the moon and bonfires lit up the night, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Crackle, crackle.

The sparks from the bonfire flew, illuminating the night streets of Man-Kyung brilliantly, a mesmerizing display.

At the sight, Choi Hyun-Ji smiled faintly and waved her hand, a gesture of farewell.

Then she stroked Ha Yoon-Ha’s head and got up from her seat, her movements decisive.

Thud.

“I wanted to meet the lord here, but oh well. This is enough,” she said, her voice tinged with a hint of regret.

“…….”

Ha Yoon-Ha was still silent, her gaze fixed on the ground.

Hyun-Ji glanced down at the girl and smiled, her expression softening.

“Why? Are you sad that I’m leaving?”

At those words, Hyun-Ji pouted, her cheeks flushing slightly.

“……Are you crazy? Why would I be?” she retorted, trying to hide her true feelings.

Yoon-Ha took her eyes off Hyun-Ji and started drinking strawberry milk again, her actions betraying her emotions.

After those words, Hyun-Ji scratched the back of her head and swaggered into the accommodation, her departure abrupt.

“I’m going to sleep-,” she called out, her voice fading as she disappeared.

It didn’t take long for her to disappear from sight, leaving Yoon-Ha alone with her thoughts.

Yoon-Ha looked at her and then turned her head, her expression unreadable.

“…….”

Don’t hold onto people who are leaving, she reminded herself, a mantra she had learned to live by.

After being rescued by Si-On, Ha Yoon-Ha had been working as the manager here, sending people away like that, a recurring part of her job.

That was Yoon-Ha’s job, to facilitate departures and maintain order.

She was a little sad, but that was it, she told herself, trying to suppress her emotions.

Yoon-Ha was the manager, so she was just carrying out Si-On’s orders, following her duty.

So nothing…….

“……!”

It was a fleeting moment, a sudden shift in the atmosphere.

Sensing a sudden murderous intent, Yoon-Ha threw herself to the side, reacting instinctively.

Koo-oong!

A strange creature that had flown in from the sky with thick dust, its arrival sudden and violent.

Yoon-Ha’s face turned pale as she faced the monster, her fear palpable.

The monster made a strange cry, an unsettling sound that sent shivers down her spine.

-Knock knock knock knock.

The monster’s neck was long like a giraffe’s, and its face looked like a human’s, a grotesque combination.

But its torso, wings, and two legs resembled a crow, completing its bizarre and terrifying appearance.

-Knock knock. Knock knock knock. Knock knock knock knock.

The monster waved its long neck and looked around, its movements jerky and unsettling.

Then, it flapped its wings when it saw Ha Yoon-Ha sprawled on the ground, its eyes gleaming with predatory intent.

It was excited to have found prey, its hunger driving it forward.

Yoon-Ha’s pupils trembled as she looked up at the monster, lying on her back, defenseless.

She had to run away, but her body wouldn’t move, paralyzed by fear.

The residents of Man-Kyung panicked and began to scatter at the sudden appearance of the monster, their screams filling the air.

“Kyaaaaack-!!!”

“Aah, aaaaaaaah!!!!”

Soldiers of Man-Kyung with weapons ran over, but there was nothing they could do, their efforts futile against such a powerful creature.

They could only help evacuate the residents, prioritizing their safety.

Among them, only Yoon-Ha could not escape, trapped by her fear.

“…….”

Her whole body was frozen in fear, unable to move or react.

Eventually, the monster revealed its huge teeth and approached Ha Yoon-Ha, its intentions clear.

Chuh-uck.

The monster’s grotesque and huge mouth opened up and down, revealing rows of sharp teeth.

Thick saliva connected the upper and lower teeth, a disgusting and terrifying sight.

The tongue came out of the mouth and slowly began to wrap around Yoon-Ha’s body, ensnaring her in its grasp.

While her body was being sucked into the monster’s mouth like that, Yoon-Ha couldn’t even scream, her voice trapped in her throat.

She just closed her eyes tightly and waited for death, accepting her fate.

But Yoon-Ha was not sucked into the monster’s throat, her end averted.

Instead, lightning struck, a sudden and unexpected intervention.

Black lightning striking from the sky, a powerful force descending from above.

Swoosh-! Chwaajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajajak-!!!!!!!!!

“…….”

A thunderclap was heard for a moment, and then it became quiet, the silence deafening.

Yoon-Ha slowly opened her tightly closed eyes, her senses returning gradually.

What came into her eyes was Choi Hyun-Ji, standing protectively before her.

Choi Hyun-Ji was spitting with a black scythe in her hand, her expression disgusted.

“Ah, blood got in my mouth. Ptoo ptoo-,” she complained, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

Tuk…… Tuk. Tududududuk……!

The monster’s body and internal organs, divided into small pieces, fell to the street one by one, a gruesome aftermath.

Her voice lingered in Yoon-Ha’s ears, a reassuring presence.

“Ah…… That’s why I was trying to leave quickly,” she muttered, her words revealing her true intentions.

Thudududududuk-!

Following that, the blood of the giraffe crow poured down like rain, a macabre shower.

Choi Hyun-Ji transformed the black material she was holding into an umbrella shape and held it over her head, shielding herself from the downpour.

The blood hit the umbrella, making a loud noise, a constant reminder of the violence that had just occurred.

Overwhelming combat power, a display of strength that left no doubt about her abilities.

She was the one who took first place among the A-class Players in the system’s ranking, a testament to her skill and dedication.

Perhaps one of the strongest in the world, a force to be reckoned with.

No, she was definitely one of the strongest, a true powerhouse.

She looked at Ha Yoon-Ha and continued, her expression softening slightly.

“……It’s going to be a pain in the ass,” she admitted, her words tinged with resignation.

Choi Hyun-Ji hated relationships terribly, finding them burdensome and complicated.

Because building relationships consumes emotions, requiring vulnerability and investment.

It was becoming a pain in the ass again, a situation she had tried to avoid.

But what to do, she couldn’t deny her own nature.

That’s just who Choi Hyun-Ji was, a complex individual with a strong sense of justice.

“Haa…… Oh well,” she sighed, accepting her fate.

Choi Hyun-Ji messed up her bangs haphazardly, a gesture of frustration and resignation.

She just decided to accept it, to embrace the situation and deal with the consequences.

Then, holding the umbrella, she slowly approached the tied-up Yoon-Ha, her movements deliberate.

“Are you hurt anywhere?” she asked, her voice filled with concern.

* * *

“……Choi Hyun-Ji.”

“Who is it? That person.”

On one side of the street, observing the scene from a distance.

There were Kang Si-On and Jin Jae-Hee, who had rushed to the scene after sensing the disturbance.

Jin Jae-Hee recognized the Player at once, her eyes widening in surprise.

Si-On asked, his curiosity piqued.

Who she was, what her abilities were.

And Jin Jae-Hee’s answer was very concise and clear, leaving no room for doubt.

Jin Jae-Hee smiled slightly and answered, her voice filled with admiration and respect.

“Your right arm.”

(Continued in the next episode)