I froze, phone still gripped in my hand.
Only a few seconds had passed.
A glitch flickered across the screen, and the messages began to vanish.
They disappeared in a swift blur, and finally, the chat room with Reporter Sa Gong-yeon vanished entirely.
Staring at the empty screen, I hurriedly pulled out the phone Samra had given me.
I almost asked him immediately if he knew Reporter Sa Gong-yeon of Day News, but I hesitated.
There was no way Samra hadn’t searched through my phone.
From the moment I was first dragged into the Era Administration, Samra had already stripped and archived every piece of information about me.
If he had seen the messages from Reporter Sa Gong-yeon, he certainly would have conducted an investigation.
The fact that he hadn’t mentioned it until now meant that Samra was unaware of it.
Virtually every piece of electronic data on Earth belonged to Samra.
Missing a message transmitted through the communication network was nonsensical.
Like the Creator Samra was currently tracking, there was a high probability that this was an issue involving an Outer God.
’Is Reporter Sa Gong-yeon of Day News also an entity related to the Outer Gods?’
Given the mention of the title "Lamb," there was no other answer.
A chill ran down my spine.
The timing of my retirement coincided with the moment the Meteor of Tribulation fell to Earth.
Yet, Reporter Sa Gong-yeon had been sending me messages since immediately after I retired.
There was a high probability he had known about me even before then.
That meant there was an Outer God who had been watching Earth and me even before the Meteor of Tribulation fell.
Since when, exactly?
And why me, of all people?
My thoughts tangled in a mess of confusion.
First, I should tell Samra
It seemed like it might help him track down the Creator.
I steadied my ragged breathing.
It was information that wasn’t easy to handle, but I managed to stay calmer than expected.
It felt as if Je Hyeon-oh’s declaration of "I’m not infected" had served as a preventative vaccine.
’Thanks to that, my mind was functioning rationally.’
Suddenly, the name Day News felt familiar.
’The newspapers the butlers had shown me in Clean3, and the newspaper I found in Call of the Void, were both called Day News.
In Call of the Void, Mr. Black Block had helped me through the "Life Tips" section of Day News.
’Come to think of it, since when has Mr. Black Block has been watching me?’
Probably since the closure of Deadzone deal.
[■■ ■■■ is paying attention to you.]
Thinking back, that was strange too.
How did he notice my existence and watch me? All while calling himself a fan every time he contacted me.
It felt like there was a link to the current situation.
’Should I try an interstellar call and ask?’
He had said I could use collect calls.
But I soon abandoned the thought.
Contacting him might inadvertently plant seeds of expectation regarding a sponsorship contract.
It was better to avoid dealing with that pervert as much as possible.
Regardless, I shouldn’t waste any more of Je Hyeon-oh’s time, which was more precious than gold.
After taking a deep breath, I began packing my things.
I packed a few sets of clothes into a large sports duffel bag and tossed in my old phone.
Even after packing small items like my seal, bankbook, ID, and cards, the bag still had plenty of room.
Since there was nothing else to take, it was time to visit CEO Cha.
And yet... I kept hesitating.
I couldn’t bring myself to leave, as if I were tied down by a rope.
I paced around the bedroom for a while before finally heading to the living room.
Je Hyeon-oh happened to be standing in front of the display cabinet, so I took the opportunity to ask for a favor.
"Could you help me for a moment? I want to remove this cloth."
Since he had human hands, he was in the perfect state to help me.
With Je Hyeon-oh’s help, I pulled away the cloth covering the cabinet.
And for the first time in four years, I faced the glass display case.
Inside the large cabinet, which reached from floor to ceiling, were the gifts and letters I had received from fans during my active career.
I took in each item: drawings, character plushies, keyrings, and photobooks.
A chuckle escaped me as I saw a plushie made of the champion I used to play, and a photo where my childhood face had been photoshopped onto a pro player’s uniform.
Everyone else had probably forgotten, yet I was the only one clinging to these lingering attachments.
If I were going to hold onto them, I should have looked at them proudly, but I had been too scared, so I covered them with a cloth.
I had intended to organize them this time... but as expected, I couldn’t.
I wanted to remember, even if I was the only one.
’Can I take it all?’
I didn’t know if my new lodging would have a space this large.
If it was the size of my room in the isolation ward, it would absolutely never fit.
If it didn’t, I felt like I’d have to leave it here and keep paying the monthly rent.
While scanning the cabinet, I spotted an object tucked away in the bottom corner.
It was the championship ring from my final tournament.
I had thrown away all the trophies and plaques, but I had agonized for a long time before deciding to keep this.
But now, I felt I could let it go.
opened the cabinet and took out the ring. Its heavy weight seemed to press down on my hand.
After holding it for a moment, I threw it into the trash can, box and all.
I felt Je Hyeon-oh’s gaze watching me intently, but I ignored it and slung the duffel bag over my shoulder.
"I think we can go now."
I was about to head out, but I stopped just as I reached for the door handle.
I stood frozen in front of the exit.
Long fingers gripped the back of my neck.
I flinched at the touch, which was light, as if he were carefully controlling his strength.
I looked up at the owner of the hand. Dark purple eyes were staring at me.
Only then did I realize my breathing was erratic.
My body was trembling slightly.
I pressed my hand firmly against my chest and steadied my breath.
Once I calmed down, I noticed the gaze observing me.
It was a look that seemed to be measuring something.
I felt like I had made a slight mistake.
What Je Hyeon-oh wanted was a strong entity to enter <Zero> with him.
Recalling his preference for "young gods", I spoke as calmly as possible.
"..I forgot something. I’ll be right back after I grab it."
I went back into the bedroom, put on a ball cap and a mask, and came back out.
The obscured vision brought a familiar sense of security.
Finally, I could leave.
Having spent so much time in the Era Administration, I had certainly lost my sense of reality.
Stepping into my studio apartment felt like waking up from a dream.
Fiddling with the brim of my hat, I found myself wanting to return to the Era Administration quickly.
Closing the front door, I led the way down the hallway and asked,
"Lieutenant Colonel Je. Is it okay if we walk to Pasung? There are some things I need to buy on the way."
Mok Sae-hwa had sent me the location in advance. The excuse was a hospital visit, but the location was, naturally, the Pasung headquarters.
It wasn’t far from where I lived.
Since it was about a 20-minute walk, I suggested going on foot to buy a get-well gift.
It was a subtle way of saying let’s leave the car behind.
I figured if I asked the Era Administration, they would handle the recovery of the car left in front of the building.
I wanted to take a taxi on the way back.
Just as I was about to turn around because Je Hyeon-oh hadn’t answered, my bag strap was yanked.
Since I was wearing it diagonally, my body lurched forward.
Stumbling back, I looked at Je Hyeon-oh in confusion.
"Goyo."
"Yes."
"Can you actually walk?"
"Huh? Of course."
Je Hyeon-oh scanned me from head to toe. I continued, bewildered.
"I can walk...?"
His gaze moved from my hat to my mask, and then back to my eyes.
"Right, then."
He let go of the strap with a thud and said,
"Walk."
I replied with a "Yes, sir" and hurried my pace before he could change his mind.
As I walked the streets, I suddenly realized it had been a very long time since I’d walked like this.
Originally, I only went between my studio and the nearby convenience store.
After entering the Era Administration, I only moved between the lodging and the Tribulations.
I glanced at Je Hyeon-oh, thinking he might feel the same.
He seemed somehow sharper.
Nothing was overtly apparent, but having become so accustomed to reading his mood, I got that feeling.
Was he annoyed by the crowds?
I kept an eye on Je Hyeon-oh while walking quickly and hurried through buying the gift.
Once the gift was purchased, Je Hyeon-oh, who had been silent until then, spoke for the first time.
"You’re buying that?"
"Yes. I think this will do."
It wasn’t exactly a traditional get-well gift, but CEO Cha would like it.
Je Hyeon-oh also seemed to approve of my choice.
Tucking the large box under my arm, I headed toward Pasung again.
At a cafe near Pasung, while buying coffee and desserts for Mok Sae-hwa and Seo Moon-chan, I casually asked Je Hyeon-oh if he wanted coffee, but I was met with that same ^^ expression again.
While waiting after paying, my phone buzzed.
’Samra said he’d block spam messages.’
Wondering what it was, I turned on the screen and my eyes widened.
***
Kwak Han-muk has invited Mo Hae-in.
Kwak Han-muk: Is the chestnut heading there safely?
Mo Hae-in: Everything okay?
Kwak Han-muk had created a group chat.
***
Amidst the flurry of incoming messages, I quickly typed back.
***
Kwak Han-muk: I want to make this the Special Task Force room, but how do I invite Samra?
Samra: I am already here.
Kwak Han-muk: Holy shit, you scared me. Expensive robots really are different.
Me: I’m fine. I’ve almost reached Pasung. Thank you for inviting me to the chat.
Kwak Han-muk: LOL look at how polite Chestnut is.
Mo Hae-in: That’s a relief. What about the Lieutenant Colonel?
Je Hyeon-oh was sitting loosely in the chair opposite me.
Perhaps still awkward with human hands, he was tapping the table with his fingers, mimicking the movement of his metal hands.
Me: He’s being well-behaved.
Kwak Han-muk: Well-behaaaa-v-ed LOL.
Mo Hae-in: Contact us immediately if anything happens. And if you act abnormally at Pasung, just come out.
Me: Yes, confirmed. By the way, would you like some cake if I buy one? I’m at a cafe near Pasung.
***
When I sent the name and address link of the cafe, Kwak Han-muk was silent for a moment.
I braced myself for a massive order of menu items, but an unexpected message came back.
***
Kwak Han-muk: Why would I fleece a trainee? LOL. I’ll go buy some myself later.
Mo Hae-in: Be careful on your way.
Kwak Han-muk: Enjoy your walk.
***
Does that mean they don’t want any...?
After some thought, I sent a message saying, "Yes, understood."
Je Hyeon-oh carried the coffee and desserts.
By the time I arrived in front of the Pasung building, I was earlier than the appointment time.
Just as I thought I should call, my phone rang.
[Director Mok Sae-hwa - Pasung]
- Goyo-nim! Where are you?
"I’ve just arrived."
- I’ll come out right away. I’ll send Director Seo. Please wait in the lobby!
Entering the building, I took off my hat and mask and put them in the duffel bag.
While waiting and looking around the lobby, I saw a luxurious sedan stop in front of the building.
Looking through the glass doors, I encountered some unexpected people.
A woman with medium-length hair and a young woman with a glamorous appearance stepped out of the sedan.
As soon as my eyes met the woman entering the lobby, I hurriedly bowed.
"Hello, Chairwoman. It’s been a long time."
It was Kang Cheon-seo, the Chairwoman of Cheon-gang, and her granddaughter, Kang Byeok-rin.
Kang Cheon-seo, who had been talking to someone who looked like a secretary, widened her eyes and exclaimed,
"Who is this! It’s Goyo-gun."
She approached me with a wide smile.
"It’s been way too long. Right? I was hurt, Goyo-gun."
Rang Cheon-seo stood before me and pretended to sigh.
"If I gave you the ’Neat Appearance’ item, you should have come to return it. Instead, you just sent the item back and ignored me.
In the past, I had visited Chairwoman Kang’s residence to receive item support for the Clean3 strategy.
It was indeed my fault, but too many things had happened after Clean3.
I simply hadn’t had the time to visit Cheon-gang. The Era Administration wouldn’t have allowed it anyway.
"I’m sorry. I should have visited you sooner..."
"It’s fine, it’s fine. I’ll let it slide for Goyo-gun. Instead, come over for a meal next time. You don’t even take an allowance, so I should at least feed you. By the way, what’s in the box under your arm?"
"It’s a get-well gift for CEO Cha."
As soon as I spoke, Kang Cheon-seo burst out laughing, and Kang Byeok-rin looked at me with bewildered eyes.
"Ah, I can’t. Life would never be boring with Goyo-gun around."
After laughing heartily, Kang Cheon-seo shifted her gaze.
She looked at Je Hyeon-oh, who was standing expressionless and silent, without even a greeting.
I thought she might say something about why his friend was so stiff, but surprisingly, Kang Cheon-seo said nothing.
She simply watched him for a moment as if he were interesting.
"Rin-ah."
Kang Cheon-seo spoke with a smirk to Kang Byeok-rin, who was standing frozen with a flushed face.
"You should greet him. We’ve run into Goyo-gun by such a coincidence!"
"Is it truly a coincidence, Chairwoman Kang?"
A cool, mechanical voice intervened.
CEO Cha crossed the lobby with slow steps.
I breathed a sigh of relief inwardly.
Even though I knew he would be fine, I had been worried, but as expected, he looked perfectly healthy.
Without headphones or the Great Sun Tabatha, wearing only his mask, CEO Cha was dressed in a suit.
The tailored suit fit perfectly along his sturdy shoulder line without a single flaw.
It looked as if not even a blade could slip through, but unlike that, the buttons of his shirt weren’t neatly fastened to the top; the top button was left open.
It seemed he wore a suit instead of training gear because he had an appointment to meet Kang Cheon-seo.
It had been surprising to see him in a prison warden’s uniform, but since this was my first time seeing him in a suit, it felt like a completely new image.
Looking at CEO Cha, I felt a strange sensation again.
I don’t know CEO Cha’s exact age. I only assume he is older than me.
Because during the long time I’ve known him, I’ve often seen sides of him that felt like an adult.
Like right now.
But on rare occasions, I thought he looked similar to me in age or even younger.
’He never told me how old he was, even until the end of the game.’
Despite how close we were. Regardless, today’s CEO Cha was definitely an adult.
CEO Cha turned his gaze toward me.
He looked at me for quite a while. I felt as if he, too, was confirming that I was alive and breathing.
Then, he looked at Je Hyeon-oh and openly showed his disbelief.
Even though he was in human form, he seemed to recognize him as Je Hyeon-oh.
Je Hyeon-oh just stood there, as if it were too bothersome to even react.
It was a strange sight, seeing CEO Cha and Je Hyeon-oh facing each other in attire completely different from their usual.
Since we were outside the Trial, I didn’t think they would clash... but I watched with a lingering sense of anxiety.
Fortunately, CEO Cha looked away without a word and finally stopped his gaze on Kang Cheon-seo.
’You have arrived far too early for our appointment."
"Why, don’t you like it?"
Kang Cheon-seo looked up at CEO Cha and smiled brightly.
"CEO Cha, you broke into my house last time too."
...That’s a metaphor, right?
It was a bit too violent for a metaphor, making me tense, but Kang Cheon-seo casually linked her arm with mine.
"Let’s discuss today’s meeting with Goyo-gun as well. Isn’t it about time Goyo-gun knew?"
"Chairwoman Kang."
"Oh, my old legs ache. CEO Cha, how long are you going to stand there?"
As she said this, she gripped me even tighter.
When CEO Cha still didn’t react, she just went ahead and spilled the news to me.
"Goyo-gun. Do you know about Geum-cheon?"
Geum-cheon was the most famous criminal organization among the Awakened.
Those bastards had expanded globally, committing all sorts of crimes, including the smuggling of Trial items.
Illegal underground finance using Trial items and Awakened, lobbying and contract killings targeting political and financial circles, human trafficking to Awakened, and so on.
Their crimes were of such a transnational scale that the Era Administration often had to cooperate with Interpol.
"Those guys are targeting our Cheon-gang. I can’t live in fear. I immediately asked CEO Cha for help, but last night, Rin received a strange contact."
Apparently, some reporter had contacted her, claiming to provide information about Geum-cheon.
"A reporter named Sa Gong-yeon. I have no idea who that is. Is there anyone like that among the Awakened CEO Cha knows?"
Sa Gong-yeon...?
Just as I flinched at the unexpected name.
"I don’t know any Awakened."
CEO Cha spoke indifferently while looking at me.
"But I know the NPC."
Visit and read more novel to help us update chapter quickly. Thank you so much!
Use arrow keys (or A / D) to PREV/NEXT chapter