Chapter 33

“Hey man, what’s all this commotion? And that guy…”

“Salmusa.”

“Salmusa? That Salmusa?”

“Yeah.”

At my words, the bearded Security Chief widened his eyes, alternating his gaze between Salmusa and me.

What, is it that surprising?

“No… that’s impressive. Catching a big shot whose name only a handful of people even know.”

“He messed with me first.”

I mean, it’s not like I can call slapping a child abuser a preemptive strike.

If he didn’t like it, he should’ve beaten me.

Right?

I shrugged and handed the body over to the bearded guy.

“If you search this guy’s body, you might find something interesting.”

“I’m really sorry about this. The Boss wants a detailed explanation about this commotion, so could you follow me?”

“Of course. But this body…”

“We’ll handle it, don’t worry. Boys.”

“Yes, sir.”

I handed Salmusa’s body over to the guards and followed the bearded guy to the Crocodile Bird’s hideout.

————-

“It’s been a while… or not really. Sit down. Want some coffee?”

“Ah, yes.”

He picked up the coffee pot and poured a brown liquid into my cup.

Ah, this is instant coffee.

Well, in a world like this, drinking real coffee isn’t easy.

I picked up the cup, smelling the familiar aroma.

The coffee smells nice.

I tilted the cup slightly to taste it, and the familiar flavor coated my tongue.

“This is something you can only get in Seoul. I’d love to get real beans, but… they’re way too expensive. I heard only the upper class in Seoul can afford them.”

“It’s probably hard to find land to grow coffee beans too.”

Of course, there are corporate farming plants in the northern part of Seoul that got torn apart, supplying food… but even then, producing luxury items like coffee beans is tough.

Just having this instant coffee mix is proof enough of being well-off.

“You don’t seem too surprised.”

“Ah… I’ve had it before.”

“I’m getting more curious about you. Are you from Seoul?”

“Ah, yes.”

Since I know almost nothing about Quaker’s past, I just went along with it.

It’d be awkward to say no.

“I know someone who looks just like you. Do you have any siblings?”

“Siblings? No.”

“Where are your parents?”

“…I don’t really know.”

Suddenly, a background check?

What’s so interesting about me?

Well, I’d probably be curious too, but… When I gave him a subtle look, he coughed awkwardly and shrugged.

“Any other relatives?”

“Probably not.”

“Then… do you know about someone called Quaker?”

“Huh?”

Quaker?

Why’s that coming up now?

I’m Quaker, aren’t I?

I couldn’t hide my confusion and stared at him.

He seemed surprised by my reaction too, raising his eyebrows.

“Looks like you know something?”

“I know him as a villain…”

“…Huh. Yeah, a villain.”

He answered with a bitter expression and took a sip of coffee.

“A disaster-designated User. And… he was once my friend. That’s why I was surprised when I saw you.”

I’m surprised too.

So, no dark overlord possession?

Then what am I?

We look the same, and our abilities are similar?

As I sank into confusion, the second-in-command of the Crocodile Bird sighed and spoke.

“Looks like you don’t have any clues either.”

“…Actually, I don’t have any memories before I woke up in prison.”

“Hmm…”

An uncomfortable silence followed.

Too much to think about, I guess.

“…Alright. I’ll look into your past a bit.”

“Thank you.”

“And about this Salmusa incident—thanks to you taking him out, the vipers won’t be able to smuggle for a while. As a thank you, I’ll get your repairs done for free. Those vipers have been bringing in outside forces lately, and it’s been a headache.”

“Outside forces?”

“Yeah. They’ve made some kind of deal with the underworld in Seoul. I hope they’re not causing trouble in the swamp area, but… what are the chances?”

Well, criminals working together—what are the odds it’s legal?

“Thanks to you, things will calm down for a while. The death of a faction leader means… their territory is up for grabs. They’ll start fighting over it now.”

“That means less trouble for me.”

“Exactly.”

That’s a relief.

It would’ve been a hassle if the vipers kept bothering me before I settled in.

“…From the moment you killed Salmusa, no viper would dare mess with you. He was one of their top fighters.”

That’s why it’s even more surprising.

You took out Salmusa alone… and I heard it all started because you saved a kid.

He looked at me intently, as if I’d done something extraordinary.

He probably wants an answer.

“Yes. Is that so unusual?”

“…After the world turned like this, people who reach out to others have become rare. It’s not even strange for parents to sell their kids to survive.”

What a harsh world.

I realized anew just how cruel this world is.

A world where children aren’t protected…

Mina and Seolhwa.

Both of them aren’t adults yet.

In a world like this, it’s no wonder they became villains.

It’s easier to steal from others than to live honestly to survive.

“Do you plan to keep the kid you saved this time?”

“That’s the plan.”

No need to think about it.

I saved her, so I’ll take responsibility.

And… I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I left her alone.

A kid who could grow up to be a serial killer who devours people.

Of course, she might grow up in a better environment.

But if I weren’t Quaker, the original events might still play out similarly.

…If Seolhwa becomes a mad killer, it’s a fate she can’t escape.

It might be arrogant, but only I, who knows the original story, can stop her from becoming that.

“…You remind me of my old friend. He was too kind for this world, just like you.”

He gazed out the window with distant eyes.

Is his old friend dead or something?

I finished my cold coffee and spoke up.

“I don’t think I’m kind.”

I’ve killed a few people, after all.

When I denied his words, he smiled and said,

“How can killing to protect yourself be a bad thing? Even animals kill each other to survive.

Anyway… I understand your thoughts. Let’s meet again when you have time.”

“Alright.”

“Then take care. Oh, get treated before you leave.”

“Thank you.”

—————————

“Uncle!”

As soon as I arrived at the hotel, a white-haired girl ran into my arms.

“Is everything okay?”

“I’m fine. But Uncle, what about you?!”

“As you can see, just a few scratches.”

Honestly, considering how intense the fight was, I didn’t get hurt much. Just some muscle soreness from moving so much.

“What about Seolhwa?”

“She’s asleep.”

“Let’s head back.”

“Is it okay…?”

“The guards probably handled it.”

They took Salmusa’s body, so there’s no way the rest are still at the office.

I nodded to the owner, who was watching us warmly, and headed to the room where Seolhwa was sleeping with Mina.

“The office opening will be delayed for a few days.”

“Isn’t our wallet in danger?”

“Well… we’ll manage somehow.”

If I dig around the gray forest a bit more, I’ll find something valuable.

There are plants and stuff I can gather and sell too.

“Uncle’s so optimistic.”

“Can’t live negatively.”

It’s the life I’ve been given, so I’ll look at it optimistically.

At my answer, Mina giggled and opened the door to the room at the end of the second-floor hallway.

“Seolhwa, are you asleep?”

“She is.”

I looked down at Seolhwa, sleeping soundly on the bed.

“Can you help me carry her?”

“Sure.”

Mina carefully placed Seolhwa on my back.

As I wrapped my arms around her neck, Seolhwa tightened her grip, whether she knew I was carrying her or not.

Though her strength was so weak it barely registered.

“Let’s go.”

“…Yes, let’s go back, Uncle.”

Late afternoon, after the commotion had settled.

We returned to our home.