Chapter 2.2

Chapter 2.2

I checked my current status.

I must have been scratched by tree branches or tall grasses while running.

My jacket and pants are slightly torn here and there.

Reflecting on the situation, I was running with a bag on my back and stones in my pocket.

And yet, it still didnt catch up.

It seems that the difference in physical abilities between the goblin and me is quite considerable.

But my underwear is wet with sweat.

My clothes and hair are dirty with soil in different spots.

My personal discomfort index is rising in real-time.

The next time I encounter a goblin, I will kill it.

Ive never killed an animal other than bugs, but I dont think Ill hesitate.

After 30 minutes of walking with such a promise in mind, I found a random gap dug into the hill.

It is too big to be a random hole, but too small to be a cave.

Lets rest here and wait for the sun to rise.

As I sat down, paying attention to my surroundings, thirst and hunger slowly rose to the surface of my thoughts.

Fortunately, there were water and glucose candies left in my bag.

Im glad I didnt throw away my bag while running away.

So... Where am I? Why am I here?

It is a fundamental question that had been filtered to the back of my mind while I was running.

Ive had countless delusions of entering another world or a novel.

In my delusions, I was a harem king.

Beautiful women gathered around me, and the world revolved around me.

Or I was a villain.

I did evil to satisfy my desires.

In particular, netori was an indispensable element of my fantasies.

This is me; the true nature of Jung Ji-hoo, hidden behind the mask of being the rank one student in the school.

Web novels were a medium to satisfy my shady desires.

I dont know what role I will play in this world.

Is it as an extra or a main character?

If it is possible, should I try to live as I want?

After escaping from here obviously.

***

I am walking in the direction downstream of the river.

I found a trail of Jihye, but there is little I can do.

There is no way that a guy who had been studying for the CSAT diligently until yesterday will suddenly be able to assess the state of the land and trace what happened yesterday and where she went.

Only, I know she always carries a lighter on her.

I also remember that the goblins I met last night did not carry a torch.

It looks like they have night vision.

Therefore, I presume that she set her bag and her padding on fire herself.

Why? To light up the dark? To warm up? Or to protect herself?

Or maybe there are people other than goblins in this forest, and they might be using fire.

If I were a typical good-natured protagonist, at this point I would be driving myself crazy with anxiety and worry about my childhood friend and prospective heroine.

However, although I am curious about Jihyes specific situation, I am not particularly concerned.

This is... I guess its faith.

I know more about her than anyone else- even more than her parents.

She has her brain and is cool and calm.

She will definitely try to break through this troublesome situation while analyzing the circumstances calmly like me.

She found the river yesterday.

This river is relatively upstream because of its fast current.

Also, the surrounding area is overgrown with trees, making it unsuitable for human habitation.

If there were to be a nearby river town, it would be located downstream.

Jihye will undoubtedly draw the above conclusion and follow the waterway.

I sighed while tasting the strawberry-flavoured sweetness of the glucose candy and hurried my steps.

***

Kieek! Kkiek!

Kiruk!

I hear the voices of the goblins from below the hill.

I immediately walked up the hill and slowly approached the edge.

I was careful to avoid exposing my frame as much as possible and looked at the situation below.

There, there was Jihye.

She is holding a pointed branch like a weapon in her right hand, and a cardigan wrapped around her left hand, covered with her mittens as a shield.

And as if she had been in and out of the river, her water-soaked shirt sticks to her skin, exposing her body in the process.

The goblins, glaring at Jihye and screeching loudly, are rushing at her.

Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m