CH 19

Chapter 19: Choi Ji-won (2)

Thanks to the enhancement of physical abilities due to the achievement level, the grass-cutting task that used to take three days in the past was completed in just one day.

This allowed me to begin my activities exceptionally early, a mere day after regressing.

My approach was straightforward.

I diligently roamed the tower, actively seeking out individuals.

Whenever I encountered someone, I skillfully persuaded them to return to the vacant lot.

Initially, I had concerns.

"Hey, we're fine on our own. Let's just ignore that guy," I thought there could be such a reaction.

But the results were surprising.

"Really...? Are you serious?"

"She... provides food, a safe haven, and everything?"

For ordinary people, a single day in the tower proved far more arduous and challenging than I had envisioned.

Not only did a greater number of individuals display aversion towards taking lives, but the strain of trudging around all day with a cumbersome weapon had taken its toll.

"Even if I set up a camping tent... I couldn't sleep... I don't have a blanket or a bed... I miss my mom..."

A woman with puffy eyes sobbed tearfully.

The fear of potentially perishing within the tower had swiftly worn down their spirits, rendering them fragile.

The sole reason for their initial reluctance to return to the vacant lot was simple.

They feared their inability to survive without slaying monsters.

They dreaded the prospect of starvation.

Now, however, they had no reason to hesitate anymore. They had realized that the vacant lot provided sustenance, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and exceptional security.

"Ha. Do you know what level I am? Stop talking nonsense and get lost."

Naturally, there were occasional individuals who seemed perfectly adjusted to life in the tower, appearing as though they required no assistance. However, their numbers were limited.

Furthermore, most of them seemed to possess unique abilities upon initial observation.

Those without abilities or those with mediocre skills suffered greatly from fatigue—such was the reality of the tower.

Thus, within a mere day, I successfully sent 22 individuals back to the vacant lot.

If Choi Ji-won harbors any lingering resentment, I can masquerade as a benevolent figure and assist her until she feels content. Alternatively, if it isn't a burden, I can continue guiding people until she becomes resentful.

That wasn't the only thing I gained.

"Wow, ahhhh!"

Every time I rushed towards the source of screams, I would invariably find one or two individuals being pursued by a group of goblins or mutated goblins.

Slash!

As soon as I reached them, all I had to do was dispatch them with my sword.

Not only the feeble goblins, even the mutated goblins, engrossed in their prey, proved no match for me.

While a one-on-one confrontation might yield uncertain results, in a surprise attack scenario, I had no doubt I could overcome a mutated goblin.

After all, in a face-to-face battle, I couldn't afford to get hit even once, so it only decreased my winning rate.

That way, after rescuing these people...

"Thank you! Thank you!"

"Sob... I really thought I was going to die..."

And leaving behind people shedding tears of relief,

You have acquired a trait.

Consistently, each time I acquired a trait without fail.

I surmised that by evoking intense emotions in people, I could obtain traits.

It was the same when dealing with the scrawny man; everyone experienced extreme emotions.

But the problem was...

-Relief [FFF]

-When faced with distress, when on the verge of physical exhaustion, your presence brings solace to the heart.

"...What?"

All the traits I acquired by saving people were of trash grade.

No, what on earth is an FFF-grade?

If it were something like "World's Strongest with an FFF-grade Trait!" as a clickbait title for a web novel, I wouldn't mind, but this was simply abysmal.

It didn't even reach the level of inspiring awe in people's reactions; it merely offered slight relief to those I had saved.

Am I simply unlucky?

-Trust [FFF]

-Respect [FFF]

-Love [FFF]

-Faith [FFF]

The traits obtained from saving people... all of them were trash-grade.

If "awe[C]" had appeared repeatedly, I would have selected it just to see what would happen, but "awe[C]" didn't appear at all.

However, [FFF]-grade traits appeared frequently.

Once or twice could be a coincidence, but when it was repeated many times…

I came to a realization.

"...Ah, Scrawny had an S-grade ability."

His party was exceptionally strong according to tutorial standards.

In fact, they proved their prowess by defeating the mutant goblin without any casualties.

However, all the people I saved were weak.

If it's true that stronger individuals yield better traits, it's inevitable that the people I saved would provide mediocre traits.

But does that mean my efforts were completely meaningless?

That's not the case.

Condition satisfied.

Merging abilities.

At some point, these messages appeared, causing all the FFF-grade abilities to vanish.

-Hero [F]

-In moments of crisis, people think of you. You become stronger when fighting to protect someone.

A new trait with a cool name emerged, although the grade was a bit low.

Regardless of whether it was a result of saving people and acquiring traits or not, the trait description itself was positive.

It was different from some stupid trait with the word "fear" in it.

The explanation of the trait was straightforward as well. When you protect others, you grow stronger—a simple condition.

Initially, when I only received FFF-grade traits, I thought the traits wouldn't matter much... but now, it seems like I should attempt to extract traits from everyone I encounter.

After regressing, I should also investigate whether I can obtain duplicate traits from the same person.

Of course, my expectations for the trait I could obtain from Choi Ji-won had grown even higher.

If Scrawny, who was mediocre, granted me a C-grade ability, what would Choi Ji-won bestow upon me?

"Status Window."

Name: Kim Jun-ho [LV: 6]

Attributes:

- Regression [EX]

- Awe [C]

- Hero [F]

Now, the status window appeared more satisfying. It looked much better than when it only showed Regression.

"...My LV went up?"

The most troublesome part for me was precisely that achievement level.

It doesn't disclose when, how, or what I did to level up.

Since I don't know the conditions, it's impossible to intentionally acquire them. I can only speculate.

When I checked the status window right after reaching the tower, I was at lv 1, and after the scuffle with the goblins, I reached lv 2.

After mowing the grass field, I reached lv 3. When I checked the status window with Scrawny Man, I was at lv 5. Now I'm at lv 6 again.

Tap, tap.

Even when I pressed the [LV: 6] in the status window, there was no response.

Scrawny mentioned that pressing it would display the achievement list.

Why is it so strict with me? Why is it only happening to me!!!

"Phew..."

If I were a second-time regressor from the future, I could have experienced tremendous growth by accomplishing achievements.

Even in the games, achievements are obtained just by completing specific tasks, so don't you need a strategy book to clear all of them?

"How many people did I save... 8? 10?"

This time, I can only speculate that saving people granted me achievement.

"Ah, or maybe not?"

Come to think of it, in the previous regression, Scrawny mentioned that he obtained the achievement of "first mutant goblin kill."

This time, since I killed a mutant goblin in just one day, it seems like I took away the achievement Scrawny had obtained.

"Hmm..."

Talking about Scrawny reminded me of that dead bully.

After eliminating that bastard, I checked my achievement level, which had gone from 3 to 5.

Even if one of them was due to obtaining a trait for the first time...

Are there achievements for killing people?

Or was it because that bastard was special? Perhaps this time, I should kill Scrawny...

"No, that’s not right."

If the Human Qualification Exam official were standing in front of me, they would be giving me a very displeased look.

"Hmm... I'll let it slide this time." They would probably mutter something along those lines.

I almost lost my human qualification. Relax, relax.

Of course, if I went around killing people, I might be able to grow stronger quickly.

Perhaps there are separate achievements for 100 kills, 1000 kills, and I could rapidly increase my achievement level.

Anyway, when I regress, all the people I killed will come back to life, so there might be people wondering why I'm not killing them.

But let me emphasize once again: the important thing is my mental state.

For individuals like Death Regressors who experience repeated loops, their mental well-being is crucial.

Although there are cases where they go through loops without any thoughts, like a blockhead, and still remain unscathed...

Most Death Regressors lose their humanity and deteriorate over time. They become hollow shells.

I want to conquer this tower as a human, retaining my humanity. I don't know how my personality would be warped by becoming a murderer… perhaps I’ll become a lunatic.

No, I don't want to become a monster. No way.

"Let's think positive thoughts, good thoughts."

Come to think of it, I've been fixating on Choi Ji-won a lot lately.

Why do I have to be so obsessed with that erratic girl?

Maybe it's because of my shallow pride.

However, there’s no need to rush. If I persist until the end, I'll emerge victorious. I will continue growing infinitely stronger while my enemies stagnate.

The sun was gradually setting, and the night was approaching. If I entertained dreadful thoughts of slaughtering people before sleeping, I would surely have nightmares.

Leaning against a sturdy tree, I found a comfortable position.

Instead of thinking about the stressful Choi Ji-won, let's imagine something cute and adorable to soothe my mental state.

Come to think of it, I remember a video I saw on YouTube about Marudoggy, a cat-like animal.

Closing my eyes, I let my imagination take flight.

Marudoggy has a round shape, thick fur, and exhibits adorable behavior.

When this little creature hunts, it moves like a toy with a low battery, engaging in distinct actions that are quite charming.

"...You."

While Marudoggy always maintains a serious expression while hunting, its undeniable cuteness...

"...Answer me."

Oh, I was trying to imagine the adorable Marudoggy, but why does Choi Ji-won's creepy voice keep popping into my head?

Huh?

I quickly opened my eyes and saw Choi Ji-won standing before me, arms crossed, wearing a stern expression.

"...You. Why did you send people away?"

Choi Ji-won…

She couldn't help and came searching for me in just one day.