Chapter 72

Chapter 72

The solution emerged in my mind.

Just one.

A solution as narrow as the point of a needle.

But before I tell you, theres something we need to clarify first.

...What is it?

Your punch I need to know the exact conditions for its use.

In truth, Kang Chans power, if were talking purely in terms of attack strength, is the strongest among all the players Ive seen so far. In terms of the impact of a single blow, its comparable to the master of the city after activating the Heart of Lightning.

Naturally, his punch is also the key ability for conquering the floor 3-5.

For now, Im only guessing that it can be used about once, but understanding the detailed conditions for its use is also crucial.

...Then, I guess I need to hear about you too.

Kang Chan responds to my question with a question of his own.

From what I gather... youre not the type of regressor who goes back just once. Youre probably the kind who can do it repeatedly. I mean You spoke to me right after entering the floor 3-5 without even looking around.

...

I need to know the conditions that change the point of your regression. Can you just do it as per your will? Or is it determined by some kind of condition? Cant it be reset?

Kang Chan raised an eyebrow, asking about my regression ability.

I had forgotten, due to his easy divulgence of his own power, but I had not revealed anything about my own return.

...Why are you curious about that?

Arent you planning to regress anyway? Whats the problem in telling me?

...

He had a point, and I had no counterargument. After all, once I regressed, those memories would vanish anyway, so there was nothing I couldnt disclose.

But still... revealing that I regress upon a mere injury felt somewhat uneasy. It was a kind of instinctual repulsion, not a rational thought.

...I regress under certain conditions. The point of regression is set to the moment I first entered each level.

You ask me to reveal the penalties of my punch, yet you too hide the detailed conditions of your power.

...

Lets just agree not to disclose our ability further.

Kang Chan shrugged nonchalantly, then continued.

...Next, Id like to hear in detail about your experiences after entering the floor 3-5.

Why do you need to know that?

I need to assess whether your plan is realistic or not. Ive already shared my story.

Um, guys...

In the midst of this tense exchange, An Kyung-Joon interjected cluelessly.

Theres a lady waiting for you... You should come now.

...Leave. Ill be there soon.

O-Okay...

Kang Chan swiftly silenced An Kyung-Joon with a look, then shifted his gaze back to me.

You dont have to tell me if you dont want to. You can even lie. After all, if you regress, Ill forget everything anyway. Ah, you could even regress right now if you want. Ive got the information I wanted. But remember, youre alone. Even plans that seem perfect to you might have flaws when seen through anothers eyes. I have advice to offer too.

...

Kang Chan.

Contrary to my initial impression, this guy seemed quite sharp. And right now, he was being cooperative.

I wasnt sure of his intentions, but... he might be of some help.

...Lets start from when I first entered the third level.

So, I slowly unfolded the events that occurred after I entered the floor 3-5 to Kang Chan.

It was uncomfortable to reveal the facts of my regression and to share stories from the last iterations... but Kang Chan was right. A plan that seemed perfect to me might have flaws when seen through the eyes of a third party.

...After seeing blood on the golems fist, I regressed.

You might have used some special technique to peek into my status, or maybe you deduced my abilities and launched a psychological attack.

...

What do you think was my reason for openly sharing my past and abilities?

Like a regressor, Kang Chan becomes vulnerable the moment his true nature is exposed. And his weakness

Numbers.

Simply overpowering him with numbers can win the battle. There would be sacrifices, but without his one punch, hes practically defenseless.

In other words, the moment Kang Chan revealed his abilities, he had no intention of letting me go easily.

...If Im not a regressor, youll be trapped on the third floor, right? You cant progress without four people here.

Once my true nature is revealed, Im as good as dead. Im taking a gamble too...

Kang Chan stopped mid-sentence and let out a sly laugh.

No, Ill be honest. Initially, I was skeptical, and I gambled as I just mentioned... but now, I believe that you are indeed a regressor. Its my intuition and the conclusion from observing your actions.

...Then why are you doing this?

Im trying to score points.

...What?

Have you never thought about it from someone elses perspective? What it feels like to encounter a regressor?

...

Youre like a natural disaster, or something inevitable. Unless theres a way to seal you away forever, opposing you is akin to suicide.

Kang Chan lifted one corner of his mouth in a half-smile.

Im appealing to you right now. Im not some empty-headed fool. I can be of help to you, and beyond that, to humanity.

Kang Chan was showing his insight.

He had grasped the situation in a flash. Asserting that he possessed a certain depth of perception.

He was basically saying that rather than exposing and utterly demolishing him, it would be more rational to leave him be and utilize him.

...I did wonder why you were so readily sharing your story at first.

There was a plan all along. I had thought he was just being thoughtless.

No, it wasnt just because I had no intention of letting you go.

Kang Chan shook his head.

There was also an intention to see how you would react to my story. Just as you were observing me, I was observing you.

...

And from what Ive seen... youre trustworthy.

Again, he was indirectly saying that if he believed me now, his past self would have believed me too.

With that, Kang Chan showed a slightly awkward smile for the first time.

...So, Ill be rooting for you.

The light from Kang Chans fist slowly faded.

...Thanks.

I nodded slightly and then began the regression.

Youve been injured. Regressing to the moment you first entered the floor 3-5.

***

...Wake up. Greenhorn.

...Huff.

Before executing the plan, there was something I needed to test first.

Lets go.

The golem

I had to face that creature once again.

End of Chapter -

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