Chapter 53

Chapter 53

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We shouldnt let that guy see us as weak.

Lee Jaehuns wounded pride was a problem, but the bigger issue lay in Detective Hong Kyungjuns nature. Detective Hong sometimes did strange things without warning.

For example, he almost imprisoned and monitored a severely injured kindergarten teacher. While he meant no harm and tried to offer some form of protection, the teacher understandably felt oppressed.

Detective Hong himself may not realize it, but he can be quite controlling.

Even if his intentions were for the greater good, Lee Jaehuns colleague, Jung Inho, didnt view his actions favorably. Especially when Detective Hong subtly discriminated and distrusted people based on his intuition, it exacerbated the situation.

What would happen if they appeared weak to such a person?

They wont survive easily.

Just saying that would be good doesnt really make sense to me. Ive rarely seen someone injured to the level of a teacher in my life.

Your life as a detective seems quite comfortable.

If you think so, feel free. But can you just ignore someone in need like this?

With his carefully planned strategy now in shambles, Lee Jaehun was supposed to be labeled as a tough but potential murderer. It might sound like nonsense and a spineless concept, but survival knows no pride.

If the concept worked well, he could gain numerous advantages. By projecting toughness, Lee Jaehun would keep Detective Hong cautious, relieving the protagonists mental stress.

I have colleagues too, why should I follow someone I barely know? Isnt it unrealistic to demand blind trust in such a situation?

Im not sure if those companions are trustworthy. Are they as injured as the teacher? I dont think so.

Your assumptions are too severe. Are you blaming my companions based on your gut feeling?

Its not blame, just objective judgment. It seems that, except for you, the others are fine, judging by their reactions.

This is

Perhaps the protagonist, before returning, might have lost some hair from the frustration of being wrongly suspected by the detective. Seeing Detective Hongs baseless suspicions now made him indirectly feel that frustration.

Anyway, if it goes like this, I can neutralize the image thats built up.

Despite unexpectedly gaining the title of a sacrificial and good adult, there was a problem in the sacrificial part. By portraying himself as neutral, Lee Jaehun could safely lower his overly idealized image and gain more freedom in his actions.

Being neutral is crucial.

What he wanted was to be seen as someone tough who hasnt done anything wrong and doesnt look like the serial killer theyre searching for.

If you chose to sacrifice yourself, it doesnt look good from a detectives perspective. Should I consider you mentally unstable?

Im not an alcoholic, not too old, and I dont have autism or intellectual disabilities. Mental instability is a legal term, and youre judging me without evidence, which is quite annoying.

It sounds like Im being labeled as crazy. I dont feel like cooperating anymore.

So youre not denying it?

I mean, what do you want me to do, exactly? Im already exhausted to death.

You seem anxious. It seems like you slipped away without telling your companions. Why not inform them of your condition? Does that mean you dont trust them enough?

I do trust them. Ive noticed youve been criticizing and judging my companions without reason. That doesnt look good on your part.

While Detective Hong Kyungjun had some unsettling qualities, he was still a character who aimed for justice alongside the protagonist. Being a dedicated police officer, he couldnt just overlook Lee Jaehuns dire condition.

Nevertheless, Lee Jaehun couldnt help but voice his thoughts amidst the persistent urge to prevent himself from being seen as weak.

I appreciate your willingness to help, but I can handle it myself.

However, his attempts to induce avoidance didnt work.

It seems like youre intentionally being rude. Do you want me to leave? Im sorry, but I cant do that.

No matter how much he pleaded

Why? Why are you doing this? I already said I dont need you. Im really exhausted. Was it so difficult to just go where I cant see you?

Youre quite skilled at changing expressions.

Even pretending to plead didnt work

Seriously

It was disheartening.

What did I do wrong to deserve this?

Apart from the personality he retained from his past life, he was also overwhelmed by primal fears that haunted him. The vast difference in norms between this world and his previous one only added to his distress.

Honestly, Lee Jaehun had been under tremendous stress. Having to redo the damn survival game in this world was beyond frustrating. Unable to rest even in death, he had to endure constant mental and emotional strain, facing annoying chicks and dealing with unforeseen characters. For Lee Jaehun, whose previous life itself was a trauma, there couldnt be a more agonizing world.

He was an adult entitled to his own opinions and should be free as a democratic citizen. The constant surveillance and being treated like a lunatic for speaking his mind in such a different world were driving him insane.

Im sorry, but I dont quite understand. Are you really Lee Jaehun?

I dont know how many times I have to say it, but yes, I am. I dont have a split personality. Im not some monster pretending to be Lee Jaehun.'

.

Ive never changed once, Detective.

Yet, despite this, Lee Jaehun was both articulate and, though not currently visible, potentially quite useful.

Furthermore, his disregard for his own safety might eventually make him exploitable as a labor force. Of course, if it became severe, Lee Jaehun would turn a blind eye to everything and simply retreat, but still

Moreover, his nature wasnt inherently bad. His being this way was all due to the misconceptions instilled by the alternate world, so Lee Jaehuns nature, unaware of what was wrong, couldnt be deemed particularly bad. With the precedent of his accumulated actions to avoid excessive caution, his persuasion was sufficient. Detective Hong would hesitate now, but later, once the bait was taken, he would likely go along with it.

Lee Jaehun thought to himself:

Of course, this isnt without its problems.

The reason he hadnt intended to use this concept from the start was the problem of not being able to easily dismiss his opponent.

Since Lee Jaehun could communicate and form basic relationships, naturally, the detective would become curious as to why he ended up like this. Yet, asking Lee Jaehun directly wouldnt yield an answer, so it made sense to ask someone else who knew the reason. In this case, with very few people knowing about Lee Jaehuns past, if Detective Hong learned about it

He would likely become one of the protagonists team.

If youve never changed can it be interpreted as intentional?

What do you mean?

To be honest, you dont seem like the same person. But since you claim its all you. Did you fabricate it? Your expressions, your tone

.

Im sorry, I cant provide a proper explanation either. This situation is new to me.

Detective Hong is a leader figure in the team of survivors.

Whatever he becomes, as long as hes somewhat within the protagonists realm, Lee Jaehun couldnt just let anyone in the team die. At least, thats how he sees it now.

I understand.

But death in the alternate world is a big loss.

Survivors trauma can improve their condition, but its all relative to the situation.

Just as Lee Jaehun didnt hear the sound of the spider monster at work, those who were already mentally disturbed often adapt easier to the alternate world. Its like drawing a black apple on black paper; its not very noticeable.

In this alternate world, mentality is crucial. The more negative the thoughts, the more one can accomplish. But this is only effective when the state can be utilized. Currently, the team consisted entirely of chicks. To put it realistically, its like substance abuse. If used properly, it can be helpful, but if you dont know how to use it and use too much, it becomes poison.

Of course, its not just about being helpful like a drug; its an exchange of comfort and mental security, but

I didnt want to seem like a lunatic.

.

Its always like this.

In any case, the concept that ordinary people view most extremely is death, and this too undergoes a significant change when internalized. Lee Jaehun had considered this point throughout, ensuring that none of the team members died. But if the scope of that team were to widen, Lee Jaehun would have to save even more people.

That would be troublesome, and on the other hand, hed feel a strong urge to simply kill them off and end things on a trivial note

So, everything goes as you wish?

Though it might not seem that way, its quite a favorable situation.

Unless he erased the others memories, Lee Jaehun couldnt change the perception of being weak, so he couldnt just stick to his initial concept. He needed something to overcome the penalty of being considered weak.

His greatest strength was his quick acceptance and resignation.

I may not have achieved everything I wanted, but at least I dont think this current state is bad.

Why

To gain even the slightest benefit, he had to quickly discard the initial plan and come up with a new concept that could at least obtain what he originally wanted. And Lee Jaehun was quite skilled in acting.

He projected the very first personality he created onto his face.

Well

.

Do we need to talk?

Tired and mechanical.

He smiled like that.

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