Chapter 5 — The Survivors' Meeting
We were walking close to each other without actually getting close.
No one was ahead or behind. It was strange.
I checked all twenty rooms, and in the end, it was only me and him.
We arrived at a large iron door.
It was heavier and bigger than the room doors. Pyo Wol pushed it, and it seemed to drain some effort from him.
Behind the door was a corridor similar to the one we came from. I think it was the second area.
"Who's there?"
"Where did you come from?"
But what was different from our section was that there were two children outside. Pyo Wol went to check the rooms, but it seemed he noticed how the girl and boy weren't looking at us properly.
They were staring in our general direction and didn't realize we were two people, not one.
I stepped forward and examined their features, especially the girl—she was beautiful.
"Hello, I'm Su Meng, and with me is Pyo Wol. We came from another area."
The girl relaxed, and the boy lowered his guard, while Pyo Wol checked another room.
"My name is Su Yi Wol, and this is Song Chun Wu. Did you say you're from another section?"
"Yes. Pyo Wol and I are the only survivors, and we think there are more."
"Let's go."
Man… introduce yourself first, and stop looking at everyone like they're enemies.
He started walking in front of me carelessly.
"Hold my hand."
I extended my hand, and Su Yi Wol held it. Her hand was soft, but I could feel the weakness in it.
And I had noticed her poor condition.
Earlier, if I didn't have the system, I wouldn't have survived or become stronger.
And Pyo Wol had the main-character armor; otherwise, he wouldn't have survived either.
I felt more and more pity toward these kids.
Song Chun Wu held Su Yi Wol's other hand.
"How do you two walk so fast in the dark?"
A good question. Pretty and smart—and if she weren't a child, I would've considered her seriously.
"Our area was deeper and harder, so we got used to the darkness more than you."
"Were you also kidnapped by a strange man?"
"Yes."
…
My short conversation with Su Yi Wol continued until we reached the second gate.
There were also twenty rooms in this area.
Even though I expected this, I burned with anger. The worst crimes anyone can commit are those against children…
And the worst of all is kidnapping, torturing, and starving them in the name of "training."
"Ah."
I had squeezed Su Yi Wol's hand unintentionally.
"I'm sorry."
"You're really strong."
This made me think… I only wanted to know my strength compared to others…
"Tick."
Pyo Wol had pushed the door to the third area.
This time, there were five survivors who joined the group.
As time passed, something strange happened…
A human chain:
Pyo Wol in the lead opening the doors,
Me behind him holding Su Yi Wol's hand,
who was holding Song Chun Wu's hand,
who was holding someone else's hand…
Until the number reached one hundred children holding each other's hands.
It was sad… and funny at the same time.
We arrived. I closed my eyes.
Pyo Wol pushed the final door, but he screamed in pain.
The children screamed too. Su Yi Wol let go of my hand and covered her eyes.
They had been in the darkness for too long, and their eyes had become extremely sensitive to light.
After a short while, I opened my eyes…
And the scene I expected… had happened.
There were buildings resembling ancient Asian civilizations in front of me, made of wood, inside a massive cave shaped like an upside-down bowl.
And although they were very worn-out, they served their purpose…
I looked at the crying children apologizing silently because I didn't warn them earlier.
I stepped forward.
After a few seconds, Pyo Wol regained his sight, shocked by the scene, and followed me.
I knew he would start investigating immediately…
But I didn't need to—I already knew.
I had to find a good place to make my own base.
I already had a plan for the upcoming event. I smiled with a cold look.
"The bait basket is coming."
---
I briefly checked the place and walked to the middle of the room, sitting and waiting.
After about five minutes, Pyo Wol came to check the place I was in.
"Did you find anything special?"
I wanted to break the silence, but he looked at me with an expression that said: Am I your servant?
"No."
"I found something."
"What? What is it?"
"Why should I tell you?"
I was messing with him. I hadn't even searched. It was fun to see that deadly, annoyed look on his face.
"Are you two Su Meng and Pyo Wol?"
I heard a sweet voice.
"And you must be Lee Min?"
A girl with shiny silver hair and beautiful blue eyes appeared. When I saw her in the darkness, I thought she was pretty, but under the light she was even more beautiful.
"Ah, did you recognize me?"
"Of course. I can recognize the moon by its voice—especially if it shines like you."
She blushed. What? Don't tell me she's never been flirted with before.
I looked at Pyo Wol standing near me.
"Your eyes are red."
"What? Really?"
"No, not really… only when investigating."
She touched my face while looking into my eyes. Was there really a scene like this?
"Ahem, ahem… I'm here."
She stepped back shyly; she seemed quite spontaneous.
"What about my eyes? But be careful… don't get too close. I can't guarantee what I'll do."
She looked into my eyes, shock on her face.
"You're just darkness… no light. It seems the flame's light is swallowed by your eyes. It's strange… but beautiful."
What? Is this the system's effect? I expected something red, blue, or purple… but pure darkness? This…
"There you are, we were looking for you."
It was Su Yi Wol and Song Chun Wu.
"Thank you for helping us in the dark."
"No need to thank me. Thank Pyo Wol—he guided the way and opened all the doors."
"Thank you."
"I didn't do anything."
Man, if you treat her like that, you'll lose your chance with her.
She looked back at me; apparently Pyo Wol's cold response didn't erase her smile.
"Su Meng, I'm asking you and Pyo Wol to join my group."
"Your group?"
"Yes. The other kids have decided to stay with us from now on. What do you think about joining us?"
This is tricky… of course I'd prefer staying in her group, but doing so would ruin my future plans and…
"I don't want to join a group for now."
"What? You mean you don't want to?"
"I mean I'll wait a little."
Pyo Wol… you already decided long ago that you wouldn't join any group.
She looked at Su Yi Wol expectantly… Sorry, that smile will disappear now.
"I'm sorry, Su Yi Wol, but I'll also wait a little."
A sad look appeared on her face, and Song Chun Wu looked angry… does he think we're arrogant or what?
"Alright, don't hesitate to come when you make up your minds."
This girl… she's really interesting.
"What about you, Lee Min?"
"I think it's better to stay with you than be alone."
"Good choice."
I watched Pyo Wol as he walked away.
"If you're done… go out. I want to rest a little."
"Alright, but don't forget to tell me when you change your mind."
"Fine, fine… goodbye."
Finally alone… Now, system, tell me what you meant by this.
[ Special Mission: Steal all the food in the basket
Reward: Chance to obtain a unique ability
Penalty: None
Accept the mission? Yes or No ]