Chapter: 78. The Song of the Faceless Ones (2)
Crash!
The space began to shatter.
The remnants of the protective magic were scattered like debris over my body. The moment the small fragments touched me, they burst into light and disappeared.
Taking a step, cracks started to form in the barrier around the world.
From the forceful hole I had forced my way through, the fissures spread quickly in all directions.
Rumble…
Was it because of the many echoes? The barrier emitted a sound similar to a bug’s cry before it shattered.
There was no need to swing a hammer.
Just walking forward was enough for me to break it. This fragile barrier was laughable; the fact that it had been toyed with by such magic was just ridiculous.
As I lifted my head, the root cause of this entire situation revealed itself.
Collapsed buildings.
Evidence that humanity once lived here: grotesquely twisted steel frames and concrete, with amusing objects spotted in between.
Steel wires connecting building to building, clothes fluttering in the wind above them.
Ruins and laundry. Isn’t it a typical image?
Proof that people are living here.
“Anyone!”
And as if to back that up, a voice of a person echoed.
Indeed, was it not the act of men?
“Otherworld Invasion. Call the ones in charge!”
I turned my head, looking at them.
Are they alive?
A total of bodies made up of red flesh; rifles made of steel and wood, and a delicious-looking gun that spat green sparks, something you’d only find in sci-fi.
The items they held were a bit peculiar, but they were definitely human.
“Before anything else, reveal who you are!”
A male stepped forward, raising his voice—probably the leader, I assumed.
As he took a step forward, I saw his hand trembling, and the gun he gripped aimed at the ground.
Is it because he lacks practical experience? If I were to attack them, this weak squad could easily lose their heads.
I glanced a bit longer, but the gun remained unsteady.
They looked like mere civilians.
Why did they unleash the Otherworld Invasion?
I couldn’t understand a thing, until one thought struck me.
“By any chance, do you know Irha?”
As I spoke, everyone lowered their weapons, looking at me as if waiting for something.
Is that the right answer?
But that only lasted a moment.
“What relationship do you have with Irha?!”
Maybe because his name had come up, their hostile demeanor faltered for a moment, but they still seemed uncertain.
Well, attacking civilians isn’t my style; I’d prefer to keep it civilized.
“If you’re transporting supplies, Irha is currently being held hostage by your Otherworld Invasion. If you don’t resolve this quickly, she might…”
Maybe that was the final blow.
The men guarding this area began muttering amongst themselves, probably the team leader.
“What should we do?”
“Shouldn’t we report this to someone first? That’s what I think anyway…”
“Who do you think that guy over there is?”
“Didn’t you see? He walked in and destroyed the barrier with ease. He’s unstoppable.”
“Do you know Irha by name? He doesn’t appear hostile, does he?”
They might think they’re exchanging whispers, but my ears aren’t fooled.
Regardless of their demeanor, it seems they were heading in a favorable direction.
After a couple of minutes, the first one stepped forward, holding his rifle.
“Just one question.”
A man with a living pulse asked me.
“What is it? Speak quickly so I can make a decision.”
He could keep them waiting for hours. I could be patient for a few minutes longer.
“Earlier, you mentioned the Otherworld Invasion. Is that true? Is it happening around here?”
How strange.
“Didn’t you initiate it yourselves?”
“I can’t answer that. Just answer my questions.”
Hah…
I stomped the ground hard: bending my head once a day is enough.
“Was it because of the barrier I broke through? If I intend to, I can wipe everything out in an instant. Should I destroy everything and hunt down whoever caused the Otherworld Invasion?”
Just my stamp onto the ground made stones fall from the tops of distant buildings, dust clouds billowing up into the sky like a thick mist.
The sounds of people screaming echoed through the area, and I wondered if I might have gone too far. As a warning, I kicked the ground again, rattling my emotions.
“Well then, shall we have another talk?”
Facing this immense power, was it fear? The ones who had previously been supporting me were now trembling, pointing their guns towards the ground.
Not everyone did, however.
One took a step forward, holding a living pulse, and continued to talk to me with an intrigued expression.
“Do you plan to continue?”
“No. I’m stopping.”
He lowered the gun and reached out his left hand towards me, opening his mouth.
“I am Resagu, the leader of this survivor group.”
It was a handshake with the left hand.
I glanced at his right hand subtly before extending my own left.
“I am Haram Lee, the Hero.”
Once the short handshake ended, I inquired again. So, who initiated the Otherworld Invasion? Or do you have any knowledge about it?”
“We did not cause it. However…”
“However?”
“There are things we can speculate.”
As he spoke, he looked carefully at something.
“And from now on, I plan to hold you to it.”
“Hurry up and decide:”
If that’s how it’s going to be, there was no need for such threats.
With that sentiment on display, I taunted back.
“This decision is also vital for us. Anyway, we have no way to stop you. If Irha is truly in trouble, we couldn’t ignore that.”
Whether he was oblivious to the obvious or just acting like he was, he calmly responded.
“You’ve thought well. If we can wrap this up quickly, all will be good.”
Regardless of anything else, it was best to wrap this up, as sitting idly would only worsen my mental health.
Now figuring out how to bring back Irha, I followed the guard and quickly walked through the ruins.
Gradually, the screams began to fade, and lively figures started to tickle my eyes and ears.
Children playing sword fights with steel beams, laughing. Lines of people neatly standing in front of an old tent, chatting while receiving canned goods.
Everyone was signs of life.
I think I’m starting to understand what Dong-hoon meant.
‘Even in contaminated areas, there are places where life exists.’
Seeing those cheerful scenes makes it easy to think that way.
Simultaneously, I could also easily perceive how much they were suffering.
In a glance at the open space, I saw people mixing dirt with flour.
“Is our life strange to you?”
The leader of the guards asked as I turned my head about.
“Well, somewhat. I can’t really say since I’ve never lived in such conditions before.”
“That’s interesting. You’ve never heard of it, but…”
“Not hearing it is a bit strange.”
He said that and paused, leaning his head towards me.
“Why don’t you show some reaction to how we look?”
There was pain, hatred, and despair mingled in his voice.
Perhaps it was his feelings about all he had experienced that bled through his tone.
Some urgency.
Why are you different from the others? Tell me the reason, and I will divulge the answer.
Sadly, for me, that question isn’t hard to answer.
“Hmm? My appearance? I might look different, but I have three eyes and can turn my arms into weapons. One of my friends even has a body made entirely of machinery.”
It seemed he lost his words at my statement; looking at me with puzzled eyes.
It may be different, but can we secure some empathy?
“How old do I look?”
“Uh: That’s a question I didn’t expect. Twenty.”
“Almost spot on: I’m also of the same kind that has been physically altered. So, please guide me.”
“I can’t believe it. At first, everyone said the same thing. Even those guys from the UN…”
“Do you have some trauma? I’m sorry to hear that, but I’m not here to persuade you.”
“Believing it or not is your choice. I don’t hold any prejudices about appearances, so kindly continue guiding me.”
“Not going to happen.”
Ignoring his mumblings from behind, he turned towards our direction.
Prompted onward, it seemed he had to lead me.
“Hey! Who told you to move on your own?”
As expected, when I shifted even slightly, he aimed his gun at me and charged forward.
“After you.”
After guiding me through, we steadily progressed forward.
Upward, higher.
Climbing stairs, scaling ladders, moving through the concrete jungle, the two of us advanced with a determination toward the sky.
“Here we are.”
He glanced around.
Atop the towering building, the only remaining skyscraper. The blue sky was obscured by the signature changes of a contaminated region, giving the atmosphere a nauseating hue.
“When did normal folks start living in such a place?”
This place is unfit for a sane individual.
A common person wouldn’t reside in such an elevated spot.
Even that sturdy-looking guard took about ten minutes to reach this height.
If there were a building here that appeared livable, I could understand, but all I see are worn-out military tents pushed against the wind.
In the midst of that dismal sight, I found myself at a loss for words, my eyes met the guard staring at me in silence.
“Can I go in?”
“Do as you please.”
You tell me to do as I wish after dragging me here: not that I have a choice either way.
As I took a step toward the tents, a voice echoed from behind.
“If you see me, you don’t have to worry since that’s a fact for you.”
“If you have something to say, say it directly.”
The tent’s entrance drew close in front of me.
No prejudices, please.
“I’ll consider it.”
With that answer, I pulled back the tent’s fabric and stepped inside.
The damp air, the dark room.
I felt a strangely musty, moldy odor wafting through as I moved further.
“Don’t you offer any proper hospitality?”
Of course, I’m an uninvited guest, but aren’t I more of a victim caught in the Otherworld Invasion? This is my right as a sufferer.
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