The Hunter’s Gonna Lay Low - Chap 280
Cha Eui-jae wrestled with the book for a long time but eventually gave up. Sometimes, there are problems that even great strength cannot overcome.
If I can’t read it, I need to find someone else who can. He fell into thought, hearing the rhythmic sound of hammering.
‘Someone who would read it without questioning…’
He immediately ruled out Lee Sa-young and Honeybee. If he asked them to read the book, they would surely bombard him with questions. Instead, he thought of the people he had met here.
The first person who came to mind was, of course, Jung Bin. But he quickly shook his head. Jung Bin was busy, and if he found out about his eye problem, he would certainly inform Nam Woo-jin.
Next, Nam Woo-jin came to mind, but Cha Eui-jae dismissed the thought immediately. As if that would work! Nam Woo-jin’s roar could subdue even Cha Eui-jae and Lee Sa-young. Cha Eui-jae rolled his eyes.
‘Student Ga-eul… could be persuaded, but.’
The Yoon Ga-eul here was deeply concerned about J’s health, so she wouldn’t be on Cha Eui-jae’s side regarding health issues. If she found out, she would drag him straight to Nam Woo-jin.
‘I could end up confined to the hospital room again…’
He definitely didn’t want to be locked up in the hospital room alone with Lee Sa-young again. The risk was too great compared to the penalty.
‘Hong Ye-seong is the most approachable… but he’s far away. I can’t go alone.’
In this world, there were no members of the Pado Guild like Seo Min-gi or Romantic Opener. The Pado Guild itself didn’t exist. There really wasn’t anyone he could ask for help. As Cha Eui-jae reflected on his narrow social circle, a sarcastic voice interrupted his thoughts.
“What are you doing here, lounging around? Must be nice~ Everyone else is so busy they could die.”
Cha Eui-jae looked up. A salty sea smell wafted through the air. Mackerel was swaggering over.
“What’s with all these books? Got a new hobby for reading, huh?”
Mackerel, in his usual mocking tone, rummaged through the bookshelf near Cha Eui-jae. The sound of a few books being pulled out echoed. Cha Eui-jae rested his chin on his hand and replied.
“Since I’m under house arrest, I might as well do this. What about you?”
“What else? I’m feeding my soul.”
“Nothing else?”
“What else could there be? I’m dedicating myself to vaccine development~… Life’s tough for us test subjects, too.”
“Vaccine development?”
When Cha Eui-jae asked curiously, Mackerel replied in a pitying tone.
“They’re working on a mutation vaccine, you know. To revert mutated humans… The doctor is constantly working on it. You know this, right?”
“…”
A mutation vaccine, a drug to revert mutated humans. This place was in a time of progressing mutations. If they could complete the vaccine here…
‘It could be useful in reality too.’
It felt like a light bulb lit up in his mind. This was probably something to learn from the memories of those who failed. Cha Eui-jae firmly grasped Mackerel’s ankle. It was as cold as catching a fish.
“How far has it progressed?”
“The vaccine? It’s not that easy to develop. It’s still far from complete.”
Mackerel answered nonchalantly, without showing any surprise. There was the sound of flipping through pages, indicating he was browsing through a book. Cha Eui-jae tugged at the ankle he was holding. Mackerel stumbled slightly.
“Whoa? What’s this? Why are you pulling me?”
“Come here for a moment.”
“Are you a gangster or something?”
“I need your help.”
“I told you, I quit being an informant.”
“You owe me your life.”
“Owe? You saved me forcibly. Shameless…”
“Anyway, I saved your life. We’re short on time, hurry.”
Grumbling, Mackerel squatted in front of Cha Eui-jae. The salty sea breeze mixed with a strong smell of cigarettes. Cha Eui-jae handed him the book he was holding and asked.
“What’s in this book?”
“Seriously sudden… How did you even find such an old book?”
Mackerel took the book and flipped through its pages. Flap, flap. The sound of pages turning grew faster with each turn. Towards the end, it seemed he skimmed through in one go, as a faint breeze was felt. Mackerel answered nonchalantly.
“There’s nothing here.”
“…What?”
“It’s blank. Judging by its size, it looks like a notebook… someone must have misplaced it. It’s a miracle you found it.”
Cha Eui-jae took the book back. The book he saw at the Seowon Guild was filled with dense, mysterious writing, though incomprehensible…
‘Did I imagine it?’
But the texture of the book was identical to the one in his memory. Where had things gone wrong? He had hoped it would be helpful. Cha Eui-jae absentmindedly rubbed the rough cover. A small feeling of disappointment rose. Mackerel stood up lightly.
“Well… if you’re really curious, why not ask the doctor? He said all the books here are ones he read. Who knows? It might be his diary.”
“…”
“Mackerel, the Guild Leader is calling you!”
A distant librarian’s voice called out. Mackerel brushed off his knees and grumbled.
“What’s this, is it time for inspection already…?”
Cha Eui-jae leaned his head against the wooden bookshelf, closing and reopening his eyes. Whether they were open or closed, he saw the same thing. Darkness with red numbers.
The numbers decreased every second. Anxiety grew. His stomach churned. His heart raced. Cold sweat broke out. The creeping feeling of helplessness and dread climbed from his toes.
‘This suddenly?’
Suddenly, an overwhelming wave of anxiety hit him. Heavy emotions crushed and overwhelmed him. It was both unfamiliar and familiar. Cha Eui-jae clutched his chest. It was strangely hard to breathe. His throat felt itchy, and a dry cough escaped. He slipped his hand under his mask to cover his mouth. Coughs burst out uncontrollably.
“Wait… are you okay?”
Mackerel asked in a worried voice. Unable to answer, Cha Eui-jae barely shook his head. Hack, hack… With each rough cough, a dampness spread on his palm. Cha Eui-jae, catching his breath, withdrew his hand from under the mask. It was damp.
“…”
Mackerel inhaled sharply. What was the liquid wetting his palm? It didn’t smell like blood, which made him anxious. Cha Eui-jae lifted his head, looking in the direction where Mackerel might be.
“…Mackerel.”
“…”
“Keep this question a secret and answer just one thing.”
“…”
The liquid pooling in his palm slowly trickled down his wrist and between his fingers. It was too much to be mere discharge, yet it didn’t smell like blood. Cha Eui-jae extended his hand.
“What color is this?”
The sound of someone nervously chewing their lip was the answer. Cha Eui-jae listened to the regular hammering sounds. His anxious heart did not easily settle. Eventually, Cha Eui-jae realized.
These were ‘his’ emotions.
At the point where 117 hours, 43 minutes, and 12 seconds remained until his death, these were the emotions ‘Cha Eui-jae’ felt.
Cha Eui-jae feared death.
“…Tell the doctor. There might be a way.”
As Mackerel turned to leave, Cha Eui-jae quickly extended his leg to trip him by the ankle. Mackerel, stumbling forward, turned his head sharply.
“What are you doing…”
“It’s fine.”
“What’s fine? It’s not too late yet!”
“This… can’t be avoided.”
Cha Eui-jae stood up. His legs trembled. His heart was pounding so loudly he could barely hear his own breath. But he had to maintain composure. Just then,
A bright white window appeared in the darkness.
[Trait: Poker Face (B) activated.]
It was a notification he hadn’t seen in a very long time.
His heart, which had been pounding as if it would burst, began to calm, gradually finding its rhythm. The trembling of his lips and eyelids ceased, and his ragged breathing settled. The fear that had consumed his face behind the mask faded, giving way to a serene, expressionless demeanor. A quiet peace returned.
No, it had to be peaceful.
Cha Eui-jae asked in a detached voice,
“Do you have a handkerchief?”
“…”
There was a rustling sound, followed by something being handed to him. Judging by the stiff texture, it seemed to be a shirt rather than a handkerchief. Cha Eui-jae raised the corners of his mouth in a faint smile.
“You didn’t have to go so far as to take off your shirt.”
“…”
Cha Eui-jae wiped the liquid from his hands. It came off more easily than he had expected. He handed the shirt back.
“Sorry, but could you burn this for me?”
“…Are you really okay?”
“Of course, I’m fine.”
“…”
“Don’t worry… I know my body best.”
He turned his back. A steadfast hero’s silhouette, or so it had to be. He needed to be that. He glanced back at Mackerel, who remained rooted in place. Then, raising a finger to his lips over the mask, he whispered.
“Keep this a secret.”
“…”
“…That’s the price for your and your brother’s lives.”
J’s figure disappeared beyond the bookshelf. The sound of Mackerel gripping the bookshelf echoed through the air.
“Wait, you…!”
“Mackerel! The Guild Leader is calling for you.”
A nonchalant voice interrupted.
“Mackerel is here. Take him.”
“Ah, thank you for letting us know, J!”
J walked away, leaving the voice behind, ignoring the white system window’s text that floated in his vision.
[Checking current synchronization rate…]
[100%.]
[You have acquired a new trait! Check it out!]
[(NEW!) Poker Face (B)]
[Ideal for when you want to hide something.]
[Even from oneself.]
