023 – Strategy
“This is how the inside looks.”
Upon entering the Gate, Myung-jun exclaimed in awe as he looked at the interior space that resembled a collapsed city. The city looked like a scene from a game depicting a world after the apocalypse, and while it was strangely familiar, it also gave him an unsettling feeling.
Soon, Myung-jun realized the source of this unease.
‘At a glance, it might look like a place where a city has collapsed, but it’s not a human city.’
The shape of the original buildings, discernible through the ruins, was remarkably different from those constructed by humans. The materials composing the debris were also something entirely different from the typical reinforced concrete used in building construction, something Myung-jun wasn’t familiar with.
For a moment, he picked up a fragment and pondered if it could be a trace of some unknown civilization. However, he soon tossed the fragment aside and began to move. He knew that his chances of uncovering the truth alone were close to zero, considering that countless awakeners before his regression had tirelessly attempted and failed.
Rather than pursuing that line of thought, he needed to focus on executing the plan he had already established. Moving to what appeared to be a safe corner, Myung-jun took a deep breath and summoned Time Keeper.
Suddenly, two irises appeared on Myung-jun’s previously empty palm.
“You don’t need to speak out loud in your mind. I’m the only entity here that’s human, after all.”
Upon hearing Myung-jun’s words, Time Keeper created a mouth on his palm. The image was reminiscent of someone playfully manipulating Myung-jun’s palm using Photoshop, but strangely, it didn’t feel creepy.
“Now, you should probably let me know what I need to do. I’ve managed to achieve everything you asked for, including the Gate Overrun that should never be attempted at this point. Even if I have the ability to transform attributes, facing a Rank 5 monster at this moment will result in my immediate death.”
“What do you mean?”
“I remember. And now, I’ve lost the protection of the Guardian of the [Oath keeper] and am in a Free state.”
“I see. So you’ve found the Guardian that’s most willing to aid me?”
“And what does that have to do with the Gate Overrun?”
“In that case, even if the power of the Guardians is mighty, can they make me wealthy?”
“Right. So at least the effort of buying a lottery ticket would be necessary.”
After a moment of contemplation, Myung-jun spoke to Time Keeper.
“Isn’t it because my destiny was within the influence of the threads of fate at that time? Countless Awakeners from around the world were all using the weapons I created to save the world.”
“It seems that you need that much effort to achieve something.”
Myung-jun nodded as he listened to the explanation.
“Got it. Can I ask one more question?”
“When I successfully clear the Gate, what kind of Guardian will grant me a class and oversee my destiny? Of course, receiving help is welcome, but can a Guardian intervene in human free will? Even though the decisions I make are my own, could it be that these decisions themselves are part of the destiny guided by a Guardian? In that case, I want to make a proper contract with a Guardian that won’t intervene in my free will, if possible.”
Upon hearing this, the mouth on Myung-jun’s palm formed a small smile. With a confident voice, Time Keeper spoke to Myung-jun.
“What? What kind of Guardian is responsible for guiding destiny?”
“Another condition?”
“What about the Doll Master Class?”
“So, if a Unique Class has Unique perk…”
“Then…”
“You mean the Guardian of the Mind?”
“Alright then. I’ll just be satisfied with a Rare class. Not only do I not want to be under the control of an existence that tormented me greatly before the regression, but I also believe that contracting with the Guardian you’ve found for me would be the best option. At least, with you, I can trust that you wouldn’t guide me toward an outcome I don’t want.”
“It’s not ‘customer,’ it’s partner.”
“That’s why, I will not engage in close combat, but I will take them down with sniping.”
“I have the slingshot that Senior Soo-jeong made, right? I’ll use that to take them down.”
“Well, that’s true. But think about it. Why do you think only rubber bands can undergo an attribute transformation? After all, in this entire space, there are various monsters that can drop the crystals, right?”
“You’re getting the idea.”
Myung-jun grinned mischievously.
“We can reinforce the slingshot as well.”
A moment later, accompanied by a massive explosion that was incomparable to the previous ones, Myung-jun’s ‘Gate Clear’ had begun.
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