The solution erged in my mind.
Just one.
A solution as narrow as the point of a needle.
But before I tell you, theres sothing we need to clarify first.
...What is it?
Your punch I need to know the exact conditions for its use.
In truth, Kang Chans power, if were talking purely in terms of attack strength, is the strongest among all the players Ive seen so far. In terms of the impact of a single blow, its comparable to the master of the city after activating the Heart of Lightning.
Naturally, his punch is also the key ability for conquering the floor 3-5.
For now, Im only guessing that it can be used about once, but understanding the detailed conditions for its use is also crucial.
...Then, I guess I need to hear about you too.
Kang Chan responds to my question with a question of his own.
From what I gather... youre not the type of regressor who goes back just once. Youre probably the kind who can do it repeatedly. I an You spoke to right after entering the floor 3-5 without even looking around.
...
I need to know the conditions that change the point of your regression. Can you just do it as per your will? Or is it determined by so kind of condition? Cant it be reset?
Kang Chan raised an eyebrow, asking about my regression ability.
I had forgotten, due to his easy divulgence of his own power, but I had not revealed anything about my own return.
...Why are you curious about that?
Arent you planning to regress anyway? Whats the problem in telling ?
...
He had a point, and I had no counterargunt. After all, once I regressed, those mories would vanish anyway, so there was nothing I couldnt disclose.
But still... revealing that I regress upon a re injury felt sowhat uneasy. It was a kind of instinctual repulsion, not a rational thought.
...I regress under certain conditions. The point of regression is set to the mont I first entered each level.
You ask to reveal the penalties of my punch, yet you too hide the detailed conditions of your power.
...
Lets just agree not to disclose our ability further.
Kang Chan shrugged nonchalantly, then continued.
...Next, Id like to hear in detail about your experiences after entering the floor 3-5.
Why do you need to know that?
I need to assess whether your plan is realistic or not. Ive already shared my story.
Um, guys...
In the midst of this tense exchange, An Kyung-Joon interjected cluelessly.
Theres a lady waiting for you... You should co now.
...Leave. Ill be there soon.
O-Okay...
Kang Chan swiftly silenced An Kyung-Joon with a look, then shifted his gaze back to .
You dont have to tell if you dont want to. You can even lie. After all, if you regress, Ill forget everything anyway. Ah, you could even regress right now if you want. Ive got the information I wanted. But rember, youre alone. Even plans that seem perfect to you might have flaws when seen through anothers eyes. I have advice to offer too.
...
Kang Chan.
Contrary to my initial impression, this guy seed quite sharp. And right now, he was being cooperative.
I wasnt sure of his intentions, but... he might be of so help.
...Lets start from when I first entered the third level.
So, I slowly unfolded the events that occurred after I entered the floor 3-5 to Kang Chan.
It was uncomfortable to reveal the facts of my regression and to share stories from the last iterations... but Kang Chan was right. A plan that seed perfect to might have flaws when seen through the eyes of a third party.
...After seeing blood on the golems fist, I regressed.
About 10 minutes had passed.
I finished my story, and Kang Chan, with a stern expression, seed deep in thought. An Kyung-Joon, who had peeked in wondering why we hadnt co yet, retreated back upon sensing the heavy atmosphere.
Kang Chan nodded, his face not completely expressionless but difficult to read.
First... it seems I can only use the punch only once on the third floor.
Are you sure?
To be honest, Im reluctant to give too much information to a regressor. But this is no lie. Floor 3-5... is really not compatible with .
...I see.
Kang Chan seed to understand what it ant to give information to a regressor. And he didnt appear to be lying.
If he could use the punch twice, things would be much, much easier. But if its really true that the punch could be used just once... its inevitably disappointing.
Besides, it seems the other three mbers, including you, are quite strong.
Kang Chan turned his head, looking in the direction where Dok Su-Hee and An Kyung-Joon were waiting.
...For , the fist is like a last resort. Using it is almost like walking around with my neck exposed.
But you used your power in the trap corridor, didnt you?
That version must have developed trust Trust that with you guys, he could use his power and still survive to the end.
The past Kang Chan must have observed others closely, I assud.
Kang Chan, who is almost like a corpse without his intimidation trait, always had to watch others. From their personalities to their strength and way of thinking. After considering all these factors, Kang Chan concluded that our party was trustworthy and decided to use his power along the way.
Kang Chan must not be in a position to comfortably pass through the trap corridor either.
Moreover, having intimidation as his last line of defense, he must have been confident about surviving most situations.
...I just didnt expect a golem immune to murderous intent to show up.
However, that encounter hadnt ended well.
...With this, I believe Ive laid all my cards on the table. Now its your turn.
Kang Chan, with his dark eyes, looked directly into mine.
Lets hear your plan.
Alright.
After a mont of contemplation, I began to explain.
My plan.
Its essence was simple.
It was about understanding what these four of us possessed, analyzing the obstacles ahead, and then utilizing our abilities where they were most needed.
It wasnt a grand sche. Just a simple shift in thinking.
...A plan that heavily relies on your willpower, I see.
That was Kang Chans reaction after hearing my plan to the end.
The chances of success seem high. As long as you dont break ntally.
In fact, that was the biggest issue with this plan - The question of whether or not my willpower could endure.
But among the plans that had co to mind, this seed like the only viable answer.
...Ill be rooting for you.
After a small nod, Kang Chan slowly rose from his seat.
He loosened his shoulders, then squared up and fixed his gaze on .
Now, regress.
A fist wrapped in light. A murderous aura emanating from the body.
These were the precursors to Kang Chans punch.
...I was planning to regress anyway, but is this really necessary?
I had indeed planned to regress, but his sudden change in attitude left feeling a bit slighted.
Not really. Try seeing it from my perspective.
Kang Chan shook his head in disapproval.
You might have used so special technique to peek into my status, or maybe you deduced my abilities and launched a psychological attack.
...
What do you think was my reason for openly sharing my past and abilities?
Like a regressor, Kang Chan becos vulnerable the mont his true nature is exposed. And his weakness
Numbers.
Simply overpowering him with numbers can win the battle. There would be sacrifices, but without his one punch, hes practically defenseless.
In other words, the mont Kang Chan revealed his abilities, he had no intention of letting go easily.
...If Im not a regressor, youll be trapped on the third floor, right? You cant progress without four people here.
Once my true nature is revealed, Im as good as dead. Im taking a gamble too...
Kang Chan stopped mid-sentence and let out a sly laugh.
No, Ill be honest. Initially, I was skeptical, and I gambled as I just ntioned... but now, I believe that you are indeed a regressor. Its my intuition and the conclusion from observing your actions.
...Then why are you doing this?
Im trying to score points.
...What?
Have you never thought about it from soone elses perspective? What it feels like to encounter a regressor?
...
Youre like a natural disaster, or sothing inevitable. Unless theres a way to seal you away forever, opposing you is akin to suicide.
Kang Chan lifted one corner of his mouth in a half-smile.
Im appealing to you right now. Im not so empty-headed fool. I can be of help to you, and beyond that, to humanity.
Kang Chan was showing his insight.
He had grasped the situation in a flash. Asserting that he possessed a certain depth of perception.
He was basically saying that rather than exposing and utterly demolishing him, it would be more rational to leave him be and utilize him.
...I did wonder why you were so readily sharing your story at first.
There was a plan all along. I had thought he was just being thoughtless.
No, it wasnt just because I had no intention of letting you go.
Kang Chan shook his head.
There was also an intention to see how you would react to my story. Just as you were observing , I was observing you.
...
And from what Ive seen... youre trustworthy.
Again, he was indirectly saying that if he believed now, his past self would have believed too.
With that, Kang Chan showed a slightly awkward smile for the first ti.
...So, Ill be rooting for you.
The light from Kang Chans fist slowly faded.
...Thanks.
I nodded slightly and then began the regression.
Youve been injured. Regressing to the mont you first entered the floor 3-5.
***
...Wake up. Greenhorn.
...Huff.
Before executing the plan, there was sothing I needed to test first.
Lets go.
The golem
I had to face that creature once again.
End of Chapter -
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