Chapter 72


    The solution emerged in my mind.


    Just one.


    A solution as narrow as the point of a needle.


    But before I tell you, theres something we need to rify 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 yers Ive seen so far. In terms of the impact of a single blow, itsparable 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 mean You spoke to me 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 some 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 nning to regress anyway? Whats the problem in telling me?


    ...


    He had a point, and I had no counterargument. After all, once I regressed, those memories would vanish anyway, so there was nothing I couldnt disclose.


    But still... revealing that I regress upon a mere injury felt somewhat 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 moment I first entered each level.


    You ask me 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 nonchntly, 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 n is realistic or not. Ive already shared my story.


    Um, guys...


    In the midst of this tense exchange, An Kyung-Joon interjected cluelessly.


    Theres ady waiting for you... You shoulde now.


    ...Leave. Ill be there soon.


    O-Okay...


    Kang Chan swiftly silenced An Kyung-Joon with a look, then shifted his gaze back to me.


    You dont have to tell me 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 remember, youre alone. Even ns that seem perfect to you might have ws when seen through anothers eyes. I have advice to offer too.


    ...


    Kang Chan.


    Contrary to my initial impression, this guy seemed quite sharp. And right now, he was being cooperative.


    I wasnt sure of his intentions, but... he might be of some help.


    ...Lets start from when I first entered the third level.


    So, I slowly unfolded the events that urred after I entered the floor 3-5 to Kang Chan.


    It was ufortable to reveal the facts of my regression and to share stories from thest iterations... but Kang Chan was right. A n that seemed perfect to me might have ws 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, seemed deep in thought. An Kyung-Joon, who had peeked in wondering why we hadnte yet, retreated back upon sensing the heavy atmosphere.


    Kang Chan nodded, his face notpletely 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 notpatible with me.


    ...I see.


    Kang Chan seemed to understand what it meant 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 members, 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 me, the fist is like ast 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 assumed.


    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 tofortably pass through the trap corridor either.


    Moreover, having intimidation as hisst 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 Iveid all my cards on the table. Now its your turn.


    Kang Chan, with his dark eyes, looked directly into mine.


    Lets hear your n.


    Alright.


    After a moment of contemtion, I began to exin.


    My n.


    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 scheme. Just a simple shift in thinking.


    ...A n that heavily relies on your willpower, I see.


    That was Kang Chans reaction after hearing my n to the end.


    The chances of sess seem high. As long as you dont break mentally.


    In fact, that was the biggest issue with this n - The question of whether or not my willpower could endure.


    But among the ns that hade to mind, this seemed 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 me.


    Now, regress.


    A fist wrapped in light. A murderous aura emanating from the body.


    These were the precursors to Kang Chans punch.


    ...I was nning to regress anyway, but is this really necessary?


    I had indeed nned to regress, but his sudden change in attitude left me feeling a bit slighted.


    Not really. Try seeing it from my perspective.


    Kang Chan shook his head in disapproval.


    You might have used some special technique to peek into my status, or maybe you deduced my abilities andunched a psychological attack.


    ...


    What do you think was my reason for openly sharing my past and abilities?


    Like a regressor, Kang Chan bes vulnerable the moment 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 moment Kang Chan revealed his abilities, he had no intention of letting me 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 slyugh.


    No, Ill be honest. Initially, I was skeptical, and I gambled as I just mentioned... 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 someone elses perspective? What it feels like to encounter a regressor?


    ...


    Youre like a natural disaster, or something 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 some 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 sh. 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 n 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 me, I was observing you.


    ...


    And from what Ive seen... youre trustworthy.


    Again, he was indirectly saying that if he believed me now, his past self would have believed me too.


    With that, Kang Chan showed a slightly awkward smile for the first time.


    ...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 moment you first entered the floor 3-5.


    <strong>***</strong>


    ...Wake up. Greenhorn.


    ...Huff.


    Before executing the n, there was something I needed to test first.


    Lets go.


    The golem


    I had to face that creature once again.


    <strong>   End of Chapter   -</strong>


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