Regressor Instruction Manual

Chapter 1307. The Magic Tower (20)

The atmosphere in Heren was better than expected. Of course, there were still some idiots spewing negative remarks...

However, instead of hearing things like...

“It’s all over.”

“It’s the end.”

I started hearing more hopeful words like...

“Maybe we can pull this off...”

“We might be able to hold out...”

There were a few twists and turns, but it was undeniable that Song Soo-Kyung was doing a decent job of steering the mood.

One could even call it an achievement in its own right.

Planning the city’s defensive battle with Heren’s fools and fostering the belief that they could win or at least hold out until reinforcements were here was only possible thanks to his skill.

He calmed the public with rumors like, “Just hold out a bit longer; reinforcements will come from Lindel and other nations,” and “The few special variants have taken serious damage and are reluctant to storm the castle.”

Naturally, this atmosphere wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the little mage who dealt real damage to those special variants.

‘Damn, this is what being a tentacle mage is all about.’

“We’re counting on you, sir.”

“Ah... yes...” I muttered.

“Please take good care of us.”

“O-Of course,” I answered.

It wasn't just the adventurers, but even the civilians who evacuated into the castle came up to hold my hand tightly.

Meanwhile, Song Soo-Kyung stuck so close to me that he felt more like my bodyguard than Big Boy ever did. I could understand his desire to use me to secure his own position, but his blatant behavior made me frown involuntarily.

‘Well... it’s true that I do need to get close to him.’

I had things I needed to find out, too.

“Thank you for your hard work,” Song Soo-Kyung said.

“I-It’s nothing... really. I just... went around to say hello, that’s all...” I said.

“From your perspective, it may seem like nothing, but for them, it’s probably a great help. People can change completely just from having hope. Just yesterday, they were sitting still, trembling in fear, but now, they’re actively trying to participate in the city’s defense. Even the elderly and the children,” Song Soo-Kyung explained.

‘That’s true.’

“They may be doing things like repairing the walls or moving supplies... but still, everyone here has the desire to survive,” Song Soo-Kyung added.

“Ah... ah...”

“Is it... overwhelming?” Song Soo-Kyung asked.

‘Overwhelming? Of course it is.’

“Um... a little, yes. Honestly, I’m not that great a person... I don’t even remember exactly what I did...” I told him.

I was just an ordinary child, like any other one could see anywhere.

Of course, those who would actually say things like that would never be truly ordinary.

The closer someone was to the main stage, the more likely they were to possess extraordinary power. That was basically a universal rule. Obviously, Song Soo-Kyung knew that, too. Even if I were to say that I was ordinary, would he really believe it?

‘I’m so scared.’

How could I not be?

‘I’m just an ordinary kid, but everyone has such high expectations of me. It’s terrifying.’

For a kid who had only been living in a laboratory until recently, it was only natural for me to feel overwhelmed under the gaze of so many people. There was certainly some excitement from the first experiences of expectation and goodwill, but could a child lacking self-confidence possibly stand proudly in such a situation?

Of course, this was a moment when someone’s comfort was needed.

Normally, Big Boy would have been the one to do it, but now... it was Song Soo-Kyung’s turn to speak first. Big Boy usually waited until everything was over to quietly offer his support at home.

He wasn’t the type to say awkward things in front of others; if anything, he’d toss a comment casually during mealtime. As expected, Song Soo-Kyung seized the opportunity by stepping forward and saying, “Feel free to be a little braver.”

“Huh?”

“There’s great potential within you. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. And everyone here has seen it too. It’s your very presence that gave them hope... so you can act with confidence,” Song Soo-Kyung continued.

“Do you really think so? What if I make a mistake...” I questioned.

“Who could possibly blame you? Just being here with us already gives everyone strength...” Song Soo-Kyung argued.

“...”

“...”

‘Big Boy is usually bad with words, so he has no idea what to say.’

“Do you see it?” Song Soo-Kyung asked.

‘Of course I see it, idiot.’

“So many people believe in you. If it’s hard for you to trust yourself, why not try believing in the mage that they believe in?” Song Soo-Kyung suggested.

“Well...” I paused.

“Fortunately, we still have some time. You’ll have plenty of moments to think... but if you’re still unsure, I’ll do my best to support you from beside you,” Song Soo-Kyung reassured me.

‘Song Soo-Kyung... this warm idiot...’

“It’s no good staying here like this. We should move to another location for now. I also need to explain the operation in detail... and it’d be good to greet the other mages currently stationed in Heren,” Song Soo-Kyung suggested.

“Ah... I see,” I said.

“The other mages have high expectations as well,” Song Soo-Kyung added.

“R-Really?” I asked.

“Yes. They said they’ve never seen that kind of magic before. Oh, and don’t worry, they’ve already been told not to ask detailed questions about your school or magic. You can think of this as just a small opportunity to interact with them,” Song Soo-Kyung explained.

“Ah... okay!” I answered.

It was only natural to show excessive joy. By nature, I feared interaction with others while still longing for it. Naturally, I was studious and passionate about magic.

Song Soo-Kyung’s proposal was like offering a thirsty traveler a well, so how could I not be happy? Of course, Big Boy didn't look as pleased as me.

‘I know exactly what he’s thinking.’

“...”

“...”

He was a bit bitter. It wasn’t because I was being taken away; he was probably questioning whether he was truly a good guardian or not.

Song Soo-Kyung was still young to claim the role of someone’s guardian, but in Big Boy’s eyes, he seemed like the ideal adult. He was clean, composed, and most importantly, he was taking care of me in the subtlest way.

‘Come on. You’re the best, Big Boy. Everyone can see this guy’s got other intentions.’

Of course, now was the crucial moment to get rid of Big Boy since there were things I needed to figure out by talking with Song Soo-Kyung. As expected, the slightly discouraged Big Boy approached me.

“Th-Then... enjoy your little chat...It looks like we need to help out over there,” Big Boy said.

“Huh? T-Take me with you, hyung,” I said.

“Forget it. Listening to mages talk will just give me a headache... Of course, I’ll be nearby, so don’t worry too much... I’ll just help move some supplies... or go smoking,” Big Boy said.

“Why are you like this, Big Boy?” Carlton asked.

“Carlton, don’t bother the kid and just follow me,” Big Boy said.

‘This guy’s getting sentimental.’

“Ah... okay, hyung. I’ll finish quickly and join you,” I told him.

“Yeah. Don’t stay too long,” Big Boy said.

“Okay!” I shouted.

Of course, meeting the mages didn’t really involve any groundbreaking conversations. Mostly, it was just discussions under Song Soo-Kyung’s guidance about where to deploy tactical spells, synchronizing their spells, and understanding each other’s magical waves, but seeing them smile like they were enjoying it seemed right.

Meanwhile, Big Boy was talking seriously with Carlton. Since the conversation with the mages wasn’t particularly interesting, I peeked at them through the Telescope and heard their conversation clearly.

"What’s up? What’s going on?"

"Nothing...

"What? Damn it, why are you whining again?"

"It’s just seeing that guy named Song Soo-Kyung or whatever got me thinking."

"Huh?"

"Whether we’re really suited to be that kid’s guardians... I mean, that kind of thought crossed my mind."

‘Figures.’

"Why are you thinking about things like that, Big Boy?"

"I heard he was handling administrative duties in Heren... He guarded Heren instead of that fat bastard. He could have ran away, but he stayed."

"So?"

"I’m just saying... shouldn’t someone like that be called a truly admirable adult? Look at us. Are we even worthy of taking care of a kid? We do all sorts of dirty work, killing people, and making money through dirty deeds... yet we're trying to be that kid's guardian?"

‘Stop it, Big Boy.’

His nature is going to be revealed soon enough.

After the warm-up exercise, which was basically just circulating my magic circuit, I couldn't see Big Boy anymore.

The meeting with the mages was mostly over. I subtly turned my attention toward Song Soo-Kyung, who was still waiting for me with an innocent smile.

“But, Mr. Song Soo-Kyung,” I said.

“Yes, please go ahead,” Song Soo-Kyung answered.

“Will reinforcements from Lindel or the Empire arrive... eventually?” I asked.

“To be honest, it’s difficult to expect immediate support,” Song Soo-Kyung answered.

“Ah...”

“But even if it’s late, there’s a high chance they’ll notice by tomorrow evening. Even though Heren is isolated, their only means of communicating with Heren has suddenly disappeared, so it will certainly appear suspicious in their eyes,” Song Soo-Kyung added.

“Ahhh...”

“Of course, I’m speaking under the assumption that there are no other external factors... but even so, we’ll try to organize the support forces as quickly as possible,” Song Soo-Kyung informed me.

“I see,” I said.

“Yes. Our role is purely defensive. Even if you’re here, the difference in overall strength is clear,” Song Soo-Kyung said.

“So if support comes from Lindel, that means the masters of the Blue Guild, the Red Mercenary Guild, and the Black Swan Guild will also come to Heren,” I said.

“Yes, I’m certain they’ll come to Heren,” Song Soo-Kyung confirmed.

His gaze was unsettling.

‘This guy... he must’ve met Kim Hyun-Sung before.’

“Although he’s going through a difficult time right now... I’m sure he won’t turn his back on Heren,” Song Soo-Kyung added.

It seemed like he couldn't care less whether the other Blue Guild members would come here, as he was happily babbling about a certain person.

‘Seems like he has no intention of hiding anything.’

Even without reading his mind, it was obvious that he had some kind of connection with Kim Hyun-Sung in this life. It was impossible to tell if he was saved in the first life as well.

Perhaps he was just a fan, but the fact that this psycho was interested in Kim Hyun-Sung could spell trouble. Honestly, even if Kim Hyun-Sung came here and rescued Heren, it would still be a problem.

‘He’ll probably show up like some hero and obliterate those chimeras in no time. If he starts praising him as a messiah or savior, everything's going to become messy once again.’

I thought about the many different possibilities and came to a clear conclusion—he had to be dealt with.

I unconsciously wiped my sweaty face with my shirt. I hadn’t intended it to happen, but somehow, I felt like I had unknowingly shown the brand on my stomach to Song Soo-Kyung.

I hurriedly lowered my shirt, but...

‘Ah, my bad.’

“Ah...”

“...”

“...”

'It seems that I've become so comfortable and careless that I ended up showing it.’

There was no doubting it. Song Soo-Kyung’s pupils had widened. He had just seen a big opportunity—the opportunity to spend not even a single dime to acquire a high-ranking retainer capable of casting powerful spells.

‘It’s Black Friday, damn it!’

Song Soo-Kyung's eyes briefly glimmered with unmistakable greed.