Even Hypocrisy Is a Kind of Goodness (3)
Despite Chun Inho's ruckus, the Constellations did not request a "bounty scenario."
In other words, it wasn't yet the optimal time to deal with him.
For the next half a day or so, I focused on understanding the situation at Geumho Station. Most of the information came from Lee Hyunseong.
"There are currently 86 people gathered at Geumho Station. Oh, including you, Reader, that makes 87."
"That's fewer than I expected."
"Yes. Only those who were near the station or on the train when the scenario began survived. No one says it aloud, but I'm sure everyone here went through the first scenario…"
He didn't need to finish that sentence. You could tell just by looking at their expressions. People who survived by trampling on someone else's life. Everyone here is a murderer.
"Right now, the people in Geumho Station are largely split into two groups. Strictly speaking, it's more like one group and everyone else."
Lee Hyunseong looked at the crowd with a grim face. Men armed with steel pipes and tools—just by glancing, you could tell which group held the power.
"Trust me! Our group leader is doing everything he can, so we'll be rescued soon."
Han Myung-oh, the youngest son of the Han Kyung Group.
"Our leader is right, everyone. Don't lose hope. We can get out of this."
And the real power behind Han Myung-oh, the man truly leading the group—Chun Inho. They were clearly the "main group."
"I'm bored, mom… Can I play phone games?"
"Just a bit longer, honey. The rescue team will be here soon."
"I'm telling you, the government will move. A country doesn't collapse that easily."
Those being protected by the main group, trying to eke out a living however they could, were collectively referred to as the "fringe group."
They seemed far too helpless to be called murderers. But even among a hundred murderers, there will be strong and weak. Perhaps they don't even see themselves as killers—maybe they believe they had no choice.
Lee Hyunseong looked toward the main group inciting the others.
"The food distribution is controlled by the main group. The convenience stores and restaurants inside the station have already been looted… and our ready-to-eat supplies are nearly depleted."
"I see."
"That's why since yesterday, the main group has been selecting people to send to the surface to search for food. Huiwon, who used to be with us, was one of those selected."
"Huiwon…?"
"Oh, that's the name of the woman you rescued earlier today."
I looked at the woman lying on the subway bench.
Now that I saw her in the light, she had a fairly pretty face. With plump cheeks and a gentle expression, she probably got called "cute" a lot.
Thanks to the monkey's lungs, her complexion was much improved since morning.
"Was she the only one who didn't return from the search?"
"No. A few more people went out this morning, but only those from the fringe group didn't come back."
"They didn't come back?"
"No."
Lee Hyunseong's face darkened again. I could pretty much guess what was going on.
I grabbed his shoulder firmly. Now that I touched him, I could tell—definitely a Steel Sword Type. He'd hit Strength Level 10 soon.
"W-what is it…?"
"With your abilities, I'm sure they tried to recruit you. But you didn't go with them."
"Ah, well…"
Objectively speaking, Lee Hyunseong's combat power was above Bang Cheolsu's. Chun Inho wouldn't have passed that up.
"I can't really explain it well… I just felt like I shouldn't. I don't know much about grand ideas like morality or ethics…"
He scratched his cheek awkwardly as he continued.
"But something about that group just felt 'wrong.'"
Wrong…
It wasn't much of an answer, but it rang true.
As expected of Lee Hyunseong.
"Don't forget that feeling."
Because I want to keep believing in you.
Growl.
A cute sound echoed from somewhere, and I turned to see Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung looking up at me like baby birds waiting for their mother. I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Come to think of it, it's already dinner time. You're all hungry, right? Here, take one."
I handed out food I had taken from the convenience store.
"Ah! Really? Are you sure?"
"This time it's free. But next time, I'm charging."
"Huh? Um… how much…?"
"You all have coins, right? From now on, it's 10 coins per item."
"T-ten coins…?"
Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunseong looked startled. They didn't expect me to say that.
"Of course. In fact, I'll start charging now. I don't need free handouts."
Surprisingly, the one who said that was the woman who had been lying on the bench until just now. She seemed fully conscious now.
"I'm Jung Huiwon. Thank you for helping me this morning."
"It was nothing."
I had thought she was just a cute face, but I was clearly wrong.
"Yoo Sangah, Lee Hyunseong. Pull yourselves together. This isn't the time to be making those faces. That food? He risked his life to get it. You're not thinking of taking it for free, are you?"
She spoke bluntly, her face showing no hesitation.
"Ah…"
Yoo Sangah blushed as if realizing something.
"I wasn't thinking clearly. You're right. I don't like handouts either. I don't want to rely on anyone."
"I feel the same way as Yoo Sangah. I'll pay in coins right away."
I was a little surprised by their responses. Just because the apocalypse arrived didn't mean everyone became the same kind of person.
"If you insist… fine. You all know how to trade coins, right?"
"Yes. We learned a few days ago. Touch index fingers and then… um…"
"Then think of the amount you want to send in your head."
Starting with Jung Huiwon, then Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunseong, they each took one item and paid 10 coins.
Fortunately, there wasn't much resistance. I didn't do this just to earn a few dozen coins.
At first, this decision might seem cold, but eventually, they'd realize it was the right call.
['Lee Gilyoung' has paid you 20 coins.]
"Hm? You gave 10 extra?"
"For the chocolate bar I ate earlier."
Lee Gilyoung's expression was calm and mature. Maybe kids are the ones who adapt quickest to a new world.
After all, it's easier for children to break the rules they've only just learned.
"So, Mr. Reader, are you planning to stay with us?"
"Ah, that…"
"Kim Dokja."
It wasn't Lee Hyunseong who called my name. I turned around and saw Chun Inho and his "main group."
So. It's finally come.
"Could we have a word?"
Among them was Bang Cheolsu, glaring at me with all his teeth missing. I returned a thin stare, and he quickly looked away. What a pathetic guy.
"Sure. Let's talk."
Chun Inho nodded with a satisfied expression.
"Then, would the others mind giving us a moment alone? I'd like to speak privately with Mr. Kim Dokja."
"Ah, in that case…"
"No, there's no need for anyone to leave. Stay and listen."
At my words, Chun Inho's eyes twitched. Hyunseong and the others, who had started to step back, awkwardly stopped in place.
"Hm, is that so? Well… I don't mind."
A calm attitude, as if daring them to listen.
Chun Inho dusted off a bench and sat down heavily. His men appeared from both sides, handing him a cigarette and lighting it.
He's seen way too many gangster movies.
"Since you seem to dislike beating around the bush, I'll get straight to the point."
"Please do."
"Join our group."
As expected, it was the proposal I had anticipated.
"Someone of your caliber, Kim Dokja, could be given a high-ranking position in our group. We would like you to help lead us."
"Why me, of all people?"
"I'm sure you know the reason."
Cheon Inho glanced at the battered members of the Cheoldoo faction.
"Kim Dokja, you're a hero who saved people from monsters. A hero like that deserves a fitting role."
What an interesting shift in perspective. So that's how he plans to use me.
"What if I refuse?"
"Refuse? That's amusing. I hadn't considered that possibility."
Cheon Inho exhaled a puff of smoke in my direction and laughed.
"Kim Dokja, this isn't a request. You have an obligation. Don't you see those poor people over there?"
People with dirty faces watched us nervously. Children on the verge of tears with empty stomachs, exhausted elderly looking on.
"This isn't some grand tale. We're simply asking you to cooperate for everyone's survival. You have the power to do that, don't you?"
"What exactly are you asking me to do?"
"We need someone to act as a hitman."
Hitman?
"Until a few days ago, we had someone in that role. They secured food alone, taught us how to hunt in the Yaksoo tunnels. Though honestly, we were just watching them without permission."
No need to ask who that was.
This was about Yoo Joonghyuk.
"But last night, that person suddenly disappeared."
"So now you need someone to replace him?"
"Judging by what you did to Cheolsu, I think you've more than proven yourself."
At those words, Lee Hyunseong and Jung Heewon's eyes widened. They were finally starting to understand what was going on.
"There's nothing bad in this for you, Kim Dokja. You'll become a hero to the people and a leader of the group alongside us. Everyone will admire you, and also..."
"Sorry, but I'm not someone who can take responsibility for others. I also have no intention of joining your group."
"Hmm. Is that so?"
"More importantly, I don't agree with how you're running your group."
I looked at the well-fed Cheoldoo faction members and then at the malnourished ones in the marginalized group. Jung Heewon, in particular, was glaring at Cheon Inho as if he were her mortal enemy.
"I see. That's unfortunate. But if you change your mind, feel free to come find us anytime."
"That won't happen."
"Haha, we'll see about that."
It didn't take long to understand what Cheon Inho really meant by that.
As the Cheoldoo faction withdrew, other group members who had been waiting nearby surged forward. They were the marginalized group members. Without warning, they grabbed me and raised their voices.
"Hey, is the rumor true?"
"Are you really hoarding food?"
"You're trying to keep it all to yourself when there's barely enough for everyone?"
"You said it was gathered by everyone! How can you keep it to yourselves?"
"Give the food to Inho! Let him distribute it fairly!"
I understood what was happening. In the background, I saw Cheon Inho smiling slyly. His lips were silently mouthing the words:
'Choose.'
Will you share the food and become a hero?
Or hoard it and become a villain?
If I chose to be a hero, I'd be dancing to Cheon Inho's tune. Sharing the food would obligate me to join their hunting parties, and one day, I'd be betrayed.
But if I hoarded the food, I'd be isolated and alone.
[A few constellations' eyes sparkle.]
[The constellation, 'Sneaky Schemer,' snorts through his nose.]
As the crowd grew too riled up, Cheon Inho stepped forward.
"Now, now, everyone. Please calm down. There seems to be some misunderstanding. Kim Dokja is not that kind of person."
Wow. Playing the good cop now?
"Kim Dokja has agreed to work with us. The food he brought today will, of course, be handed to the main group and shared fairly. And moving forward, he promises to work for everyone's benefit—"
He was speaking as if it was a foregone conclusion that I'd join him. I couldn't stand to listen any longer.
"That's enough."
I paused to think.
What would Yoo Joonghyuk have done?
Ah. I see.
The fact that he's not here is the answer.
But I'm not Yoo Joonghyuk.
"Of course, I'll share the food."
I saw the corners of Cheon Inho's mouth curl up. But you never know someone's full intention until they've finished speaking.
"But it won't be free."
I wouldn't throw everything away like Yoo Joonghyuk, but I also wouldn't take responsibility for everyone.
I'll provide food—but not for free.
The people looked confused, as if they couldn't understand what I meant.
"W-Wait! What do you mean, not for free?"
"Let me make it simple. I have no intention of hoarding food. But I'm not handing it over to Cheon Inho's group either. I'm not UNICEF, and I don't trust those people."
I smiled and looked at Cheon Inho.
"I want to do business with you. I want to sell food for a fair price."
"S-Sell it?"
"What are you talking about?!"
"H-How much... Will money work?"
From afar, I saw Cheon Inho's expression darken. I smiled directly at him and continued.
"No. I only accept coins."
A little later, only the members of the marginalized group I was connected with remained around me.
"Um... Dokja, was that the right choice?"
"Tch. Nothing's free in this world. Dokja, you said the right thing. That felt so good to hear."
Jung Heewon countered Lee Hyunseong's concern.
After I declared my intention to trade, many citizens turned their backs on me. They were probably quite disappointed.
"I agree with Heewon. People here have been too conditioned by the 'main group.'"
"Exactly. Those bastards... Right now, Geumho Station is entirely in their hands. People act like livestock, accepting whatever's given to them, and sometimes they're dragged off for patrols like they're being led to slaughter. Just like what happened to me this morning."
Jung Heewon shuddered.
In truth, it wasn't me hoarding food all this time—it was the 'main group.'
Using the excuse of "fair distribution," they monopolized the food and used it to control the people.
Humans become weakest when they believe someone else will protect them.
People begin to depend on and obey authority, even unconsciously, when it's established through one-sided relationships.
"I agree too. That's why your declaration today was meaningful, Dokja. People need to have the will to act for themselves. But still..."
At Lee Hyunseong's words, everyone looked at the food.
"Not a single unit has sold. At 50 coins each, don't you think the price is too high? How about selling it to them for 10 coins, like you did with us...?"
It wasn't an unreasonable thought. People kept glancing nervously toward the main group, with no sign of coming over. They just needed more time.
I answered calmly.
"Let's wait a bit longer."
Eventually, night fell.
The heavy footsteps of giant beasts could occasionally be heard aboveground, and people murmured in their sleep as they dreamed nightmares. Lee Gilyoung and Yoo Sangah were the first to fall asleep, followed by Jung Heewon, who began dozing off.
"Dokja, you should rest. I'll keep watch."
"No. It's okay. You go ahead, Hyunseong."
"But you must be tired."
"I have something to do."
"Something to do?"
I pointed behind Lee Hyunseong. Surprisingly, there were shadows moving in the darkness—not just one or two.
"Um... Is the food still for sale?"
At last, people had begun to move.