The next morning arrived.After my talk with Ahn Hyun at dawn, I returned to the room and was able to rotate out of night watch and caregiving duty. Even though I told them I was fine and that they could sleep more, they insisted on pushing me away, so I had no choice. Figuring I might as well close my eyes for a bit, I lay down in a corner of the living room — and it seemed I fell into a deep sleep. I decided I needed to reflect on that.
Even if there was no immediate danger now, letting my guard down was unacceptable.Maybe I'm the abnormal one.Whatever I did, I always had to push myself to the limit to be satisfied. It had become a habit after ten years — sleeping well and eating my fill were luxuries I consciously avoided. I thought it was about time to raise my pace again and was about to get up when I heard a presence nearby. I opened my eyes slightly and saw, surprisingly, someone sitting quietly by my side. It was none other than An Sol.
"Ah!"
Wobbling her head in awkwardness, An Sol met my gaze and widened her eyes in shock.There's no need to be that startled. I smiled warmly and spoke gently, filling my voice with reassurance:"I'm not going to hurt you. Good morning. How are you feeling?"
"Ah, good morning!"
She greeted me hurriedly yet politely, making me smile involuntarily.Damn it, I shouldn't feel like this. Why do I become so soft just seeing her?Looking at this girl, who stirred an overwhelming protective instinct, I slowly sat up. Watching my movements, she hesitated, fidgeting nervously, before finally speaking in a mosquito-like voice:
"O-Oppa."
"Yeah?"
"I-I'm sorry…."
"Huh?"
What nonsense is this now?It feels like I've heard endless apologies yesterday and today.Confused, I looked at her, and she lowered her head and continued.
"I heard... because of me... you went through a lot…."
If someone who didn't know the situation overheard, they'd probably misunderstand completely.Still, watching An Sol stammer, I suddenly became worried for her future.If she was this timid around normal people, how would she survive among the outlandish types of Whole Plane?This girl, who would one day be the brilliant High Priestess, standing alongside figures like the Shadow Queen or the Execution Princess? It felt like such a far-off fantasy.With a nonchalant expression, I answered:
"You don't have anything to apologize for. If anything, you did incredibly well. I heard you saved everyone."
"N-No! I don't really remember much…!"
Seeing her start to wilt again, I quickly shook my head kindly.It seemed my compliment got through — color returned to her cheeks, and she flailed her arms shyly.Everything she thought was written plainly across her face; truly a pure, natural type.I couldn't help but wonder how she was raised to stay this innocent.Just then, I heard someone call me from behind.
"Soo-hyun oppa, if you're awake, come eat."
"?"
"What's with that doubtful look toward an innocent girl, oppa?"
"?"
"Stop looking like that... Fine, I'll talk normally. Ahn Hyun said Sol took over your watch and caregiving last night. Since you helped us, I made breakfast. Everyone else already ate, so don't worry."
"Ahh, definitely Yoo-jung. Thanks."
Nodding, I reached out, and she slapped the plate down in front of me, her face a bit flushed with annoyance.The menu was the same as yesterday: tuna crackers.I wanted to tease her for only knowing how to make this, but her sharp glare warned me to keep my mouth shut.
"...."
"...."
I picked up a cracker and took a bite.Both Yoo-jung and An Sol just sat there watching me eat.Feeling a little grumpy, I put the cracker down midway.Seeing this, Yoo-jung blinked at me as if urging me to eat more, and An Sol just smiled innocently.What the hell's wrong with these girls today?
"Do I look like a monkey in a zoo?"
"Not that much. It's just your way of eating is fascinating."
"My way?"
Was it that strange? I thought I was eating normally.Then suddenly, it hit me.
"Ahn Hyun just chomps and swallows after a few bites. But you, oppa, nibble carefully, chewing small pieces slowly, then swallowing little by little. And you don't even eat much. Why do you eat like that?"
I couldn't answer immediately.Yoo-jung's observation was sharper than I expected.The truth was, during the time I was chased by fairies in the Fairy Forest and was short on food, I developed this habit of rationing every last bite.Even now, during expeditions, I made it a rule to never eat to fullness, since a full stomach dulled the senses.But I couldn't just blurt all that out.I decided to dodge the question.
"It's just a habit. I eat more when the situation allows. Anyway, where's the others?"
"Ahn Hyun? Han-byeol? Ahn Hyun went out to scout the surroundings alone, and Han-byeol went up to the rooftop."
Seeing Yoo-jung answer without suspicion, I sighed in relief.Then, noticing a gaze, I turned and saw An Sol staring at me with sparkling eyes.When our eyes met, she smiled innocently again.Seriously, what's up with her today?
An Sol really felt like a little kid.Kids instinctively fear strangers, but when they realize the person isn't dangerous, they get curious and eventually approach.It was the same with her.
Chewing another cracker, I drifted into thought.If days were counted from midnight, today would be the second day at the Trap Point.Meaning, until midnight today, it was still safe.But everyone seemed to like this place a little too much.
"I hope everyone comes back soon. We need to talk."
"About what? Our next move?"
"Something like that."
"Tell us first, oppa. Me and Sol."
Yoo-jung, sitting with knees together and arms forming a circle around them, looked at me eagerly.Even An Sol's face turned a little tense.
I knew saying this would cause a backlash, but I decided to face it head-on.It was something they all needed to know, no matter how unpleasant.
"I think we should leave this city today."
As expected, both their faces froze instantly.
"I did a quick patrol. Just like you said, it's eerily quiet."
Ahn Hyun, entering through the door, immediately noted how suspiciously silent the city was.At my request to gather everyone, we were all assembled in the living room.Even Han-byeol seemed to have calmed down after cooling off on the rooftop.
After surveying everyone's faces, I spoke:
"Before you all came here, didn't the angels give you instructions?"
"I dunno. I was too busy fighting with that winged bitch to listen."
Yoo-jung's reply made me chuckle.I turned to Ahn Hyun and Han-byeol.After thinking for a moment, they spoke up one by one.
"I remember some warnings... Find your own food and water. Death here means real death. Survive by reaching the central warp gate or..."
"Or surviving seven days."
Han-byeol completed Ahn Hyun's sentence — exactly what I was waiting for.
"That's it. Han-byeol, do you remember any additional conditions attached to that?"
Han-byeol frowned slightly but then answered:
"I remember. The angel said never to settle down in one place. Keep running for seven days or head to the center."
Nodding at her words, I was about to continue when Yoo-jung cut in:
"But oppa, this place is safe, right? We have food, shelter, we slept well. Remember how hellish the forest was?"
"Yeah. Hyung, do we really need to leave? Maybe we don't have to believe everything the angels said."
Even Ahn Hyun chimed in, looking hopeful.Clearly, neither wanted to leave this safe haven.
Receiving their gazes, I spoke calmly:
"You're all thinking too much about short-term comfort. Think about it from the opposite view."
"The opposite?"
"Yeah. Hyun just checked, right? This city's too quiet.In the forest, we were under constant threat. Even when we escaped, we were immediately attacked.If we leave the city, we'll probably face attacks again.But here... there's nothing.The angels warned us: survive for seven days without settling.This place? It's perfect for making people settle.It feels like a trap."
"...So you're saying you want to leave based on a bad feeling."
"I know it's not solid proof.But the atmosphere here... it's too ominous.Places like this are where you should rest just briefly, gather supplies, and move on.Ideally, I want us to leave today."
Even while explaining, I wasn't confident they'd agree.It's harder to convince people to leave safety for danger, especially when the threat isn't visible yet.
Sure enough, everyone looked unhappy.
I sighed.At least, if I could guide them properly here, they'd suffer less later.
After a pause, Ahn Hyun lifted his head and looked at everyone.
"Seems like opinions differ. Let's settle it by majority vote."
"Majority vote?"
"Yeah. But with two conditions:First, everyone must say their vote (for, against, or abstain) and give a reason.Second, once the decision's made, we all follow it without complaints."
Hearing his proposal, Yoo-jung immediately cheered.
"I'm all for it! Let's do it now! I'll go first!"
"Sure. Let's keep it quick. Hyung, you're already a yes, right? You made your case."
"No objections."
"Anyone against the idea?"
With everyone's agreement, Ahn Hyun nodded and turned to Yoo-jung, who excitedly prepared to cast her vote.Everyone's attention focused on her as she began to speak.