Chapter 19: Choi Ji-won (2)
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Thanks to the enhancement of physical abilities due to the achievement level, the grass-cutting task that used to take three days in the past was completed in just one day.
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This allowed me to begin my activities exceptionally early, a mere day after regressing.
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My approach was straightforward.
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I diligently roamed the tower, actively seeking out individuals.
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Whenever I encountered someone, I skillfully persuaded them to return to the vacant lot.
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Initially, I had concerns.
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"Hey, we're fine on our own. Let's just ignore that guy," I thought there could be such a reaction.
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But the results were surprising.
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"Really...? Are you serious?"
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"She... provides food, a safe haven, and everything?"
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For ordinary people, a single day in the tower proved far more arduous and challenging than I had envisioned.
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Not only did a greater number of individuals display aversion towards taking lives, but the strain of trudging around all day with a cumbersome weapon had taken its toll.
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"Even if I set up a camping tent... I couldn't sleep... I don't have a blanket or a bed... I miss my mom..."
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A woman with puffy eyes sobbed tearfully.
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The fear of potentially perishing within the tower had swiftly worn down their spirits, rendering them fragile.
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The sole reason for their initial reluctance to return to the vacant lot was simple.
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They feared their inability to survive without slaying monsters.
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They dreaded the prospect of starvation.
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Now, however, they had no reason to hesitate anymore. They had realized that the vacant lot provided sustenance, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and exceptional security.
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"Ha. Do you know what level I am? Stop talking nonsense and get lost."
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Naturally, there were occasional individuals who seemed perfectly adjusted to life in the tower, appearing as though they required no assistance. However, their numbers were limited.
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Furthermore, most of them seemed to possess unique abilities upon initial observation.
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Those without abilities or those with mediocre skills suffered greatly from fatigue—such was the reality of the tower.
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Thus, within a mere day, I successfully sent 22 individuals back to the vacant lot.
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If Choi Ji-won harbors any lingering resentment, I can masquerade as a benevolent figure and assist her until she feels content. Alternatively, if it isn't a burden, I can continue guiding people until she becomes resentful.
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That wasn't the only thing I gained.
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"Wow, ahhhh!"
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Every time I rushed towards the source of screams, I would invariably find one or two individuals being pursued by a group of goblins or mutated goblins.
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Slash!
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As soon as I reached them, all I had to do was dispatch them with my sword.
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Not only the feeble goblins, even the mutated goblins, engrossed in their prey, proved no match for me.
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While a one-on-one confrontation might yield uncertain results, in a surprise attack scenario, I had no doubt I could overcome a mutated goblin.
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After all, in a face-to-face battle, I couldn't afford to get hit even once, so it only decreased my winning rate.
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That way, after rescuing these people...
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"Thank you! Thank you!"
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"Sob... I really thought I was going to die..."
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And leaving behind people shedding tears of relief,
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You have acquired a trait.
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Consistently, each time I acquired a trait without fail.
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I surmised that by evoking intense emotions in people, I could obtain traits.
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It was the same when dealing with the scrawny man; everyone experienced extreme emotions.
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But the problem was...
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-Relief [FFF]
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-When faced with distress, when on the verge of physical exhaustion, your presence brings solace to the heart.
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"...What?"
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All the traits I acquired by saving people were of trash grade.
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No, what on earth is an FFF-grade?
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If it were something like "World's Strongest with an FFF-grade Trait!" as a clickbait title for a web novel, I wouldn't mind, but this was simply abysmal.
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It didn't even reach the level of inspiring awe in people's reactions; it merely offered slight relief to those I had saved.
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Am I simply unlucky?
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-Trust [FFF]
-Respect [FFF]
-Love [FFF]
-Faith [FFF]
-Respect [FFF]
-Love [FFF]
-Faith [FFF]
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The traits obtained from saving people... all of them were trash-grade.
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If "awe[C]" had appeared repeatedly, I would have selected it just to see what would happen, but "awe[C]" didn't appear at all.
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However, [FFF]-grade traits appeared frequently.
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Once or twice could be a coincidence, but when it was repeated many times…
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I came to a realization.
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"...Ah, Scrawny had an S-grade ability."
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His party was exceptionally strong according to tutorial standards.
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In fact, they proved their prowess by defeating the mutant goblin without any casualties.
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However, all the people I saved were weak.
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If it's true that stronger individuals yield better traits, it's inevitable that the people I saved would provide mediocre traits.
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But does that mean my efforts were completely meaningless?
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That's not the case.
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Condition satisfied.
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Merging abilities.
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At some point, these messages appeared, causing all the FFF-grade abilities to vanish.
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-Hero [F]
-In moments of crisis, people think of you. You become stronger when fighting to protect someone.
-In moments of crisis, people think of you. You become stronger when fighting to protect someone.
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A new trait with a cool name emerged, although the grade was a bit low.
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Regardless of whether it was a result of saving people and acquiring traits or not, the trait description itself was positive.
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It was different from some stupid trait with the word "fear" in it.
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The explanation of the trait was straightforward as well. When you protect others, you grow stronger—a simple condition.
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Initially, when I only received FFF-grade traits, I thought the traits wouldn't matter much... but now, it seems like I should attempt to extract traits from everyone I encounter.
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After regressing, I should also investigate whether I can obtain duplicate traits from the same person.
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Of course, my expectations for the trait I could obtain from Choi Ji-won had grown even higher.
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If Scrawny, who was mediocre, granted me a C-grade ability, what would Choi Ji-won bestow upon me?
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"Status Window."
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Attributes:
- Regression [EX]
- Awe [C]
- Hero [F]
- Regression [EX]
- Awe [C]
- Hero [F]
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Now, the status window appeared more satisfying. It looked much better than when it only showed Regression.
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"...My LV went up?"
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The most troublesome part for me was precisely that achievement level.
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It doesn't disclose when, how, or what I did to level up.
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Since I don't know the conditions, it's impossible to intentionally acquire them. I can only speculate.
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When I checked the status window right after reaching the tower, I was at lv 1, and after the scuffle with the goblins, I reached lv 2.
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After mowing the grass field, I reached lv 3. When I checked the status window with Scrawny Man, I was at lv 5. Now I'm at lv 6 again.
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Tap, tap.
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Even when I pressed the [LV: 6] in the status window, there was no response.
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Scrawny mentioned that pressing it would display the achievement list.
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Why is it so strict with me? Why is it only happening to me!!!
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"Phew..."
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If I were a second-time regressor from the future, I could have experienced tremendous growth by accomplishing achievements.
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Even in the games, achievements are obtained just by completing specific tasks, so don't you need a strategy book to clear all of them?
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"How many people did I save... 8? 10?"
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This time, I can only speculate that saving people granted me achievement.
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"Ah, or maybe not?"
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Come to think of it, in the previous regression, Scrawny mentioned that he obtained the achievement of "first mutant goblin kill."
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This time, since I killed a mutant goblin in just one day, it seems like I took away the achievement Scrawny had obtained.
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"Hmm..."
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Talking about Scrawny reminded me of that dead bully.
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After eliminating that bastard, I checked my achievement level, which had gone from 3 to 5.
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Even if one of them was due to obtaining a trait for the first time...
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Are there achievements for killing people?
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Or was it because that bastard was special? Perhaps this time, I should kill Scrawny...
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"No, that’s not right."
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If the Human Qualification Exam official were standing in front of me, they would be giving me a very displeased look.
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"Hmm... I'll let it slide this time." They would probably mutter something along those lines.
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I almost lost my human qualification. Relax, relax.
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Of course, if I went around killing people, I might be able to grow stronger quickly.
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Perhaps there are separate achievements for 100 kills, 1000 kills, and I could rapidly increase my achievement level.
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Anyway, when I regress, all the people I killed will come back to life, so there might be people wondering why I'm not killing them.
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But let me emphasize once again: the important thing is my mental state.
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For individuals like Death Regressors who experience repeated loops, their mental well-being is crucial.
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Although there are cases where they go through loops without any thoughts, like a blockhead, and still remain unscathed...
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Most Death Regressors lose their humanity and deteriorate over time. They become hollow shells.
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I want to conquer this tower as a human, retaining my humanity. I don't know how my personality would be warped by becoming a murderer… perhaps I’ll become a lunatic.
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No, I don't want to become a monster. No way.
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"Let's think positive thoughts, good thoughts."
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Come to think of it, I've been fixating on Choi Ji-won a lot lately.
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Why do I have to be so obsessed with that erratic girl?
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Maybe it's because of my shallow pride.
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However, there’s no need to rush. If I persist until the end, I'll emerge victorious. I will continue growing infinitely stronger while my enemies stagnate.
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The sun was gradually setting, and the night was approaching. If I entertained dreadful thoughts of slaughtering people before sleeping, I would surely have nightmares.
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Leaning against a sturdy tree, I found a comfortable position.
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Instead of thinking about the stressful Choi Ji-won, let's imagine something cute and adorable to soothe my mental state.
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Come to think of it, I remember a video I saw on YouTube about Marudoggy, a cat-like animal.
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Closing my eyes, I let my imagination take flight.
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Marudoggy has a round shape, thick fur, and exhibits adorable behavior.
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When this little creature hunts, it moves like a toy with a low battery, engaging in distinct actions that are quite charming.
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"...You."
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While Marudoggy always maintains a serious expression while hunting, its undeniable cuteness...
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"...Answer me."
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Oh, I was trying to imagine the adorable Marudoggy, but why does Choi Ji-won's creepy voice keep popping into my head?
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Huh?
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I quickly opened my eyes and saw Choi Ji-won standing before me, arms crossed, wearing a stern expression.
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"...You. Why did you send people away?"
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Choi Ji-won…
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She couldn't help and came searching for me in just one day.
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--- END OF THE CHAPTER ---
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[TL Note: I started translating this chapter when I was ill. Please go easy on this one. And yes, I'm fine now, so expect regular updates from now on. Good day :-)
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