Guide to the Fallen World - Chapter 22

#22. Let’s Pass the Test

I didn’t have high expectations. Catching just one or two would have been enough to make an example of them.

However, the espers from Shelter Yeouido turned out to be much more skilled and perceptive than I anticipated.

Even considering that we provided them with information on the fugitives, their performance was extraordinary. Yeouido has handled thirteen espers from the West so far.

It’s an unbelievable achievement, considering that each one of them is a high-ranking esper.

If we supply Yeouido with reverse-gaiding drugs, disposing of the remaining sixty-eight espers might not be impossible.

As I was pondering this, I received a call from Yeouido. It was a video call using the terminal device they had handed over.

[It’s done.]

Heo Yi Gyeom said those words as he held someone’s hair. Judging from the dilapidated building behind him and his panting, he must have just finished a battle and was now confirming the kill.

Jay immediately identified the esper who had met their end at Heo YiGyeom’s hands.

“Mahathir Dato from Shelter Kuantan. His ability was the complete opposite of yours, so I thought it would be difficult to kill him, but you managed it.”

[… Who’s next?]

“Huh? You’re not even taking a break? You’re going right away?”

[Next target.]

“They’re in Surat Thani. I’ll send the details right away.”

[Don’t contact me again.]

“Hmm. I have an additional proposal. Would you like to hear it?”

[I’m listening.]

“I want to finish off the remaining western forces as quickly as possible.”

At Jay’s words, a few espers guarding the nearby area let out curses. Even now, they were identifying and eliminating targets one by one, so how could they possibly speed things up? That was what they were thinking.

Heo Yigyeom’s thoughts were not significantly different.

[We’ve been processing them pretty quickly, one every week or ten days. Isn’t that enough?]

“No way. In fact, I didn’t think Yeouido would do this well. I’m actually surprised by the results. That’s why I’m making this proposal.”

[….]

“I’ll supply you with reverse-guiding drugs. I want you to finish cleaning up the Western Alliance as quickly as possible. Is it possible?”

The word ‘reverse-gaiding drug’ made several espers gasp. Even Yigyeom, who had maintained a blank expression throughout, showed a slight crack in his demeanor.

The reply came quickly.

[Alright. I accept.]

“I’m looking forward to the results.”

With a satisfied expression, Jay finished the additional proposal and fell into thought in the darkness where the hologram had disappeared.

With this, the nearby shelters that had been secretly trying to contact the alliance would also abandon their plans.

Annihilation followed by extermination. A thoroughness that would leave no one alive.

Even the most skilled espers need a reputation so terrifying that they can’t help but be cautious. We don’t want the other shelters to hesitate and join the alliance, only to end up like the West.” That was Jay’s objective.

Right now, the shelters have a long history of mutual invasion, so they don’t cooperate well. But once the shelters stabilize and form a large alliance, it will be to our disadvantage.

That’s why we need to further solidify the discord, invasion, and distrust between the shelters. If we start by subtly shaking the alliance from the bottom up using the guiding drugs…

Immediately after forming this plan, Jay quickly listed the things to consider, the starting point of the operation, and began planning a scheme centered around Shelter Yeouido.

How much time had passed? Suddenly, an alarm rang, interrupting Jay’s thoughts. Morning had already arrived while she was considering various plans.

Although breaking the alliance between the shelters was important, taking care of the guide was a higher priority, so he decided to postpone her thoughts and prepare breakfast for the guide first.

“……Shall I grill some mackerel for breakfast?”

Even though she had brought a pet, she still hadn’t reconciled with Yeowon. She thought she would show interest in a living creature, but it was a misjudgment. So, the dessert would be orange juice, of course.

After deciding on the menu, Jay let out a big sigh, feeling ridiculous. Even though she was an android and didn’t have lungs, she needed to do this to relieve his frustration.

“It’s my fate” Jay grumbled, heading towards the dining room. She began washing the rice, meticulously preparing breakfast. Then, she instructed his android to escort the guide to the dining table.

As always, the meal was consumed in silence.

While she didn’t partake in the meal as an android, she closely observed her. Monitoring her food intake – ensuring she didn’t skip or leave any – was crucial. She also provided snacks intermittently, considering her nutritional needs and overall mood.

Jay was acutely aware of Yeowon’s aversion to her. The distance she had painstakingly bridged over the past year had widened once more.

It’s crucial to be present during mealtimes. After all, they don’t call it a ‘family meal’ for nothing. It’s a foundational step toward fostering a sense of familiarity.

Familiarity can be cultivated over time. There’s no better opportunity to emphasize one’s needs and plead for understanding than during a meal. Sharing a meal and conversation has a calming effect on people.

However, today’s atmosphere seemed slightly different.

Though the silent meal was a usual occurrence, there was a subtle shift in her demeanor. She didn’t seem quite as displeased. Jay decided to probe a bit, casually asking,

“Is your wrist feeling better?”

“It’s better after a day of ice packs. You obviously already knew that, so why ask?”

A sharp retort came flying back, but Jay remained undeterred. Of course, she had already gathered all the information. She had meticulously confirmed how she got injured and the extent of her injury.

However, the key now was to show that she was concerned.

“Did you like the cake? Orange juice is the dessert today.”

“It’s okay.”

“Are you accepting my apology?”

“Jay, don’t try to manipulate people with food.”

I know. But it’s the most effective way. I should have known better than to say that, judging by the glare she gave me. Instead of being honest, Jay nodded and changed the subject.

“Have you checked out the pet I prepared for you?”

“No, I’m not interested.”

“It’s a unique monster that recognizes humans as its master. It’s often used for protection, and it’s said to be very valuable among high-ranking shelter officials.”

“….”

“It’s super cute. It hasn’t hatched yet, but it will soon. Look at this. It’s a video of a newly hatched guardian monster. Isn’t it adorable?”

As she spoke, Jay activated a holographic video. It was a tactic to exploit humans’ innate attraction to visual stimuli. As expected, Yeowon showed immediate interest.

“It is pretty cute.”

“Want to watch it together after we eat?”

“I’ll go with Dohyuk.”

Surprised by her unexpected response, Jay turned to Dohyuk, who had been eating in silence the whole time. Although he seemed almost invisible, Jay noticed his ears turning red as soon as his name was mentioned.

I wonder when they got so close. Oh, that’s right. I saw Dohyuk taking care of Yeowon yesterday. Maybe that’s when they became friends? I was so focused on monitoring their movements that I didn’t amplify the sound…

I’ll have to check this out.

Having made his decision, Jay immediately activated his biological rhythm detector. The detector picked up the vibrations of an esper’s heart that was in love.

In just one day, the heartbeat had become faster and clearer. There was definitely something going on. Secretly checking the results on the retinal hologram, Jay glanced at Dohyuk and clicked his tongue inwardly.

This vibration graph. Maybe it’s because I haven’t seen one in a long time, but it feels like I’ve traveled back in time for a moment.

***

Yeowon gently stroked the monster’s egg with curious fingers.

Jay watched her from a short distance away with a pleased expression.

However, she was only pretending to be interested, as she was actually chatting with Dohyuk.

【Yeowon isn’t avoiding you anymore, is she?】

【No, she isn’t.】

【I heard what you two were talking about at the dining hall. You’re both so transparent, it’s incredibly endearing.】

Dohyuk, instead of replying, gazed at Yeowon, who was captivated by curiosity. Jay chuckled inwardly at the scene.

She knew he would eventually fall for his guide, but this was too soon.

【Dohyuk, don’t you know? You have hearts in your eyes.】

【Is that so? I wonder if Guide-nim knows about this. Maybe it’s burdensome to her?】

Dohyuk finally glanced at her as if asking for an answer, and Jay shook his head.

【You’re seriously smitten.】

Dohyuk shyly affirmed the accurate observation. A strong attraction had turned into excitement, then fondness, and finally, affection. He couldn’t pinpoint exactly when he had gone through all those stages.

He knew it was one-sided love. But that was fine. As long as the guide was within his sight.

That person was proof that miracles existed.

***

There were various reasons why Dohyuk joined such a closed environment.

To some extent, he was brought in due to a calculated need, but it started with a coincidence

If it weren’t for the Western Shelter Alliance, if they hadn’t consumed the android squad annihilating those guys, if they had a little more nuclear fusion core, if the espers hadn’t invaded the ark, Dohyuk wouldn’t be here now.

However, now that she had brought him into the group, Jay had to teach Dohyuk about his guide, Jeong Yeowon.

Well, considering his mother was also a guide, he would probably learn quickly.

Jay activated the training system she had once created to make Yeowon give up and showed it to Dohyuk.

People taking shape and moving as holograms. Among them, Yeowon’s movements were also holographized and moved. This was a video of Yeowon failing Jay’s pickpocketing test.

It was supposed to be a simple test: just a stroll through the shelter’s alleyways.

But before she could even finish the round, Yeowon lost her gun. She also lost her money pouch. Even her guiding drug was stolen.

Dohyuk was speechless.

Jay, fully understanding Dohyuk’s feelings, pointed at Yeowon who was standing beside her, her face flushed with embarrassment.

“She’s never been pickpocketed in her life. Can you imagine how little she’s on guard against others?”

“That’s serious.”