Episode 16
#7 Illegal Gate (Part 2)
They say a gentleman's revenge is never too late, even if it takes ten years. As for me—I'm no gentleman, having lived my whole life as a schemer—but I finally got my chance for payback after a decade.
—So you're a regressor?
I considered making up some excuse, but Lay and I were in the same boat now. Besides, it'd be strange to hear his whole story while hiding my own.
"How else would someone as powerless as me have found you?"
—Ah. So you knew the bastard who claimed me in your past life. That explains it. I wondered how a dimwit like you could have any connection to me.
"Would you mind considering this dimwit's feelings?"
What a thing to say to someone's face. I’d thought he might be opening up slightly, but maybe lingering resentment remained.
Tch. Clicking my tongue mentally, I pressed on:
"The bastard who wielded you in our past life didn’t care about saving the world. He only used you to feed his own greed."
The Park Sewoon I knew was anything but a savior. A man who’d never share his fortune with others. Hell, just look at how chummy he was with Seol Rokjin—that told you everything.
And yet they coddled him for being an S-class awakened while giving me hell? Unbelievable.
"High rank doesn’t make someone worthy."
Perhaps sensing my irritation, Lay stammered:
—Well... I can’t know my past self’s thoughts, but he must’ve had reasons...
"Reasons my ass. Three days watching that bastard would’ve told you everything."
Park Sewoon never had the makings of a savior. Yet here Lay was, still making excuses for choosing him. The nerve.
—And what of your worth?
I knew my limits. I could never call myself this world’s salvation.
But when it came to handling scum? No one better. I’d stared into the abyss so long I’d become part of it.
Still, wasn’t I trying?
"Me? I’m a stock about to skyrocket."
—What’s a stock?
Forget it. Why bother explaining to this interdimensional fossil? As I sighed internally, Lay’s voice reverberated:
—Regardless, you’re my master now. We’re bound whether we like it or not.
"Right. Let’s keep it that way."
Since we couldn’t separate, we were literally sharing a body. Better to play nice.
—What happened in your past life that fuels such rage?
I barely maintained composure, but Lay reading my thoughts surely knew—how often I’d suppressed murderous intent around Im Hyunsoo.
"Let’s just call it unspeakable."
—Hmm.
Lay fell silent. Grateful for his restraint, I steadied myself and reviewed Im Hyunsoo’s intel:
Bupyeong Station. 3 PM today.
"Know the key to crushing scum?"
—You realize I can read your mind, yet still ask?
"Where’s the fun without banter?"
—Ugh. Fine. What’s crucial?
Terrible conversationalist, but I humored him. Smirking, I answered:
"Timing."
Hit one nest, and the rest scatter. This strike needed to erase everything—information, money, all of it.
—Showing off for an audience of none.
I ignored Lay’s jab as I moved out.
The decade-old Sonata reeked of cigarettes and unwashed laborers.
—What fresh hell is this stench?!
Lay’s mental scream mirrored my revolt. The driver shrugged apologetically:
"Sorry. Just dropped off miners at Chilseong Gate. You know how the stench lingers—place is in the middle of nowhere."
I nodded curtly, conserving energy. When we arrived, the driver vanished like smoke.
—You’re leaving witnesses? After planning mass slaughter?
Lay’s anxiety spiked.
"That witness is essential. The Kang Ishin identity gets retired today."
Dr. Kim’s signal spoofing would only last two weeks. Kang needed to disappear "naturally"—and gates made perfect graves.
—How will you seal it? You can’t clear a gate alone.
"These are pre-cleared gates kept open artificially. I’ll yank the maintenance device—poof, no evidence."
—Clever.
"Exactly. Now let’s give them a good show."
Time to prove Kang Ishin entered... and never left.
"Another one," Supervisor Kim spat, eyeing the shabby newcomer.
Pathetic. This wraith would die within days. Damn Im Hyunsoo—couldn’t even send decent muscle?
"Here to work?"
Normally, Kim’s tattooed bulk and 2-meter frame intimidated instantly. Not today.
The stranger straightened, shedding all weakness. His gaze pinned Kim like a specimen.
"Yeah. Here to work."
The casual banmal hit belatedly. This aura...
"The bosses sent me to inspect."
Kim froze. Bosses? The man’s presence screamed upper echelon, contradicting his rags.
"N-Not inspection day..."
"Heard about ration skimming. Surprise audit."
Cold sweat drenched Kim’s back. Those greedy idiots! I told them—
"Know anything about that?"
The smile didn’t reach the man’s eyes.
"N-No! I just manage arrivals!"
"Good. Open the gate."
As Kim complied, relief warred with dread.
"Appreciate the tour."
Agony. Darkness.
