Chapter 262: THE SLY FOX (1)
KWON JUNGHO died.
The Civilian who tried to pursue Noh Yuno died after confessing to the kid.
This is going to be a huge blow to Noh Yuno.
Kwon Jungho died during a Dungeon Break when a monster fell on the roof of his car.
The Civilian’s body was recovered, but it was unrecognizable since it was squashed. However, all sorts of tests— including checking of fingerprints, dental records, and DNA analysis— had confirmed that the corpse belonged to Kwon Jungho.
Why did this have to happen when Noh Yuno had just recovered?
What if the kid stopped talking again?
Moon Noa, who was sitting in the backseat of the car, called Lee Haerin.
Both Lee Haerin and Noh Yuno were still living with him. And Lee Haerin was Noh Yuno’s boss at the convenience store, but she was pretty much the kid’s babysitter.
Noh Yuno is a child we need to look after.
"Haerin-ah, are you at home?" Moon Noa asked. "How’s Noh Yuno?"
"Sajangnim!"
Okay, the panic in Lee Haerin’s voice could only mean one thing.
I hope I’m wrong, but...
"What did Noh Yuno do this time?"
"That brat climbed the Namsan Tower and wouldn’t come down! He’s not moving, but his eyes are crazy. I won’t be surprised if he suddenly jumps off."
Lee Haerin was an A-Class Esper.
So, even if Noh Yuno jumped off from the tower, Moon Noa was sure she could catch the kid in time.
Hence...
"What’s scaring you, Haerin-ah?"
"I don’t know, Sajangnim. Yuno-ya just looks so sad that I feel like we’re losing him again. I tried talking to him, but it’s as if he can’t hear me..."
"Alright. I understand. I’ll be there soon, so keep an eye on the kid."
"Yes, sir."
After Moon Noa ended the call, he looked at Leehan— who was driving the car— in the rearview mirror. "To Namsan Tower, Leehan-ah."
"Yes, Hyung-nim."
***
"ALL THE people who’ll love you in the future will end up dead, just like the others who loved you in the past."
Yuno sighed after remembering what Ni-ki had said to him before.
To be honest, he couldn’t remember clearly the things that had taken place during that tragic night.
But he couldn’t forget those words for some reason.
Kwon Jungho died after he confessed his feelings for me.
That only meant one thing.
The curse is real.
"Should I just die?" Yuno mumbled to himself while looking down. He climbed Namsan Tower and reached the top to get some fresh air. But, now, he had just realized that he could easily end it all if he just jumped. "I’m sick of people dying because of me..."
"Do you need a push, Yuno-ya?"
Aigoo.
Yuno almost had a heart attack when Moon Noa suddenly appeared behind him.
I didn’t notice Sajangnim’s presence until he spoke.
"You made Lee Haerin cry," Moon Noa said while sitting beside Yuno. "She was afraid you’d jump off and kill yourself."
Yuno flinched. "Sajangnim, you really have no filter."
"I’m not wrong, though. You’re suicidal, Noh Yuno."
"It’s not like I’m actively trying to kill myself, Sajangnim. I just don’t have that much will to live."
"Kwon Jungho has a younger brother."
"I know that, sir. His brother’s name is Kwon Hojun."
"Their parents aren’t responsible parents," Moon Noa said. "Yuno-ya, I give you a monthly allowance on top of your monthly salary. But you barely use it for yourself."
"Yes?"
"If you don’t want to use that money on yourself, then why not use it to support Kwon or anyone that you feel like supporting financially?"
Oh.
Oh.
Yuno sat up straight, realizing that he had many people he wanted to support financially.
The people who died because of me had families they had left behind. In this world, it’s hard to live a decent life if you’re not related to Guides or Espers. Civilians can’t work properly when dungeons appear often.
Hence, those families needed support.
Wow.
For the first time in a long while, I feel grateful that I’m alive.
"Thank you, Sajangnim," Yuno said sincerely. "Thank you for giving me a reason to live."
"You’re welcome," Moon Noa said. "And, Yuno-ya?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Don’t worry, you’re gonna die early anyway— no need to hurry."
"Excuse?"
"You’re an E-Class Guide, and an E-Class Guide solely exists for one Esper alone," Moon Noa said, smiling until his eyes turned into little crescent moons. That was a bit creepy, not gonna lie. "I’ll introduce you to an Esper worth dying for later."
Aigoo.
Yuno didn’t have much will to live, yes.
But Moon Noa’s words annoyed him for some reason.
Now I wanna outlive Sajangnim simply out of spite.
***
MOON NOA was back at the basement of the Esper Association HQ.
There were two important things in there.
First, Ho Jungwon.
He’s a Guide whom we found in the Lab with Noh Yuno. According to the kid, he doesn’t remember much. But Noh Yuno is certain that Ho Jungwon saved his life.
Hence, Moon Noa decided to save Ho Jungwon.
Sadly, he’s still in a comatose state.
But the doctors assured him that Ho Jungwon still had a chance to recover fully.
Keeping Ho Jungwon alive is expensive, so I hope he gives us a huge piece of information once he wakes up.
For now, Moon Noa had another source of information.
"What took you so long to visit again, Moon Noa?"
Tsk.
Moon Noa stood in front of a cylindrical water tank and looked up at the pink blob inside it.
Yes, it was a talking pink blob.
I can’t decide if it’s a monster or a sentient being since the results of our tests showed neither was correct.
"You still didn’t bring Noh Yihun with you? I told you to bring him here!"
"Why would I bring you the kid who doesn’t even remember you?" Moon Noa asked, crossing his arms over his chest. "Plus, you don’t get to boss me around. You’re just here to answer my questions— nothing more, nothing less."
"Tsk! I’ve been cooperating with you ever since you caught me! I deserve an award!"
"No— you still haven’t answered my biggest question yet."
The pink blob suddenly fell silent.
See?
"Cat got your tongue, Mr. Pink Blob?"
"My name is Bambi."
"What?"
"Stop calling me with that stupid nickname— my name is Bambi, and I’m sure Noh Yihun will remember if you tell him my name."
"No can do."
"I SAID BRING NOH YIHUN TO ME, YOU STUPID OLD FOX!"
’Old?’
Moon Noa raised his hand to punch the water tank, but someone stopped him.
"Hyung, you’ll hurt your hand," Ryu Sungbin said, holding Moon Noa’s hand. "If you want to punish the pink blob, I’ll do it for you."
Moon Noa smiled and was about to say something, but the pink blob beat him to it.
"Hey, Moon Noa."
"What?"
"I’ll answer your question if you lend me that young man for a moment."
Moon Noa raised an eyebrow.
Why is this stupid pink blob suddenly interested in Ryu Sungbin?
***
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