A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 861 Chapter 858: Side Story - Island Survival (3)

Kim Hae-sol is currently concealed within a modest warehouse, situated on an island shrouded by dense sea fog.

This location, known as 'Ghost Island,' is far more expansive than Kim Hae-sol initially anticipated. It seems that the higher-ups orchestrating this survival game require some form of amusement, as the island features an entertainment complex comparable in size to a small village.

The warehouse where Kim Hae-sol and his companions are taking refuge is positioned a considerable distance from this entertainment hub. Its secluded nature, coupled with the prevalent fog, made it an ideal spot for concealment, and they have made it their temporary sanctuary.

"So, everyone saw it, correct?"

"Y-Yes... I saw it, Hae-sol."

Among the individuals Kim Hae-sol has gathered, a Mister Park, visibly trembling, brings up the unsettling event in the auditorium.

"Th-That... it wasn't human. No one could have possibly defeated it..."

"That's true. Furthermore... it also eliminates the participants. The fact that it was once human and possibly familiar with us is likely irrelevant now."

Kim Hae-sol systematically analyzes the dire situation.

"If it detects us, we are all doomed. Therefore, from this moment on, all of you will follow my instructions precisely. We must remain together, evade detection, and seek an opportunity to escape this island."

"Y-Yes, I understand, Hae-sol. But first, how do we go about escaping?"

"Um..."

Upon hearing this, Kim Hae-sol's expression grows grim.

'Can I still make contact with the agent who infiltrated the organizers' ranks...?'

'Did he manage to escape this place?'

'Will he come to my rescue?'

Nothing is certain.

For the time being, securing a means of escape independently is paramount.

"If this is an island, there must be a dock. If there's a boat there, perhaps we could attempt to escape by sea?"

"That sounds like a good plan, but... Hae-sol, do you know how to operate a boat?"

"Uh... no."

"This presents a significant problem... then..."

At that precise moment.

"I do possess knowledge of steering a boat, however..."

Mister Lee, a seemingly ordinary member of Kim Hae-sol's group, speaks up.

"I was a fisherman by trade. I was steering my boat nearby when we were caught in a storm. When I regained consciousness, I found myself on this island, and before I knew it, I was enrolled in the game... so I believe I can manage to steer if we find a boat."

"Oh, that's excellent news."

Hearing this, Mister Park's face lights up, and he addresses Kim Hae-sol.

"Then, Hae-sol, shall we proceed towards the dock?"

"That's a sound idea. However, outside... [those entities] are still roaming, so we must exercise extreme caution. Furthermore, we are currently unaware of the dock's exact location, meaning we'll have to proceed along the shoreline without a clear plan..."

Kim Hae-sol's explanation casts a somber mood over everyone.

"...Indeed, if we encounter it on the beach... we'll be swiftly cut down and killed. Is there perhaps a way to reach the dock while remaining hidden from view?"

It was while they were pondering this dilemma.

Kwang, kwang, kwang!

The sound of forceful pounding echoes from the warehouse door.

Kim Hae-sol's group falls silent, their tense gazes fixed on the exterior of the warehouse.

"Who could it be...?"

"Is it that monster...?"

"I will check first."

With a determined expression, Kim Hae-sol steps onto some discarded luggage, ascends to a small window near the top of the warehouse, and peers outside.

He then recognizes the source of the commotion.

"It's an agent, a game management agent. And..."

Kim Hae-sol observes the agent's current state.

The imposing and menacing agent, who, along with several others, had brandished weapons and intimidated the participants, is nowhere to be seen. He now appears desperate, as if in flight.

"...It seems he is being pursued."

"What? D-Don't open it! Under no circumstances! If you do, it could enter here as well!"

"But..."

Kim Hae-sol looks at the distressed agent and falls into deep thought.

The game management agents were the ones who had orchestrated their abduction, committed murder within the game, and administered the mysterious drugs. Therefore, it was logical for them to disregard the fate of these individuals, not bothering to investigate further.

However, for reasons unknown, the agent confronting him did not strike Kim Hae-sol as entirely malevolent.

A strange feeling washes over him; this individual didn't feel like a true villain.

"...I will open the door."

"Hae-sol!"

"That's enough! If it's that particular agent, he might actually know the location of the dock!"

Kim Hae-sol quickly descends from the luggage pile and unlatches the warehouse door.

The agent immediately bursts into the warehouse, quickly secures the door, and then exhales a profound sigh of relief.

"Puha!! Haaaaagh...! Heheook!"

His appearance was akin to someone who had been holding their breath for an extended period before finally drawing air.

Kim Hae-sol, his expression stern, inquires.

"Excuse me, are you being pursued? By that creature?"

"It's, it's fine. Thank you for opening it. Heok, heheok..."

"Excuse me, if you are being chased, do we have to run too?"

"Ah, haaak...heok...we can stay here. It's fine. It is true I was being chased, but..."

After rambling for a while, the agent takes off his mask and presses his ear to the warehouse door.

"What are you doing...?"

"Shh, I am listening to the sound of it chasing after me."

'Sound?'

While Kim Hae-sol feels puzzled for a moment, the agent widens his eyes and focuses on the sound, then lets out a relieved sigh again and slumps down on the spot.

"It, it's gone. For the time being, this place will be safe. Thank you again for opening the door."

The agent lets out a long sigh and speaks to them.

"...First...I am Agent Kim Han-ro of the Mutant Suppression Team. I have had sharper hearing than others from the start, and thanks to the procedure I received when I entered the Suppression Team, my ears are a bit outstanding compared to others. So I heard your voices and came looking for you."

Kim Han-ro explains the situation step by step.

"First...the Cuttlefish Game is completely finished now. The high-ranking people who were watching the game were all butchered by that monster. Our Suppression Team also got taken down without even being able to do anything to it. Still, only I was able to run away because I heard the ominous sound coming from the monster and entered a little late."

"Hooh...by the way, why were you holding your breath just now?"

At Kim Hae-sol's question, Kim Han-ro takes something out from inside his clothes.

"First, while running away from those monsters, I organized that thing's characteristics. Thanks to analyzing the characteristics, I was able to run away. That monster doesn't just come up and kill at random. It has a constraint."

"A constraint?"

At his words, everyone in Kim Hae-sol's group approaches Kim Han-ro with brightened eyes.

"What is it? Is there a way to avoid that monster?"

"That monster...when it is outside, it identifies targets by the sound of breathing. When it comes inside a building, it identifies them by sight and finds targets."

"Huh, is that true?"

It is incredible information.

"Yes. Outside, if you hold your breath, the monster does not notice you. I don't know why, but outside, the monster's eyes seem unable to function properly."

"Hmm, why is that..."

"I don't know that well either, but...anyway, outside buildings, it always seems to use something other than its eyes."

"In a way, that's good. It means there is a way to avoid the monster's eyes."

"Not exactly. With the fog covering the island, we can't see what's ahead, but the monster can find us by listening to our breathing. On the other hand, inside a building, there aren't even many proper places to hide, and it chases us by sight, so it's overwhelmingly unfavorable."

As Kim Hae-sol listens to Kim Han-ro's words, he suddenly gets curious and asks.

"By the way, why did you come here? There's something like an entertainment complex..."

"Inside the entertainment complex, several of the monsters that have split are roaming around right now. And there are many places where buildings are connected to each other, so it's not suitable for hiding either. That's why I came here, where I can hear your voices."

"You heard our voices?"

"We were talking quietly..."

"The walls should be thick, too..."

"My hearing is good, you see."

While listening to him, Kim Hae-sol opens his mouth.

"By the way. I do have something I'm curious about... Now the game host is dead, and it seems the high-ranking people who sponsor it are all dead too...can we get out of here? Will a rescue team come?"

At those words, Kim Han-ro's face darkens.

"...I'm sorry. A rescue team probably...won't come. When the high-ranking people came to this place, they always came through our side, so...there were only a few people who know this island's exact location, but...those few were all inside the island, so they were probably killed by the monster. And more than anything...as I know it, this is a place where it is difficult for a rescue team to come even if you know the location. I don't know the detailed circumstances, but...for now, that's what I understand."

At those words, everyone's expressions darken.

Kim Hae-sol continues and asks.

"Since you seem to be a person involved, I'll ask a bit more. What in the world is this island? What is the reagent you used to experiment on participants and turn people into monsters, and how did that monster come to exist?"

Kim Han-ro became quiet for a moment upon hearing those words before cautiously speaking.

"Regarding that... I don't know everything either. I am aware that a secret resource is being excavated on this island. Refining this resource and injecting an appropriate amount into a person allows one to gain insights into eternal life and agelessness. However, the precise ratio varies for each individual, and the resulting effects also differ subtly."

"E-Eternal life? Agelessness?"

"I myself received an injection using a diluted solution derived from that resource, undergoing several procedures. This resulted in a body slightly superior to that of an ordinary person. For instance, my motor skills have improved somewhat, and I can hold my breath for an extended period."

"D-Damn it... what have we gotten ourselves into..."

Mister Park gritted his teeth, his face etched with fear. Kim Han-ro offered a wry smile.

"I have nothing to say to all of you. I am simply... sorry. I ended up working here against my will as well, so I have always carried a sense of apology towards everyone here."

"...Mister Kim Han-ro."

Kim Hae-sol looked at him and asked.

"We are focusing on escaping this island first. Is there a way to leave the island? We intend to leave by boat, but is there a boat available? Where is the dock located?"

Nodding in response to those questions, Kim Han-ro replied.

"There are two methods for leaving the island. A helicopter is perpetually stationed at the heliport, allowing for escape via air if one knows how to pilot it. However, I am uncertain if the pilots are still functional at this moment... Secondly, as you mentioned, departure by boat is also an option. But is there anyone among you capable of steering a vessel?"

At this, Mister Lee raised his hand.

"Ah... that's a relief. Then we can leave by boat. There are currently four boats docked. However, the dock is situated a considerable distance from our current location... making it quite challenging for everyone to reach it without making any noise."

"Noise... is it so dangerous that we can't even make a sound for a moment?"

"That monster... it is swift and capable of splitting. It would be exceedingly perilous."

"This is..."

Kim Hae-sol bit his lip, his brow furrowed in thought.

Just then, Kim Han-ro spoke up.

"It's not that there is absolutely no way."

"Pardon?"

"I can carry one person on my back, hold my breath, and rapidly proceed to the dock. Once there, I will conceal that individual within a boat and then, taking another deep breath, return here. I can repeat this process, transporting people one by one... In theory, escape should be achievable this way."

"Ah...! That kind of approach."

Kim Hae-sol exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with anticipation.

"Then, could I possibly request that of you?"

"Yes, let's commence immediately."

Kim Han-ro made the decision to carry Kim Hae-sol first and head towards the dock.

Clang!

He opened the warehouse door, and Kim Han-ro, with Kim Hae-sol on his back, sprinted swiftly towards the dock.

While being carried, Kim Hae-sol held his breath tightly, observing the surroundings enveloped in thick fog.

'Grasping the terrain will be difficult. The sea fog is overwhelmingly dense...'

Furthermore, Kim Han-ro's physical capabilities were so exceptional that they scarcely seemed human, and his speed was astonishing.

'Still, something feels peculiar.'

Kim Hae-sol mused as he observed Kim Han-ro.

He had never encountered anyone quite like him before.

'Somehow, I feel a connection with him...'

Just as Kim Hae-sol possessed keen eyesight, he also had sharp hearing. Although their sensory organs differed, an inexplicable connection seemed to exist between them. Indeed, despite their brief acquaintance, their thoughts seemed to align remarkably well.

At that precise moment,

Flinch!

Kim Han-ro abruptly halted his movement.

Kim Hae-sol, intrigued by the sudden stop, followed Kim Han-ro's line of sight and immediately understood.

A solitary red telephone.

It rested alone amidst the swirling fog.

'Ominous...'

The telephone exuded an intensely foreboding aura.

To Kim Hae-sol's perception, it appeared as something eerie, something he should absolutely avoid interacting with.

Yet, paradoxically, Kim Hae-sol's intuition screamed at him that he *had* to approach the telephone and establish contact.

'Why? What is that phone...?'

Just then,

Within the dense fog,

The red telephone, lying abandoned on the path Kim Han-ro was traversing, suddenly began to ring.

Ddarururung!

Flinch!

Both Kim Han-ro and Kim Hae-sol flinched at the bizarre spectacle.

'What is this?'

No wires were visibly connected to the device.

Yet, the telephone, situated all by itself on the path, was ringing inexplicably.

It might operate on batteries, but for some inexplicable reason, Kim Hae-sol sensed that it wasn't mere batteries powering it, but rather something mysterious and ominous that was causing the phone to function.

'Sh-Should I answer it?

For reasons unknown, Kim Hae-sol felt an overwhelming compulsion to pick up the receiver.

Still, the phone gave Kim Han-ro a sense of unease, prompting him to move away from it and retrace their steps.

He showed no inclination to interact with anything that felt off.

Given Kim Han-ro's sound judgment, Kim Hae-sol didn't argue, deciding to disregard the phone as well.

After all, what purpose would answering it serve?

They were in a predicament where even breathing was a challenge, let alone talking.

Furthermore, what if the monsters were drawn not only by the sound of breathing but also by the ringing of a phone?

With that thought, Kim Hae-sol let the phone be.

Soon after, from within the swirling fog, Kim Hae-sol detected the unmistakable sound of ocean waves.

Accompanying a salty tang in the air, a faint outline of a dock and moored boats materialized in the distance.

'I, I'm really at my breaking point now.'

Kim Han-ro had carried Kim Hae-sol with unnatural speed and strength to this point; while they could hold their breath, enduring it was becoming increasingly difficult.

The urge to board any one of the vessels at the dock grew stronger.

It was precisely at this moment that it happened.

"...!"

Both Kim Hae-sol and Kim Han-ro froze, eyes fixed on the dock.

"Hh, huaaaaaaagh!"

"Damn it! Why are there monster fiends here?!"

People were present at the dock.

They appeared to share Kim Hae-sol's desperate hope for escape.

However, they were brutally dismembered and slain by monsters emerging from the deeper vessels docked nearby.

'Th-The boats... there are monsters lurking within!'

As Kim Han-ro had ominously suggested, out of the four boats, monsters swarmed forth from all of them, mercilessly slaughtering those who dared approach.

And alerted by the cries and ragged breaths of the victims, more monsters began to surface around the dock.

'Damn it!'

Holding his breath was becoming an agonizing ordeal for Kim Hae-sol. Just as Kim Han-ro surveyed the chaotic scene and took a step back,

"Heheok!"

Kim Hae-sol involuntarily expelled his breath.

In that instant, the monsters, previously engaged in their gruesome work, turned their attention towards Kim Hae-sol.

"Damn it, run!"

Kim Hae-sol urgently yelled to Kim Han-ro. As if realizing discovery was inevitable, Kim Han-ro released his held breath, gasped for air anew, and prepared to flee.

But in the very next moment, a monstrous entity lunged forward, its arm, grotesquely mutated into a blade-like appendage, swinging with terrifying speed.

Bo-oong!

Despite the considerable distance separating them,

It was a range the bladed limb could reach.