A Regressor’s Tale of Cultivation Chapter 863 Chapter 860: Side Story - Island Survival (5)

"Good. Then from here, I will move."

Kim Han-ro’s decisive words were met with a nod from Kim Hae-sol.

"Yes. From this point, it's likely better for you, Mister Han-ro, who possesses greater speed, to take the lead."

"...Understood. However, we will need to adjust the planned route."

Kim Han-ro acknowledged this and proceeded to sketch a rough map within his notebook.

"Initially, the path to the second floor within the communications tower is via the stairs you just observed. An elevator also exists. However, that elevator only services the first basement level and even-numbered floors... Should that monster be lurking on the stairs, your only option would be to descend to basement level 1 and utilize the elevator to reach the above-ground second floor."

"Basement level 1 also presents an unknown threat, does it not?"

"Precisely. However, my hearing is quite keen, so I will make every effort to evade any potential dangers."

"...Please, accept this as well."

Kim Runi presented Kim Han-ro with the 'Glasses That See Death'. After a brief moment of acclimatization to the peculiar eyewear, Kim Han-ro gave a curt nod.

"Very well, I will go and return."

With that, their brief exchange of crucial information concluded. Kim Han-ro donned the 'Glasses That See Death' and stepped out into the unknown.

***

Tadat—

Appearing with dark lenses obscuring his eyes, Kim Han-ro executed a silent, fluid roll in the communications tower corridor, swiftly positioning himself near the staircase.

He strained his ears, pinpointing the monster's movements.

‘It’s pacing above the stairs. It hasn’t detected me yet. Aside from that…’

He detected no other discernible sounds apart from the singular monster. It appeared the communications tower harbored only one such entity.

‘Even so, complacency is forbidden.’

Basement levels 2 through 4 of the communications tower were designated as mining sites, where the island’s unusual resources were extracted.

The discoverer who first laid eyes on this island found it at a location they referred to as 'Sem'.

There was a crucial detail Kim Han-ro had omitted from his discussion with Kim Hae-sol and Kim Runi.

He wasn't merely a member of the suppression team. He was among the reserve executives being groomed for promotion from the suppression team to become part of the island’s operational staff.

His ascension had no complex backstory.

He was simply a suitable candidate, perfectly aligned with the peculiar 'reagent' produced on this very island.

Consequently, under the agreement that he would participate in experiments utilizing the reagent, he secured a contract for an honorary executive position and an astronomical sum of wealth. This arrangement granted him intimate knowledge of several of the island’s hidden truths.

‘The island's mining complex. From the 2nd to the 4th basement floor… in reality, it is not part of the island but akin to another dimension.’

And the mutants, who had ingested the reagent, were the very first discoverers of this island.

They were the ones who, subjected to 'hypnosis' through an ability the island's de facto owner acquired by consuming the reagent, ventured into that other dimension and returned with its resources.

With his existing awareness of these bizarre circumstances, he hadn't been particularly surprised even upon learning of the organization known as the Anomalous Phenomena Management Bureau.

Furthermore, basement level 1 served as the nexus where the suppression team transported the resources mined from the interdimensional space, utilizing researchers to refine and dilute these harvested materials.

‘Typically, the individual recognized as the island's owner controlled the mutants through hypnosis on basement level 1. However, the fact that the monster has ventured all the way into this communications tower… does this signify that the island's owner has already fallen victim to it? If that is the case…’

Even if he managed to deal with the current monster, the potential actions of the uncontrolled mutants, as they surged forth from underground, remained an alarming uncertainty.

‘The Director of the Abnormal Phenomena Management Bureau was reputed to possess the capability to resolve such situations, but… honestly, the mutants that the island's owner had been controlling were far more numerous than just a handful.’

Therefore, if any abnormality had befallen the island's owner, the fate of the mutants was entirely unpredictable.

They might collectively descend into madness, rampage unchecked, break free from the island’s confines, and storm the mainland.

‘Should that eventuate, it would trigger an unprecedented catastrophe. For Hae-sol and Mister Runi… after I escort them to the second floor, I must return to the underground levels.’

Within the communications tower's basement, TNT charges, placed by the island's owner for emergency contingency, were present.

He was resolved to detonate them.

Even if it meant his own demise, it was a price he was willing to pay.

‘At any rate… I have already settled my family’s debts.’

His family was burdened by gambling debts, and while trying to clear them, he ended up borrowing from loan sharks, which ultimately led to him being sold off to this place. Subsequently, he became a suitable subject and received a substantial amount of money, which was enough to settle the gambling debts.

In return for offering his own body to the 'high-ranking individuals' who organized this competition for experimental purposes, he not only received money but also ensured that every avenue for his family to gamble was completely shut down.

Within any organization in Korea,

Even in the smallest gambling dens tucked away in neighborhood corners, his family would never, under any circumstances, be able to gamble again.

'Even if I perish, everyone else will be safe. But I absolutely cannot let these mutants run wild...!'

With a hardening resolve, Kim Han-ro descended into the underground.

The deeper he went underground,

The closer he got to the supposed location of the 'island's owner,' Kim Han-ro felt a growing ache in his head and his heart began to pound erratically.

Squirm, squirm...

Basement Level 1 Laboratory.

Upon reaching this location, Kim Han-ro laid eyes on the island's owner, whom he hadn't seen in quite some time.

The owner of Ghost Island.

The one who had acquired mysterious resources and achieved eternal life.

The host of the Cuttlefish Game.

They...

They had transformed into a monstrous entity, a colossal tentacle tree, a terrifying fusion of a gigantic cuttlefish and a tree.

"...It has been a long time."

Seeing the island's owner, Kim Han-ro remained composed and offered a greeting.

"You have mutated even more drastically than before. Previously, you resembled a cuttlefish with a human upper body attached..."

Now, only a faint human face was discernible on the monstrous tentacle tree.

The tentacle tree's roots extended throughout the entire first basement level, and its massive trunk pierced through the first floor, continuing upwards through the ceiling directly above the elevator shaft.

In actuality, this entity served as the true identity of the radio-wave jamming device from the very beginning.

One of the island owner's enormous tentacles extended from basement level 1 to the second floor aboveground. Utilizing a hypnotic wave that possessed electromagnetic interference capabilities, it jammed the island's radio signals. Furthermore, by employing this hypnotic wave, it lured passing ships towards the island, forcing them to participate in the game. Alternatively, when summoning the operating staff and the audience for the game, it ensured that entry to the island was only possible after being subjected to the island owner's hypnotic wave.

"...Are you conscious?"

Kim Han-ro swallowed hard and cautiously approached the island's owner as he posed the question.

The island's owner then opened their mouth with considerable difficulty.

"...The suppression team... I see. Reserve Security Chief. So, it is you."

"Yes. How is your condition?"

"...Not good. I will die soon."

"...Are you injured by the monster?"

"Similar. But it is not a physical wound... it is simply that thing's... no, [that person]'s truth. I discovered a truth about that truth..."

"Pardon...?"

"It is nothing... You do not need to know."

The island's owner continued, their body trembling uncontrollably.

"I will soon die and return to thee."

"Pardon?"

"You do not need to know the details. Please, do not ask further... I am dying, after all. Just know this... Currently, I am exerting all my strength to contain the mutants confined to basement level 2, but... when I die soon, the mutants will break free and wreak havoc. Therefore... I have a request for you."

"...You want me to detonate the TNT?"

"Yes... You..."

At that precise moment,

Step, step...

"...!"

Kim Han-ro detected, in close proximity to his ear, the distinct sound of footsteps descending from the second floor to the first, and then from the first floor down to basement level 1.

The monster was approaching.

"Yes, I understand. I will disable the jamming device and return promptly to detonate it. Please do not worry! I must take my leave now..."

Kwaduduk!

Kim Han-ro forcefully pried open the elevator doors with both hands, then gripped the inner wall of the elevator shaft and rapidly ascended towards the second floor.

'I nearly got caught by the monster. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.'

If the monster on the second floor was descending to basement level 1, it implied that the second floor was currently unoccupied!

Kim Han-ro finally managed to wrench open the elevator entrance on the second floor and stepped out onto the level.

Tadat!

Reaching the door of the room housing the radio-wave jamming device on the second floor, Kim Han-ro flung it open with such force as if tearing it from its hinges and swiftly entered.

Wriggle, wriggle...

The interior of the jamming device room was constructed from walls that undulated eerily, resembling the inner lining of some grotesque creature's digestive tract.

It was a chamber formed entirely from the island owner's tentacles.

'This hypnotic wave emitter was originally designed to blend in with ordinary walls and equipment, appearing as nothing more than them. However... the island owner must be in a truly dire state right now.'

Ever since earlier, they had been uttering peculiar phrases about returning to some entity.

'It's not a physical injury, but could they have suffered mental trauma?'

Perhaps the unseen, slashing attack unleashed by the monster possessed some peculiar affliction.

He ventured into the corridor of tentacles and made his way towards the apparatus situated within.

This device was linked to what appeared to be a bizarre cranial structure, which he surmised was an auxiliary brain conceived by the island owner to generate radio-wave interference through hypnotic signals. By introducing a specific frequency into this auxiliary brain, the island owner’s compartmentalized abilities would activate, effectively jamming all radio transmissions across the island.

Furthermore, under typical conditions, this would have presented as nothing more than a piece of equipment connected to a power source.

Sensing the precarious condition of the island owner, Kim Han-ro proceeded to disengage the jamming mechanism.

—Beep-beep.

—Suppression Team Deputy Leader Kim Han-ro, identity verified.

—Please select the desired function.

"Deactivate radio-wave jamming."

Upon recognition of Kim Han-ro's directive, the operational function of the island owner's auxiliary brain, employed for the radio-wave jamming originating from the island's core, was consequently released.

'It is done...'

Now, it seemed, the 'Bureau Director' mentioned by the individual named Kim Runi would arrive to effect a rescue.

'I shall observe until Director arrives to assist... and then, I will detonate the TNT.'

The controlled mutants under the island owner's command were not a mere handful.

While not as overtly terrifying as the monstrous entities currently prowling the island, each possessed unique abilities, and their sheer numbers were immense; the escape of even a single one would prove most troublesome.

'While the island owner is occupied with controlling them, I must obliterate them all.'

Irrespective of the Director's capabilities, she could not possibly manage every single mutant.

Kim Han-ro first exited the chamber housing the radio-wave jamming device. He then entered a nearby supply closet, secured the door, retrieved a telephone from within, and answered an incoming call.

Moments later, Kim Han-ro vanished from his location, only to reappear alongside Kim Hae-sol, Kim Runi, and the others.

"Good work. Yes, the signal is coming through."

With a visible uplift in his demeanor, Kim Runi took back his glasses from Kim Han-ro, held the phone, and dialed a number.

"Ah, but isn't that phone only capable of connecting to what's known as the Underworld?"

In response to Kim Hae-sol's query, Kim Runi offered a faint smile and gently shook his head.

"In areas with adequate signal reception, it functions just like a smartphone for calls. It doesn't even require external power. Also... when I speak with the Director, both of you must close your eyes and turn away, facing the wall behind you. It's a rule. Conversations with the Director must always occur in places unseen by others, or when unobserved."

"Ah, understood."

"We will comply."

Kim Han-ro and Kim Hae-sol nodded and turned around, allowing Kim Runi to finally commence his conversation with the Director.

"Yes, hello, Director. I'm reporting on the current situation at Ghost Island. Firstly, Hae-sol and I have successfully secured the survivors... and additionally..."

At that precise moment, while listening to the call, Kim Han-ro detected something unusual.

'Why is that?'

From his current position, there was no logical reason for Kim Han-ro to be unable to hear the voice of the person conversing with Kim Runi.

'This is peculiar. Is he actually on a call? Or...'

Could he be feigning the conversation?

However, if he were pretending, the report was remarkably detailed, and he appeared to be reacting genuinely to a presence on the other end.

Just then,

"Yes. I understand. I will proceed to the [ward], leave the survivors there for examination, and then conclude my shift."

Kim Runi abruptly uttered something unexpected before disconnecting the call.

"...You may turn around now. Thank you."

Following Kim Runi's instruction, Kim Hae-sol and Kim Han-ro turned back and inquired.

"Uh, so what happens next?"

"...The Director has stated she is dispatching a driver to the vicinity of the communications tower. Our departure will be facilitated by the transportation method provided by this individual."

"When will this driver arrive..."

"They are expected within approximately two to three minutes. Based on the Director's usual punctuality, arrival is typically within three minutes."

"Pardon? They will be here in just two or three minutes?"

Kim Hae-sol finds the swift arrival of the so-called rescue team quite bizarre, but he decides to go along with it for the moment.

After all, what is there to rationally dispute in a situation like this?

At this precise moment, Kim Han-ro poses a question.

"...By the way, it wasn't that I deliberately eavesdropped, but..."

"It doesn't matter. It's something that won't cause any issues even if you heard it."

"Ah, if that's the case... the phrase 'clock out' was mentioned. What exactly does that signify?"

"Ah, that's... The Director mentioned that the Bureau headquarters will be relocated soon. However, the Bureau's ward – that is to say, the area where the Bureau oversees patients – is scheduled for relocation last. So, first, you're to stop by there, confirm that the survivors we evacuated into this phone are free of any abnormalities, and then you may clock out."

"Relocate...?"

Hearing those words, Kim Han-ro experiences a peculiar sensation.

To be more precise, ever since Kim Runi made that call, an overwhelming feeling of incongruity has permeated his entire being.

"For the time being, let's proceed outside the tower. We must await the driver."

"Yes, I understand. Since the monster is likely located on basement level 1, exiting through the first floor should be straightforward. On a related note... I believe I need to make a brief stop on basement level 1."

"Yes, but prior to that, please meet with the driver first and inform them about the estimated time required on basement level 1 before you depart. The driver is arriving momentarily... so they cannot simply wait around indefinitely for you, Mister Han-ro."

"Understood."

Kim Han-ro nods in agreement. Together with Kim Hae-sol and Kim Runi, he steps outside the communications tower and momentarily holds his breath.

The island remains shrouded in sea fog, and with the sun now descending, the darkness deepens incrementally.

Kim Hae-sol draws a steady breath, remaining alert for any approaching monsters, and surveys the obscuring sea fog.

'Is a helicopter inbound? Or perhaps a rescue team? Or...?'

Just then,

Gallop, gallop!

Accompanied by the distinct sound of powerful hoofbeats striking the ground, an unusual figure begins to materialize through the darkening sea fog.

Hihihihiiing!

It is a knight, clad in full armor and mounted upon a horse.

"...Huh?"

[TL/N: Knight and driver have the same Hangul in Korean.]

This utterly unexpected appearance causes both Kim Hae-sol and Kim Han-ro to involuntarily release the breath they had been holding.

Yet, strangely, even after exhaling, no monsters emerge.

A moment later, the knight halts directly before the trio and gestures enigmatically behind them.

"Get on."

"Yes."

Kim Runi promptly ascends onto the horse behind the knight, securing their grip. However, Kim Hae-sol and Kim Han-ro remain frozen in place.

Kim Han-ro, in particular, finds the knight's silent, unbreathing speech profoundly unsettling.