Regression Guidelines For the Supporting Character-Chapter 94

Sweat quickly gathered in my palms. My throat was dry, and I swallowed hard before I opened my mouth.

“Kid, I...”

But before I could finish, a surge of black shadow suddenly burst from Cha Sahyeon, who had been quietly looking up at me. The already-dark surroundings were instantly swallowed in pitch-black darkness with not a single speck of light.

Caught off guard by the child forming a dome of shadow around us, I lost track of what I’d been trying to say and stammered.

“What are you doing? I told you not to use your skill...”

“Why?”

The question was innocently naive. Cha Sahyeon tilted her head, blinking as if genuinely unsure what the problem was.

“Aren’t you going to change your clothes?”

“......”

It felt like I’d been smacked in the back of the head. I was too stunned to respond and stood there, mouth slightly open. Cha Sahyeon looked confused again and tilted her head the other way.

“No?”

“...Yeah. You're right. I was going to change.”

A flood of emotions surged up inside me, but I couldn’t voice a single one in front of the kid. I swallowed them all down, barely keeping control as I took a slow, deep breath.

Get a grip, Cha Seohu.

If I’d decided to save people, then I needed to see it through.

There was no point in feeling guilty now after already activating a hidden skill. It wasn’t the time to lose focus—hesitating would ruin everything.

After steadying my breath, I quickly pulled out a change of clothes from my inventory. I swapped out the black slacks for jeans, tore off the turtleneck sweater, and threw on a black leather jacket over the thin long-sleeved shirt I’d been wearing underneath.

Then I pulled a cap low over my eyes and put on a mask. That was enough.

Finally, I drew my sword. Without needing an explanation, Cha Sahyeon dismissed the shadow veil. The fact that she really had used her skill just to help me change made my chest ache even more.

“Kid. I’m really sorry...”

But this time, I didn’t hesitate or avoid her gaze.

“I’m going to help the others for a little while. I promise I’ll come back.”

“......”

“This is my fault. I’m the one with the problem. I really am sorry.”

I made sure to emphasize it again so she wouldn’t misunderstand later.

Even if Cha Sahyeon didn’t understand, it didn’t matter. I just didn’t want her to think—like in the past—that I’d abandoned her and start crying.

“So if you wait here just a little...”

But before I could finish, a chill ran up my spine, and I instinctively looked up. Cha Sahyeon’s gaze was already fixed behind me.

Sensing a sharp force barreling toward us at terrifying speed, I yanked the child into my arms and leapt back. My body moved before my brain could catch up.

CRAAACK!

The ground tore open with a deafening screech as something invisible sliced through it. I could feel the pressure in my skin. Whoever attacked was definitely an S-rank Hunter.

Of all times...!

Was it someone from the lab? Had they spotted Cha Sahyeon and followed us here? I was about to draw my sword, knowing I had no time to waste if I wanted to go save those people—

“What are you?”

A familiar voice rang out from beyond the darkness. This voice... no way.

“Who the hell are you to have that brat with you?”

The next words confirmed it. It was exactly who I thought it was.

Relief and frustration hit me at once. I could finally see the figure emerging from the shadows. Pink hair tinged with a faint yellow hue swayed in the night breeze, and sharp red eyes gleamed even in the dark.

“Ha... Kwon Seoyul...”

The name slipped from my lips like a sigh. Kwon Seoyul, holding his harmonica, furrowed his brow.

“How do you know my name?”

Ignoring his question, I rubbed my forehead. Of all people to show up now, why him?

“You can’t just attack someone out of nowhere like that.”

“Hm...?”

Kwon Seoyul narrowed his eyes and took a few steps toward me, inspecting me carefully for a long moment before speaking.

“You know my name, and that kid seems familiar with you too. Are you close with Seohu hyung?”

“...Yeah.”

“Where is Seohu hyung? I’ve been looking for him everywhere and haven’t seen him.”

Suppressing the sigh that rose in my throat, I bit it back. So we really had just missed each other at Main throne hall earlier. Kwon Seoyul had apparently kept searching afterward, spotted Cha Sahyeon, and approached. And now... I was the one in a bind.

This wasn’t the time to be chatting. Every second wasted meant more people might die to the monsters.

Wait a second.

In the middle of my tangled thoughts, an idea struck like lightning. I blinked rapidly.

If it’s come to this anyway, maybe I can use Kwon Seoyul?

Despite his unruly personality, Kwon Seoyul usually completed whatever task he was given. And he was S-rank.

With a bit of pressure and persuasion, I could probably get him to agree to protect Cha Sahyeon. If he took her, I’d be free to take care of things without worry.

I’d already been wishing I had a strong Hunter to protect her—what luck for one to show up like this.

There was no time to think further. I quickly scooped Cha Sahyeon into my arms and shouted to Kwon Seoyul.

“Kwon Seoyul, I need a favor.”

“Huh?”

“Take care of this kid for a bit.”

As I forced Cha Sahyeon, who clung tightly to me, into his arms, both of their faces twisted in protest. Cha Sahyeon’s hands were pale from gripping my clothes so hard, and Kwon Seoyul didn’t move an inch.

“No way~ Why the hell should I?”

A cold irritation flashed through his crimson eyes. Knowing full well how quickly his short ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ fuse could explode, I rushed out the next words.

“You want to make up with Cha Seohu, don’t you?”

“What?”

“I know all about it. Cha Seohu told me. You made a huge mistake, and that’s why he still refuses to go back to the district.”

“......”

All emotion drained from Kwon Seoyul’s face.

Facing his blank stare, I felt the old fear crawl up from the soles of my feet. Forcing my stiff tongue to move, I kept pushing forward.

“This kid... means more to Cha Seohu than anyone. If you protect her, he might be willing to talk to you again.”

“...Where is Seohu hyung right now?”

“He’s hiding somewhere safe. And don’t bother—no matter how hard you glare, I’m not telling you where.”

“......”

“So what’s it gonna be? Just so you know—if you hurt me or the kid, your relationship with Cha Seohu ends here.”

After I firmly added that last part, Kwon Seoyul chewed on his lip in visible agitation before finally shouting,

“Fine! Alright! All I have to do is protect this brat, right?!”

“Right. Keep her safe no matter what. Don’t wander around. Don’t let anyone near her. Got it?”

“Damn it, stop nagging. I got it, now get lost.”

His patience clearly running thin, Kwon Seoyul bared his teeth irritably.

Any more and I’d ruin the persuasion I barely managed. I gently stroked the head of Cha Sahyeon, who looked on the verge of tears as I handed her over.

“Cha Sahyeon. I’ll be right back, okay? Just wait a little.”

“...Okay...”

Knowing Kwon Seoyul was listening, I deliberately used her name instead of calling her “kid.” She pouted but reluctantly nodded.

The way she dragged out the end of her word, clearly not wanting to be left behind, was unbearably cute. I caressed her pale cheek and turned around.

***

Tap tap tap—my footsteps pounded against the ground as I ran. I dashed toward the city bus, sword in hand. The moment I slashed, the monster split cleanly in half.

Shrrrk!

Standing in a pool of monster blood, I called out to the passengers behind the shattered glass.

“It’s alright now! Please stay calm and remain inside!”

Pale and trembling, the passengers nodded instinctively.

Without pause, I sprinted to my next target—a monster lurking near a building entrance blocked by stacked furniture. I leapt, swinging my sword, and struck it down.

Golden hair flicked beneath a tightly pulled black cap.

Lifting debris with one hand, I rescued an elderly man pinned underneath. Then I quickly cleared out the nearby monsters, moving with such confidence it seemed I’d been waiting for this moment.

After taking care of the monsters that had attacked the military truck, I set my sights on the front gate of the Royal Palace. Just then, a newly arrived rescue team spotted me rushing past them like a bullet.

“Th-that Hunter just now...”

“Who is that? Where’s he going?”

The man—Cover—let out a breath of relief as he passed the rescue team.

That should keep the civilians safe for now.

Now, it was time to assess the rift—and block it. His sharp eyes gleamed beneath the brim of his hat.

Come to think of it... When I spotted Kwak Seunggyu earlier, he was acting strange. That place must’ve been...

Between Main throne hall and Bridge of Eternal Relief. I need to go back there.

[Main Quest: Locate the lab personnel hiding somewhere in the event grounds. (Time remaining: 6 hours 52 minutes)]