ZEN [17]

Regressor's Instructions Manual Episode 938

Zen (17)

Manual for Regressors, Episode 938

The atmosphere of the city is rapidly changing.

Anyone should be able to tell that things are not normal right now.

Judging by his expression, it seems that he's realizing that the situation is getting worse and worse.

The city is quickly being sealed off. A large translucent barrier covers the city, and within it, guards and adventurers are receiving orders and moving.

Support forces pour out of the Warp Gates, and all entrances and exits are completely locked.

The civilians in the city are also being made to appear quite panicked.

'Good job, Commander Jin.'

In these situations, the atmosphere is crucial.

Look at it. The determination to prevent even a single ant from escaping. The peaceful city has instantly transformed into a battlefield.

It's like a stage set that has suddenly turned into a war zone, almost as if it were drawn in a painting.

"This way."

"As of now, martial law is declared in the city. We kindly ask everyone to comply with military control."

They even issued martial law?

"What... What's happening?"

"Is this really okay? Like this..."

"Please comply with the control!"

"Do you know who I am?"

There's always one or two of these types. But they are immediately subdued.

"Shut up and comply with the control. You piece of shit."

"....."

After a bulky-looking guy cajoles a uncooperative civilian, they promptly close their mouths.

The citizens are being moved and interrogated without knowing what's going on.

Perhaps they're asking questions like, "Have you seen someone like this before? Have you ever encountered him?"

"Can you tell us what happened?"

"I'm sorry, but it's confidential."

"....."

"If you cooperate closely, you will be able to return home soon."

"Hey! How's it going over there?"

"As of now, Commander Jin Cheong has been granted operational authority. He is currently en route to the scene..."

"I need to handle this quickly. What's the cooperating guild doing? Come over here! Make sure the civilians are controlled properly. No rat should be able to escape."

Everyone is nervous because they are aware of General Jin's presence. He is clearly showing his intention to become a symbolic figure of the Republic.

A few years ago, this guy was pointed at as a demon summoner, but now he has become a great hero.

'I have to treat this guy well.'

A hero of the shadows. Just thinking about it makes me shiver again.

Of course, his infamous reputation is not limited to the Republic alone. As he is known throughout the entire continent, including the Holy See, Zen must know about him too.

Although they haven't faced each other directly, the Republic was an enemy of the Holy See [[In Castle Rock]], so...

He probably has some knowledge about the key figures.

Sure enough, the darkening of his expression can be seen again. It's almost as if that expression itself is an answer.

'He must be finding it difficult.'

"It seems that the Republic's military is on its way, Kiyoung-nim."

"Ah... if it's the military..."

"It won't be easy."

"Are you... Are you okay?"

"....."

He can't give a certain answer.

"...."

"I will move."

The options are limited. Escaping secretly, waiting for the vigilance to loosen, all of these are almost impossible.

The tightly woven encirclement, the extreme method of sealing off the entire city, has been used, and the results are effective as well.

While a careless city manager might leave gaps, the Republic's military won't allow for such openings.

As intricate as his meticulous personality, silently slipping out of the well-crafted spider's web is impossible. If there's a way...

'Forceful Breakthrough.'

Revealing oneself openly. Despite the tight web, there are inevitably weaker points in its durability.

After all, it's not just Zen and his Blue Guild members who are using the web; guards and small-scale clans from this city are also part of his operation.

While the system may be flawless, with humans as its components, variables are always present.

Perhaps Zen had thought of a solution like mine.

He grabbed me with one hand and immediately began to spring forward.

Naturally, all eyes are drawn to the scene in an instant. The way he's flying low and fast, wings spread wide...

'Why is he so fast?'

Slower than Kim Hyun-seong, but still fast.

'Can you stop this?'

Our Jin Commander is weak against this kind of thing.

Even tactical Kim Hyun-seong had a hard time with it. There's a possibility he might this time too.

"Damn it! Chase!"

"Target located. Target located."

"Move!"

Reactions also occur in an instant.

Although they're not pouring out offensive magic to ensure the safety of the hostage, various binding spells are being cast.

Masked rangers start chasing this way, and moths block Zen's path. Of course, the difference in combat power is extreme.

"Argh! Ugh!!"

"Requesting support! Support! Somehow hold his ankles!"

"Moving. Target continuing to move."

It's a situation where he doesn't necessarily have to kill them; he can subdue them.

"Are you okay, Lee Kiyoung?"

"Yes... yes, I'm fine. Zen, are you hurt anywhere?"

Zen presses down on the cloth covering my face and continues to move.

Crunch! Quaang!

The sound effects continue to be heard.

It feels like a certain fight is happening. Dozens of wolves are probably relentlessly tearing at their prey, just like a pack of wolves targeting one prey.

A battle is unfolding both physically and mentally, as they're not just attacking for their strength, but to mentally wear down their prey.

It might seem like we're escaping well, but if you look closely, it's not quite the case.

'It looks like we're being lured.'

He's moving us to a specific area. Moreover, this idiot seems to be unaware that he's walking into a trap.

"Hoo... hoo...."

"Zen!"

"I'm fine, Lee Kiyoung."

An arrow grazes Zen's arm.

He changes direction. I might have chosen the same route as him if I were in his position.

He changes direction. If I were him, I might have chosen the same route.

Without a scope, I surely would've suggested this route to the guy.

Although it feels like a successful escape, it's not.

Perhaps they're waiting for us at our destination.

'I like appearing dramatically at the last moment.'

He'd probably shout, raising one arm and smiling helplessly. [[He's talking about the Commander.]

'That's enough for now.'

Or he'd say, "Did you think you could escape my trap?"

Or he'd say, "Let the game begin."

The image of him laughing at despairing Zen and lowering his arm to give orders is already etched in my mind.

'Ah, I should bring those bastards with me. The ones who haven't been beaten up yet.'

Those bastards who bruised my face.

'Those bastards are probably struggling by now.'

Probably riding the line of desperation.

-So... the punk was the Vice guild master? What... What a misunderstanding. No... It can't be. What, what kind of nonsense is this? Is it really possible that the Honorable Cardinal of the Church was such a crazy bastard?

-Are you sure you explained the situation properly?

-You're probably mistaken.

-....

-They seem to have interpreted it as a rescue request. Apparently, they've desperately made three contacts with us for a rescue request...

It's a setting even I wasn't aware of, but to anyone looking at it, there's a possibility it looks like a rescue request.

In a desperate attempt to evade the sinister clutches of this criminal, even as I endure cruel acts day after day...

The plea for help sent to the Blue Guild, leading my weakened body while suppressing the urgent cry, is ignored by the guild's new recruits.

They can hardly fathom how much despair Lee Ki-Young must have felt... Imagining it is almost unbearable.

Does he even realize the indiscriminate violence I've endured, being insulted as a gangster? They surely must know.

-What should we do?

-....

-Whether or not the mission succeeds, can we really endure his rage?

-....

His rage, huh? An old-fashioned expression? Jin Cheong is quite strict.

Someone needs to rein in those kids.

-The Guild Master won't forgive us.

-....

Where's Jin Cheong off to? Who's the Guild Master?

Without me realizing it, the scene comes into focus as I adjust the telescope.

-I was completely unaware of this. Damn it! Why did I... Damn it!

Who's Jin Cheong talking to?

-That crazy bastard! Damn it! I'm staying out of this one. I didn't involve myself in your business. You fool, relying solely on your strength and meddling carelessly... You ignorant creature, not even acknowledging the kindness I've shown you! How dare you! You dare utter such words? The black-haired beast must be referring to you. You disgusting, sickening child. You think I'm incapable? Me?

Oh. You guys fought? What did Hyunseong say?

Kwaaahhh!

A thunderous roar echoes.

It feels like my body is being hurled somewhere.

Magic seems to come flying from somewhere, so I quickly open my mouth...

"Are you... are you okay?"

"...."

"Zen-nim?"

"Ki-Young-ssi."

The voices that reach me are different.

The familiar face holding me is one I haven't seen in a while.

"Hyunseong?"

His handsome face is contorted in anger.

I'm not sure exactly what happened or how, but for now, I'll just cry.

As if wounded.

"Zen... no... Hyunseong."

For now, I'll just cry.

----

I apologize for the continuous change in the rank name of Jin Cheong [Jin Qing] I'll just be calling hime either Jin Cheong or General.

"General" and "Commander" are both military ranks, but their hierarchy can vary depending on the context and the specific military organization.

In many military systems, "General" is a higher-ranking officer than "Commander." A "General" is typically a high-ranking officer who commands an entire army or a significant portion of it, and may also oversee multiple divisions or corps. "Commander," on the other hand, can refer to an officer who leads a smaller unit such as a battalion, squadron, or ship.

However, it's important to note that the exact ranks and their hierarchy can differ between different armed forces and countries. In some cases, "Commander" might be a higher rank than "General" in specific naval or air force contexts, for example. It's always best to consider the specific military organization and context to determine the relative hierarchy of these ranks.