Reassuring Joon Woo

Sijun smiled wryly, trying to appear nonchalant. "I'm not expecting you to start singing 'Kumbaya' anytime soon, Joon Woo. I just want to help you see that there's more to life than just survival."

Joon Woo's expression remained skeptical, but Sijun sensed a hint of curiosity behind his eyes. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice low.

Sijun leaned against the wall, trying to appear relaxed. "I mean, think about it. We've been fighting for so long, just trying to stay alive. But what's the point of it all? Is it just to exist, or is it to live?"

Joon Woo snorted. "You're starting to sound like a philosopher, Sijun."

Sijun chuckled. "Maybe I am. But seriously, Joon Woo, I think we need to start thinking about what we want to achieve. What kind of world do we want to create?"

Joon Woo's expression turned thoughtful, and for a moment, Sijun saw a glimmer of the person he used to be. "I don't know," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've been so focused on survival for so long, I've forgotten what it means to live."

Sijun's guide system alerted him:

_Guide System Alert_

- Joon Woo's humanity: 35/100 (increased)

- Relationship with Joon Woo: Trusted Ally

- Reminder: Continue to subtly guide Joon Woo towards regaining his humanity.

Sijun's current status:

- Health: 100/100

- Hunger: 50/100

- Thirst: 75/100

- Energy: 80/100

- Guide System: Active

Joon Woo's status window updated:

- Name: Joon Woo

- Level: 87 (Regressor)

- HP: 1000/1000

- MP: 500/500

- Skills: Combat Mastery, Strategic Thinking, Regressor's Instinct

- Humanity: 35/100

Rachel, who had been watching the exchange, nodded enthusiastically. "I think Sijun's right, Joon Woo. We need to start thinking about the future. We can't just keep surviving; we need to start living."

Joon Woo's expression turned cold again, but Sijun sensed that he was struggling. He was't convinced, but he was listening.

As they left the meeting room, Sijun fell back, walking alongside Joon Woo. "Hey, Joon Woo?" he said, his voice low. "I know you're not going to change overnight. I'm not expecting you to start singing 'Kumbaya' or anything. But I want you to know that I'm here for you, okay?"

Joon Woo's expression softened, just for a moment. "Yeah," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks, Sijun."

Sijun's guide system alerted him:

_Guide System Alert_

- Joon Woo's humanity: 40/100 (increased)

- Relationship with Joon Woo: Trusted Ally

- Reminder: Continue to subtly guide Joon Woo towards regaining his humanity.

Sijun smiled, feeling a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could help Joon Woo regain his humanity and prevent the destruction of the world.

As they walked, Sijun noticed that Joon Woo's posture had relaxed, just a little. He wasn't standing as tall, and his eyes weren't scanning the horizon for threats. It was a small change, but it was a start.