Neurolink System in the Modern World - C.109: Escalated

"So this is what it feels like to kill someone with my own hands," I pondered.

I couldn't help but think about how easily I had killed him, and how the constant exposure to death and brutality had made me immune to feeling remorse against my enemy.

"I took revenge for you," I murmured softly as I approached Rak's lifeless body.

His life had been abruptly and violently taken from him with a stab to the neck, the blade cruelly piercing his spinal cord, causing him to die instantly. In some ways, I think it was better this way – a sudden death, sparing him from the torment of a slower and more agonizing death.

Gazing down his pitiful state, a sense of loss washed over me.

Thinking more about it. It wasn't guilt I felt for his death but a mixture of emotions. I was troubled by the fact that he had died under my wing. His passing made me confront the harsh reality that death could come swiftly and unexpectedly to anyone.

Regardless, he had saved me, using his own life as a shield due to my skills, and for that alone, he deserved my gratitude.

After offering my thanks, I walked away from his lifeless body

—

—

*BANG!

*BANG!

*BANG!

Hearing the multiple loud noises in the distance, which resembled firecrackers, I decided to disregard them. It wasn't unusual for people to use firecrackers during festive occasions, and I had more pressing matters to attend to.

As I walked out of the street, I notice that most people were now in a state of panic.

"This is not normal," I muttered to myself, deep in thought. "No matter what, an all-out gang war like this benefits neither of the gangs, so why is this happening?" The situation didn't make sense, and I couldn't help but wonder about the underlying reasons for the conflict.

I had initially thought it would be a minor skirmish, but this had escalated to the point that people are dying. The scale of the conflict was far more serious than I had anticipated.

"Hey," a familiar voice interrupted my thoughts. It was Changnim, and it appeared he had changed his clothes, just like I had.

"We've got to get out of here," he said urgently. "This situation is beyond what we can handle."

I agreed with his assessment. The situation had spiraled out of control, and it was important that we found a way to escape this place.

"You're right," I responded in a somber tone. The current situation had dampened my spirits, and I wasn't in the mood for jests or humor at that moment.

Changnim took the lead, turning around and guiding the way. I followed, ready to escape the chaotic scene and leave it all behind us.

I had expected us to leave the area, but to my surprise, we entered a nearby store.

"What is this place?" I asked, growing suspicious. I entertain the thought that Changnim might be a traitor, leading me into a trap.

"Don't worry, this place is one of the gang's hideouts," someone answered, but it wasn't Changnim; it was another person.

Then, a man slowly walked out, revealing himself.

"This is worse than we anticipated," Ije sighed, smoking a puff from his cigarette.

"Anticipated? What do you mean? And what the hell is happening here?" I demanded answers.

"You really don't know anything?" Ije raised an eyebrow.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, feeling increasingly confused and anxious about the situation.

He pause for a moment, then sighed and took another puff of his cigarette.

"It's nothing. If you don't know anything, then it's better that way. Let's just find a way to get out of here."

"Hey, answer my question first!" I demanded.

[Suggestion: Failed]

"Kid, don't ask too many questions," he replied sternly.

"All you need to know is that this place is dangerous now. We need get out of here. Otherwise, we'll either be surrounded by gangsters here or shot by the Korean Special Forces." His words carried a sense of urgency and seriousness that left no room for further inquiries.

"Korean Special Forces? Why would they come here?" I asked, struggling to comprehend the gravity of the situation.

"You didn't hear the gunshots?" he asked.

"You mean that loud noise earlier?" I responded, suddenly realizing that the "firecracker" noises might have been something far more sinister.

"Everything spiraled out of proportion," he explained. "The HQ was attacked with high-powered rifles, and it's a stroke of luck you left before the assault. Otherwise, you might be riddled with bullets right now."

"As for the Special Forces, they've barricaded the entire area. It's just a matter of time before they catch us." He added.

I was left speechless, struggling to process the unbelievable turn of events. It made me wonder if the additional options provided by the system were indeed a prediction of this dire situation.

[Mission: Escape this place: Reward 1000 EXP]

'An escape Mission?'

It would be naive of me to assume that the system was assigning missions randomly. I had a nagging suspicion that it was trying to convey a message or guide me in some way. Even the Special Mission involving the girls, I had a hunch that it was just a piece of a larger puzzle.

For instance, the system rewarded me for taking lives, so it seemed like it wanted me to become accustomed to that idea, among other things.

"Can't we just pretend to be civilians?" I asked, hoping for a simple solution.

"That's wishful thinking. They have their own mole in our gang, so your face and name are already known to them. Worst case , we need to leave Seoul and hide," Ije replied, dashing my hopes of an easy escape.

As I considered the implications of what he said, I realized that I might still have an advantage. My official government database photo depicted my old face, and when I had joined the gang, I had used a fake name.

"For now, just follow us," Ije interrupted my thoughts.

But a different idea was forming in my mind. It might be easier for me to escape alone. The thought of leaving them and making my escape seemed increasingly tempting, as it carried less risk than following their plan.

"I'm going solo," I firmly replied to them.

"Are you sure? They know your face and name already," Changnim cautioned.

"Yeah, I'm sure. I don't know your plan, but following you will just make it harder for you guys to move."

"Alright, suit yourself," he replied.

With that, I turned away, determined to make my escape before nightfall.

"Hey," Changnim called out.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Good luck out there. Don't get killed," he wished me luck.

I nodded in acknowledgment, and without further words, I step out into store.