episode_0263

‘…What on earth are they thinking?’

This thought came to mind after hearing Chairman Kim’s words.

It hadn’t been long since I’d talked down the executives who had the same ideas and spoke the same words.

But now, a problem that had been well-covered and passed over is being dug up.

And by someone with immense influence here, no less.

‘…’

I could feel my facial muscles stiffen to a degree I could perceive myself. But I didn’t get angry like before.

Reading my expression, Chairman Kim clearly showed surprise.

“You’re not angry.”

“…I’m just dumbfounded.”

How should I put it?

I didn’t even feel like responding.

Even at my dry answer, Chairman Kim’s eyes were clear and unwavering.

Judging by his reaction, it seemed he had been preparing to bring up this topic from the start.

Chairman Kim, who had been carefully observing my reaction, calmly began to speak.

“The first thing I did after opening my eyes again was receive a status report. The situation had been utterly desperate right before I lost consciousness.”

“…”

“But while I was asleep, the situation had progressed. It was significant enough to allow hope for tomorrow. At first, I thought Sukyung was just sugarcoating things to make me feel better.”

I quietly listened, sipping the drink placed before me.

“But I saw it with my own eyes and realized it was true. And you were at the core of it all.”

“So?”

“…We could have proceeded with it secretly on our own. So why did I deliberately bring it up with you, someone who is negative about this research? It’s simple.”

Chairman Kim met my gaze with a serious expression.

“Because I don’t want to turn you, our benefactor, into an enemy.”

“…”

“…I’ve heard the stories. I know why you oppose this, and that you have a sense of caution.”

“And you still think this?”

“Yes.”

The answer came without an ounce of hesitation.

And with an equally confident tone, he continued.

“For us… no, for humanity to survive, this must absolutely proceed.”

“Isn’t that a bit grand?”

“But it’s the truth. We are currently cornered at the very edge of a cliff.”

A faint aura seemed to rise from Chairman Kim, who was now displaying seriousness.

“The situation is more serious than you think.”

Chairman Kim’s voice sank heavily.

The atmosphere itself made me feel the weight of the words spoken by the man before me.

“…You’re serious?”

“Yes. And I’m speaking with unadorned honesty.”

I swept my gaze over Chairman Kim, who spoke with confidence, and everyone else in the conference room.

Every single one of them was stiff, holding their breath.

The only ones relatively composed were my companions and Captain Lee.

‘…’

I turned my gaze back to Chairman Kim.

And though it might be a needless thought…

I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was a crucial turning point.

To Chairman Kim, who waited calmly for my reaction, I opened my mouth indifferently.

“Ana Pedrona.”

“What?”

“Ellen Ripley.”

“??”

Seeing Chairman Kim utterly unable to grasp what I was saying, I was dumbfounded.

“You don’t know who Ripley is?”

“…Who on earth is that?”

This ignorant old man.

“This ignorant old man.”

My thoughts slipped out.

“You… you rascal! What on earth are you trying to say!”

Chairman Kim was slightly flustered, his face instantly flushing red.

Chief Seong whispered something to the old man.

Chief Seong, at least, knew a thing or two—

“Are you mocking me now?!”

The old man bellowed at the top of his lungs.

An incensed Chairman Kim seemed ready to leap up, but it was just a show of force.

Seeing him trembling while gripping the armrest, he truly seemed enraged.

“Ripley, with the source of disaster practically inside her, jumped into a molten furnace. Pedrona, too, for humanity, blew herself up with a grenade in front of everyone, turning to dust.”

“What nonsense are you spouting?!”

The agitated Chairman Kim seemed to take it as me mocking him.

But my mouth was open.

So I kept chattering.

“Do you think those women didn’t know ‘those things’ held immense potential?”

“What was that?”

“Though it’s movie material, space monsters and an unknown virus? They were highly valued, saying that researching them would open a new civilization. Even I, an ignorant man, thought that.”

“You rascal…! Hmph! So?”

“Yet the reason they sacrificed their lives to eliminate them is simple: humans cannot handle them.”

Chairman Kim flinched.

“Let’s say you spend enormous time and money on research. Then you’d have to show results and make a profit, wouldn’t you?”

“…”

“You know, don’t you? How easily humans are consumed by desire.”

Chairman Kim frowned but couldn’t answer immediately.

“You seem pissed off by my sudden movie analogies, but to me, those movies seem to have become reality.”

Gulp.

I emptied the remaining drink and let out a sigh.

“I mean, the world where the protagonists failed to eliminate ‘those things’ seems to have become reality.”

I wasn’t teasing Chairman Kim, who was heavily furrowing his brow.

But if I were to express my feelings living in a time where the unreal has become real, that’s exactly how it feels.

“Giant corporations.”

Flinch.

“Those in power.”

Flinch.

“The military.”

Ahem.

“The three major elements that cause chaos are all here, aren’t they?”

“…”

“Ah, Dr. Kim Seokwoo.”

Director Jang reacted when I mentioned the name I’d forgotten, but I pretended not to notice.

Chairman Kim, with a sullen expression, asked gruffly.

“You knew that name?”

“You know it too, old man?”

“Of course.”

“Then you’ll know well.”

I watched Chairman Kim, whose complexion was returning to normal, as if his anger was subsiding.

“…Even that person, called a genius among geniuses, realized the danger and tried to stop midway, but he failed. Everyone knows the result of that.”

“…”

“Old man.”

I simply asked Chairman Kim, who had fallen silent.

“Can you handle it?”

“…”

“Do you have the confidence that you won’t end up like Taesong?”

At my question, the atmosphere in the conference room became slightly chilly.

“When I heard about Dr. Kim Seokwoo, I got the impression he was like a protagonist who failed. Oh, but I’m not blaming him. My target is someone else entirely.”

“Hmm.”

“Research? Do it if you want. Honestly, I’m not in a position to tell you what to do, am I?”

While it’s true I’ve greatly indebted them, I have no right to meddle in their affairs.

Frankly, it was exceptional that they listened to me and followed my words.

A reasonable opponent.

My last impression of the Gundaeshelter’s leadership was just that.

Until a moment ago.

“…But why did you cause such a fuss back then?”

“Because back then, those actions were practically stabbing me in the back.”

“…”

“Think about it. I helped them after they begged, ‘Please help us survive!’ And if they then took that opportunity to do the same things as those bastards from Taesong, would I get angry or not?”

Chairman Kim held his tongue and focused on my words.

“Back then, I thought it fortunately ended because we communicated well. But now, I didn’t expect the old man to bring it up again?”

Chairman Kim, after hearing my words, slowly nodded and stroked his chin.

“Your resentment towards Taesong is deeper than I expected.”

“…Why bring that up?”

“Is there a reason, perhaps?”

“It’s personal.”

…It’s a deeply personal reason.

I don’t want to talk about it, nor do I want to dredge up unnecessary memories.

Chairman Kim, noticing my mood, backed down a step.

“Very well. I won’t pry.”

“I wasn’t planning on telling you anyway?”

“I’ve heard your story well. I think I understand what you mean.”

Chairman Kim, as if his throat was dry, drained his drink in one gulp and let out a small breath.

“…Even if we push ahead with the research, I get the feeling that you, as you are now, wouldn’t stop us. Am I wrong?”

“…”

“Instead, if we do that, we would become enemies with you.”

“Chairman-nim…”

As Captain Lee was about to say something, Chairman Kim lightly restrained him.

“As I said before, I don’t want to turn our benefactor into an enemy.”

“…”

“We are different from Taesong, and I am different from ‘Lee Ga’.”

In Chairman Kim’s clear and forceful words, I felt his firm resolve.

His eyes were slightly burning…

“It seems you, old man, also hold deep resentment.”

“Lee Ga and I cannot live under the same sky.”

…It seems the old man has read a book or two.

Because of his first impression, the archaic expression sounded awkward.

Chairman Kim, having composed his expression, treated me with a slightly more relaxed look.

“This time, listen to ‘our’ words.”

I blinked at Chairman Kim’s words.

“…Wasn’t it all over?”

“Have you ever seen such a foolish fellow? I’ve only just presented the preface, and I haven’t even said a word of my story!”

But I only tilted my head to the side.

“…Is there more to it…?”

“Of course. Otherwise, there would be no way to convince you.”

“I told you not to mind me, didn’t I? I won’t say anything anymore.”

This was sincere.

“And cut ties with us, is that it?”

I nodded without hesitation, but Chairman Kim gently shook his head.

“That cannot happen.”

“Why?”

“Because Seonghan, we need you.”

“…What?”

When I asked back unintentionally, Chairman Kim spoke clearly, as if bestowing a favor.

“We need you.”

Goosebumps rose all over my body.