LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 61
Ha-yoon’s answer wasn’t solely based on emotional reasons.
Of course, that doesn’t mean there weren’t any emotional reasons involved. If I were to lay out the reasons and organize them by order of importance, that emotional justification would certainly rank quite high.
However, Ha-yoon also had her own thoughts on the matter.
Ha-yoon fought for justice.
She wasn’t at an age where she could believe in a flawless, perfect justice existing in the world. But that didn’t mean there couldn’t be some semblance of a better option.
Facing the unjust and striving to correct the wrongs in the world.
Even if it were impossible to transform the world into a perfectly good place, she still put in the effort to move forward.
However, for that purpose, the organization known as the Federation was not comprised of individuals who could be deemed a ‘better option.’
“I wish you would cooperate with me in getting my revenge.”
Those were the words that Ji-eun spoke.
Her face appeared before Ha-yoon.
She was so close that the breath escaping her lips was almost tangible.
Those black eyes resembled a bottomless abyss.
Ha-yoon had seen the look in Ji-eun’s eyes after she had transformed into a Magical Girl. Her eyes were decorated with stars. Even if those weren’t stars shining brightly, they felt as if they longed to gaze upon that light.
A black hole is also a celestial body. The life of a star gives rise to such a celestial object that also shines. Though it doesn’t shine on its own, but rather attracts other lights, if light were the defining factor, one couldn’t possibly claim that the moon doesn’t shine.
Hope is the strength you can hold onto as long as you refuse to give up.
Even if the power Ji-eun wields doesn’t stem from hope, she never gave up. And that was what mattered.
After a while, as she continued to gaze upward without averting her eyes, it was Ji-eun who left first.
Ji-eun turned her body away from home.
Should I follow her? Ha-yoon briefly hesitated before deciding to turn back.
Not yet, not yet.
Time is needed.
They could have a conversation. At least, Ji-eun definitely didn’t hate Ha-yoon.
So, there was still hope.
…Those who followed must ensure that Ha-yoon could speak properly. At least, Ji-eun shouldn’t feel uncomfortable knowing others were present.
*
While I was taking a moment to catch my breath, I felt a chill run through my body.
Especially, the wind blew through the holes in my clothing. I ultimately couldn’t withstand the cold and returned home.
How would I endure tonight?
I had managed to block out the wind with plastic sheets around the house, but that wasn’t a complete solution against the chill.
There weren’t even any blankets that the kids could use, and they weren’t wearing thick clothes either.
I didn’t really want to worry, but I also didn’t want to wake up to find someone had succumbed to the cold. Once again, let me reiterate—I was not a murderer.
Thinking of ways to chase away the cold as I stepped into the house—I was taken aback by the warmth of the room.
“Ji-eun!”
When the poorly maintained sliding door opened, I wondered if Ha-yoon had heard me, as she peeked her head out from the kitchen.
…Did she light a fire?
Well, I had lit one too. Although it did produce smoke, I had never been caught.
The youngest entered, followed by Iris. The other three remained restless in the room.
In truth, it wasn’t that five people needed to be overly active while there was a fire, but in such a situation, sitting still probably felt somewhat awkward.
“…….”
I stared at the kids as I opened the door.
“……What about dinner?”
There was no response.
Those kids had impulsively come along, and naturally, they had no idea what to do. They hadn’t brought anything with them either.
Putting meals aside, they didn’t even have spare underwear for tomorrow.
I closed my eyes and took several deep breaths.
…Alright.
I grit my teeth and stepped into the tent to open my bag.
There should be emergency rations.
I picked up a half-eaten can of spam, then silently placed it back down. I hesitated momentarily.
Canned food was among the most edible things I had. Whether it was tuna or pork, at least they could be labeled as ‘meat’.
Moreover, they were heavy and relatively expensive, so I hadn’t stocked up on many.
Instead, I had packed bread like hardtack. Honestly, I hadn’t bought this for meals but as a way to fill my stomach in case there was absolutely nothing to eat, or if I got tired of only eating canned food.
Extra-dried crackers, hardtack, and nuts…
“Hmm.”
Seeing me seriously contemplate, James let out a chuckle.
“It seems you don’t plan on sharing your rations after all.”
“……”
I glared at James in silence for a moment.
Sure, I knew. I understood that it was selfish of me. But still, wasn’t it originally intended for me to eat alone?
I didn’t feel particularly thrilled that my plans were changing like this.
But… what could I do?
In the end, I picked up a piece of hardtack. It was a large bag filled with what appeared to be quite tasteless barley crackers.
Once I placed it outside the tent, the kids turned their gazes toward me.
“All I can offer is this.”
I said as I plopped down on a spot.
“We’ll get by with this for today, and think about what to do from tomorrow onwards.”
Setting down the lantern, I looked around at the kids’ faces.
Under the source of light beneath, the kids’ faces appeared pale. Why, was regret creeping in already?
I tore open the hardtack bag and placed it in front of the kids, taking one piece for myself.
…It was hard and dry. To be honest, it was nearly impossible to eat without water, and at the moment there wasn’t even boiled water ready.
I had already managed to acclimate myself to this after quite some time, but these kids had not. Just a day ago, they must have slept in a soft bed inside a magnificent home.
The mealtime was quiet.
The kids couldn’t eat much hardtack. They must have been starving from not eating despite the fighting.
But what could be done? There was nothing to eat.
I hoped that they would beg to run away after spending just one day like this. Then, I could simply drop them off somewhere else.
I moved to a different spot.
While I was at it, I’d supplement the remaining money with a bit more food.
Even after the meal, until I entered the tent, the kids only exchanged glances, left with little conversation.
“Good night, Ji-eun.”
It was only just before I entered the tent that Ha-yoon’s voice reached me.
I paused for a brief moment before, without answering, I stepped into the tent.
Even when I zipped it up, I could not block out the sounds from outside.
But even lying down for a short time, I couldn’t hear any other conversations. Were they also conscious of that? Afraid I might eavesdrop on their conversation?
…Let’s not worry about it.
Even though I had slept during the day, I still felt exhausted.
It didn’t take long for me to drift off to sleep.
*
There was a moment of rustling in the tent, followed by a rhythmic sound of breathing.
Perhaps from sheer exhaustion, it was a snore close to sounding like a gentle snore, deep inhalations reminiscent of a deep slumber.
Listening to that breath, Rose clutched her head.
“…What do we do?”
Iris asked.
Her face was filled with concern.
“Far from what I had thought… it’s much more severe.”
Dalia let out with a groan.
“…….”
Delphinium scanned the room again in silence before shifting her gaze towards the tent.
Inside, the light was out, rendering it impossible to discern anyone being there. Only the sound of breathing from beyond suggested that Ji-eun was still alive.
So, that girl…
Has she been getting by here all this time…?
That was a conclusion sufficient to shock the girls.
They knew that Jeong Ji-eun was being chased by the government and the company, the Federation. But at least they never imagined that she would be living like this.
How long had it been? In terms of time, it already exceeded a month. At this moment, it was relatively warm during the day, but just recently, the weather was still rather close to winter.
“She hasn’t been staying in one place.”
Ha-yoon spoke up.
“She must have been hiding in unseen places like this, which is why she managed to not be spotted….”
“…….”
A heavy silence.
Ha-yoon also had stories from the process of persuading the Magical Girls.
However, no one had thought it might be like this. They had imagined she was somehow hiding her identity and shuffling between jjimjilbangs, PC rooms, or lodging facilities.
“……That’s why she hasn’t shown up in the CCTV.”
Rose spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of sighing. It sounded somewhat lamenting.
“……Because she only went to the places that wouldn’t show up.”
“Goodness…”
Delphinium and Dalia both added their remarks.
The tattered clothes certainly made sense. The appearance the Magical Girls saw was how Ji-eun looked after transforming. No matter what she wore, after wrapping herself in magic, she would comfortably present a decent figure. Even if she was torn and tattered while fighting, she would still look fine when they finally met again.
The place she would return to, exhausted and injured from fighting, could either be here or somewhere even worse.
A derelict building—no, a place that was almost a ruin—where simply putting up a single tent felt like making it a home.
If someone passing by had bad intentions, Ji-eun might have faced terrible things indeed.
That thought weighed heavily on Ha-yoon’s heart.
The reason that no one had left was there as well.
That was guilt.
Even if they had not become involved in that situation—had anyone here just stepped up to say that Ji-eun wasn’t alone back then, there would have been no reason for her to end up like this.
She could have still been a combatant, or even if she had been dismissed, she could have at least been living a normal life, receiving proper protection and going to school.
But it was these five who cornered her to this point.
“…….”
Ha-yoon placed her hand over her heart.
A painful expression she couldn’t show in front of Ji-eun surfaced on her face.
Indeed, there is hope. I can still talk to Ji-eun. She hasn’t given up on everything yet. Ha-yoon felt relieved by that fact.
At the same time—
—there might have been another way.
Ji-eun is pretty. Her figure was far more exquisite than those of her peers. So, perhaps she could have used that.
Of course, Ha-yoon didn’t want that. Objectively speaking, it would be considered an immoral choice. It would have violated several related laws.
But she might have faced a far easier life than now. At least in terms of physical comfort.
What would be Ji-eun’s reason for not choosing that option?
Perhaps it was something she detested. Or maybe, she didn’t trust the people she would meet while doing that.
Ji-eun had a good head on her shoulders. She might have thought ahead. She may have believed that living this way would lead to much fewer troubles.
However, even so, Ha-yoon… was truly grateful to Ji-eun.
For not giving up. Even in a situation like this.
“…….”
Without saying a word, Iris reached out and grabbed a piece of hardtack from what was in front of her.
It was the first time she had ever eaten something like this.
It was dry and somewhat nutty, but there was no comparison to a cookie made with butter. While some might like the taste, there might be enthusiasts, it seemed rather apparent that Ji-eun wouldn’t have selected it simply because she liked it.
“My goodness.”
Iris murmured once again.
That she had been surviving on something like this for over a month as her staple food.
The determination to endure was astonishing.
And—
“What can we… do?”
Rose muttered.
“Ji-eun asked us, didn’t she? To help her get revenge.”
“Are you really considering it?”
Dalia inquired, this time sounding a bit frightened.
“I will. If we leave Ji-eun as she is in this situation, it could escalate into something irretrievable.”
Everyone fell silent at that.
Indeed, it was like that.
If they continued this kind of life, they would inevitably have to channel their anger towards the people responsible for putting them in this situation.
And every one of those responsible included all five present here.
It was already becoming apparent that Ji-eun’s fighting style was growing progressively violent. Especially when facing opponents who challenged her, she would hardly hold back.
What would happen if Ji-eun were to directly confront those who had forced her into this state?
“…This is my fault.”
Ha-yoon spoke softly.
The situation had reached this point because she had allowed it, knowing all along.
There could be no excuses saying she hadn’t anticipated things to go this far. The situation had already come to this.
Just as Ji-eun had said, it was too late. They had come too far.
So, before it became even more late, before it distanced even further.
All Ha-yoon could do now was what she could.
“… So, if you don’t want to stay, it’s fine to go back. I just wanted you to understand the things I wanted to do.”
Ha-yoon raised her head with a somewhat determined expression, looking around at the other girls.
“Ji-eun has said it numerous times already. As long as you don’t interfere with what I want to do—”
“…You really have a knack for putting it that way.”
Rose frowned slightly.
“Having come this far, we can’t just turn a blind eye, can we?”
“…”
Ha-yoon looked at Rose.
“Well, it’s not like I have the right to say this after insisting on maintaining the status quo up until we got here…”
Rose gazed towards the ceiling.
Even though there were plenty of plastic sheets, without tools, it seemed physically demanding to cover the ceiling, so she abandoned the idea for now.
Consequently, a part of the wall laid bare without plastic, exposing concrete.
Just looking at it by itself, it became a mood dampener.
“…I’m not lacking in conscience to the point of making a situation like this and then just leaving.”
Iris nodded in agreement. Although she didn’t speak up, it seemed she was inclined to stay.
Delphinium and Dalia also nodded their heads, their faces pale.
“Thank you.”
Although she didn’t yet know what they could do—
“It’s truly a heartwarming friendship.”
Suddenly, someone interrupted that conversation.
It was James.
He leisurely strolled out from the darkness and slowly sat down next to Ha-yoon, looking up at her.
“I can be of some aid, in a small way.”
“…You.”
“Why? You don’t genuinely believe that girl could survive this world all on her own in such a situation, do you? Without any substantial technical support, she would have sought out ‘other means’ long ago. No, even if she hadn’t thought of it herself, others may have actively pursued it.”
Ha-yoon looked down at James, but he bore an expression that showed no fear whatsoever.
“That voice, I’ve heard it before.”
Ha-yoon replied.
“You’re that officer, aren’t you? The one Ji-eun was affiliated with.”
“Ah, I am honored that you recognize me.”
James nodded respectfully.
“While the situation is quite lacking on my end, I have had several exchanges with Jeong Ji-eun. I can’t say it’s been entirely smooth, but we’ve managed to maintain a cooperative relationship.”
“…”
“In that sense, I could assist you as well.”
“Assistance?”
“Yes. If you could use magic at the very least, it might help you in your daily life. Ji-eun has been careful with her firewood so as not to get detected.”
At that, Ha-yoon’s shoulders twitched slightly.
The room was warm as it was now. And Ji-eun’s reaction to the firewood Ha-yoon had placed must not have been a significant concern.
Or perhaps it was just that she turned a blind eye to it.
Seeing the response, James seemed pleased as he rubbed his hands together.
“Your circuits are complex, so I can’t assist you immediately. However, I do have some spare circuits that Ji-eun used. Even if they are simply spare ones, they would yield much better results than what you typically have, assuming you were to draw on Ji-eun’s ‘energy’.”
“……”
The children’s eyes all turned to James.
“I will ultimately prepare a circuit for you that has completely removed the tracking system.”
“Seems you have faith in me.”
“Well, to put it differently, believing in a Magical Girl might be more apt.”
James answered as if he had heard an interesting tale.
“No, yes. I believe it’s better to say I believe in you as a Magical Girl.”
James lifted his gaze towards Ha-yoon.
“I believe you can speculate to some degree about what the government intended to do with Jeong Ji-eun.”
Ha-yoon shut her mouth.
And then she glared at James.
But James showed no sign of backing down.
“And I am the only one who can empower Jeong Ji-eun properly. Are you considering handing her over to those technological types in the Federation? Or to the company?”
“……”
“Indeed, at the very least you, who adores Jeong Ji-eun as a friend, cannot just let her go. Therefore, I can’t give up either. I have to be here to ensure that Ji-eun stands a better chance. Above all, do you think the current Ji-eun would trust you more or would she trust me more?”
James’s words left Ha-yoon without a response.
Ha-yoon bit her lip.
“Well, you don’t need to worry too much. I’ve thought of a few ways we can survive in this situation. If you cooperate, I can help you endure a bit more.”
Ha-yoon briefly contemplated before looking at the Magical Girls.
Rose ultimately nodded. The other girls followed suit, giving their nods as well.
“Alright.”
Seeing James smile as he said that, a very unsettling feeling arose in her. However—at that moment, no better solution came to mind.