This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 397

What should we do about those who have undergone Monsterization?

The moment those words flowed from Chae-rim’s mouth, everyone seated instinctively sensed a danger.

That was a poisoned chalice.

So, one shouldn’t open their mouth carelessly.

Honestly, there was no other way to be.

Whatever was said here, the moment those words leaked out, it was evident that those on the opposing side would come down upon us with fists flying.

‘If it ends there, I’d rather count my blessings…’

What if it took a turn for the worst?

What if all of our identities were exposed, putting not just ourselves, but also our families in danger?

That’s why everyone was keeping their mouths shut like that.

While I could understand their attitude…

“…Is there anyone who wants to speak?”

Still, it had to be done.

It was the duty of the people seated in this room.

With everyone already in chaos, what would happen if those with the power to decide also held back?

Only disaster awaited us.

To be honest, even now, the situation was precarious.

Being in the position I was, I could see it clearer than others.

What was the current situation for the Association, you ask?

It was like standing at the edge of a cliff, tightrope walking with a bomb that could explode at any moment.

If I spoke sweetly, it wouldn’t change that.

‘We’ve managed to hold on until now, but…’

There was no guarantee that would continue.

So, something had to be done, immediately.

It was too late to act after the bomb exploded or when we lost our balance and fell off the tightrope.

And they weren’t ignorant of that fact either.

So right now, instead of wasting time trying to counter the enemy, we needed to unite.

I didn’t know what they were thinking, but that’s why I cast a glance toward the Association Chairman, who had been silent all this time.

And perhaps feeling that gaze, the Chairman, deep in thought, finally opened her eyes.

At that moment, her gaze swept briefly over our side before scanning the entire meeting room.

I know it sounds odd, but it was like watching a school of minnows.

Everyone, worried about making eye contact, hurriedly avoided her gaze as if on cue.

Even though I was just a bystander, the absurdity of it all struck me.

What must the person in the spotlight be feeling?

That’s why I could see it clearly.

‘She’s angry. Very angry.’

The ominous signs of deep frustration were appearing on the Chairman’s face.

But perhaps, considering the situation, she determined that rationality needed to take precedence over emotion.

“Huh… Director Gam?”

With a short sigh, the Chairman collected herself and called out to one of the seated individuals.

“Yes, yes!”

Regardless of what was said here, there wasn’t much to gain for her own self.

In such a climate, despite being specifically called out, she couldn’t dare voice her discontent or ignore the call.

A middle-aged woman’s face turned a shade paler as she quickly stood up.

“…You may respond while seated.”

“Ah… Yes!”

Of course, as soon as she stood up, she was told to sit back down.

“First, I’d like to know how much we’ve understood about the Monsterization phenomenon.”

“Ah, that… um, well…”

Given that this wasn’t a routine monthly meeting but an emergency strategy session, it was expected she’d have something prepared. But perhaps, having been summoned so suddenly, her mind went blank.

She stumbled through her words, and already, those around her began showing signs of displeasure.

If things continued like this, it was clear she would be torn apart by those eager for their chance.

“Do you have any materials prepared you could share? I imagine we would need them.”

Realizing that this was slipping out of hand, I took the initiative to step in after observing the increasingly pale complexion of Director Gam.

If it were still some productive discussion, that would be one thing, but I didn’t want to waste time on pointless loyalty competitions when we were in this predicament.

Luckily, my timely intervention seemed to yield some effect.

“Ah, yes! I do have something prepared!”

Her previously pale face seemed to brighten a bit as she began exchanging more favorable information.

“First, if you look at the attached materials, you can see that common frontal lobe damage has occurred in those who have undergone Monsterization.”

“Excuse me, but what precisely happens if the frontal lobe is damaged?”

“Well… since the brain is still a largely unexplored area, I can’t definitively say…”

“But?”

“Most show a weakened self-control and tend to exhibit emotional responses more frequently.”

“So, you’re saying they become impulsive and violent?”

“Yes, well… that’s one way to put it.”

“That sounds like something straight out of a zombie movie.”

Indeed, it was.

Moreover, the division of opinions on what to do with the zombies mirrored the present situation frighteningly well.

You know those scenes in zombie movies where one side wonders how someone who was once like us is now a monster, while another insists on taking them down, arguing there’s no time to waste?

And of course, inevitably comes the “what about a cure?” debate.

While a cure doesn’t exist presently, it could one day be developed, right?

And once that cure is ready, couldn’t they revert back to their original selves?

That’s usually how these arguments unfold, often ending in division or catastrophe—strikingly similar to our current reality.

The truth is, a debate about treatment possibilities was ongoing among those who had undergone Monsterization.

Imagine if someone from your circle—be it a friend, lover, or family—had become monsterized.

Would it even be possible to restore them?

No one knows what the possibilities are, yet some were ready to handle the monsters blindly.

On the other hand, those who’ve suffered directly from the monsterized—those who’ve lost someone—were adamant that it was necessary to take action immediately, believing that curing them wouldn’t even be an option.

With both factions raised voices in conflict?

The ensuing chaos was immense.

No need to look far; just reviewing the incoming reports to the Association showed this clearly.

Reports of arguments spiraling out of control wherein one side loses control and resorts to violence, or using their skills to wreak havoc, came through by the dozens each day.

Given this backdrop, the Association’s current position?

It was one of caution—there was still much left unknown about the Monsterization phenomenon, so no hasty conclusions should be drawn.

Thus, for the past week, each time a monster was spotted, we subdued it and transferred them to a specially designated isolation area.

The problem was… even isolating them had its limits.

Moreover, successfully isolating them didn’t spell the end of the issue either.

Once they were isolated, we had to regularly monitor them, ensuring nothing would go awry, and prepare for possible escape scenarios by stationing appropriate forces on site.

Already short-handed, we found ourselves squeezed even further.

‘We’ve managed to hold on thus far, but…’

If the situation continued like this, we’d all eventually crash down like a house of cards.

So it was time to make a decision.

“Director Gam.”

“…Yes.”

“I’ll get straight to the point. Is treatment… possible?”