This World is too Cruel to Men – Chapter 566

Was it not just for nothing that the ancients referred to lightning as God’s wrath or divine punishment?

The storm of lightning, which began to pour down furiously, held something that could send chills down anyone’s spine, as if there was a personal grudge against the Another Ones.

Is that why, perhaps?

I could feel the tremors affecting those around me through my skin. I wanted to join in on that sentiment, but I couldn’t.

After all, I had no strength left in my body at the moment to indulge in the atmosphere.

It felt just like waking up completely parched after fainting from staying awake for several nights straight.

That’s how drained I felt.

Thanks to this, I could finally understand what the other heroes referred to as talent exhaustion, after over three years since my debut.

I never experienced it before, so I thought others were just exaggerating fatigue.

Experiencing it myself, I realized they weren’t exaggerating at all.

So it was a revelation for me.

‘I thought I was the one protecting Dogun…’

Until now, I believed I was the one shielding Dogun.

But after going through this kind of experience while being a hero and encountering something I never faced before, I finally got it.

It turned out that instead of me protecting Dogun, it was actually Dogun supporting me.

Maybe because of this newfound realization, I suddenly wanted to see Dogun’s face.

I just wanted to tightly hug him, bury my face in his chest, and inhale his scent with all my might.

To do that, I had to wrap things up right now for sure.

Otherwise, I’d be stuck here and pull an all-nighter, forgetting about going home.

So today, feeling particularly heavy, I forced my head up to fix my gaze on the scene where the thunder raged, and what I saw was the Another Ones boldly attacking dark clouds without realizing the danger.

In this realm, Heogye, where clouds seemingly didn’t exist, did they not understand how perilous it was in front of them?

Perhaps because of this, the choking stench lingering under my nose had been gradually thickening over time.

“Isn’t that going to catch fire…?”

Perhaps sensing the danger, a voice filled with concern spilled from among the observers.

“Then that would be even better. Those bothersome pests will get roasted nice and crispy.”

“But if the fire gets out of control…”

It could indeed pose a threat to the Forward Base.

Such a worry seemed somewhat valid.

If the people here weren’t Awakened and heroes, that opinion would have likely been accepted.

“How many Awakened do we have here that we’re worrying about such unnecessary things?”

Unfortunately, due to the reality, I found myself receiving scorn instead of acknowledgment.

“But still…”

“Ain’t that already forgotten? Who created that mess?”

“Ah…”

Did they think I would step in to put out the fire if things got out of hand?

That would indeed be a bitter reality for those who believed so, considering I had zero strength left right now.

If the fire really escalated beyond control, I dared not assure I’d manage to calm it myself.

So outwardly, I feigned calmness while inwardly praying the situation wouldn’t escalate too much when…

Did they feel my wish?

Those on the verge of bursting suddenly gave in and began to pour down hefty raindrops.

Thanks to that, I didn’t have to worry about the flames spreading.

It was no surprise, considering how forcefully the rain poured; the fire extinguished before it could spread anywhere.

After that refreshing downpour, the dark clouds shrank down to a size that seemed it could vanish at any moment.

‘Huh…’

As I released the tension that had been stiffening my back, I noticed that those present began to prepare to move now that the commotion had died down somewhat.

“Yoonseo, you should rest here. You’ve worked hard.”

“Are you going to collect samples?”

“Well… That, and since this has happened, I should clean things up thoroughly so that side feels some impact too, don’t you think?”

To be honest, the second reason was more significant.

After all, it was certain that anything burnt black by the lightning wouldn’t hold any value as a sample.

Even if they brought it back, they’d probably just be told to fetch something in better condition next time.

Watching the backs of those leaving to clean the scene, I thought to myself.

For now, I hope this ends quickly, safely, and well.

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“Did you finally feel like having a conversation?”

I had so many things I wanted to ask, but my lips wouldn’t part, contrary to my inner thoughts.

It felt as though someone had glued my lips together without me knowing.

It couldn’t be helped.

From my perspective, I genuinely couldn’t afford to ask, for it felt like if I were to really ask something, I’d be unable to take it back.

If the counterpart were an ordinary person, I wouldn’t have considered this.

But given the other party’s status, such thoughts were inescapable.

So I kept my mouth tightly shut, and perhaps sensing my true feelings…

“Aren’t you going to ask? You must have so many questions…”

Indeed, I had plenty of questions swirling in my throat.

Was the woman with the cross scar on her hand, whom Miss Almighty mentioned, truly my mother? If she is, how did the two of them meet? What did my mom look like…?

Those questions swarmed my mind, but my lips remained stuck together as if glued.

As I unknowingly bit my lips nervously, Miss Almighty, who was observing my face, spoke up with a generous expression.

“If it’s truly bugging you that much, just ask one question. I’ll answer it without any cost.”

“…”

“I promise on my name.”

Though Miss Almighty said this, I couldn’t take her words at face value.

Not because I didn’t trust her.

But rather, it was closer to a problem of my values.

After all, I believed there’s no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

Even if Miss Almighty promised to answer one question without any cost, there had to be some price.

Once I posed a question, and once I received an answer, a sense of debt would undoubtedly sprout within me.

Thus, despite hearing her serious vow, I couldn’t help but hesitate until the end.

Maybe it was that hesitance that bothered her.

“Dogun.”

With a gentle voice, Chae-rim’s hand carefully took hold of mine.

Then she nodded once while looking straight into my eyes.

Was this… her way of saying not to worry too much and just ask, since she’d take responsibility if anything happened?

Seeing the strength in her grip, it sure seemed like it.

Thanks to that, I could relieve myself of some of the worries swirling in my mind.

What more can I say?

One reason for my hesitation in asking questions was that I didn’t want to burden Chae-rim.

From my standpoint, it was natural to worry that while I could bear the cost of my questions, considering her status made the likelihood quite slim.

And honestly, it was pretty obvious who would be billed for the debt I wasn’t able to pay.

So there was some measure of hesitation, but with Chae-rim saying such words, my heart felt a bit lighter.

Thus, I could finally muster up the determination to decide.

The issue remained what to actually ask…

What should I even inquire about?

There were far too many considerations to take.

So as I pondered deeply, I finally reached a conclusion and carefully parted my lips.