Regressor Instruction Manual - Chapter 427. Winners and Losers (3)

“There’s something I want you to testify about,” I said.

“What?” Jin Cheong asked.

“It’s like I said. I want you to testify about something. I like that you’re blunt and that you aren’t trying to test me. When it comes to negotiations, people usually do that, you know?”

It was pretty annoying, but the man in front of me looked at me quietly without saying anything useless. He had definitely decided to hear me out, and he was definitely worried about getting backstabbed once again. It proved that he was a pretty patient person, and I had an idea of how he developed that kind of mindset.

‘He has nothing to lose.’

I couldn’t help but nod after seeing him give up, and since he realized that he was on the losing side right now, I could finally have a proper conversation with him. Everything seemed fine, but I still kept my guard up, just in case.

While I was preparing for a situation that shouldn’t happen, Jin Cheong started talking.

“Wait, let me ask first. I’m sure you can at least do this much since you said you wanted to talk.”

“Of course,” I said.

“What’s the current situation… outside?” Jin Cheong asked.

He was curious, which was expected. After all, his access to information was severely limited since he was currently in prison. It wasn’t really that difficult to give him information that would be useless to him. I wanted to show off the results of my victory, but I also found it fun talking to a vanquished foe.

“Well, everything is fine. As you might expect, the war is over. Mankind has become one, and we’re in the middle of creating a new system so that we would be prepared for the upcoming threat…”

”The entire human race has become one thanks to you, so I should be grateful to you for that. The same goes for the Republic. It was pretty amazing how they kept their mouths shut as if they didn’t know when they started the war,” I replied.

“…”

“I have trash to take care of as well, but the Republic has a lot more trash that they need to handle. Quite a few people of the Republic announced to everyone that you’re the one who started the war. They said they were not at fault, and the war happened because of the demon summoner Jin Cheong’s evil plot…”

”Of course, the Democratic Country and the kingdoms of the continent agree with their statement. There are some questionable parts, but basically, the Sacred Democratic Country has forgiven the Republic…”

”There were some secret negotiations, but the outcome was basically a win-win for us both,” I continued.

“Those bastards…” Jin Cheong cursed.

“They basically used you. In addition, your name has become tantamount to a monster that parents often use to scare their children, and the people despise you a lot. The Republic is actually using you for its propaganda…”

”I knew I’m scum, but it turned out that there had always been a bunch of scum out there as well,” I added.

“Do you really think that you’ll gain anything by coming between the Republic and me?” he asked.

“I’m not trying to come between you two. I’m simply telling the truth. You have been completely abandoned by the higher-ups of the Republic and your followers,” I answered.

“…”

“…”

“However, there are still those who are struggling in their faith in you. They are your underlings awaiting trial, just like you. I was kind of surprised by their loyalty, and they’re still alive…”

”You don’t have to worry about them dying anytime soon because the Sacred Democratic Country is torturing them for information,” I added.

“Are they safe?” he asked.

“Yes, they’re safe. I don’t know what’s going to happen after their trial, but everyone is willing to die for you… We also can’t seem to talk to them properly. You trained your subordinates well. They have been refusing to betray you even as we speak,” I replied.

“…”

It was amusing to see how Jin Cheong got uncomfortable at the mention of his loyal subordinates. I also couldn’t tell whether my answer made him happy or not.

‘It makes sense.’

My emotions would have been complicated as well if I were in his position. I wouldn’t be happy to hear that my subordinates were being tortured.

“Do you have any other questions? Actually, have you calmed down a bit? Your reaction is a bit different from earlier…” I pointed out.

“Bullshit. I want to kill you right now, but—” he paused.

“I understand, Mr. Jin Cheong,” I said.

“It means I somewhat agree with your comment, you fraud…” he continued.

“…”

“What will happen to them?” Jin Cheong asked.

“The bad side or the good side?” I asked.

“I’m asking about my followers,” he replied.

“They’ll die with you after the trial is over. We’ll execute you in the most humane way possible. Even though you’re a demon summoner, and your followers caused harm to the continent as well, there’s no need for us to use cruel and unusual punishment in this new era…”

”It’ll be fast, and you won’t feel any pain. We’re also considering using the potion I made for it. It’ll be less painful for you. You’ll simply fall asleep, and that’s it—you’ll forever part ways with your pain. Who knows? You might even return to Earth after you die. I can guarantee that a clean death is a lot better than staying here,” I answered.

“Is that your offer? If that’s all you have to offer, just leave now. I have already tasted enough of the pain you’re talking about. If you think I’m going to be tempted by an offer like that—”

“No, of course, that’s not all. This isn’t the end. Ah, I’ll tell you my offer first. Please take a look at this,” I interrupted him.

I retrieved a document from my pocket and gave it to him, and I saw him reading it. I thought I needed to explain, but from his expression, it seemed that he didn’t need any explanation. It seemed that the masked scum already knew what I wanted.

“Enemies?” Jin Cheong asked.

“Something like that. The figures of the Republic who abandoned you without hesitation are included in that list. Everyone on that list…”

“You’re thinking about getting rid of them. It’s really like you to think that way. It’s a scummy plan,” he commented.

“Yes, they’re all servants of the demon. I can reveal them as well, but won’t it be better if you say it and testify against them? It’s also a way to get back at the people who betrayed you…”

”Some of them don’t need to be mentioned, but I included them just in case. Considering the current situation of the continent, it’s better for one to have more experience—Ah! If you accept, I’d be grateful if you put more emphasis on the people who are at the Demon Spire or that so-called Magic Tower,” I requested.

“Didn’t you say you wanted to unite the continent?” he asked.

“They won’t be any use at all, even if they’re alive. They’ll only get in the way,” I answered.

“…”

“They also have different values. I’d like to take everyone with me if possible, but… there’s nothing I can do because all of this is the will of the goddess,” I added.

“Are you…” he started.

“What?” I asked.

“Are you really an envoy chosen by the goddess?” he asked.

“It’s the truth. I really am communicating with the goddess. I’m sure you’re aware, but the goddess of this world isn’t fair. At least, that had always been the case in the things I was involved with. It’s true. The gods really chose me,” I replied.

“How absurd. Those crazy bastards. Crazy… bastards… how… why…” he muttered.

“I have no idea why, but it would be blasphemous of me to say that. How could a mere human begin to even comprehend the will of the gods? Anyway, I’m sure you’re a bit relieved to hear that you lost because I was chosen by the gods. You’re superior and smarter than me. I can actually feel the energy of the people from you,” I continued.

“Stop provoking me, you scum!” he cursed.

He got really dejected when he heard what I said. He looked as if everything in the world had abandoned him. Honestly, a third party would be able to deduce that much judging from his expression.

Jin Cheong seemed like he wasn’t interested in knowing how I managed to corner him, and I couldn’t help but nod in approval at his patience. Of course, the information I told him just now was also effective.

“Now, it’s time for you to choose. This is my offer, and I’ll end the conversation by telling you what benefits you will reap. Whether you’ll accept it or not, it’s entirely up to you,” I said.

“Do I even have a choice? No matter how much I think about it, I can’t think of anything that I could offer for you to let me live…” he muttered.

“Surprisingly, I can let you live, but I don’t think that you would want to live like that. Ahem. Anyway, you’ll understand once you hear me out. I’m about to tell you one of the two choices you can make once you accept my offer,” I started.

“Go on,” he said.

“I’ll let you live. You’ll live a pitiful life, but you will still be alive. Officially, you’ll be executed, and people will think that you’re dead. You’ll be in a place similar to an underground prison, and you will live your life there. You’ll get food and a comfortable place to sleep. You can basically think of it as being marooned,” I explained.

“…”

“The second choice is… I’m sure you already have an idea. You’ll basically die, but it will be a clean, painless death. The trial will proceed smoothly, and you’ll announce the names of the people on this list to the public before parting ways with this continent using a certain method. However…” I paused.

“…”

“However, I’ll make sure that you don’t die disgraced. Demon Summoner Jin Cheong was actually brainwashed by a mysterious force, and thanks to his sacrifice, the continent was united. I think that’s a good plot right there…”

”We can also say that people on this list have been controlling you from behind the scenes, and rather than being executed…” I trailed off. ”Hm, once you’ve recovered your senses, you can also take your own life because you couldn’t endure the sins you have committed. Of course, you can also let yourself be executed…”

”Anyway, many things are happening at the same time, so I haven’t really gotten the opportunity to refine the idea, so I’ll have to look more into the details, but that’s the big picture…”

”You’ll die with honor. Ah! Keep in mind that this method will take a bit longer,” I continued.

“Ha…”

“You have two choices. Live pitifully until the end, knowing that the people of the continent will always be spitting on your grave, or keep your honor by snitching on the enemies of the Republic. I believe that the two choices I have for you are reasonable choices,” I said.

“Can I trust you?” he asked.

“That’s up to you. You’re no longer in my hands, Mr. Jin Cheong. I did respect you a little bit before, but I no longer have those feelings. Honestly, I’m not really interested in you anymore. There are many issues that I still have to handle, and they are giving me a headache. The reason I’m making this kind of offer is to make the complicated situation less complicated.”

”Obviously, you can’t combine the first and the second choices because I’m worried about my safety as well. If you decline, that’ll be the end, and you’ll just die as a demon summoner. You won’t be able to leave anything behind. You’ll just die; that’s it. You’ll become the worst scum who sold the entire continent out to demons,” I answered.

“…”

“What do you think? Are you interested? Will it be your life or honor? I’d choose the former if I were you, but…”

“I want to add one more,” he interrupted.

“I’m sorry, but there’s no more negotiation,” I said.

“I’d like you to be considerate of my followers who are here. They hadn’t done anything wrong. Let’s end all this between the two of us,” he suggested.

“…”

“…”

“Please…” he begged.

“Well, I’ll consider it. It won’t be hard to let them out, anyway. Please give me your answer. I have dinner plans. Will it be your life or honor? Or will you decline the offers altogether?” I asked.

“…”

“…”

Silence enveloped the cell for quite a while. I knew it was a difficult decision to make, but I could already see which decision he would make. The answer was so obvious that it felt like asking him for his answer was a waste of time.

“Honor,” Jin Cheong replied.

He finally made a decision.

‘I can’t understand him.’

It wasn’t just him. I couldn’t understand Charlotte as well. From my point of view, the choices they made throughout their lives were interesting.

Of course, Charlotte didn’t die like him, but if she were in Jin Cheong’s shoes, then I was sure that she would choose the former.

‘What’s the use of honor when you’re dead?’

Honor in names or personal worth were things I could throw away at any time, and if I were in his shoes, I would get down on my knees and beg to be spared.

However, Jin Cheong seemed like he was more interested in an honorable death rather than being able to continue living.

I stood up and saw Jin Cheong looking at me. He was wearing this expression of resignation that made me feel a bit uncomfortable, especially since he was Jin Cheong.

‘I guess this is the difference between you and me.’

This world was a mess—yes, but I would still choose to stay alive in this world.

“I think we’re done talking… I’ll be on my way,” I told him.

“Keep your promise.” Jin Cheong reminded me.

“I’m not that shitty that I would lie in this situation. It won’t happen right away, but history will forget that you were once a demon summoner. I swear on the name of the Benigoa, so don’t worry about it,” I assured him.

“…”

Of course, swearing on the name of the Benigoa Goddess was just a way to reassure him. However, it had to have been pretty effective because the doubt in his eyes disappeared.

“I trust that you have already memorized the names on the list, so I’ll destroy it. I’m telling you this just in case, but I recommend that you don’t do anything stupid. You won’t be able to do anything anyway, but I’m sure you know better than anyone what will happen if you tell someone else about all this,” I warned him.

“I know,” he said.

“Well then…”

“One day, what you have done will come back and get you,” he remarked.

“That has never happened, and it will never happen. If it had already happened, then why would I be in my current position? In addition, the winners don’t have to take risks, you know,” I replied.

“…”

“Goodbye.”

I would definitely see him on the day of his trial, but I couldn’t help but think that this was our last time meeting privately. I had many things to handle, so I would probably only see him through official news or through the goddess’ mirrors.

I guess this was the end of the commander who was once at the center of the Republic.

After all, he had already given up his life…

When I walked out of the door, I took one final glance at Jin Cheong and saw him sitting there with his eyes shut.

I still couldn’t understand his train of thought.

‘This asshole…’

And I would probably never be able to understand him for the rest of my life…