Memorize - Episode 12
12 Split in Half
No one spoke. Park Dong-geol's words had struck everyone's hearts deeply. He moistened his lips with saliva and continued.
"As much as I prioritize my own life, I think trust is unnecessary. The team I want is one where everyone can help each other without hindering one another. I want to travel with people who have that resolve."
"It's too much," Lee Bo-rim said, her voice trembling. However, Ahn Hyun and the argumentative woman remained silent. Lee Bo-rim's face showed despair, but she spoke again with determination.
"You can call me selfish if you want. It's either one or the other. I'll leave if I don't see any progress. I'm tired of your half-hearted attitudes. Even the guy with the crossbow left because he was fed up."
The argumentative woman countered, though her voice lacked strength.
"How can you say that without even trying? How do you know who's useful or not?"
Park Dong-geol smiled, seeming pleased with the response.
"You're asking how I know without trying? Are you kidding? Do you still think this is some game where you can save and reload? Wake up! If we rush out and someone makes a mistake, we'll all die."
He paused, then drew his thumb across his throat.
"Everyone will die."
His final words caused a significant stir. Lee Bo-rim stared blankly at the ground, while the argumentative woman bit her lip. Only the woman with a cold demeanor maintained her composure.
"Don't misunderstand. I know you dislike me, and I apologize for my part in that. But let's not be swayed by empty words. I haven't said I'm leaving yet."
Park Dong-geol smiled bitterly and pounded his chest.
"Let's decide now. If anyone agrees with me, come over. I welcome anyone with the right mindset."
Tension filled the air as people exchanged nervous glances. Park Dong-geol's words had effectively shaken everyone's psyche, appealing to their survival instincts.
The impact spread, and even Ahn Hyun and Ahn Sol were considering their options. The argumentative woman, who had always clashed with Park Dong-geol, looked hesitant. Meanwhile, the thug tapped his metal rod casually, appearing relaxed.
I didn't mind if Ahn Hyun and Ahn Sol didn't join. However, I activated my third eye to observe the argumentative woman and another unseen female, needing to check their abilities.
User Information (Player Status)
Name: Lee Yoo-jung (0 years of experience)
Sex: Female (22 years old)
Height & Weight: 166.3 cm, 51.7 kg
Personality: Good, Neutral
[Strength 32] [Endurance 38] [Agility 50] [Vitality 30] [Magic 48] [Luck 46]
(No remaining ability points.)
"Hmm."
It seemed she had some basis for her confidence. Her agility and magic abilities were notable, offering potential in both close combat and magic. I decided to keep an eye on Lee Yoo-jung.
Next, I turned my attention to another woman.
User Information (Player Status)
Name: Kim Han-byeol (0 years of experience)
Sex: Female (21 years old)
Height & Weight: 170.2 cm, 48.5 kg
Personality: Lawful, Chaotic
[Strength 28] [Endurance 32] [Agility 46] [Vitality 24] [Magic 68] [Luck 40]
Unique Ability (1/1)
Charisma (Rank: F Plus)
I couldn't help but gasp at her unique ability.
"It can't be. Charisma?"
I was shocked, similar to when I saw Ahn Sol's information. I realized why I thought of "her" when I first saw Kim Han-byeol—because she also had a talent for charisma.
I regretted looking, but I shook my head, feeling my thoughts become complicated. Both Lee Yoo-jung and Kim Han-byeol were valuable assets I shouldn't overlook.
I began to wonder if there was something I didn't know. Ahn Hyun, Ahn Sol, Lee Yoo-jung, and Kim Han-byeol all exceeded average initial ability scores. Even if they were scattered, at this level, more than half should survive.
"What am I missing?"
I couldn't reach a conclusion and decided to put the thought aside for now. I activated my third eye again to observe the situation.
The first to act was Lee Shin-woo. His personality was lawful and good, but he often lacked backbone and was easily swayed. His luck score was a waste, and his other abilities were unremarkable, so I bid him farewell.
"I want to join your team!" Lee Shin-woo exclaimed.
Park Dong-geol looked at him critically before speaking in a low voice.
"You must protect yourself. If you become a hindrance, I won't hesitate to abandon you."
"I understand! I'll work hard!"
"Good. If you fulfill your role, I'll do my best to help you. Let's survive this hell together. And... I apologize for earlier. I was too sensitive."
As soon as Park Dong-geol agreed, Lee Shin-woo rushed to his side, embracing him tightly. The scene wasn't particularly pleasant, but Park Dong-geol had successfully recruited Lee Shin-woo.
Next, Park Dong-geol turned to Ahn Hyun.
"You, think carefully. You're always welcome to join us."
Ahn Hyun looked conflicted, standing at a crossroads. Everyone watched his decision with bated breath. Finally, Ahn Hyun spoke.
"My answer remains the same. I will never abandon my sister."
His calm tone brought relief to Ahn Sol and Lee Bo-rim. Ahn Hyun continued.
"However... if you include Ahn Sol in your team, I'll consider it positively."
The situation shifted in Park Dong-geol's favor, giving him the upper hand. He seemed pleased with this development.
"That's difficult. Honestly, I don't think we can protect Ahn Sol, nor do we intend to."
"That part doesn't matter. I'll handle both our roles."
"It's not that simple. Unforeseen situations can arise... like what happened in the clearing."
"Then I have no choice..."
Park Dong-geol cut Ahn Hyun off, leaving room for further discussion. His actions were calculated, taking advantage of the fact that only Ahn Hyun and I had shown proactive behavior against the Deadmen. However, Park Dong-geol had no intention of accepting Ahn Hyun, but by leaving room for negotiation, he successfully swayed others.
"You do as you please. Arguing won't change anything."
Park Dong-geol glanced at Lee Yoo-jung, then moved on without further comment. Lee Yoo-jung frowned but said nothing. Park Dong-geol turned to Lee Bo-rim and Kim Han-byeol.
"Now, I want to hear your thoughts."
Lee Bo-rim hesitated before speaking.
"How... how do we do that?"
Park Dong-geol looked at Kim Han-byeol briefly before continuing.
"You must promise to contribute to the team in any way possible. If you can't help, I'll ruthlessly expel you. But if you're useful, we'll do our best to support you. If you're determined, join us."
His words had an odd, dangerous tone. Lee Bo-rim seemed uncertain, while Kim Han-byeol's face showed disdain. Park Dong-geol savored the moment, then addressed Kim Han-byeol.
"The same goes for you."
Kim Han-byeol closed her eyes, seemingly deep in thought. I worried slightly, but if my assessment was correct, she might defer her decision. Park Dong-geol stepped back, shoulder to shoulder with Lee Shin-woo.
In reality, people's emotions are fragile, especially when their lives are at stake. Pride is often set aside in such situations.
Time passed, and eventually, Lee Bo-rim was the first to act. She nodded weakly, stood up, and took a step towards Park Dong-geol. Her internal conflict was evident, but she eventually joined Park Dong-geol and Lee Shin-woo.
At that moment, Park Dong-geol smiled triumphantly.