Chapter 3: Joon Woo's Regression
Here's a dive into Joon Woo's past:
As they walked, Sijun couldn't help but wonder about Joon Woo's past. What drove him to become the person he was today? The System watch on his wrist provided some information, but Sijun wanted to hear it from the source.
"Joon Woo, can I ask you something?" Sijun said, his voice measured.
Joon Woo's gaze didn't waver from the path ahead. "What is it?"
"What happened in your past? What led you to... regress so many times?"
Joon Woo's expression turned cold, his jaw clenched. "It's none of your business."
Sijun persisted. "I'm trying to understand you, Joon Woo. I want to help you."
Joon Woo's pace slowed, and for a moment, Sijun thought he saw a glimmer of vulnerability. Then, the protagonist's mask slipped back into place.
"Fine," Joon Woo said, his voice detached. "I'll tell you. But don't think it'll make you understand me better."
Joon Woo's eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in thought.
"I was once like you, full of hope and idealism. But the world had other plans. I died, and I reincarnated. Again and again and again. Each time, I thought I could change the course of events. Each time, I failed."
Sijun's heart went out to the protagonist. He couldn't imagine the pain and frustration Joon Woo must have endured.
"With each regression, I lost a piece of myself. My memories, my emotions, my humanity. I became a shell of my former self, driven solely by the desire to survive."
Sijun's eyes locked onto Joon Woo's. "But you're not just a shell. You're still in there, somewhere."
Joon Woo's gaze snapped back to the present, his expression a mixture of anger and sadness.
"Don't pretend to understand me, Spectre. You don't know what it's like to lose everything, to be trapped in this never-ending cycle."
Sijun's voice was gentle. "I may not fully understand, but I'm here to listen. And I'm here to help you break that cycle."
Joon Woo's eyes searched Sijun's face, as if seeking any sign of deception. For a moment, Sijun thought he saw a glimmer of hope.
The protagonist's expression hardened once more. "We're here."
They stood before a heavily fortified gate, adorned with signs of warning and protection. The Safe Haven.
QUEST UPDATE:
_You have reached the Safe Haven with Joon Woo._
_Reward: 100 EXP, increased trust with Joon Woo (5%)_
As they entered the Safe Haven, Sijun noticed a mix of survivors, each with their own stories and motivations. Some eyed Joon Woo with suspicion, while others regarded him with admiration.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone