章 2: Sijun's Approach

Their eyes met, and Sijun felt a shiver run down his spine. The protagonist's gaze was cold, calculating, and devoid of humanity. Sijun knew he had his work cut out for him.

"Let's get started," Sijun muttered to himself, a plan already forming in his mind.

Sijun cautiously approached Joon Woo, pipe still in hand. The protagonist's gaze never wavered, his eyes piercing through the dim light. Sijun could sense the air thickening with tension.

"Mind if I join you?" Sijun asked, trying to sound nonchalant.

Joon Woo raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "What business do you have with me?"

Sijun took a calculated risk, deciding to reveal his knowledge. "I know who you are, Joon Woo. I know about your past, your regressions, and your... condition."

Joon Woo's eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"

Sijun smiled wryly. "Just a humble reader who's found himself in your world. I've been following your story, and I must say, I'm impressed."

Joon Woo snorted. "A fan, how... quaint."

Sijun's eyes locked onto Joon Woo's. "I'm not just a fan. I'm here to help you. You see, I know what's coming. The System, the monsters, the impending doom... I can guide you through it."

Joon Woo's gaze lingered on Sijun, as if searching for any sign of deception. After a moment, he spoke:

"I don't need guidance. I've survived 87 cycles. I know what it takes to stay alive."

Sijun nodded. "I'm not here to undermine your strength, Joon Woo. I'm here to help you regain something you've lost – your humanity."

Joon Woo's expression turned glacial. "I don't need humanity. It's a weakness."

Sijun took a step closer, his voice filled with conviction. "That's where you're wrong, Joon Woo. Humanity is what makes us strong. It's what drives us to protect, to care, and to love. Without it, we're just monsters."

Joon Woo's eyes flashed with anger, but Sijun stood his ground.

The protagonist's gaze lingered on Sijun, and for a fleeting moment, Sijun thought he saw a glimmer of curiosity. Then, Joon Woo turned and walked away.

"Follow me," Joon Woo said over his shoulder. "But don't expect any special treatment just because you claim to know my story."

Sijun's heart skipped a beat. This was the first step in gaining Joon Woo's trust. He fell into step beside the protagonist, pipe still in hand.

As they navigated the ruins, Sijun noticed that Joon Woo seemed to be heading toward a specific location. The System watch on his wrist beeped, displaying a new message:

_Quest: Escort Joon Woo to the Safe Haven_

_Reward: 100 EXP, increased trust with Joon Woo_