Chapter 100: The Unsettling Truth of Coexistence

External powers consistently sought to keep Rain in check. A juvenile Rain was undeniably unsettling.

Their form was indistinct, devoid of reason, and inherently aggressive. Yet, upon reaching adulthood, Rain would undergo a metamorphosis, transforming into a creature akin to other life forms.

These beings were far more peaceful than humanity. They harbored no ambition, no desire for dominance. Instead, they evolved into sage-like entities, content with mere survival, immersing themselves in nature and enjoying meditation.

As they aged, they would become like revered elders, simply merging with the natural world.

Even the younger members of Air Rain possessed a tranquil nature. They fought only to ensure their survival and protect their kin, never engaging in actions beyond a defensive posture.

If other humans would only grasp this truth and choose coexistence, it would be a beneficial path for all. Alas, the world was not so forgiving.

“I wish this tedious standoff would end soon. Then we could truly live together.”

“……”

Kang Tae-han cast a peculiar look at Sa-yoon.

“It will happen someday.”

Sa-yoon nodded, reassured by the conviction in his words. The entire Air Rain community was striving for that future. Since so many yearned for it, they could only believe it would eventually come to pass.

Though he felt powerless to act, Sa-yoon wished to join in the hopes of others. Just as this thought crossed his mind, a colossal impact erupted from the ground.

Dust rained down from the ceiling, a tremor vibrating through the shelter. A frantic voice from behind them called out to Kang Tae-han.

“Captain! We’re under attack! Those damn bastards are here.”

Right at this critical moment, their sanctuary was being probed from the outside. Kang Tae-han’s face hardened, and he seized Sa-yoon’s arm, pulling him into a run.

Upon reaching the crowded plaza where others had gathered, a squad member, assessing the situation, urgently reported.

“I don’t know what they’ve scented, but they’re poking around quite close. If we’re not careful, they might discover this place.”

“Move the injured and non-combat personnel first. We’ll exit through the opposite door and divert them.”

“Be careful. Even for you, Captain, this time it’s dangerous.”

The squad member, pale with dread, warned Kang Tae-han.

“The opponent is formidable. Han Do-hoon himself has come.”

“Ah… damn it.”

Kang Tae-han swore under his breath, scratching his head in annoyance. Sa-yoon recognized the unfamiliar name as the individual he had seen on TV yesterday—the Vice Commander.

It was clear from everyone’s grim reactions that this was an opponent strong enough to challenge Kang Tae-han.

“We can’t just flee, though. They’d surely notice a large-scale movement. We’ll lure them out with a small, elite squad. Pick those with high mobility.”

Kang Tae-han, expertly issuing orders, then turned to Sa-yoon.

“You should evacuate with the injured.”

“Understood. You be careful too, Hyung.”

Sa-yoon knew that his presence here would only be a hindrance. He grabbed a few un-packed items from his luggage and slung them back onto his shoulders. Then, he blended into the stream of people moving with coordinated efficiency.

“Please, help support them here!”

He assisted those struggling to move, transferring them to the evacuation carts. Thanks to his partially recovered strength, he was able to help several injured individuals. It was a relief not to feel like a burden to others.

“Open the opposite entrance. Contact us immediately once the escape coordinates are set.”

“Understood. I’ll have the space-shifters ready.”

Sa-yoon watched Kang Tae-han’s group until they disappeared. ‘If only I were a little stronger, I could be of help to those heading into such peril,’ he thought.

He forcibly suppressed his regret and resumed supporting the injured.

The evacuation proceeded swiftly. It was evident this wasn’t their first time moving like this; everyone knew their role and acted with agility.

Sa-yoon, walking beside a cart laden with injured, surveyed the line of evacuees. Combat-capable members formed a protective perimeter around the injured.

Rain, Irregulars, and Espers worked together, silently fulfilling their duties in their assigned positions. There were no barriers of species among them.

Even when facing mortal danger, no one acted selfishly or prioritized their own safety. It was an almost unreal sight. ‘Such coexistence is possible,’ he mused, ‘so why do outsiders…’

“Huh?”

As Sa-yoon scanned the crowd, he noticed something missing. The Irregulars he’d seen earlier with Kang Tae-han – the most severely injured ones – and the squad members tending to them were nowhere to be found.

Given their serious injuries, there should have been the faint scent of blood, yet no such person was among the group. Sa-yoon’s steps faltered, prompting Min Da-hyun, who was pulling a cart, to ask.

“Seol-won Hyung, what’s wrong?”

“Where are the Irregulars we rescued this time?”

“Ah…”

Min Da-hyun, understanding who he meant, shook his head with a troubled expression.

“They decided to stay there. There’s no hope left, and moving them would only worsen their condition from the shock. It’s cruel to say, but we don’t have the capacity to care for critically ill patients, nor do we have spare personnel.”

‘Decided to stay there’ was a euphemism; it meant they had been abandoned. Left alone in the now-empty shelter, only death awaited them. Of course, Min Da-hyun’s words held truth.

Given the severity of the patients’ injuries, it was an understandable decision. Prioritizing long-time comrades over unfamiliar Irregulars was a natural choice. Yet, Sa-yoon found it difficult to move.

The image of the Irregular, suffering and bleeding, kept replaying in his mind. Sa-yoon sighed and gently tapped Min Da-hyun’s shoulder.

“If it’s manpower you need, I’ll go.”

“What?”

“My hands are free. I can probably carry one person and get away.”

“What? Hyung, wait a second.”

Sa-yoon ignored Min Da-hyun’s plea and turned back, heading in the opposite direction. He felt the sharp, curious gazes of those he passed, walking against the flow of evacuees, but he didn’t slow down.

Not much time had passed since they moved, so it should be fine now. He was confident he could carry one injured person. If they died during the move, so be it, but it was better than leaving them behind.

The deserted shelter was dark and gloomy. The space that had been vibrant with bright lights and people was now just a desolate dugout. Sa-yoon, tensing at the sudden change in atmosphere, retraced his steps, relying on memory. He pulled up the mask he had lowered to his chin.

An Irregular was somewhere around here. The faint scent of blood suggested they weren’t far. ‘Still…’

“As expected.”

A cold voice echoed from behind him.

The low, dark tone sent a chill down his spine. Sa-yoon hadn’t even noticed the person approaching from his rear. He swiftly spun around, but his opponent was quicker, kicking Sa-yoon with brutal force.

“Ugh.”

Slung against the wall by the powerful impact, Sa-yoon groaned as the shock spread through him. His attacker was an outsider.

‘How did they even get here? Is Kang Tae-han safe outside? What happened to the Irregular who was here?’ A whirlwind of thoughts spun through his mind as Sa-yoon struggled to his feet.

“I didn’t think you’d actually come. The suggestion to attach a tracker and release them was indeed correct.”

The opponent, muttering softly, was tall. Their eye level was higher than Sa-yoon’s, and they were clad in a black uniform from head to toe. With a cold, inorganic gaze, they looked at Sa-yoon and flexed their hands.

It seemed a tracker had been placed on the rescued Irregular. That patient was a bait, used by the Esper Alliance to locate Air Rain’s shelter. Sa-yoon gritted his teeth, recalling the disappeared patient.

To think they would torment them as an experimental subject to the brink of death before releasing them, when they could have simply used them as bait.

“Why are you so cruel to your own kind…”

“Because they’re not people.”

Sa-yoon watched the man slowly approach. His build was solid, his demeanor unhurried. Despite being alone in enemy territory, there was no hint of tension in him. Even at a glance, he was not an easy opponent. ‘Can I win?’ Sa-yoon pondered, facing an opponent without a single opening.

Even with his physical abilities recovering, Sa-yoon’s powers were not perfect. In fact, even if his abilities returned fully, they were unrelated to combat. He had no chance against an opponent who clearly seemed to be a combat specialist. Nor could he expect any help.

Kang Tae-han’s group, who had gone to create a diversion, had not returned. This implied the opponent had used the same strategy. The forces engaging Kang Tae-han outside were a decoy, and this man, who had entered alone, was the true orchestrator of this invasion.

And he had entered alone precisely because he was confident. Sa-yoon swallowed hard, feeling a knot of tension. Kang Tae-han’s constant warnings to be careful echoed in his ears. He had always worried about Sa-yoon, fearing such a situation.

“Unusual hair color you have.”

The man, now standing before Sa-yoon, intently observed his white hair, then roughly seized it. He pulled Sa-yoon’s head up by his hair, forcing him to meet his gaze. When their eyes locked, Sa-yoon instantly recognized the man’s face.

“Han… Do-hoon.”

Up close, Han Do-hoon appeared even more gaunt than he had on TV. He was a sharp, lifeless individual, like a withered tree in winter.

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