Chapter 120 I'll Handle It

After a brief tidying, gazing into the makeup mirror, Jung-hyun beheld the face that once radiated purity, yet it felt utterly alien to her. For on it, she saw no trace of the former tenderness, only a glacial composure that inspired dread.

"Am I truly prepared?" she introspected, compelled to admit the fear that clawed at her—an unmaskable terror. Perhaps when one confronts the specter of mortality, the mind inundates with a torrent of chaotic notions! She fretted over Baozhu, the uncle, the lunatic, and most acutely, 13.

Confronting the mirror, Jung-hyun eked out an awkward smile, recognizing that her ruminations were mere pretexts for dreading demise. It dawned on her that she could never emulate 13's candor regarding emotions...

Donning the matching white garment from the bed—a sleeveless patient's robe—she felt as though transformed into a mere laboratory specimen.

Drawing two profound breaths, she steadied her nerves somewhat. Stepping out, she boarded the conveyer track, which would usher her to the "endpoint"...

Her hand grazed the frigid wall, stirring memories that unsettled Jung-hyun. She recalled her inaugural visit here at the tender age of six, when she delighted in meandering through every chamber, concealing lab apparatus, and compelling her grandfather to search for an electronic component the entire day. Though her father chastised her afterward, the sight of grandfather's helpless expression rendered it worthwhile.

The most egregious incident, however, occurred at eight when she clandestinely liberated all the animals from the laboratory. Consequently, the institute spent a month recapturing rodents. That time, her father lacked even the inclination to discipline her, for in the monotony of experimental life, that month proved a period of collective joy.

Perhaps she possessed an innate knack for mischief? Jung-hyun involuntarily smiled. The past seemed perpetually joyous.

Arriving at the "endpoint," Jung-hyun alighted from the track. Once more, she inhaled deeply twice, then flung open the door to the "endpoint"...

This was the institute's grandest laboratory—a expansive 500-square-meter circular space with a twenty-meter-high ceiling. The brilliant lights mimicked artificial stars. The interior was strikingly austere, featuring only a central metal bed. Attached to the bed was a helmet-like apparatus. To Jung-hyun, it was all too familiar; from age ten, she daily witnessed uncles being carried away from here, their faces adorned with the most blissful smiles. When she inquired of her father why the uncles were so elated, he replied with a peculiar expression, "Because they each obtained what they desired most, hence their joy..."

Only now did Jung-hyun comprehend that her father's demeanor signified sorrow, while the uncles' expressions, upon recollection, morphed into the most terrifying visages imaginable, capable of startling any child from slumber.

Today's laboratory buzzed with unprecedented activity. Grandfather, the uncle, Baozhu, the lunatic, and the armored Special Task Force 7 were all present. Most crucially, 13 was there too.

"Why did you come?" Jung-hyun gazed at that obsidian silhouette, her heart crying out—not in reproach, but in helplessness...

13 only evoked reluctance in her, a desire not to part. His silhouette was her greatest temptation. In his presence, her feet inched closer involuntarily, her arms yearned to embrace him, her head longed to nestle in his bosom. But not now! Absolutely not! Jung-hyun clenched her fists, striving to restrain herself.

With measured steps, her objective was the bed beside Grandfather...

"Miss, perhaps rest for a day before proceeding?" Observing Jung-hyun's pallid countenance, Baozhu expressed concern.

"Indeed, we could linger here a few days; it's quite secluded, so a delay poses no issue," the uncle echoed with solicitude.

"I concur with everyone's sentiments," the lunatic smiled in agreement.

For those oblivious, activating 'Serpent' was akin to booting a computer—no perceived danger...

"It's alright, I'm fine..." Jung-hyun uttered the falsehood with a smile, her business acumen proving useful even now—at least enabling her to deceive her dearest without a twinge.

"What a procrastinating lot; let's commence—I'm famished," 36 grumbled, drawing a glare from Baozhu.

24 remained silent, her thoughts fixated on 13. Instinct informed her it wasn't so straightforward; 13's body trembled, ever so subtly.

No matter how protracted the journey, it reaches an end. And on this path, Jung-hyun would inevitably pass by 13.

Holding her breath, she quickened her pace to slip past, and upon doing so, her heart eased. Yet, matters unfolded not as anticipated...

Her dangling left hand was seized by 13. From the grip's intensity, Jung-hyun knew he was aware of everything. Glancing at Grandfather, his remorseful expression confirmed it all.

"Release me, please?" Jung-hyun whispered, scarcely audible.

"Never!" 13's retort was absolute, like that of a willful child.

"It's not as you imagine..." Jung-hyun averted her gaze, fearing her fragile emotions would betray her.

13 uttered not a word, his hold unyielding.

"I possess the firmest resolve, and with all of you awaiting me, how could I bear to leave?" Jung-hyun struggled to free herself, attempting to convince both 13 and herself.

13 stayed mute.

"Let go..." Jung-hyun's face turned cold, as she failed to persuade either.

"I said, let go!!!" Jung-hyun roared, thrashing violently. 13 finally released her, mindful not to cause harm.

Whirling around, Jung-hyun's eyes brimmed with tears of resentment.

"What do you want from me?! Why obstruct me?! You know how much you trouble me?!" Jung-hyun spoke from the heart.

13 stood there, dumbfounded. No one could discern his expression beneath the helmet.

"Who do you think you are? Some all-saving deity?"

"I merely wish to save you..." 13's voice was so gentle it made Jung-hyun's body quiver.

"Save me? Very well!" Jung-hyun advanced a step, their faces nearly touching. In that instant, 13's heart raced oddly.

"Say it! Declare that you love me!" Jung-hyun's words stunned everyone.

"I..." 13, ever the 13, could not utter unconfirmed love...

"If even loving me requires deliberation, on what grounds do you save me?!" Jung-hyun questioned in bewilderment.

13 was speechless once more.

With sorrow, Jung-hyun turned away, heading toward her destined place.

She thought it was over, but her left hand was grasped again, with greater force, enough to pull her into his embrace. Spun around, Jung-hyun caught sight of those familiar blue eyes, if only for a fleeting moment.

For 13's slap sent her head reeling toward the floor. Perhaps the motion was too swift; no one reacted in time.

13 held nothing back; the blow was heavy, striking deep into Jung-hyun's psyche. The searing heat on her face was palpably real, compelling her to accept that 13 had indeed struck her. A slight sensation in her nose signaled blood trickling to the ground.

"You bastard! How dare you strike the miss?!" Though clueless about the duo's conflict, the fact of the assault was undeniable. The uncle erupted first, with the lunatic and Baozhu following suit.

Almost simultaneously, the nearby special agents intervened, one restraining each agitated individual.

"Step aside, or I'll take you all down too!" Baozhu wasn't jesting; her killing intent alone was sufficient to deter.

"You misunderstand!" 24, blocking him, explained, "He's trying to save your miss! Look at that elder's expression; you should realize activation is dangerous!!!"

24's words calmed the trio.

"I'm sorry, though I can't profess my love, I can't deceive myself either. Call me selfish or stubborn if you will, but I simply cannot bear to see you perish. Even if it means exchanging my life for yours, I am willing." With that, 13 brushed past Jung-hyun, striding toward the bed meant for her...

"What are you doing?" Jung-hyun already knew but dared not admit.

"As long as it destroys my world, that's sufficient, right? And as for who does the destroying, it shouldn't matter," 13 said without turning back.

"No, you can't!" Now it was Jung-hyun's turn to stop 13.

"You'll die!!" Jung-hyun grabbed his arm, but lacking 13's strength, she was easily shaken off.

"Why do this?" Jung-hyun didn't understand. "What happens to Korea? Whether 'Serpent' activates or not is irrelevant to you."

"But you are relevant to me." Standing by the bed, 13 turned. The reason was unequivocally sound.

"You're a fool! Is your life so insignificant? You don't even know if you love me; is sacrificing for me worthwhile?"

"As long as you can continue to smile, it is worthwhile..." Though 13's expression was hidden, Jung-hyun knew he must be smiling gently.

Perhaps she'd never fathom 13's actions in her lifetime? That foolish obstinacy was far from endearing, yet it unconsciously brought happiness. Maybe being so cherished by 13 was her greatest bliss; otherwise, her tears would have no reason to fall.

Though still perplexed by their motives, the sentiment in 13's words was crystal clear. She understood it better than anyone, for 13 had expressed the same to his comrades before. Each time, it was to protect them with his life.

Lowering the hand restraining Baozhu, 24 dashed toward 13 with her utmost speed!

"What are you up to now?!" 24 angrily seized his collar.

"It's just activating a system; no need to be so tense," 13 responded with an awkward smile.

"Then, if anything happens to you, I'll kill her!" 24 released one hand, pointing at the bewildered Jung-hyun behind him.

"No!" 13's tone was severe, nearly lethal.

"So there is danger," 24 let go of his collar.

13 sighed; he had been tricked by 24 into revealing "intelligence" again. No wonder she was 24; her interrogation skills left even 13 in admiration.

"I admit that activating 'Serpent' is exceedingly dangerous for humans—virtually fatal. That's why I stopped Jung-hyun. But you know me well. Strictly speaking, I'm not entirely human, so the danger isn't really danger," 13 patted 24's shoulder to reassure her.

Yet his words held no conviction; 24 immediately brushed off his hand.

"Do you fancy yourself a god? You're just a flesh-and-blood being like us!" 24 exploded. "You bleed, and of course, you can die!"

"You know that once I decide, it won't change..." 13 gave up explaining, as he could never convince 24; he'd let her watch him approach death quietly.

"Are you playing the martyr?" 24 retreated, standing beside Jung-hyun on the ground, drawing her gun and pressing it to Jung-hyun's head.

"24!" 13 was genuinely flustered.

"If it's all for her, then killing her leaves you no reason to risk your life, right?!" 24 frantically chambered the gun; 13 even saw the silver bullet load.

"What are you doing?" The previously agitated trio grew even more so.

"Everyone, stay put, or I'll kill her!" 24 was serious.

"Put it down. Please..." 13's words lacked any authority; he was begging.

After a moment of calm in the lab, a barrage of gunfire erupted, hot casings clattering to the floor.

24 raised her now-empty gun, breathing heavily. She still couldn't convince herself. 24 couldn't defy 13's plea.

"Thank you..." 13 was sincerely grateful...