Obsession... What's That? I Just Wish Someone Would Help Me Escape - Chapter 47
The form of the demonic beast was vaguely lion-like, and black energy seeped out between its trembling fur.
Seeing its eerie red eyes and elongated fangs made my legs freeze in place.
The beast’s movement felt like an enormous tidal wave swallowing everything in its path.
My legs, already overworked, wouldn’t budge.
I could only watch helplessly. Whether it was the bear or this demonic beast, the result would be the same—death.
“I don’t want to die.”
This wasn’t the kind of end I had fought so hard to avoid.
There’s still so much I need to do—revenge, escaping, erasing my identity, and more.
I felt a pang of injustice.
When the beast quietly looked down at me, anger suddenly surged within me.
“What are you staring at?! Go away! I’m sad, just leave me alone!”
I swung my arm and shouted furiously.
At the very least, if I had to die, I wanted to die a little less bitterly.
“Grrrr…”
The beast suddenly turned its head, then slowly walked away.
I stood frozen, staring at the spot where the beast had been.
“What…?”
Did it really leave just because I told it to?
“What’s going on here?”
Demonic beasts are supposed to be fiercely aggressive, attacking anything human without hesitation.
But it just left because I told it to?
Was I mistaken? Was it just some other kind of animal?
Still sitting on the ground, I managed to stand up and approach the spot where the beast had stood.
All the grass around the sunken footprints had withered. It was definitely a demonic beast.
“I don’t understand…”
A sinister and eerie energy lingered in the withered grass.
I stared down at it, entranced, until I suddenly collapsed on the spot.
Curse this weak body.
Through my dimming vision as my eyes closed, I saw the outline of someone approaching.
Even at a glance, it was a sturdy-looking man.
“Do you need help?”
A languid, deep voice brushed against my ear.
I wanted to see who it was, but my eyes wouldn’t open.
“Just say the word if you ever need me.”
The voice whispered close to me before slowly fading away.
My consciousness drifted off too, and I couldn’t even ask for help escaping.
***
By the time I opened my eyes again, the sun was already sinking low in the sky.
A chill rose from the ground, making my back shiver.
“Was it just a hallucination?”
I stood up and looked around.
Twilight had settled over the forest, casting long shadows, and there was no one in sight.
Only the occasional rustling of leaves could be heard in the breeze.
Who could that voice have been, the one I heard right before I passed out?
It wasn’t Johann or Enrique… but I didn’t have time to dwell on it.
I couldn’t risk running into another bear or something worse, so I trudged back towards the camp of the 20s, following the glow of their fire.
They had all returned from their tasks and were staring blankly at the burnt remains of their food and shelter.
I scratched my head awkwardly.
Thanks to that crazy bear, I’ve become the public enemy who ruined everything for everyone.
“Hey! 49! Was this your doing? You were the only one nearby!”
Several prisoners pointed accusingly at the charred remains of the huts, their faces twisted with anger.
Since it was technically my fault that the fire started, I didn’t bother denying it.
“Sorry about that. It wasn’t on purpose. A bear showed up, and when I tried to chase it away…”
As soon as I admitted it, everyone started hurling harsh criticism at me like I was some kind of cursed disaster magnet.
“We had food and supplies stored in there, and you burned it all down! You shouldn’t have to inconvenience us!”
“You didn’t even catch any fish! What were you doing out there? If you don’t work, you don’t have the right to eat!”
Sensing their chance, they poured out every ounce of their pent-up frustration, while I just shrugged my shoulders and asked:
“I said I’m sorry. What do you want me to do? Call the bear back and make it apologize?”
“This little—!”
It wasn’t a situation anyone could side with me on, so Leah and Deneb stayed silent.
I didn’t really care about their silence.
It was only natural since they were the leaders of this group.
After watching quietly, Deneb finally stepped in to mediate.
“Don’t be so harsh, we’re all in the same boat. We can get more food. Kido, no matter the reason, it was your carelessness. This time, you’re going to help us recover.”
“Fine.”
I nodded compliantly.
Leah came over and placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Don’t think we’re letting you off because we like you. It’s because of Johann and Enrique. If you die on our watch, they’ll be disappointed in us.”
“I know. It’s all just a matter of mutual interest.”
I didn’t expect anything more.
I had long since abandoned any notions of human sentimentality.
There’s no such thing as friendship or loyalty in a prison.
Everyone’s too busy pursuing their own interests, trampling others to survive.
Johann and Enrique are no different.
“Still, I appreciate it, Leah, Deneb.”
At my soft words, Leah’s mouth twisted slightly.
She bit her lip, then released it with a sigh, turning her gaze away.
“Tomorrow at dawn, you’ll go with the assigned group to gather supplies. Since we’re living in a group, try to tone down that attitude of yours.”
