A cold chill slithered up my spine.
Agent Bronze had been processed into a mannequin.
The only upside was that there was no bleeding.
But with his eyes closed and his body limp, he looked completely unconscious.
“…Should we move in?”
We trailed closely behind the two employees carrying him.
Even as we followed, my mind went blank.
What the hell are we supposed to do?
Should I call out to him? But even with the candle’s protection, would making noise this close to the employees be safe?
Just then, the two employees carrying Agent Bronze passed through the staff area exit.
That was actually better for us.
After a brief moment of hesitation, I made a bold move.
“…Stay as close as possible.”
Go Yeongeun nodded, quickening her pace to stick right beside the employees.
And just as they entered the foggy range of the candle’s protection, I reached out toward Agent Bronze.
I gently tapped his neck.
Agent Bronze’s eyes snapped open.
One of the employees carrying him deflated like a punctured balloon.
A second later, the other employee also began collapsing, hissing out air as its form crumpled.
And in Agent Bronze’s right hand—
A small, transparent pistol.
A standard-issue weapon from the Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau.
It shone in the hands of a true professional.
With a flick of his wrist, the pistol vanished back into thin air.
“Tha… you… dear customer!”
The employees who were deflating let out bizarre noises, repeating scripted customer service phrases.
Something even more grotesque and nightmarish seemed to be writhing inside them, trying to emerge—but before that could happen, Agent Bronze had already tied them down.
A standard-issue suppression item.
In an instant, his hands moved, wrapping the two employees in thin, cord-like restraints. Then, as if subduing them completely, he sat down on top of them.
…Handling two employees like that. He made it look so effortless.
“They won’t be able to make a commotion for at least five minutes.”
His skill was almost like a magic trick.
…It was hard to believe this was a man who had lost both his legs.
Agent Bronze looked up at me with a faint smile.
The eyes of someone who had already resolved themselves.
“You made it. I’m glad my endurance paid off.”
His gaze shifted to Go Yeongeun.
“One of the missing agents who entered earlier she survived.”
Go Yeongeun lowered her head.
“…You did well. I’m glad you’re safe.”
Agent Bronze looked at me with a warm, almost resigned expression.
It made me feel sick.
He reached into the inside of his agent uniform.
“Take this. It’s for escaping.”
…A pair of shoelaces.
They were woven with five-colored threads, an intricate pattern with a strangely glossy texture.
“There are only two, so the two of you can leave.”
“Tie them onto your shoes, take three steps forward, and you’ll be instantly transported out of here.”
I involuntarily glanced at Agent Bronze’s lower body.
He couldn’t use the escape item.
For him, there had never been a choice.
“…I’ll look for another way. You, on the other hand—ensure your own safety.”
“There’s not much time left. Hurry.”
I could use Nostalgia Candy—if I gave one to Agent Bronze, he could escape right now.
I clenched my fists so hard they turned white.
I only have three left.
If I used one to let him escape now… then what do I do with just two left?
Of the three high schoolers I needed to save, two were unable to move on their own.
Wouldn’t it be better if Agent Bronze stayed to help?
The calculations swirled in my mind, making my head pound.
Was there another way?
I pretended to retrieve something from my belongings, but in reality, I pulled out an item from within my tattoo.
A small glass vial, glowing a fresh, leafy green.
I subtly angled it away so that Go Yeongeun wouldn’t see the label, then discreetly showed it to Agent Bronze.
“Drink this. It’s a regeneration item.”
“It’s fine. It’s a verified item.”
I shot a quick glance at Go Yeongeun before she could object.
‘…If my guess is correct.’
This wasn’t just about making Agent Bronze’s escape easier.
This was an investment.
A move that would yield even greater returns.
A build-up toward my real goal.
‘This is the right answer.’
A shiver ran down my spine with the satisfaction of finding the most optimal solution.
…Suppressing the instinctive fear of loss.
Go Yeongeun, though visibly unsettled, remained silent.
But Agent Bronze didn’t take the potion immediately. Instead, he studied my face, his expression unreadable.
“…Was this made ‘where you’re from’?”
I gave a small nod, forcing a smile.
“It’s my last one. …I know you might find it uncomfortable. But you need to take it.”
An unreadable flicker crossed the agent’s face.
It was a clearly complicated expression, impossible to discern whether it was a reaction born out of reluctance or anger.
Then, with a sharp exhale, he reached out.
A short sound as the vial landed in his hand.
Without another word, he unsealed the potion and drank it in one gulp.