Chapter eighteen: Mad George
Mary and I ran with all our strength, trying to get as far away from the river as possible.
But the farther we got, the more I felt something approaching us.
"Kim Hyul, we can—"
Push...
I didn't listen to Mary. I pushed her away from me.
The moment I did, the tree behind her split cleanly in two.
When Mary turned to look, her expression completely changed.
The tree had been sliced perfectly in half. No cracks, no roughness—just a smooth surface.
"You're still the same… George."
A big smile crept onto my face as I forced out the words.
Though my entire body trembled with fear, I tried to calm myself quickly.
I had to act composed—I didn't want him to see even a hint of weakness.
Snap.
Mary and I heard the sound of branches breaking.
Something was getting closer. Fast.
The trees shook violently before the creature appeared.
A huge, fur-covered being.
Its body was covered in claws—dozens of them.
But the only thing truly terrifying was the look on its face.
Its eyes were ringed with dark shadows, and a wide, insane smile stretched from ear to ear.
In its hand was a massive whip, dripping with blood.
"Mad George."
The name might sound like an exaggeration, but anyone who played this game would know why he was called that.
Silence blanketed the forest.
Even the usual monster cries disappeared.
"System, show me the stats of this creature."
[Confirmed]
[Mad George]
Type: Mutated Beast (C-Rank)Strength: 60Intelligence: 42Speed: 80Mana: 60Favorite food: Humans
"HeheheHEHEHEEHEHEE!"
That laugh… it alone was enough to make someone piss themselves from fear.
Cold sweat slid down my spine.
His laughter was the only sound left in the forest.
"Half the casualties."
That was the only thought in Mary's mind.
If she died here, Kim Hyul might have a chance to survive.
"Kim... I'll buy you some time. Run."
Even as she said it, her body trembled violently.
Looking at her, I couldn't help but laugh bitterly.
"Mary, can you run?"
"Why do you ask?"
Though the monster stood right before us, it didn't attack.
As if… it wanted us to run.
That's what defined this creature—insanity.
Yes. Madness. He's the only monster that enjoys torturing both humans and other creatures before killing them.
He lets them flee—only to strike them down in the end.
Even "psychopath" is too kind a word for him.
When Mary heard my words, she realized I had a plan.
"Alright, I'll leave the lead to you this time."
"When I give the signal, start running."
"…"
"Now!"
I turned and ran with all I had.
Every branch and pebble tore at my skin, leaving fresh cuts.
Damn it… Even knowing I won't die, I can't stand this pain.
Was Mary still behind me?
I hadn't looked back since we started running.
I needed to make sure.
"Mary! Are you still behind me?!"
"You want me dead that badly?!"
Her voice was exhausted.
Why were characters in this game so weird?
Even in this state, she was joking…
I gritted my teeth and ran faster.
My muscles screamed. I felt my legs tearing apart.
Blood poured from the scratches on my face and body.
The whole forest turned red—yet I didn't stop.
"Mary! We're almost there!"
When I saw the forest's edge, I felt a sliver of hope.
But—
My legs stopped.
They wouldn't move.
My body… was completely drained.
"Damn it… damn it... DAMN IT!"
Why now, of all times?
Am I going to die?
Why did I keep running, if this is how it ends?
Honestly, it'd be hard to control the heroines in a different chapter… but not impossible.
No. Not now. Not the time for those thoughts.
"Ahh…"
I tried to stand, but my body gave out again.
Think… think… THINK…!
There was no other option.
"Mary! Come behind me—now!"
When I saw her running toward me at full speed, I couldn't help but scream.
When she saw me on the ground, she stopped and tried to lift me.
"You think we'll survive if you carry me?"
"He'll catch us in seconds."
Mary heard me and asked the only question that made sense:
"Then what do we do?"
"Just stand behind me."
She didn't argue. She obeyed.
"Can you hold the sword and get ready?"
Mary didn't understand why—but she didn't ask questions. She just drew her C-rank sword.
"Wait for the right moment."
When the monster came into view, I gave the signal.
"Now!"
The whip came crashing toward us.
At that exact moment, Mary raised the sword in front of it.
When whip met blade, a horrible screech filled the air—and then, we were launched from the blast.
Mary saw we were outside the forest.
But could that really mean safety?
Even outside… he could still catch us.
Her thoughts disappeared the moment she saw what lay below.
"Is this what you planned?"
Hearing her question, I sighed.
"Can you swim?"
"Yes."
"Then… please save me. I don't think I can even move a finger."
Before I could finish my sentence, I felt gravity vanish.
We fell down the slope—fast.
I closed my eyes as my face rushed toward the water.
I'm counting on you, Mary.
Splash!
Water engulfed me completely—then something pulled me upward.
When I opened my eyes, Mary had me in one hand and swam with the other.
No matter how much I tried to focus… her bouncing chest kept hitting me.
Damn it… Why can't I think of anything else?
"Ahh… damn… I didn't think we'd actually survive that…"
Mary's words were honest.
And I had nothing to say in return.
She was absolutely right.
As I thought about everything that happened, I felt something heavy on my shoulders.
I looked up and saw Mary's coat draped over me.
"You okay with that?" I asked.
She looked to the side, blushing.
"Kim… I can dry off using your shirt."
Her ears turned bright red.
Ah, right… this is a reversed world.
I'd completely forgotten.
All I could think about was how her wet robe clung to her pale skin…
Those curves. And, of course, I couldn't forget—
"Big… b—balls…"
I clapped my hand over my mouth.
Thankfully, Mary didn't hear.
The sun began to set.
"Can we go back to the cave now?"
"Let's go—before it gets dark."
When we reached the cave, we saw light coming from inside.
"I don't remember lighting a fire before we left…" Mary said suspiciously.
"Stay here. I'll go check."
She approached the entrance, then turned to me.
"Someone's inside."
"Let's go. Quickly."
I tried to sound concerned.
But I already knew who it was.
I just didn't want to raise suspicion.
Mary and I entered the cave—
"Sylvia…?!"
Mary shouted...
End of chapter
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