bookcurios Chapter 254 (Part 2)
Chapter 254 (Part 2)
Chapter 254: Doubt (Part 2)
Outside the café, the two exchanged a wave.
“Thanks for the strategy details. Let’s meet again soon.”
“Sure. I’ll stay in touch.”
As he walked away, Ryu Min thought to himself.
‘Thank goodness. Juri seems to be in a good state of mind.’
It seemed she had taken the Black Scythe’s advice to heart.
Though her declaration to keep pursuing him felt a bit burdensome...
‘At least it’s better than awkwardness.’
For the upcoming rounds, Juri needed to be mentally stable. A rejection lingering in her mind would only hold her back.
‘Especially in the 16th round. She’ll need to stay sharp.’
A small mistake could have massive consequences in that round.
‘After the 16th round, players’ value will skyrocket. The public perception will change too.’
The Death Church’s reputation—and even in reality, runes—would become highly coveted.
‘I should gather the Reaper Church members soon and share the strategy. But first, I need to clear things up with Christine.’
She likely misunderstood why he saved John Delgado. And Christine, like Juri, was a crucial supporter who needed emotional stability.
Ryu Min pulled out his phone and called Christine.
“Christine.”
—“Ah, Black Scythe?”
“I’ll get straight to the point. I want to meet to discuss the next round’s strategy.”
—“Uh... Can’t we do this over the phone?”
“Phone calls aren’t secure enough.”
—“I thought so...”
“Why? Is there a reason you can’t meet?”
—“N-No, not at all...”
“Then I’ll come to you. A quiet church is the best place to talk privately.”
—“No need... I’ll—”
“I’ll fly first class, so don’t worry. I’ll call once I arrive.”
Ryu Min preferred moving rather than waiting idly.
‘Time to explain things properly.’
He thought as he booked a ticket to the U.S.
***
“N-No, it’s nothing.”
“You don’t look fine. Did something happen?”
“It’s nothing. Really.”
Christine firmly shut him down, but Jeffrey only grew more suspicious.
“Come on, I know something’s up. If something’s bothering you, just tell me. I’ll listen.”
“I said it’s nothing.”
“Are you still mad at me?”
“Who’s mad? I’m not mad at you!”
“If you keep denying it like that, do you think I won’t notice? I’ve been watching over you for over ten years now.”
“......”
“Come on, tell me. What’s bothering you?”
Faced with Jeffrey’s persistence, Christine let out a long sigh. She felt she had to say something to get him off her back.
“If someone who seemed weak turned out to be hiding immense power, what would you do?”
“Hiding power? Who?”
“I asked first. Answer me.”
“Hm...”
Jeffrey thought for a moment before replying.
“I’d pretend not to know.”
“Why?”
“Because if they’re hiding it, it means they don’t want others to know. If I respect them, I shouldn’t expose their secret.”
“Right... That’s what I thought too.”
Christine’s expression softened slightly. It was comforting to hear someone share her perspective.
“So, who’s the secret powerhouse? Someone you know?”
“Don’t call them a ‘powerhouse.’ Watch your words!”
“Oh? You’re defensive. Must mean you care about them.”
“That’s enough! I’m not telling you anything. Stop asking. Problem solved!”
With that, Christine quickly stood and walked away, her steps hurried as if fleeing the scene.
“Hm...”
Jeffrey watched her retreating back with a suspicious look.
Then, he pulled out his phone and typed a message.
[To Yamti: There’s something unusual going on.]
He had been ordered to report immediately if anything out of the ordinary happened.