Regression Guidelines For the Supporting Character-Chapter 277

Cha Sahyeon, the one Song Jiwoon pointed to, blinked slowly.

Even after being called “that thing” and hearing—right to his face—that he wasn’t normal, his expression didn’t change in the slightest.

Clicking his tongue at the utter lack of response, Song Jiwoon was about to speak again when a cold voice cut in.

“Try not running your mouth like that. How much do you think you really know?”

Turning his head, he saw Cha Seohu glaring daggers at him.

‘Why is this guy so pissed off again?’

Sighing internally, Song Jiwoon shook his head and raised a hand.

Snap!

A light finger snap.

“Ugh...!”

The moment the sound rang out, a wave of dizziness hit Cha Seohu, and he clutched his forehead, his upper body swaying.

A queasy churn rippled through him, mild but unmistakable. Narrowing his eyes, he raised his head.

“...What the hell?”

– Shh.

A gentle voice echoed in his mind.

The person sitting on the opposite sofa had changed in an instant. Gone was the good-natured-looking middle-aged man—now in his place sat a strikingly handsome man, his eyes covered with white cloth.

His long golden hair shimmered brilliantly. His lips curved in a graceful arc.

– Just listen quietly.

“......”

– I’ve split the space in half. From now on, the 30 seconds you feel will be just 1 second in reality. Your body isn’t hidden, so don’t move your lips. Just answer in your head.

Left with no choice, Cha Seohu responded mentally.

‘What the hell is going on?’

– This is the only way we can talk without “that one’s” eyes catching us, and without paying any cost.

‘You’re seriously gonna keep calling Sahyeon “that”? He’s got a perfectly good name, you know.’

– As long as we understand each other, does it matter?

‘Don’t give me that bullshit. Ugh, forget it. I’m out.’

– Fine, fine. Cha Sahyeon. Happy now? God, you’re a pain in the ass.

Though exasperated, Chronos still played along.

Ironically, when it came to dealing with Cha Seohu, Chronos was the one in the weaker position. As long as Seohu held the leash on Sahyeon, that dynamic wasn’t going to change.

– Sigh. We don’t have time, so let’s get straight to the point.

‘Go on.’

– I understand why you came to me. Just like last time, you’re looking for a way to suppress that... no, Cha Sahyeon’s power, right?

Before Cha Seohu could answer, Chronos continued.

– Unfortunately, that won’t be easy.

‘What? Why not? You gave me that pearl made from the Flower of Origin before. I’ve got the ingredients—found them in the Great Dungeon...’

– One flower isn’t enough. And the price you’d have to pay has also changed.

‘...What do you mean?’

– The situation now is worse than when I made the pearl. That kid—he’s gotten stronger than he was before entering the Great Dungeon.

Cha Seohu flinched at the bullseye.

‘Okay, yeah, but! He only got a little stronger. Don’t be petty!’

– That’s not the issue. The price is set by the world itself... Ugh, forget it. Bottom line—it’s not easy. And a single flower won’t cut it.

‘Don’t screw with me. Seriously? That’s the only plan I had.’

– Why would I mess with you? I can’t say something is possible when it’s not.

‘Unbelievable.’

He wanted to scream, to clutch his head and let out a frustrated howl. But showing that he was having a secret conversation with Chronos was out of the question, so he restrained himself.

– Making a new pearl is «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» too difficult. But you did a good job blocking the Great Dungeon incident, so as promised, I’ll give you your reward.

Chronos’s body shimmered briefly with a golden glow as he smiled.

At the same time, a warm energy bloomed on the inside of Seohu’s right wrist.

He turned his hand over slightly to check—and saw a golden mark he’d never seen before.

A tree...?

It was a tattoo, a simple illustration of a tree with lush leaves.

– It’s a symbol that we’re now connected.

‘Connected?’

– If your life is ever in danger, I’ll show up once. It’s incredibly valuable, so be grateful.

It was a divine mark, engraved directly by the world’s administrator himself—but the more Seohu heard, the more twisted his face became.

‘What the hell? Who said you could just carve this crap into my body?’

– ...Did you hear what I just said? It’s valuable, you know?

‘I don’t need it. Give me the pearl instead.’

– ......

He wasn’t picking a fight—Cha Seohu genuinely felt nothing for the gesture.

After all, he already had an L-rank Catastrophe stuck to him like glue, constantly watching over him. And his surroundings were crawling with S-rank dealers.

Compared to that, his personal safety was already absurdly secure. What mattered now was stopping Sahyeon’s Seed progression and saving the world.

– Every time we meet, I’m reminded just how insane you really are...

Chronos sighed in exhaustion and snapped his fingers again.

Snap. With a crisp sound, the sluggish time returned to normal. Chronos’s form also reverted back to Song Jiwoon.

“Ugh...”

“Hyung?”

Sensing Seohu staggering again, Sahyeon quickly reached out and grabbed his shoulder.

‘Shit.’

Seohu had instinctively touched his forehead with his right hand—the one bearing the mark. He quickly looked over at Sahyeon, but the boy didn’t seem to notice anything.

‘Guess it’s not visible?’

Thank god.

If Sahyeon found out Chronos had engraved something on Seohu’s body without permission, there was no telling how he’d react.

He hadn’t noticed the mental conversation either. Only about 10 seconds had passed in reality—it made sense that he’d be unaware.

“You don’t look well. That’s enough for today. Come back another time.”

Waving his hand, Song Jiwoon clearly signaled that the conversation was over.

Only then did Seohu understand why Chronos had gone so far as to split the space to keep Sahyeon from hearing.

‘If it’s truly impossible to stop the Seed’s progression... then it’s better Sahyeon doesn’t know.’

It wasn’t good news. And given how tightly the progression was linked to Sahyeon’s emotional state, the outcome was unpredictable.

Chronos’s judgment was correct. Still, Seohu couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

‘So my only remaining option is to buy that item.’

An item being sold in the system’s shop:

[Guardian’s Crystal]

An item that can temporarily halt the progression of the “Seed of Catastrophe” within the Villain. During its active period, no matter what happens, the Seed will not progress.

Price: 600,000,000 Cash (One-time purchase only)

‘Don’t tell me they’re selling that just because they knew this would happen...’

And why the hell is it so expensive?

Every time he looked at it, it made his jaw drop. 600 million. Even if it wasn’t real-world currency and was system-generated, still...

‘How am I supposed to collect that much?’

Seohu checked his current cash balance.

[Owned Cash: 482,008,000]

He’d received cash rewards for clearing quests, but he’d also spent some on items here and there—so it hadn’t built up as much as he’d hoped.

The remaining amount he needed: 117,992,000 cash...

‘Fucking ridiculous.’

He had really believed Chronos would make him another pearl. Now he was completely drained.

And all he got in return was this useless tattoo.

Seohu genuinely sulked. Song Jiwoon noticed and let out an annoyed chuckle.

“Hey, you...”

“We’re leaving.”

“Huh.”

Without hesitation, Seohu stood up. Sahyeon immediately followed.

“It’s a really valuable thing, you know!”

“Hyung, what’s up with him?”

“No idea. Maybe he’s finally snapped.”

Leaving behind Song Jiwoon, who yelled in frustration, Seohu and Sahyeon vanished into the shadows.

***

The next day.

Kwon Taehyuk came looking for Seohu early in the morning.

“What brings you here?”

Wearing his choker and looking like a child, Sahyeon was having a late breakfast with Seohu. Kwon stared at him with a complicated expression before replying.

“A representative of Hunter Yoon Jeha has requested a meeting. She’s currently en route by car.”

“Oh, right.”

After everything that had happened yesterday, he’d completely forgotten.

“We can decline on your behalf, if you’d like.”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll go meet her.”

Yoon Jeha was one of the key players. Building rapport with her wouldn’t hurt.

‘And I’m curious what’s so important that she insisted on meeting me.’

Finishing his meal, Seohu headed straight to the special guest lounge that Yesung had cleared out for him.

He had told them he’d meet her alone—no one else was to come along. It was to get a better read on her.

Sahyeon had begged several times to be brought along, and Taehyuk pretended to be fine with it, even though his shoulders slumped. But Seohu didn’t change his mind.

‘She seemed pretty emotional yesterday. If I steer the conversation well, she might actually be easier to win over than expected.’

That was the plan when he arrived at the lounge—

“You’re pretty confident, huh.”

“...!”

A voice laced with amusement.

And then came the crushing grip on his throat, completely out of place for such a slender wrist.

Sweating coldly, Seohu looked up at the figure who had pinned him to the sofa. Red eyes gleamed beneath the curtain of long, flowing hair.

Feeling a chill run down his spine, Seohu had only one thought:

‘Shouldn’t have come alone...’

Too late for regrets.