Reincarnated With An SSS-Rank Talent In An Apocalyptic World-Chapter 86: What Is Evil?

Walking into my tent, I couldn’t get my mind off everything that happened in today’s meeting. I know I’m not a good person, and I have no right to talk about morality—but this was beyond my usual threshold. It’s one thing to ruthlessly slaughter enemy-state civilians, but slaughtering your own people? That was something I couldn’t completely grasp.

"I think the heavens picked the wrong person," I muttered.

If the heavens were going to punish someone for evil deeds, people like Major Miller and the American government should be chosen over me. I’m not half as cruel as them. Yes, I will slaughter whoever gets in my way and even kill an innocent person to steal their power—but I would never kill millions without reason.

At that moment, a single word crossed my mind: Congo.

My eyes dilated as I remembered Miller bringing up the fallen country. From what I knew, they failed to protect themselves from the rift, and the entire country was occupied by invaders after the population was wiped out.

"What does it have to do with all of this?" I muttered with knitted brows.

Only now did I realize how little I actually knew about these people and what led to their downfall. I only knew the general information everyone else was aware of and never dug deep into the matter.

"Stupid Adam," I cursed the former host of this body.

Pushing the thoughts aside, I shifted my attention to the small room around me and squinted in disgust. Apart from a small, thin, one-man mattress lying on a bunk barely up to my knee and a tiny bedside desk, there was nothing else. I looked at the bed with visible disdain, wondering if I was really meant to sleep there.

There was a new pair of clothes on the mattress, which I assumed had been prepared for me. That reminded me—I needed to bathe. But were they expecting me to use one of the few public bathrooms shared by thousands of soldiers?

"No way," I shook my head in refusal. "I came to serve this nation on the battlefield. I deserve better."

Snap!

[Door Activated]

To avoid attracting unnecessary attention, I created a rift door that led directly to my dormitory room. However, as soon as I stepped out of the rift, I was met with an unexpected sight.

Pamela sat on my bed with a deep frown on her face.

’God, why am I so unfortunate?’

Her frown quickly shifted to surprise as she saw the blood and tears on my clothes. That momentary shock gave me the chance to go on the offensive.

"Breaking into the rooms of male students—this what you’re into now?" I asked, walking past her.

I threw my clothes on the bed and began removing my bloody shirt.

"What are you doing getting involved in a war that doesn’t concern you?" Pamela asked, then quickly added, "By the way, I didn’t sneak in. I knew someone like you wouldn’t sleep at the military camp or eat their food, so I came here. We have a lot to talk about."

My gaze followed her hand pointing toward a metal tray covered with a stainless steel lid. Even though it was sealed tight, the aroma leaking from it was enticing. Maybe it was because I still had the stench of blood in my nose that I didn’t perceive it earlier.

"Bribing a student. You’re guilty of so many crimes, young lady." I rolled my eyes while unbuckling my belt.

Pamela looked away, her face slightly red. I didn’t blame her. From a scrawny little kid, I had gained the physique of a Greek god overnight, with the presence of a mountain. It was only natural for people to find me... hot.

Wearing nothing but my black underwear, I grabbed my phone from the bedside desk and walked into the bathroom. Pamela’s footsteps followed, but I didn’t mind.

I walked up to the bathtub, set the water to steaming, sealed the drain, and stepped inside—underwear still on.

Pamela stood to the side, visibly shocked as she watched steaming water rush into the tub while I sat with no sign of pain or burns.

"What are you?" she muttered, understandably unable to fathom how a weak boy became a monster of a man in just a few months.

Aaaah...

I exhaled loudly with a relaxed smile as the water rose to waist level. The stabbing pain in my chest slowly began to fade. For once, I was at peace.

"My power is changing me in ways I never expected," I responded vaguely but honestly.

I couldn’t tell her these changes—these things that scared her—were the result of the [GateKeeper] talent. Naturally, she would assume it was my [Berserk] ability.

"It grows with every battle I fight... I’m getting stronger at an alarming rate," I added, booting up my phone.

Soon the water reached over my chest. I used my leg to flip the tap off. When I turned around, I saw Pamela standing next to the tub with her eyes fixated on the now black-dyed water.

"Is that the reason why you joined the war?" she asked, dipping a finger into the water—only to quickly yank it out, wincing in pain.

That made her even more shocked that I could soak in water this hot.

"That, and it’s the only way I can get enough contribution points to graduate in a year," I said.

"Just like Dayvon?" she asked.

My eyes narrowed—but she didn’t seem to care. She held my gaze, waiting for my response.

Hmph.

"Yes, just like Dayvon. Are you happy now?" I replied, and she chuckled like a little child, nodding repeatedly.

"I was afraid you were thinking of leaving the Watchers after your fight with Dayvon," she said, stepping away from the bathtub.

I rolled my eyes, shifting my gaze to her petite frame hidden beneath a baggy nightwear.

"What happened in Congo?" I asked, and watched her body freeze.

I had planned to read up on it online, but since she was here, I figured she’d give me a more detailed explanation than any blog or article.

Pamela turned to meet my gaze, genuinely shocked. She probably didn’t expect that question—but she wasn’t dumb. It didn’t take long before she pieced it together, and her shock turned to a frown.

"Why do you ask?" she said. "Does it have anything to do with the war in Louisiana?"

I nodded, offering a small smile. If I wanted the Watchers’ attention, I needed to prove myself. Sharing this small info wouldn’t hurt.

"We argued about the possibility of some civilians being used as hostages in Lake Charles. Major Miles said we won’t follow the same path as Congo." I repeated, "So... what happened in Congo?"

Pamela’s eyes widened—then filled with rage.

"That bastard!" she hissed. But the anger faded and was replaced with resolve. "That’s it... That’s why we’re leaving this country in the first place. They’re animals. We can’t coexist with them."

I didn’t say anything—just watched in silence. After a while, she calmed down and returned her gaze to me.

"Congo was conquered by the Beastfolk race. Humans with animal traits who draw power from their ancestral bloodlines," Pamela began. "Many nations sent forces to help stabilize the region, but it was useless. The Beastfolk used civilians as human shields. The Congolese government and military couldn’t bear to kill their own people—and they wouldn’t let foreign troops do it either. So everyone pulled out and watched as they lost more territory due to their hesitation. Eventually, they were wiped out. Congo became the first of many nations that fell to this tactic."

Hmmmm...

I exhaled loudly. Logically, this tactic made a lot of sense. Morally, it was just... disgusting. Something only non-humans would do to humans.

"Would I do the same if I was in his shoes?" I muttered—and the answer was yes.

If the need arose, I would absolutely take that route. Back in my territory, I’d sit and watch the Empire burn to the ground if it meant Queen Emma would fall to her knees and beg for my help.

Does that make me a bad person... or just a man willing to do whatever it takes to win?

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