Mental Protector in the Apocalypse

As resources were allocated, the group began to contemplate their options. With limited supplies available, would those who could only carry luggage be willing to part with food? It would indeed create an uproar. Ultimately, it is unrealistic to expect people to be completely selfless.

The group eventually split into two factions, resulting in some members’ alienation and, ultimately, demise.

Subsequently, a further division occurred as a result of excessive greed. When a group is formed, a leader will likely emerge. Individuals who sought to stand out caused chaos and caused a divide, leading to conflict, purging, and so on…

Through this, the protagonist gradually deteriorated and ultimately betrayed and perished.

The protagonist encountered difficulty due to their generous nature, resulting in multiple unsuccessful attempts at resolution. Unfortunately, despite their reluctance to do so, the game necessitated their demise up to five times to eliminate the issue.

Contemplating the situation caused her to recoil. In reality, she would not prefer to be encompassed by those types of individuals. Yet, for the main character, who had never encountered it before, it was unavoidable to be in their presence.

It was advantageous for the protagonist to separate from the survivors and progress independently. Such would have allowed him to rid himself of his former susceptibility to death and provide him with an advantageous capability that would benefit his future survival.

She had intended to look after her well-being and had arranged to meet him later. It may have seemed a bit impulsive. However, she had no other option if she wanted to continue living.

“Huh?”

‘Pause to consider the potential outcome if the protagonist perishes.’

He had not considered the ramifications of his death, as it was an apparent inevitability within the game. From the player’s point of view, the protagonist would respawn at the beginning of the stage as though it were a save point. However, this was not how the protagonist viewed the situation; his importance was paramount. What would become of the story if there were no protagonist present?

Anxiety began to settle in as she pondered the possibility of this world ceasing to exist if the protagonist perished. Would she be left stranded in this motionless universe by herself?

“Oh no!”

She quickly pivoted and hastened back in the direction she had come from. She was aware that she would eventually have to confront the survivors, but not now. As she retreated to her previous location, she could detect the protagonist’s silhouette in the far-off distance.

‘I am fortunate not to have encountered them yet.’

As she approached, she noticed people concealed behind the barrier that had previously been out of sight.

“Ah, too late…”

Regrettably, it was too late to reverse their course. She hastily inhaled and proceeded to grasp his arm, tugging him back. He gazed at her in astonishment with wide eyes. The individuals he had been conversing with also gaped at her in surprise.

“Who is that over there…?”

“Let us depart. I believe it would be beneficial if we went together. Please, let us proceed promptly.”

“Huh?”

She encouraged him to accompany her to separate him from the rest. His response created an issue. Previously, she had expressed that she did not want to join him, and now she appeared to be irrational.

Unfortunately, there was no alternative. she could not tell them that if they remained in their current situation, they would be at risk of death. Additionally, she could not warn them about the potential of being betrayed and ultimately facing a dismal end due to the actions of someone close to them.

She was taken aback by the remarks of an unfamiliar person.

“Could you please explain who you are and why you have arrived here unannounced? We were in the middle of a conversation before your arrival.”

“This is my team. I am pressed for time, so…”

“Do you have any familiarity with this individual?”

They regarded her skeptically before finally requesting a response from the protagonist.

She is unable to contain her enthusiasm.

She nervously glanced at him as she firmly grasped his arm.

“Could we not find a way to work together?”

Unfortunately, it appears that he cannot do so.

“I don’t think that is an appropriate comment. We are colleagues, so how does that factor into this? I would kindly ask you not to be concerned about it.”

“Is your relationship truly amicable? It appears to be otherwise. Why did you arrive separately if you are part of the same collective?”

“Yes, we are part of the same organization. I am simply attempting to make the best decision for my team. Are you feeling distressed about this?”

“It would be unwise for you to suddenly appear and take our brother away.”

He remained silent throughout the entirety of the situation.

She had to concede that his opinion was valid; she instigated the debate.

‘What should I do…?’

At that moment, the protagonist spoke.

“Affirmative, we are associated with the same organization.”

“…Brother, are you sure?”

“Apologies, but I will be accompanying this individual. I am unable to join you all.”

“Is it not possible for this individual to join us? It would be beneficial to have another company during this period.”

“No, we’ll go separately.”

Huh? What’s going on?

She glanced between the protagonist and the survivors with a look of distress. The survivors were taken aback by the protagonist’s reaction. Unconcerned by the astonishment of those present, he grasped her arm and began leading her back the way she had come.

She observed the survivors observing them from a distance, and then her attention was drawn to the protagonist. He briefly met her gaze before offering a gentle smile. She found the situation slightly unsettling.