Chapter 10

# 10

User Manual for the Reincarnated 010

Jung Hahyeon (1)

An invisible hierarchy is forming.

Even animals that cannot speak form their own hierarchies. It would be strange if subtle class differences did not arise in such a situation.

A very natural reaction in any place where humans live.

"First."

At the top of the pyramid is Kim Hyunseong, who created this place.

I don't know what happened during the process of finding a shelter, but it's clear that the people here trust Kim Hyunseong.

I would probably have a similar reaction.

Not only did I fall into an unknown place, but it's also a location swarming with monsters.

Just the fact that someone is standing up to the monsters with a sword is already a plus, and besides, the guy is as naive as a fool.

It's not surprising that people look up to him.

The next person in line is Lee Ji-hye. The woman who picks up and eats all the leftovers next to Kim Hyunseong.

Compared to Kim Hyunseong, who often goes outside, she spends most of her time here, managing and overseeing tasks such as food distribution, night watches, and various other jobs that require manpower.

A few people who can be called Lee Ji-hye's faction also wield considerable power.

Of course, they can't abuse that power or openly display it, being aware of Kim Hyunseong, but there must be something happening when Kim Hyunseong is out.

"Then, what about us? Brother?"

"We should consider ourselves right below Kim Hyunseong. We have the strength to fight and can secure food."

"Hmm…"

"From their perspective, we probably aren't very welcome."

"But at first…"

"Of course, at first, they were probably glad. But after yesterday's incident, their view of us has probably worsened. By expressing our desire to act independently, we've essentially said that feeding you isn't our responsibility."

"But the food they took included our share. Isn't it natural to be grateful?"

"Of course, there are some who might feel that way… but humans are always inclined to check new power figures, even in a small group like this."

"Are you saying that Kim Hyunseong is checking us?"

"No, Kim Hyunseong probably doesn't even consider this place his."

"Then, who exactly is wary of us…"

"Those who consider this place theirs."

Kim Hyunseong isn't the one acting like a king; it's Lee Ji-hye, who eats the leftovers under him.

"I think I understand what you're saying."

"Kim Hyunseong stands above these people, but it's that woman who controls them. Kim Hyunseong doesn't have the time to manage this place and spends most of his time outside. Where strength is needed, the one with strength is the king, and where food and a comfortable shelter are needed, the one who has them is the king. Kim Hyunseong has strength, but the one with food and a comfortable shelter is that woman."

"You mean Lee Ji-hye?"

He nodded roughly and continued.

"Right."

"…"

"Give a little more to your people and slightly push away those you are wary of, causing them some disadvantage. Power is created by discrimination. I think Jung Hahyeon is probably one of the people who have fallen out of Lee Ji-hye's favor… which is why you were separated and given the tough jobs."

"When did you observe Hahyeon so closely?"

"From now on, I need to observe more carefully."

Park Deok-gu nodded quietly.

Observing Jung Hahyeon is just beginning.

Reading the personalities of Lee Ji-hye and Jung Hahyeon, the selfish ambitious one and the pure advocate, and making a judgment based on that, he thought it might really lead to the result he wanted.

* * *

"Hahyeon, you need to do your job properly."

"Yes? Yes…"

"Everyone is working hard. It's not just you who is struggling. In such a situation, everyone needs to work together… If you keep this up, we'll have to reduce your food rations."

"Yes…"

"Just saying 'yes' won't change anything. You know the situation isn't getting better. We don't know how long we'll be here, and it's not easy to get food from other places. If monsters attack while Hyunseong is out, we'll all be wiped out. Building the wall is that important."

"Yes, I understand. I'm really sorry."

"Tsk. If you don't want to be kicked out, don't slack off and work hard. As more survivors are found and added, your position won't be secure. I mean, the people who came in this time are so selfish…"

"Yes?"

"It's nothing. Anyway, do your job properly."

"Yes, yes. I understand."

The man, speaking irritably, headed outside.

His head bowed involuntarily.

He didn't know what he did wrong, but it seemed his work didn't meet the standards.

No, it was natural that it didn't meet the standards.

He hadn't met his assigned workload for several days, so it wasn't strange for the man to be so irritable.

'What an idiot.'

He had always been told he was slow and clumsy, and he hated himself for not being quick and nimble even in this situation.

'It hurts.'

Looking down slightly, he saw his mangled hands. His nails were almost all gone, dangling. It was painful, but he could somewhat understand the man's words.

'Everyone is working hard.'

Everyone is doing their best to survive.

Hyunseong, Gi-young, and Deok-gu, who go out to fight, and those who build the wall together are no exception.

Compared to the chaotic and life-threatening situation he was in before, running around frantically, this place is like heaven.

If Gi-young hadn't helped him then, he would have surely been killed by the monsters.

Thinking about how they came here together, almost clinging to each other, made his face turn red.

He wasn't used to interacting with men, so it was a new experience for him.

Lost in thought, he nodded to a voice from the side.

"Do you understand, Hahyeon?"

"Ah, Seok-woo."

"Your friend probably has a lot of stress lately."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. Hyunseong has been going out a lot recently. He must think building the wall is very important. Ji-hye probably thinks the same. With the uncertainty of how long we'll be here, they need to prepare as much as possible. They must be very sensitive about it."

"Ah, I understand that."

"He seems especially sensitive today. From what I see, you are one of the people working the hardest… I'll talk to him later. Let's go to the dining area for now."

"Ah… Yes."

"I heard Hyunseong brought back food from the starting point yesterday."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. I heard it from Ji-hye, so it's probably true."

"That's a relief. Hehe."

Yoo Seok-woo.

One of the few people he could talk openly with here.

Of course, as the person in charge, he seemed to be trying to help the new arrivals, but he often initiated conversations, probably because he had good social skills.

"Is the work not too hard?"

"Of course, it's hard, but there are people doing even harder work."

"Still, it's not easy to do this kind of work… You can use some tricks."

"No. I can't even meet my workload… I can't use tricks. Seok-woo is injured and still working…"

"I'm in a management position, so I don't have to move much. Ha ha. Actually, this is no problem for me. Ha ha."

After some small talk, they arrived at the food distribution area.

A few people were standing in a line.

Deok-gu and Gi-young were nowhere to be seen. They might have already eaten or were elsewhere.

'He must have just returned from hunting.'

He must want to rest his tired body.

"Stand in line and come this way. Take your food in order."

"Yes."

"Ah. Yes."

After receiving his food with both hands, he found a spot to sit. He saw everyone gathered in groups, eating.

He thought about joining them, but his shy nature made it difficult to initiate conversation or join them.

"It's because of the tough situation."

"Yes?"

"I mean, the others. Everyone is in a tough situation. They don't have the leisure to care for others, and since you came here relatively late, they might be a bit wary of you."

"Ah… Is that so? Is it because I didn't do my job well…"

"No. You are working harder than anyone. I think as time goes on and you get used to this, everyone will accept you, just like me now."

"Thank you for seeing me in a good light."

"No, it's natural. I want to get closer to you."

"Ah! I feel the same. I'm always grateful for your help."

Thinking about it, he had received a lot of help from this person.

From the moment he arrived until now, he always initiated conversations, tried to connect him with others, and provided various conveniences.

'He's a kind person.'

As he absentmindedly pushed a piece of bread into his mouth, he felt Yoo Seok-woo, who was sitting next to him, grab his hand.

"Ah…"

He tried to pull his hand away with some force, but it didn't budge.

Turning his head, he saw Yoo Seok-woo's face looking at him.

"Let go of this."

"Yes?"

"Let go. Why, why suddenly…"

"But just now…"

"No, that's not what I meant."

He quickly looked around, but there was no one else. He felt that Yoo Seok-woo's usually smiling eyes had changed.

The smile was gone, and an expression of disbelief appeared.

"Hahyeon."

"Yes? Yes?"

"Did you think I was doing charity for you?"

"What are you saying?"

"If there's a give, there must be a take. You really have no sense at all."

"I don't understand. Why, why are you doing this…"

"I've clearly been providing you with various conveniences, right?"

"I don't know. I'm grateful for the help, but…"

"Really… Are you really that stupid? Or are you pretending? Should I be more direct?"

"First, let go of my hand. Ah, it hurts. It hurts…"

"If you want to live well here, you need to make a good impression on me. You stupid girl. Don't you understand the situation yet?"

His eyes were terrifying. This was a situation he had never experienced before.

He didn't understand why it had come to this.

One thing was clear: he wanted to get away from this place.

As he desperately tried to pull his hand away, a loud voice came from behind.

"Hey, buddy. If you don't want to break that hand, let go."