Chapter 52: It takes a lot to terrorize me
System. Activate mind corruption.
For now, he needed to get as far away from this man as possible. Cheon Areum began to crawl back slowly, his eyes never leaving the figure before him. But the man’s gaze tracked him unblinkingly. Just two steps into his retreat, a cold hand brushed against his back. Narrowly evading the grip, Cheon Areum rolled to the side and sprang down from the piano in one swift motion, landing with a thud.
The man behind the keys hadn’t moved an inch—still standing, still crying—but now, another version of him loomed at the far end of the piano. Identical. Both figures stared at Cheon Areum with the exact same empty eyes, staring all-consumingly as he called out the system again.
"System, activate the skill: Mind Corruption."
Again, no response. Cheon Areum cautiously stepped backwards, withdrawing, but the man didn’t seem like he would let him go so easily. His back hit someone. Knowingly turning, he saw the same man standing there, as if he had been there all along.
"Hello..."
Cheon Areum spoke in a low voice and bolted, his legs moving faster than his thoughts. He dashed toward the grand staircase leading to the second floor. Reaching the top, he pushed open the nearest door and slipped inside, slamming it shut and twisting the lock in place. Facing the door, he stood there silently. His system wasn’t responding to anything, nor could he open his inventory or any panels, which wasn’t possible unless he was in an illusion.
The faint sound of piano music could still be heard through the doorframe—the same melancholic melody from before. It hadn’t stopped playing. It was exactly the moment he heard him playing the piano.
Of course.