[A looks at him and says,] "Why should I believe your words when I've already seen what happened in both cities? You act like you don't know anything about it, yet at the same time you know everything. K, what game are you playing?"[K replies in a calm voice,] "I'm playing no game. In this world, no one can predict the future accurately. It changes with every decision we make. That's why no one can truly foresee what's coming. But what if the choices you make are exactly what lead you to the future that was already set? In short, you didn't change your future—you simply made it happen."[A, in a deep voice,] "So according to you, we never change our future. We just follow the path that leads us to it."[K replies calmly,] "No one knows the truth. These are just my thoughts about the future. Now, let's visit this beautiful city."K starts walking, and A follows him. The city is filled with skyscrapers, beautiful parks, and streets decorated with flowers.K speaks. "So, A, how is it?"[A looks around as he replies,] "It's completely different from what you showed me before. This city isn't just beautiful—it's completely modern." His voice becomes low, carrying a hint of sadness. "I know this city is going to face the same fate as the other two. I can't believe your words because…"K remains silent for a moment before answering. "I know what you're thinking. But I already told you—life and death are not in our hands. We can't save people whose death is already standing in front of them. This isn't some fiction or fairy tale where everyone gets a happy ending. This is the real world."A tries to speak but stops himself. They continue walking until they reach an amusement park.K says, "It looks like they're preparing this for the arrival of the other world leaders. How about we spend a little time here?"[A looks around,] "Are you sure? This looks expensive."[K replies calmly,] "Who said we have to pay? Come on, let's find something to play."A hesitates but eventually follows him. No one stops them at the entrance."Did they really ignore us, or did you use another trick?" A asks.[K replies in a calm, light voice,] "I don't need any tricks. So, where should we go first? How about the shooting game, A? What do you th—"K notices A staring at a child holding his parents' hands. He says nothing and simply watches the scene in silence. After a moment, A speaks again, his voice calm and a little happier. "K, so where should we go first?"K points toward the shooting game. They walk over, and the stall owner hands them airsoft guns. A only manages to hit one target, while K hits two. Afterward, they ride the go-karts and the roller coaster. Eventually, A decides to go on the giant wheel.K looks at his excitement and says softly, "A, did you forget something?"[A, still excited,] "I didn't forget anything. If you're not coming, then stay here and wait for me." A heads toward the giant wheel, leaving K behind."I truly never understand human nature," K mutters as he walks toward a nearby bench. Once seated, he watches two children playing games. "How easily humans forget tragedies. Maybe that's how they survive… or maybe it's just better to forget. At the end of the day, this is how human emotions work."K coughs up blood again. I still have many things to do.He looks up at the giant wheel. "I don't think he's coming back soon. How easily…"An old lady sits beside him. "Today's kids' fashion really confuses me."[K replies calmly,] "I understand. It's not every day people encounter someone wearing an overcoat, black shirt and pants, with a mask covering his face."The old lady leans back on the bench and says softly, "My life has really been something else. Every single day used to be a roller coaster, but now I think maybe that's why I'm happy in my last days—remembering it all."K keeps looking at the giant wheel. "Life is too short. Some people are born to create history, some die in loneliness, some live life to the fullest, while others sacrifice everything for others—even if they rarely see the fruits of their efforts."The old lady asks, "It's your life. You can live it however you want. How many sacrifices have you made at this point?"K pauses before replying, "Two… Two of the most precious things in my life—or I should say, beyond it.""Did your sacrifices feel worthy?" she asks.[K replies calmly,] "Even if they weren't, I had to do it for the common dream I share with others."The old lady laughs lightly. "I think some youngsters become mature too early. You still have a lot of time—enjoy your life."[K replies calmly,] "I wish I could, but at this point, I can't go back."People begin exiting the giant wheel one by one."You know me," K says. "I will try until the very end, even if I'm standing at the verge of death."He sees A walking out, looking happy. K stands up. If only we could spend more time together… but at the end of the day, I am K.The old lady disappears, leaving only a flower on the bench. K doesn't turn back. He walks straight toward A."So, A, how about the mirror maze?" K suggests."Yes!" A replies and runs toward it.Upon entering, A starts exploring the maze. But after a little while, he sees something. A man stands before him."It can't be you… You're from…"The man walks toward him. "Yes, you guessed right. I died in that fire. Time for payback."A takes a small step back. Suddenly, he sees the same boy who died in the first city incident."You… you died… by my hands," A stammers."Yes," the boy replies. "You were sad because you couldn't save me, but why are you forgetting everything?"A falls to the ground. He sees other people from his past—some from school, others from the Lotus Hotel, and many from both cities he had visited before. They all start speaking at once."Why did you leave us? You run every time you see danger… We died because of you. You're good for nothing. Why are you still alive? Worm. You don't have the right to show yourself in this classroom… Look, not a single person wants a coward like you…"A covers his ears as the voices grow louder and louder until he feels like he's about to faint. Then, suddenly, everything goes silent.A looks around. There is nothing. He simply walks out and sees K standing at the entrance. A looks at him, then walks past without a word. K says nothing. They both continue walking toward the venue of the world summit.On the way, A sees a child walking alone. The sun sets, and its light is replaced by the city lights. People begin celebrating the world summit—some are happy, while others look worried, thinking about the results that would come tomorrow.A and K sit down on a bench.
-END OF CHAPTER 22-