Return of Overthinker

Chapter 2

"So where should I begin?" I pondered while casually walking past the high school building on my way to the cafeteria. The air carried a hint of late afternoon coolness, marking the shift from day to evening. In this mountainous village area, the nights were notably chilly.

People in military uniforms oversaw this high school. Although it was a high school, students had already canceled their studies since the monster outbreak, and this high school building was repurposed for teaching people with abilities. Individuals of all ages were present here, as long as they bore a symbol on their hand indicating them as ability users. They were gathered here, and their families were also taken to the nearest facility, where they received second-class treatment.

Those with the symbol received first-class treatment, on par with the rich and powerful individuals. Refugees, on the other hand, received only third-class treatment in the shelter.

I joined the 10-person queue in the cafeteria, plate in my hand, observing my fellow symbol-bearers. The symbols etched on the back of their hands were like open books, narrating tales of their powers. I noted how, in two or three years, once the meanings of these symbols became common knowledge, most would choose to conceal them, fearing the exploitation of their vulnerabilities.

It's just like, ‘Hey, see my symbol, my power is fire... please, which one of you is water and ice, please hit me and kill me.’

Humans were ugly inside and outside when arrogance, pride, and greed controlled them. They even resorted to killing each other, including the ability users.

I placed my plate in front of the kitchen staff, patiently awaiting them to fill it. Food was in short supply due to the crisis caused by the monster outbreak. First-class individuals like us received vegetables and meat, while those in the third class typically had only bread and plain porridge.

Finding a secluded spot in the cafeteria, near the kitchen yet tucked away in a corner, I sat down. This vantage point allowed me to observe everyone's symbols as they queued, as I began to formulate a plan.

My ability was “Overthinking.” In its first phase, I possessed the unique capability to think like two people simultaneously, coupled with a photographic memory. With diligent training, this ability promised exponential growth: soon I could think like four, then eight, and eventually, if I reached the capacity of 128 people thinking at once, I might even glimpse brief snippets of the future, piecing together outcomes from the myriad data I collected.

In the cafeteria, I meticulously observed each individual, recording and collecting data about them and their symbols, one by one. This information was crucial; without it, my overthinking ability would be rendered ineffective, like a computer without data to process.

I was immediately captivated by an elderly woman, who appeared to be in her mid-50s or early 60s. Her face bore an expression of profound sadness. It was only a few months after the outbreak, and people had yet to regain any stability, lingering in uncertainty about the future. As heroes, people looked to us for hope, and we remained unaware of our true potential. Amidst the heavy responsibilities, discovering a smile was a rare occurrence. Her symbol held an SS-grade rarity, signifying an ability of utmost importance in guild formation.

‘It's a cheat-level ability.’

Surprisingly, I didn't recognize her, as those bearing such a symbol were often among the wealthiest and most sought after by other ability users. Perhaps she was one of the people who died within a year.

‘Damn, SS grade abilities get buried before it even has a chance to shine.’

I realized that I must establish a connection with her, gaining her trust and persuading her to join my guild, Eden. For now, as the queue slowly advanced, I continued to gather information, waiting for the opportune moment to approach her.

Finally, after an hour, she finished her meal and sat alone in a corner. Seizing the opportunity, I went to the kitchen, procuring a couple of fruit desserts. Approaching her with a calculated blend of confidence and humility, I placed one of the desserts before her.

"Here is your dessert," I said, offering the fruit to her, my mind already racing with strategies to engage her in conversation and gently weave her into my plans.

"Thanks," She replied, slightly taken aback by my sudden approach. Her eyes briefly met mine, a mix of curiosity and caution in her gaze.

“May I sit here?” I asked, hoping to initiate a conversation.

“Yes,” she responded, allowing me to sit across from her at the table.

“I am Alex,” I introduced myself, extending an olive branch of familiarity.

“I am Yelica,” she replied, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.

We ate in silence for a moment before I ventured a question, “Have you understood your ability yet?”

“This?” Yelica displayed the back of her hand, revealing her symbol. “I received it about a month ago. I'm still trying to understand it. And yours?”

“Somewhat,” I said, downplaying my overthinking ability. “Since receiving this, my thinking has improved significantly. But it might just be a trivial ability,” I added with a laugh, trying to ease the atmosphere.

Yelica continued eating, her expression tinged with sadness. “I wish I had a healing ability.”

“Healing ability?” I echoed, intrigued.

“Yes,” she sighed. “Those with healing abilities are highly sought after and protected. I'm old now. My husband and son were injured by a monster. The hospitals are overwhelmed. I don’t desire to be an attacker; I just want to be there for them, especially my grandson.”

My mind raced, processing this new information rapidly, and a conclusion emerged. “Would you be willing to trade your ability for a healing one?”

“Can you do that?” she asked, a flicker of hope in her eyes.

“Not immediately, but I think I can attempt to exchange your ability for a healing one. Give me 48 hours. It's within the realm of my abilities. What do you think?”

Yelica, still skeptical, half-jokingly agreed. “Well, you can try. I really hope I can get the healing ability.”

Seizing the moment, I proposed a temporary pact. “Let's make a simple agreement,” I suggested, extending my right hand for a handshake. “For the next two days, I'll give you 50% of my ability, and you'll give me 50% of yours. This will aid me in finding a healing ability for you.”

Yelica looked at me with a newfound sense of hope, her eyes brightening. "How about this: you can use my ability fully for two days, but in return, you must find me a healing ability?"

"Deal," I said, affirming the agreement as we shook hands.

As our hands clasped, a resonant sound echoed in our minds.

[Pact is Sealed]

Yelica's face registered shock. "Is this your ability?"

"For now, it is," I replied.

‘No, it is your ability to make a deal. But now, it is temporarily mine.’

She asked, "Do you really believe I can get a healing ability in two days?"

"99% sure," I assured her.

Tears welled up in Yelica's eyes. "I need it desperately. I have cancer, and without proper medical care, I don't have long. Please help me."

"I will," I promised solemnly.

Having analyzed about 68 out of the 100 people here, I identified 6 with healing abilities. My first task was to connect with them.