Chapter 17
Chapter 17
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 17
Chapter Title: Miracle Healer
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💬 Comments — User123 We decided to call this a miracle. — MiracleFan A wound like that healing in 5 seconds? First time in the world, right? — BroadcastWatcher Amazing! How does she say that stuff live on air? — JusticeSeeker Means she was that pissed! JBC was totally messing with people's lives. ⭐ Top Comment — RealTalk Yeah. If Jeong Sia had followed the host's cue and used her skill, that guy would've died for sure. — CharityNow Instead of typing here, let's donate to help those in need. — AlreadyDonating Already doing it! — GlobalNews It's blowing up overseas too. They say Jeong Sia is the real deal—not just hyping her value, but genuinely values life. — ChillsFan I agree! Gave me chills seeing her rush over and heal right away. — SimpAlert Sia noona is my girl from now on. — LegendHeart Not just a legendary trait—her heart's legendary too. Calling them out on live TV? As she gets more famous, JBC crumbles. — JBC_Hater JBC plays with lives. They deserve to go under! — ChangedMind I thought Jeong Sia was just acting nice for a better deal. But no, she's real. — AngelWings She's an angel. — ProudKorean I'm proud Jeong Sia is Korean. And all the others helping people with their traits. Keep it up, everyone! In the taxi heading to Jeong Sia's house.
"Sia's popularity is skyrocketing, noona."
"Me? Why?"
"Check this out. Videos of you are already going viral."
I showed Jeong Sia the phone screen with the video and comments.
"Whoa..."
Jeong Sia's expression shifted constantly as she couldn't close her mouth.
"Glad people are taking it well."
"They should. You put your beliefs over the broadcast. Anyone could see it was righteous."
"No, it's not like that..."
Embarrassed by my praise, Jeong Sia trailed off, her face flushing red.
That's when someone chimed in.
"It was righteous, so be proud. Jeong Sia."
It was the taxi driver, who'd been listening to our conversation.
"I'm a fan starting today. Haha."
Jeong Sia bowed her head politely at his words.
"Thank you. I'll do my best."
At this point, she was practically a public figure in Korea.
'How did they kill her without a trace?'
It was a murder that would've drawn worldwide attention, yet no culprit caught. Bizarre.
'Or did history change?'
There's that butterfly effect.
My small actions might've altered the big flow.
'Anyway, I just need to save Sia. And scout skeleton candidates on the side.'
The Resurrection Church was doomed to follow its fated path.
Killing Hyeon A-rin was personal, but it forced their options to extremes.
"We're here."
The taxi pulled up in front of Jeong Sia's house.
"Thanks for the ride, sir."
"Sure thing. Go get 'em, Jeong Sia!"
"Thank you!"
With bright farewells, Jeong Sia and I got out and headed inside.
"Here, Han."
She brought over the brown carrot juice she'd given me before, right after sitting on the sofa.
"Drink up."
I took the glass and asked,
"You not having any, noona?"
"Tastes awful."
"This was a dump?"
Figured. She'd only fed it to me last time too.
"Dump? Mom sent it! You gotta stay healthy to protect me like today. Drink lots!"
Can't even talk right.
As I swallowed the juice full of her mom's love—me, an outsider—someone rang the bell.
Park Jeong-hwa's stiff face appeared on the intercom screen.
"Huh? Unni's already here."
Guess it's urgent.
They'd need a new plan to fully claim Jeong Sia.
The door opened.
"Unni."
Park Jeong-hwa entered with a sour expression.
Just the face I wanted to see. Her real self, not the mask pretending to care for Jeong Sia.
She glared at me instead of greeting.
The awkward air thickened.
"Carrot juice?"
I tried to lighten it up.
"You punched announcer Kim Hyun-seong?"
My efforts went poof with her words.
If she wanted to fight that bad, fine.
"I got hurt blocking him from lunging at noona. Self-defense, plain as day."
Playing her game.
"But that JBC you work at? Den of lunatics, right?"
"Den of lunatics?"
"Yeah. Bringing a dying guy and demanding a heal? Not sane."
"What? Not sane?"
Park Jeong-hwa glared daggers.
"Why stare? Oh, right. Was it your idea?"
She started to snap back excitedly, then glanced at Jeong Sia.
"N-no? I didn't know."
As expected.
She couldn't risk upsetting Jeong Sia now.
"Oh? Thought you were in on it."
I eyed Park Jeong-hwa steadily.
"So you agree with noona? JBC crossed the line."
"Y-yeah."
Done.
She couldn't probe the incident further now.
"Good thing your thinking differs from those crazies. Noona was worried you'd be offended."
I saw Park Jeong-hwa trembling, but oh well.
If you're dirty, shut up.
But this woman hadn't wasted her years.
"Lee Han, right?"
"What trait lets you punch Kim Hyun-seong so boldly? If he had one, you'd both be in danger."
Subtly chiding my impulsiveness, probing my trait.
'Sees me as an obstacle.'
She could've asked Jeong Sia anyway.
"Since we'll work together, Necromancer-type trait. Handles summons."
Straight truth.
"Oh? Necromancer?"
"Level? Tell us, we're partners. We share Sia's secrets, so this much is fine."
"Even level?"
"Yeah. Need to know if we rely on you in danger."
"Fair."
I nodded and lied about my level.
"Hit 10 now. Got the trait recently."
"Whoa? Level 10 already? Fast!"
Jeong Sia's genuine surprise sold it.
She doesn't lie.
"Level 10, got it."
Park Jeong-hwa nodded, relieved.
"Level's low, but I'll protect noona. Don't worry."
"Not sure level 10 can, but okay. Heart matters."
Now she saw me as disposable anytime.
With our chat wrapped, Jeong Sia clapped sharply.
"Alright! Your pissing contest's over. Get along from now on!"
"Got it, noona."
I would—until they tried killing her.
"Park Jeong-hwa's too formal, noona's too young for the gap. Aunt?"
I suggested first.
"Sure. Aunt sounds family-like."
Her voice softened. I smiled.
"Got it, aunt. Speak casually."
She smiled back.
"Okay, Hana. Casual it is."
Thus, we became temporary allies, hiding true intentions.
"Unni."
Jeong Sia called.
"Something bad happen to your niece?"
Park Jeong-hwa's face hardened instantly.
Hard to hide grief.
Hyeon A-rin poisoned right before the "medicine" collar—mystery killer.
"Yeah, something. But it's handled. No biggie."
"Good. Was worried."
Why hide it? Obvious.
'If Sia hears the niece died but they still drag her to church, even she'd suspect.'
Reassure, take her, poison with drugs or cult leader's trait trickery.
'No plan to revive Hyeon A-rin?'
Sia would've used [Resurrection] if asked nicely.
'Dodged a headache. Good for me.'
I knew Hyeon A-rin's potential; they didn't, like Taesan.
'Or cult leader's status overshadows, or some other scheme.'
Current time: 6:10 PM.
'Hope Resurrection Church tries killing Sia tonight.'
I want levels fast.
Parking lot of a church in Yangju, Gyeonggi-do.
"Unni, this the Resurrection Church?"
"Yeah. Get out."
I stepped out of Park Jeong-hwa's car.
'Big.'
Gazed up at the massive church with white cross.
'They know they're shady? No name.'
No sign anywhere.
Bit back cult jab.
'Her choice.'
Sia decided; I shouldn't interfere.
"Worship first, then see the pastor."
We followed Park Jeong-hwa to the entrance. Eyes turned as we neared.
"Welcome, Deacon Park."
"Hi, Deacon Park. Isn't that Jeong Sia?"
"It is! Korea's first legendary healer!"
"Saw the broadcast. Haha!"
All knew her.
Park Jeong-hwa sidled up, arm around Sia's shoulders, introducing.
"Hi everyone. Sia, these are Resurrection Church elders. This is Han Do-cheol Steel's Executive Director Lee Hyuk-kwon. That one's Choi Do-ha Police Chief, and over there, Congressman Jeong Woo-young..."
Impressive lineup.
'Big shots?'
Why join a cult with success?
'Lee Si-woo has some special power.'
Beyond eloquence.
"Hello. Yes. Hi, I'm Jeong Sia. Yes. Nice to meet you."
Sia smiled, greeting the circle.
Chatting ate time.
"Save talk for after service."
"Right. Service soon. In we go."
8 PM.
Crowd filed in.
"C'mon, Sia."
I followed to the sanctuary.
"Front row. Receive grace close to pastor."
Park Jeong-hwa grabbed Sia's wrist for front.
"No, unni. Back."
Sia refused expected compliance.
"Huh? Why?"
"Wanna observe from back. The church."
"Okay. Sit comfy."
I sat beside her at rear.
But prickling gaze. Looked around—source obvious.
Kim Hyun-seong, gut-punched by me on air, glaring from afar.
'Why he smirked on broadcast.'
Likely many cultists at JBC.
Hard for two to snag a dying man for TV.
I waved casually at him. Nice seeing a familiar face.
He didn't agree.
'Petty guy.'
He flushed, turned away sharply.
Then,
Hymns echoed. Lee Si-woo in gray suit appeared.
Innocent handsome face, but squinting smile oozed dangerous cult leader vibe.
'What'll he say?'
"That's our Pastor Lee Si-woo. Gives half tithes to poor. Once you're in, we'll build a hospital under Resurrection Church, centered on you."
Park Jeong-hwa whispered nonstop beside Sia, reeling her in.
Legendary healer hospital?
If built, I'd smash it.
Short on levels for Demon Realm war, waste her there? No.
"Yes, unni. Pastor does great work."
I cocked head inwardly at Sia's calm reply.
Same vibe greeting at entrance.
Off.
"Today's word is..."
Lee Si-woo's sermon began. Mundane. No forced faith push.
How'd he hook so many?
Maybe direct talk with Sia reveals.
"Amen."
Service ended.
Lee Si-woo left without mentioning or eyeing Sia.
'Power play?'
Ignoring her on purpose. Even legendary healer beneath him?
"Sia, to the pastor's office."
Park Jeong-hwa stood first. Sia stayed seated.
"Huh? C'mon, Sia."
She urged again.
Sia turned to her.
Quietly opened her mouth.