The Healer Saves the Guild

As soon as I opened the front door, I was greeted by my mom, looking healthier than ever. The warmth of the space was a far cry from the cold, lifeless home it had been before my regression.

"Son, you're back! Dinner?!"

Seeing her without a trace of illness filled me with joy. Riding the momentum, I flashed a smile and shouted,

"Mom, let's get ready to move!!"

The government-provided housing would be better security-wise than our current apartment. The infrastructure would be top-notch too. Things were quiet now, but soon enough, guilds would start hounding me. Maybe even Cheonsu Guild.

It might be smart to join a guild that could protect me. Unfortunately, with no offensive skills, I didn't have many options.

"Aigoo."

I flopped onto the bed and checked my banking app on my smartphone. Thirty million won had been deposited as my monthly upkeep allowance. It was more like a state pension, really. I'd heard there were even packing and moving services these days.

"My goodness, living the high life thanks to my son."

Mom was grinning ear to ear as she checked her hunter registration card. Seeing her prouder than I was made me smile too. She laughed, saying she'd handle the move herself and not to worry.

While we were at it, I should resolve the guild issue as quickly as possible. Honestly, any place would be better than where I'd lived before regression. Compared to that roach-infested dump, this apartment felt like a luxury hotel.

"...So much has happened in just a few days."

First, I needed some sleep. I slowly reached for my favorite blanket, the soft scent lulling my eyelids shut.

"Son, you gonna sleep all day? You said we'd order chicken for dinner~."

Mom's voice woke me. I'd dreamed something, but it slipped away upon waking.

Viiiing. Viiiing.

Reluctantly emerging from the cozy blanket, I saw my phone vibrating on the desk. The caller ID read Baldi Guild—I'd saved it before.

"Hello?"

The staff's voice was soft and gentle, a world away from my porter days. But I got it—the attitude shift made sense.

"Yes, that's me."

Acting like subbing in once entitled them to me? My impression of Baldi Guild was already poor, especially after learning their ties to Cheonsu. I wanted nothing to do with them.

My response was clear.

"Sorry. How did you hear about me, anyway?"

Her voice dripped with glee and greed. The politeness faded into condescension.

"Sorry. Hanging up."

I ended it before the yelling peaked. The screen revealed stacks of missed calls and texts.

I skimmed the endless texts and opened the news app. No need to search—the headline blared on the main page.

Reading the article and comments made my heart pound. Some snarky ones slipped in, but most were welcoming. Fewer malicious comments than expected! Maybe because no Kang Ga-young connection yet. If there were hate, Mom would've been heartbroken.

Viiiing. Viiiing.

"Hello?"

"...Ah, Cheonsu Guild, right?"

"Sorry. Hanging up."

Click!

I blocked without hesitation, but another vibration sparked anger. So pushy when I'd said no.

"Hello? Look, these calls are really uncomfortable. I don't know where you got my number, but from now on..."

I startled and checked the screen—Jeong Ye-na.

"Huh? No, sorry, my bad. Mistook you for someone. I've been hounded by a persistent guild."

"What's up?"

Her voice trailed off. Dinner, huh. She was the only hunter I knew right now. Might be useful in a pinch.

"Oh yeah, you're with Baldi Guild, right?"

Kang Ga-young spotting talent like Ye-na hadn't changed. She'd grow into a powerhouse.

"...Yeah. Seems so."

Surprised she hadn't jumped at it. It was her big break. Not because of me, right? Why did it feel like it might be?

"Sure. I'll take that meal as payment for the heal. Text me place and time."

Her bright voice made me smile unwittingly. In the living room, Mom was watching news on the sofa.

"Son, isn't that about you?"

The TV showed the article's content. Embarrassing, but being an accidental good son felt nice.

"Mom, got plans tonight."

"Okay, okay. Busy man. Be safe."

I changed quickly and headed out. The breeze felt refreshingly cool.

Ye-na's spot was a swanky restaurant. Modern, stylish interior—familiar from SNS. Pre-regression, I'd only hit places like this after meeting Kang Ga-young.

"Here!!"

Heavier makeup than I remembered, but it suited her. Simple office wear matched her cool vibe.

"Sorry for the wait."

"No, just took a taxi."

I pondered the menu. Not familiar, so maybe go with recommendations.

After ordering, I broke the ice first. Awkward silence otherwise.

"Cheonsu scouting you sounds like a golden opportunity."

"...Yeah. They've contacted you too, right?"

"Yep. Hey, if it's cool, drop the formalities? Don't know many hunters. Just awakened, y'know."

Pre-regression, we'd been oppa-dongsaeng briefly. 'Seojun-ssi' felt weirdly awkward.

"Whoa! For real? Then... oppa it is!"

"Yeah. Ahem. Anyway, bottom line: no Cheonsu for me. Penalty fee makes it tempting, though. For your sake too."

"True. But... I wanna join whatever guild you pick, oppa."

She subtly wanted me in Cheonsu. Makes sense—guild with top healer safest. But Ye-na needed to leave Baldi for Cheonsu to bloom. Only they could break that scam contract.

"What's the next best after Cheonsu?"

"After Cheonsu? They're overwhelmingly #1. Rest are meh. Pania Guild's close but... not like their glory days."

"...Hmm. Yeah?"

"Others are mid-tier like Baldi or small fries."

Pre-regression survival blinded me, but Cheonsu dominated hard. Pania worth a look?

Food arrived; I dug in naturally. Tender meat, fresh salad.

Realizing the quiet, I glanced at Ye-na.

"Not eating?"

She stared blankly, expression a mix of joy and surprise. What? Food not good?

"Oh. Just... your table manners are so polished."

"...Ah. This."

Phone vibrated—not a call, short buzz.

"What? Check it, oppa!"

"Text? Nah, email."

Her urgency made me hurry. First line drew a troubled sigh.