Chapter 3
Chapter 3
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: By Any Chance... a Healer?
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Finally, the night I'd been waiting for had arrived.
To think that I, who used to hate the dark and pitch-black nights, would end up eagerly awaiting one.
Life really is unpredictable.
I turned off all the lights in the room and drew the hideous curtain over the spot where sunlight was least likely to reach.
Just like that, the mysterious flower revealed itself, bathing the entire room in a blue glow.
"Whoa... It's always so incredibly beautiful, no matter how many times I see it."
My hand reached out carefully, touching the petals that shimmered with a soft light.
🌸 LUMINA BELL 🌸
A single lantern blooming in the depths of darkness Sensitive to light and noise, it contains highly pure mana
[Effects]
Promotes mana recovery Effective against mental fractures caused by mana overload
[Caution]
High chance of death upon exposure to light—handle with care
[Uses]
'Mana Recovery Potion'—A potion made by mixing flower sap with purified water. 'Lumina Tea'—Tea brewed from dried petals. Calms the mind and body.
Not only was it beautiful, but its effects were far too extraordinary for something harvested from a low-grade gate.
'It's unbelievable that no one knows about this yet.'
When I first got the info on this flower, I clutched my pounding heart and scoured every community out there.
Even the Plant Gallery and the most hardcore rumor mills had no clue—not even its name, let alone its effects.
'If people found out what this flower can do...'
I recalled that fire mage from the last gate raid, gasping about his mana running dry every time he unleashed an AoE skill.
If he knew about this flower's effects, he'd lose his mind and come charging.
And not just him—every magic awakener would go crazy for it.
Naturally, Lumina Bells would be wiped out in no time.
"It's fine."
Because I'd already secured mine.
I gazed fondly at the five seeds resting in my palm.
After learning they had a high chance of dying from light exposure, I'd lived with the lights off even at night.
Not satisfied with that, I'd bought a blackout curtain to completely shield it and wrapped the flower up tight.
Thanks to all that, I kept it alive and, without sleeping a wink, nurtured it with utmost care until I harvested these five seeds.
'What if I just post about it on the community myself?'
The thought popped into my head.
What if I spread the word about Lumina Bell's effects far and wide, dry up all the seeds out there, and then mass-cultivate them myself...?
Just imagining it sent thrills down my spine.
If that happened, the revenue would dwarf anything from internet streaming.
But the real kicker was something else.
'My post would definitely hit the featured list.'
Everyone would know my username.
Becoming a Plant Gallery legend—something I'd dreamed of for so long—would be just a matter of time...!
Given the current situation, I seemed to be the only one who could grow it anyway. Not a bad idea at all.
Clap!!
I slapped my soft cheeks with both hands.
"Not yet! Don't get ahead of yourself...!"
I could always spread the rumor after confirming whether I could reliably sprout the seeds.
Calming my excitement, I grabbed the prepared pots and planted the five seeds.
As I patted the soil on top with a satisfied smile—
Suddenly, unexpected text floated before my eyes.
⚠️ WARNING ⚠️
'Lumina Bell' seeds reject the soil.
[Conditions Not Met]
• Germination Condition: High-Purity Mana Soil
>• Mana Level: 0 / 100
※ Germination impossible in current environment.
'So... this means...'
I could sustain the flower's life with store-bought soil, but sprouting seeds from scratch? No dice.
'I have to hit another gate...?'
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The fact that 'healers' were extremely rare had become common knowledge among awakeners.
The problem? Healers with healing skills were starting to realize just how 'precious' they were.
Sure enough, similar posts began popping up on the awakener communities.
📰 Breaking News
[Healer Kim Sae-byeol < Making This Public] Even accounting for being a healer, this person's behavior is straight-up rude. Hogging all the gate clear rewards? Yeah, that's standard for them. But declaring no-heal just because a dealer pissed them off? Does that make any sense? And what healer doesn't even know skill mechanics? They tank hits, then shield up, heal when they feel like it, but cry mana shortage when you actually need it... Acting like the leader and giving dumb orders. Ugh... It's fucking infuriating. Top rankers, if you run into this person, do not let them into your party.
💬 Comments
— Sae-byeol Leader lololol
Her personality's infamous already ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
— Anonymous
But yeah, healers taking all clear rewards is standard... Otherwise they won't join parties...
— Anonymous
There are paid healers who join parties, so be grateful she came for free
— Anonymous
That's the mindset all healers have these days
— Anonymous
Just be thankful you got high-gate clear experience, EXP, and contribution points. That's best for your mental health ㅇㅇ
It was only a matter of time before rumors spread among awakeners that 'healer misbehavior is getting worse by the day.'
But most awakeners had no choice but to accept it.
Low- and mid-grade gates could be cleared by dealers pushing through together, but anything higher was straight-up impossible without a healer.
Even when complaint posts like these popped up, the majority opinion was to pamper and cater to them.
— Anonymous
Fuck, I awakened as a healer too and I'm out here causing chaos
— Anonymous
Why did the heavens birth me and not a healer...
— Anonymous
I wish I could regress one day and be reborn as a healer
— Anonymous
This shit sucks, why the fuck aren't I a healerㅔㅔㅔㅔ
Naturally, envy and resentment toward those living lavishly just for being healers started bubbling up everywhere.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"This is absolutely the last time I'm stepping into a gate."
Even if I had no choice this time for the soil...
After today, never again. No more gates, period.
I didn't want to be treated like dead weight just for being a healer.
Sigh. Who could I blame?
Myself, for awakening as a healer.
"Guess I need to stockpile a ton of soil."
Enough to never have to enter a gate again.
I grumbled to myself as I wandered near home, spotting the empty lot where my previous gate had vanished after being cleared.
I'd heard that after the first clear, the country decides whether to use it for resource farming or let it disappear.
Looked like that was true.
'It was crawling with spiders anyway—better off gone.'
I never wanted to set foot there again.
Shivering lightly, I kept searching for another gate, walking for what felt like ages.
How long had it been?
There, in the distance—a thick gray beam shooting into the sky.
Deep gray meant a low-grade gate.
Info I'd picked up from experience.
Hesitating, I approached the gate, and a friendly-looking man came over.
"Hello. Looking for a party by any chance?"
I nodded, and he beamed, introducing the kids huddled beside him.
"I'm Choi Han-ul, master of Sprout Guild. These are my guildmates."
The kids bowed repeatedly, eyes glued to my face.
Unlike the jaded vibe of my last party, this group brimmed with energy thanks to all the youngsters.
"First, could you tell me your name, age, and ability type?"
The word 'healer' rose to my throat but I swallowed it back down.
Memories of before were too fresh.
The urge to hide my class dominated my mind.
After agonizing for seconds, I decided on a mix of truth and lie.
"Name's Yi Chrog, twenty-two. Support-type mage..."
A bit of truth mixed in, so it should be fine... right?
"Support mage... Won't expect much DPS from you, then. But that's okay! I'll handle the dangerous monsters. Just stick with us to the end."
As he finished, he pointed to the '6' engraved on the gate's right side.
"As you see, this gate requires a full party of six to enter."
I'd thought you could just walk in—didn't know entry had a headcount requirement.
I filed that away in my mental database.
"Everyone's already paired up or in parties, so finding a single was tough. We waited quite a while for you, Chrog. Haha... Thank you for coming!"
Choi Han-ul's voice was as warm and genuine as he looked, even thanking me for showing up.
'Not all party members are bad apples.'
I gave him a quiet smile.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Unlike my trauma-inducing last party, these members were super friendly toward me.
"Unnie, you're way too cute! Can I pinch your cheeks?"
"Unnie! Unnie's got tons of followers, right? Let's follow each other after the gate!"
"Kids, you're making Chrog uncomfortable. Quit teasing and focus on the raid."
They seemed shy at first, but once we chatted, the kids wouldn't stop sparkling with excitement—adorable.
"Unnie! Monster ahead! Watch out!"
They even charged forward to smash the monsters swarming to protect me.
The backs of these kids, who looked about five years younger than me, felt incredibly reliable.
"Boss room coming up soon! Everyone, gear check!!"
At the guild master's command, the kids unpacked their bags, counting throwing weapons, polishing gear—each doing their prep.
Now was the time to fulfill my original goal for entering...
But after all the scolding from last time, my mouth wouldn't open easily.
After agonizing, I finally mustered the courage to approach Choi Han-ul.
"Um, sorry... Before the boss, could I scoop up some soil here?"
I bowed deeply, and his hearty laugh rang in my ears.
Caught off guard, I jerked my head up.
"Harvesting resources inside gates is a hunter's privilege—of course! Take as much as you want. Want me to help?"
"N-No... I can do it alone..."
Choi Han-ul rolled up his sleeves and started digging with his bare hands.
The kids burst out laughing, clutching their stomachs.
"Hahaha! Guild master digging dirt is hilarious!"
"Unnie! Why the sudden dirt-grabbing? Something good in this soil?"
"I'll help too!"
With their assistance, I gathered way more soil than planned.
My eyes stung; I quickly bowed my head.
"Alright. Let's move out! Ready, Chrog?"
As I nodded with a casual smile—
"Kyaaah—!"
A piercing scream from behind, followed by an urgent shout.
"Guild master! Big trouble! Check on Chae-eun!"
Turning toward the sound, I saw a girl collapsed, blood gushing from her leg.
"Sorry... Got careless and bit..."
Near her leg lay an insect monster, dead with its belly up.
The guild master dashed over without a word, pulling a green vial from his bag.
The injured girl waved him off frantically.
"Guild master! I'm fine, it doesn't hurt!"
"Quiet, you."
"If you use that on me, how'll you beat the boss... Please, I'm okay..."
The girl begging she was fine, don't waste it on her.
Choi Han-ul forcing the liquid onto her wound anyway.
I could guess the situation.
Raising both hands, I focused my mind.
'If they find out I lied and kick me out right now, that's fine.'
Warm, sparkling light gathered at my fingertips.
'Got the soil I wanted, and tons of help besides.'
The light floated toward the injured girl's leg.
It settled softly, soaking into the wound.
As if it had never been there, her leg was pristine.
Choi Han-ul stared at me in disbelief.
"Chrog, don't tell me..."
He must feel betrayed by my lie.
Brimming with guilt, I hung my head.
"You meant 'healer' when you said support mage...?"
As his words ended, every eye turned to me.