Chapter 72
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Contamination?
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I need to think about the chronological order.
An incident occurs, and a client emerges.
To steer that client's counseling in a positive direction, I prepare papers and materials.
And the yellow paper... is always tucked in among those materials.
The situation comes first, and the research follows.
But this time, things were a little different.
It's true that I studied it partly to prepare for dungeon PTSD...
But not specifically for a mass mental contamination crisis like this.
Yet the paper presented an example to me as if it had foreseen even this.
I asked the team leader on the other end of the line.
"Do I need to head over right now?"
Yes... I'm truly sorry, but...
The team leader's voice sounded rough.
Normally, all injuries from a dungeon fall entirely under the guild's responsibility.
No matter the casualties, they handle it internally.
Dungeons are competitive from the bidding stage onward. They dive in for the rewards inside, so that's only fair.
But this case is different.
The dungeon, Chain Hell, is a clear S-rank.
The instant it hits S-rank, it turns from a goldmine into a ticking time bomb.
Risks from breaks and clearing difficulty skyrocket exponentially, yet rewards have mostly matched A-rank ones so far.
So guilds steer clear.
But the danger level is max.
Someone has to shoulder it.
To curb avoidance, the Association set up a joint liability system.
Success on high-risk S-rank clears earns huge subsidies, with the Association sharing damage liability.
And now, that worst-case scenario hit.
As an Association counselor, I'm naturally in charge.
"Can you tell me any symptoms? Outward behavior or speech. Anything."
I asked for a quick status update.
Well... We haven't pinned down the exact situation yet, but...
They're showing sudden, impulsive outbursts. Trying to harm allies, pointless destruction, that sort...
"Got it. Heading out now. Vehicle'll get me there fast..."
No, Counselor. We already dispatched a vehicle. Should be at your place now.
Fast workers.
...Sent it before even calling, probably.
I didn't probe for more details.
I'll learn it all on-site anyway.
I stood up.
"Let's go."
And slipped on the white gown.
Arrived at the Association via their vehicle.
Inside buzzed with frantic activity the moment I stepped in.
- Clatter, clatter.
Dozens of staff dashed about, shuffling papers, shouting orders.
Then the team leader spotted me from across the room and bolted over.
"Counselor!"
I gave a slight nod in greeting.
His face was already ashen.
"Situation report, please."
Straight to the point.
"This way first."
He led me toward the control room.
Along the corridor, he briefed me briefly.
"The full raiding team from Dahae Guild's Chain Hell op is here at the Association."
"Total headcount?"
"Twenty-four, minus one minor injury."
He swallowed hard before continuing.
"No physical issues. But Vice Guild Master Sea King's emergency report, and our inspection team's verdict match."
"All of them... mentally contaminated."
Someone's face flashed in my mind.
My colleague, Mary.
She'd been exposed too.
Dungeon mental contamination is nasty tricky.
Not a mana-based debuff, so no mana heals work.
A-rank healing spells? Useless. S-rank potions? Zilch.
An S-rank healer's domain authority might cut it, but...
It's curse-like...
Only "known" fix? Time heals all—irresponsibly passive.
Suppress symptoms hard, isolate from outside max.
Care to smother outbreaks.
I swallowed dry.
This'll be a tough fight.
"Where are they now?"
Twenty-four? Only one spot fits.
'Otherworlder Isolation Facility.'
Bet that's it.
Close by, built massive for mass transfers, tons of empties lately.
"All transferred to Otherworlder Isolation Facility stat."
Nailed it.
Guess I'll bunk there awhile too.
Bonus: Care for Yu-wol on the side.
Yeah. Silver linings.
Association building links straight to the facility.
Short walk.
"Start with Vice Guild Master Sea King... er, Hunter Kang Min-ho."
Name slipped my mind a sec.
He's top dog, so chat him first.
"Yes. Sounds good."
Team leader messaged someone, nodded.
Hit the situation room.
Like with Seol Yu-wol before, counseling room to his iso quarters' visiting area.
"Moving out now."
"Yes. Room 314."
Followed his lead down the hall.
Stopped at 314.
Deep breath.
Mental contamination? Wildcard manifestation.
Zero predict ahead...
"Take care of me."
Muttered to thin air.
[( •̀ ω •́ )✧]
Just trust me, User!
Snorted at the cocky reply, stepped in.
Room dark.
Sole light: Beyond thick glass wall, his room's lamp.
Bed: Middle-aged man curled fetal, head buried in knees.
"……."
Sensed me, stayed put.
"Hunter Kang Min-ho. You alright?"
Opened soft.
Checked his status simultaneous.
I failed. Guildmates' contamination is all my fault—I can't bear the guilt. Terrified. Never cut out for leadership. Just... drop it all, crawl back to Mom's warm arms.
Worse than expected.
Rambling mess screams...
Negatives hyper-amplified.
Slow approach to glass.
Soft voice again.
"Hunter Kang Min-ho. You're safe now."
Middle-aged man peeked head up at words, eyes met.
Blank stare through tangled hair.
"...Who're you."
Voice grated like rust on steel.
"Counselor Yoo Seon-woo, here to help..."
"...No words."
Head down again.
Clear rejection: No talky.
Tried again.
[Beep!]
Dangerous...
[(｡•́︿•̀｡)]
Next query: Target aggression probability—96%
Yikes.
Mouth shut.
Now what.
No talk means no moves from me.
But time's burning—can't stall.
Twenty-three more waiting.
X-sign to camera: No-go chat.
Next patient maybe wiser.
Stood, no regrets.
Out visiting room, back control.
"Can't even talk."
Team leader's face fell.
"Ah... Got it..."
"Next lead?"
"Uh... Hunter Mary, I think."
"Her."
Yeah.
Acquaintance, quick win priority.
Straight to her counseling room per guide.
Door open slow.
Unlike Kang's gloom, hers blazed bright.
Bed center: Purple-haired woman perched.
Mystical locks shifting hues with light.
Fresh clothes, comfy vibe.
"Wow."
Grinned wide at sight of me, hopped off bed light.
"Doctor~"
Playful wave.
Chuckled back, closed in.
Status check sync.
Long-lost '''fellow trainee'''. His doc coat fits too damn perfect.
Suitable Response [90% Satisfaction]
Long time no see. You okay? Any pain?
Main Stance looked clean.
"Long time no see. You okay? Any pain?"
Kept rolling.
"Nope~?"
Arms up like checkup clear.
Full spin showcase.
"Good to hear..."
Pondered next.
'You're contaminated.'
That's the gist to deliver. Polishing delivery.
But Mary clocked my hesitation, nodded.
"Don't fret. Know why you're here."
"Long time no see... but such a downer spot."
Head up slight.
Mary eased in.
"Mental contamination... shocked me too. Thought I dodged it."
"Knew team had issues in-dungeon. Off behaviors."
"Me? Fine. Figured not targeted... but nope, contaminated."
Mary drifted to the massive reinforced glass divider.
Leaned full body in.
- Squish...
"But Seon-woo. Your take?"
Body smooshed flat 'gainst glass.
Locked eyes steady.
"Do I... really seem contaminated?"
Faint smile with it.
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