Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Nayeo-ju Saves the World
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I heard the footsteps of people quickly receding behind my collapsed back.
"Run away while it's eating that one!"
I've become the "sacrifice."
To the miners, and to Kang Han as well.
Witnessing an "innocent sacrifice" right before his eyes and staking his life to protect that person.
This was the keyword to unlock Kang Han's first skill restriction.
However, in [Sejong Wall], Kang Han fails his skill reawakening in this Mansu Mountain Dungeon.
Just like how the miners abandoned him as a sacrifice and fled.
But right now, I perfectly matched the "innocent sacrifice" condition.
'But still.'
Saliva drooled from the monster's mouth as it stared at me.
"Grrr..."
That bastard was smacking its lips at the sight of me.
While I locked eyes with the wingbat in a staring contest, Kang Han never stayed still for a second.
He kept desperately trying to summon his ability, Electric Current, but the skill—still not fully unlocked—only produced tiny sparks.
"Shit."
Honestly, I could still try running away right now.
No guarantee it'd work, though.
But instead of forcing power into my legs to flee, I curled my body up tight.
"Die once, die twice."
This was exactly why I'd come to find Kang Han at this point in time on my own two feet.
To trigger the skill reawakening that wouldn't happen until much later due to some other incident—make it happen today.
Of course, I hadn't expected me to be the "sacrifice."
"Kieek!"
The monster let out a piercing screech and charged at me.
I curled up as tightly as possible, watching it slice through the air like a shot arrow.
And finally, the horrific sensation hit as sharp claws dug into my shoulder and arm, raking across them.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[Using skill 'Body Healing'.]
Work on my body too, please!
I don't wanna die leaving 25 billion won on the table!
I saw a faint glow shimmer over the wound from the wingbat just as the impact of the attack sent my body tumbling fully backward.
At the same time, the monster kicked off the cave wall and shot toward me like a bullet for its second strike.
Did I... fail?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Kang Han was furious.
At the people who'd thrown the weakest one to the monster as bait and run.
And more than anyone, at his own utter powerlessness.
He clenched his jaw so hard the muscles bulged, straining with all his might, but his hands only crackled with feeble electric currents.
His vision brimmed with system alerts—so familiar they made his teeth grind.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[Cannot activate skill 'Electric Current'.] [Please unlock the skill restriction.] [Cannot activate skill 'Electric Current'.] [Please unlock the skill restriction.] [Cannot activate skill 'Electric Current'.] [Please unlock the skill restriction.]
The horrific massacre of the 5th Dungeon Break flashed by.
The black gate where neither his mother nor the Justice Guild hunters—who'd been like family—survived. The hellish screams echoing vividly in his ears.
Years had passed since, but the restrictions from his "forced awakening in crisis" remained.
"Damn it!"
He couldn't just stand there blankly watching another innocent die.
Better to die than feel that helplessness.
Kang Han kicked off the ground and charged forward.
To block the monster's attack with his body, at least.
Or to die in place of that innocent woman.
That was when it happened.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[System recognizes 'innocent sacrifice'.] [System recognizes your noble sacrificial spirit.] [Your action judged as 'righteous fury'.]
Unfamiliar alerts scrolled up one after another.
Then, moments later, they all vanished, replaced by a new window.
⚔ STATUS ⚔
💪 Stamina: 40%
⚡ SKILL ACTIVATED ⚡
Skill 'Electric Current' → 'Punisher's Lightning'
[Reawakened]
"Gasp!"
Kang Han's charging body staggered once.
It hurt.
At the same time, a vicious pleasure like electric current raced down his spine.
Every cell in his body awoke in cheers, just like at his first awakening.
Power surged through him.
And Kang Han instinctively knew.
Now it's possible.
Now, I can save that woman.
Flash-!
Accelerating further, his body launched like a spring toward the monster.
At the same time, Kang Han raised one hand high.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[Using skill 'Punisher's Lightning (S)'.]
A golden flash gleamed in Kang Han's green eyes.
And finally, standing firm like a guardian before the fallen Nayeo-ju...
Crackle-!
A lightning-like bolt shot from his outstretched right hand toward the incoming wingbat.
"Keaak!"
The monster couldn't even scream properly.
Poof-
The instant it was struck, its body stiffened, then oxidized into black dust.
"Haa, haa."
Kang Han panted raggedly, staring down at his hands.
As if to confirm it wasn't a dream, threatening yellow currents danced across his scarred, rough palms.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Sa... saved."
I really thought I was goner.
Head spun so hard from the shock.
But soon, the rising system window proved it wasn't just dizziness.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
[Self-healing penalty applied.] [Used 60% stamina to heal fatal wound.] [Remaining stamina 15%]
Warn me first, damn it.
"Ugh..."
And it wasn't even fully healed.
Vision blurred as I clutched the still-bleeding wound.
Is this what passing out feels like?
First time in my 23 healthy years.
Second in this world, technically.
The sensation of something solid catching my limply slumping body came just before I fully blacked out. The last thing I saw: Kang Han's green eyes, still flickering with yellow lightning afterimages.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Aigoo, my poor aching body."
I opened my eyes to a familiar hospital room and a familiar face.
Not Kang Han, but the doctor from last time.
"This time, you got carted in from mining in a dungeon."
The doctor shook his head in disbelief.
"You live such a dynamic life, Nayeo-ju-ssi."
"Blame my rough fate."
No ordinary fate lands you isekai'd into a fantasy novel, fighting monsters and fainting.
The long claws digging into flesh still felt vivid.
"Ugh."
I checked my injured arm first.
Thankfully, the wound had vanished without a scar.
'Show my current stamina.'
⚔ STATUS ⚔
💪 Stamina: 40%
Yeah, still recovering.
Per the window before I collapsed, self-healing a fatal wound cost 60% stamina.
Meaning it only healed enough to keep me alive.
And impossible if stamina dipped below 60%.
Some penalty imposed on me. As I pondered that, the doctor spoke up.
"I treated the wound on your arm, Nayeo-ju-ssi."
"Ah, thank you."
Isn't that his job? But I bowed anyway.
A low chuckle came from above.
"Not fishing for thanks—we need top healers like you at our Awakener Hospital."
"Uh, you mean... right now..."
"Yes, a scouting offer."
"Didn't know you were an awakener too, Doc."
Made sense, though. Someone had to patch up all the broken, slashed, torn hunters on raids.
"Sorry, but I've got a guild in mind already."
"No room for negotiation with anyone else?"
He looked genuinely regretful, eyebrows drooping.
"Nope."
Handsome, sure. White coat suited him. But not enough to sway Nayeo-ju.
"Then you're in a bit of a bind."
He turned on the TV as he said it.
「New A-Rank Healer, 23-Year-Old Seoul Resident Nayeo-ju, Revealed」
My name blared huge across the massive screen.
"Wait, they can just expose people's personal info like that?!"
"Media's obsession with hunters is blind."
Even my registration photo was plastered there.
The screen flipped, showing an excited reporter.
The background looked oddly familiar.
No way, that's...
「"Yes! We're in front of the Awakener Hospital where Nayeo-ju Hunter is admitted! From what we know so far, A-Rank rookie Nayeo-ju-ssi was one of the victims in the Incheon Mansu Mountain Dungeon incident. Why was the buzzed-about A-Rank healer mining in a dungeon? The reason's still unknown! Rumors say she's linked to Justice Guild Master Kang Han's skill reawakening..."」
The reporter was practically yelling, veins bulging—not entirely wrong—when four luxury cars with that rich sheen pulled up to the hospital's main entrance. Cameras whipped around.
「"Ah! The four major guild masters just arrived at the hospital! Likely here to recruit the hospitalized Nayeo-ju Hunter! In order: Camellia Guild's Yu Myeong-hwa Hunter, Sama Guild's Sama Young Hunter, Fantasia's Seong Rosa Hunter, and... ah! As expected, Maestro Guild sends proxy Vice-Master Geum Eun-dong Hunter!"」
Dozens of cameras flashed at the four lined up.
"Ah, that's why."
"They already know you're in the VIP ward, Nayeo-ju-ssi."
The doctor adjusted his silver-framed glasses with a smirk.
"They're reps of the big four guilds—good to get on familiar terms. But..."
"Doctor."
"Yes, Nayeo-ju-ssi."
"Where's the back door?"
He smiled back.
"Knew you'd ask—path to the back's cleared."
I yanked the IV from my hand, changed clothes in a hurry.
Cracked the room door; a staffer waited to guide me out back.
"Thanks, Doc. Let's not meet again!"
Rushed out warily, but a vague sense of déjà vu hit.
His name tag on the white coat.
Felt familiar somehow.
But priority one: escape the big four guilds.
Shook it off, quickened my steps.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The four hunters pursuing rookie A-Rank healer Nayeo-ju shoved past reporters into the elevator.
Fantasia Guild Master Seong Rosa's long white fingers elegantly pressed the 13th floor button.
[Doors closing.]
The square space filled only with the elevator's low hum amid mechanical chimes.
Her cherry lips parted, shattering the silence thick enough to hear blinking.
"Fucking bastards sniff it out fast."
Maestro's proxy Guild Master Geum Eun-dong yelped, cowed.
"Wh-who's one to talk! We're pissed too!"
"Don't fight, both of you. Keep it up, might turn you into kids."
Camellia Guild Master Yu Myeong-hwa—the ex-MMA champ leading an all-women guild—said with a grin, teeth gritted.
The silent one, fixated on rising numbers: Sama Young.
Unlike the others, mere A-Rank, but confident. Biggest of the four guilds, backed by chaebol Sama Group.
Ding!
Doors opened with a cheery tone; the four stormed out, whipping up wind.
Thud, thud. Step, step.
The quiet VIP ward corridor buzzed briefly with urgent footsteps.
Then the door labeled "Nayeo-ju" swung open.
"Nayeo-ju-ssi?"
Impatient Yu Myeong-hwa even checked the bathroom—room totally empty.
"Shit, she's supposed to be here!"
"Name plate says this is ri-right. M-maybe getting tests..."
"Said she's fine! Gonna beat that info broker half to death."
"Samsung-dong info guy?"
"Yeah, you too? Fuck, me too!"
Notorious rivals Yu Myeong-hwa and Seong Rosa bonded at last, plotting maximal pain for the Samsung-dong broker without killing him.
Quietly standing Sama Young stepped forward.
Long legs to the bed; placed hand on rumpled sheets.
Faint warmth lingered.
He smirked, murmuring low.
"She bolted."
Red tongue slowly licked his still-smiling lips.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Near Jongno Cheonggyecheon.
Arrived at a faded 4-story building.
Cracked, discolored tiles led up to starkly weathered letters.
「Justice Guild」
This was the reality of the Justice Guild—once Korea's savior, top of the big five.
I slipped into the dim building.
"Ha, seriously."
Elevator had a huge "out of order" sign.
Good thing awakeners had sub-spaces.
Almost had to lug heavy bags up four flights.
"Alright, let's do this."
Up creaky, dark stairs to the top floor.
Catching my breath before the frosted glass door reading "Justice Guild Office," I pushed in.
First sight: two guys in the shabby office.
Silver hair, blue eyes, yeti-like: S-Rank ice mage Han Ji-seong.
Big lug with gentle droopy eyes wide at me: A-Rank shielder Jang Su-ho.
Both "defective goods"—serious flaws overlooked by other guilds, washed up here.
Whether hearing me climb or shocked by a rare visitor, they were on high alert.
"Who are you? What's your business?"
Jang Su-ho asked, stunned.
Deep breath. Pulled two huge bags from sub-space, thumped them on the floor.
"I'm Nayeo-ju."
Ziiiip.
Zipped open to reveal stacks of 1-million-won bills.
"Here to buy Justice Guild."
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