Chapter 52
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: The Elder's Treatment
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The central tent, where we'd arrived alongside the boisterous Lee Ye-rang, was teeming with crowds of people.
It was packed with fairly well-known hunters, including Seong A-reum and Joo Ji-won, whom they hadn't been able to reach.
"There's no hope here..."
"It'd be better to transfer him to a hospital..."
"Contact the family..."
"But if word leaks out..."
Amid the low murmurs of conversation, Lee Ye-rang called out to Seong A-reum, who had been quietly keeping silent.
"A-reumie! I'm here!"
"...Lee Ye-rang Hunter. Please come quietly. The elder needs rest right now..."
"Eum! That's not the point! Take a look at who I brought!"
"What nonsense now... Guild Leader Yeon?"
Seong A-reum, who had reflexively furrowed her brow, widened her eyes at the sight of Yeon Sung-hun appearing alongside her.
Was it because this was someone she never could have imagined showing up?
Yeon Sung-hun gave a quiet smile toward the thoroughly startled Seong A-reum.
"Hello, Seong A-reum Hunter."
"How did the guild leader end up here...?"
"Someone insisted I had to come see him."
Yeon Sung-hun glanced sideways.
Choi Yeon-ah, who had followed the two inside, covered her mouth at the sight of Jeon Hae-ryong lying in the middle of the tent.
Only after seeing her did Seong A-reum nod as if it finally made sense.
"Well, regardless, it's good you came. I hadn't thought of it, but maybe the guild leader does have a way."
"I can't promise anything, but I'll do my best."
Yeon Sung-hun nodded slightly and took a moment to look around.
From the moment he and Lee Ye-rang had first appeared, everyone's attention had been fixed on him.
Not a single person among those gathered in the tent looked away from Yeon Sung-hun.
Amid those gazes, Yeon Sung-hun spotted Joo Ji-won and gave a slight bow of his head.
Joo Ji-won returned the greeting with a soft nod.
Even those who didn't know Yeon Sung-hun personally couldn't help but be quite shocked by the sight of her acknowledging him, following Lee Ye-rang and Seong A-reum.
A complete stranger was on friendly terms with no less than three S-rank hunters.
And those who recognized Choi Yeon-ah, who had entered late, were even more stunned.
Excluding a few, these were people who had been hunters since her active days, so her sudden appearance was bound to surprise them.
A few sharp ones even pieced together his identity from his connections and the current situation.
But those who couldn't were a different story.
Before Yeon Sung-hun could even examine Jeon Hae-ryong's condition, someone blocked his path.
"Hold on. Who are you? I've never seen your face before."
The one blocking him was Kim Pan-yong of the Twin Dragon Guild, the same guild as Jeon Hae-ryong.
As the vice guild leader succeeding the guild leader Jeon Hae-ryong, he ranked lower but was far superior in guild management.
Yeon Sung-hun paused at Kim Pan-yong's oddly hostile stance blocking his way.
Seong A-reum spoke up in place of Yeon Sung-hun, who looked a bit troubled.
"Guild Leader Yeon Sung-hun is an alchemist. He came in person to treat the elder."
"Hm. An alchemist? Can an alchemist treat Hae-ryong now, after all this time? Even the famous healers and most others have thrown up their hands."
"Would it make sense if I said he's that rumored figure everyone's talking about lately? Everyone here has probably used one of the guild leader's potions at least once."
At Seong A-reum's words, those who had already guessed his identity—and even those who hadn't—let out gasps of admiration.
It was a natural reaction, given how well everyone knew the performance of Yeon Sung-hun's potions.
If their gazes had held wariness and doubt before, now they brimmed purely with goodwill.
Regardless of their true intentions, it was all to curry favor in hopes of obtaining his potions.
And unlike most, there were those who didn't share that sentiment.
Kim Pan-yong was the prime example.
"Hm. The mysterious Alchemist F, eh. I use his potions too. But are you sure this guy's really him?"
"I'll vouch for him."
"Me too! This is definitely our alchemist! First time seeing him in person, but still!"
"I'll vouch as well."
At Kim Pan-yong's words, Seong A-reum, Lee Ye-rang, and Joo Ji-won raised their hands as if they'd been waiting.
The two who had been friendly from the start made sense, but Joo Ji-won was a bit unexpected—though seeing her glance at Yeon Sung-hun, it seemed her goal was his potions too.
Yeon Sung-hun chuckled at the rather blatant attempt to win favor, contrasting her cool demeanor.
With three remaining S-rank hunters—excluding Yoo Jun-young, now missing after the failed rescue, and the unconscious Jeon Hae-ryong—stepping forward, there was no surer endorsement.
But even then, Kim Pan-yong didn't readily step aside.
"Fine. I won't doubt he's that Alchemist F. But separately from that, can he really treat Hae-ryong? Everyone's given up."
"That's why I'd like to take a quick look and judge for myself."
Kim Pan-yong cleared his throat uncomfortably under Yeon Sung-hun's direct stare.
"Ahem. I use those potions myself, so I don't doubt your skills. But even you might not be able to treat him—Hae-ryong's condition is that bad."
"Mm. Then could I at least take a look first and we talk after?"
"No need. Didn't you say it yourself? You can't promise anything? So don't waste time—better to transfer to the hospital now."
Yeon Sung-hun unwittingly let out a hum at Kim Pan-yong's words.
His attitude seemed downright unreasonable, no matter how you sliced it.
To exaggerate a bit—no, objectively speaking—he didn't seem to want Jeon Hae-ryong treated right now.
And it wasn't just Kim Pan-yong showing that attitude.
A few others, who hadn't stepped forward boldly, chimed in subtly, quietly agreeing with him.
'Internal guild power struggles? And a few from the Association mixed in...'
He'd have to ask Seong A-reum later for details, but that's how it looked to Yeon Sung-hun.
In any case, with no close relatives for Jeon Hae-ryong, Kim Pan-yong was effectively his guardian, leaving Yeon Sung-hun without an easy way forward.
He couldn't force his way in when the patient's guardian was refusing.
As the mood grew awkward, Choi Yeon-ah—who had been examining Jeon Hae-ryong undisturbed—suddenly stood up.
A chilling killing intent that everyone inside could feel.
Choi Yeon-ah glared fiercely at Kim Pan-yong.
"Long time no see, Kim Pan-yong Hunter."
"Oh, long time no see, Choi Yeon-ah Hunter. But what's this all of a sudden..."
"Greetings later. I'm too appalled right now."
"What do you mean all of a sudden..."
"Still haven't shed that filthy desire for fame, have you."
Kim Pan-yong's face twisted at Choi Yeon-ah's low whisper.
As if she'd touched a raw nerve, he raised his voice explosively.
"What nonsense is that?! When did I ever?!"
"Then why block Sung-hun here? Do I need to air out every dirty secret of yours right here, in front of everyone we've just reunited after so long?"
Choi Yeon-ah's calm words carried a bone-chilling menace utterly at odds with her tone.
A ferocious aura reminiscent of her past self.
Even Kim Pan-yong, who spouted shameless nonsense with a thick face, had to falter.
"...Then step aside and let Sung-hun see the elder. I don't want to cause a scene like old times, even here."
Under her intensity—like she might draw a blade any second—Kim Pan-yong quickly backed off.
Those who had subtly supported him also shut their mouths like clams.
Yeon Sung-hun, who had silently watched, let out a quiet sigh of admiration.
He was impressed by how Choi Yeon-ah neatly resolved the situation with a simple(?) threat.
It really drove home her stature once again.
It was astonishing in many ways that a woman like this had once been running a struggling cafe.
"What are you doing, Sung-hun? Hurry and check the elder."
"Ah, yes."
Yeon Sung-hun quickly moved at Choi Yeon-ah's low call.
This time, naturally, no one blocked his path.
However, as Yeon Sung-hun passed, Kim Pan-yong cleared his throat and threw out a few words.
"If anything goes wrong, it's on you."
It was blatant intimidation, but Yeon Sung-hun didn't care a bit.
He looked like a dog that had tucked tail and fled, now barking from afar.
Especially after Choi Yeon-ah's glare that followed, leaving him coughing awkwardly—no threat at all.
Only after quite some time had passed since arriving could Yeon Sung-hun finally examine Jeon Hae-ryong.
"Hm."
Yeon Sung-hun carefully lifted the arm of Jeon Hae-ryong, who was remarkably sturdy for his age.
He slowly infused mana inside and checked his condition.
"......"
After a stretch of time—short to some, long to others—Yeon Sung-hun gently lowered Jeon Hae-ryong's arm.
Choi Yeon-ah, standing protectively nearby, voiced everyone's curiosity.
"How is it, Sung-hun? Can you treat him?"
"It's not good."
Choi Yeon-ah let out a low sigh at Yeon Sung-hun's light headshake, while Kim Pan-yong, who had watched silently, snorted as if waiting.
"Of course it's not. How many have checked him already? That's why I said not to waste time... Tch."
Choi Yeon-ah glared fiercely at Kim Pan-yong's tongue-clicking dissatisfaction, but he just snorted again, seemingly adjusted by now.
As she shot up in anger, Yeon Sung-hun spoke again.
"It's not great, but he can recover."
"Really?!"
"Wh-what do you mean...?! How?!"
Shock and dismay spread through the tent, centered on Choi Yeon-ah and Kim Pan-yong.
Yeon Sung-hun continued nonchalantly, ignoring the reactions.
"His condition isn't that bad overall. Proper potion use kept major trauma at bay."
"Yes. But for some reason, he's not regaining consciousness. We were planning a detailed scan... Did you find the cause?"
Yeon Sung-hun nodded lightly at Seong A-reum's question.
He didn't explain right away, and everyone waited for him to speak.
"Tell us the reason."
"Yes. We couldn't touch it at all—what is it?"
The medical staff, who had ample expertise but achieved nothing so far, reacted most vehemently.
Under gazes of doubt, curiosity, and faint skepticism, Yeon Sung-hun hummed.
"Could you clear the room for a bit?"
"Why? Something these people can't hear?"
"It's mixed with personal matters. Hard to share in front of strangers."
"Hm. Aren't you just stalling since you found nothing? Be honest now..."
"It's not that. It just involves Yeon-ah."
"Me?"
Yeon Sung-hun nodded to the puzzled Choi Yeon-ah tilting her head.
Even Kim Pan-yong, still uncomfortable with her despite adjusting, couldn't retort easily when she was involved.
He glanced around for backup, but those equally wary of her avoided his eyes.
Kim Pan-yong quietly scowled at them.
'Damn it. Every time, I'm the one taking the heat! We should be teaming up to check her, not this!'
What if Jeon Hae-ryong really recovered?
He'd lose his chance to take over Twin Dragon after years, and the Association folks would have to deal with a new chairman inevitably.
How could he give up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?
As Kim Pan-yong was about to nitpick, the silent Joo Ji-won spoke.
"Then those not closely related to Senior Choi Yeon-ah should step out. There's a barrier to prevent sound leaks, so rest easy."
"Thank you, Joo Hunter."
"No problem. See you later for a quick chat."
With an unusually gentle smile unlike her usual self, Joo Ji-won led the way out.
With her taking the initiative, others followed one by one.
Kim Pan-yong and his allies couldn't hold out anymore.
Seong A-reum said lowly to him.
"My, Kim Pan-yong Hunter, since when were you so close to my sister? Not leaving?"
"A-reumie! I don't have to, right? I'm super close to Unnie Yeon-ah too!"
"Ask Unnie, not me, Lee Ye-rang Hunter."
Kim Pan-yong ground his teeth watching their casual exchange, then turned and left.
His last holdouts followed suit.
Soon, the spacious tent held only Seong A-reum, Lee Ye-rang, and a few Yeon Sung-hun didn't recognize.
After scanning them, Yeon Sung-hun glanced at Choi Yeon-ah.
She nodded to his questioning look about trust.
"They're all reliable. Especially close to the elder, and me too."
"Heard a lot from A-reum and the others. I'm Jeong Hee-chan, Dawn Guild leader."
"No Gwan-sik from the Association's Rift Management Division. Wanted to meet you for ages."
"Joo Ui-tae from Daesung Group. Here's my card."
After brief introductions and familiarizing with their faces, Yeon Sung-hun nodded.
"...First, do you all know about Yeon-ah's current condition?"
Everyone nodded at his question.
Choi Yeon-ah hurriedly asked at the sudden topic.
"Why? Is the elder's condition the same as mine?"
"Not exactly. If it were, others would have noticed. Jeon Hae-ryong Hunter's is actually worse than yours. That's why he can't wake."
Sighs escaped from Choi Yeon-ah and everyone.
They all knew her state well, so worse meant they understood fully.
For a hunter, it was virtually over.
"Aigoo..."
"Elder..."
"What to do..."
Amid varied reactions, the composed Seong A-reum asked quietly.
"You mentioned a treatment earlier, guild leader? Was that a lie?"
"No, it's true."
"Wow. Then...!"
Lee Ye-rang's quiet admiration brightened everyone's previously gloomy faces instantly.
Yeon Sung-hun continued flatly, watching the dramatic shift.
"As you know, I'm treating Yeon-ah now. Still early stages, but effects should show soon."
"Treat him the same way?"
"Some differences, but basically yes."
"Good we can treat him at least."
Seong A-reum and the others breathed sighs of relief.
But Choi Yeon-ah, actually receiving treatment, couldn't.
She spoke with a still-dark expression.
"But the treatment takes a long time, right?"
"Unfortunately, can't do it short-term."
"...So he can't wake right away."
The mood darkened again at her words.
The consolation? Time would allow full recovery.
As they tried shaking off the gloom with that, Yeon Sung-hun spoke again.
"Consciousness, though—I can restore that immediately."
"Really?!"
Yeon Sung-hun nodded to the delighted Choi Yeon-ah.
"Jeon Hae-ryong Hunter's coma is from tangled mana circuits to the brain. So minute, hard to detect or treat. But I brought a potion for it."
"Then..."
"But that potion was prepared for Yeon-ah originally."
All eyes turned to Choi Yeon-ah at his matter-of-fact statement.
No Gwan-sik, head of Rift Management, spoke.
"Potions can be remade, right?"
"Ingredients are hard to get."
"...How hard?"
"A-rank rifts at best. And not guaranteed—even rare."
Silence fell at Yeon Sung-hun's words.
No one could urge using it on Jeon Hae-ryong lightly.
They knew how much Choi Yeon-ah had suffered in her state.
They cared for her as much as the elder.
In the heavy quiet, Choi Yeon-ah spoke softly.
"If that potion's used, can the elder wake?"
"Odds of opening eyes aren't high, honestly. About 30%?"
Had the success rate been higher, no dilemma.
Choi Yeon-ah's lips trembled quietly.
Her deliberation didn't last long.
"Use it on the elder."
"You sure? Like I said, no knowing when I can get materials again."
"It's fine. Better than zero chance. I want to talk to him after so long... Help, Sung-hun."
Yeon Sung-hun nodded silently to her quiet plea.
He pulled a potion from his pocket.
Unlike what he'd said, Jeon Hae-ryong's odds were far higher—easily over 90% conservatively.
Yet he'd downplayed it purely for Choi Yeon-ah.
To him, she mattered far more than this old man he'd just met.
'Should've said no from the start?'
He regretted inwardly, but his mood wasn't bad.
For Yeon Sung-hun—Faust—once someone entered his circle, good or evil mattered little. But seeing his precious one show such consideration? Delightful in every way.
And so, Yeon Sung-hun's potion slowly slid down Jeon Hae-ryong's throat.