#7

Early in the morning, Kang I-won arrived at the center, and the first place he headed was the examination room. Since matching rate tests were often scheduled in the afternoon, he decided to visit during the relatively quieter morning hours.

The examination room primarily focused on evaluating the matching rates between Guides and Espers, but it also conducted tests to analyze an Esper’s wavelengths.

An Esper’s wavelengths carried a significant amount of information. Similar to DNA, these wavelengths detailed the type, nature, and condition of an Esper’s abilities. Even the loss of powers could be inferred through these tests.

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The examiner, whom Kang I-won hadn’t seen in a while, no longer bore the nervousness of a rookie. Instead, their face showed a tinge of boredom that came with familiarity. Stifling a yawn as if weary of routine, the examiner quickly straightened up upon noticing Kang I-won entering the room. Standing up with a welcoming smile, they greeted him.

“Oh, Esper Kang I-won? What brings you here today?”

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“I came for a wavelength test.”

“A wavelength test? Just a moment, I’ll prepare the paperwork. May I ask why you need the test?”

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“It’s for personal reasons.”

“Oh… In that case, the cost will be billed separately. Is that okay with you?”

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“Yes.”

“Would you like the results to remain confidential?”

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“Yes.”

Information regarding an Esper’s wavelengths was highly personal. For privately conducted tests, Espers could request confidentiality, ensuring that only they could access the results.

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“In that case, the test fee will be ten million won. Is that acceptable?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

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However, choosing confidentiality came with a steep price. If the test were conducted publicly, 90% of the fee would be waived, but the results would be shared in a restricted manner, accessible only to relevant individuals: the branch director, the team leader, authorized staff, and the team’s Guide.

Kang I-won, determined to keep his condition hidden, especially from Heo Do-gyeong, decided to bear the hefty cost of ten million won. Having almost cleared his debts, he could afford this choice.

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“How would you like to pay?”

“Deduct it from my salary over five months.”

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“Understood. I’ll arrange a five-month installment plan.”

Even so, it was a significant amount to pay all at once.

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“Then let’s proceed right away.”

The examiner nodded and retrieved some items from a cabinet—a set of documents and a small pill case. Approaching Kang I-won, the examiner handed him the documents and two pills.

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“First, fill out these forms. Then head into the testing room, take the pills, and sit inside the capsule.”

Taking the documents, Kang I-won began filling out the highlighted sections with a pen. After completing the two forms, he handed them back to the examiner and stepped into the inner testing room. Swallowing the pills, he sat inside the capsule.

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As the capsule sealed shut, he waited. Soon, the effect of the pills kicked in, and an unpleasant sensation began to spread throughout his body—his wavelengths being forcibly drawn out and torn apart.

The sensation was sharp and distinct, as if his wavelengths were being manhandled and unraveled. His nerves grew taut, and he couldn’t help but frown at the discomfort.

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The erratic fluctuations of his wavelengths churned his stomach, and a faint headache began to settle in his head.

The capsule emitted a low hum, vibrating rhythmically as flashes of light blinked on and off repeatedly. His wavelengths surged chaotically, then settled, only to repeat the process again and again.

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“Ugh…”

A gag reflex escaped him. Kang I-won struggled to calm his churning stomach, closing his eyes and waiting for the test to end.

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After a brief moment, the capsule opened slowly. The test was incredibly quick, lasting just over five minutes. Kang I-won wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and exited the testing room.

The examiner, typing rapidly on the keyboard, spoke.

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“The test is complete. The results will be available in a month. Would you like to collect them in person or have them sent by mail?”

“I’ll collect them in person.”

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“Got it. We’ll send you a notification via text when the results are ready. Please visit the testing room again to pick them up. Since your wavelength state might be a bit unstable right now, I recommend you either get guided by a Guide immediately or use guiding medication if that’s not possible.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

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Kang I-won gave a slight bow and left the testing room.

One month. In just one month, his suspicions would finally be confirmed.

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Why did such a relatively short time feel so unbearably long?

After finishing the test, he headed straight to the conference room. Today marked the official return of Heo Do-gyeong.

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“As of today, Guide Heo Do-gyeong is back,” Han Kang-jin announced.

The room echoed with lackluster applause. Kim Young-ho looked at Heo Do-gyeong with surprise, while Hyun Ho-jun wore a calm smile that made it difficult to discern his thoughts.

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Despite the tepid reception, Heo Do-gyeong shamelessly smiled and thanked everyone for their warm welcome.

After a brief pause, Kim Young-ho hesitantly raised his hand and asked cautiously,

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“Um, he’s still temporary… right?”

“Yes,” Heo Do-gyeong replied with a nod.

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His gaze shifted to Kang I-won, who instinctively averted his eyes, the memory of last night flashing through his mind.

* * *

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“I hope Guide Heo Do-gyeong… stays by my side,” Kang I-won said. After a moment of hesitation, he added another sentence.

“But if you’re thinking about becoming my dedicated Guide because of me, I hope you don’t.”

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At those words, Heo Do-gyeong’s expression quickly turned sour.

“And what’s that supposed to mean?”

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“You might regret it.”

Heo Do-gyeong was an S-rank Guide, an incredibly valuable asset. Assigning an S-rank Guide to a team composed of A and B-rank Espers was a waste, especially when even S-rank Espers were in short supply. There was no logical reason for him to be made a dedicated Guide for a team with no S-rank Esper.

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For now, his temporary status allowed some leniency regarding his behavior, but if he officially became Team 5’s dedicated Guide, things would undoubtedly change.

Though Heo Do-gyeong had returned from Seoul to the southern region, seemingly by his own choice, Kang I-won didn’t want him to stay here out of obligation or strain himself unnecessarily.

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Esper ability loss varied, occurring anywhere from three months to a year. Even at the longest, it would take just a year.

If it became certain that Kang I-won would lose his abilities, he would eventually leave Team 5. If Heo Do-gyeong became a dedicated Guide for this team solely because of Kang I-won, he would undoubtedly regret his decision.

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Kang I-won didn’t want that to happen.

But Heo Do-gyeong, unaware of Kang I-won’s thoughts, only looked increasingly annoyed.

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“I won’t regret it.”

“You don’t know that yet.”

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“If I say I won’t regret it, why are you trying to stop me, Esper Kang I-won?”

“Because it involves me. If it didn’t, I wouldn’t need to stop you.”

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Their voices rose several times. Kang I-won was certain Heo Do-gyeong would regret it. Heo Do-gyeong insisted he wouldn’t. Neither was willing to back down, and their exchange dragged on.

Finally, looking weary, Heo Do-gyeong nodded and said, “Fine. Let’s wait a few more months before making it official. If I’m still sure by then, don’t try to stop me.”

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“I won’t.”

In a few months, there would be no need to stop him. If it became clear that Kang I-won was losing his abilities, everything would naturally fall into place.

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* * *

“Well… that’s how it turned out.”

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Heo Do-gyeong’s dissatisfied voice broke through Kang I-won’s wandering thoughts. Shaking his head to clear his mind, Kang I-won refocused on Heo Do-gyeong, who was now speaking with Han Kang-jin.

“It seems the matching rate with the temporary Guide wasn’t all that great….”

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“Well, it can’t be helped.”

The team was steeped in fatigue after going nearly a month without proper guiding. It seemed they were discussing this issue. Han Kang-jin carefully addressed Heo Do-gyeong.

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“Guide Heo Do-gyeong, could you perhaps help out just for today?”

“Sure. Send whoever needs it urgently to the guiding room first.”

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Heo Do-gyeong nodded slightly, looking a bit tired.

“Alright then. Let’s send Young-ho first, followed by Ho-jun, and then I-won. Anyone have objections?”

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Han Kang-jin looked around the room, his gaze landing on Kang I-won. Normally, Kang I-won would have raised his hand and said, “I already had guiding yesterday,” but this time, he remained silent.

Noticing his unusual quietness, both Han Kang-jin and Heo Do-gyeong turned their attention to him. Feeling uncomfortable under their sudden scrutiny, Kang I-won awkwardly asked,

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“…What?”

“Nothing. I’ll head to the guiding room first.”

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With a faint smile, Heo Do-gyeong left the room, followed by Kim Young-ho, who hesitated briefly before trailing behind.

“Ho-jun, you’re up right after Young-ho finishes.”

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“Yes.”

“I-won, let’s have a quick talk.”

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Kang I-won nodded and followed Han Kang-jin.

“Let’s grab some coffee. Ugh, didn’t sleep well last night, and I’m exhausted….”

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“Alright.”

The two headed to the café on the first floor.

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“One iced Americano, and… I-won, what are you having?”

Scanning the menu, Kang I-won spotted a sign advertising 100% fresh fruit and replied, “I’ll have a fresh strawberry latte.”

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“Alright. One of those fresh… strawberry things as well.”

Han Kang-jin paid for both drinks. Carrying their beverages, they bypassed the café and headed to the walking trail behind the center. It was a place Kang I-won often visited with Choi Soo-bin—a quiet spot, open to the public but rarely frequented, making it ideal for light conversations.

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They didn’t venture too far, stopping at a bench near the trail’s entrance. A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers, signaling that spring was in full bloom.

Kang I-won swirled the thick straw in his drink, mixing the strawberry syrup and milk before taking a sip. The sweetness and tanginess of the strawberry blended perfectly, leaving a pleasant aftertaste.

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Han Kang-jin sipped his Americano before speaking.

“I heard about yesterday. Ugh, how many times have I told you to go easy on the medication? I knew this would happen sooner or later. Even with low matching rates, you should always prioritize proper guiding over meds. Things seemed to improve when Guide Heo Do-gyeong arrived, but you’re slipping back into old habits again.”

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“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not about being sorry. It’s a good thing Guide Heo Do-gyeong showed up when he did; otherwise, things could’ve gotten serious. Do you even realize that?”

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“Yes.”

Although it wouldn’t have been catastrophic, as Han Kang-jin said, it would’ve been several days of struggle. Kang I-won, not taking it too seriously, responded with a feigned sense of remorse.

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“I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

“It better not. And don’t postpone your guiding just because you feel fine now. Go get it done immediately, understood?”

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“Yes.”