DMG Chapter 9 (Part 2)

LONG CHAPTER AHEAD

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Only then could the group finally begin advancing into the narrow tunnels.

The passage was incredibly cramped and labyrinthine. The group made progress in fits and starts, frequently pausing. Along the way, they encountered multiple branching paths that seemed to lead in all directions. The maze-like complexity of the tunnels made it dangerously easy to get lost.

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Occasionally, they crossed paths with monsters emerging from the side passages, which they quickly dispatched.

Kang I-won worked hard to support Kim Ho-cheol, who was even more on edge than usual. His heightened tension forced Kang I-won to put in extra effort just to keep up, draining his stamina at an alarming rate. The cramped environment only added to the physical and mental strain.

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Despite the challenges, the long procession steadily moved forward.

When they reached a deeper section of the dungeon, progress slowed to a halt as the lead teams’ exploration lagged. Some teams branched off to deal with nearby monsters, while others, including Kang I-won’s team, remained in place, waiting.

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The waiting dragged on, boredom and restlessness settling over the group like a fog.

Then, a deep rumbling noise shattered the stillness.

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The ground began to tremble ominously, accompanied by the distant roars and cries of monsters. What started as faint vibrations quickly escalated into violent shaking, making it difficult to stay on their feet. The dungeon felt as though it might collapse at any moment.

Kang I-won, who had never experienced anything like this before, was caught off guard. Around him, many Espers looked equally bewildered, their faces filled with confusion.

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Amidst the growing panic, a few Espers, including Kim Ho-cheol, turned pale as they began shouting at the top of their lungs.

“Get back to the entrance! Now!”

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Kim Ho-cheol’s yell spurred his team into action, but their position in the middle of the formation posed a major problem. Both the front and rear of the passage were packed with Espers, blocking their path to retreat.

Chaos erupted as Espers who understood the situation tried to organize a retreat, while others, still clueless about what was happening, hesitated in confusion. The narrow ant nest tunnels only made the chaos worse, exacerbating the congestion and disorder.

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Kim Ho-cheol, his voice full of frustration, roared over the din.

“Idiots! It’s a waveification! Didn’t they teach you about this in the training center? Back rows, start moving toward the entrance now!”

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Though his words finally prompted some movement, the retreat was agonizingly slow.

Then, screams and shouts echoed from the front of the line.

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Through the cramped tunnel ahead, they could see monsters forcing their way in, squeezing through the narrow passage.

“Damn it all!” Kim Ho-cheol cursed loudly, his tone filled with exasperation and dread.

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The chaos caused the formation to constantly break apart. Kim Ho-cheol shouted to his team, his voice cutting through the din.

“Focus on getting out of here as your top priority! Whoever gets out first, find Sun-young and protect her! She’ll be with the Guides!”

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Following Kim Ho-cheol’s orders, Yoo Soo-jin, Lee Jin-wook, and Kang I-won pushed forward with the singular goal of escaping.

Though there were other ways to exit the dungeon besides the path they came in, most Espers stuck to familiar routes to avoid getting lost. However, teams equipped with detection-type Espers began breaking off down branching paths, followed by others who decided to take the risk.

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This gradual dispersal of teams eased the congestion along the main exit path, allowing for slightly smoother progress.

But the side passages began spewing monsters into the tunnels. The Espers, forced to fight back, were slowed down further, and the narrow corridors became even more packed and chaotic.

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Yoo Soo-jin was the first to be caught up in the fray, followed closely by Lee Jin-wook. The last one still moving was Kim Ho-cheol, who fought off monsters emerging from a side passage while yelling at Kang I-won.

“I’ll get these two out myself! You get out of here and find Sun-young! Even if it kills you, protect her! Got it?!”

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In this chaotic situation, Kang I-won knew he’d only be a burden if he stayed. Trusting Kim Ho-cheol to handle the others, he hesitated briefly before nodding and taking off at a sprint.

Swept along by the currents of panic and confusion, Kang I-won eventually stumbled out of the Gate, barely aware of how he made it. The world outside was chaotic, but it was a relief to be free of the narrow, suffocating tunnels.

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Snow was falling heavily from the sky, blanketing the scene in white. The thick snowfall obscured vision, making it difficult to navigate. Espers who had made it out earlier were struggling to fight in the low visibility, their efforts hindered by the swirling snow. Guides moved between them, assisting as best they could, some firing monster-killing rounds to support the Espers.

Frantically scanning his surroundings, Kang I-won searched for Kim Sun-young.

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Where is she? Where could she be?

The falling snow made it hard to spot anyone, but finally, he caught sight of her behind a boulder.

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Kim Sun-young was expertly firing her gun at the monsters, creating openings for Espers to avoid danger. She moved with practiced precision, guiding panicked rookies and pulling injured Espers to safety.

For a moment, Kang I-won froze, stunned by her competence. But he quickly shook off his awe and rushed toward her, determined to help in any way he could.

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Kim Sun-young noticed him approaching through the flurry of snow. Her eyes widened in surprise before softening with relief. She immediately adjusted her position to cover him, firing off a shot that exploded the head of a monster behind him.

By the time Kang I-won reached her side, she was already checking him over, her hands moving quickly over his shoulders and arms as she asked, “Son! You made it out safely. What about the others?”

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“They’re still inside the Gate. The team leader said he’d bring them out, so… they’ll be fine. I’m sure of it,” Kang I-won said, his voice trying to sound firm but trembling slightly.

Yoo Soo-jin, Lee Jin-wook, and Kim Ho-cheol were all more capable Espers than him. Kim Ho-cheol had promised to bring everyone out safely, and Kang I-won had no choice but to cling to that belief.

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However, Kim Sun-young’s expression betrayed her fear. Her face turned pale, and her lips trembled as her composure faltered. Though she quickly pulled herself together, her trembling voice gave her away.

“…I’m just glad you’re safe. Truly, I’m so relieved.”

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Her voice wavered as she bit her lip, forcing herself to focus. She turned toward the others, her voice ringing with urgency.

“Alright, we need to get down the mountain immediately! Lee Seung-jae, snap out of it! So-yeon, stop crying and help the injured! Everyone who’s able, assist someone who can’t walk and start descending now!”

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The Guides, their faces etched with fear, nodded and began helping the wounded. Kang I-won supported one of the injured, a groaning Esper with blood-soaked thighs.

Suddenly, the Guide assisting another wounded Esper stumbled backward and collapsed.

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“Ah!”

The Guide’s fall caused the injured Esper to drop as well, letting out a short cry of pain.

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The pale-faced Guide slowly lifted their head, trembling uncontrollably. A gasp, almost like a whimper, escaped their lips.

“A… a monster…”

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CRUNCH.

The Guide’s words became their last. The ground shook violently as the monster landed, its hind leg crushing the Guide instantly. Blood spurted out, spraying the nearby injured Esper, who let out a blood-curdling scream.

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“Ahhhhhh!”

The Esper, narrowly avoiding death, scrambled away on all fours, frantically clawing at the ground to put distance between them and the monster. Their desperate, frantic retreat was steeped in unmistakable terror.

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The monster watched the retreating Esper with unsettling calm, its broad ears twitching as it tracked their movements. Sniffing the air, it stomped its hind legs twice, then leapt high into the air with terrifying agility.

The monster’s powerful jump carried it high above the ground, almost touching the sky, before landing squarely on the Esper’s head.

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BOOM.

The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the earth. The Esper was crushed instantly, their body splattering like overripe fruit, blood and gore spraying in all directions.

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Two people had died in mere moments.

Kang I-won stood frozen in place, paralyzed with fear. It felt as if a blade were pressed against his throat, suffocating him, making even breathing impossible.

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The monster, having finished its deadly assault, used its soft front paws to swipe its face, as though grooming itself. The almost comically cute gesture created a horrifying dissonance.

Kang I-won recognized this monster. He had learned about it during training.

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This was a Type-6 Apex Predator, known for its agility, immense power, and predatory intelligence. It was one of the most feared monsters in Gate scenarios.

And now, it was right in front of him.

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The Dungeon Warden, as it was called, was a creature about 2 meters tall, resembling a lop-eared rabbit. Its long, floppy ears were highly sensitive, capable of detecting even the slightest movement of its prey. Known for its relentless pursuit, once it locked onto a target, it would never let go.

Its role in the dungeon was clear: to patrol its territory and eliminate intruders, earning it the title of “Warden.” Despite its deceptively cute appearance, the Warden was infamous for its cruel nature. It had a preference for crushing its victims under its hind legs, reducing them to a bloody pulp.

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The Warden, still grooming its face with its fluffy paws, suddenly twitched its long ears. It had identified its next target.

Its glossy black eyes locked onto Kang I-won.

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Sniffing the air, it stomped its hind legs with a thunderous thud and leapt high into the air.

Before Kang I-won could think, his instincts screamed at him to move. He dodged just in time, narrowly avoiding the crushing blow.

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But he wasn’t fast enough to evade the razor-sharp claws that shot out from the Warden’s fluffy paw. The claws slashed across his back, leaving three deep wounds, and Kang I-won tumbled down the snowy slope.

“I-WON!”

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Kim Sun-young’s voice rang out in a panicked scream.

Kang I-won rolled painfully down the incline, his vision spinning. The Warden’s shadow loomed over him once again.

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Despite the searing pain in his body, Kang I-won managed to roll aside, narrowly avoiding another devastating stomp. The sight of the creature’s massive, fluffy hind leg striking the ground mere inches from him sent a wave of terror through his trembling frame.

Driven by pure adrenaline and desperation, he scrambled away, his body shaking uncontrollably. Whether it was from pain or fear, he couldn’t tell.

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Every inch of him wanted to collapse, but he forced his regeneration ability into overdrive, using it to will his battered body upright.

The Warden, visibly annoyed at having missed its target twice, stomped its hind legs with increasing ferocity. Each stomp sent tremors rippling through the mountain, as if the entire world were quaking.

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Kang I-won’s gaze flicked toward Kim Sun-young, who was helping others evacuate.

As long as she’s safe, that’s all that matters.

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Even if he died here, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was that Kim Sun-young made it out alive. His life had been forfeit ever since the day he lost his younger sibling. He’d been clinging to it out of habit, nothing more.

Now, there was only one thing he could do:

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Keep the Warden’s attention on him for as long as possible.

The smaller monsters that had been loitering nearby scattered in fear as the Warden’s massive presence dominated the area.

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If he could keep the Warden occupied, Kim Sun-young and the others would have a better chance of descending the mountain safely.

Kang I-won struck his trembling thigh with his fist, forcing himself to focus.

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This wasn’t the time to lose his nerve. Swallowing hard, he steadied his breathing.

The Warden, growing impatient, leapt low and stomped repeatedly, creating craters with each impact. Kang I-won moved on instinct, dodging as best he could.

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The more he evaded, the faster the Warden’s movements became, and the more it exhausted him.

His breath was ragged, his body screaming for relief. Then, his foot slipped on an icy patch hidden beneath the snow.

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He stumbled, and in that split second, he couldn’t avoid the Warden’s next attack.

Its massive hind leg came crashing down, pinning his right arm beneath its weight.

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“AAAAAHHHHH!”

A blood-curdling scream tore from Kang I-won’s throat as searing pain shot through his arm.

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Kang I-won let out a harrowing scream as the bones in his right arm were pulverized under the relentless stomping of the Warden.

The creature, as if enraged, continued to pummel his arm in the same spot, grinding shattered bone fragments deeper into his flesh. The excruciating pain caused his consciousness to waver, pulling him in and out of awareness.

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His dulled, pain-addled mind struggled to think clearly.

Why am I here? What was I trying to do?

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Then it clicked.

To hold the Warden back. To protect her.

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His unfocused eyes scanned the snow-covered landscape. The world was a blur of white, with barren trees and the soft mound of snow surrounding him.

They must have escaped, he thought. They’ll be safe.

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That realization brought a fleeting sense of relief, even amidst the agony. His lips curled faintly upward despite the torment.

This time, I protected them. This time…

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Bang!

A muffled gunshot pierced the eerie stillness. The silencer couldn’t entirely mask the sound.

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Kang I-won’s eyes widened in disbelief. His body screamed in pain, but he forced his head to turn.

In the distance, standing amidst the blinding white snow, was Kim Sun-young.

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She was gripping a firearm with trembling hands, the barrel aimed directly at the Warden. She shouted, her voice hoarse with desperation, “Son! Get up and run!”

“Why… why…” Kang I-won rasped.

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Why didn’t you run?

“I-won! Hurry!”

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Her voice was frantic as her gun fired again. The silenced weapon spat bullets into the Warden’s thick hide, the rounds tearing into its flesh. The creature shuddered and twitched in pain, turning its glossy, black, rage-filled eyes toward Kim Sun-young.

Kim Sun-young’s hands trembled as she tightened her grip on the gun, continuing to fire at the Warden without hesitation.

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She knew this was foolish.

She knew she was powerless, just a Guide—a support meant to protect Espers, not fight monsters.

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She knew her actions wouldn’t make a significant difference.

But she couldn’t let another son die in front of her.

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Not again.

The Warden, its black eyes now fixed on her, let out a low, guttural growl. Its hind legs tensed as it prepared to strike.

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Kim Sun-young stood her ground, her hands quivering but her resolve unshaken. “Run, I-won! Run, now!”

But Kang I-won couldn’t move.

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Not because of the pain or his injuries, but because of the overwhelming realization that Kim Sun-young had stayed for him. And now, she was in the Warden’s sights.

The Warden, its glossy black eyes fixed on Kim Sun-young, twitched its nose and stomped its hind legs in preparation for a lethal leap. Kim Sun-young, her hands trembling around the gun, knew this was the end.

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The moment she fired at the Warden, she had already accepted that she wouldn’t make it out alive.

But she had one wish—that Kang I-won would survive. That he would live, not only for himself but for the life her own son could never have.

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The Warden jumped.

Bang.

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Her last bullet fired, echoing like a final goodbye.

In her mind, she saw her husband and son’s faces, soft and familiar, welcoming her back. She closed her eyes, bracing for the inevitable.

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Instead, she felt a sudden, powerful shove. Her eyes snapped open.

Kang I-won stood where she had been, arm outstretched as if shielding her, directly under the Warden’s descending shadow.

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Her eyes widened, and her face twisted in horror.

“No… no, no…”

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“It’s okay,” Kang I-won said, his voice trembling despite his attempt to sound firm.

Since his awakening, he had never sustained injuries severe enough to make him fear for his life. Yet now, with death so close, terror gripped him.

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But his fear of Kim Sun-young dying was even greater.

He forced himself to smile, even as his voice quavered.

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“Run… please.”

Those were his last words before the immense weight of the Warden crashed down on him.

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His body was crushed, bones shattered under the unbearable pressure. Pain—unimaginable pain—ripped through him like a tidal wave, overwhelming every sense.

And then, everything went dark.

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….

…System override.

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…Reconstruction protocol activated.

…No vital signs detected.

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…Error. System anomaly detected.

Slowly, sensations returned.

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It felt like surfacing from deep water, gasping for air.

“Reporting the situation. No survivors.”

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The words stabbed through the fog in Kang I-won’s mind, sharp and unrelenting.

No survivors.

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His eyes flew open.

His body shot upright, his breaths ragged and shallow.

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He glanced down at himself. His clothes were shredded, drenched in blood, but his body… his body was fine. Not a single wound remained.

I… I should be dead.

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The pain had been real—so overwhelming that he was certain he’d died. But here he was, alive and breathing.

A deep, unsettling sense of wrongness crawled over him. For a moment, he felt like he wasn’t human.

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“Thought everyone was gone…”

The voice came from nearby. An Esper, holding a device, paused mid-report and turned toward Kang I-won, blinking in surprise.

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“Correction: one survivor.”

The Esper’s announcement felt like a distant echo as Kang I-won surveyed the scene.

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The metallic tang of blood filled the air, thick and suffocating. Bodies were scattered around him, lifeless and broken.

Then he saw it.

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Among the corpses, he recognized a figure—a familiar one.

“No… no, no, no,” he mumbled, his voice cracking as he crawled toward her.

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Kim Sun-young lay motionless, her once warm and reassuring presence now eerily still. Her face was pale, her body drenched in crimson.

Tears streamed down his face as a guttural sound escaped his lips.

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“Ah… ah… no… no…”

She was gone.

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And he was still here.

Kang I-won’s voice trembled, barely audible, as he forced himself to ask, “Is… is there anyone else? Any other survivors besides me?”

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The Esper standing nearby shook his head grimly, clicking his tongue in frustration. “Around here? None. Everyone in this area… didn’t make it, except you.”

The words hit Kang I-won like a hammer, each syllable reverberating painfully in his hollow chest.

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“But,” the Esper continued, as if trying to soften the blow, “thanks to them holding the line, the damage down below was minimal. If they hadn’t stopped the Warden and the Wave, the base at the mountain’s foot would’ve been overrun. Still…”

He sighed, his tone heavy with resignation. “Anyone who didn’t make it out of the Gate… vanished with it. They’re gone. No trace. And the few who made it down to the base alive… well, they’re being treated.”

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The faintest flicker of hope sparked in Kang I-won’s sunken eyes. “C-can you… tell me… who they are?”

The Esper hesitated, glancing down at the device in his hand. “I don’t have the full list yet. But…” He squinted at the screen, scrolling quickly. “One of the names I know for sure is your team leader. Kim Ho-cheol. That guy made it.”

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Kang I-won’s breath hitched, a mix of relief and guilt clawing at him.

“And a couple of others. I think Yoo Soo-jin and Lee Jin-wook might’ve made it too. Not confirmed, but they were seen heading down with injuries. They’re lucky as hell to have survived this mess.”

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Kang I-won nodded weakly, his head spinning. The relief of knowing some of his team might have survived was immediately crushed by the sight of Kim Sun-young’s lifeless body in front of him.

Alive. Some of them were alive. But not her.

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His trembling hand reached out again, brushing against the icy, stiff skin of Kim Sun-young’s arm. The coldness jolted him, and his chest tightened further, suffocating him with guilt.

It’s my fault.

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If I hadn’t been so selfish. If I hadn’t wanted her to be our Guide. If I hadn’t let her follow me here…

The weight of his thoughts was unbearable, choking the air from his lungs. His vision blurred as a wave of nausea washed over him, driven by the overwhelming stench of blood and his own revulsion at himself.

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I thought I could protect her. I thought this time would be different. But it wasn’t.

He had failed, again.

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The Esper, noticing Kang I-won’s deteriorating state, spoke with an awkward attempt at comfort. “Hey, you’re lucky to be alive, you know? Don’t beat yourself up too much. Everyone out there knows the risks. Guides too. It’s not your—”

“It is,” Kang I-won interrupted, his voice a hoarse whisper. His bloodshot eyes locked onto the Esper, filled with unspoken pain. “It’s my fault. All of it. She… she didn’t have to die. But she did. Because of me.”

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The Esper opened his mouth to argue but quickly shut it, realizing no words could pierce the suffocating guilt that clung to Kang I-won like a shroud.

Kang I-won looked down at Kim Sun-young one last time. The person who had been his anchor, his hope, his second mother. Gone, because he couldn’t save her.

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A tearless sob wracked his body, and he whispered to himself, “Again… I survived. And they didn’t.”

Kang I-won’s head shot up, his voice cracking and trembling as he stammered out a question. His youthful, almost boyish face caught the Esper off guard for a moment, and the man blinked rapidly before softening his tone.

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“Hold on, let me check the list I just got…” The Esper scanned the screen, pausing as he found the relevant section. “Here we go.”

He began reading names aloud, one by one.

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“Lee Seung-jae. Choi So-yeon. Kim Yoo-chul. Lee Ho-jin. That’s it. Anyone you recognize?”

Kang I-won froze. Those names meant nothing to him. None belonged to the people he’d fought beside, laughed with, or sworn to protect. His team was not on that list.

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The Esper noticed Kang I-won’s increasingly anguished expression, his face twisting with despair as the realization set in. The Esper’s voice softened further, tinged with pity.

“Doesn’t seem like you knew any of them, huh…?”

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Kang I-won didn’t respond. His hands rose shakily to cover his face.

Not a single one.

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Not Kim Ho-cheol, not Yoo Soo-jin, not Lee Jin-wook. None of them made it.

Only he had survived.

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Tears welled in his eyes, spilling freely through the gaps between his fingers. They ran down his cheeks, soaking his hands as sobs wracked his body. He tried to hold them back, but the tidal wave of grief was too much to contain.

The weight of solitude crushed him anew.

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He’d failed them all.

And once again, he was the one left behind.

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Why? Why am I always the one to survive?

* * *

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The A+ dungeon-type gate in Jeonnam, which had triggered a Wave, left behind a staggering toll of 72 casualties. While the rapid deployment of an S-rank Esper mitigated damages to the city itself, the overwhelming loss of life cast a heavy shadow, making any relief from the situation hollow.

The sheer number of fatalities necessitated a joint funeral service. Portraits of the deceased were arranged team by team. Among them, side by side, were the pictures of Kim Ho-cheol, Yoo Soo-jin, Lee Jin-wook, and Kim Sun-young.

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Kang I-won stood before them, his gaze vacant.

He stared at the photos, the smiling faces forever preserved, and yet the weight of their absence refused to sink in. It felt surreal.

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Why are their pictures here? Why am I standing here, alive, when they’re not?

He couldn’t comprehend it. He didn’t want to.

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His legs buckled beneath him, and he collapsed to the ground.

Before he could fully process what was happening, a force shoved him backward. He turned his head, dazed, to see who had pushed him.

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“You bastard! Because of you, my mom… my mom…”

The Esper with striking blue hair stood over him, tears streaming down her face unchecked, her voice shaking with rage and despair.

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“It’s your fault! It’s all your fault! If it weren’t for you, Mom would still be alive! She’d still be here!”

Her sobs turned into a wail as she grabbed Kang I-won by the collar, shaking him violently.

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“You killed her! You took my mom from me! It’s all because of you!”

Her cries filled the funeral hall, raw and piercing.

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Kang I-won didn’t resist. He didn’t even flinch.

She was right.

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It was his fault.

Her mother, Kim Sun-young, was dead because of him. His selfishness, his greed, his inability to let go—these had all led to her death.

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Regret clawed at him, gnawing at every corner of his mind.

If only I hadn’t asked her to be my Guide. If only I hadn’t relied on her. If only I had died instead of her.

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His lifeless gaze shifted to the portrait of Kim Sun-young, her warm smile preserved in the picture.

It should’ve been me.

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“It’s your fault!” she screamed again, her voice breaking as her sobs grew louder.

The hall was filled with the sound of her heart-wrenching cries, the grief and fury in her voice echoing endlessly.

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Her wails blended with the continuous dirges of mourning from the other families.

The sound never stopped. It went on and on, like the weight of the loss that would never fade.

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* * *

When Kang I-won stumbled out of the gate, the scene around him was already in chaos.

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The first thing he noticed was the Espers clashing with monsters that had emerged from the gate. Next, his gaze caught sight of larger beasts losing their balance due to the steep slope, rolling down the incline in a chaotic tumble. Alongside them, Espers also lost their footing and tumbled down the hill.

Amid the disorder, Kang I-won’s eyes darted around rapidly, scanning the scene.

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Where is he?

The confusion made it hard to focus, and no matter how hard he looked, he couldn’t spot Heo Do-gyeong. Anxiety clawed at him, each second feeling more urgent than the last. The unease churned in his stomach, making him nauseous.

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He couldn’t lose someone again. Not this time. At the very least, not Heo Do-gyeong—not in such a meaningless way.

Desperation mounting, his gaze swept over the chaos until it landed on a figure below. There, with a grimace etched onto his face, Heo Do-gyeong was firing his gun at an oncoming monster. Though nearby Espers were working hard to protect the Guide, their efforts were strained under the sheer number of attacking monsters.

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Without hesitation, Kang I-won stepped onto the sheer slope.

There was no time to take the safer, winding path down. He slid down the steep incline, his body scraping against jagged rocks and protruding branches, tearing at his skin. By the time he reached Heo Do-gyeong, his whole body ached, but he had no time to dwell on the pain.

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Startled by the sound and presence behind him, Heo Do-gyeong turned around. His eyes widened in shock as Kang I-won charged past him, directly into the path of a monster lunging to attack.

Kang I-won attacked without hesitation, stabbing the monster in the neck and severing its arm. Amid the chaos, he dragged Heo Do-gyeong to safety.

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When his senses finally returned, there was nothing left around him.

“…Esper! …Esper Kang I-won!”

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A faint voice pierced through his dazed mind. Kang I-won blinked, becoming aware of something tugging at his arm.

“Esper Kang I-won! Please, snap out of it!”

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He turned his head toward the voice, finding Heo Do-gyeong standing there, breathless from running up the uneven mountain trail.

Kang I-won unconsciously loosened his grip on Heo Do-gyeong’s wrist, as if startled by his own actions. But Heo Do-gyeong caught his hand before it fully dropped, his voice softer now.

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“Are you calm now?”

Kang I-won nodded slowly. Only then did the stinging pain in his back register. He reached back to feel the wound, realizing he’d been injured.

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It’ll heal on its own.

Dismissing the pain, Kang I-won quickly scanned the surroundings. Nothing. Not a single monster in sight.

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The emptiness unsettled him. With the Wave in progress, monsters could emerge from anywhere at any time. And in this situation, there was no one else to protect Heo Do-gyeong but him.

Kang I-won bit his lip hard. In his panic, he had made a reckless choice.

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Can I really protect him?

The thought left him feeling powerless and terrified. Despite saving numerous lives as an Esper, he had never succeeded in protecting someone truly precious to him.

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He didn’t care if he was the one to die or get hurt. But the thought of Heo Do-gyeong suffering the same fate was unbearable.

He couldn’t lose someone again. Not this time. He had to protect Heo Do-gyeong at all costs.

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Frantically checking his device for their position, Kang I-won said, “We should regroup with the nearest Espers. For now, we—”

“Ah!”

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A sharp cry cut him off.

As something brushed past him, Heo Do-gyeong let out a short scream and doubled over. At the same time, the sharp scent of blood filled the air. Kang I-won’s gaze snapped toward the source of the smell.

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The scent was emanating from Heo Do-gyeong’s back, or more accurately, near his side. His black clothes were visibly soaking with blood.

Behind him stood a monster. Its body was covered in jagged spikes, reminiscent of a chestnut burr.

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The creature had cloaked itself in spikes to protect its tender flesh. Its overall strength wasn’t formidable—so weak that a jab to its exposed flesh could be fatal. It also had a cowardly nature, fleeing at the sight of strong opponents. Its real specialty lay in concealing its presence.

The monster let out another sharp huff! as it launched its spikes toward Kang I-won. He easily deflected them, causing the monster to panic and roll away in retreat.

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To think such a pathetic creature had caused this. Kang I-won bit his lip hard.

Even in the chaos, how could he have failed to notice? He trembled with rage at his own stupidity and carelessness. But there was no time for self-reproach. Kang I-won quickly turned his attention to Heo Do-gyeong.

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“Guide Heo Do-gyeong, are you alright?!”

Heo Do-gyeong, clutching his side, looked pale. His voice came out as a strained mutter.

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“It hurts… like hell.”

“Of course it does.”

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Kang I-won’s hands trembled as he looked at the steadily bleeding wound on Heo Do-gyeong’s side.

“Here, take this.”

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He pulled out a small tin case containing painkillers from his pocket. Seeing it, Heo Do-gyeong frowned.

“What is that?”

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“Painkillers. They’re strong, so just take one.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me… Are you seriously taking stuff like that? Wait, hold on. I’ve seen you take these before—”

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Before Heo Do-gyeong could finish, Kang I-won opened the case and popped a pill straight into his mouth.

Forced to swallow the pill dry, Heo Do-gyeong grimaced and snarled.

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“Ugh, it’s disgusting.”

“All medicine is.”

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Kang I-won examined Heo Do-gyeong’s wound with a grim expression. The spike had completely pierced through his side, and blood was streaming out from the open hole.

If the spike had stayed embedded, at least there wouldn’t have been as much concern about excessive bleeding.

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As Kang I-won bit his lip, he took off his outerwear and said, “It’s better to press the wound with this for now.”

Although the cloth was dirty and couldn’t be stuffed deep into the wound, it was still better than doing nothing. However, his trembling hands fumbled repeatedly as he tried to tear the fabric.

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With a few quick slices, the thin material was shredded into strips. He tied the ends together and wrapped it tightly around Heo Do-gyeong’s abdomen to apply pressure. By then, beads of cold sweat had formed on Heo Do-gyeong’s forehead.

The sight made Kang I-won even more anxious. If only he had been the one injured instead—why did it have to be Heo Do-gyeong?

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“I should’ve been the one hurt.”

The words startled Kang I-won; for a moment, he thought he had said them aloud. But it wasn’t him—it was Heo Do-gyeong, his expression as deadpan as ever. With a sweat-soaked face, Heo Do-gyeong continued.

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“You’re not seriously thinking useless thoughts like that, are you?”

Kang I-won was at a loss for words, knowing full well that he had been thinking exactly that. Heo Do-gyeong grimaced openly and added, “Damn it, it hurts so much. How does anyone even endure this? I can’t even pretend to be okay.”

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Kang I-won, baffled, replied, “Why would you even try to endure it?”

“Because someone I know keeps holding back, so I figured it was possible. And you’re doing it right now, aren’t you?”

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But the circumstances between himself and Heo Do-gyeong were entirely different. Kang I-won wanted to argue, but there was no time for meaningless conversations.

Four medics had been following their group for emergency situations. Kang I-won anxiously fiddled with his device, trying to connect with them. Unfortunately—or perhaps inevitably—there was no response. The chaos of the situation likely had them preoccupied.

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To make matters worse, the device’s battery seemed to die, and the screen went dark. Kang I-won let out a low curse.

As Heo Do-gyeong bit his lip in pain, Kang I-won, unable to hide his mounting panic, asked, “Guide Heo Do-gyeong, can you use your device to contact another Esper?”

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“It’s broken,” Heo Do-gyeong replied, holding up the cracked screen. “And I left my phone behind.”

Since devices had essentially replaced smartphones, Kang I-won hadn’t carried a separate mobile device either.

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They were completely cut off. With no means of contact, Kang I-won looked back at Heo Do-gyeong’s wound with a worried face and said, “We might as well descend the mountain. Can you walk?”

“Well, I’d rather not die a pointless death in a place like this, so I have to, don’t I? I’ll manage. The painkillers are kicking in, anyway.”

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The words “I’m fine,” uttered by Heo Do-gyeong as cold sweat dripped down his face, were so grating that Kang I-won couldn’t help but frown.

If only he had been strong enough to protect Heo Do-gyeong entirely. Once again, he found himself angry at his own powerlessness.

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The people precious to him always ended up in danger because of him. This time was no different.

If only he had sent Heo Do-gyeong back earlier—he could have been in Seoul by now, safe in the most secure center. He wouldn’t have had to face such a dangerous situation.

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It was his selfishness that had dragged Heo Do-gyeong into this life-threatening mess.

But there was no time to drown in guilt. Kang I-won focused on getting Heo Do-gyeong down the mountain as quickly as possible.

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Kang I-won led the way, with Heo Do-gyeong following behind. Given Heo Do-gyeong’s condition, descending a steep path was out of the question, so they took the gentler route. It slowed them down considerably.

“How’s your body holding up?” Kang I-won asked.

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“I’m fine,” Heo Do-gyeong replied.

Kang I-won checked on him frequently, but Heo Do-gyeong’s answers never changed. “I’m fine.” He couldn’t possibly be fine, so why did he keep saying it? The constant reassurance gnawed at Kang I-won, filling him with frustration and helplessness.

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Though they had yet to encounter any monsters, the scent of blood growing stronger by the minute made Kang I-won increasingly anxious. Heo Do-gyeong, weighed down by the heat and his heavy clothing, was visibly struggling.

His complexion grew paler, and his breathing became more labored.

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“Wait… Just… wait a moment…” Heo Do-gyeong gasped, before finally collapsing. Kang I-won caught him just in time. Blood from Heo Do-gyeong’s side soaked Kang I-won’s hands, which began to tremble uncontrollably.

Seeing Heo Do-gyeong in pain, yet unable to do anything for him, filled Kang I-won with an unbearable sense of helplessness. His face twisted as though he was on the verge of tears. Forcing himself to sound calm, he said, “We should rest here for a bit…”

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At that moment, a low growl rumbled through the underbrush. The sound of monsters, drawn by the scent of blood, echoed ominously.

Five monsters emerged, circling the area, their eyes fixed hungrily on their prey.

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Kang I-won’s expression darkened. He glanced down at the pale and exhausted Heo Do-gyeong before slowly standing up.

“Stay here and rest for a moment.”

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“Don’t… go… What are you planning to do on your own? Just leave me and go…” Heo Do-gyeong muttered weakly.

Ridiculous. Kang I-won ignored his words and gripped his swords tightly. Fear gripped him—not of the monsters, but of failing to protect the person behind him. Still, he had no choice.

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With a determined step, Kang I-won launched himself into action.

He focused like never before as he fought the monsters. Leaping onto a tree, he slashed at the neck of a monster whose head was high above the ground. Using the tree for momentum, he descended with a horizontal slash across another monster’s face.

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Landing softly, he crouched low and swept at another monster’s ankle, bringing it crashing down. Without hesitation, he climbed onto its body and drove his blade into its heart.

But it wasn’t easy. One of the monsters grabbed his leg and flung him into the ground. Unluckily, he landed on a jagged rock, and the sharp pain in his ribs told him at least one was broken. Twisting free, Kang I-won stabbed the monster’s arm and managed to get back on his feet, staggering slightly as he caught his breath.

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Two monsters were down, but three still remained.

Gritting his teeth, Kang I-won forced himself to stay calm.

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Pain from his broken ribs throbbed with every breath. The slower regeneration of his injuries felt like a shackle, and for the first time, Kang I-won cursed the limits of his abilities.

But there was no time to dwell on it. With renewed determination, Kang I-won charged forward once more.

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Facing three monsters simultaneously posed a significant challenge. Without any special abilities and relying solely on his physical body, it was a grueling fight. To make matters worse, his broken ribs sapped his strength, making every movement agonizing.

“Urgh!”

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Although he narrowly avoided the sharp claws of one monster, he couldn’t dodge the tail that followed. It sent him crashing to the ground, his head slamming into something hard. The impact was severe, leaving him momentarily disoriented.

If he lost consciousness here, Heo Do-gyeong would die. That thought alone kept Kang I-won clinging to his tenuous grip on consciousness.

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But his body refused to move. The accumulated pain crushed him like a heavy weight.

“Ugh… Ugh—!”

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Unable to suppress the nausea rising from his stomach, he vomited, tasting blood as it filled his mouth. He spat it out, gasping for air, his vision spinning and blurring.

Through the haze, he saw a monster advancing toward Heo Do-gyeong.

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No. He couldn’t let that happen. Heo Do-gyeong had to be protected. But his body wouldn’t obey him.

“Pro…tect…”

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He had to protect Heo Do-gyeong. That single thought consumed his mind entirely.

His breathing grew more erratic, and his energy waves quivered uncontrollably. He caught sight of Heo Do-gyeong, lying on the ground, pale and barely breathing, watching him with dark, hollow eyes. The fragile image tightened around Kang I-won’s chest like a vice.

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Heo Do-gyeong couldn’t die. Not him. Kang I-won’s face contorted as if he was about to cry. His trembling arms pushed against the ground repeatedly, collapsing each time. The closer the monster got to Heo Do-gyeong, the more nausea churned in his stomach. He couldn’t breathe, and his mind spiraled into panic as intrusive thoughts flooded in.

He couldn’t lose someone else—not like this. This time, he had to protect them. But his arms wouldn’t work. He needed to get up, but his body refused to move. If Heo Do-gyeong died, it would all be his fault. If only he weren’t so powerless, this wouldn’t have happened. He had to protect Heo Do-gyeong—why couldn’t he move? He couldn’t let this happen again. Not this time. No matter what, no matter how…

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He had to protect Heo Do-gyeong.

His head felt like it was about to explode. Forcing his energy waves into overdrive, dizziness and nausea hit him like a tidal wave. The turbulent energy within him wreaked havoc, but Kang I-won ignored it. The wild, chaotic energy surged, and something within him snapped. Blood began trickling from his nose, dripping steadily, but he didn’t care. His body had started to heal at an extraordinary speed.

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What Kang I-won did was akin to twisting a single, thinning wick into a compact bundle. His dwindling energy was condensed into a single burst, burning intensely as a result. It was a reckless, suicidal act—something anyone would call insane.

But what did it matter? If Heo Do-gyeong died, none of that would matter.

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For now, his regenerative ability returned to its original speed—or perhaps even surpassed it. His recovery was astonishing, transcending the limits of humanity. His arms, once trembling, now firmly pushed against the ground. As his body restored itself, Kang I-won leaped to his feet and charged toward the monsters.

When his arm was torn off, it reattached almost instantly. When claws pierced his thigh, he tore off the monster’s wrist in retaliation. The wounds on his body closed in an instant, and even his shredded grip reformed as if it had never been damaged.

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It was like the last, brilliant flare of a candle about to go out—a method that Heo Do-gyeong despised. But what choice did Kang I-won have? This was the only way he knew how to protect.

Biting down hard on his lip, Kang I-won pushed himself forward, driving his feet into the ground as he launched himself toward the monsters.

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Heo Do-gyeong clutched his blood-soaked side, his face pale and drenched in cold sweat, as he followed Kang I-won’s staggering figure with hazy eyes.

Kang I-won, teetering as he fought to protect him, looked like a tattered wreck. From head to toe, there wasn’t a single spot on his body untouched by blood. The fact that he was still alive and moving was nothing short of miraculous.

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I didn’t come along to be a burden like this. Watching Kang Ion-won precariously face the monsters filled Heo Do-gyeong with a profound sense of helplessness—an emotion he had grown tired of enduring.

After slashing the throat of the final monster, Kang I-won seemed to falter under the strain of his efforts. His body wobbled before collapsing into a nearby mountain stream with a loud splash. Alarmed, Heo Do-gyeong tried to move, but the searing pain in his side forced him to bite his lip hard.

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His entire body screamed for him to stay still, to not even lift a finger. But he couldn’t just lie there. He had to check if Kang I-won was alright.

Wiping the sweat trickling down his face with the back of his hand, Heo Do-gyeong leaned heavily on a nearby tree for support and slowly forced himself to his feet.

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Holding his injured side tightly, he hobbled toward Kang I-won, who was still submerged in the cold stream. Each step was torturous, the pain crawling up his back like sharp, burning needles. It was so intense that he couldn’t even muster a scream.

When he was only a few steps away, Kang I-won suddenly pulled himself upright. At least he wasn’t dead. Heo Do-gyeong heaved a ragged breath of relief, his face ashen from exertion.

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But something was wrong with Kang I-won.

Still standing in the water, Kang I-won bent forward, clutching his face with trembling hands. His entire body shook visibly, as if he were freezing to death.

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“Ugh…” A groan escaped his lips, unable to be suppressed.

When his hands fell away, his face was revealed—flushed red and twisted with pain. Kang I-won grabbed his own arms, digging his fingers into his forearms as if trying to hold himself together. But the trembling wouldn’t stop.

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Despite being submerged in the icy water, his body radiated heat as if he were a boiling kettle. Yet at the same time, it felt bone-chillingly cold, like touching bare skin to a glacier. His body alternated between burning and freezing sensations, as though his nerves couldn’t decide which to feel.

The abnormalities didn’t stop there. His body spasmed, as if electric currents were coursing through him. He couldn’t control the intermittent jerking, and his skin felt as though thousands of needles were pricking it all at once.

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“Ah… Ahhh…” Kang I-won’s groans turned guttural as the sensation intensified.

It felt like fireworks were exploding inside his body, each burst making him flinch violently. Clutching his head, Kang I-won trembled uncontrollably.

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Dizzy. Painful. I feel like I’m going to vomit. Amid the whirlwind of chaotic thoughts, one sharp realization struck him.

This wasn’t the first time he had felt something like this—though much weaker in comparison.

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This was the warning sign of an impending rampage.

* * *

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Speculations about the rampage of a regenerative Esper have always been rife. Some argue that their ability is limited to regeneration, so what’s the danger? Others contend that a rampaging Esper, regardless of their ability, is inherently dangerous.

Why is it all just speculation? Because no one knows what happens when a regenerative Esper rampages.

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No regenerative Esper has ever reached the point of rampage. Long before that, they would typically succumb to wounds their ability couldn’t heal.

Thus, for the first time in history, the world was witnessing the rampage of a regenerative Esper.

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Unlike the destructive chaos of most Espers’ rampages, where they lose control and destroy everything in sight, the rampage of a regenerative Esper was eerily silent. There was no destruction, no frenzy. They simply stood still, endlessly emitting energy.

Kang I-won’s hunched form radiated an invisible energy that spread outward. The uncontrolled, erratic energy escaped his body, dispersing into the air and spreading across the area.

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Heo Do-gyeong stared blankly at the scene. He couldn’t see it, but he could feel it. Something immense was pouring endlessly out of Kang I-won’s body.

The energy brushed against Heo Do-gyeong.

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It felt like a refreshing breeze, a wave of cool relief washing over him. As the invisible wind passed by, the pain that had kept his body bent over dissipated. His hunched back straightened, the creases on his forehead smoothed, and his ashen complexion returned to normal.

The pain in his side vanished entirely. Shocked, Heo Do-gyeong quickly untied the cloth pressing against his wound and examined his side.

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The injury caused by the monster’s spike was completely gone. The deep, agonizing wound that had tormented him was nowhere to be found—not even a scar remained. Heo Do-gyeong looked up at Kang I-won, who was still emitting invisible energy.

The energy continued to flow outward, carried by the wind, spreading across the mountain. As it grazed Heo Do-gyeong’s skin, his once-restored complexion turned pale once more.

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There was only one explanation for this.

“Damn it, no… No, no, no!”

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Heo Do-gyeong instinctively realized what was happening. This was Kang I-won’s rampage—the rampage of a regenerative Esper. He would continue to release all his energy until there was nothing left of him.

The selfish ability that had always ensured his survival was now transforming into something sacrificial in the moment of rampage, ready to give everything away.

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Heo Do-gyeong bit his lip hard, running toward Kang I-won with unsteady but desperate steps.

Not caring if Kang I-won lived or died? At first, maybe. He had tried to abandon his feelings for Kang I-won, who seemed to care little for him. That was why he had hardened his heart and said cruel things, knowing they would hurt.

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But only a few days after treating Kang I-won coldly, Heo Do-gyeong was forced to admit the truth.

No matter how Kang I-won acted, he still liked him. And because of that, he could never, ever, not even for a second, consider giving him up. Who would he be giving up for? Certainly not for himself.

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