But for some reason, the mana in his body seems much more unstable than the last time I saw it.

Is he tired?

I shrugged my shoulders and continued walking north. Before long, a familiar face came into view.

As expected, its Jung Haseong.

The top-ranked hunter was currently facing off against a giant monster.

***

Why did things happen like this?

Jung Haseong was confused.

Its hard.

Closing gate after gate, its been 40 hours already. But instead of improving, the situation has escalated to extremes

-Artificial dungeon break confirmed!

This is clearly an act of terrorism. But who on earth would do such a thing? What possible benefit could someone have from releasing monsters?

Whoo

Jung Haseong struggled to cool his head. Now was not the time to be overwhelmed by emotions.

The Magic Tower guild leader is in Cheongju at a time like this.

Now is not the time for him to expect help from other S-Class Hunters. He needs to pull himself together, doesnt he?

Klaaaak!

Srrrk, boom!

There was a flood of attacks from monsters that escaped from the cage called the gate. With one swing of their front foot, the object was cut like a piece of paper.

Tsk.

He gritted his teeth and activated his skill. It was none other than the fire skill he had used relentlessly for the past 40 hours, until he was sick of it.

Kaaaaaagh!

Kieeeeeek!

Despite the outwardly overwhelming flames, this S-Class hunter was in a considerably exhausted state, causing the effectiveness of the skill to be reduced by about half.

Whoo!

Jung Haseong took a deep breath again. Whether it was because his mana had been depleted or not, he had been feeling dizzy since a while ago.

There are only a few left.

He had no choice but to take out the potion he had been saving.

It was that moment.

S, save me

From somewhere, a pitiful voice could be heard. Jung Haseong stopped drinking the potion and quickly turned his head.

P, please save me

Huh!

The debris of the collapsed building had trapped a person underneath. Jung Haseong immediately rushed towards them.

P, please help me

Dont move! Ill remove the debris right away!

There was no need to lift a finger. The advanced awakened were so superior in physical ability that they could literally be considered a different species of creature.

Are you okay?

My legs wont move. Could you please help me up?

Ah, sure!

Jung Haseong supported the civilian and thought to himself. In such a disaster situation, the base station would likely be down, so if he could use a radio to call the guild members and evacuate them

Excuse me, are you Hunter Jung Haseong, the top-ranked hunter?

But this time.

Jung Haseong opened his eyes wide at the sudden heat he felt. Come to think of it, the civilian who had asked to be helped up was now tightly embracing him.

As if to prevent him from escaping.

Huh?

The moment of doubt was fleeting.

Boom!

Then there was a loud explosion, followed by intense pain.

And the blood that burst out.

Heuk?

Biiiip.

A piercing tinnitus struck his ears. Haesung immediately dropped to his knees helplessly.

The explosive item that the citizen was hiding in his arms exploded.

Suicide bombing!

It was a moment when someones wish came true.

They took advantage of the period of chaos when the appearance of gates skyrocketed and caused a dungeon break again. Depleting Jung Haseongs mana. Biding their time and waiting for an opportunity.

The cult called Rakshasa Temple finally took action. He attempted to directly eliminate the weakened S-Class hunter.

Keugh, keugh.

Especially, this vulnerable hero was an easy target. He always moved alone, worried that his flames might harm others.

Keugh.

Haseong tried to take out the healing potion from his waist pouch, but the massive bleeding prevented him from doing so. It wasnt long before the awakened persons consciousness sank into darkness.

***

So well

To put it simply, thats it.

This would have been a big problem if it werent for me.

After all the chaos had erupted, I had been observing the situation from a distance. However, when the suicide bombing occurred, I rushed over in shock.

What kind of chaos is this?

Hiik, the wound is no joke!

The world is truly chaotic. Swept away by a powerful explosion, the citizens vanished without a trace, leaving behind only Jung Haseong, bleeding profusely from a hole in his chest.

I was a bit startled by the sudden accident, but I calmly began emergency treatment.

Im glad I brought the recovery potion.

The recovery potion that Kang Changho gave me! Such items would be more useful in the hands of that desperate man than someone like me, a great wizard.

Phew, thats good to hear.

I didnt hesitate to use the healing potion I received as a gift. And just like that, the wounds of the fallen hunter quickly healed.

Hmm.

Fortunately, his consciousness recovered quickly. After a moment, the mans eyelids slowly fluttered open.

Are you okay?

Blink, blink.

I cautiously asked Ha-seong, who opened his eyes. Then the first words that came back were

Why are you here? The evacuation?

What a useless thing to ask. But I couldnt be indifferent to the patient so I answered as best as I could.

I was running around here and there because the shelters were full, and I happened to find Haseong-ssi.

How are you feeling? Can you move your body?

The wound has recovered, but is there still pain?

Jung Haseong frowned as he struggled to sit up. Then, he placed his hand on his chest and spoke with a surprised expression.

Did you, by any chance, use a potion here?

Yes.

The wound healed in an instant H, how much was the item? Ill make sure to repay you.

Well, I received it as a gift, so Im not sure about the price.

But at that time.

Jijijijijik.

Along with the annoying background noise, a sudden vibration erupted from Haseongs waist.

-Re-transmission request. YTV Headquarters A-Class 3 units. YTV Headquarters A-Class 3 units.

Its radio.

When the voice was heard, the S-Class reacted right away by talking into the walkie-talkie.

Jung Haseong here. Ill be there in five minutes.

But wait, what did this crazy guy just say?

Jung Haseong gets up from his seat. Seeing that, I also stood up, ready to stop my opponent.

Wait a second. Hunter Jung Haseong!

I guess this person doesnt know his current condition.

You cant move like that yet.

Yes?

Because your lungs were destroyed by the explosion! You were unlucky. Thankfully, we fixed it quickly, but you need to take some time to recover.

Thats why they say ignorance is courage. How could he even think of casting magic in that condition?

Especially for today, using skills is prohibited. Its a delicate lung tissue that has just been regenerated, so if you use magical power, it can easily cause aftereffects.

Is there any organ in the world that isnt precious?

For a wizard, the lungs were more precious than anything else. But imagine if there was irreparable damage to those lungs. If not careful, a wizards abilities could be shattered overnight.

So, in fact, Jung Haseong should be laid down somewhere right now.

Thank you for the advice. However, in this situation, I cant help it

This damn S-Cass ignored my words and tried to rush to the scene. When I saw that, I felt like my lungs were going to collapse.

Did you understand what I said properly? There could be permanent disabilities if youre not careful.

Ill bear that in mind.

Wait, hold on!

I stopped the S-Class. The argument continued for a while, but the stubborn attitude of that unyielding man remained consistent.

Kim Kiryeo, even at this moment, people are dying.

I dont understand. I just blurted out whatever came to mind

What does that have to do with anything? Its not your fault, right?

But damn it. It seems that this light word was more offensive than I thought.

What did you say?

In an instant, Jung Haseongs face crumpled.

Why are you speaking like that? Dont you understand the situation? If I dont go now, dozens of people will die.

Thats their problem! Is there only one Hunter in this city? Just leave it to others today

Yes. Once this is taken care of, Ill rest immediately. Please step aside for now.

I cant step aside!

I threw myself down and desperately tried to stop him.

Is there someone, perhaps a family member, at the scene? If not, please, just

Whoo. Hunter Kim Kiryeo, I appreciate your assistance, but please stop now. Youre interfering with my work.

However, Jung Haseongs reaction became colder.

I cant communicate with him!

Its not just simple heroism; its too obsessive. By now, even he should realize the seriousness of his injury.

Why cant he just stay still?

Nobodys pushing a knife to his throat or threatening him

Whoo.

At first, Haseongs stubbornness irritated me, but as time passed, I suddenly felt a sense of compassion.

As expected, is he being forced to act against his will due to orders from an association or something?

Its exploitation to make a talented and young individual work for the safety of the country Come to think of it, my past life wasnt much different.

Hunter Jung Haseong.

After thinking for a moment, I quietly spoke behind Haseong, who was about to turn around and leave.

This is truly the last warning. If your lungs are damaged like this, you will regret it for the rest of your life. So, are you still choosing to ignore my words?

Warning?

Jung Haseong paused in his preparation of the flying magic tool and turned towards me.

You referred to yourself as F-Class earlier, so it seems a bit absurd for someone like you to give me a warning. Im sorry to say, but frankly, with that rank, theres probably not much you can do.

A subtly dismissive remark. Since I didnt respond, Jung Haseong turned his gaze back to his item box.

I dont think theres anything I can do

That moment was an opportunity. I made a decision.

Rattle.

Jung Haseong hardened at the sudden sharp sound of chains. That was the sound I made when I threw the incense burner.

The S-Class cut flying objects in half with superhuman reflexes. The moment his sword destroyed the golden incense burner. I was confident of victory.

What is this!

Bukh!

Cherry blossom-colored smoke spreads from the incense burner that is split in half. Haseong, seeing this, hurriedly covered his mouth and nose.

But it probably wouldnt matter much.

Keugh!

Eventually, the fire magician slumped down, his body collapsing.

The incense burner that I got by chance during the kidnapping incident. Why does the item that can attack up to B-Class also work on Jung Haseong?

The answer was simple.

I remodeled that incense burner.

Thanks to that, any Earthling who crosses my path can be easily subdued. Well, its a bit disappointing that I had to leave the stage as soon as I made my debut.

Tung.

I walked towards him, pushing away the broken pieces of the incense burner with my feet.

Keugh, h, how

He looked quite angry. Now that I see it, theres a ring that caught my eye in the hand of the fallen Jung Haseong.

Aha, did you prepare sleep resistance equipment after being attacked by Kang Changho?

Well, he prepared well, but it must feel unfair to fall for the same trick twice. I rolled my eyes and finally spoke, looking down at him.

Its all for you.

At that, Jung Haseongs jaw trembled, and he clenched his teeth before falling unconscious.

Its a funny event. The proud hero of Korea, the undefeated top-ranked hunter, ends up unconscious at the hands of someone as lowly as an F-Class.

It seems the rumors have turned out to be true after all.

Its going to be a nuisance, but when I see someone like Jung Haseong, I just cant stand idly by. The way he overworked himself reminds me of my past self, and I wanted to somehow help. I cant just let a promising magician like him ruin his lungs so easily.

Hmm. Well, Ill think about it later.

Anyway, Im too kind for my own good; thats my flaw.

I picked up the unconscious S-Class and headed towards the nearby hospital.

***

Even if the first time could be considered a coincidence, when coincidences repeat, they become inevitable.

H, how did Hunter Jung Haseong end up like this?

Do I have to explain to hospitalize him? Well, it just so happened that I ended up using a sleep item.

The top ranked person who appeared unconscious and the F-class hunter who claimed to have put him to sleepdoesnt it feel oddly familiar?

There was a brief commotion among the hospital staff. So, where is the protagonist of this story now? Its clear that Kiryeo had already left before Haseong could wake up.

Ah, patient. Are you awake now?

Kim Kiryeo, Kim Kiryeo, this human

Yes?

In addition, as soon as Jung Haseong came to his senses, he went on a rampage.

What was that F-Class thinking, putting me to sleep in such a critical situation!

Lets say thats the case for getting stabbed in the back by the same hunter. But how deep of a sleep state did he manage to put him in? When he woke up, a whole 24 hours had passed. It was only after the dungeon break and terror were resolved that he regained consciousness.

While he is not doing anything. How many people died?

How many more people?

Jung Haseong reluctantly lay down on the doctors advice, but his heart just wouldnt calm down. An unpleasant pounding throbs in his ears.

Was there a moment of silence?

Then, the mobile phone on his bedside rang loudly.

[Association President]

Jung Haseong washed his face dry when he saw the name on the screen.