9

"Coming from Kang I-won, that's laughable. The person who never listens to anyone's concerns is now worried about someone else? Maybe worry about yourself first before saying that."

"It's different," Kang I-won replied. "You and I are in different situations. I'm an Esper, and—"

"Yes, Kang I-won, the Esper with nothing but a regeneration ability to rely on. You throw yourself into danger recklessly because of that power. And now, even that power is fading."

Heo Do-gyeong's sharp and pointed words left Kang I-won visibly flustered, his mouth opening and closing without sound.

"What? Did I say something wrong?"

Heo's demeanor, sharper and more cutting than even when they first met, left Kang I-won frozen in place. Seeing this, Heo pointed at Kang I-won's hand, which still held his wrist.

"Do you have anything else to say? If not, let go."

Instead, Kang I-won's grip tightened. He needed to say something—anything. But what?

"I… I was wrong."

Hesitating, Kang I-won finally offered an apology. Heo Do-gyeong's expression turned incredulous as he asked, "What exactly did you do wrong, Kang I-won?"

"I…" Kang I-won hesitated, recalling Heo Do-gyeong's earlier words, and slowly repeated them aloud.

"I hid the fact that I'm losing my ability."

"And?"

"I tried to… to die, in front of you."

"…"

"And… I never once considered you in any of my decisions."

Kang I-won finished, his voice trailing off as he anxiously looked at Heo Do-gyeong. The latter let out a quiet sigh and spoke.

"You're just parroting what I said. It seems to me that Kang I-won doesn't truly understand why I'm acting this way."

Kang I-won didn't. How could he, when he wasn't Heo Do-gyeong? He had only assumed that the reasons Heo mentioned earlier were the causes of his anger.

"…Isn't that it?"

"Well, if we go by what I said, you're not entirely wrong. I was angry because you hid something so important from me. And yes, I was furious that you would even think of doing something like that in front of me, knowing my past."

Running his hand roughly through his hair, Heo Do-gyeong continued in a bitter tone.

"But what angers me the most is how carelessly you treat your own body, Kang I-won. No matter how much I tell you, you never change. It infuriates me that you don't even pretend to listen when someone's genuinely worried about you."

Heo's words struck deeply because they were true. Kang I-won had never fully accepted the sincerity of Heo Do-gyeong's concerns.

Everyone who crossed paths with Kang I-won acted the same way. At first, they were horrified and worried for him. But before long, they became desensitized to his regeneration ability.

As time went on, concern turned to complacency, and no one truly cared anymore. Except for Heo Do-gyeong, who had never stopped worrying—and that was why his anger burned so fiercely now.

Kang I-won's injuries left no traces once healed, and he made a point of acting as if nothing was wrong. When the blood was washed away, the wounds were invisible, and people gradually became indifferent. They stopped noticing injuries they couldn't see and grew desensitized to Kang I-won's pain.

That was how everyone adapted to him.

Kang I-won had assumed Heo Do-gyeong would do the same. He believed it would take time, but eventually, Heo would grow accustomed, just as everyone else had. Because of that assumption, he had never truly accepted Heo's concerns or the reasons behind his anger.

"Kang I-won, I don't think you'll ever change, no matter what I do. And honestly, there's no need for you to change—it's all just my selfishness."

Heo Do-gyeong let out a short sigh.

"So, I'm going to stop caring. Just like you said."

"…What?"

Kang I-won asked in disbelief, as if he'd misheard. Heo Do-gyeong's voice turned colder.

"Whether you live or die, I won't care anymore. I'm tired. Tired of worrying, tired of feeling anxious every time you get hurt. It's exhausting. So do whatever you want."

Heo Do-gyeong looked at Kang I-won with a faint smirk, one corner of his mouth lifting bitterly.

"What's wrong? Isn't this good for you? The guy who always nitpicks at everything is stepping back. You should be happy."

"No." Kang I-won shook his head frantically, grabbing Heo Do-gyeong's wrist tighter with his other hand, preventing him from pulling away.

"I… I mean…"

Flustered, Kang I-won struggled to string words together.

Seeing his distress, Heo Do-gyeong frowned deeply, sighed, and asked, "What exactly do you want to say?"

Kang I-won didn't want Heo to stop caring.

He couldn't hide his confusion and discomfort. This was the first time he'd been so unable to control his emotions. The turmoil spilled out, plainly visible.

Seeing this, Heo Do-gyeong pressed further, "What do you want from me, Kang I-won? Don't give me some nonsense about just going back to how things were. I'm not that shameless. So what is it? Why are you apologizing to me?"

Kang I-won didn't know.

He still wanted to die. It was a wish he had carried for nearly a decade. Now that it was within reach, how could he let it go?

Did he want to bond with Heo Do-gyeong? He wasn't sure. He had never seriously considered bonding with anyone.

Did he want a different kind of relationship with Heo Do-gyeong? He didn't know that either. He couldn't even imagine what that relationship might look like.

For anything to improve between them, Kang I-won would first have to let go of his decade-long wish.

Was Heo Do-gyeong's presence significant enough to make him abandon that wish? No.

They hadn't even known each other for a year, and the early months had been far from pleasant. Hadn't Heo openly disliked him at the beginning?

Even now, though things had improved, the feelings he had for Heo couldn't compare to the strength of his long-held desire.

So no, Kang I-won couldn't give up his wish for Heo Do-gyeong.

With such half-hearted feelings, he couldn't build any kind of relationship with Heo. Hoping for things to go back to how they were before would be selfish beyond measure.

Unable to answer Heo's question, Kang I-won's grip on his wrist slackened.

Heo Do-gyeong looked down at Kang I-won, whose head was bowed, for a moment.

Then, with a gaze devoid of lingering attachment, Heo turned and walked away without hesitation.

* * *

Nearly fifty Espers and Guides began their ascent up the steep mountain. The day was still hot, and climbing the rugged trail during the peak of the afternoon's heat drained even the most physically capable Espers. Groans of exhaustion echoed from all around. The Guides, whose physical abilities were no different from ordinary people, had already fallen far behind.

"Man… I'm going to burn out before we even get to fight the monsters," grumbled Kim Young-ho from behind.

Kang I-won wiped the sweat trailing from his forehead to his chin, trying his best not to glance back at Heo Do-gyeong, who was trailing behind.

The steep incline forced them to take winding detours, stretching the climb even longer. After about an hour of hiking, they finally caught sight of the Gate, shyly hidden among the thick green trees.

The Gate's location, precariously positioned on a steep uphill slope, left little room for anyone to stand securely.

Given the heightened danger of mid-level entry, several Espers, on-site Guides, and a few medics who had followed along decided to remain outside the Gate for backup in case of emergency.

The Espers assigned to enter the Gate tied ropes to connect their bodies. To avoid complications during the entry process, they grouped up by teams.

Whether it was the heat or some other reason, Kang I-won wiped the clammy sweat off his palm onto his thigh while his eyes instinctively sought out Heo Do-gyeong. Heo stood nearby, dabbing the sweat on his face with a handkerchief. That was the last sight Kang I-won saw before he and Team 5 entered the Gate.

No matter how many times Kang I-won experienced it, the sudden shift in scenery was something he could never get used to. The scorching heat that had seared their skin vanished instantly, replaced by a chilly air that enveloped them.

The drastic temperature drop made the atmosphere feel almost cold. Kang I-won hunched his shoulders slightly against the sudden chill.

Once he confirmed that all members of Team 5 had safely crossed into the Gate, Han Kang-jin used his device to communicate with the other teams.

"Team 5 has entered. Sharing our location now."

– Team 8 here. We've entered too. Sharing our location shortly~

– Team 2 is in as well. It's probably best to regroup with the nearest team first. Has anyone made contact with the first raid team?

– One moment. Checking now… We've got them! Just a second.

After a brief silence, a man's grave voice came through the device.

– This is Team 9. Relaying the situation quickly. The first raid team is trapped while dealing with the boss. They're surrounded by water, and the boss is a flying type… Hold on, sharing their location now. …Where was I? Ah, yes, the boss is a flying type and is also shooting electricity. They're completely stuck. I wasn't able to get more detailed information because things seem chaotic over there.

– Let's leave the details for later. The first team to arrive should assess the situation and report back. We need to move now. Prioritize…

While Han Kang-jin continued coordinating with the other teams, Kim Young-ho looked around the Gate's environment with a grim expression.

"Man… this place feels worse than usual," he muttered under his breath.

"What the—another ant nest? Why is it that every place I go ends up being an ant nest? Didn't Soo-bin say these were pretty rare? I'm sure she did," Kim Young-ho said, his voice laced with frustration as he directed the question at Kang I-won.

But there was no answer from Kang I-won.

Puzzled, Kim Young-ho turned to look at him and was taken aback.

"…Senior?"

Kang I-won stood frozen, his face pale, one hand tightly covering his mouth as if suppressing something. His breathing was unsteady, as though he was barely holding himself together.

Memories he had desperately buried beneath the surface began to rise unbidden.

The situation back then had been eerily similar. The Gate was hidden deep within a mountain, and beyond it lay an ant nest. It was an old Gate, a ticking time bomb on the verge of collapse.

And outside the Gate was a Guide who absolutely had to be protected.

Everything felt the same.

Hyun Ho-jun, who had been watching Kang I-won with concern, cautiously placed a hand on his shoulder and asked, "Senior, are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?"

"I'm fine…"

Kang I-won forced the rising memories back down, working to steady his breathing and regain his composure. His now calmer mind tried to assess the situation rationally.

This was different. Though the cavern resembled an ant nest, it wasn't one. It was just a common cave, much larger and less confining than an actual ant nest. It wasn't even winter—there was no snow falling. This wasn't the same.

Kang I-won rubbed his cold hands together, taking deep breaths to calm himself.

The situation in Jeju had been similar too. That time, it had actually been an ant nest. And yet, nothing had happened. They had successfully defeated the boss and completed the raid without major incidents.

This time would be the same, he told himself. The raid would go smoothly, and everyone would be safe. Everything would be fine. Repeating these reassurances to himself, he slowly quelled the turmoil in his heart.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Hyun Ho-jun asked again, unable to hide his concern. Kang I-won nodded once more.

By the time he had finally calmed himself, Han Kang-jin returned after finishing his communications with the other teams.

"For now, our top priority is joining up with Team 2. They're not far, so we should be able to meet up quickly. Once we're together, we'll head toward the boss room. Along the way, we'll merge with any other teams we can. Any questions?"

"Yeah, is this an ant nest?"

"No, it's not. Similar, but different. Any other questions?"

When there were no further questions, Team 5 moved swiftly to meet Team 2.

Despite having regained some composure, a persistent sense of unease lingered within Kang I-won. He took slow, deep breaths, swallowing his anxiety.

This would end without incident. The unsettling feeling was just a reaction to the similarity to past events. It was irrational. With each repeated breath, his nerves began to settle.

As they eliminated stray monsters and joined Team 2, they began making their way toward the boss room. But then, a low rumbling sound filled the dungeon, accompanied by faint tremors underfoot.

The ground beneath them quivered, the vibrations growing stronger. Along with the tremors came an echo of monstrous cries reverberating from all directions.

Kang I-won's eyes widened in horror.

"What the hell is this?!" Kim Young-ho exclaimed, panicked.

But Kang I-won couldn't answer. His body began to tremble uncontrollably as the dungeon itself seemed to quake, threatening to collapse. His legs gave out, and he sank to one knee, unable to even attempt to steady himself.

The unease that had plagued him became a dreadful reality.

"…Waveification," Han Kang-jin said, his voice grim as he bit down on his lip. The weight of those words constricted Kang I-won's chest, making it hard to breathe.

Memories he had tried so hard to forget surged back, suffocating him. The memories he had buried with such effort poured out like a broken dam.

He didn't want to lose anyone again. He couldn't.

Not Heo Do-gyeong. He couldn't lose him the way he had lost his mother—so abruptly, so helplessly.

* * *

"Are you even paying attention, Kang I-won? Do you want to get me killed? Huh?"

"…I'm sorry."

This had happened when Kang I-won was freshly assigned to the Jeonnam Branch 2 after completing his training. As a new B-class Esper, everything felt unfamiliar and challenging. Despite his grueling two years at the training facility, his physical strength, endurance, and dagger skills were still lacking.

"At least do your job properly! You think you're invincible just because you can't die?"

"I'm sorry."

"I'll be watching you closely. Get it together, or else."

"Yes, I understand."

Bowing deeply, Kang I-won watched as Kim Ho-cheol stormed off, still fuming. He remained in that position until Kim was out of sight.

"Are you okay?"

The gentle voice belonged to Kim Sun-young, affectionately called the "Mother of Jeonnam Branch 2." Her concerned tone matched the warmth in her expression as she approached Kang I-won.

"Yes, I'm fine."

"Ho-cheol can be a bit harsh with his words. Just let it go in one ear and out the other, alright?"

"No, it's my fault. I made a mistake."

"No one gets everything right from the start. Don't let it get to you too much."

"Yes, thank you for your concern."

Kim Sun-young had earned her nickname because she didn't serve as a permanent Guide to any one Esper. Instead, she provided temporary guiding to all the Espers at the branch. Coupled with her nurturing personality, which led her to care for the Espers as if they were her own children, many Espers affectionately referred to her as "Mother."

"I heard you got hurt today. Do you need guiding?"

"Thank you, but I'm alright for now."

"Oh, come on. When someone offers, you should just say 'thank you' and accept. Got it?"

Before Kang I-won could protest further, Kim Sun-young grabbed his arm and began channeling her energy into him. Though initially flustered, Kang I-won soon felt the comforting effects of her guiding. His tense body relaxed, and the weariness he'd been suppressing began to fade.

"…Thank you," he murmured, bowing his head awkwardly.

"There you go, that's the right response," she said with a soft smile, gently patting him on the shoulder.

Just then, a cheerful voice called out to her.

"Hey, Mom! I need guiding too!"

The speaker was an Esper with strikingly dyed blue hair. Grinning widely, they hurried over and threw their arms around Kim Sun-young.

"I love Mom's guiding the best."

"What are you saying? You should find a proper partner."

"There's a shortage of Guides. No one's available~"

"They say there are plenty of Guides in Seoul and Gyeonggi. You should think about heading over there."

"Come on, how could I leave you behind, Mom?"

Watching the lively exchange between the two, Kang I-won quietly excused himself.

"I'll be on my way now. Thank you for everything."

"Oh? Alright, I-won. Take care. And don't let what Ho-cheol said get to you, okay?"

"Yes. Thank you for your support."

After parting ways with Kim Sun-young, Kang I-won headed straight to the training hall inside the branch.

Despite giving his all during his two years at the training facility, it had only been two years.

From an ordinary person's perspective, Kang I-won's achievements during training were remarkable. But in the world of Espers, he still had a long way to go.

Unlike most close-combat Espers, Kang I-won lacked many of the innate abilities that made others formidable. That meant he had to make up for it through sheer effort.

He couldn't afford to keep dragging his team down.

Every day was exhausting and grueling, but he clenched his teeth and endured. There was no other choice.

* * *

"Hey! Kang I-won! Didn't I tell you to get it together? Huh? Because of you, Jin-wook got hurt. Look at this!"

Kang I-won's teammate, Lee Jin-wook, had a long gash on his side. Though Jin-wook, looking embarrassed, tried to downplay the situation, saying it wasn't a big deal, Kim Ho-cheol ignored him entirely. His frustration was palpable as he continued berating Kang I-won.

"You were supposed to hold the line there! Don't you even know what your role is yet? If you can't handle it, just leave the team already. Honestly, the team would be better off with a proper close-combat Esper instead of someone as useless as you."

Kim Ho-cheol's sarcastic remarks made Yoo Soo-jin frown in disapproval. She stepped in, attempting to defuse the tension.

"Team leader, that's a bit harsh… He got hurt too, you know. Let's just leave it at that."

"Hurt?" Kim Ho-cheol scoffed, glaring at her. "Soo-jin, does that look like 'hurt' to you?"

"Well, the wound on his—oh? It's gone? Wow… Is that regeneration? This is my first time seeing it."

Yoo Soo-jin's eyes widened in surprise. The torn fabric of Kang I-won's uniform was still stained with dried blood, but his exposed skin was flawless, without a single scratch.

It was common for close-combat Espers to end up drenched in monster fluids and blood, given their proximity during fights. However, once the grime was cleaned away, only Kang I-won remained unscathed, his injuries vanishing as if they had never existed.

Though the team had initially defended him, this stark difference gradually began to spark quiet resentment among them.

Yoo Soo-jin, now focused on the wound that had healed before her eyes, shot a sideways glance at Kang I-won. Suppressing her dissatisfaction, she spoke in an even tone.

"This should have been handled by the close-combat unit."

"I'm sorry."

"Well, there's no need to apologize. Just do it right next time, okay?"

"Yes."

Kang I-won bowed deeply.

Despite his relentless efforts, nothing seemed to change. No matter how hard he tried, he continued to hold the team back and put his teammates at risk. He couldn't suppress the self-blame that clawed at him.

He was trying his best, but he wasn't improving. That realization drained him, little by little.

Was Kim Ho-cheol right? Maybe leaving the team really would be the best option for everyone.

But if he left, where would he go? Would anyone accept someone as lacking as him?

While he wrestled with his feelings of inadequacy, sinking deeper into despair, someone approached him.

"I-won, I heard. Things have been tough for you lately, haven't they?"

"…Guide Kim Sun-young."

"Have you eaten?"

Kang I-won shook his head. The gnawing hunger twisted his stomach, but the thought of swallowing anything made him feel like he'd immediately vomit.

Kim Sun-young pulled a chocolate bar out of her pocket and pressed it into his hand as she sat beside him.

"You must be hungry. Eat this, at least."

Her gentle hand patted his back, and before he knew it, Kang I-won found himself voicing the frustration that had been weighing on him.

"Because of me, my teammates keep getting hurt… I don't think I'm any help to the team."

It felt like nothing had changed since that time when he'd been powerless, watching his sibling die. Unconsciously, Kang I-won scratched at his stomach as though trying to claw out his frustration.

Kim Sun-young noticed and clasped his cold hands in her warm ones, her touch steadying him. She pulled out another chocolate bar from her pocket, unwrapped it, and without hesitation, pushed it into his tightly shut mouth. The sweet, heavy taste melted onto his tongue.

Kang I-won slowly began chewing. The crunch of the nuts inside the chocolate spread a rich, nutty flavor in his mouth.

"Let's have another one."

Like a mother bird feeding her chick, Kim Sun-young unwrapped another bar and gently nudged it into Kang I-won's mouth. Startled, he blinked but didn't refuse, quietly chewing and swallowing everything she gave him.

The soothing sweetness of the chocolate lifted his spirits slightly. As she handed him one last bar, Kim Sun-young patted his empty hands, her voice soft and comforting.

"I-won, I just wish you wouldn't push yourself so hard."

"But because of me, the team is suffering. I'm not doing my part."

"Sometimes that happens. No one is perfect from the start."

"But…"

"When it's your first time, everything feels awkward and clumsy. Do you think Ho-cheol was perfect from the beginning? He probably doesn't even remember how he almost got Hee-jin killed back then."

Kim Sun-young let out a small, light laugh as she spoke.

"Hee-jin?"

"Back when Ho-cheol was still a rookie. Hee-jin was his team leader. You wouldn't believe it now, but Ho-cheol was terrified of everything back then. We used to worry about him constantly because the one who should've been leading from the front was always shaking in his boots.

"One time, he couldn't step up to block when he needed to, and Hee-jin got seriously injured because of it."

"…The team leader?" Kang I-won asked, wide-eyed.

"Cowardly, trembling Kim Ho-cheol? Thinking about the current Kim Ho-cheol, that's hard to imagine," Kang I-won thought, his expression frozen in disbelief. Seeing his reaction, Kim Sun-young chuckled softly and continued.

"That scaredy-cat grew into a proper team leader as time passed. Some things just take time to resolve, so don't rush yourself."

"…Even so," Kang I-won muttered, still hesitant.

Noticing his reluctance, Kim Sun-young carefully shared a piece of her own story.

"My son… he was a regenerative Esper, like you."

"…What?"

"He was full of drive. Always eager to rush in, though he'd grumble about being a regenerative Esper. He was always upset about it, but he said he wanted to avenge his father and threw himself into every battle, heedless of his own safety. …My husband died because of a monster, you see."

"And… your son?"

"He died. I was told he sustained wounds too severe to regenerate."

"…Ah."

Kim Sun-young's voice carried a quiet melancholy. Kang I-won couldn't stifle the sigh of regret that escaped him.

After taking a moment to gather herself, Kim Sun-young patted his hand, her tone returning to its usual warmth.

"That's why, I-won, I really don't want you to push yourself too hard. You're still young. Everyone struggles and makes mistakes when they're your age. That's how you learn, step by step. And I want you to live longer than my son did—much, much longer."

Hearing her speak so calmly about her pain, Kang I-won could only nod silently, his throat tight with emotion.

"Want another chocolate bar?"

Kang I-won hesitated before nodding slightly.

Smiling, Kim Sun-young dug into her pocket and handed him the rest of the chocolate bars she had.

From that moment on, Kim Sun-young began to look after Kang I-won more frequently, perhaps seeing her son in him. Whenever she passed by and saw him, she would sneak a few chocolate bars into his pocket.

Kang I-won's pockets never stayed empty, and when he was hungry or feeling down, he'd often pull out one of the bars Kim Sun-young had secretly given him. Over time, eating chocolate became a habit—his go-to comfort in moments of distress.

Kim Sun-young reminded him of the mother he had lost, even though they were entirely different people.

It was her presence that helped him endure the exhausting life of an Esper. Her warmth and encouragement brought back memories of his mother and gave him a sense of solace he hadn't felt in years.

Though he had spent his life standing alone since losing his parents, Kim Sun-young's kindness gradually broke through his defenses. Perhaps it was because he had reached his limit after years of enduring everything on his own.

"…Mother," he murmured.

"Yes, my son?"

Her casual response to his hesitant call finally allowed him to let go of the tension in his heart. Like the others, he came to see her as a mother figure and leaned on her for support.

Kim Sun-young became his only refuge in a world where he had no one else to rely on.

Over time, this attachment grew stronger. He even found himself feeling possessive, irrationally annoyed when other Espers called her "Mother" or clung to her. It was a childish jealousy, especially since he wasn't her real son, but the feelings were hard to suppress.

"…Mother, could you become our team's dedicated Guide? I'll— I'll protect you, no matter what."

For the first time, Kang I-won allowed himself to be selfish.

In Jeonnam Branch 2, where Guides were scarce, there wasn't much distinction between dedicated and temporary Guides. Even dedicated Guides often helped other Espers when needed.

Still, the symbolic comfort of having a "dedicated" Guide was something Kang I-won deeply desired.

Hearing his request, Kim Sun-young blinked in surprise before giving a bittersweet smile, as though reminded of her late son.

"Well… if that's what my son wants, how can I refuse?"

A parent who had lost their child and a child who had lost their parent found solace in each other, each projecting their lost loved ones onto the other.

As time passed, Kang I-won gradually found his footing. He made fewer mistakes, and the incidents where he held back his teammates became increasingly rare.

It was around the time Kang I-won had been at Jeonnam Branch 2 for a little over a year.

A Gate was discovered midway up a mountain—its exact time of appearance unknown. The urgency of the situation, coupled with its B+ rank, prompted a request for support from all available teams.

For the first time, Kim Ho-cheol, who had often declined such requests due to Kang I-won's inexperience, agreed to participate. He had seen Kang I-won's recent growth and decided it was time.

It was Kang I-won's first time entering a dungeon-type Gate. Surprisingly, Kim Sun-young, who usually stayed at the center, decided to accompany the team.

"Mother, wouldn't it be better for you to stay at the center?" Kang I-won asked, concerned.

Kim Sun-young laughed heartily, waving off his concern.

"Look at you! Don't underestimate me. Back in my day, I was one of the best on-site Guides out there. There wasn't a field I didn't go into! Trust me, I know my way around dungeons better than anyone. I've handled more Gate-type dungeons than you can imagine."

"Even so…"

"It's fine, really. If anything, staying back at the center would make me even more anxious. My son is heading into his first dungeon—how could I just sit around?"

What most people, including Kang I-won, didn't know was that Sun-young's son had died inside a dungeon. It had been his first dungeon-type Gate, just like Kang I-won's.

Her son had charged at a monster that resembled the one that had killed his father. Overcome with emotion, he acted recklessly and sustained wounds too severe for even a regenerative Esper to heal. He died suddenly, and amidst the chaos of the battle, his teammates couldn't retrieve his body or any mementos.

He had vanished into the Gate, leaving nothing behind. Not even ashes filled the urn that represented his remains.

Haunted by that memory, Kim Sun-young couldn't let Kang I-won go alone. The thought of him not coming back terrified her. Though she didn't share these fears openly, she presented her decision as simple concern for Kang I-won.

Given the urgency of the situation, Espers quickly gathered. Even teams from Seoul arrived to provide support. The base of the mountain was bustling with activity, more so than usual. Once assembled, the group began their ascent.

Unfortunately, the previous day's snowfall had left the ground covered in a thick layer of snow. Patches of ice were scattered along the path, and Espers slipped and stumbled occasionally, muttering curses under their breath.

Kim Sun-young's footing faltered as she stepped on an icy patch. Kang I-won and Yoo Soo-jin quickly reached out to steady her, their voices filled with concern.

"Mother, please be careful."

"You should've stayed at the center. We can take care of him just fine. It's not too late to go back," Yoo Soo-jin added.

"I'm fine, I'm fine! Don't worry about me. You two are the ones falling behind—catch up with the others," Kim Sun-young said, gently pushing them forward.

Reluctantly, Kang I-won and Yoo Soo-jin hurried to catch up with Kim Ho-cheol, who glanced back at them with a click of his tongue.

"Why are you so worried about someone far more experienced than you two?"

"She's experienced, sure, but she's still a Guide. She doesn't have abilities like us," Yoo Soo-jin argued.

"Worry about yourselves instead of Kim Sun-young. She's been in this game longer than both of you combined. Tsk," Kim Ho-cheol said, shaking his head in exasperation.

Kang I-won barely registered their words. His eyes kept darting back toward Kim Sun-young. Her decision to join the field for his sake filled him with a mix of gratitude and unease. He felt guilty, as though he had failed to reassure her, but he also couldn't help but be touched by her care.

Still, Kim Ho-cheol's nagging had lessened recently. Kang I-won had stopped being a liability to the team, and incidents of teammates getting injured had decreased. He even felt a growing sense of confidence in his abilities.

Perhaps that was why he thought, foolishly, that he could protect her no matter what.

The group trudged through the snow at a steady pace until they reached the Gate, nestled among the barren branches of the mountainside. The Gate glowed ominously, its red light shimmering like blood against the white snow.

Kim Ho-cheol let out a bitter laugh before addressing another team leader nearby, his voice laced with irritation.

"So, this is B+ rank? What a joke. Did they screw up the measurements again? Who's the idiot responsible for this?"

"Didn't you hear? They upgraded it to A-rank before we left, which is why they sent reinforcements. Don't you see how crowded it is?"

"Goddammit. If I'd known that, I wouldn't have come," Kim Ho-cheol muttered under his breath, shaking his head in frustration.

Kim Ho-cheol couldn't hide the frustration etched on his face. But now that they were here, there was no backing out. He turned to Kim Sun-young, who looked visibly tired from the climb.

"Ma'am, they're saying it's A-rank now. Are you still planning to go in? If you think you might slow us down, it's better to stay here. I know better than anyone how experienced you are, but it's been a while since you've been in the field."

"Of course I came to go in. But why did it suddenly become A-rank?"

"They say the rank got upgraded at the last minute."

"Goodness…"

"So, what's your call? I'll respect your decision. You know best."

Kim Sun-young hesitated for a moment before reluctantly admitting, "Now that I think about it, my body isn't what it used to be. Just climbing this mountain has left me winded. If I go in like this, I might end up being more of a hindrance than a help. Guess I've gotten too comfortable at the center."

"Took you long enough to realize," Kim Ho-cheol teased lightly.

Truthfully, she wanted to go in. She was terrified of losing Kang I-won, just as she had lost her son.

But Kim Sun-young wasn't stubborn. Her experience told her she wasn't in the best condition, and if she insisted on going, she might put the team in danger by distracting them.

"It feels awkward to have come all this way just to stay behind," she said with a faint smile.

"No, you made the right decision," Kang I-won replied quickly, shaking his head.

Touched by his concern, Kim Sun-young took his hands in hers, looking beyond him to meet the eyes of Kim Ho-cheol, Yoo Soo-jin, and Lee Jin-wook.

"Be careful. All of you—Ho-cheol, Soo-jin, Jin-wook, and especially you, I-won—come back safely. Alright?"

"Don't worry too much," Yoo Soo-jin reassured her.

"Yes, thank you for worrying about us," Lee Jin-wook added.

Lastly, Kang I-won spoke softly, "…I'll come back safely."

Kim Sun-young smiled gently at his promise.

Waving goodbye, she stood at the Gate's edge, watching as they stepped through.

The instant they crossed over, Kang I-won was struck by an unfamiliar sensation, sending chills up his spine. The environment changed abruptly, and everything felt disorienting, as though the seasons had reversed from winter to autumn.

The air was cool but not cold, making the layers of clothing he had worn feel stifling. Adjusting his collar, Kang I-won scanned his surroundings.

Yoo Soo-jin, also taking in the new environment, asked Kim Ho-cheol, "Team leader, this is… an ant nest, right? I've never seen one before."

"Yeah, that's what it looks like. First time seeing one myself—it's a rare type," Kim Ho-cheol replied, his tone clipped.

"Really?"

"Tsk, just our luck…"

Kim Ho-cheol muttered to himself as he observed the narrow, maze-like passages carved into the cave walls. With a frown, he walked over to where the other team leaders were gathered for a quick strategy meeting.

What began as a calm discussion quickly escalated into a heated argument. The unexpected rank increase had made everyone more cautious, and no one wanted to take the lead.

Watching the tense exchange, Yoo Soo-jin sighed and commented, "This is going to take a while."

Kang I-won silently nodded in agreement, bracing himself for what was to come.

As expected, the team leaders argued for an agonizingly long time over who would take the lead. Eventually, a decision was reached, and thanks to Kim Ho-cheol's relentless bickering, Kang I-won's team was assigned to the middle of the formation.

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.

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.

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.

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

Then, a deep rumbling noise shattered the stillness.

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.

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!"

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.

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!"

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

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

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.

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!"

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.

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.

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?!"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?"

"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.

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."

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!"

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.

"Ah!"

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

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

"A… a monster…"

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"AAAAAHHHHH!"

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

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.

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

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

Then it clicked.

To hold the Warden back. To protect her.

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.

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…

Bang!

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

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.

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.

Why didn't you run?

"I-won! Hurry!"

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.

She knew this was foolish.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Warden jumped.

Bang.

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.

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.

Her eyes widened, and her face twisted in horror.

"No… no, no…"

"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.

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

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

"Run… please."

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

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.

….

…System override.

…Reconstruction protocol activated.

…No vital signs detected.

…Error. System anomaly detected.

Slowly, sensations returned.

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

"Reporting the situation. No survivors."

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

No survivors.

His eyes flew open.

His body shot upright, his breaths ragged and shallow.

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.

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.

"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.

"Correction: one survivor."

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

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

Then he saw it.

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

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

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.

"Ah… ah… no… no…"

She was gone.

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?"

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.

"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."

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.

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

He had failed, again.

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."

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.

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.

"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.

"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.

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…?"

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

Not a single one.

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

Only he had survived.

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.

He'd failed them all.

And once again, he was the one left behind.

Why? Why am I always the one to survive?

* * *

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

"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.

"You killed her! You took my mom from me! It's all because of you!"

Her cries filled the funeral hall, raw and piercing.

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

She was right.

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.