9.2

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.

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

It should've been me.

"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.

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.

* * *

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

"…Esper! …Esper Kang I-won!"

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!"

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.

"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.

It'll heal on its own.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

"Ah!"

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Guide Heo Do-gyeong, are you alright?!"

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

"It hurts… like hell."

"Of course it does."

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

"Here, take this."

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

"What is that?"

"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—"

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.

"Ugh, it's disgusting."

"All medicine is."

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.

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.

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?

"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.

"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."

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?"

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.

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?"

"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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

"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…"

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.

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."

"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.

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.

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.

Two monsters were down, but three still remained.

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

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.

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!"

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.

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

"Ugh… Ugh—!"

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.

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

"Pro…tect…"

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

"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.

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.

This was the warning sign of an impending rampage.

* * *

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There was only one explanation for this.

"Damn it, no… No, no, no!"

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.

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.

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.

Call him spineless if you want. He'd already told himself the same thing.

Despite having no intention of giving up on Kang I-won, Heo Do-gyeong continued to act coldly toward him. It was all because he desperately wanted to change the mindset of that reckless Esper, even just a little.

He wanted Kang I-won to stop treating his body like it was disposable. But more than that, he wanted Kang I-won to acknowledge, without hesitation, that he cared for him. He wanted Kang I-won to live by his side.

To provoke him, he pretended to push him away, acting indifferent. Yet, despite his pretense, the moment Kang I-won wasn't in his sight, unease crept in. Ignoring Kang I-won's wish for him to stay behind at the center, he had followed him here.

That childish action of his had led to the worst outcome—Kang I-won's rampage. Heo Do-gyeong bit his lip hard, the metallic taste of blood spreading through his mouth. By the time his tongue brushed over the wound, the sting had already faded.

Kang I-won had pushed himself too far trying to protect him, leading to this.

A faint sense of helplessness and guilt coiled around Heo Do-gyeong's feet, but there was no time to wallow in such emotions. As Kang I-won collapsed once more into the stream, unconscious, Heo Do-gyeong hurriedly stepped into the water to pull him out.

Without a moment to hesitate, he pushed through the cold water littered with leaves and twigs to retrieve Kang I-won. The blood that had drenched Kang I-won's body was mostly washed away by now. Beneath the rinsed skin, there wasn't a single wound—just smooth, unblemished flesh. Yet, the invisible energy continued to pour out of him relentlessly.

As a Guide, Heo Do-gyeong was meticulous and diligent, having read and learned a great deal. Among the records he had studied were those about Espers' rampages.

Most rampages ended with the Esper being killed or dying from complete energy exhaustion. However, there were rare cases where rampages had been quelled—through the guidance of a highly compatible Guide.

Those cases typically occurred early in the rampage and were often with Espers who posed less of a threat, much like Kang I-won now.

It's possible, Heo Do-gyeong thought, placing his faith in their 89% compatibility match. With determination, he hastily stripped the soaked clothing off Kang I-won, removing his own shirt as well. Wearing only their pants, the two pressed tightly against one another.

As their bodies touched, the prickling sensation of Kang I-won's erratic energy stung Heo Do-gyeong's skin like needles. Gritting his teeth, he tried to push his energy into Kang I-won through their connected skin.

But Kang I-won's energy resisted, rejecting Heo Do-gyeong's attempts to infiltrate his system. Frustrated but undeterred, Heo Do-gyeong took the next step. If direct contact doesn't work, then through the mucous membranes it is.

Grasping Kang I-won's limp head, Heo Do-gyeong pressed their lips together, capturing them as if he intended to devour him. Sliding his tongue between the slight gap of Kang I-won's unresponsive lips, he coiled it around Kang I-won's tongue, sucking gently as he traced and massaged the inner lining of his mouth. Through this intimate connection, he forced his energy into Kang I-won's body.

He could still feel resistance, but this method was undeniably more effective. Little by little, his energy began to seep into Kang I-won. Pulling back, Heo Do-gyeong gasped and spoke urgently.

"Kang I-won, wake up. Wake up and accept my energy! Do you hear me?!"

As Heo Do-gyeong finished speaking, he pressed his lips to Kang I-won's once more. This time, there was a faint response—a small twitch of Kang I-won's tongue against his. The energy that had been rejecting Heo Do-gyeong's presence began to weaken ever so slightly.

Clinging to that small sign of hope, Heo Do-gyeong kissed him fiercely, bruising his own lips in the process. Only then did he finally manage to connect with Kang I-won's energy.

It was both promising and despairing. Thanks to Kang I-won's innate regenerative ability, his energy hadn't completely collapsed, but it was rapidly deteriorating. Even with Heo Do-gyeong intervening, the breakdown was faster than the repair.

Despite Heo Do-gyeong's desperate efforts to stabilize the crumbling structure, it was an uphill battle. Yet, there were signs that Kang I-won was slowly regaining consciousness; the small, unconscious responses were becoming more frequent.

Heo Do-gyeong alternated between kissing and pulling back to let Kang I-won breathe. Each time, he funneled his energy into him through their joined lips. However, Kang I-won's body continued to grow colder.

Why is his body so cold when the weather is this hot? The chilling sensation reminded Heo Do-gyeong of death. His hands trembled from the fear creeping into his mind, but he pushed the thought aside and focused on guiding. His brow furrowed deeply, refusing to relax.

"…Cold…"

A faint mumble came from between their connected lips. It was barely more than a whisper, but Heo Do-gyeong caught it instantly and pulled away.

"What did you say?" he asked urgently.

"So cold… too cold…"

Kang I-won's voice was hoarse as he shivered violently. There was nothing to cover him with, no blanket to keep him warm. Wet clothes would do more harm than good. In desperation, Heo Do-gyeong wrapped his arms tightly around Kang I-won.

The heat from Heo Do-gyeong's body, warmed by the blazing sun, melded with Kang I-won's icy skin. Yet Kang I-won continued to shiver, muttering repeatedly about the cold.

Despite constant contact and relentless guiding, Kang I-won's condition worsened. If even their shared breath and the warmth of their bodies couldn't stop it, only one option remained.

But here? Like this? Heo Do-gyeong's face twisted with conflicted emotions. It wasn't a situation where consent could be sought or proper preparation made. The ground beneath them was strewn with dirt and leaves, and the only thing he could lay down was their wet clothes.

Clutching his face in frustration, Heo Do-gyeong let out a deep sigh. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen.

But there was no other choice. Even during the brief pause in guiding, Kang I-won's energy continued to bleed out, breaking down his body. If this continued, Kang I-won would deplete every ounce of energy he had and quietly slip into death.

That was something Heo Do-gyeong could not allow. No matter what happened later—whether Kang I-won yelled at him, cursed him, or even struck him—none of it mattered if it meant keeping him alive.

The decision was already made. There was no time for hesitation.

Heo Do-gyeong began to shift, intending to spread out their clothes on the ground. But as soon as he pulled away, Kang I-won, now trembling violently, reached out instinctively and clung to him. Wrapping his arms tightly around Heo Do-gyeong's back, Kang I-won murmured through chattering teeth.

"Cold…"

At the sound of that voice, Heo Do-gyeong, who had stiffened in place, found himself unable to pull away from Kang I-won. Instead, he awkwardly wrung out the wet clothes as tightly as he could and spread them wide on the ground. The fabric from both Kang I-won and Heo Do-gyeong was now laid out, covering a decent area.

Carefully, Heo Do-gyeong began to lower Kang I-won, who was still clinging tightly to him, onto the makeshift bedding. As their positions shifted, their bodies parted slightly. But the moment they did, Kang I-won shivered violently and clung to Heo Do-gyeong even tighter. Their chests pressed against each other once more, and Kang I-won's bent knee hooked around Heo Do-gyeong's thigh.

"…This is driving me insane," Heo Do-gyeong muttered under his breath.

The question of whether Kang I-won could even handle this was completely pointless at this stage. Heo Do-gyeong bit down on his lip, his expression hardening.

His frustration mounted. Even this slight contact left him feeling unbearably uncomfortable, his body reacting against his will. He found himself absurdly grateful that Kang I-won was unconscious—something he never imagined he'd think. Letting out a quiet grumble, Heo Do-gyeong muttered to himself.

He hated his own reaction, disgusted by the fact that he was capable of feeling this way while faced with someone on the brink of death. And yet, there was no undoing what his body had already decided.

Even with just this slight contact, the discomfort in his restrained body was unbearable. To think he would ever feel relieved that Kang I-won was unconscious—such a thought would have been unimaginable before. Heo Do-gyeong muttered to himself in a low voice.

Facing someone teetering on the edge of life and death, his own reaction made him feel a deep self-loathing, as though he might lose his mind. But what could he do? His body had already betrayed him.

Letting out a small sigh, Heo Do-gyeong gave Kang I-won one final warning. Shaking him gently but firmly, his voice carried both desperation and determination. Even in this moment, the guiding energy flowed naturally from his touch.

"Kang I-won, please wake up. This is your last chance. If you don't wake up, I'll do whatever I have to. So if you don't want that, wake up. Please."

No matter how much he shook or called to him, Kang I-won remained unconscious, showing no signs of waking.

Kang I-won's energy waves remained untamed, and his silent rampage continued. The relentless flow of energy escaping from his body brushed past Heo Do-gyeong like a frigid winter wind. Despite the hot weather, Heo Do-gyeong felt chilled to the bone, unable to feel any warmth.

At some point, Kang I-won's grip around Heo Do-gyeong's back weakened, and his body slumped to the ground. Looking down at Kang I-won, who still showed no signs of regaining consciousness, Heo Do-gyeong let out a deep sigh.

He had never imagined that things would come to this—doing something like this, in a place like this. He had wanted it to happen in a better place, at a better time, when Kang I-won also wanted it as much as he did.

But what choice did he have? If he didn't act now, Kang I-won would die. There was no other option left.

After hesitating for a long moment, Heo Do-gyeong's hand finally moved. Slowly, he pulled down Kang I-won's pants and underwear.

Even if Kang I-won woke up due to the unilateral act, recoiling in disgust and avoiding Heo Do-gyeong afterward, it was still better than watching his lifeless body.

Still holding his forehead and sighing, Heo Do-gyeong noticed Kang I-won's eyes on him and quickly spoke.

"Are you okay? Have you come to your senses?"

It felt as though his ears were submerged underwater, muffled and distant. Heo Do-gyeong's voice echoed as if reverberating in waves.

"Not… going to continue…?"

Half-asleep, teetering on the edge of dreams and reality, Kang I-won mumbled in a hazy voice. His words bypassed any coherent thought, spilling out unfiltered.

"It feels good… so keep going…."

The connection where Heo Do-gyeong's energy had been flowing filled Kang I-won with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction, almost to the point of bursting. But when that flow abruptly stopped, it was replaced with a deep, aching emptiness that felt unbearable. It wasn't enough—it left him wanting, craving more. So they continued.

Kang I-won's turbulent waves, which had raged wildly like an enraged boar, finally calmed. Seeing him return to his usual state, Heo Do-gyeong let out a sigh of relief. He had successfully subdued Kang I-won's rampage. Kang I-won was alive and well, and so was he.

The tension that had filled him to the brim melted away in an instant. At the same time, a wave of exhaustion swept over him, making his head spin as if all strength had drained from his body. Heo Do-gyeong quickly braced himself against the floor with his hand. Losing consciousness in a situation like this would be far too disgraceful.

Unfortunately, this was the first time Heo Do-gyeong had ever expended his energy so completely since becoming a Guide. As a result, his body, desperate to recover from the sudden depletion, instinctively shut down his consciousness.

In the end, contrary to his wishes, Heo Do-gyeong's body collapsed limply onto Kang I-won. As his weight pressed heavily against him, Kang I-won, who had been hovering between dreams and reality, slowly began to regain his senses.

Kang I-won blinked slowly, staring up at the clear sky. Strangely, the dream didn't seem to end. His senses were growing sharper, more vivid—almost as if it were real…

Wait. Hold on. What is this?

Kang I-won's eyes shot open. Fully alert now, he stared in bewilderment at Heo Do-gyeong, who had collapsed on top of him.

So… it wasn't a dream?

The foreign sensation beneath him still felt all too vivid. He and Heo Do-gyeong… Kang I-won silently gasped in shock. At the same time, a flood of memories of everything he had done to Heo Do-gyeong came rushing through his mind like a reel of images. His face turned beet red.

I've lost it. Completely. I'd rather bite my tongue and die from the shame.

But instead of biting his tongue, Kang I-won opted to shake Heo Do-gyeong. First, he needed to remove the weight filling him so completely. However, no matter how much he shook him, Heo Do-gyeong didn't budge an inch.

Perplexed, Kang I-won called out with a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

"Heo Do-gyeong, Guide?"

Heo Do-gyeong still gave no response. At the sight of his unmoving figure, Kang I-won suddenly remembered that Heo Do-gyeong had been injured in his side. His face turned deathly pale as he hastily rolled to the side and lifted himself, flipping Heo Do-gyeong over to lay him down properly. 

His face, already pale from embarrassment, flushed a deep red. But he didn't have time to dwell on his shame. Quickly regaining his composure, Kang I-won checked Heo Do-gyeong's side for injuries. What he saw made his eyes widen in surprise.

There wasn't a single wound on Heo Do-gyeong's side. Not even a trace of injury remained. It seemed he had only fainted from exhaustion, with no other signs of harm. Kang I-won felt a mix of confusion and relief wash over him.

He didn't understand what had happened, but he could always ask Heo Do-gyeong once he woke up.

With Heo Do-gyeong's safety confirmed, the memories of what had just transpired came rushing back to Kang I-won. The thought of how disastrous it would have been if a monster had appeared during that moment of vulnerability made him shudder.

Next time, it needs to be somewhere… The thought trailed off, and Kang I-won snapped out of it, shaking his head violently. What next time? There won't be a next time!

This was just guiding. Nothing more, nothing less. Kang I-won tried to convince himself. Before losing control, he had pushed himself too far, and Heo Do-gyeong had simply responded with appropriate guiding for the situation. That was all.

Even so, the thought of Heo Do-gyeong—of what they had shared—kept creeping into his mind. The memories felt hazy and dreamlike, but they resurfaced again and again, making his face heat up. Still, this wasn't the time to dwell on it. Shaking off the useless thoughts filling his head, Kang I-won busied himself with putting things back in order.

In their current situation, lingering here any longer wasn't an option.

Heo Do-gyeong, collapsed face-down, at least had his pants on. Kang I-won, however, was completely bare, not even wearing underwear. Flustered, he quickly retrieved his discarded underwear and pants from the ground and put them on. He then picked up his dirt-covered shirt, gave it a quick shake to remove the worst of the dust, and slipped it on as well.

Once he'd roughly finished tidying up, reality hit him like a tidal wave. He wanted to dismiss it as a dream, but the faint ache below kept reminding him that it was all too real.

Blushing all the way up to his neck, Kang I-won buried his face in his hands. A sigh escaped him, followed by a few dry swipes of his hands over his face in an attempt to collect himself. He glanced down at Heo Do-gyeong, still unconscious beside him, and let out a small sigh of relief.

At least this time, he'd been able to protect him.

Kang I-won stared at Heo Do-gyeong, lying there without a trace of awareness, his expression softening slightly as he watched over him.

Even upon closer inspection, the side that had been pierced was now completely healed, filled with fresh skin. Kang I-won couldn't begin to understand what had happened. Heo Do-gyeong wasn't a regenerative Esper like him—so how?

Though he didn't have the answers, the important thing was that Heo Do-gyeong was safe. Kang I-won glanced down at his own trembling hands, then brought his fingertips to the tip of Heo Do-gyeong's nose. Feeling the faint breath against his skin, a wave of relief washed over him.

He withdrew his hand, only to bring it back again, checking for Heo Do-gyeong's breathing repeatedly for nearly ten minutes. Just as Kang I-won thought it might be time to wake him up and descend the mountain, Heo Do-gyeong startled awake with a sharp gasp. Sitting upright, he scanned Kang I-won before letting out a low sigh of relief. That reaction, in turn, made Kang I-won feel at ease as well.

However, the moment their eyes met, the hazy memories of what had just transpired resurfaced, and Kang I-won quickly averted his gaze. A silence fell between them as both avoided looking directly at each other.

It was Heo Do-gyeong who spoke first.

"…If I made you uncomfortable, I'm sorry. The situation was urgent, and I had no other choice."

"No, it's fine," Kang I-won replied.

He was fully aware of how dire his condition must have been before losing consciousness. Though he had no memory of what happened afterward, he had been certain he'd burn through all his energy and die. Yet here he was, alive and well, which meant Heo Do-gyeong must have stopped him before he spiraled completely out of control.

That act—it must have been done purely to guide him. As the heat crept up his face again, Kang I-won brushed his flushed cheeks with the back of his hand. It had been an unexpected situation, one that occurred without warning, but emergencies were always unpredictable. As an Esper, he'd known that something like this could happen eventually. He had prepared himself for it. And so, it was fine.

But still… of all people, it had to be Heo Do-gyeong? The thought made his chest stir in a way he couldn't quite settle. Avoiding Heo Do-gyeong's gaze, Kang I-won spoke.

"Let's head down. We don't know when another monster might appear."

"…Alright," Heo Do-gyeong replied with a subdued voice, nodding slightly.

The two began descending the mountain at a brisk pace. Thanks to Heo Do-gyeong's inexplicably healed side, they were able to move much faster. They encountered a few monsters along the way, but none were particularly strong, and with Heo Do-gyeong's assistance, they dealt with them without much trouble.

Even though his body had regenerated, the lingering fatigue left Kang I-won with a pounding headache. Determined to prevent a repeat of what had happened earlier, he forced himself to stay tense, carefully taking each step down the mountain.

Throughout the descent, Kang I-won's heightened senses kept picking up on Heo Do-gyeong's gaze, sneaking glances at him from time to time. Heo Do-gyeong had been like that the entire time. Why was he being so cautious? With a small sigh, Kang I-won finally broke the silence.

"Why are you acting like that?"

"..."

"Do you have something you want to say?"

"No."

Kang I-won glanced at Heo Do-gyeong. His expression was complicated, filled with emotions Kang I-won couldn't quite read. Sighing, Kang I-won averted his gaze and continued speaking.

"If you have something to say, just say it."

"There's nothing."

Nothing? Yeah, right. Kang I-won turned his head to meet Heo Do-gyeong's eyes, but quickly looked away again. His ears burned as heat rushed to them, and he could feel his heart, which had finally calmed, starting to race once more. Calm down, he told himself, taking a quiet, steadying breath.

But as he tried to regain his composure, Heo Do-gyeong's anxious voice broke the silence.

"…You're not meeting my eyes."

"What?"

"Since I came to, you haven't once looked me in the eye properly. You say you're fine, but I know you're not. Just… stop pretending and say what you really think. Even if you have to curse at me, just say it."

Kang I-won could sense Heo Do-gyeong's unease and nervousness. Blinking, he turned to look at Heo Do-gyeong, whose head was slightly bowed.

"I'm really fine. It was just guiding, wasn't it?"

Sure, it had been startling and confusing, but Kang I-won genuinely meant it. After all, he'd been exposed to situations like this before, though unintentionally, thanks to clingy Espers. He'd always thought that one day he might experience it himself. Besides, his memories from before fully regaining consciousness were hazy, like a dream, and above all else—it was Heo Do-gyeong. So yes, he was fine.

But Heo Do-gyeong didn't seem to accept that answer. With a suppressed tone, he asked again.

"So, it's fine just because it was guiding? …Are you saying that as long as it's guiding, anything is okay?"

"That's not what I'm saying."

"Then what are you saying?"

"Well, because you're Heo Do-gyeong, it's—"

Kang I-won cut himself off mid-sentence, his words trailing into silence.

Overwhelmed by the unintentional truth that had slipped out in a moment of frustration, Kang I-won pressed his lips firmly shut in shock. But it was too late—the most important parts of his thoughts had already spilled out. Turning his head forward, Kang I-won remained silent. Behind him, he could feel the tension melting away from Heo Do-gyeong, whose mood seemed noticeably lighter.

From then on, they focused solely on descending the mountain in silence. Near the base, they came across a group of Espers and Guides gathered at the mountain's entrance. Quickening their steps, Kang I-won and Heo Do-gyeong joined the group.

The scene at the foot of the mountain was chaotic. Survivors were being accounted for, support requests were flying back and forth, reinforcements were being sent to those still battling uphill, drained Espers were being guided, and the injured were being treated at makeshift medical stations. The area was buzzing with activity.

As Kang I-won made his way through the busy crowd, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Hey! Sunbae!"

It was Kim Young-ho. Kang I-won turned toward the source of the voice and saw Kim Young-ho covered in dirt and leaves. For a moment, Kang I-won's heart sank.

Kim Young-ho spoke again, his voice tinged with relief.

"The team leader and Ho-jun were so worried about you. Where on earth were you? Your ability was… No, never mind. Anyway—"

Kang I-won interrupted, his voice trembling slightly as he tried to remain calm.

"The team leader and Ho-jun… are they okay?"

"Yeah, they're both fine. They went to get some guiding, but… Oh, there they are! Team Leader! Ho-jun! Sunbae I-won's here!"

In the distance, Han Kang-jin and Hyun Ho-jun were approaching. The moment they spotted Kang I-won and Heo Do-gyeong, they quickened their pace.

All three bore scratches and dried blood on their clothes, but there were no visible major injuries. They were safe. That fact alone brought immense relief to Kang I-won.

"…Thank goodness."

This time, no one had died.

With that thought, the tension that had held him upright drained from Kang I-won's body all at once. His knees buckled slightly, and Heo Do-gyeong, startled, quickly reached out to support him.

"Kang I-won, Esper! Are you okay?" Heo Do-gyeong asked, voice urgent.

"I'm… fine…"

"Stay with me! Don't lose consciousness!"

But the wave of exhaustion hit Kang I-won like a tidal wave. It was so overwhelming that resistance was futile. All he could do was let it wash over him.

Heo Do-gyeong's voice, calling out to him in desperation, grew distant as Kang I-won surrendered to the darkness, letting the tide of fatigue pull him under.

* * *

Pushing himself too far, Kang I-won slept deeper and longer than usual.

Though there were moments when he briefly opened his eyes, he couldn't muster any strength and would fall back into a restless slumber. Days passed in this unbroken haze. As the faint light of dawn began to seep into the sky one early morning, Kang I-won's eyelids quivered, and slowly, his deep, jet-black eyes came into view.

His gaze, seemingly sunken and weighed down by the darkness, stared blankly at the ceiling without focus.

After blinking a few times, Kang I-won slowly sat up. He wondered how long he had been asleep. Having fallen into such an endless, mindless slumber, his mind felt unusually clear and refreshed—something he hadn't experienced in quite some time.

That clarity made the unfamiliar sensations within his body stand out all the more. Closing his eyes, Kang I-won carefully checked his condition.

The familiar, oppressive energy that always felt like it was constricting him had noticeably weakened.

By now, his abilities were likely reduced to D-rank—or maybe even E-rank. Though, in truth, there wasn't much of a difference between the two; neither was sufficient to be of use in battle. What was certain, however, was that the complete loss of his powers was drawing near.

Opening his eyes once more, Kang I-won processed the results without much reaction. He had already anticipated this outcome.

His head drooped, and his gaze fell to the faintly blue glow of the white sheet in the dim light.

While his powers hadn't vanished completely, it was only a matter of time before they did. Even if they didn't disappear entirely, this level of decline was enough to fulfill the wish Kang I-won had been holding onto.

This time, no one had died—not Team 5, not Heo Do-gyeong. Everyone had survived. With that, he could leave with peace of mind. No one was here to stop him, and the timing couldn't have been better.

His thoughts didn't linger for long. Moving mechanically, Kang I-won raised his limp right hand from his thigh and brought it to his neck. His motions were detached, as though he were merely finishing an overdue task. Soon, his pale, slender fingers wrapped around his dry throat, tightening gradually.

The air caught in his throat, and a violent cough escaped his lips. Tears, born of the body's reflexes, streamed down his face. Just a little more pressure, and he could finally achieve the peace he had longed for.

But standing at the brink of life's end, Kang I-won's grip loosened. Air rushed back into his lungs, and he gasped for breath as his chest heaved violently.

"Cough… cough…"

Something felt off. An inexplicable sense of worry and unease churned within him, making his stomach turn. Kang I-won clutched the fabric of his shirt over his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart, which was at odds with the turbulent emotions coursing through him. The disconnect between what he physically felt and the emotions washing over him was unmistakable.

This worry and anxiety, so foreign to him, weren't his own. His heart began to beat faster, his face growing pale.

"Could it be…?"

Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't even entertain such a thought. But after what had happened with Heo Do-gyeong, and now this wave of emotions that clearly didn't belong to him…

"What is this…?"

The very idea seemed absurd, yet the continuous stream of foreign feelings pointed toward one undeniable truth. Kang I-won let out a dry laugh, trying to dismiss the notion, but the growing worry and unease confirmed his suspicion.

"This can't be."

Despite his repeated denials, Kang I-won methodically assessed his condition. Thinking back, even during their descent, he had been unusually attuned to Heo Do-gyeong's emotions. Now, as he stood in the aftermath of everything, the realization struck him like a bolt.

This was an imprint.

But something about it wasn't normal. Although Kang I-won had never personally experienced an imprint, he instinctively understood that this was a one-sided imprint.

A one-sided imprint occurred when only one party—either the Esper or the Guide—became imprinted. It wasn't an uncommon phenomenon, accounting for about 30% of all imprints.

In one-sided imprints, the bond often remained undetected unless the individual either disclosed it or engaged in guiding with another person. At that moment, the imprint would become glaringly obvious, making it difficult to hide.

However, even with an imprint, guiding drugs could still be used, allowing the bond to be concealed if necessary. For this reason, the actual prevalence of one-sided imprints was suspected to be higher than reported.

Notably, it was rare for Guides to imprint on Espers—occurring in less than 1% of cases. One-sided imprints were predominantly observed in Espers imprinting on Guides.

In cases of a one-sided imprint, the one who imprinted could only give and receive guiding with their imprinted partner, while the other party, unaffected by the imprint, could continue guiding with anyone as usual. This made the situation inherently disadvantageous for the one who imprinted.

For Kang I-won, who had already lost most of his powers, it wasn't a significant issue. Still, he couldn't help but feel disoriented. The uninvited emotions that weren't his own felt awkward and alien.

It was as though he were secretly spying on someone else's private life. Even though the emotions didn't come through clearly—like trying to peer through frosted glass—it was still uncomfortable and unsettling.

Fortunately, with effort, he managed to sever the connection, pushing the foreign worry and unease away. What remained was his own emotions, leaving him feeling strangely empty, as though something had been swept away.

What should I do about this?

There wasn't any real need to bring it up. After all, Kang I-won's impending loss of abilities meant he would no longer be deployed in the field. He wouldn't require guiding anymore, so there was no risk of anyone finding out.

But that thought left a bitter taste in his mouth. Even if he tried to ignore it, these emotions would likely seep through again when he let his guard down, just as they had today. Pretending not to notice Heo Do-gyeong's unspoken feelings while sensing them so vividly felt like a betrayal of trust.

The memory of Heo Do-gyeong's cold demeanor flashed through his mind, and Kang I-won unconsciously bit his lip.

What if Heo Do-gyeong feels offended?

Although it was Heo Do-gyeong who first proposed imprinting, what he'd wanted was a mutual imprint—not a one-sided one. Many Guides felt uncomfortable with one-sided imprints, and Kang I-won suspected Heo Do-gyeong might feel the same way.

As his anxiety grew, so did a sense of indignation. Was this really his fault? Sure, his condition had been poor, but it was Heo Do-gyeong who had initiated the guiding.

Of course, as a Guide, it was his duty to provide appropriate guiding during emergencies, and Heo Do-gyeong had only been fulfilling that duty. The resulting imprint wasn't something anyone could have predicted. Imprints weren't something you could control—they happened on their own.

With a deep sigh, Kang I-won tried to organize his thoughts.

This one-sided imprint would soon fade anyway. Imprints were a bond formed between an Esper's wavelength and a Guide's energy, so when an Esper lost their abilities, the imprint would naturally dissolve. It wouldn't be long before his imprint with Heo Do-gyeong disappeared.

In that case, he just needed to explain the situation honestly: that an unintended one-sided imprint had occurred but would soon dissolve along with his abilities, so there was no need to feel upset about it.

"Ha…"

A heavy sigh escaped him as his thoughts spiraled. How could this happen from just one instance?

At least it was only a one-sided imprint. A mutual imprint would have been far more troublesome. If an imprint were broken for any reason, the other party would experience a profound sense of loss. In extreme cases, some even developed severe depression or took their own lives.

While he didn't believe Heo Do-gyeong would react so severely, it was bound to have some effect on him. Yes, this was definitely the better outcome.

Even so, another sigh slipped from his lips.

Despite sleeping deeply, he felt utterly drained. With a long sigh, Kang I-won buried his face into his pillow, as if trying to escape the weight of his thoughts.