* * *
“My friend is really an Awakened…”
I’d known it in my head, but this was the first time I truly felt it.
My world had always been so small—confined within the monotony of a hospital.
There had never been a reason for Taehwan to use his abilities there.
So even though I knew he was Awakened, my impression had been limited to him being just stronger and more resilient than most.
Especially since Taehwan had been physically exceptional even before his Awakening, even as a child.
I’d never really felt that he’d changed all that much.
But now, I was certain.
“Wait… wasn’t his ability in the crafting category?”
I wasn’t entirely sure because Taehwan rarely talked about his work, but I vaguely recalled something like that.
That he made potions.
Even this time, the reason he couldn’t visit me in the hospital was because he was creating an item for the ‘Sanctuary of White Flame’ raid.
The Sun guild had been preparing to buy a massive amount of consumables.
So if the way he got through that enormous crowd wasn’t his own ability… was it the power of an item?
“Tae—”
“I apologize for the delay. Let’s go.”
Han Jihye.
The moment he got in, he started the car and drove off, his movements laced with barely contained frustration.
His voice, too, was different—now heavy with exhaustion.
And when I finally pulled away from Taehwan’s embrace to look at him, it was obvious.
Compared to how he had been at the hospital, Han Jihye looked utterly worn out.
Even without hearing a word, it was clear that he’d been through hell.
I hesitated, unsure of what to say after arriving so safely thanks to Taehwan.
Just then, as he was fastening my seatbelt, Taehwan pointed outside.
“Jehee. Jehee, look. Hurry.”
“Huh? Oh…”
Caught off guard, I turned my head—and was met with a breathtaking sight.
Cherry blossoms in full bloom.
The trees lined both sides of the road, forming a tunnel of soft pink and white, like a passage leading to heaven.
Beneath the clear blue sky, the petals fluttered in the breeze, creating a surreal scene.
Even though the car windows were closed, the scent of spring seemed to seep in, wrapping around me.
“Wow…”
Entranced, I stared as the car glided through the blooming road.
And when we emerged from it, the cityscape unfolded before us.
Towering buildings packed tightly together, people and vehicles moving with purpose, stores boasting their unique charms…
It was the first time in thirteen years that I was seeing the city.
Majestic, sophisticated, dazzling.
There was so much to take in that my gaze darted everywhere, absorbing it all.
I inhaled deeply, filling my lungs.
“I’m outside.”
I had left the hospital.
I had escaped the well I thought I’d be trapped in forever.
I watched the people walking along the streets, then tilted my head back to look at the sky.
The spring sky was overwhelmingly blue—so dazzling it hurt my eyes.
Even through the tinted car windows, it felt that way.
How could I describe this feeling?
Like my entire body had been drenched in sunlight.
As if that beautiful golden light had seeped inside me, coloring me with its radiance.
“Do you like it?”
“Yeah. It’s beautiful. So, so beautiful.”
“You’ll see those cherry blossoms every year from now on. And lots of other beautiful things too. We’ll go to the mountains, the ocean, the valleys.”
“Yeah… I want to go camping again, like we used to. Go swimming together, play soccer…”
I knew I couldn’t stay giddy forever, so I tried to calm myself and sat properly.
When I turned, I found Taehwan resting his chin on his elbow against the window, watching me.
“Camping’s just the start. We could travel the whole country. Or even the whole world.”
“I’d love that, but… isn’t it complicated for Awakened people to travel abroad?”
“Who cares? If you’re just an Awakened and not a Hunter, the process isn’t that different from a regular citizen.”
“Hmm… really?”
Han Jihye seemed to glance at us for a moment, but since he didn’t correct Taehwan, I guessed it wasn’t wrong.
Still… Taehwan was already an exception. But what about me?
“What do you think my rank will be?”
“Hmm… I hope B or C. Preferably B, if it’s a non-combat ability.”
He answered without hesitation, and I felt a little conflicted.
It was… a very realistic estimate.
Even if the odds were low, wasn’t it okay to dream?
He could’ve guessed something grander just to give me hope.
My lips pouted slightly.
“You just cursed me, didn’t you?”
“Jehee, come on. It’s not an insult. Moderation is best. Honestly, even B-rank comes with too many obligations. C-rank is ideal—stable, less interference from the Bureau, and depending on how you use your ability, you can make good money.”
“…Really?”
“Really. The world only cares about the strongest, so non-Hunter Awakened people get overlooked. Hah, the struggles of a B-rank non-combat Awakened.”
“Hmm… I see.”
Now that I think about it, Taehwan was right—I haven’t really heard much about Awakeners ranked B or lower, especially those who aren’t in combat roles.
It makes sense, though.
The ones who get the most media coverage are hunters—Awakeners with combat abilities ranked B or higher.
Even if they don’t fight monsters, non-combat Awakeners must be leading intense lives in their own way.
I’ve been pretty indifferent to that.
“Well, I think I’d be grateful no matter what rank I get. Even a D-rank would be fine.”
Just being freed from the venom that tormented me is a fortune beyond measure.
I really don’t need to be greedy for more.
“To be honest, I’m more worried that you’ll end up as a B-rank combat type. I mean, the same Jung Jehee who was always sickly is going to fight monsters? Oh, come on. I can’t even imagine it.”
“What the hell? I could totally fight monsters! I’ve Awakened, so my body must be sturdier now.”
“Oh, yes. Of course. If you say so.”
“Don’t answer me half-heartedly! I survived both the Gate and a dungeon, you know.”
“Riiight. You did. Let’s go with that.”
“Hey!”
While we bickered back and forth, Han Jihye silently focused on driving.
Before long, we arrived at the Hunter Management Bureau.
It’s only been about three generations since Gates and Dungeons first appeared, along with the Awakeners who could oppose them.
But in that short time, the Hunter Management Bureau had become one of the most powerful institutions.
At first, right after the “Day of Upheaval,” all attention was on the devastation caused by the Gates and Dungeons.
But soon, people discovered that monsters contained a substance called “Core,” which could supply immense energy without harming the human body or the environment.
That revelation marked another turning point for humanity.
The industry built around Cores didn’t just develop—it quickly became the mainstream.
Soon, Gates and Dungeons weren’t seen solely as disasters to be resisted but also as vital sources of industrial resources.
As a result, Awakeners—especially Hunters—became more important than ever.
Naturally, the Hunter Management Bureau, which oversaw them, became one of the most critical government agencies.
That importance was reflected in the building itself.
The Bureau was housed in a massive, imposing structure, complete with a spacious parking lot and various convenience facilities inside.
While I looked around in fascination, Han Jihye stepped out of the car and pulled something from the trunk.
“Jung Jehee. Here.”
It was a wheelchair—the same one Taehwan had brought from the hospital.
I was unexpectedly touched.
I’d assumed Han Jihye was a scary person, but despite the chaos earlier, they had still gone out of their way to bring this heavy thing for me.
“Thank you. This will make things a lot easier.”
“Jehee, careful.”
“Yeah.”
I was definitely stronger than an ordinary person now, but my legs were still difficult to move.
Most likely because Taehwan kept stopping me from using them.
Overprotective as always.
As I carefully settled into the wheelchair, a large van pulled into the parking lot, and a group of people with cameras got out.
Startled, I instinctively shrank back.
“Oh, are those reporters?”
“No, they’re not here for you, Jung Jehee. Filming or reporting inside the Bureau requires prior authorization, and as an unregistered Awakener, you wouldn’t be approved.”
“Even so, it’d be best to avoid them. Let’s go another way.”
“Yes, let’s use the staff elevator. This way.”
Taehwan swiftly turned the wheelchair around and maneuvered us out of the reporters’ line of sight.
Having pushed my wheelchair for over ten years, he was a pro at this by now.
“If they’re not here for me, then why are the reporters here?”
* * *
