Chapter 194

Chapter 194. Wandering Steps (2)

Instead of withdrawing, they obsessed over keeping players under their control.

What was the essence of this behavior?

Could it not be a desperate attempt to prevent losing influence to a newly emerging force?

Was it not the desire within them, cloaked as a noble cause?

‘And yet, they speak as if I’m some kind of traitor who sold out the nation.’

Self-justification was quite an art form for all of them.

‘Well, it’s not like I plan to have a conversation about each and every one of those points now.’

I didn’t think I was in a position to do so anyway.

So, I decided to take the easy route by exploiting a shameful weakness and suppressing it.

After leaving the barrier, I passed by the unconscious Silver-rank soldiers, rendered insensible, at Brigadier-General Kim Jonghwa’s residence.

‘It’s time to go back.’

Before returning to Bihar, I went to a large supermarket to stock up on snacks.

Next, I headed to the subway station I had prearranged with Choi Seongwu, where I had an item to collect.

It was an academic book and workbook suited for Kim Yul’s knowledge level, something I had instructed to purchase while in China.

“Choi Seongwu completed the errand diligently.”

Having gathered everything, I moved to a less populated area and swept the books with attribute mana.

This was to destroy any electronic devices that might be concealed within. Though it slightly singed the edges of the books, it was no significant issue.

After finishing all my preliminary work, I hesitated.

Honestly, I wanted to see the twins.

However, after some contemplation, I headed towards the hospital.

“I feel like I won’t be able to leave once I’ve seen them.”

Rather than leaving with a heavy heart, I thought it was better to suppress the yearning for a while.

If I intended to focus on hunting and training in Bihar, that seemed more efficient.

“I also have something to give to Kim Yul.”

Not wanting to delay any longer, I hurriedly retrieved the item from the locker.

「Legendary Artifact – Companion of the Great Thief Owl」

• Category: Relic

• Acquisition Difficulty: Unique

• Rank: ★★★★★★

• Description: A dagger known to steal not only valuable items but also human souls. Having witnessed the death of the legendary thief Owl, it gained a special power inspired by the watchful eyes of the 7 Great Gods. The dagger allows the wielder to mimic Owl’s prowess by stealing magic cast before their eyes and storing it for later use.

• Magic Stealable: 1/3

The dagger was once wielded by Kim Muwon, a permanent relic much like Kerak series.

‘Relics fall into three main types.’

First, the ones with limited uses.

‘The kind that disappears after use, breaking apart like a tissue with bizarre effects akin to squeezing tears.’

Next are the rechargeable types that need time before they can be used again.

‘Mostly the ones with built-in area magic.’

Unlike magic stones that vanish after a single use, they allow for permanent use of specific magic.

Despite the long recharge times being a disadvantage, they are highly popular.

Interestingly, most are artifacts once owned by heroes renowned on the battlefield.

Merely mentioning the name of the relic would make locals recognize the hero connected with it.

‘Finally, the permanent relics that don’t belong to the other two categories.’

These possess powers distinct from magic, often requiring certain conditions for usage.

Such conditions could be earning a sentient entity’s recognition or being limited to stealing only observable magic.

For these types of permanent relics, the rank is typically high.

‘The Companion of Owl is 6-star.’

It’s not far behind the enhanced Kerak’s Spear, which is 7-star.

The effect is impressive. Or rather, I should say it’s outstanding.

‘The ability to store and use magic instead of just mana.’

Being able to utilize up to three new magics regardless of the attribute or arrangement is invaluable.

‘Honestly, it’s more tempting than Kerak.’

Even after upgrading, Kerak’s Spear hardly offers any assistance, making the dagger a far superior choice.

Initially, I considered using it myself, but I’ve changed my mind about that.

I decided to give it to Kim Yul.

‘Especially since, according to his SNS profile, Kim Yul’s birthday is coming soon.’

Lately, Kim Yul has had to repair his daggers more frequently.

He’s even replaced his weapons twice now.

‘Relics generally have higher durability compared to ordinary weapons.’

They withstand most impacts with ease.

In fact, I hardly ever needed to repair Kerak’s Spear.

That’s why I thought of giving this to Kim Yul.

It bothered me that he was the only one in the party without a relic weapon.

‘I wouldn’t want anyone to feel left out.’

Though he might pretend otherwise, Kim Yul has a surprisingly strong desire for belonging.

I suspect it’s due to deficiencies from his upbringing environment.

‘His family issues are quite clear.’

Of course, I haven’t inquired into it in detail.

I wasn’t even sure if I had the right to interfere in such personal matters.

‘Anyway, it’s personal business.’

Since he hasn’t expressly asked for help, I decided to watch and wait.

I brushed off my distractions and placed the dagger in the locker.

‘I’m not specializing in daggers, so it’s better for Kim Yul to have it.’

It’s commendable how he’s start learning mana manipulation on his own accord, so I’ll give this as a gift.

By the time my decision was clear, I arrived at the hospital.

However, I had to abruptly stop before reaching my destination.

“You think that’s good enough? What kind of doctor just says that when the patient isn’t waking up?!”

“H-huhk! Guardian, p-please calm down! P-put that down first!”

I heard a familiar voice.

After briefly contemplating the voice’s direction.

‘The risk of being exposed is low since I’m in Stealth mode.’

I moved towards the source of the voice while sending a chat to Kim Yul.

– K: Are you in Bihar?

The response arrived almost immediately.

– Kj: Yep, dyeing my hair. Got inspired by the color of yours, hyung, haha.

– K: And training?

– Kj: The sun hasn’t risen here yet, right? I finished yesterday’s assignments.

– K: Where’s Taeho hyung?

– Kj: He went to Earth. Today’s the day for his wife’s regular check-up. Why? Want me to go next time to confirm?

Ah, that was today, when his wife had her outpatient appointment.

– K: Don’t bother.

– Kj: Okay, okay. Is the work finished? When are you coming?

– K: Soon.

– Kj: Alright.

Closing the chat with Kim Yul, I spotted Yang Taeho’s back.

Despite his face being hidden by a baseball cap and mask, it was indeed Yang Taeho.

He was gripping a doctor’s collar, breathing heavily.

‘Was the hospital for the surgery here?’

It’s not like there are many places for transplantation surgeries.

Seeing how small Korea works, I messaged Yang Taeho.

– K: Hyung, I’ll be returning soon. Do you need anything?

Yang Taeho suddenly stiffened from harassing the doctor and eventually released him.

As the doctor scurried away, a reply came.

– Pudding: I’m here for my wife’s outpatient appointment. Don’t worry about bringing anything from my side.

He mentioned the outpatient consultation but nothing beyond that.

Should I pry or pretend not to know?

Before deciding, Yang Taeho sent another message.

– Pudding: If you return today, will you join tomorrow’s hunting schedule immediately?

Alternating between chatting with Yang Taeho, I briefly replied.

– K: Yes.

– Pudding: Got it. I’ll return promptly, see you later.

My brow furrowed.

‘Didn’t you say your wife collapsed?’

And yet you plan to return tomorrow?

‘I thought they were particularly close…’

Caught in the ebb and flow, my words became blocked.

Could it be Yang Taeho’s unaligned response that’s causing this dissonance?

Instead of stepping out in front, I remained hidden, continuing to observe Yang Taeho.

In the meantime, Yang Taeho rubbed his face thoroughly after lowering his mask.

My attention fixated on the scar left around his lips.

“Still no word?”

Did he fail to meet Gilenios? Or is it more likely that he did meet but chose silence?

Could his plan to return despite his wife’s collapse relate to maintaining confidentiality?

Thoughts upon thoughts linked endlessly.

Meanwhile, Yang Taeho entered the nearby emergency room.

Shortly afterwards, I followed in his tracks.

Roaming the complex corridors, I briefly scanned my surroundings.

Unlike usual, Yang Taeho’s shoulders were visibly slumped.

But beyond, there was an emaciated arm and shoulder, a jawline obscured by hair.

Merely witnessing this, I was forced to a halt.

“This is not okay.”

Approaching Yang Taeho’s family clandestinely was not honorable.

At least, that’s what I believed.

If any player intruded upon my family in this manner, my response would have been unequivocally hostile.

Therefore, I stepped away from the hospital, walking towards the park grounds.

Scanning the angles of the CCTV installations, finding an empty path was not too difficult.

There, I retrieved a baseball cap and mask from a hidden compartment within the locker.

Then, I removed the magic tool looped over my ear.

The overly familiar appearance of a Caucasian was replaced by my true visage.

The only change from before was the red hue of my hair.

Only then did I break out of my Stealth and return to the hospital.

Pulling the cap lower, I consciously slouched forward, adopting a casual gait.

“Who would’ve thought I’d have to use it here.”

Initially, it was intended for when I parted ways with Lily’s group, in case a warning needed to be issued.

Should any situation arise where unfavorable records might surface against me.

I planned to draw the attention to the red hair, excluding any link between Kang Hyunwoo and K.

For that purpose, I practiced walking differently, double-checked my posture in front of a mirror.

Thus, I was able to craft a rather convincing slouched posture.

‘And with Lily’s sudden demeanor shift, it seemed useless.’

It wasn’t entirely in vain.

‘Even if it came to light that I was here with Yang Taeho, they couldn’t suspect me of being K.’

Even assuming I was suspected of being K, connecting that to Kang Hyunwoo proved impossible.

Repeated reviews confirmed there was no link leading to me.

Returning to the emergency room, I purposefully made my presence known as I approached Yang Taeho.

Noting the tension in Yang Taeho’s body, ready to confront any presence sneaking up on him.

He reacted as though someone was about to grip his collar.

Though he hadn’t turned around, he clearly acknowledged my presence.

That realization made me laugh.

‘Had you been oblivious, I’d have pointed it out personally.’

There wasn’t the need for that.

It was clear his instincts declared him my ally.

“Hyung.”

I spoke before closing in further.

Yang Taeho whipped around, his eyes widening conspicuously.

Letting him absorb the scene for a moment, I then resumed.

“May I come closer?”

“O-oh, sure. Come this way. It feels rather different seeing you here.”

Standing next to the bed, I said,

“You should know, I have my reasons for being here.”

There’s no necessity to reveal the gate of my secret base is situated at this hospital.

“Well, the hospital is, you know, open for anyone.”

Forcing a smile, Yang Taeho stretched his hand, easing his posture.

Immediately after, giving me a side-eye from beneath the cap, he coughed, clearing his throat.

“So, that message earlier, were you testing me?”

“… I saw you standing at the entrance to the emergency room. If I made you uncomfortable, I apologize.”

“Goodness, well… you apologized, so it’s fine. I know what you’re like. The fact you revealed yourself means you were considering me.”

These were the words of a gentle Yang Taeho, someone I’ve come to know who avoids disputes.

His earlier fiery outburst at the doctor was nowhere to be found.

Not that I couldn’t comprehend his anger.

‘If a family member is suffering, it’d be more bizarre to appear unaffected.’

Dropping my gaze, I fixed it on the woman lying in bed.

Honestly, I never saw myself encountering Yang Taeho’s family this way.

Emaciated form, jaundice-tinged skin, and sunken eyelids.

Gazing upon someone unmistakably ravaged by illness made my mind whirl.

To gather my thoughts, I maintained my silence.

Meanwhile, Yang Taeho finally exhaled a lengthy sigh, commencing his tale.

“She suffered a miscarriage, you know. Her health’s taken a hit.”

Damn System

TL’s Corner:

Damn, Yang Taeho’s situation is awful.