episode_0084

In the hologram, Hayul was desperate.

Throughout the battle, she clung to the footsteps of the Alpha creature, dragging out time.

Finally, the scene transitioned to a corridor, and a fierce battle ensued, evoking a sense of desperation.

“…So? What’s the reason for showing this?”

As an Artla, it was difficult to watch.

She turned her head after releasing some of her troubled mind.

“Although I am a guardian, you don’t usually request to view observation records by scrutinizing such things.”

“Haha, it’s a fearful thing for you to come to our office, Artla.”

It’s a story about how it would be troublesome if you proceed carelessly and then get caught by her.

“Besides that, why did you call me to view this? Is there a need to demand my presence?”

Artla is, for now, in a guardian-like position for Hayul.

It is natural to examine the scene of the dungeon outbreak with a magical device imbued with the power of ‘observation.’

It is also natural to collect records of Hayul’s extreme damage reduction in this outbreak incident.

In the process, seeking permission from Hayul is a matter of common sense.

Since the person is unconscious, it is only natural to seek permission from Artla, who is in a guardian position.

However, it was somewhat strange to request ‘accompaniment’ from Artla considering the Association’s usual handling of matters.

It would have been more appropriate to simply request permission to view the observation records or to inform after the observation.

Artla nodded. If you have something to say, say it quickly.

Her character remains the same. Maxwell adjusted his tie unnecessarily with a bitter smile before manipulating the magical device.

The video accelerated.

After the brutal attack segment passed, the video resumed at a certain point.

– Whoosh!

Artla licked her lips as she watched the flames filling the screen.

The fierceness that could be felt even beyond the screen. The flames that she was sure would not leave a good sight if touched.

Geophagy.

‘Of course, she used it.’

It’s a life-threatening situation. It is right to use all means available to survive.

But that doesn’t mean that the aftermath will be easy.

Hayul using geophagy. Even the first-year professors who witnessed the scene at the time are silent about it.

It’s difficult to deal with it. What should we do if she uses geophagy? Should we investigate if she is a bastard of the Geophagy family or a descendant of the Banggye clan?

It’s not our business from either side.

Seeing Hong Yeonhwa, the successor of the Geophagy family, fighting directly doesn’t seem to lead to a good outcome.

But it’s not a good idea to stir up trouble in the neighborhood or other institutions.

Maxwell lowered his head after confirming Artla’s wrinkled expression.

“This is not the only thing.”

“What?”

Maxwell manipulated the magical device again. The paused video continued. Artla stared at the screen with a puzzled expression.

How long had it been since she fixed her gaze with a complex and agonizing feeling?

– Crackling!

The moment the ice started from Hayul’s left arm and covered the monster’s face, Artla’s expression froze as well.

“…What is that.”

When she was active on the front lines of the Maekyung, she had encountered many members of the Three Great Families.

They were all strong individuals who had manifested and trained their unique abilities, as they were the most ruthless threats in the world. Therefore, Artla had experienced both geophagy and changhae, taesan.

The chilling sensation that was approaching even beyond the screen…

‘Changhae?’

Her thoughts came to a halt. Her mind couldn’t follow the information in the video. It seemed like her brain was refusing to accept it.

Hayul manifested geophagy. She already knew that. She had seen what she used at the Tower. She thought it might be related to the Geophagy family.

Hayul manifested changhae…

Why the hell.

Maxwell nodded as if understanding Artla’s expression.

“That’s not all.”

“…What else is there?”

Maxwell pointed silently at the screen.

What else is there?

Artla, trying to recover from the shock, turned her trembling eyes to the screen.

And.

– Kwaang!

A shaking passage with a golden feast filling the screen. Artla’s mouth hung open in disbelief.

A familiar feeling…

‘No.’

It’s not just a familiar feeling. It’s not just barely that.

Familiar? Not that either.

That… is the energy that Artla always carries with her, even in this moment.

Artla’s unique ability, a fusion of her light attribute magic and skills.

“Baek, Ya…”

“Fusion and transformation. And the fact that both Clyde and Baek Ya… used by the same person is a statement that would be considered insane.”

Maxwell nodded in agreement with Artla’s muttering.

“I needed the records for the accident investigation, so I have already reviewed the observation records. Oh, please don’t misunderstand. I was just reading the records of the incident scene, not the observation records of Yi Hayul.”

Maxwell quickly added, fearing he might be caught by the collar. He didn’t want to throw away the expensive tie he had bought…

“I thought Clyde should also be aware of this matter, so I requested your company.”

Maxwell’s explanation fell on deaf ears. It didn’t really sink in. Artla’s mind had long since stopped working.

In her exhausted state due to Yi Hayul’s rampage, she couldn’t even begin to comprehend the absurd scene that had stuck in her mind.

‘……’

How should that be interpreted?

More importantly, can that situation be resolved?

The incident had already been discovered through observation by the Association.

Multiple unique ability manifestors. Rare but not unheard of. Artla herself had two unique abilities.

But like Yi Hayul… having both Fusion and Transformation at the same time was unprecedented. And on top of that, Artla’s Baek Ya… no, how could it have been used.

Just thinking about the storm that would ensue once that information leaked made her head feel like it was going to explode.

“No need to worry.”

“No need to worry?”

“I’m not beating around the bush. There’s no hidden meaning. I mean it literally. Clyde has nothing to worry about. The main point starts now.”

Then, as if he knew what she was thinking, Maxwell suddenly spoke up.

“The records of that scene were classified as top secret by the higher-ups even before the Disaster Management Department had a chance to review them. I’m the only one who has seen them. My temporary authorization is just to show them to the guardians.”

Higher-ups.

Artla’s expression changed at those words.

“By higher-ups, do you mean the Council members?”

“No. Even higher than them.”

The Association’s decision-makers, above the Council members. There were only two positions higher than the Council members.

The Association Heads.

The founders and managers of the World Superhuman Association, now in hiding, the Space and Harmonization Tower.

Artla’s expression crumpled.

The meaning of that statement was simple.

For reasons unknown, the two Association Heads… the Space and Harmonization Tower had taken Yi Hayul under their wing.

“…”

The Tower Heads had personally brought Yi Hayul from the orphanage and enrolled her as a special case.

The Tower Heads of Space and Harmonization had personally sealed off the information related to the incident involving Yi Hayul.

Three out of the five Tower Heads were protecting Yi Hayul? Why?

“That’s all I have to report.”

The hologram in the center of the room faded away with a low hum. Maxwell, collecting the hologram device, lowered his head wearily with a tired expression.

“If it’s not too much trouble, may I take my leave now? I have urgent matters to attend to, and if I start work now, I won’t be able to leave for a while…”

Similarly, as Maxwell’s tired expression showed signs of fatigue, Atla nodded with a complicated expression on her face.

A few days later.

Atla’s complexion was even more pale than before.

A day earlier, Yi Hayul regained consciousness. His body was at least guaranteed survival.

The severed… torn-off arm had been recovered, but it had been a long time since the bone had turned into an uncuttable bone.

There were many other injuries as well.

Bones shattered throughout the body, circuits damaged, muscles torn and shredded, internal organs completely crushed.

Despite being on the brink of death from countless injuries, luck seemed to have touched him as his body was recovering, and Yi Hayul regained consciousness.

And immediately had a seizure.

Yi Hayul, who had been groaning in pain for a while, lost consciousness again.

Atla’s mind was even more exhausted…

Yi Hayul is currently restricted to intensive care due to his unstable condition.

Apart from Atla waiting outside the treatment room, the only person he had seen was Liana.

– Whisper

“……!”

A movement was heard from inside the healing room.

Atla quickly got up and pressed the nearby call bell. The healer would come running soon.

There was no need to wait any longer. Atla carefully opened the door to the healing room.

Eyes still closed. But judging by the twitching of his body, it seemed like he had regained consciousness.

– Gulp

Atla cautiously approached Yi Hayul, who seemed tense.

Yi Hayul had a history of seizures.

If he had another seizure… Atla didn’t know if his heart could handle it.

Yi Hayul seemed to be trying to sit up.

It didn’t go as Yi Hayul intended. His arm, wrapped in a thick cast, didn’t move as he wanted.

Atla made a gesture and cautiously approached.

“…Can you hear me?”

He whispered quietly, wondering. Yi Hayul turned his head.

A confrontation followed. Atla’s stomach burned with anxiety. If he said something… Damn.

Stupid thoughts. Atla was blaming himself internally.

A tear ran down Yi Hayul’s cheek.

Thud! A stone hit Atla’s heart. His vision blurred. He opened his mouth in a hurry, then lowered his voice, afraid of startling him.

“Why, why! No, why are you doing this…?”

While Atla spoke with his hands waving, Yi Hayul’s tears continued to flow as if the dam had broken.

– Sob

Even the voiceless sobbing was heard. Atla’s heart was blackened with pain and sorrow filled with emotions.

Yi Hayul struggled to sit up.

Yi Hayul’s body was still weak, but he had recovered for the time being.

He should have been hospitalized, but the level of contact wasn’t enough to crumple and break.

Atla hurriedly supported Yi Hayul. He couldn’t afford to fall here.

At that moment.

Yi Hayul hugged Atla tightly.

Tightly… Atla’s body stiffened at the touch in his arms. And as he felt the touch on his waist, he looked down with a hardened gaze.

The missing arm. The arm that couldn’t move properly due to the cast seemed to be hugging Atla’s waist as if asking for a hug.

It didn’t go as intended. The arm was uncomfortable to move due to the cast.

Another whimper was heard from Yi Hayul’s throat. Atla embraced Yi Hayul, filled with sorrow, in a hurry.

‘…What is it.’

Even in his confusion, Atla awkwardly patted Yi Hayul’s back as he burrowed into his chest.

[Player Adjustment System: Measurement]

…

▶Mental State

｢Exhausted｣: feeling tired and weak

｢Pain｣: physical or emotional suffering

｢Sense of Loss｣: feeling or emotional state after losing something

[The curse of “Beauty Park Myung” is activated]

[Consumed vitality restores the body]

[Consuming vitality due to the curse of “Beauty Park Myung”]

[Curse of “Beauty Park Myung”: Death is just a release]