IDSEGI Chapter 65

Chapter 65

“Ah, damn, they’re taking forever.”

Yushin grumbled from the bench near the hospital room.

He could understand Ihan’s stamina, but for Yeoul, a patient, to be at it all day was enough to make him worry.

He glanced at his watch and checked his levels.

62%.

Not dangerous, but not low either.

Having blatantly ignored orders and used his abilities as much as he wanted, he couldn’t exactly go back to Zone 1 and openly apply for guiding.

“Ha… maybe I should look into illegal guiding.”

He’d heard there were freelance Guides who offered private guiding for money.

How pathetic that his life had reached the point of considering crime.

“Sigh… I’ll just go eat.”

Deciding he needed to at least fill his stomach, Yushin headed downstairs to the first floor. That was when he ran into Yeon-oh walking into the Zone 5 hospital.

Spotting him, Yushin greeted him warmly.

“Oh? Yeon-oh!”

At the sight of him, Yeon-oh’s expression brightened—just slightly. It was so subtle that only sharp-eyed Yushin would notice.

“Where are you going? You didn’t come here following Yoo Ihan?”

“Ah… well. I was thinking I’d get something to eat, haha.”

Seeing Yushin’s awkward smile, Yeon-oh snorted as if the answer was obvious without needing to hear it.

“That clingy couple’s still stuck together like cockroaches, aren’t they?”

Yushin had a good guess why Yeon-oh was so prickly.

Because of Esper Yoon Geon, no doubt.

Even if he said he’d given up, the fact that he was helping Yoon Geon meant he still had lingering feelings. But since Yoon Geon only had eyes for Yeoul, it was no wonder he didn’t like him.

Wanting to shield the upstairs troublemaker couple for a bit, Yushin offered,

“Esper Yoon Geon’s not here yet. How about grabbing a meal with me? You haven’t eaten yet, right?”

Yeon-oh rolled his eyes and pursed his lips.

“I know Yoon Geon’s not here. I came to see you.”

“Huh? Me? Why?”

“You haven’t had any guiding, have you? Give me your hand, I’ll guide you.”

This kind of kindness from Yeon-oh was unexpected. He honestly didn’t seem like the friendly type, so it caught Yushin off guard.

When Yushin just stared blankly at him, Yeon-oh grew impatient and shook his hand.

“What are you doing, not taking it?”

“Ah, right.”

When Yushin took his hand, guiding energy quickly flowed into him. After a short while, Yeon-oh let go, murmuring with a slightly dazed expression.

“Looks like you and I… have a high match rate.”

“Yeah, really high…”

From the feel of it, it was over 90%.

Yushin had never experienced guiding that felt this good, and he was genuinely surprised. Judging by his sideways glances, Yeon-oh was, too. When their eyes met, Yeon-oh quickly turned his head away, his earlobes faintly red.

Yushin started to wonder if maybe he had a chance.

Gathering his courage, he held out his phone to Yeon-oh.

“Can I get your number?”

Yeon-oh glanced between the phone and Yushin, then quietly typed in his number and handed it back.

Unable to hide his delight, Yushin grinned.

“Is it okay if I text you?”

“…I prefer calls.”

Good lord—he would have been grateful just for permission to text, but a phone call?

Yushin was thrilled, since Yeon-oh had always seemed like someone who’d never show interest in him, but at the same time, it felt strange.

“By the way, can I ask why you suddenly came looking for me?”

“Well… I guess I was a little worried. But there wasn’t much meaning to it.”

Yushin slumped his shoulders slightly in disappointment.

Yeon-oh glanced at him and muttered softly.

“I do find your face quite my type.”

Yushin blinked, his mouth falling open at the unexpected answer. Pointing to himself in confusion, he asked,

“Me?”

“Yes. Well, you’re not bad.”

“It feels weird to say this myself, but… I’m nowhere near Esper Yoon Geon. I don’t even look like him.”

Yeon-oh gave him a baffled look, as if to say that was obvious.

“Well, of course. Do you think Yoon Geon is that good-looking?”

Yushin could understand the reaction, but it still left a bitter taste in his mouth. Seeing his downcast expression, Yeon-oh added casually,

“Well… I only meant it compared to Yoon Geon. Objectively, you’re handsome too.”

“Does that include your personal opinion?”

“Do I look like the kind of person who’d say this to a man who isn’t my type?”

Yushin’s mood instantly brightened, a grin spreading across his face. But he still had one lingering question.

“Then… you really don’t have any lingering feelings?”

“I need to find a new love too.”

Yeon-oh answered as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

For the first time, Yushin felt glad he had played shuttle for Ihan’s teleportation. Inside, he cheered.

* * *

The day after the match rate hit rock bottom, Ihan, Yeoul, and Yoon Geon gathered in one place.

“So you’re saying all we have to do is take care of that one-eyed thing?”

After hearing the full story from Yeoul, Yoon Geon confirmed the key point. Yeoul nodded lightly.

“Yes. It said if we kill it, it would turn back time to before the imprint.”

“Leaving aside whether it really has that ability, how can it turn back time if it’s dead?”

Yeoul lowered his head for a moment, then shook it slightly.

“I don’t know that either. I don’t even know if the same conditions apply this time, or how it’s possible. The very idea of regression doesn’t make sense to begin with.”

He lifted his gaze and forced a smile.

“But there’s still hope. Right now, that’s enough.”

After a brief silence, Yoon Geon changed the subject.

“What rank do you estimate that one-eyed thing to be?”

“S-Class, maybe even higher. I doubt it showed me its full power.”

He didn’t know its exact offensive strength, but he had seen its regeneration ability firsthand. Even when its cornea was torn, it healed instantly. No healing Esper could do that.

“If that’s true, we’ll have to prepare much more thoroughly.”

“Yes, most likely…”

As the expressions around the table grew grim, Ihan slammed his palm down, drawing their attention.

“It might not be easy, but it’s simple. In the end, it comes down to killing that bastard, right? No need to be scared.”

Yoon Geon frowned and spoke coldly, almost scolding.

“You can’t approach it so simply. We need to be cautious.”

“Who said otherwise? I’m just saying don’t be afraid.”

In Ihan’s eyes was a solid determination that would not be shaken.

“The moment an Esper gets scared of a monster, they’ve already lost. Especially if it’s one with intelligence.”

Yoon Geon shrugged, a sign he agreed. Watching them, Yeoul was quietly surprised.

“So these two can actually see eye to eye.”

Maybe they got along better than he thought. It would be nice if they could become closer through this.

But he was mistaken.

Both men were thinking the same thing inwardly:

“If it weren’t for Yeoul’s sake, I’d be trading punches with this guy, not words.”

“For him to put up with me, that’s admirable. But the moment Han Yeoul’s gone, he’ll flip instantly.”

Yeoul alone was unaware of their silent staring contest.

“I think I should have at least one weapon. If I’m going in to fight—”

Before Yeoul could finish, both men shouted at once,

“Why would you go in there?”

Ihan and Yoon Geon froze. Normally sworn enemies, they were of one mind when it came to Yeoul’s safety. That fact was irritating in itself.

But stopping Yeoul from going in was more important.

“Han Yeoul, you stay outside the gate. Only Yoo Ihan and I are going in.”

“Yeah, Yeoul. This time, this bas—Yoon Geon is right.”

Yeoul rolled his eyes, looking between the two who were so firmly against the idea.

“But if I’m not the one to kill it, it might not turn back time. It’s an opportunity I got in exchange for naming it.”

“You don’t know that yet. Does it really have to be you? Couldn’t it be me or Yoon Geon?”

Yeoul had thought about that too, but knowing that monster’s personality, it would probably want him to be the one to attack.

“It’ll want me.”

Yeoul had always been good at sensing this sort of thing—identifying the kind of evil that enjoyed tormenting the weak.

Ihan sighed, partially agreeing.

“Then how about this: Yoon Geon goes in first to check if the one-eyed thing’s there. If it doesn’t show up, you can come in too.”

It was a reasonable suggestion—except for one thing.

“Why only him?”

Yoon Geon was strong, but their opponent was no ordinary foe. It seemed safer for Ihan to go with him, maybe even bring Yushin so they could retreat if needed. Ihan’s reply was indifferent.

“If he dies for your sake, that’s an honorable death for him.”

Yeoul was speechless. What nonsense. Even more absurd was Yoon Geon nodding in agreement beside him.

“No matter how you put it, that seems too risky…”

“This time, I’ll go with Yoo Ihan’s opinion. He’s not wrong. If I die, someone will need to protect you, so it’s better if the stronger one survives.”

“You bas… so you can say something sensible too?”

Stopping himself mid-insult, Ihan raised his brows at Yoon Geon as if to say, “Not bad.”

Yoon Geon smirked coldly.

“Why not just keep cursing me like usual? That suits you better.”

“Typical. I try to be nice and you still act like a jerk.”

Still, Ihan seemed more comfortable this way. Going from “bastard” to “jerk” was, for him, a big step—it was his way of saying thanks for helping protect Yeoul.

Ironically, Yoon Geon was the only one who understood that.

Yeoul, clueless to the meaning, gave Ihan a glare and smacked him lightly on the back.

“Why are you talking down to him all of a sudden? If you’re going to do that, at least drop the swearing!”

“Yeoul, but this jerk said he’s fine with it.”

When Ihan’s energy deflated, Yeoul quickly softened.

“…Anyway, since we’re working together, don’t fight. Do your best.”

“Don’t worry. For this, I’m willing to keep the peace.”

Yoon Geon nodded in agreement.

“Whatever happens, your safety comes first. Cooperation is the priority.”

Ihan gave Yoon Geon a once-over, as if surprised.

“This jerk’s actually making sense for once?”

“If you think so, it means you’re finally maturing.”

Ihan twisted one corner of his mouth, looking at him with a tilted head.

“Ha, you really do only say ‘right’ things, huh? Is that your hobby? You gonna cooperate?”

“It’s not a hobby, but yeah, I wouldn’t mind cooperating with you for once. You’re probably right, though.”

“No, you’re right. How could I be right?”

The two stared each other down, crooked smiles on their lips. Both were thinking the same thing: once this was over, they’d settle things between them.

“Yeah. Just keep getting along like this.”

Seeing them praise each other by saying, “You’re right,” Yeoul thought their relationship really had improved.