TS 001 – Prologue

The stares were quite blatant and intrusive. Instead of feeling embarrassed, Kim Dohee maintained a blank gaze fixed on the podium ahead. A seasoned office worker learns to ignore others’ gazes amidst life’s storms.

‘This is my chance.’

Especially when dealing with a proud newbie whose eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

“Welcome, Espers, to our Center.”

The director silently appeared at the podium and delivered his usual greeting. The curious eyes that had been focused on Kim Dohee quickly turned forward as the mandatory orientation for newly appointed espers commenced.

“Before discussing the Esper regulations, let me first introduce the center.”

The repertoire remained unchanged. Director Shin began explaining about the center with a clear voice. It was information even children would be familiar with.

“The center has numerous facilities and organizations, including the research lab, but you’ll learn more about them gradually… Let me emphasize one thing: Espers often collaborate with other unique trait-holders^[1], so I hope there won’t be any conflicts.”

It seemed like hypocritical advice coming from a woman who had been at the heart of administrative disputes, yet it was crucial guidance for some individuals. Espers, constantly threatened by potential energy overloads, needed guidance to avoid causing chaos with numerically superior or ordinary superhumans.

“Above all else, please refrain from any words or actions that could lead to human rights committee referrals regarding guides.”

Espers possessed monstrous regenerative abilities and physical prowess beyond human limits along with supernatural powers. However, without guides, they couldn’t survive. If not periodically guided, their internal energy would become tangled, leading to an uncontrollable rampage. And for an esper, going berserk meant certain death.

When Director Shin mentioned guides, some eyes turned toward the back of the room. Kim Dohee continued staring straight ahead, his soulless gaze unwavering.

‘I’m telling you, kiddos, I’m not a guide.’

The rookies might have mistaken him for one due to his white uniform, but Kim Dohee was actually an esper himself.

‘Well, it’s amusing to fool these youngsters.’

He wasn’t alone. The individuals standing at regular intervals against the wall were all espers.

The reason high-rank espers were assigned to wear guide uniforms was clear. While one of their purposes was to prevent any conflicts among hot-headed recruits, the main goal was to easily weed out those deemed unfit for the job.

“Ugh, what’s with this human rights committee? Since when do guides have the same rank as us?”

Such as these two troublemakers.

Although they spoke quietly, unfortunately, Kim Dohee’s keen ears picked it up loud and clear. With a sigh, he located the espers who had been grumbling. As expected, they were both A ranks.

‘A-rank rookies… No wonder they’re so full of themselves.’

Ranking depended on total power output. Given that most A ranks tended to be either natural or physical ability users, Dohee understood why they acted superior.

‘Maybe it’s because he’s new? He doesn’t seem to realize that rank isn’t everything unless you’re an S-rank.’

Regardless, the most crucial factor for making a living as an esper was how efficiently one could wield their power. Even if someone possessed only a speck of strength, they could easily pierce through a human skull with exceptional control over their ability. It was far better to have lower-ranked but highly skilled espers than those with immense power who couldn’t properly utilize it.

The exception would be S ranks like Kim Dohee. The evaluation criteria for S grades were comprehensive, taking into account not just total power but also proficiency and resistance to losing control. Espers within this category generally managed well even with minimal guidance.

Of course, even for an S-rank esper, guidance was essential and unavoidable.

“That’s enough of a welcome speech. Once again, congratulations on joining the center.”

The new director, Director Shin, who briefly addressed them, was also an S rank. Compared to other ranks, his perception was much sharper, and his physical abilities were outstanding, so he likely overheard his earlier mutterings.

“Before we dive into your training, let’s take a short break.”

The rookies, initially stunned by the director’s presence, started chattering among themselves as soon as he left.

“This is fucking tedious. I thought we’d be hitting the field right away, not going through more training.”

Having gone through this routine multiple times, Kim Dohee now found it disappointing without someone loudly voicing their frustration.

Kim Dohee observed the guy trying to stir up the mood with disdain. The owner of the voice was none other than the idiot muttering to himself earlier. He was exactly as he expected—a real piece of work.

“Shouldn’t they be teaching guides about human rights or something?”

He raised his voice loudly enough for those wearing guide uniforms nearby to hear him.

“Dude, shut up. People are staring,” his friend sitting next to him chided, embarrassed.

“No, am I wrong? Isn’t it obvious that guides should care for espers who risk their lives on missions?”

None of the guide-uniformed espers were fazed by the loudmouth’s remarks. It wasn’t because they thought he was talking about someone else; rather, they had grown accustomed to such rants, treating them like background noise. Few people pay attention to barking dogs.

“Earlier, they were silent and obedient, but now they keep ranting about human rights or whatever.”

The hotheaded man was currently casting Latte. Considering that espers usually manifested their powers during mid-adolescence, it was highly likely that this newcomer to the center was only in his early twenties. Perhaps he looked older than his actual age due to premature aging, making him appear like a youthful fifty-year-old?

“You crazy bastard! There are guides standing behind you. They can hear everything.”

“Fucking hell, who cares if they hear? Guides are just like ordinary people, don’t you know? Even if they overhear, what can they do? So what if they entered the center before us?”

Kim Dohee, looking bored, pulled out his communicator from the pocket of his uniform. He then accessed the intranet, which was exclusive to center insiders.

It was more productive to waste time than listen to their embarrassing chatter with earplugs inserted. He chose a familiar name and sent a message:

[Hey, aren’t you off duty today? Is there nobody here to stop this nonsense?]

Soon, he sensed the man standing behind the door checking his communicator.

[Our team leader isn’t present due to a sudden terrorist call. He won’t be back for some time.]

His slender finger paused over the words “our team leader.” It wasn’t until now that he realized, amidst his disinterest in training newcomers, he hadn’t even noticed who attended these sessions.

[Wanna bet on how long it’ll take that guy to come around after waking up? Lolol I’m guessing one day.]

Messages arrived continuously. Kim Dohee turned his head leftward. Through the gap in the door, he met the eyes of the person who had just placed the bet.

Just as he was about to call out loudly, a dark figure entered through the wide-open door.

“Honestly, shouldn’t guides just shut up and obey espers? Everyone thinks like me, right?”

In the calm atmosphere, his agitated voice stood out sharply. The timing couldn’t have been more impeccable.

“Haa…” Upon spotting Kim Dohee, the man sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. As if he had come straight from a terrorist incident scene, red footprints marked his path on the marble floor with each step.

Kim Dohee discreetly followed him with his eyes. Newcomers only noticed his presence after he passed by, as he habitually concealed it while walking.

“I’m not kidding! How hard is it to just lie there and guide?! Fuck, all you have to do is—”

BANG!

A sudden loud noise erupted like a bomb had gone off, instantly hushing everyone around them.

“Uh…” The rookie esper, having taken his first steps as a field agent, groaned and blinked rapidly. He was facing his colleague one moment, but the world suddenly tilted ninety degrees. Blood pooled inside his mouth, likely from biting his tongue when he hit his head.

‘What happened? Was I attacked?’ Reflexively, he flailed his hands, attempting to use his psychic powers.

“…..?”

Nothing happened. It felt like someone had stripped him of his abilities, leaving him powerless.

Before he could fully comprehend what was happening, his hair was brutally yanked back.

“Agh!”

His head was mercilessly bent backward, flipping his view upside down once again.

“Hello.”

Coughing, he finally managed to turn toward the voice. The one holding him by the hair had slightly turned their body to look down at him. Despite the friendly greeting, their tone was cold and dry.

“I can’t believe these bastards still exist…” A pale man with pitch-black eyes scanned his face. His dark irises against stark white sclerae made his features appear sharper than they were. Strands of bloodstained hair framed his straight nose, hinting at some gruesome task he’d just completed.

“Do you know who I am?” His smoothly shaped lips twisted into a chilling sneer. It was Yoon Taehwa.