I Became The Only Healer In The Academy [EN]: Chapter 5

The Hunter Association seemed to anticipate Seonghyun’s arrival, as a guide approached him as soon as he neared the building.

“Are you Mr. Kim Seonghyun?”

A composed, professional-looking female guide greeted Seonghyun, who nodded.

“Yes, I am Kim Seonghyun.”

“They are expecting you. Please, follow me.”

The guide led Seonghyun to a secluded area, suggesting the conversation was confidential.

“I’ve brought Mr. Kim Seonghyun.”

A gentle voice responded from within.

“Ah, tell him to come in.”

The guide opened the door. Seonghyun gave a slight bow of gratitude before stepping into the dimly lit room.

“Mr. Kim Seonghyun?”

“Yes.”

“Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss.” The man gestured to a chair, offering Seonghyun a cup of tea from his own.

“It’s a tea that promotes relaxation.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Vice President of the Association. Please, call me Vice President.”

Upon hearing “Vice President,” Seonghyun paused, setting down the teacup he’d just lifted.

‘T-This person is the Vice President?’ he thought.

This was one of the heroes who fought the Demonic Beasts when the Gates first appeared. So many civilians and Hunters perished, and he was one of the few high-ranking Hunters who survived that initial onslaught.

The Vice President, possessing a surprisingly gentle demeanor for someone who had lived through such a horrific time, began to speak carefully.

“I’ve been briefed. You possess healing abilities…”

Seonghyun studied the Vice President’s eyes.

It was difficult to see clearly in the dim light, but he detected no immediate greed.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“…Hmm…” The Vice President seemed to struggle with disbelief, pausing to sip his tea.

“I won’t ask for a demonstration. You’re here today for equipment, correct?”

“Yes, as you know… my ability comes with a significant side effect.”

“…”

The Vice President recalled the report. He had initially been shocked by Seonghyun’s healing abilities, but the details of the side effects quickly tempered his excitement.

“The equipment you need likely falls into two categories: something to negate the side effects, or something to alleviate the pain.”

“That’s right. Is there any equipment available to support me?”

“Unfortunately…”

The Vice President knew what Seonghyun would ask for. He had even brought the relevant equipment to the meeting, but both items were clearly damaged.

“The equipment that eliminates side effects was partially lost during a previous Gate outbreak. Only this incomplete piece remains. We do have equipment that suppresses pain, but since your pain stems from your ability’s side effects, its effectiveness is uncertain.”

The Vice President pushed both items toward Seonghyun, offering them both.

“I can take both?”

“The pain-blocking device isn’t particularly valuable, and few can utilize the side-effect-reducing equipment anymore.”

Seonghyun noticed the Vice President’s hand as he gestured to the equipment.

The skin visible beneath his sleeve was scarred and distorted, as if burned.

‘…The Vice President also has an ability with side effects,’ Seonghyun realized.

“Thank you. May I ask why the Vice President is handling this personally?”

Normally, someone of the Vice President’s stature wouldn’t be involved in a simple equipment request. That was usually handled by a staff member.

“Actually, the equipment is secondary. The academy representative wanted to speak with you, but… wouldn’t it be better to speak with me directly? As someone with the authority to make decisions.”

The Vice President produced a document from his pocket and handed it to Seonghyun.

“This is…”

“As you can see, it’s a basic overview of each country’s status in the world. Can you find South Korea?”

“…Yes.”

South Korea was ranked 20th.

Considering it was 2nd when the Gates first appeared, this represented a significant decline.

“To improve South Korea’s standing, Kim Seonghyun’s ability must be publicized on a large scale.”

Seonghyun frowned at the suggestion.

“Can you guarantee the safety of me and my family?”

His tone was sharp.

The Vice President, understanding the reason for his concern, explained the situation carefully.

“Logically, such a rare and valuable ability should be kept secret.”

“Then why suggest making it public?”

The Vice President handed Seonghyun another document.

“This is…”

It was a list of individuals who were not yet famous, but would become prominent Hunters in the future.

Seonghyun recognized names of famous Hunters from before his regression.

The list included Hunters of various nationalities and ages, along with their abilities.

“It’s a list of Hunters in each country who have recently awakened their abilities.”

“…”

The United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, Japan, and other top-ranked countries were heavily represented.

“If this were earlier, secrecy would be the best approach. But the situation has changed.”

The Vice President’s eyes were filled with concern and sincerity.

“The Hunters listed here are all those that their respective countries have not yet revealed.”

“Is there a spy… or something similar?”

“Let’s just say the information is likely to become known regardless. So, it’s better to control the narrative.”

“Why is disclosure preferable?”

Delaying the inevitable seemed like the better option.

“We must leverage the advantages of your ability.”

“What…”

“Healing. An ability that was nonexistent, and still is. It’s not enough for it to be a rumor among Hunters.”

Simply put, he intended to wage a public opinion campaign on a global scale.

“Currently, the ability has side effects and can only heal minor wounds, but the potential is immense. We intend to highlight that.”

“Please elaborate.”

“South Korea is ranked 20th and declining. It’s embarrassing, but other countries likely view us with… limited respect. They will ‘temporarily’ adopt a wait-and-see approach.”

Seonghyun understood the strategy.

Whether it would succeed was another matter.

“To be blunt, they might target your family to exploit your ability, or threaten your safety. Therefore, we will publicly disclose your side effects to the media.”

“You’re saying you’ll increase the ability’s perceived value while simultaneously reducing the incentive to exploit it?”

“Precisely. You’ll be seen as an asset for cooperation, not a threat to be controlled.”

If the Vice President’s plan worked, it was the best possible outcome.

It would minimize restrictions on Seonghyun’s ability and allow for rapid growth.

“Frankly, I find it difficult to trust the Association completely.”

“I understand.”

“However, I will trust in the sincerity of your concern for South Korea’s standing, and your history on the front lines.”

“…”

Seonghyun had little choice.

His reawakening application had already been filed, and other countries were likely aware. Given the circumstances, the Vice President’s approach was the most logical.

However, there was a significant difference between grudging acceptance and accepting with Seonghyun’s statement, which implied the Association owed him a debt.

“Thank you. Sometimes, the past is useful.”

“No, it’s not a debt.”

“Thank you for your time. The guide is waiting outside.”

After a brief farewell, Seonghyun exited the room and was met by the same guide.

“Are you heading to the warehouse?”

“Ah, yes.”

“Please, follow me.”

With her usual cool demeanor, the guide led Seonghyun to the Association’s warehouse.

“You can take what you need. Goodbye.”

The massive door opened, revealing countless pieces of equipment.

He wanted to take everything, but he knew that was greedy. He shook his head.

“I have a Demonic Beast subjugation today, so I’ll just take a decent sword.”

As he searched, a faint light emanated from the depths of the warehouse.

“What’s that?”

A pure white light, almost holy, drew Seonghyun in.

“A ring…?”

The light pulsed from an unidentified ring, as if beckoning him.

“I’ll take it for now.”

Seonghyun pocketed the ring, selected a suitable sword, and left the warehouse.

“…Is that all you’re taking?”

“Ah, yes. Is there a problem…?”

“No, not at all.”

The guide looked surprised.

She knew he wasn’t wealthy, and most people in his position would be far more opportunistic. Yet, he only took a sword.

“Oh, and a ring.”

“A ring?”

The guide tilted her head, then checked the ring Seonghyun produced.

“These two items are all.”

“Ah, yes. I understand. I’ll handle the paperwork. You’re free to go.”

Seonghyun bowed slightly and left the Association.

“Was there a ring…?”

The guide recalled a faint glimmer, but it seemed like an ordinary ring.

“Well, I can’t remember everything.”

She decided to pass it on to the person in charge and headed to his office.

The office was overflowing with equipment.

The person in charge, appraising a piece of equipment, said without looking up, “Just leave it there.”

The guide placed the equipment removal report on the table and left.

“Let’s see… what went out today…”

The person in charge picked up the report and scratched his head.

“A ring? There shouldn’t be a ring.”

He couldn’t recall any ring.

The computer confirmed it.

The guide must have made a mistake. He dismissed it.

“She makes mistakes too. So, just the sword?”

The person in charge registered the sword on the removal list and finished the report.

Seonghyun examined the sword, pleased with its weight and comfortable grip.

“Today’s subjugation should go well.”

He didn’t plan to venture deep, and it was a low-level Gate, so he shouldn’t be in danger if he remained cautious.

“It’s over faster than I expected.”

He thought it would take hours, but he finished at the Association shortly after lunch.

“But what is this ring…?”

He was curious about its purpose.

He expected something to happen when he put it on, but nothing changed.

“Judging by the light, it’s related to my ability…”

The light in the warehouse had felt sacred.

Even the small amount that leaked out felt significant.

“Well… I’ll find out eventually.”

He had considered having it appraised, but the guide’s reaction made him hesitate.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been on a subjugation… time to regain my senses with some weak Demonic Beasts.”

It might take more than one day.

And the academy’s opening was only a few days away.