Upon completing his tasks, Hyun Woo returned to his quarters, a profound sense of fulfillment enveloping him. Although his physical recovery had already been facilitated by the system, the lingering fatigue from an arduous day still clung faintly to him. He cast a contemplative glance toward the window, where the sky had begun to radiate the soft golden hues of the approaching sunset. The room was filled with silence, punctuated only by the subdued hum of medical apparatus.
Hyun Woo seated himself on the bed, leaned back, and permitted himself a rare moment of respite. His gaze meandered towards the vacant chair against the wall, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile touched his lips. Memories of Yoon and her unfeigned laughter suffused his thoughts, evoking warmth within him. He closed his eyes, allowing the echo of their conversation to play in his mind as he whispered quietly to himself:
Hyun Woo: "Everything will be fine. For her, I will endure."
The system refrained from further disruptions; no new windows appeared to solicit his attention. Hyun Woo closed his eyes, surrendering to the tide of sleep while a gentle breeze from outside swayed the branches of the trees visible from his window.
As the first rays of dawn began to filter through the blinds of the Association's medical wing, a doctor, attired in a meticulously clean white coat, sat at his desk, reviewing various reports on his tablet. His gaze halted at the name 'Park Hyun Woo.' The graphs and physiological data were so anomalous that he furrowed his brow in bewilderment. Setting the tablet down, he took a moment of deliberation, then removed his glasses and proceeded to dial the number of Officer Gi Min Ji.
After a few rings, a familiar, steely voice responded from the other end.
Gi Min Ji: "Officer Gi Min Ji speaking."
Doctor: "Good morning, Officer. This is the physician from the Association's medical wing. I need to provide an update regarding Park Hyun Woo's condition. His recuperation is progressing at an astonishing rate. Based on the latest diagnostics, he is now fully recovered. Furthermore, his physiological parameters significantly surpass those of an ordinary human being. Frankly, I have never encountered anything quite like this."
A brief silence lingered on the other end of the line. The doctor anticipated surprise or at least some expression of reaction. Nevertheless, Gi Min Ji's tone remained cold and inscrutable.
Gi Min Ji: "Understood. Make sure he remains in his room until my arrival. I intend to speak with him directly."
The doctor frowned but nodded reflexively, as though the officer could see his compliance.
Doctor: "Of course, Officer. I will notify the staff accordingly."
Gi Min Ji: "Thank you. I will be there within the hour. Out."
The conversation concluded, leaving the doctor momentarily confounded. He glanced at the tablet, then at the phone, contemplating the officer's intentions. With a slight inclination of his head, he resumed examining his notes, diligently preparing the report for the forthcoming meeting.
The implications of Hyun Woo's rapid recovery were both intriguing and unsettling, and the doctor found himself dwelling on the possible ramifications. Whatever Gi Min Ji's intentions, it was clear that Hyun Woo's case was far from ordinary, and the unfolding developments demanded both caution and careful scrutiny.
Gi Min Ji's Office.
Gi Min Ji was seated in her spacious office, immersed in an extensive array of documents and analytical reports, when the phone rang. She lifted the receiver from her desk and brought it to her ear. On the other end, the voice of Kang Jae Ho — an A-Rank Hunter whom she had deployed to Point 37 for oversight of the unfolding situation — sounded clear and composed.
Kang Jae Ho: "Officer Gi Min Ji, this is Kang Jae Ho. Reporting the completion of the inspection of the Gate and related events."
Gi Min Ji leaned forward slightly, setting her pen aside, and focused her attention fully on the call.
Gi Min Ji: "Proceed."
Kang Jae Ho: "The Investigation Team, in conjunction with the remaining members of Delta Squad, has concluded the examination of the dungeon. All infected individuals identified within the dungeon have been transported to the Association's Scientific Division for further evaluation. The scientist accompanying us has posited that these individuals were influenced by the crystals we recovered from inside."
Gi Min Ji's brow furrowed subtly, her focus intensifying.
Gi Min Ji: "Crystals? Are you referring to those that emerged after the confrontation with the boss entity?"
Kang Jae Ho: "Yes, Officer. The crystals have been collected for further study. According to the scientist, their molecular structure differs significantly from the standard crystals typically found in E-Rank Gates. They exhibit an anomalous energy signature, one that could potentially have influenced the Hunters."
Gi Min Ji (coldly): "I assume you have begun to identify the nature of these changes?"
Kang Jae Ho: "Regrettably, we do not have conclusive findings yet. However, it is evident that these Gates were categorically not E-Rank. Preliminary assessments indicate that their complexity aligns more closely with C-Rank classification, if not higher."
Gi Min Ji reclined slightly in her chair, her expression growing contemplative. She deliberated for several moments before responding.
Gi Min Ji: "What about structural anomalies within the dungeon itself? Did you or your team observe anything else of note?"
Kang Jae Ho: "Indeed, Officer. We documented peculiar symbols etched onto the walls, resembling some form of ancient script. These inscriptions have been recorded and are currently being analyzed. The scientists are working on deciphering them, although the process will require time. Additionally, the Gate's behavior was unusually unstable. Even subsequent to its 'closure,' an atypical energy signature persisted, particularly concentrated around the boss's throne area."
Gi Min Ji: "This is not merely a malfunction or a trivial oversight. There is something more at play here. Very well. Compile a comprehensive report on the incident and deliver it to my office. I want an exhaustive account of every detail."
Kang Jae Ho: "Understood, Officer. The report will be completed by the end of the day."
Gi Min Ji placed the receiver back onto its cradle, her gaze unwavering and contemplative. She drummed her fingers on the desk rhythmically, processing the information she had received. It was becoming increasingly evident that the situation was far more intricate than she had initially presumed, and uncovering the answers to these emerging questions would demand considerable effort and diligence.
Gi Min Ji entered the Association's medical wing with deliberate intent. Her black suit accentuated her stern demeanor, while her eyes remained as unyielding as ever. The tension among the medical staff rose noticeably as she approached, though she spoke not a word. A doctor, who had been anticipating her arrival, stood as soon as she entered his office.
Doctor: "Officer Gi, welcome. You requested a briefing on the patient, Park Hyun Woo?"
Gi Min Ji: "Yes. Present everything you have."
The doctor nodded, activating the control panel on his desk. A large screen on the wall came to life, displaying the comprehensive data on Hyun Woo's condition. Gi Min Ji seated herself across from the screen, crossing her legs and folding her hands neatly in her lap. Her gaze was intense, though her expression remained inscrutable.
Doctor: "To begin, we conducted a comprehensive medical examination immediately upon his admission. Initially, we were preparing for surgery due to the severity of his condition: multiple internal hemorrhages, extensive tissue damage, multiple rib fractures, and a fractured sternum. However..."
He paused, switching the display to images taken during the first few hours after admission. Gi Min Ji scrutinized the screen closely.
Doctor: "The surgery was ultimately deemed unnecessary. The reason? We observed a rate of tissue regeneration that was unprecedented. His wounds were visibly healing in real time, and the damaged bones began to mend within hours. This phenomenon is far beyond the norm, even for Hunters of the highest rank."
Gi Min Ji watched the screen, her focus unwavering.
Doctor: "To illustrate the anomaly, I compared Hyun Woo's regeneration rate with that of a typical B-Rank Hunter. As you are aware, Hunters of this rank possess significantly augmented physiological attributes. Their skin, connective tissues, muscles, and bones are considerably more resilient. For example, direct gunfire — whether from a handgun or a rifle — barely scratches the surface, leaving only superficial damage. Similarly, even with a military-grade tactical knife, the resulting injury would amount to little more than a slight abrasion."
The doctor switched the display to a series of graphs illustrating tissue resilience and regeneration rates across Hunters of different ranks.
Doctor: "These extraordinary properties can be attributed to the 'Core.' Once awakened, the Core substantially fortifies the physical structure: skin becomes tougher, muscles denser, bones significantly more resistant to fractures. The Core also accelerates the body's regenerative capacity, with the effect becoming more pronounced as the Hunter's rank increases."
Gi Min Ji nodded slightly, acknowledging the explanation. She was thoroughly familiar with this information but continued to listen without revealing any emotion.
Doctor (continuing): "However, in Park Hyun Woo's case, the regeneration rate is beyond anything previously documented. For an E-Rank Hunter, such accelerated recovery is not just improbable — it should be impossible. Even A-Rank Hunters do not exhibit regenerative capabilities of this magnitude. We have conducted extensive analyses to determine the underlying mechanism behind this anomaly, but thus far, we remain without conclusive findings."
The doctor then switched the screen to images taken twenty-four hours after Hyun Woo's admission. The images depicted his body almost entirely healed, despite the previously critical injuries.
Doctor: "His tissues and bones appear... as if they are brand new. There are no signs of prior damage. This isn't merely regeneration — it's more akin to a full restoration to an unblemished state."
He turned towards Gi Min Ji, awaiting her response. She inclined her head slightly, her gaze locked on the data displayed before her.
Gi Min Ji: "Are you suggesting that even after conducting a full "Core" scan, you found no anomalies that could account for this phenomenon?"
Doctor (hesitantly): "That is correct, Officer. His Core presents as entirely typical for an E-Rank Hunter. We have examined it meticulously, yet there are no detectable deviations or abnormalities. This is an unprecedented case, at least within my professional experience."
Gi Min Ji paused, her gaze growing even colder as she contemplated the implications. It was clear that this situation defied conventional understanding, suggesting a complexity that would require far greater scrutiny and analysis. The unprecedented nature of Hyun Woo's recovery posed questions that extended far beyond the typical remit of medical science and Hunter capabilities, hinting at deeper, perhaps unsettling, forces at play.
Gi Min Ji: "Continue the observation. I require thorough documentation of every alteration. If any anomalies are identified, notify me immediately."
Doctor (affirmatively): "Understood, Officer."
Gi Min Ji rose from her seat, meticulously adjusting her jacket before making her way to the exit. As she reached the doorway, she paused and glanced back.
Gi Min Ji: "I will speak with him personally."
"In the meantime, ensure he remains confined to his room. He is not to leave the medical wing without my explicit authorization."
Gi Min Ji took a step towards the door, but the doctor's voice halted her. There was an unmistakable tremor in his tone, as if he was about to reveal something deeply unsettling.
Doctor (anxiously): "Officer Gi... I apologize, but I haven't finished yet. Please, I must ask you to sit down."
She frowned slightly, but without further protest, returned to her chair and resumed her seat, crossing her legs. Her gaze remained cold, but there was an undercurrent of curiosity.
Doctor (continuing): "As I mentioned earlier, his rate of recovery exceeds even the established limits observed in S-Rank Hunters. However, there is an additional factor. During the two weeks he remained in an unconscious state, his body underwent what can only be described as a complete physiological rebirth."
Gi Min Ji's eyes narrowed, her focus intensifying, her gaze growing even more piercing.
Doctor: "Every cell, every tissue, bone, organ — it's as if they have all been replaced with entirely new structures. We performed an exhaustive analysis, and the findings were nothing short of remarkable. His current physiological state is... flawless."
The screen behind them illuminated with corroborative data: detailed graphs, comparative imaging, and microscopic visuals of cellular regeneration — all underscoring the doctor's extraordinary claims. The evidence depicted not merely accelerated healing but a transformation that defied conventional understanding.
Gi Min Ji remained silent, her gaze fixed on the screen. Her mind was calculating the implications — this was more than just an anomaly. It was a phenomenon that could alter their understanding of Hunter biology and the potential limits of human physiology. She took a deep breath, the gravity of the information settling in.
Gi Min Ji: "Document everything meticulously. We must understand whether this is an isolated case or if we are on the verge of uncovering something far more significant."
The doctor nodded solemnly, his anxiety not entirely dissipated but now tempered with determination. The significance of what lay before them demanded nothing less than unwavering focus and exhaustive scrutiny.
Doctor: "The most remarkable aspect lies in his cellular biology. The Association's Scientific Corps conducted several experimental analyses on the tissue samples. Remarkably, if a single cell is broken down to its atomic components, it reconstitutes itself back to its original state within just one day. Such an outcome transcends our current understanding of biological regeneration."
The doctor hesitated briefly, as though unsure whether to continue.
Doctor (quietly): "In layman's terms, even if Park Hyun Woo were to be entirely obliterated, erased from existence, he would still regenerate. We cannot yet comprehend how such a process is possible. The Scientific Corps has hypothesized that he may possess some form of immortality, but at present, this remains merely a theory. Naturally, we have not conducted any experiments that could confirm or refute this hypothesis."
Gi Min Ji raised her hand to halt him. Her expression remained inscrutable, though a subtle narrowing of her eyes betrayed her growing impatience.
Gi Min Ji (coldly): "Doctor, your responsibility is to deliver accurate data, not indulge in speculation. If there is no conclusive evidence, refrain from entertaining unverified hypotheses."
The doctor swallowed hard, visibly uncomfortable, but nodded, comprehending the gravity of her directive.
Gi Min Ji: "Continue your observations, and ensure that every detail is meticulously documented. I require a comprehensive report on any and all developments."
She stood up, adjusting her jacket with precision, and made her way towards the exit. But after a few steps, she halted abruptly. Her gaze dropped momentarily to the floor, her breathing quickening slightly. She lingered at the doorway, her thoughts swirling in disarray.
One memory emerged, consuming her focus. The Celestial Death — a formidable entity from 1990, confronted by the first Celestials at the S-Rank Gates. That Boss was unlike any other known adversary. Outwardly, it resembled an ordinary human, yet its power was beyond comprehension, bordering on the divine. Immortality rendered it an adversary beyond reckoning.
She recalled the accounts provided by the Heads of the Association — those who had survived that fateful raid. The Celestial Death was a singular threat. Each attack, each moment it seemed to succumb, it would immediately resurrect, as though reversing the very flow of time. Its destruction had proven impossible.
Gi Min Ji remembered the words of a veteran of that raid: 'We didn't defeat it. We merely sealed it away. The Gate closed, but I am confident it still waits there.'
She clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. Cold sweat formed on her brow, but her expression remained resolute and unyielding. She drew a deep breath, exhaling slowly, as she regained control of her emotions.
Gi Min Ji (inwardly): "This cannot be coincidence. The parallels are too significant to disregard."
With renewed determination, she exited the doctor's office, her footsteps echoing with a renewed sense of purpose. She moved towards Park Hyun Woo's room, resolute in her intention to question him directly and uncover answers to the troubling mysteries that now occupied her mind.