Hyun Woo lay sprawled on the cold floor of his chamber, barely moving. His breaths were shallow, his hands trembling from the physical and mental toll. His vision swam, his attempts to focus on the ceiling yielding nothing but blurred edges, as if reality itself had softened. His body, oppressed by the burden of the "Punishment," no longer seemed to obey his will, a vessel emptied of strength.
Suddenly, a system notification flickered before his eyes, illuminating the dim chamber with an intense blue glow.
"Conditions met."
System Rewards:
• 15,000 Experience Points
• 10 Attribute Points
• Restoration Potion (x3)
Additional Rewards (Select One):
• 3,000 Souls
• 2,500 Crystals
Hyun Woo: "Souls and crystals could be useful in the future, but..."
He hesitated for a brief moment, considering his options. Souls and crystals might serve well in long-term strategies, but his depleted body demanded immediate relief. The allure of complete restoration was too strong to resist.
Hyun Woo: "Complete Restoration."
His fingers, trembling but resolute, selected "Complete Restoration."
A surge of warmth spread through his body, penetrating into every sinew and cell. It filled the cracks, healed the bruises, and erased the fatigue that had settled deep in his bones. Pain faded into oblivion as his muscles regained their strength and his consciousness sharpened. He could almost feel the fractured pieces of his being knit together.
Hyun Woo: "Feels like waking from a nightmare."
He inhaled deeply, letting the air cleanse him, savoring the sensation of fullness in his lungs — akin to escaping a suffocating, relentless dream.
But the transformation did not stop there. The experience bar on his interface began to surge, filling rapidly with a brilliant golden light, almost as if responding to his resurgence.
"Level Up."
Current Level: 3 → 5!
Rewards:
2 Skill Points.
Skill Expansion
Hyun Woo: "Alright, let's see what I've got."
After steadying his breath, Hyun Woo summoned the system interface and opened the "Skills" section. The list of abilities expanded before him, and he wasted no time perusing it. Where once the skills were greyed-out and unattainable, they now glowed with a golden hue — a testament to his progress and newfound potential.
Learned Skills:
• Evasion
• Dash
• Slash
The system issued a further notification:
"Enhancements Available for Previously Learned Skills."
• Enhanced Evasion 0/5
• Enhanced Dash 0/5
• Double Slash 0/5
Hyun Woo: "My abilities are finally starting to grow."
He allowed himself a smile. It wasn't just relief; it was a sense of potential — real, tangible growth that seemed to validate the struggle he had endured.
Then, something else caught his eye — skills that were now entirely new, available to be unlocked for the first time.
System: New Skills Unlocked:
Active Skills:
Analysis 0/1
Description: Instantly provides information on an opponent, including their statistics and vulnerabilities.
Passive Skills:
Immunity 0/1
Description: Reduces the probability of incurring negative effects (e.g., poison, paralysis, slowing) by up to 50%.
Hyun Woo: "Immunity and Analysis... these will do."
He considered the implications of each, then decisively allocated his skill points. These two skills—each valuable in their own right—represented key strategic assets moving forward.
System: "Skill Activated: Immunity (Passive)"
System: "Skill Activated: Analysis (Active)"
Hyun Woo: "Let's see what you're capable of."
He muttered under his breath as he activated "Analysis."
An interface window flared to life before his eyes, scanning the immediate surroundings. His gaze fell almost absently on the small wooden cabinet in the corner of his chamber, and the system responded instantly, displaying a detailed report.
Object: Wooden Cabinet
Condition: Satisfactory
Material: Oak
Hidden Features: None
Hyun Woo squinted, the corners of his lips curling into a knowing smirk.
Hyun Woo: "Useful. Let's see how this works on someone a bit more challenging."
He whispered, feeling the spark of anticipation ignite within him, the thrill of testing his abilities on something — or someone — far more formidable than mere furniture.
Hyun Woo summoned the attributes menu, his eyes methodically scanning his current parameters. Each line demanded his attention as he began to devise a comprehensive strategy for the allocation of his newly acquired points.
Current Attributes:
• Level: 5
• Strength: 12
• Agility: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Willpower: 14
• Endurance: 10
• Vitality: 10
Ten attribute points lay at his disposal, hard-earned through the arduous ordeal of "Punishment." Hyun Woo was acutely aware of the gravity of his decisions — each point carried profound implications, potentially shaping his capacity for survival and success in the trials to come.
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, conducting a careful analysis of his priorities.
Hyun Woo: "I must enhance my strength, agility, and resilience. However, neglecting defense or my arcane capabilities would be shortsighted."
After a moment of contemplation, he proceeded with the allocation of his attribute points.
Attribute Distribution:
• Strength: 12 +2 → 14
• Agility: 14 +3 → 17
• Endurance: 10 +3 → 13
• Intelligence: 10 +1 → 11
• Vitality: 10 +1 → 11
Updated Attributes:
• Level: 5
• Strength: 14
• Agility: 17
• Intelligence: 11
• Willpower: 14
• Endurance: 13
• Vitality: 11
The system flashed briefly, affirming the modifications.
System: "Attribute points allocated. New parameters saved."
Hyun Woo closed the interface, feeling the transformation ripple through his entire being. His muscles seemed more robust, his breath more even, and his thoughts significantly clearer. As he clenched his fist, he could feel an undeniable surge of newfound strength.
Hyun Woo: "Perfect."
He rose to his feet, his entire body energized by the recalibration of his attributes. Despite the newfound vigor, Hyun Woo understood the necessity of rest. The physical enhancements were only part of the equation — recovery was vital to consolidating his strength.
Hyun Woo lay down on the bed, allowing the tension to ebb from his muscles. Thoughts of forthcoming challenges danced fleetingly in his mind, but soon fatigue claimed him, drawing him into a deep, restorative sleep.
As Hyun Woo breathed steadily in slumber, his body worked to regenerate and adapt to the changes. Time seemed suspended, enveloping him in a cocoon of warmth and silence — a much-needed reprieve from the relentless trials he had faced.
Meanwhile, in another wing of the Hunter Association, Gi Min Ji sat in her office, surrounded by stacks of paperwork. Each document on her desk pertained to recent incidents, and her expression remained focused as she sifted through the reports. She made meticulous notes, occasionally brushing aside the strands of hair that fell into her eyes, her movements measured and deliberate. The room was filled with the soft rustling of papers and the scratch of her pen, underscoring the gravity of her work.
A knock at the door broke the steady rhythm.
Gi Min Ji: "Come in," she commanded, her eyes still fixed on the report in front of her.
A firm yet courteous voice filtered through the door.
Kim Hyun Son: "May I come in?"
The voice was unmistakable, and Gi Min Ji immediately straightened, recognizing the visitor.
Gi Min Ji: "Of course, please come in."
The door swung open, revealing a tall figure whose confident stride exuded authority. His black suit was impeccably tailored, and over it, he wore a long haori adorned with the emblem of the Special Delta Squad — a silver insignia, meticulously crafted into a triangular shape with intricate patterns bordering it. It was Kim Hyun Son, the renowned S-rank hunter and captain of Delta. His calm smile and sharp, discerning gaze conveyed a presence both formidable and reassuring.
Upon seeing him, Gi Min Ji promptly set aside her papers, standing up and bowing with respect.
Gi Min Ji: "Captain Kim Hyun Son, it is an honor to see you."
He waved her off with a slight smile.
Kim Hyun Son: "Oh, Min Ji, we're not out on a mission. No need for such formalities," he said while slipping off his haori and draping it carefully over the armrest of the couch. He then took a seat, settling back comfortably, his demeanor relaxed. "Sit down, there's no need for us to have this conversation standing."
Gi Min Ji nodded and took a seat on the couch across from him. Though she was now seated, her posture remained composed and attentive.
Kim Hyun Son: "How are things coming along? Still working yourself into the ground, I see?" he teased, an amused glint in his eyes.
Gi Min Ji (with a slight smile): "As usual. These reports certainly aren't going to complete themselves."
Kim Hyun Son let out a soft chuckle, but his expression soon turned more serious.
Kim Hyun Son: "Listen, Min Ji, there's something I need to discuss. It's about that young recruit... what was his name again?"
Gi Min Ji immediately understood who he was referring to. She reached for a folder positioned at the edge of her desk, retrieving it and placing it on the coffee table before him.
Gi Min Ji: "His name is Park Hyun Woo. Here is his personal file."
Kim Hyun Son leaned forward, his gaze sharpening as he examined the documents.
Kim Hyun Son: "Alright, fill me in. What kind of talent are we dealing with here? What drew your attention to him?"
Gi Min Ji opened the dossier folder, meticulously flipping to the first page, and began reading aloud without lifting her gaze:
Case Overview: Park Hyun Woo
Date: 2025.08.20
Subject:
Park Hyun Woo
Date of Birth: 2001.03.01
Age: 24 years
Rank: E-Rank Hunter
Status: Sole survivor of the E-Rank "Anomalous Gate" incident
Incident Code: Point Number 37
Gi Min Ji paused to turn the page, then continued:
Park Hyun Woo was part of a team assigned to clear an E-Rank Gate. The group initially consisted of 15 members, including:
Team Leader: C-Rank Hunter Choi Mi Ra, 26 years old.
Status: Deceased
Photographic Record Before Incident: (Attached)
Photographic Record After Incident: (Attached)
Cause of Death: Shielded Park Hyun Woo from infected hunters, sacrificing her life to protect him.
Deputy-Leader: D-Rank Hunter Lee Chan Min
Status: Deceased
Photographic Record Before Incident: (Attached)
Photographic Record After Incident: (Attached)
Cause of Death: Killed in combat with the Gate boss; injuries included severed limbs and massive hemorrhaging.
Sequence of Events
Gate Registrar Ho Kyun Son received a report regarding a delay involving the team assigned to the E-Rank Gate clearance.
The group had been inside the Gate for 12 hours with no contact.
Registrar subsequently alerted Officer Gi Min Ji to evaluate the situation and provide additional assistance if necessary.
Upon Officer Gi Min Ji's arrival at the Gate site:
Numerous artificial crystals were scattered across the area, presumably dropped by the Gate boss.
Analysis suggested that these crystals caused the hunters' infection, transforming them into "infected" entities.
All infected individuals were neutralized.
Park Hyun Woo was identified as the only survivor.
Post-Incident Analysis
Park Hyun Woo was transported to a hospital while unconscious.
He remained in a comatose state for two weeks.
Upon regaining consciousness, he exhibited complete amnesia regarding the events within the Gate.
Medical Examination Report
A comprehensive series of medical tests and examinations were conducted:
All organs, skin, bones, cells, and other tissues appeared as though they were completely renewed.
No signs of trauma, degradation, or external injuries were detected.
The inexplicable condition of his physical state has prompted serious concerns and raised numerous questions.
Directive
Park Hyun Woo is to remain under "Hospital Confinement" until a thorough investigation into the origins of these anomalous results can be conducted and a conclusive diagnosis established.
Gi Min Ji flipped to the next page, finally lifting her gaze to meet Kim Hyun Son's as she continued:
Gi Min Ji: "Thus, Captain, Park Hyun Woo represents an unprecedented case. We are at a loss to understand how he managed to survive conditions that proved lethal for every other member of his team. His physical regeneration is unexplainable, and the accompanying amnesia only complicates the situation further."
Kim Hyun Son leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees, as he listened intently. His eyes moved between the photographs and the written reports. After a moment of silence, he responded:
Kim Hyun Son: "Artificial crystals, infections, a renewed body... It almost sounds as though he didn't merely survive, but underwent some form of transformation. Do you think he poses any potential threat to others?"
Gi Min Ji paused before replying, choosing her words with care.
Gi Min Ji: "At this point, he hasn't exhibited any signs of aggression or instability. Nevertheless, I strongly advise that he be kept under close surveillance. Something occurred in that Gate — something that goes well beyond our typical parameters and procedures."
Kim Hyun Son nodded thoughtfully, his expression steady, though curiosity flickered in his eyes.
Kim Hyun Son: "Interesting... I think it's time I meet this young man personally."
Gi Min Ji closed the dossier, placing it meticulously at the edge of her desk before reaching for the landline phone. With a practiced motion, she dialed the number for the Hunter Association's Medical Department and raised the receiver to her ear.
After a few rings, a voice on the other end picked up.
Secretary: "Medical Department, how may I assist you?"
Gi Min Ji: "This is Officer Gi Min Ji. I need to speak with the attending physician responsible for patient Park Hyun Woo. This matter is urgent."
Secretary: "One moment, Officer. Please hold the line."
The line clicked, followed by a brief pause, and soon a different voice came through — deep, confident, yet carrying a hint of deference.
Dr. Park: "This is Dr. Park Yong Jun. How can I assist you, Officer Gi?"
Gi Min Ji: "Good afternoon, Doctor. I'm reaching out concerning patient Park Hyun Woo. I have several inquiries regarding his current condition and the circumstances surrounding his recovery. Would it be possible for us to meet in person to go over these details?"
Dr. Park: "Ah, Park Hyun Woo. Certainly, Officer. I should be available in about thirty minutes. If that timeframe works for you, we can meet in my office to discuss everything."
Gi Min Ji: "That will be fine. Thank you, Doctor. I'll see you in thirty minutes."
Dr. Park: "Very well. I will see you then, Officer Gi."
Gi Min Ji gently returned the receiver to its cradle, then turned to face Captain Kim Hyun Son, who was sitting at ease on the couch.
Gi Min Ji: "Dr. Park will be ready in thirty minutes. I've arranged to meet with him in his office. Would you like to accompany me?"
Kim Hyun Son offered a faint smile, reclining slightly as he settled into the couch.
Kim Hyun Son: "Naturally. I have a feeling this young man will prove interesting, not just for the medical team. I'll come with you."
Gi Min Ji nodded, rising from her chair as she collected the documents scattered across the coffee table, efficiently preparing for the upcoming meeting.