Kim Hyun Son and Gi Min Ji approached the Medical Wing of the Hunter Association with measured steps, their presence radiating quiet authority. At the grand double doors, they were greeted by a nurse who inclined her head in a gesture of polite deference.
Nurse (with a composed smile): "Good afternoon, Captain Kim, Officer Gi. Please follow me; I will escort you to Dr. Park Yong Jun's office."
Without a word, they followed her through a long corridor softly illuminated by warm overhead lighting. The air carried a faint trace of antiseptic, its clinical sharpness underlining the gravity of their visit. Both remained silent, their thoughts focused on the conversation ahead. Finally, the nurse stopped at a solid wooden door bearing a polished plaque: Dr. Park Yong Jun.
The nurse knocked lightly, leaning closer to ensure her voice would be audible.
Nurse: "Captain and Officer from Delta Squad have arrived. May we come in?"
Inside, the doctor paused his work, his eyes lifting from the glow of a computer monitor to the door.
Dr. Park: "Please, enter."
The nurse opened the door and stepped aside, gesturing for them to proceed. Dr. Park, a man in his mid-forties with distinguished streaks of gray at his temples, rose from his chair. His movements were measured, exuding an air of quiet authority balanced by professional humility.
Dr. Park (cordially): "Captain Kim Hyun Son, Officer Gi Min Ji. It is an honor to welcome you."
Captain Kim adjusted his haori with a deliberate motion before pulling out a chair and seating himself. His gaze swept over the room, taking in its understated decor.
Kim Hyun Son (with a subtle smirk): "Impressive space. Minimalism really does stand the test of time, doesn't it?"
Gi Min Ji (politely): "Thank you for making the time to meet with us, Dr. Park."
Dr. Park acknowledged her words with a nod, then turned to the nurse, who remained positioned near the door.
Dr. Park: "Please bring three cups of coffee for us."
Nurse (efficiently): "Of course, Doctor."
She exited the room quietly, closing the door with practiced care. Dr. Park gestured toward the two chairs situated across from his desk, inviting them to sit. As Gi Min Ji and Kim Hyun Son settled into their seats, the atmosphere of the office shifted slightly, an undercurrent of expectation setting the stage for their discussion.
The office, though minimalist, carried an aura of professionalism that mirrored Dr. Park's demeanor. As the trio prepared for their exchange, the subtle tension hinted at the importance of the matters to come. Both Captain Kim and Officer Gi appeared composed yet observant, ready to delve into the intricacies of Park Hyun Woo's unprecedented case.
Dr. Park: "What assistance can I provide? What brings you to my office today?"Kim Hyun Son, resting his hand deliberately on the armrest of his chair, fixed Dr. Park with a piercing gaze.
Kim Hyun Son (calmly, yet assertively): "Doctor, we need comprehensive details about Park Hyun Woo. His condition raises critical questions, and clarity is essential."
Gi Min Ji crossed her legs, positioning a dossier folder neatly on her lap.
Gi Min Ji (with measured seriousness): "We're particularly interested in the medical and physiological findings that could illuminate his state following the Gate incident."
Dr. Park sighed, running his hand along his chin as a contemplative frown settled on his face.
Dr. Park (thoughtfully): "I understand your concerns. The patient is, without question, an anomaly. Very well, I will detail everything I know. However, I must preface this by saying that some findings remain deeply perplexing."
He returned to his desk, drawing a sleek tablet closer, its screen lighting up under his touch. After a brief review of the notes, he looked up at his visitors.
Dr. Park: "You already have the full reports from all tests and examinations conducted on Park Hyun Woo. Every piece of data we've collected thus far is in your possession."
Leaning back in his chair, he clasped his hands in front of him, pausing momentarily.
Dr. Park (with a slight sigh): "Frankly, I see no medical justification to continue his 'Confinement.' The results remain consistent — no abnormalities, no deviations. His condition is entirely stable."
Gi Min Ji (raising an eyebrow): "Are you implying that further tests are unwarranted?"
Dr. Park (with firm conviction): "Exactly. We no longer have grounds to restrict his movement or limit his social interactions."
He lifted the tablet slightly, angling it toward them for a better view. Scrolling through the entries, he began presenting his findings.
Dr. Park: "Let me share my observations. First, his physical activity. The patient has not merely recovered; he has demonstrated remarkable stamina and an innate drive for physical training. Daily, he engages in structured, yet highly effective, exercise routines."
The doctor paused briefly, ensuring their attention was fixed before continuing.
Dr. Park: "Recently, he requested permission to visit the park adjacent to the Medical Wing, citing a desire to meet his sister. We approved the request under minimal supervision."
Kim Hyun Son (leaning forward, intrigued): "And what did you observe?"
Dr. Park scrolled further, stopping at a detailed entry before gesturing toward the screen.
Dr. Park: "Following his meeting, he began running laps in the park. By our calculations, he covered approximately ten kilometers in a single session — nonstop and without any visible signs of fatigue."
Gi Min Ji (startled): "Ten kilometers? For someone who was recently in critical condition?"
Dr. Park nodded gravely.
Dr. Park: "Precisely. His physical fitness is not just commendable — it's extraordinary. Even more astonishing is his recovery response. After completing such a rigorous run, his heart rate and breathing returned to baseline within moments, as though the effort was entirely routine."
Kim Hyun Son leaned back into his chair, absently scratching his chin as he pondered the implications.
Kim Hyun Son (musing quietly): "This isn't merely recovery — it's something far more profound."
Setting the tablet aside, Dr. Park redirected his attention fully to his visitors.
Dr. Park: "This is precisely why I advocate for his release. While we can maintain remote monitoring, retaining him here is redundant. We have extracted every conceivable insight from his case for now."
Kim Hyun Son leaned back in his chair, his brow furrowed in contemplation as his fingers rhythmically tapped against the armrest. He carefully processed Dr. Park's explanation before nodding in agreement, his expression reflective and deliberate.
Kim Hyun Son (pensively): "You're correct, Doctor. Keeping him confined at this stage is like trying to extract water from a dry well."
He straightened slightly, letting a hint of humor creep into his tone as a sly grin spread across his face.
Kim Hyun Son (with a knowing smirk): "But, as they say, it's wiser to release the tiger and watch from a distance than to keep it caged and risk it breaking out on its own terms."
Dr. Park's lips curved into a faint smile at the captain's metaphor, but he refrained from responding verbally, maintaining his professional composure.
Kim Hyun Son: "We'll authorize his release, but with discreet monitoring in place. No invasive surveillance, no overt oversight. Such measures would only serve to make him suspicious and unnecessarily stressed. If anything changes — if instability arises — rest assured, we'll be the first to know."
Leaning forward, his tone grew sharper, underscored by confidence as his gaze locked on the doctor.
Kim Hyun Son: "And, Doctor, don't let our operational speed alarm you. Delta Squad is designed to act decisively and with precision."
Rising from his chair with practiced ease, Kim Hyun Son adjusted his haori, signaling the conclusion of the meeting. He began moving toward the door but paused midway, turning back toward Gi Min Ji. In a rare display of warmth, he gently tousled her hair, his expression softening.
Kim Hyun Son (with a light smile): "Let's go, Min Ji. We've taken enough of the doctor's time."
Gi Min Ji blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the captain's gesture, but quickly composed herself, standing with her usual grace and poise.
Gi Min Ji (respectfully): "Thank you for your dedication, Doctor."
Dr. Park rose from behind his desk, offering a deep bow as a gesture of respect.
Dr. Park: "It has been my honor, Captain, Officer. Should you need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out."
Kim Hyun Son turned one last time, his grin broad and disarming.
Kim Hyun Son: "We'll hold you to that, Doctor. Expect to hear from us again. In the meantime, take care of yourself. You've been doing exemplary work."
With those parting words, he exited the office, Gi Min Ji following closely behind. Her expression remained composed, but her thoughts churned with the weight of the captain's decision and the potential implications for both their team and Park Hyun Woo.
Dr. Park watched them leave, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on the door for a few moments before he returned to his desk. As he sank back into his chair, his mind churned with the implications of their visit, replaying each detail of their conversation. The weight of what had been discussed lingered heavily in the quiet confines of his office.
Kim Hyun Son and Gi Min Ji moved quietly through the sterile corridors of the Medical Wing. The rhythmic echo of their footsteps filled the stillness, a subdued accompaniment to the reflective silence that hung between them. Emerging into the fresh outdoor air, the muted tension of the enclosed halls gave way to a fleeting sense of relief. For a brief moment, the crisp breeze seemed to lift the heaviness of their thoughts.
Their reprieve was short-lived. Barely a dozen steps from the threshold, Kim Hyun Son's communicator buzzed sharply in his pocket. He retrieved it, his expression neutral as he glanced at the screen. A slight nod accompanied his action as he slipped the device back into his pocket.
Kim Hyun Son (with a trace of weariness): "Well, so much for a moment of peace."
Gi Min Ji (concerned): "What's the matter, Captain?"
Kim Hyun Son turned to her with a faint smirk, the corners of his mouth curling upward as he adopted a more casual tone.
Kim Hyun Son (teasing): "Director Kim Hae In has summoned us to the Conference Hall. Judging by the timing, I'd say it's another grand meeting about A-Rank Gates. And you know how she is — once she decides to involve us, there's no escaping it."
Gi Min Ji (sighing): "A-Rank Gates… again."
Kim Hyun Son's smirk faded, replaced by a more somber expression. The teasing glint in his eyes gave way to a steady, resolute focus.
Kim Hyun Son (gravely): "But honestly, this doesn't feel routine. If Kim Hae In is calling us personally, it's because something serious demands our attention. She doesn't waste her time on trivial matters."
Gi Min Ji studied the captain's face for a moment before nodding, her sharp gaze reflecting agreement.
Gi Min Ji (calmly): "Then we shouldn't keep her waiting. Delays won't help anyone."
Kim Hyun Son adjusted his haori with practiced precision, ensuring every detail of his attire was impeccable. With a slight grin, he quickened his pace, a hint of his earlier lightheartedness returning.
Kim Hyun Son (lightly): "You're absolutely right. Keeping the Director waiting? That's a fate worse than any A-Rank Gate."
As they approached the imposing Main Building of the Association, where the Conference Hall awaited, the atmosphere around them grew heavier. Each step toward their destination intensified the unspoken tension. Gi Min Ji, her expression composed and disciplined, couldn't ignore the rising weight of anticipation. The gravity of the upcoming meeting was palpable, a silent acknowledgment of the challenges they were about to face.