Chapter 185. The Path of Four Days and One Second (2)

"Cough!"

"Kyaaak!"

Esther, seeing her companion vomiting blood repeatedly, was horrified. However, as always, her panic didn't last long. The young guild leader, despite trembling hands, swiftly took action.

"Swish—!"

Soon after, Esther quickly poured a healing potion from her pouch onto her companion's face.

***

[Sacred Tree Seedling]. An epic-level reward that appears with a very low probability in certain gates.

However, in fact, the item was referred to as 'Spy Coral' in his hometown. It had been mistakenly categorized as a see ding because it resembled terrestrial plants, but its true origin was in the coral class, specifically from the ocean. Yes, coral—the kind that comes from the sea.

Two years after the item first appeared, Earthlings had already realized through microscopic observations that the Sacred Tree was, in fact, an animal. However, the hidden abilities of this coral, concealed within, have yet to be revealed.

And its danger as well. Unless an Alphaurn speaks out, Earthlings will likely never uncover the truth, even if decades pass.

How did that alien know the secret of the Sacred Tree Branch?

The Spy Coral was originally a close ally of the ancient Alphaurn. When the outer layer of the spy coral was scraped off, its tentacles gleamed with a smooth, shiny luster. Furthermore, its blood could protect the body without using a single drop of mana.

– Wow! What is this coral?

– When I cut its arm, it bleeds?

– And when I inhale it, something protects me? My body becomes stronger!

The helpful creature that aids life. In this way, the ancient beings of the ocean planet continuously used the coral's blood after discovering it. But this was, much like the fisherman who first ate the pufferfish, an action with a perilously dangerous and awaiting them.

A few days later, a strange phenomenon occurred in a village in Alphaurn. The village's proud young and healthy warriors suddenly began suffering from an unknown illness and eventually died.

Naturally, the ancient people were shocked by this mass death and tried to investigate the cause of the incident. After numerous studies and efforts, the culprit responsible for killing the warriors was eventually revealed.

– No, damn it! This coral uses magic!

The spy coral. In fact, the [Protection] effect created by its bodily fluids concealed a sinister secret. Once its predetermined incubation period ended, it would destroy the organs of the target drenched in its blood! How kind a face for such a deadly assassin.

This was a form of survival strategy. By continuously producing beneficial effects from the blood while alive, it increased the likelihood that a predator would protect it. And if an unintelligent beast fell into its trap, it would die without understanding what happened, never to return to the coral colony again.

"Cough."

To summarize, the [Sacred Tree Seedling] was a magical creature that accumulated the debt of its wounds with compound interest. That's why a certain alien is coughing up blood relentlessly.

Sunday. It has been exactly 16 days since today, the moment the incubation period ends.

For reference, once this chaos begins, the protective effects quickly wear off, so to maintain defense, it would be necessary to repeat the process from the beginning to restore the blood's function. The activity of the spy coral is affected by the water temperature, so to awaken its blood, you must bathe in water infused with it, often in cooler temperatures. In many ways, the nature of the seedling is neither permanent nor convenient.

"As expected, I should have just stayed at home today."

On the first day, it revealed its true nature, turning the digestive system, including the intestines and stomach, into a mess. Then, it went after all the major organs, including the eyes.

No matter how much the creature was the one who shattered my body, to torment a living being so cruelly like this...

Some might be shocked by how a coral-like organism could wield such dangerous magic, but in reality, this isn't just an issue for alien planets. It's simply that the time hasn't come yet. If you think about it, the animals on Earth have already been exposed to the magical shock of dungeons alongside humanity.

"This place will eventually become quite a sight, just like the ocean..."

Giryeo briefly imagined a new species of dolphin hunting sharks with high-pressure water jets.

"Hunter Giryeo! Move your hand away, quick! H, here! This time it's an antidote! Drink it! Or wait, do you need holy water...!?"

Thud.

However, it seemed like an inappropriate thought in the current situation. He was still violently coughing up blood, and right beside him, the towering figure of the Korean Magic Tower's leader was staring intently.

"Oh my."

Losing one's life to a lower species was something that happened in ancient times. Fortunately, modern Alphaurns no longer use spy corals, and even if they were to spill its blood, they knew how to handle it safely.

In other words, Giryeo was fully capable of managing the side effects he was experiencing. However, the process required a significant amount of time, meaning there was no immediate way to stop the hemoptysis. Of all things, to be caught in such a state by someone else...

Thud. Thud.

Blood flowed out from the corner of his mouth that he had not been able to stop. Giryeo didn't want to show his weakness to the sorcerer from Earth, and thus felt displeased with the current situation. However, there was nothing he could do now; he couldn't erase the witness's memory, so what could he do at this point?

"Whoo, whoo..."

Seizing the brief moment when the hemoptysis subsided, he quickly steadied his breathing.

Then, he finally conveyed the words he had been trying to say to Esther all along.

"I'm fine."

It felt like the first button had already been fastened wrong. But if he didn't stop now, that person would surely slap him with a second splash of water.

"I'm fine, so put the potion down, Esther. It's not like that'll make me any bett—!"

.

.

.

Inside the dark cave, a storm had passed.

"Uhm."

There had been a brief commotion, but now, after a rational discussion, the situation had come to an end. By mutual agreement, we decided to lean against the cave walls to take a break—both to regain our lost composure and to recover our strength.

"Ugh."

By the way, blood was still welling up inside me. But seriously—why did Choi Jinhee even like this kind of bodily fluid that tasted like nothing but iron?

With a brief, idle thought, I adjusted my posture. Even at this moment, a certain gaze was fixed on me. At this rate, I might end up with a hole in me or something.

"Of all people, it had to be an S-rank Hunter who caught me..."

Peach-colored eyelids concealed the bloodshot eyes. I quietly closed my eyes and pondered.

First of all, the Sacred Tree Seedling... The countermeasure is simple. The side effects are only threatening for the first few hours, and after that, the symptoms gradually subside.

"If I just endure for two days, healing my damaged organs every 12 hours, it'll be over."

In a way, it's similar to Vibrio cholerae on Earth. That, too, was once a bacterium that could kill a person in an instant, but nowadays, as long as you get the right IV fluids, it's no big deal.

Alright, then. From now on, all I have to do is wait for the side effects to subside. But the real problem is that I ended up showing all this disgrace to an industry colleague.

"Giryeo-ssi."

At that moment, a woman's voice echoed through the quiet air.

"Yes."

I responded, keeping my eyes closed as I spoke. Then, Esther cautiously continued the conversation in a gentle voice.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes."

"The thing is, how is it that even such an expensive potion can't stop the bleeding...?"

If even the leader of a major guild called it expensive, that said it all. Esther had already used a healing potion on me earlier in an attempt to treat me. However, it had little effect. As long as the Sacred Tree's blood was flaring up, no matter how many times I was treated, it was like pouring water into a bottomless jar.

I started to explain something but closed my mouth again. Then, I stood up, walked a few steps away, and vomited up more blood.

Gulp.

I had been spitting up bodily fluids onto the ground for a while now—not exactly a pleasant sight. By the time I tidied up my disheveled clothes and returned to my spot, Esther was already staring at the ground in silence.

"Why are you sick?"

"..."

"If a healing potion can't fix it, that usually means it's not just a simple wound. But you look perfectly fine on the outside, so I didn't notice anything until now."

"..."

"Or is it maybe a curse or something? Not the kind of skill I use, but like a ring that sticks to your skin and won't come off. There are a lot of strange phenomena like that in gates. Is this also because of your work as a hunter?"

Once Esther started speaking, she kept asking questions without pause. Her rapid-fire inquiries seemed like a way for her to express the anxiety she was currently feeling.

I took a deep breath and fell into contemplation.

Since when did my body... Or why wasn't it good.

I had to avoid these questions as best as I could, since any information related to Alphaurn had to be kept secret. But as I was busy coming up with excuses, at some point, I started to find the whole situation a bit ridiculous. An archmage, trapped in the very feeding box of the lowly beings he had once slaughtered without mercy—only to now have his internal organs sliced up by their sorcery.

After a brief moment of contemplation, I leaned against the cave wall and shared a short story.

"Yeah. This happened while working."

If not for that damned overwork, I wouldn't have even thought about reincarnating, so technically, it's not a lie. The conversation that followed might have sounded like an excuse to hide the item's abilities at first glance, but in part, it was also a sincere piece of advice for the primitive wizard.

"So, Seo Esther, if you don't want to end up like me, make sure to live lazily in advance."

"Lazily?"

"There was a time when I worked really hard to achieve what I wanted."

I absentmindedly glanced down at the bloodstains on my sleeve before continuing.

"When I poured my entire life into chasing my goals, the results were great. But looking back now, I feel like I was the one who failed the most."

"Failure."

"Sleeping in until the afternoon, spending two whole hours on a single meal—ironically, those kinds of so-called 'wasted' hours turn out to be the more important parts of life. Achievements, once you actually reach them, well... they don't mean much in the end."

I'm happy for a moment, but I don't feel anything after that. After mumbling for a while, I slowly tilt the corners of my mouth. I didn't try to stop the emotions that were rising. And then, someone's empty laughter flowed out.

"Anyway, I'm worried. From what I've seen, Hunter Esther, you seem to overwork yourself. Running a guild, hunting, and on top of that, you're the S-rank hunter who does the most interviews."

"... Have you seen my interview?"

"No matter how I look at it, your schedule seems a bit excessive."

Ever since regaining my body's memories, my facial expressions have felt more natural. I spoke with an unbalanced smile that the former Giryeo likely never would have made, and upon seeing it, Esther flinched and tensed her shoulders. It seemed that she wasn't used to it, having always kept her facial muscles in a neutral state.

"I appreciate your feelings, but you don't have to worry about that."

But I didn't know she would answer like that.

"I've already been lazy enough. It's time to stop now."

"Yes?"

"Hunter Kim Giryeo, do you know? Actually, I used to be that. That."

A loser. Esther, who mentioned that word, sat on the ground and hugged her knees. Since there were only two speakers here, it was easy to focus on what she was saying.

"I spent years just playing games without leaving my trashy room."

It would have been better if there had been worthy prey. But since this place only spawned trivial F-rank enemies, perhaps she had simply felt bored? Esther, who brought up the topic, began to unravel her past like that...

Dropping out of high school. Passing the GED. Rejecting college admission. And living unemployed while leeching off her family.

"Unfortunately, my family was quite wealthy. On top of that, every single one of them was ridiculously kind, even going so far as to coddle their pathetic youngest daughter. So, despite everything, I managed to live just fine."

Esther exaggerated her tone as if she was explaining a big incident, but as the conversation continued, she only became more indifferent.

"As expected."

A curse is the power of hatred. To naturally awaken such sorcery, one must be inherently sensitive and full of anger. So he must have always found something to despise, something to be unsettled by. Especially in a place like school, where he was forced to mingle with things she never wanted—what a poison that must have been. So how could I possibly be surprised by an explanation that failed to blend into society as a child?

"..."

As I simply accepted her dark past without much reaction, Esther's expression shifted as if she hadn't expected that. Her drowsy-looking eyes widened briefly, only to fall silent again. Maybe it was because she had such sharp features as a human from Earth, but even the smallest change in her expression was very noticeable. With her thick eyelashes lowered, the sorceress soon brought up a new topic.

"By the way, Giryeo-ssi, were you like this during your childhood?"

Before I knew it, Esther had regained her smile.

"The more we talk, the more curious I get. I'd love to hear about your past, Giryeo-ssi. Especially from when you were really young."

However, as soon as she heard the following sentence, her faint smile quickly subsided.

"My childhood? There's not much to talk about if you dig into that time."

"Why?"

"Since I was an orphan, I didn't have many experiences."

A cold atmosphere settled in. Before long, the curse sorcerer hurriedly apologized with an awkward expression, but her apology didn't stir any feelings in me. After all, I didn't think she was something she needed to apologize for.

"So orphans are treated the same way here too..."

As my ambiguous answer just revealed, the truth is that a certain alien had no real family in their past life. Just like someone else.

However, unlike Kim Giryeo, I never felt ashamed of this. To me, having an unknown origin was something akin to Pak Hyukgyuse—an extraordinary being who seemed to have fallen from the sky. Rather than viewing it as a flaw, I took pride in it. I lived my life with the confidence that, from the very moment of my birth, I was fundamentally different from the common folk scattered along the streets.

Perhaps it was because of that very mindset that I ended up where I am today. Earlier, I claimed that my body was suffering due to work, but if I were to trace back to the root of the cause, my past life was ultimately ruined because of my own arrogance.