BCGWR Chapter 33 Part 1

032. Sweet Dreams 4

Jung Ha-jin realized that Professor Choi Seong-hun wasn’t deliberately stalling, but rather using a skill to discern if his words were true or false. As a doctor, he was carefully verifying Jung Ha-jin’s statements before divulging important information, so Jung Ha-jin simply waited in silence.

Even though his words must have been deemed true, Professor Choi Seong-hun remained unyielding.

“I understand that your claim of being a guardian isn’t false, but we also have our own rules. I’d appreciate it if you’d show your true appearance, at least in my consultation room.”

“…”

At his words, Jung Ha-jin gave a slight nod and deactivated his transformation skill.

His broad shoulders and sturdy physique remained, but his short, sporty hair grew a little longer, and his angular, Western-style jawline softened slightly. Then, his obsidian-black eyes gradually faded, transforming into a clear, transparent blue.

Toto, who had been sitting weakly on his shoulder, wasn’t surprised by the transformed Butler 2. He remained calm and undisturbed, as if he already knew.

“It’s been a while since your younger brother’s check-up three years ago. Jung Ha-jin, Esper.”

“…Yes. It’s the first time since that day.”

“…”

It wasn’t a difficult question, yet Professor Choi Seong-hun’s eyes narrowed at the slightly delayed response.

As an Esper proficient in mental abilities, he could grasp a multitude of information beyond simply discerning the truth of what was said, so the current situation felt a bit perplexing.

A moment ago, Jung Ha-jin’s assertion that he was Han Ji-su’s guardian had been judged 100% true, without a hint of falsehood. However, the reply to his current polite greeting held a subtle uncertainty.

Furthermore, Jung Ha-jin felt a sense of welcome towards Professor Choi Seong-hun. Although he couldn’t guess why Jung Ha-jin was pleased to see him, Professor Choi Seong-hun, being a professional, didn’t show it.

Rather than wondering why Jung Ha-jin was glad to see him, the measures for the patient lying on the medical bed were more urgent. So, Choi Seong-hun immediately began speaking without delay.

“First, the core of the skill I cast on Han Ji-su the Guide is oblivion. You know the effects of the oblivion skill, right?”

“Yes.”

“Normally, after a few more days, he would gradually start thinking of Kang Jae-yoon the Esper, and then after about half a month, he would naturally recall memories and begin to feel sad about them. That’s how the skill was adjusted to allow him to process it, but…”

Professor Choi Seong-hun tried to explain the current situation simply, as if to someone completely unfamiliar with mental-type skills. As he paused to choose his words thoughtfully, a habit he’d acquired as a doctor, Jung Ha-jin cautiously spoke first.

“Han Ji-su the Guide is struggling with oblivion more than you anticipated, Professor.”

Although it could have been interpreted as saying his judgment was wrong despite being an expert, Choi Seong-hun readily nodded.

“Seeing his current state, it seems you’re right.”

“…Yes, so…”

“We’ll have to consider phase 2. In cases like this, it might be better to temporarily delete memories for a certain period and then restore them. Oh, by ‘memory deletion,’ I don’t mean permanent erasure…”

“I’m sorry, but that’s absolutely out of the question.”

“…”

Professor Choi Seong-hun, who had been considering a temporary memory deletion and restoration, believing the oblivion skill’s effect was weak, raised his glasses in surprise at Jung Ha-jin’s strong refusal, even cutting him off.

Although it was publicly known that Jung Ha-jin the Esper and Han Ji-su the Guide were strangers, he was genuinely worried about Han Ji-su right now.

No, the aura emanating from him was too intense to be simply dismissed as worry. It was an obsession, a conviction that Han Ji-su must never, under any circumstances, come to harm.

As Professor Choi Seong-hun assessed his aura, Jung Ha-jin, after a brief pause to choose his words, replied in a calm tone.

“For Han Ji-su the Guide, memory deletion would actually be more detrimental.”

“You’re certain it would be detrimental?”

“Yes. First, please remove the oblivion skill. I will care for Han Ji-su the Guide 24 hours a day until his condition improves.”

“Hmm… Jung Ha-jin Esper. You know that Han Ji-su the Guide has entered a mental berserk state, right?”

“Yes.”

“Are you also aware that a Guide who has entered a berserk state due to Brain Overload tends to engage in far more dangerous and reckless behaviors than a high-risk non-Awakened patient suffering from depression?”

“Yes. I’m well aware.”

“And yet you’re telling me to deactivate the skill?”

“Yes. As I said, I will be by his side 24 hours a day.”

“…”

Professor Choi Seong-hun looked at Han Ji-su, who was breathing peacefully, his mind completely controlled to prevent any thoughts. Although his face was bruised and bloody, his expression seemed calm. After watching Han Ji-su for a few seconds, Choi Seong-hun met Jung Ha-jin’s eyes again and began to speak.

“Firstly… as a specialist in Awakened brains, I must say that’s absolutely out of the question.”

“In a normal case, yes.”

“Han Ji-su the Guide isn’t a normal case?”

“…Yes. Professor, you are a brilliant individual, the most outstanding doctor in this field. However, there is one fact you are unaware of.”

“What would that be?”

“It’s simply how significant Kang Jae-yoon is to Han Ji-su the Guide. He is a far greater presence than you vaguely understand. He isn’t someone who can be completely forgotten by simply falling into oblivion or being temporarily erased from memory.”

“…”

“As you already know, Professor, a person who has lost everything they possess can never truly survive. If things continue like this, he will lose the will to live much faster than dying from a Guide Rampage. Isn’t the very reason Han Ji-su the Guide could recall Kang Jae-yoon the Esper so quickly because his brain is constantly fighting against the brainwashing skill?”

At that question, Professor Choi Seong-hun stroked his chin and stared intently into Jung Ha-jin’s eyes.

Jung Ha-jin wasn’t merely making a plausible guess. He was 100% certain: Han Ji-su, having forgotten Kang Jae-yoon, could absolutely not live.