BCGWR Chapter 49 Part 1

048.

Side Effect 5

“Uh… first, among our guild members, Jin Bo-ra Esper, Lee Soo-bin Healer, or Park Min-ah Guide, any of them. Also, Park Ho-yeon Esper, Yu Won-seok Esper, and Lee Min-jae Esper from Flame Guild. Actually, I don’t know Jin So-min Healer or Lim Eun-ha Guide at all, so contacting them feels a bit awkward, but if they agree, it doesn’t matter.”

“…”

“And then, Yeon Seo-jun Esper, Seong Jun Healer, and Ji Seok-min Esper from the Awakened Association. Oh, and Kim Seung-hee Esper and Lee Jeong-gyun Guide too.”

“…”

Jung Ha-jin, who easily recognized the common thread among those listed, carefully took Ji-su’s hand. The Guiding that had been gently enveloping his body immediately ceased, but he didn’t show it, responding calmly as usual.

“The Taejongdae, Busan Dungeon raid team.”

“Yes. Maybe it’s because of the brainwashing skill, but after my head cleared, Jin Bo-ra Esper’s words that day started bothering me. That Kang Jae-yoon Hyung told them to leave first because he had something to check inside.”

“…”

“The situation inside at that time was never announced. I don’t know if it’s just my imagination, but everyone seems to be hushed about it. Kim Hyun-ah Noona didn’t mention it either.”

“…”

“I want to meet everyone on the raid team who is willing to meet me. I know nothing will change even if I do… but still. Still, I need to hear what exactly happened inside that day.”

“…”

That Han Ji-su would want to meet the raid team was already expected.

Up until now, whenever he thought about the Taejongdae Dungeon or anything related to Kang Jae-yoon, the brainwashing skill would divert his thoughts, preventing him from even considering it, so he would want to meet them now.

It was natural. Jung Ha-jin understood. He would have done the same. So he said he would try to contact them himself, but Ji-su calmly added.

“It’s hard for Jung Ha-jin Esper to contact them alone, isn’t it? If you give me my phone, I’ll contact the people I know directly.”

“…”

Jung Ha-jin did not answer Ji-su’s request immediately, remaining silent for a moment. Toto, too, merely pricked up his ears, showing his intelligence by not shifting his gaze anywhere else in the house.

Ji-su usually indulged Toto when he was being stubborn like that, but this time, he spoke firmly.

“By the way, I’ve seen so many insults against me that I don’t care anymore. I’m also past the age to be swayed by malicious comments.”

Jung Ha-jin wanted to say that everyone feels pain when hit by stones thrown by thoughtless people, and age has nothing to do with being hurt, but he maintained his silence again. Seeing the clear look of difficulty on Jung Ha-jin’s face, Ji-su released his hand and asked seriously.

“Hmm… do people criticize me a lot?”

“That’s not it.”

“Then what is it?”

“The reason Toto hid your phone is… because there are rumors circulating that Han Ji-su Guide shouldn’t encounter.”

“Those aren’t just one or two, you know.”

Ji-su, who answered that way, perhaps to convey that it was no big deal, smiled brightly, saying he was already used to people attacking each other in the media and online, and it didn’t bother him. However, instead of agreeing or echoing Han Ji-su’s words, Jung Ha-jin shook his head slightly and corrected him.

“It’s a little different from that. More precisely, it’s less about Han Ji-su Guide and more about Kang Jae-yoon Esper.”

“…!? Kang Jae-yoon Hyung?”

Han Ji-su was so surprised by Kang Jae-yoon’s name being suddenly mentioned that he almost jumped. But thinking that Jung Ha-jin might close up if he showed too much agitation, he controlled his expression to not reveal his surprise. He tried his best, but unfortunately for Jung Ha-jin, Han Ji-su’s shock registered more through sound than sight.

Because he was shocked by the unexpected news, the frantic thumping of his heart, which had begun to pound madly, was clearly audible. His lips were tightly pressed together to hide their trembling. His hand, frozen awkwardly in mid-air, was also noticeable.

All these actions indicated that Han Ji-su was extremely surprised, but Jung Ha-jin continued in the calmest possible tone.

“A Youtuber made a statement on a broadcast that has been exaggerated, and there are those who speak as if it were true. Reporters are also adding to that Youtuber’s nonsense, writing articles, so it’s quite noisy with that issue right now.”

“…What… nonsense?”

“That Youtuber claims that a dungeon identical to the one that disappeared from Taejongdae has appeared in China. And…”

“…And?”

He asked with a slightly cracking voice, and the sound of him swallowing was clear. His hand, which had been pretending to stroke Toto, was already clenched into a tight fist. Jung Ha-jin spoke to Han Ji-su in a calm, low voice.

“They claim that if it’s the same dungeon, Kang Jae-yoon Esper might still be alive inside.”

“…”

Thump-

Thump-

His heart was pounding as if it would burst. His entire body turned cold, making it feel as though all his blood had rushed to his chest, and only the area around his heart throbbed.

“Even self-proclaimed amateur dungeon researchers stepped forward to exaggerate the claims, and amateur Youtubers are spreading rumors to gain views. And a public broadcast news debate also covered this, further amplifying the discussion.”

“…Public broadcast? If it’s being covered on public broadcast… doesn’t that mean it has some credibility? Hah… ugh…”

Han Ji-su’s lips and voice visibly trembled as he asked again, startled by the mention of public broadcast, not just internet news or a million-subscriber Youtuber channel.

Realizing that Ji-su was struggling to exhale properly despite inhaling deeply, Jung Ha-jin cautiously reached out his hand. He extended his hand very slowly and deliberately so as not to startle Ji-su, then took the fist that was clenched so tightly it had turned white, and gently loosened it.

So shocked by the unexpected news, Ji-su’s heart had been violently agitated for some time now. Convinced that Ji-su needed to calm down immediately to avoid hyperventilating again, Jung Ha-jin deliberately spoke in an even calmer tone.

“Han Ji-su Guide. Please take slow, deep breaths.”