Ji Kai hadn't been able to visit Kim Nina properly. Too much had happened. Still, despite the lingering discomfort, he pulled himself together quickly, refocused his thoughts, and realigned his goals.
At that moment, he was seated in the guild's investigation office, recounting everything that had occurred inside the dungeon—from fighting alongside Kim Nina against Seong Bachio and Hyung Bin Hwan, to ultimately killing them.
He claimed they had spoken of forming a pact with a demon, and that he had no choice.
It was a lie, of course. Ji Kai couldn't admit he'd killed them simply because he wanted to.
That would make him a criminal—especially since he'd interfered in Kim Nina's official guild mission. Killing them on top of that would be a serious breach of guild law.
So he avoided unnecessary details, especially the fact that he was now being targeted by a demon.
After the interrogation, Ji Kai headed to Park Yoon Suk's room to spend some time with him. He felt it would be disrespectful to visit only Kim Nina.
Yoon Suk wasn't the type to read into intentions—Ji Kai knew that well—but still, he made the visit out of courtesy. Just another day in the life of someone who overthinks everything...
« Thanks for dropping by again, Kim Ji Kai. Did things go smoothly with Vice President Hwang Seo Ja? » Park Yoon Suk asked, sipping the tea Ji Kai had brought with him.
« I told them everything I know. For now, they're waiting for Kim Nina to be ready so they can ask her the same questions. »
« They're hoping our answers match—at least 80%. Until then, I'm stuck here in the guild, » Ji Kai replied, seated beside Yoon Suk, who remained in his wheelchair.
« By the way, are your legs injured? You haven't used them since regaining consciousness. Is everything alright? » Ji Kai asked, curious but cautious, masking his concern.
Yoon Suk responded with a faint smile.
« Well, according to the specialists—and I'm one of them—my legs are intact, just weak. »
« I can't stand for more than an hour at a time. So the wheelchair is a practical choice for now. A few months, maybe a year. »
Hearing that Yoon Suk might need a full year to recover made Ji Kai uneasy. What if he never returned to his former self? Still, Ji Kai smiled.
« A year? That's a lot, man. But it should be more than enough for you to get back on your feet and keep things running. Your replacement's been causing trouble, by the way. »
His tone lightened, shedding the tension in seconds.
« Oh come on, don't be too harsh. He's trying his best. »
« Listen, no one does your job like you do. Or at least not with your level of competence. That guy's a disaster. »
And just like that, the two shared laughter and conversation in a warm, familiar atmosphere—two people who had once been close friends.
In that moment, that friendship felt like it could return. But for that to happen, Ji Kai knew he had to take responsibility and find a proper treatment for Park Yoon Suk's condition.
After a few minutes, the mood settled again.
« So, Kim Ji Kai, what will you do once the investigation ends? Planning to take on more missions? » Yoon Suk asked casually.
Ji Kai was caught off guard—his thoughts tangled between guild duties and system quests.
« Uh, well... actually, I'm planning to travel to Egypt in two days. If the investigation wraps up properly, I'll start preparing. »
Yoon Suk was visibly surprised.
« Egypt? Why ? That's quite far. »
I can't tell you, Yoon Suk. Even if I did, I'm not sure myself.
The mission that took me to Gwangju gave me a clue about the location of Anubis's dagger.
The clue read: ' When you find the light in the heart of the pyramid, you'll know the path. '
And since Anubis is one of Egypt's ancient gods, the location must be Egypt. So I'll head there.
« Well... I just want to go. You know, clear my head after everything that's happened lately » Ji Kai replied. It was a lie—but also true. The past month had been brutal.
Yoon Suk smiled, understanding Ji Kai's situation and emotions. He chose to support him without adding more weight—Ji Kai was already carrying enough.
By the end of the day, just before sunset, Kim Nina regained consciousness.
That allowed the investigation team to begin their work. Within an hour, they collected statements and documentation, officially recording the incident as an encounter with a new creature.
Ji Kai's restrictions were lifted—what he had called "imprisonment." He left the guild and returned to his apartment, which he missed more than usual.
« Phew~ What a long day. Feels like I lived a whole month in just one afternoon » Ji Kai muttered, collapsing onto his bed and lying still for several minutes.
Egypt...
Previously, I'd only traveled to four countries: China, Sweden, America, and Britain.
Each trip was for a special mission, coordinated between the Korean guild and the guilds of those nations.
I've never traveled anywhere by personal choice. So this will be my first time...
He shifted slightly on the bed, his calm face turned toward the ceiling, lost in silence.
Beyond that, what happened in that dungeon... was unbelievable.
The demon's sudden appearance turned everything into chaos. I couldn't even act properly. My attack was closer to suicide than anything else...
« Ugh, just remembering it gives me a headache. I need to prepare properly for this trip. I'll be heading to Egypt on the 21st of this month...»
Suddenly, he remembered Kim Hao Ya—the noona preparing for her tumor removal surgery, scheduled for March 22nd, one day after his departure.
« Alright » Ji Kai smiled at the thought of her.
« Maybe ... I should visit her on Sunday, the day before I leave. »
And so, the night passed. Days followed. Until Sunday arrived—March 20th, 2022. Ji Kai went to the usual shop where he saw Hao Ya every day.
But when he arrived, she wasn't there. Only her coworker, Siobin Woo—the shy university girl—was present.
« Good morning, sir... Oppa?! What are you doing here? I mean, it's a store, so of course you'd come. I mean... uh... I...» Siobin was visibly flustered, as always. She'd always been shy.
« Good morning, Siobin. Is Hao Ya noona here? I haven't seen her since I walked in » Ji Kai asked, hands tucked into his hoodie pockets.
« Oh, you came to see her? » She seemed disappointed, but quickly returned to her usual demeanor.
« She's in Busan. Left this morning to visit her grandmother. Said she wants her to be with her during the surgery. »
Siobin spoke with her usual shyness as she explained Hao Ya's absence.
So that's it...
Well ...
Ji Kai smiled—perhaps involuntarily, or maybe not. The sight of it stunned Siobin for a few seconds before she snapped back to reality with a quick shake of her head.
« I will buy this , please »
« huh? S..sure »
Ji Kai didn't plan to leave empty-handed. He grabbed a pack of cool mint gum, paid in cash, and prepared to leave. But before he did...
« Siobin, if you see Hao Ya noona, send her my regards. If she asks about me, tell her I'm on an important trip to Egypt. And don't worry—I'll bring back some souvenirs. So... take care of yourself, alright? »
He left the store with a smile, leaving Siobin in stunned silence. She'd heard every word—but her face turned red after the last part.
« O-Oppa told me to take care of myself! Ahh, my head feels so hot... » she mumbled to herself inside the shop, quietly thrilled by Ji Kai's concern.
After all, he was one of the few who never mocked her for being soft-spoken and easily flustered.
Meanwhile, Ji Kai walked with steady steps, eyes sharp on the road ahead.
Now...
Let's go to Egypt.