Chapter 92: The Guide Who Broke His Silence After Two Months

“If I’d said it like this— ‘Hyung, I don’t have regeneration, so I can’t protect you. I’d rather give up than watch you die. So let’s end this.’”

Would things have changed?

Definitely. Cha Hae-jin would never abandon someone first, even if it killed him. But that wouldn’t give Lee Chae the missing ability. Nor guarantee Hae-jin’s safety in constant life-or-death battles.

Lee Chae repeated regret and excuses daily while missing him. Days passed, nights came— grief never lessened.

Life looped like a planet on fixed orbit, yet he felt trapped in an irregular maze, lost.

“Guide Jung Lee Chae.”

“Yes. Almost done.”

He rubbed eyes, turned. Kang-wook stood in the doorway—unnoticed entry.

“Skipping meals again today?”

“Not really hungry.”

Kang-wook visited two-three times daily. Officially to collect reports (Lee Chae couldn’t roam freely). Real purpose: surveillance.

Lee Chae handed over the finished file. Kang-wook skimmed, checked watch, leaned back on sofa—unusual leisure.

“Something wrong?”

“Nothing.”

He eyed Lee Chae oddly.

“Didn’t see the news this morning? Live broadcast of Lamia battle.”

“…What?”

“Really didn’t know.”

Apologetic face—he pulled out phone.

“Watch together?”

Lee Chae knew why the offer— but nodded at the chance to see Hae-jin.

Not ready to watch immediately— poured tea to steady nerves, sat beside him. Kang-wook thanked, sipped, started stream.

Familiar scene: ash-gray sky, screams, urgent reporter, skill explosions…

Memories of fighting with Hae-jin flooded back.

Camera on reporter.

—Scene of beast-type leader Lamia vs. Legion guild-led forces…

Heart dropped at “Legion.” Blurred espers looked familiar.

Lee Chae searched for Hae-jin—camera too far.

—HBC exclusive live coverage.

Camera panned sky— Lamia in full-defense crocodile armor. No attacks landing.

Lee Chae gripped hands, sweating like he was there.

—Espers struggling despite efforts. Lamia in full-defense mode… wait—

Camera caught Hae-jin.

—Legion representative Esper Cha Hae-jin just leaped sky-high. Sudden attack amid defense—what strategy?

Lee Chae went pale, eyes glued. He knew this situation best. Hair stood on end.

“You okay?”

“N-no… just surprised…”

Answered Kang-wook but couldn’t look away. Why not coming down? Pointless risk against impenetrable defense— Hae-jin knew that.

—Breaking: Espers say Cha Hae-jin testing physical damage in full-defense mode… But this looks too dangerous—gasp!

BOOM! Camera dropped to ground. Charred Hae-jin collapsed.

[Legion Rep Cha Hae-jin Seriously Injured]

CRASH! Lee Chae’s teacup shattered on floor.

Cha Hae-jin hurt?

Couldn’t believe his eyes.

Chest clenched; vision blurred. He clutched heart, stared at screen.

Seeing the face he’d missed most— like this.

Trembling voice:

“C-can I leave early today? I know I shouldn’t… but I have to go.”

“Guide Jung, calm down first. Even if you go, meeting him will be hard.”

Ears rang—barely heard. Stared, waiting for Hae-jin to rise.

[Esper Cha Hae-jin Critical—Transferring to Nearby Center]

What do I do? Guiding without me—will he be okay? What am I doing here?

Mind blank—stood.

Even if caught and killed, had to go.

Which hospital? Not announced…

Kang-wook calmly:

“Think carefully. Rushing out won’t let you meet him—only push you farther.”

“Don’t care. I have to go. Without me he could die.”

Half-mad, he stood— Kang-wook grabbed wrist, pulled down.

“As you know, I help but also monitor. This is trouble.”

Understood Kang-wook’s position— but no room to care. Lee Chae clutched his arm, begged.

“Just pretend you didn’t see. Tell headquarters I escaped on my own. I’ll take full blame—even if they kill me.”

Tried to shake off—legs powerless. Kang-wook pressed shoulders, sat him.

“Kill? First—assess situation. Reporters exaggerate. And you need to know where he is.”

“H-how? No way—”

Mid-sentence—stopped. Pulled phone. Tried Hae-jin’s number he’d never forget— blocked in this area. Headquarters assumed only Lee Chae would call him here.

“Ha… no connection. What do I do? I have to go.”

Then—Jae-hyung’s number flashed clear. Memorized before surrendering phone.

Fingers slipped repeatedly— finally dialed.

“Ah… ringing.”

“I’ll step out—talk freely. Direct call to Cha Hae-jin and headquarters notices. Stay in room—they’ll contact me if you leave.”

Kang-wook warned and exited.

Shortly—Jae-hyung.

—Who is this?

“I-it’s… hello?”

—Yes, speak.

Lee Chae froze. Thought connection would let him ask about Hae-jin— but hearing the voice choked him.

—Hello? Speak or I’m hanging. Busy as hell—prank?

Fear of disconnect—blurted.

“Jae-hyung-ssi…”

—Huh? Jae-hyung-ssi? W-wait… no way…?

“Really sorry. Go somewhere alone. I have to tell you something.”

—Shouldn’t… but okay. Wait.

Movement sounds. Short wait felt eternal. Bit lip to stop tears.

The guide who’d vanished finally reached out— voice trembling across the line.

One call away from shattering two months of silence.