LTTH C6

Chapter 6

England. Before gates and hunters appeared worldwide, it was merely a country one might want to visit once in their lifetime. However, its status has since changed to something entirely different. A country where war is a daily reality, with permanently open gates and frequent gate breaks. At this point, it’s not a place for travel but the number one war zone everyone wants to avoid. This might even be a softened description.

“There was a reason why healers were seen as strange.”

The number zero country healers hate the most—not even number one, but zero. There was even a joke that healers wouldn’t use healing magic at all in England, making them shudder at the very mention of it. Initially, the country did send a few healers at the state level, but that support lasted only a week until it was cut off. Despite sending precious healers, all that returned were cold corpses.

They were valuable nobles, after all. No country would deliberately send precious healers to their deaths. After that, all countries began distancing themselves from England for various reasons. South Korea was no exception. And in this situation, the South Korean Hunter Association sent Hansol to England not by mistake to another dimension but literally to England? Damn, the claim that a cat hates Churu snacks sounds more believable.

“It was a well-laid trap.”

Once deployed, there was no coming back. The 300 million won and corresponding signing bonus were illusions. The paid deposit would return to the Association’s hands if he died here.

It was an other-dimension dispatch mission. They knew it was dangerous. But knowing danger and being cautious are very different from diving headfirst into a death trap. If he had been reckless, no amount of money would have convinced him to join. What worth is money if you die? There’s nothing to take away with you.

“…Damn those damn Association bastards.”

Unrefined harsh words slipped from Hansol’s lips.

“Healer-nim…?”

“…Not at him.”

A sigh escaped naturally at the situation, but the young man bore no blame. Nor did these people. The fault lay with the Association and with Hansol himself, who had mindlessly bitten the bait of that 300 million figure.

Money. Without power or influence, it was the only means available to rise above. That was why he had clung tenaciously to it, but that very venom would end up digging his own grave.

‘Damn. The world’s really shitty.’

Since the day of the Great Catastrophe, Hansol’s life had never been smooth. Just when it seemed things might improve, the world wasn’t kind to him.

“Thank you. Thank you so much.”

“…Please stop. I’ve heard enough already.”

“No, please let me. We’re all grateful even if we haven’t said it out loud. You saved lives that were abandoned.”

“…….”

The young man bowed his head with reddened eyes, sobbing. If a high-level healer had been sent instead of Hansol, these injuries might have healed instantly—even on the battlefield. They might have saved more people and brought them back alive.

So, once again, this young man had no right to offer thanks to Hansol.

“If another healer had come to support you, it would have been better.”

“No. Those healers wouldn’t have been like you. I am truly grateful you’re a healer.”

Looking at the stubborn young man who refused to give in, Hansol kept healing. Throughout his life as a hunter, he had never received such pure gratitude. He didn’t know how to respond, only wishing the young man’s recovery to come quickly.

“……”

“…Healer?”

After several heals, the young man’s arm regenerated just past the elbow. A halting voice sounded from behind, filled with suspicion or confusion. Hansol let out a quiet sigh and turned. He wondered when these people would start treating him normally.

“……!”

The stranger’s handsome but unfamiliar face, with deep blue eyes flickering rapidly, looked his way.

“…The half-corpse?”

No way.

Though Hansol had been called eternal level 1, his experience was not lacking. The half-corpse’s injuries were definitely beyond healing with a few heals. Hansol could restore normal appearance, but restoring lost organs was impossible. The half-corpse, nearly breathless, could not be saved by Hansol’s ability. That was the level of his serious injury.

“…Rachel, sir…?”

“Bring the duke back quickly!”

Ignoring the commotion, Hansol stared at the half-corpse. Sweat dripped down his face and body. Even without removing his clothes covering the injuries, Hansol could clearly feel the organs inside were still crying out.

Delusions of grandeur were all Hansol saw in the half-corpse’s behavior.

‘…Child?’

Hansol frowned and turned away. Healing the young man’s arm was important because it was a quest. The quest had no deadline. Whether instant or in a month, as long as the regeneration happened. Of course, the young man must not die from a blind blade from a monster in the meantime.

More pressing was the delusional behavior of the half-corpse.

Hansol healed the half-corpse once again. The half-corpse’s body trembled slightly, but no more. He showed no intention of lying down.

“You should still lie down.”

“…I’m fine. Are you really a healer?”

“Of course.” Hansol shut his mouth, seeing the half-corpse trying to act fine. His limbs were intact, but trembling and soaked with blood, the inside condition was dire.

“Haah.”

Why doesn’t the half-corpse realize pretending to be fine won’t fool a healer? Using many level-up points, Hansol raised the purification skill he hadn’t learned yet and motioned once.

“Purification.”

The spot where the sharp receptionist sat, a skill manifested with a single gesture and reached Rachel.

“You’re really intact, huh.”

“…Yes, I’m alright… ugh.”

Clean clothes soaked in bright red liquid. Despite just being healed once, the inside was a mess.

Tsk. Hansol clicked his tongue and lightly pushed the half-corpse’s body. Despite the light force, the half-corpse collapsed as if surrendering. Seeing the helpless state was like watching a whining puppy, and Hansol recited Heal and Prayer of Healing simultaneously again. Soft ripples of light surrounded Hansol, Rachel, and the young man. The white healing glow began seeping into Rachel.

“Rachel, listen to me.”

“…Duke.”

After a few soft waves of light passed, the silently approaching duke spoke firmly beside Hansol. His face was still expressionless, but his slight breath revealed hidden worry and lament.

‘As expected.’

Postponing healing Rachel and focusing on the half-corpse was the right call. Hansol complimented his past self and glanced secretly at the duke. He had changed clothes during the short time, now wearing a white shirt of cotton with tight pants. Perhaps due to the light outfit, his well-toned body was evident without undressing.

‘He must be a tank.’

Hunters are classified roughly into dealers, supporters, and tanks. Of course, there are more detailed classifications, but broadly three categories exist. This duke had the physique closest to a tank. Judging by previously seen armor and weapons, the theory was plausible.

“Lie down. And you, come with me.”

“…With me?”

The duke nodded gently, kindly pulling up the white cloth of the tent. Outside was a desolate scene, but that wasn’t important.

‘Wait. The buff still has 30 minutes left?’

It was a mana recovery buff of 500%. There was no way to waste such a precious buff, especially when mana had just reached the halfway point. Soon mana would be full, and the buff wasted.

‘That can’t happen.’

“Can I stay another 30 minutes?”

“Are you some ghost who died because you couldn’t heal?”

“No, just 30 minutes will do…”

Hansol’s tone, as if asking if they couldn’t wait that long, made the expressionless duke’s face twist in disbelief.