TGIC Ch 118

Chapter 118

As Vasily opened the front door and steadied him, Gidam stepped into the house, looking somewhat weary.

The sight of his weakened state brought back the image of the doctor, who had been alarmed upon hearing of Gidam’s discharge. The doctor had warned that taking someone who had been bedridden for an entire month could be dangerous, but nothing could sway Vasily’s resolve.

Yet Vasily had no intention of overexerting Gidam. He knew full well that Gidam’s physical strength was entirely different from his own, and he had no desire to see him collapse again. Recalling the doctor’s insistence on ensuring Gidam received ample rest, Vasily smiled gently.

“Still tired, aren’t you? Let’s go inside and rest.”

Gidam nodded and followed Vasily into the house, taking careful steps.

Upon entering, Gidam immediately opened the door closest to the entrance. Having woken with his memory lost, he had a knack for surprising Vasily. This particular room had been reserved for Gidam from the very beginning.

“…?”

The room was stark, with only the bed greeting him. Pausing at the sight of the barren space, Gidam looked to Vasily for explanation, who then added:

“The move was recent. I told you, remember? You rampaged at home. All of Guide Kwon Gidam’s belongings were ruined, so we had to replace them.”

“…Understood.”

Gidam complied more obediently than expected. In the past, he would have immediately protested, asking why his belongings had been discarded without notice.

Had his temperament changed? While his previous stubbornness had its own charm, this newfound compliance was not unpleasant.

“Oh, you probably don’t have clothes to wear either. Come with me. I’ll lend you mine.”

“I’m fine.”

“Don’t refuse.”

“I really am… fine.”

Despite his reluctance, Vasily led Gidam toward the room. Though Gidam resisted subtly, his weakened state made him easy to guide.

Vasily, alert, placed Gidam beside the door and entered the dressing room. He returned with a few suits in hand and offered them to Gidam.

“I’m not sure if these will fit. Want to try them on?”

“…Are you serious?”

The clothes looked at least twice as large as Gidam’s frame, yet when Vasily nodded, Gidam resignedly began to undress.

As he removed his hospital gown, his previously gaunt body became visible. Traces of frostbite marked his skin, with the most severe scar along the nape of his neck.

He slipped his arms into the shirt, but it was far too loose. He proceeded to button it with a skeptical expression. Naturally, the shirt did not fit—sleeves too long, torso too wide, ample room everywhere. A small laugh escaped Vasily, prompting Gidam’s face to contort.

“Is this amusing to you?”

“No, it just looks good on you.”

“Doing this to a patient is hardly kind.”

Gidam, irritated, flung the shirt to the floor. It fell with a dull thud, rolling pitifully.

As he turned to leave, Vasily caught his wrist.

“Wait, that was a joke. The clothes I prepared for you are real, so hold on a moment.”

This time, Vasily brought out the garments he had truly bought for Gidam. Still wary, Gidam took them, and seeing they likely fit, relaxed slightly.

Before Gidam could exit the room, Vasily asked:

“Not going to try them on? You should check if they fit properly.”

“No need. They should fit fine as they are.”

“I’ll also contact the Association to prepare a smartphone for you, Guide Kwon Gidam. Anything else you need?”

“…Nothing.”

As Gidam departed, leaving the room silent, Vasily remained alone. He might have felt some offense at Gidam’s cold demeanor, yet a smile lingered on his face.

The next morning, Vasily visited Gidam at first light.

“Guide Kwon Gidam, wake up.”

“Ugh…”

Gidam groaned, tossing restlessly. He seemed to have spent a sleepless night, his mind burdened with thoughts.

Yet Vasily could not let him continue sleeping. He had no intention of leaving Gidam alone at home.

“Sleep in the car. We need to depart for the Gate immediately.”

“The Gate… you mean?”

Gidam’s eyes snapped open, his face paling instantly. He had mentioned being caught in his own rampage at the Gate before, so the thought was likely unwelcome.

“My… body isn’t fully ready. Perhaps we could rest a bit longer before going…”

“Do you want me to support you like yesterday?”

“…I can walk on my own.”

Reluctantly, Gidam rose from the bed. Stepping into the living room and waiting briefly, Vasily saw him emerge fully prepared. He wore the suit Vasily had given him the previous day.

“Guide Kwon Gidam, come here for a moment.”

“…?”

At Vasily’s gesture, Gidam approached cautiously, tense. Vasily laid his hand gently on the rigid shoulders. He tested the fit along the arms and waist, ensuring no tightness. The longer the contact, the stiffer Gidam became.

“I was worried it might be too big, but it fits well.”

Though slightly loose due to his weight loss, the suit complemented him nicely. While Vasily had prepared various colors, choosing the black suit yesterday had been an excellent choice, harmonizing perfectly with Gidam’s dark hair.

Vasily then noticed his bare neck.

“Why no tie?”

“I thought lighter attire would be better for going to the Gate.”

“Such a shame, I had prepared a nice color for you.”

A tie matching the hue of his own eyes would have been even more striking. Vasily, satisfied, withdrew his hands after the final check.

They departed for the Gate. Vasily, recalling the Association’s instructions from the previous day, spoke up:

“They’ll send the smartphone today. What about the old one? You said it was broken and wouldn’t turn on.”

“Discard it.”

“I’ll relay that.”

During the drive, Gidam remained silent, staring out the window. Only after a long while did he speak.

“What grade is the Gate we are entering?”

“B-rank.”

“B-rank…”

He muttered softly, and his face grew even paler. Though he appeared calm, his entire body was rigid, fists clenched so tightly they turned white.

Whatever had occurred inside the Gate had clearly left a significant shock, especially being caught in his own rampage. It seemed he had returned to the past because of it.

A regression within the Gate… After clearing it, I must check whether anyone else experienced a similar incident.

As they arrived and prepared to exit the car, Vasily’s phone rang. It was his assigned doctor.

Perhaps the doctor had heard of Gidam’s discharge. Vasily checked the caller, lowered the screen, and said to Gidam:

“Guide Kwon Gidam, go ahead.”

“Understood.”

Without asking questions, Gidam stepped out of the car. Obedient as always, he began walking toward the Gate. Vasily, watching his back, answered the call leisurely.

“Ah, Esper Vasily. Good morning.”

“What is it?”

“I heard Guide Kwon Gidam has been discharged. Is he in good condition?”

“He’s perfectly fine. Remarkably so.”

“That’s a relief.”

Vasily’s smile remained subtle. He had no intention of informing anyone of Gidam’s current state—not even his doctor.

Gidam had even undergone implantation of a suppressor chip to avoid Vasily. If he learned that the hospitalization had been due to Vasily’s rampage, his reaction could be unpredictable.

It would be best to avoid any contact with people who knew him for the time being. Returning to the Association, Vasily would ensure a formal notice prohibited anyone from speaking with Gidam. Leaning back in his seat, he considered the precautions.

“Esper-nim, when do you plan to conduct the matching rate test? If you provide a date, we can prepare in advance.”

“Ah… yes, that’s right.”

Vasily paused momentarily at the mention of the test. Conducting it immediately carried risks. If Gidam learned his matching rate while still under the exclusive contract, he might notice inconsistencies in his understanding of the current situation. Alas, the test would have to wait.

“No, we’ll postpone the test.”

“…Really?”

The doctor’s surprise was evident, but Vasily ended the call without comment.

After stepping out of the car, Vasily moved toward the Gate to find Gidam. Naturally, he first checked the guide tent where Gidam usually stayed, but he was not there.

Looking around outside, Vasily spotted Gidam among the Espers, warming up in his combat uniform.

“Guide Kwon Gidam? What are you doing here?”

“I was told to prepare, so I was getting ready.”

“I meant, why are you here, and why in a combat suit?”

“Well, naturally…”

Even among the Espers, he appeared perfectly at ease, as if he belonged. Fully armed, flawless in posture.

Yes, it was as if…

“Wasn’t I supposed to enter the Gate as well?”

Indeed.

Finally, all the pieces fell into place. A strong thrill surged through Vasily’s body, and a wave of exhilaration spread across his silvery-gray eyes.