Chapter 9: Number one
"Areum!"
Jia’s voice cracked as she called out, hoarse and filled with worry. She scrambled toward him as he blinked repeatedly, forcing his eyes to not shut. Light rain dotted his pale face, the drops trailing down like tears. Above them, the reflecting shield began to dissolve, folding back into Inho’s system with a faint hum.
"Can’t you see the condition he’s in? Our healers are collapsing, and you let the shield down? You want them to drown in rainwater now?"
"I can only use it once for five minutes. Besides... this much rain isn’t going to drown anyone."
"You’re right."
"Wait—why are you agreeing with me? Don’t do that. That’s scary. I’m getting goosebumps."
Cheon Areum lay still, his gaze fixed blankly on the dark, rain-filled sky. His body screamed for rest, but his mind clung stubbornly to consciousness.
"I’m sorry, Areum. It’s all because of me."
Jia whispered, kneeling beside him.
"The monster dragging you into the water and almost killing you was your fault. The fact that healers can’t heal themselves is also your fault. Me being an F-Class—is that also your fault?"
Cheon Areum spoke with a calm, almost detached tone, still gazing up at the stormy sky as rainwater traced slow, glistening paths down his cheeks. His soaked hair clung to his neck uncomfortably.