SRHGKF

Chapter 8

The higher a hunter’s rank, the wider the gap between each tier. Even a single rank difference was distinctly noticeable. The steepest wall, without question, lay between S and A.

Investigations revealed the reason: “S-rank privileges.”

Until now, the healer side had capped at A-rank, leaving us with little information to work with. But we had S-rank tanks and damage dealers. According to the S-rank individuals, these privileges acted like boosters.

Having witnessed it firsthand, I could hardly argue with that assessment.

“I’ll check what specific perks blessing and grace offer later.”

Curiosity aside, I was far too occupied testing the perks attached to Grace. I decided to enjoy the rest when there was time and closed the interface.

“I just need to heal while drafting the contract.”

Whether I’d left voluntarily or had been kidnapped, the association would inevitably come back at least once more. Common sense dictated caution—just looking at Cha Seohae’s behavior made that clear.

The association head would surely act maliciously and unscrupulously. What exact measures he might take, however, remained unknown. I had to plan for every possibility.

“No matter how ironclad the contract, I’m the only one I can trust.”

If my actions put Baekyang in danger, they could demand a contract annulment. After all, a guild was no different from a private company calculating profits. If damages caused by me exceeded any penalty for breaking the contract…

And the worst-case scenario? The association siding with the Baekyang guild. In that case, there was no guarantee Cha Seohae wouldn’t cast me aside.

“I can’t just assume that being the contracted healer means he’ll protect me. I have to make sure I’m imprinted in Cha Seohae’s mind.”

He must safeguard me, no matter what.

Ding.

Going over the plan step by step, the elevator arrived at our destination.

“Here.”

I hurried to follow Cha Seohae, who was already moving ahead.

The atmosphere of this floor was a stark contrast to the one I had just left, which had been entirely white.

I couldn’t immediately grasp the purpose of this floor. All I could see were wide corridors and windows and doors in the lobby. The lobby, small in contrast to the exterior, felt oddly confined.

I glanced back at the floor number.

“45th floor?”

Ah, the top. It clicked instantly. If this was the top floor, that room must be the master’s office, and the remaining space would stretch beyond that door.

Cha Seohae moved toward the single room without hesitation, with Childeuk and I following.

“This concerns the contract, so wait outside.”

Confirming my entry, Cha Seohae instructed Childeuk.

“Yes, sir!”

“We’ll move immediately once we’re done, so don’t go anywhere.”

“Yes, sir!”

The earnest, habitual replies of a professional made me feel a pang of sympathy. I gave Childeuk a subtle nod to encourage him. He seemed to read my look and nodded firmly in return.

“What are you two signaling to each other like that?”

Once the door closed, Cha Seohae chuckled quietly in the now-quiet room.

“You’d feel left out if I didn’t include you.”

“Right, sure,” I replied, emotionless.

He said nothing further and took a seat on the sofa.

“Sit.”

He gestured to the two-seater beside him, and I didn’t hesitate to sit.

“It’s quite spacious.”

The master’s office revealed itself properly now, vast and imposing. It seemed the whole 45th floor was designated as the office, with corridors and a lobby included as a courtesy.

“Feels more like a home.”

Desk, sofa, TV, bookshelf—typical office furnishings—but then there was the bed.

“A bed…?”

In the corner, a bed sat oddly out of place. Inviting someone to a master’s office with a bed?

“I need to sleep immediately when drowsy,” Cha Seohae explained, noticing my stare.

He seemed genuinely dedicated to rest, yet he looked perpetually fatigued. The mystery remained.

“You invite outsiders here?”

“The actual work happens on the 44th floor. This is just a room.”

Lucky him. I couldn’t fathom why he had summoned me here. My instincts bristled, and he caught my look, giving a wry, knowing smile.

“Looking at me like some kind of pervert, huh?”

“Just give me the contract and a pen.”

“Impatient, aren’t you?”

Cha Seohae leaned over and tapped the tabletop. A drawer slid open seamlessly, revealing stacks of documents—contracts always at the ready.

“External clients meet on the 44th floor, right?”

“Special cases exist, like for our healer.”

The honorific sounded hollow. His cautious demeanor in the infirmary lingered in my mind. I decided to sign quickly and leave.

I skimmed the contract with experience. I scanned for small print or hidden clauses: contract duration, salary, duties, compensation for damages, lifestyle management—it was looser than the association’s standard, yet offered higher pay. Clearly, their safety nets were better structured.

“Makes sense. Healers are hardly ever sent outside.”

“When you’re done reading, show me what you’ve got.”

Cha Seohae spoke after I reached the final page. Curious, he leaned in boldly, revealing his interest.

“What will you show me?”

“As a healer, I’ll show you with healing.”

I extended my hand, and he tilted his head.

“Everything I’ve received so far has been A-rank healing.”

Expected.

“But ‘received so far’? Past tense?”

Did that mean the healer seat was currently vacant? I tucked the question aside and responded nonchalantly:

“Really? That’s high.”

“I thought it was B-rank; it won’t compare, right?”

A clear provocation. In a world where power levels were overtly defined, it was meant to assert dominance.

“So if you’re confident, go ahead then.”

Despite urgency on his side, I let out a faint laugh, confidence radiating. I was no longer a B-rank healer. I waved my hand teasingly, urging him.

“You’ve worried about everyone else but me? How cruel.”

“…”

“Just give me your hand.”

For the first time, his pristine forehead creased. The expression that didn’t bend to his will—seeing the card he held hidden away—was a thrill.

Watching Childeuk treated in the infirmary, I knew this speed was impossible for B-rank. He was a dealer, so perhaps discerning it was harder.

He raised his hand. Large, elegant fingers, unscarred despite frequent battles, as if trained at the piano. I interlaced my fingers with his, and he flinched slightly at the unfamiliar touch.

“I’ll do it.”

“You going to ask every time you heal?”

Cha Seohae smirked, granting permission.

‘It’s okay.’

A strange nervousness hit me, showing skill before the contract.

“Divine Grace.”

The golden light shimmered from my fingertips, steadier now. Being awakened as an S-rank was finally tangible.

[Healing Target: Cha Seohae]
[Condition: Left arm contusion, sleep deprivation, accumulated stress, insomnia, tinnitus…]
[※Caution※ The body is in critical condition. Rest recommended.]

“Contusion?”

A rush of emotion surged, staring at Cha Seohae, who never showed pain.

“Did he really risk himself with that arm?”

I couldn’t comprehend the recklessness. He seemed oblivious to how fully his condition was being revealed. The crease in his forehead deepened.

“Strange fellow.”

Even for Cha Seohae, this was his first time experiencing S-rank healing.

‘How can he stay so calm?’

If I wanted him desperate for the contract, mild surprise wouldn’t suffice.

‘Maybe he’s just insensitive to quality healing?’

Better to assume that.

“Not amazed?”

I prompted, seeking a favorable reaction.

Still wary, he remained impassive.

“Cha Seohae?”

No response.

I gently shook his hand.

“React… hey!”

His head lolled forward, heavy and uncontrolled. My shock subsided, allowing me to notice his condition: eyelids closed, chest rising and falling evenly, limbs relaxed yet weighted, completely still.

“Sleeping…?”

Startled by my outburst, he didn’t move.

“Yeoongcha!”

I leaned his head back onto the sofa. Despite his lean frame, he was solid to the touch. I almost misstepped, underestimating him.

“You should’ve said you were coming to sleep!”

Maintaining contact, the healing continued uninterrupted. The golden light expanded across the area.

“Enough.”

I closed my hand, ceasing the overflow of energy. The light dissipated cleanly.

“…I need to write the clauses I want into the contract.”

I drafted and signed my desired conditions, then glanced at the peacefully sleeping Cha Seohae.

“No wonder… so he really had insomnia.”

Childeuk, exhausted from waiting for Cha Seohae, yawned loudly.