Chapter 87: Chapter 87

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

Chapter 87: Physical Exam (1)

AM 08:00.

Morning had broken on Bam Island.

It was a bit earlier than usual, but all eleven of us, including me, were already geared up.

"Yura, did you sleep well?"

"Yaaawn—I'm so sleepy…."

Yura, who had woken up late, yawned so wide her tiny mouth looked like it might tear.

We had stayed up late the previous night, digging up herbs and boiling them, which delayed our bedtime.

Even though maintaining our condition was crucial, we pushed ourselves for one reason:

"Ew! This is so bitter!"

"It's good for your body. Drink it all up—down the hatch!"

For a sudden health boost.

"Ugh, this tastes awful. It’s basically poison!"

"If you don’t want it, give it to me."

"No, no, I didn’t say I wouldn’t drink it!"

When I threw a word at the grumbling loudmouth, he downed the bowl in one go with a grimace.

Watching him, I drank my portion of the herbal concoction.

— Ding!

[You have absorbed the ‘Boiled Thousandroot Herb’!]

[Your muscles have strengthened.]

[Strength Stat (+1)]

[Strength 20 → 21]

My Strength stat increased.

I could feel a subtle tightening sensation in my abdomen and thighs.

‘It really worked!’

I’d been skeptical, but this was incredible.

It was like finding a wild ginseng root lying on the ground.

So…

"One more bowl, please."

"Sure, sure! Drink up!"

[You have absorbed the ‘Boiled Thousandroot Herb’!]

"One more, please."

[You have absorbed the ‘Boiled Thousandroot Herb’!]

"More!"

[You have absorbed the ‘Boiled Thousandroot Herb’!]

[Your muscles have strengthened.]

[Strength Stat (+1)]

[Strength 21 → 22]

From my shoulders, through my back, to my glutes, my muscles tightened like a whip pulled taut.

It felt as if my core muscles were merging and becoming solid.

After gaining two stat points, though:

"One mor—"

"Drink, drink!"

[You have exceeded the maximum absorption limit.]

[The effects of the ‘Boiled Thousandroot Herb’ will no longer manifest.]

The effects of the herbal medicine had reached their limit.

"It’s not increasing anymore."

"Same here. Looks like it’s not limitless after all."

"Such a shame, noona! I was hoping to boost my Strength to 100 with this."

"One hundred? Jaehyuk, isn’t that too greedy?"

Two stat points—that seemed to be the maximum benefit the herb could provide.

However…

"There’s more."

"Excuse me?"

"There are three types of herbs, you know."

"This spot has been good to us."

Drip!

The auntie, who had been bustling about, handed over a bowl of golden-yellow liquid.

"Young man! Here, drink this one too. Quickly now!"

"Thank you."

"That’s it, good boy!"

I didn’t hesitate and drank it.

A welcome message appeared.

[You have absorbed the ‘Boiled Thousandleaf Herb’!]

[Your vision has become clearer.]

"How is it? Isn’t your vision sharp now?"

Just as the auntie said, my head lifted, and I could see the leaves of an unknown tree.

They appeared sharper and more vivid than ever.

"It’s true… I can see so clearly."

The outline and patterns of the leaves felt as distinct as if I were watching an upgraded HD video.

"Want more?"

"Yes, please."

[You have absorbed the ‘Boiled Thousandleaf Herb’!]

[Your immunity to infections has slightly increased.]

I continued drinking the herbal concoction until I reached my absorption limit.

[You have exceeded the maximum absorption limit.]

[The effects of the ‘Boiled Thousandleaf Herb’ will no longer manifest.]

"This one is boiled bark water—keep it. It’s good for stopping bleeding."

She also handed me a grayish liquid stored in an empty water bottle, explaining that it sped up recovery when injured.

"And this is the best one…"

Finally, she offered a clear, light brown liquid.

▣ Boiled Young Ginseng Root

-A young ginseng root grown under a high-concentration energy barrier.

Absorbing it permanently increases the drinker’s Stamina stat. However, due to its brief exposure to the barrier, the effect is minimal.

It boosts stamina.

This was exactly the kind of tonic I needed, especially after learning about it during our training sessions.

Feeling fortunate, I drank it immediately.

Gulp.

[You have absorbed the ‘Boiled Young Ginseng Root’!]

[Stamina Stat (+1)]

[Stamina 28 → 29]

The slightly bitter taste and warm sensation as it went down weren’t bad at all.

Knowing it increased my stats made it feel almost sweet.

I eagerly accepted another bowl and gulped it down, but…

[Your base stamina is sufficiently high.]

[The stamina-boosting effect is minimal.]

"Huh?"

"What’s wrong?"

"It says my base stamina is high enough."

Apparently, there was a limit to how much my stamina could increase.

"Wow! My stamina went up. This is amazing!"

"I could keep drinking it, but it doesn’t seem like I can raise it endlessly."

"Just two more for me, and that's it."

It seemed like everyone else had enough as well.

"There's still so much left, though. Such a waste."

"Should we just save it for now?"

Anyway...

"Thanks to you, we gained a lot. Thank you."

"Aw, no need for thanks! Not at all!"

A night trip to Bam Island to rescue the elderly.

Originally, it was just a plan to rescue the seniors and give my group some combat experience.

But I ended up gaining unexpected rewards.

Adaptability obtained from taking down the Giant Cockroach, and now medicinal herbs as well.

I expressed my gratitude to the older woman, but she waved her hands, refusing the thanks.

"Young man, you've saved our lives more times than I can count. This is nothing compared to that!"

"No, no. Gratitude should be expressed properly."

"That's right! Thank you so much!"

As we continued exchanging heartfelt thanks early in the morning,

[…… Beginning.]

the broadcast announcing the start of the day echoed once again.

The real start of the day.

"There's a broadcast coming on!"

[To all survivors in the 'Seoul' area.]

[The 'Physical Examination' project will commence at 9 a.m. Please proceed to the designated 'examination site.']

"Where's the examination site?"

"Hope it's not too far..."

"It's okay. It's only 8:30. We have plenty of time."

[The examination site has been created!]

Whoosh!

A map appeared, centered on our current location, an island in the middle of the Han River dividing Seoul into north and south.

It looked like a computer graphic—a circular, unnatural green area marked on the map.

"This circular spot must be the examination site, right?"

"Seems like it. It's the only thing marked in green."

But then...

"Wait... it's near us?"

The examination site on the map wasn’t far from Bam Island, where we stood.

But...

"It's not here, though?"

All we could see was Seoul's familiar skyline and the frozen Gangbyeon Expressway.

While we scanned for the circular structure that only existed on the map...

"What's with this shadow...?"

A shadow loomed over us.

From above.

[Proceed to the 'Sky Island'!]

"!!"

An island appeared in the sky.

"What the hell?! Is that a spaceship or something?!"

The Sky Island was silent.

Hovering above us, it floated without a sound, leaving us speechless.

Then, another announcement:

['The Eye' will now open!]

The sky split open in a strange yet vaguely familiar way.

Ding! Ding! Ding…

【A new observer has entered.】

【A new observer has entered.】

【A new observer has entered.】

…

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

A series of chimes and messages flooded into my ears.

【The ‘Raven of the Administration Bureau' waves to its friend.】

【The 'External Affairs Department's Rookie' is delighted that it's finally starting.】

【The 'Prince of the Investigation Bureau' expresses surprise that the physical examination is already happening.】

"Long time no see."

This noisy response felt oddly familiar, like something I hadn’t experienced in a while.

Perhaps it was because I'd been so absorbed in additional missions and training at the Academy.

"Jieun..."

Even as I thought about asking Jieun for help getting up there,

Whoosh!

a new path appeared.

"…Stairs?"

"Let’s go."

Narrow stairs leading to the Sky Island appeared before us.

Made of white marble, they were just wide enough for one person.

Two people walking side by side would be a tight fit.

A single misstep could mean falling to the Han River—or worse, to the ground below.

[Anyone who does not arrive by 9 a.m. will be considered to have failed the entrance and will be 'deleted.' Please proceed with caution!]

Regardless of how long or dangerous the stairs were, we had no choice.

"Yura, hop on Daddy’s back."

We could only press forward, carrying a young daughter on our back.

【The ‘Raven of the Administration Bureau' gets fired up at the sight of the waiting golems!】

【The 'Prince of the Investigation Bureau' remarks that the view is at least decent.】

Step. Step. Step.

There were two Sky Islands in total over Seoul.

From them stretched these white staircases, extending like spiderwebs across the city.

‘I can see it well.’

Was it thanks to the herbs?

Even though the stairs were miles away, I could see them as clearly as the leaf patterns on the branches above my head.

"Looks like they divided it into Gangnam and Gangbuk."

"That means we're in Gangbuk, right?"

"There are still people left in Yeouido too, huh?"

The island of Bam Island, situated in the center of the Han River, was categorized as part of Gangbuk, while neighboring Yeouido was considered part of Gangnam.

【The 'Ferryman of the Administration Bureau' wonders when the river was crossed.】

"And your younger brother?"

"He’s in Gangnam. The last time I heard from him, he said he was at the Express Bus Terminal."

The last time they talked.

For someone unaware, the statement might invite uneasy curiosity—"What about now?"—but Jieun didn’t seem worried.

She must have sensed it.

That her brother was still alive.

"You’ll see him soon."

"Yes, that’s what I’m thinking!"

Jieun squinted against the harsh morning sunlight as she looked up at the sky.

"How many do you think there are?"

Her question lacked a subject or object, but no one asked for clarification.

Survivors.

Those who had weathered countless missions and managed to stay alive until now.

People we were about to meet—whether they’d be allies or enemies was still unclear.

【The 'Ferryman of the Administration Bureau' clicks his tongue, saying too many survived.】

【The 'Prince of the Investigation Bureau' confidently predicts the number will far exceed the average for the 13th district.】

【The ‘Raven of the Administration Bureau' clenches its fist, declaring that it’ll turn everyone into subordinates!】

"I’d say there are about 500 just in Gangbuk."

"That’s so few. There must have been at least five million in Gangbuk before…"

"…It has significantly decreased."

People who must have pushed someone out of their spot to climb up.

"It would be nice to know someone…."

At Jieun's lightly added remark, I kept my mouth shut.

At first, it was because I thought that knowing someone didn't necessarily guarantee they'd be an ally.

And then, the next moment, it struck me: Jieun and I might belong to completely different worlds.

"It wouldn't be all good."

"Pardon? But… wouldn’t it be better to have more colleagues?"

"Well… I suppose."

So I left only a vague reply and climbed the stairs.

AM 08:45.

15 minutes left until 9 o'clock.

"Let’s hurry up a bit."

"Okay!"

"Got it!"

After telling the companions walking alongside me—thanks to the shared path—I quickened my pace.

It was around that time that strangers began to appear.

"…Look at them. Where are they from?"

"They were coming up from the Han River side."

Unfamiliar faces.

As the Sky Island drew closer overhead, the number of unfamiliar faces only grew.

And finally, when we were less than 100 meters away from the Sky Island’s surface—

"Lee Eunho?"

From somewhere, I heard my name.

"Isn’t it? Yeah, it’s you!"

Having worked countless contract jobs, I crossed paths with countless people, leaving shallow impressions rather than deep connections.

And yet, as soon as I saw the face, I nodded in recognition.

"Ah."

It wasn’t as if our relationship had been particularly noteworthy.

"You recognized me right away? I thought you’d forgotten all about me."

To be fair, I had forgotten, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

It was only because I’d seen him again recently that he came to mind.

"How long has it been? Since senior year of high school?"

From my memory.

‘Not warming up, are we?’

‘You think you don’t need to warm up if you’re good enough?’

‘Annoying bastard.’

From my memory, this was one of those guys from the neighboring school who always picked a fight.

【'The Raven of the Administration Bureau' asks why that guy is here again.】

"Oh, well."

"By the way…"

Back then, whether it was a friendly match or a major competition, he always lost to me.

Later, I heard he performed well after entering college and even made it to the Asian Games.

"So your leg was messed up, but you look fine? What happened?"

…While I was crawling at rock bottom due to an accident.

【'The External Affairs Department's Rookie' asks what happened to your leg.】

【'The Night Owl of the Audit Bureau' wonders what they missed.】

【'The Raven of the Administration Bureau' clicks their tongue, calling him as mouthy as ever.】

【'The Raven of the Administration Bureau' suggests breaking his neck this time instead of his wrist.】

‘I heard he was training at Taereung National Training Center.’

Judging by the burly men and women near him, I could guess their territory of origin.

However—

‘He’s still below Park Gongchan.’

Park Gongchan, the national team captain who could lift over 1,000 kg in a combined total.

Which meant—

‘I don’t need to be intimidated.’

"Did the system fix you up? Must be nice to be so lucky…."

"Not your concern."

"Wow—Lee Eunho, you’ve changed? You’re even talking back now."

Was I someone who didn’t talk back before?

I couldn’t remember, but maybe that was the case.

Back then, all I cared about was my records.

Nothing else mattered, and no one dared to challenge me since I was the unrivaled top.

‘I was immature back then.’

Like a racehorse fixated on the finish line.

But.

"Seems like you had a personality change after being crippled and recovering?"

That doesn’t mean I’m much wiser now.

"You haven’t changed."

"What?"

"Still don’t know your place, running your mouth."

I had no intention of indulging someone who couldn’t read the room.

Not anymore.

And besides, I had companions who were watching me with worried faces.

"What the hell, you bastard. Do I still look like some perpetual runner-up to you? I went to the Asian Games, for god’s sake…"

"That’s what you look like."

"W-What?"

I cut him off as he started to yell.

The unexpected reaction seemed to catch him off guard, making him flinch.

"Do you have trauma because of me? Saying ‘runner-up’ first like it’s stuck in your head."

"Tra-Trauma? You’re the cripple here, not me!"

I didn’t remember everything, but one thing was crystal clear.

‘He had a weak mental game.’

He wasn’t mentally strong.

Even if he got an early lead, once I overtook him, he’d nearly give up on the competition.

So I pressed further.

"Hmm. I remember your skills being mediocre. Did you make it to the Asian Games by picking up scraps while someone was out injured?"

"You son of a bitch!"

Predictable anger, right on cue.

"If you start a fight here, you’ll get dropped, too."

"That’s…"

And before he could charge at me on the steep stairs, I decided to climb up quickly.

Thud!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

My foot landed on the topmost step.

Thud!

The other foot touched the tile-like surface, all white and slightly slippery, within the green-bordered safe zone covering the island.

"You piece of—when we were kids, I…"

"Shhh."

[Subject Lee Eunho has entered the physical examination hall!]

I spotted the peculiar entrance to the testing area.

Perhaps because there were no hills or uneven terrain, the flat ground and the crowd made it feel even more cramped.

‘What are they planning to test here?’

I couldn’t even guess how they intended to test our bodies.

"Don’t ignore me! Don’t you dare ignore me!"

[All subjects have entered.]

[The examiner will now appear!]

Suddenly, the clouds at eye level gathered rapidly, then dispersed.

And then—

Swish—!

A strange man appeared.

With disheveled white hair and a gaunt face, yet exuding an eerie, piercing gaze.

[Ahh… finally…!]

Dragging out his words like a slithering snake, he murmured with an almost ticklish sigh of admiration.

[I’ve been waiting to see you all!]

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

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