Chapter 53

Beimerung scolded the guest fighter, who lowered his head repeatedly, wearing an apologetic expression.

It was partly the bus driver’s fault for not warning him properly and for failing to prevent the sudden actions of the guest. Scolding him too harshly wouldn’t look good.

Though his actions caused me significant pain, no one else knows about my synchronization rate. I have to behave like any other player. This isn’t his fault—it’s strange that I feel pain so intensely.

My body healed quickly after drinking a potion, but the horrific sensation of being chewed by the chimeras still lingered within me.

Something’s wrong. Something’s really wrong.

It still hurts.

A potion in *Astria Online* should have completely healed me. My HP is full, so the pain should be gone.

It’s *Lee Seulbi’s* body in the real world that’s screaming in agony. If I let my guard down even a little, I feel like I’ll get kicked out into the real world like the first time I died.

No. Not yet.

I’m a bus driver. Since I’m getting paid, I have to finish this dungeon.

Just a little longer, okay?

This is the last run for today.

Chris approached me, speaking with a mixture of shock and concern on her face.

I didn’t quite catch what she was saying, but I could tell she was worried about me.

I don’t want to worry her.

What kind of expression am I making right now? I hope I look okay.

There have been times when I’ve startled people by showing signs of weakness. It’s hard to control those reactions while in Rain’s body.

But the pain? I can handle that.

I’m good at hiding pain.

I’ve had moments when I’d clutch my body and tremble alone until the pain passed, but I can’t show that kind of behavior in front of Chris. She’d be really worried.

If I answer her like this, she’ll probably feel reassured.

I smiled brightly, hoping my response would put Chris at ease.

“My finishing move was pretty cool, wasn’t it?”

---

My vision was growing blurry.

Instinctively, I moved my body to block Aspero’s attack.

Luckily, my body moved just as I remembered. I didn’t get hit by any of the magical orbs.

But if I let myself take more hits in this state, it could become irreversible.

Magical orbs exploded around me, like watching muted explosions in a video.

*Boom, boom!*

That’s the sound I should be hearing, but it’s hard to make anything out.

I barely held onto consciousness until we cleared the final boss.

---

Once the guest fighter left, Chris and Beimerung came over to me.

This time, neither of them hid their concern. They must’ve seen the pain clearly written on my face.

Chris grabbed my shoulder and spoke urgently.

Ah, so it’s come to this.

Chris, what are you saying? I can’t really hear you.

I hope my voice isn’t shaking.

“I-I'm s-sorry. I-I think I’m done for t-today.”

*Crackle.*

Just as I was finishing my sentence, strange static filled my vision.

And soon after, I was thrown out into the real world.

---

The capsule opened, and I slowly lifted my heavy body. My heart was racing. My head pounded, and my nose wouldn’t stop bleeding. Everything spun in front of my eyes. Every part of my body screamed in pain.

This is weird. The potion should’ve healed me, but it still hurts.

The tissue in my hand was soaked with blood, and it just kept coming.

No matter how much I wiped, no matter how hard I pressed, the blood kept soaking through the tissue.

*Thump, thump, thump, thump.*

My heart raced. Would this rapid heartbeat worsen my condition?

There was no sign of my body calming down.

It was worse than I thought.

Hospital. I need to go to the hospital.

First, I should grab my welfare card. They offer emergency medical support for the underprivileged, right?

I managed to change clothes and move myself into my wheelchair.

So I can still move. It’s not as bad as it could be.

Just as I was about to leave, my eyes landed on the box and trash bags near the entrance.

I’ll throw the trash out after I get back.

---

It’s dark outside.

What time is it? It looks like the hospital’s probably closed by now.

Should I go to the emergency room at a big hospital? Will they still cover the cost there?

Even the nearest hospital is quite far. Should I take public transportation?

I don’t have much strength left. Taking the bus or subway seems difficult.

Should I take a taxi? But taxis are expensive.

Should I call 911? Is it really that urgent? I’m not sure. I don’t want to take resources from people who are in more critical condition.

I carefully maneuvered my wheelchair down the slope.

Wobble.

Whoa, that was dangerous.

*Thud.*

My body swayed sideways, and I ended up falling out of the wheelchair.

The wheels spun uselessly.

Lucky. At least I managed to twist my body, so I didn’t roll down the hill.

They warned me about wheelchair falls when I was hospitalized.

But my wheelchair fell over. It’s going to be hard to lift it back up.

I don’t have the strength for that.

The world was turning yellow.

I can’t move my arms.

What do I do?

What should I do?

---

*Tatatat!*

The streetlights were faint, casting a dim glow over the path. Under one of those streetlights, a woman’s red hair shone brightly as she passed by. Her face was filled with tension and worry.

The neighborhood was run-down, with broken cement and scattered debris making the path difficult to walk on. Trash was strewn about, and graffiti and old posters covered the walls, while the air was thick with the smell of mold and dampness.

"Is this really where Rain’s been living?"

"Pant, pant! Chris, please slow down! I’ll guide you to the exact location!"

"Jae-Wook, now’s not the time to complain!"

Chris was followed by Nam Dayeon and Jae-Wook, both equally concerned.

Chris bit her lip, hurrying her steps.

"When Rain logged out, there was static across her body. That happens when there’s something wrong with the real body."

"Was it because of the guest in the last bus run? After the guest triggered the eggs...?"

"No, it wasn’t just from the last bus. Rain’s been acting off for a few days now."

"I-I’m so sorry. I should have noticed Rain’s condition sooner. If only I had talked to you and Rain about what was happening..."

Nam Dayeon’s face was filled with guilt, tears threatening to spill over.

Chris shook her head.

She didn’t blame Dayeon or Beimerung for not noticing. She could understand why Rain hadn’t told them about her real-life situation.

It’s arrogant to offer help without considering the other person’s wishes. And Rain wasn’t the type to ask for help. She would’ve tried to push through on her own, despite the harsh conditions.

But now that Chris knew Rain’s physical condition had deteriorated, there was no time to waste. She had to check on Rain as soon as possible.

Jae-Wook and Dayeon retraced their steps, leading Chris to the area where they had once seen Rain in real life.

"She was carrying trash around here, so it’s definitely one of these houses nearby. But which one?"

"A-ah! I should have remembered exactly where she lived!"

Jae-Wook frantically scanned the area, ready to knock on every door in sight.

*Whirr.*

That’s when Chris heard a faint mechanical noise.

Without hesitation, she headed toward the source of the sound. Dayeon and Jae-Wook followed closely behind.

As they turned the corner, under the dim streetlight, they found...

*Whirr.*

A wheelchair, spinning idly.

And next to it, the small figure of a white-haired girl, lying on the ground.

Rain.

This was Rain, without a doubt.

Scattered around her were dark liquid droplets contrasting against her pale form.

No. It wasn’t dark. Under the streetlight, the color became clear.

"Blood..."

Chris’s heart pounded wildly.

She rushed over and carefully lifted Rain’s fragile body.

So small. So soft.

So light. Far too light.

Rain’s beloved face entered Chris’s vision.

Though it had only been in virtual reality, this was the face Chris had always watched over.@@novelbin@@

But now, that face was covered in blood, unconscious and writhing in pain.

Chris’s mind went blank.

Now wasn’t the time to be overwhelmed by the reality of finally meeting Rain in person, or by the fact that she was holding her in her arms.

Quickly, Chris removed her coat and gently pressed it against the blood on Rain’s face.

The blood wiped away easily—it hadn’t been long since it started flowing. But soon, fresh blood from Rain’s nose began to stain her face again.

The bleeding wouldn’t stop. This was dangerous.

Nam Dayeon shouted frantically.

"Jae-Wook, call 911!"

"Wait here for the ambulance!? She looks like she needs help right now!"

"Then what do we do!? There’s no other option!"

"No."

Chris lifted Rain onto her back.

Rain’s limp body draped over her, as light and soft as a feather.

Why is she so light? Has she been eating properly?

Chris, Chris. You idiot.

How could you not realize Rain was in this state? And you still call yourself the sister

she relies on?

Carefully but quickly, Chris started making her way down the road, ensuring Rain’s body wasn’t jostled.

Nam Dayeon and Jae-Wook hurriedly followed.

Chris’s eyes darkened with resolve.

"I brought my car. We’re taking her to the emergency room right now."