Liar Paradox - Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

Centre's affiliated Hospital.

Beep—beep—beep.

The electrocardiogram monitor displayed a stable graph.

"He's in a state of reduced consciousness due to a sudden drop in Guiding energy. The problem arose because a large amount of energy drained away abruptly. After a good rest, he should wake up without any issues."

Only after hearing the doctor's explanation did Gu Jei finally tear his gaze from the monitor and look at the man on the bed.

The man looked to be around twenty years old. His handsome face was as pale as if a vampire had drained his blood.

So, am I the vampire?

"Jei, this can only be described as fate."

Pyo Myeongho, Gu Jei's maternal uncle and the director of the Center's research institute, couldn't hide his excitement.

"Thank you for your hard work, Doctor. You may leave now."

"Ah, yes."

After dismissing the doctor, Pyo Myeongho began speaking in earnest.

"See? I told you! If we waited, your Guide would definitely appear, Jei."

Gu Jei didn't respond to the comment, instead changing the subject.

"How did you handle the situation?"

"Ah, we naturally declared it an accidental fire. It's fortunate we managed to contain it before it escalated."

"What about the other Guide who was there?"

"Guide Chae? He's in the same hospital. We've sedated him and are monitoring him. Honestly, I never expected Guide Chae to be such a dangerous person. Trying to secretly Guide a sleeping Esper? What was he thinking...?"

Pyo Myeongho continued to rant about the Guide who had attempted forced Guiding, but Gu Jei didn't entirely blame him.

The root of the problem lay in his own carelessness—falling asleep in the Guiding Room in the first place.

The Guiding Room could be opened and locked with a Guide's access card. Knowing this, he had chosen the room without a second thought. He should have been more cautious, especially since he wasn't new to dealing with such individuals.

As a result, the energy wave patterns became distorted due to his body's rejection of the forced Guiding energy. Given his already unstable state, it was inevitable that throwing a stone into the mix would cause an accident.

I should have maintained stricter control.

As he habitually replayed the incident in his mind, Pyo Myeongho interrupted his thoughts.

"But isn't this a blessing in disguise? Seriously, it's a total jackpot! How could a Guide perfectly compatible with you just happen to be there at that exact moment?"

Changing the subject proved futile. Pyo Myeongho was completely fixated on Gu Jei's long-awaited "Fated Guide."

"Once he wakes up, let's run a compatibility test right away. It's definitely over 50%, right? No, if they managed to successfully Guide you in that state, I'd bet it's at least 60%, maybe even 70%."

"......"

"But isn't this guy a Guide from the Center? I've searched through my memories, but I still don't recognize his face. Well, if he's from the Center, he would have been matched with you long ago. Was that a work uniform he was wearing earlier? Hmm, I feel like I've seen that uniform somewhere before."

"......"

"Anyway, he looks so young, but he's incredibly brave. How did he even think to Guide you when you were on the verge of losing control? Even most Espers and Guides would have been too scared to stay, let alone help. What a remarkable young man. Don't you think so, Jei?"

"He's not brave, he's just stupid," Gu Jei snapped coldly.

Only then did Pyo Myeongho, who had been basking in happiness, realize the shift in the atmosphere. He asked in a shocked tone, "Jei, you... you're not happy?"

Not happy? Gu Jei swallowed a scornful laugh.

Five years ago, he would have been over the moon and even jump for joy, thinking his Guide had finally appeared.

But too much time has passed.

Some might say it was only five years, but those five years felt like decades, centuries, an eternity to him.

Gu Jei stared down at the man lying expressionlessly on the bed.

He genuinely believed this man was foolish. Guiding an Esper on the verge of a rampage was on a different level of Guiding than in normal circumstances. Had he failed, the energy explosion would have torn this man to shreds first.

"...Well, I suppose things will be a bit easier now. Of course, that depends on how well he cooperates."

"Of course he'll cooperate. Don't you know who you are?"

"That's the problem. I'm Gu Jei, and until now, there hasn't been a single Guide compatible with me. This man lying here is the only Guide capable of Guiding me."


Fortunately, Pyo Myeongho was merely cheerful, not foolish. Otherwise, he wouldn't have become the director of the research institute.

"So, he could exploit your weakness and blackmail you."

"It's a common occurrence between Guides and Espers."

Gu Jei clenched and unclenched his fist.

He couldn't clearly recall the memories of being Guided, but the sensation remained vivid. It was something Gu Jei had never experienced before.

Suppressing the urge to relive that memory, Gu Jei sank into thought.

Even without a compatibility test, he knew this man was the Guide meant for him.

The number displayed on his Watch was further proof:

68%.

Still a high percentage, but Gu Jei hasn't seen it drop below 80% in years. To him, this figure almost seemed like an error.

But his physical condition alone confirmed it wasn't a mistake. The hallucinations had vanished, and his headaches were now barely noticeable compared to before. More importantly, his body felt light, as if he finally took off the heavy suit of armor that he'd worn for ages.

This must be why Espers cling so desperately to Guides, he thought. They'd give up everything they own just to attain this peace.

"Jei, there's no need to be so pessimistic when we haven't even had a proper conversation yet. I know you've had bad experiences with Guides, but there are good ones out there too. Look at this man. He risked his life to Guide you and save you, even when he could have died."

"I know, I wonder why he risked his life like that."

"Well, it's probably a Guide's sense of responsibility. You know, the kind they teach you during Guide training. Responsibility. Devotion to the nation. Sacrifice..."

"Do you really think that's the reason?"

"Huh? What's with the question? Are you asking me?"

Instead of answering Pyo Myeongho, Gu Jei said, "I saw you open your eyes just now. Get up."

"...!"

The man lying on the bed slowly opened his eyes. His slightly flushed cheeks revealed his embarrassment at being caught pretending to be asleep.

"...I, uh, I didn't want to interrupt your serious conversation."

As the man sat up, Pyo Myeongho rushed over to him like a bird taking flight.

"Oh, my benefactor! How are you feeling? Is there anything bothering you?"

"Ah, it's alright. Thank you for your concern."

"What thanks? I should be the one thanking you! You saved Jei's life. If it weren't for you, things would have been disastrous."

Gu Jei stood to one side with his arms crossed, watching the man as if it was none of his business.

With his eyes closed, he had merely looked handsome, but when he opened them, his expression appeared far more innocent. This was likely due to his large, round eyes and drooping eyelids, like those of a cow.

His manner of speaking was the same.

"It's nothing. I'm just glad Esper Gu Jei is safe."

As the man smiled gently, Pyo Myeongho looked as if he was facing an angel that had stepped out of a sacred painting. They had been discussing how this man might threaten Gu Jei, so his seemingly opposite nature only deepened their awe.

At that moment, the man looked at Gu Jei.

"Um, I did provide emergency Guiding, but I couldn't get your consent due to the circumstances. If you're upset about that, I'm truly sorry."

He seemed slightly intimidated by Gu Jei's unfriendly demeanor.

Gu Jei, for his part, had almost no memory of the Guiding session and couldn't quite grasp what the man was apologizing for. Unwilling to dwell on the memory, he remained silent, prompting Pyo Myeongho to interject.

"No, it was an emergency situation. Of course you had to act. There's no need to apologize for that. ...But have we met before? Why do you look so familiar?"

Gu Jei noticed a flicker of discomfort on the man's face. In that instant, his suspicions solidified into certainty.

"Of course you recognize him. He works at the Center."

"Oh, really? Is he a Guide affiliated with the Center? But why haven't I ever seen him before?"

"Ah, I work as a janitor at the Center."

Pyo Myeongho looked bewildered.

"A janitor? Why would a Guide be a janitor?"

"I only officially became a Guide two days ago. I haven't even finished all my training yet. Oh, I'm so sorry for Guiding you without being a proper Guide. I didn't think that far ahead at the time..."

"No, you don't need to apologize. More importantly, I knew something felt off. If you were a Guide, there's no way I wouldn't know you. Wow, what a coincidence! Isn't it amazing, Jei?"

Gu Jei stated coldly and firmly, "There's no such thing as coincidence."

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