The Heroine Saves the World

The examination room resembled an interrogation chamber, coated entirely in white.

As soon as the door opened, a space filled with machines came into view. Beyond a glass window, through which everything inside was visible, stood something that looked like a massage chair, sitting there all by itself.

*What the…*

I was scared for a moment, but it’s no big deal.

“Alright, please take a seat over there. The examination will take around two to three minutes.”

One of the two staff members in the room kindly guided me.

The scanner seat looked surprisingly soft and comfortable.

“If the scan detects an awakening wavelength, your skill window will automatically appear, and the information will be registered with the Association. You can also pick up your Awakened Hunter ID card upstairs.”

“Ah, alright.”

“If no wavelength is detected, you’ll need to wait at least 30 days before retaking the exam, but from what I read in your report, that probably won’t be necessary.”

“Got it.”

“Just relax and sit tight. It’ll be over soon.”

The staff member spoke in a soothing tone.

This was the first time I’d been treated kindly since arriving at the Association, and it felt strange. But my nerves weren’t about the test itself.

*‘What if all my skills are exposed?’*

I knew the situation well enough. This was still the early phase of *Sejong Arc*, and at this point, the Association’s scanner could only detect up to S-rank skills.

But I couldn’t help feeling anxious.

Just then, the low hum of the machine starting up reached my ears.

*‘Alright, it’s fine if the information-reading skill gets detected. But the dark-addiction cure skill must stay hidden!’*

If that were discovered, I’d be snatched away and locked up somewhere, never to see the sunlight again. This world is full of lunatics who’d do just that!

Clenching the armrests tightly, I prayed.

I had no idea how much time had passed. The soft buzzing sound gradually faded.

“Sh*t.”

The curse slipped out before I could stop myself.

Through the glass, I noticed the staff bustling around. The employee who had been helping me earlier and another fiddling with the machine were now huddled together, glancing repeatedly at the printout. They seemed oddly flustered.

“Ms. Hana, the examination is complete. Could you step out for a moment?”

Following the gesture, I rose from the seat and stepped out.

“The test results indicate that you possess healing abilities as a healer. But…”

“But?”

“You’re ranked A.”

“That’s it?”

“Pardon?”

“No, I mean… Can I see the report?”

The printout they handed me showed my skill window.

**Hana A**

*Strengthen Body and Mind* (A)  
*Squeeze a Dried Squid for Water* (A)  
[Empty]  

**Equipped Items – None**

“Thank goodness.”

Neither the information-reading skill nor the dark-addiction cure skill was listed. There was no mention of summoned beasts, either. 

I was worried for nothing.

“It’s more than just good news. You’re an A-rank healer!”

“Uh, yeah. Right. Fantastic.”

“It’s rare to have an A-rank healer without being part of a buff-support category. And it looks like one of your skills increases the drop rate of dungeon materials. You’re incredibly fortunate.”

I seem to have heard that a lot lately.

“Thanks. I guess it’s karma for living a righteous life.”

“…”

Why do people make those faces every time I say something like that? It was the same with the doctor I saw last time. I mean, seriously—I’m going to save this world someday!

“Please wait here for a moment. We’ll prepare your Hunter ID.”

“Huh? I thought I had to go upstairs to get it…”

“Oh, not at all. Consider it a perk for being an A-rank healer. And it just so happens we’re not too busy right now.”

It didn’t seem like they were free, though. The place was packed earlier…

Well, since they offered, I sat down and reread my test results.

*‘As I expected, the addiction status isn’t detectable yet.’*

Thank heavens I possessed the body of *Sejong Arc’s* protagonist in the earliest part of the story. At this point, hunters could only gauge their condition based on how they physically felt.

When one’s addiction level rose, the only solution was to rest until the symptoms passed. Like a nasty flu, they’d experience a feverish outburst before recovering. 

And just like every person has a different constitution, people also varied in their vulnerability to the darkness that seeped out from gates. It made things even more chaotic.

*“This works in my favor, though.”*

Until the world releases a wearable device that measures addiction levels, people will think my dark-purifying skill is just making their bodies feel lighter.

“Hana, your Hunter ID is ready.”

It took longer than I expected, but they finally handed me the card.

It resembled an employee badge, with my recently scanned photo printed on it. My name, *Hana*, and the rose of Sharon emblem, symbolizing the Korean Awakener Association, were clearly embossed on the card.

It was finally sinking in.

I was really in *Sejong Arc*, and I had officially become a hunter.

—

*Of course.*

The moment they offered to deliver the ID card personally, I knew something was off.

And sure enough, the culprits were the examination room staff.

“Hello, Ms. Hana. I’m with the King Guild—”

“I’m Park Soyoung, deputy guild master of Innocent Guild. Could we have a quick chat?”

As soon as I stepped out of the examination room, I was ambushed.

The guild recruiters, who had been casually scrolling through their phones in the waiting room, suddenly swarmed me.

“Hey, small-timers, back off! You can’t poach an A-rank healer! Ms. Healer, you’ve heard of Nuri Guild, right? Let me explain…”

It seemed every guild knew my name, rank, and specialization.

Their voices were loud enough to echo through the entire waiting room.

“An A-rank…?”

“Did you hear? An A-rank healer?”

The hundred or so people waiting in the room now had their eyes glued to me, murmuring among themselves.

*“Hah, great.”*

With a deep sigh, I gave the recruiters around me a pointed look.

“Hand over your business cards.”

“…What?”

“Isn’t that why you grabbed me? If not, I’m leaving.”

They blinked in confusion for about two seconds before scrambling to pull out their cards.

“Ah, even Magma Guild is here. Impressive, thank you.”

The pile of business cards grew thick in my hand. These people don’t skimp on card quality, do they?

Now, you might wonder why I’m collecting these cards when I have no interest in joining any guild other than Justice Guild.

Well, why wouldn’t I? These recruiters wield considerable influence within their respective guilds, enough to extend direct offers to promising talents. Having their contacts could come in handy someday.

Suddenly, a larger piece of paper was thrust in front of me.

It wasn’t a business card—it was a contract.

Looking up, I saw a tall man smiling at me.

*“Whoa, the Sama Guild?”*

“Figures. Only an A-rank healer would attract Sama Guild.”

“Lucky…”

Sama Guild recruiters had an air of sophistication about them, befitting their elite status. 

Their representative smiled flawlessly, exuding pride. 

“Let’s see how much you’re offering,” I said, flipping through the contract.

“…Five years, 50 billion won.”

Ah, now I know my worth.

“Thanks. I’ll think about it.”

The recruiter’s mask slipped for just a moment.  

But it didn’t matter—I headed toward the escalator without a second thought. 

I never intended to join Sama Guild. 

This was just a way to gauge the value of an A-rank healer in this world. 

—

With my new Hunter ID in hand, I smiled to myself.

Finally, I was ready for the next step. It was time to meet Kang Han—the protagonist of this world—and set everything in motion.