A body incapable of feeling heat. That's what became of Ryu Jinmu a year ago when he awakened as a hunter. A constitution that modern medicine couldn't explain.
Even in the hot summer, no warmth could go through his skin. The heater and fireplace were useless. Even fire magic from hunters was no different. The best he could do was wear as much clothing as he could, preferably with cold-resistance, to prevent his body temperature from dropping even lower.
However, the worst part of it comes when he uses his awakened abilities. The more he used his skills, the colder his body got.
It was as if his body was placed inside a chiller all day, he couldn't do anything but endure the torture of living with the absence of warmth.
The circles under his eyes darkened because he couldn't sleep comfortably without shivering. It had been a year since it all started, and Ryu Jinmu was starting to accept the curse that came with his power, but then.
The hand that touched his face made him feel the one thing he was currently lacking the most.
Don't tell me, this is…?
Baek Haemin smiled as he gently caressed Ryu Jinmu's face before eventually losing consciousness.
He didn't mean to, but Jinmu's hand was suddenly around his waist, when he saw his body falling forward.
"Haemin-ssi!"
The young porter ran to them, but Ryu Jinmu couldn't hear him.
Whenever he looked at Baek Haemin, all he used to see was Baek Raehwan's annoying little brother. The spoiled brat who'd rather die before he heals or lend his support to anybody.
The man who'd do anything to try and get close to him. Someone who clung to him, no matter how many times he rejected him. An annoyance that wouldn't go away. That's how he used to see him, but not anymore.
First, he started healing the hunters without complaining. He even initiated and offered it without anyone asking him to. Then, the way he helped him fight the phoenix. That expression he had before he fainted was still in his mind.
Because my domain ate up more than half of my overall mana, I couldn't risk using it so easily. If I lost consciousness without properly defeating the phoenix, everybody here would've died. However, to think my mana could be enhanced so much…
Thanks to that, Ryu Jinmu could afford to use as many high-tier skills as he had without worrying too much. Not to mention, his attacks were more effective since his strength was also enhanced.
He sat Baek Haemin's body down on his knees and quickly removed the man's jacket. He also took his gloves off in a hurry.
What was that? The heat just now…
He needed to verify it. Whether it was nothing but delusions or not, he wanted confirmation. His rough, icy hands touched Haemin's face.
As soon as they made contact, the warm sensation engulfed Ryu Jinmu, making his body shiver.
This feeling, this warmth… Just what in the world is this?
He stared at his trembling hands as his breathing became unstable. He grabbed Baek Haemin's body, tightly embracing him. The warmth coming from Baek Haemin completely overwhelmed his senses.
Ryu Jinmu clutched onto Baek Haemin with his eyes closed, fully embracing the heat emanating from him.
Step. Step.
"Haemin-nim!"
Han Jiwon called out to her young master from a distance.
She had her hand covering her eye as blood seeped from it. After the large phoenix shot its solar burst at everyone, her eyes started bleeding and stinging to no end.
Jiwon had to endure and scream in agony. She tried to look for her young master but couldn't find him nearby. The ground kept on shaking from the impact of the fight between Ryu Jinmu and the monster, making it harder for her to move with an injury.
When she finally managed to open one of her eyes, what she saw was the image of her young master passing out on Ryu Jinmu.
Even when she was in pain, she stilled herself to run as fast as she could. She knew how much Ryu Jinmu hated Baek Haemin, so it was dangerous to leave him to the Blue Dragon Guildmaster.
"Haa, haa… Haemin-nim."
"Be careful, Jiwon-ssi. You're still hurt."
Kang Minho supported Jiwon and gave her a handkerchief to wipe the blood off her eyes.
Han Jiwon quietly accepted it, then went to approach Ryu Jinmu who was silently holding Baek Haemin.
She offered her hand.
"Thank you very much, Hunter Ryu Jinmu-ssi. You can give him to me now."
However, she got no response. Her brows creased. The silence made her uncomfortable. She glanced at Kang Minho, her face asking what's going on.
Kang Minho worriedly shook his head.
"I also don't know why, but the guildmaster hasn't moved for a while now, no matter how many times I call out to him."
Minho had also tried to get Baek Haemin away from his guildmaster, but to no avail. Ryu Jinmu completely ignored him like he didn't hear anything.
"I will take the young master from–"
Han Jiwon sighed before kneeling and reached out, only to get her hand slapped away. It happened so fast, she didn't know how to react at all.
Ryu Jinmu's dark eyes glared at her. He looked at her as if she was stealing something precious away from him, making her flinch.
The pressure emanating from the SS-Rank Hunter made her freeze. She had no idea why this man was acting like this. Didn't he hate her young master?
So then, why? Why is he looking at me like he would kill me if I get any closer?
Her fists tightened while she gulped. Even if he was an SS-Rank, she still had to try. At the end of the day, her job is to secure Baek Haemin's safety.
She tried her best to stop herself from trembling and opened her mouth.
"Y, young master is–Haemin-nim, please give Haemin-nim to me. He needs to be checked right away."