President Morrison of the United States was having second thoughts. Maybe he’d misjudged his decision.

There, right before his eyes, was an S-rank awakener known as “Sibyl,” bound to a chair, with Yoojin tending to her in a way that defied conventional understanding of "treatment." From the strange motions of his fingers to the low hum of murmured reassurances, it all felt wrong, almost inappropriate.

"Didn’t I tell you not to bite? Future boyfriends won’t like that," Yoojin murmured, his tone oddly teasing.

Morrison couldn’t help but feel unsettled.

‘What is this?’

Sibyl, bound just as he was, looked anything but comfortable. Her lips, parted by Yoojin’s probing fingers, glistened in the low light, her breaths shallow, cheeks flushed. Even if this was a form of “therapy,” there was no denying it looked… improper.

"Wouldn’t a simple gag have sufficed?" Morrison finally blurted out.

Ignoring him, Yoojin continued his work, loosening the zipper on Sibyl’s outfit just enough to draw attention. Morrison’s voice rose an octave, his patience worn thin.

"Sir Yoojin! What exactly are you doing?"
"Relax. I know what I’m doing," Yoojin replied, voice calm and resolute.

And so, Morrison could only watch as the young man continued, maneuvering with unsettling confidence and a practiced ease that belied his age.

‘I get that he’s a young man… but with the President of the United States watching?’ Morrison thought, bewildered by Yoojin’s audacity. Even if his actions were fueled by youthful urges, surely there were limits.

A sudden impulse to signal for backup flashed through his mind. One tap on his watch, and the Special Awakeners Unit would burst in within three seconds. Both he and Sibyl would be safe, and Yoojin would be subdued immediately.

And yet…

-*Ding.*
[Skill 'Complete Hypnosis' rushes forward with a determined look, reminding you that it’s more than just words.]
[It makes soft, nearly inaudible hissing noises, lips pursed.]

‘No… it wouldn’t hurt to observe for a moment longer.’

Deciding to wait, Morrison’s attention returned to Yoojin’s meticulous work.

"*Sigh.* Looks like he’s holding back… better finish this quickly," Yoojin muttered, relieved.

He continued his motions, creating a light breeze with his hands as they flitted about within the folds of Sibyl’s restraint suit, loosening the garment slightly.

‘Feels… nice… he’s such a kind person,’ Sibyl’s mind dimly registered, her consciousness beginning to stir.

-*Ding.*
[Skill 'Complete Hypnosis' activates.]
[Another activation… it continues…]
[Skill 'Complete Hypnosis' lets out a wild cheer, flooding the target’s consciousness with warmth.]

Yoojin’s golden eyes flashed as his skill took hold.

‘Even if she can’t communicate, the basics—comfort and relaxation—are still there.’

Yoojin’s reason for his elaborate setup was simple: to embed himself as a “safe presence” in Sibyl’s mind.

Given her fragile state, Yoojin had instantly recognized that Sibyl was little more than a shell. Communicating with her as if she were fully cognizant would be pointless. She was more akin to a lost, frightened animal than a person.

‘So, why not take the easy route?’

"Does anything feel too warm or uncomfortable? If it does, move around a bit."

-*Ding.*
[Skill 'Complete Hypnosis'….]
"Good. You were feeling a bit clammy, weren’t you?"

The hypnosis skill seeped into Sibyl’s subconscious as Yoojin’s words and actions harmonized. Subtly, her mind began to perceive him as a comforting, safe presence.

-*Scratch, scratch.*

"Ah, that’s better. Feel good?"

Her consciousness stirred further, registering his touch, his voice, and the way he seemed to anticipate her every discomfort.

-*Ding.*
[Despite the difference in ranks, the target is now under a “general” hypnosis.]

Under Yoojin’s growing influence, Sibyl’s mind began to shift, forming a childlike bond with him. In her mental state, Yoojin was now akin to a beloved caretaker, bringing treats to a kitten, a dedicated owner playing with a puppy, or an offering of prey for a tiger.

A faint sense of hunger flared within her, and her tongue flicked across her lips.

"*Churp.*"

‘Is she… hungry? Now’s my chance.’

[Skill 'Complete Hypnosis' shifts back momentarily, preparing for a more direct approach.]

"Anything you want to eat? Go ahead—leave behind any bad memories, all the painful, scary ones. Forget them entirely, or better yet, never recall them again."

-*Ding.*
[Skill 'Complete Hypnosis' rushes forward, embedding itself in the target’s core.]

Meeting her gaze with his own, Yoojin drew her closer into his hypnotic hold. Every dreadful memory that had driven her mad was methodically erased, leaving behind a blank, tranquil state.

[*Verification complete. Despite the disparity in rank, the target is now under “strong” hypnosis.*]

"What the…?"
"Sibyl!!!"
"Mr. President?! What the heck’s going on?!"

And there it was—Sibyl’s mind returned, lucidity filling her eyes.

For the first time in weeks, she seemed fully present, her gaze steady and alert. Morrison watched, astonished.

-*Ding.*
[Skill 'Complete Hypnosis' wipes a tear from its brow, smiling contentedly.]

‘Hypnosis really is amazing. It’s the ultimate skill!’

[It sniffles a bit, then beams brightly.]

It was a happy ending for all involved—the earnest young man, the restored patient, and the President.

* * *

The method Yoojin used to treat Sibyl was simple: erase the memories that had driven her to madness and prevent her from seeing future visions altogether.

It was like using antivirus software to delete a virus file and then setting it as an exception to prevent further downloads.

The result was flawless.

"So, I was out of my mind for nearly ten weeks?"
"Yes. When we asked you to check for any high-level gates emerging in the next few months… something must have driven you to this state."
"What could I have possibly seen?"

In the distance, reunited but still untethered, the two stood—no, not quite father and daughter, but boss and subordinate. Morrison, visibly emotional, was practically tearing up. It was clear he’d held great affection for her, and Yoojin couldn’t blame him. Losing an asset worth a trillion dollars and then having her restored was enough to move anyone to tears.

"And that young man… what’s he doing over there?"
"Ah, despite his treatment, he feels guilty for having to take such drastic measures. He’d like to apologize."
"…"

I could feel her gaze resting on me as I pressed my forehead to the ground in a low bow, attempting to apologize in broken English.

"*Ahem.* I’m so sorry but… please… forgive me!"

I’d stumbled on the infamous “but I love you” line Koreans find hard to resist, but I hoped my intention had come across clearly enough—that I was deeply sorry and hoped for forgiveness. After all, with my head to the floor, I was sure she got the message.

"Please rise, Sir Yoojin. She doesn’t seem to mind, and she’s actually grateful for the treatment."

"*Ah… thank you!*"

With her forgiveness granted, I stood and joined them at the table. We spent a while chatting—me explaining my process in a clumsy mixture of English and Korean.

"So you bound me because…?"
"I needed to be the only one here who was free to act."
"Had you told me beforehand, I would have understood."
"I feared surprising you might undermine my plan. I apologize."
"No need. With Sibyl’s mind restored, it all turned out well."

I also explained why I’d bound the President. Though, of course, I didn’t mention that it was partly to prevent him from drawing his weapon on me.

It was a peaceful exchange, and the mood lightened considerably.

"So, what exactly did he say, Mr. President?"
"He was describing the method he used to treat you… similar to taming a wild beast."
"…"
‘These native speakers… they talk so fast I can barely keep up.’

Though I couldn’t follow their entire conversation, the occasional mention of my name reassured me that they were discussing my efforts. I decided to remain silent and let them continue.

"Wow, you did all that while I was out of my mind?"
"Indeed. In fact, Sir Yoojin also conquered an S-rank gate today—virtually on his own."
"Oh, I’m so glad I didn’t lose the chance to witness that. You said it was that young man?"

I noticed her gaze flicker toward me, her eyes filled with interest. Suddenly, she leaned in, her arm around my shoulder.

"Mmm… cute and surprisingly bold. Just my type."
"W-What are you doing?!"
"Don’t be shy~ I’ve got a ‘special gift’ just for you. Let’s go back to my place for a quiet night of Netflix and chill. I’m sure you’ll be knocking on heaven’s door by the end."

Her words had me on edge. Trying to avoid her embrace, I frantically looked to the President for help.

"Mr. President, please! What’s happening?!"
"*Ahem.* Well…"
"Oh, he doesn’t understand English? Mr. President, how do you say ‘sexy’ in Korean?"
"*

Ahem. Ahem.*"
"Mr. President!"

But the President only cleared his throat and looked away.

Left with no choice, I slipped out of her grasp and retreated to the far end of the sofa.

"*P-please don’t do that!*"

With a surprised look, she watched me huddle in the corner, making it clear in every possible way that I was spoken for, not interested, and sincerely asking her to stop.

"…A virgin, perhaps? My dear President, you didn’t tell me he was an innocent…"
"*Ahem. Ahem.*"
"Oh, heavens. Could it be… I’m destined to guide him…"
"*Ahem!!* Please, calm down and zip your suit back up."
"*Yes, sir.*"

For the moment, she obeyed, zipping her suit back up. I exhaled in relief.

"*Whew…*"
"I apologize for her behavior. She can be… intense."
"No worries. Americans are just a little… spirited."

As I finally began to relax, I couldn’t help but feel grateful that this strange encounter was over. Morrison’s voice lowered, becoming serious.

"Now… about these drawings she’s made."

A piece of paper slid across the table, stopping before me. I picked it up and examined it.

In his wrinkled hand was an image I recognized all too well.

"…Do you think it’s possible? A disaster… what we might call an 'EX-rank gate,' unlike anything humanity has seen, descending upon us?"

I recognized the creatures. The very monsters that would someday rain down from the sky.