Former Hero, Solo Play Oriented

Chapter 55

I slept. I slept deeply.

It felt like I slept more than 15 hours a day. My exhausted body and accumulated fatigue demanded rest.@@@@

Chris was always by my side whenever I was awake. She looked at me with a tender expression.

Though, her constant fidgeting with my hands was a bit overwhelming.

Living in this world as Lee Seulbi, I could count on one hand how many times I had real conversations with others. But with Chris, I naturally found myself engaging in small talk. I even shared a bit about my life in this world with her. She never pressed for more personal details.

Maybe it was because Chris had cared so much for Rain. Lee Seulbi’s body didn’t reject her.

Chris didn’t look at me with pity or sympathy. Instead, she showed admiration, tenderness, and a hint of guilt.

And every time she touched my hands, her eyes would become slightly hazy, as if they emitted a strange light.

Hmm, I’m not sure why that is.

But one thing is certain—Chris cherished not only Rain from *Astra Online*, but also Lee Seulbi.

That warm, ticklish feeling in my chest was pleasant.

Even this dull, colorless world seemed to regain a bit of vibrance.

I drifted in and out of sleep, feeling Chris's gentle touch each time.

Once the IV treatment was complete, I was able to start eating again. The food was soft, easy-to-swallow meals like porridge.

Chris asked if she should feed me, but I quickly waved her off and ate on my own. She seemed a bit disappointed.

"You have to eat all three meals, in the proper portions," she said firmly.

Chris was adamant about this. I had only eaten two or three spoonfuls before feeling full and putting down the spoon, but Chris insisted that I needed to eat more to recover my strength.

I was a little frustrated, but knowing she meant well, I complied.

I picked up the spoon again and continued eating. Maybe that feeling of being full was just in my head, because the porridge went down smoothly.

"By the way, it’s almost time for them to arrive," Chris said with a cheerful smile as she glanced at the time.

Apparently, Beimerung and Cherni were the ones who found me when I collapsed. Chris asked if it was okay for them to visit me, and I said yes.

They were the two people I had run countless dungeon bus trips with. I wasn’t sure if Lee Seulbi’s body would react to them the same way, but as a person, I owed them my gratitude.

Still, how did they know where I lived?

Squeak.

A short woman entered with a bright smile, followed by a man.

I recognized their faces. Their hair and appearance were slightly different from in the game, but I could tell who they were.

Cherni and Beimerung.

"Ahem."

The man, avoiding my gaze while clearing his throat, must be Cherni.

As I stared at him, wondering why he looked familiar, something suddenly clicked.

"Oh, the convenience store clerk."

One of my questions was answered—I now knew how they had found me.

Cherni, Chris’s junior, had worked part-time at a convenience store near where I lived.

For about three months, we had known each other as customer and clerk. Of course, I just picked things out, and he rang them up.

"I’m sorry!"

Cherni suddenly bowed his head and apologized to me.

I tilted my head in confusion.

Why is he apologizing? I should be the one thanking him.

"Since your condition has improved, you should undergo a thorough examination today. You don’t want to stay sick, right?" Chris suggested after Beimerung and Cherni left.

"Yes, I’ll get the tests done."

While I remained in the hospital, it seemed best to leave my care in Chris’s hands. I could happily accept the kindness she was offering. Since we played the game together, I’d find a way to repay her too.

But first, I needed to get healthy again. I had learned the hard way what could happen if I neglected my body.

"But I’m worried about the hospital bills. I won’t be able to work while I’m here."

Although there’s some support, it wouldn’t cover everything. A private room like this must be quite expensive.

"For now, just focus on recovering. You can rely on me for a bit. I’ve already completed the guardian application."

"I guess I’m in your debt now...."

It seemed like Chris had taken care of the expenses and paperwork.

While I could eventually repay the money, there was a much bigger emotional debt. How would I ever repay that?

Chris smiled mischievously.

"I’ll be collecting in various ways, so don’t think you’re getting all this for free, okay? Hehe."

"...What?"

Various ways to collect?

Her words reminded me of an urban legend about people being trapped in capsules for years, forced to work in virtual reality to pay off their debts.

Of course, Chris would never do that to me, but still, it was a scary thought.

I really need to make sure I don’t owe her anything.

I was wheeled into the examination room, with Chris gently pushing my wheelchair from behind.

My condition needed to be thoroughly checked.

What kind of tests would I undergo? With the advanced medical technology in this world, how much could they learn about my body and brain?

In any case, I had to take the tests to figure out the underlying cause of my condition and start treatment. I definitely didn’t want to collapse again.

When we arrived at the examination room, my wheelchair was positioned in front of a long medical bed.

A cylindrical machine stood nearby, indicating that I’d be undergoing various tests.

As I tried to muster the strength to move myself onto the bed, Chris stepped in.

Swoosh.

"Oh."

Her hands gently wrapped around my back and supported me under my knees.

I ended up being cradled in her arms.

Her touch didn’t feel unpleasant.

I closed my eyes softly and let her hold me.

"Huff...!"

Chris let out a strange noise. I could feel her arms tremble slightly as she held me.

My body isn’t that heavy, but I hope she’s not overexerting herself.

Carefully, Chris laid me down on the medical bed, her eyes looking a bit hazy as she muttered something under her breath before leaving the room.

"1% recovery...."

"Hmm?"

What was that about?

Puzzled, I set aside my curiosity and quietly lay still as the tests began.