An F-Rank Veterinarian Physically Heals an S-Rank Magical Beast - Chapter 20
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
Chapter 20
[D-Day]
The Abyss, courtyard of Arcana Medical Center.
Once a land of death where the corpses of demons piled like mountains and toxic miasma hung thick as fog.
But now, it had transformed beyond all recognition.
“Hey, Ma Dong-tak! That red carpet is crooked! Can’t you get the angles right?”
“Brother, the ground is naturally uneven! And this isn’t a red carpet—it’s [Red Dragon Hide]! It’s killing me how heavy it is!”
Ma Dong-tak, ranked second in South Korea and known as the Destruction King, groaned as he laid down the crimson carpet.
Beside him, Seo Ji-hoo, ranked fourth and known as Bing-je, wielded his staff to carve ice sculptures.
“Over there, increase the water pressure on that ice fountain. When guests arrive, we’ll serve welcome drinks straight from it.”
“Director… I trained for ten years in Antarctica to master this magic… and now I’m just making water dispensers?”
“Water dispensers? That’s a [Abyss Bedrock Water] purifier. We’ll charge five million won per glass.”
I nodded with satisfaction as I surveyed the work site.
The hospital grounds were no longer a wasteland.
The [Phantom Flowers] sent by the Phantom King from the East bloomed in profusion, creating a mystical garden, and the [Sanitation Unit] dispatched by the Plague King from the North—a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder—disinfected around the clock, making the air cleaner than Gangnam’s.
The Gluttony King from the South had sent mountains of [premium ingredients].
This was no longer hell. It was the most dangerous and most luxurious [Medical Resort] in the entire universe.
“Is everything ready?”
Yoo Yi-soo called down from the terrace.
Embedded in her chest was an [Artificial Abyss Core] containing the power of the Four Demon Kings, and through it, she controlled the Abyss’s environment as easily as her own home.
“Perfect. All we need to do now is open the door.”
I checked my watch. 9:59:50 AM Earth time. Ten seconds until server launch.
“Lee Shin-woo, connect the gate.”
“Understood. Coordinates locked… dimensional synchronization… opening now!”
Lee Shin-woo injected mana into the massive arched structure.
Vwooooom—!
Space trembled as a violet vortex spiraled violently into being.
The moment the [Arcana Gate], the official passage connecting Earth and the Abyss, opened.
At the same moment, in Seoul, South Korea. The lobby of Zeus Medical Tower, first floor.
Hundreds of reporters and Hunters had gathered before a massive screen.
It was because of the [Urgent Notice] that Director Kang Jin-hyuk had sent out days earlier.
[Notice: Arcana Hospital ‘Abyss Main Branch’ Grand Opening]
– Time: Today at 10:00 AM sharp
– Location: Abyss Sector-0
– Package: 1 Night 2 Day House Call & Healing Package (First 10 applicants)
– Cost: 10 billion won per person (Insurance not applicable, liability waiver required)
– Perks: S-rank Demon Beast escort, Four Demon Kings’ territory tour, all-purpose healing hot spring bath included.
The moment this notice went up, all of South Korea erupted in chaos.
“10 billion? Are you insane? There’s a limit to overcharging!”
“The Abyss? Calling people there? That’s a hellhole where even S-rank Hunters can barely survive five minutes!”
“Kang Jin-hyuk has lost his mind. Is he gambling with people’s lives?”
Internet communities were flooded with curses.
Who in their right mind would pay 10 billion won to tour a hellscape?
News outlets churned out critical articles calling it a “death package tour” and comparing him to a modern-day con artist.
“Well, it’s now 10 o’clock! Will there actually be any applicants?”
The reporter spoke toward the camera with a mocking tone.
The countdown on the screen reached zero. The reservation button changed to [ACTIVE].
And 0.1 seconds later.
[SOLD OUT]
[Waiting List: 3,452 people]
“…Excuse me?”
The reporter’s microphone slipped from his hand.
Everyone in the lobby rubbed their eyes and stared at the screen again.
It wasn’t an error.
Two characters glowing in vivid red: [SOLD OUT].
“What, what is this? Who applied?”
“10 billion won! Have they all lost their minds?”
At that moment, the VIP elevator doors of Zeus Medical Tower slid open.
Escorted by security guards in black suits, an elderly man in a wheelchair descended.
He was Chairman Song of the Haesung Group, ranked second in South Korea’s business hierarchy.
“Move aside! I’m number one!”
Chairman Song shouted while wearing an oxygen mask.
He suffered from terminal cancer compounded by mana reflux syndrome—a death sentence from every doctor on Earth.
Money? He would surrender his entire fortune, not merely ten billion won, if it meant survival.
A desperate hope that Kang Jin-hyuk could cure what no healer on Earth could—a last straw to grasp.
Behind him came an unbelievable parade of figures.
A guild master ranked seventh domestically (his arm rotting from a curse).
A European magnate (desperately seeking hair restoration).
A legendary retired Hunter (fighting to save his partner beast).
They shared one trait: wealth beyond measure, yet lives hanging by a thread.
Only the penniless masses hurled insults.
The truly wealthy were already standing in line.
“Please! Just give me a waiting slot! I’ll pay twenty billion won!”
“Don’t cut in line! I arrived first!”
The lobby descended into chaos.
The ten who secured reservations cheered as though they’d won the lottery jackpot, while those who failed wailed and beat the ground in despair.
“Now, all reservation holders, please proceed to the gate on Basement Level 5.”
Park Chul-woo, the director, guided them with a satisfied smile.
Ten clients worth ten billion won each.
Today’s revenue alone totaled one hundred billion won.
[Zeus Medical Tower, Basement Level 5 – Dimensional Gate Chamber]
Ten chosen individuals stood before the gate.
Their attire resembled that of astronauts.
Clad in premium protective suits, oxygen tanks, and armed with every defensive artifact imaginable.
The bare minimum preparation to endure the Abyss’s toxic miasma.
“Chairman, are you truly going? It’s dangerous.”
Chairman Song’s secretary pleaded tearfully, trying to dissuade him.
“Enough. Whether I die here or elsewhere makes no difference. I have no choice but to trust Director Kang.”
Chairman Song pressed the wheelchair button with grim determination.
“We will proceed. Please submit the liability waiver.”
The staff member collected the documents.
[The hospital assumes no responsibility for deaths, disappearances, or demonization occurring during this expedition.]
A chilling clause.
The participants swallowed hard and stepped into the violet vortex.
Their vision flashed white.
A low hum resonated through the air.
The dizziness of dimensional transit faded, and their sight returned.
The participants opened their eyes, tense and wary.
They had naturally expected the stench of decay, a crimson sky, and the screams of monsters.
“Huh…?”
Instead, they were greeted by a delicate floral fragrance.
An endless field of violet flowers bloomed before them—a harmonious blend of Abyss Lavender and Phantom Rose.
A crimson moon hung in the sky, yet it shone with a soft, oddly romantic glow.
The air was refreshing. This was thanks to Plague King Nergal’s [24-Hour Full-Power Air Purification Barrier].
“This is… the Abyss?”
“Have I entered paradise?”
Chairman Song removed his protective suit helmet.
As he inhaled, pure mana filled the depths of his lungs.
He, who could not breathe without an oxygen respirator, was breathing on his own.
“Chairman! Are you alright?”
“I can… breathe. My chest doesn’t hurt.”
That was when it happened.
Dozens of crimson eyes gleamed in the distant darkness.
“Grrrrr…”
A beast’s low growl rumbled through the darkness.
The participants’ faces drained of all color.
“D-Demonic beasts!”
“It was a trap after all!”
Bursting from the shadows came a pack of the notorious S-rank demonic beasts—the Hell Hyena.
They charged forward at tremendous speed, drool streaming from their jaws.
The Hunters reached for their weapons, but their hands trembled so violently they could barely grip them.
This was the end.
We’d be devoured the moment we arrived.
And yet.
The charging Hyenas screeched to an abrupt halt mere inches from the Hunters’ feet.
Then they gently set down something they’d been carrying in their mouths.
It was neither human bone nor weapon—but a pair of plush fur slippers.
“Your Majesty! (Welcome, sir!)”
“Yelp! (Please change into your slippers!)”
The Hyenas wagged their tails, nudging the slippers right up to the group’s feet.
One even positioned itself behind Chairman Song’s wheelchair, ready to push.
“What… is this…?”
Everyone stood dumbfounded.
Was this really the same ferocious Hyena that had slaughtered Earth’s Hunters?
Then, walking across a red carpet laid between flower beds, a man emerged.
An immaculate white suit with a bow tie.
In one hand, Kang Jin-hyuk held a welcome drink.
“Welcome. We are honored by your arrival at Arcana Resort.”
Jin-hyuk bowed with perfect courtesy—yet unmistakable arrogance.
Behind him stood Luna in a maid outfit, and Balakas in a tuxedo—though unable to assume human form, he’d settled for merely wearing a bow tie—lined up in formation.
“D-Director Kang! What is all this? Why are the demonic beasts…?”
Chairman Song asked in a trembling voice.
“Ah, they’re our staff. I’ve given them some training.”
I reached over and patted Hell Hyena on the head. The creature seemed pleased, scratching at its belly contentedly.
“You can remove your protective suits now. They must be uncomfortable. The air here is far superior to Gangnam—zero particulate matter.”
The visitors shed their suits as if entranced. The air truly was remarkably fresh.
“Now, allow me to outline your itinerary. First, settle into your rooms, then purify yourselves with a bath at the Mana Hot Spring, followed by the Gluttony King’s Michelin Dinner. Medical consultations will commence tomorrow morning in sequential order.”
“W-wait, we came for treatment… but we’re eating first?”
“Good food and good rest are the foundation of recovery. Besides, the cuisine here cannot be found on Earth. Each meal extends your lifespan by approximately one year.”
Lifespan extension. The wealthy’s eyes gleamed with avarice at those words.
“Show us the way! Immediately!”
“I’m starving! Bring out the food!”
I grinned wickedly.
They’d taken the bait.
These people were now my prized customers—my VIPs.
[Resort Lobby (Former Hospital First Floor)]
The interior was even more striking.
Pillars crafted from skulls gleamed like works of art beneath the chandelier lighting, while the floor was carpeted with premium dragon leather.
Behind the reception desk stood Seo Ji-hoo, ranked fourth in South Korea, dressed in a bellhop uniform.
“Allow me to assist with your luggage. Tips are unnecessary.”
Bing-je swiftly transported the suitcases.
“This way, please.”
Luna guided them with gracious hospitality.
The suite she led them to was a converted hospital room on the second floor.
Through the windows stretched a panoramic vista of The Abyss, bathed in crimson moonlight.
A breathtaking, dreamlike view impossible to witness anywhere on Earth.
“My goodness… it’s absolutely magnificent.”
A female Hunter marveled at the sight.
She’d come prepared to write her will, convinced she was walking into hell itself—only to discover it was a luxury hotel of the highest caliber.
And one night here cost 10 billion won.
“Here, a welcome drink for you.”
I handed around glasses filled with a violet liquid.
A juice made by blending [Abyss Grapes] and [Mandrake Extract].
“Is it… safe to drink?”
Chairman Song asked suspiciously.
“One glass and you’ll be throwing away that cane and walking around just fine. If you don’t believe me, don’t drink it. I’ll have it myself.”
As I reached for the glass, Chairman Song snatched it away with surprising speed and downed it in one gulp.
“Aahhh!”
A tingling sensation as if his throat were burning.
Then an immense heat surged up from his stomach.
Dying cells screaming as they awakened.
Color rushed back into Chairman Song’s pallid face in an instant.
“Ha! Hah!”
Chairman Song shot up from his wheelchair. Unsteady though he was, he stood on both feet.
It had been a year.
“The Chairman is standing!”
His secretary wept openly.
The Hunters around them widened their eyes in shock and eagerly drank the juice.
“My… my mana circuits are unblocked!”
“My skin… the wrinkles are gone!”
The effects were instantaneous.
10 billion won? Cheap. Far too cheap.
This wasn’t expensive even at 100 billion won.
“Are you satisfied?” Jin-hyuk asked with ease.
Jin-hyuk asked leisurely.
“Director Kang! No, Doctor Kang! I’ll give you my entire fortune—please let me stay here!”
“Me too! I don’t want to go home!”
Jin-hyuk waved his hand dismissively.
“Ah, that won’t do. We operate by reservation only. Besides, tomorrow’s schedule is packed. We have the Phantom King’s psychological counseling session in the morning, and in the afternoon you’ll experience Beelzebub’s diet camp.”
A package that savored demon lords like a multi-course meal. The participants trembled now not with fear, but with anticipation.
That night, behind the resort, at the Mana Hot Spring.
Lee Shin-woo had carved the earth with spatial severance, and groundwater heated by Balakas flowed as a natural hot spring.
The water shimmered with an emerald hue, and a subtle mana mist rose from its surface.
Chairman Song and the other male participants were soaking in the bath.
“Ahhhh… this is bliss….”
“This is paradise….”
Then a massive shadow approached the bath. A three-meter-tall giant with a towel draped over his head—the ruler of the North, Plague King Nergal.
“Pardon me. May I join you?”
Nergal entered the bath. After being scrubbed down by Jin-hyuk, he had become a bathing enthusiast.
“Eek! A, a demon lord?!”
The participants shrieked and scrambled to the corners.
“Don’t be alarmed. I’m clean. I’ve been fully disinfected.”
Nergal produced hand sanitizer and sprayed himself. Then he sat beside Chairman Song and offered his back.
“You there, old human. Scrub my back, would you? I can’t reach it myself.”
“…Pardon?”
Chairman Song found himself accepting a back scrubber in bewilderment.
South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate chairman scrubbing the back of a demon realm king. This absurd, utterly surreal scene.
Yet Chairman Song found himself laughing.
Compared to the hospital ward where he’d merely awaited death, pushing back against the Demon King felt far more alive.
“Is it refreshing?”
“Ah, splendid. You have quite the touch.”
A crimson moon hung in the night sky, and steam rose gently from the hot spring.
It was a night when the boundary between Earth and the Abyss, between human and Demon King, had dissolved.
And on the hospital’s second-floor terrace, I stood gazing down at the scene, wine glass in hand.
Yoo Yi-soo stood beside me.
“Truly… you’re remarkable.”
Yoo Yi-soo shook her head.
“You’ve turned hell into paradise.”
“We’re far from finished. This is only the beginning.”
I tapped at the calculator.
Today’s revenue: 100 billion won.
Projected ancillary revenue from merchandise sales: 50 billion won.
At this rate, I wouldn’t just be buying land on Earth—I could purchase an entire nation.
“We’ll take second-round reservations next week. I’m raising the price to 15 billion won.”
“Hey, isn’t that too much?”
“When demand exceeds supply, prices rise. That’s market economics. If you don’t like it, come earlier next time.”
I wore the smile of an unscrupulous proprietor.
But I didn’t know that an uninvited guest had slipped into this peaceful resort.
One of the ten participants—a man disguised as an ordinary Hunter, yet whose eyes gleamed with lethal sharpness.
An S-rank assassin sent by Apollo Hospital Director Choi Myung-seok, codename Viper. He fingered a compact mana bomb hidden in his pocket.
‘Kang Jin-hyuk… today is your memorial day.’
The spy slipped through the darkness toward the Boiler Room, the hospital’s power center, unaware of what awaited him there.
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————