Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 137

“Ugh...”

As his hazy consciousness returned, Gong Da-won slowly came to his senses.

Where is this?

A strange ceiling.

Bright surroundings.

It didn’t take long for Gong Da-won to figure out where he was.

“This is...”

“Oh, you’re awake?”

A voice greeted him as soon as Gong Da-won regained his consciousness.

The person wore a blue shirt and blue pants with the words "Somang Medical Center" embroidered on the chest.

Upon seeing this, Gong Da-won’s pupils dilated in an instant.

“A h-hospital?”

“Yes, this is the Mind Healing Center at Somang Medical Center. How are you feeling?”

“M-Mind Healing Center? Does that mean... a mental hospital?”

“Well, yes, people call it that.”

“W-why am I here?”

“Well, you’ve been showing symptoms of severe delusional disorder and anxiety.”

“T-That’s ridiculous! Why would I be labeled as mentally ill? You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?!”

“Sir, please calm down!”

“Die!”

Enraged, Gong Da-won extended his hand.

In his mind, he imagined activating an attack skill that would instantly subdue any perceived threat.

But...

“...Huh?”

Nothing emerged from his outstretched hand.

Even as he tried multiple times, the result was the same.

That’s impossible...

At that moment, Gong Da-won noticed something on his wrist.

The nurse spoke up.

“Since you’re a Level 100+ player, you’ve been equipped with a special suppression device to prevent unforeseen incidents. While the device is active, you won’t be able to use mana or skills. So please cooperate calmly and focus on your treatment.”

“W-What?! W-Who gave you the right? I didn’t consent to this! Who authorized this?!”

“It’s been approved by the government. Please cooperate with the treatment process.”

“Noooo!!”

Gong Da-won began to thrash wildly.

However, no matter how much Gong Da-won struggled, nothing changed.

This was the high-risk ward within the Mind Healing Center at Somang Medical Center, specifically designed to handle dangerous patients.

Gong Da-won wouldn’t be able to leave this place until his delusional disorder and anxiety were fully treated.

Through a video call, Su-ho observed Gong Da-won and spoke to the head nurse.

“Please take good care of him.”

— “Don’t worry, we’ll make sure he’s well cared for.”

The head nurse responded with a cheerful smile.

Why was Su-ho asking for special care for Gong Da-won?

The answer was simple:

Su-ho was the one who had arranged for Gong Da-won to be placed in Somang Medical Center.

There was no other choice.

Gong Da-won was a 1-star player who couldn’t be properly cared for in a regular hospital. Despite his troubled circumstances, he was a mentally unstable individual who had used a deceased person’s body without the family’s consent and could potentially harm civilians.

Thus, instead of Cheongok Prison, he was admitted to Somang Medical Center, which was affiliated with the Grand Hunter Association.

As Su-ho ended the video call, he reflected:

‘I feel bad for Gong Da-won, but I couldn’t just leave him there alone.’

Gong Da-won was a mentally unstable patient.

He absolutely required stable treatment, and while it might take time, Su-ho resolved to eventually acquire a mental healing skill that could cure even the mind.

For now, this was the best option for both Su-ho and Gong Da-won.

Just as Su-ho was about to call someone else, his phone vibrated.

“Hmm?”

The call came from an unfamiliar number.

Is it a telemarketer?

However, seeing the number start with 010, Su-ho decided to answer.

“Yes, this is Su-ho.”

— “Ah, Su-ho, it’s me, Team Leader of Special Management Unit 1.”

Team Leader of Special Management Unit 1.

It was none other than Oh Bong-ju.

Hearing his anxious voice, Su-ho couldn’t help but smile.

He knew why the man sounded so flustered.

Feigning ignorance, Su-ho asked, “Ah, Team Leader Oh. What’s the matter?”

— “Well, uh, you see... it’s about... that... um...”

“Yes, go ahead.”

Oh Bong-ju hesitated, fumbling for words.

Of course.

The reason for his call had to be the recent Stargram post.

After a moment of hesitation, Oh Bong-ju finally spoke.

— “Su-ho, do you happen to use Stargram?”

So he brought up Stargram.

Su-ho replied, “Yes, I do.”

— “Then you’ll get this. You know that photo I took with my deputy recently? I posted it on Stargram, and now I’m getting all this backlash!”

“Backlash from people?”

— “Yeah, yeah.”

“Can I take a look?”

— “Sure, hold on.”

Shortly after, a screenshot of Oh Bong-ju’s Stargram post arrived. It was indeed the same post Su-ho had seen earlier.

Su-ho immediately logged into Stargram to check the comments.

The comments were brutal:

— “LOL, still forcing interns to do sibong-tteok? This is why civil servants are a joke.”

— “Wow, this was a thing back in my day too. Guess it never stopped.”

— “If you’re gonna give sibong-tteok, at least make it voluntary. Who are you to force it on others?”

— “Queen’s Bakery? The cookies from there are pricey. Did you make the intern buy those?”

— “Facts: interns are broke, but Sword Saint is loaded.”