89 saw Arya still standing there and walked up to him. Placing a hand on Arya's shoulder from the front, he asked, "What's wrong? Ah, I get it—you've never received that much before. You're shocked, right?"
He stretched and sighed. "I'm heading home. The manager said the system will update your bank account soon, and you'll get half of the money. If you need a ride, I'm going that way."
Arya shook his head. "It's nothing serious. I'm fine."
89 smirked and handed him a slip of paper. "Your choice. Here—this is my number. If that bastard bullies you or causes trouble, call me anytime."
As he turned to leave, 89 thought, I have so many questions to ask him… but not now. I need some rest.
"Alright then, see you later," he said, walking away.
Arya watched him go. He could sense what 89 was thinking, but even he didn't fully understand what had just happened.
Arya still couldn't believe he had received that much money. But now, a new problem arose—he couldn't go home easily because he was blind. He couldn't ask 89 for help either; if he did, 89 would realize his secret.
But none of that mattered to Arya. He just wanted to go home. He wanted to met his sister. It had been so long since they last met, and now, he could finally tell her—he was alive.
With 30M NP in his account, Arya felt a rare sense of happiness. He could finally buy the Blue Liquid Medicine for his sister.
Closing his eyes, he focused. Using his sense power and heightened hearing, he mapped out the way home. A small smile crossed his lips. He moved forward, relying on his instincts.
It took one hour, but he finally made it back. Night had fallen.
Standing before the door, Arya reached out, feeling along the surface until he found the lock. He carefully slid the key inside, turned it, and stepped in.
As soon as he entered, he locked the door behind him, finally home.
When Arya closed the door behind him, he turned back. The hallway was dark, but it didn't matter—he was blind. Slowly, he moved forward, his right hand tracing the wall to guide him.
After a few steps, he found the familiar entrance to a room. He stepped inside and shut the door behind him. Pressing his left hand against the wall, he moved carefully, his fingers searching.
Then, he touched something solid—a bookshelf.
Sliding his hand along the rows of books, he felt each one until he found the one he needed. Gripping its spine, he pulled it slightly.
A faint click echoed in the silence.
The hidden passage slid open, and he stepped inside. As soon as he did, the wall behind him sealed shut.
Inside, dim light illuminated the small underground space—his secret home. There were three rooms: a tiny kitchen, a bathroom, and a bedroom. Without hesitation, Arya moved toward the last one.
He pushed the door open.
"Aisha, I'm back," he said.
Silence.
His heart pounded. Had something happened while he was gone? He clenched his fists, sweat forming on his palms.
"Aisha?" He called again, voice slightly unsteady.
Then—soft footsteps.
Arya turned toward the sound, and a moment later, a small, familiar figure entered the room.
Aisha.
She wasn't wearing a mask anymore. And—she was walking.
Tears welled in her eyes the moment she saw him. "Brother!"
She tried to run to him but stumbled. Arya rushed forward, catching her just in time. She clung to him, her small frame trembling.
"I was so scared," she sobbed into his chest. "I thought you wouldn't come back! I can't live without you, brother. Please don't leave me like that again!"
Arya gently stroked her hair. "I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere."
Aisha sniffled and wiped her tears. "Promise?"
He smiled slightly. "Promise." Then, he added, "I have good news."
She looked up, curiosity replacing her tears. "What is it?"
"I survived an S-rank mission." He paused, then said, "And I got 30 million NP as a reward."
Aisha's eyes widened in shock. "T-Thirty million?"
Arya chuckled. "Yes. Now, I can buy all your medicine. You'll get better soon."
Tears spilled from her eyes again, but this time, she smiled. Then, her gaze flickered over his face, and she froze.
"Brother… your mask. It's different."
Arya stiffened.
Aisha stepped back slightly, her hands trembling. "This isn't your mask… Please tell me the truth. Are you… alright?"
She reached for his face, but Arya didn't stop her. Her fingers brushed against the smooth surface.
"Brother… can you see me?"
Arya hesitated. He had planned to hide it from her, but he couldn't lie now. "No," he admitted. "I lost my mask… and my vision."
Aisha gasped. Her knees gave out, and she sank onto the floor.
"I told you not to go!" she cried. "I don't care about money—I only care about you! If you had died, I… I—"
She choked on her words, gripping his hand tightly.
Arya remained silent. He had known she would react like this, but hearing her say it still hurt.
Aisha wiped her tears aggressively and stood up, determination flashing in her eyes. "From now on, you're not going anywhere," she said firmly. "If they find out you're blind, they'll kill you."
Arya clenched his fists. He knew she was right.
And yet…
He couldn't just stay hidden forever.
Arya couldn't see her, but he could feel her pain. He knew exactly what she was feeling just by listening to her voice.
In this world, only a few people truly cared about others, and for him, Aisha was the only one left. After their parents passed away, she had been the one to take care of him, just as he took care of her. When he looked at her, he saw their mother—her warmth, her care, her love.
She had always protected him. Now, it was his turn.
It didn't matter if he had to risk everything. He would gladly die for her.
Tomorrow, he would go out and buy her medicine. He knew she would try to stop him, so he decided to leave early in the morning while she was still asleep. That way, she wouldn't notice.
But Aisha was watching him closely. She saw the way he was lost in thought and asked, "Brother… are you planning to go out?"
Arya hesitated for a moment before shaking his head. "No, I'm not thinking about that," he said, forcing his voice to sound normal.
He didn't want her to worry.
"I'm just tired," he continued. "I think I need some rest. And you should relax too. Don't worry about me."