During the Jeju Island raid, Sung Jin-Woo uses his shadow extraction ability in an unexpected way. Although it is common for him to transform fallen enemies into dark allies, this time he decides to apply it to Min Byung-Gu, an S-rank healer who lost his life in combat. The surprise comes when, instead of keeping the shadow, Jin-Woo decides to free it, something he had never done before.
the sacrifice of min byung-gu
Min Byung-Gu joins the Jeju mission to support his comrades, despite his initial reservations. His talent in healing and reinforcement proves vital in the fight against the magic ants. However, the appearance of the ant king changes the course of the battle. Byung-Gu faces the enemy with all his strength, but ultimately falls in combat, with some of his powers being absorbed by the creature.
a desperate decision
After the victory over the ant king, Sung Jin-Woo discovers that Cha Hae-In is gravely injured. With no other options, he orders his shadows to locate Byung-Gu’s remains to extract his shadow and make use of his healing abilities. After several attempts, he succeeds in summoning him, and his shadow acts immediately, healing Cha Hae-In without needing instructions.
respect for the healer’s will
Although Byung-Gu’s shadow represents a great advantage in combat, Jin-Woo understands that keeping it would go against the healer’s nature. Byung-Gu was not a warrior, but someone who preferred to avoid battle. In recognition of his memory and desires, Jin-Woo decides to cancel the extraction, allowing him to rest in peace.
a display of humanity
Jin-Woo’s decision reflects that his power has not turned him into someone insensitive. He does not see the fallen merely as tools, but as individuals with their own stories and wills. With this act, he demonstrates that, despite his dominion over shadows, he still retains his humanity.