Chapter 98:
While my other initial novels have their share, none has contributed as much as this; I'm very grateful for you loyal readers. I haven't updated the adv chapters for some time, and I'm sure everyone's itching to know what other madness Seora will take part in. I'm now focusing on finishing shorter novels I'd been delaying since 2020 so I can focus better on finishing the longer ones when I'm free, and I promise you: I will finish Seora's adventures before the end of 2024. Once again thank you so much, and I'd hope you continue to enjoy our administrator's pettiness~!
“There’s no way Wei Hu would come in a situation like this. Perhaps it’s Lu Yanwei?” Lu Yanwei, the Chinese L-class Awakened who had attended the WDO meeting, seemed like a possible candidate.
“What if it’s an S-class instead of an L-class?”
“We don’t need an extra S-class when Japan alone is sufficient.”
“Well, we’ll know once we approach.”
As the yacht neared its destination, a Hunter from the Japan Association emerged on the ship’s deck and bowed. “Welcome, Korean Awakened. Thank you for coming all this way. Would you mind joining us up here for a conversation?”
Jeong Taeseok, who had accompanied the four individuals for support, climbed onto the deck of the Japanese ship. The rest of the group had already assembled.
“I am Do Junyeong from the Korea Association’s management office. Nice to meet you,” Do Junyeong introduced himself.
“I am Murasaki Yube, representing Japan. Thank you for responding to our request.” Murasaki was an S-class Hunter, one of the top-ranked in Japan, yet he displayed exceptional politeness.
With the three L-class Awakened appearance, Seora realized that everything had truly changed. The fact that she was one of them filled her with pride.
“By the way, I haven’t heard anything about China participating,” Do Junyeong commented, shifting his gaze past Murasaki. Standing alongside Chinese security officers was undoubtedly Lu Yanwei, the person they had seen in the United States.
“We didn’t originally plan to participate, but when Korea’s Headbang stepped up, it piqued our curiosity,” Lu Yanwei explained, approaching the group. Her gaze swept past Do Junyeong and carefully examined the four members of the Korean side. “But why can’t I see Headbang? Are they coming separately, perhaps?”
Murasaki, who had been listening to the conversation, was slightly perplexed.
“We need to enter the dungeon soon. Surely, they don’t plan on carrying out individual activities incognito, right?”
Of course not. She had eagerly awaited the day when she could proudly reveal herself to everyone.
Seora, who had been masquerading as an ordinary civil servant, wiped away her disguise and stood next to Do Junyeong. Ah, I never thought the day would come when I would shout these words out of my own mouth.
“Hello. Nice to meet you. I’m Yun Seora, also known as Headbang.” She would never forgive the one who had given her that nickname.
“…What did you say?” Lu Yanwei’s eyes widened in response to her confident introduction. The others also reacted with surprise. The kidnapping incident had been broadcasted widely, so the Japanese Hunters were familiar with her face.
“Didn’t you claim to be Headbang’s representative? You said that at the WDO!”
“That’s correct. During my first WDO meeting, I wanted to observe quietly, so I disguised myself,” Seora explained.
“Disguised? So the reason you appear to be an F-class…?”
“It’s due to the ability of my Entity. However, if you still doubt it, I can show you.”
Seora focused her attention on the void. Every time she lifted her head and tried to sense the presence of the administrator, she could feel his gaze. It was the same now.
‘Administrator, please disable the Veil.’
It was a first for her. Since her awakening, she had never fully revealed her energy without concealing it. Moreover, she was no longer an S-class but an L-class, and she wondered how it would feel.
【The protection ‘Veil’, granted by the system administrator to the sole contracee, is lifted.】
With the system message, the barrier that had hidden Seora’s energy vanished, exposing everything.
She exhaled deeply, releasing what she had been holding back, and a refreshing sensation washed over her body. She deliberately didn’t suppress any of her power; she let it all out. With a faint smile, she faced everyone directly.
“…”
“…”
“…”
Silence engulfed the surroundings.
How does one even begin to put this into words?
As Seora simply breathed, it felt to everyone as though they were facing a massive wave, leaving them vulnerable and breathless. The illusion of being swept away in a tempest overwhelmed Lu Yanwei.
If Seora truly possessed the same rank as her, what kind of power was this? She had never experienced anything like it with Ali, Julian, or even Wei Hu. It was as if she was standing before the mightiest being, and the shock caused her to unconsciously take a step back. The faces of those below S-class were pale with astonishment. Japan, Korea—nothing else mattered at that moment.
‘…I made the right choice.’
Observing Seora radiating a presence greater than anyone else on the deck, Kang Sejun clenched his fist tightly. He was relieved that he hadn’t antagonized her when they first met. He wisely heeded Baek Huiwon’s advice, humbling himself before her and seeking her alliance.
If he stood by her side, perhaps they could truly restore peace to the world.
His emotions surged as the memories of the struggles he had silently endured flashed before his eyes. Kang Sejun bit his lip firmly.
“Does this prove my capabilities, or do I need to demonstrate my skills as well?” Seora chuckled, causing Lu Yanwei to flinch. The security officers standing behind her wore equally displeased expressions.
Seora snickered before concealing her energy and glanced at the bewildered Murasaki. “Japan is sending five S-class Hunters, correct? The only external personnel are us from Korea and Lu Yanwei.”
“Uh, yes, that’s correct,” Murasaki replied, his tone becoming more polite.
“When we inquired with the WDO, they mentioned that it’s the first time a gate has appeared not on land but on the sea.”
“That’s correct. If it weren’t for Korea informing us, we would have had a difficult time locating it. We express our gratitude once again.”
“We were fortunate. However, we can’t be certain if luck will be on our side inside the dungeon,” Seora said seriously as she examined the gate.
Murasaki grew tense. “What do you mean by that?”
“For the first time, a Level 1 Gate has appeared over the sea. There is a high possibility that it’s a dangerous dungeon. Do you share the same belief, Kang Sejun?”
“Yes.”
Seora asked naturally, and Kang Sejun nodded in agreement. Even if they couldn’t disclose all the details, it was crucial to forewarn about the potential danger.
“There might be significantly challenging monsters.”
“The boss might be a demon. We should prepare ourselves in advance.”
“Or even ghost-type creatures. Do all S-class Hunters possess mental barrier skills?”
“Ghost-type monsters rarely appear… Is it possible?”
“Ghost-type creatures often manifest in special dungeons, such as Rift Dungeons or higher-ranked ones. In fact, the Rift Dungeon I participated in a few months ago was infested with ghost-type beings. Considering the rarity of its appearance over the sea and its Level 1 designation, I believe there’s a reasonable chance of encountering ghost-type monsters.”
Seora’s statement prompted a frown from Murasaki. His expression revealed skepticism, acknowledging the possibility but finding it difficult to fully believe.
‘I can’t simply shout, ‘All the creatures inside are ghosts! If you don’t want to die, follow my lead!’, can I?’
Having issued the warning, Seora understood that whatever happened next would be on their own responsibility.
“Not every Hunter has a mental barrier, but since we don’t know what awaits us inside, let’s proceed for now.”
Seora and Kang Sejun refrained from offering further advice. Saying more would only raise suspicion.
“Well then, before we enter, could Hunter Lu Yanwei share her expertise? We had a video conference with the Japanese side a few days ago, but we don’t have any information about you.”
“I specialize in spear techniques. I’m more of a DPS rather than a tank,” Lu Yanwei obediently answered Seora’s question, surprising them. Based on her demeanor thus far, they had expected her to act arrogantly, dismissing the need for them to know her abilities. It was fortunate that they didn’t have to waste any more time.
“Do you possess any healing abilities?”
“No.”
“In that case, please take charge of the frontline alongside Guild Master Jeong Hoyeong. Main Healer Shirabu will stand in the middle with Kang Sejun, and I’ll take care of the rear. Let’s follow the plan we discussed during the video conference for the rest. Any objections?”
As time passed, Seora took command of the situation, and no one opposed her. Ever since she revealed her strength, the course of action had already been decided.
Observing that Lu Yanwei didn’t raise any objections either, Seora smiled brightly and headed toward the rear of the deck.
“Well then, shall we proceed?”
A few paces away from the ship, a shimmering blue gate floated on the surface of the sea, gently swaying.
Having only dealt with monsters emerging from within Cheorwon, encountering a Level 1 Gate for the first time felt different. They could sense an immense magical power that sent tingles through their bodies.
“Equip yourselves. We’re entering the dungeon.”
Seora donned her Regeneration Jacket and gloves and unsheathed Hit. Those who recognized the jacket widened their eyes in awe.
Seora discreetly extended it toward their direction, allowing them to have a closer look.
“Stay safe.”
With a farewell from Jeong Taeseok, who had joined as auxiliary support, everyone leaped into the gate.
【Entering the Level 1 Dungeon, ‘Castle of Nightmare’.】
The name itself spoke volumes. The faces of everyone grew tense upon reading the message.
“It seems like the worst-case scenario, after all.”
Nightmare. What could instill nightmares in people? Even when facing formidable monsters, the term “nightmare” was often used metaphorically.
However, the true entities capable of inducing nightmares were specters. In other words, the inhabitants of this place were Ghost-type monsters.
“Those without a mental barrier, please consider retreating now.”
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