Kang Sejun and Seong Jarim are also like that. Is this how strong players talk?
“How can you suddenly say something so important?”
“There’s no need to be so surprised. It’s just a simple scouting proposal.”
“The scouting proposals from the Athena branch manager are always amazing!”
Even though this fact would upset the community multiple times when it became known, Jaeheon didn’t seem to think much of it.
“You know it’s not normal to recruit out an L-class, right? If something goes wrong, Auntie will come and beat you up.”
“Of course, I know. I’m risking my life by asking.”
“Don’t joke around!”
“I’m not kidding. I’m serious. Look at this.”
Jaeheon’s cell phone displayed thick and short text.
Bring me Bang Bride…
“It’s an order from my captain.”
“Why does the overseas leader know that nickname?”
“She’s a community addict.”
“You mean she watches the Korean server too!?”
“Her hobby is subscribing to every server like a newspaper.”
Please don’t say it so casually…!
The first thing Seora learned about Ali, the mysterious mercenary leader, was that she was addicted to the community. Seora never wanted to know this.
“In fact, even if it wasn’t for this, I planned to take you there afterward. She allowed me to bring you because you’re the only family I have left. She was going to recruit you as an office worker.”
But Seora understood why.
“Of course, when it comes to my sister being Bang Bride… Ouch, stop it, stop it. The captain still doesn’t know my sister is Headbang.”
“I don’t like Headbang either, but… Anyway, she’s amazing. How dare she proudly say she’ll bring an L-class from a foreign country.” Maybe it was because she herself was an L-class that she didn’t hold back.
Seora thought of Ali, the leader of Athena, rumored to have bronze skin and white hair. They said she resembled the ruthless spear of the god Athena. To be honest, Seora wanted to see her at least once.
Even so, Seora didn’t want to join Athena just to meet her.
“You already know that I’m not going, right?”
“I thought so. You would have considered it if you were an ordinary F-class.”
“As expected, you know me well.” Seora smiled at Jaeheon. “Leaving Korea and going to Athena will be a huge blow to Aunt.” Song Hanna, who had stood by her side unwaveringly for 12 years after Seora’s parents died, had as many enemies as she had supporters. Seora did not intend to betray the person who sacrificed so much for her family. “As you can see, even though I’m an L-class, I still look like an F-class. That’s why I’ll continue working as a low-level civil servant and make good use of this identity.”
“Yes, do whatever you want.”
“But what about you? Weren’t you planning to return to Korea after seeking revenge?”
“I had intended to. But I’ve decided to stay at Athena. After being there for eight years and experiencing life and death together multiple times, I’ve developed a strong attachment.”
Oh. Seora had to make a constant effort to conceal her disappointment. Truthfully, after being separated from him for so long, she wanted to be together now. However, she didn’t want to hinder Jaeheon, who had finally freed himself from revenge. Now, he had to walk his own path. He had lived solely for revenge for far too long.
Seora quietly let her unexpressed disappointment dissolve in the water.
“Seora, there’s something you need to know, especially since you’re an L-class instead of an S-class.”
“What is it?”
“The Labyrinth Dungeon’s raid.” Even bringing up the topic was difficult. Jaeheon’s expression hardened, as if he wasn’t at ease.
The Labyrinth Dungeon. It was the most dangerous and unknown place among all the dungeons in the world.
It was also the first dungeon to appear in the world.
Twelve years ago, a new island emerged in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, as if it had fallen from the sky. The island was devoid of trees, grass, or any signs of life, except for a bright red door that led to the dungeon. Numerous scientists were sent to investigate the island, which soon turned into a tragedy.
On that empty island, devoid of trees, grass, or any signs of life, there stood a solitary bright red door leading to a dungeon.
As soon as the investigators set foot on the island, monsters straight out of novels or movies began pouring out of the door. It was the first dungeon breakout, an unprecedented event.
Modern firearms proved futile against these creatures. Many soldiers lost their lives on that island. Following the breakout, Awakened started appearing everywhere, and somehow the world managed to survive, but it could never return to how it was before the dungeons.
The second and third dungeons emerged soon after. While other dungeons disappeared once all the monsters were dealt with, the first dungeon in the Pacific Ocean remained.
Those who survived the initial assault returned with a revelation.
“There’s another door there. A massive door that won’t open no matter how hard we try.”
With its countless mysteries, the fear among the people reached its peak. Fortunately, it didn’t take long to discover that the door didn’t open randomly. When it was time to open, a system message would be sent to all officials worldwide.
The Pacific Dungeon was the only location with multiple floors. Thus, it came to be known as the Labyrinth Dungeon.
“As you know, L-classes are primarily responsible for targeting the Labyrinth. And of course, I’ve been there too.”
It was the only unmeasurable rank in the world. A place called the EX-class, surpassing even Level 1.
That’s why L-classes and the higher-ranking S-classes always undertook the raids in the Labyrinth at the right time. Just like with other dungeons, a Dungeon Break would occur if the raid couldn’t be completed within a certain period.
“You may have your turn to go there as well.”
It wasn’t an obligation. No one would force an L-class to do anything. However, they had to endure silent criticism. But most L-classes had a carefree attitude, resembling whales, so they didn’t really mind.
“Actually, I hope you don’t go there.”
Seora understood Jaeheon’s sincere words because they were each other’s precious family.
“It’s not like the Labyrinth will open right away. I’ll think about it when the time comes.”
“Do you know something?”
“What?”
“Words, in essence, are like seeds.”
Seora felt a shiver down her spine at his serious words devoid of laughter. She playfully slapped him on the forearm.
“That could be a seed!”
“Oh, you’re right. Sorry.”
Do you think an apology is enough!? Lost in thought, Seora hastily contacted the administrator.
‘Liza-nim? Liza-nim? Please tell me. Will the Labyrinth Dungeon open soon? It won’t, right? Right?’
【Administrator: (¬_¬);;;;】
Oh no. Has anything good ever happened when they avoided eye contact?
Never! Not even once!
‘No, no, no! Close it! Don’t let it open! You can’t open it! Please!’
【Administrator: ε=ε=ﾍ( ´Д`)ﾉ】
But instead of responding, they fled.
It was ominous. Too ominous!
After failing to quit her job, Seora feared that her peaceful daily life would vanish. She couldn’t help but think that this was someone’s conspiracy. It felt impossible for such misfortune to befall her without reason.
‘Baek Huiwon, youuuuu!’
Was there really no such thing as bad luck? Seora wanted to transfer all her misfortune onto Baek Huiwon immediately. When she met her later, she would make her regret it.
***
It had been an incredibly long day.
Seora let out a sigh as she collapsed onto the bed, her body exhausted. With the major issues now resolved, she was scheduled to leave the hotel suite soon, along with Jarim.
“It’s such a shame. They clean the room, bring food if you order, and there’s even a swimming pool and sauna in the gym. I just want to keep living here.”
It didn’t have to be a suite, even a standard room would suffice. Should she just sell her house and live here permanently? She would make a lot of money if she sold the by-products obtained from clearing the dungeon.
【Administrator: o(*´﹀`*)o】
Even the administrator agreed, considering it a good idea.
Seora’s hand, which had been tapping the blanket, pointed at the floating emoticon in front of her.
“Elizabeth-ssi.”
【Administrator : ( ˊ ᵕ ˋ )??】
“Administrator-nim.”
【Administrator : ( ˊ ᵕ ˋ )??】
“Was the voice I heard after I defeated the Demonic Boss in Cheorwon yours?”
Less than a day had passed since she had slain that wretched beast. Seora concealed it well, but her heart was pounding louder than usual. The elation of exacting her revenge and the satisfaction of removing the rotten tooth that had been lodged in her heart were overshadowed by the excitement of finally hearing the administrator’s voice.
“A voice I’ve never heard before…”
Unlike the polite and playful emoticons, the voice was akin to a gentle breeze. It held a tenderness and affection that moved her to tears when she heard it.
“There’s no one around now. Can you let me hear it again?”
Seong Jarim, in the adjacent room, was snoring loudly enough to be heard. There were no obstacles in their way.
“Or will you say it’s not good if we do it too often?”
〖“Yes, but I think you’ll get angry if I refuse.”〗
Startled by the sudden voice, Seora involuntarily jolted upright. Unconsciously, she rubbed her ears in response to the sweet sound that tickled them.