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Chapter 87:
Chapter 87:
Chapter 87:
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~!
“You’re late. My neck is sore already. Can’t you move faster when bringing someone else’s baby?”
Yun Jaeheon quickly saluted as the woman complained without exchanging greetings. “Yun Jaeheon, head of the Asia branch, has returned from his mission.”
“Yes, my executive. Did you have a good time? You must have suffered a bit, considering you’ve lost weight. The children in your branch will shed many tears when they see you.”
“I still look good even after losing weight, right?”
“As long as your mouth is alive, you’re fine.” Ali’s eyes softened as she saw Jaeheon joking.
Seora, who had been worried because of Ali’s notorious reputation, felt relieved. She could understand why Jaeheon wanted to return to Athena, even after resolving the Cheorwon Dungeon incident.
Seora thought it was best not to worry anymore. But before she could fully relinquish her concern, Ali pushed Jaeheon aside.
“Now, get out of the way,” Ali said abruptly.
Never mind. Should she still be worried?
“The rumored Korean Hunters. I came running here because I wanted to see you before anyone else. Be touched.”
Approaching confidently, Ali stood taller than Yun Jaeheon and Kang Sejun. Her body was massive, almost intimidating, like a Tanker.
Seora discreetly hid behind Jarim, but her movement seemed to catch Ali’s attention.
“L-classes, Song Han… Mm? Mmm? Mmmmm?” Ali’s gaze passed through the three and settled on Seora. It was a burden for Seora, and she felt like Ali would forcibly turn her head if she tried to avoid eye contact. So, she had no choice but to remain composed. “Are you… Jaeheon’s sister?”
No. How did you know? Jaeheon and I don’t look anything alike. It’s not something that people would immediately realize upon meeting us for the first time.
Seora wondered if Jaeheon had mentioned it, but she quickly waved her hand and vehemently denied it.
“Don’t pretend it’s not true. Jaeheon and you have the scent of jade.”
“…”
What does she mean by scent? Seora discreetly lifted her arm and sniffed it. She had cleaned herself thoroughly, so this comment hurt her pride.
“Oh my, how could I have smelled that? You have a peculiar side, just like your brother.” After laughing, Ali tapped Seora’s forehead with her large hand. It didn’t hurt, but it left her feeling perplexed.
“I heard you turned down my offer to join Athena. Don’t you think you’re being too audacious?”
“Cough. Captain.”
Seora glared at Jaeheon, silently asking, “What did you do now?”
“Do you think it’s so easy for me to allow an F-class to join? This isn’t an opportunity that comes around all the time. Are you really going to reject it?”
Oh, it seemed like Jaeheon cared about her a lot. It was reassuring, but Seora also felt loved where she currently was.
“I understand this is a rare opportunity, but let me apologize. I don’t want to leave my current position because I’m also receiving affection here.”
“You’re naive, but maybe it’s because you’re still young. Do you think affection can sustain you?”
Seora smiled brightly, even under Ali’s piercing gaze, directed toward Song Hanna. “I am well aware that the affection here is not just for me personally, but for the protection of the Korean Awakened as a whole. And it will continue to protect me even more as a civil servant of the association.” Seora’s decision to stay was not solely based on her personal relationship with Song Hanna. She chose to remain because of her deep respect for the association’s president.
“Seora…” Song Hanna covered her mouth with her hands, clearly moved by Seora’s words. Tears welled up in her eyes, and Seora also found herself getting emotional.
‘Sigh. I looked so cool just now.’
“I thought she was just a child because Jaeheon was overly protective of his younger sister,” Ali commented, seemingly amused by the situation. Seora wanted to ask what Jaeheon had been doing at Athena so that he could mention overprotectiveness. “But now I see that Yun Jaeheon has a sister complex. How could he treat this grown-up woman like a child?”
“I’m also very proud right now.” Despite the reprimand, Yun Jaeheon smiled proudly.
Laughter filled the air, and the friendly atmosphere continued, much to Seora’s relief. Everyone ignored Kang Sejun and Seong Jarim’s whispers about everyone being deceived by Seora.
“Seeing you like this makes me desire you even more. Unfortunately, I can’t take you away because you’re a civil servant. What do you think, Song Hanna?” However, when Ali’s gaze turned towards Song Hanna, the warm atmosphere shattered like broken glass. “How dare you bring my executive here because of something you couldn’t handle? You should have resolved it on your own. Do you value your position as the association’s president that much?”
A heavy silence hung in the air after Ali’s sneer.
‘Come to think of it, the association’s president met with Russo in person because of my brother.’
The incident that occurred eight years ago, which led to the collapse of the meeting place, was still a topic of discussion to this day.
“I have nothing to say in my defense. You’re right, it’s my fault,” Song Hanna responded calmly to Ali’s insults. She remained unfazed by the confrontation. “But only the dead can blame me. I have no reason to be booed by you, Captain Ali Russo. If there’s anything, it’s my executive’s duty to reprimand me. So, please continue on your way.”
Was Song Hanna angry?
“Oh, Song Hanna. Are you keeping your head held high in front of your subordinates?”
“My head has always been held high. You seem confused because of your old age and stubbornness.”
Tension filled the hotel lobby as the clash between two of the world’s most powerful figures unfolded. Even the lower-ranking Hunters and the general public couldn’t help but hold their breaths in the face of this unexpected confrontation.
In this situation, Seora, known as an F-class, couldn’t intervene directly. Instead, she gave Jaeheon a significant wink, silently urging him to do something.
“Captain, that’s enough. This place will collapse if you continue in anger.”
“Are you defending Song Hanna just because you’re also Korean? Against me? In front of me?”
“No, it’s because my sister is scared.”
Ali glanced at Seora, who had transformed her expression before anyone could notice. Trembling between Jeong Taeseok and Gong Haeyeon, her pale face and beads of sweat were evident signs of her fear.
“You’re so strong, yet why is your sister so weak?” Ali found herself unable to react to Seora’s acting skills, which sometimes even fooled Kang Sejun and Seong Jarim, who had experienced a lot. Those who knew the truth were simply amazed. “Tch, tch. I can do nothing when my executive has a sister he’s willing to protect with his life.”
“… My apologies.”
“No need to apologize. It’s not something you should take responsibility for.”
Although Seora believed Yun Jaeheon’s apology had a different meaning behind it, everyone else chose not to address it. It was a topic best left untouched.
Despite their efforts to maintain a peaceful atmosphere, a major crisis arose when Ali revealed that she intentionally booked a room in the same hotel to provoke Song Hanna. However, they managed to navigate through the situation without causing any further trouble.
From the moment they arrived in America, the signs were ominous.
“I hope nothing else happens in the future…”
As Seora muttered those words…
?Administrator: (*’?’ *)??
The cheering emoticon from the administrator appeared again, further exacerbating her concerns. Every time the administrator used that emoticon, it foreshadowed more unfortunate events. Seora couldn’t help but think that the administrator’s emoticon was more useful than Baek Huiwon.
***
The World Dungeon Organization (WDO) was established in the aftermath of the first Labyrinth Breakout, a catastrophic event that brought the world to the brink of destruction. Led by Alexander Rodrick, a first-generation L-class Awakened from the United States, the WDO aimed to restore peace and investigate gates and dungeons.
Despite its origins in the United States, the WDO’s ideology centered around global peace rather than representing the interests of any one country. As such, it was natural for the WDO to take the lead in organizing the Labyrinth Dungeon raids.
The WDO headquarters in Manhattan, New York, housed a large conference hall where the Labyrinth Dungeon strategy meeting was taking place. Today, representatives from six countries—USA, China, Russia, UK, France, and Korea—were participating in the meeting. Additionally, the stateless organization Athena was also present, making a total of seven participants.
Although the participating countries were politically and economically intertwined, their main focus during the meeting was to address the threat posed by the Labyrinth and work towards preventing its catastrophic consequences.
However, despite the common goal, the atmosphere in the conference hall was far from friendly. L-classes, the powerful Awakened individuals present, were known for their unruly and uncontrollable behavior. It was unrealistic to expect them to sit and engage in friendly conversation.
“It’s only been a year since our last meeting, but there are three new faces. This is fresh.” Viktor Ivanovich Chekhov of Russia opened the first fire, making the attention of all attendees turn toward the Korean delegation.