Chapter 84

Seora sighed as she turned off her phone, which displayed the breaking news. “The Labyrinth Dungeon…” she muttered in disappointment. “What terrible timing! Lately, everyone has been warning me about the Labyrinth.”

The situation reminded her of her brother’s curse, where unfortunate events seemed to occur whenever he mentioned it. Could it be that his mere words were the cause? She resolved to give him a good scolding later.

“Liza, you can’t single-handedly open and close the Labyrinth gate, can you?” she asked.

【Administrator: o(｡•́︿•̀｡)o】

As expected, Seora wasn’t surprised when she heard about the designer and administrators from Seong Jarim. If he had their way, the administrator might have sealed the door forever, sparing her from venturing into that perilous place.

“I have to go to America,” Seora muttered, setting her phone aside with a dismissive gesture. She flailed her arms and legs, showing little concern for her appearance. “Goodbye, relaxing vacation…!”

She was currently enjoying her well-deserved break, lounging on a sunbed by the hotel pool.

Why was a civil servant like her indulging in leisure activities during the workweek?

That was because she had earned a vacation as a reward for the Cheorwon Dungeon raid. It was a paid vacation, no less! Ah, the allure of a vacation with such a splendid name!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

‘If it weren’t for the news of the Labyrinth Dungeon, I could have enjoyed it even more.’

As Seora happily floated around the pool, playing with a large inflatable tube, the news of the Labyrinth Dungeon’s opening caught her attention, shimmering before her eyes. She was so startled that she jumped up, slipped, and fell into the water.

How long had it been since she dealt with a Level 1 Dungeon? Now she was facing a Labyrinth raid.

“I should attend the WDO meeting in Headbang’s name…” She hadn’t anticipated revealing her true identity so soon. She had hoped for more freedom during her vacation. What a pity.

【The system administrator asks if there is a representative.】

“Huh?” Seora’s eyes sparkled upon seeing the administrator’s message.

Yes, that’s right.

As an L-class hunter, her duty was to clear the Labyrinth, so it wouldn’t matter if she didn’t attend the WDO meeting personally. They often sent representatives to the meetings due to their constant involvement in top-notch dungeons worldwide.

Seora would do the same, and it would pose no problem.

‘Of course, I will be the one going, but in name, I’ll be a mere representative.’

With the protection of Veil and the title A Thousand Mask, she could easily deceive everyone by assuming the role of an F-class representative. She would quietly return from the United States without drawing any attention.

“Mm, it’s perfect,” Seora murmured contentedly.

She wasn’t aiming to deceive or manipulate others. She simply preferred to avoid the limelight. Hahaha. Yes, that’s exactly what she wanted.

***

【Title: The Labyrinth in This Situation???】

【Do we have to send our L-classes? They’re not in good shape after recently participating in the Level 1 Dungeon raid. Even Yun Jaeheon and Eun Injae had to be hospitalized despite receiving healing from Chihuahua. How can we expect the others to be alright??????

Shouldn’t we just participate in the next one and not go this time? Honestly, what if we sustain major injuries or something goes wrong? These top-ranked individuals have finally appeared, and I can’t bear to see them in such a state.】

【Comments】

Since all countries are likely trying their best not to send their top-ranked members, shouldn’t we do the same? Tiger-nim should be able to do it, right?

└No, the Labyrinth Dungeon strategy team doesn’t work like that. Even if the nation decides to have a nude show, they’ll still select the most skilled Hunters regardless.

└Exactly, because if they choose just average individuals, the strategy will fail, the dungeon will collapse, and our lives will vanish into thin air, while the Earth faces destruction. Would you like to taste the flavor of the Labyrinth Breakout?

└Ah, that gives me chills. It reminds me of twelve years ago.

└Just select based on skill, that’s all.

Since they check the health condition and only select top-ranked individuals without injuries, there’s no need to worry. If someone’s not in good physical condition, they’ll be cut by the WDO themselves.

└ |Poster|: Phew, that’s a relief. Okay, I’ll trust that. Actually, I hope they protect Kang Sejun’s good looks. It would be terrible if he goes to the Labyrinth with injuries and damages his face.ㅠㅠ

└Wait a minute there. The reason seems really personal, doesn’t it?

└It’s the most personal reason I’ve seen so far.

└ |Poster|: You guys won’t understand. Our Elsa is a national treasure-level beauty, so he needs protection, you know?

└Who’s Elsa? Is it Kang SJ??

└|Poster|: He’s a top-ranked Mage. Elsa, for short.

[T/N: L-class Mage → 엘급 마법사 (EL-geub ma-beob-SA)]

└Sounds like a fairy tale.

└Crazy.

└A nickname beyond imagination.

└What will you say if Elsa sues you?

└Oh Lord, please save this unsalvageable fool.

“Oh, Elsa?” Seora glanced at Kang Sejun sitting beside her while browsing the community. She noticed cracks on his face, which was widely admired for its L-class beauty, and it seemed that he was aware of this predicament. “I never knew you had such a nickname. Should I start calling you Elsa from now on?”

Since Kang Sejun possessed all attributes, Seora assumed he knew how to use ice magic and jokingly mentioned that he only needed blue clothes to complete the image.

Seora smiled brightly, and Kang Sejun thought that he would have no other wish if he could just hit that cheeky face once.

“Kang Sejun must be thrilled. Some fans suggest that he needs to protect his L-class good looks. Oh, I apologize, Miss Elsa,” Han Suwon chimed in, offering his support.

This new image of Han Suwon contradicted Kang Sejun’s previous perception of him. In the past, Han Suwon was known as a reserved, cold-hearted, and somewhat cruel person. Truly, this life was vastly different from the past.

“Pfft, Elsa.” Yu Su-eun, who had always mocked others, remained unchanged. Her sarcastic nature brought him comfort. “Unfortunately for fans who adore Kang Sejun enough to call him Elsa, he’s going to America now.”

On this day, the association held a meeting to select attendees for the WDO meeting. Currently, nine people had gathered, including six S-classes and three L-classes who were eligible to participate.

“Of course, the three of you will be going to America first,” Song Hanna declared, pointing her finger at Kang Sejun, Seong Jarim, and Yun Seora.

Jeong Hoyeong, who had been surprised upon learning that Seora was Headbang, expressed her concern. “So, are we revealing Seora’s identity?”

“I’ve given it some thought…” Seora smiled as everyone turned their attention toward her. She felt like her old self, back when she was an F-class with a barely noticeable presence. Despite her newfound strength, her presence still remained faint. “I intend to use my current weak appearance.”

“What? Aren’t you going to reveal your true identity?” Yu Su-eun asked, appearing puzzled.

“Yes. Once my participation in the Labyrinth is confirmed, I will reveal it then. However, for the meeting, I will attend as a representative, an F-class civil servant, not as an L-class Awakened.”

“You mean the L-class Headbang,” Yu Su-eun added, her voice slightly wavering under Seora’s gaze. What was it that made her suddenly feel afraid?

“Since I am weak, no one will pay much attention to me. It will be the best way to observe the stronger players,” Seora explained.

“It’s a perfect opportunity to blend in and understand the current trends.”

“Or deceive them,” whispered Kang Sejun, joining in the discussion.

“Well, I can’t guarantee that won’t happen at all. Haha. Who knows what others might do, right?”

While Kang Sejun and Seong Jarim expressed their disapproval, believing Seora was talking nonsense, they were the only ones with that perspective. Everyone else looked at Seora with admiration, praising her bravery.

Little did they know, they were all being deceived…

“So, Seora will attend as a representative, and we will assign two civil servants from the association as auxiliary personnel.”

“All three L-classes will be present. Now, among the S-classes, who will be going?”

“I’ll go,” Song Hanna said, declaring her own willingness. “That’s why we gathered the S-classes who are available today.”

Everyone’s eyes widened in surprise.

“The association’s president herself? You’ve never been absent before.”

“Is it really necessary for you to go?”

Despite the concerns expressed by Joo Eun and Jeong Hoyeong, Song Hanna remained resolute. “I have to go. I’m certain that all eyes will be on those three, filled with envy and desire.”

“Ah…”

“At least if I’m by their side, no one will openly cause trouble for them.” Her decision was not driven by personal greed or political motives. As the association’s president, she was responsible for protecting these three individuals who had become national assets. “Don’t worry. Even those who are desperate to bring me down have some common sense. They know very well that any attempt to undermine the day I leave for the United States, where I’ll be protecting the L-classes, would be detrimental to them.”

“If they had any common sense, they wouldn’t have made the association’s president their enemy in the first place.”

Song Hanna chuckled, agreeing with Jeong Hoyeong’s astute observation. “While I’m away, Director Do Junyeong will serve as the association’s acting president. And all of you, please try to avoid any trouble and stay calm. Especially you, Yu Su-eun.”

“What have I done!? Have I caused any accidents recently!?”

“I’m saying this because you’ve had quite a few before.”

“It was Han Suwon’s guild member who caused the biggest accident!”

“I’ll stay calm.” Under Song Hanna’s stern gaze, Han Suwon immediately banged his head on the table. Yu Su-eun found the guilty party’s swift response to be absurd and couldn’t help but laugh.

“Since I will be attending, the other S-classes won’t have to go. What about Yun Jaeheon?”

“The captain said she will attend the meeting, so I will be heading to America. We’ll likely return to Athena together from there.”

“Oh my.” Yu Su-eun, who had been chattering like a chihuahua, fell silent. Athena’s captain, the most enigmatic person in the world, would be making an appearance? “I want to attend too, ma’am!”

“Can I come as well?” Joo Eun raised his hand simultaneously. They didn’t want to miss the chance to see Ali Russo in person.

“Rejected. We don’t know what might happen in Korea while I’m away. Both of you going at the same time? Absolutely not.”

“Ah! I promise to return immediately if something happens! Please!”

“Mm, rejected.”

“Aaaaaaaaaahhhh.”

“Are you absolutely certain it’s not possible?”

“Mm, no.”

Yu Su-eun and Joo Eun’s expressions immediately turned gloomy.

“Then let’s confirm that only five people will be going. Everyone has worked hard to reach this point. You are all dismissed now.”

“Ma’am! Tiger-nim! Please!”

Yu Su-eun clung on until the end, but the Tiger grabbed the Chihuahua by the scruff of her neck and tossed her out. Relentless, indeed.