Chapter 89:

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~!

Those who knew Seora’s secret directed their attention towards her. Among them, Yun Jaeheon, positioned behind Ali Russo, had the most intense gaze.

“I am Yun Seora, representing Headbang-ssi, an L-class Awakened from Korea,” she declared. Acting came naturally to her, but referring to herself by that name proved to be incredibly challenging. “They have expressed their intention to participate.”

“It’s their first time attending a meeting, so why did they send a representative? We were hoping to catch a glimpse of their face at least.”

“Does Headbang intend to continue concealing their identity?”

Seora shook her head in response to Rodrick’s question. “They have stated that they will reveal themselves once their participation has been finalized…”

Before she could complete her sentence, Monique Ribery from France interrupted, “Alright, I’m curious. Let’s include them in the team for now.” Monique had never missed a raid since her awakening, being the only Healer among the approximately ten L-class Awakened individuals worldwide.

‘They say that she can heal a severed throat within a minute. Is it true?’

She had even earned the nickname “Zombie Nique” or “Zombie Queen” due to her near-immortality. But of course, she detested being referred to in that manner.

“Did they give you permission to disclose their abilities?”

“Of course. They’re a Sniper in the Unique Ability category. They manipulate space, but they are still unsure of the extent to which they can utilize it.” It wasn’t a lie. After reaching the L-class, Seora had acquired the skill “Spatial Domination.” However, she had yet to fully explore its potential.

“A Sniper with spatial manipulation in the Unique Ability category? That’s quite a rare trait. Isn’t it effective?”

“In that case, let’s include them in the team. The Ranger can lead the way, while the Sniper provides long-range attacks.”

“What about firepower?”

“There was a time when they took down a Level 2 Demonic Boss with a single shot while still at the S-class rank.”

“Oh, I remember that! It was when Headbang revealed themselves for the first time, right? I was completely shocked when I saw the footage on YouTube.”

The one who spoke was Lu Yanwei, the representative from China.

Even Seora herself found the recorded video from that incident quite astonishing. She couldn’t believe that there was a cameraman who managed to film the whole thing without flinching. They must have had at least six lives. She wished they had given her one.

“It was fortunate that they were at the S-class level back then. If they hadn’t been…” Lu Yanwei smiled meaningfully and glanced behind her. Another Chinese representative of an L-class Awakened stood there.

‘A public security officer.’

One of the two L-classes from China was a public security officer. He was the faithful dog to China’s president and the leader of all Awakened in China, Wei Hu. The fact that little was known about him spoke volumes about his skills. He was one of the most closely guarded L-class individuals worldwide.

“They eventually reached the L-class, so they must be incredibly resilient.”

China must have felt uneasy about the situation. With two L-class individuals, they were considered a formidable superpower. However, with three consecutive appearances of powerful Awakened individuals from neighboring Korea, they had fallen behind.

Rumors had been circulating recently that there was tension within China. It seemed that the rumors held some truth.

Why was there such a keen interest in other countries?

“They are indeed very resilient. Thanks to them, we could fulfill a long-standing wish,” Kang Sejun said. It was no secret that the “long-standing wish” he referred to was the unsealed Cheorwon Dungeon. “It’s incredibly satisfying to be rid of that burden finally. I hope China gets to experience the same feeling soon.”

China also had its own unresolved locked Dungeon.

Lu Yanwei laughed as if she found the subtle mockery about their situation amusing. On the other hand, the other Chinese representative openly displayed a displeased expression, making no effort to conceal it.

“We shall now proceed with the meeting,” Rodrick intervened, restoring silence to the conference room. His skilled mediation reflected his experience in handling such incidents within the L-class.

Thanks to his intervention, there were no further disruptions until the conclusion of the first day’s meeting.

***

The meeting was scheduled to span three days in total.

Given the unknown dangers of the 8th floor of the Labyrinth and the monsters that awaited, caution was paramount. However, such matters were to be addressed at the World Dungeon Organization (WDO), where the brightest minds gathered. During their downtime from the meetings, the attending Hunters had the opportunity to relax and enjoy themselves.

Therefore, even the Korean attendees should have been able to unwind and have a leisurely time…

Unfortunately, Seong Jarim, who had eagerly tagged along to explore the sights in the United States, was now experiencing quite the ordeal.

“Ah, seriously! Will this darn chick just stop following me?”

All because of a golden chick.

“Why? You keep calling me a chick, so I’m acting like one. What’s the problem? And why do you keep running away? Who’s bothering you? Let’s just have some fun!”

“No!”

Truly, it was an impressive skill to make Seong Jarim run around while still managing to chirp. He was undoubtedly a formidable opponent. Clearly, not just anyone could become a top-ranked Hunter in their country.

“That’s why people need to be careful with their words. If you attract the attention of perverts, your life can be utterly ruined,” Kang Sejun remarked, and Seora couldn’t help but resonate with his words. Julian, with his seemingly innocent face, turned out to be a pervert. How disheartening.

【This is why the system administrator advises not to judge people solely based on their appearances.】

Seora disregarded the administrator’s argument.

“By the way, Julian Marti didn’t even get angry when he was first called a chick. Perhaps Seong Jarim unexpectedly grew on him.”

The three of them stumbled upon Julian in the hotel lounge. He cheerfully waved at them, and they wondered if he had come to seek revenge for their previous encounter during the meeting. However, his retaliation took an unexpected form.

It was strange. They had heard that Julian had a cruel disposition despite his lovely appearance, but why was he acting like an actual chick? The lounge patrons panicked and fled at the sight of him, confirming that the rumors held some truth.

“I guess he really likes the nickname ‘Chick’.”

“A grown adult being called a chick. He truly gives off a perverted vibe.”

“Indeed, he does.”

Kang Sejun and Yun Seora engaged in a conversation unbeknownst to Julian, who continued to chase after Seong Jarim.

“Still, considering how you’re not wary of him, he might not be a bad person.”

“Oh, no. When it comes to venturing into the Labyrinth Dungeon, he’s one of the most eager and proactive individuals. I don’t need to be on guard around him.”

“Really? That’s surprising.”

“He mentioned that it’s liberating for him to unleash his cruelty without restraint.”

“He really does seem like a pervert.”

“Indeed, he does.”

It became evident that Julian was not one to engage in physical altercations. Instead, he seemed to revel in his inherent cruelty. Such a person was undeniably dangerous.

“Should we just let him be then? Although I doubt Seong Jarim will lose.”

“She can handle herself. Actually, I should be more concerned about you.”

“Me? Why?” Seora’s eyes widened as she was about to take a bite of her plump sausage. “What do they gain from bothering an F-class like me?”

“That’s precisely why it’s more dangerous. Even if they gain nothing by provoking you, they won’t suffer any losses either. It’s a perfect warning to send to Headbang, isn’t it?”

“A warning?”

“More specifically, it’s a message to Korea. There are always those who aren’t pleased with another country having three L-class individuals.”

The not-so-friendly gazes from China and Russia flashed through Seora’s mind, especially the piercing eyes of the Chinese public security officer.

“If we end up going on raids together, you should also watch your back. You never know when they might strike.”

“Isn’t that taking things too personally? If we fail to conquer the Labyrinth, we’ll all be in trouble.”

“It’s not just about the Labyrinth. Due to our proximity to China, we might end up going on raids together at any time.”

“I’m well aware of that. Have you personally experienced it?”

Instead of a direct answer, a peculiar smile was the response Seora received. She let out a sigh in response.

“Don’t worry, I’ll be with Seong Jarim.”

“I’m not concerned about that.”

Seora gazed into the air, as if searching for the presence of the administrator who might be watching.

‘Liza-ssi, does your protection ‘Guardian’ also work in the dungeon?’

【Administrator: o( >∀< )o】

‘Ah, it does.’

The administrator seemed excited, as if urging Seora to give it a try.

The administrator’s protection, known as “Guardian,” had the ability to temporarily retaliate against an enemy’s attack and triple the original attack power. With such power, she could strike back fully against anyone who attacked her, with a high probability of ending in their defeat.

“Excuse me.”

The sudden appearance of a face took aback Seora.

Cheeks like peaches, lips like plums. It was almost unreal, as if taken straight out of a novel. Seora’s expression softened as she looked at Julian’s face right in front of her.

【The system administrator temporarily grants protection to the sole contractee.】

【The protection ‘Guardian’ is…】

‘Ah, please!’

Seora quickly regained her composure and distanced herself from Julian. This young man was just moments away from getting himself turned into a pulp.

“Hey, you like me, don’t you?” Completely unaware of the reason for being pushed away, Julian pouted his lips.

“Uh, pardon?”

“It’s strange. I’m so cute and adorable, why is she avoiding me? Huh? Is my appearance not appealing to Koreans? Well, I know it’s not true, but just in case, I wanted to ask.”

“…”

What’s with this eccentric person? Seora couldn’t help but wonder if his Entity was Narcissus itself.