Chapter 90:

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~!

“Am I really that terrible?” the charming young man pondered, tilting his head. His curly golden locks cascaded with each movement. Well, with a face like mine, it’s only natural for someone to fall for me, don’t you think?

“Perhaps everyone has their own preferences. But in my opinion, you look quite adorable.”

“It’s not that Korean people have peculiar tastes, right? So why does she dislike me?”

“As I mentioned earlier, it’s simply a matter of personal preferences.”

“Then can you tell me what she prefers?”

“…” How am I supposed to know that? “Well, uh, do you enjoy being called a chick?” Seora asked, thinking it couldn’t be true, and Julian’s cute smile returned with his response.

“I went along with it because it sounds cute. Besides, it’s clear that I’m not your average L-class individual.”

Oh. How did he know that? Could he see other people’s information, like Seong Jarim?

Maybe his curiosity stemmed from seeing Seong Jarim as a fellow L-class individual, or perhaps he sensed the distinctiveness of a returnee, given that he showed no interest in Seora. He seemed a bit off, but achieving the top ranking in the U.S. is no small feat.

“Ah, but then again, what could you possibly know, saying all that?” Julian eventually concluded.

“…” Damn it. Should I activate the administrator’s protection?

Unaware that his life was at risk twice, Julian shrugged and smirked as he headed back toward Seong Jarim.

Quietly, Seora stepped on the feet of Kang Sejun, who laughed with his shoulders shaking, beside her.

She despised these darn L-class individuals; they weren’t cuter than the S-classes.

***

Silently, a man wearing a hat infiltrated a dimly lit basement. Inside, the air was thick with dust and a musty odor. Two individuals awaited his arrival.

“She’s undoubtedly an F-class,” the man declared, prompting the other two to burst into laughter.

“Even if she’s not an F-class, she would be, at best, an E-class. I confirmed it when she passed by after the meeting.”

“To have an F-class in such an important position, even as a substitute, shows their complete lack of sensibility.”

“Since they appointed an F-class as a substitute, I wonder if there’s someone remarkable supporting her from behind, entrusting her with this role?”

A chilling question hung in the air, causing the man to bow his head quickly.

“Absolutely not. Our investigation revealed that she’s a low-ranking government official with no influential connections. She comes from an ordinary family, and the only noteworthy aspect is her recent stint as Seong Jarim’s aide. It was probably due to that connection that she ended up as Headbang’s representative.”

“Quite an unusual background for an F-class. However, it’s precisely that peculiarity that will lead to her demise.”

The word “demise” was casually mentioned, but it didn’t elicit surprise from anyone in the room. On the contrary, a woman twirled a gun in her hand, finding the situation amusing.

“Ensure that it’s taken care of without a trace.”

“You speak too much for someone requesting the elimination of a mere F-class. Hand over the advance payment. If a single piece is missing, I’ll fill the gap with your life.”

The man in the hat wasted no time and handed over a bag. Ching. The delightful sound of diamond gemstones showering filled the room, bringing a satisfied smile to the woman’s face.

“Diamonds truly make the best commission fee. The quantity is just right.”

“It will be swiftly done. It’s best to have the remaining diamonds delivered to the designated location in advance. In return, I’ll provide concrete evidence of the target’s demise. I shall take my leave now.”

“Of course.”

The clandestine conversation filled with the stench of blood in the basement gradually faded. All that remained was the greedy sound of counting jewels.

Perhaps any life could vanish in a similar manner.

***

Contrary to concerns, the three-day conference concluded quietly and smoothly.

“Now, I will announce the participants.”

The selection criteria were based on participants’ willingness to join, absence of injuries, and compatible abilities. Following these guidelines, the following individuals were chosen.

“Healer Monique Ribery, Tank Oliver Ross, Ethan J. Garcia, Ali Russo, Damage Dealer Julian Martinez, Kang Sejun, Seong Jarim, and Headbang. A total of eight people have been selected.”

“Korea, being new to the Labyrinth experience, has all three of them participating, while China and Russia are once again absent,” Oliver expressed his dissatisfaction, saying he had expected as much.

China’s Wei Hu didn’t even attend the meeting due to the president’s opposition, and Lu Yanwei had only participated in the Labyrinth raid once before. Viktor from Russia declined to participate on his own accord.

“Are you jealous? If you have complaints, then don’t go either,” Viktor shamelessly sneered. Oliver furrowed his brow.

“You have no shame. People like you contribute to the poor reputation of L-classes when it comes to character.”

“What did you say?”

“Don’t waste your energy getting angry, Viktor. It’s true that you’re not participating and that your character leaves much to be desired,” Ali chuckled.

As if showcasing his deteriorated character, Viktor forcefully swept the table and stood up, seemingly ready to confront anyone. However, as the collective gaze of all the L-classes in the conference room converged on him, he could only blush and remain silent. He knew all too well that he was the weakest among them, incapable of winning even a single confrontation.

“Now that the participants have been finalized, I suppose there’s no reason for me to stay here, right? I’m out,” he muttered.

“Just leave already,” someone retorted.

And so, Viktor left the conference room without anyone seeing him off.

“Wow, this lineup is filled with intriguing individuals, isn’t it? We have some new faces, including the captain. And let’s not forget we’ll have the chick with us.”

“Will the executive not be joining us this time?” Monique inquired, prompting Jaeheon to glance in Seora’s direction briefly.

“I sustained an injury during the Cheorwon Dungeon, so I won’t participate this time,” he replied. To be precise, it was due to his sister’s threat that she wouldn’t let it slide if he were to go with an incomplete body, but very few people were aware of this fact.

“Since only L-classes are participating… I hope nothing like what happened on the 6th floor occurs again,” someone expressed, eliciting grumbles of agreement from those who had participated in the raid.

During that previous incident, only 10 L-classes had taken part, and three of them had lost their lives. The dungeon had collapsed immediately after the raid, preventing the retrieval of one person’s body.

“This time will be different. After all, we have someone with the grandiose title of Omniscient Mage, don’t we?” Ali stated, directing everyone’s attention toward Kang Sejun.

On the first day of the meeting, Kang Sejun had unveiled his unique abilities to everyone. As a Battle Mage capable of wielding all attributes, he possessed an exceptionally rare trait that no one else in the world had.

The presence of exceptional Healers and Mages greatly increased the chances of success in the raid. Kang Sejun would undoubtedly play a crucial role this time.

Seora was well aware of his convenience and extraordinary abilities. With only a few days remaining until the raid, he would soon share with her the knowledge of the 8th floor’s structure that he had acquired in the past. Although he couldn’t inform everyone, sharing it with Seora and Jarim would significantly enhance their chances of victory.

“Moreover, with two L-classes supporting the Healers, it will be easier than ever, don’t you think? It’s much better than relying on a weak S-class Healer. And with me as the main Healer,” Monique asserted, pointing to Seong Jarim and Oliver Ross, who possessed healing abilities.

Garcia smirked. “Right. With two L-classes supporting Healers, are we witnessing the birth of a perfect zombie army? Hey, Zombie Queen, why don’t the three of you create a zombie guild together?”

“Before I turn you into a zombie, shut your flapping mouth.”

Seora wasn’t sure if it was possible, but Monique didn’t seem joking. Watching Monique swing her fists, Seora wondered if Healers generally possessed such spirited personalities.

“Now that the raid team has been finalized, we’ll see you all at Labyrinth Island in two weeks,” announced Rodrick, concluding the three-day conference.

Pacific Ocean, an island with the Labyrinth Gate.

There were 21 days left until the gate opened. Unlike other dungeons, conquering the Labyrinth could take several days, so the 21-day preparation period was relatively short.

Seora knew she had to prepare herself diligently and be fully ready for the challenges that lay ahead.

***

「Breaking News: The Labyrinth’s 8th Floor Raid Team Announced」

「All Three Korean L-Classes to Participate 」

「Will the Mysterious Headbang Finally be Revealed?」

「Sudden Participation of Athena’s Captain!」

The news of the raid team formation spread rapidly. Internet news articles flooded in, and journalists flocked to the WDO headquarters, seeking interviews.

“Shouldn’t they reveal it after we get home? The cameras are too intimidating.”

The crowd’s gaze was so intense that going outside seemed frightening. After all, microphones could be deadly too, right?

“It’s to reassure the public. Everyone should put on a smile to make them feel at ease, don’t you think?” Song Hanna’s words made sense.

‘But still, the focus will probably be on Kang Sejun and Seong Jarim, right?’

Being a representative held great significance. It was a pity that she would soon have to reveal her identity.

“It’s the Korean team! All the L-classes are here!”

“President Song, please grant us an interview! All the L-classes from your country are participating. How do you feel about it?”

“Is it true that the Combat-type Seong Jarim can provide auxiliary healing?”

“Hunter Kang Sejun, could you please explain more about your abilities?”

“What is Headbang up to right now?”

Cameras and microphones were thrust toward them from all directions as they cautiously stepped out of the headquarters. Although L-classes from other countries had also emerged, the crowd seemed to be congregating around the Koreans for some reason.

Seora seized the opportunity when everyone was focused on the three individuals and quickly approached the car.

Thunk.

“What’s this puddle of water?” It hadn’t rained, yet there was a pool of water on the ground. It seemed too significant to be just spilled water.

“What’s the matter?” A WDO staff member on security duty approached.

Seora shook her head, indicating that there was no problem…

【Administrator: Σ(・Д・)!?】

‘Liza-ssi?’

The administrator’s surprised emoticon indicated that something was about to happen. Seora scanned her surroundings, expecting a sudden dungeon appearance. If that were the case, the administrator would likely initiate a 10-minute countdown. With many strong individuals present, there shouldn’t be any danger even if civilians gathered.

“Miss Yun Seora, is everything okay?”

While waiting for the message to appear, Seora sensed something unusual in that moment.

How did a WDO employee know her name, a lowly civil servant? Moreover, the person wasn’t even present in the conference room.

“Quite perceptive for an F-class. However, it’s already too late.”

Before her, the face of a man with enlarged black pupils flashed, accompanied by a mocking smile.

He’s smiling? Seora reached out to grab his collar, intending to restrain him, but suddenly her body plunged into the shallow water pooling on the floor.

With a splash, the water rose up to her head in an instant. Bubbles foamed from her open mouth, obstructing her vision. Just as she held her breath and attempted to move her legs to resurface…

“Huh?”

Abruptly, she emerged from the water and found herself sitting in an entirely different location.

There were no cameras, no journalists, and no clamoring voices.

Instead of the clearly visible WDO headquarters, Seora found herself in a damp and filthy basement.