Chapter 93:

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~!

“Finally, I have the opportunity to meet you properly. Despite not particularly enjoying this situation, I’m incredibly happy. Let me greet you once again, Headbang. I am Christopher Campbell of the Guardian Guild.”

Damn it, as expected, he noticed the cube. Seora let out a sigh. “It’s a shame. I was hoping to keep it hidden a little longer.”

“I didn’t just realize it now.”

“Oh, really?” Well, that’s unexpected. Then when did he realize it? I’m sure he had no clue when he was in Korea.

“There were three individuals on the rooftop of the S Hotel Dungeon. Since Miss Seong Jarim is not Headbang but an L-class Awakened, then the only remaining person is you, Miss Yun Seora.”

That’s right. That incident happened. Memories of deceiving Christopher flooded back, making it difficult for Seora to face him. She scratched her head and avoided eye contact. “I’m sorry for deceiving you. There were circumstances.”

“There’s no need to apologize at all! I completely understand. Besides, you only concealed it; you didn’t lie. It’s more like I deceived myself.” Christopher’s wide smile pained Seora’s conscience, a part she didn’t even know existed.

So, this is what it feels like to deceive an angel.

“If you already knew, why didn’t you reveal this fact? The master of Guardian has close ties with the U.S. government, after all.”

“Just because that’s true doesn’t mean I’m obligated to disclose everything to the association or the White House. I’m not officially affiliated with the government.”

“I’m not even American, and I have no intention of becoming one, so why are you going to such lengths for me?”

“I don’t have the right to disregard someone else’s desire to hide their identity.”

Silence hung in the air. It felt like a halo was emanating from him. My goodness. He’s such a righteous and noble person. No wonder there are rumors that an angel chose him. It might actually be true, thanks to his character.

“I also want to maintain a positive relationship with Yun Seora, not just as Headbang. I have great respect and admiration for someone who strives for peace.” His radiant smile intensified the halo, and it felt as if one should offer a prayer at that moment.

Ah, such a virtuous heart emitting a halo, coupled with his beautiful appearance. Even a non-existent faith seemed to blossom within Seora.

【Administrator: (╬◣д◢)】

However, the green monster of jealousy immediately began to rampage.

“So, you didn’t kill the leader of Blackjack.”

Seora, who had been pleading with the administrator, claiming he was the best, turned around. The guild master trapped inside the cube glared at her with bloodshot eyes.

“As a Korean government official, I couldn’t recklessly eliminate the leader of the underguild. Naturally, I will hand him over to the U.S. government.” Seora lowered her eyes as if she was truly ashamed. “Of course, there were some minor errors in the process, and the individuals who orchestrated my kidnapping ended up dead. Their attempt to escape forced me to act hastily.”

Christopher jumped up in surprise, still susceptible to Seora’s acting. “No! Those scumbags deserved to die! And even in your anger, you showed consideration for us. We are the ones who should be ashamed.”

“Ah, if you put it that way…” I’m grateful. I’m sorry for deceiving you, but in the first place, all of this happened because of their wrongdoing.

Seora once again trampled upon the delicate flower of conscience that had blossomed within her due to Christopher’s virtuous heart.

“We will apprehend all the members of Blackjack. Thank you for your tremendous assistance in the capture.”

“If you’re grateful, I hope you can keep the fact that I resolved this matter a secret. As I mentioned before, I don’t want my true identity to be exposed just yet.”

“Of course, we will do that.”

“The credit for dealing with Blackjack can be attributed to President Song, who came to rescue me. It won’t remain hidden for long. Everyone will discover the truth when we embark on the Labyrinth expedition.”

“I willingly comply,” Christopher responded politely, swiftly attending to the aftermath.

The members of the Guardian Guild, alerted by the message, arrived and successfully apprehended all the captured members of Blackjack. Before that, Seora firmly threatened them, warning that it wouldn’t be enjoyable if her true identity were revealed.

It wouldn’t take long. They just needed to remain in place until negotiations with the U.S. government were concluded.

After leaving the chaotic headquarters of Blackjack, Seora was able to return to the hotel, thanks to Song Hanna’s insistence that it be a hotel and not a hospital. She couldn’t trust hospitals, and thanks to that stern warning, the U.S. side would never think of touching Seora.

Now all she had to do was wait.

‘Oh, what should I tear apart?’

Anyone who dared to come empty-handed wouldn’t be left alone.

***

“Failure?”

He couldn’t believe it and asked multiple times, but the answer that came back was the same.

The kidnapping had been successful, but the assassination failed.

He had deliberately entrusted it to the underguild in the United States to avoid leaving any traces, so how could this happen? And to make matters worse, not only had the place they had been using as a hideout from the Guardian Guild for years collapsed, but the kidnapping had also failed. How?

“Well, it seems that the location of the headquarters has been compromised for some reason.”

The man gritted his teeth upon hearing the report from his subordinate. He wanted more details, but the lips that held the truth were already silenced forever.

“According to the U.S. announcement, President Song personally intervened. The master of the Guardian Guild was also present…”

“How is that even possible!? The location we planned for the kidnapping was far away from the headquarters!”

He felt like he was losing his mind. Their intention was to demoralize Korea, but it had backfired.

“Damn it. What am I supposed to do now…?”

In his moment of anxiety, the man nervously bit his fingernails. Just then, the mobile phone placed on the table started ringing, causing his body to tremble involuntarily. The name displayed on the screen belonged to someone he couldn’t disobey.

“…It’s all over.”

‘Wei Hu.’ The person who had sent him on the mission to America.

The man tightly closed his eyes and answered the call.

As a consequence of the mission’s failure, his own demise awaited him today.

***

“Long time no see, President Song.”

Song Hanna was quite surprised to see the person who had arrived at the hotel.

It was Joe Milan, none other than the president of the America Association.

I didn’t expect President Milan to come all the way here personally.”

“Well, everything happened because of the Awakened from America.”

Joe Milan was by no means an ordinary figure. The position of a president representing the Awakened individuals of any country was not given lightly. Song Hanna was slightly concerned about how well Seora would be able to negotiate with such a prominent figure.

“Please come in. The victim, Hunter Yun Seora, is currently unable to move due to her injuries, so please understand.”

“That’s perfectly understandable.”

Seora had been moved to the luxurious suite where Song Hanna was staying and was lounging around.

Unable to move? Of course, it was all a pretense. The bandages and plasters she had applied to her face and body were all disguises. However, her energy level was still at an F-class, so Milan was easily deceived.

“Joe Milan, the president of the America Association, has arrived.”

“Oh, hello. I’m sorry. I can’t get up from my seat right now…” Seora, sitting wearily with a tired expression, looked greatly surprised and flustered.

Even Song Hanna, who knew the truth, was momentarily taken aback. It was such a flawless act. Oh my, Jaehui. Has your daughter always been such a skilled actress? I’m only realizing it now. I should have sent her to Hollywood instead of becoming a Hunter.

“It’s alright. I apologize for coming while you’re in such discomfort. President Song, considering her condition, it seems difficult for you to return home. Shall we send a Healer?”

“Thank you for your offer, but it’s okay. We will return home tomorrow as planned.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Hunter Yun has agreed as well. It seems she’s more anxious being here right now.”

If the victim who had been kidnapped had no objections, there was nothing more to discuss. Milan agreed.

“I apologize on behalf of the association for this incident. Our management was inadequate. We will definitely provide compensation for the damages caused by this.”

When it came to the main point, Seora made an eye gesture toward Song Hanna. As planned, she spoke, “Of course, you should also reward me for dealing with Blackjack, Mr. Milan. I am well aware that there are rewards for those who take down the underguild.”

“…Naturally. Don’t worry.”

“And one more thing. I believe it is necessary to offer a proper apology to Headbang, who has Hunter Yun as their representative.”

This was Seora’s objective. A legitimate way to obtain two valuable rewards without revealing her true identity!

“Have you already contacted them?”

“I received a call. The scene of Hunter Yun being kidnapped was captured vividly through a live broadcast. As a result, they are very angry.”

“Is it a threat?”

“No, it’s advice. Unlike me, Headbang is quite easygoing. They mentioned that since the representative has returned safely without any major incidents, there is no intention to escalate the situation.”

‘But if this incident is taken lightly, it will escalate significantly.’

Milan couldn’t have missed the meaning behind those words.

“…Currency means nothing to an L-class Hunter, I suppose. What do they want?”

“That’s something Hunter Yun here will tell you. She knows more about Headbang than I do.”

“…Visit the association before you leave tomorrow morning. Is that possible?”

“Ah, y-yes! Of course.”

With that, the discussion came to an end.

After a few more words exchanged with Song Hanna, Joe Milan left the hotel. Finally, Seora’s expression returned to its original state. The tired and fearful look completely disappeared, leaving Song Hanna genuinely amazed.

“I should have made you an actress instead of a civil servant. If you can deceive even an S-class Hunter, you could have conquered Hollywood.”

“To be honest, I was quite surprised myself. Maybe it’s because I’ve been pretending not to be my mother’s daughter for over ten years?”

“…”

“I’m just joking. Don’t make that face.”

Song Hanna’s face suddenly turned gloomy, and tears welled up in her eyes at the mention of joking.

“It may be innate, but I actually obtained the ‘A Thousand Masks’ title.”

“You obtained it? The one with notoriously difficult acquisition conditions?”

“Yes, the condition was to deceive ten S-classes with acting skills.”

“I can understand why even top-tier actors find it difficult to obtain. It’s like risking your life for it.” Song Hanna clicked her tongue, expressing her disbelief at the extreme difficulty level of the title. “More importantly, are you sure about going alone tomorrow? Will you be okay?”

“The America Association won’t harm me. There’s no need to be overly cautious.” They can ignore me and look down on me. After all, my goal is just to acquire the items. Being ignored is only temporary, but high-level items are eternal. “I bet America has a lot of great items, right?”

“Well, of course. They wouldn’t even compare to what I already have in my arsenal.”

“I’m looking forward to it.” Greed was evident on Seora’s face.

Hahaha. Just the thought of obtaining free equipment made her so happy already.

***

Seora entered the headquarters of the America Association, with blood-stained bandages on her face and bandages wrapped around her arms and legs.

As expected, it was on a different scale compared to Korea. The entrance alone was dazzling and magnificent, showcasing the power and wealth of the association.

‘Isn’t this a gap too huge between us?’

Are all associations of great powers like this? This won’t do. We must sell the artifacts we obtain from the Labyrinth and build at least one new building. Only then can the grandeur of the Korea Association’s president compete with this.

“Are you feeling better?”

Contrary to her expectations that someone appropriate would be sent, Joe Milan himself was scheduled to guide her today. Seora, who was staring at him intently, mustered a weary smile and replied, “Thanks to your concern, I’m much better now.” Her face didn’t reflect the improvement in her condition.

“It’s important for you to return home quickly and find peace of mind.”

Ahem. Milan cleared his throat and led Seora toward an elevator that would take them down to the basement.