Chapter 164:
We kindly ask for your understanding regarding the inconsistency of character pronouns, particularly for the Entities (ex. The Greedy Predator). In Korean, pronouns are rarely used, making it challenging to ascertain a character's gender or identity until later narratives unfold. Update twice a week [SUN] & [THURS] starting August 2024! Also please check out our new Hunter series!
This unsettling information was immediately relayed to Alexander Rodrick, the head of WDO. Already anxious about the news of Ali Russo and Yun Seora joining hands, this piece of absurd information only disturbed him further.
The fact that this India dungeon was connected to a locked China dungeon was hard to dismiss, especially considering the case of Seong Jarim, the world’s only dungeon survivor. Acting within his authority, Rodrick promptly contacted the Chinese President, sharing the details and requesting support. With the belief that China, often boasting about the dungeon as a badge of honor, would naturally accept the request.
“Understood. It’s fortunate that the key is in Korea. Send it directly to the dungeon entrance. We’ll be waiting there.”
Upon receiving the call, President Liu Jinliang graciously accepted Rodrick’s request. His face was as relaxed as his tone. Despite his true thoughts, his eyes, as expressive as his words, were clearly drawing a smile.
“The Locked dungeon.”
After hanging up the phone, Liu Jinliang tapped his desk with his fingertips. His sharp, sword-like eyes scanned the empty air.
Recently, there was news that those he had secretly sent to Korea had gone missing one by one, even before sending any information, putting him in a bad mood. However, this recent news was enough to make him smile after a long time.
For China, who had once reigned as the strongest power in Northeast Asia, the Locked dungeon was the source of their inferiority complex.
Moreover, three L-classes appeared in Korea and successfully conquered their own Locked dungeon. To Liu Jinliang, it was absolutely unacceptable that the small country had achieved what large countries weren’t able to.“Wei Hu.”
At his call, a young man appeared in the empty air. He had short black hair, deep black eyes, and a face soaked in gloom, seemingly able to disappear at any moment. He was none other than Wei Hu, known as the world’s greatest assassin.
“So, the dungeon in India is connected to our great China’s only flaw.”
Despite the clear astonishment of the situation, there was no change in Wei Hu’s expression. Liu Jinliang liked that about him. There’s nothing better than an emotionless, sharp tool.
“Go. Go and immediately uproot the rotten roots. Bring anyone necessary for the mission, no matter who they are.”
“Yes.”
“Remember, your task is to eliminate everything that hinders our flaw and our future.”
“I understand.”
With a low bow, Wei Hu obediently dispersed. Embodying the world’s greatest assassin with exceptional stealth, he was virtually untraceable even among other L-classes.
Therefore, he would undoubtedly succeed in achieving his goals and return. Just as always.
“It seems like the best news in recent times.”
Liu Jinliang’s face, sipping a warm tea emitting steam, formed a soft smile.
***
The news that the dungeon in India was connected to China’s Locked dungeon was immediately conveyed to Song Hanna through WDO. Wei Hu, acting on the president’s orders, joined the raid with Hunters from the Public Security Bureau.
Song Hanna was greatly surprised to hear that it was Wei Hu, not Lu Yanwei, who personally took part in the mission. However, it wasn’t a time for rejoicing; rather, the situation had become more complicated.
“What does that mean?”
In the president’s office, Kang Sejun and Seong Jarim, responding promptly to Song Hanna’s call, wore stern expressions.
With recent suspicious activities among certain politicians, orchestrated by Lee Gilsang, Song Hanna was already on edge. Now, what kind of absurdity was this?
“WDO is against disclosing Yun Seora’s movements?”
“Yeah,” Song Hanna responded to Kang Sejun’s direct question. She, too, clenched her fists, struggling to contain her simmering anger. “To be precise, it’s not outright opposition but hesitation. Well, the effect is the same.”
“Why?”
“The Maze Dungeon in India is somehow linked to China’s Locked dungeon. Now, it’s not just India’s issue; it also involves China. Until Captain Ali Russo emerges from the dungeon, we can’t take any action.”
Even if Yun Seora and Yun Jaeheon entered that dungeon, South Korea had no right to intervene unless there was an official collaboration in the assault on the India dungeon.
‘I shouldn’t have let Seora go alone.’
The regret that plagued her several times a day since her niece’s departure intensified further after receiving a call from Yun Jaeheon, who had just escaped the dungeon.
That Seora rescued him but remained alone in the dungeon exceeded her expectations. She had anticipated them either exiting together or perishing together, but what unfolded was more horrifying than she had feared. Yun Jaeheon’s melancholic voice sent shivers down her spine.
Why had she sent that child alone? She should have officially sent Seora. If she had done that, this wouldn’t have happened!
Song Hanna tightly closed her eyes. She should have trusted her niece. Foolish judgments had twisted everything.
Following the departure of Hyeon Jaehui and Yun Seowu from this world, she found herself incredibly fragile.
“WDO is an international organization that remains impartial to any specific country. I am powerless in regard to this incident. That’s why I summoned both of you.”
Kang Sejun and Seong Jarim—two L-class individuals, possessing power that exceeded the influence of the association on global security. They were Seora’s friends, capable of achieving what the weakened Song Hanna could not.
“We will promptly engage in negotiations with WDO regarding the presence of Entities in the dungeon. We will actively persuade them to convince India and China. Currently, these nations are most eager for this information, making rejection unlikely.”
Offering information crucial to global security as a bargaining chip for her niece’s safety? Not quite. Yun Seora held the top spot in Korea, obligating the Hunter Association to actively safeguard the nation’s premier hunter. This was a matter of national importance.
“Seong Jarim, can you handle this?”
“I’ve received a great deal of support from Seora, and I cannot stand to see her manipulated by unscrupulous individuals. I will do whatever it takes.”
“Thanks.”
As Song Hanna bowed, Seong Jarim shrugged, signaling that there was no need for gratitude when helping a friend.
However…
‘It’s not just me who considers Seora as a friend.’
Seong Jarim shot a brief glance at Kang Sejun beside her; his black eyes were ablaze with anger.
She comprehended his sentiments. Much like Seora had been a comforting presence for her weary mind over the span of 108 years, Kang Sejun, too, had found solace in her. Both owed their renewed existence in this world to Seora. Therefore, it was evident that Kang Sejun wouldn’t turn a blind eye to the current situation.
“Kang Sejun, reinforce Seong Jarim’s statements.”
“Don’t worry; we’ve got this. We won’t stand idly by if things take a turn for the worse for Yun Seora.”
“I’m counting on you.”
With Song Hanna’s words, the two exited the president’s office. Seong Jarim tilted her head, observing Kang Sejun’s unyielding expression that showed no signs of softening. “What’s the plan? Should we release information about the altered dungeon for now? That should suffice.”
Lee Gilsang wasn’t immediately out to obliterate Yun Seora; the goal was merely to sow seeds of doubt among those unwaveringly devoted to the Headbang. That was the primary objective. However, doubt could be a potent weapon at times, so they had to thwart it at all costs.
Kang Sejun was contemplating a similar approach.
“No, that won’t suffice. Yun Seora can’t afford a single flaw. WDO must be firmly on Yun Seora’s side.”
“You don’t mean…?”
Reveal the truth about regression? Without confirming the presence of eavesdroppers, Seong Jarim opted not to delve into details. Yet, Kang Sejun grasped the implication perfectly.
“Yeah. I had intended to disclose it once news about the appearance of the 9th floor of the Labyrinth surfaced, so it won’t alter much. Still, let’s inform only Director Rodrick, just to be cautious. That should be enough.”
Alexander Rodrick was the individual who, during times of turmoil, established the international organization WDO to bring peace to the world. With profound contemplation and rapid situational awareness, he wouldn’t readily turn against the regressor once acquainted with the truth.
In some respects, Kang Sejun might be privy to more truths than the returning Seong Jarim.
“Well, yeah. It’s a good thing we didn’t follow Seora blindly. If any of us were absent, we wouldn’t have handled this situation properly.”
“But… I’m concerned about whether that place is genuinely safe.” Kang Sejun sighed. While they were aware that the dungeon in India took on a maze form, they hadn’t anticipated its connection to China. At that time, the Chinese government had sealed it with a Lock before information about the dungeon was even disclosed.
“Trust Seora. She’s someone who doesn’t want to die more than any of us, so she’ll undoubtedly return alive.” Seong Jarim tapped Kang Sejun’s shoulder.
Even the two, who had endured innumerable harrowing events and struggled to trust anyone, eventually placed their trust in Yun Seora. So, she would return safely.
Certainly.