Chapter 75
After the disappearance of the Cheorwon Dungeon, which had plagued Korea for 12 long years, the front of the association’s headquarters was swarmed by the media. The press and eager fans, hoping to catch a glimpse of Headbang, crowded the area.
“Hey, did you see that? ‘Association, show us Headbang! We have the right to see our beloved L-class!’”
“Veehuitee, shuddup.”
“Seora, I don’t understand what you mean.”
“Be quiet, shut up. Do you really want to hear me cursing?”
Jarim, who was reading the placard, reluctantly closed her mouth. There was no point in provoking Seora, who had become sharper than usual since the possibility of resignation vanished.
Within the association, only a few knew that Seora was the third L-class Awakened and Headbang. After all, if anyone were to deceive others, they had to deceive their allies first.
But such secrets couldn’t remain hidden forever.
“When the Labyrinth Dungeon opens, all the L-classes in the world will be summoned. It will inevitably be revealed then.”
It had already been a week since the raid on the Cheorwon Dungeon concluded. During this time, the raid members, having taken a break to recover from their injuries, gathered once again in the office of the association’s president after a long hiatus.
From the moment they arrived until now, all eyes were fixed on Seora, making her feel utterly miserable.
“Kang Hanseo kept looking for you in the community, but you never responded. You’re really something,” Yu Su-eun remarked bluntly. She had always teased Seora as a fragile person because of Han Suwon and Seong Jarim before, but after knowing her true identity, her attitude turned this way.
Seora felt a little disappointed. She had thought Yu Su-eun would take her side.
“Really? I didn’t know at all because I haven’t checked the community lately.”
“Why? Because it’s covered with Headbang’s name?”
“…”
She had asked, clearly knowing that. What an ill-tempered person. Seora vowed to catch the bastard who had created the nickname Headbang.
As Seora quietly gnashed her teeth, Yu Su-eun giggled. “Headbang. How cute is that nickname? Ahh, I envy you!”
It was Han Suwon, who had shown goodwill from the first meeting, who came to her rescue.
“Isn’t Guild Master Yu Su-eun’s nickname Chihuahua? I personally think it’s a fitting nickname.”
“Shut up!”
Oh, goodness. I’m so touched. As expected, a nice handsome man is the best. Seora smiled broadly at Han Suwon with gratitude. He smiled back softly as if it was nothing. Ah, how dazzling.
【Administrator: (╯°□°)╯︵ ┻ㅁ┻】
“…”
Her pounding heart cooled down as she saw the administrator’s emoticon overturning the table. His voice further emphasized the presence of emoticons. She suddenly became curious. Could it be that he’s really typing those emoticons on a keyboard?
‘The administrator said he’s a man. So, is he feeling jealous? Is this jealousy?’
【Administrator: ✖(;;;`Д´)✖】
He seemed embarrassed and pretended he was not, but it was so obvious. Liza, who comforted her so warmly, was clearly jealous. What should she do about this contradiction?
“Ah, I have something to say.” Seong Jarim raised her hand amidst the uproar caused by Yu Su-eun and Han Suwon. It was quite unusual for someone who usually seemed clueless and detached during meetings.
“What is it? Go ahead and say it.”
“You can reveal my identity now.”
Everyone’s eyes widened at her unexpected words. Even Seora was taken aback because she hadn’t heard about it before.
“Is that really okay?” Song Hanna asked, seeking clarification
Seong Jarim nodded in response. “Well, now that I’ve adjusted, wouldn’t it be difficult for the association if I continue hiding my identity on top of Seora hiding hers?”
“Oh, I’m surprised you’re considering the association.”
“I’ve received so much, so I feel the need to give something back.” The association had helped her adjust, provided accommodation, and protected her from the media until she got used to everything. Certainly, the association had done everything they could for Seong Jarim. “I’m also grateful to Seora because she didn’t abandon me for months and took good care of me,” Jarim added, looking at Seora with a smile.
For the first time, Seora realized how good-looking Seong Jarim was once her features were exposed from under the red hair.
“Seong Jarim, you’re quite handsome now that I really look at you.”
Seora’s sudden statement took everyone aback, but she meant it genuinely. She truly found Jarim to be handsome.
“I can’t believe you’re only recognizing my beauty now. I’m upset.”
Yeah, why do you think I only realized it now? Who would think of words like ‘beauty’ when facing someone who’s over a hundred years old?
“…Seora, what are you thinking right now?” It seemed like Jarim could see what Seora was thinking inside, considering they had been together for months.
Seora smiled brightly, claiming that she hadn’t thought of anything. It was the face of someone with impolite thoughts.
“Alright. If you say so, the association will make an official announcement sooner or later.”
Upon hearing Song Hanna’s words, Seong Jarim raised her nose as if she had never glanced at Seora. “Now, did you all hear? My identity will be revealed soon. Wherever you go in the future, you don’t have to pretend you don’t know me if you meet me. You can proudly praise and boast about knowing me everywhere.”
The atmosphere instantly turned gloomy. Yu Su-eun muttered curses under her breath while intermittently mentioning ‘puppy.’
“Lastly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who worked hard and fought in Cheorwon.”
However, their expressions were as hard as stones due to Song Hanna’s actions.
Song Hanna had her hands clasped together and bowed her head. That Song Hanna!
“What’s going on? Why am I hallucinating? Did I get poisoned without realizing it?”
Had Yu Su-eun, who had a strong determination to take care of her body and awakened as a Healer, hit her head so hard that it hurt? The expressions of the others were no different.
Only Song Hanna had a serious face without a smile.
“I’m glad to see all of you here safely again, without anyone missing. Thank you for your hard work,” Song Hanna expressed, her hands clenched on top of her desk.
Witnessing this, Yu Su-eun also fell silent and refrained from speaking.
Everyone was aware that Song Hanna had lost her best friend, Hyeon Jaehui, in the Cheorwon Dungeon. The association they were currently in had been established on the sacrifice made by Jaehui as well. It was undoubtedly a source of deep bitterness.
The dungeon that remained for 12 years without disappearing.
How much she must have yearned to enter the dungeon where her friend’s blood had not yet cooled. All of these emotions were conveyed through the tightly clenched fists of Song Hanna.
Seora silently patted her on the shoulder, offering comfort without uttering a word.
“Sooner or later, we will reward those who successfully led the dungeon raid. Everyone can look forward to it.”
When an attack was successful, the government provided rewards through the association. Naturally, the higher the level of the dungeon, the greater the reward. In this case, the dungeon had been elevated from Level 2 to Level 1, and considering that it had remained untouched for 12 years, a substantial reward was expected.
The two individuals with the strongest desire for rewards in the room, Yu Su-eun and Yun Seora, couldn’t help but salivate.
‘I’ve never been properly compensated because I’ve been handling things secretly! This is so exciting! Finally, I’m getting official recognition and payment!’
Seora suddenly had a thought that discussing what had been revealed and the dungeons she had dealt with could potentially lead to receiving compensation. She planned to approach Song Hanna once everyone had left and try to secure her share of the accumulated money.
The idea of money brought a wide grin to Seora’s already joyful face.
However, her smile didn’t last long.
“Yun Seora.”
After the meeting, when everyone started to rise from their seats to leave, Kang Sejun called out to her with a solemn tone.
And what followed was nothing short of a shock.
“I would like to talk to you privately. Can you spare me some time? It’s something very important.”
“…?”
“…?”
The expressions of everyone present became subtle.
Well, if you looked at the content of his request, it didn’t seem strange. But there was something odd about the way he said it.
All eyes turned to Seora, their mouths slightly agape. Seora also coughed awkwardly, as if she had sensed something strange.
“Wh-what’s the matter? If it’s nothing urgent, just say it here…”
Seora desperately winked at him. Say yes. That way, everyone will assume that there’s something important to discuss between two L-class individuals. Come on, say yes!
However, Kang Sejun seemed oblivious to her winks and instead rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment.
“It’s a bit difficult to talk about it here.”
“…”
“…”
The gazes of those watching became even more peculiar.
Why was he speaking as if he was about to confess!?
Look, Yu Su-eun and Eun Injae immediately reached for their popcorn, and Joo Eun laughed, saying, “Haha, young people.”
Yun Jaeheon and Song Hanna smiled at Kang Sejun, but their smiles seemed insincere. As for Do Junyeong… Hmm?
‘Why is Director Do caught in the middle of this… Kang Sejun is in for trouble.’
The person staring at Kang Sejun with a blank expression had sharp, intense eyes. It was clear that the owner of those eyes truly despised the situation.
“Um, is it urgent?”
“Yes. I want to talk as soon as I’ve made up my mind. I don’t want to delay it any longer.”
“…”
Seora knew.
‘Everything is encapsulated in that one sentence! Kang Sejun is about to confess to Yun Seora!’ She was certain everyone else thought the same. It was never supposed to be like this, but she was so devastated that she couldn’t articulate her thoughts properly.
“Let’s go…”
In the end, Seora decided to leave the group with him because she felt she couldn’t bear the shame if she stayed any longer. Seven pairs of intense eyes followed them as they walked away.