Chapter 94:
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~!
During their journey, Seora surreptitiously observed Joe Milan. Noticing that he showed no particular interest in her, it appeared that Christopher was successfully keeping her secret. Christopher had proven himself to be a trustworthy individual.
“What does Headbang desire? An item, or perhaps an innate skill?”
Skills were categorized into three main groups: basic skills that could be easily bought or sold at item shops, unique skills associated with the specialty of Awakened or contracted Entities, and bound skills that could be obtained by defeating monsters or demons.
Seora had acquired Poison Resistance by defeating the Level 2 Demonic Boss, Harpoon Snake. This was an example of a bound skill, which could be obtained directly or occasionally dropped as a Skill Stone.
“Since they will soon be entering the dungeon, they will require items more than skills.”
“Ah, I understand. Their first raid must be challenging. The items are located here.”
As Milan opened the door, Seora gasped and held her breath. Her heart raced so intensely that breathing became difficult.
‘It’s not an underground facility; it’s a treasure vault!’
The brilliance pouring in from all directions was truly awe-inspiring. It sparkled and shone magnificently, reaching an unmatched level of splendor despite not consisting of jewels or gold.
Unbelievable. This surpassed Seora’s expectations, even though Song Hanna had described it as superior to her own armory. This was the treasure vault of a superpower! How incredible would it be if she could transfer all these items into her inventory!
“Choose whatever you desire.”
“A-anything here? Can I truly choose freely?”
“Yes, you can. Just remember one thing. This is our small token of affection for Headbang.”
Haha. Don’t worry. Headbang will remember this sight for a long time.
“If you wish, you can choose something as well.”
“Pardon? M-m-me?”
“This is compensation for the damages caused in this incident. However, we do have a condition. You must promise to speak positively about us to Headbang.” Ah, it’s not entirely free then. They call it compensation for damages but attach conditions to it. How petty. “We feel sorry for the losses incurred due to the unresolved underguild. It’s not just our reputation that has been affected.”
‘They’re only concerned about their image, while I almost lost my life.’
Seora could understand. Not only did such an unfortunate incident happen in a country renowned as a superpower, but Song Hanna was the one who resolved it.
“I heard you will be having an official interview in Korea. Speak favorably of us. We won’t forget this favor.
“And make sure to convey it in a way that doesn’t sour the relationship with Headbang.
“I’m sure you understand well, being a government official.”
‘I understand it well because I was once the lowest-ranked F-class civil servant. This is the privilege of being a government official that I gained from dealing with people like Park Jinyong.’
As she contemplated, a sense of melancholy washed over Seora. She attentively surveyed the inside of the warehouse. Initially, she had planned to choose one decent item, but the situation had changed with conditions now being presented. One should receive appropriate value in return.
‘Liza-nim?’
【Administrator: ◔_◔?】
‘Please find the two best and most expensive items available.’
【Administrator: ԅ( ิ ▽ ิ ԅ)】
The administrator hurried off with excitement. Observing the contractor’s joyful demeanor, Seora returned a gentle smile.
“Anything is fine?”
“If it’s available here.”
You will come to regret those words. Seora feigned a slow examination of the surroundings. What would the administrator bring?
【The system administrator is disappointed to find nothing extraordinary.】
‘I thought so. The precious items must have already been taken away. That’s alright. Please show me what’s remaining.’
【To fulfill the contractee’s wishes, the system administrator secretly took one item hidden elsewhere.】
“…?” Yes? What did you say? Wait, Liza?
【Coincidentally, the item we needed the most happened to be here, so the administrator casually brought it from over therrrrre.】
Wait a minute, Administrator-nim. Excuse me. Did you steal it? You took it from a place I’m certain is strictly regulated?
‘Oh, right. Come to think of it, my contractor is a system administrator.’
While interfering with dungeons and gates might be difficult, it appeared that obtaining items posed no issue. Wow, this is impressive.
Seora examined the item indicated by the administrator. It was a rolled-up parchment, curiously categorized as a weapon instead of equipment or miscellaneous items.
【Weapon information】
Name: Summoner’s Contract (Class L)
Type: Weapon
Specialty: Allows the summoning and contracting of a fantasy realm monster. The summoner’s rank determines the grade of the summoned monster.
Secondary Ability: The summoned creature can use one of the summoner’s skills.
Only Mages with the Tamer attribute could wield summoning contracts. However, there were no attribute-related conditions mentioned for this particular item. It meant that anyone could use it.
‘Moreover, it claims to be able to replicate one of the summoner’s skills? So, my summoned creature can use Spatial Domination?’
This was incredible. Furthermore, being an L-class item meant it could fully inherit her abilities. There was a reason it was categorized as a weapon rather than just an item. I wondered what had been stolen! Indeed, my administrator. My love!
【Administrator: (*σ ´∀`)σ*✲゚*。♡】
“May I choose this one first?” Seora chuckled and pointed at the scroll. Milan, who had been wearing a mocking expression as if questioning how great the item could be, suddenly froze.
“Wh-why is this here?”
“Huh? I-is there something wrong with it being here…?” Seora tilted her head innocently, while he displayed signs of confusion. Ah, how amusing. It suits him well!
“Well, you see…”
She could see the gears turning in his head. Why was something that should be securely kept here? And how powerful would it become as a weapon in Headbang’s hands? Various thoughts flickered vividly on his face.
“That’s…”
“I believe Headbang would be delighted to receive it, don’t you think?” Seora took the initiative before she, as an F-class, got ignored and had the item taken away. If he wanted to maintain a good relationship with Headbang, he should allow it.
His face turned red, as if an F-class was threatening his pride. However, the situation was already against him. After hesitating for a while, he let out a deep sigh.
“…If I give that to you, you will definitely uphold our deal, right?”
“Of course. With this level of sincerity, Headbang will surely be satisfied.” Yes, yes. They’re very satisfied, so hand it over already.
When he reluctantly nodded, Seora called out triumphantly.
A summoning contract for a fantasy monster. She wondered what kind of being it would summon. With the administrator’s assistance, she was confident she could summon an amazing creature.
【Administrator: (*˙︶˙*)ノ】
With the confident emoticon from the trustworthy administrator, Seora felt much more at ease.
Now, what should she choose for the second item?
***
“You look very happy.”
Seora arrived at the airport, feeling exhilarated as if she were about to take flight. Yun Jaeheon, her brother, greeted her with a bright smile and burst into laughter. “I heard you managed to secure a big haul.”
“As expected of the United States.”
A summoning contract and a weapon. The price she obtained after being kidnapped was truly satisfying.
“Are you heading back now, Brother?”
“Yeah, and I think I’ll be going to Labyrinth Island in three weeks.”
“What? You haven’t fully recovered from your injuries yet.”
Ignoring her instructions to rest until he was better, Jaeheon shrugged. “Don’t worry. I won’t be entering the dungeon. I’ll just be assisting the captain. Besides, since you’re going in, it’s only natural for me to see you off.”
“But you’ve never seen me off before.”
“Things are different now. I’ll receive consistent treatment from a Healer, so don’t worry.”
“…Be careful.”
When Seora playfully punched Jaeheon’s shoulder, he exaggeratedly acted hurt. She punched him again for fun.
“By the way.”
“Yeah?”
“Well…” Seora had fiercely debated whether she should ask him this or not. But since they would continue to face each other in the future, she couldn’t keep it to herself any longer. “Is Director Do… your childhood friend?”
“I see you haven’t forgotten.”
Seora buried her face in her hands upon hearing Jaeheon’s response. “You knew, so why didn’t you tell me?”
“I didn’t think there was a need to. Besides, he said it didn’t matter.”
“So he knew too… That’s why he was especially kind to me.”
“I asked him to look out for you, but even if I hadn’t, he would have done it anyway. That’s just the kind of person he is.”
That’s true. Do Junyeong was not only the person Seora trusted the most within the association after Song Hanna, but she firmly believed that he would come to her rescue even when she was trapped in the Werewolf’s Dungeon. And he did.
“You can reveal it if you want, or you can keep pretending not to know. It’s okay. I won’t say anything.”
“…Okay.”
“Well then, Seora, take care of yourself until we meet again. Get plenty of rest, eat well, and avoid getting into any dangerous situations like this. If something like this happens for the third time, even I won’t be able to bear it.”
“As long as I don’t have to work overtime, I can do anything.” Don’t forget that your sister is a low-ranking government official in the association…
Seora smiled through misty eyes, and Jaeheon fell silent. He still couldn’t quite get used to seeing his younger sister as a perfect office worker.
“Take care.”
“And you, don’t go on any missions and just rest. Got it?”
“Got it, got it.” Jaeheon’s laughter filled the air as he ruffled his sister’s hair and gently tapped her shoulder before leaving.
Every time Seora saw Jaeheon’s retreating figure, her heart always wavered. Once he left, she wouldn’t be able to see him for at least a few years, especially since he always fought on the front lines.
The appearance of the older brother, who devoted his life to revenge, was too much for his younger sister to handle.
“But now, it’s a little easier.”
Revenge was over, and she had grown stronger. They had finally escaped the nightmares of their past that had haunted both of them, and now they could walk the path they truly desired, free from the shackles that held them back.
A path that could be called their own future, not one dictated by others.
With a heart relieved of burdens, Seora turned around.
This path was the path she had to take.