Chapter 130:

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!

Before the formal meal began, Song Hanna briefly explained the situation to Jang Inhu about Seong Jarim. It was a story known to the WDO anyway, and since the details about dungeons and gates would be revealed soon, it was better for the president to know in advance.

“I see that such a thing happened.”

Jang Inhu’s face showed regret. He felt pathetic for being pleased just because an L-class appeared without knowing the suffering his own people had endured for a long time.

“I’m glad you’re back on Earth, miss. Please make yourself comfortable as much as you like, I’m fine.”

“Uh, sorry— I mean, I apologize. I haven’t had much experience with formalities for decades.”

“I understand.”

Seong Jarim nervously ate the braised short ribs. Although her expression seemed uneasy, there was no issue with her appetite; she was already on her third plate alone.

“However, you’ve suffered for so long. Is it okay for you to go back into dungeons again?”

“Yeah— I mean, yes. Why not? It doesn’t matter. I’m even stronger now than back then, and honestly, I don’t know anything other than fighting.”

Hearing Seong Jarim’s unconcerned words, Jang Inhu let out a bitter smile.

Seong Jarim had spent too long on the battlefield. Fighting had become her whole life, so if you took that away, nothing would be left for her. Thus, she made a decision. She would rather keep fighting until the end, even if it meant dying. Seong Jarim didn’t even consider the thought of dying gracefully.

“And now, I’m not fighting alone, so it’s fine. Instead of sending my friends into the dungeons and waiting at home alone, I prefer going together and kicking some monster butts— You know.”

Everyone laughed at her playful remark, glancing at her discreetly.

However, Seora couldn’t join in the laughter. How could she laugh when she knew that friend was none other than herself?

At first, she had merely been a system administrator’s contractee, watching over Seong Jarim from the sidelines. But now, knowing she was determined to protect her as a true friend, Seora felt nothing but gratitude.

***

Even though it was a meal with the president, there was no discomfort at all. Jang Inhu listened attentively, showed great consideration for the association and Awakened, and it turned out to be quite enjoyable.

“Hunter Hyeon Jaehui and Hunter Yun Seowu were truly remarkable individuals. I sincerely admire them.”

Hearing his genuine praise made it even better. It would have been uncomfortable if he had said things like being grateful for saving Korea or not forgetting their sacrifices. Jang Inhu was indeed a person Song Hanna could trust and join hands with.

“It was an honor to share this meaningful meal with all of you today. Perhaps we could have another opportunity in the future?”

Everyone responded that they would be willing to be called upon any time and that it would be a pity if today were the last time. After all, who would refuse to have an expensive meal for free?

“As long as the food is as delicious as it was today, anytime is fine,” Seong Jarim, who had happily eaten seven plates of braised ribs alone, replied with delight.

Satisfied, Jang Inhu bid farewell, leaving a message to meet again at the National Cemetery on December 31st, like a casual farewell.

As soon as he left, Song Hanna anxiously held Seora’s hand. “Seora, will you attend the commemoration ceremony?” She was worried about how Seora had readily accepted Jang Inhu’s final farewell. “You’ve never attended it before. Did you just reply for him to hear?”

“No, this year, I intend to go.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Why the sudden change?”

“Well, now that it’s been revealed that I’m the daughter of my parents, I don’t need to hide anymore.” She used to hide, not wanting to listen to those who tried to impose sacrifices on her. But not anymore. Who could force her now? She had proudly proven herself as one of the strongest contributors to the Labyrinth raid, having her name listed as one of the top.

“That’s right, why worry? Who dares to wag their tongues in front of two L-classes?”

“Not two, but three.” Following Seong Jarim, Kang Sejun also chimed in. Their words meant they would also be present at the ceremony, guarding her. Seora smiled in response as if to say, See? There’s nothing to worry about.

“See you at the National Cemetery on the 31st.”

“…Sure.”

Finally, Song Hanna nodded, looking at the three standing side by side.

Indeed, now Seora could stand independently, and she couldn’t be cradled and treated like a child forever. She hoped she wouldn’t get hurt anymore, but humans grew through experiences and collisions.

So, it was time for Song Hanna to let go and push her niece forward to carve her own path without worries.

***

The winter sky was exceptionally deep blue. Today was December 31st, the last day of the year, and the biting cold winds cut through people’s clothing.

An event was held at the Seoul National Cemetery to honor the Hunters who had protected the nation and its people throughout the year. As it was the day Hyeon Jaehui sacrificed her life to seal the Cheorwon Dungeon, everyone wanted this day to be forever remembered.

“A moment of silence.”

Even in the harsh winter, numerous people bowed their heads in remembrance. Among them were families of fallen Hunters, survivors whose lives were saved thanks to the Hunters, and others who simply wanted to express their gratitude to the Hunters.

However, among the many attendees, three individuals stood out: Kang Sejun, Seong Jarim, and Yun Seora—The L-class Awakened who successfully completed the raid on the 8th floor of the Labyrinth just a few days ago. Their presence at the event drew noticeable attention from the media. Especially Yun Seora, the most striking L-class who had made a radical appearance and was the biggest contributor to the recent dungeon conquest. On top of that, she was Hunter Hyeon Jaehui’s daughter, making her even more eye-catching.

“I can’t believe Headbang is Hyeon Jaehui’s daughter.”

“Yeah, right? The media only focused on her son, Yun Jaeheon, and never mentioned who the daughter was.”

“She had reasons to hide. Considering how people put so much pressure on Hunter Hyeon Jaehui, I wouldn’t blame her children for staying away from the public eye after her death.”

“I wonder how much she must have struggled as a young girl.”

Everyone whispered in hushed tones, but the top-ranked Awakened had extraordinary senses, and they heard it all.

“Are you okay?” asked Kang Sejun.

Seora, who had been staring straight ahead, tilted her head and replied, “Huh? Oh, what, the voices? It’s fine. They aren’t forcing us to make sacrifices or anything. I was prepared for this. My brother sent some of his subordinates to manipulate public opinion, so maybe that’s why.”

The gazes directed toward Seora were filled with goodwill, probably because many of the attendees at the ceremony were individuals who had received favors from Hunters.

Of course, not everyone held that attitude.

“Seora, that guy has been giving you weird looks since earlier. I don’t like it. Should I poke him to teach him a lesson?” Seong Jarim grumbled, and both Kang Sejun and Seora turned their heads. At the same time, the man who their combined gazes had caught hastily shifted his gaze, looking rather embarrassed.

It was Congressman Lee Gilsang, who had been scolded for pushing Seora.

“Oh, it’s Lee Gilsang.”

“You know him, too?”

Kang Sejun snorted in response. “I knew him in the past. He was the one who shouted, saying, this is why they should’ve come up with a law to discriminate against the Awakened, when Song Hanna devastated Seoul. And he was one of the first to leave Korea.”

“Wow, people can be so transparent.”

How consistent he was. It was quite impressive.

“That guy approached me and asked if I had any intention of becoming the association’s president. He got startled and quickly backed off after hearing that Yun Jaeheon is my brother.”

“So, that’s why he’s giving you that look.”

“He must be frustrated on the inside, right? While I was away, he probably thought he could ruin my image, but my brother’s preemptive move and me being named the top contributor first messed up his plans.”

Seora looked quite pleased seeing his ugly look and showed a fierce smile herself. Just as the camera turned toward them, Seong Jarim and Kang Sejun quickly covered her face with their hands. They almost revealed Seora’s real face to the entire nation through live broadcasting. They needed to protect Seora’s image.

“Do you think there won’t be any big problems for a while?”

Seora returned to a serious expression, and Kang Sejun nodded. “So many things have changed from the past that even I can’t be sure. But for now, things seem fine. Of course, we can’t let our guard down, especially regarding the Labyrinth’s ‘ally’ and the Key thieves.”

The ally and the Key thieves. Who could they be? Perhaps they were the work of the same criminal.

Furthermore, the problem didn’t end there. Who could that beauty in her dreams be? Why did he appear not only in her dreams but also seem to be acquainted with her mother? His abilities didn’t seem typical for an Awakened. Could it be that he was the ‘ally’? Or perhaps there was some other connection?

‘If only I could meet him in person, I would know for sure. But he hasn’t appeared lately.’

Tsk. Was he deliberately avoiding her? If she catches him, she’ll find out for sure.

After the event, people wiped away their tears and left the National Cemetery. The president also greeted Seora before returning to the Blue House with other politicians.

However, Seora and her group still had something left to do.

“I’ve come this far. I should visit Mom and Dad.”

Today was her parents’ memorial day before the commemoration ceremony.

Seora, holding a bouquet of flowers and two cans of beer with Song Hanna, headed toward the National Cemetery for Men of Merit. Kang Sejun and Seong Jarim insisted on following even though Seora had said they didn’t have to.

Passersby recognized them and bowed, offering greetings. It was the first time for Seora to receive direct thanks from those saved by her mother, as she had always lived in hiding.

“They rest in a good place.”

The grave she visited after changing seasons was still peaceful and serene. Song Hanna and Seora each placed a bouquet of flowers and a can of beer in front of her parents’ grave. Kang Sejun and Seong Jarim quietly stood behind them.

“It’s the first time I’ve come here so often. Brother didn’t come today. He’s busy,” Seora spoke casually as if conversing with her parents she had met just yesterday. “I’ve never attended a commemoration ceremony before. I’ve never watched it on TV, either. I wondered why they did this. It’s not like the dead come back because of such events.”

“…”

“But now that I’ve attended it in person, I understand. It’s for the deceased, but it’s also a ceremony for the living.”

The event was a tribute not only to Hyeon Jaehui and Yun Seowu but also to the numerous Awakened who once lived and breathed on this land. Through this ceremony, the families of the deceased reminded themselves that their loved ones’ deaths were not in vain.

“It’s not bad. Now I understand why Brother attended this every year before leaving Korea.” Seora chuckled. Seeing her smile much lighter than before, Song Hanna quietly felt relieved. “I don’t have to hide anymore, so I might attend every year. It took me 12 years to finally face this without turning away.” Seora placed her hand on her mother’s grave, saying it took a long time.

At that moment…

【Contact with the tomb of the Awakened ‘Hyeon Jaehui’ has been established. Conditions are met. A portion of forgotten memories is unlocked.】

An unexpected message filled her vision, and at the same time, memories that had been forgotten for 12 years started replaying in her mind.