Chapter 100:

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~!

With the exception of Yun Seora in the center, the other members were divided into four groups, each facing off against the Phantoms. Lun Yanwei and Kang Sejun were on their own, while the remaining two groups consisted of Hunters from Korea and Japan.

Lu Yanwei’s gaze shifted toward the Japanese side, focusing on the squad’s only Healer.

First, she’d take down that guy.

Just as she was about to activate her stealth skill after clearing the surrounding area to some extent, a loud noise shook the ground.

“Ah!”

The ground trembled with a resounding crash. Lu Yanwei swiftly dealt with the approaching Phantoms and grabbed her spear.

The epicenter was at the center, the red cube.

If this level of noise and shaking couldn’t be stopped by herself, then it could be assumed that Headbang, who had been so confident in her ability to handle it alone, had finally collapsed.

‘Did I misunderstand? Is her specialty pretending to be strong, while her actual combat power is far weaker?’

As she looked at the red cube, she felt puzzled. Meanwhile, she heard a loud shout from the other side, where Kang Sejun was dealing with the Phantoms.

“Yun Seora, answer me! Yun Seora! If you need help, respond!”

The Omniscient Mage panicked.

I see! Yun Seora’s actual combat power is low! In that case, now is the opportunity. I must never miss this golden chance to eliminate at least one L-class.

“Stealth!” Taking advantage of everyone’s attention being focused on the center, Lu Yanwei cloaked herself in shadows.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The stealth skill, utilizing shadows, had been directly passed down from the world’s greatest assassin, Wei Hu. Even if there were three S-class Hunters present, they would never notice.

Lu Yanwei’s figure vanished, as unseen footsteps made their way toward the lone Healer.

***

The entire cube trembled, and Seora could hear someone yelling from outside. Uncertain if the danger had truly passed, she refrained from releasing the cube.

“Phew, smoke. Phew. Cough, cough! I shouldn’t have done this when we’re all together inside.”

Nonetheless, she felt quite satisfied with the impressive display of Panzerfaust that she had personally witnessed.

【Overuse of the skill will reduce your control power.】

【Current control power 80%】

However, just a single attack caused a 20% drop in control. She must have gotten too carried away. She should have better managed her mana.

Although it was an improvement from her S-class days when a single shot was enough to destroy the cube, it still presented challenges to continue at this rate. She needed to exercise more moderation.

Holding an assault rifle capable of rapid fire, Seora cautiously approached the Phantom Overlord. She focused her senses and searched for any traces of the scattered ones within the flames.

“Ah.”

In that moment, something tightly wrapped around her ankle. A chain? Although she didn’t hear any clinking sounds.

‘Wait, this guy is originally a ghost species. Since even the chains are ethereal, isn’t it strange for there to be a sound?’

Then, were the sounds intentionally made up until now?

Seora tried to retreat quickly after shooting down the chains. However, a barrage of attacks rained upon her before she could do so. A grotesque hand made of black shadows seized her neck from behind.

“Ah!” Seora’s eyes flew open.

Perhaps due to enduring the attack that had reduced the cube’s control by 20%, the Phantom Overlord’s body was in tatters.

A terrifying rage emanated from its hollow face as a burst of red light erupted.

【The Level 1 Demonic Boss ‘Phantom Overlord’ activates ‘Embrace of Night’.】

The Phantom possessed a unique ability to induce endless nightmares. Those who fell into the nightmare could not wake up on their own, wandering through dreams until eventually becoming sustenance for the Phantoms.

As the hand holding her neck tried to submerge her, sparking and crackling sounds filled the air. White sparks surged.

Seora gasped, holding her breath. The repulsive magic, unique to the Phantoms, completely consumed her mind…

Consumed…

【The touch of the system administrator surrounds the Awakened ‘Yun Seora’. ‘Nightmare’s Embrace’ is forcibly thwarted.】

But it didn’t happen.

“Night? It’s so bright. What kind of night is this?” Seora turned her head. Even with her neck being held, she wore a smile. The Phantom was greatly taken aback when she unleashed all the energy she had been concealing.

“Sorry, I forgot to mention, but you and I don’t go well together. So, I have something to say to you.” Seora aimed her gun at the arm holding her. She pulled the trigger, and the Phantom screamed in pain, retreating as the withered arm fell to the ground with a thud. Seora grinned at the bewildered Phantom. “I am not susceptible to mental manipulation. I possess a much stronger barrier than a mere mental barrier.”

Henceforth, she would call it the Administrator Barrier.

【Administrator: (*´∀`*)ゞ】

“Furthermore, with a weapon like this, facing someone like you, who lacks physical strength, is a piece of cake for me.”

She casually waved the unbreakable weapon, Hit, in front of the Phantom. Although she acted nonchalant, deep down, she felt a sense of relief.

Having confronted the Phantom directly, she now understood. She understood why even Kang Sejun had disappeared in the past and why countless people had died in their attempts to defeat the Phantom.

The Phantom Overlord’s mental manipulation was so potent that it sent chills down her spine. If it weren’t for the Administrator Barrier, she would have succumbed to the nightmare instantly.

“I’m glad it was me who faced you.”

The red cube rapidly shrank, completely enclosing the partially collapsed Phantom Overlord.

“Farewell.”

A tremendous explosion erupted from within as she fired her gun at the cube. Amidst the raging flames, the shadow-like figure disintegrated before her eyes.

【Current Domination Power: 50%】

【Warning. Field control is rapidly decreasing. Please beware of destruction.】

When the flames finally subsided, Seora released the cube, and the remaining fragments scattered in the wind. The death of a Level 1 Dungeon boss felt utterly futile. This was why elemental matchups were crucial.

‘Now I need to assist the others…’

As it was a perilous environment for S-class individuals, she turned her attention toward Jeong Hoyeong and Do Junyeong’s team. Ensuring their safety was her priority.

“Director Do, Guild Master…”

Hopping and dodging the falling debris, a message from the administrator suddenly appeared before Seora.

【The system administrator warns the sole contractee that it is not yet over.】

Not yet over. What did that mean? What was the situation? Or perhaps the Phantom Overlord’s life…?

‘Ah.’

She realized there had been no message indicating that the dungeon owner had turned to dust.

‘What a mistake!’

Seora hastily spread out her senses, but she couldn’t perceive anything. It was challenging to detect any signs since the Level 1 Demonic Boss was a ghost-type.

〖”Eleven o’clock direction.”〗

As soon as the voice indicated the direction, Seora’s eyes widened.

Under the feet of Jeong Hoyeong and Do Junyeong, who were locked in combat with the monsters, a black shadow began to gather and swirl.

“Director Do! Guild Master Jeong Hoyeong!”

She attempted to activate the cube, but it was too late. Jeong Hoyeong and Do Junyeong were already ensnared within the Phantom Overlord’s domain. Despite her desire to shoot, she was too far away, and the Overlord had already captured the two of them in its clutches.

The absence of a fixed form meant that even if their bodies were separated, it would go unnoticed.

When did it happen? Probably when I fired the Panzerfaust.

It was her mistake. She should have realized it. She thought she wasn’t conceited, but perhaps that was arrogance itself.

【The Level 1 Demonic Boss ‘Phantom Overlord’ activates ‘Embrace of Night’.】

The activation of its abilities occurred before the bullets pierced through it. The separated entity was weaker than the main body and greatly affected by the bullet that pierced its form, but sinister laughter filled the room.

White sparks danced around Do Junyeong and Jeong Hoyeong. Their eyes turned white, and their minds began to be consumed.

However, in the next moment, the one who retreated while screaming was none other than the Phantom Overlord.

Jeong Hoyeong, who had evaded the skill, slashed her dagger toward the Demonic Boss’ neck. The already partially shattered entity failed to revive and dissipated into thin air.

There was no need to listen to the Demonic Boss’ desperate final words. Seora frantically unleashed a barrage of bullets, ensuring its ultimate demise.

【The Demonic Boss of the Level 1 Dungeon ‘Castle of Nightmare’ has been defeated!】

【Top Contributor: Yun Seora (Class L)】

After firmly confirming the message this time, Seora hurriedly ran toward the two. Although she wasn’t affected by the skill, Jeong Hoyeong looked visibly exhausted.

“Are you okay, Guild Master?”

“I’m fine. I have a counter-skill specifically against ethereal beings. It applies even to Demonic Bosses.”

Ah, that’s right. Jeong Hoyeong’s Entity was the Grim Reaper. Protected by the being who guided the dead to the underworld, attacks from ethereal beings were almost ineffective. Seora had momentarily forgotten in her confusion.

“But Director Do isn’t.”

Both of them looked gravely at the fallen Do Junyeong.

He was the wielder of the holy power of the Holy Sword, the complete opposite of malevolent spirits. Thanks to that, he handled the Phantoms well. However, the problem was the Phantom Overlord. The Overlord was stronger than Do Junyeong. With his power alone, he couldn’t escape from the nightmare.

“I will save him.” Seora aimed her gun at Do Junyeong’s head. In a state of panic, Jeong Hoyeong grabbed her arm.

“You can’t kill him! Let’s first take him to the Healer.”

“Why are you looking at me like that…? Why would I kill the director…?”

“…Ahem.”

Jeong Hoyeong awkwardly cleared her throat and subtly bit her lip.