Chapter 129
Chapter 129
Civil Servant Hunter’s S-class Resignation Log – Chapter 129
December 31st. The day their parents passed away, and the day the Cheorwon Dungeon was miraculously sealed shut.
Every year on that date, a memorial ceremony was held at the National Seoul National Cemetery. It was to honor the hunters who had protected Korea.
Jae-hun had attended the event every year before leaving for Athena. He endured the whispering stares and murmurs of the crowd, steadfastly staying from start to finish.
Unlike him, Se-ra had never attended even once. On the day before, the 30th, she simply brought a bouquet of flowers to her parents' graves, like any ordinary person paying respects to heroes.
She didn't want to see the faces of people who mourned their sacrifice while also rejoicing in it.
But this year was different. Because she had revealed herself as their daughter, she now had options.
"You still have three days left, so think it over."
"...Yeah. Se-ra, whatever you choose, make it a decision that's truly for you, not because of anyone else's pressure. Your aunt and I will support you no matter what."
"Of course. You two always think of me first. Got it?"
She hated it when strangers went out of their way to protect herit reminded her too much of her mother.
But family was different. Family existed to look out for each other, so she would happily accept their protection. And she would do the same for them.
"Then I'll head out now. No more holding backif I hear you got hurt, I'll fly right over, so be careful, oppa."
"Do you even know where Athena's headquarters is?"
"That's the problem. Where the hell is it? Even if it's a secret base, how does it stay this hidden?"
"If it got out, it wouldn't be much of a secret base."
His bright smile, as he said he couldn't even tell her, brimmed with pride for Athena.
Well, it was a far better look than one burning with vengeance, so Se-ra smiled along with him.
* * *
5 p.m., Seoul Airport.
The hordes of reporters waiting for the private jet were buzzing with barely contained excitement.
It was already headline news that the president had specially opened Seoul Airport to welcome Korea's three L-ranks, who had successfully cleared the Labyrinth's 8th floor and contributed to world peace.
"And to think Headbang was the Labyrinth's top contributor. Never saw this day coming."
It carried extra weight in the Labyrinth, even more than in other places. The top contributor was the one who led the charge for world peace. Only those who threw themselves recklessly into the fray without regard for their own safety could claim that spot.
In other words, that single person could upend the world rankings.
And now, a Korean hunternay, the most recent L-rank awakenerhad engraved her name at the very top of that crucial list. Even those indifferent to national pride were shouting, "Damn, hype!"
"And that's not all. Turns out Headbang is Cheon Jae-hee's daughter."
Who was Cheon Jae-hee? Korea's first S-rank, still the name that came up whenever discussing the strongest hunter in the country.
A hero who devoted herself to the nation without a thought for her own well-being, ultimately giving her life to protect it. A cinematic figure, the one Koreans loved most.
And her daughter was Headbang. Talk about a life more dramatic than her mother's.
"Plane's landing!"
At someone's shout, every reporter at the airport snapped their gaze skyward. Song Han-na, the Association President's private jet was unmistakable even from afar as it touched down. The reporters stopped chattering and raised their cameras. They couldn't miss a single shot from the moment the three L-ranks disembarked until they got into the car.
The door opened, and Kang Se-jun emerged first. Reporters shrank back under his sharp gaze sweeping the area, some lowering their cameras sheepishly.
H-he's officially here this time, so h-he wouldn't smash the cameras... right? Nah, no way...
But those with prior experience scrambled to shield their gear from his glare.
After scanning the surroundings as if checking for threats, he gave a nod. Seong Ja-rim followed suit. She was almost as reclusive as Headbang, so the reporters hurriedly raised their cameras again and snapped away.
Last to appear was the one they'd been dying to see: Headbang.
Black hair, a kind yet stubbornly resolute face, lips that didn't smile. Her appearance was worlds apart from her soft-featured mother, Cheon Jae-hee, or her brother Yoon Jae-hun, but no one doubted her lineage.
Instead, they overflowed with admiration and gratitude for the top contributor to the Labyrinth.
This was the result of Association President Song Han-na and Yoon Jae-hun's tireless efforts during the 27 days Se-ra had been in the Labyrinth.
* * *
EX-rank lolololol Is that even possible??
With none in like 13 years, higher ranks might as well not exist.
Does EX-rank even actually exist?????
Rumors say Headbang's weapon is EX-rank.
Ancient history, dude. You still believe that?? How's someone F-rank half a year ago wielding an EX-rank weapon?
For real, if that existed, one of the current L-ranks would've had it already.
Maybe if it's something that can turn an F-rank into S-rank?
Give it a rest. How many top-tier specimens are even out there ffs;;;
Stop the brainrot.
"Phew. Why are there so many quick-witted people in this world?"
Seong Ja-rim had insisted she had to see this, cackling as she showed Se-ra the community post.
Almost no one knew Heat was an EX-rank weaponhow the hell had they sniffed it out? Quick-witted bastards like this were the worst.
"What's up?"
"Folks like me with a ton of secrets to hide... it's tough navigating this brutal world."
Song Han-na burst into laughter at Se-ra's lament. When she pointed out that her L-rank status was already out, Se-ra just smiled sweetly without a word.
Thing is, she still had one massive, mind-blowing secret she hadn't told a soul. That she was the System Administrator's Contractor...
"Anyway, you sure it's okay to head straight there today? No rest?"
"Getting dragged out after resting sounds more exhausting. Better to knock it out in one go."
"Me too."
"Same here."
Kang Se-jun and Seong Ja-rim, seated in the back, voiced their agreement with Se-ra.
They were currently en route to a famous Seoul hanjeongsik restaurant together. President Jang In-hu had personally invited them.
"Whoa, getting treated by the president himself. Never thought I'd see the day. Can I go ham on the food today?"
"Eat as much as you want. Bankrupting the president's wallet might be fun."
"Yay!"
Song Han-na wasn't even trying to rein in the giddy Seong Ja-rim; she was egging her on. Se-ra shook her head with a wry smile, vowing to help bankrupt the place herselfuntil her eyes caught Kang Se-jun. Unlike Seong Ja-rim, he looked utterly nonchalant.
'What's with that overly relaxed expression?'
Had he met the president before, back in his previous life?
'Makes sense. From what he's said, his past life was no joke.'
If he'd lived like that and never met the president, that'd be the real surprise.
"We're here. Let's get out."
The restaurant sat peacefully on a mountainside. Chirping birds and the bare winter branches enhanced the hanok's serene atmosphere.
And stern-faced security personnel were stationed everywhere. They were from the Blue House security detail.
"Feels like hanbok-clad folks should be rustling out to greet us, but nopeblack-suited shades gang."
"I'm wearing the hanbok."
An elderly woman emerged to greet them, dressed neatly in hanbok with her hair pinned up elegantly. She was the owner.
"A pleasure to meet you. It's an honor to host the heroes who saved the world."
Coming from someone her age, it felt a bit off. Se-ra hurriedly bowed in return.
"Please, come inside. The president is waiting."
This place was worlds apart from Baek Hee-won's Taebaek Mountain hideout. If that was a lavish noble's mansion, this felt like a virtuous minister's abode. Still, it was an impressively elegant estate.
"Welcome. I've been waiting."
President Jang In-hu waited alone in a room with one wall entirely of glass. The expansive garden view beyond was breathtakingly beautiful.
"Hello. I'm Yoon Se-ra from the Association Management Office."
Who'd have thought a lowly civil servant would one day dine with the president? Life was full of surprises.
"Kang Se-jun."
"I'm Seong Ja-rim! Nice to meet you!"
All eyes turned to Seong Ja-rim. But she beamed innocently, oblivious to the awkwardness. Se-ra rubbed her forehead.
No, sis... Well, technically she was older by over a century, so fair enough, but...
"Ahem. Sorry about that. Seong Ja-rim has... circumstances..."
As Se-ra bowed apologetically in her stead, Jang In-hu chuckled heartily.
"No worries. Make yourselves at home."
"Thank you. Actually, Seong Ja-rim spent 108 years in a dungeon. So her sense of... normalcy is a bit, uh, off."
His laughter cut off abruptly at Se-ra's follow-up. His face went blank as he stared at Seong Ja-rim, hearing this for the first time.
"...108 years?"
Hey, mind turning on your blinker before pulling in? His expression seemed to say.