Chapter 130
Chapter 130
Civil Servant Hunter’s S-class Resignation Log – Chapter 130
Before they dug into the meal properly, Song Han-na gave President Jang In-hu a light rundown on Seong Ja-rim as well. It was information already known to the WDO anyway, and the details about the dungeons and gates would be revealed soon enough, so it was better for the president to know ahead of time.
"You've been through quite an ordeal."
A complicated expression settled on Jang In-hu's face. He felt utterly pathetic for having rejoiced at the emergence of an L-rank without knowing his own people had suffered for so long.
"I'm truly glad you've returned to Earth, Hunter. Please, make yourself completely at homeI'm fine."
"Uh, sorry. No, I apologize. I haven't had much occasion to use polite speech in the last few decades."
"I understand."
Seong Ja-rim ate her braised short ribs with an uneasy look on her face. Her appetite seemed unaffected despite the expression, as she was already on her third plate by herself.
"After enduring all that hardship for so long, are you really okay going back into dungeons?"
"Yeaher, yes. Why? It's fine. I'm even stronger now than back then, and honestly, fighting is the only thing I know how to do."
Yoon Se-ra gave a wry smile at Seong Ja-rim's matter-of-fact words.
Seong Ja-rim had spent far too long on the battlefield. Fighting had become her entire life, so taking that away would leave her with nothing.
That was why she had chosen to go out fighting until the very end. Seong Ja-rim didn't even imagine she'd get to die peacefully anyway.
"And now I'm not fighting alone, so it's okay. I'd rather go in together and kick some magical beasts' asses than send my friend into the dungeon alone while I wait at home!... I mean."
Everyone burst out laughing at the polite suffix she tacked on while sneaking a glance around.
But Yoon Se-ra couldn't laugh. How could she, when she knew that friend was herself?
At first, it had just been watching over her as the System Administrator's Contractor, but now she knew it was genuine resolve to protect her friendand that made her nothing but grateful.
There was no discomfort at all despite dining with the president. He listened attentively, showed plenty of consideration for the Association and Awakeners' convenience, and overall, it was surprisingly pleasant.
"Hunters Go Hyun-jae and Yoon Seo-woo were truly remarkable people. I respect them from the bottom of my heart."
His sincere words only made it better. If he'd said something like thanks for saving Korea or that he wouldn't forget their sacrifices, it would've left a bad taste. Jang In-hu really was someone Song Han-na could trust and ally with.
"It was a great honor to share this meaningful meal with all of you today. Might there be another chance?"
At his words implying disappointment if this were the last time, everyone replied that they were available anytime. Why turn down free gourmet food?
"If it's delicious like today's, sure, anytime."
Seong Ja-rim, who had polished off seven plates of braised short ribs by herself, answered happily. Thoroughly satisfied, Jang In-hu bid them farewell with an invitation to meet at the National Cemetery on December 31st, then departed.
"Se-ra, are you really going to the memorial?"
The moment he left, Song Han-na grabbed Se-ra's hand with worry. She was concerned because Se-ra had nodded along so readily to the president's parting words.
"You've never attended once before. Was that just polite talk?"
"No. I do plan to go this year."
"Why the sudden change?"
"Now that it's out that I'm my parents' daughter, there's no need to hide anymore."
She had hidden to avoid hearing demands to sacrifice herself. But not anymore. Who could demand anything of her now? She had proudly claimed her spot as the top contributor to conquering the Labyrinth Dungeon, proving herself one of the strongest.
"Right. What do you have to worry about? With two L-ranks by your side, who would dare speak up?"
"Not two, three."
Kang Se-jun chimed in after Seong Ja-rim. Se-ra beamed at their declaration that they would attend as well and stand by her side. See? Nothing to worry about.
"See you at the National Cemetery on the 31st."
"......Alright."
Song Han-na finally nodded at the sight of the three standing side by side.
Fair enough. Se-ra could handle herself now, so she couldn't keep treating her like a child in her arms forever. She hoped Se-ra wouldn't get hurt anymore, but people grew by facing challenges.
So it was time for Song Han-na to step back and support her niece as she forged her own path.
* * *
The winter sky was an especially vivid blue. Today, December 31stthe last day of the yeara biting cold wind pierced through their clothes.
A ceremony honoring the hunters who had protected the nation and its people throughout the year was held at the Seoul National Cemetery.
Since it was the day Go Hyun-jae had sacrificed herself to seal the Cheorwon Dungeon with her key, everyone wanted it remembered forever.
"Moment of silence."
Countless people who hadn't forgotten the grace even in midwinter bowed their heads. Among them were bereaved families of fallen hunters, survivors who had barely escaped with their lives thanks to hunters, and those simply there to express gratitude.
But amid the throng of attendees, three stood out in particular.
Kang Se-jun, Seong Ja-rim, and Yoon Se-ra.
L-rank Awakeners who had just successfully conquered the 8th floor of the Labyrinth a few days prior.
People couldn't hide their curiosity at the rare sight of them attendingespecially Yoon Se-ra, the most unconventional L-rank debut, the Labyrinth's top contributor, and Go Hyun-jae's daughter. She naturally drew the most attention.
"Who would've thought Headbang was Go Hyun-jae's daughter."
"Yeah. We only heard about her son Yoon Jae-hun in the news, so no one knew about the daughter."
"Makes sense she'd hide it. Back when Go Hyun-jae died, people were pinning all their hopes on those kidsyou almost wonder if everyone lost their minds."
"Poor girl must've suffered so much since she was little......"
They whispered among themselves, but to the top-tier Awakeners with senses far sharper than ordinary people's, it all carried clearly.
"You okay?"
At Kang Se-jun's question, Se-ra, who had been staring straight ahead, tilted her head. Huh?
"Oh, the chatter? It's fine. It's not like they're demanding sacrifices or anythingthat much is nothing. Makes me feel silly for bracing myself. Apparently my brother had his staff stir up some positive public opinion."
Oddly enough, the gazes directed at her brimmed with goodwill. Most attendees were people who had received favors from hunters, which might explain it.
Of course, not everyone.
"Se-ra, Se-ra, that guy's been giving you weird looks since earlier. It bugs me. Should I just stab him?"
At Seong Ja-rim's grumbling, Kang Se-jun and Se-ra turned. The man flinched under the trio's simultaneous stares and averted his eyes, his face flushing red in what was probably self-perceived humiliation.
It was Assemblyman Lee Gil-sang, who had once hit on Se-ra and been shot down.
"Lee Gil-sang, huh."
"You know him too?"
Kang Se-jun snorted.
"Knew of him in the past. When Song Han-na got possessed by the Sacred Body and nearly wrecked Seoul, he was the one yelling about discrimination laws against Awakeners. Then he fled Korea faster than anyone."
"Wow. Guy's so predictable."
How could someone be so consistently vile? Impressive, really.
"He came up to me asking if I wanted to be Association President. When I mentioned my brother was Yoon Jae-hun, he freaked and bolted."
"That's why he's glaring daggers."
"Must be frustrating as hell. He probably planned to trash my image while I was gone, but my brother's preemptive PR killed that, and then I topped the contributor list."
Serves him right. Se-ra flashed a chilling smile. Just then, a camera swiveled their way, and Seong Ja-rim and Kang Se-jun hurriedly covered her face with their hands. They had nearly broadcast Se-ra's real expression live nationwide. Gotta protect Se-ra's image.
"No big incidents for a while, right?"
As Se-ra's expression returned to seriousness, Kang Se-jun lowered his hand and nodded.
"Too much has changed from my past life for me to guarantee it anymore, but for now, we're good. Of course, we can't relax with the Labyrinth accomplice and key thief still out there."
Accomplice. Key thief. Just who were they? Possibly the same person.
And that wasn't the only issue. Who was the beauty from her dreams? Why did she know her mother and appear in Se-ra's dreams? She didn't seem like an ordinary Awakenercould she really be the Labyrinth accomplice? Or connected somehow?
'If I could just meet her, I'd know for sure. But she hasn't shown up lately.'
Tch. Was she dodging on purpose? Just wait till I catch her.
The ceremony ended, and people wiped tears as they left the cemetery. The president exchanged greetings with Se-ra before heading back to the Blue House with the politicians.
But Se-ra's group still had business there.
"Since we're here, I should pay respects to Mom and Dad."
Today was the memorial ceremony, but above all, it was her parents' death anniversary.
Se-ra headed to the National Meritorious Persons Cemetery section with Song Han-na, carrying a bouquet and two cans of beer. Though Kang Se-jun and Seong Ja-rim said it wasn't necessary, they insisted on coming along anyway.
Passersby recognized them, bowing deeply in greeting. Having always hidden away, it was the first time receiving direct thanks from those her mother had saved.
"Nice resting place."
The graves, revisited after the seasons had turned, remained serene and peaceful. Song Han-na and Yoon Se-ra each placed a bouquet and a beer can before their parents' tombs. Kang Se-jun and Seong Ja-rim stood quietly behind.
"First time coming this often. Oppa didn't come today. He's busy."
Se-ra spoke softly, as if chatting with parents she'd seen yesterday.
"First time at the memorial too. Never watched the broadcast either. Wondered why botherit's not like the dead come back."
"......"
"But now that I've attended, I get it. It's not just for the deadit's a ritual for the living too."
It honored not only Go Hyun-jae and Yoon Seo-woo, but all the Awakeners who had lived and breathed on this land before dying. Bereaved families reaffirmed through it that their loved ones' deaths weren't in vain.
"Not bad. I see now why Oppa attended every year before leaving Korea."
Se-ra grinned. Song Han-na, watching, quietly sighed in relief at the much lighter smile.
"No more hiding, so I'll come every year now. Took 12 years to finally face it."
It had taken so long. Se-ra placed her hand on her mother's tomb.
At that moment.
An unexpected message filled her vision, and a memory forgotten for 12 years began auto-playing in her mind.