Entering Akron
Luo did his best to act like a perfect gentleman, trying to win her trust. He meticulously draped his outer coat over Hayeon to cover her torn clothes and exposed skin, and whenever she stumbled, he eagerly offered his hand to support her. Yet, every time his skin brushed against hers, a shiver of disgust ran down Hayeon's spine. She couldn't let her guard down, knowing the dark motives that surely lurked behind his gentle facade.
This bastard... is exactly the same in the end. Only his method is different. While Chris and Tayle tried to break me with blatant violence, this guy is trying to tame me with hypocritical protection and kindness.
Intentionally playing the fragile maiden, she leaned slightly into his chest and let out a weak, trembling sigh. "Mr. Luo... thank you so much. If it weren't for you... I really don't know what..."
"It's alright, Miss Hayeon. You have me now. You don't have to worry about a thing." A smug note of satisfaction colored Luo's voice.
Hayeon sneered inwardly. Yes, keep believing that. Believe that I'm completely dependent on you, a fragile little girl who can't do anything without your help. That's the only way I survive. And that's how... I'll eventually plunge a dagger right into your back.
They walked for what felt like hours. By the time the sun hung high in the sky, the two of them were still navigating the quiet forest path in silence. Suddenly, a low, menacing growl shattered the stillness, echoing from the depths of the woods. Instinctively, Hayeon's body went rigid.
Grrrrr...! The sound drew closer, and soon, a grotesque beast burst violently through the thick underbrush. It was a hideous monstrosity, looking like a twisted chimera of a wolf and a reptile. Jagged, razor-sharp fangs protruded grotesquely from its maw, and its body was covered in a patchy mix of dull scales and coarse, stiff fur. Its blood-red eyes gleamed with insatiable hunger as they locked onto the pair.
"Watch out!" Luo barked, shoving Hayeon firmly behind his back as he stepped forward. In a flash, a gleaming blade appeared in his hand. Without a moment's hesitation, he lunged off the ground, driving his sword deep into the monster's flank.
Slash! Squish!"Screeeech!" The beast let out a piercing shriek, its massive frame shuddering violently before collapsing limply into the grass. After a few weak, desperate twitches, it went entirely still. It was a flawless, single-strike kill—a testament to the seasoned skill of a trained warrior.
Hayeon stared blankly at the scene, barely daring to breathe. The terrifying beast that had been growling at them just moments ago was now a cold corpse, and Luo was catching his breath, flicking the dark red blood off his blade. Unlike her, who had frozen in sheer terror, he had dispatched the threat with absolute composure. For a fleeting second, a strange mix of reliability and relief washed over her.
"Are you alright, Hayeon?" Sheathing his sword, Luo approached her and offered his hand. A gentle smile played on his lips. His demeanor was incredibly natural and familiar, as if he were comforting a long-time lover. But the moment she took his firm, warm hand to stand up, Hayeon snapped back to reality. Don't be fooled. That strength... could easily be used to oppress me one day.
"...Thank you. Thanks to you... I survived again." Hayeon awkwardly held his hand as she stood. His grip was warm and solid. She tried to avert her eyes, but Luo didn't let go. Instead, he gently caressed the back of her hand.
"Don't mention it. And you don't have to call me Mr. Luo anymore. Just call me 'Lu.' Hayeon, formal titles don't really suit us, do they? Why don't we use nicknames? I think it'll make us feel much closer." His voice was incredibly tender, but Hayeon could clearly sense the possessiveness masked beneath that sweetness. He didn't want an equal partner; he wanted a possession. Swallowing a sigh, Hayeon quickly pulled her hand away, forcing an awkward, shy smile to look as innocent as possible.
"Ah... Yes, Lu... I'll call you that. You can... just call me Hayeon, too." But internally, she was screaming. Nicknames? Disgusting. This bastard... is no different from Chris or Tayle. He's just more cunning and hypocritical about it! Hayeon made a firm resolve. The moment we reach the city, we part ways. No matter what. Until then... I'll use this bastard for all he's worth.
Pretending nothing was wrong, Hayeon gently slipped her hand out of his grasp and looked away. The journey to the city was still long, and the anxiety she had managed to suppress was slowly creeping back up. By noon the following day, the two of them finally arrived at the outskirts of a massive city.
Standing atop a low, dusty hill, their eyes were met by an overwhelming sight: colossal stone walls, soaring spires, and a dark, spear-like structure rising from the center of the city, piercing the very heavens. Its sheer scale defied imagination. Luo pointed toward it with a satisfied expression. "That is Akron. That's where we're headed."
Hayeon gasped involuntarily. The panoramic view of the massive city looked like a scene straight out of a fantasy movie. It was so surreal that, for a moment, she felt as if she were dreaming. "...It's beyond anything I imagined. To think a city this massive actually exists..." Amused by her awe, Luo let out a soft chuckle and began to explain.
"A long time ago, a legendary emperor with superhuman power built this city directly over a subterranean dungeon where powerful monsters called 'Constellations' were sealed. That dungeon is still active to this day, and countless adventurers dive into its depths every day, risking their lives."
Hayeon tilted her head at the word 'Constellation.' It was a term she had never heard before. "Constellations? Are they... like gods or something?"
"Some believe so. There are those who worship them as gods, while others call them archdemons destined to destroy the world. One thing is certain: they possess power so immense that mere mortals like us can't even begin to comprehend it." A subtle blend of awe and dread laced Luo's voice.
"In the Central Square of the city, there's a massive portal that leads directly into the dungeon. And Akron is unique—it doesn't belong to any kingdom. It's an independent city ruled and operated entirely by the Adventurer's Guild. Because of that, it's become a hub for adventurers from all over the world. Wealth, fame, power... everyone gathers here chasing those dreams. The dungeon offers endless treasures and absolute power. This is the stage where we will make our mark." Luo spoke with immense pride as he gazed at Akron. However, the way he heavily emphasized the word 'we' sent a chill down her spine. Who the hell is 'we', you bastard!
Hayeon bit her lip, staring silently at the colossal city. While awed by its overwhelming scale, she was once again reminded of how far she had fallen from her original reality into this bizarre, alien world. They weren't kidding when they said it was another world. The scale here is insane...
At the city gates, an endless queue of people stretched out into the distance. Guards holding crude shields and rusted spears half-heartedly managed the crowd with bored expressions. It was a bustling, chaotic melting pot of humanity: farmers pulling heavily laden carts, merchants dressed in lavish silks, adventurers clutching their respective weapons, and ragged vagrants wandering aimlessly.
As they approached the gates, the guards' eyes locked onto Hayeon with blatant lust. "Hey there, where did you two come from? I've never seen a beauty like this around here." One of the guards smirked, scanning her body from head to toe. Hayeon flinched, her brow furrowing in disgust. In an instant, Luo stepped forward, shielding her behind his back.
"She's with me. We're returning after completing a guild quest." Luo's voice was low and sharp, radiating a fierce defensiveness, as if he refused to let any other man lay eyes on his prize. The guard hesitated for a moment under Luo's icy glare, but soon smirked again, stealing another glance at Hayeon.
"Hey, I'm just admiring the view. It's not every day we get a stunner like this. Sweetheart, if you've got some free time, how about a drink with me? I can show you a real good time." Hayeon felt her patience wearing thin. She grimaced and looked away. I haven't even stepped foot inside the city and this is already happening... This damn body's looks are going to be the death of me.
After navigating the tense encounter, she finally passed through the massive gates of Akron. Her life in this new world, this strange city, was officially beginning. Suddenly, a system message flashed before her eyes.
You have entered the neutral city of Akron.
Acquired Title: Stranger of Akron (New!)
Hayeon stared blankly at the floating text. Whether this place would offer her a fresh start or mark the beginning of another descent into despair, she couldn't yet tell. But one thing was absolutely certain: she was no longer the Lee Hangyeol of the past. She was Lee Hayeon now—and she was prepared to do whatever it took to survive.