Chapter 100: Japan (8)
Chapter 100: Japan (8)
The Japan Branch of the Awakener Association was at a loss as to how to interpret the fact that the dungeons were being cleared much faster than they had anticipated.
They somewhat understood Wolyeong’s capabilities, having seen her fight in dungeons before, but the "Knight" she had brought along—this unidentified Awakener—was a complete enigma.
A large group of people was gathered in a conference room maintained at a perfectly comfortable temperature, furnished with luxurious leather chairs and tables. These were the executives of the Japan Branch of the Awakener Association.
The Japan Branch was significantly larger than those in other countries. There was an exceptionally high number of applicants who either idolized Awakeners or wanted to work in related fields, leading to a massive workforce dedicated to administrative support.
Despite the relatively poor treatment, many took these jobs out of pure admiration. Meanwhile, the executives who had greeted Wolyeong earlier were now lounging in the command center, far from the front lines, leisurely receiving reports.
Initially, they had been worried, but seeing how quickly the dungeons were being cleared, they had relaxed and were now watching the situation unfold with ease.
"They say no one saw them entering the portals. How is that possible?"
No matter how much they thought about it, it was strange. Because they had stationed surveillance personnel at every portal to strictly manage who went in and out, the news that portals were simply vanishing as if cleared was baffling.
Reports stated that portals near Wolyeong were disappearing. Since Wolyeong had mentioned that the Knight was moving separately from her, they knew who was responsible for removing them. However, no one had seen anyone enter the portals, and even the CCTV footage they reviewed showed nothing.
"Could it be an artifact...?"
"Most likely."
Since the situation defied common sense, their conclusions naturally gravitated toward artifacts. Not knowing the full extent of an artifact's potential, it was the most logical explanation.
"There’s no real reason to move while invisible... Is it an artifact that allows entry into nearby portals?"
"That’s highly probable. It would take too long to travel between them physically. The investigation team suggested it’s likely an artifact with space movement capabilities..."
Of course, this was all speculation. To confirm it, they would have to ask the individual himself or Wolyeong, but doing so in the current situation was difficult. It was obvious how Wolyeong, who operated under a secret identity, would react to such prying questions.
Someone had to bell the cat, but no one wanted to be the one to do it.
Unlike the Korean Branch, the Japan Branch Head had relatively weak authority, while the executives held significant power. Though officially denied, every executive in the Japanese Association had ties to the country's large clans.
Rather than the Association acting as a mediator for large clans like in Korea, the Japanese Awakener Association was a structure where large clans held stakes and fought over their shares. This was common in many other countries, but Japan’s situation was particularly pronounced.
Because of this, the executives gathered here were more concerned with checking each other’s power and cooperating only to secure their own interests. No one wanted to touch such a sensitive matter.
This was also true for Wakatsuki Toshiki, the Japan Branch Head, who sat silently watching the proceedings. He held the position of Branch Head in name only; in reality, he was a man of Yamato, Japan’s largest clan.
Setting aside the political landscape, the crisis Japan faced was dire. By swallowing his pride and bowing low to request aid from Korea, he had secured Wolyeong’s immediate arrival—a move that was now paying off. Thus, Wakatsuki Toshiki saw no need to intervene and simply observed.
Ultimately, the executives couldn't reach a definitive conclusion on what to do. While they suggested someone should look into it, no one stepped forward, and the matter naturally fizzled out.
Their interest gradually shifted toward the prospect of excavating artifacts. Japan, which had been like a drowning man, began to feel a spark of greed now that Han Shin’s party was resolving the problem faster than expected.
‘We need to recover at least one artifact from the portals where A-Rank monsters appear...’
Just a short while ago, they had been desperately pleading for help, ready to provide any support necessary because they only had three days left before the dungeons reached their limit. Now that the crisis was being resolved so swiftly, they had found the room to breathe—and to want more.
"Ahem... It seems we have some leeway now. Why don't we offer to pay more once there are only a few dungeons left, and ask them to let us excavate the artifacts?"
"At this rate, we’ll certainly have the time. It might be wise to start making preparations."
The potential profit from properly excavating an artifact was immense, making it impossible for them not to feel greedy. Japan, in particular, claimed its Awakeners were second to none, but they knew they lagged behind in terms of top-tier talent. Consequently, their obsession with artifacts was intense, as artifacts could compensate for their lack of innate ability.
Making such a proposal to Wolyeong was daunting, but unlike their previous discussions, the direct benefits were too great to ignore. Furthermore, Wolyeong had a history of facilitating artifact excavation if paid extra.
Based on that experience, the Japan Branch discussed preparations, hoping for an opportunity to secure their own interests. Unlike the earlier topic, this discussion was highly active, with everyone arguing that they should be the one to lead the negotiation.
*
Unaware of these schemes, Han Shin’s party continued clearing the dungeons with mechanical efficiency. In just five hours, they had cleared all the Reinforcement Portals in Hokkaido.
"You’ve worked hard to finish this so quickly. Thank you."
After reverse summoning Grace and Laysia, Han Shin rejoined Kang Yujin and received the thanks of the Japan Branch staff. To those working on the front lines, the relief was palpable, and their gratitude was sincere.
Wolyeong accepted the thanks with a slight nod and immediately requested to move to the next region.
"Please prepare for us to move to the next area immediately."
"Pardon? You’re going to more dungeons right now?"
"Yes."
The Japanese officials present all widened their eyes in shock. It was only natural; even if they had cleared the Reinforcement Portals quickly, the mana consumption and physical toll must have been significant. They had assumed the party would be exhausted.
Though he was hidden under a black robe, they had been trying to gauge his condition through his breathing and posture. They were already impressed by his lack of fatigue, but the fact that he wanted to keep going immediately was staggering.
Regardless, the Japanese side was more than happy to comply. The faster the situation was resolved and the more breathing room they gained, the better.
"We will prepare at once!"
The area became a flurry of activity as everyone rushed to make arrangements. Since they hadn't expected an immediate departure, it took some time to report to headquarters and ready the helicopter again.
‘If I clear all the dungeons in Tohoku today, I should hit Level 30, right?’
Watching the bustle, Han Shin felt a growing greed for leveling up. Given the massive changes occurring, there was no telling when the Evil God Forces might invade. He couldn't rely on Grace, Laysia, and Kang Yujin forever.
Furthermore, because his own weakness suppressed the strength of Grace and Laysia, he needed to grow stronger quickly so they could regain their original power. This was a golden opportunity.
To an outside observer, Han Shin, clad in his black robe and helmet, looked like he was simply standing still. He watched the helicopter being serviced from a distance, lost in thought.
‘I want to get to the next dungeon as soon as possible...’
Having just hunted A-Rank monsters with Grace and Laysia, Han Shin had developed a taste for combat. He had faced large D-Rank monsters before, but A-Rank monsters were on an entirely different level of difficulty.
Back then, they just felt like slightly larger monsters. A-Rank monsters, however, were genuinely dangerous. Even if the hunts didn't take long, he couldn't afford to fight recklessly. Their unique traits, powers, and sheer durability were leagues beyond anything he'd faced before, which made the experience of coordinating with Grace and Laysia all the more satisfying.
"Everything is ready! Please, come this way!"
"Understood."
With the preparations complete, Han Shin and Kang Yujin boarded the military helicopter once more, heading for Tohoku to continue their dungeon conquest late into the evening.