Chapter 98
Outskirts of Washington D.C., USA—a plot of land owned by the Imperium Guild under the Alterion Empire. Entry was strictly controlled, not just for civilians but even government officials. Now, Pentagon agents alongside Imperium's core executives set foot here.
"Ho, so this is the place."
"Who would've thought it was hidden in a spot like this."
A few agents glanced around with the wide-eyed curiosity of kids at an amusement park. Iron fences and walls encircled the grounds, guarded by countless S-rank player security personnel. A handful of dingy prefab cement buildings—that was it. The security was absurdly over-the-top for such a rundown site. Even the buildings felt like mere props, barely qualifying as structures. There wasn't a single thing worth praising, not even politely.
Yet the Pentagon agents' steps were lighter and more excited than ever.
"This way."
Imperium Guild Master Damien led the way in a flat, emotionless voice. After another ten minutes deeper inside, they arrived at a windowless cement building. But beneath the camouflage exterior lay the world's sturdiest structure: a cutting-edge mana shield system fusing otherworldly metals and modern tech, operating 24/7.
Damien placed his palm on the recognition panel beside the door, then aligned his right eye with the retinal scanner. About three seconds passed. A blue light scanned his calloused hand, followed by a red laser sweeping his iris.
Identity confirmed. Imperium Guild Master, S-rank Player Damien. Entry granted.
Whirr— The 50cm-thick mana alloy door slid open silently. The moment they stepped inside, the Pentagon agents' jaws dropped.
"No way."
"My God..."
Before their eyes rotated an oval rift emitting a soft blue glow. A portal. It pulsed occasionally, spreading waves of azure energy, so mystical it almost seemed alive. A transcendent wonder beyond nature's limits.
"Other dimensions really exist."
"Heh, I can't believe my own eyes."
Some rubbed their eyes in disbelief; others prayed skyward before reopening them. Nothing changed. Damien shot them a pitiful glance and strode forward indifferently.
"Hurry up. The emperor of that world awaits."
He plunged into the portal without hesitation. The Pentagon executives froze like statues, exchanging awkward glances.
"I-I'll go first."
The Secretary of Defense swallowed hard and stepped forward. Standing before the rippling blue oval, he gazed up.
"Hoo..."
Exhaling deeply, he marched in boldly.
Wooong— The portal rippled faintly as it swallowed him.
"Let's go. You planning to stand on this stone floor all day?"
Another executive followed into the portal.
Wooong— That broke the ice; the rest tumbled in after, stealing glances.
Vision warped like ink in water, the sense of space blurring as bodies floated weightlessly. Dizzying vertigo struck the mind directly. Rainbow lights shimmered like lake ripples before fading.
"Wh-where are we?"
"Everyone okay?"
Vision cleared to reveal the interior of a temple-like structure of pristine white marble. Exquisite statues lined the walls; the vast hall's floor bore intricate Renaissance-style patterns.
As they looked around in bewilderment, a deep, unfamiliar voice shattered the thoughts.
"Welcome, esteemed guests from Earth."
A massive man in gleaming platinum plate armor. Removing his helmet, he placed a fist over his heart and bowed slightly.
"I am Eisen Milsen, Captain of the Imperial Guard Knights serving the Alterion Empire."
"Ah, y-yes..."
The dozen or so agents bowed awkwardly, gauging each other. His dignified aura felt genuine.
"His Majesty awaits. We shall escort you to the palace with utmost care."
Damien followed the knight captain familiarly. The Pentagon group hurried after. At the end of the ornate straight corridor loomed heavy wooden double doors. Guards with spears flung them wide.
Bright sunlight blurred vision momentarily before refocusing. What unfolded before the agents was...
"Knights of the Alterion Empire! We greet the honored guests from Earth!"
A hundred knights bowing in unison, seven imperial carriages lined up. Proud-maned warhorses decked in ornate saddles and barding; flags bearing Alterion crests—red fields with golden swords and shields—fluttered from poles.
"A-hem."
One agent cleared his throat, adjusting his black suit collar. Others fiddled with ties or checked shirt stains.
"This way, please. We've prepared plenty of carriages—board as you like."
Swallowing, the agents split into threes and climbed aboard.
"Whoa!"
A near-tumble boarding the unexpectedly high carriage was a minor mishap.
*The seven imperial carriages rumbled into the capital. The ride... wasn't great, even politely. No rubber tires or shock absorbers meant iron wheels transmitted every bump of the unpaved road. It smoothed a bit entering the city, but sore rears were inevitable. Without cushy seats, the trip would've been mortifying.
"Hey, you alright?"
"...Even bumper cars without bumpers would be smoother. But I'll manage till we arrive."
As two agents chatted, the Secretary of Defense gaped silently out the window. Crowds waved like welcoming a triumphant general. The people of Pandela, spoken of in tales.
No oppression or control in the air.
Those smiles are genuine.
His seasoned eye—from politics and military—judged so. Elderly folks watching leisurely, kids frolicking freely. Pure, worry-free smiles all around.
The emperor must truly be a sage ruler.
An hour later, the palace. Waiting imperial bands blared trumpets and trombones.
"Heh... Never thought I'd get presidential state-visit treatment in a place like this."
"Tell me about it. Life's unpredictable."
The agents sighed in agreement. Massive 5m+ walls parted, the colossal palace gleaming under the sun, flaunting its grandeur. Tense, they dismounted and headed inside.
The banquet hosted by France was lavish. Delectable dishes adorned white tablecloths; a pianist's classical melody enveloped the hall softly. Beneath splendid golden chandeliers, people mingled in suits and gowns.
After a few times, even this feels routine.
France had splurged despite fiscal woes—clearly desperate over Libra issues.
Heading back to Korea after the noisy night, I lounged on the bed in Cha Eun-joo's airship, fiddling with my smartphone.
Guide to E-Rank Monsters for Beginners
Author: FirepowerLover
Hey everyone! Info post after a long hiatus. Today: E-rank monster strategies!
Oh. It's up.
I hummed along, scrolling rhythmically. Irresistibly addictive, somehow.
...Even if the author has a history of trash-talking me. Claims to be my guildmate? I'll track 'em down and give 'em a piece of my mind someday.
Gurgle— Five hours of screen-tapping left me starving. I grabbed a mega cup ramen from the cupboard. While boiling water in the coffee pot, I popped the lid, added powder soup and flakes, then hot water. Cover with chopsticks, wait three minutes!
Rubbing my hands eagerly, I stared with sparkling eyes.
178 seconds... 179... 180! Three minutes! Done!
Flipping the lid unleashed spicy broth aroma. Stirred to soak noodles, slurped a bite!
"Mmm."
This is it. On the third slurp, a pained groan came from the cockpit.
"Ugh, Sertina. Even on an airship, ramen is a bit..."
After a moment's thought, I plopped into the seat beside Cha Eun-joo, slurping noodles while staring her down.
"Gah!"
Why, hurting? What can you do about it? With her hands glued to the controls, I'm invincible. Pay the price for messing with the wicked, terrifying world boss!
"Yeah. About three hours till landing, so I saved some water—"
Cha Eun-joo gnashed her teeth, seeming to contact someone, but I ignored it. Why? Because I'm the world's strongest!
Home sweet home! Airship beds are nice, but long flights wear you out. Excited to crash, I punched the door code, kicked off my shoes.
Flick—
"Eek."
Suddenly floating, Cha Eun-joo's beaming face filled my view.
...That smile sent chills.
"Fun bath time!"
"W-wait, let's talk this out—"
Pat pat pat—Bang! Whoosh! Splash!