Chapter 101:

Chapter 101:

While my other initial novels have their share, none has contributed as much as this; I'm very grateful for you loyal readers. I haven't updated the adv chapters for some time, and I'm sure everyone's itching to know what other madness Seora will take part in. I'm now focusing on finishing shorter novels I'd been delaying since 2020 so I can focus better on finishing the longer ones when I'm free, and I promise you: I will finish Seora's adventures before the end of 2024. Once again thank you so much, and I'd hope you continue to enjoy our administrator's pettiness~!

“Do you remember when the Hunting Guild got caught up in the Rift Dungeon? It turned into a Ghost Town.”

“Ah.”

While Jeong Hoyeong took down the Boss Monster, Headbang rescued the guild members engulfed by ghosts. And at that time, Seora had pretended not to be involved.

“Now that you mention it, that did happen. I had forgotten because your acting skills were so good.”

Seora ignored the comment and glanced at Do Junyeong. “If I use my skill, I can save those who were affected. I’ve never unleashed the power of a Level 1 spirit before, but I’ll give it a try. Guild Master, please take care of the surrounding monsters in the meantime.”

【Activating skill “Spatial Domination”!】

【A field has been generated in the designated area.】

【Current Domination Power: 80%】

Perhaps due to the battle with the Phantom Overlord that resulted in destruction, the domination power was not at 100%. Nevertheless, it didn’t matter.

As the red cube enveloped Do Junyeong’s entire body, Seora closed her eyes and focused. Through the cube, she felt the solid, intense, yet gentle aura that was unique to Do Junyeong.

However, an extremely unpleasant and oppressive force was blocking her energy, hindering the gathering of his aura. Especially the black smoke concentrated in his head that was slowly consuming his brain with nightmares.

How could she remove it without causing significant harm? Seora carefully observed Do Junyeong’s condition more than ever before, hoping that he could escape from the dreadful nightmare.

***

Murasaki, who had severed a Phantom’s neck, stared intently with narrowed eyes. Headbang stood alongside the Korean Hunters.

“I can’t believe she managed to take down Phantom Overlord alone.”

The aura she radiated on the ship, the tremendous explosion that occurred within the red cube.

Rather than being amazed as fellow Hunters, Murasaki felt a complex mix of emotions. It was already unsettling enough that there were three L-class Awakened in a neighboring country, but to think that one of them was this strong...

If assassination was impossible, persuasion was the right approach. Murasaki didn’t care about some unwritten rule that said they couldn’t target government officials. Japan couldn’t afford to become the weakest link in Northeast Asia.

“We need to prepare something worthwhile to entice her.”

While facing off against Phantom, Murasaki never took his eyes off Headbang.

And because of that, he didn’t notice. The assassin cloaked in shadows had infiltrated between them.

“Aaaagh!”

“Oh no, Shirabu!”

Murasaki hurriedly turned his head at Harune’s cry. However, Healer Shirabu had already been attacked by Phantom.

Although Harune quickly killed the Phantom, they couldn’t rescue Shirabu from the clutches of the nightmare.

“Why Shirabu?”

As the Healer, he had the strongest mental barrier among the three. So why did he suddenly get hit by Phantom in a situation that wasn’t even dangerous?

“I have no idea what happened...” Harune was equally baffled by the situation. Both of their faces hardened.

While they were focused on Shirabu, a shadow that was quietly smiling slipped away from its position.

***

Do Junyeong blinked, feeling a sense of unease. Something was off, but he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what it was. His friend Yun Jaeheon, who was leading the way, appeared the same as always, yet there was an underlying peculiarity.Rread latest chapters at novelhall.com

“We’ve arrived.”

“Yeah. Brother and Auntie are busy. I don’t like being busy, so I stay alone.”

They mentioned that she had taken a break from school due to the heightened attention following her parents’ death. It was too much. Subjecting a traumatized child, who had lost her parents, to such cruel treatment.

Without asking any further questions, Do Junyeong quietly sat next to Seora. The sound of their breathing filled the room with a sense of solace. Finally, it seemed that Seora realized something was amiss.

“Brother’s friend, my brother isn’t here.”

“I know.”

“But why don’t you leave?”

“It’s cold when you’re alone. If there are two of us, it won’t be as cold.”

Despite the blanket right next to them, Junyeong didn’t simply hand it to Seora and leave. There were times when even such gestures couldn’t provide warmth.

“It’s not cold. I don’t really know what being cold feels like.” Seora tilted her head and gazed out the window. It was still winter. “Maybe I’ll never know what it feels like to be cold.”

Watching Seora in silence, Junyeong took out a wrapped gift from his bag. He should have given it to her earlier, but the timing was never right, and he had been carrying it around all this time. It would have been better if he had given it to her before her parents left. They departed too soon.

“It’s late, but happy birthday.”

Seora’s mouth hung open in disbelief. Junyeong’s ears turned red as he watched her alternate between the wrapped gift and him.

“Brother’s friend, do you know it’s been over a month since my birthday?”

“...I’m sorry. I wanted to give it to you sooner.”

“Do you think it will change if you give it to me now? I’m already eleven.”

“I’m truly sorry.”

Seora, who had been staring blankly for a while, burst into laughter as if she found the situation funny. Junyeong’s eyes widened at the smile he saw for the first time since her parents’ death.

“Haha. Hahaha. You’re really funny.”

Inside the wrapping paper, a mix of red and green like a Christmas gift, was an ivory-colored scarf. It was warm enough to ward off the cold.

“Thank you. It’s the first gift I’ve received since Mom and Dad gave me one.” Seora’s gaze turned toward one side of the living room. Even though a month had passed, the Christmas tree was still there.

December 25th.

That was Seora’s birthday.

A week after her parents had celebrated her birthday, they passed away. Christmas, which had been a very special day for Seora, had now turned into the cruelest day.

“Your brother and aunt will protect you, so you don’t have to worry,” Junyeong assured Seora, hesitating for a moment before gently patting her head. The child’s eyes widened at his words. “I will protect you too. You don’t have to be alone in this. If it’s alright with you, you can call me anytime, and I’ll come running.”

Seora’s small hand clenched tightly around the scarf as tears streamed down her face. She had been holding back her emotions, but now they were pouring out.

How could an eleven-year-old child endure loneliness on her own? It was impossible.

“...Really? You’ll come if I call?”

“Yeah. You can call me anytime, even if Jaeheon isn’t around. If you tell me you need me, I’ll be there.”

With sobs, Seora nodded, her head hanging low. Finally, Do Junyeong felt a weight lift off his heart, and his chest eased.

“But, you’ve never protected me.”

The smile that had unconsciously adorned his face froze. Do Junyeong’s eyes widened in surprise.

Seora’s tear-stained face, which had been trying to hide her joy, suddenly transformed into something eerie. His heart sank.

“What did you do when I died in the Werewolf’s Dungeon, Brother’s friend?”

A calloused hand tightened around Do Junyeong’s neck.