Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Ranks?

As Seojun and Silla moved across the Obsidian Abyss, he watched the dark waters closely. The sea was known for being full of dangerous creatures, but something unusual was happening. Instead of attacking, the sea creatures were moving aside, clearing a path for them.

It was as if the sea itself was letting them pass without any trouble. He noticed this strange behavior and found it odd.

Just then, his system chimed with a new notification:

[The Abyssal Lord, Grimzark, might be aware of your presence. Instead of stopping you, it seems he is allowing you to continue. Be ready—this could be his way of welcoming you host.]

Seojun read it and his expression serious. Grimzark knew he was coming, and instead of attacking, he was letting him through. It showed confidence, maybe even arrogance .

With Silla's strong strokes pushing them forward, they continued across the Obsidian Abyss. The calmness of the sea made the situation even more tense, as Seojun knew that every moment brought him closer to his meeting with Grimzark. The Abyssal Lord's "welcome" only made him more eager to face whatever was waiting on the island.

Meanwhile, A huge crowd gathered around a portal glowing with energy. Reporters and cameras filled the area, while soldiers kept the crowd back to keep them safe from the portal.

Suddenly, the crowd cheered as the Wolf Fang's party arrived. This group of awakeners, including a mage, healer, porter, swordsman, and others, was back for their second attempt at clearing an A-rank dungeon. Reporters rushed forward, eager to ask questions.

"How do you feel about this second attempt?" one reporter shouted.

"Do you have any new strategies this time?" another asked.

"Are you confident you'll succeed after your first attempt failed?" a third reporter pressed.

The leader of the Wolf Fang's party, clearly annoyed by the questions, walked up to the reporters. He suddenly punched one of the reporters who was getting too close, snatching the microphone from their hand.

With a fierce look, he said, "We don't care about your questions. We're here to show that we can clear this dungeon, no matter what happened before. Just watch us!"

The reporters stepped back, surprised and a bit scared. The group ignored the crowd and turned their focus to the portal.

In a high-tech office, officials watched the scene on their large TV screen. The Wolf Fang's party was shown arriving at the portal, and their leader's aggressive reaction was clear. The room was filled with tension.

An older man, known for his authority, slammed his fist on his desk in anger. The desk broke apart from the force of his blow.

"Where are the top rankers? Why aren't they making a move?!" he shouted, his face red with frustration. His voice echoed through the room, making everyone uneasy.

One of the officials, adjusting his glasses nervously, said, "We've tried to contact them, but they can't be found. It's like they've disappeared. "

The old man's anger grew. "This is unacceptable! An A-rank dungeon shouldn't be handled by a C-rankers. Our top rankers are missing, and we're risking everything!"

Another official added, "If the Wolf Fang's party fails, it could be dangerous. They might even die in the dungeon. We need to be ready for any outcome."

The old man's eyes narrowed, deeply worried. "If their group fails, it's not just their lives at risk! it could endanger the safety of Korea and its people. We must find those top rankers now and make sure they understand how serious this is."

The officials quickly began working to find the missing top rankers and prepare for any possible outcomes.

After the officials left, the two young adults, Alexa and Alex, approached the old man with concern. Both had blond hair and brown eyes and were in their twenties.

Alexa gently helped the old man sit down. "Grandpa, try not to get too upset. The top rankers will probably come back soon."

The old man, still agitated, demanded, "What's going on with the disappearance of the top rankers?!"

Alex spoke up, "I heard the Global System summoned them for an emergency quest . That's why we haven't been able to reach them."

The old man's anger flared again. "An emergency quest? Why wasn't I informed? This situation is critical! We need to act quickly!"

Alexa suggested, "Why don't we go into the dungeon ourselves? We might be able to help."

The old man's face turned red with frustration. "Are you out of your minds? Both of you are likely cursed and unable to use your abilities properly. You're in no condition to go into an A-rank dungeon!"

Alex tried to defend their suggestion, "We're capable of handling ourselves. We just need to work together." S~eaʀᴄh the nôᴠel Fire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

The old man shook his head angrily. "This isn't about capability—it's about safety. If you're cursed, you'll be a liability, not an asset. We can't afford to risk your lives in the dungeon. We need to find another solution and get more information about this emergency quest."

Alexa and Alex exchanged worried glances but nodded in agreement they started talking in a few minutes when Suddenly, the old man's assistant burst into the office without knocking. "Chairman, take a look at this!" he exclaimed, urgently pointing to the TV screen.

The old man, Alexa, and Alex quickly turned to the screen. To their shock, they saw that the Wolf King's group had just emerged from the A-rank dungeon.

Breaking News: Wolf Fang's party Successfully Clears a A-Rank Dungeon on Their Second Attempt!

"Wait, what happened? Didn't they just enter a few minutes ago?" Alexa asked, her voice filled with disbelief.

The assistant, clearly excited, explained, "The Wolf Fang's party is now all over the news. They cleared the A-rank dungeon in just minutes! This is a golden opportunity to recruit them before someone else does."

The old man's eyes lit up with interest. "Quick, we need to make an offer to recruit them right away!"

The scene on the screen shifted to show the Wolf King's group. The leader was happily waving and smiling broadly, clearly thrilled with their success. However, his team members appeared less enthusiastic, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and concern.

The old man chuckled, "It looks like we've got some amazing awakeners on our hands! Clearing a A rank dungeon in a few minutes! Hahaa"

Alexa and Alex exchanged uneasy glances. Something felt off to them. The sudden and swift clearance of the dungeon, coupled with the mixed reactions of the Wolf King's group, raised concerns.

Alexa whispered to Alex, "This doesn't seem right. There's something we're missing here."

Alex nodded, his expression thoughtful.

Alexa and Alex bid their grandpa farewell and walked out of the office. Their butler opened the car door for them, and they both got in, settling into the backseat.

"How was your talk with the chairman, young master and younglady?" the butler asked as he closed the door and got into the driver's seat.

"It was fine," Alexa replied.

"I want some fresh air," Alex added. "Take us to our friend's house."

"Yes, young master," the butler said, starting the engine.

The car moved smoothly through the city streets, but both Alexa and Alex were quiet, gazing out of their respective windows. Alexa broke the silence with a whisper, "I can't believe how much has changed in a few years."

Alex heard her but chose not to respond. As they neared their friend's house, he noticed a familiar figure walking in the direction they were headed. His eyes widened in recognition.

Without a word, Alex aggressively tapped the car window to stop.

"What's wrong, brother?" Alexa asked, confused.

"That's him!" Alex shouted, his voice filled with urgency. He threw open the car door and hurried out, determined to confront the figure.

Alexa followed quickly, her concern growing. As Alexa recognized the figure tears start streaming in her face covering her mouth while Alex hug and asked the familiar man.