Chapter 36: 36

It was now 2021 . The world had changed dramatically after 2020 had passed . The number of awakeners increased, and the corresponding number of dungeons drew a sharp upward curve .

The dungeons weren’t solely a social issue but were turning into a huge problem . Outbreaks were occurring more often since dungeon attacks aren’t executed earlier . Fortunately, there was no significant damage due to the swift action of nearby awakeners, but it had become a severe problem .

“In the future, there will be an increase in dungeons appearing and dungeon outbreaks . Although the number of awakeners is much higher than the dungeons right now…”

“You’re saying that the tables would turn later?”

“At least that’s what I think would happen . ”

If it was according to Su-hyeun’s words, the situation had gone beyond a severe level .

Lee Ju-ho was one who had several years of experience as an awakener . He drew up the scene that Su-hyeun shared with him in his mind, where the number of dungeons outnumbered the awakeners .

Lee Ju-ho’s face turned blue in an instant . He put the chopsticks he had in his hand down on the table .

“…It’s over . ”

What if dungeons appeared all over the world, and all of those had outbreaks?

There would only be one result . The end of the world .

When Su-hyeun brought up the story, he had wondered if Lee Ju-ho would ignore his words . As the proportion of dungeons to outbreaks increased, it had become a social problem .

That’s probably why Lee Ju-ho could not ignore his words . Furthermore, if assuming what Su-hyeun said was true…

“If that’s the case, this isn’t favorable at all . Of course, I’ll help . ”

“Thank you . ”

It was a relief .

If Lee Ju-ho’s negotiations with the authorities were successful, this issue could be solved without much trouble .

However, the problem was that unlike Su-hyeun, who knew how the future went, no one could be certain what decision the authorities would make .

The case was only a gamble of probability to a certain extent . It was up to him to prepare in case the gamble failed . The preparation was something which he had on his mind for quite some time .

“But… It’s certainly coincidental . ”

“What are you talking about?”

“The period which you mentioned . It coincides with the green level dungeon attack that appeared at Ansan . ”

It was sporadic for a green level dungeon to appear .

Not only did such dungeons require A-rank awakeners, depending on the situation, they might also need help from S-rank awakeners .

If the outbreak occurred in such dungeons, the whole city would be in immediate danger, forcing the nation and the Awakeners Authority to focus entirely on the green level dungeons .

In other words, it was also the period where Seoul and Gyeonggi province would have a lack of manpower .

“In fact, I had thought of going there if I couldn’t get to go on the dungeon attack with you…”

It’s not a good thing to say after hearing those words .

“Haa— It’s complicated . ”

Even so, he couldn’t leave the green level dungeon alone . If there was an outbreak in the green level dungeon, it would also become a great danger to the city .

“Please don’t expect too much . It’s because it’s me — that’s why I believed it but isn’t it quite a groundless story?”

“I got it . I’ll make my preparations separately . ”

Right now, there was a limit to what Su-hyeun and Lee Ju-ho could do, so they could only do their best within their boundaries .

Su-hyeun once again concentrated on his meal and continued his train of thoughts .

They soon finished their meal .

Lee Ju-ho felt that he could not hold back Su-hyeun for long . He too had to challenge the next floor’s trial and also had to help Su-hyeun with his favor .

Su-hyeun thought over for a moment if he should head back home . It had been a while since he saw Shin Soo-yeong’s face, too .

Instead, it might be better for her to think that Su-hyeun was still focused and working hard on ascending the tower . However, he thought that a call would be alright .

Ring—

Su-hyeun called Shin Soo-yeong .

“Hello?”

Though he hadn’t heard her voice for some time, she sounded urgent . She must have been busy on the other line .

“Oh, mom . What are you doing?”

“I’ve been busy for a while with the guests . Your call came at a good time . I was just about to take a break from the guests who just left . ”

Shin Soo-yeong had set up her own store . After selling gold for more than a decade, Su-hyeun presented her with a jewelry shop . After setting up her own shop, she did not stop working for a moment . Her shop was quite prosperous, perhaps because of her volubility and ability .

“Are you done with your work? I haven’t heard from you in a while . ”

Su-hyeun left the house after getting a small studio . He thought that if he continued to stay with Shin Soo-yeong, he would still be concerned about her . Shin Soo-yeong, too, was more than ready to allow Su-hyeun to become independent .

Still, Su-hyeun still occasionally took time out to spend with her, but of course, he hadn’t had the time to do it recently .

“Yes, it just ended . But I think I’ll have to start on another now . ”

“Right away? Wouldn’t it be tough?”

It was the most common question from her . It was only asked by Shin Soo-yeong . Although he knew she was worried, Su-hyeun liked hearing it .

“It’s all right . I’m not hurt anywhere . People say that I’m a genius . Though I’ve said it before, I think I’m well-suited for this job . ”

It wasn’t a lie . In fact, various communities, including Abyss Online, and other countless awakeners, called Su-hyeun a genius and a divinity . Of course, only one of them, Lee Ju-ho, knew Su-hyeun’s face .

“Son, don’t you think you’re too proud of yourself? Karma will get at you for being too conceited . ”

“I know . Don’t worry . ”

“How can a mom not be worried about her son? Oh, I have a customer . Son, let’s talk again!”

“Okay . Take care . ”

And with that, Su-hyeun ended the call .

Vroom—

Su-hyeun drove back in a hurry . He soon arrived at a relatively tall studio apartment building . Su-hyeun was done for the day . He got a new sword, Gram, and met Lee Ju-ho to convey the story . He also had a brief talk with Shin Soo-yeong .