The Female Lead Saves the World - Chapter 177

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Yeo Joo Saves the World – Episode 177

I tried to maintain composure as I watched Jung Je Hwa’s pupils tremble with uncertainty.
But I couldn’t help the tension that gripped me.
This was the first time I’d ever revealed my abilities to another person.
Jung Je Hwa appeared genuinely shocked.
As he struggled for words, I broached the main subject.
“I’d like to request something from you, Director. A machine that can measure darkness addiction rates.”
“A darkness addiction scanner.”
“If possible, I’d like it distributed to as many Awakeners as feasible. I apologize for the demanding specifications, Director.”
“Don’t say such things. A valuable item deserves nothing less. But… will you be alright?”
It was a question tinged with concern.
“Once the scanner is distributed, everyone will understand the true nature of your ability, Yeo Joo. The addiction numbers that decrease each time you use your skill will be visible at a glance.”
“That’s true.”
Honestly, that prospect frightened me a little.
To become the only person capable of solving the chronic affliction of addiction and rampage that plagued all Awakeners.
But everything has its proper time.
“I never intended to hide it forever anyway.”
I needed to accelerate the timeline for distributing the darkness addiction scanner as much as possible.
Once everyone knew their own addiction rates, the number of Hunters who would rampage in dangerous situations would plummet dramatically.
When that happened, the confrontational dynamic between Awakeners and non-Awakeners that Sa Ma Young was orchestrating would inevitably crumble.
“Why?”
Jung Je Hwa asked me.
“Wouldn’t it be easier to keep hiding it?”
“That’s true.”
“Then why are you asking me to create the darkness addiction scanner?”
The darkness addiction scanner was one of the essential pieces needed to prevent the apocalypse of this world.
So I reflected on it.
Why I had started moving in the first place.
Several reasons surfaced in my mind.
Lottery winnings, the desire to survive and not disappear with the world—countless things came to mind.
But ultimately, only one answer kept emerging.
“Because someone has to do it.”
At my response, Jung Je Hwa, who had been silent for a moment, smiled gently.
Then he spoke in a calm voice.
“You’re right. I’ll help you.”

* * *

A few days later.
Sa Ma Young surveyed the massive press conference hall, packed with reporters.
Following the path of his crimson gaze, countless camera flashes erupted in succession.
Every step, every gesture was captured and recorded by the cameras, yet he remained composed.
“Please, be seated, Hunter Sung Ro Sa.”
He even displayed the courtesy of pulling out Sung Ro Sa’s chair as he entered behind him.
As Sa Ma Young took his seat at the central position where the microphone awaited, the Guild Masters of Cheongmun and Utopia completed their entrance.
The moment four Guild Masters from the highest-tier Guilds—excluding Dongbaek—appeared simultaneously, the conference hall erupted in commotion.
Sa Ma Young waited for the uproar to settle, his face wearing a smile.
And finally, when all eyes converged upon him, his crimson lips parted.
“Thank you all for coming. I truly appreciate it.”
His soft, measured voice filled the hall.
“Today, we’ve urgently convened this gathering to announce the position of the Sama Guild and a total of 946 Guilds.”
Tap-tap-tap—
The reporters’ fingers moved frantically across their laptops, transcribing Sa Ma Young’s words.
“Effective immediately, all Guilds under the provisional name ‘Guild Coalition for Coexistence’ will boycott all Gate conquests.”
Flash—!
Sa Ma Young’s bombshell announcement triggered another barrage of camera flashes.
“This decision is for the healthy coexistence of Awakeners and non-Awakeners. The Guild Coalition for Coexistence condemns the recent irrational attacks against Awakeners and the unilateral legislative plans that restrict Awakeners’ lives. We Awakeners have the right to enjoy the same freedoms as non-Awakeners as a pillar of this society. This boycott is an expression of our Awakeners’ resolve toward that goal, and I must clarify that it is by no means intended to threaten the safety of non-Awakeners.”
At the final sentence, reporters exchanged quiet glances with their colleagues.
Sa Ma Young’s previous statement had unmistakably been a threat.
A threat that if their demands weren’t met, non-Awakeners would face danger.
“The government and parliament must immediately cease the ongoing persecution: restrictions on Awakener residential areas, revisions to Awakener tax laws, and immediate execution orders for rogue Hunters. These are the demands of the Guild Coalition for Coexistence. Furthermore.”
His crimson eyes fixed directly on the camera broadcasting the conference live.
“To the many Awakeners watching this broadcast, I humbly request that you stand with us. Thank you.”
A heavy silence fell over the vast hall.
Yet it was brief—Sa Ma Young’s next words, delivered with unhurried composure, shattered the silence that seemed ready to persist.
“I’ll take questions now.”

* * *

That bastard, seriously.
Watching the emergency press conference, I ground my teeth.
I’d spared him just before his complete corruption, and this is what he does?
The live comment section scrolling in real-time looked like a bomb had detonated.

– Awakeners’ selfishness is insane
– Those damn Hunters
– What are they trying to do by boycotting Gates?
– Let’s expose the personal information of all Hunters who joined the Guild Coalition for Coexistence
– What are you going to do if I reveal your personal information? ㅠㅠ
– But the Hunters have a point… I’d be frustrated too
– So they boycott because they’re frustrated?

Meanwhile, the Hunter Community’s reaction was split almost evenly.

Hunters – [ Free Discussion Board ]
Who’s participating in the boycott?
Every Bit Counts | Views: 264,321
Our guild is definitely participating
It feels so refreshing
Comments
Comment 1: I’m definitely joining too
Comment 2: This isn’t right—what if a Gate breaks? How will we take responsibility?
Comment 3: Why is that the Hunters’ responsibility?
Comment 4: What if a Dungeon breaks?
That5 I will participate, but I will get a C grade ㅠㅠ
.
.
.
Comment 551: I think we should do our jobs while asserting our rights
Comment 552: Let one Gate break and they’ll learn to fear Hunters
Comment 553: But isn’t the Guild Coalition for Coexistence the mainstream now? Only Dongbaek dropped out of the Five Major Guilds
Comment 554: Dongbaek is the one with common sense

While I monitored public opinion on my phone, the Q&A session continued.
When a question about Fantasia came up, Sung Ro Sa’s face filled the screen.

[ “I understand Fantasia is currently clearing the Pangyo A-rank Gate, and planning to clear a B-rank Gate in a few days. Are you really participating in the boycott?”
“The B-rank Gate operation has been cancelled, and we’ve notified the Association. As for the Pangyo Gate, we’ve already withdrawn.”
“What? You mean you’re suspending the operation that was already in progress?” ]

“That’s insane.”
Sung Yo Na stared at her older sister’s cold expression on the screen with trembling eyes, her face drained of color.

[ “Yes, that’s correct.”
“Isn’t that irresponsible?!” ]

Finally, one of the reporters covering the press conference erupted in fury.

[ “This is an A-rank Gate! And the Hunter disappears mid-conquest. How many hours has it been?”
“About five hours now.”
“F-five hours?!” ]

I quickly searched for information on the Pangyo A-rank Gate.
“Fantasia’s lost their minds.”
Less than six hours remained before the Dungeon Break.
If an A-rank Dungeon Break erupted in the heart of Pangyo, the casualties would be beyond counting.
The people in the press conference seemed to reach the same calculation, as another reporter suddenly shouted.

[ “Is Fantasia saying they’ll just let the Dungeon Break happen?!” ]

But Sung Ro Sa’s response was cold.

[ “That’s why the government and parliament need to make a swift decision. Then everything will be resolved.” ]

“This is complete hostage-taking.”
One of the Guild members watching the live broadcast muttered.
Then, Sa Ma Young, who had been observing the situation as if it were someone else’s problem, spoke.

[ “Until the demands are accepted, the Guilds affiliated with the Coalition plan to self-isolate elsewhere. We must respect the government’s position that citizens need protection from Awakeners who might go berserk at any moment.” ]

Following Sa Ma Young, who rose from his seat to end the press conference, Kang Han beside me also stood up.
His face was more rigid than I had ever seen it.
I followed Kang Han as he walked toward the Training Facility door without a word.
“Where are you going?”
Lee Yu Eul asked from behind.
There was no need to ask Kang Han—it was obvious where he was headed.
“The Awakener Association. I’ll be back.”

* * *

I’d anticipated this, but the front of the Awakener Association was already packed shoulder to shoulder with a surging crowd.
“The Awakener Association, get your act together!”
“Arrest the Hunters involved with the Guild Coalition for Coexistence!”
“Do something about this!”
On one side, enraged people were shouting with veins bulging from their necks, while Association Hunters armed head to toe with equipment stood as a barrier to prevent them from breaching inside.
Kang Han gripped my shoulder to shield me from being swept away by the tide of people, effortlessly cutting through the throng as we pressed forward.
The moment we reached the Association’s firmly locked doors, one of the Association Hunters approached with a furrowed brow and pushed against Kang Han’s shoulder to stop us.
“Guild Master Kang Han, what brings you to the Association?”
Kang Han looked down at the Hunter’s hand on his shoulder, then met his gaze as he replied.
“I’ve come to meet the Association Director.”
“The Association Director is busy at the moment. Perhaps you could come back another time——”
“Remove your hand. Open the door.”
Yellow electricity suddenly crackled across Kang Han’s green eyes.
“I’d rather not have innocent people get hurt either.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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