The Female Lead Saves the World - Chapter 372

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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
Part 2, Episode 193

So the first thing I did was this.
‘What are you looking at?’
I flashed a grin right back at Sa Ma Young, my smile sharp and knowing.
Whether he was amused because we’d drawn the Justice Guild—the weakest team in the bracket—or simply because he’d get to face me, I couldn’t say for certain.
But I wanted to make one thing crystal clear to Sa Ma Young.
That if he kept up that cocky attitude, he’d pay dearly for it.
Because I had absolutely no intention of bowing out in the semifinals.
‘Besides, if we crush the Sama Guild—the tournament favorites—in the semifinals, doesn’t that make us the champions?’
If we were going to face them anyway, it wasn’t a bad strategy to eliminate them in the semifinals where the pressure was relatively lighter.
As if he’d read my thoughts, Sa Ma Young let out a soft chuckle, his eyes still fixed on me.
Ding—

《 ♥ 89 : Greed
(貪)
》

Why does his affection meter rise so easily?
He seemed like the type who’d bite if you poked him, yet he was surprisingly easy to provoke.
“Now, let me announce which Gate will host the semifinals!”
This was the truly crucial moment.
I held my breath, my eyes locked on the monitor before me.

[ Group A – Gwanak Mountain A-rank Gate, Seoul ]
[ Group B – Seo-myeon A-rank Gate, Busan ]

…Damn.
I forcibly suppressed the deep sigh that threatened to burst forth from all the restraint I’d been holding back.
It wasn’t simply a matter of having to make the long journey to Busan.
“Two Gates opening with only a 12-hour difference! If we want to catch all the matches, it’s going to be quite a hectic two days!”
Just as the host said, the anticipated emergence times of the Gates were less than a full day apart.
A-rank Gates opening consecutively in the two largest cities.
It was somewhat overshadowed by the festive atmosphere of the Guild Cup, but ordinarily it would have been a phenomenon warranting considerable alarm.
In fact, it was also a dangerous signal that the apocalypse process had already accelerated.
I quickly scanned the reactions of the other Hunters.
There were subtle differences from their usual demeanor—stiffened mouths, tense shoulders—but they were all still smiling.
They were pretending everything was fine so people wouldn’t grow anxious.
‘…They’re not bad people, that’s for sure.’
The more dangerous Gates become, the higher the market value of Hunters rises.
It becomes easier to exploit the public’s fear for one’s own gain or one’s Guild’s benefit.
‘Sa Ma Young did exactly that in 【The Last Epoch】.’
Before awakening to S-rank and meeting his end—disappearing inside a Gate—the corrupted Sa Ma Young had fomented social unrest.
Sometimes he deliberately orchestrated dangerous situations to seize power and strength.
But the Sa Ma Young of now is different.
He still occasionally acted in ways that ordinary thinking couldn’t quite comprehend, but at least he wasn’t someone who would sacrifice everything for his own desires.
“It’s now time to conclude our broadcast. We extend our gratitude to all our viewers for spending this extended time with us.”
The host began delivering his prepared closing remarks toward the camera with a solemn expression.
“Not only the four Guilds here, but countless Hunters today are struggling in their respective positions to protect your precious daily lives. We ask for your support and encouragement for them as much as you show interest and backing for the Guild Cup.”
The live broadcast was smoothly racing toward its conclusion.
“Well then, this concludes the Guild Cup semifinals special live broadcast….”
I shifted my gaze to check the time.
About five minutes ago, Association Director Ji Jung Hwi would have released a certain statement.
“Ah, we’ve received word from the production team. Apparently there was a major announcement from the Association just moments ago. Since it’s related to the Guilds participating in this broadcast, they’d like us to hear their position before ending the live broadcast… For now, let’s view that announcement together.”
Shortly after, an official notice bearing the Association’s logo appeared on the broadcast screen.
“Reinvestigation of the 5th Dungeon Break…?”
The host, exercising his keen professional instincts to read the text at the top of the announcement, turned to look at me with eyes wide open.
That wasn’t all.
Every person’s gaze in the studio converged in one direction.
Likely the same was true for the countless viewers watching the broadcast.
In the midst of attention suddenly focused, the camera hastily captured Kang Han’s figure filling the screen.
“First, I must apologize to those who are surely quite shocked.”

* * *

The Korean Awakener Association’s official announcement to reinvestigate the cause of the Fifth Dungeon Break sparked enormous public reaction.
[ “Last night, the Korean Awakener Association officially announced it would begin a reinvestigation to determine the cause of the Fifth Dungeon Break. Given the massive casualties that occurred in the incident, public response has been intense. In particular, attention is focused on the position of the Justice Guild, which had been identified as bearing direct responsibility for the Cheonho-dong Dungeon Break. Shortly after the announcement, Kang Han, the Guild Master of Justice Guild, clarified his stance during a live broadcast.” ]
Following the news anchor’s commentary, a brief edited clip of Kang Han appeared on screen.
[ “After analyzing the wave patterns from the time of the Dungeon Break, we discovered a pattern unique to Double Dungeons. We are hopeful that advances in new technology will allow us to uncover the truth behind this tragic accident.” ]
Maestro, who had also analyzed the wave patterns, promptly released supporting data to back the Association’s announcement.
Thanks to this, there was no unnecessary speculation, but that didn’t mean public opinion was entirely positive.

Everyone’s Forum – [ Free Discussion Board ]
(BEST) Justice Guild is so disgusting;; | Views: 2,501,818
Isn’t it a fact that the Dungeon Break happened because of Justice Guild, no matter what they say about Double Dungeons?
They’re trying to dodge responsibility now, it’s sickening;
Seems like they’re attempting an image rehabilitation since they did well in the Guild Cup

Comments
– Yeah, Double Dungeon my ass…;;
– But if it really was a Double Dungeon, wouldn’t it be unavoidable?
– There is someone who believes this haha.
– What if you don’t believe it? The Association and Maestro both confirmed it?
– Get your head straight;; Justice Guild are victims too;;
– If it was a Double Dungeon, they should have retreated
– It was a sealed type so no one could enter or leave;; Don’t talk if you don’t know
– I’m staying neutral on this
– But Kang Han would also feel unfair ㅠㅠ
– ㅁㅈㅁㅈ How much I have been criticized so far ㅠ
– Honestly, Justice Guild went bankrupt from giving compensation they didn’t even have to give legally;;>
– People died that day, someone has to take responsibility?

“Talking about responsibility like that.”
I was monitoring articles and online communities when I finally spat out a curse at the last comment.
If there’s someone to blame for a Dungeon Break like a natural disaster, it’s not the Justice Guild—it’s this damn System.
Just then, a pale hand swept across the phone screen I’d been staring at.
“Want me to confiscate your phone, Yeo Joo?”
“What? When did you get here, oppa?”
“A while ago. Are you going to keep reading those nasty comments?”
“They’re not nasty comments, they’re—!”
“Hand it over.”
In the end, my phone was confiscated by Han Ji Sung.
“Close your mouth.”
“Fine.”
But my sullen mood wouldn’t lift.
I’m not some kid like Chung Soo!
“Instead of your phone, let me show you something worth seeing. Here.”
“There’s no way anything beats community surfing for dopamine… Whoa!”
The moment I saw the bracelet Han Ji Sung held out, I was so shocked that an inhuman shriek burst from my lips.

[ Mana Storage Stone Bracelet (B) – Prototype
: Contains a small amount (50) of stored mana. ]

“How is this possible? Last time you said it could barely light a candle!”
“The conversations I had with the Workshop owner were incredibly helpful.”
“The real geniuses are people like that Workshop owner. Anyway, try it on—it’s a gift.”
“Geniuses are people like the Workshop Sugar owner. Anyway, just try it once—it’s a gift.”
“For me? Really?”
I quickly took the bracelet and fastened it around my wrist.
It was shaped like a round, cute blue glass bead of mana storage stone, secured with a leather cord.
“You don’t use mana yourself, but since this is the first proper prototype, I wanted to give it to you as a keepsake.”
Han Ji Sung laughed shyly, his cheeks flushing red.
“It feels like just yesterday you collapsed making ice crystals to earn money, and now look how grown up my oppa has become.”
“…Anyone hearing that would think you raised me.”
“Thank you so much, Ji Sung oppa.”
Han Ji Sung seemed to genuinely think it was a trivial gift, but in reality, he’d given me a spare life.
The System Message that had come to mind the first time Han Ji Sung showed me a mana storage stone flashed before my eyes once more.

[ Would you like to absorb the stored mana using the skill ‘Even Dried Squid Yields Water When Squeezed’? ]

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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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