The Former Empress Roughly Hides Her Abilities - Chapter 496

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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 3, Episode 100

“Huh…….”
Ha Young Hyun’s eyes widened as an exclamation escaped her lips.
The others felt it too.
The composure maintained throughout the grave discussion wavered, though only slightly—yet the shift was undeniable.
In the quiet exchange of glances, I could feel the assessment of Kang Han changing before my eyes.
Kang Han, Guild Master of the Justice Guild.
After all the trials and tribulations, he now stood indisputably as one of the strongest.
Yet for all the power and influence he wielded, Kang Han remained decidedly passive.
Sa Ma Young, Sung Ro Sa, Yoo Myung Hwa.
Like most of the high-ranking hunters besides them, they wielded their authority without hesitation—a stark contrast to him.
He never brandished what he held carelessly, always careful with his words and conduct.
‘Until now, at least.’
Against Ha Young Hyun’s pressure, he didn’t yield. His measured response was solid, unshakeable.
Standing on the podium with his hands clasped behind his back, looking down at the guild representatives, Kang Han was a man who knew his place.
And that demeanor seemed to provoke Ha Young Hyun.
She wiped the shock from her face, and her mouth twisted into something sharp.
“So if you want to Re-awaken, grovel for it yourself? Without asking questions, without objections?”
The old Kang Han would have shaken his head, saying “That’s not it.”
With humility and composure, ensuring no misunderstanding arose.
But this time was different.
“Yes.”
Kang Han answered without hesitation, even turning the question back on her.
“Is that a problem?”
His gaze, fixed on Ha Young Hyun with his hands clasped behind his back, held no wavering.
He didn’t threaten her theatrically or assert his superiority.
His deep green eyes were like an ancient tree standing atop a mountain.
Its leaves might flutter in the wind, but they spoke of roots planted in this height since the distant past, unshakeable.
‘That’s…… rather impressive.’
I swallowed a sigh without letting it show.
If I didn’t, my heart would bolt away on its own.
Kang Han being impressive was nothing new.
But feeling impressed by him not just as a man, but as a person facing another person—that was something I hadn’t felt in quite some time.
Unaware of my assessment, Kang Han continued in a measured tone.
“If any guild believes it cannot accept these terms, withdraw from the Re-awakening Protocol project.”
“There must be a reason you’re saying it that way.”
Ryu Do Kyung, Guild Master of Cheongmun, spoke, and Kang Han gave a short nod.
“The process of triggering Re-awakening is extremely dangerous. In some cases, life itself must be wagered. To minimize risk, there can be no resistance to following and executing my orders. So if you cannot endure an unfair situation, don’t attempt it at all.”
“To that extent?”
Ryu Do Kyung furrowed his brow slightly before asking.
“Establishing a chain of command for swift decision-making is only natural. But might we learn in advance what kind of risk you’re referring to?”
It was a very careful question.
One probing the mechanism of the Re-awakening Protocol.
This was the first time Kang Han had looked at me since we arrived in the conference room.
Not seeking permission as he once might have.
Simply conveying his intent to disclose.
When I gave a brief nod in agreement, Kang Han turned his gaze back to Ryu Do Kyung.
“I’ll explain the trigger of the Re-awakening Protocol.”
The tension already filling the room tightened instantly.
Everyone’s eyes fixed on Kang Han’s mouth.
“From what we’ve discovered so far, Re-awakening is triggered when circumstances similar to the initial Awakening are recreated.”
“That’s…… the secret of Re-awakening?”
Sung Ro Sa murmured in disbelief.
The other hunters’ reactions were similar, even if they didn’t voice them as plainly as she had.
But some grew visibly quiet, their expressions hardening.
“……That would be dangerous.”
“It has to be…… similar to back then.”
“That won’t be easy.”
Kang Han waited for the room to settle again before continuing his explanation.
“Many hunters awaken when their lives are threatened. In that moment of exposure to danger with no one to help them. And for high-ranking hunters to truly feel such a sense of crisis……”
“They’d practically have to be thrown into a Dungeon Break scenario?”
“No—not thrown. They walk in on their own two feet.”
The brief exchange between Sung Ro Sa and Yoo Myung Hwa lightened the heavy atmosphere somewhat.
Among the guild representatives, murmurs began to circulate.
“Well, if you can Re-awaken, you can’t really afford not to.”
“High risk, high return. Something like that.”
“Surely we won’t actually die?”
“Right. If you don’t want to die, you’ll Re-awaken. Even I will.”
They all seemed inclined to reach for the next stage rather than settle for the status quo.
Kang Han, observing them, opened his mouth.
“It’s undoubtedly dangerous. There’s also no guarantee that exposure to danger will result in Re-awakening. But if you succeed, you’ll gain the stronger power to protect others—and most importantly, to protect yourselves. I’ll do my utmost to help.”
Given Kang Han’s nature, one inclined toward neither exaggeration nor bluster, the promise carried substantial weight.
In answer, Yoo Myung Hwa was the first to raise her hand.
“Dongbaek will participate unconditionally. If the Guild Master is speaking with such conviction, we have to trust it.”
“Utopia as well.”
“Muwoon also requests to participate.”
In the end, every guild assembled at the Association voiced their intent to participate.
I’d thought one or two might abstain.
The hunters’ faces brimmed with anticipation rather than worry.
“You’re trusting only the Guild Master?”
Even someone offered a joke tinged with sincerity.
Though it was meant lightly, I was momentarily taken aback.
I’d thought Kang Han would find it rather burdensome.
But Kang Han surprised me once more.
“Yes.”
His answer was blunt and terse, without a trace of humor.
He didn’t deflect with a smile or a joke.
He no longer feared people’s trust and expectations.
Nor the responsibility that followed.
I gazed at him and tilted my head.
‘Has he…… grown?’
It was certainly encouraging.
Immovable as a great rocky mountain, Kang Han was indeed drawing closer to what a protagonist should be.
So I should be happier than anyone about his progress.
‘Then why does my heart feel so uneasy?’
The thrill that had been fluttering in my chest ebbed away with anxiety.
The Kang Han I knew was someone more honest with his own emotions.
That was likely because my help and intervention had spared him the hardships and reversals found in the novel.
He’d grown more accustomed to hope and growth than to despair and setback.
But the Kang Han before me now.
‘He’s like the Kang Han from .’
If I reached out to touch him, concrete dust would flake away beneath my fingertips.
The ruins of Yeouido, which the System had awarded to me as compensation for Synchronization Rate—now desolate—seemed to shimmer behind Kang Han’s silhouette on the podium.
‘Why does that memory come to mind now?’
As I bit the inside of my cheek, troubled by this strange discord,
“Then, might I ask questions about something other than the Re-awakening Protocol?”
Seo Yu Baek raised his right hand lightly as he spoke.
“I have some questions about the Berserk Containment Squad.”
“M-me too! What exactly is the emergency k-kit…….”
Pushing aside my unsettled feelings for now, it was my turn to step forward.
“I think I can answer both of those. I’m really grateful that Seo Director and Geum Eun Dong are taking an interest.”
I smiled warmly toward them and added,
“The Awakened Healer Hospital and the Maestro absolutely must do their part.”

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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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