###
The President’s Office, United States.
The recent influx of crucial reports in the field of awakened power has been relentless.
Interestingly, most of these reports were tied to Korea.
And this time was no exception.
“How is contact with EX going?”
EX was now a widely recognized codename, used to refer to Perfect Clear Awakened individuals.
“The Korean government is stubbornly dodging our questions.”
“Damn it. They must have caught on.”
“Yes, it’s presumed they’ve figured out the effects of the E-rank Blessing.”
“Keep at it for now.”
The abnormal dungeon phenomenon spreading like a global plague wasn’t yet at a critical stage.
Except in Korea.
But it was only a matter of time before other nations faced the same crisis as Korea.
Preparation was key, and everyone was watching Korea to gauge the potential danger.
Even Korea, with Dr. Kang Hyun on their side, was barely managing the situation.
If it escalated, the damage elsewhere would undoubtedly surpass Korea’s.
Most countries were frantically searching for solutions.
But America believed it had found the answer.
“What other alternatives do we have?”
“None as of now. The E-rank Blessing from Perfect Clear remains the only definitive solution.”
The Blessings granted by Perfect Clear varied in effects depending on their rank.
Particularly, the E-rank Blessing.
Within its range, dungeon abnormalities were sealed off.
Perhaps it suppressed the demonic energy causing the phenomenon.
The exact mechanism was still a matter of hypothesis.
“Damn. In that case, we’ll have to resort to more aggressive measures.”
“Shall we mobilize the CIA for an abduction?”
“Are you out of your mind?”
The Director of Intelligence flinched.
The current president was known for his boldness, so the suggestion seemed aligned with his temperament.
“EX is a valuable asset destined to end up in America’s hands someday. Alienating them now would only ruin our future.”
“Ah…!”
Such profound foresight.
Indeed, the wide-ranging perspective befitting the master of the White House.
“Then, what do you mean by aggressive measures…?”
“Mobilize the CIA to uncover EX’s identity. A slight overstep like this can be mended with appropriate compensation.”
“Understood.”
America was ready to show utmost sincerity.
“And woo EX aggressively.”
“Understood!”
America was also prepared to embrace any exceptional talent.
“Publicly, initiate diplomatic gestures of friendship toward Korea. If they ever start trading E-rank Blessings, ensure we’re their first customer.”
“Understood.”
“This is going to be a long game. Make sure Korea can’t refuse our requests. Turn them into a friend of America.”
“Understood.”
The president’s bold nature didn’t solely signify aggression.
It was about being proactive in every aspect.
“If possible, I’d like us to become the merchants of Blessings first.”
Such a desirable human resource was unprecedented.
The president licked his lips in anticipation.
###
Inside Seonghwa Headquarters.
TVs scattered across the building were fixed on news channels these days.
Particularly in the café and basement bar, where guild members constantly gathered around.
After all, the news had never been more engaging.
Even Mar was glued to the screen in the café, sipping her drink through a straw.
“You’re always here watching TV, huh?”
“Well, elite members like me only get sent on critical missions, you know!”
Due to the abnormal dungeons, even those missions had been significantly reduced.
“Anything interesting on the news today?”
“Not really. Wonder when Ghost will take an assemblyman’s head!”
“Whoa, whoa.”
As if anyone could target assemblymen immediately.
If Ghost did, it might just push the government to draw their swords for real.
That’s how heightened the attention and tension surrounding Ghost had become.
“Oh, wait! There’s some fun news. The government retracted their statement!”
“Huh, they did?”
“Yeah! Officially, they lowered the bounty to the legal maximum of 3 billion won. The prosecutor general is said to be stepping down.”
“Wow! That’s such a relief!”
Aden visibly celebrated.
Indeed, this essentially reduced the bounty to a symbolic measure.
‘At least Ghost won’t have to watch his back so much while operating.’
Kang Hyun felt some relief.
Satisfied, he prepared to move on—until Aden tiptoed and whispered into his ear.
“I’ve gathered a full list of assemblymen. These are the ones who collaborated with Palan…”
“…When did you gather all this?”
“Won’t it come in handy for Ghost someday?”
Hmm… it would be useful.
I should take it. Let’s save it for when things settle down.
<Breaking news: A dungeon break in Osaka, Japan, has resulted in 4,000 deaths. This catastrophe is attributed to abnormal dungeon phenomena…>
“4,000 deaths!?”
A truly massive disaster.
Especially devastating since it occurred in a major city like Osaka.
“They’re struggling over there too.”
“I hate these dungeon abnormalities!”
Mar shuddered, and so did the guild members around her.
Dungeon collapses were increasing globally.
All due to abnormal dungeon phenomena.
Japan, in particular, had just experienced an enormous catastrophe.
“Looks like there are traitors in other countries too.”
“It’d be strange if there weren’t.”
It was the same 100 years ago.
Traitors existed everywhere.
Cockroach-like scum.
“When will this abnormal situation finally end?”
Killing Oh Hyuk-jun wouldn’t solve the problem.
He’d already scattered his mess and vanished.
‘Do I really need to face off with the Abyss itself?’
That wasn’t an option.
The Abyss wasn’t comparable to an S-rank—it was far beyond that.
“Hasn’t the government figured out a solution yet?”
“Not sure. Maybe I should call Chief Choi–”
Beep Beep Beep.
A call came in right on time.
“Yes, Chief Choi?”
<There’s an emergency. Could you come to the Awakened Management Bureau immediately?>
###
Japan suddenly issued an official statement.
<The recent ‘dungeon abnormality’ phenomenon triggered by Korea’s Palan Guild has spread globally, creating a severe international crisis. Japan, in particular, has suffered massive human and material losses, posing a significant threat to national security.>
“That’s quite an aggressive tone.”
“This is just the beginning.”
Kang Hyun picked up a piece of tteokbokki with a toothpick.
This place really knew how to make good tteokbokki.
<The Korean government must take clear responsibility for this incident caused by its guild and take immediate countermeasures.>
“This place has the best tteokbokki!”
“Tteokbokki is too spicy for me.”
“Hold on, focus on what’s being said right now.”
They were explicitly assigning blame.
Now they were even making specific demands.
<In particular, to analyze and resolve the ‘dungeon abnormality’ phenomenon, Japan demands the immediate dispatch of Korea’s ‘Abnormality Specialist’.>
“Wait, what? Me?”
Kang Hyun was halfway through his tteokbokki when the bombshell dropped.
<The Japanese government also intends to discuss compensation for the damages caused by this incident.>
Unbelievable.
They were even planning to demand reparations.
<We hope that concrete countermeasures can be developed through close cooperation between the two governments and urge the Korean government to adopt a forward-looking stance in this matter.>
“That’s pretty blatant.”
“Yes, they seem very determined this time.”
“Why are they acting like this?”
Relations between Korea and Japan had always been tense, but this level of sharp diplomatic language was unusual.
“They’re redirecting internal anger and blame outward. It’s something that’s happened often in history.”
“Oh, because of the break?”
It was an enormous disaster.
4,000 deaths were no small number.
And it had happened right in the heart of Osaka, a major city.
The public’s sense of crisis must be overwhelming.
“Yes. Due to the collapse, the current Japanese government is facing severe criticism from its citizens—enough to even spark talks of cabinet resignation.”
“They’re practically performing a circus to put out the fire under their feet.”
Hearing it framed this way, it did seem pitiable.
But the Japanese citizens were also being too harsh on their government.
“Natural disasters happen. Can you really blame anyone for them?”
“Governments always take the blame, regardless. People want someone to be responsible for their pain and anger.”
“Hmm… now that you mention it, that’s been true in our country too.”
To be fair, the Japanese government’s response had been inadequate.
Dungeon abnormalities were unpredictable, making it hard to gauge the scale of a collapse.
They underestimated the threat and dispatched mostly low-ranked Awakened forces.
As a result, the damage escalated significantly.
“No wonder. Even for a major city, that’s an excessive number of deaths.”
“Shifting the focus to Korea is one of Japan’s last cards when they’re backed into a corner.”
They must be desperate.
“Are other countries starting to feel the crisis of these abnormalities?”
“They’re still in the early stages, but having seen Korea’s precedent, they’re catching on fast.”
Recently, the global spotlight had been on Korea.
Massive collapse damages, relentless protests and unrest, the death of an S-rank Awakened, and the emergence of an S-rank villain.
All of it sparked by dungeon abnormalities.
Information about the crisis spread rapidly across nations, with many asking, “What exactly is this abnormality?”
As a result, other countries were grasping the danger much faster than Korea had initially.
“In some countries with weaker administrative capabilities, riots have already broken out.”
“So Korea was the guinea pig.”
“It became a valuable example, that’s for sure.”
Doesn’t that mean the problem will get solved faster now?
Advanced nations like the U.S. boast their capabilities—can’t someone just find a solution?
“Doesn’t the government have any solutions yet?”
“There’s a sense they’ve found some kind of lead.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“It’s classified, so I don’t know the details. But I’ve heard whispers about Seoul… something to do with Blessings or Perfect Clear.”
“Huh? Me?”
What about Perfect Clear?
“I’m not sure. Maybe they’re referring to the progression of Perfect Clears?”
“Ah, maybe. But that’s not really a fundamental solution either.”
This abnormal situation is taking way too long to resolve.
“Anyway, what do we do about Japan’s demands?”
“Absolutely not!”
Anti-Korean sentiment had already escalated there.
“There’s no way we can send a Perfect Clear Awakened into that kind of environment!”
“But the higher-ups don’t even know the doctor is a Perfect Clear Awakened.”
“Oh…!”
Chief Choi slapped his forehead, realizing the potential complication.
There was a chance the decision might be made to temporarily “lend” the doctor to Japan—to avoid diplomatic friction.
“Are we really going to Japan?”
“This feels off. Who knows if we’d get attacked or worse?”
“Exactly, we can’t allow it! I’ll figure something out….”
Of course, Chief Choi didn’t actually have the power to stop such a decision.
He was just venting his frustration.
While Choi anxiously paced around, someone pointed at the TV.
“Hey, isn’t that the U.S. President on TV?”
“What, first time seeing him?”
“He’s talking about Korea, I think.”
“Huh?”
“What?”
Chief Choi hurriedly turned up the volume.
<The United States wishes to clarify that Korea is not the cause of this crisis but one of the first victims. We deeply admire the remarkable resilience, leadership, and democratic spirit shown by the Korean government and its people, especially in taking initiative to deal with traitors. Korea is a strong nation.>
“Huh?”
“Uhh… what?”
What’s with this sudden friendliness?
<The United States strongly opposes any attempt to exploit this global crisis as a tool for diplomatic pressure or unilateral demands.>
Isn’t that directed at Japan?
