bookpower Chapter 293
Chapter 293
[Translator - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]
Chapter 293
Early in the morning, Zeon and Brielle made their way to an open space in the slums.
The large clearing was packed with vehicles and people.
It was where the assault teams mobilized for the Mana Stone Mine expedition were gathering.
There were 400 vehicles, 3,000 Awakenedd, and hundreds more support personnel.
This mission, spearheaded by City Hall, promised not only significant rewards but also a chance for the team that achieved the greatest success to gain partial rights to operate the new Mana Stone Mine city.
Naturally, countless assault teams jumped at the opportunity.
Even a small share of the operating rights for a Mana Stone Mine guaranteed enormous profits.
Once an operating right was secured, it meant stable, long-term income and a foothold in the new Mana Stone Mine.
The current rulers of Neo Seoul’s districts had humble beginnings. They had participated in earlier Mana Stone Mine expeditions, made significant contributions, and earned shares of operating rights.
This foundation allowed them to grow into the powerful factions they were today.
With such a precedent, it was no surprise that numerous teams were vying for a piece of the action.
Even the established district powers had dispatched their own teams.
They aimed to expand their influence by gaining a share of the new Mana Stone Mine, just as they had with the existing ones.
This influx of teams filled the open space in the slums to capacity.
Levin's friends Aeron and Dominic’s small assault team was among them, waiting in a secluded corner to depart.
It was a reflection of the harsh reality for small, insignificant teams.
In contrast, Jang Yong-beom’s team had secured a far more advantageous position.
As an assault team led by an S-rank Awakened, they had every right to claim the best spots.
Their vehicles were top-of-the-line: buggies specialized for desert terrain, buses reinforced with armor, and trucks for transporting supplies—clearly a well-prepared team.
Jang Yong-beom sat on the roof of a buggy, wearing a bored expression.
“Ugh, City Hall workers are always so damn slow. We could’ve just left already. What’s taking so long?”
“It’s a dangerous mission. They’re probably double-checking and making preparations.”
Jang Yong-beom looked unimpressed at Aiden’s reply.
“What’s so dangerous about it? They say there’s only one beast in the open-pit mine.”
“And that beast is estimated to be S-rank.”
“So am I.”
“Even so, you can’t take down an S-rank beast by yourself, can you?”
“Tch.”
With no retort, Jang Yong-beom clicked his tongue.
The strength of an S-rank beast was on an entirely different level than an A-rank Awakened.
Even an S-rank Awakened would struggle to defeat one alone—unless they possessed overwhelming abilities like Zeon.
“Haha!”
Suddenly, a burst of laughter interrupted their conversation.
Levin had inadvertently laughed out loud.
Jang Yong-beom shot him a glare.
“Something funny?”
“Sorry, it’s just... it was too amusing.”
Levin tried to suppress his laughter, covering his mouth with his hand, but his flushed face gave him away.
Displeased, Jang Yong-beom glanced at Aiden.
“Tch. It’s because you let him talk back that my authority is in the dirt.”
“I think it makes you more relatable.”
“Relatable, my ass. You’re all insufferable.”
“Still, thanks to him, we got a solid supply of potions. That’s something to be happy about, isn’t it?”
“Tch.”
In exchange for supporting Jang Yong-beom’s team with potions, Zeon had negotiated for Levin to join as a temporary member.
Levin wanted to protect his friends, but he couldn’t just join their team.
Small assault teams were often insular, with their own cultures. Once someone joined, leaving was rarely an option.
Levin needed to stay close to his friends while remaining free to act independently.
Jang Yong-beom’s team was the perfect fit.
Jang Yong-beom needed potions, and Levin needed a team that allowed him flexibility.
It was a mutually beneficial deal.
Although Jang Yong-beom grumbled, he knew how powerful Levin was and how useful his abilities could be.
Zeon nodded.
If Levin used his ghostly abilities to flee, few could hope to stop him. Even if the entire expedition were wiped out, Levin would likely survive.
The problem was his friends.
While Zeon had given them intense training in a short amount of time, they were still far behind other Awakeneds.
Zeon couldn’t guarantee their survival.
“All we can do is hope fortune favors them...”
“Couldn’t we just follow them?”
“City Hall wouldn’t like that.”
“Why not?”
“If I contribute significantly, they’d have to give me a share of the operating rights. Do you think Jin Geum-ho wants that?”
“Probably not.”
“They didn’t invite me for a reason. He doesn’t want my influence to grow.”
“Yeah, I guess that makes sense.”
Brielle nodded.
Zeon had no interest in power, yet Neo Seoul’s rulers constantly kept an eye on him.
He was too destructive a presence for them to ignore.
“They just want you to stay out of the way, huh?”
“Pretty much.”
“Do you ever want power? Like your own territory in Neo Seoul, or maybe becoming mayor?”
“Why would I want that? I like things the way they are now.”
“Same here! I just want to focus on alchemy without getting tangled in annoying stuff.”
“And spend your free time playing with Gaia?”
“Exactly!”
Brielle’s immediate response made Zeon chuckle.
“Now that everyone’s gone, let’s head home too.”
“Okay!”
The clearing, once crowded with vehicles, was now eerily empty. The teams had all departed for the Mana Stone Mine.
As they passed through the clearing, Brielle suddenly frowned.
“Huh?”
“What’s wrong?”
“Um... it’s probably nothing...”
Her voice wavered, but Zeon’s sharp instincts picked up on her unease.
“What’s over there?”
“I thought I saw something... but I must be mistaken. They wouldn’t be here.”
“They? Who?”
“...Hunters.”
“What kind of hunters?”
“....”
Brielle bit her lip, so hard that it began to bleed, seemingly unaware of the pain.
Zeon spoke gently.
“Brielle.”
“Y-yeah?”
“What kind of hunters are you talking about?”
“The ones... who captured me from the High Elf village.”
“You think they’re here?”
“I... I think so!”
“Then we need to confirm it.”
“But what if I’m wrong?”
“What if you’re not? Tell me everything about the ones who captured you.”
Reassured by Zeon’s calm tone, Brielle began to explain.
“Some of the ones who kidnapped me were... unusual.”
“How so?”
“There were beastmen... and dwarves... working together.”
[Translator - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]