When Seol materialised back in the Neutral Zones plaza, he got to hear the noises of people taking deep breaths from here and there. Actually, their expressions looked like theyve just come across a scary ghost or something.

That was quite understandable, though. The longest he took to clear a mission was only around five minutes. Yet, he took several hours this time, so people were thinking that maybe he met an accident and got killed, whether through carelessness, or by a mistake.

But, here he was, unharmed and healthy, as if to taunt everyone looking on.

Keh, kek! Ahahahaha!! (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Seol tried to clarify what happened, adding that it was all just a misunderstanding. That only caused Hyun Sahng-Min to beat the floor while guffawing his head off.

The s, skeleton k, killed itself. Ahahaha. (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Even Shin Sahng-Ah was in tears as she laughed her head off, her breaths eventually running ragged and short.

Seol found this scene a bit mystifying to behold, though.

Only two months had passed since the ending of the Tutorial. Yet, these two seemed to have gone through a rather remarkable transformation. Maybe it was the new attire they had on? They seemed different, and the aura exuding from them also had gone through a substantial change.

Shin Sahng-Ah and Hyun Sahng-Min laughed their hearts out, and then complained how difficult it was to talk to him for the last couple of months, never mind even seeing his face. So, the three of them chatted for a long time.

Hyun Sahng-Mins Job was Archer. His quick wits and that active personality of his combined to make the decision to not hold back on spending his SP as soon as the Awakening was completed. Which resulted him getting a head start over his peers and helped him earn more points as well. Consequently, he was now known as someone quite skillful in the Zone.

Although the team he worked for wasnt as amazing as Odelette Delphines, Hyun Sahng-Min said they were steadily clearing the missions, so he was happy with where he was currently.

As for Shin Sahng-Ah, her life turned for the better after the Chamber of Awakening opened up. Her Job of Priest was a highly sought-after rare class, only losing out to that of a Sorcerer. Thanks to that, the moment her Job was revealed, the number of teams that tried to court her couldnt be counted at all. Some even tempted her with the promise of advance SP payment.

Shin Sahng-Ah entered the team that offered her the most amount of signing fee.

She was very proud of herself, saying that she was finally living like a normal human being now, only to be promptly shot down by Hyun Sahng-Min. He mocked her for showing off in front of Seol, who had far more points than she could ever dream of.

Seol simply smiled while listening to their banter. Realising that these two had adapted well and were carving out their own paths now put his mind at ease.

Ah, right. What about Miss Yun Seo-Rah? (Seol)

Seol suddenly remembered about her in the midst of listening to the duos antics and asked them offhandedly. He met up with Yi Surl-Ah and her brother, Yi Sung-Jin, a few times in the last couple of months, but he hadnt seen Yun Seo-Rah once.

Hyun Sahng-Min stopped talking for some reason. Shin Sahng-Ahs complexion darkened at the same time. Seeing their reactions, Seol felt his heart skip for a moment.

.Did she die? (Seol)

No, shes more or less alive. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Hyun Sahng-Min corrected Seol. But what he said sounded far more ominous. She was more or less alive?

Well, she. I think its really tough for her. With her right arm in that state. (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Shin Sahng-Ahs voice was full of pity.

Seol inwardly went, Oh, c**p.

Now that he thought about it, she lost her right arms mobility for good during the treasure hunt, all thanks to Kahng Seok and his cronies ambushing her. The image of her silently shedding tears next to the item draw machine floated back up to the top of his head.

Yun Seo-Rah received around 300 SP at the end of the Tutorial. That amount was way too short to endure two months of stay in the Neutral Zone. Even if she saved up like a madman and lived frugally, she couldnt have enough to endure for more than a fortnight, at most.

I think the Yi siblings have been constantly helping her out until now. Ah, thats right. You also gave out some SP, didnt you? Miss Shin Sahng-Ah. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

It was only once, though. (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Shin Sahng-Ah averted her gaze and hesitated slightly.

I couldnt heal her arm, maybe because my Job level is still too low. I tried to give her some of my points, but Miss Seo-Rah didnt want to take them. And it feels like shes been avoiding me for a little while now, too. (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Listening to her voice getting progressively smaller, one got the impression that she was trying to come up with excuses. Actually, she was feeling ashamed for bragging about living pretty well nowadays.

Hyun Sahng-Min waved his hand about and said that there was no need to act like this. It was understandable for someone like Yi Surl-Ah, who was indebted to Yun Seo-Rah for her life. However, there was no reason for someone with a self-centered personality like him to go out of his way to help Yun Seo-Rah.

Even Seol had nothing much to say in this regard. Quite frankly, he had completely forgotten about this matter as he was too busy with the training regime until now.

After a lengthy bout of silence went by, Hyun Sahng-Min slowly got up from his seat.

You shouldnt worry about her too much. Sure, you can help her out if youve got some wiggle room yourself, but you know this too, dont ya? That were all equally having a rough time out there, trying to fend for ourselves. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

That was also true. It could get pretty hectic trying to survive within the Neutral Zone. Looking after someone else in this place was basically a luxury very few could afford.

Well, I should get going now. If we have a chance later, why dont we do some missions together? Im confident of being more helpful to you now, you see. (Hyun Sahng-Min)

Hyun Sahng-Min lightly tapped on his crossbow and grinned.

Me too. If you need any help, you can call on me anytime, regardless of when. Ill cancel everything and run to your rescue. (Shin Sahng-Ah)

Shin Sahng-Ah waved her hand goodbye as well and walked away.

*

After separating from the two, Seol returned to the plaza. He was planning to have a go at the remaining untouched Hard mission types right away. However, he was feeling a bit restless inside. So, he figured that, by immersing himself into clearing missions, hed be able to forget about everything for a while.

The number of different Hard difficulty mission parchments found on the noticeboard was 11. All of them were combat missions, while the SP completion reward on offer varied greatly from 500 to 1000.

The escape from encirclement mission Seol ran to the ground just so happened to be one of the most dangerous available among the Hard difficulty. Since he didnt encounter any hardship completing that, he was confident of blitzing the remaining ones in no time.

Some time later.

The remaining attempts for the missions were 15 for every single type, but he only did six times each before moving on to the next one. Even still, he got to earn another 43500 Survival Points.

This should be enough. (Seol)

He could probably do more, but, after chatting to Shin Sahng-Ah and Hyun Sahng-Min, he decided not to monopolise. Their stories taught Seol of the harsh reality that, although completing missions became easier than before, there were very few who could afford to live as good a life as him among the survivors, even now.

For example, if four people cooperated and completed a mission rated Slightly hard worth 300 SP, the reward would be split evenly according to the number of participants. Of course, the individual survival rate would go up, but at the same time, all their hard work would only result in a measly 75 points per participant.

The truth could be seen from the way Shin Sahng-Ah described her situation someone as in demand as her didnt say that she was rich, but merely that she was living like a human.

Seol wasnt too worried about others criticising him for hogging all the high-paying missions. But, there was this one thing he came to realise during the treasure hunt. Because he got too enthusiastic and swept away every coin he could find, Shin Sahng-Ah and Hyun Sahng-Min had to go through so much trouble. As for Yi Sung-Jin, the boy had to search throughout the night too, without rest.

As time went on, more and more teams would start attempting the Hard missions. Since he left behind more than half of each mission types, the survivors should not complain. Not too much, at least.

Besides, it wasnt as if there were no harder difficulty missions, either.

[You have successfully completed a Hard difficulty mission.]

[950 Survival points have been added to your tally.]

[Current SP: 128,780 SP]

Seol clenched his fist tightly.

He decided to stop doing the missions for now. There was something else he needed to do first before moving on to the next difficulty.

Very Hard difficulty had a total of six missions. The lowest points payout was 10,000. That was ten times the reward of the most dangerous Hard missions. When he skimmed through the mission detail, it sounded rather challenging, as well.

From here onwards, a need to prepare beforehand couldnt be avoided anymore; not only a set of equipment such as armour and potions, but also, capable comrades as well, when necessary.

Right on top of the noticeboard, there was the lone Impossible difficulty mission, but he didnt pay that any attention whatsoever. Although its payout was a humongous 172,800 points, the mission goal was completely, utterly absurd and no one would be able to clear that.

Seol turned around to leave.

There were several things he needed to prepare. But he already knew what needed to be bought first.

*

The eighth floor.

As Seol stepped outside the VIP store, he had to do everything in his willpower to calm his wildly beating heart. Within his grasp were two small medicine vials.

They were Ambrosias the mysterious liquid that would evolve ones already awakened abilities.

He didnt stop at that, though. Even after he bought both of the available vials of Ambrosia, he still had a fair amount of SP left, so he bought a bottle of Elixir for Magic Power as well. With the conclusion of this transaction, the VIP store no longer had Ambrosias or an Elixir to boost ones Magic Power for sale.

All thanks to their enormous price tags, Seols Survival Points tally dropped all the way down to 38,780 in a single breath.

With the remaining points, he couldve bought another bottle of Elixir. However, he held back with what could only be described as superhuman patience. He still needed these points to purchase his equipment, after all. He thought that, after getting himself the best equipment on sale, hed be able to earn back the points in no time.

Ehem.

However, no matter how hard he tried to restrain himself, he couldnt prevent a foolish grin from bursting out of his lips. He even momentarily thought that the entire world was blooming in a rosy colour.

I should wait until I get to my room first. No, no. Waiting around might invite a disaster.

He only had to climb up two flights of stairs, but Seol couldnt wait anymore. He drank both vials of Ambrosias in one go. Fearing that his other abilities might evolve instead, he fervently thought of Nine Eyes and nothing else.

[Your Innate ability, Nine Eyes is evolving.]

[The lower direction (1) of your Innate ability Nine Eyes, the Black colour: Escape Immediately, has been unlocked.]

[Your Innate ability, Nine Eyes is evolving.]

[The upper direction (1) of your Innate ability Nine Eyes, the Gold colour: Golden Commandment, has been unlocked.]

Finally, he got to pull back the two layers of veil covering his ability. With this, he unlocked four out of five directions. The only one remaining was the right.

Seol activated his ability right away and fell into deep contemplation.

Yellow colour was for Attention Required.

Vermillion was for Do Not Approach.

Crimson was for Immediate Retreat Recommended.

As for the new colour, Black, it was for Escape Immediately.

Judging from this, the newly unlocked colour, Black, was an extension of already available emergency warning signals.

I get whats up with Escape Immediately, but. Golden Commandment?

Only allowed on Creativenovels.com

He pondered for a while, but he couldnt quite grasp what it did. That wasnt the only riddle he could not solve, however.

The lower direction only opened up after he had unlocked the left direction first. So, he thought that the upper direction would also open up only after he unlocked the right direction. The order of the things had been changed, as far as he could tell. Was it because the colours were on the opposite directions?

How can I use it without knowing what it does.?

Seol began walking again and climbed up the stairs, all the while shaking his head slightly.

But then.

Gold colour?!

His eyes shot open abruptly.

Beyond the tenth floor railing, he could see a clear and radiant golden glow, coming from a spot right in front of his quarters.

He hurriedly ran up, and found a person quietly waiting there. Seols thought process dimmed just for a bit when he confirmed who it was from her back. She was certainly one of the last people he expected to see in the Neutral Zone.

Youve finally come. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

As if she sensed his approach, the business-suit wearing woman turned around to greet him.

Hi. (Seol)

It was none other than Kim Hahn-Nah.

Been a while. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

She smiled refreshingly. And sure enough, her entire body was bathed in golden hue.

Seol couldnt help but be confused. For one, he was curious why she was here, and two, why was there a golden colour coming from her.?

Can we go inside? Its a bit awkward to talk out here and all. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Her friendly voice brought Seol back to reality. As soon as they entered his room, Kim Hahn-Nah couldnt hide her astonishment.

Oh my word~. Its so grand in here. Honestly, I never dreamed that youd end up using this room. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nahs facial expression implied that she wasnt sure where to park her rear as she stood around, before she chose a spot on a comfy couch and settled down. Seol quickly sat on the opposite side. Seeing this, she burst out a fit of giggles.

Why are you in such a hurry? What, are you that surprised to see me? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Yes, I am surprised. (Seol)

Hmm. Before we get started, I should go about appeasing that curiosity of yours, no? Fine. What would you like to know? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol almost blurted out Why is your body glowing in a golden hue?, but somehow was able to change his words at the last second.

How did you get here? (Seol)

Well, because I know how to? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Hey. (Seol)

Just kidding. Of course, the Neutral Zone isnt a place that anyone can just come and go as they please. However, Im an exception, you see. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol stared at her without saying anything.

You idiot. Didnt you read the Invitation letter? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

The Invitation letter? What about it? Seol was about to ask her, before going Ah.

He just remembered that, in the gold stamp Invitation letter, there was a clause about him being able to bring along one helper.

You dont have to fret, okay? Miss Cinzia knows about me being here. I went through the proper procedures, so no problemo. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

In that case. Thats a relief. (Seol)

Suddenly, Kim Hahn-Nah raised her hand.

Hold on. Can you answer me one thing first? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

?

Its about Miss Cinzia and Miss Agnes. Especially Agnes she seems to be particularly interested in your growth for some reason? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Is that so? (Seol)

Yes, it is indeed so. Just what underhanded tricks did you use to flip those violent Sicilian gangsters over to your side? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol couldnt help but doubt his own hearing just then. Violent? Gangsters?

Kim Hahn-Nahs eyes went round when she saw his expression.

My god, you didnt know? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

.

You really had no idea? Those two are pretty infamous as the Battle Maniacs of the South. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

A battle maniac? You saying that Miss Agnes is a?! (Seol)

Yeah. Shes the direct subordinate of the boss lady Cinzia, as well as the Sicilian organisations top executive. Shes even known as the demonic drill instructor, too. Im pretty sure almost everyone in the Paradise has heard of her. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

As the explanation continued on, a certain sense of chill crept up on Seols backside. He had no idea that Agnes was such a big shot.

Maybe I, uh, I shouldnt have teased her. (Seol)

If youre done asking me about stuff, shall we get to the main topic of my visit? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol nodded his head.

He was indeed curious as to know why she came here in the first place. There was still a month left to go before the Neutral Zones deadline, after all.

Well, I came to cheer you on, and. I wanted to give you advice. Also, theres something I need your help with, too. Thats why Im here. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah took her glasses off and stared at Seol. Compared to how it was like back on the riverbank, the way she looked at him had softened considerably.

First of all, I gotta praise you. Youve exceeded all of my expectations. I honestly would never have guessed you were this excellent. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

I thought you were unhappy about using the golden stamp on me. (Seol)

That was back then. But, not anymore. The stamp wasnt wasted on you. At all. Honest. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol felt an itch creeping up on his face hearing the constant stream of praises.

Okay, so thats the cheering bit done. What advice do you have for me? (Seol)

When Seol sheepishly scratched his cheek, Kim Hahn-Nah grinned slyly.

You did the right thing by stopping at the Hard missions. You see, the difficulty spike in the Very Hard missions is nothing to laugh about. You gotta prepare yourself properly first. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

But of course Seol was expecting as much as well. Seeing that the rewards on offer jumped by ten times in value, the difficulty should rise just as much, too.

And, you should find yourself reliable comrades. If I have a complaint to make, then you just stick to yourself too much. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Comrades, huh. (Seol)

Thats right. Odelette Delphine, Hao Win I recommend these two people. Im telling you this before you get the wrong idea my suggestion isnt solely because of their skills. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Then, why? (Seol)

They will certainly become a big help to you in the future, thats why. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

It was rather clear what Kim Hahn-Nah was implying here.

Are you telling me to form a personal connection with them? (Seol)

Thats one way of looking at it. In any case, you already have a link called fellow survivors from the same time period going for you. I mean, theres nothing to lose by getting friendly with them, right? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

I get it with Delphine since shes a Sorcerer, but what about Hao Win? (Seol)

Hes a big player in the darker side of the society; I heard that hes a top level executive in the biggest Triad in China. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Seol slowly facepalmed. Not only the Sicilian Battle Maniacs, he had to deal with a man from a d*mn Chinese Triads, too? He wouldve never imagined getting mixed up with these sorts of people in his old life.

It was here that a thought popped up in his head.

If I work together with those two, then could I challenge the Impossible mission and. (Seol)

No. Do not even think about challenging that one. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

He was just blurting out the possibility, but Kim Hahn-Nah promptly cut him off before he got anywhere with the idea. Seol could only smile bitterly.

Its that difficult, huh. (Seol)

Even I am not confident of my odds with that mission, Ill have you know. At a bare minimum, only a large team consisting of Level 4 Earthlings or above should stand a chance of clearing that one. I mean, seriously now. Why would such a mission be available in the first place, I wonder? I just cant figure it out. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

She complained bitterly, before turning her sharp gaze on him.

Wait a minute. You are not thinking of trying your luck on that one, just because youve heard of someone clearing it in the past, right? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Someone cleared it before? (Seol)

Now this was the first time he heard of it.

Yeah, sure. In the entire history of the Zone, one guy did pull it off. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

But, how.? (Seol)

Seeing Seols shocked expression, Kim Hahn-Nah simply snorted.

Only a few knows about this. But that guy, he didnt clear the mission in what youd call a proper fashion. He just got lucky, thats all. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Even if it was down to luck, it still counts. (Seol)

Thats true, too. But whatever, do not ever attempt that mission. Got it? Itd be better to fight a monster from the world of the dead with your bare hands rather than attempting that mission. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah passionately voiced her opposition and slowly regulated her breathing. She shook her head, causing her ponytail to sway this way and that.

Im sure youll do whats best for you, anyways. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

She sneakily raised the end of her sentence and glanced at him.

Seol ignored that and asked her once more.

Didnt you say you need my help? Whats that about? (Seol)

.Well, its nothing big, really. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah hesitated slightly, which was unlike her, before opening her mouth.

Again, let me make this clear. What Im about to say from here onwards isnt coming from me. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Okay, so from who is it, then? (Seol)

Theres a guy. One of my superior officers. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Your superior officer, is it. You mean, from Sinyoung? (Seol)

Kim Hahn-Nah nodded her head and continued.

Anyways. What Im trying to say is, someone else other than me is asking you for a favour. Dont wanna do it, fine. You dont have to do it. But, if you do decide to go for it, there are plenty of benefits for me. You might also get to share in the loot, too. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Whats the favour? (Seol)

You know Yun Seo-Rah, right? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Kim Hahn-Nah got to the main topic right away. Seol was taken back somewhat, though.

You see, the person who invited Yun Seo-Rah is the person asking you for the favour. From Sinyoung. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Hold on, let me get this straight. You saying that your superior officer from Sinyoung invited Miss Yun Seo-Rah? (Seol)

Thats right. That person is known for having a discerning eye. Everyone he invited all turned out to be big hits, you see. He even resorted to using a silver stamp and invited her this time, so the expectations from the company is pretty high. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

But. (Seol)

Right. You know this too, dont you? At this rate, Yun Seo-Rah is going to fail. Understandably, my superior officer is a nervous shell of his former self, know what I mean? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Only then did Seol get the rough idea of what the favour could be.

Let me get straight to the point that person would like you to look after Yun Seo-Rah. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Thats too unspecific, isnt it? Do I need to give her 1000 Survival Points and be done with that? After all, shed be able to leave the Neutral Zone with that. (Seol)

That would be worse than failing, actually. Okay, if I were to get more specific, he wants to see Yun Seo-Rah develop normally in the Zone, just like everyone else. Heal her arm if its possible, let her tag along when you go around clearing missions, etc, etc. Should I say, please play the role of a jjeol? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

A jjeol, was it. Seol inwardly let off a long groan. (TL note at the end)

Coincidentally, he got to hear about Yun Seo-Rah twice in one day.

Seol understood that her life in the Zone was fraught with extreme hardship. It wasnt as if he had no plans of helping her out.

However.

.You know this too, dont ya.

He also thought what Hyun Sahng-Min said back not too long ago wasnt wrong, either.

Kim Hahn-Nah was waiting for Seols reply. She was still emitting the golden hue.

.What do you think I should do? (Seol)

Me? As I said this before, I didnt invite her. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

I know that. What Im asking you here is, as the person who invited me, not Yun Seo-Rah, what is your opinion on this matter? (Seol)

Perhaps she didnt expect to be questioned, her expression became somewhat dazed and lost. Soon enough, though, the corner of her lips arched up ever so slightly.

Of course, Ill be very happy if you do this one thing for me. Ill be getting a nice little opportunity here, you know. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

There was a slight grin etched on her face as she spoke up, clearly enjoying herself.

I understand. I cant give you a definite answer, but I promise Ill look into it. (Seol)

Hng. Not bad, you even know what to say to make me feel better, too. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

She muttered to herself, Are you even the same gambling addict from back then?, and continued on with what she wanted to say to him.

In any case, consider it carefully. Yun Seo-Rahs supposed to be a rising star invited by Sinyoungs greatest talent scout. Making him owe you a favour would be a good thing for you, too. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

A favour, huh. (Seol)

He hadnt given much thought over the notion of Yun Seo-Rah being a potential rising star, but that did make sense. Back in the assembly hall, when he inadvertently spied on her Stats, he saw Brilliant appearing on the Personality column, after all.

Having finished what she wanted to say, Kim Hahn-Nah began standing up.

Thats right, a favour. Well, theres that saying, right? The Golden Rule, I mean. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Take ca. What did you say? (Seol)

Seol was taken by surprise again and stared at her.

You know, the Golden Rule. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

She winked at him and walked towards the exit of the room.

Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Is that. the Golden Rule? (Seol)

Its a verse from the Gospel of Matthew. Verse 7:12. I never really thought of those words as altruistic babble, though. No, its much more closer to give-and-take, dont you agree? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Who knows? If you appear before her like a prince riding on a white horse and rescue her, she might ju~st fall hard for you. I mean, shes pretty cute, right? (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Of course, she was only joking.

However, Seols mute response seemed rather suspect. Feeling a bit embarrassed now, she fixed her high heel, lightly tapped on the floor with her feet, and opened the door. Before she slipped through the door, she turned around one more time.

No need to see me off. Oh, and dont forget the deal we have. You negotiate with me before anyone else when you leave the Neutral Zone. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

Oh, uh. Right. (Seol)

Dont get killed. Ill be here in a months time to fetch you. (Kim Hahn-Nah)

She closed the door.

Although Kim Hahn-Nah was gone, Seol didnt show any sign of movement. For a long time, he stood there and dwelled on everything she said. And then, dwelled on them some more.

.Even as the sounds of high heels getting further away disappeared altogether.

< 29. Looking Back (1) > Fin.