Chapter 1129

〈 Chapter 1129 〉 1129. The Savior of the Academy

The car driven by Seong Hali arrived at a village in Pyongan Province. The village’s name was Jingoo Village—a tiny place with fewer than seventy residents.

But our destination wasn’t the village itself; it was the area next to it.

It was a fenced-off zone controlled by barriers adorned with the logos of the Korean Hero Association and the police. Not only that, but armed E Rank Heroes were guarding the fence, ensuring no one entered.

We rented one of the village houses. Originally owned by an elderly couple, we paid for two days’ use. After settling into the house, we gathered in the yard under Seong Hali’s leadership.

“Listen up, everyone. The place we’re about to enter is a B Rank Contaminated Zone. None of you will be affected by the contamination since you can all use mana, but… absolutely no letting your guard down.”

Seong Hali repeated herself firmly.

A Contaminated Zone.

As the name suggests, it refers to areas polluted due to reasons like dungeon destruction, curses, battle aftermaths, or demons. The corrupted mana negatively impacts civilians and animals alike.

Such zones exist throughout South Korea—not just here.

C Rank or lower zones can be purified with time and effort. However, from B Rank upwards, the source of contamination must be found and eliminated. The biggest issue? If left unchecked, these zones gradually expand. That’s why the Hero Association prioritizes handling B Rank and higher zones swiftly.

‘But this place, Jingoo Village, is a bit different.’

Despite being classified as a B Rank zone, its size hasn’t changed in years—the contamination isn’t spreading.

‘The association has tried several times to clean it up… but every attempt ended in failure.’

Dealing with contaminated zones is trickier than dungeons. Since this particular zone is stable without spreading, the association has semi-ignored it, focusing instead on more urgent cases elsewhere.

The mood in the yard grew heavy. As students of the academy, we’re elite among aspiring heroes, and not one of us was unfamiliar with contaminated zones.

“Hmm. Everyone looks serious. Don’t overthink it. This B Rank zone is just harder to purify because the contaminant is hidden. In terms of danger, it’s closer to a C or even D Rank dungeon. Nothing to get too worked up about.”

Seong Hali smiled faintly, easing the tension.

“I’m here, so don’t worry too much. Or if you’re nervous, maybe we should rest a bit longer before starting?”

Ryu Hana shook her head. She already exuded the sharp focus of a warrior ready for battle.

“No, I want to enter the contaminated zone right now.”

Choi Dalyeon stepped forward competitively, holding an antique-looking bow.

“I’ve participated in dungeon raids a few times, but this is my first experience with a contaminated zone. It’ll be good practice.”

Kim Cheonwoo swung his massive sword around energetically. Unlike Ryu Hana and Choi Dalyeon, who brought personal gear, he carried an academy-issued weapon. His shoulders tensed dramatically as his eyes gleamed with excitement.

“Ms. Seong Hali… Ah, no, Auntie! You’ll see the strength I’ve built up!”


It was overflowing.

Majin-bae clenched his fists with a stern look on his face, clearly excited for the upcoming battle. Lee Kang-ho was only thinking about protecting Choe Da-yeon just in case. Eun Si-eun wouldn’t leave my side.

I calmly prepared my equipment: the Hwaryeobi sword and Stormbreaker in spear form.

“Of course, we’re the heroes of the future. Alright, let’s go.”

We followed Seong Ha-ri into the contaminated zone.

Seong Ha-ri approached the heroes guarding the contaminated area. The heroes, who had already been informed of our arrival and Seong Ha-ri’s identity by the higher-ups, stood at full attention.

“We’ve heard from the upper ranks, Lady Seong Ha-ri. You may enter the B-Rank contaminated area near Jin-gu Village. If you need our assistance, we will offer our full strength.”

“It’s fine. You focus on your duties.”

Seong Ha-ri’s presence was like a free pass.

This was why I asked her to take charge of this mission. Though we’re academy students, we’re only first-years. There’s no way the association or the academy faculty would approve sending us if they were thinking straight.

‘But things change when Seong Ha-ri is involved.’

An SS-Rank hero entering a B-Rank contaminated zone? She could handle it alone with ease. Contaminated zones are nothing to her.

“Kuuuuugh?!”

Kim Cheon-woo’s knees buckled slightly as he walked confidently. It was the polluted mana pressuring his body. The others weren’t as affected as him, but they still furrowed their brows in discomfort. The only ones unaffected were Seong Ha-ri, me, and Eun Si-eun. Thanks to my experiences in another world, I’m immune to the effects of polluted mana, and Eun Si-eun has abilities related to energy manipulation.

“You’re not used to the polluted mana, huh? Activate your mana—it’ll help. And don’t be too scared. Just because the mana is polluted doesn’t mean it completely corrupts everything.”

Spirits might be affected, but Mocha, having reached a higher level, isn’t phased by this level of contamination.

The contaminated zone was bizarre.

The ground was an unnatural bluish-green, and the plants growing on it looked like they were melting. The trees were no different. Even though we hadn’t entered a dungeon, it felt like we had.

Rustle, rustle.

A rabbit suddenly hopped out from the bushes. It was a perfectly white rabbit that looked like a doll. However, no one fell for its cuteness.

Clang.

Yoo Han-a drew her sword from her waist. Gripping two swords, one in each hand, she glared at the cute rabbit as if ready to kill it. Merciless as ever.

The rabbit tilted its head adorably and hopped closer to Yoo Han-a.

“Mommy, is it safe?”

She asked Seong Ha-ri, who simply watched.

“It’s fine. Han-a isn’t letting her guard down, right? Though your grip is a bit too tight.”

Before the rabbit fully approached, Yoo Han-a moved first. Her two swords crossed in an X shape, leaving a strong afterimage in the air.

“Shaaaaaaaark!”

Suddenly, the rabbit let out a sharp scream and swelled up. Kicking off the ground, it charged straight at Yoo Han-a. Her swords barely scratched its skin, and the rabbit wobbled as its four legs disappeared. Its long ears hardened into blade-like shapes, and its once-cute face twisted into something demonic.

Yoo Han-a maintained her emotionless expression while swinging her twin swords.

The fight lasted longer than expected.

“Han-a, do you need help?”

Kim Cheon-woo asked.

“It’s fine. This is my fight.”

Her cold voice carried a warning: anyone who interferes won’t be left alone. Kim Cheon-woo shook his head at her fierce aura and stepped back.

Seong Ha-ri, watching from the sidelines, smirked. She casually threw the spear she was holding. The result was anything but casual. The spear tore through the air and pierced the rabbit, pinning it to the ground with a loud explosion. A small crater formed in the dirt.

“…”

Yoo Han-a’s mouth hung open in shock.


She turns around to look at Seong Hali.

“Heaven. I get how you feel. Wanting to fight, wanting to show your strength… I was like that too once. But right now, it’s not about your power. We’re here to clear the contaminated zone, not to test your skills. Don’t lose sight of our main objective.”

“…Yes. You’re right, ma’am. Right now… we’re in the middle of a mission. I’ll focus.”

“That’s all I needed to hear.”

Seong Hali extends her hand forward. Zap! A current of electricity crackles around her palm. The spear embedded in the ground levitates and flies into her grasp—she’s using magnetism to retrieve it.

The group begins moving again.

Another rabbit appears. Ryu Hana steps forward, Kim Cheonwoo and Ma Jinbae following close behind her.

“Just as Auntie Seong Hali said, this is a mission. We need to take out monsters efficiently.”

“Surely you’re not going to start complaining again?”

“…Just don’t hold me back.”

The three move in unison, dispatching the rabbit monster in less than ten seconds.

Kim Cheonwoo cuts open the rabbit corpse, searching for the spirit stone that all monsters should naturally possess.

“There are no spirit stones in the monsters of the contaminated zone. They’re corrupted by mana influenced by primal chaos.”

Ryu Hana’s words make Kim Cheonwoo scratch the back of his head sheepishly.

Wooosh… Wooosh… Wooosh…

The space begins to ripple. The ground, the sky, the trees—they sway like restless waves. It’s beyond seasickness; my senses are completely off. It seems I’m not the only one affected—students from the academy are all stumbling around.

I stretch out my arm and catch Lee Si-eun as she wobbles beside me. Seong Hali is the only one standing perfectly steady.

The shaking soon subsides.

We’re no longer in the forest but inside a damp cave. The space has shifted instantly. Sighs of frustration echo from all around—everyone looks uneasy.

“This contaminated zone is quite unique. The deeper we go, the more the space distorts. This is why the association hasn’t been able to purify it.”

Seong Hali raises her hand toward the ceiling. Her hand glows brilliantly, erasing the cave roof with her D+ Purification skill—a temporary cleansing of the polluted area.

However, as soon as the light fades from her hand, the purified space ripples and the cave ceiling reappears.

“Our goal is to find the hidden medium. Don’t forget that. This time, Hana and Cheonwoo will stay at the back while Jinbae and Kangho take point. Dayeon, stay alert. Let’s move forward.”

A rabbit appears. Ma Jinbae and Lee Kangho rush in together, reducing it to mush.

“…Not bad.”

“The same goes for you.”

The two men exchange a glance. Impressive. While watching them, I absentmindedly begin caressing Lee Si-eun, who’s still in my arms. She doesn’t resist, her face turning red as she accepts my touch.

She has a great figure—it’s obvious she takes care of herself.

“…”

As I fondle Si-eun’s chest, Choi Dayeon, walking beside us, glances over. Her eyes widen. After a brief moment of hesitation, I firmly cup Si-eun’s breast.

“Ughn…”

Si-eun emits a small moan. The ample F-cup bosom sticks perfectly to my hand, squishing lewdly with every movement of my fingers. Even though it’s through her clothes, the sensation feels incredible.

Si-eun’s face grows redder. She knows Choi Dayeon is watching, which only excites her further.

Choi Dayeon blushes furiously and turns away, pretending not to see. Reluctantly, I remove my hand from Si-eun’s chest—there are too many eyes on us.

“Hmph…”

Si-eun looks at me, her gaze filled with longing. But I shake my head firmly, leaving her crestfallen.

Regardless, the group continues marching forward.