Saudi Arabia immediately declared a national emergency.
Given that it was a Level 8 dungeon break, alarms ringing across the country was only natural.
Not only that, but neighboring countries of Saudi Arabia also declared a state of emergency, summoning all of their Awakeners.
“How did no one notice a Level 8 dungeon break until it actually happened?!”
The high-ranking officials of Saudi Arabia were in utter shock.
They panicked, but there was no time for that.
Less than 30 minutes remained before the break.
A Level 8 dungeon break occurring at King Fahd International Airport was sure to spread across the entire Middle East in a matter of hours.
“Isthart! Is the Isthart Guild on their way?!”
“We relayed the news as soon as we received it! We’ve received confirmation that they will come to assist immediately! However, it is expected to take at least an hour for them to arrive here from Isthart.”
“Damn it! An hour is more than enough time for not just the airport but the surrounding cities to be reduced to ruins. It’s not even enough time for the citizens to evacuate!”
“We have contacted the Awakeners near the airport and requested their cooperation, but the highest-ranked among them is only Level 4. Realistically, they should be evacuating with the citizens…”
A total disaster.
Abdullah, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, as well as Naef’s half-brother, clutched his face in despair.
Even if Isthart arrived immediately, they could only minimize the damage, not completely resolve the situation.
Even as the world’s number one ranked guild, the scale of a Level 8 dungeon was overwhelming.
‘Even Isthart treats Level 8 dungeons with extreme caution. It is practically the highest level of dungeon that humans can possibly clear.’
All of this happened because they had failed to detect the Level 8 dungeon in advance.
However, from Abdullah’s perspective, it was frustratingly unfair.
For a dungeon of that level, it would be harder not to detect the immense magical energy fluctuations.
And it wasn’t even in some remote, uninhabited desert.
This was King Fahd International Airport.
How had no one detected a Level 8 dungeon there?
‘Something is off.’
It had to be a special type of dungeon—one that triggered a break as soon as it was formed.
It wasn’t an impossible notion, as there had been a few such cases before.
Though, they had only ever occurred with lower-level dungeons until now.
BOOM!!
As Abdullah reeled in distress, a faint explosion and tremor reached his ears.
His face turned pale as he lifted his head, just as his subordinate rushed over urgently with an update.
“The break has begun.”
He had no idea what to do.
But he couldn’t afford to stay idle.
Abdullah first inquired whether the ministers had gathered.
Since this had happened so suddenly, only those already in the assembly hall for other matters were present, while the rest were rushing in from afar.
Some had no choice but to join via video conference, but everyone who could participate was present.
Technically, the King should have led Saudi Arabia’s ministerial meeting.
However, due to his old age, the King was unable to handle state affairs.
As a result, Abdullah, who was essentially the next king, was forced to lead the meeting.
Yet, he had no words to offer.
“……A great crisis is upon us. A crisis unprecedented in our nation’s history.”
“We have requested assistance from all guilds in our country, including Isthart. Troops have been dispatched to aid in citizen evacuation and relief efforts, and we have authorized the use of all items in the national treasury. Now, all that remains is to minimize the damage caused by the break as much as possible.”
Despite Abdullah’s words, the expressions in the room were grim.
Everything that could be done had been done.
All that was left was to wait.
Tap, tap, tap.
At that moment, someone entered briskly yet quietly and approached Abdullah, whispering in his ear.
As he listened, Abdullah’s eyes widened in shock, and he blurted out in disbelief.
“The break has been resolved? Are you joking, right now?”
“We have confirmed it eight times. The break has been contained, Prime Minister.”
“But it has only been twenty minutes since the break began! We saw the footage of Level 8 monsters pouring out, and Isthart hasn’t even arrived yet!”
“T-That’s because some unexpected individuals were present at the scene.”
The subordinate whispered more details in his ear.
Abdullah’s eyes widened even further.
“Hassan and Kyler Lucas were there?!”
Hassan al-Din Sinan.
A legendary assassin and, effectively, a patriarchal figure for the nation.
To Abdullah and Naef, he was like a grandfather.
It was fortunate enough that he happened to be there.
But Kyler Lucas’s presence was completely baffling.
‘Wasn’t he missing for the past few months?’
Recently, Eli had issued multiple emergency declarations, scouring every possible lead to find Kyler’s whereabouts, yet not a single trace had been found.
And now, his first sighting in months just happened to be at the site of a Level 8 dungeon break?
“At least one more unusual detail remains.”
“What unusual detail?”
“The two individuals I just mentioned were hardly involved at all. There were other people present… and they were the ones who resolved the break.”
“……That’s impossible….”
Was he dreaming?
If this wasn’t a dream, then what was?
From Abdullah’s perspective, none of the information made sense.
Even more unbelievable was that his own subordinate was the one reporting it.
Surely, this must be a dream.
—But given the severity of the situation, confirming it was the priority.
Just then, a call came from the Isthart guild members who had arrived at the scene.
The caller was none other than Naef, the Isthart Guild Master and a Level 9 Awakener.
“Naef!”
—The dungeon break has been resolved.
“Is that true?! I just received the news, but it’s so unbelievable….”
—First, calm the situation and collect the fallen monsters. We’ll help with that.
“Wait, wait! Before that, I need to know something. Who in the world managed to stop a Level 8 dungeon break? In just twenty minutes?! Is there some information I’m missing? Was the dungeon break not actually Level 8? Or did only a few Level 8 monsters emerge due to an anomaly…?”
—Brother, let’s handle the clean-up first. Continue evacuating the citizens just in case. If there are any remaining monsters, it could be a disaster.
“Wait, Naef!”
Click.
The call ended.
From his tone, it seemed like Naef’s side was just as chaotic.
‘This won’t do.’
Abdullah wasn’t the only one who had heard the news.
All the ministers and cabinet members had also received word that the break had been resolved and were utterly stunned.
“I will go to King Fahd Airport myself. Please ensure that the control tower is operated properly.”
“Abdullah, it’s too dangerous.”
“I know it’s dangerous. But I need to see it with my own eyes.”
Since his younger brother Naef and the Isthart Guild had already arrived at the scene, he decided to go himself to assess the situation.
***
“Hmm…? Was this the best choice? Yes. It was the best choice.”
The dungeon break had happened right before our eyes.
If it had been a lower-level dungeon, Hassan could have handled it alone.
But this was a Level 8 dungeon break.
There was no way Hassan and Kyler could have solved it immediately by themselves.
Of course, if they had enough time, the two of them could have handled it.
However, during that time, civilian casualties would have skyrocketed.
“If we had handled it ourselves without getting injured, it would have taken at least two months.”
Kyler supported my point as if there was no other choice.
That alone showed how massive the impact of this incident was.
Around us, people paced anxiously.
They were members of the Isthart Guild, airport security, and Awakeners who had come to assist.
My attempt to divert attention using Hassan and Kyler had, of course, failed.
The incident was too major, and the resolution had been too swift.
“Are you praising me?”
“Uh, huh? Oh, yeah. No, I mean… yes.”
Ara eagerly sought praise from the people gathering around us.
Each time, they hesitated awkwardly before giving her compliments.
— I will exercise my right to remain silent!
— Have you come to worship me? I like it.
— Ashu is Ashu.
The children all had different thoughts.
Anticipating this situation, I had applied Mammon’s perception-dulling poison in advance.
To others, they should appear as nothing more than ordinary kids—except for Ara.
There was no need to hide Ara, so I hadn’t used the perception-dulling poison on her.
As a result, I couldn’t conceal her presence even if I wanted to.
“That’s an incredibly powerful familiar.”
“Yeah. No wonder he keeps it around.”
“Are you guys in denial? That little kid just minced a Level 8 monster!”
I wasn’t sure what they were saying, but the Isthart Guild members were discussing among themselves.
Meanwhile, their guild master, Naef, was speaking privately with Hassan.
Hassan had told me to leave things to him, so I simply waited blankly.
Before long, Naef approached me.
Then, out of nowhere, he bowed deeply.
“Huh? What?”
“Thank you for stopping the Level 8 dungeon break, Kyu-seong. Thanks to you, we were able to protect the citizens without any casualties.”
Naef, who usually seemed easygoing and a little absentminded, now spoke with a serious tone and voice.
As he did, the Isthart Guild members standing nearby followed suit, bowing in unison—completely different from their usual carefree demeanor.
“Uh… yeah.”
“I have done well! More! Praise me more!”
“I offer my gratitude, Ara.”
They even remembered Ara’s name.
After offering their formal gratitude, Naef returned to his usual self and extended his hand for a handshake.
“Kyu-seong, I imagine this decision was a very significant one for you. The lives of the citizens are, of course, precious, but you acted without hesitation, even though the situation could have put you in a difficult position. Because of that, everyone is safe.”
“It wasn’t a big decision—it was just an urgent situation, so I acted accordingly. However…”
Naef grinned and said,
“Don’t worry. We’re in the process of deleting all records. This incident will be officially attributed to Isthart and the two Level 9 Awakeners here.”
“I appreciate the consideration.”
Hassan must have spoken well on my behalf.
Although it was a little concerning that Isthart had learned my secret, I wasn’t too worried.
Lately, I’d started thinking there was no need to go out of my way to hide it and cause unnecessary stress.
After all, I had the Dungeon of Gluttony.
Entry required my permission, it was self-sufficient, and it provided me with a better life than I could have on Earth.
Not to mention, I had five of the Seven Deadly Sins.
Each of them alone was comparable to a Level 9 Awakener.
In other words, I was practically invincible.
Was it just brute strength? No.
Each one had unique abilities, allowing me to handle not just combat but a variety of other situations as well.
Of course, I wasn’t the only one who understood this.
That was why Naef was being so careful not to upset me.
“Guild Master, Prime Minister Abdullah is on his way here.”
“My brother? Hmm, that’s perfect.”
Naef, who had been whispering something, turned to me and said,
“The Prime Minister is coming here. Would you, as an honored guest, be available?”
“Uh… well…?”
I wasn’t interested in any official reception.
Just in time, Hassan and Kyler stepped forward.
“We’ll be going now, so handle it as you see fit.”
“Kyu-seong, let’s go.”
With my reliable allies stepping in, Naef nodded and stepped aside.
Even so, he didn’t forget to add one last remark.
“You are our honored guest. We will never forget this debt.”
“I didn’t do it expecting anything in return, but I appreciate the sentiment.”
It was probably just a formal statement.
Still, seeing the guild master of the mighty Isthart Guild treat me this way felt good.
With that, we resumed our original journey to the port.
…But wait, was it really okay for us to leave?
Given everything that had just happened?
***
Meanwhile, news of the Level 8 dungeon break in Saudi Arabia had spread across the world.
A Level 8 dungeon break.
Nations were now preparing to send support at a moment’s notice, keeping their eyes wide open.
Even though magic stones had replaced fossil fuels as an energy source, oil was still crucial.
Saudi Arabia’s misfortune could have a massive economic impact worldwide.
And now, in the presidential office of South Korea…
President Kim Gun-woong had just heard the news from Saudi Arabia and declared a state of emergency.
After a brief cabinet meeting, they had decided on unconditional support.
Now, all that remained was for Saudi Arabia to officially request aid.
As soon as they did, Awakeners would be dispatched immediately.
“What terrible luck.”
Of all places, it had to happen in a densely populated city—a Level 8 dungeon break, no less.
This could end up being the worst disaster in history, surpassing even the infamous “Break of Avarice.”
Riiing.
Just then, a direct call came through to the president’s office.
“Saudi Arabia?”
The caller was Saudi Arabia.
Specifically, it was Prime Minister Abdullah himself.
Though the call was unexpected, Kim Gun-woong, already aware of the situation, answered immediately.
Soon, a video call connected, revealing Abdullah standing outside.
— I apologize for the sudden call.
With a translation artifact in place, there was no language barrier.
Kim Gun-woong shook his head and replied,
“No problem. I have received the news.
What is the situation?”
— It has been resolved.
“…What?”
— I know this may sound sudden again, but please allow me to be blunt.
Abdullah, his expression serious, looked directly at Kim Gun-woong through the screen.
— We, Saudi Arabia, wish to become South Korea’s closest ally and partner.
Cliche Novel 