Chapter 224

===================
Translated by Jinmu
Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net
===================

Kwagwagwagwang—!

With the fall of the meteors, parts of the sea were gouged out as if split.

Simultaneously, water columns and shockwaves shot up.

The resulting giant waves completely covered the shabby wooden boat.

“Ugh!”

“Waaaaah!”

The twins and Ping-pong, who were wrapped in the World Tree’s vines, could not come to their senses from the impact that shook heaven and earth.

It was a miracle the boat didn’t flip over.

Kwagwang—!

Kugugung—!

Even in such a situation, meteors continued to fall into the sea.

Naturally, the threatening monsters were caught right in the aftermath.

Kieeeek—!

Kwajik—!

The bodies of those directly hit by the meteors were crushed and driven downward.

The hot flames deeply etched into the meteors also did not extinguish easily.

– Holy shit.

– Yes?

– Strongest mage dd

– Mhm, big sis is a one-shot-one-kill for level 400 mobs too.

– I crave Meteor;

The overwhelming firepower was clearly conveyed through the streaming.

After such a hellish offensive continued for a while.

Kwagwagwang—!

The last meteor fell on the head of a wailing monster.

A fierce explosion occurred at the point of impact.

The following wave once again ruthlessly covered the wooden boat.

Splash—!

“Ugh!”

“Uuuub!”

Vision flipped here and there while held by the World Tree’s vines.

Surrounding circumstances could not even be seen properly.

Crash—

When a little more time passed, the wave height lowered and the chaos subsided.

Han-bit, who had turned his gaze away, withdrew the power of the World Tree.

“Phew, I lived.”

“This was really…”

“I really thought I was going to go!”

The twins and Ping-pong, released from the vines, let out sighs while stretched out on the floor.

An experience as if they had really stepped onto the threshold of death.

However, the person who had carried out this magic was more than peaceful.

“Should I have made it a bit wider?”

At some point, Ibella had descended from the air to the deck.

Walking leisurely, she approached Han-bit, who was checking the surroundings.

“Why did the Sacred Body Faction’s works come here?”

She spoke while looking at the floating corpses of the monsters.

It was not a question expecting an answer.

Because this attack was like targeting not only Han-bit’s group but also Ibella.

That such a problem arose in the Investigation Team’s area was a heavy matter.

“It’s quite serious. Doing something like this in the Investigation Team’s area.”

“They might have something to rely on. Since the monsters were also stronger than those seen until now.”

Those monsters were enhanced and modified by the Holy State’s technology.

Even if Isis was captured, the research that was being conducted did not disappear.

Perhaps the intervention of a player also occurred.

“They did it so openly; can’t you hold them responsible? This big sis is super strong.”

Haneul asked while frowning.

Then Ibella said with a smile.

“This won’t be evidence. Because drugs that enhance monsters are also spread in the black market. Well, dropping a Meteor on the Holy State is my discretion, though.”

– dd;

– Doomsday.

– Please do it.

– But is Ibella stronger than the Sacred Body Faction rankers?

– Meteor is fair to everyone.

– Shall we try dropping one first?

The statement Ibella added was by no means a joke.

Of course, even if the Holy State wouldn’t just take it sitting down, making her an enemy was considerably dangerous.

Did the top players also have no information on Ibella?

Or was it that their opinions didn’t converge into one?

‘Anyway, it is serious.’

He knew they would attack him at any time.

But he didn’t expect it would happen on the Path of Waves, of all things, during the Investigation Team’s guidance.

“Shall we move for now?”

Shrugging her shoulders, Ibella moved to the bow again.

This time, she did not let go of the staff in her hand.

Splash—

The wooden boat began to advance while cleaving the sea once more.

Despite receiving a massive impact, there was not a single place broken.

It was thanks to the durability increasing according to the user’s mana.

‘No attack.’

Han-bit, who was wary of the surroundings, looked at the sea where only waves surged.

As if the hundreds of monsters that had appeared were all, the enemy did not show themselves once.

“Uh, I see something over there!”

After moving for dozens of minutes, an island began to be visible in the distance.

It was the place where the Investigation Team Headquarters was located.

The problem was that it was floating in the sky above the sea.

– ?

– Crazy. lol

– Is that real?

– Sky island dd

– Haneul shout out dd

– Investigation Team dignity;

All sorts of reactions came up at the appearance of the Investigation Team Headquarters, which had not been disclosed anywhere.

“That’s the island where the Investigation Team Headquarters is, Nephelis. Shall we go for now?”

Ibella moved the boat along with a light introduction.

Wooo—

As they approached the island, a shimmering veil appeared.

It was a device to distinguish people with the qualifications of the Investigation Team.

If a person who is not part of the Investigation Team rushed in, the veil became a prison and captured the intruder.

He hadn’t seen it directly even in another world.

Slig—

The wooden boat moving by Ibella’s mana passed through the veil leisurely.

Simultaneously, a water column shot up from below.

Bang—!

“Uak!”

“Euaaaaa!”

Massive impact was conveyed along with a roar.

While screams rang from both sides, the boat had risen into the sky at some point.

“Uh?”

“Wow…”

The twins, who were holding onto the mast, opened their eyes wide at the scene that suddenly appeared.

The scenery of the island, Nephelis, was seen between the scattered clouds.

Land with mysterious colors was floating in pieces, and forests where lightning and storms surged were also seen here and there.

And the large fortress standing tall in its center even felt imposing.

– Holy shit;

– I’m going to the Investigation Team.

– Just wait for 5 years.

– Real lol

– End of game: Server closure

– Everything works if you follow the Black Dragon.

– Upvote if you haven’t even seen Asla.

– Upvote;

Sloooowly—

The wooden boat that naturally advanced to the island met a small pier.

The sensation of the ground where part of the clouds was mixed was quite unique.

“Ugh, this feeling is strange.”

“Something about the center…”

“Ueok!”

The twins staggered and Ping-pong had already fallen.

Ibella, looking at them, then looked at Han-bit.

“As expected, you’re fine?”

“…Well, I suppose so.”

This land of Nephelis, where he had walked countless times, was too familiar.

It was a tricky place to the point that there were even Investigation Team members who couldn’t adapt until the end, but it was a story irrelevant to Han-bit.

“Anyway, shall we go? Have to see the commander first.”

Ibella moved her steps leisurely while putting away her staff.

Han-bit’s group followed slowly behind her.

“It’s really super pretty.”

Haneul was admiring while looking at the surrounding scenery.

No-eul, who was standing next to her, asked as if curious.

“Is there a reason they chose this place as the headquarters? Moving around seems super inconvenient.”

“I’ll tell you about that.”

Ibella, who was ahead, joined them while slightly lowering her speed.

She continued her words while pointing at the fragmented land with her finger.

“That floating land there is a dungeon that doesn’t run dry. Should I say it changes its appearance and regenerates every time? Although it takes some time.”

“Is it… a dungeon?”

No-eul showed a puzzled reaction.

Because it didn’t feel like a dungeon no matter how he looked at it.

“A dungeon isn’t necessarily in the form of a building. Open forms like that are often more dangerous in many cases. Especially, you can think of the things on this island as being similar to living monsters.”

“If it’s dangerous, isn’t that worse? If it’s the headquarters, it should be safe.”

Haneul threw a question as if she still didn’t understand.

Then Ibella said while taking out her staff.

“This is a weapon made with materials obtained from Nephelis. Although there are many duds, if you get lucky, really good things come out. I might even get a more excellent one soon.”

“Big sis is super strong. Do you still need something better?”

“There are still many places that cannot be cleared among the Restricted Areas. I have to become stronger too.”

Ibella’s explanation was accurate.

The island Nephelis was one of the world’s treasuries.

It was also the reason why Han-bit specifically wanted to come here.

Jeobeok—

Along with that conversation, Han-bit’s group continued to advance along the path.

It took dozens of minutes to reach the destination, the center.

“There’s quite a lot of something today.”

Ibella, who was in the lead, said while looking at the front of the fortress entrance.

A crowd filled that space.

That everyone was a player could be known from the name tags.

‘Are they all Sacred Body Faction?’

Han-bit checked the ranking list he had pulled up next to the screen.

All of the dozens of people were Sacred Body Faction rankers within the top 1,000.

“Stop right there.”

Then, a man walked out in front of Ibella.

[Funzao]

A Sacred Body Faction player ranked 852nd.

Naturally, being in this place meant they were in the Investigation Team.

Ibella said with an expressionless face.

“Would you mind moving? I’m on my way to see the commander.”

“Business here is first. See the scarecrow commander later or do whatever.”

“Hmm, you’ve hardly been to the headquarters, haven’t you?”

“What? What nonsense is that?”

Funzao frowned at that question.

But Ibella, who didn’t answer, spoke toward the air.

“Clear this away.”

“Of course.”

Slig—

Then, a black silhouette appeared from the air along with a low voice.

Moving as if sliding, it passed by Funzao’s body quickly.

“What are you…?”

Slice—!

An arm separated from the torso before the voice could even continue.

While blood sprayed, the voice continued again.

“One more word and it’s the head.”

“…Ugh.”

At the attack of unknown identity, Funzao barely managed to nod his head.

Surrounding players froze with their eyes wide open.

– Uh?

– ??

– What was that just now?

– A shadow?

– No, came out of thin air.

– ?

“Let’s go in.”

Ibella advanced leisurely into the fortress.

Han-bit’s group, who were looking at Funzao, followed right behind.

Rustle—

The sight of the huge fortress interior was like a mix of a knight order and an adventurer guild.

Emphasizing space utilization over decoration was also the inclination of the Investigation Team Commander.

“How did that just happen?”

Haneul, who was looking at the interior, asked as if curious.

Looking at the path spread out long, Han-bit delivered a warning in advance.

“Never badmouth the Investigation Team Commander at the headquarters. Especially when she isn’t in front of you, you can’t.”

“…Yes?”

The girl tilted her head at the strange content.

Ibella, who was listening to that conversation, let out a chuckle.

“You know well. The commander has a quite gentle personality, so it’ll be easy to share a conversation. Even if you cross the line, she’ll accept it as no big deal. But the commander’s escort is completely different.”

“The escort… that black silhouette from earlier?”

“Correct. A man named Dusk; if you show an attitude of ignoring the commander, he’ll attack right away. Anyway, since you’re an Investigation Team member, he won’t kill you in one go, but next time, your head might really fly off?”

“…I understood for now.”

Haneul nodded with a serious face.

As Ibella said, the escort Dusk had considerably high loyalty, and the actions following from that were extreme.

There were not a few people who were attacked after looking down on the commander while only thinking of her personality.

Jeobeok—

The group that went upstairs and moved inward along the hallway.

Passing several large doors, Ibella stopped in front of a small room in the corner.

“Commander, it’s me.”

“Uh? Wait a moment!”

Clatter—!

An urgent woman’s voice was heard from inside.

Ibella immediately grabbed the door handle.

“I’m coming in.”

“Wait…!”

Clunk—

Despite the continuing voice, Ibella threw the door wide open.

Inside, a young woman with black hair who looked like an adventurer was frozen at the window frame.

[Investigation Team Commander Charlotte von Sinclair]

– ?

– Commander?

– She’s too young?

– Where did the middle-aged man go?

– ??

Viewers showed a surprised reaction to the face that looked early 20s at most.

Considering the position of the Investigation Team Commander, it was a natural reaction.

Of course, she was a person with far too strong power to be ignored due to that appearance.

“Do you hate working again?”

“What are you saying? I love work so much.”

“Talking from the window frame has no persuasiveness. Sit down quickly.”

“Okay.”

Apparently having been right before going out, Commander Charlotte returned inside obediently.

Approaching the table chair and sitting down, she straightened her posture.

That gaze headed toward Han-bit.

“You’re the Black Dragon? I heard you found the World Tree’s branch.”

“Correct.”

Han-bit, who nodded, took out the Branch of the Lost World Tree from his inventory.

“I actually get to see that. Can I check it for a moment?”

“That’s fine, but I’m not handing over the branch to the World Tree.”

“Ah, right? Not handing over the World Tree branch…”

Charlotte, who was naturally nodding, felt something strange.

It was only a moment before her eyes, which had been puzzled, opened wide.

“Uh? Not handing it over?”