Awakening to a Special-Grade Explorer
Vol. 4 - Ch. 213 - The Countdown to Collapse

A few days had passed by since the beginning of Mallorca's dungeon breakdown. Along with the disappearance of dungeon, the name of Tenji Amagi was registered in the list of missing people.

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<In just 10 more days, Mallorca Republic Island is going to disappear into the annals of history for eternity.>

The president of the tiny nation, which had emerged as a symbol of the present era despite its small size, announced in an interview.

After dropping the words, the President showed his gratitude for the residents and allied nations alike. Afterward, he spurned the whole story without hiding anything.

How they, or the courageous explorers from all over the world put their life on the line to stop the deadliest calamity before it could affect the world.

A calamitous monster had appeared in the depths of the dungeon. It boasted a strength so formidable it even managed to defeat Ursula Limey, the famed zero-grade explorer, at the prelude of the battle, resulting in leg paralysis. Nevertheless, the professional explorers didn't let it deter themselves and stayed adamant on their stance to fight the monster, putting their life on the line to protect the citizens.

However, in an unfortunate event, the monster seemed to be the key that triggered the dungeon breakdown phenomenon—The President conveyed everything in front of the camera.

When everything was said and done, one of the female journalists present, harbouring a doubt, couldn't help but throw her rebuttal. Though officially, it was mere recounting of events rather than a proper interview.

"But wasn't it impossible for Mallorca's monster to use the teleportation gate? As long as the fact remains, even if the monster was to left behind, it wouldn't have come to this, wouldn't it?"

It was a valid question.

A majority of the people had the same thought, meanwhile the President turned hsilent.

The venue was slightly stirred by the situation.

Just as the commotion was growing, Ursula Limey suddenly appeared beside the President on a wheelchair.

It was common knowledge that Ursula Limey preferred to stay out of the media's limelight. As rare as the scenario was, Ursula Limey turned to the female journalist and explained.

"I am here to clarify only one thing, the misunderstanding you have been having. It's not that monsters aren't capable of using the teleportation gate, but that they don't know the <Word> to unlock the usage of teleportation gate. Hence, we had no option but to pit ourselves against that monster."

After finishing her words, Limey quietly gestured at Illonica behind her, who was there to push her wheelchair, to leave the venue.

Click-Clack

Journalists furiously pressed on the camera's button, the flashlight falling on the shrivelled contour of an old woman. However before she left, Limey seemed to have suddenly recalled something and once again turned toward the cameras.

"One more thing, I am retiring from the explorer society after the clean-up of Mallorca."

The bombshell news met with even more furious click-clack noises of camera.

"I may be retiring but a new hero will be born soon. Please look forward to the upcoming news."

The deliberate smile of Limey at the end found itself circulated worldwide in a flash.

The sensational news of Mallorca's end swiftly found its way on the SNS, internet news, news flash, news program in every nation possible.

—The bitter truth that a nation was meeting its end.

—The authenticity of black cocoon whose incubation lasted for more than three years.

—The four strongest explorers of zero-grade calling assembling at one place, much like the tragedy of the Pula.

—The retirement of Ursula Limey.

Each news was a big matter in itself. Typically, even a single piece of information would have kept the world eager about the situation for days, if not weeks. But in the run of twisted fate, all of it transpired at the same time.

Let alone youngsters or explorers, even elderly could be seen taking tabs on the situation.

At the same time, there was another piece of news—and perhaps, it would be fair to say the most discussed news was trending on the internet.

The existence of Mysterious Explorer X.

If what Ursula Limey spoke was the truth, and not some ad-lib for her retirement, who in the world managed to take down the monster that even the world famous and strongest female couldn't.

Would it have been possible to win against the monster if the four zero-grade explorers joined together? The internet was booming with each user's theory.

No one could resist getting into the topic. It was Ursula Limey's own word, implying the existence of an emergent explorer. Who was she pointing at when she said 'the next hero'?

It was fine even if it ended as mere headcanon. But until then, Ursula Limey's word at the interview's end further stoked the curiosity of the populace.

Who was X?

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—Mallorca Upper Floor. In front of the Dungeon Gate.

A make-shift headquarter was erected in front of Mallorca's dungeon gate.

There were two more days left before the dungeon completely collapsed. In a rare scenario, the scene was devoid of any typical wordplay as the staff, civil servants or even politicians were doing their best to carry out their respective tasks.

Amidst all this, an old woman in a wheelchair asked as she went through the documents.

"Illonica, how far has the evacuation proceeded?"

"As of now, 99.6% of citizens have been evacuated. There are only explorers, who have been looking around for the missing people, or the students. Also, around tens of private firms along with their guards are currently carrying out the duty to transport the belongings. It's also predicted to be over in a short while."

The problem of assets was borne by Aubraka, Jay and Limey herself.

They contributed an eye-popping amount of funds as charity to the Mallorca, which was later distributed among the citizens, effortlessly clearing it. The president was truly indebted to their effort.

"It's good that the finance problem was sorted out. But I really don't feel at ease putting the young ones at work and helping out in search."

"Please, no. Not a single soul looked have any grudge. A lot of them are truly kind and compassionate kids. I guess it was by your virtue, President."

"Umm, can you stop with the President thing? I am no longer president with the absence of Mallorca Esquela."

"Nope, you will forever be president for me."

"You know you're really stubborn."

"Yes, I'm a stubborn secretary and I know that well."

'Pfft,' the two chuckled at the end.

"And what about him?"

Headmaster Limey asked abruptly.

She didn't speak out the name, but Illonica guessed the name and replied in a slightly awkward tone.

"Alas......Kuro Fuyuki and Chisato Shiranei have been tirelessly searching all the floors but they have yet to find him."

"I see......I am worried about Chisato-chan to be honest. She's the type to forsake even sleep or meals once she settles on something. Kuro Fuyuki is also someone who, albeit rarely, shows a similar tendency."

"There's nothing hidden from you, President Limey. Yes, these two haven't eaten anything or caught a wink of sleep in the last three days. Just searching around tirelessly."

"I feared so. A disabled old woman is nothing but a hindrance either way. I guess I will visit the food supply tent. It's time to have some words with Chisato-chan."

"Every effort is much appreciated. I will take things here."

——Two days until the collapse of Mallorca Island Dungeon, yet the search for the missing continues.

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