An Awakener with the Gamer Class

Chapter 35: Outside

Paul forced a bitter smile and let out a sigh.

"Things like this are basically unavoidable," he said.

"Unavoidable?" Violet’s expression immediately turned unpleasant.

"The problem is, we can’t stop Awakeners from entering the Sanctuary as long as there’s no concrete evidence that they’ve committed a crime."

"They belong to an organization that’s considered dangerous."

"That has never been fully proven. In fact, it hasn’t even been proven that they’re members of any organization at all. We can’t draw conclusions based solely on rumors."

"The founder is a wanted criminal."

"It has never been proven that the organization was founded by President Roberts."

Violet fell silent.

"Miss Muller, you don’t have to worry too much," Paul added. "You’re one of Earth’s most valuable assets. The Association will never allow anything to happen to you."

’I’m not so sure,’ Violet replied.

After all, it was no secret that the Association itself was filled with corrupt people.

"You should have more faith. We’ll also investigate why the Night Valley Organization is keeping an eye on you."

Violet didn’t seem convinced.

She simply walked away, looking thoughtful.

Meanwhile, Enzo lit another cigarette and took a drag.

Although Violet normally mirrored his expressions, he could disable that feature whenever he wanted.

As a result, Violet’s face became completely expressionless.

Enzo kept pressing the W key, causing Violet to continue walking forward.

Eventually, she arrived before the Sanctuary’s massive gate, a colossal entrance so heavy that chains and mechanical winches were needed to open it.

Originally, Enzo hadn’t planned on sending Violet outside so soon.

But now he felt that danger could strike at any moment.

The only solution was to make Violet stronger.

There was no other choice.

Ten guards stood watch at the gate.

They were all large, imposing men who looked like seasoned veterans.

Before Violet even reached them, the gate suddenly began to open.

Not because of her—

—but because a group of Awakeners was returning from outside.

It was none other than Augus Brown’s team.

Naturally, they were surprised to see Violet.

"Miss, are you heading outside?" Augus asked with a puzzled expression.

He knew nothing about what had happened after he left earlier, including Violet reaching Level 10.

Just like before, Violet gave no response.

Her expression didn’t change either, as Enzo was still smoking.

Instead, she walked straight toward the gate guards.

"I’ve already been granted permission to leave on my own. You’ve been informed, haven’t you?" she asked the captain.

"Yes. Please proceed," the captain replied calmly, gesturing toward the outside.

Without another word, Violet continued forward.

Augus and his companions remained baffled.

An S-Class Talent might receive special treatment, but before reaching Level 10, no one was ever allowed to leave the Sanctuary.

Still, Augus’s pride wouldn’t allow him to question the guards.

"Damn... she got a Level 10 Ascension Crystal."

One of his companions suddenly looked up from his phone.

The Sanctuary had its own private forum. Anyone whose email was registered could access it, and major events spread through the forum with incredible speed.

Augus frowned.

"She really is lucky," another companion muttered.

Even if Violet had only reached Level 10 and was still below their levels, incredible luck was always something people envied.

The group had only walked a short distance when the man holding the phone suddenly froze again.

He glanced awkwardly at Augus.

"What is it?" Augus asked.

"It looks like... after we left, that girl beat your little brother unconscious."

"..."

Augus’s expression darkened.

It wasn’t because he was a caring older brother.

In truth, he didn’t care much about Waylon.

His earlier provocation toward Violet had been solely because he regarded her as a dangerous rival—not because of Waylon.

But now that Violet had beaten Waylon after he had left...

...it was difficult not to take it as a challenge directed at him.

"Augus."

Someone suddenly called his name.

It was Wyatt—the winged man with sunglasses who had been secretly recording Violet earlier.

"Wyatt..." Augus looked genuinely surprised to see him.

"It’s been a long time. You must’ve been busy—you haven’t visited my casino in ages," Wyatt said with a grin.

Despite the age difference, the two spoke like old friends.

"I don’t have time to enjoy myself. An S-Class Talent isn’t everything. I still need higher levels," Augus replied. "What are you doing here? I heard you haven’t visited the Sanctuary in a long time."

"I’m here on assignment from the organization," Wyatt answered casually, rubbing his nose.

Augus and his companions exchanged surprised looks.

"You need help?" Augus asked with a smile.

He—or rather, all of them—had ties to that organization, so they were naturally willing to help. The stronger the organization became, the more they themselves would benefit.

"Violet Muller. The organization wants her. I was sent to investigate her background, but she seems to have a way of detecting anyone who spies on her. Before me, two other scouts were already discovered."

"Oh..."

Augus couldn’t hide his surprise.

He frowned slightly, wondering how Violet had managed to detect every spy.

A moment later, he nodded.

"I’ll do my best. So... what’s my assignment?"

***

Meanwhile, Enzo finally caught his first glimpse of the world beyond the Sanctuary.

Until now, he hadn’t been able to see outside because Violet’s screen had always been blocked by the Sanctuary’s towering walls.

As far as the eye could see, the landscape was nothing but the ruins of a city swallowed by creeping vines.

Some buildings had completely collapsed, forming hills covered in dense vegetation.

Even through the screen, Enzo could sense that the air outside felt different—

colder...

heavier...

far more oppressive.

He expanded the System’s viewing range to its maximum and immediately spotted several groups of Goblins wandering through the ruins.

They were all around Levels 1 to 5.

That was normal for the outskirts of the Sanctuary.

Even so, Awakeners below Level 10 were still forbidden from leaving, since stronger monsters occasionally wandered into the area.

Then Enzo’s gaze settled suspiciously on a huge opening in a vine-covered hill of rubble.

It was large enough for a cow to walk through.

’That doesn’t look like a cave...’

A cave wouldn’t have that shape.

’It looks more like... the mouth of some enormous creature.’