Beyond the Eternity-Chapter 247: Demon Suppression Agency [2]

After discreetly returning the newspaper we had "borrowed" while the stand owner was distracted, I led the party down the street toward our intended destination.

Of course, we had to return it. Otherwise, that would be stealing, and stealing was a crime punishable by law.

...Ah, wait. Doesn't taking something and then returning it still count as stealing?

This chapt𝒆r is updated by frёewebηovel.cѳm.

Let's just forget about that, okay?

Besides, I have absolutely no memory of stealing anything. How could a gentleman like me ever commit such an act? Truly, the idea was absurd.

A few seconds later, we arrived in front of a towering high-rise building.

Along the way, we had passed all sorts of classical and modern structures, each with its own unique charm. However, against the sheer presence of the massive building before us, they all seemed somewhat lacking.

It wasn't just the building's size that set it apart, but the way it clashed with its surroundings.

Compared to the Gothic and Renaissance-style buildings that exuded history and tradition, this high-rise building resembled a military fortress.

Its walls were a deep, metallic blue, as if forged from iron, reflecting the faintest traces of light like tempered steel. More notably, faint streams of spirit particles swirled around it. It was an unmistakable sign of an active barrier.

Just by standing infront of this building, I could clearly feel an invisible weight of oppression.

My gaze drifted upward to the nameplate affixed to the front of the building.

[Demon Suppression Agency]

…So, this was what the Demon Suppression Agency looked like, huh?

Miyuki's eyes sparkled as she exclaimed, "Wow! It's really beautiful!"

"You call this beautiful?" You Jinsung scoffed. "It looks more like a military fortress. Shouldn't an Adventurer's Guild have a more… welcoming appearance?"

Lee Suhye turned to me with a questioning look. "Jakga-ssi, what exactly is this place?"

I glanced at the white woman clad in a motorcycle suit and raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you read the news article? This is the 'Demon Suppression Agency' or [DSA] for short," I said, shifting my gaze back to the building. "The organisation was formed after the First Impact, which occurred a year after the emergence of the <<Dragon's Labyrinth>>, in the year 1946. Originally, it was known as the Mare's Guild, and was responsible for handling government-issued quests. However, as the labyrinth's threat escalated after the First Impact, it was reorganized into what we now know as the DSA."

"And it's not just limited to this city," I added. "The Demon Suppression Agency is an international organization, so I'm sure multiple sectors are positioned across the world."

"You actually paid attention to all of that?" Suhye asked, sounding half-impressed, half-doubtful.

…What was this? Was this woman looking down on me?

I huffed and continued without sparing her a glance, still focused on the imposing structure before me. "Of course. Naturally, I pay attention to important details, especially when they involve the <<Dragon's Labyrinth>>. That is, after all, the core of this entire narrative."

"I see." Suhye nodded. "So, this is where we'll get our climbing licenses."

"That's correct. However, we won't be registering under our real names. Using our Korean names would stand out too much. We'll be going in under aliases."

Jung Yunhee raised a brow. "The world language here isn't English?"

I shrugged. "I said I'm not entirely sure. Do I look like I would know what language is spoken in another world? Even so, English is pretty common, so we might have a good chance with English names. If not, we can always buy a language package from the System's Shop."

Miyuki, standing beside me, raised her hand excitedly.

"Um... excuse me, Ahjusshi?"

"...Yes?"

"Can we choose our English names, ourselves?"

I chuckled. "Of course. I have done a lot of research before the <Stories>, so I have a profound understanding in that regard. Feel free to ask me if you can't come up with a good, convincing English Name by yourselves, okay?"

"Hehehe! In that case, my name is Mia Knox!"

"Wh-what? Where did you get that name from? Anyway, my name will be Atomic Black!"

"…Pfff—! What kind of name is that?" Miyuki burst into laughter. "Are you trying to be a superhero or a clown?"

"What the heck are you talking about? It's a solid name! As I thought, you just don't have any sense."

"What do you mean I don't have sense?! Are you looking down on me?!"

"I mean, yeah." Jinsung smirked. "From this height, you look pretty short, so I have no choice but to look down at you. By the way, did you take good care of the class pet?"

"…You…! You…!"

The argument between Miyuki and Yoo Jinsung escalated. I never expected choosing fake names to be such a heated matter.

Or maybe it was just their rivalry at play?

Either way, I stepped in before it got out of hand and made the final decision myself.

Thus, in the end, after much back and forth, our alias list was finalized:

Kuroi Miyuki → Mia Knox

Yoo Jinsung → Julian Snow

Lee Suhye → Samantha Lee

Jung Yunhee → Scarlett Royce

Everyone seemed satisfied with their chosen names, especially Miyuki, who was oddly obsessed with 'Mia Knox.'

...Did she pick it up from somewhere? She had chosen it almost instantly without giving it much thought.

Lee Suhye seemed to realize something and asked, "By the way, Jakga-ssi, why haven't you picked a name for yourself?"

"Oh, you noticed? Well, about that..." I playfully placed a finger on my lips. "It's a secret."

"Wait, are you serious?"

"Haha! Don't worry about it. You'll find out once we head inside. Also, we can't stand around for too long or else, the people will start getting suspicious."

By 'the people,' I was referring to the guards stationed around the Demon Suppression Agency.

Everyone took note of the situation and nodded in understanding.

I added, "Also, once we're inside, let me handle the talking. I'll take care of everything."

"Got it."

Without further delay, we entered the Main Building of the Demon Suppression Agency.

As expected, the building exuded privilege and luxury. A towering marble structure loomed over us like a sacred museum. Just one glance was enough to see the immense craftsmanship behind its intricate interior design.

Metal tables filled the hall, where several hunters sat, occasionally glancing in our direction.

Hunters.

These were the ones who would challenge the Chaos Tower.

I'm sure some of you might imagine rugged mercenaries, scarred warriors, or brash adventurers brandishing oversized weapons. But the reality was far from it. The hunters here carried themselves with an air of refinement, dressed in tailored coats and professional attire rather than battle-worn armor.

They weren't just fighters. They were individuals with status.

Of course, there was a reason for their lack of visible weaponry. A strict law prohibited carrying weapons openly inside the building such an act was considered an immediate threat, punishable by either imprisonment or execution. Instead, all weapons were secured within personal dimensional storage rings.

Luckily, our attire blended well enough with the crowd. After a brief moment of scrutiny, the other hunters lost interest and returned to their own activities.

Without any further distractions, we advanced toward the reception desk.

"Welcome! How may I assist you today?" The female receptionist greeted us with a polished smile, her pearly whites on full display.

… Certainly, a beautiful smile laced with practiced deception rather than genuine warmth.

Matching her energy, I curved my lips into a pleasant smile and spoke in a bewitching tone:

"It's a pleasure to meet you on this fine day. We're here to obtain our hunting licenses and register as a group. Would it be possible to complete the process today?"

"You wish to become hunters, yes? And the people behind you... are they your teammates?"

I nodded. "That is correct."

"In that case, it's possible. However, you'll first need to undergo a hunter examination. If you pass, you'll fill out the necessary documents to officially become members of the Demon Suppression Agency. But due to the nature of the Tower, immediate entry won't be permitted. All new recruits are required to work under the Agency for at least three to five months, potentially up to a year, depending on the Agency's assessment. It would be reckless to allow untrained individuals to challenge the Dark Tower unprepared." The receptionist explained in a single breath with a serious voice.

I nodded. "Understood. So, we simply need to prove our qualifications. Is that correct?"

"Yes, that's correct. However, if you're recommended by one of the Twelve Clans, your required service period will be significantly reduced, typically to one or two months. Ultimately, though, the final decision lies with the Head Department's assessment."

… The Twelve Clans, huh?

If I remembered correctly, they were the ruling factions of Arkiel's planetary system, each holding immense authority and governing a domain within the Four Continents.

Earth Dragon Clan

Holy Land Clan

Shadow Forest Clan

Flame Monarch Clan

Sea God Clan

Tempest Elf Clan

Lightning God Clan

Ivory Sword Clan

Black Wolf Clan

White Leopard Clan

Spirit Fox Clan

Great Serpant Clan

The Earth Dragon Clan stood at the top of the hierarchy, while the Great Serpant Clan remained at the bottom. Even so, being part of any of these noble houses still meant living far better than the average person. Unless, of course, one was born in the slums.

But the real problem was the mandatory service period. Even with a recommendation, we'd still be stuck working for the [DSA] for at least a month or two, which I considered an unpleasant waste of time.

It was a simple matter of reasoning. Who would want to remain stranded in an unfamiliar world for months?

'But that won't be necessary.'

Unknowingly, a rather dangerous smile formed on my lips.

Fortunately, we had been summoned to the main territory of the <Holy Land>, ruled by none other than <The Holy Church of Destiny>

I met the receptionist's gaze and spoke firmly. "I'm afraid working for the Agency won't be necessary."

"Uh? Excuse me, what do you mean, Sir?"

At her confusion, I reached into my Watcher's Dimensional Star Coat and retrieved a document.

A piece of paper that seemed ordinary on the surface.

A recommendation letter with a wing of an Angel at the top, sealed with a golden emblem.

I held it up for her to see and declared, "I, Luke Murphy, have been sent by the Veterans of the Holy Church of Destiny to challenge the Dragon's Labyrinth under the direct authority of the Pope, Heinrich Wulfheim."

The receptionist's face instantly paled, as if she had just seen a ghost, or some unspeakable horror born from the Abyss lurking on the Moon.

"W-Wait... What...?!" she muttered loudly.

A hushed silence fell over the hall. Even the nearby hunters, previously uninterested, turned their heads in our direction, drawn by the commotion. From the corners of my vision, I caught glimpses of my group's uneasy expressions.

Lee Suhye's face practically screamed, "What the hell are you doing, you idiot?" and even Jung Yunhee seemed shaken.

I would have laughed under normal circumstances. However, there was nothing amusing about the situation.

The receptionist, who had moments ago been flustered, suddenly schooled her features into an icy mask.

Her next words was accompanied by a serious voice. "You... Are you absolutely certain of what you're claiming?"