Infinite System Inheritor Return From The Abyss

Chapter 168: Chapter 168: News

Seojun teleported back home, appearing in his quiet apartment. He immediately changed out of his clothes and removed his mask, tossing it in his inventory before collapsing onto the couch he pulled out his phone and scrolled.

"Come on out, Huno," he muttered, Huno appeared instantly.

"Hello Master!"

Just then, the front door swung open, and Seoyang, Seojun's mom, rushed in. "Seojun! Are you here?"

"Yes, Mom?" he called back, standing up.

Seoyang hurried over and scanned his body, her eyes filled with concern. For a second, Seojun could feel her relief as if she was thinking, It's not him? I'm glad.

Meanwhile Silla, the silver snake slipped out of his pocket. He quickly summoned him back to his space before his mom noticed.

"Is there something wrong, Mom?" he asked, curious about her sudden appearance. "Where did you go?"

Seoyang smiled warmly, walking to the kitchen. "Just met up with a friend," she replied, grabbing a knife and a plate. She returned to the couch with a bag of fruits, sitting beside him.

"When will I be able to meet this friend of yours, Mom?" Seojun asked playfully, putting his phone down. He reached for the knife she was holding and took over peeling the apples.

Seoyang chuckled, watching him with a fond smile. "Maybe soon,"

"hmm is it really just friend?" Seojun ask and Seoyang couldn't help but blush

Seojun shook his head with a small smile as he saw his mother blush. But beneath that blush, he noticed something else—fear, or perhaps hesitation. He didn't want her to feel uneasy, so he smiled warmly and said, "Mom, I'm fine with you having someone new in your life, as long as he takes good care of you."

Seoyang's eyes filled with emotion, and she quickly hugged her son tightly. "Thank you so much, Seojun. I'm really glad you're my son," she whispered, her voice soft with gratitude. Pulling back, she added, "When do you want to meet him?"

"How about tomorrow?" Seojun suggested.

Seoyang hesitated for a moment, looking uncertain. "Let me ask him first if he's free tomorrow, okay?" she replied.

Seojun nodded, not wanting to push her. He knew there might be more behind her hesitation. Just then, Silla's voice whispered telling all he witness in SEoyang ability to control Air.

[Want me to step up, host? I could—]

"No," Seojun thought, cutting the system off. "Let's wait for Mom to tell me herself. If she's hiding this from me, she must have her reasons."

Seoyang picked up the TV remote, and the news flickered on. The first thing that greeted them was a report of the dungeon outbreak in the mall. The screen showed broken buildings, debris scattered everywhere, and rescue teams at the scene.

Breaking news scrolled across the screen: Several people have died, but miraculously, most of those trapped inside were saved.

A reporter appeared, interviewing one of the survivors. "Can you tell us what happened inside the mall?"

The survivor, visibly shaken but grateful, nodded. "It was terrifying. We thought we wouldn't make it, but then… someone saved us. He was young, had brown hair, and it was dark, but I could see him clearly. I'm awakened, so my vision is better. He had blue eyes… and he used a scythe as his weapon."

Seojun frowned as the survivor on the news mentioned a young man with white hair and a scythe. Brown hair? he thought. But I was wearing the mask, so my hair should've appeared brown.

[He awakened at that critical moment, host. It seems he was able to see your true appearance behind the mask.]

Seojun sighed, thinking, I hope no one recognizes me.

The news continued, showing more images of the destroyed mall, rescue teams, and survivors.

The reporter stood in front of the chaotic scene, looking into the camera.

"This dungeon outbreak is one of many recent occurrences. Just last week, a dungeon appeared in Pyeongtaek, causing mass panic. The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous. What could this mean? Is it possible something more threatening is on the horizon?"

The reporter turned and approached a tall, sharp-looking man standing nearby.

"We're joined by Chairman Alexander, the head of the Awakeners Association and guildmaster of Vortex. Chairman, can you tell us what's being done to handle these recent dungeon outbreaks?"

Chairman Alexander, with his commanding aura, nodded gravely.

"We are working in close cooperation with the government and all major guilds to monitor and respond to these dungeon appearances. The frequency has increased alarmingly, but rest assured, we are doing everything possible to safeguard the public.

That said, we advise everyone to remain vigilant. These are unpredictable times."

The reporter continued, her expression serious. "Many are worried that these dungeon appearances are leading to something much larger. Could this be the start of The Wave?"

A murmur rippled through the crowd of reporters gathered nearby, all now leaning in with interest, waiting for Chairman Alexander's response.

"While we understand the concerns and are fully aware of the speculation surrounding The Wave," he began carefully,

"e have no conclusive evidence linking these recent dungeon appearances to such an event. What we are witnessing is serious, but it's important not to jump to conclusions."

There was a brief silence before the reporter spoke again, "So, you're saying there's no immediate cause for alarm?"

Chairman Alexander nodded, "Exactly. We urge everyone to remain calm and follow the guidance of authorities and trained professionals. We'll continue to keep everyone informed as we learn more."

Seojun, still watching, narrowed his eyes. The Wave, he thought. So, it's not just rumors anymore... Even if Alexander was trying to avoid panic, it was clear there was more to this situation than they were letting on.

Seojun stood in the kitchen, his mind racing with thoughts of the Wave and the events that had unfolded. He recalled what Alex had told him about Alexa meeting with the top rankers.

"System, can you track when the Wave will happen?" he asked, a hint of urgency in his voice.

[I'm sorry, Host, but my power can't do that. What about Zyraena? She's a goddess; maybe she knows when it will happen,]

"Then tell her," Seojun said, feeling a mix of determination and anxiety. He glanced at his mom, who had fallen asleep on the couch. A fond smile spread across his face as he gently picked her up and carried her to her room, laying her down on her bed and tucking her in with a soft blanket.