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Chapter 138

Chapter 138: Isabella

Isabella Lenoir.

A martial arts prodigy born in France 25 years ago.

Awakened at the age of ten. Over the next 15 years, she set numerous records.

A martial artist representing the new generation of Awakened, the third generation.

Elegant appearance.

Unparalleled skills to match. She was adored not only in France but all over the world.

The Queen of the Awakened.

A legendary martial arts prodigy.

The awakener with the highest advertising value in the world.

Although she is mocked in Korea with memes like ‘baguette martial artist’ or ‘goth,’ it was merely a spite towards an unreachable ideal.

Korea?

A minor country in terms of Awakening.

A country where top-ranked awakeners like Isabella herself practically never visit.

And that was indeed the case.

The only glimpses Koreans had of Isabella were through news, NewTube videos, or advertisements.

But…

―Isabella is coming to Korea? Is this for real?

―Looks like it is. The private jet is on its way. She should arrive at the airport in about 4 hours.

―Did they mention why she’s coming?

―Ah, the news broke. Something happened at the Sky Auction House?

―?

―Looks like Kim Minwoo took all her items. She’s probably coming because she’s pissed off, lol.

―For real?

―She got outbid on the two special items, going up to 57 trillion won, lol. The last item was lost by a margin of just 5,000 won, lol.

―How do they know it’s her behind the mask?

―There’s no one else among the Awakened who could throw that much money around, lol. Plus, her movements when approaching Kim Minwoo were a dead giveaway.

―Does she actually have 57 trillion won in cash?

―Isabella is a queen of advertising. Don’t you know she rakes in trillions from the cosmetics and luxury industries? She’s a global billionaire, lol.

―Yeah, her fan base is massive. Any product she endorses sells out immediately, lol.

―But still, losing by just 5,000 won despite having so much money? Is this real?

―She must have emptied her pockets to try to get that tablet or whatever, lol.

―It looked like Kim Minwoo had way more money left. What a humiliation, lol.

―It’s truly legendary. 40 trillion in the first half + 60 trillion on the dice + 57 trillion for the tablet. He spent 157 trillion in one fucking auction, damn, lmao.

―(FYI) There’s an additional 2% fee. Considering that, he spent around 160 trillion.

―(Horrified) Even after spending that much, the auction manager said he still had a lot of money left.

―Where does he get that kind of money? Even a large corporation couldn’t handle it.

―He was relying on Abdullah, lol.

―Looks like a neighboring country’s leader also chipped in?

―So, are you going to the airport?

―I’m already at the airport, XD.

―Yeah, I’m camping out here, waiting, haha.

―You guys. You usually trash talk Isabella, but look at you now, lol.

―Do you think a world ranker is a joke?

Already, a massive crowd had gathered at Incheon Airport, awaiting Isabella’s expected arrival.

The number had already surpassed 500,000 people.

And this wasn’t even the final count. More people who had heard the news late were still on their way to the airport.

Finally, when her private jet landed at the airport, an immense roar shook the surroundings as she appeared from inside the plane.

Isabella looked at the crowd with an indifferent expression.

Numerous broadcasters, already smelling a scoop, were clinging on desperately, trying to get an interview.

“Ms. Isabella! What is the reason for your visit to Korea…?”

“What is your schedule during this visit…?”

Despite her sturdy bodyguards, the reporters persistently fired questions.

“It’s just a personal visit.”

She answered fluently in English as she began making her way through the crowd.

Her usual taciturn, machine-like demeanor, which she was known for, was on full display as always.

‘Damn it.’

‘This won’t do.’

This was her first visit to Korea.

If they let this opportunity slip by, there might not be another chance to interview her.

‘I have to show her the spicy taste of Korea.’

The eyes of some reporters sharpened with determination.

“Ms. Isabella! We heard you failed to win the items you wanted at the Sky Auction House!”

“Is it true that you lost by a mere difference of 5,000 won?”

Thud.

She stopped abruptly.

The way she narrowed her eyes seemed to indicate that the question had struck a nerve.

“We heard you aggressively pressured Mr. Kim Minwoo before the auction was over! Could it be that you came here with ill feelings because of that?”

“… That’s not the case. I have no such intention. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

* * *

Isabella was a very straightforward woman.

Usually, when people visit another country, they do some sightseeing and spend time leisurely.

But not Isabella.

As soon as she arrived in Korea, she somehow found his phone number and called, then came directly to his house, even though it was late at night.

Ding dong!

The familiar figure appeared beyond the doorbell screen.

“…Damn, she really came.”

“Wow! It’s sister Isabella!”

From Mrs. Choi to Naye, everyone’s eyes widened at Isabella’s sudden appearance.

Even Chairman Kim gazed apprehensively at the doorbell screen.

Isabella.

Just how famous was she?

And how arrogant was her demeanor?

An Awakened being who generated as much buzz as her skills, if not more. Any product she advertised would sell out.

[TL/N: Could this be foreshadowing??]

There probably wasn’t a single company among the world’s top 100 that hadn’t sent her a love call.

Naturally, Ilsung was no exception, repeatedly contacting her agency, only to be rejected every time.

Money?

It meant nothing to her.

Befitting her reputation as the world’s best, the companies Isabella chose were all described as the world’s finest.

Unfortunately, Ilsung was far from being called the world’s best.

Korea itself was no different.

For someone who had only been around the US and France, this would be her first time setting foot in East Asia.

He had told his family that she would visit, but it seemed they only realized it when she actually showed up at their doorstep, leaving them all blinking in surprise.

“She sure is impatient.”

Who would’ve thought she’d rush over in a single day?

It seemed that when the two plates would combine, it would become quite a valuable item.

Otherwise, what other reason could she have for hurrying over like this?

Chairman Kim asked with a perplexed expression.

“Did you happen to call her, Minwoo?”

“Yes. I have something to discuss with her.”

“Is it true that you just outbid her by 5,000 won at the auction house?”

“Just because I have money doesn’t mean I should waste it. I need to save every penny. I’ll bring her in.”

“W-wait a minute!”

“…?”

“Since she’s here, could you ask her to sign something for us? You know, as a favor?”

“Are you a fan?”

“No, ahem. It’s not just me, it’s for Naye. She’s a fan.”

“That’s right! I want an autograph!”

He saw Naye looking up at him with sparkling eyes.

It was a scene that truly made one realize just how famous Isabella was.

It wasn’t every day that someone caused such a stir for an autograph on their first visit to Korea.

Well, if they wanted it, he would have to give it to them.

It wasn’t a difficult request, so he nodded in agreement.

He went to the front door and opened it.

“What brings you here so late at night?”

“The tablets. Let’s talk.”

“Very well. But provide some fan service first.”

“…?”

“My family are fans of yours. It’s not too much to ask, is it?”

She nodded, and he led her inside.

Somehow, even Choi Yuna, who had been living in the basement, had come up.

The family’s eyes twinkled upon seeing Isabella, especially Chairman Kim’s.

[TL/N: I had imagined Chairman Kim to be someone stoick you know because of how he was portrayed till now but after seeing him fanboying after her I can’t stop laughing ]

“That’s my father, and next to him is my mother. Down there is my sister, and next to her is our resident alchemist.”

“…?”

Her bewilderment at the explanation was brief.

“I-I’m Chairman Kim of Ilsung. I’ve been a fan of yours.”

“Ah, is that so?”

“Yes. I was particularly impressed by your performance when the gate opened in Marigo. If you don’t mind, could I have a handshake…?”

“Of course.”

Isabella calmly offered her hand, and Chairman Kim’s face beamed as he shook it.

“Th-thank you! And also, an autograph…?”

“Me too! Me too! Sister, I want to shake your hand too!”

“Sure.”

This time, she bent down and extended her hand towards Naye.

Naye instantly grabbed it with both hands and clung to her arm.

“Hehe, you’re cold.”

“Are you an awakener?”

“No?”

“You’re strong.”

“Yup! Naye is strong! My teacher said I’m a powerhouse! Sister, hug me!”

Naye’s unique and formidable friendliness.

Even Isabella could not avoid her friendly charm.

Scooping Naye up into her arms, she looked at Mrs. Choi and the alchemist.

“Do you two need autographs as well?”

“Ho ho, I’m fine. This fellow is just overly fond of Ms. Isabella. By the way, you look exactly the same as on screen.”

“Uh…if you could…I would be extremely grateful…”

Choi Yuna timidly extended an alchemy tool. Isabella swiftly signed it with a pen in her hand.

Chairman Kim got his signature on his golf club.

Naye got hers on her kindergarten bag.

“Heehee, I’ll show this off to my friends!”

The family beamed with joy.

It seemed she had provided ample fan service.

“Then let me discuss the matter I came for.”

“Y-Yes! Please make yourself at home, Ms. Isabella. Since it’s late, feel free to stay the night. Consider this your home.”

Chairman Kim’s desperate cries soon went upstairs.

Soon after taking a seat, Isabella stared intently and spoke.

“What shall we do about the Tablet?”

“Since I bought it, I should make good use of it. The problem is that you have one piece, and I have the other… Want to sell it? I’ll pay you a high price.”

“No. I’m not selling.”

Well, that was expected.

If she wanted to sell, there wouldn’t have been a reason for her to rush over here.

“In that case, let me propose this. How about selling it to me instead?”

“I have plenty of money, too.”

Isabella stared piercingly.

After a moment, she sighed and said,

“I obtained the first tablet from a Hidden Gate. It was a dangerous one.”

“So?”

“If we combine the two pieces, the difficulty level will likely increase dramatically. Our lives could be in danger. It seems we may need to cooperate. To be honest, I don’t trust my back to someone I can’t rely on.”

“Are you questioning my character? Or…”

“Ability.”

Her eyes settled with indifference.

“Character? That’s meaningless. If I kill you, that’s the end of it. But if you lack ability, you’ll just be a burden.”

“You’ve seen me in action…”

“If that’s all you’ve got, it’ll be tough.”

He nodded in agreement.

Certainly, Isabella had the right to say that.

Even the netizens who criticized her never doubted her skills.

Level?

Way past a thousand.

Talent?

World-class.

Equipment?

Thanks to France’s unwavering love, she was decked out in ancient-rank gear with high level restrictions.

An awakener who possessed level, talent, and equipment – that’s why she was given the title of World Ranker.

She was a walking strategic weapon. To simply label her combat skills as S-rank would be an understatement, for she had displayed far too much.

As such, her arrogance was justified by her abilities.

Kim Minwoo acknowledged this as well.

‘She’s the real deal.’

Honestly, if he went up against Isabella right now, he would lose.

She had numerous Soulbound skills and +9 enhanced skills.

Overwhelming equipment setup.

On top of that, her talent was renowned as the best in the martial arts world – a true monster.

To handle a monster of this caliber, he would need more time to grow.

However, that didn’t mean the gap was so wide that they couldn’t even form a party together.

“It seems you’re making an assumption.”

“…?”

“The verification doesn’t just have to be on your side.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Who knows if there’s any exaggeration in your reputed abilities.”

“Then we’ll need to confirm each other’s strengths.”

“And the best way to do that is to spar.”

“I agree.”

“Conveniently, there’s a training field right in front of the house. A sturdy one, at that.”

“I noticed. It looked well-made.”

No more words were needed.

The two rose to their feet simultaneously.