Infinite System Inheritor Return From The Abyss

[Anyway, host, isn't your assistant a bit pushy?] the system spoke up. [He's been trying to join your mission ever since he arrived yesterday morning.]

Seojun scoffed. "He probably thinks he can use me. Since I'm friends with the twins, he wants to take advantage of my connections. Tsk."

The system chuckled. [You should've let him come. It would've been fun watching him realize he's messing with the wrong guy.]

Seojun ignored the system's amusement as he entered the guild and immediately noticed a group gathered near Dahlia's desk. Dahlia spotted him and waved him over.

Once he approached, she spoke. "He's here. This is the group you'll be working with for the quest."

Seojun glanced at the people in the group, studying them briefly.

Dahlia continued, "Now, with no further delay, since this is an urgent quest…"

She began explaining the mission once again—Rampaging Beasts Containment.

Dahlia cleared her throat, making sure everyone was paying attention. "Listen up. This mission is dangerous. Your goal is to subdue the rampaging beasts, not kill them. But if things go wrong and you can't handle the situation, don't hesitate—call the guild immediately and retreat. Your safety is the priority." Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire

She scanned the group, making sure they understood. "I repeat, if the situation becomes uncontrollable, leave the area and escape. The guild will send reinforcements if needed."

Some of the group members exchanged uneasy glances, but they all nodded in agreement.

As the group started moving out, Seojun felt a slight tug on his sleeve. He turned his head and saw Dahlia holding onto him, her face filled with worry.

"The beasts have been acting wilder than usual these days," she said softly. "If things get dangerous, try to escape if you can, Ji-hoon."

Seojun nodded. "I understand."

Letting go of his sleeve, Dahlia gave him one last concerned look before stepping back. Seojun followed the group, but he couldn't help feeling confused.

'Why is she so concerned about me?' he wondered. He didn't think he had done anything to make her act like this.

Then, his system chimed in.

[Oho, host! Looks like someone has fallen for you at first sight! (¬‿¬)]

Seojun frowned. "Stop talking nonsense."

[Haha! Don't be shy, host. Maybe she likes tough guys like you.]

"Shut up," Seojun muttered, ignoring his system as he continued walking.

Seojun and the rest of the group climbed onto the transport vehicle—a large, armored beast that looked like a mix between a raptor and a heavy-duty truck. Its powerful legs stomped against the ground as it prepared to move. The vehicle had a covered ceiling in the back, providing some shade and protection while they traveled.

As the raptor-like transport began moving, Seojun's system spoke.

[Host, I looked through the mission details in advance. The leader of this group is called Sir Choi. He's a well-known commander, and his daughter is a Beast Doctor like you.]

Seojun glanced around and spotted a middle-aged man sitting at the front, speaking with a younger woman—probably his daughter.

[There are 11 Beast Doctors in total, including you, and the rest of the team consists of experienced Awakeners. This mission is serious, host.]

Seojun remained silent, listening.

[Your team is heading into a restricted forest. It's been locked down because the mutated beasts are scattered inside, making it too dangerous. No one enters unless they have permission.]

System provided more details about the mission.

[Host, the creatures you need to calm down are a mix of mutated zoo animals. The Awakeners will handle capturing them, but your role as a Beast Doctor is to subdue them without violence so they don't go on a rampage.]

Just as the system finished speaking, their global system hologram flickered in front of everyone. A notification appeared, and Sir Choi, their leader, had just sent out detailed information on the creatures scattered throughout the forest. The files contained images and descriptions, allowing the Beast Doctors to analyze the situation while they traveled.

Sir Choi's voice rang out through the communication device in the vehicle.

"The beasts we're dealing with are former zoo animals that mutated five years ago during the global catastrophe. The zoo that once stood here collapsed, and the animals inside were exposed to unknown energy, changing them into something far more dangerous. The entire area became a restricted zone, and the forest took over."

Seojun scrolled through the images. There were mutated versions of tigers, gorillas, crocodiles, snakes, and even an elephant with an unnatural body structure. Some had multiple eyes, some had grown thick armor-like skin, and others had enhanced speed and strength.

Then, a person seated in front of Seojun spoke up. "Why are the beasts scattered now? Shouldn't they have stayed in the sanctuary all this time?"

Sir Choi answered, his tone serious. "Because someone released them. And it wasn't just an accident. The beasts were drawn to something deep within the forest. That's why they all rushed inside instead of spreading out. We need to find out what's attracting them."

Another person asked, "Was the one responsible caught?"

"Yes," Sir Choi confirmed. "They've been arrested and are currently under investigation. However, we still don't know why they did it or what exactly is inside the forest."

He then shifted back to the main topic. "Now, listen up. There are some beasts that you must avoid at all costs. If you see any of these creatures, immediately retreat and inform the team."

The hologram displayed three images.

"The first is the Nightmare Panther. It moves like a shadow and can suppress your senses. If you lose sight of it, assume it's behind you. Do not engage.

The second is the Iron Rhino. Its hide is like metal, and it charges through anything. If you see it, get out of its path immediately.

Lastly, there's the Titan Python. It's massive and highly aggressive. Its venom can paralyze even an A-rank Awakener. If spotted, do not attempt to subdue it alone."

"So, you're saying that we'll be divided into groups, right? Since seeing these beasts means we have to run?"

Sir Choi nodded. "That's correct. We'll split into multiple teams to cover more ground. Each team will have both Beast Doctors and Awakeners. The Beast Doctors will focus on calming the creatures so they can be captured without unnecessary violence, while the Awakeners will ensure protection and containment."

He glanced at the hologram before continuing, "If any team encounters one of the three priority-danger beasts—Nightmare Panther, Iron Rhino, or Titan Python— do not engage. Instead, retreat immediately and report it. We will regroup and handle them with a specialized squad."