She fainted as soon as she heard the explanations? (Yu Baek-Song)

Yu Baek-Song asked as she took a look at Yu Sae-Jung, currently lying on a bed and totally unconscious.

Yes. I think the shock must have been too heavy but none of us expected her to collapse like this, at all. (Yi Hye-Rin)

Yi Hye-Rin replied while touching Yu Sae-Jungs forehead. As if she was suffering from a nightmare, her forehead was soaked with cold sweat.

What should we do now? (Yi Hye-Rin)

The very person who should have played the role of the host for the party in the missing Kim Sae-Jins stead had now fainted. That was why they wanted to keep his kidnapping as a secret in the first place

Thankfully, there was still a hour or so left until the start of the party, but then, would she wake up in time? And, even if she did wake up, could she be able to maintain a lucid state of mind?

Theres nothing we can do, but to get Mister Sae-Jin back as soon as possible. ..Oi, Mister Vampire. (Kim Yu-Rin)

Kim Yu-Rins eyes gleamed sharply as she looked at Rhosrahdel.

Y, yes?! (Rhosrahdel)

You sure your plan is going to work? (Kim Yu-Rin)

O, of course! Judging by the fact that the Vampires under the Bathorys influence havent yet issued a kill-on-sight order towards the Nosferatus, she mustve not informed her subordinates yet, and thus I suspect that she is still stuck together with Mister Sae-Jin at this point in time. The plan will work 100%. (Rhosrahdel)

.Wait. Isnt that strange? If she hasnt informed her lackeys yet, then how can an Elder know Bathorys location? (Kim Yu-Rin)

When someone gets to the level of an Elder, he must sign an oath of blood with Bathory, which means they can track her aura quite accurately. The reason why they arent doing anything at the moment is because she gave them a strict order tostay putuntil she returns on her own volition. (Rhosrahdel)

Kim Yu-Rin rubbed her chin and fell into a train of thought.

In that case, you can definitely tell the face of the Elder, right? (Kim Yu-Rin)

Of course. Ive had plenty of experience, and also (Rhosrahdel)

Suddenly, Rhosrahdel rolled up his sleeve and pushed forward his arm. His skin was the typical Vampire-pale, seemingly bloodless one but when he concentrated, a rather pretty blue emblem rose up from it. It was the Magic Tattoo, the trademark belonging only to Kim Sae-Jin and what the world referred to as truly revolutionary.

Thanks to this, my senses have been greatly enhanced. No matter how well that Elder disguises his aura, Ill be able to detect him. (Rhosrahdel)

.Good. (Kim Yu-Rin)

It sure didnt feel right to have a Vampire as a comrade, but it couldnt be helped under the current circumstances.

Kim Yu-Rin sent Rhosrahdel back up to the deck and approached Yu Sae-Jung. When she sat near the head of the bed, Hazeline who was sitting nearby trembled hard and,pababaht!!hurriedly retreated far away. Sighing out grandly, Kim Yu-Rin glared at her and spat out a couple of hostile words.

Are you truly worried about her? (Kim Yu-Rin)

Wha, what are you talking about? (Hazeline)

Cant you figure out what Im talking about? (Kim Yu-Rin)

Kim Yu-Rin gritted her teeth. Hazeline returned the sharp glare for a bit of time, but then, backed off and powerlessly replied.

Its true I am worried for her (Hazeline)

Tongtongtongtong

That was indeed a sad but desperate attempt to regrow hair back on the two spots on the crown of her head where it had been ripped out.

Yi Hye-Rin sent out gazes of pity towards Hazelines direction, while Kim Yu-Rin didnt even spare a second of her time.

Another hour went by in this stifling silence.

Yu Sae-Jung didnt wake up. And the deck was getting noisier and noisier now.

We need to go upstairs now. But to leave her alone here, is just (Yi Hye-Rin)

Yi Hye-Rin worriedly spoke.

Then Hazeline, you guard her. After all, you cant go outside with your hair all falling out and stuff. (Yu Baek-Song)

Yu Baek-Song spoke innocently enough, but Kim Yu-Rin shook her head while forming a grave expression.

We cant do that. Thatll be like letting a cat guard fish. (Kim Yu-Rin)

And whats wrong with letting a cat do that? (Yu Baek-Song)

Yu Baek-Song quickly glanced over at Kaiser the 2nd, lying inside a paper box. Seeing it yawn out in comfort, it seemed that the careless remarks didnt hurt the felines feelings after all.

Kim Yu-Rin looked at Yu Baek-Song with a somewhat flustered expression.

No, well, its not (Kim Yu-Rin)

I wont do something like that again. (Hazeline)

Hazeline, her back still turned towards them, spoke in a stiff but resolute voice as if to cut into the conversation.

Ive been regretting that for a long time. (Hazeline)

What? (Kim Yu-Rin)

.Im sorry. This Unni did something terribly wrong back then. (Hazeline)

Although it was a sudden apology, one could still sense her true feelings contained within. And so, Kim Yu-Rin found herself unable to say anything.

As she kept her mouth shut and fell into a deep dilemma on how to respond

Tahng, tahng, tahng, tahng!

The fireworks indicating the start of the party could be heard.

Using that as the suitable excuse, Kim Yu-Rin and Yu Baek-Song as well as the others hurriedly went upstairs.

***

Only the most outstanding individuals came to attend this grand party. Korean superstars that transcended past the Korean-Chinese-Japanese borders, career politicians who have stepped into the centres of governing circles, many Order Masters and Vice Masters from overseas Knights Orders, and even several Tower Lords from those Wizard Towers famed for their snobbishness were here.

The main character of this party hadnt arrived yet, but still, decked out in expensive and sophisticated party dresses, these people were already participating neck-deep in this unmissable networking opportunity.

Joo Ji-Hyuk was the first to enter the party. As if the emblem of The Monster mounted on his chest possessed the power to capture all the attention of the partygoers, people began gravitating towards him.

Uh-huh-huh. Isnt this the representative of the Dawn Knights Order?

A middle-aged politician named Yun Young-Ho, who was able to climb up to a position of importance within the 50-something age of his, engaged Joo Ji-Hyuk in conversation.

Now normally, this Yun Young-Ho character wouldnt even spare a second of his time with the likes of a Knight, unless he was facing a Master or a Vice Master of an Order. But, that golden badge on Joo Ji-Hyuks chest was not something that could be seen commonly. As a matter of fact, if he could swap his ID card for the National Assembly with that golden emblem, hed kowtow hundreds of times in a heartbeat.

Ah, how have you been, Mister Assemblyman? (Joo Ji-Hyuk)

Hahaha. Ive been very well, all thanks to your Guild.

Pardon? (Joo Ji-Hyuk)

Joo Ji-Hyuk tilted his head. Did The Monster even enter the world of politics lately as well?

Huhuh. Actually, it was I who actively pursued for the export of TMs potions worldwide, see. Thanks to that, even the local potion market has revived for good, and many flattering remarks from our international counterparts landed on our doorsteps as well. Which allowed me to get re-elected quite successfully

Now that Joo Ji-Hyuk heard the mans words, he seemed to be yet another one filled with self-praise. Joo Ji-Hyuk let the politicians words flow through one ear and leave through the other one while he carefully surveyed the faces of the crowd.

By the way, there is something Im curious about. Does The Monster only pick its new members from the ranks of Knights and Wizards?

Ah.. Well, I dont think so. After all, isnt Instructor Yi Yu-Jin seeing a tremendous growth after becoming the Guilds member? (Joo Ji-Hyuk)

Oho, that is true! Hahaha, Ive completely forgotten about that. Ive heard that she has built ten-odd dojos for Jin Seh-Hahns martial arts in the States already Well, that is something, alright. Hahaha

Yun Young-Hos eyes were shining brightly. They were the eyes of avarice, belonging to a person who had uncovered apossibility.

Whatever the case may have been, as the conversation continued, more and more people began crowding around Joo Ji-Hyuk.

Ah, Ive heard that the Guild Master, Mister Kim Sae-Jin, isnt going to attend this party Is that true?

Eh? Oh, yes. I said he wont be able to come due to feeling a bit under the weather. Instead, weve arranged so you can enjoy the party stil (Joo Ji-Hyuk)

It was then, the voice of a bodyguard manning the entrance to the party venue entered Joo Ji-Hyuks ear.

Mister Kim Jong-Hyuk from the Great Wisdom Investments and his acquaintance, confirmed.

Joo Ji-Hyuk hurriedly shifted the direction of his gaze. Thankfully, both Kim Yu-Rin and Rhosrahdel were moving towards the entrance already.

****

By seeing the various changes to his surroundings, Sae-Jin could estimate that he didnt have much time left.

First of all, the interior of this isolated space had definitely increased in size compared to two days ago. Initially, it was nothing more than a pitch-black empty space, it soon grew into a size of a hotel room and now, the entire area grew to a size of about half the floor of the said hotel.

Secondly, the frequency of Bathory using magic spells which she hadnt been using before, increased by a huge deal. Magic that cast restraints on targets, magic that cast shields on the caster, magic that even cast mirrors within the space itself, etc, etc

Of course, he could break them apart using the claws of the Wolf, but he couldnt help but get worried by the gradual increase in the sophistication of the spells being used here.

Hng~ Hng~ Hng~~.

He could hear the humming of Bathory as she lay on a bed. Feeling annoyed all of a sudden, Sae-Jin slashed out with his claws. Bathory quickly performed a shield magic, but the incoming claws easily shattered the shield and poked a hole in her stomach.

Eek!! That hurts!

Unfortunately, Bathory issued a short cry only. As if she was controlling her emotions well, she didnt even lash out, either.

And that was the most glaring evidence of them all that said her body had recovered to a certain degree.

Hey you. So, like, how come your attacks can slice through magic? Its so mystifying, you know? (Bathory)

Hell, she was even throwing him a question. While pulling his claws out in the most relaxed manner he could muster, Sae-Jin replied.

My claws are special. (Sae-Jin)

The claws of the Lycanthrope had almost reached the A level, so they were not constrained by the form or nature of the target, and could cut into pretty much anything in this world. Although it wouldnt be easy, if Bathory wasnt here, Sae-Jin could break open this isolation barrier as well.

Hmm (Bathory)

Bathory formed a grin filled withmeaningsas she nodded her head.

Well, thats nice. Its a nice little ability By the way, isnt it smart to give up round about now? If you do, Ill even spare your life and let you become my eternal slave. (Bathory)

Appearing right before Sae-Jins eyes before he could even react, Bathory pompously asked him. The flawless beauty of Bathory didnt even have a single speck of embarrassment at this sudden close-up.

Im really interested in you, you know? Besides, keeping a being that was called our natural enemy around like a pet dog might be fun, too And also, you agreed before, right? That our plans will succeed. (Bathory)

Bathory was in the midst of recovering all her powers. And, if no relief pitcher showed up within the next couple of innings, then this game was as good as over. So, under that kind of situation, her suggestion of not killing the Wolf that repeatedly injured her, could be seen as rather benevolent of her.

Too bad, the Wolfs instincts much preferred freedom over servitude, and self-indulgence way over even freedom itself.

Yeah, thats right. I think youll succeed in your plans. I got this hazy feeling about that However, isnt that going to be an even bigger problem for you? (Sae-Jin)

And what the hell are you talking about? (Bathory)

Bathorys brows furrowed. Kim Sae-Jin smirked and continued with his words.

You are trying to twist the fabric of space and time to return to the past version of your homeworld, am I right? (Sae-Jin)

..Right.

However, by any chance, what happens if only one of that succeeds? To be more precise, what if there is no change in the timeline, but you still jump between the dimensions? (Sae-Jin)

..

Almost immediately, Bathorys face became terrifying. However, since she had such a needlessly beautiful face to begin with, her expression wasnt that scary no matter how angry she appeared so.

And your original world, the situation there is so bad that every living thing in that place just had to move to another world, am I right? (Sae-Jin)

Reddish Mana filled with hostility oozed out from her, and veins in her forehead bulged and wiggled.

So, what happens when you fail to return to the past and end up in the original world of present? Just what would be waiting for you back there? I dont know much, but Im sure you know the answer very well already. (Sae-Jin)

Most likely, a being countless times more dangerous than the most dangerous beings found on this planet would be waiting for the Vampires arrival.

If that happens, then its mutual destruction, isnt it. When the Fissure completely opens up, the earth will be destroyed, and you who went back home will all die too, you morons. (Sae-Jin)

Sae-Jin sneered at the scene that brushed past his consciousness back then before sensing a pressure around his neck that was on another level altogether. When he looked down, both hands of Bathory were busy clasping his throat tightly in anger.

Fuhut. Stop with your unlucky ramblings, okay? Youre making me rescind my final bit of benevolence, you know You sh*tty piece of mongrel. (Bathory)

Bathory smiled as she spoke. Sae-Jin followed her and also formed a thick smile. Fangs of these two people glistened under the light.

Sae-Jin then savagely grabbed the back of her neck, and viciously bit into that smooth and fine neck with vengeance.

Meanwhile, Bathory shoved her hand to his side and began destroying his bones.

And so, while blood overflowed everywhere, the bodies of two people piled up on top of the bed together. (TL: WTF? That is. uh, weirdly romantic?! Dont tell me)

[Bathorys blood has been absorbed! Both the Degrees of Progression and Advancement increases.] [Bathorys blood has been absorbed! Both the Degrees of Progression and Advancement increases.] [Bathorys blood has been absorbed! Both the Degrees of Progression and Advancement increases.

The pain was indescribable, but he was still feeling rather good regardless. His provocation was a success, which meant her recovery would be delayed by a few more days, while several satisfactory alert windows continued to pop up as well.

But he had to be careful here.

After all, Vampires would be the most sensitive beings in this world when it came to sucking on anothers blood. Carefully, carefully; slowly, slowly he should cautiously suck on this juicy pile of experience points

< 42. Rescue (2) > Fin.