Chapter 61
The recently worsening Vampire Incident.
What made them potentially more dangerous than fiends was their tendency to multiply their numbers by biting people like harmful pests.
Association President Kim Tae-Seong wanted nothing more than to inform the public about this matter and launch a massive sweep operation.
However, due to guidelines handed down by the World Hunter Association, which acted like the UN of the past, it was strictly controlling the information at the time.
[Haa. How long do we have to just watch the citizens and Hunters be sacrificed?]
They said it was a measure to prevent a worldwide panic…
But from the Association President’s perspective, he couldn’t help but burn with frustration.
Furthermore, there was a secret belonging only to the Korean Association, a secret not reported to the World Association.
That was that they had made contact with the True Ancestor and the relationship between the True Ancestor and the vampires.
[There is a high probability that Korea’s Vampire Incident is connected to the True Ancestor.]
Of course, the True Ancestor had treated the Association rather amicably, and the Association had even signed a Peace Treaty while providing her with an identity and a bank account.
But he couldn’t jump to conclusions.
He couldn’t completely rule out the possibility that it was the True Ancestor’s side releasing the vampires into the city.
At least, that was the case until now.
But for the True Ancestor to suddenly hunt other vampires, what could be the reason?
What could be the reason?
[A turf war? Or something like an Inquisition?]
Headache-inducing speculations chased each other’s tails.
It could be a purge of vampires that had escaped her control, or simply getting rid of those who had offended her.
Either way, the fact remained that the martial prowess and authority possessed by the entity known as the True Ancestor were beyond imagination.
Moreover
[Aside from the one who wore the Cat Mask during the secret meeting in the past, she had many other subordinates.]
A wolf, a dog, a rabbit - .
The reported masks and combat styles were all different.
This meant that at least four different individuals were moving as the True Ancestor’s limbs.
Furthermore, every one of them was an expert on the level of an A-rank Hunter or higher.
[As expected, she really is the Leader of a Vampire Faction, or an entity equivalent to one.]
It was incredibly fortunate that an entity with such anomalous martial prowess did not view the Association with hostility.
Kim Tae-Seong once again recalled his past decision and swept a hand over his chest in relief.
[It’s a really good thing I chose Tribute Diplomacy.]
But suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind.
[Could it be that the True Ancestor… is moving voluntarily to protect Korea and help the Association?]
The act of unleashing her subordinates to clean up the night streets.
It was just like a Monarch who, looking fondly upon a vassal state that offered tribute, personally protected it from external threats.
Thinking about it that way, it seemed to make sense.
[…Ah. That’s too much of a leap in logic.]
Kim Tae-Seong hurriedly shook his head.
His fatigue had reached its peak due to the continuous night shifts and damage control lately, so it seemed he was unconsciously trying to interpret reality in an overly optimistic light.
He shouldn’t rely on vague assumptions.
However, the Association President thought inwardly about how wonderful it would be if the image of the True Ancestor he had just imagined turned out to be true.
* * *
Until the East Sea’s waves are dry and Mt. Baekdu is worn away~
God protect and preserve our nation, hooray~!
For the first time in a while, I was listening to the national anthem on YouTube.
[Kya. The national pride is swelling up.]
Listening to the grand orchestral accompaniment filled my heart with majesty.
[Hehe. I’m a real patriot, aren’t I?]
As a result of dispatching my Retainers over several nights, the kids caught five vampires on the night streets of Seoul alone.
Besides, I had sent Katarina to save the Ice Empress when she was in danger the other day.
And this time, Sera even saved an A-rank Hunter who was about to die, didn’t she?
I didn’t like everything about our country, but…
It was still a fact that, as an orphan, I was able to grow up safely without starving until my adolescence Thanks to state support.
With this much, I’ve more than paid for my meals, far exceeding the welfare benefits I received.
[The Association should at least give me a certificate of commendation.]
I hummed a tune in a good mood.
I also thought of the blood ripening nicely in the [Oak Blood Barrel].
[Mid-grade Blood is maturing.]
[Time Required: 168 hours]
The maturation time for Mid-grade Blood was one week.
Compared to the one day it took for Low-grade Blood to mature, the duration was quite a long time.
But the longer the wait, my expectations were just as high.
[Even the Low-grade Blood became a pretty useful buff potion, so what kind of abilities will Mid-grade Blood get after maturing for a whole week?]
Moreover, it wasn’t just one, but a whopping five batches of Mid-grade Blood.
Not all the vampires were as strong as the one Sera caught, though.
It seemed vampires started at least at mid-grade.
My heart was already pounding.
I had time until my next Tower of Trials climb anyway, so I just had to wait patiently.
And for the next task on the agenda, I summoned my Retainers to the living room.
Katarina, Si-Yeon, Riri, Sera.
The four Retainers stood side by side in front of me and paid their respects.
“You have all worked hard. I wish to commend your efforts; accept this grace gladly.”
I immediately activated the [Blood’s Grace] system.
[Current Essence of Blood: 75]
The time had come to use the Essence of Blood I had been saving up.
[First, the Fourth.]
As planned, I decided to grant her a Blood Art.
Sera had definitely become incredibly strong after realizing the [Blood Fiend Sword Art].
However, due to the nature of her Combat Style - giving up flesh to take blood - it was true that she lacked stability.
Even with the demonic sword’s Lifesteal, she needed an insurance policy that could block at least once before she suffered a fatal wound.
So, what I chose was.
[10 Essence of Blood is consumed.]
[The grace “Blood Veil” is granted to Retainer Sera.]
It was the Blood Art, [Blood Veil], that would serve as a shield in critical moments.
“Th-Thank you…!”
Having received the grace, Sera politely gave a Deep Bow.
While I was at it, I granted grace to Riri and Si-Yeon as well.
[Riri relies heavily on her sixth sense when fighting, so this will be perfect for her.]
[The grace 'Bat’s Senses' is granted to Retainer Riri.]
- The recipient gains the senses of a bat, sharpening sensory perception.
[And for Si-Yeon, since Stealth and mobility are the lifeblood of an Assassin.]
[The grace “Shadow Step” is granted to Retainer Yu Si-Yeon
to Retainer Riri.]
- Hides the body within shadows to evade attacks and move quickly.
[Since Stealth and mobility are the lifeblood of an Assassin, and for Si-Yeon.]
[The grace “Shadow Step” is granted to Retainer Yu Si-Yeon.]
- Hides the body within shadows to evade attacks and move quickly.
The essence drained away in turn, and new power settled into the two Retainers as well.
“Waaah! Master! Riri can hear much better!”
- Hides the body within shadows to evade attacks and move quickly.
“Waaah! Master! Riri can hear much better! I can smell really well too!”
Riri twitched her ears and nose as if fascinated.
Si-Yeon also quietly took a step, momentarily melting into the Shadow on the floor before smoothly popping out on the opposite side of the living room.
“…I am deeply grateful, Master, to grant me such precious power again.”
Si-Yeon bowed her head deeply, reaffirming her loyalty.
[Good, good. Everyone got a nice spec-up.]
I smiled in satisfaction.
But right then, my gaze naturally met with the one person who hadn’t received anything yet.
“…”
Katarina seemed to be trying her best not to show it.
In her red eyes as she stood still, a hint of what looked like envy and disappointment momentarily flashed by.
The rest of her younger sisters had all received gifts while she was the only one left out, so it was only natural.
But it couldn’t be helped.
Katarina was an anomalous powerhouse who was already so packed with stage 1 graces that they overflowed into the Higher Stage.
Using the few essences I had right now to Unlock lower-tier graces for her would be a complete waste.
[I’m sorry, First Familiar. You’re already max level in combat power, so I have nothing to give you…]
I offered a profound apology in my mind and beckoned to her with my hand.
“Katarina. Come closer.”
“Y-Yes! Liege Lord!”
As if she had been waiting for it, Katarina hurriedly approached and knelt at my feet.
I reached out my small, white hand and carefully placed it on top of her head.
Pat, pat.
I gently stroked her hair.
“Ah…”
Katarina’s cheeks instantly flushed pink like a peach.
She closed her eyes and obediently accepted my touch.
“I know your loyalty better than anyone. Do not feel disappointed.”
“Liege Lord. Disappointed is out of the question. Rather, I am simply overwhelmed that you would bestow such grace upon me.”
Looking at Katarina, I added a soft voice.
“Is there perhaps something else you desire?”
At my question, Katarina opened her eyes and looked up at me.
Her pupils trembled slightly.
“Th-That is… there is one thing, but I am worried it might be an unreasonable request…”
“It is fine, so speak comfortably.”
Katarina hesitated, her lips parting, before she bowed her head as if making up her mind and cried out.
“C-Could you… grant me the honor of sharing a bed with you once again…!”
I blinked at her desperate plea.
[A bed? Ah, she means she wants to sleep together.]
Come to think of it, back when we lived in the Studio Apartment, the space was so cramped that we slept huddled together in the same bed.
But after upgrading the Territory to an Apartment, the Retainers each got their own private rooms, so our sleeping arrangements were separated.
[Hmm. Is it like the psychology of kids wanting to sleep with their mom when they’re young?]
Since she was the first Retainer molded from my blood, Katarina showed a particularly blind attachment to me.
From my perspective as well, Katarina was a Retainer who was no different from my own child.
I didn’t think much of it and readily nodded.
“Very well. Come to my Quarters tonight.”
“Ah…! Your grace is boundless, Liege Lord!”
Katarina was so overcome with emotion that she didn’t know what to do.
[Is it really something to be that happy about?]
Katarina really is cost-effective.
Anyway, with this, the rewards and spec-ups for the Retainers were roughly finished.
And now, the time I had been waiting for finally arrived.
The 30-day Cooldown for [Summon Retainer] was up.
I checked my currently held blood power.
[Blood Power: 205]
An amount that left some over even after paying the 200 blood power required for the Summon.
This time, I decided to Summon not in My Room, but in the middle of the living room.
A place where all the Retainers were watching.
[What kind of guy will come out? I hope it’s another good one.]
Harboring inner expectations, I immediately activated the Skill.
Swaaaash - !
In an instant, a massive amount of blood poured from my wrist and surged into the air.
“Hiyak…!”
Sera, seeing a Retainer Summon for the first time, was startled and let out a strange sound.
“Waaah!”
Riri’s eyes sparkled.
Si-Yeon and Katarina, already accustomed to this sight, watched the birth of their new sibling with solemn expressions.
The bloody water gradually began to take shape.
[But will it be another girl this time too?]
Somehow, Katarina, Si-Yeon, Riri, and Sera, whom I had pulled so far, were all female.
Whether the new Retainer was a girl or a boy, I would cherish them equally, but still, a pretty girl Retainer would be nice.
While I was having such trivial thoughts.
Finally, the blood solidified and the form was completed.
I checked the new Retainer with expectant eyes.
However,
The Retainer summoned like that was neither a girl nor a boy.
[…An egg?]
It was a pure white, oval-shaped egg.