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Chapter 255

In order for the heterogeneous races to be included in the Human Alliance, a few conditions were necessary. They needed to possess a civilization sufficient for interaction and have abilities that could potentially benefit humankind.

For instance, the Orcs flaunted the strength of their warriors, while the Goblins claimed they could offer their wares. Both were indeed useful skills, so there was no immediate rejection.

However, there remained a final condition that exceeded those two. Naturally, even with superior abilities, a race inherently hostile to humanity could not be allowed into the alliance.

It was necessary to prove that they posed no harm to humanity. There were several guidelines provided for this, but fundamentally, it was close to being freeform.

“What could Vampires possibly do?”

“Hmm, well, honestly, I can’t imagine using this power in a productive manner.”

Delain tilted his head skeptically. In fact, the power of blood was quite destructive. Blood was symbolically synonymous with conflict and war, after all.

It was nearly impossible to manipulate this chaotic blood with precision.

“Still, you can do it, can’t you?”

“Well, yes. I can.”

There was no hint of pride in that answer—the voice was simply listing facts in a calm manner.

Of course, Delain must have absorbed the proof of Rod’s blood, the ‘Blood of Dominion,’ when he killed Chepes.

“First, let’s collaborate on the medical front. If you can control that unruly blood, it could aid in serious surgeries.”

“Is that okay? I’d be surprised if I heard someone could handle blood within the veins.”

“True, but once they know there’s a condition, they won’t mind. Let’s first focus on getting into the alliance. You should be able to suppress your kin.”

“Well, rather than managing it…”

At Yeon-Woo’s words, Delain rubbed his neck with a perplexed expression. Why such a reaction? When Yeon-Woo frowned in confusion, Delain smiled slyly and said,

“Did you know? We aren’t really much different from Beastmen.”

“…Huh?”

Yeon-Woo asked back with an expression that seemed to question Delain’s sanity. Delain laughed at that response.

“I’m talking about Bat Beastmen. While we have some unique abilities compared to them, we’re quite similar.”

“That’s new news. Is it for real?”

“I can’t say it’s purely 100% true, but it’s not a lie either. After all, there are blood-sucking bat species and also cute ones that only eat fruits, right? Some of my kin choose to live only on fruits because they don’t want to become stronger.”

“Seriously? That’s so cool.”

“Right? I thought if I revealed this, it might create a sense of familiarity, but since our race relies on image, my kin opposed it.”

Delain said this with an awkward smile. His open personality might not mind, but it was understandable that his kin would dislike it.

“Well, I’ll definitely help with contact and other such matters. I’ll ask my mentor or Professor Hyun-Soo for advice too.”

“Haha, if possible, let’s ask Yeon-Woo’s mentor. Hunter Kim Hyun-Soo is a bit awkward.”

Is there anyone kinder than that guy…? Yeon-Woo rolled his eyes at that thought. Upon reflection, Kim Hyun-Soo was indeed a human supremacist.

He didn’t discriminate against heterogeneous races or view them with prejudice, but he always placed humanity first.

It may be natural for him as a member of his race, but in an age where diversity is also recognized as an important value, it appeared somewhat negative.

It wouldn’t be strange for anyone to be scared of him. Kim Hyun-Soo was certainly a terrifying individual. However, Yeon-Woo never expected even such a powerhouse to fear him.

“Haha, it makes sense to be scared of someone who can easily crush the heads of an entire clan. What a truly frightening person.”

Yet, Delain displayed no sign of emotion regarding his clan’s deaths. This made Yeon-Woo start to feel a bit frightened of him too.

“Oh, we’ve reached the boss room. Shall we go in?”

“Let’s.”

Laughing at how naturally Delain guided them, they passed through the grand opening of the boss room. Yeon-Woo felt no need to assist.

*

“So we’re waiting for some good news now?”

“Yes, I’ll be sure to contact you when that time comes.”

In the immaculate boss room without a drop of blood, the two had such a conversation. Just as Delain was about to turn back, he hesitated and spoke.

“You seemed troubled before we met. Would it be okay if I asked?”

“I never expected to hear such a thing from a vampire…”

“You’ve eased one of our worries, so we’re simply hoping to provide you with any help we can. Though you might doubt it.”

Delain said this with a lighthearted laugh.

Yeon-Woo did not distrust Delain. He was known to be a very amiable person, often speaking only with sincerity. He was famous for not being able to tell lies.

That said, was it wise to lay out his current troubles? They hadn’t formally met, after all, at least not in this world.

“Because it’s our first meeting, it might actually be easier to talk freely. Assuming you’re willing to?”

As if reading Yeon-Woo’s thoughts, Delain proposed this. Perhaps he really just wanted to listen… or maybe he wished to offer assistance? Yeon-Woo chuckled quietly and began to slowly speak.

After a while, as Yeon-Woo shared a series of carefully concealed thoughts, Delain nodded in understanding.

“Hmm, I see. You’re not feeling well.”

“I can’t see a clear way forward. I just don’t know what to do.”

“There are ways the race of vampires can help you, rather than just as an individual…”

“The Blood of…”

“Oh, you know about it?”

Blood of, or Blood Essence, was a type of elixir that vampires could produce.

Just hearing the name seemed quite unsettling, but blood was simply a material. The Blood Essence was essentially a concentration of the life force, the source of blood.

Yeon-Woo recommended its medical use because he could control blood pressure and flow during surgeries, but he also considered the existence of Blood Essence.

As hinted by the mention of life force, it was an item that could even revive patients teetering on the brink of death.

“It may be helpful, but I can’t guarantee it will be a significant amount of help. After all, living beings fundamentally have a limit to their life force.”

“The vessel containing that life force is damaged, so filling it doesn’t carry much meaning.”

“Precisely. However, if you need, I can give you one. I always keep one with me.”

“…I’ll take it.”

With that response, Delain smiled and took out a small wooden box from his pocket. With a click, he opened it to reveal a red elixir wrapped in cloth, certainly the Blood Essence he’d seen before his regression.

“Thank you. Let’s give it a try.”

“You don’t seem to be suspicious, do you? What if I had done something to it?”

“I trust my instincts. You’ll understand when you see it.”

“My, this person would be hard to deceive.”

Delain shrugged playfully, and Yeon-Woo couldn’t help but smile. He had acquired something potentially helpful, but how much it would assist remained uncertain.

As Yeon-Woo gazed down at the Blood Essence with worried eyes, Delain spoke earnestly.

“Separately from material assistance, one thing I’d like to say is, if you wish for no regrets, then do everything you can. You don’t want to think later, ‘Why didn’t I try this?’ and regret it, do you? If you want to have even a little less regret, please.”

“…You make a good point.”

That was indeed true. Wasting time dwelling on methods that wouldn’t come to mind would yield no answers. It was more beneficial to seek something in that time.

“I appreciate it. I feel like this was helpful.”

“If that’s the case, I’m glad.”

With a bright smile, Delain finally turned to leave through the Gate. Yeon-Woo, who had briefly stared at the Blood Essence left on his palm, followed behind.

*

“Riley, can I say something bluntly?”

[What are you planning to say now?]

“About the research to bring Nea back, can’t we speed it up somehow?”

[If our researchers heard that, they might pull out knives… But you must have a reason for asking, right?]

“Shall I explain?”

[I have a rough idea. It’s about Nea, isn’t it? You seem to be struggling to concentrate on your work lately.]

What? Is it that bad that it’s affecting my work? I want to believe that’s not the case.

“No matter how I think about it, all I can do is that. Quickly call the main body back and finish it before Nea suffers any more.”

[Well… to be honest, the current pace is at its limit.]

“Is that so…”

[Of course, that’s only if there’s no change. We don’t have any samples. This research is unprecedented, so there aren’t any reference cases either.]

Certainly, that would be a valid reason for not progressing as quickly as desired. Being one of a kind sounds good at first glance, but it’s more of an obstacle than a help in paving the way forward.

[The research direction is either jumping to another body like I do or forcibly inducing a Gate explosion. If you could bring anything that could help with either, it would significantly increase efficiency. That’s all I can say.]

While the words seemed cold, Yeon-Woo felt that Riley had made an effort to keep possibilities broad. It was clear that he had a kind heart. Smiling faintly, Yeon-Woo replied,

“Alright, I’ll find something.”

[May fortune be on your side, Yeon-Woo.]

With that last statement, the communication with Riley ended. After hearing that from Dawn, he’d felt somewhat lost, but realizing that he could do something eased his mind a bit.

As much as possible, he would find a way to bring Nea back within two years. Even if the effects of the Blood Essence were good, it would still be somewhat optimistic to expect it to survive beyond two years.

“I won’t let myself think, ‘Well, the main body is still left.’ if this Nea dies.”

That’s really how it is. If the current Nea dies, Yeon-Woo might comfort himself by saying at least the main body remains.

That’s just how people are. When faced with tragic events, they always seek solace.

It’s degrading to take Nea, who has formed memories over these last months, as just a tool. To think of her not as a life but merely as backup for the main entity.

Yeon-Woo didn’t want to separate the main body from its counterpart. Both were his beloved stars. If he didn’t love them, who would?

Yeon-Woo always wished for their happiness. This had remained unchanged ever since he was bestowed the title of hero—a vow deep in his heart.

“…But how am I supposed to find one?”

In that moment, Yeon-Woo’s smartphone began to ring with a dry ringtone. When he checked, an unknown number was displayed. Without much thought, he picked up the phone.

“…Hello?”

[Greetings. This is ‘Golden Desire,’ the top company thriving on your desires. We have sensed your intense greed. Is this a good time for you?]

The familiar voice of the Demon King rang through. The representative of Golden Desire, Leviathan, the Demon King of Greed.

(To be continued in the next chapter)

 

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