Chapter 403

〈 Chapter 403: Part 1, Chapter 17, Section 11 〉

Rome was part of the land subdued by Hydra. Hydra had claimed one-seventh of Earth’s surface area without any other spirits daring to argue—what with how it had occupied not oceans but entire continents.

Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Southwest Asia.

The entirety of that vast expanse fell under Hydra’s influence. If Hydra so desired, it could trigger earthquakes measuring over magnitude 9.0, turning the whole area into a wasteland. It had asserted control over several tectonic plates.

And now, Hydra detected an odd energy emanating from an airplane flying in from Russia.

A somewhat powerful individual with special abilities… yet for some reason, there was a faint whiff of the Dark Legion about them.

Was this person a monster or not? To determine this, Hydra waited at the airport. The moment their feet touched the ground, Hydra identified who they were.

“Oh my, what a handsome man.”

At first glance, Hydra couldn’t hide its own silliness. The classic Western features and sharp facial structure exuded elegance. The eyes were warm, almost inviting—a smile that seemed both kind and flirtatious.

“Quite the commotion, isn’t it?”

As usual, Hydra approached them under the alias “Ceres.” Trying to pry into their identity, the stranger deflected with casual self-introductions.

“My name is Xian.”

This young man introduced himself as Xian, offering a business card with a polite bow. Even amidst rumors that charming men like him were often targeted by Azidahaka after the Azidahaka Gate incident, Xian showed no signs of concern as he treated Ceres with care.

He didn’t even ask if it was dangerous for a woman to travel alone, which made Hydra suspect that Ceres might already have been judged—not as a human, but possibly as someone with special abilities.

When Ceres revealed its true nature, Xian kept his distance but never looked down on it. Ceres felt like it was pretending to be a college girl traveling lavishly, while Xian acted like he was sponsoring her whims despite muttering complaints under his breath. He fulfilled all of Ceres’ requests, bizarre as they sometimes were.

Though eccentric, Xian maintained proper etiquette during important moments. Occasionally, when the mood grew intimate, he’d place a hand on Ceres’ waist, pulling her close in a way that clearly expressed interest. For just a moment, Ceres felt its core tremble.

What about his financial resources?

His tastes may have been unique, but his play remained within bounds that Ceres found acceptable—and oddly endearing. Thanks to efficient staff work, Ceres received gifts of Hero Suit material clothing that bordered on luxury. She wanted to take them personally.

Even though they shared the same bed, no physical intimacy occurred. This only made Ceres genuinely appreciate this strange man.

It wasn’t that Xian couldn’t act; rather, he didn’t seem interested in pursuing anything further with Ceres, also known as Hydra of Ji Ryun.

‘How dare he?’

Despite being provoked, Xian held back. Though extravagant with money, he refrained from crossing certain lines.

It was humiliating. And Ceres’ pride was hurt. That was the relationship between human Xian and human Ceres.

But what about the relationship between monsters?

Inside Hydra, rage boiled.

Here was someone rated merely B-Class, acting arrogantly just because of wealth. Despite hiding its true form, Hydra could bury him beneath the earth if it wished.

But no, that wouldn’t do.

No matter how much Hydra acted like a cheap seductress, Xian needed to lose control and make the first move. A woman jumping into bed willingly would be undignified for Hydra.

Swish.

Suddenly, Xian rose from the bed. Hydra pretended to sleep, keeping its eyes closed.

“…”

Xian gently brushed Ceres’ tousled hair before rising from the mattress so quietly it barely moved. As if he hadn’t been there at all.

“…”

Walking out onto the balcony, Xian covered the sleeping Ceres with a blanket before stepping outside. The cool September night air seeped into the room, but Xian had thoughtfully ensured she stayed warm.

What kind of gentleman was this guy? Hydra wondered if she was losing her mind.

Was he a monster sent by someone else? Or perhaps a spy disguised as a hero infiltrating Rome? Or maybe he was truly a monster working as a studio producer.

‘Could this guy with the annoying hair color be an assassin sent by Phoenix?’

According to reports, Cheongnyeon—the public face of Phoenix—had traveled to Mexico. Indeed, Phoenix was loudly announcing her journey there. If there were no other high-ranking officers in Mexico, Hydra suspected Phoenix’s intentions.

‘To find the Cube and protest. Come if you dare.’

An insult worse than trash talk. If Phoenix—or whoever else resided within her—didn’t show up, Hydra vowed to burn the Cube.

Her lower back still ached from the last battle where Phoenix relentlessly targeted Hydra’s neck. Recalling that humiliation still made her teeth grind.

Bzzt. Bzzzzzt.

While Hydra fumed over Phoenix, Xian used his smartwatch to call someone.

“Yeah, it’s me. Can we talk? Good.”

“…”

His tone was completely different compared to how he spoke to Ceres—gentle and caring. Was the listener female? Did they know he’d shared the same bed with someone else? Hydra smirked inwardly at the thought of betrayal.

“Yeah. Everything’s going according to plan. P has moved toward Mexico.”

Hydra froze. The voice on the other end was inaudible.

“Probably searching for the Cube in Mexico. We still have time, so they’ll likely hurry. Meanwhile, let’s focus on our tasks. Luckily, Brainfreeze hasn’t happened yet.”

What did that mean? Some sort of code language? Whose rogue officer’s monster was this?

“Alright. Did you check what I asked? …Gawein arrived? Seriously? No problem. After all, he’s a target too. Once we grab him, he won’t be able to move anyway—you know that best, don’t you? Kuk kuk kuk.”

It became clear. Xian was far more than a simple tourist. His supposed business trip was likely a clever disguise.

“Yeah, sure. To cause Brainfreeze, we need to start with Kuk kuk kuk first, so send the item here. Gawein… I can’t handle him. I’m working on something personal right now. What? Hey, did you see me turn away from the sun? Once I decide, I go all the way. You’re exaggerating. You know me. I’m always like this.”

Hydra nearly lost it. The metaphor about the sun reminded her unpleasantly of Phoenix-Cheongnyeon, stirring jealousy and frustration.

“Ah, okay. Do you want to come to Rome? It’s a rare opportunity. With you, I can relax around you… Okay, sorry. I was wrong. Yeah, I’ll visit separately later.”

Unlike with Hydra, Xian sounded earnest. Who was this person? Hydra’s curiosity burned stronger.

“First, I’ll confirm the identities of the VVIPs arriving tomorrow before making a move. If they really are VIPs, I can’t ignore them entirely. Don’t worry. I’ll handle it perfectly. You know I’m the best in the world, so why do you keep questioning me?”

What was “the best” referring to? Looks? Wealth? Persuasion skills and absurdity?

“I deliberately chose that gun type.”

Gun?

“Yeah. Definitely finishing this by the day after tomorrow.”

Finishing what?

“Confirming orders. Adolf Wilhelm. Cardinal. Yeah, don’t worry. There’s no one nearby to overhear. Humans can’t hear this. Only monsters can.”

There might not be anyone else listening, but Hydra certainly was. The situation felt strangely exciting and familiar.

“Yeah. Pass along my regards. Then I’ll go to bed now… About the woman next to me…”

Xian’s voice wavered at the end. Hydra wondered what excuse he’d give.

“Yeah, I’ll be careful. How could I share my love with someone else or give my heart away? It’ll never happen. Then… ”

Xian adjusted his posture. He seemed ready to return to the bed soon. Hydra rustled slightly, pretending to shift in her sleep.

“Hail Rusalka.”

Exclamation!

* * *

Morning came. I took a quick shower and waited for Ceres to wake up. Quietly. The electric kettle warmed water silently, filling the air with the fragrant scent of instant coffee.

“…Coffee in the morning?”

“Sorry if I woke you.”

“Who cares? You were poking around all night anyway.”

“Sorry about that. I slept soundly though. I can’t sleep unless someone’s beside me.”

I handed the warm mug of Job’s tears tea I specially ordered via room service to Hye, or rather, Ceres. Wrapped in blankets, Ceres accepted it.

“…What is this?”

“Job’s tears tea.”

Ceres stared silently at the drink. Of course, it would be confusing since she’d never seen it before. Her curiosity was evident as her little idiotic curl stood on end.

“I’ll drink it well, alright. My mouth feels dry.”

“It’s not about the taste.”

“You’re such a strange human.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

I sipped my coffee and gestured toward the bathroom. It was around 7 AM, time to clean up and get moving.

“Let’s wash up and eat breakfast. I have work today, but this hotel’s breakfast is delicious.”

“How do you know? Have you been here with someone before?”

“…”

I avoided answering. Ceres began teasing me with a mischievous grin.

“Who’ve you been here with? An ex-girlfriend? Current wife? Or—”

“You.”

“Are you serious?”

I wasn’t lying. Shrugging, I opened the balcony door, letting the warm morning sunlight filter inside.

“Okay.”

Just then, people started bustling about early in the morning. The hotel rooms were fully occupied by three VVIPs, surrounded by bodyguards taking positions.

“Ceres, if you don’t leave within two hours, you’ll be stuck here for a ‘vacation.’ But I really need to go out today.”

“Hmm… Showering sounds annoying. Will you help?”

Ceres winked suggestively, flicking her finger across her lips. I immediately set down my coffee and walked to the bed, grabbing the blanket.

Chaaaak!

“…”

Dressed only in deep-purple underwear, Ceres stared wide-eyed at me. Yet she clung tightly to her mug. I tossed the blanket aside and lifted her princess-style.

“What are you doing?”

“You asked for help, didn’t you?”

I carried Ceres straight into the shower stall. The mirror reflected the image of a brown-haired man in a white robe carrying a blue-haired woman dressed only in lingerie into the glass-enclosed space.

“Just a sec, let me adjust the water temperature for you.”

“…I got it! I’ll wash myself!”

Ceres pushed me away irritably. I caught the cup she threw at me and took another sip of the remaining Job’s tears tea, brushing my lips against where hers had been.

Glug.

Closing the door, I returned to the wardrobe and subtly spread open my robe.

“Ouch, got scolded.”

In the original story, they probably would’ve turned on the hot water and done it right there in the shower. Old memories surfaced, leaving me flustered. Even now, I wondered how Ceres—or Hydra—was handling things.

‘They must be going crazy trying to trip me up.’

My gaze swept from Ceres’ chest to her hips, just as hers inspected my body beneath the robe. Bai Qinghua lived up to his reputation among many players as an SS-Rank performer.

‘Hydra must be conflicted even while showering.’

As I changed clothes, I apologized once more via voice message to the person I called last night.

[After awakening Jiryun, you must stop by Beijing. Must. Stop. By. Or I’ll go on strike.]

“Must stop by,” was an order.

“This guy remembers meeting her before and acts like this.”

Even if Chang-yeom experienced everything firsthand, maybe those memories were edited. Perhaps she only recalled specific parts.

“…The coffee’s good.”

I picked outfits for Ceres from the fully stocked wardrobe while waiting for her to finish.

What should I dress her in?

‘Revenge dollplay.’

The inner Chang-yeom giggled happily in agreement.